I’m starting to get into wine just like my pal Andy over at the Fine Repast blog. One thing I’ve found that’s helped me become more knowledgeable is to watch the Thunder Show at Wine Library TV. Well, in episode 429, Gary Vaynerchuk listed Canada’s Lake Erie region as one of the top three hot up and coming areas of the world for wine. Specifically, he mentioned Pelee Island, which is just north of Kelley Island. Even though Gary didn’t give the three wines he reviewed awesome reviews, he still stands by his initial contention.

Sounds like a summer road trip is in order. Andy, care to go?

photo credit: olli_steinmann

Dang it’s cold and snowy here in C-Bus. It’s times like these that I were in one of my favorite places on the planet Earth — Boracay, Philippines.

I’d love to see Dispatch travel editor Steve Stephens write about the place. But, I don’t see it in the Dispatch’s budget to send him half way around the world to write up this place. It’s a shame too, because Boracay is not well known in these here parts. But it is very well known, and frequented, by Europeans and Australians.

I was lucky enough to visit Boracay in 1997 with my Wife while visiting my Grandmother in the Philippines. From Manila, we flew an Asian Spirit prop plane to Caticlan. Caticlan has a one stip airfield (hence the prop plane) with a one building 500 sq. ft. Airport. Chickens mingle with the tourist. Needless to say, it’s quaint.

photo credit: Josedeluna

From Caticlan Airport, we took a short Jeepney ride to the boat launch. You get on a boat like the one in the background of the picture above.

The boat ride is about 30 minutes and takes you to White Beach. If you’re expecting to be dropped off on a pier. Don’t. They drop you off in the water. MacArthur style.

photo credit: riffaff67

Nothing however prepared us for the experience that is Boracay. It’s a place that’s always in my thoughts. When it’s cold like it is now, I think of the white sand beach and the crystal clear waters. I think how cool it is that the hotels are built on the beach. Not once while we were there did we step foot on asphalt.

It definitely was a sad day when we left Boracay. When we left, I vowed to myself, like MacArthur, I Shall Return. I fully intend to keep that vow.
photo credit: pipophotoshop_2000