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Spring 2022
  • Cathy Manuel

Spring 2022

Miami and West USA Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 24, 2022
    Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Travel Day

    March 24, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Moncton to Toronto, a bit of a delay (reminder to get the Nexus card) and safely in Miami an hour late. Picked up by a Burning Man friend who drove us to the hotel (which is closer to Fort Lauderdale then Miami).
    Caesar and I went to grab a drink in the hotel but it was packed with 10x conference peeps, so we walked to the 7-11, bought some water and walked back to the hotel via the beach. My feet are still tingling.... It was so nice to walk barefoot!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Day 1

    March 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Started my day in a posh hotel, which Trump was the keynote speaker for the 10x conference. However, my reality is I was annoyed that there was no coffeemaker in the room so I set out to find decent and cheap coffee. I wondered back to 7-11 and continued on to Walmart where I bought OJ and Processo instead. On the walk back the draw bridge had risen. Worked in the hotel room most of the day except for one brief interlude where I made my way to the beach (it was only 20 degrees). I went back down at 5pm and then meant Melanie in the lobby. We checked out the 10x health section and then walked to R Bistro, a great food establishment about 1.8km from the hotel. Stopped at the 7-11 again on the way back to the Diplomat Hotel (Hollywood) and grabbed coffee and snacks. Once back we were treated to loud music (even on 30th floor). T.I. was preforming for some of the 10x crowd. It was a great day with an early (10:30pm) bedtime.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    10x

    March 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Up early with the sunrise and eventually wondered down to the beach to stick my toes in the sand, and find some seashells. I also learned how to make a swan and fortunate cookie from a towel. Found a great cafe called Enjoy a few hotels down the blocks and grabbed some Java there and back to the room to work. Went back down to the beach at noon and decided to go SUP boarding and then back to the hotel to work more and meet Melanie for drinks. We decided to break the rules and sit on the mezzanine (above the pools) as we wanted some sun. Had great conversation and then meet other 10x people from Scotland, Simone and David. We chatted for a long while and decided to go to the 10x Block party together…. To which I had to sneak in. Met John and Anita (also part of the Scottish convoy) and it was a great evening!!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Yoga on the Beach

    March 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Up with the sun again, the sunrises have been so spectacular! Decided to go outside and practice yoga on the deck and let the sound of the ocean be my music.
    Returned to my room for work, a board meeting and some breakfast. Made my way back to the lobby at lunch and said goodbye to some 10x friends and went to the conference for a bit before leaving to catch some fresh air. I wanted to SUP again but the rental crew was not at the beach. So I found a favourite spot and called my daughter instead.
    Melanie and I eventually made our way to an incredible Indonesian restaurant where we enjoyed the food and conversation with the owner, John. Uber brought us back to the Diplomat Hotel for our final night.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Downtown Miami

    March 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Relaxing morning of packing up from the Diplomat, making plans for the next few days and squeezing in a final Stand Up Paddle board. We dropped our luggage at the front desk and headed down to the beach bar for some margaritas and a nice stroll. The whole time at the resort we didn’t get in the pools, ocean or turn the TV on, but it was so nice to work from a warmer space!
    Grabbed an Uber to our accommodations in downtown Miami and then off to South Beach for a walk, a drag show at the Palace and exploring the area.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Wynwood

    March 29, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Spent my morning soaking up sunshine on the 20th floor. First doing yoga and then beside and in the pool and hot-tub. We then made our way to the Wynwood area. First we explored the salty donut and I had my first (gf) donut in years… accompanied by a refreshing lemonade. Then off to KYU an experience I would recommend to everyone (they also have a location in Mexico City and NYC). The food was incredible!! The squash was my favorite followed by the Thai rice with duck. We walked off the meal at Wynwood Wall and final stop was Cielito for delicious gourmet popsicles!
    Once back at MiamiX I headed for the hot-tub where I spent the rest of the evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Little Havana and Salsa

    March 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Started my day with some work e-mails and calls, then off to McDonalds (just meters away) to grab some coffee. It was a really windy day but I still made it up to the 20th floor to do yoga and sit in the hottub. Then off to explore Little Havana, had some Cuban coffee, explored the area and began to ferment a new business idea. Back for a quick change and then to south beach for Super and salsa dancing at Mango Tropical Cafe.
    Tomorrow Melanie and I part ways…. I want it to last longer as we are having such a great time!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Travel Day

    March 31, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Up early to pack, do yoga on the deck one final time and then off to the airport. Southwest was delayed leaving Miami and then again in Dallas. Made it to Las Vegas at 7:30pm, quick stop at Whole Foods and we were on our way to Tecopah. Stayed at a remote spot at the base of a hill. Andrey started a fire and I organized the van and unpacked. We caught up and marvelled at the beauty of the night sky.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Death Valley

    April 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    First night in the van and slept pretty well. Up at the crack of dawn to a roaring fire and some coffee. Then to Tecopah Hot Springs (pre 7am before it gets busy). After a soak and a swim, on the road towards Death Valley. Pulled over at Salsbury pass to make breakfast but it was to wind so decided on snacks and continue driving. After a bit we stopped and hiked toward a hill that quickly became more difficult than expected.
    We then went for a walk on the salt flats and continue to Artist Drive. Beautiful hike into the canyons where we stopped for a shaded rest. Lots of switchbacks eventually lead us to the Sand Dunes and then a brief stop at Rainbow Canyon before finally gassing up again in Lone Pine.
    Camp tonight is on Turtle Creek Trail near Alabama hills, below the Sierra Mountain Range. Managed to fix a lose screw that was preventing the door from sliding properly. Then onto supper… salmon and sweet potatoes and tea over the campfire. While cooking we did lots of stretching. The fire is almost out and the stars are amazing. Big hiking day tomorrow!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler
    1

    Sierra Ridge Climb

    April 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Woke up, looked out the window at the gorgeous sunrise … took a photo… and back to sleep for an hour. Got up and moving and then went to wake Andrey. He made a big breakfast and coffee, and I did yoga. Then we headed up into the mountains for the next 7 hours. I had to take many, many breaks, and along the way found a strange looking “rock” which Andrey was concerned was radioactive. We finally reached a ridge and took a longer break before finding our way back down. We still had to cross a creek and walk quite sways to the van. Luckily I had learned to use a walking stick by then.
    Back at the van we packed up some firewood and heading out to find some water and visit hot springs 2hrs away. We made a quick pit stop in Bishop for some water, whiskey and kielbasa.
    Unfortunately, the hot springs were packed (and the roads were scary)…. We back tracked and found a spot on a side road. We had a nice fire, cooked up some potatoes, onions, peppers and sausage for a late supper and then some tea. It was snowing out as we tried to find a place to stay and it is dropping down to zero tonight. Brrrrr…    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Convict Lake and Sierra Mountain

    April 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    It was a COLD night and a lazy morning. Some yogurt, berries and granola, and coffee over the fire. We headed out to Hot Creek geological site. Sulphur hot springs (boiling) that were baby blue and trout fishing all in one river. And I saw a rather large King snake!
    Off to Lake Convict and made it half way (into the mountain pass) to lake Mildred. Then to Pine Creek for another cold night…. But most incredible campsite. They just keep getting better!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Inn at Benton Hot Springs

    April 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We stayed at Pine Creek. Andrey made a big fire, coffee and breakfast and then we headed to hike the canyon (and passed several climbers along the way). Once back at the van I used up the fruit and granola to make a make shift crumb. Washed up at the freezing cold river and made our way to Bishop (where we visited Sal at the Hardware Store …. As I took a turn to fast in the van and busted a drawer). Then to Benton Hot Springs. We stayed in the Miners Cabin. No electricity but took advantage of the hot springs twice in the evening . Before and after super. Decided to head to this canyon (which I later learned are full of rattle snakes and mountain lions) to climb rocks, watch the sunset and cook lamb over the fire.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Nevada

    April 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 3 °C

    Stayed in a real bed (Miners Cabin) with no electricity. I have been having trouble sleeping in the van as my hips get really sore from having to curl up (downside to being tall). Breakfast was served to the building and even got a gluten free muffin. Had a lazy morning and left at 11am. First stop was an old mining town of Tonopah. We wondered around an old mine and visited the Clown Motel. The housekeeper (Laurie from Louisiana) was sweet and showed us a bunch of the room. Not a place I would be eager to stay. Then onto a the south twin hike at Homboldt-Toiyabe National forest and final destination for the night is Spenser hot springs. Meet Gwen (a field biologist) in the springs and we had a great chat. Andrey cooked up a delicious leftover meal and brought it over to the springs so all three of us could enjoy.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Fishing

    April 6, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -3 °C

    The sound of donkeys woke me up several times during the night as it was a regular watering hole. Up early and into the hot springs. I had alone time for about 15 min before others people drove up and asked to enter. Sitting in the springs with two naked strangers was interesting.
    Another delicious breakfast, cleaned the van and left the springs. We went to Eureka and walked into a store that said Cafe… and the guy said the brothel and grow op aren’t here anymore… this is an antique store. Must really be looking like a hippie to get that welcome. Found a great coffee shop across the street and then on our way. But not so fast….. or at least that is what Sheriff Jesse said when he pulled me over for speeding. Thankfully my Canadian charm avoided a ticket…. But Andrey didn’t find it as assuming as I did.
    Next two stops…. Fishing. Andrey fly fishes and we stopped at Illipah Reservoir and he caught two brown trout (I reeled on in). We stopped in Ely to try and get a fishing listen for me but being Canadian didn’t work in my favor this time. So Andrey went to Comins Lake and I stayed in the van and had the generator on while Andrey caught two rainbow trout. It is -5degrees tonight (second one below zero, so we decided to stay in a hotel (with electricity)… LaQuinta. First order of business is trying to remove whatever is lodged in my big toe and then a dip in the hottub and to a warm large bed!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Fly Fishing

    April 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Morning started with coffee and breakfast at the hotel and then off to find a needle to dig the splinter out. Andrey prepped the fish and row from yesterday and I tried again to get my licenses. Finally I reached someone by phone and went to visit Rowena at Nevada Department of Wildlife. It was tougher to get a fishing license then passport!
    We returned to Comins and Andrey was the talk of the Lake as he caught one fish after the next while everyone else around weren’t getting any. He mainly caught and released but we left with 6, 2 caught by me! After awhile I finally got the hang of casting the line and drawing fish in. Fun day!!
    We headed to Kirch Wildlife Reserve, and Hot Creek campground. We made a pit stop and then off to the hot springs. Turns out it is more a warm creek, but amazing none the less! We swam among the fish and loud giant frogs, and watched the stars for over an hour before heading back to the campground. No time for a campfire, so after some clean up and snacks… called it a night.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Desert Wildlife Refuge

    April 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Woke up at Dave Deacon Campground on the Kirch Wildlife Reserve. Spent some time cleaning the van and packing up as it had to be returned in the afternoon. After coffee and Andrey doing stuff to the fish, we headed back to hot creek to see it in the daylight. Still amazing and discovered it had a whole cave system underneath. The water was warm and incredibly clear. Went for another swim and long walk back to the van. Long drive to Las Vegas today. Pit stop at Pahranagat National Wildlife reserve where we cooked up breakfast and coffee and got on the road again. Lots of tension on the drive as not everything was packed up and put away and a car hadn’t been rented. Found one for $85USD/night and stopped to let me rent it and Andrey drop the van off. When I went to pick him up, tensions increased as something obviously happened at drop off. We still had to pick up camping gear at REI for an unknown destination (to me).
    We stopped at a grocery store out of town, dealt with the tension and finally proceeded to our destination — Desert National Wildlife Reserve. After 5miles on a dirt road, we finally found a place to camp. A bit creepy and scary as the terrain was so different. We put up the tent, got the fire going and had fish, salad and asparagus for super. The evening was warmer then all the others and the fire felt great.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Red Rocks and Lake Las Legas

    April 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Woke up to the sunrise but then feel asleep again. The weather got really warm as the sun came up. We eat the remaining food up and had our last open fire coffee. Then off for a hike to the top of the hill (Mountains, distances and elevations are really deceiving). A couple hours later we were at the top and could see Las Vegas in one direction and a spec (our tent and car) in the other. A few scraps alone the way and back down to clear the campsite and drive back down the dirt road (it took 45 min).
    We headed to Sprouts (grocery store) to grab more ice for the fish. Andrey dried a bunch on the Yucca trees yesterday and still has some in the cooler. Sprouts has lots of great GF food. I wanted to buy a sample of it all.
    We went to Red Rocks and climbed around on the formations. It is a 13 mile, one way, zigzag drive. A keep was passing others who were slowing taking in the scenery…. So I did the same and the funnest part of Red Rock was zooming along the road in my little Hyundai Accent.
    We got to Westin around 6:30pm and checked in. Room was ok but had a really strong perfume smell. I called the desk and they said It was just a spray they us and it will go away soon. We decided to explore the property (which is beautiful) and rest out ping pong skills. Back to the room but it still had the scent so we moved to another. The staff are great but the hotel is old, the wifi is down, they are out of coffee and the bathroom door handle broke from the inside. Hmmm…. Maybe the desert is better then a 5star?!?    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Valley of Fire & Westin

    April 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Another lazy day of wondering around the hotel, trying to rent SUP boards with no success as they were $25 and only allowed in the cove due to the rowing races on the lake. Underwhelmed with the hotel as the inside handle to bathroom door broke and the sink clogged. Finally decided to visit Valley of Fire. There were lots of small interesting hikes and red sand that reminded me of PEI. Andrey was surprised to hear about the red sand on the island. Beautiful rock formations and even did yoga on one. Stopped on the way back to eat fish heads and have one final fire. We stopped on a well walked donkey (Burro) path and could hear them in the distance but still no sightings. Quick pit stop to the grocery for snacks and back to the hotel.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Arizona Hot Springs and Virgin

    April 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Final day! Was up early to start work and hop on a zoom call. Then packed up, checked out, argued over stopping to eat and then to the Arizona hot springs on the other side of Hoover Dam. Words cannot describe the beauty. It was a 3mile hike in to a series of 4 hot springs…. Down a ladder and a short hike further brought you to the freezing cold Colorado River (where Andrey swam…. Not I). A quick soak in the springs, one last stop for a jet boil coffee and then hike back to the car. On the way back we were greeted at the top of a boulder by two golden retrievers….. felt so good to hug and play with them. This is the first trip Hailey won’t be waiting for me when I arrive home.
    We dropped the car back off at Budget rental and got a Lyft to Virgin Hotel (formerly Hard Rock). I wanted a quiet hotel without a casino but it wasn’t the case and check in was arduous as was the 1/2 mile walk to opal tower. However, the room was really nice and great for plane watching. We walked across the street for some quick Mexican food and then back to the hotel to pack. Tomorrow is back to New Brunswick for me!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelSpring 2022Traveler

    Travel Day

    April 12, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Home Sweet Home!
    Long travel day but it went smoothly, and luggage arrived in Moncton too. Dad picked me up and another trip in the books.
    Travel feeds my soul, allows be to be the absolute best, most authentic version of myself. It feeds my curiosity and nurtures my intuition and fuels my sense of adventure. Grateful to Melanie and Andrey for making this post-Covid trip so memorable!Read more

    Trip end
    April 12, 2022
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