When I crave a weekend getaway requiring minimum effort that yields maximum satisfaction, Whidbey Island is high on my list. Whidbey is 35 miles long and the fourth longest island in the country. Here are my criteria for a low maintenance/highly enjoyable weekend: Convenience: A 25 minute drive on I-5 from Seattle to the Mukilteo ferry, [...]
Love secrets, but WikiLeaks is bringing you down? Fear not! I’m here to blow the lid off a Canada-sized conspiracy. The Okanagan, BC region, flush with family-owned and run boutique wineries and sunny dry weather, has got an almost island-like easy going feel. A six hour drive from Seattle, the Okanagan has a total of [...]
Whistler is cool, but Pemberton may just be a little bit cooler. That is, if you are craving something more low key and you are not intimidated with being surrounded by a plethora of laid back 30 something adventurers with healthy glows, voracious appetites, who all use their tricked-out mountain bikes as the main mode [...]
After three memorable days on the Naramata Bench, our itinerary tells us we are supposed to be heading west to Whistler. The Okanagan has sucked us in though so we add a quick side-trip to Kelowna in the northern part of the valley. After an hour drive and a rather harrowing last 8 km up a sandy [...]
When multiple people with different backgrounds and interests – a Vancouver wine enthusiast, two-time Ironman competitor, avid mountain biker, and golfer – all talk up the Okanagan Valley, BC, you had better believe I am going to check it out. A six-hour drive from Seattle puts you in the heart of the Southern Okanagan [...]
The Cascade Bicycle Club’s annual May Bike to work month is a great program, but a bike to brunch campaign would make it a smidge easier for me to get up in the morning and hop on two wheels. One of my favorite bike rides (when I want to work my legs but not have to think [...]
Every time I roll through Vancouver on my way to one of the many world-class destinations in British Columbia, I am tempted by all the urban treats the city has to offer: endless amounts of good food, jogging in picture-perfect Stanley Park and shopping in Gastown. But when my destination is Sakinaw Lake Lodge and [...]
For a low-key weekend getaway, I always gravitate to the tranquility of the islands. One of my favorite spots is Lopez Island: part of the stunning San Juan chain of islands in Washington. All of the islands have a mellow vibe, but Lopez in particular strikes a nice balance between countryside-mellow and small town activity. Here is how I like [...]
I snapped this picture of a Parisian dude heading to work during rush hour. Not only is he sportin’ a suit while speeding along on his bike, but he is on a public bike rental with perfectly situated hair and appears sweat-free. FINALLY, something affordable in Paris – the city-sponsored Vélib’ self service bike system. We are talking ~1 euro [...]
