Celebrity Cruise on Apex to the Caribbean
In February, 2024, we were able to take a delightful Celebrity Cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. This...
Read More
Category: Sightseeing
A Day in Reykjavik
The 101 Hotel in Reykjavik advertises itself as a sleek boutique hotel set in a former office block on a busy corner of downtown. It was a perfect location for three days of sightseeing in and around Reykjavik and was within walking distance of several prominent must-do sights and also close to many restaurants, bars and shops.
Read More
A Day at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
we chose to book The Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon rather than a general admission ticket. The Retreat Spa reservation allowed access to all areas of the Blue Lagoon included in the general admission, plus several other amenities including the ability to have a quiet lunch at the Spa Restaurant. For us, given that this was our first full day after an overnight flight and desiring to truly make this a rejuvenating experience ahead of touring Iceland and Norway for two weeks, the more extravagant choice of the Retreat Spa was well worth it.
Read MoreWhale and Dolphin Watch Charter at the Four Seasons Ko Olina
We had the good fortune to charter “The Entertainer”, which is a Sea Ray SLX 400 available to guests staying at the Four Seasons Ko Olina. Skippered by two talented and knowledgable team mates, the trip was fantastic and exceeded all expectations for our foray into dolphin and whale watching. It helped that the seas were very calm on the day we went out, and that is was very much the right season for whale watching.
Read MoreBellevue Botanical Garden D’Lights
An annual festive exhibit worth a visit is the Bellevue Botanical Garden D’Lights. Held outside, pretty much rain or shine, the lighted exhibit covers a portion of the botanical gardens and showcase creative constructions of gardens, animals, landscapes and some whimsical elements as well. A walkable loop with some mild inclines and declines can be covered in less than an hour and will leave everyone in a holiday mood.
Read MoreA Cruise Ship Leaving Seattle in 60 Seconds
We had the pleasure of sailing out of Seattle’s Pier 66 in August 2021 onboard the beautiful Celebrity Cruise Millennium. For sail away, we positioned a camera on the aft deck and recorded our departure. Here is the beautiful Seattle skyline as we depart, condensed to a sixty second segment. Please enjoy.
Read MoreHarbor Seals at Point Defiance
Sailing by Point Defiance in the South Puget Sound will usually yield a view of masses of harbor seals. This is especially true as the evening gets near and the seals huddle together on the beach for the night. The waters around Point Defiance create significant tidal movement and are good feeding environment for the seals, making for abundant opportunities for sightings.
Read MoreBald Eagle in the Back Yard
It is not at all unusual to see bald eagles throughout Puget Sound, but once in a while, you get a particularly nice sighting. This was in a neighborhood tree when the sun was just right for a beautiful image. Enjoy.
Read MorePrice Sculpture Forest
Price Sculpture Forest is a wonderful art exhibit set outside in a walkable forested area outside of Coupeville on Whidbey Island. The Sculpture Forest has two separate but linked walking trails, one is very flat and accessible, with the second being slightly more hilly and uneven.
Read MoreDeception Pass State Park
It is difficult to capture the expanse and beauty of this Washington State Park. Deception Pass State Park is located between Anacortes and the northern tip of Whidbey Island. From a practical perspective, if driving, Whidbey Island can only be reached by ferries in several locations, or by crossing the Deception Pass Bridge.
Read MoreExploring Langley, Washington
The town center is very walkable, with shops, art galleries and studios, restaurants, and both general and touristy stores conveniently located. We stocked up on supplies at the handy Star Store, enjoyed many of the art galleries and also visited the Langley Whale Center which is part of the Orca Network.
Read MoreThe Inn at Langley
We had a great break at The Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island. Even though the restaurant and spa were both closed as a result of Covid impact, the stay was wonderful and the location served as a great base camp for exploring all of Whidbey Island.
Read More