Let’s start with the first answer… no, this is not me! I tried surfing once many years ago in Costa Rica and can accurately say its not my sport. For some reason I can hurdle myself down black diamond runs on skis or across the most gnarly mountain bike terrain, however ask me to stand on a surfboard and its instant face plant.
We are here at Ho’okipa Beach Park on the North side of Maui where the good surfers come out for some fun. I say good, as there is another area on the way to Lahaina where the beginners get going, and at the other extreme there is ‘Jaws’ at Peahi further up the road to Hana from Ho’okipa where the world’s most experienced surfers compete. This dude is one of 30 or so surfers out on this day.
Looking out upon the Sea of Cortes, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
This is getting closer to the top of my bucket list right about now! I usually like adventure vacations however even a day at the beach would be great this week. Warm breeze, hot sand, fresh water. Maybe start the day with an early morning long walk, then some sun after lunch, and perhaps star gazing after sunset. Throw in a margarita or two… Are you with me on this one?
Maui’s Pu’u Kukui volcanic mountain summit is your dinner ocean view at sunset
Who wouldn’t love a dinner setting like this right about now? Most of us are craving a nice meal out with friends and no masks. Happy to have this photo to remind us of what is not too far off once again. Wish I could say this was our dinner spot back in 2018, but alas, we walked past this wonderful table for 6 as we made our way to another location. No complaining allowed… it was warm, the food good, and we were having fun as a family.
People’s houseboat homes along Vancouver’s False Creek
Time to begin virtually traveling the world while we all take a pause and self-hibernate (sometimes I do feel like a bear hanging out in his den waiting for spring!) First stop is beautiful Vancouver and a look at Sea Village, a lifestyle community of houseboat homes along False Creek. These folks have the best of both worlds… living in the city and on the water. I gather keeping 6ft apart while walking on the dock to get groceries is difficult, however picture sitting at the end of the dock in front of your place watching life slowly pass by!
What’s there not to like about colorful buildings lined up at attention? Arguably the photo is a little cliche in that you will find multiple similar images if you google Willemstad Curacao. The buildings in traditional Dutch style line what I will call the touristy area with all the stuff to buy from major brands that you could actually get back at home. Now please walk beyond that and look for the places to dine for they are all local, unique, and delightful. The food is simply delicious! Favorite on the island was Shelterrock (tried Lionfish for first time), plus a direct from the ocean to your plate fish lunch at Purunchi Koredor (look it up on Tripadvisor… this place has soul!).
Hi there! You visit often? Let me show you around these rocky crevices… This is a Sally Lightfoot crab, known by its technical name Grapsus grapsus (I don’t make this up – Wikipedia says its true). They live along the rocky shoreline where the turbulent ocean meets land, feeding mostly on algae and sometimes dead animals or marine life. They also appear to be quite photogenic! We are at Sheta Boka Park, Curacao.
While in Vancouver for work late September, was able to find time for an afternoon walk along the board walk and partway across the Burrard Street Bridge for this picture. We are looking into False Creek, Granville Island and the (famous?) Bridges restaurant painted yellow. Vancouver is a pretty sweet city to visit, particularly on days like this with the fresh ocean air.
This is one of the very last baby sea turtles to hatch and scurry its way to the sea. We came across him/her early in the morning with about 10 feet to go… and yes he/she made it to the ocean! We later found a bunch of nests up the beach where this and many others had come from the night before. You see this on National Geographic, but to observe it person is pretty sweet!
Yeah, this is an everyday occurrence! At first glance, one is incredibly surprised to see this California Sea Lion on the fishing boat’s stern, with a few guys taking photos… not normal. Then after 5+ minutes, you realize this might actually be a regular thing when the captain comes back with a fish for the mammal. Trained you wonder?
This was over the top for a northern canuck not used to life at the beach. Cars, people, surfboards, bikes everywhere. And while this picture has everything frozen in time, you need to imagine it all moving in slow motion. Hanalei Beach and Pier are almost at the end of the road in Northern Kauai, and a favorite stop for tourists (like us!). Beautiful beach worth the visit, particularly if you love people watching 🙂
life art images 