Sunset Sunday-Cruising to Manta, Ecuador

Sunset-Manta-Ecuador-bHalter

“I looked at your map and this will give you a pin in your open space. It’s a sunset from Ecuador captured from aboard a cruise ship in the Manta Harbor.” Yes, it is a most welcome “pin” and a beautiful moment from Ecuador and South America. Thank you Bob. Recently I donated a 2014 […]

Postcard-A Waterfall of Romance at Niagara

Postcard-A Waterfall of Romance at Niagara

Through the years Niagara Falls has always been known for romance. Whether the perfect honeymoon, romantic retreats, package deals, or just an escape to a border; romance both manufactured and real exists besides the Natural Wonder. With adventurous activities, nighttime strolls, and sunset views from the Skylon Tower, there is plenty to do and entice. […]

The Beaches in the Lake Region of Pennsylvania

The Beaches in the Lake Region of Pennsylvania

Okay, let’s play word association. Say the first word that comes to your mind when you hear (or read) the following word.  Are you ready to play? The word: Lake. Lake So, what did you say? Mountains? Woods? Deer? Canoe? Did you say, “Beach?”  Probably not. As I mentioned last Thursday, my definition of beach […]

The 5-Reasons to Plan a Winter Escape to Lake Placid

The 5-Reasons to Plan a Winter Escape to Lake Placid

In the middle of the 7 million acres of “forever” wilderness, visitors to New York’s Adirondacks can discover the small town of Lake Placid, New York. Popular for hosting two winter Olympic Games (1932 and 1980), the town is most notable for the Miracle on Ice, but I discovered more than just Olympic History. My […]

Sunset Sunday-Villa Blanca Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Sunset Sunday-Villa Blanca Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

I arrived mid-afternoon to check in and asked, “What time does the sun set?” Puzzled, the staff of the Villa Blanca Hotel responded with a surprised look. Si (yes) they understood my English. It seemed as if everyone in Costa Rica did (although for the record, I spoke much Spanish). The surprised look was because […]

Is Visiting Lakeshore Beaches in Autumn Really Visiting the Beach? – A Trip to Glimmerglass State Park

Glimmerglass-New-York-Beach-Sign-cZabransky

Growing up, going to the beach basically meant heading to the ocean. Saltwater and waves. It also meant warm weather – summer. Lakes and rivers (freshwater) or even a waveless ocean beach (except for an idyllic beach like the Gili Islands or Half Moon Cay) were not beaches. Neither was a visit in the fall […]

The Five-Arctic Adventures in Churchill Manitoba

The Five-Arctic Adventures in Churchill Manitoba

I never thought I would visit the edge of the Arctic Circle in the dead of winter. Nope. I never thought I’d brave -40 degree temperature either, but I did. You might too if you had the opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Churchill. Yes, they were amazing. Beyond amazing, but my trip was […]

Super Bowl Sunset Sunday – Go Seattle Seahawks!

Super Bowl Sunset Sunday – Go Seattle Seahawks!

This Sunday the sun sets on the 2013-14 NFL campaign with Super Bowl in East Rutherford, NJ, but pop the bubbly my team, the Seattle Seahawks are playing for the trophy. They’ve come to New York, my town, to play for a chance to be crowned Super Bowl Champions.  Awesome. As a child I grew […]