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Sugar, the surfing dog

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This is the story of Southern California surfer Ryan Rustan and his dog, Sugar. Ryan grew up in Huntington Beach and comes from a long line of surfers. From an early age, he hung out at the pier and got into a rough crowd of hardcore surf rats.

“I was just always angry,” he explains, mentioning that neither family, the church, nor the ocean “taught me how to love.” It wasn’t until meeting Sugar, an all-white dog he rescued, that he found something needing him. Their relationship set Ryan on the path to healing.

Photo: Kelly Noecker

Introducing Sugar to surfing was never a stunt or something forced. Ryan simply wanted to share what he did with his dog, and that included time in the ocean. He found Sugar to be a natural on the board, with an intuitive sense of balance and the currents.

Photo: Kelly Noecker

They’ve since become legendary characters at Huntington Beach, raising stoke levels whenever Sugar is out in the lineup.

Ryan is keenly aware of the initial judgments people make about his tattoos so he tries to be extra respectful to counteract the rough look he gives off. As filmmaker Kelly Noecker noted, “At first glance, people are often taken back by Ryan’s tattoos and appearance, but after getting to know him, he is a really nice guy. Deep down, Ryan has a huge heart but is just struggling with some hard past times. He’s really focusing on keeping things moving in the right direction.”

Photo: Kelly Noecker

Kelly also noted that after spending a few days with Ryan and Sugar, “I am realizing how fortunate of a life I am living. To have a clear mind and to be able to focus on my passions is a true gift. Unfortunately, not everyone is given the same cards and we need to remember that. Another thing to remember is that a simple life is a good life. Sometimes all you need is a furry friend, a few waves, and some sun to find happiness!”


More like this: Loki the adventure dog

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Most expensive beaches in the world

Beaches might be one of the world’s most reliable and profitable draws for tourism. As far as real estate goes, a place near the beach is often one of the most desirable and highly sought-after locations, and therefore, also the most expensive. But which of the world’s many beaches are the most valuable? Provided by Canvas Holidays, this chart factors a beach’s size with the cost per square meter of a nearby apartment, to calculate the total value of the world’s top 15 beaches.

Photo: Canvas Holidays

It might come as no surprise that Venice Beach ranks as the world’s most valuable beach, with a staggering estimated value of £2.39 billion, or $3.14 billion. The runner-up comes in at £2.25, or $2.96 billion. Bournemouth is the top-ranked beach in the UK, a great surf spot, and a local favorite for Brits looking to take advantage of the rare sunny day. Everyone’s probably heard about the second runner-up, even if they haven’t been there in person. Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is half the size of Bournemouth, but it’s still valued at £801 million, or $105.5 million.

If you’re looking to live that beach life on a budget, you’re not out of luck just yet. There are countless smaller, less-frequented beaches that could be perfect for your next vacation, or even an extended stay. Lake Garda in Northern Italy, Wassenaar Beach in the Netherlands, and Costa da Caparica in Lisbon, are all great options for the budget traveler or beach-loving homebuyer.

H/T: Canvas Holidays

39 most scenic beaches worldwide

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Perfect walking tour of Chicago

Chicago is a big city no doubt, but take it step by step and you can cover a lot of ground in a single day. With a short list of restaurants, and a lot of sightseeing along the way, this Chicago guide will take you through the major downtown highlights. Take heed: good walking shoes are clutch for this itinerary. Pants with an expandable waistline aren’t a bad idea either.

Navigation know-how

Chicago’s walk score always rises up to the top in the annual rankings of the nation’s best walkable cities, with the downtown city center practically acing the test. It won’t take long to get your bearings with the easy-to-navigate grid. The city is neatly aligned into square blocks with most streets running north/south or east/west. Main things to keep in mind: Lake Michigan serves as the anchor to the east and the Chicago River creates a natural border, separating the Loop from The Magnificent Mile and West Loop.

The perfect one-day walking tour of Chicago

This itinerary dials in on the downtown core. Of course, your map app is probably doing all the heavy lifting here in terms of directions, so here’s the lowdown on the good stuff:

The Magnificent Mile

Start on North Michigan Avenue at the Historic Water Tower, a surviving relic of the Great Chicago Fire and a symbol of the city’s spirit during the time of renewal afterward. It has been adapted for a different use now (an art gallery), while the Pumping Station across the street still pumps water for the city.

Gear up for a busy morning with a solid breakfast. For the early riser here are two nearby options: NoMI Kitchen, a more posh setting with a pretty view, and Wildberry, a local brunch chain with a whopping 100+ menu items to choose from.

A post shared by NoMI | Kitchen (@nomichicago) on Mar 8, 2018 at 7:54am PST

Either way, you are only steps from 360 CHICAGO, where soaring views from 1,000 feet above await.

A post shared by Monica F (@mfigs) on Jun 15, 2018 at 2:59pm PDT

Elevators jet up to the 94th floor at a rapid pace, and once you step off, you’re immediately hit by the bright blue hues of the sky and lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides offer 360-degree views, but it’s the side with the moving glass thrill ride Tilt that you can’t miss.

Back on the ground, 460 stores beckon. Reason number one that people come to The Magnificent Mile is for the shopping. Browse a bit at this northern end of the 13-block district, where high fashion boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are intermixed with style-savvy brands like Uniqlo and Topshop.

Garrett Popcorn Shops on the seventh floor of Water Tower Place is just enough out of the way to not have the crazy long lines of the other area locations. Stop here for the classic Chicago snack, a bag of Garrett Mix — the world famous cheddar and caramel popcorn combo.

On to Oak Street Beach, just a few blocks north continuing on Michigan Avenue. Sandy shores and palm trees line the waterfront. Dip your toes in the lake and sink into the soft sand.

A post shared by Livnelly (@livxmp) on Jun 17, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

Looking back downtown, you see the skyline from a different direction, now looking south. This is the way you’re headed next because the Lakefront Trail will take you right to Navy Pier. The popular promenade is one mile away and every bit of the way is scenic.

If you haven’t had enough of the views, ride the Centennial Wheel.

A post shared by Carl Chouinard (@carl_photos) on Jun 12, 2018 at 12:29pm PDT

Otherwise, the vintage carousel and colorful wave swinger in Pier Park is a throwback to simpler times. Assuming you’re here just for the walk through — as opposed to visiting the Chicago Children’s Museum or Chicago Shakespeare Theater, or catching the evening fireworks or an IMAX movie — enjoy the breezy stroll and be on your way. A late lunch is on the schedule.

This is a town full of famous, award-winning chefs. Go the quick-casual route with Mexican street food from TV host, author and celebrity chef Rick Bayless at XOCO.

A post shared by Xoco Chicago (@xocochicago) on May 29, 2018 at 7:28am PDT

Or for another counter service option, cross off bucket list eats like the Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s.

The Loop

Walk a few blocks south and cross the Chicago River. The newest outdoor gathering place is the south bank of the waterway, just steps below the street level. The Chicago Riverwalk is lined with restaurants and bars — it practically runs on rosé in the summer.

A post shared by Tiny Tapp (@tinytappchicagoriverwalk) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:12am PDT

Sip on wine on the City Winery patio or opt for craft beer at Tiny Tapp.

While you watch the boats go by, look up and admire the architecture. You would need a whole guidebook to list all the great buildings. But for starters, there’s the Wrigley Building and its majestic clock tower, the Gothic Revival Tribune Tower and Beaux Arts London Guarantee Building anchoring the Michigan Avenue intersection.

Make your way up the stairs to upper Wacker Drive at State Street. Only a block from the Chicago Riverwalk is a Loop landmark built in 1921. The Chicago Theatre was an opulent movie palace, one of the earliest and largest constructed in America. Snap a photo of the famous marquee and note the encircled “Y” insignia that radiates from the center “C” in C-H-I-C-A-G-O. It represents the fork where the Chicago River splits into three branches.

Turn to walk east on Randolph Street. You’re headed to Millennium Park, the biggest attraction in the Midwest.

A post shared by Koji (@koji7878) on Jun 18, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

It’s home to a giant stainless steel sculpture that charms everyone, a playful piece of public art. Cloud Gate is known more by its casual nickname, “The Bean”. Pictures here are a must. Another whimsical piece is Crown Fountain, a set of glass block towers that bookend a reflecting pool.

Depending on your time, you can visit more areas of Millennium Park Campus, like the Chicago Cultural Center (explore the free art galleries and see the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome) or Maggie Daley Park (where you can tackle the climbing wall).

Otherwise, push on into other areas of the surrounding lakefront park to find Buckingham Fountain.

A post shared by Life is a journey. (@yrsilver7) on Jun 18, 2018 at 12:04am PDT

It’s one of the largest in the world and its powerful jets create a beautiful water display every hour.

Head out of the park and into the Loop proper — this is the area bounded by the ‘L’ train tracks, which form a rectangular loop. It’s studded with historic skyscrapers and landmark buildings. Depending on what strikes you (and what buildings are open since the hours vary), that could include the stately Monadnock Building, the light-filled Rookery, the Mid-Century Modern Federal Center, or the 19th-century Marquette Building.

For one final public art piece in the Loop, make a stop at Daley Plaza and study The Picasso. Your interpretation of this 50-foot tall steel sculpture is as good as any, since artist Pablo Picasso never did offer an explanation of what it represents when he gifted it to the city in 1967.

West Loop

The West Loop sits just west of the Loop — no surprise there. Walk down Randolph Street and cross the Chicago River again, this time at the South Branch. The last downtown neighborhood you’re exploring is a story of contrast and change. What was once filled with wholesale markets and commercial storage buildings shifted to restaurants, residences, and modern office buildings.

A post shared by Street Art Magic (@streetartmagic) on Apr 17, 2018 at 11:08am PDT

Now with a creative edge, murals and street art find a fitting home here. Just a few you can uncover are works by JC Rivera, Lauren Asta, Don’t Fret, Czr Prz, and POSE.

End of day. Finish with dinner and dessert, then put your feet up. The area known as “Restaurant Row” has swelled and extends beyond Randolph Street, now a full blown dining and nightlife district that encompasses Fulton Street, Lake Street, Washington Boulevard and Madison Street.

A post shared by Bar Siena (@barsiena) on Jun 17, 2018 at 9:03am PDT

Try crowd favorites like Bar Siena paired with BomboBar treats from the adjoining takeout window or Federales followed with a stop at neighboring Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken. Or find more hearty fare — well deserved after walking nearly 10 miles through downtown Chicago — at acclaimed West Loop eateries that are Bib Gourmand picks like The Publican, Au Cheval, and BellyQ.

Find more Chicago guides to round out your trip, like five spots not to miss on your first visit and three neighborhood excursions that go beyond downtown.

More like this: The 5 must-see spots to hit up on your first trip to Chicago

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Australia has redefined stargazing

Sleeping under the stars usually sounds like a good idea, until you realize it means sleeping outside on uncomfortable ground. This new experience from Bubble Tent Australia, however, is changing the stargazing game. The retreat lets you stay in one of three translucent bubble tents tucked deep into Australia’s Capertee Valley, the world’s second largest canyon.

Photo: Bubbletent Australia

Bubble Tent Australia was founded by Mayu Itawaki and Sonny Vrebac, after they returned to their traditional accommodations following a meteor shower at the Mt. John Observatory. They wished that they could have stayed outside, watching the stars from the comfort of their beds, and so the idea for a non-stop stargazing experience was born.

The tents are equipped with all the tools for a perfect, comfortable nature escape, including a large bed, composting toilets, outdoor kitchens, and an open-air seating area with telescopes for optimal viewing. The bubble tents overlook Capertee Valley, with several tent options based on your price range and preferences. The pricier Virgo tent, for example, is outfitted with a warm wood-fired hot tub, herb garden, and an outdoor seating area.

Photo: Bubbletent Australia

Photo: Bubbletent Australia

Visit Bubble Tent’s website to learn more about pricing, the various tent options, and to book an epic night under the Australian skies.

H/T: Inhabitat

These are the best spots in the world for stargazing

The post Sleep under the stars in these translucent bubble tents in Australia appeared first on Matador Network.

The rice terraces of China

During my first trip to China, I made my way straight to the depths of Yunnan to explore the rice terraces of Yuanyang for a week. Here are some of my favorite shots from the trip.




1

Bada is the most famous of all the rice terraces in Yunnan. The area is the best to catch the famous multicolored sky reflection if you are there in the right season.

2

The rice terraces of Yunnan, forged by the Hani people thousands of years ago, are a fascinating area of China to visit. Catching the sunset over Bada will make you doubt your eyes as these terraces seem to span forever.

3

During the summer months, the terraces are filled with rice, but autumn is harvest season. The local farmers use water buffalos to harvest the rice and I was lucky enough to catch this one in action.

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4

A favorite spot of mine, Duoyishu has some magnificent sunrises. Occasionally, a sea of clouds will roll over the hills and down the valley below.

5

Many tourists visit Yunnan for the hiking opportunities. Here, you can walk among the rice terraces using the routes only the locals know about.

6

A 45-minute drive from Duoyishu, Laoyinzui is a lesser-known terrace area but also one of my favorite ones. The red duckweed fills some of the terraces, while the others reflect the clouds as if they were mirrors.

7

You can’t ask for a better sunset over Laoyinzui. Despite the difficulty in trying to find a taxi that would take me back to the hotel afterward, I would do it all over again.

8

The terraces of Laohuzui are at their best during sunset, and the incredible view over the valleys make the long steps down totally worth the effort.

9

When visiting Yunnan, try to base yourself in Duoyishu. It's within easy access to most of the main viewpoints and has great hotels and restaurants. Duoyishu also has morning views such as this, one just a few steps from the center of the village.

10

This is the view of the Bada terraces when I visited them for the first time. The water reflected the sky perfectly, making this shot one of those moments where you feel you’re looking at a painting.

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Raised by a Pennsylvanian mom

No matter which side of the state you’re on, there is one thing that unites us all, the PA Turnpike…and our moms. From quirky sayings to toting us all over the Keystone State no matter what, these ladies showed us maternal love in a way only Pennsylvanian moms can. Here are 10 signs you were raised by a Pennsylvania mom.

1. Every New Year’s Day included the Mummers Day Parade.

You still can’t spend the first day of the new year without hearing parade music and seeing elaborately-colored costumes all day long on TV.

2. You grew up with arms of steel from shoveling snow.

No matter if it was a dusting or two feet, under mom’s instructions it was always your job to shovel snow to clear sidewalks and driveways. You got big bonus points if you were responsible for clearing out your Center City parking spot, which included watching it all day to make sure it was still yours when she came home from work.

3. Going to the shore always meant Jersey.

Summer family memories include lounging on sand, crabbing, and sticking your fishing pole into a pipe in the sand to steady it. Boardwalks and the rides at Wildwood were always a highlight for evenings out with mom while at the shore.

4. Amusement parks were always on the excursion list.

With parks like Sesame Place, Dorney Park, Knoebels, and Hershey Park, warm days often ended with a trip to the amusement park. After all, it was a great way to entertain the kids. It was especially exciting if mom allowed you got to cross the border into Jersey and head to Great Adventure.

5. You realize that ”yous guys” is proper English.

The south can have “ya’ll” but your mom had it right when she would yell, “Hey, yous guys, it’s time for dinner,” out the back door. Especially-adept moms used the more advanced “youins.” Either way, you knew to get home quickly to wash up for dinner.

6. And she taught you to talk way too fast.

If you’re always told to slow down your speech, you learned well from mom.

7. Mom took out-of-state guests to educational sites.

Cousins, aunts and uncles, pen pals from out-of-state, etc. No matter who they were, mom always made sure that they were educated, whether it be via Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell or a jaunt out to Lancaster County to visit The Amish Village.

8. She loved sports.

Eastern PA moms chimed in with their love for sports as they sang “Fly, Eagles Fly” while you drifted off. Those moms from the western side of the state owned a plethora of Terrible Towels, which they used for everything from drying dishes to waving at the TV to cheer on the Steelers.

9. SEPTA was a part of living near the city.

Whether by bus, train, or trolley, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority helped you get around. Mom always seemed to have a train schedule tucked away in her purse and knew exactly which line to take to get where.

10. You know that the Please Touch Museum is meant for minors.

On a rainy day or during the chill of winter, your mother knew that a great way to get the wiggles out was to take you to this museum, where you were actually allowed to touch the exhibits. And a stop at the nearby Franklin Institute always added a bit of extra education while you were already in Philly.


More like this: 9 signs you were born and raised in Pennsylvania

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New Nutella cafe in New York City

You did not need another excuse to eat Nutella, but you’ve got one. A Nutella cafe is set to open this year in New York City. Created in post-WWII Italy as an affordable alternative to chocolate, Nutella is now popular worldwide, even inspiring riots in France. Nutella’s parent company, Ferrero International S.A., is capitalizing on the fervor by opening a Nutella Cafe in New York City’s Lower East Side. While the city has had its share of Nutella-themed pop-up experiences, this will be its first full-fledged cafe, and the second in the world (the first being in Chicago).

New York residents can expect a similar experience to Chicago’s Nutella Cafe — a sleek, modern space that features crepes, waffled, steel-cut oats, a gelato mix, and even a nutella espresso. Non-Nutella snacks, including bacon, egg, and cheese crepes, as well as seasonal salads, will also be available.

While specifics relating to the cafe’s interior at 116 University Place have not yet been released, renderings for the cafe have been released showing outdoor seating, as well as a white, red, and brown Nutella jar-themed interior. In a press release, the cafe’s vice president of operations Rick Fossali said “as a multicultural epicenter, New York gives us the opportunity to offer new ways for our local fans to enjoy Nutella while reaching millions of tourists visiting the city.”

While the restaurant industry is never a sure thing, gambling on Nutella is probably a bet worth taking.

H/T: Culture Trip

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Pacific Coast Highway reopens

Just in time for the summer, the Pacific Coast Highway in California is about to reopen. The scenic Highway 1 closed last year after heavy winter storms caused landslides and an estimated one million tonnes of rock and dirt scattered over 12 miles of the road. The highway is set to reopen at the end of July, two months earlier than anticipated, following a major clean-up, stabilizing efforts, and the construction of a safety wall built at the foot of the landslide.

Communities near Highway 1 are pleasantly surprised by the route’s early reopening. Richard Rosales, of the California Department of Transportation, said: “By opening the highway sooner than expected, it will boost the many central coast communities affected by this major landslide.”

Part of the highway was reopened last November when the Pfeiffer Canyon bridge — damaged in the landslide — was restored. The restoration helped open up the area to visitors, as well as give access to the local community who previously had to hike a mile to get in and out of their homes.

Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway, is often considered one of the US’s most iconic roads. It’s also the most scenic way to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and with the highway’s restoration, travelers can look forward to planning an epic summer road trip.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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Jacob’s Well is where hot Texans go

Summers in south Texas have two temperatures, hot and ‘where’s the nearest walk-in freezer’ hot. An hour southwest of Austin is a swimming hole that’s been calling the overheated to its cold waters for hundreds of years.

Jacob’s Well, located in the Jacob’s Well Natural Area, is a naturally-formed swimming hole in Hays County. Scientifically speaking, it’s a karstic spring, which is often a bowl or cone-shaped spring, usually at the end of a cave system, that has large discharge. Jacob’s Well, fed by the Trinity Aquifer, at the time of writing in June, was flowing into Cypress Creek at the rate of 16 gallons a second. In 1924, before modern development (and the subsequent tapping of the Trinity Aquifer) the spring had a measured flow of 170 gallons a second.

The spring itself has an average depth of 120 feet and is, in fact, the entrance of a cave system — the second largest fully-submerged cave in Texas. To date, the Jacob’s Well Exploration Project has mapped about 6,000 feet of passages — impressive, right? While the depth of this spring dazzles the mind, it’s not the primary reason people come to these waters.

At a near constant 68 degrees F year-round, they come to cool down and have some fun. While many slip in gradually, the most adventurous (or crazy?) of visitors huck flips into this 12-foot diameter cone of refreshment.

How to get there

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is about 10 minutes from Wimberley and Dripping Springs. Pull it up on your map here.

What to consider

Reservations are required to swim at Jacob’s Well. It’s recommended to make your reservations a couple of weeks in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
Swimming is open until September 30th.
Entrance fees range from $5 to $9 per person and get you a 2-hour swim window.
Jacob’s well is part of the Jacob’s Well Natural Area, which is free to enter. The fee only applies to swimming.
The area is for day-use only and is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. There is no camping allowed.
Bring plenty of water — there are no drinking fountains in the area.
The walk to Jacob’s Well includes stairs and is not stroller or wheelchair-friendly.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the parking lot to Jacob’s Well.
As with all natural places, leave no trace.

The post This is how you cool off on hot Texas days: Jacob’s Well appeared first on Matador Network.

Glamping above the Arctic Circle

If you don’t care for the drawbacks of camping, but enjoy being adventurous and waking up in nature, this glamping trip above the Arctic Circle is perfect for you. Off the Map Travel is organizing a two-night, three-day luxury camping experience in the Lofoten Archipelago in northern Norway that would knock even the most blasé traveler’s socks off.

You’ll stay in Sami teepees, with fine linens and authentic Scandinavian decor. The campsite as a whole consists of six teepees (two people each), a bathroom teepee, and a dining teepee, all located in one of the most amazing spots in the world.

Photo: Off the Map Travel

The stay includes a wildlife cruise, a picturesque hike, and a kayaking excursion through the fjords. You’ll also visit a goat farm producing local artisanal foods where you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner in an amazing setting.

Photo: Off the Map Travel

The three-day glamping excursion to the Lofoten Islands is available from June through August 2018. To learn more about this glamping experience, check out Off the Map Travel.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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