Travel Attention Deficit Disorder

As I planned an outline and researched for relevant content to compose this article, I was having issues focusing on my writing. Let me explain. This article was supposed to highlight the awesome local travel opportunities that we have within a 2 hour drive of Toga: this winter wonderland that many of us have come to love and embrace. The issue I was having was that, as I was preparing to write about this topic, I was packing my bags for a week long yoga / adventure in Belize. Now as I sit on this flight halfway to my destination: a small resort on the beach 2 1/2 hours north of Belize City. I helped plan this trip for a group of 30 people, mostly from the Saratoga region. The owners of the inn relocated to Belize from Saratoga County six years ago. We discovered the Crimson Orchid Inn via a mutual friend that lives in Saratoga. The owners are part of a growing trend of “ex-Pat” retirees that are migrating to countries where they can stretch their retirement income (usually in paradise). The attraction of Belize to many is that English is the spoken word and official language. The country gained independence from Great Britain in 1981 and has strong ties to Latin American and Caribbean cultures. It boarders Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean side of Central America. Belize is a beach lover’s paradise with amazing snorkeling and diving. Divers from around the world travel to explore the diverse marine life and reefs such as the Lighthouse Reef which feature The Great Blue Hole. This giant circular sink hole is nearly 1000’ in diameter and over 350’ deep. Most certified divers who have completed 100 dives are capable of safely exploring to a depth of about 60’. That being said, snorkeling above the shallow reef is an amazing experience in itself. As my attention returns to the original theme of this article, I want to point out that there are some fantastic winter activities to keep us busy at home this February, With winter carnivals, ice palaces, ice bars, winter sports and world class competitive events. Saratoga has a lot to offer with several quality restaurants, micro breweries, gyms and yoga studios. Spa State Park will be hosting the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic ice hockey tourney as well as a fat bike rally this weekend. The snow cover is good. Snow shoe enthusiasts and skiers are thrilled to be able to trek through Spa Park or the Wilton Preserve. Nearby Saranac Lake is having their winter carnival. This celebration dates back to 1897 when the community was best known for logging as well as a research and treatment center for tuberculosis patients. The festivities this weekend include a parade at noon on February 11. Also be sure to visit the ice palace which is a work of art that will melt back into the lake this spring. On February 25, the World Snowshoe championship will be in Saranac Lake. Other great destinations for a day or weekend getaway include Lake George, Lake Placid, North Creek/Gore, Vermont, NYC, Boston and Montreal. I’m sorry but my mind is back to Central America. This crowded plane that I sit on doesn’t even exist at this moment. Once I sanitized the space around my plane seat with a couple of Clorox wipes (travel tip), my thoughts are lost in the anticipation of beach chairs, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaks, and yoga on the beach! While in Belize we are planning to take some day trips that will include a hike to Mayan Ruins. I will also take one of the bicycles from the inn and explore the nearby villages. It is paramount for me to meet the locals and embed myself in the local culture. I will ask how to find hidden beaches, waterfalls, trails and foods that only the locals know about. We have a group snorkel / dive expedition scheduled that will require a 2 hr. boat ride to the reef. Regardless of where you are this February, take advantage of your surroundings and embrace the destinations around you, including the great place we call home.