Loopy's

While in Eau Claire this summer visiting my cousin, we decided to try an outdoor activity.  Loopy's was a close drive and offered a really nice tubing service and restaurant.

Like any hot summer day, you just want to get in the water and cool off.  Loopy's allows you to park your car at their location, rent tubes of your choice, drive you to a drop off point about 3 miles away, then greet you as you return (hours later).

Each tube choice costs a different amount. Since I was floating with a toddler, I choose the tube with the netted bottom.  You never know when she may loose a shoe or sunglasses.  The river itself was a very slow moving river; just perfect for a relaxing float.  The area is surrounded by large, mature trees with only a few houses along the route.  You were truly able to relax and forget you were near the city.

At several points along the route the river was moving so slow we actually stopped and just floated until another current came by.  There were a few times that we just paddled ourselves back to the middle of the river and seemed to pick up a current quick enough.  

After your float you are able to head inside and enjoy and drink or lunch.  I quite enjoyed this outing and can't wait to do it again next summer.

For more information on Loopy's, visit www.723loop.com. 

London Part 2

Five more places that you should visit while in London.

Like I said before, there are so many great things to do in London that it is hard to even know where to start. This is a continuation of five earlier recommendations I made. While you are out and about in London be sure to just take a moment and and notice all of the history around you.

When you are in London you should try the 5 suggestions below!

1) Grab a map and hop on The Tube!  Sure, a hop-on hop-off bus can get you to where you want to go, but the Tube is so much more exciting.  London's underground rail systems is one of the easiest I have ever experienced.  Ticket prices are pretty affordable if you purchase an all day pass instead of a single trip pass.  The Tube will take you to all of the major landmarks in London in no time at all.  Take note that while on the Tube, no one speaks to each other or make eye contact.  This would be a good time to relax and look out the window, or read a newspaper left behind by earlier rider.  I cringed every time a group of Americans would board while speaking loudly and draw attention to themselves as they study their maps out loud.  It screams 'TOURIST'!  Just be respectful and be quiet.

For more information on the Underground Transportation in London, visit: http://www.tfl.gov.uk.

2) Make sure to set aside time to watch the 'Changing of the Guard'.  You can find the schedule here. I would recommend getting their early to find a spot along the gate.  It is nice to see such an old tradition still in place to this day.  Their exchange is relatively quick, so don't worry about having to spend too much time in one spot.

For more information on the Changing of the Guard, check out: http://www.royal.gov.uk/royaleventsandceremonies/changingtheguard/overview.aspx.

3) Harry Potter fans will have a hay-day discovering set locations throughout the city. My favorite, and easiest to visit, is Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station.  You can arrive at Kings Cross via the bus or Tube.  Be sure to take in the architecture of this unique station. The roof work is just amazing!  While in the movies the Platform 9 3/4 is shown in the main station area, you will find that the real Platforms 9 & 10 are off in a different section of the station.  Follow signage to those platforms and you will walk right up to number 9 3/4.  There is a commemorative plaque and plenty of room for tourist to take photos without getting in the way of other travelers.

For more details on finding Platform 9 3/4, visit: http://golondon.about.com/od/londonpictures/ig/Less-seen-Sights/Platform-9-3-4.htm. 

4) Head to the West End and catch a play. Nightly there are dozens of shows to pick from.  If you are on a budget, there are plenty of small theaters in the area.  For more popular shows (Chicago, Les Mis, etc) you will want to arrive early and walk through Leicester Square.  There are plenty of restaurants to stop by and pick up a bite to eat.  I more enjoy the hustle and excitement of thousands of people walking around before their respective shows start.

To find a deal on theater tickets, visit: http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/westendvenues/.

5) Last, but certainly not least, try to make some time for a train ride outside of London.  I especially like to travel south to Windsor as it is easy to get to and has a lot to see and do.  Another fun option would be to visit Brighton.  I'd recommend going when the weather is nice so you can relax at the beach on the English Channel.  You will want to plan ahead with any of these day trips to ensure you have transportation back as well as any tickets you need to buy in advance

While considering an adventure, check out either http://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-castle-p43983  or http://www.visitbrighton.com/ for more information on these two suggestions.

Chase on the Lake

Recently we made a 3 hour trek up-north to Walker, MN.  This is one of those cute little cities that you could blink and miss it.  Conveniently located a few blocks into the city and right on Leech Lake you will find "Chase on the Lake."

This resort offered everywhere from small, comfortable rooms to two-bedroom suites.  The property offers a variety of water sports to choose from. While vacationing you can rent a pontoon or water bike, go fishing off of the dock or even rent bikes for an afternoon ride along the trails.  The resort also gives you time to relax by taking a dip in the pool or hot tub and making a spa appointment for a massage or skin treatment.  

If nighttime outings are more your thing you can head downstairs for some live music or even reserve some lanes in their own bowling alley.  Outside you will find s'more ingredients set up by the bonfire just waiting to be devoured.

The restaurants onsite offered a nice variety of meals to choose from. Within a short walk of the resort you can find a few other restaurants to choose from like Benson's or Cafe Zona Rosa.

We really enjoyed our stay at Chase on the Lake and would definitely return if we find ourselves near Walker again.  I suggest hanging on to the map of the resort though as it is a bit tricky finding your way around from the inside.  While the architecture is beautiful, this resort was added on to over time so getting on the wrong stairwell or elevator will bring you to a whole new section of the resort (which made it fun to explore).

View from the beach

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman

I can't say enough about how beautiful this island is. The bright color buildings, friendly locals and white sand beaches will immediately but you in a state of relaxation.

If you are arriving via cruise ship, I recommend that you get up early and take one of the first tender boats into town.

There is nice shopping and restaurants within walking distance of the pier. You will be able to fine loads of souvenirs, fine jewelry and tasty treats.

Looking for an excursion? My favorite thing to do in Grand Cayman is to reserve a lawn chair on Seven Mile Beach. True to its name, this is a fantastic stretch of white sand beach. The water is so crystal clear that you can see your toes and the seashells at the bottom.

Another wonderful way to spend the afternoon is at Sting Ray City. Here you will take a catamaran ride out to a sand bar and swim around with several dozen sting rays. What a perfect setting for a once in a lifetime experience.

London Part 1

Five Places you must visit while in London!

While this certainly isn't a "top 10" list or a list of the only things you should see, these places below are among my hundreds of favorites in the city.  It was hard to narrow down which 5 to start with...that is why I call it "Part 1".  Enjoy!

1)  You must make a stop by Kensington Palace.  This Palace is tucked into a very busy neighbor on one side and a peaceful park on the other.  If you have time, take a tour of the inside.  In there you will find many staterooms set up from the era of when Queen Victoria lived there with her mother.  The artwork on the walls and ceiling are truly breathtaking.  In a way you feel as though you are on private property, which in fact is half-true as the other side of Kensington Palace is still a working Palace and off limits to visitors.

Visit this website for more information:  http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/

2)  Make some time to visit the Tower of London.  The amount of history housed in this one site is unbelievable.  Guides will show you around and answer any questions that you may have or you may wander around by yourself.  Inside you are also able to view the Queen's Jewels, a collection of some of the largest and most precious jewels, crowns and historical pieces of British Royal history.

Visit this website for more information:  http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

3)  Walk through St Paul's Cathedral.  Even if you are not Catholic, you can't help but be amazed by the architecture of the building.  The paintings on the ceilings within the towers are mind-blowing.  Try to imagine back to the time this Cathedral was being built and think of how long and difficult it must have been for the workers to maneuver up so high.

Visit this website for more information:  http://www.stpauls.co.uk/

4) Visit a pub for a bite to eat.  Not a Hard Rock or other American-based restaurant.  Actually walk a bit off of the tourist path and find yourself at a hole in the wall pub.  The atmosphere here will be worth it alone.  You will get a chance to see actual Londoners outside of the hustle of trendy tourist spots.

Visit this website for more information:  www.pubs.com

5)  Step away from the streets and crowds and hop on a boat ride alone the River Thames.  I chose to board a ferry near the House of Parliament.  Depending on the company,  you may also get a guided tour pointing out what all of the buildings are along the river.  It is really interesting to see all of these historical sites from a different perspective.  The boat ride will take you all the way down to the Tower of London.  This also makes for a great way to get from Point A (House of Parliament/Westminster Abbey) to Point B (Tower of London/Tower Bridge) 

Visit this website for more information:  www.citycruises.com

Dominica

If you ever find yourself having the opportunity to visit Dominica, make sure to stop at Emerald Falls. Dominica is a popular cruise ship stop as well as the filming site site for shows like Survivor and movies like Pirates of the Caribbean. You will find Emerald Falls after walking into the rainforest for about 15 minutes. Bring some shoes or sandals to swim in as the cove is a bit rocky. It felt amazing to swim in this pond surrounded by trees and the waterfall right next to you. Also be sure to remember your waterproof camera!

Check out the following link for more information:
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/hiking.cfm

St. John, New Brunswick

Loved this city!
There aren't too many cities out there where you are made to feel right at home. We arrived in St John via cruise ship and were surprised to be greeted with gifts upon getting off the ship. I received a lovely flower and my husband received an official St John lapel pin. This tradition goes back a few years when the first cruise ship arrived due to poor weather conditions. The city wanted to make a great first impression and gathered all the flowers they could and presented passengers with them.

A nice benefit to this city was that it was very easy to get around on foot. Many of the historical sites are easily accessible and only a few blocks away from each other. A nice monument to visit would be the Three Sister Lamp There is a placard next to it explaining the story, but I can give you a summary! The three lamps are set up at the end of port. When ships were trying to pull in to the port they would know that they were within 3 miles when they could see the lights. If a ship captain could see all three lights, they knew that they were on the right track. In the case where only one or two lamps were visible, the captain would know to alter the ships course.

If you are looking for some friendly fellows to answer any question you may have about St John, I suggest stopping by the Police Museum. There are photos and old police gear on display.

For those who will be staying in town for more than the day, you should walk through large fresh food market. You can pick up everything from fresh fruit, desserts and the morning's fresh catch.
All in all, this was a very lovely, safe and clean city that I would visit again anytime.

Visit the following websites for more information:
www.saintjohn.ca
http://discoversaintjohn.com/places/three-sisters-lamp/
http://saintjohnnbpolicemuseum.webs.com/
www.stjohncitymarket.ca