Funny thing about a blog...

As I sat on the couch with Oprah on the tube, kids and dogs active all around me, sipping a Cosmo-type of cocktail made from a kids juice box, I decided to save and give up on my Serenity Helicopter blog. I realized after re-reading for the tenth time that I needed to take a break,and my family demanding I take one.
The dog nudging my hand, begging for chow. My daughter rehearsing for the school Variety Show,insisting I watch her dance routine. Comotion in the back ground about someone touching someone elses stuff...blah, blah, blah.
Neglect, I think..."You are always on the stinkin computer!" Not true!,I reply as I sip my watered down drink.
Now yet another interruption...we MUST go out for Pizza NOW, people are melting around me for the lack of food....
Now it's the next day...it's a wonder I can write at all. It's a rare occasion in my house today because there is nothing on the calendar, no sports, no school, no nothing.That almost never happens! Movies! they say...Paranormal something or other, It's rated R! They need me so they can gain entrance to the crazy scary flick, does this mean I have to submit my own brain to such horror? Let's not forget the 10 year old that insists she is old enough to view such a film. Yikes! Makes me wish they all had something to do.
So...movies it is, I think I will sneak in to the new Clooney movie where he stares at goats or some type of farm animal...
Till next time, perhaps without interuptions...
Serenity shall wait till another moment in time...Perhaps when I have some serenity...

Vegas... It's not just for Gambler's

Serenity...The state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled.
On a recent visit to Las Vegas,or as most people refer to it as 'Sin City',I cashed in my chips and had the good fortune to fly on a helicopter to the Grand Canyon. I had an unbelievable experience aboard the giant bird.
My pilot, Steven Egger, just happens to be the owner of Serenity Helicopters, his story started not in Las Vegas but years before on the little island of Kauai in Hawaii. Steven, once a young Army pilot in Vietnam,followed his life long dream to fly, it is that dream today that allows him to do what he does best, and that is to share his love of helicopters with people day after day.
Steven, along with a partner started Air Kauai many years ago. On September 11,1992 Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai and demolished the Island,it had destroyed all hope for the immediate future of his business,the tourist trade was devastated, and Steven needed to make some important decisions. After much thought Steven decided to pick up the pieces and move to the nearby Island of Maui,his spirit was broken but his dream was still very much alive. That was more then ten years ago,today Steven still lives in Hawaii along with his wife Debra,together they followed his dream to Las Vegas where they now live part time as they launch there newest helicopter business; Serenity.
As we made our way to the Boulder City airport VIP style in the sleek,luxurious, Serenity van that picked us up from our hotel,the excitement in me was growing by the minute.
As we entered the gates of the Boulder City airport, we knew we were in for a very special treat, the airport itself is very small. Everyone knows everyone!
We followed our driver into the "office" of Serenity for a short briefing before our flight, when I say "office" it's not what I mean, because Serenity's Head Quarters are beautiful! The chic boutique, has a cafe style atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. We were offered coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water while waiting for our flight. The impressive photos of the canyon that played 'slide show style' on the many flat screen TVs made us feel like kids on Christmas morning.
Serenity offers three different tours to choose from, our choice was the 'Sky Dancer' tour.From the second we buckled up to the second we touched down at the picnic site my heart raced with excitement.
As we made our way towards the Canyon we flew over the Hoover Dam, which lies on the boarder between Arizona and Nevada. We then passed over Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the western hemisphere. As our journey took us past Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, and Indian Pass, you could almost imagine the fierce battles that took place many years ago between the Native Americans and the pioneers.As we flew over the next ridge the landscape changed before my eyes,we followed the path of the Colorado River, it led us to the most magnificent picnic site in all of the Grand Canyon.
Steven gently lowered the giant bird,and we headed towards the picnic site. The exclusive landing site, was situated on a plateau overlooking the Colorado River, 3,200 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon. As we wondered around the area taking photos of the beauty this magical place had to offer, Steven was busy 'setting up camp'. After our short exploration of the area we returned to the landing site where Steven offered us beer, wine,champagne,soft drinks, cheese, crackers,and grapes, what more could you ask for? "WIFI!" I exclaimed, as I tried to upload my photo to Face book, I had a good laugh at myself as I realized, I was not in Kansas anymore. Our time was limited in the Canyon, however, I was able to take some time to explore the sacred homeland of the Hualapai Indian's, and absorb the breath taking beauty this incredible place on Earth had to offer. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience to be enjoyed by all people.
So when your in Vegas and you want a 'sure bet', make your reservations with Serenity Helicopters, I promise you won't be disappointed. And if you find yourself in Hawaii, contact Air Maui for the trip of a lifetime. Steven and his staff are special,and they want you to feel special to, they call you by name, you are not just another number.I was delivered to the state of Serenity, I found my inner calm, and truly felt peaceful and untroubled while in the Canyon, even for just a moment in time, the importance of treating yourself to such wonder will stay with you forever.
Serenity Helicopters
www.serenityhelicopters.com
Boulder City Airport, Nevada
702-589-7700
or
Air Maui
www.airmaui.com
Kahului,Maui,Hawaii
877-238-4942

Rockin The Roof Off The Barn At Levon's

There's plenty of perks living in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, in upstate New York. To name just one, I live 20 minutes from Woodstock and Levon Helm's house and his recording studio were just about every Saturday night they hold The Midnight Ramble. I was lucky enough to attend last nights Ramble in the Barn, it was filled with surprises.
For starters, my favorite little "Blues Man",Little Sammy Davis opened the show with his unbelievable harmonica sound. I have seen him several times in the past, and I love him!, he usually stands in place, shuffling his little feet back and forth to the music, last night he sat rather still in his chair, playing the Horner and singing the blues like no other. He proved once again, that he's still got it! I'm not sure how old he is, but he's got to be at least 80-plus years young.
The bold music of Mitch Rider and The Detroit Wheels provided the perfect warm up for Levon to follow. Rider, most notably remembered for is hit 'Devil With The Blue Dress On', rocked the doors off the barn! I have seen many of musical artists from yester-year, and let me tell you, Mitch hasn't lost a beat! his voice is as powerful as it ever was, and his talented band rocked right along with him. Mitch brought a special guest of his own, Jeff Miller. Jeff, a singer and song writer him self, jammed with Mitch and the wheels for an added little bonus for us.
Next up, Levon and his unbelievable cast of performers, I like to call them the baker's dozen. This talented group of musicians love what they do, it's evident in the sound that they put out, all you have to do is look at there smiling faces. Each of the musicians while individually terrific, together are inspirational. Levon was silent last night,recovering from throat surgery this past June, he's on strict orders from his Doctor to rest the vocals. However,the lack of singing didn't hold him back in the least. The GREAT news is that his prognosis is good, and there is NO SIGN of cancer. He proves him self on the drums, as one of the best of all time, but he also plays other instruments as well. During one number, he did a little hip gyrating dance number with his mandolin as his partner. His super talented crew was his voice last night, but he will be back and I'm sure better than ever!
The Ramble always proves to be a magical evening,you never know who might just show up. In walked Robbie Dupree, I thought we might get lucky enough to hear him, but something must have come up because he never did take the stage.
Another big bonus for us was, Grammy Award Winning,singer and song writer, Rodney Crowell just happened to be visiting a friends farm down the road,he thought what the hell, I'll go check out Levon's and see what's going on. Rodney once married to Roseanne Cash from 1979-1992, collaborated with his father-in-law, Johnny Cash, on the hit song 'Walk The Line'. Johnny Cash wasn't a fan of how Rodney changed the song around a bit, but ultimately was happy with the end result. Rodney ruled the country charts, and in 1988 he had five #1 hits,and in 1989 he had two #1's.
It's not called the Midnight Ramble for nothing, Levon and his guests ramble, and rock till the end, and the end didn't come last night till Jim Weider took the stage. Weider was lead guitarist(replacing Robbie Robertson)with The Band from 1985-1999. Jim is a native of Woodstock and while a teenager,he met Levon Helm. He has preformed and recorded with such musicians as, Bob Weir, Keith Richards, and Dr John.
It's not just any ones house that you can go to were the living room is filled with legends. If you have never been to a Ramble you had better check it out, and give yourself plenty of notice because it sells out fast.

www.levonhelm.com
www.rodneycrowell.com
www.jimweider.com
e-mail Jeff@esientertainment.com
for Little Sammy Davis go to Levon Helm's site

" Buza" On The Top Of Dabrovnik

Recently,I was lucky enough to walk the interior of the Castle in Dabrovnik's historic 'Old Town'. The abundance of cafes and coffee shops seemed endless and the walking made me work up a thirst for a beverage. I following the arrows of the hand carved wooden 'Cold Refreshments'sign. I climbed up towards the top of the castle towards the sky and the vibrant blue water view of the Adriatic Sea.
The stone steps seemed endless, the curve of the walls of the castle were smooth yet rugged. Keep climbing! I told myself, just when I thought I would never find the oasis on top of the world, there it was; "BUZA". I thought how incredibly lucky I was to have found this beautiful spot on Earth. Myself, and about 20 other thirsty patrons found paradise.I ordered the local Karlovacko beer, or pivo as they say in Croatia. I found a seat and took a deep breath, as I looked out on the most incredible view of the Adriatic and the Island of Lokrum. The little place was situated on the side of a rock ledge, little tables and chairs filled with people taking in the warm sun and the beauty of the moment.
If you ever find yourself in Dabrovnik's Old Town, you need to follow the wooden sign and climb to the top of the world and treat yourself to a cold refreshing Pivo, and take in the magical sights and the beauty of Croatia.

Croatia, Home of the Cravat

Did you know that the Cravat originated in Croatia? What is a Cravat you ask? In modern day times, we know the Cravat as a neck tie.
During the European Thirty Years War(1618-1648), the Croatian Cavalry reached all the way to Paris. What is interesting is that the Croats, as part of their traditional national costume, tied lively colored scarves around their necks. In the time of Louis XIV,this beautiful Croatian style impressed the Parisiens so much that they adopted this new fashion item worn 'a`la mani`ere croate', meaning; in the Croatian way. The history of the Cravat's entrance into the fashion of time is world renown. To think Europe and the whole civilized world was conquered by a Cravat, the symbol of culture and prestige.
I spent two days in Dabrovnik, Croatia and was awed by the beauty and the history of the area. While touring through Old Town, I stumbled upon the Croatia Tie Store, the beautiful bright colors lined up along the walls were alluring. My eyes transfixed on a beautiful shaded blue tie, I touched the cravat and felt the well made silky material between my finger tips. How much for this one I asked? the beautiful Croatian clerk relpied in a launguage I didn't understand. Perhaps, my visit to Croatia got the best of me, considering my husbands heritage is Croatian, I thought what better than a souvenir of a Croatian Tie for my Croatian husband. He is now the proud owner of a #2 of 4 authentic hand made Cravat. All for only 24,000 Kuna or approximately $480.00 USD. Yes I know, that's alot of Kuna, but the Croatian Cravat is KNOT just any tie.

Whatever Happened To The Clovettes?

Living in the small town of Saugerties in upstate New York comes with all sorts of perks, one being it's the home of The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. As with all small towns it's not what you know, it's who you know. So when a friend called me up and asked if my kids would be interested in working at the Garlic Festival, I thought, what the heck it sounds fun!



In 1989, Pat Reppert of Shale Hill Farm and Herb Gardens organized the first Garlic Festival held in the Hudson Valley. It was started to promote Repperts herb business and NYS grown garlic. Pat's newsletter the "Notes from Shale Hill Farms" was the only publicity aside from a local newspaper picking up the story. Through word of mouth the attendance of the first Garlic Festival far exceeded the estimations.



By 1990, over 425"garlic lovers" attended the event, and by 1991 tickets where pre-sold to try and control the crowds. Reppert had over 1,500 phone calls from crazy people trying to gain admission to the new popular festival. It was then that Pat " cried uncle" and approached the Saugerties Kiwanis Club for help in managing the festival.



in 1992, the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties held the first Garlic Festival at Cantine Field in Saugerties.



The word was out, and the numbers began to grow faster than the garlic. I like to think that the heightened attendance had something to do with the entrance of "The Clovettes". My daughters, Moorea, Hayley, and Hannah all worked the festival from 2003 till 2007, when sadly the board of directors did away with the clovettes for unknown reasons. The girls where a hit! They even got there picture in The New York Times. They dressed in homemade Garlic Clove outfits with garlic head crowns and garlic necklaces with sneakers on there feet. They walked the crowd with Mr and Mrs Garlic, they greeted the folks with big smile's and posed for 1000's of photos, this I am sure of.



As the years pass, the festival keeps growing, 2007 the last year of "The Clovettes" proved to be the largest garlic celebration ever with numbers reaching around 53,000. I'm convinced the people where coming out to see the beautiful "Clovettes!" Hail to the fallen Clovettes! I know they are busy growing up and going to school. Personally I miss seeing the cute Clovettes in there garlic sac dresses with there skinny stocking legs sticking out of the bottom and there little sneakers that got them through the mighty crowd, but all good things must come to an end. Reguarless, I'm sure I would have NO chance at getting back into those cute little outfits ever again.



The two day festival has had it's ups and downs, rain being the biggest hurdle.



In keeping with tradition in which it was born, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival continues to be a fun celebration of the harvest of what garlic lovers all around the world lovingly refer to as the "Stinking Rose."
hvgf.org

Whitewater Rafting Family Style

Recently, I was lucky enough to visit the Vail- Beaver Creek area of Colorado for a family wedding. My Niece Kelli found her true love Rob, and they tied the knot at the Lazy J Ranch in Colorado. So I packed up my family and we headed West, to join in the celebration of love and family.

While we where there we looked into some day trips, I wanted the kids to get a sense of the beauty that Colorado has to offer. My husband, not being a great swimmer was weary of the rafting idea at first. My three daughters, ages, 10,13,and 15 were ALL IN! Needless to say my husband followed and we ALL had a blast!

I did some research and found Lakota River Rafting, they have offices located in the Vail-Eagle Valley area and also Aspen and the Arkansas River Valley. Lakota has been in operation for 30 years, and has offered family fun trips as well as crazy adventure seeker trips. They offer trips for beginners, intermediate, advanced and expert. You decide what level of fun your seeking, or if you want a half day or a full day filled with adventure and tons of fun. The highly trained professionals and well skilled staff at Lakota consists of hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, snow boarders, and college students. Safety came first, all guides have to go through a series of training classes, and all know CPR in case it's needed. I felt very safe! Everyone was fitted with a helmet and PFD (personal floatation device).

Our choice, the half-day trip down the Shoshone Canyon River Valley. And what a choice it proved to be, the Shoshone River valley offered excellent rapids, beautiful mountains views, blue Sky's above and areas where if you looked hard enough you could see wildlife at its best. Paul, our guide was amazing, even though he didn't warn me of the big drop off when I was thrusted downwards into the base of the raft landing on the spare emergency paddle. In hindsight I guess it was better to fall in, than to fall out. Our adventure twisted downwards and ended in Glenwood Springs; Lakota offered a fabulous fajita lunch complete with cookies and soft drinks for the hungry rafters. They even offer a professional photographer that follows your raft from the land, he captures the big toothy grins on every ones faces as they go over the rapids and down the Colorado River. During lunch he plays a slide show of your adventure for all to enjoy, you may purchase a cd disc of your raft trip for a reasonable amount of money. I bought one, and loved each and every photo! What a great memory for my family to have. I can't remember ever looking at pictures of an event when every person in my family was smiling and laughing all day long..

So, if you've got kids and your looking for the next family fun trip, check out Lakota River Rafting, you will not be disappointed.

Lakota River Rafting

http://www.lakotariver.com/

also

White Water Photo's

970-470-2666

http://www.douglasbrownimages.photoreflect.com/

The Witches of Ogulin

There is a little fairy tale town in Croatia called Ogulin. The town is small and the people are friendly. Fairy Tales are for children you say, not true say the people from Ogulin, not true!
I stayed at The Hotel Frankopan during my visit to this magical little town. The Frankopan is located in the very heart of the fairy tale town next door to the 16th century Frankopan Castle.
Ogulin grew around The Frankopan fortress-castle, which was built by the aristocratic family Frankopan. Prince Bernardin Frankopan, son of Stjepan, in his town of Modrus around 1500, issued a document to the newly built town of Ogulin, by which he marked the boundary between Modrus and Vitunj on the first geographical map of Croatia, Ogulin was called Julin Grad, linking the name of the town to the legend of Dula, who threw herself into the gorge of the River Dobra due to a broken heart.
The flow of the River Dobra ends in a canyon passing through the very center of town. The river disappears through a huge opening under the sharp cliffs. The abyss of the River Dobra got it's name from this young girl Dula. The legend dates back from the 16th century. Dula was of notible origin and her parents promised her to an elderly nobleman. However, a young handsom Captain, Milan Juraic arrived in Ogulin and stole Dulas heart. It was love at first sight! Milan was killed in battle while defending the Frankopan Castle and when Dula heard the news she couldn't bare the thought of life without Milan and threw herself into the abyss of the River Dobra. If you look closly at the rock above the abyss you can see the profile of a man looking down into the deapths. The people of Ogulin believe that this is the face of Milan gazing towards his beloved Dula. Legend says that if you listen very carefully, early in the morning you can hear Dula's spirited sobs echo from the canyon.
Dula is not the only women to have had her heart broken by a man, but she is the only one to still show her spirit in the canyon of the River Dobra.
The near by Mountain of Klek has also been inspired by folk imagination, resulting in the legend of the 'Witches of Klek'. According to the legend, in the midnight hour on stormy nights, Klek becomes the meeting place of witches,warlocks, fairies, and elves from around the world. It is said that they fly down from the mountain and storm through the village and if you listen very carefully you can hear the mighty rumpus from the mountain echo through the town of Ogulin
During my visit to this cute little town I never heard Dula's cries nor did I see any witches in flight, but I did find some spirited fun locals to visit with at The St Hubert Hotel.
My time spent in Ogulin was short, but my memories will last a lifetime. I remain in contact with a few special people from Ogulin. My last night out on the town will forever stay in my memory and I still laugh out loud today when I think about the fun that was has in the samll little town of Ogulin. KAAATSIEEE!!!

www.hotel-frankopan.hr
www.sthubert.hr

INDO...The best Sushi in Myrtle

While spending time in the Myrtle Beach area this past summer I was craving some sushi. I noticed a cute little place in a strip mall across from where I was staying, but my schedule didn't permit the time to check it out while I was there. So, while I was sitting at the airport waiting for my flight back to New York; Sushi was on my mind. It was then when I herd the announcement that my flight had been cancelled due to crazy lightning storms in New York, I knew at that moment in time exactly where I was heading for dinner.

I had the cab driver take me back to the hotel just so I could secure my bags and then I made a bee line for the cute little Thai restaurant across the way.

Skully, my good looking American bartender poured me some Saki while I had a chance to look over the menu. I decided on the Fresh Rolls, they were to die for, but the Pan Fried Grouper was something out of this world! Smothered with portabella mushrooms, asparagus, and avocado topped with a Thai red Curry sauce that will keep you sippin your Saki. The homemade Miso soup was a hit as where the Spider Rolls. Greg my sushi chef out did him self! Fresh ingredients made all the difference in this culinary experience.

Laura Smith, the owner of INDO was a most gracious host. She checked on me and made me feel like family.

As I watched the rain pour down in buckets outside, I was warm and dry with my Saki and new friends inside. I had a great meal, and soon rest would follow, only to wake in the morning and attempt my journey home once again.

It has been months since my wonderful meal at INDO, but it is still fresh on my mind.

Thank You Laura for the great eats, and super hospitality! Skully, Thanks for reducing the stress level from my canceled flight. I couldn't have had a better last night out in Myrtle had I planned it that way.

I regret that my camera was back at my hotel, so you will have to take my word for the beautiful presentation of my food. When in Myrtle, check out INDO, and while your there say hello to Skully for me!



Indo, Thai;Sushi;Hibachi Restaurant

980 82nd Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Laura Smith;Owner

Tel: 843-629-7000

Fax:843-692-7020

Life At The Lake

What can I say, I'm a lucky girl! Even when I'm not on vacation, I'm on vacation. I have been at our little lake house for three weeks now, the days started running together about a week ago. The day, the time, the date, who cares, it just doesn't matter. It's a great way to live! I have been starting each day with a cup of Green Tea and ending it with a glass of wine,while taking in a spectacular sunset.

Lake Ontario has long been known for World Class Salmon Fishing, people come from far and near. I have been on the other side of a fishing pole reeling in the 'big one'. The excitement is wild, your hands become sweaty and week from the pressure of trying to land the creature that was a few moments ago swimming in the cold depths, 50 feet below the surface. The area just below your belly-button aches from the fishing pole digging in for leverage. Pull up, real down, I keep reminding myself. Finally, the shiny fish shows itself on the surface, people scramble to get the net, they are busy reeling in the other poles, the Captains watchful eyes concentrate on the boat traffic, yelling out orders so we will be successful at landing the mighty fish. Once hauled on board, it's hard to tell who looks worse for the fight. I of course opt to hurry and toss the winner back to his home, he is on a mission after all, he's traveling home to spawn. He will travel back to is homeland, through the lake, up the river and through the streams. He will climb the ladders of his childhood and when he reaches the end point of his life he will then die of natural causes. Seems poetic, but it's nature at it's best!

Off in the distance, the birds chirp and sing their musical tunes. I watch from my deck as a large Osprey swoops down into the water and emerges, dripping wet, with a Gobi fish in his talons. Gracefully, the large bird flies off with his catch, turning slightly towards me on the shore to show off his kill, then heads west towards the flat rocks where he can be alone to indulge in his catch. The gray herons make there way past our camp late in the day, always looking busy as if trying to stay on some type of schedule, perhaps a curfew of sorts. As the fishing boats head off into the distance, I watch the sail boats gently glide past the lighthouse, killing the engines and popping the sails as they emerge into the great expanse. The beautiful colors of the spinnakers always make me feel happy.

The winds on the lake vary, some days none, most days some, and other days 60 MPH. Everyday is a new one, all different, and most are enjoyable. Sunsets, each one different, the cloud cover depicts a new masterpiece every evening. Mesmerizing watercolors, pinks and blues and purples, shadows of the clouds reflecting off the water. The end comes soon, each day is always met with the knowledge of waking and doing it all over again the next day.

Free Style Music Park, It's Not Just For Music Lover's...

When John Stine, Director of Sales and Marketing for Myrtle Beaches newest theme park, The Freestyle Music Park, started to talk about all the different adventures that the park offers, I could barely contain myself. Being a relatively young Mom of three, very active and adventurous daughters, I am not new to riding roller coasters. Granted it's never at the top of my list but all the same I do it for the kids. I would never want to be branded as the one who didn't have fun! I only wished my kids could have been along for this ride.

The Freestyle Park spans approximately 55 acres, and has somewheres in the neighborhood of 14 million annual visitors. It's loaded with more than 50 attractions, including roller coasters, restaurants, fireworks nightly, and Polly Nesian's Splash Bash, a kids water park complete with a crashing bucket of water that lands down on the heads of the waiting people below.

A must see at the park is 'Adrenaline Rush', it's a fast-paced, high energy extreme competition show. It's a cross between BMX, roller blading and skate boarding. They even light a stunt man on fire and he free falls to a waiting pool below. Kids of all ages will love this!

You must also ride 'The Time Machine', over 150 feet in the sky,this coaster has a total of six inversions: a 120-foot-tall loop; a 95 foot tall cobra roll, and reaches speeds of 65 mph, making it the fastest and tallest coaster in the Carolina's. The 'Round About' is no joke either, this ride was my favorite. It's a cross between a coaster and a Ferris Wheel, you climb in your motorcar and prepare for the ride of your life. Once you reach the top of the Ferris wheel portion of the ride, it lines up on a track and launches you off at super speeds, twists and turns, when your done with this one you'll know your ALIVE!

If you find yourself in the Carolina's you must check out The Freestyle Music park!

Freestyle Music Park
211 George Bishop Parkway

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

website http://www.freestylemusicpark.com/

The Eden Rock, St Barth's

With imprinted memories of the Voyager ferry buried deep in the back of my mind, I boarded the 65-foot motor yacht, 'The Eden Rock', of St Barths; luxury like non other, with over sized blue and white striped cotton cushions filled with feathers to make the perfect sun bed. Pilou, the Captain and part owner welcomed me with a glass of champagne. If you are a boat person, then trust me on this one, the only way to see St Barths is from the deck of 'The Eden Rock'.

web site http://www.masterski-pilou.com/
email lepilou@wanadoo.fr

Saint Barth's...Serenity Discovered, Paradise Found

I hope you enjoy the following excerpt from my St. Barth's story, soon to be published on the web at GoNomad.com and also in print in The Lincoln Eagle newspaper.

My choice was the Voyager Ferry, affectionately known on Trip-Advisor as "The Vomit Commit". My excursion began in Oyster Pond, St Maarten, DWI at The Dinghy Dock Bar where for good measure I proceeded to wash a Dramamine down with a Carib Beer. With passport in hand I departed Saint Martin for the 40 minute Voyager Ferry ride that would bring me to Gustavia, in St Barth's.

My years of sailing experience told me to make my way to the upper deck, as you never want to stay down below the waves. I found a seat that was relatively dry and settled in for the short jaunt over to St Barth's. It all started out calm, blue sky and puffy clouds, but quickly changed to doom. The sky started to turn gray, and the wind started to pick up. The salt water sprayed me as the boat rocked up and down against the large swells. Still not too bad, I thought, until it seemed that someone had just thrown a bucket of salt water directly at me. I looked around and there was no one with a bucket, just the other brave ferry goers. Hummm...It made me think of a past spa treatment that had a salt exfoliation scrub. The boat was full, so there wasn't another area for me to move to, not to mention it would have been very hard to walk around at this point. So, I had very little choice but to ride it out and hope for the best. By the time I reached my destination, my jean's weighed in at about 10 lbs......To read more keep checking at Gonomad.com soon, or pick up an edition of The Lincoln Eagle.

During my visit to this fabulous place on earth I stayed at The Hotel Le Toiny, check out there web site at http://www.letoiny.com/ or to make reservations contact them at reservations@letoiny.com