DRIFT Travel Spring 2022

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

GOLF IN FRANCE’S LOIRE VALLEY 

OLD MEETS NEW IN AUTHENTIC FRENCH STYLE 

WHERE TO NEXT? 

inside this issue | 14 countries & 38 must visit destinations 

SPRING 2022 

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY

DRIFT Travel Magazine 

is available on 

PressReader 

2 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM

Call 800.669.6529 

moorings.com/drift 

unplug 

When sinking in life’s unyielding 

wave of technology, disconnect from 

the rush and slip into island-time. 

Cast off with The Moorings, let your 

worries melt away, remember how 

to live in the moment—one nautical 

mile at a time. 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 1 

US_TM_0807_0118_AD - DRIFT Magazine Full Page Print Ad - January.indd 1 

1/17/18 2:26 PM

PUBLISHER 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

STEVE DRAKE 

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL 

TRACIE BARNTHOUSE, SHELLEY COAR, 

JUNE DAGNALL, STEVE DRAKE, ANDREW MARSHALL, 

MARGARET MURRAY, MATTHEW SCHUELLER 

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY 

GUNNERS BARRACKS, JÉAN BÉLLER, 

DEVON BLUNDEN, LES BORDES, CLARIDGE’S, 

SHELLEY COAR, HOTEL DE CRILLON, STEVE DRAKE, 

GRAND HYATT, THE BILTMORE MAYFAIR, 

MAJESTIC HOTEL, ANDREW MARSHALL, 

SYDNEY MARTINEZ, BRIAN MILLER, 

XENODOCHEIO MILOS, MATTHEW SCHUELLER, 

TAJ MAHAL PALACE HOTEL, THE PLAZA - A FAIRMONT 

MANAGED HOTEL, TRAVEL NEVADA, JORIS VISSER, 

VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL 

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 

sales@DRIFTtravel.com | www.DRIFTtravel.com 

Published by: Glossy Media 

All rights reserved. No part may be copied or 

reproduced without permission. 

© COPYRIGHT DRIFT TRAVEL MAGAZINE 

GLOSSY MEDIA 

2015-2022

EXTRAORDINARY BRANDS DESERVE 

REMARKABLE PHOTOGRAPHS 

Bespoke Professional Photography 

for Hotels, Resorts 

& Luxury Brands 

Clients Worldwide: 

TRAVEL + TOURISM 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts | Four 

Seasons Hotels & Resorts | Ritz Carlton 

Hotels | Accor Hotels | Melia Hotels 

Ovolo Hotels | Sunwing Travel | Tourism 

Barbados | Tourism Grand Cayman 

LUXURY BRANDS 

Helly Hanson | Lincoln Luxury Vehicles 

Bugatti | Swissgear | Lole | Ford Motors 

| Samsung | Tiffany & Co. 

Available worldwide. Request our 

photoshoot destination calendar: 

email: portfolio@glossy.media 

web portfolio: glossy.media 

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 3

14 Les Bordes 

Golfing in France 

A picturesque old course with rolling 

fairways and a challenging par 72 

new course are just two of the special 

offerings that await the avid golfer at 

Les Bordes in the Loire Valley. 

22 

60 

32 

columns 

6 Travel Bites 

28 Travel Gear 

46 Hotel Spotlight 

72 #WheretoNext 

54 

48 


22 Hawaiian Dreams 

BY MATTHEW SCHUELLER 

Hawaii is rooted in community, and its 

welcoming spirit embraces every traveler. 

32 Beautiful Belgium 

BY SHELLEY COAR 

A scenic photographic journey through 

Belgium’s cities and countryside. 

48 Afternoon Tea Around The World 

BY JUNE DAGNALL 

A look at the ten best places to 

experience afternoon tea on the planet. 

54 New Zealand on Two Wheels 

BY ANDREW MARSHALL 

Cycling from the North Island to the 

South Island’s spectacular glaciers. 

Contents 

60 Nevada’s Weird Wonders 

BY TRACIE BARNTHOUSE 

It begins with alien research and 

gets weirder by the desert mile. 

66 America’s Great State Parks 

BY MARGARET MURRAY 

A sneak peek at a few of the 10,000 state 

parks that span 18 million acres across the USA. 

66 


On the cigar and 

cocktail trail in 

Old Havana 

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL 

A man’s voice crackles over an antiquated loud speaker system as he 

reads a chapter from a García Màrquez novel, the words filling the 

vast room where dozens of men and women listen. With heads bowed 

over wooden workbenches and with their hands methodically rolling, 

chopping and tucking, they create Cuba’s most famous product. 


I 

am lucky enough to be one of 

the last people to take a cigar 

factory tour at the original 

Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás 

(Partagás Cigar Factory) in Old 

Havana (Calle Industria No.520) 

behind the Capitolio Nacional 

building, before it moved to its new 

location on the corner of Calle San 

Carlos in Central Havana. One of 

Havana's oldest and most famous 

cigar factories, the landmark Real 

Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás had 

been making cigars here since 1845. 

For a cigar aficionado like myself, 

this is 'the pilgrimage' for it is here 

that some of the world's finest 

cigars are handcrafted, from the 

powerfully rich Cohiba Robusto to 

the magnificent Partagás Double 

Corona. 

Whatever your views are about 

smoking, it's a fascinating cultural 

insight to take a cigar factory tour. 

Being Cuba, factory tours can be 

ad hoc. Tours take around one 

hour, and cover the various stages 

of cigar production. Starting in 

the selection room, where sorters 

grade the various tobacco leaves 

and ending in a tiny room where 

the finished cigars are packed into 

cedar boxes, which are pasted 

with their official green and white 

seals to confirm authenticity. 


But it's in the rolling rooms, the 

galeras, the very heart and soul 

of the cigar-making process that 

I am able to fully appreciate the 

craftsmanship that has been handed 

down through generations of cigar 

rollers. The pungent aroma of rich 

tobacco leaf mingles with cigar 

smoke as several rollers enjoy the 

fruits of their labor while they work. 

Rolling is a prestigious job, and only 

the skilled get to roll famous cigar 

types like the Cohiba Esplendido 

and Montecristo No.2. Using only 

a metal knife, a wooden board, a 

small guillotine and a bit of vegetable 

gum, most rollers make around 

100 to 150 cigars a day. But I have 

to say; I’m a little disappointed 

not to witness any Cuban women 

rolling them on their thighs. 

In the next room, Roberto Gomez's 

job is to inspect the gauge size 

and uniformity of the finished 

product. The quality control is 

thorough, and he carefully places 

to one side any cigars that don't 

make the grade. "I've been doing 

this job for nearly forty years now, 

and reckon I can tell a good cigar 

from a bad one,” he says taking a 

deep puff on a Bolivar Belicoso. 

If a Partagás factory tour is the 

pilgrimage, then the Holy Grail is 

the Havana cigar itself, smoked in 

any of the city’s time-honored cafés 

or bars. Before leaving the factory 

it’s almost mandatory to visit the 

cigar shop on the ground floor to 

select a cigar (or a box of cigars), 

which confusingly is still housed in 

the factory's old location. Naturally, 

it sells some of Havana's best 

smokes, including the deep, earthy 

Partagás brand, and you needn’t 

go any further than the adjoining 

La Casa del Habano bar to smoke 

it. The faces of various Hollywood 

celebrities that have enjoyed the 


combination of a fine cigar with a 

Cuban cocktail in this atmospheric 

saloon, smile up from their 

autographed photos in an album 

on the bar top. This is definitely 

the place where you wouldn’t be 

surprised if you bumped into the 

likes of Jack Nicholson or Arnold 

Schwarzenegger enjoying a fat cigar 

or two. A block or so away from the 

rebranded 'Modern Partagás Cigar 

Factory' (where factory tours are 

available) is the Romeo y Julieta 

Factory (which also offers tours and 

produces several sizes of handcrafted 

Cohiba, Montecristos, H. Upmanns 

and of course, Romeo y Julietas. 

It's early evening and lighting up 

one of my favorite cigars, a superbly 

spicy Montecristo No.2, I hit the 

streets and stroll past the grand 

Capitolio Nacional inspired by the 

US Capitol building in Washington 

D.C and hang a right into the back 

streets of Old Havana. Despite 

decades of economic decline, the 

old magic of Havana shines through 

like a scratchy, crackling scene from 

a 1950s Cary Grant movie. It was 

this very magic that attracted people 

like authors Ernest Hemingway and 

Graham Greene, most of Hollywood, 

the Windsors and the Churchills. 

Smoking my cigar, I'm easy prey for 

the black market street peddlers who 

zero in. "Hey my friend, where are 

you from? You want good cigars? I 

have Montecristos for a good price?" 

"Sorry, I already have some," I reply, 

having bought a genuine box of 

cigars earlier, and escape through the 

doors of El Floridita, to imbibe the 

bar's infamous cocktail, the daiquiri. 


In addition to cigars, Havana has 

long been famous for its cocktails, 

and while El Floridita didn't invent 

the daiquiri, it certainly reinvented 

it by introducing an electric iceblender 

into the equation in the 

1920s. Served up by red-jacketed 

barmen who make a great show with 

their cocktail shakers, these frosty 

dreams of rum, lemon juice, sugar, 

maraschino and crushed ice are just 

the thing to combat the heat outside. 

Ernest Hemingway spent over 20 

years living in Cuba and many 

an hour sipping daiquiris and 

smoking cigars in this hallowed 

haunt. Another Cuban cocktail 

is the mojito (rum, lemon juice, 

sugar, soda, mint leaf and ice 

cubes, stirred) made famous by 

the Nobel prize-winning novelist 

when he penned 'my daiquiri in 

the Floridita and my mojito in the 

Bodeguita' on one of the walls of the 

La Bodeguita del Medio bar. Since 

Hemingway's time, a visit to this 

funky bar has become de rigueur, 

and other notables such as Nat 

King Cole and Fidel Castro have 

left their autographs on the wall. 

The streets of Communist Havana 

are living testimony to tough times. 

To say that time seems to have 

stopped ticking somewhere back in 

the 1950s is to state the obvious. An 

ancient Oldsmobile rumbles down 

Calle Obispo, Old Havana's main 

thoroughfare, as I head for the La 

Bodeguita, nearly pinning me against 

the crumbling walls of a building as 

its hulk practically fills the narrow 

street. When I arrive, the place is 

crammed with hordes of tourists all 

drinking mojitos, so I decide to visit 

the nearby La Lluvia de Oro instead. 

Besides, the mojitos here are half 

the price and go down well with the 

sizzling salsa beat of a live band. 


In my boutique hotel suite tucked 

away in one of the residential 

streets, I'm surrounded by the 

hum of Havana life. I wake every 

morning to roosters crowing and 

mothers getting children off to 

school and fall asleep each evening 

to the sound of a dozen different 

television sets floating in through 

my open balcony windows. 

The following day I’m back exploring 

the streets of Old Havana. In 

addition to walking, another great 

way to see the sights is to jump in 

the back of one the cities’ colorful 

three-wheeled taxi cycles. “How’s 

your stay in Havana so far,” Gustavo 

my cigar-puffing driver asks me, 

as we head off past the grand steps 

of the Capitolio Nacional with its 

dominating dome that cost USD 

$17 million to build in 1926, then 

throw a left into the back streets of 

Old Havana. At the speed of peddle 

power, we pass by the popular 

lunchtime haunt of Café de Paris 

and the cool neo-deco atmosphere 

of Café Del Oriente, just two other 

great venues to pursue the hedonistic 

delights of sampling various cocktails 

while savoring on the palate the 

rich coffee-laden, spicy overtones 

of a hand-rolled Cuban cigar... 


CUBAN CIGARS – Tasting Tips and Etiquette 

Select: When choosing a cigar the 

wrapper can offer the first clue. 

Lighter wrappers generally indicate 

a milder flavor with darker wrappers 

offering a more full-bodied smoke. 

When squeezed, a cigar should give 

slightly and then when released, 

spring back into its original shape 

without the wrapper leaf cracking 

As a general rule, milder cigars are 

more suited to earlier in the day, 

while the fullbodied choice is best 

saved to finish off a good meal or to 

pair with a dark rum for example. 

A good cross-section of fullbodied 

Havanas include the 

Cohiba Esplendido or Robusto, 

a Partagás Lusitania Double 

Corona, the Montecristo No.2, 

Romeo y Julieta Belicoso, Bolivar 

Royal Corona, an H. Upmann 

Monarch, a Punch Double Corona, 

a Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No. 

2 or the powerful Exhibicion No. 

4. Before cutting and lighting, 

survey the wrapper for consistent 

color, smoothness, and sheen 

and savor the scent of the cigar. 

Cut: Some cigar smokers swear 

by using one’s teeth, but it’s best 

to use a proper cigar cutter for 

the job. A good rule of thumb is 

to cut about 3mm from the head 

of the cigar. This is sufficient to 

give a good draw, without the 

risk of loosening the wrapper. 

Light: Using a good quality butane 

lighter hold the cigar just above 

the flame (do not let the flame 

touch the cigar) at a 45-degree 

angle so that the heat, not the 

flame, causes combustion and the 

outer ring of the cigar is evenly lit. 

Rotate the cigar through the first 

few puffs to assure an even burn. 

Listen to the faint crackle as you 

light your cigar, the soft exhalation 

as you release the smoke...these 

are the sounds of satisfaction. 

Savor: Roll the smoke around your 

mouth and enjoy the rich bouquet 

of varied flavors. A long solid 

cylinder of white ash indicates a 

good soil and more taste. Don’t be 

tempted to tap the ash, just let it 

fall off naturally in the ashtray. As 

the cigar burns down its length, the 

tastes and aroma will change, most 

likely becoming more pronounced. 


CUBAN COCKTAILS 

This tropical country seems to have 

cornered the market it cocktails. 

Here's a little history behind some 

of the delights you can order: 

Cuba Libre 

This rum and coke blend was created 

during the Spanish-American 

War. This cocktail is quite clearly 

a nod to the home team as Cuba 

Libre is Spanish for free Cuba. 

Mojito 

The origins of the mojito have been 

linked back to a 16th-century drink 

named after Sir Francis Drake. The 

lime juice and rum mix was said to 

help combat scurvy and dysentery. 

Daiquiri 

Supposedly invented by a US 

mining engineer who was in Cuba 

during the Spanish-American 

war. This rum, citrus and sugar 

mix could be named after a 

beach or a local iron mine. 

Canchanchara 

This is the drink that the daiquiri 

is believed to have derived from. 

The rustic lime, honey and rum 

beverage is believed to be created 

by early freedom fighters. 


Golf Travel to France 

BY: STEVE DRAKE 

Tucked away in the French woodlands of the Loire Valley, you'll find the 

exceptional Les Bordes Golf Club. Originally established by Baron Marcel 

Bich, a French entrepreneur and inventor who was also the founder of BIC, 

the company that brought us the iconic x`pens and lighters. 

Opened in 1987, the club is known for high end amenities and its prestigious 

private membership. 


Widely considered to be Von 

Hagge’s greatest masterpiece, 

the Old Course has been 

consistently ranked amongst 

the top three courses in 

Europe over the past 30 years. 

The Old Course 

I 

t has been said that when the great Texan Robert von Hagge designed 

this course, his intent was to throughly mess with even the best who 

comes to challenge his creation. I could not agree more. 

As you begin to walk the course, you might say there is a bit of an American 

feel, but a quick look around and there is no doubt that you are in France. 

Large balls of mistletoe growing high in the trees, a 600-year old abandoned 

monastery, and every once and awhile a mighty stag will march across your 

path, as if he is the keeper of this enchanted forest. Yes, this is France. 

With gently rolling fairways, this 

par 72 Old Course is lush and well 

established, so be watchful of where 

you place (or should I say misplace) 

your tee shot. A miss here will leave 

you with a difficult second shot. 

Most of the greens are well protected 

with water and there is sand 

everywhere. 

As you approach the 6th green 

there is an old cross just beyond the 

bunker that runs along the right 

side. Like a beacon of hope for those 

whose shots have gone astray. The 

perfect spot for a quick prayer... 

you’ll likely need it. 


...but it’s the New Course that 

everyone is talking about 

The Les Bordes New Course is 

an amazing par 72 that wanders 

through the Loire countryside. 

Designed by golf course architect 

Gil Hanse, this is a course you will 

love or hate, and even if you hate it... 

you’ll love playing it. 

Just a few short months 

after the New Course 

opened, it was included 

in GOLF Magazine’s 

Top 100 Courses in the 

World 2021-2022. 

Standing on the first tee, you will feel 

a sense of calm. The fairway ahead 

looks wide and receptive and looks 

like an easy opening hole. Right, not 

so easy after all. From here on out, 

this is what you will discover hole 

after hole. Most of the fairways offer 

a well defined bailout areas, hit it 

here and you’ll pay the price when it 

comes to your next shot. So firsttime 

players beware. 


The New Course is vastly different 

from the Old Course. More wild and 

a little more daring. The greens are 

well bunkered, yet receptive to a well 

placed approach shot. Peninsulas of 

heather and broom are strategically 

placed along the fairways, with 

several holes featuring forced carries 

over water or sand, all to challenge 

even the most experienced golfer. 

It’s almost like the course is taunting 

you, like the Siren of Greek mythology 

calling you to play a little closer to the 

hazards. But don’t fall for it, there is 

a path to your target and by design 

Hanse will reward those who find it 

with par and better. 

The New Course is worthy of all the 

praise, and like a fine French Cabernet, 

will only get better with age. 

Gil Hanse | Golf Course Architect 

Gil Hanse has always been 

interested in design and 

construction. After completing an 

undergraduate degree at Clemson 

University, Hanse worked for 

several years as a land planner and 

civil engineer before returning 

to school to study landscape 

architecture. His unique approach 

to golf course design has won him 

numerous awards, and his courses 

are enjoyed by astute golfers around 

the world. 


The Club House 

The club house is a phenomenal centerpiece with rustic 

architecture and the finest of details. With seating for 

over 200 guests inside and out, members and visitors can 

enjoy the simplicity of relaxation or world class dining 

while marveling at the structure. The restaurant offers 

exceptional views across the entire course. 


The facilities are built to very high 

standards with lush green fairways 

and immaculate bunkering. The 

perfectly maintained practice area 

will have you feeling ready to test 

your abilities from the first tee. A 

large putting green and chipping 

area is complemented by an 

impressive driving range allowing 

golfers of all levels to warm up 

in preparation for their round. 

Twenty four of the thirty nine 

member cottages have been 

fully renovated by Londonbased 

architects Michaelis Boyd 

and they are spectacular. 

Yet to come, a partnership with 

Six Senses will transform the onsite 

19th century ‘Chateau Bel 

Air’ into a luxury hotel and spa. 


Cour du Baron Residences 

A twist on the traditional, the 

classical homes feature a mixture 

of local stone and timber cladding. 

Exposed rafters lend a countryside 

feeling to living spaces, and big 

windows create an openness 

that connects the interiors to the 

surrounding landscape and beyond. 

Morpheus & Co, the international 

interior design house behind some 

of the most exclusive hospitality 

and residential developments of 

the last 25 years, are the creatives 

behind the residential interiors. 

World-renowned for their turnkey 

delivery and groundbreaking interior 

architecture, interior design and 

highly tailored furniture solutions, 

from signature collections to 

completely unique pieces, they 

have designed bespoke “Cour du 

Baron” furniture collections to blend 

intimately with property design and 

the local environs. 

They are in active consultation with 

owners from across the world – 

including the UK, US, Switzerland, 

France, Sweden, Germany and 

The Netherlands – to deliver their 

dream interiors at Les Bordes, 

combining tactile, relaxing interiors 

and timeless design with biophilic 

features for a feeling of comfort and 

inspiration, and immersion into 

the surrounding environment both 

inside and out. 


Some of the enriching amenities 

include natural fishing lakes, walking 

and cycling trails, an animal petting 

farm for children, outdoor play 

areas, and a natural swimming lake 

with its very own white sand beach – 

completely unique of anywhere else 

in the Loire Valley. Others include a 

renowned equestrian club, archery, 

tennis courts that will soon become 

a full club for training and leisure, 

and for younger family members, 

go-kart track and pony riding, with 

a kids’ club, ice-cream shop and 

zip lines coming later this year. 

Governed separately from the 

residential community and 

rest of the estate, the worldfamous 

Les Bordes Golf Club 

remains exclusively private. 


aloha from 

HAWAII 

BY: MATTHEW SCHUELLER 

Visiting Honolulu is much 

more than visiting a big city. 

Before I stepped off the plane onto 

the island, I thought the tropical paradise 

would be limited to me experiencing just 

Waikiki, but I quickly learned that I had access 

to much, much more—I could see the entire 

island! What I didn’t know is that when people 

say they are going to visit Honolulu, they can 

easily get from place to place all around 

Oahu. From one side of the island to 

the other, it may only take only 

a couple hours drive. 


We booked our trip to celebrate our 3rd year wedding anniversary, but also 

to see a good friend who lived in Waikiki. Lucky for us, our friend Tanner 

was able to play as tour-guide during our visit. As soon as we landed, the first 

thing we did was pick up poke-bowls and walked to Waikiki beach to touch 

the ocean. The color of the water blew my mind. I had never seen such radiant 

turquoise in my life. It really was stunning as I remembered always imagining 

that the photos I had seen of Waikiki being overly saturated by photo-editing, 

but the photos truly does not do justice to seeing the water for yourself. 

Between bites of fresh Ahi Tuna with spicy mayo, we waded through the warm 

water absorbing all the sights and sounds of Hawaii’s most touristy beach. We 

didn’t want to spend long there, as Oahu is full of much more beautiful and 

secluded beaches. But we knew we had to at least experience a bit of Waikiki, 

especially in just arriving. Wading into the water was like a warm hello, a 

welcoming hug from the island. 

The spirit of the island is that of community. Everyone we met made us feel 

like we belonged there from the moment we arrived. After finishing our Poké 

bowls, we found a new friend at Kaimana’s Beach, just down the way from 

Waikiki. After enjoying a couple beers at Kaimana’s Beach and taking in the 

view, he took it upon himself to offer showing us some of his favorite spots 

around the island. I can’t think of anywhere else on earth that has people like 

this, who will drop everything at a simple hello and befriend you in an instant. 

We came to Hawaii with nothing planned and nothing pertinently scheduled 

so as to truly encompass the meaning of Aloha, the Hawaiian laid-back spirit 

towards life. So, at the offer of seeing the island through a new friend’s eyes, we 

took it to heart and accepted to meet up the next day. 


After a cheap but delicious 

breakfast of spam musubi from 

the neighborhood 7-11, with our 

new friend from Kaimana’s Beach, 

Michael and I piled into Tanner’s 

car to embark across the island to a 

place we had just heard about, Polo 

Beach. Known to locals as not only 

an LGBTQ+ friendly location, but 

also a popular clothing-optional 

stretch of pristine golden sand on 

Oahu’s Northern coast. Umbrella 

and snacks-in-hand, we found an 

open space and set-up our camp 

for the day. Often when we travel, 

we try to fit in as much as possible 

and see absolutely everything there 

is to see. Reflecting on trips like 

that, I’m reminded of how tired I’ve 

returned home and feel sometimes 

like, “I need a vacation from my 

vacation.” On our second day on 

Oahu, I started to understand the 

appeal and draw of the island. It’s 

a place I can finally unwind and 

relax. I didn’t feel the same rush 

of needing to go and experience 

absolutely everything that the island 

had to offer. I felt perfectly content, 

sitting on a beach surrounded by 

crystal blue water, feeling the sun 

on my face and in the company of 

good friends. In a word, paradise. 

In an experience, more than I could 

ever express on paper. Friends of 

our friends arrived at Polo Beach 

to join us, one of them gifting us a 

home-grown mango from his tree. 

Since we were already in the area, we 

decided to hike to Ka’ena Point, the 

westernmost edge of Oahu. Known 

for its remote coastal lava-crusted 

shoreline, Ka’ena Point’s rugged 

hiking trails lead to incredibly 

beautiful vistas providing Oahu’s 

largest Laysan albatross sanctuary. 

The hike in total is 3 miles to 

the edge, and 3 miles back from 

the starting point on the North 

Shore. We watched the sunset as 

albatross flew overhead, and it 

truly was a sight I’ll never forget. 


Following our adventurous hike to the Western Point, we made plans to 

explore more of Oahu’s North Shore the following day, including seeing the 

famed Lanikai Beach. The destination certainly did not disappoint, as the color 

and clarity of the water exceeded even what we had seen at Waikiki or Polo 

Beach. The small islands Moku Nui and Moku Iki provided further magic to 

the backdrop as we sat perched on the sand. After a long day in the sun, the 

drive back provided even more beautiful surprises. Along the North Shore, the 

cliffs that were used for scenes from the movie, Jurassic Park stunned us as we 

drove around the bends. We stopped at Haolna Beach Cove to find a craterlike 

beach surrounded by steep and rocky cliffs. Many were taking advantage 

of the last hours of sunlight snorkeling in the turquoise waters. 

Though lounging and experiencing some of Oahu’s best beaches was a definite 

highlight of the trip, there was so much more to experience. On our last full 

day on the island, our friend Tanner surprised us with a catamaran sailing 

cruise along with friends we had met during our trip. The day-cruise departed 

from Waikiki Beach and sailed around the bay, providing plenty of drinks to 

enjoy as we enjoyed the view of the city from a different perspective. To cap off 

the trip, we went out to experience the nightlife with our newfound Hawaiian 

chosen family. 


Even though we stayed just a week on the island, it felt like we had been there 

for years. We connected closely with those we met incredibly fast, and that 

wasn’t just because we like to meet new people when we travel. It’s because 

of the laid-back and friendly Hawaiian way of life, and the idea that all who 

walk on this earth are connected in some way or another. As a relatively small 

island, Oahu is a tight-knit community—and though it’s one of the most 

popular tourist destinations in the USA, the community is still incredibly 

welcoming. So if you find yourself on the island, let go of any sense of strict 

planning, allow yourself to make a new friend, and go with the flow with that 

incredible Hawaiian sense of Aloha. 



BRUTREK beverage bottles 

Features an innovative dual lid system that makes carrying, sipping and 

pouring easy. The leak-proof top lid, which screws into either the second lid 

or the bottle, has a handle with rounded edges and a large opening for holding 

onto or fastening to a backpack. The second lid, which screws into the bottle, 

has a spout that’s large enough for smooth sipping and pouring, but will still 

keep ice contained. Use both lids or only the top lid as needed. 

brutrek.com 

HUNTER canvas desert commando boot 

Designed to be worn in the warmer months, the women’s canvas desert boot is designed 

in breathable natural cotton canvas. It keeps feet cool on a hot summer day while still 

providing natural insulation in cooler weather. The cotton-based fabric is highlighted with 

rubberized foxing, a high-grip outsole and kickspur to aid removal. 

hunterboots.com 


MODERN PICNIC the backpack 

The chic, functional, and sustainable backpack is a great travel 

companion. The interior is insulated, includes a sleeve to protect 

your laptop, and even has compartments for your silverware. The 

backpack is also perfect for travel whether you are planning a picnic 

in the park or packing for a weekend getaway! 

modernpicnic.com 

WHITNEY LINEN resort wear 

Linen is one of the strongest fibers, making it an inherently sustainable 

choice. The Resort 2022 Collection features pieces designed for 

getaways and city stays. The collection showcases Whitney Linen’s 

take on safari style with a tropical twist! 

whitneylinen.com 


30 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM 

SKYDIO skydio 2+ drone 

A drone which builds on the industry-leading 

autonomy of the Skydio 2 drone with important 

hardware and software improvements. Plus 

enhanced wireless range and battery life to get 

the most out of every adventure. Also, Skydio 

announced new groundbreaking autonomous 

flight capability, Skydio KeyFrame. Skydio 

Keyframe is an AI skill that allows a user to 

design and capture smooth, complex camera 

moves with just a few taps. 

skydio.com

THE ROLLING STONES luggage collection 

A tribute to the pioneers of hard rock. The suitcase 

collection feature a branded telescopic trolley 

handle that locks in 2 different positions, and 

single 360° spinner wheels, for precise control 

and smooth, quiet rolling. The inside includes 

a signature Rolling Stones lining, dividing 

panel, tightening straps and various pockets for 

optimized packing that remains in place during 

your trip. 

bfashionbags.com 

SPINN CP.02 camera carrying system 

A new carrying system for almost every DSLR and mirrorless 

camera. Let your camera rest bombproof in any position 

without swinging or slipping, and enjoy unrestricted access 

and perfect view of all controls. 

spinn.design 


A nighttime wedding party lights sky lanterns to remember loved ones who 

have passed on. One is for the bride’s father, a beloved friend. 


BELGIUM 

A Photographic Journey 

Featured Artist: Shelley Coar 

Instagram: @shelleycoartravel 

Website: shelleycoar.com 

Gear: Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 

16-35 f/2.8L, RRS Ultralight Tripod 

& BH-40 Ball Head 

Shelley is a travel photographer and 

write who lives in Denver, Colorado, 

with her husband and son. She enjoys 

photographing low light landscapes and is 

most inspired in her second home country 

of Belgium. 



The lively daytime canals of Bruges are normally packed with boats of 

tourists, but not at night. The up-lights of the iconic Belfort tower caught 

my eye as evening blanketed the city. 


The secluded Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint Remy is home to the 

Cistercian monks who brew the world-renowned Rochefort beer. 




Symmetrical white cabanas await the daytime throng 

of beach-goers at the Knokke-Heist on the North Sea. 


Walk down a dusty lane, and you will inevitably find a hidden countryside 

chapel like this one secluded near Hoegaarden. 


Windmills make for a serene bike stop along the canal from Bruges to Damme. 


Belgium is best explored on bike and has a myriad of mapped cycling 

routes covering the countryside and cities alike. 


Tree lined esplanades run parallel the canals flowing from Bruges to the 

North Sea and make for a perfect escape by bike or foot. 


The glassy pre-dawn River Lys reflects the facades of Ghent, a tranquil view of the 

medieval city before the crowded and energetic day begins. 



xenodocheio Milos 

Athens 

xenodocheio Milos is located in downtown Athens 

opposite Old Parliament, an area bursting with history 

and celebrates the best of Greek heritage, art and 

cuisine. Elegant and refined, this authentic culinary 

hotel experience is the very first luxury boutique hotel of 

the world-renowned Greek restaurant estiatorio Milos, 

carrying the inspiring story of Milos to its next chapter. 


A World Renowned Gastronomic Experience 

Offering some of the world’s finest Mediterranean 

dishes from acclaimed founder and chef 

executive Costas Spiliadis, the hotel brings a 

symbol of iconic simplicity to life through divine 

gastronomy. Simple and refined Mediterranean 

food packed full of rich flavors awaits, serving 

the finest fresh seafood from mouth-watering 

Oysters, fresh Greek Ceviche and wild red 

Madagascar shrimp to celebrated Greek desserts 

including the delicious Karidopita and Baklava. 

Unwind in the heart of the city, and enjoy a 

selection of blissful and rejuvenating wellness 

experiences from rooftop yoga to pilates in the 

boutique gym. Those looking to host exclusive 

private events can pick from a number of 

stunning meeting rooms or take matters to 

new heights in the open-air entertainment 

terrace. Offering perfectly crafted suites with 

soft velvet furnishings and wooden floors 

for whatever the occasion, xenodocheio 

Milos goes above and beyond to ensure 

guests needs and desires are exceeded. 


Top Hotels for 

Afternoon Tea 

Experiences 

BY: JUNE DAGNALL 

There is no question that afternoon tea is always in style, and it has certainly evolved significantly over the last 

two hundred years. Culinary chefs these days express their own creative flair and are continually adding new 

twists to this indulgent British tradition. 

Afternoon tea was introduced in England in 1840 by Anne, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. It is said that the Duchess 

would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably 

late at eight o’clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, 

bread, and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit, and she soon began inviting 

friends to join her for this ritual. 

Tea quickly became a stylish social event, and during the 1880’s upper class and society woman would change into long 

gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea which was served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock 

complete with silver teapots, fine linens, elegant teacups and world renowned teas. 

Traditional afternoon tea typically consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and 

preserves, as well as an assortment of cakes and pastries. 

There are a few tea etiquette rules that still exist today. Eat sandwiches first and with fingers please, not the cutlery. 

Warm scones should be enjoyed next and proper etiquette advises that these should be broken in two by hand, not with 

a knife. Please also remember that extending your pinky finger is a “don’t” when enjoying afternoon tea, and please 

never cradle the cup in your hands! 


The Plaza - New York City, USA 

The historic Plaza in New York City has been an iconic 

destination for afternoon tea for more than 100 years. 

Magnificently situated in the hotel’s Palm Court, tea 

guests allude to the fact that they feel as though Central 

Park has been brought indoors while they enjoy a 

delightful tea experience under a stained glass dome. 

Tea choices include selections such as Chinese green tea, 

English breakfast, and lavender oolong. Patrons dine on 

delicate sandwiches, pastries and scones all served on 

Bernardaud china and custom tableware. There are a 

variety of tea menus, such as the classic Manhattan Tea, 

or for special occasions guests can order the indulgent 

Grand Imperial Tea for two, complete with caviar service. 

There is a signature tea for children featuring peanut 

butter and jelly finger sandwiches, cake pops, cotton 

candy and caffeine-free tea. After Eloise, the children’s 

book character, lives at the Plaza and in her books often 

enjoys afternoon tea here. 

Claridge’s - London, England 

Claridge’s has been serving afternoon tea for 150 years. 

For a century or more, their Executive Chefs have 

remained faithful to the classic combination of finger 

sandwiches, scones served warm, and sweet pastries. 

Prepared and served fresh each day, the menu faithfully 

follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory. 

The ingredients include British specialties such as 

poached Scottish salmon, and their pastries change to 

reflect the fruits of the season. Of course, at the heart of 

the experience is the tea itself. From a rich Oolong to the 

refreshingly complex Claridge’s Blend, there is a tea that 

will complement your tea experience perfectly. 

Afternoon tea is served from a specially designed stand 

and on the very finest bone china and silverware, both 

made to a unique Claridge’s design. Guests enjoy their 

experience while being immersed in the 1930s art deco 

design of the Foyer and Reading Room. 


Fairmont Empress Hotel - Victoria, Canada 

Tea at the Empress has been as they say, “hot and 

steamy since 1908” when the hotel first opened. A 

grand tradition for over a century, the world renowned 

Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved 

ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and 

dignitaries alike. Afternoon tea is elegantly served in the 

timeless Lobby Lounge overlooking the beautiful inner 

harbor, and provides live classical piano accompaniment. 

The Empress offers twenty one rare, ethically produced 

teas showcasing varieties from all major growing areas 

around the world. 

Indulge in delicate sandwiches, freshly baked Empress 

raisin scone with homemade clotted cream and jam, 

as well as a decadent dessert tier. Tea at the Empress 

can also be enjoyed by their tiny Prince and Princesses 

between the ages of 5 and 12 years old to feel like royalty 

while partaking in this coveted tradition. 

Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel – Paris, France 

Located just off the famed Champs-Élysées, one will find 

the Hôtel de Crillon. This stunning hotel opened in 1909 

and is a must do Parisian destination at tea time for both 

travelers and locals alike. 

Afternoon tea at Jardin d’Hiver, which translates to 

winter garden in French, is a glamorous affair served 

in a gorgeous room filled with plump couches, plush 

armchairs and dripping with chandeliers. There is also an 

outside terrace that is very popular. 

Tea service brings out the sweet desserts supplied by head 

pastry chef Matthieu Carlin. The surprising menu also 

has some original inclusions, such as a lobster roll and 

puffed brioches as an alternative choice to scones. Sip 

on a hot drink and munch on savory finger sandwiches, 

three pastries, homemade scones or homemade brioche, 

and jam and clotted cream. 


The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia 

The elegant Tea Lounge in the Majestic Wing of the 

hotel is open to the breezes off the lawn fronting the 

hotel. The old-fashioned grid ceilings feature classic cutglass 

lighting with antique brass fittings. Cozy arrays of 

comfortable arm chairs with subdued lighting from table 

lamps provide the perfect setting for English Afternoon 

Tea with a Malaysian twist. 

Indulge in a high tea set that’s fit for royalty with the 

Colonial Cafe’s Majestic Afternoon Tea, featuring a classic 

spread of scones with clotted cream and jams, finger 

sandwiches, cakes and delicious savories served piping 

hot. Your own individual tea pot is put on a warmer so 

servers don’t have to constantly add hot water. 

Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe – South Africa 

Elegant and refined can best describe the High Tea at 

the Victoria Falls Hotel. Traditional afternoon silver tea 

service can be enjoyed every day on an outdoor terrace 

with stunning views of the Victoria Falls Bridge. You 

can hear the thundering of the falls while you sip on 

your tea and nibble on decadent pastries, scones and 

sandwiches. One of the oldest hotels in Africa, enjoying 

tea on Stanley's Terrace comes with all of the traditional 

accoutrement, as guests are transported back in time 

thanks to the elegant, historic location. Built by the 

British in 1904, this expansive Edwardian hotel features 

dazzling manicured lawns and gardens, and stands right 

next to the Falls. 


Gunners Barracks Tea Room – Sydney, Australia 

Built in 1873 from locally quarried sandstone, the 

Gunners Barracks which has now been beautifully 

restored, was formerly an officers’ mess, forming part of 

the fortifications at Georges Heights built for the defense 

of Sydney. 

Tables are covered with damask table cloths and set 

with pretty “Country Roses” Royal Albert bone china, 

and high tea was presented on an elegant plated tiered 

stand. Relish freshly baked scones with clotted cream 

and preserves followed by finely cut sandwiches, savory 

pastries and delectable petit cakes all create daily by our 

highly skilled team of chef ’s. To compliment is Asia’s 

largest selection of Ronnefeldt teas, a total of 41 specialty 

teas for you to choose from. 

Grand Hyatt – Hong Kong - China 

The popular afternoon tea served in Tiffin Restaurant, 

features three tiers filled with savory and sweet delicacies 

with a distinctly French flavor. This is complemented by 

the live dessert stations and ice-cream counter. 

Echoing Tiffin’s namesake and heritage, the takeaway 

version of the afternoon tea set consists of three 

compartments meticulously stacked together to resemble 

the famous “tiffin” boxes from the British Raj era. The box 

is adorned with Tiffin’s signature tableware pattern for 

you to recreate an elegant tea time at home. 


The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts – 

London, England 

Stepping inside the Tea Lounge at The Biltmore 

Mayfair, guests will find a classic London afternoon tea 

experience beckoning to them. Located in London's 

luxurious Grosvenor Square, surrounded by parks 

and gardens, tea at The Biltmore Mayfair is a definitely 

sumptuous experience. 

The afternoon tea menu highlights fresh classic UK 

produce featuring English cucumber, black truffle, and 

heritage tomato sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted 

cream, fresh Kent strawberries, and chocolate mousse 

with Scottish raspberry jelly. 

Whether you keep things simple with just a cup of 

tea from the trolley and a scone, or add a glass of 

Champagne to the full afternoon tea service, this English 

tradition is a must-do for anyone hoping for a classic 

teatime experience. 

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai - India 

With an established tradition of afternoon tea dating back 

to the early 20th century, the landmark Taj Mahal Palace 

Hotel is a historic city institution. Tea is served in the Sea 

Lounge, with art deco furnishings and old colonial charm 

from 1903 when the hotel was first built. This iconic room 

is aptly named, as guests can catch great views of the ships 

on the harbor before they set sail on the Arabian Sea. In 

the evenings, guests can enjoy live music. The tea service 

is offered buffet style, with local Indian favorites along 

with a nod to the classic British favorites. 


Freewheeling to the glaciers in 

NEW ZEALAND 

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL 

“It’s magnificent cycling country,” declared 65-year-old Andy Bremner when I met 

him inside the Adventure Cycles shop in Auckland. Tanned, fit and sporting a milewide 

grin, Andy was completing his third season pedaling New Zealand and had so 

far clocked up 3000 km. "There’s nothing I like better than to pack up each morning, 

load the panniers on the racks, look over the handlebars and head off down that open 

road,” he said. 

With its magnificent volcanic landscapes, gushing geysers and rugged coastlines 

backed by prehistoric rainforest, there can be no better way to experience this cool 

green land, and certainly no better speed, than by bicycle. 


My plan was to cycle from the 

North Island to the glaciers 

on the South Island, but 

when I got down to the actual route 

planning, the line on my map zigzagged 

all over the place in an attempt to take 

in just some of the abundant points of 

interest. 

It was a gray drizzly Auckland 

morning when I caught the ferry to 

the Coromandel Peninsula – a densely 

forested coastal strip across the Firth 

of Thames. The boat had barely pulled 

alongside the dock before I was off, 

legs pumping, and the salt air fresh in 

my lungs, the bitumen rolling steadily 

beneath my wheels. 

Cycling along the coast I passed through 

the characterful towns of Manaia, 

Waikawau and Tapu. By late afternoon 

I'd covered my first 50 km with just 

enough time to set up camp in Thames, 

and cook quick pasta on my stove before 

dark. 

Day two is always the hardest on a cycle 

tour. The reality of stiff muscles and a 

tender behind hit home as I loaded up 

the bike and hit the road. But a couple 

of hours later the stunning scenery was 

enough to distract my mind from aching 

body parts. And besides, the first of 

many highlights was within reach. 

In the coming days I turned inland to 

the Rotorua region, well-known for it's 

geysers, hot springs, mud pools and 

shimmering lakes. I spent endless days 

in the saddle skirting the very heart of 

the North Island, along the shores of 

beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's 

largest lake and onto the Tongariro 

National Park where I camped for a 

couple of nights to take a break from 

cycling and experience one of the 

world's best day walks - the Tongariro 

Alpine Crossing. 


With its fine collection of active volcanoes, Tongariro National Park is one of New 

Zealand's most spectacular parks, and the 19.4 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing (which 

takes about 7-9 hours) traverses this surreal landscape dominated by three volcanoes: 

Mt Ruapehu (2797m) the highest and most active, Mt Tongariro (1968m), the oldest but 

still considered active, and the much younger Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m). Volcanic craters, 

brilliantly colored volcanic lakes, hot springs, glacial valleys, cones and lava flows are some 

of the many highlights of this stunning World Heritage Site. 

The crossing from the North Island to the South Island is always a psychological milestone 

for any cyclist. Leaving the cultural and artistic hub of Wellington, I rode the ferry to the 

pretty little town of Picton, situated at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound on the 

South Island. 

The lack of traffic was immediately apparent as I pedaled off towards Nelson, reveling 

in magnificent coastal views over the Marlborough Sound. For the weary cyclist like 


myself, the laid back town of Nelson 

represented a cosmopolitan oasis; 

waterholes at local pubs, great 

restaurants and the best chance to stock 

up on provisions for my 2-3 day journey 

inland and across to Westport on the 

west coast. 

Cycling New Zealand is certainly a 

challenge but despite its hilly nature, it 

attracts cyclists from all over the globe 

and stopping to chat is a common 

occurrence. “You’ve got about 5km of 

climbing ahead of you, but it’s a great 

downhill after that," is typical of the 

comments from fellow cyclists you meet 

on the road. 

From Dutch couples, members of the 

Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, 

single Kiwis, to super fit German 

couples towing trailers of gear behind 

the latest in bicycle technology, there 

seemed no limit to age or nationality, all 

sharing a great sense of adventure and 

camaraderie. 

From Westport to Greymouth, South 

Highway 6 hugs the west coast as tightly 

as a pair of Lycra bike shorts. In a series 

of dramatic switchbacks the road snakes 

between the white-capped breakers 

out to sea, and the foothills of the 

rainforest-clad Paparoa Ranges, cloaked 

in tree ferns and stands of ancient 

beech, rata and rimu. 

After days in the saddle sampling some 

of the world’s most glorious scenery, 

I was finally within reach of my goal, 

the Franz Josef Glacier situated in the 

World Heritage Westland National 

Park. The glacier along with nearby Fox 

glacier is unique, for nowhere else on 

earth at this latitude have they advanced 

so close to the sea. 


But cycling is not the way to go in this land of ice; it’s much better to take the helicopter. 

The whir of the chopper’s blades sounded like a gigantic insect when it came in to land, 

sending a blast of wind towards the small group of waiting travelers. The athletic figure 

of outdoor guide Murray Naylor crouched low beside the helicopter as he beckoned each 

person over one by one. 

This was the start of my heli-hike – and within a few minutes the helicopter was flying 

over an immense river of ice that tumbled down a densely forested valley towards the sea. 

After superb panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, we landed 

high up on top of the glacier between the icefalls for the start of our two-hour guided trip. 


“This is one of the most dynamic glaciers in the world,” Murray told us as we donned 

warm hats and jackets to combat the sudden blast of cold air. “At times the glacier can 

move at up to five meters a day, over ten times as fast as glaciers in the Swiss Alps.”I 

quickly found myself immersed in a surreal landscape, surrounded by the sculptural 

beauty of ice. Fluted towers, eroded pinnacles, tunnels, pools, crevasses and frozen waves. 

The surface looked thin and brittle in places, but can in fact be up to 150 meters thick. It 

was an awesome opportunity to experience the type of scenery that is usually the domain 

of mountaineers. 

Leaning on my ice axe I took a breather and savored the view. Back down the glacier’s 

flank a group of hikers created a snaking ribbon of color that contrasted vividly against the 

white of the ice, putting into perspective the immensity of this frozen world. It seemed the 

perfect moment to reflect on my bicycle journey. 

Within a month I’d accomplished what I had set out to do, ride from north to south and 

reach the glaciers by pedal power-a journey of nearly 2,000 km. Now all that was left was 

the bus, ferry and train back to Auckland. The thought left me feeling flat. Already I was 

yearning to be back in the saddle again, with the wind in my face and the beguiling beauty 

of this green and mountainous land filling my view. 


Nevada’s 

Weirdest 

Wonders 

Travelers looking for a super strange or off-thebeaten-path 

trip idea, look no further. Travel 

Nevada released its inaugural list of the state’s 

Seven Weirdest Wonders. Just like the Seven Wonders 

of the Ancient World are proof of humanity’s 

ingenuity, Nevada’s Seven Weirdest Wonders are 

definitive proof that the Silver State is filled with 

abundant unique places. These locations aren’t just 

fun to see and talk about – experiences like these can 

transform vacationers by opening their eyes to things 

they never imagined. 


Alien Research Center 

BY: TRACIE BARNTHOUSE 

Almost everyone has heard of Area 51. While you 

definitely can’t storm it (seriously, you’ll be arrested 

before you can say “ET”), you can go inside the Alien 

Research Center and get a feel for what those little green 

creatures might have found after crash-landing in the 

area. As the gateway to the world-famous Extraterrestrial 

Highway, the Alien Research Center is the perfect way to 

start your own alien hunt. Extraterrestrial enthusiasts and 

skeptics alike won’t want to miss stopping at the gift shop 

to stock up on various alien-related knick-knacks at this 

one-of-a-kind Nevada experience. 


International Car Forest of the Last Church 

Rethink any preconceived notions of a typical forest with 

trees and greens. This open air gallery comprises more 

than 40 graffiti cars, each a unique masterpiece. The 

“forest” has no artist statement or bulletin, so visitors are 

free to interpret the surrounding art in limitless ways. 


Clown Motel 

If you haven’t stayed in a hotel since… well, who can 

even remember? Make the first overnight one you’ll 

never forget. The Clown Motel in Tonopah is the perfect 

place to get over your fear of clowns — or maybe make 

it worse? We’ll let you decide. No matter your goal, this 

motel has arguably the largest private collection of clownthemed 

memorabilia, and is a landmark that makes 

Nevada unique. Oh, and did we mention it’s situated 

right next to a historic (allegedly haunted) cemetery? Of 

COURSE it is! 


Goldwell Open Air Museum 

Among some of the world’s most distinctive pieces of 

experiential art is the Goldwell Open Air Museum. More 

an “experience” than a “museum,” Goldwell boasts seven 

colossal structures, including a ghostly, life-size version 

of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper; a 

25-foot pink woman constructed of cinder blocks; and 

a gleaming tangle of chrome car accessories. Forget 

the velvet ropes of a traditional museum – visitors are 

encouraged to step right into these pieces of art. 


Fly Geyser 

Imagine digging a hole in the middle of the desert and 

suddenly getting sprayed by hot water as if you hit a pipe. 

You walk away, only to learn that years later, that hole is 

still spewing, but is now a 12-foot geyser with a rainbow 

of colored rocks surrounding it. That’s essentially how Fly 

Geyser came to be, and, after more than 100 years since 

the first “pipe” was hit, people can still come see this everspewing 

natural fountain in all its beauty. 


Amazing 

STATE PARKS 

to visit this summer 

BY: MARGARET MURRAY 

State parks across the United States are typically established by a state to 

preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or 

recreational potential. These parks are managed at the State level as opposed 

to the federal level as in the National Park System. 

The United States has over 10,000 state parks that span more than 18 million acres 

across the country. These spaces have become invaluable these last two years when 

borders were closed and people scrambled to follow their wanderlust. These parks 

have become extensions of our own back yards providing both exciting adventures as 

well as peaceful reflection experiences. State parks have some of the most beautiful 

landscapes and very often are much less busy than the National parks. With 

thousands to choose from the list is endless so here is a tiny sampling of some of the 

most popular. Get out the hiking boots and hit the trails! 


Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park - California 

Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park contains the most old-growth redwoods per 

acre in California, and in fact seven percent of all old growth redwood trees in the 

world. The park is located just inland from Northern California’s rugged coastline 

and near the banks of the Smith River. The almost spiritual track of dense ancient 

redwood forest is best for hiking, forest bathing and swimming, with 20 miles of 

hiking and nature trails offered in this lush rainforest. The park was named for 

Jedediah Strong Smith, who in the 1820s became the first white man to explore the 

interior of northern California. Marvel in the incredibly humbling experience of 

standing at the base of an old growth redwood tree as you walk through misty ferns 

and ancient greens. 


Harris Beach State Park – Oregon 

Harris Beach State Park is a Pacific Northwest coastal paradise located on Oregon’s 

rugged south coast. This beautiful park is known for birdwatching, whale watching 

and beach combing. Sandy beaches are divided by rocky cliffs. Tide pools are 

home to an abundance of marine life for tide pool exploring. You will spot seals 

swimming off-shore as impressive wave’s crash around you. This is also home to 

Bird Island, a National Wildlife Refuge where you will find puffins, Aleutian Canada 

Geese and terns. In the spring and fall seasons be watching for the migrating gray 

whales. Bird Island, also referred to as Goat Island, is Oregon’s largest off-shore 

island. There are campgrounds and yurts available for visitors and the park is 

suitable for year round camping. 


Custer State Park – South Dakota 

Custer State Park, one of the country’s top wildlife parks is comprised almost 100,000 

acres located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The park draws comparison to 

Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant 

wildlife. The park is home to a large variety of wildlife including Antelope, elk, 

and nearly 1300 bison offering visitors the chance to have close encounters with 

these permanent residents. Trail rides, scenic drives, bike rides and safari tours 

are perfect ways to explore this impressive South Dakota attraction. Enjoy water 

recreation in Custer State Park’s lakes, and appreciate panoramic views of the Black 

Hills with incredible vantage points of Mount Rushmore. 


Cheaha State Park – Alabama 

Cheaha State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located in northern clay and 

southwestern Cleburne counties in Alabama. It is the oldest state park in Alabama 

dating back to 1933. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Appalachian 

mountain chain. Almost three thousand acres of granite bounders and ancient 

trees sitting high above sea level. This woodsy retreat and lush waterfalls offer miles 

of hiking paths to sink your hiking boots into. The park is surrounded by the 

Talladega National Forest and has all the comforts you need including a restaurant 

serving burgers and stone baked pizzas. You can rent stone cabins or opt for the 

campground. There are also two fascinating museums within the park. The Native 

American history museum and the Civilian Conservation Corps. 


Devil’s Den State Park – Arkansas 

Devil’s Den State Park nestled in the Lee Creek Valley was selected as a state park 

site in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps used native materials to build 

the park’s rustic-style wood and stone structures that mirror the surrounding 

natural beauty. It now stands as one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S., with 

a legacy you can see in its trails and buildings. The park is built for year round 

recreation with trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding leading 

to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. There are also cabins and campsites 

ranging from modern to primitive to suit your individual wants. Fossils of coral 

and crinoids can be found along the banks and within Lee Creek at Devil’s Den 

State Park. The renowned Ozark Mountain Biking Festival is held here each spring. 


#WHERETONEXT 

WESTERN CANADA 

Join us as we journey in high style through the magnificent 

Canadian Rockies aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.

DRIFT Travel Spring 2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?