mountains

Fields of Taro

The road to Hanalei overlooks a landscape many artists dream of capturing on canvas. In fact, it’s not unusual to see someone standing off the side of the road with feet firmly planted in front of a wooden easel with paintbrush in hand. Farther up the steep winding paved surface is a bird’s eye view of the valley below where taro fields thrive. This is the eclectic village of Hanalei. Cross the single lane bridge at the bottom of the hill and see. At first glance these plants, with leaves the size of elephant ears, appear to be growing out of soggy fields saturated with water. Second cousins to the mallard duck waddle and fly wherever they please. This wildlife habitat is their lush playground. In the distance you may spot a farmer systematically tending the crop, knee-deep in the muddy paddy fields, oblivious to the stunning backdrop. After all, taro root is Hawaii’s favorite starch. Beyond his shoulder sweeps an endless view of towering mountains ruggedly splashed with colors of smoky amethyst and emerald jade. Pause here and drink in the beauty for reflection later on. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Fireweed Grill in Kananaskis Village, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: The Fireweed Grill in Kananaskis Village, Canada! With an stunning view of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, it’s not too difficult to appreciate a traditional breakfast of Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Outside the temperature may be around freezing, but the warm sunlight casting shadows over the natural beauty intensifies every adventure, especially dining. An impressive menu features personalized service at the International Breakfast Buffet or from the a-la-carte menu instead. Not an early riser? No worries. The Fireweed Grill offers unforgettable dinner options as well. Think about adding a wilderness back-country retreat to your already lengthy delicious Bucket List. 

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle! In childhood fairytales and adolescent dreams there’s always a knight in shining armor who lives in a castle in the mountains. Ladies, I’m here to tell you such a place exists. I know because I have been there. In fact, the Fairmont Banff Springs is known as the “Castle in the Rockies” located at the edge of the quaint alpine village of Banff, Alberta, Canada. With its attention to detail, sophisticated respectability, luxurious furnishings, and majestic views, is it any wonder it continues to attract celebrities and royalty from all over the world? Feel free to wander aimlessly throughout its tapestried halls and winding staircases. At the end of the day, you may find yourself in the romantic alcove of Rundle Lounge sipping hand-crafted cocktails overlooking a manicured garden or spacious terrace. Just remember to bring your own Prince Charming. 

Dining Outside the Home: Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon in Banff, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon in Banff, Canada! Climb the stairs to the second level for a wide-open Wild West experience complete with smokehouse menu, grizzly bear wi-fi, and mechanical bull. The windows are flung open wide to the alpine view beyond. If you’re lucky, you may snag a couple bar stools on the private balcony perched for people-watching on Main Street below. The chuck wagon sandwiches include fresh elk burgers and lean bison burgers. When you want to gather with friends, dance the night away, sing like you’re a country music star, Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon offers night life that never sleeps. 

Blue Waters Outline Wolf Head

Blue Waters Outline Wolf Head! A bird’s eye view from Bow Summit affords the most incredible vantage point of a shockingly turquoise lake in the form of a wolf’s head. This is Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada. From the parking area, a short walk along a paved trail builds suspense for what lies ahead. The platformed lookout, suspended over the edge of the mountain, sits high above the dense valley below. Everyone can appreciate the snow-capped glacier peaks and incredible color of the icy blue water. Imagine the awe of historical trapper Bill Peyto when he made this discovery in the late 1800s. 

Romantic Hideaway or Artist’ Retreat 

Romantic Hideaway or Artist’ Retreat? Deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, nestled along the cerulean banks of Bow Lake, sits a rustic log cabin and stone lodge where cell phones have ceased functioning and television sets have gone missing. Travelers and tourists seek refuge at the red-roofed Num-ti-jah Lodge when the urge arises to “get away from it all”. (The staff has access to internet and phones in case of an emergency.) Step outside the front door to a glacier backdrop that captivates the inner poet and the novice photographer as well as the unbridled passions of writers, artists, or sculptors. But don’t stop there. Fishermen wile away the hours from dawn to dusk before returning to a warm fire. Hikers explore foot trails across the lake for a vantage point that spots the red roof as a way back home at the end of the day. Enliven the senses and embrace Alberta, Canada. 

Walk on Glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park

Walk on glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park. Defy gravity when you take a stroll on a curved glass platform 900 feet above the Sunwapta Valley in Alberta, Canada. The stunning panoramic view of the rugged terrain that sweeps from glacier valley to mountainous peaks is enough to make your stomach turn flip flops like a seasoned gymnast. But don’t let that stop you. This is an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies. 

Bow Valley Parkway is Legacy Trail

Bow Valley Parkway is Legacy Trail! Along the western Canadian Icefields Parkway, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, don’t be surprised at the sight of a wandering bicyclist who seems to appear out of nowhere. Seasoned cyclists yearn for the most up-close-and-personal way to experience the vast wilderness, ancient glaciers, emerald green waters, and snow capped peaks. As the road snakes uphill and down, the majestic landscape appears to hypnotize the mind as it takes your breath away! Go by car, by bus, by bike…but GO! It’s picture perfect in every way.