If you happen to ask any of your friends about their choice of dream vacations, there is an even Steven chance that they might answer, “sipping a sangria, hot Jamaican sand beneath my feet” They are not alone in this wishful thinking. A large majority of us workaholics dream of a time when we can live the life of a beach dweller, living in a beach house looking out upon the ocean of our dreams.

However, until you manage to fulfill your ambitions and dreams of retiring to the south of France at the age of 50, you will have to make do with beach decor which brings back the nostalgic memory of your days in the sun, making sand castles and jumping on them, splashing everybody around you with water, and endearing yourself in many other such noisy ways to all the other holidaymakers.

That can be done by finding places where you can buy beach themed items to decorate your home with, which take you back to the sun and the sand, the beach and the seagulls, the midges and the sand flies.

You are also definitely not going to be disappointed if you are a confirmed addict to every form of sailing or boating. It does not matter if you happen to be a weekend sailor or are fortunate enough to live your life upon the sea. The different nautical or beach home decor products pertaining to the sea, ships, boats, beaches, marine life, and every other aspect of a tropical vacation can be found easily on the internet if you are looking for them.

Many of these themed products are hand crafted and also are exactly what you wanted, or to give as gifts – to other people who love the sun, sand, sailing, and slumbering by the side of the sea, as much as you do.

So what are you waiting for? Come back to memories of sun in your hair, the wind on your face, the sand beneath your feet, and possibly any other beautiful memories of a holiday in the sun, by choosing some beach or nautical dcor to place around your home – items like candles, accent pillows, rugs and bedding may do the trick.

Placing brightly colored painted outdoor wooden furniture on the patio or deck so you can relax while sipping a cocktail outside would be another idea. Throw in some themed party favors and invite the neighbors over and you could have your own beach party right in your own backyard!

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Bring The Vacation Home!

A question often asked by visitors is which Anglesey beach would a local person recommend to make their stay on the island one to remember. There are in fact many outstanding beaches on this island in the Irish Sea off North Wales, boasting over 125 miles of exquisite coastline. And significantly many of them regularly win European Blue Flag and Resort Seaside Awards as well as Green Coast Beaches for water quality.

The most popular beaches of Anglesey are not necessarily the easiest to reach, yet the struggle to get there is well worth the effort. Take Llanddona beach on the east coast, a soft sandy expanse which sweeps in a north easterly arc and surrounded by high lush green hills and trees, yet the road is a narrow one and a challenge for the driver. A large quantity of silver coins was recently discovered on this beach, and more may be hidden, while there is a tale of the Witches of Llanddona which has fascinated people over the years.

Llanddwyn is an Anglesey beach situated on the south east corner of the island, approached through Newborough Forest, an impressive collection of conifers where some red squirrels still survive. When you reach the beach the vast expanse is breathtaking, whether you arrive here on a blustery winter day or in the heat of the mid summer sun. A nearby rocky island is home to an old white lighthouse and derelict church, where Demi Moore filmed scenes from her paranormal Half Light movie.

A visitor on an island beach may notice bright orange life rings placed at strategic points which are there to ensure that in an emergency someone in danger of drowning in the sea can be assisted. Anyone seeing a life ring damaged needs to call the local council immediately. Just think that in 2008, thirty eight people lost their lives off the island coast when in difficulty.

If you travel to the west of Anglesey at Church Bay there is an interesting Green flag beach, where the coastal path runs along high cliffs which surround this narrow cove popular with swimmers. Often you will see some kayaks gathering at the beach ready to begin a coastal exploration, or perhaps go further to the Skerries Rock lighthouse. On your way to Church Bay you will drive along a narrow country lane, decked with flowers, and on arrival you cant miss the Lobster Pot restaurant.

In the south west is Holy Island where you find the Port of Holyhead and two Blue Flag beaches at Porth Dafarch and Trearddur Bay. To celebrate the Millennium, a Celtic cross was erected in the marram grass at Trearddur. These two beach locations also have dog free zones operating between May and September, which is a facility asked for by a number of people.

Some thoughts about what to do and not to do when you are on an Anglesey beach: it is not advisable to go out to sea in an inflatable dinghy, especially if the wind is offshore. Eating a large meal before swimming is not a good idea, and remember beach wardens are on hand to answer your questions. Do drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids in hot, sunny weather to avoid dehydration, and dont leave pets in parked cars in hot weather.

Some folks look forward to leisurely walks along the coastal path, and watching beautiful sunsets, while others are keen to test their skills in various adventure sports like sailing, diving, coasteering, surfing and kayaking. For everyone, however, it is likely that you will always treasure something special about your time on an Anglesey beach.

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Find an Anglesey Beach, Indulge Yourself this Summer

With its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and abundance of activities, it is no wonder that so may people visit Hilton Head Island year after year. While the island is not traditionally known as the place to visit on a budget, there are some cost cutting tips that you can follow if you are on a budget.

The first thing that you can do to save money is to book your trip in the off -season, before the tourist season begins in April. Sometime between February and March is usually the most cost effective, since many rentals are discounted during this time of year. You should also consider renting a villa or other property equipped with a kitchen, and coking all or some of your own meals. The average family of four spends approximately $112 a day on food while on vacation.

There are many low cost activities to enjoy on the island. The beaches are always free, and whole days can be spent there. Many of the museums on Hilton Head are free, and it is always free to take a walking tour and explore some of the many historic landmarks in the area. Avoiding restaurants whenever possible will leave you with extra money that you can use to rent a jetski, snorkeling equipment, bikes, or to attend concerts, plays, or whatever else appeals to you and your family. With a little planning, a budget vacation on Hilton Head Island is possible.

Hilton Head vacations are particularly popular during the summer, when tourists flock to the island for summer Hilton Head rentals and beach front activities. The area is also well known for the many excellent golf courses found on the island and is host to the Verizon Heritage Classic Tournament each year which draws some of the biggest names in golf

Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination with many unique and wonderful opportunities for couples, families, and everyone in between. Use our money-saving tips and plan a great vacation today, without breaking the bank.

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Hilton Head Island On A Budget

Choose among a fine selection of Anglesey cottages to make the most of your break on this island off the North Wales coast, where you will discover a number of great places to visit.

Situated in the path of the Gulf Stream the island offers a pleasant, mild climate known for its sunshine and so an Anglesey cottage self-catering holiday is the ideal accompaniment to these natural advantages.

This green, pleasant island offers a wide range of traditional cottages which should cater for most visitors, whether you see yourself as a coastal path walker, a bird watcher or an active, adventure-seeking kayak or canoe enthusiast.

Here you can experience a stay in a coastal or rural location which is sympathetic to the local environment and culture, such is the versatility of the range of Anglesey cottages on offer.

Among the features of these properties will be a stone fireplace in the dining room and the lounge an sometimes a wood burning stove in the kitchen which will invariably have a tiled floor.

Expect to enjoy the benefits of double glazing in your Anglesey cottage along with the advantages of a central heating system.

Bedrooms can either by twin or single and some will be provided as en-suite, and depending on the number of people it can accommodate, the bedrooms can be both on ground and first floor.

Visitors can expect their cottage in Anglesey to provide the linen and duvets required as well as a TV facility and a room for washing clothes. A full kitchenware range is also included.

For those visitors attracted to an Anglesey holiday and wanting to bring pets, some cottages allow pets on the condition that they are kept under control.

Staying in a self-catering Anglesey cottage means you will have many choices of where exactly you want to get much needed peace and quiet from your busy schedule, it could be on the coast or maybe a more central island district.

Just imagine waking up early one morning, the sun is rising as you can sit in the garden, breathing in the sea air, appreciating the mountains of Snowdonia on the mainland, as the smell of freshly ground coffee drifts from the kitchen and you sip some fresh orange juice.

Perhaps if you like getting up early you could wake up to the natural alarm clock of the dawn chorus in the hedges next to your cottage, slip to the kitchen, make a quick brew and step outside and enjoy the steady sunrise over Snowdonia.

Staying in a traditional Anglesey cottage means you could cycle along quiet country lanes before breakfast, appreciating colourful wild flowers rioting down stone walls and the aroma of prolific wild garlic and herbal plants.

A number of island cottages are clustered around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a designated zone which runs along most of the Anglesey coast.

Having your cottage here is a good idea if you love sea views, coastal walking and water sports. There are also some superb 18-hole golf courses nearby many holiday cottages.

For those of you who love the outdoors and walking specifically, remember to bring your boost as there is a recently opened 125-mile coastal path with breathtaking sea views.

Choosing a cottage on the south west Anglesey coast means you may enjoy a particularly beautiful sunset where you may be able to make out the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland on the distant horizon.

It can be such a pleasure to watch the slow descent of the sun over the horizon, while sharing a glass of wine in your cottage with family and friends.

When you reach Anglesey after crossing the Menai Strait you can cross the island using the A55 dual carriageway to Holyhead, from where a fast ferry runs to Dublin. At RAF Valley you can fly to Cardiff within one hour.

In winter your Anglesey holiday offers you peaceful walks along sandy beaches and the coastal path while the summer sun is so inviting to the adventure seekers, either way select Anglesey cottages offer you a good base to maximise your island experience.

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Your Island Retreat, Anglesey Cottages For Relaxing Holidays

Once upon a time, it was assumed that all boat owners were spoiled rich kids who inherited daddy’s fortune without ever having to work for a living. While this might have been true in the past, the times have definitely changed. More and more people are earning their way to stunning financial success without having been born with a proverbial silver spoon in their mouths.

Other hardworking people have dreamed their entire lives of owning a yacht. Even though they may have been of much humbler means, they worked hard to save money so they could eventually realize their dreams. A handful of fortunate people have used a windfall to buy a luxury item for their own enjoyment, and to show the world they’ve come into their own.

Whatever your means to own a yacht, it is an undeniable fact that you belong to a rare group of people. It should be considered a huge blessing because not everyone can ever acquire this kind of costly property.

As a boat owner, you should be well aware of the special attention that your prized possession requires. During the times when you are not using your boat, it should be housed in a place that is secure and safe. The best way to achieve this, assuming you don’t own large swaths of land or have access to your own supervised warehouse, is to utilize the services of an indoor boat storage company.

So, you might be wondering just what an indoor boat storage company does, and why you might need their services. After all, you wonder, what’s the harm in leaving the boat docked during the winter months? Can you afford these services? If you’ve got these thoughts swirling through your mind, causing you worry and confusion, read on for in-depth information about indoor boat storage firms and the benefits of utilizing their services.

First of all, an indoor boat storage company offers transport service from the dock to their facility. They also provide a sanitary and dry storage spot so that your boat won’t get rusty or have paint peels due to constantly changing temperatures. A third service is their regular maintenance check up for potential engine troubles and other mechanical failures. In addition to that, they suggest a thorough cleaning and vacuuming of your boat before returning it in the dock.

Many companies offer a special service for loyal customers. They provide a winterization procedure that while on the costly side, is most definitely worth it when it comes to protecting your boat. This procedure involves comprehensive service of the all of the boat’s systems, not just the engine itself. The process includes standards like changing the gear lubes and greasing the external fittings, as well as servicing the water pumping tanks, volatile gas stabilization, and employing anti-freeze techniques in both the engine and water systems.

Every firm has its own pricing scheme. The variances you’ll find from one company to the next depend in part on the materials and supplies used, and the level of experience of the technicians and other personnel working on your boat. Some maintenance professionals are able to charge a bit more than others simply based on their skill and experience when compared to those who are new to the field.

Second, apart from storing and maintaining your boat, the firm will also provide insurance coverage for the duration of your boat’s stay at the facility. This will provide you with peace of mind, so that you know your most valued possession is covered in case something should go wrong.

Lastly, utilizing the services of an indoor boat storage company will provide you with much needed security should you need to travel out of the area for business or personal reasons. You won’t have to concern yourself with the possibility that your boat could be stolen or vandalized, since you’ll know it’s tucked safely and securely away in the storage facility.

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Why You Should Consider Indoor Boat Storage

If you love sailing and you have not yet heard about British Virgin Island Sailing, you have no idea what you have been missing out on. Exotic locations and incredible weather are surely enough to get anyone’s attention.

With some of the best sailing available on the open seas, the British Virgin Islands are an ideal place for any sailing enthusiast. I don’t know a sailor around who can resist clear skies, winds that keep your sails filled and crystal blue water.

Maybe you love boats, but are a little afraid to actually step onto one. There is a cure for that! Head to the British Virgin Islands Sailing Festival and watch three of the most prestigious races in the area. A full week of sailing will change anyone’s mind and have them wanting to give it a go themselves. Now that everyone is on board, no pun intended, its time to play out some trips.

If you are going British Virgin Island sailing at another time, maybe you will want to get a boat at Cooper Island and sail to The Baths on Virgin Gorda. One of the prettiest settings in the British Virgin Islands, it is a great place to drop anchor and enjoy a nice relaxing lunch with your favorite bottle of wine. When you are ready to get into some action, you can go diving in the incredible caverns and pools that are known to be the best in the British Virgin Islands.

Maybe you want something that will end up with a wild night. If that is the case, take a quick cruise by the prettiest private island in the area and take a gander at Guana Island. Before you set sail you will be calling the bank for a loan so you can take it off of the owners hands, it is simply a majestic place to reside. From there, you can live the live yourself as you take in some sun on the glorious beach of Sandy Cay or Sandy Split. You won’t be disappointed with either one. Now that you are all tanned up, its time to show it off and party! Jost Van Dyke will offer you some of the most incredible night live in the islands.

You can go on and on about British Virgin Island Sailing trips. So much better than a cruise because when you find a place that you like, you simply stay there for as long as you like. No hurrying and no hassle, just a great time in a truly beautiful location. White beaches, sunny skies and crystal blue waters, is there any better recipe for a great vacation?

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British Virgin Island Sailing – Destinations That Will Take Your Breath Away

Want to discover the beauty of exotic island locations such as Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands, Florida, Bahamas, and Greece Sailing is a great way to discover the beauties of several locations such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, Bahamas, and many other archipelagos? There are a few ways you can sail away. You can hire a boat with no captain, crew, or cook. This is called a bareboat. On a bareboat the vacationers do all the cooking, rowing, and navigation. A better option is to hire a captain if you want to sail on a bareboat. That way you have good navigation and someone to provide you with local legend and lore.

There are many companies which provide sailing vacation packages. The most important component of a sailing vacation package is the boat, also known as the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle can be anything from a bareboat with a skipper, to a schooner, or yacht. A lot of it depends on the number of people sailing.

When a big group of people are going, it is a good idea to hire a catamaran. Catamarans have a motorized launch and can accommodate a large number of people. Other modes of transportation include trimarans, which is a more spacious and advanced version of a catamaran. Most ports also offer local transport like schooner, gullets, or caiquies. It all depends on where you go.

Sailing vacation packages come with a variety of amenities. Most packages offer food and drink at a minimum. Large catamarans may have a kitchen on board. Accessories for use during your sailing adventure may also be provided, such as binoculars, scuba and snorkeling equipment, live music, and even photography. Sailing adventures open to children often provide the kids with water toys.

Sailing vacation packages that include tie-ups with resorts are known as stay-sail vacations. Nighttime is spent in hotels, while sailing goes on during the day. Resort or hotels of a stay and stay vacation depend on the budget.

The number of days sailing, onboard amenities, and hotel accommodations are all factors in the price of sailing vacation packages. As always, quality and service affect price. Destination also plays a role in the price of any sailing vacation package.

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Finding The Best Vacation Sailing Package

Purchasing a honeymoon vacation package will make your honeymoon planning process much easier. When selecting a honeymoon vacation package from the internet consider yourself forewarned. Selecting the very first honeymoon vacation package you find on the web is not a 100% guarantee that you will enjoy the vacation. Learn how to select the best honeymoon vacation package for your money.

Get together and list honeymoon vacation destinations you will both enjoy. There are so many destinations from which to choose it may be difficult to choose. You may end up with a list of several destinations and a conflict when it comes to making a final decision. Avoid this by listing things you both expect on your honeymoon vacation. Find the location that best matches both your lists.

Once you identify what you would both enjoy you may find that you agree on the same things. That makes it easier for you to select a honeymoon vacation package that’s best for you. If that doesn’t work, go back to the drawing board to list things you both want and don’t want on your honeymoon vacation. Select a package best fits both your needs.

Don’t get carried away. Select a honeymoon vacation package that works for your budget. If price matters, then browse several honeymoon vacation packages. Choose the one that offers the most amenities for the least amount of money. Don’t sacrifice the things that will make your honeymoon most enjoyable just to trim the budget, but at the same time, be careful not to overspend. That will only make you miserable in the long run.

The earlier you begin your search, the better chances of finding a honeymoon destination you will both enjoy. It also gives you more time to work out the details of the decision and include the honeymoon vacation package in the cost of the wedding.

The most important thing is to choose a honeymoon vacation package from which you will get your money’s worth. Expensive packages often offer fancier accommodations and luxurious experiences, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot find the same accommodations and luxuries in a cheaper honeymoon vacation package. Search the web to find a great deal on a honeymoon vacation package you will both love.

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Best Compatible Honeymoon Vacation Packages

Sailing, what a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean Islands, Hawaiian Islands, Bahamas, Florida, Greece, and a variety of other exotic and beautiful locations. You can enjoy sailing individually, by hiring your own bareboat, which is a boat with no crew or cook. Sometimes a skipper is hired to help navigate and provide information about destinations. Otherwise, people on the bareboat do the cooking, navigating, and rowing. It’s a little bit of work!

On the other hand, there are plenty of companies that provide vacation packages for those who want to go sailing. The most important thing to consider on a sailing vacation package is the boat. You may end up on a bareboat with a skipper, or a huge yacht with other sailing vacationers.

When a big group of people are going, it is a good idea to hire a catamaran. Catamarans have a motorized launch and can accommodate a large number of people. Other modes of transportation include trimarans, which is a more spacious and advanced version of a catamaran. Most ports also offer local transport like schooner, gullets, or caiquies. It all depends on where you go.

Sailing vacation packages come with a variety of amenities. Most packages offer food and drink at a minimum. Large catamarans may have a kitchen on board. Accessories for use during your sailing adventure may also be provided, such as binoculars, scuba and snorkeling equipment, live music, and even photography. Sailing adventures open to children often provide the kids with water toys.

Sailing vacation packages that include tie-ups with resorts are known as stay-sail vacations. Nighttime is spent in hotels, while sailing goes on during the day. Resort or hotels of a stay and stay vacation depend on the budget.

Price of sailing vacations vary depending on the number of days at sea, what type of transport will be taken, and the quality of the hotel or resort in which you will be staying on a stay-sail vacation package. All packages depend on the number of days of the sailing and the facilities that will be taken. It also depends on the kind of hotel and its service in a stay-sail vacation package. Remember, your choice of destination play a huge role in determining the final price of your sailing vacation package.

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Choosing The Best Vacation Sailing Package

Getting married? When it comes to planning the honeymoon consider a honeymoon vacation package. It will spare you the trouble of planning the details of your honeymoon vacation. Be careful not to fall for the first vacation package you find on the internet. Follow some basic guidelines to pick a honeymoon vacation package you will enjoy.

Get together and list honeymoon vacation destinations you will both enjoy. There are so many destinations from which to choose it may be difficult to choose. You may end up with a list of several destinations and a conflict when it comes to making a final decision. Avoid this by listing things you both expect on your honeymoon vacation. Find the location that best matches both your lists.

If you both enjoy the same types of things and locations it will be easier to select the type of honeymoon vacation package you need. If not, use your lists to create an ideal honeymoon that meets both of your criteria. Plan your honeymoon vacation package together.

Another consideration is to choose a honeymoon vacation package that fits your budget. Search the web for discount packages or special rates on honeymoon packages. Again, you will find many locations that fit your expectations and budget. Choose the one that offers the best price without sacrificing the benefits.

The earlier you begin your search the better chances of finding the honeymoon vacation to meet your desires and your budget. You will also have more time to decide where to go and what amenities you want. Planning your honeymoon vacation in conjunction with your wedding, will allow you to budget for both. Neither should be sacrificed at the expense of the other.

Search the web thoroughly to find a honeymoon vacation package that is worth your time and money. Less expensive honeymoon vacation packages can be found that offer the same lavish accommodations as more expensive packages.

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Finding Honeymoon Vacation Packages

Every year, I head down south for the winter in my sailboat. It’s nice to go down to the Florida Keys, if you can find the time. The Chesapeake area is a great place to spend the winter. Unlike the northeast area, the waters don’t freeze up in December, making it ideal for sailing. There are so many coves to explore that you can visit a new one on each journey. Conveniently located nearby is the Norfolk International Airport. North Carolina is another nice area to explore as its waters stay quite warm in the winter thanks to the gulfstream. Dowry Creek in Belhaven to Oriental and Beaufort (Bow-Fort) where they found Black Beards’ ship by the inlet are great marinas. The slip rates vary from $7 – $8 per foot per month. So for a 40′ boat you’re talking around $280.00 a month/6 months $1680.00 and sail her back up north in the spring. Very reasonable! The internet makes it easy to discover the numerous slips available there.

If you sail from Montauk to the Chesapeake, it would take about 54 hours (2-2 1/2 days). A great first stop is Cape May Harbor, a 30 hour trip. There you can anchor by the coast guard station. From there, you can either go offshore towards the Chesapeake, a 24 hour trip, or go up the Delaware Bay to the C & D canal, a 8-10 hour trip with the tide on your side. From a C & D marina, you can set sail for the northern Chesapeake. Norfolk, VA., with the beginning of the ICW, is south. That would be longer, but more inland. I prefer to sail offshore on my trip down to avoid the inland obstructions, tide changes, buoys, etc. Offshore you’re just clicking the miles off and getting into your watch routines. During October and November, the wind is on your side when heading south. They come from the northeast, off the land, making the seas flatter and giving you plenty of speed. With a rumbline to the Chesapeake, that would be a beam reach all the way down. Even with that Cape May stop over, the next day would have the wind aft of the beam.

When you first enter the mouth of the Chesapeake, you’ll find a great, protected harbor, Little Creek. “Little Creek Marina”, “Cobbs”, & “Cutty Sarks” marinas offer slips at cheap daily, weekly, or monthly rates. I find the kind and helpful southern hospitality second to none. Another great marina is Tidewater in Norfolk, where you’ll find lots of room to dock or anchor nearby. I have a hard time choosing between sticking around the Chesapeake area or taking the ICW to North Carolina. Either way, I find so many great coves and towns to check out. There are many other boaters enjoying their winter voyage and you’ll make friends with many of them.

My trip usually starts in October, as long as no hurricane is on its way. It’s still the hurricane season, but in the Chesapeake there’s plenty of time to head for a safe harbor. The storms take several days to several weeks to reach this area. I make it a habit to have several sources of information for weather, wind, and wave information. There are several good websites, and, of course, the VHF radio will keep you up-to-date on any formations or disturbances in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

There’s so much to explore, whether your trip is just for a long weekend or over the winter. But, who says you have to go home for the summer. Another adventure always lies ahead.

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Winter Escape on Your Sailboat

For those who want to go swimming, don’t forget your bathing suit so you can jump in anytime into the water especially when you just want to cool off. If there is some space in your bag, perhaps you can also pack in some snorkeling gear as some will rent this to you for a fee.

Since there will be some port calls, you better have you with some street clothes so you can do some sightseeing and shopping. It will also be a good idea to bring a camera so you can take pictures since you will never see such places back home.

vacation cruises

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What to take for Advenure Sailing Vacation

You probably have a story, too.

It could be a bet you won by a fluke. Or a stroke of luck you had.

Maybe you have a story about the way you met your spouse. Or the disaster that occurred the first time you tried to make pie crust. The camping trip where it only rained. Climbing over the fence at the wrong time. The time you tried to put on a rain poncho while riding a horse. An escape. A fantastic last-minute win at sports. The job you got when it seemed impossible. How you learned to dance. The dog that ran off with your shoe at a wedding.

Or maybe something unusual – maybe you saw a ghost once. Or a UFO. Maybe you read someone’s mind and found out you were right. It could be anything.

Everybody has a story!

I call these stories your “Once Upon a Time Stories.” They could be short or they could be long. People like to talk about their stories with their friends. At lunch. On the bus. On the phone. Or while they sit around the fire or on the back fire escape chatting with a friend into the wee hours. (Or maybe on Instant Message while they are supposed to be working! …)

I would like to invite everyone to come and post their own “Once Upon a Time Story” at Your Poems and Stories

In case you would like to have an example of a Once Upon a Time Story, I will tell you
one of mine.

Okay … let me think. I’m thinking.

Okay.

Once upon a time …

I decided to go on a camping trip with my friend Matt. We hitchhiked to a village which was north of the city we lived in. We had heard that there was a cave there and we thought it would be fun to sleep in a cave. I had just met Matt around the city, and I didn’t know him that well. He was a friend of friends. But we got along fine.

So we began to hitchhike. Somehow, before we arrived to our destination, it got dark. The people who were giving us a ride invited us to stay in their home for the night, so we did. They lived in a small village high on top of a hill.

When we woke up in the morning we had breakfast. White rolls. I ate way too many. I don’t know why I ate so many rolls! But I remember Matt looking at me with a surprised expression because I was eating so many rolls.

In any case, we had to continue on our way to our cave. So we said thank you and goodbye to the people who had helped us, and we proceeded to walk down to the main road.

Now, this village was way at the top of a hill. There was a long windy road down to the bottom. But there were almost no cars on that road at all. So we walked all the way down, maybe two kilometers.

At that age, I had a habit of eating dandelions and I was picking them and eating them. Matt thought this was strange. He wanted to eat in a restaurant we passed, and I objected as it was quite an expensive one.

When we finally reached the main road, we continued to hitch hike to the village where the cave was. We arrived at the village and found the park which had a rock hill in the middle. The cave was supposed to be in that hill.

Now somehow, at some point, while we were searching for this cave, we lost each other. And Matt had my sleeping bag.

I remember searching for Matt around that little rock mountain in the middle of the park. I went around and around that mountain for – well – three hours, as I recall. Searching and searching for Matt.

As the minutes and hours rolled by, I began to believe that perhaps Matt had actually run off with my sleeping bag and that I would never see him again. I began to chastise myself for trusting someone whom I just met. I mean – didn’t my father warn me? “Don’t trust anyone,” that’s what my father said. And here I was, trusting Matt with my sleeping bag!

I kept trying to convince myself that Matt would not come all the way out here just to steal my sleeping bag. But, one has to remember, I was in the middle of the situation. A lonely young girl in the forest, without a sleeping bag, walking around and around a rock hill for hours, searching for Matt.

I thought, “Could this whole thing really be a plot to steal my sleeping bag?” It didn’t seem to make sense. But he was gone!

I looked everywhere. I began to climb the rocks. I looked in among the crevices. Perhaps he had fallen and gotten hurt? This went on. Time went on. No Matt.

My trek continued.

And just as my last hopes were fading away, I heard a voice call my name. I turned and there he was.

Matt.

With my sleeping bag!

As you have probably guessed by now, we both had spent those three hours walking around and around the hill, looking for each other. But both walking in the same direction. Finally Matt realized what must be happening and he turned around to walk the opposite direction. And then he found me.

Well, there’s one little story. Later, I could tell the story of what happened when we tried to sleep in the cave.

But in any case, you see, it’s not even that fantastic or incredible. Just one of those funny things.

Now and again, when I think about it, it puts a smile on my face.

To imagine how I had wondered if perhaps this whole cave-camping trip was really a ploy to steal my sleeping bag!

Do you have a story? Or a poem? You can submit your story at Your Poems Your Stories. I think we would all love to hear it.

Love,

Anna of Poems

Poems for Free

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Once Upon a Time: Poems and Stories

Experience the beauty and wonder of the big lake, try the Lake Minnetonka Cruises on your next holiday.

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Lake Minnetonka : That Ol’ Big Water

Big ones, little ones, even teeny tiny ones that children can pilot all by themselves. These boats can have brightly colored sails or plain white sails. Sometimes the hull itself is a bright color. When there are many of these boats sailing, the colors are breathtaking dotting the sea. Sail boats are not just used for pleasure sailing but there is also highly anticipated events held each year that involve racing these great boats with only the wind to guide them.

Types Of Sail Boats

A sail boat can be distinguished by not only its size but by the way the hull is configured. What it is used for (its purpose) and the different types of keel that each boat has. How many masts the boat has is also a good way to tell different types of sail boats apart. The sail boat that is most seen out sailing is the sloop. This boat has one mast and two sails; therefore, it is very good at sailing towards the wind. Sloops are popular racing boats and can be seen in almost every tropical location.

After the sloop, the cutter is the most common sail boat that can be seen dotting tropical waters. A cutter is not very different from a sloop; it has a mainsail and a single mast, but uses two headsails instead of one. These boats are also used for racing as well as pleasure. Perhaps the boat that most people find extrordinary is the schooner. This beautiful boat has two or more masts and is used for pleasure cruises, but is definitely an awesome sight when all of its sails are up.

When taking a trip to some tropical location a person would be silly to pass up an opportunity to take a trip on a sail boat. These great vessels of the sea are an attraction themselves and a possible missed chance at a ride on one would be a source of great regret. These beautiful boats are not only fun to sail, but a learning experience where you get to see the inner workings of what it takes to actually keep a sail boat running in all of the oceans of the world.

Post from: Discover Boats

Big Beautiful Sail Boats

Sailing boats has been one of my biggest passions since I was very little. My dad owned a sail boat – a model called a Flying Scott, pretty stable but reasonably peppy too. We used to take all of our friends out on day sailing trips around the lake. There wasn’t that far to go or that much to see, but even so, it was nice to feel the clear wind blow as we tooled around the lake.

As I grew older, however, I have less and less chance to go sailing on the lake. Sailboats were not a big part of my life. I was getting ready for college, then I was moving away, and finally I was settling into my own career. Now that I am a little bit older, however, I want to get back into sail boats again. I have actually been looking into boat shows for the past year, but it is hard to decide. Sail boat designs have changed so much since I was young, and they cost more than ever. Of course you can get financing for purchases, but I am definitely not in a place where I want to get further into debt! It took me a while to decide, but I finally figured out how to get back into sailing.

Over the summer, we took a sail boat charter on the ocean. It was one of the most exciting events of my life. We left from San Francisco, sailed up the coast, and eventually docked in Seattle. Some of it was pretty rough sailing, but it was all a lot of fun. Best of all, we didn’t have to do very much of the work. Most of it was all done for us! And because we chartered the boat along with several other couples, it was a pretty affordable trip. All in, it was not much more expensive than a normal vacation, although it was one of the most thrilling adventures we have ever had.

Now that I know what I want, I have been looking at sailboat classifieds. It won’t be long until I find the perfect sail boat. The great thing about buying used boats is that they depreciate so quickly in value if any damage is done to them. That means that, if you are willing to do some repair work yourself, you can get a used sail boat for next to nothing! You just have to know where to look.

Sailing And Sail Boats

Post from: Discover Boats

Sailing And Sail Boats