** Wateriders of Chicago provided a complimentary kayaking tour. All opinions are my own. One of my Chicago summer bucket list items this year was to kayak on the Chicago River. I have wanted to do this the past two summers, but we have not been able to do so yet. Chicago summers are a dizzying blur of events and happenings, so it's easy for time to escape without being able to cross off ... Read more
Stay at the Islander Resort | Islamorada, Florida Keys
When searching for an affordable, beachfront hotel option in the upper Florida Keys, I came across the Guy Harvey Outpost Islander Resort. The photos caught my eye, and the resort had decent reviews on Booking.com. I booked a three-night stay for us to explore the Keys during our recent trip. (If you'd like to try Booking.com, consider using my link.) When we drove up to the resort, an ... Read more
Butcher Jones Recreation Area
Saturday's plan was a hike at Butcher Jones Recreation Area. Taylor and Capone joined us for the mini-adventure, and they took the opportunity to jump in Saguaro Lake to play. You can't keep Taylor out of the water. It's her happy place. We had originally planned to drive to Sedona or Flagstaff, but it was too cold up north that day. "Why did we come to Arizona for the holidays if we want to be in ... Read more
2016 Chicago Bucket List
After only 10 months in Chicago, I'm still a newbie. I still have so much to do and see, so I need a game plan. Step 1: Make a list of what you want to accomplish in 2016. Step 2: Share that list. Step 3: Go out and do it! Here's what I want to do in the city in 2016: Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago. Go to a White Sox game at the Cell. I want to check out the stadium, but I also have ... Read more
Chicago Bucket List
I want to be a tourist in Chicago for a while. I'm compiling a list of things I want to do when we finally have some time to explore. I will add to this as I get ideas and cross things off once they are done. Any suggestions? Send them my way!Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley FieldWillis/Sears TowerMillennium ParkRun the entire Lakeshore TrailWhite Sox vs. Cubs gameLincoln Park ZooLollapaloozaSecond ... Read more
Kayaking and Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay
My favorite activity on the Big Island was a kayak tour of Kealakekua Bay. We chose Kona Boys as our tour operator, and we're so glad we did. When we arrived at their shop for our Midday Meander, as they call it, we were told we'd be the only two people on the tour that day. A private tour? Yay! We were outfitted with our snorkel gear, bought an underwater film camera and set off for the bay, ... Read more
Camping at Blue Ridge Reservoir near Strawberry, Arizona
Last time we tried to camp at Blue Ridge Reservoir near Strawberry we were thwarted by road closures. Luckily, Graham and I were finally able to check it out last weekend. We didn't bring the canoe because this was a short camping trip, but next time it is a must. There is a ramp for boat loading, and most visitors had their kayaks and canoes in tow. This time we were content to let our dogs play ... Read more
Kayaking and camping at Saguaro Lake
My return to Saguaro Lake's campsites was just as memorable as the first trip. Instead of canoes we rented inflatable kayaks from Arizona Hiking Shack near Thomas Road and 32nd Street in Phoenix. We inflated the two kayaks on the parking lot using the pump we were provided with. In a few minutes the kayaks were ready to go; one would carry most of the camping gear in two large watertight ... Read more