Only in Minnesota: 20,000 ice fishing holes in one lake

Only in Minnesota: 20,000 ice fishing holes in one lake
Ice-capped Gull Lake, Minnesota, was drilled with 20,000 holes for the annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

FISHING -- I'm guessing the photo above will never be matched at Sprague Lake or anyplace in Idaho or Washington.

Minnesotans take ice fishing seriously.

An estimated 10,000 anglers headed for Gull Lake last week for the annual $150,000 Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. The most impressive number is the 20,000 holes the organizers augered in advance for the contestants.

Even with power augers, that's serious dedication for what they call the "largest charitable ice fishing contest in the world."

Check out the video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lc_Ysm-yoI]


Idaho fishing rule changes proposed

Idaho fishing rule changes proposed
Kokanee are a major forage fish for putting size on Lake Pend Oreille's trophy predator fishg. Fly fisher Aaron Richter caught this 31.5-pound, 42-inch-long Gerrard rainbow trout a tributary to the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille, on March 31, 2010. (Aaron Richter)

FISHING – Public meetings are scheduled this week to air changes in fishing regulations proposed for 2016-2018 by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The proposals have been drafted based on previous public meetings, angler surveys and work by fisheries biologist.

Proposals for the Panhandle Region include:

  • Reducing the rainbow trout limit on Lake Pend Oreille from six a day to two fish, only one over 20 inches in order to support trophy fishery management.
  • Prohibiting bait fishing on the Clark Fork River and tributaries from December through the Friday before Memorial Day; rainbow trout closed to harvest, catch and release only.
  • Increasing kokanee limit on Spirit Lake from 15 to 25.
  • Increasing minimum length on Hayden Lake largemouth bass from 16 to 20 inches to improve average fish size, which has been decreasing.

Panhandle region biologists will be available to discuss the proposals and take comments during an open house, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at the Fish and Game Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

The public can complete an online survey on Fish and Game’s website through Aug. 31..

“There are fishing rule changes proposed for every region of the state,” said Martin Koenig, sport fishing coordinator. “Some proposals would increase limits and seasons, while some would be more restrictive. Other changes would help simplify complex rules on places like the Henrys Fork.”

Final recommendations will be submitted to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in November.

  • An open house also is set Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in Lewiston at the Clearwater Region Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th St.

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Following the route they bike to work, Molly and Ray took a tour of Vancouver via bicycle for their engagement photo session. Along the way, they stopped at Olla Flower Shop to buy a bouquet of pink peonies, Finch’s Coffee for a yummy bite to eat, and finally ended their journey at Crab Park for an intimate picnic. We’re in love with their unique, personal, and charming spin on a traditional engagement photo shoot. Of course, their faithful photographer, Kaoverii from Hera Films , was there to record their sweet adventure.

P.S. – How cute are Molly’s sandals and aqua sundress? Paired with a pop of red lipstick, we think she’s got the perfect look for a summer picnic. Of course, we can’t ignore Ray’s super rad floral print shorts. This couple is stylin’.

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

“We started our shoot on W 10th Ave and Manitoba, I believe. This is the route Ray and I take to bike commute to work, and it’s just so beautiful with the overgrown tree canopy and restored heritage homes. We wanted to be on bikes since it’s our favorite way to get around the city, and just a normal thing we like to do for dates. We first stopped off at Olla flower shop to buy some gorgeous peonies…”

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

“Then we stopped at Finch’s Coffee Shop for sandwiches…”

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

“And finally we headed down to Crab Park to relax and enjoy the stunning views…”

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

Vancouver by Bike – Fun Engagement Photo Shoot

A big thanks to Molly and Ray for letting us share their adorable photo session. We wish you both the best and can’t wait to see the wedding photos!

Another thank you to the professionals and businesses that made their day happen:

Hera Films – Photography
Lily Lin MUA – Makeup
Olla Flower Shop – Those delightful peonies
Finch’s Coffee Shop – Those scrumptious sandwiches

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Kintsukuroi – How Broken Pottery Becomes Art

A friend in Japan sent me this image today and I found it quite compelling. It illustrates the art of kintsukuroi, which literally means “to repair with gold.” It is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer to make the final piece a greater work of art for having been broken.

I love how image illustrates what my Father does in the brokenness of our world. He’s able to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives and craft them back together in a way that makes us an even better reflection of his glory than we were before. Amazing. Just amazing!

Is that why God is not so easily threatened by the problems and challenges we face in this age? Where we see evil and failure, he sees the opportunity to craft a better piece of art. I’ve been through some horrible things in my life and have suffered some crushing disappointments, but as I look back I see God doing his work of healing in all of them that led me into a greater place of freedom, healing, and joy. Yes, much of that was through many tears and anguish, but I just kept coming to him and surrendering as best I knew to what he was doing in me.

I love where I’ve landed in his life and I know much of the joy that I live now came out of those selfish and arrogant places that were crushed in times of personal failure, betrayal by others, frustration, or grief. As I look back, however, I do see others who were part of those same circumstances that didn’t find the same healing and freedom. Instead their brokenness caused them to withdraw into their own strength and fight harder for those things they think they wanted. They end up imprisoned by their own will in sorrow, stress, and pain. His healing does not come from trying to save ourselves, but only when we give up and come to him and let his healing patch us back together.

And the end result can be so exquisite as you can see below:

Kintsukuroi – How Broken Pottery Becomes Art

One of the phrases Eugene Peterson uses recurrently in his translation of the Bible (The Message) is that Jesus will have “the last word on everything thing and everyone.” He uses that for those Scriptures that talk of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God and all things will be put under his feet. I love that thought.

It’s one I explored further in In Season , because my dad always had the last word on his vineyard. Even though many workers came to harvest the grapes or prune the vines, he was always the last presence passing through his vineyard. He would go behind everyone else and find whatever was missed, fix whatever was wrong, and ensure that it was all just the way he wanted it.

No matter what happens in this age, he will get the last word. He doesn’t have it yet. Many times the wicked seem to prevail and those who cheat seem to get ahead. But if we keep our eyes on him, we’ll be able to see things as they really are and be at peace even in a world that is falling apart around us. Why? Because he can have the last word on everything that happens to you today, and he will have the last word on everything in this entire age soon!

Hammerhead shark attacks stingray; why footage goes viral

Hammerhead shark attacks stingray; why footage goes viral
Hammerhead shark chases stingray (circled) near swimmers; video screen grab


By Pete Thomas/ GrindTv

Footage recently emerged showing a large hammerhead shark pursuing prey off Destin, Florida, with two people standing close by in the shallows.

There were no injuries to the waders–the shark was going after a stingray–but a media frenzy nonetheless ensued.

“Couple have terrifying escape from mammoth hammerhead share,” screams one of dozens of headlines atop stories posted over the weekend.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLG2v8yD0Fk?feature=player_detailpage]

“See lucky escape for swimming couple who don’t notice the hammerhead shark just feet away,” reads another headline that implies the shark might have gone after the waders had they not eventually scurried toward shore.

The sensationalistic approach is working. The video, shot by Scott McCain from the 19th floor of an oceanfront hotel, had garnered nearly 2 million views as of Monday afternoon.

The footage shows a fairly large hammerhead (perhaps 9 or 10 feet; not “mammoth”) pursuing a stingray into shallow green water.

More than likely, the shark was never aware of the presence of people, and shark experts probably would agree that even if the hammerhead had been aware, it posed little or no danger, as the predator was focused entirely on capturing one of this species’ favorite snacks.

What’s unique about the footage, however, is the theater-like atmosphere, and the amusing commentary as the shark approached the swimmers.

McCain told NOLA.com that it was like “you’re about to see a car wreck.”

He was with eight friends who had gathered in Destin for a bachelor party, and this episode became one of the highlights.

"Shark! Get out the water!" one of the friends yells to the waders, to no avail. They were too high up to be heard.

Finally, after the hammerhead broke water during a lunge toward the elusive stingray, the waders became frightened and ran to shore.

The hammerhead chased the stingray into knee-deep water and ultimately claimed its prize.

When the video began going viral, Florida-based shark expert David Shiffman stated on Facebook , in reference to one of the headlines mentioned above: “For crying out loud this hammerhead was chasing a stingray not people.”

To be sure, the stingray had the most right to be terrified, but its worries seem to be over.

Lake Roosevelt levels rising up to 2 feet a day

Lake Roosevelt levels rising up to 2 feet a day
Lake Roosevelt levels May 4, 2012. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)

RESERVOIRS -- The spring runoff continues to allow operators to raise the water level of Lake Roosevelt.

Over the next week, the level is predicted to rise 0.2  to 1 foot a day, the Bureau of Reclamation says.

Spill through the outlet tubes on the face of the dam is occurring intermittently to control the rate of rise in Lake Roosevelt. "There is a large quantity of snowpack to the north of Lake Roosevelt and we want to ensure we have enough room in the lake for what is to come," BuRec said in a release.

Daily lake level forecast by phone: (800) 824-4916.

Better yet, check out this new NOAA site with Roosevelt levels and a list of boat launching elevations on the same page.


Grizzly suspected of killing Yellowstone hiker captured

Grizzly suspected of killing Yellowstone hiker captured
A grizzly bear roams in 2011 near Beaver Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. (Associated Press)

Update 8/11/15 -- One cub has been caught in addition to the female grizzly and rangers are trying to catch another cub seen in a trail camera image put out near the seen of the incident.

WILDLIFE -- A female grizzly bear suspected of killing a hiker on Friday has been captured in a trap today, Yellowstone National Park officials report. The cub suspected of being with her was not caught.

If DNA testing determines the grizzly is responsible for the hiker's death, it will be euthanized, they said.

Seasonal park employee Lance Crosby, 63, of Billings was killed last week while hiking alone off-trail without bear spray, according to officials. His body was found Friday about a half-mile from the nearest developed trail, near an area known as Lake Village.

A park ranger found him “partially consumed” a half-mile from the Elephant Back Loop Trail in a “popular off-trail area he was known to frequent,” according to a National Park Service statement.

Crosby was the sixth person killed since 2010 by grizzlies in the greater Yellowstone area, which has an estimated 750 grizzlies and includes the park and surrounding portions of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Here's more from the Associated Press:

Encounters between humans and grizzlies bears have risen sharply in recent decades as the region’s grizzly population expanded. But relatively few lead to death or injury, and park officials say the risk of being attacked by a bear is comparable to the chances of being struck by lightning.

Park biologists set a trap Friday that caught a female bear at the scene of the attack but not the cub believed to have been with her.

If testing confirms the sow was involved in Crosby’s death, it will be killed, Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk said. The cub, if captured, could be killed or adopted by a zoo or rehabilitation center.

Crosby had worked as a nurse in the park’s medical clinics over five seasons and was described as an experienced hiker, officials said.

“At this point in time, I have no knowledge that it could have been avoided,” Wenk said. “He was in an area that’s frequently used, a popular area that people went to. It’s not like he was bushwhacking through the forest.”

Bruising around puncture wounds on Crosby’s forearms suggested he had tried to defend himself, officials said.

The victim’s family said through a park spokeswoman that they had no plans to release any statements or conduct interviews and asked that all media requests be directed to park officials.

Yellowstone receives more than 3 million visits a year from tourists who journey from around the world to view its geysers and other thermal features and abundant wildlife.

Hikers who enter backcountry areas are advised to stay on trails, travel in groups of three or more and carry mace-like bear spray in case of an encounter.

“It’s an individual’s personal choice to carry bear spray. It’s something we highly recommend because it has been shown to be an effective deterrent in the case of a bear charge,” park spokeswoman Amy Bartlett said.

The last fatality caused by a bear attack occurred in 2011, a year when two people were killed in separate incidents. Those deaths were the first to occur in the park in 25 years.

“Since 1916, the first year anyone was recorded being killed by a bear in the park, there have been eight fatalities,” said Yellowstone Park spokeswoman Julena Campbell. “It’s very rare.”


What Is the Future of EDM? The BBC Investigates

What Is the Future of EDM? The BBC Investigates

The term “EDM” remains under heavy interrogation in the music press, facing constant speculation about its apparent approaching “death,” with further fuel added to the fire following music giant SFX Entertainment’s filing for bankruptcy this year, and the genre’s figureheads apparently disowning it . Leading British broadcaster BBC has weighed in on the discussion.

“This isn’t another ‘Is EDM dead?’ debate,” the BBC immediately states. “It's about the impact it’s had on dance music and what it means for the future of the scene.”

Asserting the term has developed from a catch-all umbrella phrase describing dance culture into a term used to describe the brash sounds heard at festival mainstages, the story points out what is described as the “EDM biz” was worth around $6.2B in the US alone, a figure that represents a 60 percent rise from back in 2012.

In order to dive into the topic, the story speaks to some of dance music’s biggest artists.

“For me, any explosion of music is a good thing,” Howard Lawrence from Disclosure told BBC. “It doesn't mean we want to make that kind of music at all, but I don't mind it existing. I think there’s too much hate going on; everyone needs to just let it be, man.”

Elsewhere, the likes of Alison Wonderland and Oliver Heldens emphasize the term “EDM” represents the sounds of the mainstage, rather than describing the gamut of dancefloor culture.

“People compress electronic into these three letters—EDM—which I don’t like, because there are so many different types of genres within electronic music,” says Alison Wonderland.

“The EDM bubble has burst, they say,” adds Oliver Heldens. “The right translation for that is that this one big wave with more progressive electro big-room kind of style has reached its peak, but now it's time for all the different waves which are coming up.”

The BBC also speaks with several industry figureheads, like Mark Lawrence from the Association for Electronic Music , for their take on the state of EDM.

“[EDM] has put dance music front and centre in North America, if not globally,” Lawrence says.

“I think what we’re seeing now is a discovery of all the other wonderful genres of electronic music, the depth of that music and just how cool it is… We’re now set with a very firm infrastructure for electronic music globally to be credible, commercial and critically acclaimed.”

Check out “Has EDM Opened Doors or Slammed Them Shut in Dance Music?” over at BBC Newsbeat for the full report.

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Planning a vintage-inspired wedding takes a clear vision and carefully selected elements. Rachel and Pieter’s wedding planning process is one to which brides with vintage wedding dreams should pay close attention! Their vintage wedding at Hidden Oaks in Temecula was based on a soft color palette of peach, sage green, and gold, all muted to appear truly antique. The bride’s Allure Bridals gown had a delicate vintage flair, and her simple styling and dramatic makeup pulled the lovely look together. Photographer Ryan Horban of Rock This Moment seemingly captured the whole wedding experience through a lens that mimicked the old photographs Rachel and Pieter hung around their reception décor.

The Couple: Rachel and Pieter

The Wedding: Hidden Oaks , Temecula, California

The Inspiration: “Before we had a theme, we knew we wanted to be married under a canopy of trees. The beauty and rustic nature of the outdoors dictated a lot of our initial design choices in working with moss, natural greens, pine cones and succulents. I’m attracted to all things vintage which came into our bigger style pieces like a vintage couch and coffee table, mismatched floral plates and flatware and lace. Our colors were a soft, muted peach, sage green and accents of gold. Wedding day fashion was so much fun! My bridesmaids were given a color pallet and dress length and told to purchase something that they would absolutely wear again. Pieter‘s groomsmen were in gray slacks, ivory shirts and were given the option of bow tie, or tie, along with suspenders or a vest. Only Pieter was in a full suit. My dress was magnificent. I wore no jewelry and no veils. I didn’t want to detract from the dress!”

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

Vintage Wedding at Hidden Oaks

The Moments: “Seeing his face while I was walking down the aisle. I didn’t see anyone else, I didn’t see the ceremony site and all of the decor we had worked so hard on. All I saw was him. For Pieter, it was when we first sat down as a married couple to have an incredible meal with all of the people that we love around us.”

The Couple Recommends: “Our photographer was incredible! Ryan has such a remarkable and artistic eye, we could not have been happier with the beautiful shots he captured of our wedding day. We didn’t feel forced or posed in any way. He really captured what the day felt like for us in a beautifully honest way. He worked quickly, professionally and made the day so much fun for us, really relaxed. In love with his photography!

Our florist, Lisa Martin, is a genius with floral design. she went above and beyond for us. I came to her with a Pinterest page full of ideas. She helped me narrow down, and then fulfilled every dream I had and more. We didn’t have a cake topper and Lisa burned wood rounds with our initials on them. That is just one example of her amazing eye for detail in going above and beyond. She made our rustic vintage wedding come to life. She made woodsy and elegant mesh perfectly! And she was so positive, such a blessing to us.

Deb Abeel, our coordinator made the day run flawlessly. She had an answer to every question, every concern, every detail was under her control. We were so secure in her hands. We cannot thank her enough for her work on our wedding. It ran so smoothly. She was the glue that made this wedding come together. We couldn’t have done it without her. ”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Rock This Moment
Venue – Hidden Oaks
Floral Design – Hidden Oaks
Catering – Chuck Wagon Guy
DJ – Pro City DJ
Invitations – Wedding Chicks
Wedding Dress – Allure Bridals
Rentals – Seidl’s Party Rentals

Thank you to Ryan Horban for sharing these beautiful images from Rachel and Pieter’s special day. For more vintage wedding inspiration, check out Deborah and Tung’s fun vintage wedding at Mercury Hall .

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Kinesiology Tape Goes Mainstream

By Don Jurries

Kinesiology Tape Goes Mainstream

One of the sponsors of Cadel Evan’s BMC Racing Team at the recent Tour de France was SpiderTech, a pre-cut line of kinesiology tape that aims to re-invent the taping process. SpiderTech kinesiology tape has been worn by a number of famous athletes, including American Gold Medal Beach Volleyball player Kerri Walsh at the Beijing Olympics and tennis player Li Na while winning the 2011 French Open.

Similar to the KT Tape brand, SpiderTech differs from other forms of kinesiology tape by providing pre-cut, ready-to-use applications. The pre-cut shapes have been engineered to best fit various contours of the body and support the affected areas.

The kinesiology tape is 100% cotton with a 100% poly-acrylic adhesive. As there is no latex, the kinesiology tape is hypoallergenic. SpiderTech products are also water-resistant and breathable, and can be worn for up to 5 days. The standard sizings will fit approximately 80% of the population.

The therapeutic effects of SpiderTech pre-cut kinesiology tape are achieved by providing structural, neurological and micro-circulatory support. As well as supporting the muscles and range of motion, the kinesiology tape works with the skin to enhance sensory stimulation that decreases the perception of pain, and improves lymphatic flow. Ultimately, this will assist with rehabilitation and performance.

A SpiderTech Training Starter Kit, complete with 2 each of the 16 pre-cut applications, 2 rolls of Nitto Denko kinesiology tape, and a training manual retails in the US for around $150. Each of the SpiderTech pre-cut applications can also be purchased separately for around $7.

A $20 Bike Made From Cardboard

A $20 Bike Made From Cardboard

Cardboard seems to be having it's moment. First it was used to make bike helmets, now entire bikes themselves. Looking to improve urban transportation options across the developing world, Israeli inventor Izhar Gafni created a bike made completely out of cardboard, accompanied by a new business model for distribution.


Cycling enthusiast and an expert in mass-production, Gafni has been toying with his cardboard bike idea for years. Struggling with how to cancel out corrugated cardboard's weak structural points, he finally succeeded with the most recent prototype, which is now ready for production.

In order to make the bike waterproof and fireproof, the cardboard is treated with a mixture of organic materials once the shape has been formed and cut. The cardboard bike includes no metal parts, with every component made from some sort of recycled material. A car timing belt is used in place of a chain and the solid tires made from reconstituted rubber do not need inflating.

A full-size cardboard bike weighs around 9 kg (about 20 lbs) and costs around $9 to make. With government rebates for using green materials covering the production costs, the bikes could easily be given away for free to those in need. Gafni and his business partner also plan to copy the tech world and use advertising printed on the bikes as a form of financing. Regardless the business model used, the duo do not want to see the bikes sold for more than $20.

Initial production on three different cardboard bike models is set to begin in Israel soon. Would you ride a cardboard bike?

9 Good Sense Camping Tips

9 Good Sense Camping Tips

Inspect the Trees in your Campsite

  • Check out the surrounding trees in the potential campsite. You don’t want any dead looking trees towering over your site. If the worse were to happen and it broke and tumbled in the night, you’ll some damaged gear–or worse–you could get hurt.
  • On the other hand, some big healthy tree coverage will be convenient and helpful if it were to rain. Also pay attention to where the sun will rise and set in relation to tree layout; depending on if you’d prefer to see the sunset and sunrise. Think it through.
  • Pick lively and strong trees for your hammock . Be sure to use tree-friendly straps to ensure minimal impact.

9 Good Sense Camping Tips

Get Sound Sleep

  • Depending on the weather and temperature, have the right gear to sleep comfortably. You don’t want to wake up with a runny nose and sore throat. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for how cold the environment is.
  • If you’re hammock camping (some of the best sleep around) consider a top quilt and/or underquilt to properly insulate your body on all sides.
  • In a pinch, you can always use an emergency blanket to aid sleeping gear that is not quite tough enough for lower temperatures.

9 Good Sense Camping Tips

Before You Peace Out

  • Make some review notes in your hiking journal or phone about the site. Did you like it? Is there the perfect tree to hang your lounger on for next time? Were there dead trees? Are there an unusual amount of bees nest in the area? This is important to jog your memory next season and if you want to return.
  • Carefully inspect your campsite to make sure all trash is picked up. Even pick up other people’s trash. Be responsible and Mother Nature will thank you and will love you more for it.
  • Be sure that your fire in properly extinguished. There are now several schools of thought as to what the best and most efficient method is. Currently, shoveling dirt on the fire is popular, this way when the next camper comes along they aren’t dealing with a saturated fire pit.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

The Abel Tasman Region is a great place to hang about for a few days. There’s no better location to enjoy some of the most beautiful golden beaches in the world, boutique vineyards and it’s famous art trail. Dining in the Abel Tasman Region is taken very seriously by the well travelled locals who are usually excellent cooks themselves. The food here is nourishing, tasty, made with fresh produce (organic if poss) and not too pretentious. There is a close connection between food and art with cafes often attached to small art galleries. Here are just a few of many options.

Riverside Cafe – Upper Moutere

The Riverside Cafe is located in a 15- year old villa homestead. And it’s so much more than a cafe. At the entrance lies a very interesting Cacti garden that Michael negotiates…carefully.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

The Riverside Cafe is warm and inviting with interiors featuring beautiful handmade copper and crystal chandelier. On the day we visited, they’d almost sold out of their signature freshly baked Brioche.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

I ordered a passion cake with real passion fruit topping and although it was a smallish portion it was delicious. Like the Brioche, the service is warm and cheerful.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

To the left of the cafe there is a special little art gallery. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself totally benighted when you first walk in. There are light sensors and as you proceed further, your path is slowly lit up and the gallery comes to life. Magical.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

Jester House Cafe near Tasman Village

If you want to see a woman scoff a delicious gluten-free ginger slice in 10 secs flat, head down to the Jester House Cafe on a Wednesday, cos I’ll be there. This property has been an on-going project of love for it’s owners over 25 years and what I’d describe as a good all-rounder with equal appeal to adults and young families.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

Saturdays and Sundays are always packed so it pays to book ahead. Everyone loves the nearby stream of wiggling eels, especially when it’s feeding time and the unique playground equipment is sturdy but still no excuse for this sort of carry-on though!

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

Tasman General Store – the heart of town

Are you old enough to remember those rural general stores General Stores where all the locals were greeted by name and it was so much more than a dairy? The Tasman General Store is such a place and  full of surprises. It’s just down from Jester House in Aporo Road.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

Co-owner Lance, is a champion coffee roaster and skilled barista.Toiling in the kitchen are skilled bakers who supply the front shop with, among other treats, the most delicious carrot cake you’ll ever taste. In my opinion, nobody else can better them.  There are interesting places to sit and relax . We enjoy sitting at the massive wooden table at the front entrance to read the newspapers and chat with the locals.  The ice-creams are gigantic!

Jellyfish Cafe on Mapua wharf

Mapua is a fine little settlement that’s expanding in population year by year. If you follow the road into town, you’ll find the Jellyfish Cafe the very end on the Wharf. The Jellyfish Cafe is opened for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is robust and nourishing and the service, friendly.

Dining in the Abel Tasman Region

Photo by Chocolate Dog Studio

The Apple Shed Cafe & Bar sits right along side the Jellyfish Cafe. The Apple Shed has very comfortable booth seating inside but plenty of alfresco options as well and great views from the wharf.

Check out what is possibly the oldest pub in New Zealand, the Moutere Inn, which is in Upper Moutere – wholesome pub-cooked meals and relaxation in the gorgeous countryside. Kahurangi Estate Restaurant has the real deal with tasty wood-fired pizzas –  a great lunch option.

Good options in Motueka such as the ever-gracious service of the Chokdee Thai Restaurant. For something a bit special, head down to the Church Lane Restaurant to experience, among other delights, their amazing desserts, then visit the special shops nearby. Enjoy!

Happy Travelling.

Bozeman-to-Yellowstone shuttle service planned

Bozeman-to-Yellowstone shuttle service planned
A bison treats snowcoach riders to a view in Yellowstone National Park.
(Mike Brodwater / Northern Exposure Photography)

NATIONAL PARKS -- Making a winter visit to Yellowstone National Park will be easier this season with a new shuttle service between Bozeman and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Yellowstone National Park Lodges , operated by Xanterra, says the shuttle will start on Dec. 18 with the winter season opening of the Old Faithful Snow Lodge . The opening of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is set for Dec. 20. The lodges provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park through March 2.

Except for the road from Gardiner, Mont. to Cooke City, Mont. via Mammoth Hot Springs, transportation within the park is limited to snowmobiles and enclosed heated snowcoaches during the winter. Snowcoach transportation is available daily to a variety of park locations. Xanterra also offers a wide range of half- and full-day snowcoach, ski and snowshoe tours and ski and snowshoe rentals as well as expert instruction and other services.

The new shuttle will depart Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel daily at 9:15 a.m. and arrive at the airport at 11:15 a.m. For guests remaining in Bozeman, the shuttle will drop them off at a local hotel. Visitors who spent the previous night in Bozeman will board the shuttle at the Holiday Inn at 1 p.m. The shuttle will return to the airport to pick up arrivals for a 1:45 p.m. departure back to the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone.

Rates are $51.50, plus taxes and fees, each way for riders age three years and up.

Call toll-free: (866) 439-7375.


Exclusive Nordstrom Wedding Suite Stationery Collection

We’re excited to announce a hand-picked wedding stationery collection, chosen exclusively by the Wedding Suite at Nordstrom. Curated by National Bridal Director Andrea Wasserman, the trend-forward stationery picks represent the best of new wedding trends.

Exclusive Nordstrom Wedding Suite Stationery Collection

Not only does Nordstrom offer exceptional service to their brides, they know that design is critical when it comes to planning a wedding. “We love stationery that reflects who they are as a couple—brilliant color, bold fonts, a chic design or a custom monogram,” said Andrea. We couldn’t agree more!

Exclusive Nordstrom Wedding Suite Stationery Collection

Shop Andrea’s Picks here , or visit one of 18 Wedding Suites to see samples in person. Along with the curated collection, you can visit an in-store Nordstrom Wedding Suite to find inspiration boards, catalogs, and stationery samples.

“Seeing stationery options alongside the wedding attire completes the picture, helping couples achieve a cohesive look and feel for the entire event, from start to finish,” Andrea said. Brides visiting the exquisite Wedding Suites will be able to try on their dream dress, and find shoes, accessories, and more – even looks for the entire wedding party.

Exclusive Nordstrom Wedding Suite Stationery Collection

In the coming months, we’ll be sharing an in-depth look into the trends and styles, and get insight into the Wedding Suite’s own thoughts on bridal fashion. Make sure to check back on the blog for updates!

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Wedding Stationery Wednesday: Introducing Marchesa
  • Wedding Stationery Wednesday: Alloy Wedding Invitations
  • New Designs: Jewish and Asian Wedding Stationery