Prison Break - Brothers HQ Wallpaper | Photo.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Black Ford GT - Sport Legend SuperCar HQ Wallpaper
Black Ford GT - American Sport Legend SuperCar HQ Wallpaper.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ti Al Lannec
Just back from a long weekend in Brittany. If my theory that bad-posts-are-good it should really be a story of transport woes and hotels from hell.Unfortunately it was wonderful, but to make up for the lack of drama I'll let you into a secret and tell you the name of the hotel rather than keeping it all to myself.
Actually I've already done it, for its the title of this post, and their web site can be found here. It feels like a country house run by one's favourite relatives who are amazing cooks and with views out of the bedrooms a bit like this:
Unless of course the fog rolls in in which case its a bit like this:
I can't understand why it only has three stars - maybe its the slightly old fashioned wall paper. But that makes it all the more charming - and I can totally see how its on the "Rooms for Romance in France" list.But its also great for families and they coped wonderfully with my nephews and nieces letting us all dine together as a big group.
A short but steep path drops down the the beach where we made sand castles and swam in the extremely cold water. We talked about sailing as there were a couple of sailing schools there but there was no wind so we took the inflatable out with the motor and pop-popped around the bay. This too was cut short as it turned out we had only found one of the two of the gashes in its side so we gradually got lower and lower in the water
There were also walks along the cliffs like this:
It reminded me very much of "A summer's tale" though alas without the lovely Margot of that film.I could go on, but surely that's enough - it was as good as this sunset:
3rd Annual Nevis International Culinary Heritage Exposition
Nevis is hosting the 3rd Annual 3rd Annual Nevis International Culinary Heritage Exposition October 19-21, 2007. The weekend long event will host cooking demonstrations, seminars and gourmet lunches and dinners prepared by the chefs of Nevis and throughout the Caribbean. There are 4 main stops on the island-wide culinary tour: Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Oualie Beach Hotel, Tequila Sheila's, the Botanical Garden of Nevis. Also on the tour are stops at local farms and produce markets. Local Caribbean bands will provide entertainment for the event while local bars will be offering signature cocktails of the island for refreshment. Contact us to check rates!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Optimus Prime - Transformers - Robot HQ Wallpaper.
Optimus Prime - Transformers - Robot HQ Wallpaper.
Cap Juluca Offering 7th Night Free!
Cap Juluca is one of Anguilla's most prized resorts. The resort is located on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Guests are housed in Moorish-inspired villas, each one home to no more than 6 guest rooms. Known for its first-class cuisine and all star staff and amenities, this resort is offering a fabulous fall special! Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 nights (7th night is free). Valid categories: Superior Room, Luxury Room and Junior Suite. Minimum stay: 7 nights. New bookings only. Not combinable. Promo code: 7TH NT FREE. Booking Window: 06/19/07-12/16/07 Travel Window: 06/19/07-12/16/07. Check rates!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Picturesque Rivers
There's a whole series of outdoor walking / hiking and canoeing / kayaking programs on TV at the moment. My favourites are the Great British Journeys presented by Nick Crane.Today he walked and canoed down the Wye in the footsteps of William Gilpin who described his journey in a series of travel books and developed the ideas of nature and the picturesque in art.
What was interesting is that when Crane tried to identify the parts of the river where the pictures that Gilpin used to describe his theories came from it was clear how much he altered reality: the picturesque - or at least the idea - was in his head not in nature.
He also ignored completely the paper mills and copper foundries of the early industrial revolution sprouting along the lower parts of the river. Yet today the ruined factories are themselves considered picturesque.
But even if he didn't find the absolute beauty of nature in his travel, he did help develop the concept that nature, the wild, is beautiful, not scary and unattractive.
But not everyone has the same feeling of what is picturesque - I prefer the view upriver but one of my neices prefers downriver.
What do you find picturesque?
Jamaica is Open for Business!
I am absolutely thrilled that Hurricane Dean spared Jamaica the depth of damage we were all expecting. For the most part, the island only experienced flooding and landscape damage. Being the tropics, the flora and fauna will grow back very soon! The Jamaica Tourist Board has launched an official page with updates from the island's tourism sector. If you or a loved one has plans to visit Jamaica in the near future, you will find this information helpful and reassuring.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hurricane Dean Update From The Weather Channel!
(Story taken from Weather.com on 8/20/07 as of 11:20AM.)Hurricane Dean has moved away from Jamaica after lashing the island nation with sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour, and gusts of at least 138 miles per hour. This came from an observation in Kingston as Dean swept buy to the city's south.
Some locations along the south shore may have experienced even more ferocious winds. The north shore escaped the worst that Dean had to offer but likely experienced hurricane gusts and tropical storm-force sustained winds during the height of the storm.
At 11 a.m. ET, the center of Hurricane Dean was located about 125 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. It is moving toward the west at about 21 mph. Dean is expected to continue on a west or west-northwestward track throughout the remainder of the day. Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with further strengthening likely. In fact, Dean may reach category 5 status within the next several hours.
The Cayman Islands will feel the greatest impact today but fortunately has they have avoided a direct hit. The center of Dean has recently passed about 125 miles to the south of Grand Cayman. Heavy rain, high winds, dangerous surf, and storm surge have all impacted Caymans today.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Thames Water
It's looking like it's going to be a bad summer for sailing. What with work pressures and Open University course I can't see a free weekend till the end of September, when it might be too cold to be doing this:
For this wasn't taken in sunny Turkey when the temperature is in the thirties but here on the Thames.
The problem is the blocks of flats by the Thames creates all sorts of weird wind effects so that sailors can go from downwind to upwind in a few metres.
You might ask - well what about the water quality? It's certainly on my mind but they do keep saying not just that its much better than it used to be, but that its one of the cleanest rivers flowing through a major city.
There are also lots of fish, with flocks of birds diving into the water and sometimes direct sightings like these (anyone know what these are - the water was alas rather murky):
Its must be a rich mix, with all the mud and organic waste. If you ever wondered what happens when a tree floats down the river, well it gets picked up by the fire department, like this:
For this wasn't taken in sunny Turkey when the temperature is in the thirties but here on the Thames.The problem is the blocks of flats by the Thames creates all sorts of weird wind effects so that sailors can go from downwind to upwind in a few metres.
You might ask - well what about the water quality? It's certainly on my mind but they do keep saying not just that its much better than it used to be, but that its one of the cleanest rivers flowing through a major city.
There are also lots of fish, with flocks of birds diving into the water and sometimes direct sightings like these (anyone know what these are - the water was alas rather murky):
Its must be a rich mix, with all the mud and organic waste. If you ever wondered what happens when a tree floats down the river, well it gets picked up by the fire department, like this:
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Hurricane Dean Increases in Strength
My family and I moved from Miami to Atlanta in Dec. 2005 after enduring 5 hurricanes in 18 short months. Because my Caribbean travel business is affected by any regional hurricanes, living in a hurricane zone myself was too difficult. So now, as I sit in the sunny comforts of my Atlanta office I remember the fear that many of my Caribbean friends and family are facing right now. Hurricane Dean quickly became a category 4 storm today and is likely to become a cat 5 before making landfall in Jamaica... my favorite island. I will be monitoring the storm as I can't stray too far from the office because of the many clients I have that are trying to adjust their travel plans around this storm. I am happy to know that my clients can easily reach me rather than waiting for extended periods to contact the airline or hotel if they had booked direct.
While each airline and each hotel chain do have full hurricane details on their websites by now, along with CNN, the Weather Channel and others, the state department's website is also helpful.
We sit, watch, wait, and hope for the best.
While each airline and each hotel chain do have full hurricane details on their websites by now, along with CNN, the Weather Channel and others, the state department's website is also helpful.
We sit, watch, wait, and hope for the best.
Friday, August 17, 2007
White Tiger White Background Hq Wallpaper
White Tiger White Background Hq Wallpaper , Black & White fantastic Hi-res Wallpaper.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Fastnet Photos
There's been a rush of news about the Fastnet and if you missed these two eye catching photos, enjoy:
Photos from http://www.yachtingworld.com/yw/home.htm and http://fastnet.rorc.org/
Photos from http://www.yachtingworld.com/yw/home.htm and http://fastnet.rorc.org/
Taste of Barbados Festival
Food & Wine Magazine is sponsoring the 2007 Taste of Barbados Festival. This 10 day event is the national showcase of Barbados' fine cuisine and local culture. From rum-tastings to one-on-one prime time seating at celebrity chef's tables, the Taste offers something for everyone! Taking place October 11 to 14 at venues located across the island, the festival is not to be missed for any true Caribbean foodies! New this year is a "Farm to Table Tour" where you will follow your meal from harvest to preparation in the presence of a professional chef. While some events range in cost up to $500/per person, there are many complimentary events. Check the schedule for full details. Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Custom 3D Dragon Choper Hq Wallpaper
Custom 3D Dragon Choper Hq Wallpaper , Digital Art hi-res Wallpaper.
Get Married at Almond Resorts, Get a Free STAR!
Almond Resorts, with properties located in Barbados and St. Lucia, has topped the standard complimentary resort wedding package by throwing in a free star! Weddings at their resorts are free if you stay at least 7 nights and now if you get married between September 1, 2007 and December 20, 2008, a star will be named in your honor!
Free Wedding Package Includes:
Government fees (for wedding), ceremony charges and registrars cost
Decorated site
Local flowers for bride and boutonniere for groom
Wedding cake
Bottle of champagne
8"x10" photo in engrave frame*for stays less than 7 nights, a charge of $350 will apply. Ask about our inclusive Honeymoon Package.
Star Package includes:
Star named in honor of the couple through International Star Registry
16"x12" full-color, personalized parchment certificate
16"x12" sky chart showing name, date and location of star
Astronomy booklet with additional sky charts
Letter of congratulations
Call 866-236-1924 for rates!
Free Wedding Package Includes:
Government fees (for wedding), ceremony charges and registrars cost
Decorated site
Local flowers for bride and boutonniere for groom
Wedding cake
Bottle of champagne
8"x10" photo in engrave frame*for stays less than 7 nights, a charge of $350 will apply. Ask about our inclusive Honeymoon Package.
Star Package includes:
Star named in honor of the couple through International Star Registry
16"x12" full-color, personalized parchment certificate
16"x12" sky chart showing name, date and location of star
Astronomy booklet with additional sky charts
Letter of congratulations
Call 866-236-1924 for rates!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Are bad posts good?
There has been a rush of viewing on this blog. One particular post has had more hits than all the others put together this month, a new all time high.So what is the winning formula?
Was it:
- the perfect day sail in the Solent on a Volvo 60 with round the world single handed sailor Emma Richards?
- the unexpected treat of sailing an America's Cup class boat in beautiful Sydney Harbour?
- or the fictional adventures of a bunch of celebrities attempting to race the Atlantic?
Not entirely sure why this is - if you have any theories let me know.
A working hypothesis is that while it is said that everyone loves a winner, I think actually everyone would like to be a winner, but would rather not read about how someone else won by being smart and sailing faster and better than everyone else (i.e. them).
You could call it the Homer Simpson effect: his misadventures are more entertaining and endearing than the corporate machinations of Mr Burns. Similarly with favourite sitcoms like Cheers and Seinfeld: I loved both but neither set of characters were really successful.
So to all you race winners out there, all I can say is "Doh!"
Black Lamborghini Gallardo HD Wallpaper
Black Lamborghini Gallardo HD Wallpaper , Super car hq wallpaper.
Storm hits Fastnet
I felt a bit guilty this morning. Waiting for the alarm to go off, all warm in my bed, I could hear the rain outside and wondered how the Fastnet fleet had coped with the conditions overnight.I was soon to find out as got the following text over breakfast: "Went for shelter in plymouth: bad night half crew down with seasickness".
Checking the Rolex Fastnet Race web site it became apparent that what seemed like half the fleet had made a similar decision. Ports from Falmouth to Weymouth must be packed with retiring boats.
The two main yachts I was following, Selene (hello A.) and Intuition (hello A. & A.), had both retired. There had even been a couple of dismastings, including the wonderfully named Oz Privateer that used to be owned by an old friend and colleague DK.
If it helps cheer up those recovering in port, this is clearly going to be one of those races that people will remember for years to come.
Graphic from race viewer from http://fastnet.rorc.org/
Monday, August 13, 2007
Fastnet Finally Starts
The Fastnet has finally started and the fleet is well on its way past Portland Bill and heading for Start Point and I have been distracted at work by following their progress on the RORC race player (to be found here).While the player has its clunky moments, thats not too unexpected given the fleet is not half a dozen as per many off shore races but a whopping 300. Its great fun watching the start as the waves of classes head off down towards Hurst Castle and then bursting out into the channel by the Needles (above).
One boat seem to be routing through the Isle of Wight but I'm guessing that is technical faults not unorthodox tactics.
It seems they will also avoid the worst of the weather - looks like a F7-8 peak and many will at that point be away from the strongest winds, as the chart below (from here) shows a dip in wind speed around the Lizard at the same time as the fleet should be getting there.
This might cause some to question the RORC's decision to delay the race. They say that blogs should always be controversial so I should stir things up and flame at committee mentality.But the truth is I have some sympathy. The forecast did indicate a potential force 10, with wind speeds over 50 knots in the Celtic Sea just as the fleet would have been crossing it. It looks like this worst case scenario won't happen, but with the vagaries of the weather it might have.
And with gust speeds 50% higher than the continuous that would mean peaks of 75 knots, which would not have been pretty.
If you're not convinced read this great book about the 1979 race when 15 died.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Commiserations and Congratulations
Both commiserations and congratulations to Mike Sanderson.
Commiserations for also not being able to do the Fastnet though for a better excuse than mine - his brand new Pindar was dismasted during Cowes week.
But congratulations are also due as he and his wife Emma (ne Richards) are expecting a baby! Thankfully the lovely Emma, who was on-board at the time, was unharmed in the incident.
I was lucky enough to sail with her last September on another Pindar, so my special best wishes go to Emma
Commiserations for also not being able to do the Fastnet though for a better excuse than mine - his brand new Pindar was dismasted during Cowes week.
But congratulations are also due as he and his wife Emma (ne Richards) are expecting a baby! Thankfully the lovely Emma, who was on-board at the time, was unharmed in the incident.I was lucky enough to sail with her last September on another Pindar, so my special best wishes go to Emma
No Fastnet Today
Even with the start of the Fastnet delayed by a day it still won't avoid the bad weather. Looking at the forecast above for Tuesday (from here) its clear its going to be a bumpy ride for the first couple of days.The argument is that at least the boats will be close to shore if something goes wrong. But some might say that when something goes wrong you might not want to be too close to a lee shore.
Good luck and safe sailing to all those heading out tomorrow.
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