Tag Archives: beach activities

Hiking in San Sebastian

by Wendy

San Sebastian/Donostia is one of Jack and my favorite places. I still can’t believe we almost skipped it. On this third visit, we planned to enjoy activities we had done before: going to the beach, an afternoon at La Perla, steak frites at Gandarias, and snacks and drinks at other spots we liked in the Ondarreta neighborhood near the fabulous NH Aranzazu Hotel. But I also wanted to add a hike. 

You may have noticed the Christ statue in photos I’ve included in previous posts about San Sebastian. Perpetually watching over the city from Monte Urgull, shining like a guardian day and night, my eyes are always drawn to it. On a Saturday morning, we postponed the beach and resolved to follow the path to the top. Continue reading

Lucky Duck

by Wendy
Jack and I had our share of rainy beach days last year. It happens. Luckily, our trip to Duck, Outer Banks, in early July was almost 100% sunny.

Outer Banks in North Carolina is one of the most beautiful beaches within a 6 hour drive for us. Hatteras Island is one of Jack’s favorites, where we’ve rented houses previously. During this visit, we opted to stay for 5 days in The Sanderling Hotel in Duck. Beach hotels can be a gamble – but we felt like we won the lottery. Continue reading

Beach Weather Gamble: Part One

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

How many times have you obsessively checked the weather leading up to a beach visit, only to be totally surprised by the weather that actually occurs.

Years ago, Jack and I went to one of our favorite islands, Puerto Rico, for a week’s stay. We arrive to warm tropical sun, settle in at a cool resort with several beautiful pools in front of a beautiful beach, and bask in the first day vacation glow with drinks at the outdoor tiki hut. Later that evening, the bartender we’re chatting with mentions that severe weather might be on the way. The next day’s skies are mild, but then a note from the hotel slides under the door informing us that Hurricane Irene’s path now indicates that it will hit the island and could we please move all balcony patio furniture inside? Continue reading