WAVE Journey.com

Women 's Adventures, Vacations & Experiences!  
Your journey starts here.

May 2006 Newsletter

Where is WJ?  ~ Travel Tales ~ Featured  Destination ~
Recommended Fall Tour ~ Ann's European Adventure ~  Fun Stuff ~  
Travel Deals ~ Take Your RV To Europe ~
Write An Article For WAVE Journey ~ Gas/Petrol Prices
Rafting with friends on the
Bow River in Calgary, Alberta
Did You Know?

Downtown Calgary has 15
skywalks between buildings, so
you don't need to go outside
and brave the weather in
winter!
Calgary's skyline
Photo submitted by Amy G. of
North Carolina, USA.
See more Reader Photo's here.
Try this yummy rhubarb
muffin recipe.
Where Are We?

Viv and Jill just completed a 2800 mile road trip from Bend, Oregon,
USA to Calgary, Alberta, Canada and back to Bend.

Some of the stops along the way included:  Pendleton, Oregon; Walla
Walla, Washington; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Radium Hot Springs,
British Columbia, Canada; Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore and Calgary,
Alberta; Great Falls, Bozeman and Livingston, Montana; Yellowstone
National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole,
Wyoming; Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho.   

More to come soon on that exciting, scenic and fun trip.
Jill and her posse in
Great Falls, Montana.
Stay tuned for the
story behind this
photo.
Tales from the US/Canada Border

Thought I'd share the joys of crossing the border from Canada into
the USA at the Sumas/Huntingdon border crossing.  As a Canadian
living in a border town for the last 20 plus years, I have probably
spent most of my recreation time (hiking, skiing, shopping,
vacations, going for lunch or dinner,  etc...) in Washington State (at
Mt. Baker, Bellingham and Seattle).  Better skiing conditions,
fabulous scenery, less traffic and close proximity have always been a
draw.  But, with the unpleasant experience of dealing with US
Customs at land border crossings and airports...

Read more....
Featured Destination
AN ECO-TOURISM ADVENTURE WITH A DIFFERENCE
Conservationist based operator nestles guests amongst wild
surroundings
Belize City, BELIZE, Central America - A trip to the wilds of Belize
can satisfy your greatest adventure travel aspirations, with an eye
toward preserving one of the world’s greatest hot spots for
biodiversity thanks to conservation-based operator Belize Lodge and
Excursions (BLE). Maya ruins, jungle adventure, spectacular
habitat and the barrier reef make’s Belize one of the hottest travel
destinations in the world.

By combining these top destinations, BLE has created the “Ultimate
Eco” experience for the luxury adventure traveler. The company
features four unique, all-inclusive, ecotourism resorts located in
Southern Belize and is an adventure travel operator, offering other
top-notch nature resorts, lodges and destinations through
meticulously crafted itineraries. Overland Tours, based in Belize
City, offers an incredible variety of  excursion packages available
throughout the country.


From its flagship Indian Creek Lodge, to the remote Jungle Camp
reached only by canoe, and out to Moho Cay Lodge located within
the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, can any single operator offer the
adventure enthusiast such diversity and immersion into the most
primal surroundings of Belize.

Three of BLE properties are scattered within their privately
operated 14,000-acre Boden Creek Nature Reserve, which is
surrounded by huge tracks of land within national parks and
reserves. South of these terrestrial protected areas is the marine
reserve where on a beautiful Caribbean island, BLE’s fourth lodge is
located.

Nowhere else in Belize is the primitive and unfettered natural
beauty of the country better situated to remain in tact for
generations then here in the south. We will always preserve the
integrity of the experience because our reserve is surrounded by
other large protected areas, says BLE founder Kenneth N. Karas,
whose past experience as a world-class nature film maker helped
lead him to pursue rescuing this idyllic natural space.

By employing local people in our Company, we help to create jobs
and hopefully preserve some of the Mayan traditions, he says. We
offer a place for people to use their knowledge of nature and wildlife
in a way that help is some ways, to preserves the culture and the
environment in which we live.

“LET YOUR BELIZE ADVENTURE BEGIN!”

Experience southern Belize in comfort and style in this unique
group of truly first-class nature lodges, located within one of the last
wild and remote regions of Central America. Though natural and
exclusive in their location, BLE's lodges are not lacking in diversity
and creature comforts. They include:

Indian Creek Lodge: Nestled among tropical trees and gardens,
twelve cabins are scattered along stone pathways leading to the
hilltop, each with private verandah and spectacular vista of the
nearby rainforest.  Meals, accommodations and service are of the
finest quality. Enjoy the surrounding attractions, and explore BLE’s
private reserve, with miles of nature trails, either on foot,
mountain bikes or by electric safari cart. Just steps away are the
Maya archaeological site of Nim Li Punit. Excursions include other
Maya sites, jungle trails, caves, backcountry hikes, swamp and
river canoe trips, and visits to local Maya Villages and artisan
guilds.


Ballum Na (House of the Jaguar): Located 2 miles south of Indian
Creek, BLE’s second luxury lodge is situated within beautiful jungle
habitat. Home to two male jaguars, Bosch and Xupi, who were born
in captivity and at one point were destined for a Mexican zoo.
Rescued from this plight at an early age they now live in a natural
habitat that encompasses 2.1 acres of the jungle. Overlooking this
sanctuary is “House of the Jaguar” where on the 2nd floor; 5-star
Master and Junior Suites are located. Above this guests will find
their own restaurant and bar, with expansive decks and canopy
walkway, overlooking the jaguar area, Boden Creek and Parrot
Falls. On the 4th floor an observation deck looks out over the top of
the jungle canopy and a carpet of green in every direction.  Be
totally pampered with your personal executive chef, waiter and
butler in constant attendance.
Jungle Camp: Immerse yourself in the true spirit of getting away
from it all by taking a remote canoe or kayak expedition with
Mayan Indian guides, down the unspoiled Golden Stream to Jungle
Camp. There is only one way to get into the middle of this true
tropical wilderness, by river; there are no roads or trails. When you
arrive you know you have discovered Belize’s best-kept secret,
Jungle Camp. Blending with the tree canopy and scattered along
the high bank of the river, 12 safari-style bungalows are suspended
sixteen feet above the forest floor. Thatch covered walkways
connect the restaurant & bar to the bungalows, which have private
verandas and a fantastic view of the Golden Stream and
surrounding forest. All units are fully screened, with giant ceiling
fans and tiled hot-water shower and bath. Very luxurious indeed!
Moho Cay Lodge: From Jungle Camp, journey down river towards
the blue Caribbean Sea and into the spectacular Port Honduras
Marine Reserve. Situated on a 2-acre white sand beach, palm tree
covered island, the lodge accommodations are raised luxury
bungalows covered by thatched roofs. The restaurant and bar
overlook the open sea and the distant Maya Mountains.  Half and
full day excursions include snorkeling, swimming and sea kayaking
within the Reserve, Payne’s Creek National Park, Middle River and
out to the Sapodilla Cays Marine Reserve, located at the southern
most tip of the Great Belize Barrier Reef. This area includes some of
the best snorkeling found along the entire reef system.


Overland Tours: From its archaeological sites and protected areas,
to marine and wildlife reserves, Belize is an adventure paradise
with the finest array of offerings one can imagine. Through BLE’s
Overland Tour Packages to many other destinations in Belize,
which can be combined with a trip to BLE's lodges, the Company has
created the “Ultimate Eco” experience.

www.belizelodge.com

WHEN YOU GO:
Belize Lodge & Excursions offers three to nine night all-inclusive
southern Belize packages that includes all local ground and marine
transfers, luxury lodging at any of their four locations, all meals,
excursions, entrance fees, local taxes and guides. Rates run from
$265 to $400, per person, per night, double occupancy (USD).  
Complete package, starting with 3 nights form $935 per person,
double occupancy.
Carefully selected and designed Overland Tour Packages to many
other destinations in Belize that can be combined with BLE’s
southern group of lodges start at $1,530, the “Ultimate Belize
Adventure” 19-day expedition package runs $5,787 per person,
double occupancy (USD).     

Regards,

Chris Higgins
Director & Owner,
Seasmoke PR, representing
Belize Lodge and Excursions
P: 250-893-9322
E: chris@seasmokepr.com
W: www.seasmokepr.com
Ann's European Adventure ~ Paris to Nice, France.

Ann Grundy of British Columbia, Canada writes her travel tales
from her recent European adventure.  In coming issues we will be
featuring Ann's reports from the road; here is the first edition of her
trip from Paris to Nice, France.

Our nine day tour in September 2005 had some unexpected
experiences and was a journey we were not likely to forget in a
hurry.  However well planned one thinks their holiday plans are,
there is always the possibility that it could come apart at any given
time.  Having the disadvantage of not understanding the way the
country you're in does business, to not speaking the language.  So,
expect the unexpected!  
Click here to read more.
Recommended Fall Tour

HELLO CHINA EXPLORATION! ~
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai.  
11 days/9 nights; Departure Date October 20, 2006; Optional
Yangtze 4 night cruise;  To find out more about this exciting tour
click here.
Fun Stuff

Trivia Question:  What city is the Paris of South America?

Answer:  Buenos Aires.  


Classifieds:  Buy an RV, condos for sale by owner, find a Realtor,
purchase artwork  and much more...


Contests: Win a digital camera with WAVE Journey's Spring Photo
Contest.

Cool Websites:  Internet In Motion.  Driving down the highway,
sitting at the lake or parked for the night, Internet in Motion keeps
you connected.
Need to translate the language of written text?  Check out
Babel Fish
Translation Tool.

Cool Webcam:   Bald eagles and newly hatched eaglets in their nest.


Recipe Feature:  Vanessa Romello of Bordeaux, France sent in her
Creamy Creme Brulee recipe.  Ann of BC, Canada sent in a Yummy
Rhubarb Muffin recipe.

New Photos:   Check our gallery for new photos from our latest trip.
Travel Deals

Check out terrific
travel deals and more...

  • Cruise Hawaii For Less
  • Be Intrigued In Paris
  • Get A FREE Upgrade With Hertz
  • Save On California
  • Flights To Hawaii From $470+
  • Summer Holiday Savings
Take Your RV To Europe

Adelle and Ron Milavsky have returned to Europe for another three
month adventure in their RV.  Check out their
blog and keep up to
date with their travels.
Write An Article For WAVE Journey

If you love to travel, enjoy writing and want to share your thoughts
with others, why not write an article for WAVE Journey and we'll
publish it on the site.  You may include up to eight photos.  

Send your submissions to
editor@wavejourney.com
Gas/Petrol Prices

It seems as though no matter where you live these days, the price of
gas/petrol is cause for much conversation.  Before you complain too
much about the prices in your country, check out some other parts of
the world.  Price is in US$/per gallon for regular unleaded (87 octane)

  • USA $ 3.00
  • Canada $4.00
  • UK $6.40
  • France $6.15
  • Netherlands $6.70
  • Denmark $6.95
  • Germany $6.25
  • Italy $6.30
  • Norway $6.75
  • Spain $5.03
  • Switzerland $5.20
  • Sweden $6.35
  • Poland $4.20
  • Austria $5.05


We would love to hear from you for any reason.  Contact us at:

info@wavejourney.com

www.wavejourney.com