TRAVELING FOR A CAUSE

Each year the American Cancer Society holds the Relay for Life in towns and cities across the country. Participants form teams and each member pays a sign up fee. The teams then raise money by asking community members to make a donation. All the money raised goes towards finding a cure for cancer. The event typically takes place on a track at a local high school or college. Each team often brings a tent as the event goes from 12 hours to 24 hours depending on the particular location. The Relay for Life begins with the opening ceremony and survivor walk. From that point on one member from each team is to be walking on the track at all times. Throughout the day there are different lap themes such as the Hawaiian lap. The event concludes with a laminar ceremony. People are able to buy these candles in honor or memory of a loved one. It is a time to reflect on the day’s activities by remembering those who have survived cancer as well as those who have lost their lives to cancer.

My family participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life two times now. We participated in the event in memory of my uncle who passed away from bone cancer six years ago at the age of 50. Our family traveled to Ohio where my uncle’s wife and children live to participate in the fundraiser. The experience gave our family both the opportunity and outlet to make a positive contribution in the community after losing a family member to this deadly disease. This was a chance to come together as a family and with the community to increase awareness of the disease while raising money for research in hopes of finding a cure for cancer. Taking part in this event has taught us that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world no matter how great or small. For everyone holds the power to make a difference.


For more information visit:
http://www.cancer.org

WATERFALLS

I had the opportunity to go to Canada over Thanksgiving break last year. This was the first time I had been to Canada. I went on the mini vacation with my friend, Abbey, and her boyfriend, Lance. We had an absolute blast! It was so much fun to just get away and have nonstop fun for two days!

I was really excited because I had never been to Canada or out of the country before. We stayed in Niagara Falls so I had the opportunity to see the falls for the first time. The waterfall was absolutely beautiful and pictures certainly do not do this landmark justice.

We stayed at the Hilton Hotel right in downtown Niagara Falls. The hotel had a pool, waterslide, hot tub, and sauna so we definitely lived it up! To make things even better, we were lucky enough to get a hotel room with a huge window overlooking the city!

In addition, we went to the Dragonfly Club in Niagara Falls. The club was huge and everyone there was ready to party. Brody Jenner from "The Hills" on MTV was even there! He was the MC for the night at the Dragonfly along with his friend Frankie. They kept the crowd going so it was a lot of fun. Abbey, Lance, and I were in the VIP section so we were able to meet Brody and Frankie. We were even able to get some great photos!

I had an absolute blast in Niagara Falls and cannot wait for the chance to go back to Canada again! Has anyone else had the opportunity to visit Canada?

For more information on Niagara Falls visit this Web site: http://www.niagarafalls.ca/

SALUTE TO AMERICA

I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and had a wonderful time sightseeing our nation’s capital. I was there over the 4th of July so I was also able to attend the annual concert and fireworks display held on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capital. There were thousands of people there to have a good time and indeed we did! The event was nationally televised, which made the experience even better. It was extremely hot that day so by the time we left we looked like lobsters – but boy did we have fun!

Before the concert began, we visited the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the U.S. Capital Building.

The first thing I had to visit was the White House. When we got there the President’s helicopter was taking off right in front of the White House, which was really neat to witness! I had seen pictures of the Lincoln Memorial before, but it is hard to put into perspective exactly how big it is until you are actually standing beside it. The statue of Abraham Lincoln with the Gettysburg Address carved into it was quite a site! I also visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was a very solemn experience to have the opportunity to walk along the wall filled with the names of 58,000 Americans who have died in the Vietnam War or remain missing in action. In addition, I visited the Washington Monument. The sight was truly breathtaking! I also got to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This monument featured statues of 19 soldiers. There was also a wall of photos paying tribute to those involved in the war. A reminder to all Americans was inscribed into the granite wall – “Freedom is not free.” Finally, I saw the U.S. Capital Building, which is the home of the Senate and House of Representatives. The 4th of July concert took place right in front of this building!

Have any other bloggers had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.?

BEACH PARADISE

Two summers ago I went on vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, for three days of fun in the sun. I had never been to Maryland or seen the Atlantic Ocean before so this was an amazing experience.

Going to the ocean was a great opportunity to escape for a few days and sit back and relax on the beach. I had a blast spending a good portion of my time simply catching some rays while sunbathing on the beach. In addition, I was able to shop on the boardwalk for souvenirs of Ocean City. There were also tons of cafes and restaurants to choose from with an oceanside view. At the beach I had the chance to learn how to boogie board. It is a miniature sized surfboard that you jump on as a wave approaches. The board then carries you above the waves taking you all the way back to the shore.

Ocean City is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with ten miles of beaches and a three mile boardwalk. The boardwalk offers shopping boutiques, souvenir accessories, food, museums, amusement rides, and arcade games. In addition, tourists can go jet skiing, boating, and fishing on the ocean.

Have any other bloggers been to Ocean City, Maryland? If so, did you enjoy your vacation as much as I did?

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!!

Camping has become an annual family tradition. Each summer for the past four years our family heads to Hidden Valley Campgrounds for four days of relaxation and fun. Camping has become a great opportunity for family members to escape from their hectic lives and schedules! This summer 27 family members from five different states joined in on the festivities. We camp at Hidden Valley because it is only a few miles from where my dad and his siblings grew up. As such, each year they are able to come “home” for a few days.

We choose to “rough it” by staying in tents each year. With as large a family as we have our campsite often looks like a small village of campers. We cook over an open fire each day, eat as many smores as possible, and stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking around the campfire. Each year we also spend one afternoon golfing at a nearby golf course. We have a great time practicing our swing and making a few divots along the way too!

I hope we can continue this tradition for years to come. We all look forward to this getaway each year and have made so many found memories as a result!

Hidden Valley Campgrounds is located in Kiantone, NY. The park has over 200 spaces available to accommodate both tents and RVs. In addition, the campground offers many outdoor activities. These amenities include tennis courts, volleyball courts, bike trails, a swimming pool, a playground, and a convenient store. The cost to rent a camping site is only $26 a night!

Have any other bloggers had any exciting camping excursions?

Web Site Agenda

The “Traveling…here, there, and everywhere” blog is dedicated to traveling and vacation spots. It will describe the amazing destinations I have visited. These locations stretch from gorgeous beaches to remote campgrounds. In addition, the blog will discuss the many locations I cannot wait to step foot in!

The blog will detail my vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls, Canada, and Jamestown, New York. At Ocean City I had the opportunity to relax on the beach and see the ocean for the first time. On the same vacation I went to Washington, D.C. over the 4th of July holiday where I visited tourist sites, watched a concert, and saw fireworks. In Canada I saw Niagara Falls for the very first time. I was able to kick back and relax with family during a camping excursion at Hidden Valley Campground. Photos taken from these breathtaking locations will also be featured on the blog. The blog will also give insight into the history of the locations that I have visited over the years.

The postings will also discuss the vacation destinations I hope to travel to in the very near future. These locations include Hollywood, California, Key West, Florida, and Los Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the history of these locations will also be given.

Furthermore, to help encourage an interactive forum, I will ask fellow blog readers for their suggestions on locations to visit. I love to travel and can’t wait to hear input from other bloggers on where my next excursion should take me to!!