runnner231This underwater habitat is located in a lagoon on Key Largo, Florida, USA, reached via the Overseas Highway, A1A. Once a research lab, it has since been renovated into a quaint 2 bedroom 'hotel' for overnight stays and daytime visits by reservation only. They have a full support staff and even "room service" where they will bring down your meal ordered topside. You can dive the lagoon before entering the Habitat, and then enjoy some leisurely time in the undersea environment with its 42" picture windows looking out into the lagoon. There is even decent WiFi down below, so you can still communicate with you friends ashore via Skype and other social media.
Jules Verne Lodge, Underwater Hotelrunnner2312017-07-19 | This underwater habitat is located in a lagoon on Key Largo, Florida, USA, reached via the Overseas Highway, A1A. Once a research lab, it has since been renovated into a quaint 2 bedroom 'hotel' for overnight stays and daytime visits by reservation only. They have a full support staff and even "room service" where they will bring down your meal ordered topside. You can dive the lagoon before entering the Habitat, and then enjoy some leisurely time in the undersea environment with its 42" picture windows looking out into the lagoon. There is even decent WiFi down below, so you can still communicate with you friends ashore via Skype and other social media.Quick Walking Tour off Cruise Ship in Catalina Islandrunnner2312024-05-06 | Cruising to Catalina Island and no shore excursion booked. Just take the Tender ashore and walk around and enjoy the local ambience of the island as can been see in this short video. By far not comprehensive, but gives you an idea on how to see the local vibe once ashore, enjoy, ciaoCruise Ship Waterslide - WaHoorunnner2312024-05-06 | Just a quick short of a top deck waterslide run aboard a Carnival Cruise ship off the coast of Mexico. . . .Quick info on Back-to-Back Cruisingrunnner2312024-05-06 | Just a short video on what happens when you do two cruises in a row on the same ship, referred to as a "Back-to-Back" and the fun that can be ha. A great way to extend your vacation or time at sea! Enjoy CiaoSnorkeling Excursion with Sharks in Biminirunnner2312022-10-11 | This video was shot while on a Carnival Cruise (Liberty) shore excursion in Bimini, Bahamas in Summer of 2022. The shore excursion departs right across from the 'cruise port' (the one cement pier), and takes you on a :30-:40 minute boat ride to the reef, and in the water you go with the sharks that hang out at this reef. A great view, until they got a little too close for comfort, but made for some great excitement! Enjoy,Snorkel Tour @ Phil Foster Park, Dive Trail in Floridarunnner2312022-08-07 | This is a fun park off of Singer Island, Florida on the intercoastal waterway. It has a mapped out underwater snorkel tour that is quite popular with snorkelers and Scuba divers alike. Thanks to placed artificial reef formations it has a multitude of fish and marine life easily visible by snorkelers. The best visibility is 1 hour before high tide as the incoming water provides great clarity. There is plenty of shaded sand under the bridge and the snorkel area is just south of the shaded area. The best entry is to the far left of the bridge and lifeguard towers as the current usually runs from the east to the west. The reef is just beyond the white round buoys marking the swim area and before the White & Orange tall buoys (see pic in the video). Parking is free for single cars (there is a charge for boat launching and parking w/a trailer) as of the publish date of this video. Be aware due to popularity, the lot usually fills by noon in the summer season. There are two (2) freshwater showers by the parking lot and restrooms a short walk around the parking lot. There are no vendors (food or gear) in the park, so bring all you will need to enjoy your day. This is a fun protected swim, snorkel and dive spot, I recommend a stop if you are in the area, enjoy the video. The park can be reached by taking highway 708 East (Blue Heron Blvd) off the I-95 in the Palm Beach area. Cheers & EnjoySightseeing around Bali, Indonesiarunnner2312022-04-11 | A short Video tour sightseeing around Bali, Indonesia. We visit a few outstanding guest houses on our way to Tibumana Falls, the Monkey Forest, Goa Gaja, Ubud and finally doing some work at the Bali Sea Turtle Society as we set some small turtles free into the ocean. Please enjoy this video providing only a short glimpse of these sights and come back for more updates.Snorkel Tour At The Arch - Cabo San Lucasrunnner2312022-04-03 | Please enjoy this short video of a shore excursion off the Carnival cruise ship "Miracle" in Cabo San Lucas. This trip takes us on a snorkel boat out to The Arch (famous Cabo San Lucas landmark). Enjoy the scenery and plan your trip !Carnival Ships Meet At Sea for 50th Celebrationrunnner2312022-03-15 | The Carnival Cruise Line is celebration its 50th anniversary this year and have a variety of events being performed. One such event is an At Sea Meet Up of their ships in the fleet. This video is taken from the Carnival Miracle when it meets up with the Carnival Panorama (one of their newer ships) off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico in March of 2022. It was quite the event to coordinate the two giant liners meeting up at sea and thousands of passengers on each ship flocking to the railing to hail each other across the sea! And then the horns began to blast as they each saluted each other on the high seas! It was quite the scene and not one often experienced by this seasoned cruiser! Please enjoy the video despite the clarity, it was quickly filmed in high winds and some swell and of course the excitement of the moment! Cheers,Ensenada Mexico Deep Sea Fishing Tourrunnner2312018-05-04 | This video documents an 'excursion' trip off the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship when it docks in Ensenada, Mexico. Its a great little half day trip from the local marina with a local fisherman. The Carnival Inspiration does 3 and 4 day trips out of Long Beach, California, USA. This excusion is just a short bus ride from the dock, and includes all licenses, transportation and deckhand assistance.
“Sergios's” boat goes about 8-9 miles offshore and he really knows the hot spots. If its not hitting he moves the boat until we start hauling them in! Go for the morning trip, as its usually calmer, and then you have the afternoon to explore Ensenada, downtown shopping district is just a short walk from the wharf when you come ashore. The fish market also has great eats just above the marina. Check out “Tequila's Bar & Grill” as you walk into town, say hi to Louie if you stop in. Bring a hat, sunglasses, light jacket, sunscreen as it is an open boat for fishing.Amtraks Coast Starlight Train to Seattle, WA USArunnner2312017-07-29 | Amtrak Route: Coast Starlight Origination Station: Los Angeles, Union Station Terminating Station: Seattle, Washington Approximate Miles Covered: 1,377 Scheduled Duration: 34 Hours Actual Duration this trip: 36 Hours
This train departs from the grand and historic Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, Ca. This restored station now has a few restaurants and shops, and is in the eastern half of downtown and well connected to the Metro transit lines. After an on-time morning departure it heads to the Southern California coastline, the left side of the train affords great views of the Pacific as it passes through the beautiful coastal towns of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Pismo Beach. Riders get secretive views of the Vandenberg Airforce base and its many space launch pads only viewable by train. Once the route cuts inland you get to view the farmlands of mid-California and then enter into the San Francisco bay area at San Jose with a brief stop at the Emeryville station. Once turning inland to Sacramento, there is the capital in a brief view before continuing northward. The northern state is arid and dry but still worthy of some window time. The cross over into Oregon going north is at night, so the glory of the cascades is missed, but the twists and turns can be felt. We wake up in Oregon with great views of the Klamath mountains, and the upper Lake Klamath. Soon we pass into the well forested mountain range for miles and miles of scenic beauty. Portland, Oregon sneaks up on us as we cross over the river into the Portland station. Onward and northward we’ll see the some of the many inland waterways of the Puget sound and the infamous Tacoma Narrows bridges, replacements for the first edition which shook itself to its demise in high winds. By nightfall we arrive at Seattle’s King Street Station in the south part of downtown. Our trip continues with a night time ferry ride to Bainbridge island just across the sound. We do a brief tour of the Kitsap Peninsula visiting Poulsbo, Mt. Walker and Port Gamble before returning by Ferry Service to Seattle. And no trip to Seattle is complete without visiting Pikes Market and quick view of the ‘Flying Fish’! Enjoy the visual trip on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and the sights of Seattle and surrounding areas.Bahamas Island Hopping to Staniel Cayrunnner2312017-07-29 | Join me on my 2-day island hopping tour from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, with checkpoints at Exuma and Congo Town, with an overnight stay on Staniel Cay. We visit the famous Swimming Pigs, Iguana island and swam into the island Grotto, all a short boat ride from Staniel Cay. Enjoy this quick video tour of these famous out of the way Bahamas stops.Island Day Trip off Mabini, Philippinesrunnner2312016-04-16 | This video covers a resort day trip from Eagle Point Resort in Mabini, Anilao, about 140 km south of Manila, Philippines. The rocky coastline has many small islands to explore, dive and kayak. Anilao is known for its diving and has many dive resorts along the coast and its best to stay a few days just due to the driving time to get there (and you won't want to leave after staying coast side). Batangas is the nearest city, which has daily bus service or private car service from Manila. Eagle point is fairly remote, so once you get their its easy to stay on and enjoy all it has to offer. There are a multitude of other resorts, this just happened to be available and easy to book Enjoy the video, more to come as I'll be here for awhile. AdyosRobby Knievels Palm Springs Motorcycle Jumprunnner2312015-10-25 | Robbie Knievel celebrated sobriety by performing a ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jump in Palm Springs California, as part of the Spa Resort Casino's Brews and BBQ Festival. This 30 yard jump was over the ever present line up of golf carts, fitting for Palm Springs. Unfortunately due to the tight venue he had a hard stop against the hay bales at the far end of his landing point. Luckily he was able to get up and walk away (like all old pilots used to say, any landing you can walk away from is a good one!). Enjoy the short videoWaikiki Catamaran Sailing & Snorkelingrunnner2312015-05-16 | This video is a compilation of sailings on the MaiTai catamaran off Waikiki beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. It departs right from Waikiki beach in front of the Sheraton Hotel, easy access. We sail out and do some snorkeling to watch the sea turtles in the teal green waters off the beach. The MaiTai also does a great sail off beautiful Diamond Head with a nice breeze and wind, the swells sometimes come crashing over the forward section, check out the action. And on the return trip you can sometimes enjoy a dolphin escort back towards shore, check out their gracefulness as they swim in front of our bow. Enjoy the view aboard the MaiTai Catamaran.Sailing on Stars & Stripes, Americas Cup 1987 Winnerrunnner2312015-01-16 | This video covers a day of yacht racing on two famous (well 1 at least) 12 meter yachts. The US "Stars & Stripes" won back the famed America's Cup after it was lost after a 100+ year winning streak. With Captain Dennis Conner at the helm and the fine Stars & Stripes beneath him, he won back the coveted cup. This famed yacht is now available for charter cruising with you as the crew on many of the key positions aboard. Check out an actual timed race between the Stars & Stripes and the Canadian 12 meter, True North. This video covers both perspectives for some great video viewing. Please excuse the roughness, but hard to stay steady on a sloping racing yacht off the coast of St. Maartin.Catalina ZipLine Shore Excursionrunnner2312015-01-05 | This short video takes you on a quick Zip Line tour on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. The zip line location is just outside of the town of Avalon, the only major residential area on the island. This tour is an excursion tour off the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship on their 4 day cruise out of Long Beach, CA. After a short bus ride up into the hills above Avalon, you are clipped onto the first of 5 zip lines crisscrossing a canyon behind Descanso beach club. It’s a great way to spend a sunny morning on the island, so click “PLAY” and lets FLY ! ! ! ! And then check out my other adventure travel videos on my channel. Cheers,Runnner231runnner2312014-12-27 | This short clip describes my page here and why you’ll want to check it out on what to do when its time to “get out of the box” and go explore the world. The narrative further describes my page, and the clips include snippets from just a few of my channel’s travel videos, there are many more across my page. So hit “Play” check my trailer and go down the list of videos to enjoy and then start planning your own journey to Get Out Of The Box!Power Snorkel Adventurerunnner2312014-10-29 | A short video of a Caribbean cruise ship (Carnival Freedom) shore excursion on Grand Turk using aqua scooters on a reef snorkel tour. During the van ride to the beach from the cruise dock the driver provided a very informative conversation about the history of Grand Turk. This excursion departs from the Beach Getaway excursion site which consists of a small resort with a bar, beach and activities booth. On the beach after a short safety speech and instructions on operating the underwater aqua scooter we were led to an open boat that would take us out to the reef. With life vests donned, we entered the water and our individual aqua scooters were floated to us to begin our motorized snorkel tour. It was quite easy to master the underwater operation of the scooter, which this model had 3 speeds, easily obtained with a quick push of a button on the right handhold. It was a very cool experience being whisked effortlessly through the clear waters of the Caribbean over the reef. There was not an abundance of sea life on this part of the reef, though enough to make it interesting and easily viewed as you zoomed through the water. Those with some degree of snorkeling experience can make a quick pike dive down letting the scooter pull you along as you do some quick underwater exploring. After a short period of time nearly every participant was doing short dives down, but this was just an added bonus, though who stayed on top had just a good a view zooming along the surface. Our tour time seemed to fly by (just as we did over the reef), and soon we found ourselves gliding over the shallow waters off the beach to our return spot right in front of the activities beach hut. It was easy coming ashore and I surely could have stayed out far longer. I recommend this excursion for those comfortable in the water with or without snorkel experience. I really enjoyed the ability to move effortlessly over the beautiful Caribbean waters. Enjoy this short video of my effortless snorkel tour over a reef off of Grand Turk !PaddleBoard Excursionrunnner2312014-10-19 | PADDLE BOARD & SNORKEL EXCURSION This short video highlights a shore excursion from the Carnival Cruise ship Freedom at the Grand Turk port of call. It was a great little adventure in the crystal Caribbean waters. We learned the ups and downs of the stand-up paddle board (mostly the downs!) before we paddled to the reef for snorkeling with some great sea life – some more surprising than we expected, watch closely as you see our finned ‘friend’ emerge from beneath the reef. Afterward we took a quick shore break, visiting one of the oldest churches on the island, St. Mary’s with its beautiful stained glass windows and gothic architecture.
The clear waters of the Caribbean were fantastic to paddle over as fish swam beneath us which we got to see firsthand during the snorkel portion of this shore excursion. The island was great to stroll through when we completed our excursion before returning to the ship. Enjoy the video and check out other travel videos at www.youtube.com/runnner231.Grand Turk Helicopter Excursionrunnner2312014-10-19 | This is a short video of the shore excursion helicopter flight from the Carnival cruise ship Freedom while in Grand Turk in the Caribbean. The chopper pad is a short 5 minute van ride from the pier, and the helicopter comfortably seats 4 passengers. The crew is professional, and the pilot narrates the whole tour as we circle the island. On this day, the east side was calm, so you will see the reefs and clear waters on the start of the tour, and then see the hurricane generated waves hitting the north and west side of the island. It offered spectacular views of the ocean and the island as I've tried to relate in this shortened video. I hope to upload the full footage for those who want to see it and I encourage anyone going to Grand Turk to give the helicopter ride a try. Cheers, enjoy and just do it,Aruba 2Tank Dive Excursionrunnner2312014-10-14 | CERTIFIED TWO TANK DIVE EXCURSION in ARUBA This video brief shows a Carnival Cruise ship shore excursion in Aruba for certified scuba divers with a least one logged dive in the past 18 months. On this particular day the dive boat picked us up right across the pier from the cruise ship so it was a very nice short walk with easy boarding of the dive boat. The video covers the first dive to 55’ down to the wreck of the Antilles a German cruiser scuttled in the 1940’s. Fritz the dive master gave a very informative dive briefing and instructions, showing both friendliness and professionalism. The descent was an easy drop down the mooring line or free drop in the clear water with at least 50’ visibility. Fritz led us on a leisurely clockwise circle dive around the wreck with great views of the marine life now occupying the Antilles with many great photo opportunities. The fish showed their colors at the 55’ depth with the bright sunlight and water clarity. Even without a wetsuit the water was comfortable, though lean divers may find it a bit chilly, so a wetsuit may be recommended. We easily circled the entire ship in our 40 minute dive, with the last few minutes used for a gentle ascent and downward view of the wreck and a short safety stop at 15’-20’ as a precautionary measure. All in all a very exciting wreck dive done with ease and great viewing opportunities. This was a fun diver excursion for the certified diver, the wreck dive was intriguing at a comfortable depth with plenty of marine life. On this day, the excursion returned to the dock just after noon leaving plenty of time to explore the coast shops of Aruba all within walking distance of the dock. Free WiFi can be found at the Star Bucks in the Renaissance Hotel at the end of the mall. I would recommend diving the Antilles off the Aruba coast if you ever get the chance, enjoy the short video.Long Beach Harbor Helicoter Tourrunnner2312014-09-20 | Here’s a short helicopter video of Long Beach harbor, California. Taking off from the Island Express helipad near the cruise dock, we fly over the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship which is now doing 3 and 4 night cruises to Mexico. We’ll see the permanently moored Queen Mary sitting majestically in the harbor. Then after a few fly-bys of these two liners we buzz the Vincent Thomas bridge by San Pedro harbor, then head south over the yacht harbor, the beautiful beaches and return after a hard turnaround. Finally we buzz downtown Long Beach following Ocean Blvd, skimming over the Westin hotel and neighboring Long Beach Convention Center. A Long Beach visit and Queen Mary stay could easily be added on to a nearby Disneyland visit in Anaheim, Ca. Enjoy the “ride”.Running With The Bullsrunnner2312014-08-31 | Its not Pamplona, but hey a chance to climb into the arena with the Bulls and face off with a couple of the Big Guys, bulls that is! This is the commercialized American version of the bull run. This one was at a California fairgrounds horse race track, with 3 sets of bulls released in intervals. And yes, you are right in front of them as they come charging at you, the high corral fence soon becomes your friend, but by the 3rd time, I did run, get passed and then I chased them down (yes slightly crazy). One more item off the Bucket List! (PG rated due to some of the screaming in the background, you would too!)Dangers Prize Sailing out of Key West, FL, USArunnner2312014-06-17 | Key West, sits on the southern most tip of Florida at the end of the "overseas highway" which is approximately 127 miles in length. Key West is filled with a bustling tourist district of restaurants, pubs and clubs of all types. In addition there is an abundance of water sports to be had. This trip will take you out on the sailboat Dangers Prize leaving from the Westin Marina right off of Mallory square. Smaller then most charters, it is a great way to get out to enjoy the cool ocean breezes. On shore there are plenty of sights to be had as well, including the Hemingway House where he spent ten years writing and enjoying the turquoise waters and wonderful sunsets (or so its said). Enjoy this short view of the waters of Key West and a few views of the underwater sea life, better yet, go there yourself and enjoy it in real time.Catalina Dolphin Watchingrunnner2312014-02-03 | A shore excursion off the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship out of Long Beach, California. This took place on the second day of the cruise, stopping at Santa Catalina Island, approximately 26 miles off the coast of California. This shore excursion was a dolphin watching trip on a small boat, the Scuba Cat. This was the first trip of the day out of Avalon Harbor, so there were very few of us on Scuba Cat, so we had the full run of the boat and could get great shots at all times as you will soon see. We literally just cruised the coastline and the dolphins kind of found us, first following the boat in our wake and then overtook us and were playing off the bow. Note their grace and speed, what a wonderful experience to see up close. Enjoy the 'trip',.,then get out and do it yourself, Cheers, WaldoShort Flight Tour over San Francisco Bayrunnner2312014-01-31 | Waldo takes the controls and flies over San Francisco, CA, flying out of Oakland, CA, (runway 28R). Leaving and heading west out along the new Bay Bridge built at a cost of $6.5 billion. Then on to views of downtown San Franciso, Crissy Field and then a 360 wide turn over the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge (built a cost of $35 million in 1937). From there we head north along the Marin Headlands, over Drakes Bay (think oyster farms), and then return with some turbulence off the coastal range (waldo does turbulence better when in forward cabin with a drink in his hand!). Eastward we fly right over Alcatraz Island, a military post from 1850 - 1934 and then a Federal penitentiary from 1934 - 1963, now a major tour attraction in San Francisco Bay). And finally a quick turn over the Oakland hills, final approach at the Oakland A's playing field and Waldo comes in for his first landing at Oakland, California. Enjoy the viewLa Bufadora Blowhole Kayak Tour, Ensenada, Mexicorunnner2312013-10-27 | La Bufadora blowhole is one of the largest in North America. It is located just south of the town of Ensenada Mexico. Most tourists view it from a land platform, though this tour is from the ocean aboard a sea kayak, definitely one of the better but more strenuous viewing options. The blowhole is a form of a marine geyser caused by the ocean wave action and the rock formations which cause a build up of pressure, sometimes releasing the water up to 30 meters into the air. On this particular day the guide estimated the height of the geyser up to 25 meters. It is best to take a guided tour as the wave action can be dangerous, as noted in the close up filming, you can 'feel' the swells beneath the kayak which are creating the geyser pressure, the higher the wave action, the stronger the geyser spout. The government appears to have made a concentrated effort to preserve this natural wonder as it appeared clean and untarnished in its natural state. The water was clear and cool on this Fall day, the underwater visibility was at least 15 meters, so scuba diving would also be a great pastime at this location. If you go, be aware it is a 45+ minute motor coach ride from Ensenada, and best to book the full tour given the remote location. This tour was booked off the Carnival cruise ship "Inspiration" as a pre-paid shore excursion, convenient but costly (though worth it in this case). I would recommend making the small shopping excursion stop at the top of the hill, though a remote tourist stop, it appeared more authentic then the in-town stops, and the hand made taco's were quite good and at a very reasonable price point (as were the Cervesa's at the corner store). Enjoy this short video tour of La Bufadora blowhole, Ensenada Mexico, and if you are ever in the area, I highly recommend this viewing option. Adios,A Visit to Embera Indian Village of Panamarunnner2312012-12-11 | This is a visit to one of the riverside villages of the Chocó, or Embera people who live along the waterways of the Darien Province of Panama. This is just one of the multiple villages along these waterways, with each village about a days walk apart. This village is like many of the Embera sites, built along the waterway, with the main hut and residential huts set back and higher up the banks. Their huts are built on stilts above the ground to avoid the critters of the forest and rainfall. These open air huts are covered with thick thatched roofs which you will see the structure of in their large community room. We'll lunch on a prepared meal of fish, fruit and plantain, all staples of the Embera. This village has opened up to passing tour groups as they recognize the need to raise money to exist, as they use some conveniences of the modern world such as outboard motors for their dugout canoes (an interesting combination as you'll experience in the video moving up river). Though in many ways it appears they have also managed to maintain their culture and living habits as you'll see in their housing and crafts (which are also for sale as another revenue source). The chief talked to our group via a translator, he is an elected official with a 5 year term and seemed enthusiastic to explain the details of his tribe to our visiting group. Today, the children are educated outside the village under the direction of the Panamanian government, so they have exposure to some aspects of the outside world, and one teenage I was able to talk with had fairly good English, and although he was more than familiar with modern ways, he anticipated moving back to the village when he finished his schooling outside of the village, he was studying eco-management and wanted to bring his knowledge back to the village. Enjoy this view of one village of the Embera people of Panama and seeing that some aspect's of this native people appears to have survived the test of time.Andrew Molera St Park, Camping & Hiking, Big Sur, Californiarunnner2312012-08-14 | A trip to Andrew Molera state park in Big Sur, California. Enjoy a hike into the overnight campground and then take the 8 mile (7.76 mi) hike up the ridge and a great view of the ocean and inland valley. Take the River Trail out of the parking lot, up the Hidden Trail, follow the Ridge trail to the peak and then follow the Bluffs Trail back to the beach and parking lot. Enjoy a stay at the hike in campground with firepits, tables and facilities (though no showers, but hey, its 'camping'). The state park sits approximately 26 miles south of Monterey, California, USA, though allow at least an hour to drive down the 2 lane highway, and enjoy a stop in Carmel by the Sea as a nice side trip. If you plan to camp, try and arrive early in the day as the walk in camp sites are limited and closely monitored, but well worth the planning if you like a simple hike in campground away from the crowds. Wood is available for purchase from the gate agent. A tent is recommended due to the ocean moisture. Make sure to use the food cabinets as the squirrels are very aggressive and will climb on your picnic table to eat anything left out, even your tent is not safe for food storage. A hike through Andrew Molera is a nice trip off the main beaten path, enjoy it!Sea Kayaking off Santa Catalina Islandrunnner2312012-06-09 | A quick video tour by sea kayak out of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California, USA. A great shore excursion on the day stop from the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship. Even catch a glimpse of the the undersea view of the kelp and garibaldi fish(a protected California species). Santa Catalina Island sits approximately 26 miles off the coast of Long Beach, California. Its a regular stop on cruise ships leaving Long Beach and also easily reached via regular sea taxis from the same port. Avalon is the only incorporated 'city' on the island with 85% of the population, the other city is Two Harbors. The island was originally owned by the Wrigley family (think Gum), but has since been turned over to a conservancy which manages the majority of the open space land on the island. On this tour you'll see the Casino, which is now a movie theatre and art gallery with showings of regular artists (my grandfather who once was the pharmacist on the island had his island paintings shown here). Also, views of one of the latest condo developments is evident which now sits outside of what was the Avalon city limits. Water continues to be a problem on this arid island due to the emerging developments. There are multiple hotels and guest houses on the island, so overnight stays are also an option if you take a water taxi from Long Beach and is worth a night off the mainland, but book in advance as rooms are limited. Enjoy this view of Santa Catalina Island, offshore from Long Beach, California, USA.Calaveras-2012.wmvrunnner2312012-05-25 | A short clip from the Calaveras Frog Jumping Jubilee, Angels Camp, California, USAMonarch Of The Seas Pub Crawlrunnner2312011-10-20 | Cruising the Caribbean and doing a shipboard pubcrawl on Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas, just because you can,.,.,.and Waldo has to.,.,., The Monarch of The Seas has enjoyed a recent update and it is quite evident throughout the ship. This tour takes us from the top lounge, the signature Viking Crowne Lounge, through the Pool Bar (and great views) and down through the multitude of Beverage Stops throughout the ship, finishing at the Lobby Bar at the base of the multi-deck Atrium in the center of the ship. A great way to spend the day at sea after its multiple shore stops in the Caribbean on its summer tour. The ship is well maintained and the staff is friendly and provide a very high degree of service. I recommend Royal Caribbean line as one of the upper end of casual cruising, though not in the mega ship class, I like the model, and state of the ship. Enjoy the tour, take notes and do one on your next cruise! Cheers, WaldoHelicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe, CA, USArunnner2312011-06-13 | A quick helicopter flight tour from South Lake Tahoe airport. We take our two seater Robinson Helicopter off the runway (though we don't really use it), and then head out over Tahoe Keys with its houses on the canals and then head west to Emerald Bay with great views of this tranquil sheltered bay with a once private island and shore side mansion. The lake water clarity is quite evident as we look down from a few hundred feet and enjoy the clear air views and closeness. South Lake Tahoe is home to various casino's on the Nevada side as well as some major hotel resorts and many smaller motels and lodges. Great skiing can be found at Heavenly Resort with a gondola ride right from South Shore. Definitely worth a stop on any California tour, Cheers, WaldoNew Diver en Belizerunnner2312010-03-20 | Time to get another pal hooked on diving, and what better place to do it then San Pedro, Belize. Here's the starter video proving he did it, and a few of the sights at Ho Chan marine preserve, bueno.Waldo 2 Belizerunnner2312010-03-14 | the first segment of Waldo's belize adventure. .....Waldos Travels -runnner2312009-09-12 | A compilation of my August Bday travels, diving, flying, "training", busing, hitching,.,.,sights and sounds of Hawaii, Las Vegas, Seattle, Miami, Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, Santa Barbara. Come join in the adventure,.,.,Oahu Sailing on the Mai Tai Catrunnner2312009-08-02 | Great catamaran sailing day off Diamond Head on the 44' Mai Tai in 15 knot winds and 8 foot swells! What a ride, watch the swells as we break through them heading out! This tour departs from Honolulu right from the beach on Waikiki, watch for the sail and banner as you stroll the beach. The morning tour is much calmer, but if you want the real ride take the afternoon tour and be prepared to get wet on a windy afternoon! There are a variety of tours that leave right from the beach so stroll the beach and make your choice, the Hawaiian experience demands that you get off the island and see it from offshore as the great views of Diamond Head are well worth it. Aloha, WaldoChico Century w/Team Changrunnner2312009-06-04 | Team Chang takes on the challenge of the Chico Metric Century bike ride. We may not have been the most technically advanced team, but we made it with our own sense of 'style'.Oahu Scuba Divingrunnner2312009-05-26 | A great day doing a boat dive off Hawaii Kai in Oahu. Lots of sea life, warm water, great visibility. The boat ride out of the harbor is short to the drop in, the depth is an easy 45' and the visibility is even better. The sea life is quite comfortable with us and fearless, so as you'll see in the video almost ignorant of our presence. Our hosts for this dive is oahudiving.com and have a good reputation for ensuring a safe and fun diving experience (say hi to Erik). They run off of multiple boats, but have a regular divemaster present at all times. Even on some windy days, once you drop below the surface the visibility is still good and the surge minimal making for a great dive. Check our 'hitch hiker' on the trip back to the harbour.
Enjoy the view, and get down soon, Aloha. WaldoSF Half Marathon - 2009runnner2312009-02-04 | Running the SF Half Marathon on a beautiful California winter day in Feb. 2009.Kayaking - Santa Barbara, Carunnner2312009-01-19 | Just a little "kayak CAM" work from off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA, USA. A calm, flat sea in December out of the main harbor. Sea Kayaks are easy to rent, though you should have some experience, as its mostly a 'rent and go' operation. The harbour is calm, and in the morning the ocean around the pier is calm as well as you'll see in this video. Santa Barbara, California is approximately 120 miles north of Los Angeles, California, USA via highway 101, though highway 1 is a nicer view but a longer drive. There is also a small airport with commercial service on the north side of the city. Santa Barbara is home to some of the more pricier real estate, vineyards, shopping and resort spas. Though there are a number of tourist hotels and resorts on Cabrillo Blvd quite close to State Street which houses the main shopping and restaurant district, served by a day trolley at minimal cost. Stearns wharf which you'll see as we paddle around it also features some great seafood and casual dining and even on wharf parking, but the stroll at sunset is worth the view ("Longboards" has great pub grub at the end of the pier on the second level, look for it). There are also a few dining spots if you walk around the marina, and one breakfast cafe. Make a point of stopping by Santa Barbara for a great California seaside experience. Cheers, WaldoPF Changs RnR Half Marathon-Phoenixrunnner2312009-01-19 | Mile something, passing one of the many bands during the 2009 race, 25,000 runners in this one, pretty crowded throughout.Cancun Scuba Divingrunnner2312008-12-07 | Short clip of warm water diving in Cancun, great visibility, colorful fish, only downside was a wheezing regulator (rental), next version I'll overlay some tunes.Death Valley Half Marathon Finishrunnner2312008-12-07 | The 'finish line' of the Enviro Sports Death Valley Half Marathon. Given there aren't so many of us crazies out here doing it, and for the lack of crowds at Furnace Creek, this turnout was pretty good! ha ha.Death Valley Marathon @ Mile 10runnner2312008-12-07 | Death Valley Half Marathon in '08. Taken while running with my first generation GoPro wrist cam. The 'crowd' has thinned out so you end up mostly alone which can be a bit un-nerving on a desolate 2 lane highway in the middle of the hottest spot in California, though on this leg the sag wagon did come by and pass me by which I guess is a good thing! There's a nice desert junction at Furnace Creek with a campground and lodge, with gas and groceries for your night stay before the race and a walk to the starting point. (Just make sure you have a full tank before you venture out through the desert on your drive home). Enjoy the views and consider a trip to this desolate but beautiful spot in California, rivaled by no other spot in California for its stark contrasting scenery. Cheers, Waldo