Blue Life

By Chris Sims

 Kauai has plenty of amazing water activities and snorkeling is one of the most popular. If you are a snorkel fanatic or have never tried before, but would like to, then you will be very pleased with the many locations in Kauai that are amazing for snorkeling. The following suggestions will lead you to some of the best Kauai snorkel locations and whether you are expert or novice you will truly enjoy snorkeling on Kauai.

Ha’ena Beach State Park

In the North of the island across from the dry cave and 9 miles past Princeton you will come to a great location for snorkeling. Once you arrive here you simply need to walk down the sandy beach to the right for awhile until you reach Tunnels. Here the water is flat and the reef is a considerable ways out, but it is great snorkeling and absolutely worthwhile. The best time for snorkeling here is in the summer.

Anini Beach

Anini Beach in the north of Kauai is also a great snorkel location. Take a right on Kalihawai Road just after the Big Bridge. Stay on Kalihawai Road for just a few seconds and then take a left on Anini Road and follow the road to the end. You can then head out to the beach with your snorkel gear. The beach is wide and large and the waves break far out, so you will simply need to head out a ways before you start snorkeling.

Lydgate State Park

In the East is Lydgate State Park and it lies just past the Wilua River sign if you are traveling from the north. However, if you are traveling from the airport then take Hwy. 56 and keep going until you pass the Wailua Golf Course. Then, simply turn right on Leho Road and then you will reach Lydgate State Park. If you are new to snorkeling then this is a great location to start out with. There are also BBQ pits, showers, picnic tables, and this is just a great place to enjoy the beach, snorkeling, and a cookout!

Poipu Road

In the South there are several great snorkel locations off of Poipu Road. The first is Poipu Beach Park that is across from Brennecke’s Restaurant. Here, you can enter from the right of the sandy point and just continue to the water and begin your snorkeling expedition. You will enjoy all there is to see from fish to plant life and clear water.

Another great snorkel location off of Poipu Road is Koloa Landing. To arrive here, head down Poipu Road and take a right at the fork in the road on Kapilli Road. When you reach the stop sign take another right and continue until you reach the boat landing. At Koloa Landing, enter the water and snorkel to the coastline surrounding you.

The Beach House is also an amazing snorkel location. Here you want to head towards Spouting Horn off of Poipu Road. As you are traveling look for the Beach House Restaurant. Once you reach it you simply need to park and then head to the nice bay beside the restaurant. At the Beach House you can enjoy snorkeling and seeing the many different fish that live in the bay.

Lumahai Beach State Park

Lumahai Beach State Park is in the north of the island and is about 5 miles past Princeville. When you are driving keep your eye out for a beach trail and cars parked alongside the road. Here you will encounter Lumahai Beach State Park. Simply follow the path down to the beach and get ready to snorkel. However, this is a snorkel area for more advanced snorkelers and if you are a novice then you should avoid this area for some time because it can be dangerous.

The Entire Coast

While there are a lot of specific locations where snorkeling is known to be especially great, there are also a lot of unknown snorkel areas that are still being discovered, or hidden areas that only a few people know about. So, if you are interested in snorkeling in a particular area ask about the surf, the safety, water clarity, and then give it a shot! Also, as you are snorkeling in different locations you will come across many other snorkel fans that will be happy to share some great snorkel locations with you. The entire Kauai coastline is amazing and no matter where you choose to snorkel you will certainly enjoy the underwater beauty.

You can take these Kauai snorkel tips and check out these various locations or you can look for some on your own. There are so many places to snorkel in Kauai that you can’t make one single list. These are just a few of the known areas that are great and this is a fantastic list for tourists. If you are planning a vacation to Kauai and plan on snorkeling, then print this page out so you will have the directions and suggestions for the different snorkeling locations. However, always find out about the surf, tide, any dangerous conditions that might be present, visibility, and the like. Additionally, never snorkel alone so if something goes wrong you will have help nearby.

When you travel to Kauai you will be amazed at the snorkeling locations available to you and will have fun checking off all of the different suggested locations. Consider which locations are your favorite, and why, and then add additional snorkel locations to your list. Then, you will have your very own snorkel list to keep with you to remember the vacation as well as a guide for you when you return. An additional point is that you don’t have to travel with your snorkel gear, either, unless you want to because there are plenty of places on Kauai where you can rent snorkel equipment by the day, week, or whatever time frame you want. So, don’t weigh your luggage down with snorkel gear and enjoy snorkeling Kauai!

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A Primer for Most Perfect Shopping Experience for Souvenirs

By Robert Penney

 Nothing expands on your awareness of the world better than traveling. One of the primary activities that most travelers participate in is collecting items from the places they’ve visited. There are very few people who do not like to shop for souvenirs, so I am going to provide some helpful hints on the do-s and don’t-s of souvenir shopping. You need to shop smart when you’re traveling.

Most people don’t know that some of the first travel souvenirs were seashells. Sea captains would collect shells from exotic places. Upon arrival home, the shells would be displayed with honor in curio cabinets or rooms devoted to the display of collections called wonder chambers. Souvenirs can also be a way to explain to people back home what the foreign place is like. For this reason, it’s wise to select objects that are unique to the area you’re traveling in. There are many items which are constructed to look like items from that region, but were actually made someplace else. These generally have no value, and there are probably better options around.

One object that comes to mind is the plastic snow globe. They’re available anywhere - at gift shops in airports, in local souvenir shops and cheap stores, and they’re designed to advertise any place. Certainly snow globes have their own long tradition, but they aren’t as good as a serious souvenir that presents the place to which you are traveling, or have traveled. Even though a snow globe from Tampa, Florida displays a scene of citrus fruit, you could have a real Florida souvenir like a paper label taken from an antique cigar box or vintage orange crate that would be a better representation.

Even colorful ephemera can be good souvenirs as they reveal the history of the state and the culture and way of life of the people. While you are probably working within a budget for souvenirs, you also want to buy items that are of high quality. The history and culture of your destination should be easily represented by the souvenirs you choose to collect.

Keep in mind that regardless of where you travel, you can always ask for a better price. For instance, imagine St. Petersburg, Russia is the destination that you have the chance to explore. You pick the Russian nesting doll, a matroyshka, as the souvenir that you would like to commemorate your visit. As you shop, you find that there are many of these nesting dolls and you have no idea which one would be the best for your souvenir collection. Your best bet is to look for a doll that has been hand painted as well as a smooth varnish finish, and an authentic signature on the bottom or underside.

Beyond that, check the details, such as uniform painting and colors, that all the dolls are blue-eyed blonds or whatever, that the same scenes are repeated on each doll’s belly, and so on. These factors are keys to the value.

So on your next trip, even while you are swimming in the ocean or touring ancient ruins or just browsing through a souvenir shop, think about what items would be good reminders of your trip when you are back home. Keep in mind the experiences you’ve had and the things you’ve learned about the locale. If you follow my suggestions, you might just find a valuable antique and souvenir. As we travel to exotic destinations and far away places, we bring home a little piece of that region when we shop for souvenirs.

No one wants to haul around luggage that isn’t necessary, so when packing, make sure you take only what is needed. You will want to include one outfit for every kind of weather. Especially if you are visiting a coastal region, you may want a shawl or light jacket for air conditioned restaurants, and cool evenings. If at all possible you want to pack clothing you can simply wash and wear again and again as you travel.

Do not forget to pack shoes that cushion your feet. Also remember that your clothing choices will say a lot about you and your country. To avoid attracting people who would take advantage of you, it’s recommended to take steps to not dress like a tourist. Sometimes luggage is lost during your travels and locating your bags can take a few days at the very least. You should tell someone where and when you are going to be traveling. Leave detailed travel itineraries with friends and family back home so they know where you will be in the event of an emergency.

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New Hampshire Playground Of Lake Winnipesaukee

By Chris Sims

 Lake Winnipesaukee nestles in the foothills of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It’s the states largest body of water and one of the deepest. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.

Before Europeans visited the native people had been enjoying the lake for 10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning “Smile of the Great Spirit.” Spend a week on the lake and you’ll understand what they mean. The area is a magnificent playground for both water and hiking activities.

These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it’s shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and enjoy the lazy feeling of messing around on water.

The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering. The towns around the lake are mindful of conservation and it makes for a safe and pristine lake for everybody.

I’ve been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.

M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE

For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the lake. The current boat - M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON - has been operating since 1946. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a middle section.

The three decks of the M/S Mount Washington provide stunning vistas of the mountain ranges overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. These mountains include the Belknap, Ossipee, and Sandwich ranges - the foothills of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

There’s no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 and 1/2 hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to the picturesque town of Meredith depending on the day.

When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of waving. The M/S Mount Washington is a popular and the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you’ll find most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in recognition of this majestic large ship.

THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE

You don’t have to venture far from the cruise ship to take the scenic train ride. They share the same ticket office and almost the same dock - except of course it’s a train platform. Nonetheless the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and back. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. You’ll get spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap Mountain.

At times the train hugs the shoreline of the lake and seems like it’s in the backyard of homes built on the lake. But it all adds to the charm and fun of the ride. This is a slow train as it travels the section down to Paugus Bay and back to Weirs Beach.

THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS

The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built on a mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas Plant. You can tour the castle and grounds where you’ll find waterfalls and miles of trails to explore. During the fall foliage season it offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding area.

The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake and you can get there by following Route 171 in Ossipee. This side of the lake is the “quieter” region, as there are less towns and villages. In particular worth visiting is Wolfeboro for a fine evening dinner at one of the majestic country inns.

BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE

For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. Many are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most people including small kids.

This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and 1/2 hours round trip to appreciate the walk to its fullest. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are right you can sometimes spot Mount Washington in the distance.

Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through the village. Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap Mountain road. Eventually you’ll see signs and a parking area on the left.

WEIRS BEACH

Weirs Beach is the closest to a hub and family entertainment center on Lake Winnipesaukee. It has a water park, amusement games, miniature golf, and many of the activities you’d expect at the seaside. A great place to take the kids when they’ve had enough of train rides and cruises.

Lake Winnipesaukee offers a visitor pure relaxation coupled with a range of activities that’ll keep your mind and body in balance.

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