A day in my life––I walked along the Niagara River, enjoying the wild rush of white-capped rapids, as water travelled down stream, rushing through a narrowing in the gorge. Normally, the cacophony would deter me, but the wet noise only enhanced my view of the power of nature and encouraged my feet to walk further along the boardwalk. The White Water Walk is an enjoyable Niagara attraction, which flows a few miles downstream of the Niagara Falls.
White Water Walk
The attraction’s elevator brings visitors a 1,000 feet down (70 meters) to the bottom of the gorge. After which, visitors will proceed a 1/4 mile (73 metres) through a tunnel, enjoy two observation decks, and a scenic walk along the white water’s boardwalk. Plan on spending at least an hour at the attraction. Time to take a 30 minute stroll, not only to enjoy the water, but also the natural environment and observation areas. If you love pictures of birds, bring your camera!
Seagulls flying over the white water rapids, searching for food. (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
I really enjoy studying rocks and their geology, and the gorge doesn’t disappoint with its sedimentary rock and huge boulders that have broken off the cliff’s edge and fallen into the gorge. Maple leaves dotted the path everywhere and the gulls fanciful flight over the rapids looking for treats was mesmerizing. I loved watching them soar above the water and suddenly swoop and dive into the cold to partake of whatever treasure tried to swim by. Regardless of the cool day, it was my pleasure to walk along the gorge. When visiting the Niagara area, visitors should enjoy the stunning beauty of the White Water Walk.
The Niagara Whirlpool Bridge that spans the border between the United States and Canada (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
When in the Niagara region, it’s common for visitors to dwell on the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, but there are other curiosities to explore. On a recent trip to Niagara, I sought out a lesser known attraction. I found a gem––a peaceful and beautiful garden, complete with my favourite little insects at the Butterfly Conservatory.
The Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory features over 2000 colourful butterflies, who originate from tropical locales all over the world. On a cold fall day, I enjoyed exploring this tropical garden oasis where hundreds of butterflies sat on branches, ate fruit or nectar from plates, and spreading their wings; soared over my head. I enjoyed walking along the luscious green pathways, snapping pictures of these fragile insects. Many guests sat on benches or stone ledges, perhaps hoping that a tiny colourful butterfly would light upon their fingers, and most were rewarded with a visit!
The Butterfly Conservatory staff are to be commended for their excellent care of this garden home, as the setting for the butterflies is as magical as it is beautiful. I really enjoyed my visit and would recommend this attraction to all who love Butterflies as I do. Butterflies are a symbol of transformation. I certainly felt peaceful and transformed after my visit!
My favourite Butterfly found on this visit. If only he had opened his little wings! (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
A Canadian Idol––Gordon Lightfoot sings at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary (Photo by Wayne Kassian)
Last night In the company of my husband, I listened to a gifted song writer––Gordon Lightfoot. Accompanied by his back up band, he sang songs that remain relevant to concert goers. Gordon Lightfoot reflects a period in music history where artists built their careers on writing talent, a singer’s raw voice, the slide of a string guitar, a bottom drum beat, and hard work. In the year 2014 too much attention is often paid to artists that provide more theatre than voice. It’s refreshing to watch a humble man share his musical passion, and in the doing remind an audience that the naked beauty of easy listening music can still take the listeners breath away, as proven by the music shared.
The lyrics to Gordon Lightfoot’s songs such as The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald andSundown are intricately woven. They beat a comfortable rhythm, rhythm that moves neither too fast, nor too slow, as if to shine a light on lyrics that cry out to be heard. As he sang my favourite song, “If I could read your mind,” his gentle voice lulled me away to tears. A day later––I bought the song, trying to understand the emotion the song weaves inside me. But it’s not the ending that matters. What matters is that the artist still connects to the listener and by doing so brings pleasure. At 74 years of age, that’s pretty amazing.
Sometimes, I noticed that when Gordon was about to finish a song, he would gaze at the audience as if to sense if the listeners appreciated what they had just heard. There would be a pause, and then as if satisfied he had made a connection, he would smile. At one pause, an audience member completed the song. This interaction made him smile too! Thank you for your music Gordon Lightfoot and Band. My husband and I really enjoyed your show!
This blog sums up my writing desires completely––it takes a series of small steps to reach the end product. No matter what obstacles cross my path, I am going to write THE END, someday. Someday soon!!!
“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation,
conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
President Abraham Lincoln––The Gettysburg Address
Gettysburg. Simply writing the place name brings me back to the day that I visited an american civil war site, where 46,000 to 51,000 soldiers forfeited their lives during the summer month of July 1–3, 1863. Standing above cemetery ridge gave me a profound sense of sorrow to consider the sacrifices made on this ground. So many live’s lost––four score and seven years ago …
The Gettysburg National Cemetery (Poem borrowed from a sign marker at the national cemetery)
Many would describe me as having a sensitive soul. I see and feel shadows of life I can’t always understand. My head began to hurt as the car came close to Gettysburg. My stomach began to churn. Perhaps my lunch upset me, or perchance yesterday’s past merged with the present, but as the car turned a corner and followed the road toward the visitor’s centre, I swear I could see the shadow of soldiers walking in the woods. And laid deep in a puddle of liquid sorrow a man gazed up at the sky …
Statue of a civil war soldier on Cemetery Ridge. (Poem borrowed from a sign marker at the national cemetery)
President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863 to commemorate the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where many civil war soldiers both lost their lives and earned their final rest. I had mixed emotions standing on ground where a man of great stature once stood and spoke intelligent compelling words, commemorating a hallowed ground.
“We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We are met to dedicate a portion of it as
the final resting place of those who have given their lives that that nation might live.”
An angel who rests at the top of a stone monument. (Poem borrowed from a sign marker at the national cemetery.)
The sun began to set as we drove away. My stomach settled and my head cleared, but the memories of Gettysburg will live in my mind’s eye for as long as I shall live.
Bronze sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg visitor’s centre with Shelley Kassian
The west front of Mount Vernon (Picture by Shelley Kassian)
Every trip is a journey, a journey that can take a passenger to amazing experiences and destinations. I had the pleasure to visit Washington, DC with my husband this past September, but this trip to the american south was not my first. On previous travels, I have fancied the antebellum plantation homes that lure me to their style. I have had the pleasure to walk the grounds of many southern homes, and unearthed different emotions from the varying sites. Mount Vernon is special and has become a favourite. The mansion resides in Maryland and favours a beautiful view of the Potomac river.
A pathway from the wharf that led to the stables, outbuildings and the mansion of Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the home of General George Washington, who was the first president of the United States. I stepped onto his land from the wharf after travelling by boat from National Harbour on the Potomac river, which is how most visitors travelled to Mount Vernon during the 18th century. The temperature sweltered at its high of 35°C (96°F), and as I walked along the path that led to the manor house, the sound of Cicadas (tree crickets) surprised me. Loud and shrill little creatures, their mating cry only added to my journey.
Perhaps due to the fact that the day was hot, there were few visitors and after briefly viewing the red-brick stables and outbuildings, I toured the mansion.
The Mansion
Augustine Washington, George Washington’s father, built a one-half storey farmhouse on the land in 1735. George inherited the property from his half brother’s widow after she passed away in 1761. He expanded the home on both sides and added two wings, which increased the height from 1.5 to 2.5 storeys. The most impressive feature of the manor house is the east facing piazza. Standing two storeys high, the view of the lawn stretching toward the Potomac river is stunning. Perhaps on a day not too long ago, George Washington looked out across his land to the river, and dreamed a dream of american independence.
The mansion’s east-facing two-story piazzaShelley standing on the piazza, considering a time when the First president of the United States, General George Washington, may have stood on this very same spot.
Pictures were not permitted inside the house, but as in most plantation homes, the mansion consists of a central corridor with rooms on either side. The first floor was primarily for entertaining, and contained two parlors, a downstairs bedchamber, dining room, study, butler’s pantry and the “New Room.” This grand room with its rich green paint conveyed a feeling of american aristocracy and wealth; many fine guests dined and danced in its space. The intricately carved marble mantelpiece was a favourite from this room.
The second floor held bed chambers for guests and also contained George and Martha Washington’s room. After George died in his bed in December 1799, Martha closed the room, and for the rest of her life lived on the third floor.
The Upper and Lower Garden
The upper garden with a view of the greenhouse
The gardens at Mount Vernon served several purposes. George Washington designed the upper garden with three large planting areas separated by wide paths. It contained a greenhouse that accommodated tropical plants during the winter months. A beautiful spot, the garden served a pleasure purpose with its flower mix, but also grew fruits and some vegetables in the centre of its boxed style. I enjoyed walking the gravel path. Martha Washington must have enjoyed walking here too.
The lower garden served mainly as a kitchen garden and provided many vegetables and herbs for the family.
The Mansion Grounds
The mansion grounds were beautiful to walk and enjoy as well. A canopy of green ivy grows along the fences and hundreds of varieties of trees line the rich and fertile landscape. The corn grew tall, cattle grazed and sheep rested in their stalls. Further beyond the serpentine path I pondered archeologists excavating a slave burial ground, and not far from their graves stood the family tomb of George Washington, where he, his wife Martha, and other family members rest today.
Mount Vernon Inn
Once my husband and I had completed our own exploration, we dined at the Mount Vernon Inn, which is a historic restaurant on the site. I enjoyed my favourite appetizer of corn bread, and the peanut chestnut soup with its nutty surprises in most spoonfuls was delicious too! A perfect end to our visit.
Cornbread in a skillet––Buttery deliciousness!Mount Vernon Colonial Peanut and Chestnut SoupMount Vernon dining room
The beach oasis at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club––early in the morning (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
Ko Olina is part of a royal land division that is situated on the leeward side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Early hawaiians and hawaiian chiefs considered this north-western shoreline a sacred space. Royalty once visited its reef sheltered coves, but now tourists lounge on beach chairs, walk across its white sandy shore or snorkel to gaze at the amazing bounty of tropical fish and coral hiding in the reef. During world war II Ms Campbell, the wife of James Campbell, named the area Lanikuhonua, which means where heaven meets earth. Today resorts such as Aulani, a Disney resort and spa; the JW Marriott Ihilani resort and spa, and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, offer vacationers a beautiful glimpse of paradise.
Kassian family dining in the villa (photo by Wayne Kassian)
Accomodations
The Kassian family called the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club home for four nights at the beginning of August. We stayed in a villa, which offered ample space for our family of seven. The villa ($700.00/night) came with three rooms, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, two king beds, two sofa beds, and two bathrooms. We filled our fridge with groceries, which enabled us to enjoy most breakfasts; and snacks or drinks in our room, by the pool or on the beach instead of the restaurants. (Dollars saved.) It was nice to have a room that came with two 12-cup coffee makers. Most hotels offer a two-pot and four of our family members wanted a cup first thing in the morning. A nice feature of the Beach Club was several barbecues on site. We took advantage of this and grilled steaks/veggie burgers for dinner one night.
Dining
If you don’t want to cook your own meals, a quick option is the Marketplace, which offers many breakfast options as well as family sized pizza for lunch. We enjoyed a breakfast buffet one morning at Longboards Bar and Grill, which also offered your favourite Mai Tai’s, Lava Flow’s or Beer in a long board souvenir glass.
Amenities
Two pools beneath our villa (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
When you travel to a tropical paradise two amenities take priority––the pool and the beach. The Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club excels in both. When we were not swimming in gentle ocean waves or snorkelling above the reef in the lagoon oasis, we swam in two of the three pools. The relaxation pool is meant for quiet contemplation and has different elevations for lounging. I hope we didn’t bother too many people when we couldn’t stop playing/laughing. Laughter is relaxation, isn’t it? My family really enjoyed a second waterfall/river pool that had a grotto feeling. The resort also has seven whirlpools set in volcanic rock. We ventured into a whirlpool only once, as the temperature each day held steady at 30 degrees celsius.
We enjoyed our stay at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club and if our family were to travel to the island paradise of Oahu again, we would choose Ko Olina. Our last night in Hawaii we stayed in Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian village to be near the airport. The crowding both on the beach and in the pool areas was not enjoyable. If you’re travelling to Oahu, stay on the leeward side in Ko Olina: Lanikuhonoa, where heaven meets earth. You won’t be dissapointed!
An ocean view as seen from Oak Bay Beach Hotel (Photo by Wayne Kassian)
Oak Bay Beach House
The Oak Bay beach hotel is a hidden gem that waits to be discovered by those who long for the seaside in beautiful Victoria B.C.A five star resort, it was my pleasure to call this ocean-view property home for three days. Just some of the many amenities include: a David Foster dinner theatre, an outdoor heated spa pool, three whirlpools, a patio to sip wine and enjoy artisan cheese, and a beach where a blue heron warily watched my approach. My greatest pleasures are always found by the seaside. I loved looking across the bay to where mountains stretched white in the distance, and on the ground just by my feet, sea glass and precious artifacts waited to be found.
The Beach
Great Blue Heron
I could walk, sit, or gaze out at the sea for hours. A need buried deep inside my soul to return to the ocean led me to a tiny strip of rocky shoreline, only meters wide. A Great Blue Heron stood still on the opposite side, probably hoping I wouldn’t notice him or her. I suppose I surprised the bird that scoured the muddy water with his/her beak, searching for something delicious to eat. The great blue bird protested my presence with a throaty call as I clicked pictures of his beauty. Finally, he stretched his massive wings and flew to a lonelier patch of beach.
A metal Artifact
Alone, I began my quest of exploring the rocky shore. So many pieces of sea glass to be found and surprisingly, some very nice pieces of dark blue. I found two very beautiful heart-shaped rocks. My best find was a rusted piece of metal that resembled driftwood. Perhaps a forlorn piece set adrift from a sunken ship still lost at sea? Maybe this little artifact will remedy a sailor story someday to be written by me.
The Accommodations
A view of the heated Spa Pool with Ocean Beyond
You get what you put into life and staying at a four or five star resort has its benefits. Our room came with a comfy bed, bathrobes, a fantastic deep soak tub and an exquisite view of Oak Bay. I slept well here and found working on my novel an absolute pleasure from this room. A room with a view inspires the mind to dream of faraway places, and when you’re travelling and in need of a break, that’s an important relaxation feature. And who doesn’t need to sleep well and dream of far off places when their head touches the pillow at the end of the day?
The Dining
A latte from Kate’s Cafe
A light option for breakfast in the morning is Kate’s Cafe. Grab a latte and a croissant and visit the seaside to enjoy. The Snug Pub in the evening was bursting with patrons and the celebratory sounds that waft toward you when people are having a good time. When the restaurant is full you know the food will be excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed a glass of chardonnay and artisan cheese on their patio. A lovely summer night in the company of a special man, and a contemplative meal to match the view of the bay with the mountains in the distance––an incredible view as the sun slipped beneath the horizon. Beautiful. But by far the nicest option was to enjoy the fine dining room. I was surprised that the pub had a lengthy waiting list while only two people sat in the dining room. It was a no brainer to take the table by the window and enjoy a glass of Riesling. When you need to appreciate a slower pace, fine dining is the spice of life. I began my meal with the Grilled savoury vegetable tart––delicious! A specialty dish at the Oak Bay dining room is Seared Halibut with Dungeness Crab Crust-–also delicious! We rounded out our meal with a coffee. All in all, a peaceful, quiet, beautiful evening. (Note: Go to the pub if you’re having a beer with the boys. If you’re with your wife, splurge and fine dine!!!)
The Amenities
If you’re staying at Oak Bay on a movie night, take in a show at the David Foster Dinner Theatre. Desserts and home made buttered popcorn are offered for $24.00 per person. My favourite amenity by far was the spa pool on the harbour edge. I didn’t experience the spa services, but enjoying the heated waters of the spa pool with a seaside view was blissful!
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, thank you for your friendly service. Everyone else, what are you waiting for? Your seaside escape is waiting at Oak Bay.
A lonesome Ship across the Sea (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
The pool at Phoenix Marriott Tempe at Buttes (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
A peaceful silence waits to be found in the desert; a peace that can’t quite be discovered anywhere else. An arid and dry oasis with crushed rock, sand, and various cacti that nestles against a backdrop of red mountains standing tall in the distance. I enjoy the calm beauty every time I visit Phoenix, Arizona. This desert city offers superb accommodations, fantastic shopping experiences, and attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens. The summer months are known to elicit a powerful heat wave both day and night. When I arrived in Phoenix this past Sunday, the temperature had climbed to an astonishing 108°F (42°C). Damn, it was hot, hot, hot!
I accompany my husband on many trips, and during this particular journey we had three goals in mind: Business meetings, shopping and resting by the pool. We accomplished all three.
Shopping
Premium outlets Phoenix was our first shopping destination. We had a Volcom mission to replace some board-shorts, but when this pursuit failed, we left the outlets. Walking from store to store at an outdoor outlet would be pleasant in the winter months, but walking outside in high temperatures was stifling. Especially after arriving from a much cooler climate. We were baking! No choice but to leave the outlet for a discount option at Arizona Mills Mall.
This mall is fantastic if you’re a bargain hunter, and many families filled the walkways. I think the hundreds of people moving around us were not only looking for back to school specials, they were also escaping the heat in an air-conditioned facility. Hungry by this time, my husband and I stopped to enjoy a meal at the Rainforest Cafe.
Restaurants
The Rainforest Café is a themed restaurant designed to depict the rainforest. I like the animatronic figures of gorillas, elephants, and tigers that decorate this jungle. I love listening to the gorilla sounds, and watching the star ceiling brighten up the room. The restaurant does not do food substitutions without the guest paying extra for their meal, and I was not interested in paying $4.00 more for salad, so I only had the Natural burger. No sides. However, this amount of food was enough for me and the burger was delicious. My husband’s wrap was good, but the pita bread was tough as steel and difficult to eat, so he only ate the inner filling. This did not take away from our experience and we would return. This restaurant probably exists more for the enjoyment of kids and family who would enjoy this jungle themed experience! After eating, we walked the full circuit of the mall and then braved the heat once again to travel to our hotel.
Accommodations
When In Phoenix, we like to stay at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at Buttes. Their rooms are comfortable and the hotel has four dining options. The Lobby Lounge, Market Café, Thirsty Cactus pool bar & grill, and the fine dining restaurant Top of the Rock. My husband and I had a delicious meal at the rock where we sipped wine and beer while watching the sunset. I have never had a Caesar salad made with Kale before, and this Caesar had a delicious tang. My Sea Bass was excellent too. My husband had a vegetarian option, which he claimed was the best veggie meal in terms of presentation and taste––ever!
Duncan Trading Kale CaesarSeared Sea Bass with Breaded ShrimpComposition of Local Farmers Vegetables
The Marriott Tempe has two pools with a connecting passageway between them, at least two whirlpools, and an unobtrusive water slide for the kids. The pool area is beautiful with the surrounding hillside. I like how the patio chairs not only circle the pool, but also rest on varying ledges above the pool. This gives the guest the opportunity of seclusion if you act fast, but most people seem content to rest around the main pool. To me, this is the best hotel to stay at in the Phoenix area. And if you like a good breakfast, ask Kevin (chef from Detroit) to make you an omelet!
A Chuckwalla Lizard as seen on a previous trip. (Photo by Shelley Kassian)
Sometimes if you’re extra lucky you’ll see a Chuckwalla Lizard lounging on the large rocks that decorate the pool landscape. It was very hot on this trip so we only saw a few tinier lizards scurrying down the hillside. I think it was too hot for these creatures to lounge about the pool area, but for my husband and I swimming in the pool, it was very nice indeed!
When my husband had meetings on the second day of our trip, I travelled to Chandler Fashion Center. The cost both ways by Cleanair Taxi was expensive and cost me $100.00 round trip. The expense was worth the cost to arrive at my destination. I shopped at my favorite stores, which include Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Ann Taylor. I was looking for board-shorts and this mall had the stores and the clothing I wanted: Pac Sun, Tilly’s, and Zumiez. It was a good choice and my arms did not leave empty handed.
This trip was short and only lasted three days. I’ll visit again when the temperature drops to a more respectable level.
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse: Picture taken by Shelley Kassian on May 7, 2014
Peggy’s Cove is known for the white lighthouse that sits on a rocky foundation; a granite slope weathered by time that gradually inclines downward to the Atlantic Ocean. When I visited in May, the brisk weather led me to wonder if the snow had just melted. The air held a crisp clean scent, and my fingers were numb with cold. I remember wishing I had worn gloves, as I attempted to capture the scenery with my camera. But regardless of the weather, Peggy’s Cove is a beautiful mystical stop. The small fishing village is only 43 kilometers from Halifax, about 45 minutes by car, and every bit worth the journey.
Shelley Kassian by a Fisherman’s Shack.
Folklore surrounds the naming of Peggy’s Cove. Located on the eastern shore of St. Margaret’s Bay in Nova Scotia, I imagine fishermen have shared the tale around their tables about the ship that met an ill fate on these mysterious rocky shores. Whether the story bares any truth, no one really knows for sure, but some still believe that the only survivor was a young woman, perhaps even a young girl. She was adopted by a family and named Peggy of the Cove.
It’s enjoyable to explore the granite rocks that the lighthouse sits on. They stretch for miles and have been polished by the ice age and time. I enjoyed simply sitting on their smooth surface and staring out to sea. However, when you visit be cautious about exploring the rocky shoreline beneath the lighthouse. The Atlantic Ocean can surge without warning and sweep you off your feet into its water. The rocks are slippery when wet and the water is titanic cold. Climbing back out would be difficult. Injury and death have rewarded other careless sightseer’s; please don’t let this beautiful place be your final fate.
A granite shoreline with a fisherman’s boat beyond. Picture taken by Shelley Kassian
A fisherman’s boat dotted the rocky shore while I watched from above. Peggy’s Cove is an active fishing location, though tourism is the largest draw now. The fisherman pulled up crates, which probably held live lobsters. If you like seafood, this is another tasty draw to this area and Halifax.
rhubarb Restaurant
There’s a nice gift shop and restaurant near the lighthouse where you can have a cup of chowder to warm you from the cold. However, the concierge from our hotel advised us to try the restaurant Rhubarb, which is fairly close to Peggy’s Cove. I enjoyed a delicious bowl of Chowder that was not too thick and included nice big chunks of lobster. While the chowder was ample for a meal, there was plenty of room for dessert. My girlfriends enjoyed Rhubarb crumble, and I had a lemon cake topped with blueberries. Sipping on coffee, and enjoying an Atlantic view, this was a perfect wrap up for Peggy’s Cove. Now that summer has arrived, travellers could sit on the patio. In the evening as twilight descends, this traveller would enjoy a glass of white wine.
