Maiden Voyage

I have never been on a cruise.

I’ve been whale watching, water skiing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, canoeing, rafting and house boating. But never cruising. Until now. Read more here!

Christmas In America

If you are seeking ideas for an inspired Christmas holiday, look no further than award-winning photographer Peter Guttman’s collection of photographs in his book Christmas in America. ( Skyhorse Publishing, 2007) In 188 pages, his images and descriptions honor the way we celebrate the season across the country.

Here are a few of his favorites:

Washington Crossing, PA . Each year families witness the recreation of Washington Crossing the Delaware River and reflect on the historic activities of 1776. “On Christmas Day, a sea of tricorn hats fill flat-bottomed Durham boats that make their way across the tricky currents of the Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” observes Guttman. Activities for this event are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Contact: www.ushistory.org/WashingtonCrossing/reenactment/index.htm; 215-493-4076.

New Paltz, NY. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the Victorian-style 265 room Mohonk Mountain House is magically transformed for the holidays. Expect swags and wreaths, “kissing globes,” Victorian chair skaters, colorfully adorned trees and flickering fireplaces as the heart-warming backdrop for family-focused music and entertainment. Contact: http://www.mohonk.com/; 1.800.772.6646.


New York, NY. There is something magical about Christmas in New York. Lace your skates, circle the rink and enjoy the nearby glow of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree that has delighted guests since 1933. Adds Guttman: “Five miles of electrical wiring are required to bring the celebrated tree to life.” Contact: www.rockefellercenter.com/; 212.332.7654.

New Orleans, LA. “Blazing Christmas Eve infernos rage on both sides of the Mississippi River”, explains Guttman as he describes the longtime Cajun tradition of lighting more than 100 bonfires along the riverbank to serve as landing lights for “Papa Noel” and he heads into bayou country. Take part on your own or join a tour. Contact: www.neworleansonline.com/christmas/; www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday_bonfireadventure.shtml; 800-535-7786.

Yosemite National Park, CA. Each year since 1927, on a hand full of evenings in December, an elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of music, ritual, and entertainment, amid a celebratory feast, takes place within the transformed Ahwahnee Lodge. The Bracebridge Dinner is a yuletide ceremony of grand proportions, inspired by Washington Irving’s Sketchbook that described Squire Bracebridge and the English traditions of the period. According to Guttman, famed photographer Ansel Adams was among the founders and a long time participant. Contact: (801) 559-4884; www.yosemitepark.com/specialeventspackages_specialevents_bracebridgedinners.aspx.

Vancouver Airport's Tantalizing Trifecta

After a long stretch of travel, the body wears out, the skin dries up, and I need to be replenished. I recently checked in to the elegant Fairmont Hotel at the Vancouver airport. My connections made it impossible for me to make it to my final destination within the same day. But something pleasant was on my agenda.

The spa at this unusual airport hotel makes a delay or an unexpected flight change almost a blessing in disguise. Spend the night or spend a few hours rejuvenating yourself!

I took advantage of a special spa package that helps weary travelers recover from jet lag. Treat yourself to a foot and leg massage designed to get the post flight circulation going. Move on to a total body massage and round out the tantalizing trifecta with a sweet smelling facial.

You’ll leave the Absolute Spa feeling a dreamy sense of calm and relaxation.

Hawley Mountain Ranch - A Wellness Opportunity

Life can come on strong. So if you are looking for a place to relax, destress and connect to nature and yourself, the Wellness Retreats at the Hawley Mountain Ranch may fit the bill.

I recently spent a few days in this remote and extraordinarily beautiful setting in Montana’s pristine mountains near McLeod. Nestled deep in a canyon, adjacent to the winding Boulder River, you will be nourished by the setting and the innovative programs recently launched.

In addition to traditional guest ranch activities – riding, hiking, fishing, exploring – you can seek personal rejuvenation through art, yoga, journaling, meditation and breath work offered within two different programs led by professional facilitators.


Find out more! Contact: JodeyDance@aol.com; 877-496-7848

Hut Hiking

We had the best of intentions but who knew there was still so much snow enroute to our 1oth Mountain Division Hut?

Even with snow shoes it was rough going for our crew. We will try again when the snow melts!