SeeTheWorld

I really enjoy an active vacation. That is not to say I want a vacation that looks like a triathalon or the Tour de France. I enjoy exploring the world at my own pace and getting up close to the world. The right walking tour includes the history and the culture of the country I am visiting, as well as enjoying meals in pubs, cafes, or bistros. When I was walking through a valley, my guide pointed out that Charlemagne had walked this same valley. Now that got my attention!

I recently took a walking tour of the Lake District in England. Cumbria is small and easily explored on foot. We heard about the literary giants inspired by the area, the economic impact of mining, the natural beauty of the rolling hills, spoke with Farmer Brian, accompanied by his best cow, and heard of his lifelong challenge being a 2nd generation Cumbrian man of the earth. We stayed in country hotels with easy access to town or a boat dock. The meals were at pubs, small hotels, or town restaurants. It satisfied my yen to see the land and its people at their leisure.
I have taken about many walking tours since 1999.....they satisfy on all levels!

Alaska has so much to offer: soaring hawks and eagles, bears looking for food as they wake up from their winter nap, whales doing their water ballet, seals that band together so they can play in the water, the bluest of glaciers, otters floating along on their backs cracking shells, sea stars grasping onto shore rocks, and so much more.

In order to appreciate all of these phenomena of nature, you really need to be on a ship that makes it all possible! I just returned from a cruise aboard the Sea Lion, a Lindblad cruise ship that carries 60+ guests. When we spotted killer whales in their pod, the little ship ground to a halt so the whales came over to play and swim under the ship. The otters clapped on past our zodiac, eyeing us suspiciously....that was how close we were! Barking seals threw water on us in the zodiac. From offshore,we quietly trailed more than one bear as they overturned rocks looking for food. The naturalists and photo expert added their experienced viewing eyes to spot the wildlife that is there for the finding.

Aboard ship we could share pictures taken each day, make friends from among passengers and staff, attend great talks...or even listen to the talks, stretched out in our cabin. We hiked, kayaked, ate, drank and were plenty merry. The Lindblad experience is unique in its view of wilderness Alaska as an observer and participant who stands with mouth open muttering WOW......

You can read more about Lindblad cruises or contact me for more info.