Growing up in a landlocked state there was never much reason to learn how to swim and despite taking two summers of lessons I still wouldn’t consider myself a ‘swimmer’. Most pools I’ve been to have a solid less than 6-foot section and lakes filled with snow runoff are not the place you want to swim laps. Even with all that, I love the ocean. I love listening to the waves, the birds and the fresh smell of salt off the water.
On our honeymoon we took a kayak out from the resort and less than 10 minutes into the water I decided it wasn’t worth the risk of seasickness to go further. I love the ocean but the ocean doesn’t really love me.
When we starting planning a trip to Maui last year, I was excited to spend an entire week enjoying the froth of the waves. Despite swirling in my stomach thinking of going back out on the water, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to get back out on the waves in a new way. I booked surfing lessons with Maui Surfer Girls for a few days into our trip.
Learning to swim has been an ongoing battle. As an adult, there are few reasons to be in a pool that’s too deep to stand but the first instruction on the Maui Surfer Girls website was that you needed to be able to confidently tread water.
Drew is a strong swimmer and was more than a bit concerned about what would happen if I lost my board in deep water. The first couple of days on the island, we waited until after the pool crowd had calmed down for my husband to refresh my memory how to tread water and breaststroke in the hotel pool. After a few lessons, he was semi-willingly was able to believe I wouldn’t drown if the ocean was rougher or deeper than we anticipated. I am sure I’m a better swimmer than I give myself credit, but having not spent a lot of time in the water I’ve never felt incredibly confident about it.
We headed out early on the morning of our lesson down the Lahaina coastline to Ukumehame Beach State Park. The waves were breaking against the beach every few minutes and a strong wind cooled off the warm air rising from the sand. These waves were moving faster than they had the days before, making it apparent that there would be little respite once I was out on the water.
Our instructor Kiki was set up at a picnic table alongside the surfboards our fellow surf students would use. Kiki lent us each a rash guard top to protect us from the waves and after an ample-dosing in reef friendly sunscreen we were ready to get on the boards.
On land, Kiki walked us through an ecology lesson explaining how the reefs surrounding the island of Maui provide the ample environment for waves suitable for surfing. In the area where would be surfing reefs are divided by channels that would allow us to ride back out into the ocean in between each run. These reefs also allow for a relatively predictable wave. Due to the proximity of the reef, it would be important when dismounting the board to stay on top of the water to prevent damaging the fragile reef underneath. Broken reef can take decades to repair.
Next, we learned how to find our stance and what would be necessary to “pop-up” once in the water. Going from laying flat across the board to a yoga upward dog to standing is difficult enough on land. After a few rounds of practicing it was time for us to head out into the water.
As a small group, we would take turns with Kiki assisting us while the rest would sit back in the channel until called forward. Already nervous about my uncertain swimming, the rapid-fire waves brought on from the wind left my heart in my chest as we paddled out for the first run.
After watching Drew nearly pop all the way up on his first wave, Kiki called me forward to head out and catch a wave of my own. Terrified and excited at the same time, I paddled as hard as I could out into the ocean. She braced my board against hers as we waited for the perfect wave.
Once the tips of the water started to move towards us, Kiki let me know she’d be helping me push forward and I paddled as fast as I could. Aided by a strong push from Kiki I was off in the water, racing the wave. Just as I arched my back and felt I could put my feet underneath I lost balance with too much weight to the backside of the board. I was pulling myself under and the wave was done.
Paddling my board out of the waves and back into the channel was exhausting but as I made it back towards where the rest of the class sat I looked over my left shoulder to see a large green sea turtle paddling right alongside me, almost cheering me on to get back out into the ocean. He was so close that if I wasn’t paying attention I would have brushed my fingers against his shell.
After three subsequent runs, I was exhausted and just the thought of fighting the waves back out into the ocean was more than I could take so I headed back to the sand to watch the last few runs by my classmates. I was never able to stand all the way up but I made it. I didn’t ever feel like I was in danger despite the rapid-fire nature of the waves and my limited swimming skills served me perfectly.
My arms burned from the exercise and the adrenaline from the waves filled my entire body. It was the perfect day on the ocean and I can’t wait to get back out and try again. Next time, I’ll stand up.
I like to consider myself a bit of a Denver brunch aficionado. No matter what time of day it is, if I haven’t had ‘breakfast’ I need breakfast foods. It’s just how I’m wired. When I heard that one of my all time fave Denver Resturants, Marcella’s was starting to serve brunch I knew I needed to check it out. I visited Marcella’s on a beautiful fall day and thanks to the wonderful weather we were having was able to enjoy brunch out on the patio overlooking the Denver skyline. When spring finally works it’s way back to Denver this is a MUST weekend spot.
Bottomless sangria served in a table side carafe start off the meal. Both red and white options are the perfect fresh and fruity start to a fantastic meal. Give me a couple of carafes and I could hang out on the patio all day!
First up on the menu is Zeppole. Served as a side, zeppole is the perfect brunch appetizer. You can think of zeppole as the doughnut’s cultured older sister. Deep fried dough is filled with lemon ricotta and served alongside chocolate dipping sauce to make this decadent side a meal within itself. One order is enough for several people at the table to share.
Moving on from appetizers there are entrees for every palate type. I’m more of a savory breakfast person so I loved the truffled eggs and breakfast pizza. Poached eggs are served on top of toasted ciabatta topped with a truffle sauce and oyster shitake mushrooms. This hearty dish is meal enough for two to split if you want to try a few of the items off the menu.
You may not normally associate pizza with breakfast but Marcella’s sunny side up egg breakfast pizza will change that perception forever. I could eat breakfast pizza everyday. Full of flavor this was my favorite item off the mornings selection.
Rounding out the savory selections Shrimp Polenta is a gluten-free option with a true Italian spin on breakfast. A poached egg is served on top of polenta with toasted garlic, tomato, and a parmesan cheese sauce. Intended for breakfast I could easily see this dish as a favorite on the dinner menu as well.
For those with a sweet tooth the Ricotta Crespelle will hit the spot. Each crepe is filled with sweet ricotta cheese and then topped with strawberries that have been soaked in Grand Marnier. This decadent dish is so much better than any pancakes you might normally associate with brunch.
As a Brunch lover I can happily say that Marcella’s menu is the perfect addition to the Denver dining lineup. Brunch is served on Sunday’s and as a bonus Marcella’s accepts reservations making it perfect for dining out when a group of friends are visiting Denver or just gathering with family here in town.
Denver’s Restaurant Week kicks off today (Feb. 22) and runs through March 3rd. If you haven’t visited Marcella’s yet this is the perfect opportunity! View the 2019 Marcella’s Restaurant Week Menu.
Disclaimer: I received a hosted meal to facilitate the writing of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I received no other compensation.
Just a few hours outside Denver, Boulder is nestled in the foothills and the perfect just far enough trip for getting away for a long weekend or holiday. Despite living just down the road from Boulder I rarely spend much time up that way so planning a quick couples getaway for Drew and I was the perfect escape.
I am a sucker for historic hotels and when we started looking for a place to stay the Boulderado was immediately at the top of my list. Located just off the Pearl Street Mall the Boulderado opened in 1909 when the town of Boulder was barely a blip on the map. The property was established by a team of local business owners in need of a luxury hotel solution for visitors to the town. While the property has been updated for modern visitors, the charm and history throughout the hotel remains evident.
We stayed on the fifth floor in a room looking towards the mountains. Getting up to our room meant either taking the winding staircase or riding up in the manually operated Otis Elevator. One of the few remaining Otis Elevators in the country, a member of the Boulderado staff accompanies you to your destination both opening and closing the elevator cage doors. This unique feature is something you don’t typically see and definitely added to the fun of the experience.
Today’s rooms are a far cry from what visitors in 1908 might have experienced and guests can tour the property seeing an example of the original sleeping rooms, including the original standard room without private bath! Our room was extremely comfortable with windows overlooking the streets around. A large king sized bed was topped with beautifully embroidered bedspread and plenty of sitting room space made the entire suite feel like home.
Throughout the property a wide variety of historic artifacts are on display, including trunks refinished by the property historian, vintage clothing and even original radiators that once heated the rooms.
Three restaurant within the hotel itself means you don’t have to travel far for a drink or meal. Our first night in town Drew and I shared beers in the first floor sports bar while watching the end of the world series upon returning from dinner at the nearby Pasta J’s Italian restaurant.
In the morning the next day we woke up early and headed out to the nearby Chautauqua Park to hike the 1st and 2nd Flatirons. One of the most popular hikes in Colorado the trail was busy despite both the early hour and visiting on a Monday. If hiking on a weekend, plan for there to be large crowds. Just under 3 miles we incorrectly assumed this was a ‘easy’ hike, failing to realize that the 1400 foot elevation change would happen primarily at the very beginning of the trail.
Colorado is always a beautiful state but during the fall you can really appreciate the rich colors that come out in the changing colors of the leaves. This trail winds through the park giving panoramic views of the town of Boulder and Colorado University campus. We reached the final leg of the trail to discover that it was currently closed for maintenance but had time to enjoy a closer view of the iconic Flatirons before heading back into town for lunch.
Back in town we left the car at the Boulderado valet and walked two blocks to the newly opened Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social. Specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, this was the perfect mid day treat. I picked the Italian Caprese, combining mozzarella, basil and pesto into an unforgettable grilled cheese delight. Drew chose the Classic and we both added a cup of tomato soup for dipping. This was exactly what I needed after an early morning hike.
Our second evening in town we ventured into the basement of the hotel to License No. 1. Owner of the 1st liquor license in Boulder the speakeasy style bar is the perfect place for starting or ending an evening (and is even available to book for private events). We enjoyed what I can truthful say was one of the best Moscow Mules I’ve ever had. Made with fresh ginger these cocktails made it hard to head onto dinner! After dinner at Jax FishHouse just a few blocks away we headed back to the hotel for a goodnights rest before returning home the next day.
Venturing just far enough from home to relax is the perfect way enjoy a quick couples getaway. With all the holiday celebrations just around the corner, now is the best time of year to head just slightly out of town and leave all the worries back home.
In honor of their 110th year the Boulderado is celebrating with a New Year’s Eve Grand Gala, just like the one hosted in 1909 when the property originally opened. You can join in on this year’s black tie optional celebration and enjoy a couples getaway of your own should you choose to stay the night up in Boulder.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary stay at the Boulderado to inspire this post. All opinions are my own.
Despite being a Colorado Native I am not what I would call a skier. I do own a snowboard, but my skills more than rusty and at this point I am probably a better lodge bunny. When I think of visiting Canada in the winter, my mind is full of snowy slopes and hot cocoa. As I recently learned, from Rachael at Forged Axe Throwing skiing is not a mandatory Whistler activity. I’m excited Rachael was able to share these tips about other things you can do in Canada and I’m looking forward to planning a trip there soon!
Nestled in the mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is Canada’s very own winter wonderland. Famous around the world as a leading ski resort, the dramatic scenery and impressive slopes draw the crowds year after year. But what if you don’t ski?
While there’s no denying Whistler’s snowsport credentials, there’s so much more to this mountain village than simply snowboarding or skiing. Here, we take a look at the non-ski activities waiting to be enjoyed.
LEARN TO AXE THROW
Unleash your inner lumberjack by learning the art of axe throwing. Yes, axe throwing. This distinctly Canadian pastime has grown in popularity across the world in recent months and there’s something truly satisfying about hurling an axe down an alley in an attempt to hit a bullseye.
As Whistler’s only indoor axe throwing venue, Forged Axe Throwing is THE place to head for. Regardless of experience, the Forged team will provide you with all the help and training you need to get you throwing your first bullseye. Axe throwing is the ideal group activity and is particularly popular for those in Whistler for bachelor or bachelorette parties.
GO SNOWMOBILING
Take your adventure to another level by enjoying one of the guided snowmobile tours through the Whistler landscape. Blackcomb Snowmobile offers an impressive selection of tours including family tours (they have cute snowmobiles for kids), scenic tours, and wilderness tours, all generally taking 2-4 hours. For those that have experience of snowmobiles, the extreme tour is well worth checking out. You’ll enjoy a high octane journey through the dramatic Whistler backcountry, learning how to side-hill like a pro all under the eye of senior, experienced guides.
Zip Trek eco tours
RIDE THE ZIPLINES
While you may not want to ski, you’ll likely still want to enjoy some adrenaline-fuelled fun. Ziptrek Ecotours boasts the longest zipline in North America at over two km long, and their Twilight Tour is particularly popular with those looking for a fun way to watch the winter sun setting in the Whistler sky. Alternatively, choose from a number of other ziplining tour types each taking 2-4.5 hours, and transporting you at altitudes of 7,000 ft – the ultimate eco-exhilaration.
VISIT THE TUBE PARK
Head to Whistler Blackcomb Coca-Cola Tube Park to enjoy the exciting yet affordable fun of sliding down a 1000 feet tube. There’s no need to worry about the climb to the top, as once you reach the bottom, you’ll find a special conveyor lift ready to take you right back! This activity does get particularly busy during the festive season, but that simply adds to the fun.
Dogsledding in the Callaghan Valley with Canadian Wilderness Adventures
LEARN TO MUSH
There’s something pretty magical about taking a dog sled tour through the winter landscape. Take in your glorious surroundings wrapped in a blanket, all behind a rather enthusiastic team of gorgeous Arctic snow dogs. Based in the Callaghan Valley, the Canadian Wilderness tour guides will take you through snow frosted forests, providing you with a rest at an abandoned trapper’s camp on Totem Lake. You can take the reins yourself, learning the commands to ‘mush’ your own dog team, or simply kick back and let your tour guide do the hard work.
TAKE THE ULTIMATE WHISTLER SELFIE
While there are Instagrammable selfie backdrops at every turn in Whistler, the Cloudraker Skybridge is arguably one of the best. The breathtaking suspension bridge spans 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, crossing high above Whistler Bowl and offering breathtaking views over the winter landscape. The Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk includes a viewing platform with 360° views from Whistler’s Peak. Say cheese!
Audain Art Museum, Whistler. Photo by Justa Jeskova.
VISIT THE MUSEUMS
For those who love a little culture, the museums and galleries in Whistler are a must-visit. A visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre comes highly recommended, celebrating the history and culture of local First Nations. The Whistler Museum has a remarkable variety of exhibits too, telling engaging stories, sharing historical photographs and even showcasing an original gondola cabin! The Whistler Public Library plays host to a number of seminars and movie nights, as well as being home to ‘Whister’s Living Room’. It’s a cultural and community hub for locals, seasonals and visitors alike.
RELAX AT THE SPA
Take time out for yourself at Whistler’s Scandinave Spa, immersing yourself into hot tubs, cold plunge pools, and saunas, or choosing from one of the many massages and treatments. The Vida Spa at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is also a highly rated spa experience.
RIDE THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA
The bright red Peak 2 Peak Gondolas are something of a feat of engineering taking riders between the imposing Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. It has the longest unsupported lift span in the world at 3.024 km (or 1.88 miles) and is the highest lift of its kind in the world at 436 meters (or 1,427 feet). You’ll enjoy 360’ views of Whistler and its magnificent surroundings while onboard. Who cares about skiing when you can enjoy a ride like this?!
Whistler Village’s with Christmas lights at dusk
GO TOBOGGANING
Tobogganing at Whistler’s Olympic Park is another fun, affordable activity to add to your itinerary off the ski slopes. There’s no need to purchase tickets online beforehand, just show up at the Park entry gate and pay the $15 fee for access per vehicle. Entry payment includes rentals (although you can also bring your own) and access to the toboggan hill. Keep in mind that those under the age of 18 must wear CSA approved helmets, although helmets are recommended for all. Head to the on-site Day Lodge to enjoy hot chocolate, delicious hot food and indulgent treats.
It’s pretty clear there’s so much more to Whistler than simply skiing and there are many more great activities that don’t involve a pair of skis! Click here to find out more.
Enjoy Whistler…
