Passports from the Heart

I’m going to Mt Everest Base Camp! #HikeforHope

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Things have been a whirlwind over the last 4 months and I haven’t had a chance to share with you some pretty incredible news! I travel for a living. I travel to tell stories of people and places. I travel to inspire and to be an example to my children. I want to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone, to travel off the beaten path, to try new experiences-all while giving back to others. I live and breathe this.

Last year my travels took me as far away as Africa and Greece. Those were life changing trips. This year has been slower with the exception of a few small domestic trips as I took a few months off for surgery and have been unable to go very far. HOWEVER, it’s time for a new journey. A greater one. One that has the potential, over time, to help hundreds of lives.

In April of 2018, I will be trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp with the Huma Charity Challenge to raise funds for a wonderful organization called Cancer for College (www.cancerforcollege.org).  

They provide hope to cancer survivors who have been affected physically, emotionally and financially by cancer treatment by granting college scholarships.

That’s right my friends! I am going to hike to MT EVEREST BASE CAMP. It still doesn’t seem real to me. Over the next seven months, I will share my journey through personal videos, photos, blog posts, and via social media. I want those who follow along to feel like they are part of something special – in turn encouraging them to travel, to step out of their box, and to face their greatest fears. If children and young adults can survive cancer only to face financial challenges preventing them from furthering their education, then I can face my own challenge to help send them to college.  I hope you will follow my journey as we work together to make the world a better place.

This is by far the biggest challenge I’ve ever gone through…both physically and mentally. There’s lots of preparation and I hope you follow my journey.

My current goal is to raise $10,000. ALL donations will go directly to Cancer for College. Any amount is appreciated!!!!!

Can you help me send a deserving child to college?!?!

https://www.crowdrise.com/team-amelia-hike-for-hope/fundraiser/cancerforcollege1 

 

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St Simons Island, Georgia

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FTC Disclosure *I was offered a complimentary visit to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort as part of a Press Trip however all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.*

In May I had the opportunity to visit the historic King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St Simons Island, Georgia. What a beauty this place is with a story to tell.  The King and Prince dates back to the early 1900s and wasn’t always a resort. In it’s beginning days it was intended as a private club which was later destroyed by arson. After numerous renovations, the King and Prince opened it’s doors to the public in 1941 but soon closed to be occupied by the Navy during World War II.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the King and Prince has gone through many changes over the last 80 years. One thing that’s for sure, there’s a reason this resort is a favorite among so many. With beautiful accommodations, oceanfront dining, and a host of amenities everything you need for a perfect vacation is right at your fingertips.

The resort has an array of accommodations including the Oceanfront Building, Oleander Building, Historic building, Beach Villas, and Resort Residences (with up to five bedrooms!).

In addition to a stunning outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness facility, and the Royal Treatment Cottage the King and Prince also has a stunning award winning golf course that overlooks lakes, lagoons, and tidal marshlands.

Chef James Flack will not disappoint you at the resort restaurant ECHO. Our dining experience was superior from presentation to quality. During one of our 5 course dinners we enjoyed this small plate of Smoked Sea Scallops, Lemon Curd, and GA Caviar which was paired with Drew Barrymore’s Carmel Road Winery Pinot Grigio.

This grilled Georgia Peach with Foie Creme Fraiche, Pickled Blueberries, Summer Greens, and Maple Pecan Dressing was one of my favorites!

The King and Prince has won a plethora of awards. It has received the Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor for 7 years straight and in the past year won awards from Hotels.com, Family Vacation Critic, Elegant Island, and Open Table. One unique award was given to ECHO’s awesome bartender Chad. While checking out ECHO, make sure to order ‘The Chad’ a twist on a White Russian named after it’s creator, of course. This cocktail using coffee infused dixie vodka won the Inaugural Coastal Stir Cocktail Challenge at The St Simons Island Food + Spirits Festival. Find the recipe HERE. 

                                                         Photo provided by the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort 

I’ve traveled the world and seen the sun rise and set in some of the most remarkable places. The sunrises and sunsets in St Simons Island are truly unforgettable. I can assure you that it’s worth waking up early for this bit of Heaven.

How does the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort ‘Give Back’? 

  • Two Tesla charging stations for guest use
  • Recycling of cardboard and paper in all staff areas.
  • Recycling of batteries
  • Recycling of ink cartridges
  • Eco-friendly disposal of fluorescent light bulbs
  • Cloth hand towels provided in public restrooms to reduce paper waste
  • Donation of discarded linens to local charities
  • Donation of outdated historical print materials to local schools
  • Usage of eco-friendly cleaning products for the vast majority of our general cleaning needs
  • Implementation of towel and linen re-use program in our guest rooms
  • Implementation of microfiber cleaning system
  • In-room recycling equipped with bio-degradable, eco-friendly bags.
  • Membership in the Clean the World Program
  • Utilization of low-flow shower heads and toilets
  • Recycling options for both plastic and aluminum in-room and throughout the hotel.

 

Interested in booking a romantic getaway or family holiday?

Check out -> http://www.kingandprince.com/booking.aspx

 

Three Unique Things to See and Do in Tooele County, Utah

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*This post is sponsored by Tooele County however all opinions are my own.

I have visited Utah a few times over the years. Each trip was for work so I never had the opportunity to truly experience the area. This is really a shame because there’s some incredible things to see and do just a short drive from the state capital Salt Lake City. Twenty five minutes from the Salt Lake City airport is Tooele ( too-will-uh) County which is located in the north western part of the state. The first settlement in the area was in the 1800s which means there’s a great deal of historical landmarks to stop and see. There’s also hiking, biking, camping, hunting, and even scuba diving!

Tooele also has some other pretty unique things to enjoy. Here’s three things to see and do in Tooele County that I think you and your family will love.

Bonneville Salt Flats

I have always wanted to visit the Salar de Uyuni  in Bolivia. This is high on my Travel Bucket List. But, did you know that you can see something just as beautiful right in Utah? The Bonneville Salt Flats is the largest salt flat located west of the Great Salt Lake. These salt flats are known for the car racing that take place in the flats at the Bonneville Speedway. It’s said that if you believe what your eyes see then you’d be looking at water that goes on forever. The ancient Lake Bonneville filled most of the Great Basin. When it began to dry up, the water became salty. This left salt deposits in areas which formed the Salt Flats.

The Bonneville Salt Flats stretches across 30,000 acres. I find it interesting that car racing has been taking place here since the late 1800s with drivers returning year after year to break land speed records. Many drivers have hit record speeds between 400-600 mph! I honestly could not even imagine being in one of those cars.

Each year the World of Speed event is held at the salt flats where you can of course enjoy watching cars and motorcycles speed by but do you know what else you may catch a glimpse of? Bar stool racing! Can’t make this up friends. The bar stools are limited to electric power and some records indicate that these bar stools have hit over 50mph! There’s truly something for everyone.

 

 

Pony Express National Historic Trail

“Men Wanted” The undersigned wishes to hire ten or a dozen men, familiar with the management of horses, as hostlers, or riders on the Overland Express Route via Salt Lake City. Wages $50 per month and found.” – Ad in Sacramento Union, March 19, 1860.

Operating for only 18 months beginning in April 1860, the Pony Express was the mail delivery service from Missouri to California. These original mailmen traveled 1,800 miles in 10 days, by horse of course.  Pretty impressive! You can actually retrace the steps of history in Utah by visiting a variety of museums and camps along the route. There’s also plenty of opportunities for horse back riding.

I think this is a great way for parents to teach their children about life before digital communication!

Wild Horses

Track the wild horses of Utah. Think of it as a safari right here in the United States. Tooele County is home to the largest herd of free-roaming wild horses in the state of Utah. The herd is also one of the largest in the country. My daughters, especially my oldest who was an equestrian, would love this. I can only imagine the feeling of seeing these wild horses, one of the most beautiful animals, in their natural habitat. This is something not found just anywhere. The Pony Express Road is actually a great place for viewing access of the herd plus many other historical stops along the way. It’s important to mention that you should not approach these horses. They are wild animals. Keep your distance and enjoy them from afar.

Looking for other cool things to do in Tooele County? Check out these upcoming events.

May 20th – Lantern Festival

Apr-Jun – Salt Flats Racing Association Test & Tune

July 27th-30th – Country Fan Fest

July 4th Weekend – Bit N Spur Rodeo

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