Aug 26

Siloinak Surf Resorts

Siloinak Surf Camp stands among the most acclaimed resorts in the Mentawais. It is also the most affordable, at 140 USD per day. Discounted to 120 USD for any booking before 15 February or for groups booking.

Playgrounds area offers 21 top performance waves, 12 of them world-class, in a radius of 20 minutes by speed-boat around Siloinak Surf Camp. The next surf spot is always less than 10 minutes away.

At Siloinak Surf Camp you get one large bungalow with verandah for two guests. Bungalows for singles are available. And satellite internet, satellite phone, DVD and large screen TV.

All that, with lots of space, privacy and comfort unthinkable onboard surf charter boats! Continue reading

Aug 02

Madison to Lexington and back

The argument for doing today’s ride was that there can’t be many opportunities remaining for our Sunday morning Lexington Loop. So we wanted to bag at least one more full lap. This required an early (5:30) start, which in turn required headlights for the first hour or so. Actually, we left our lights on all the way to Lexington, although it wasn’t truly necessary for the last several miles.

I started from Lytle Park. David Stucker met me on Hanover Hill. We were both feeling the effects of seventy-six fairly hard miles yesterday. For me, the day after a demanding ride brings mixed results. I’m okay on the flats, but have little reserve on the climbs. That was the case this morning. David appeared to be in good form, but he said his legs were a bit wooden. Still, we were sitting in Leroy’s eating by 6:45, despite a sluggish average while navigating by lights.

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Jul 23

Mountain bike ride at Brown County State Park

We’ve raved about the trails at Brown County before, about how well they’re designed, about their rhythm and flow, about the way they’re nearly impervious to rain, even heavy rain. In keeping with that theme, we’ll rave again. These trails look like they’ve been part of the landscape forever. The beginner trail has been open only about six months, and the intermediate loop for just a couple of months. But they’re packed down, bedded in, and look like they’ve been in place for years, not months.
That’s due in part to the traffic volume. These trails get gobs of use. Lots of use equals lots of packing. It’s also due to intelligent design. When trails are designed properly, they fit their surroundings and become one with those surroundings. It’s the Zen of trails.

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Jul 21

Things to do in Chiapas, Mexico

Fascinated by Mexico, but tired of the tourist hordes on the beaches of Acapulco, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta? Spend your next Mexico vacation in Chiapas, Mexico’s best kept travel secret!

Beautiful Chiapas Mexico Get “off the beaten path,” to experience the real Mexican culture without the tourist trappings and distracting crowds of fellow U.S. and European travelers.
Chiapas is a place rich with Mexican and Native American cultures, alluring mountains, ancient pre-Columbian cities, beautiful lakes, and spectacular waterfalls in bird filled tropical forests that rival the best of Costa Rica. Continue reading

Jun 12

ABOUT XIAMEN AND GETTING THERE

I decided to spend our Christmas holiday in Xiamen and Guangzhou, China. It was our first time to celebrate the season away from home. We purchased our airline tickets and hotel accommodations through our local travel agency.

We arrived at the airport in Xiamen, China for about 2-½ hours flight from Manila, Philippines via China Southern Airlines. Set meals were served minutes after take off. Upon arrival at the airport, passport, visa and customs check went incredibly smooth and fast.Getting from the airport to Xiamen downtown was really easy. We took a taxicab and just showed the driver our address written in Chinese. (If you’re a foreigner, be prepared about the language barrier challenges.) As for us, we were like boy scouts ready for everything. And my hubby speaks a little Mandarin, so it’s a plus for us.) The taxi fare cost us around Y50 from Xiamen Airport to Zhenhai Road. (All taxis and other public transportation are non-airconditioned during the winter season.)

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