I was paralyzed by curiosity and awe.

I had come here at the end of my day just to see this place.  I lingered here longer than I planned and left wishing I only had more time.

Just down the road, thousands of people spent the day gazing at Niagara Falls, getting soaked by the mist that glistened in the sun.  Yet here was a Niagara Falls secret known by the locals, hidden in plain view.

As I remember the feelings and experiences from my time here, I struggle to type the name of this place.  I don’t want to give away the secret known only to locals.

However, it’s too beautiful to keep to myself.

Whirlpool – a secret of Niagara Falls hiking destination

Early morning views of Niagara Falls and a few hours of golf meant I had a couple of hours to go hiking.

Sore feet and slightly sunburned skin weren’t ideal companions for some Niagara Falls hiking.  A hundred stairs and some ankle soaking mud made me wonder if this was worth it.

I passed by a local fisherman and asked him how far it was to the bottom.  “15 minutes” he panted, out of breath from his climb up the stairs.

On my way down, I left Niagara and returned to the land of ewoks.  The trail became a dense lush forest of green harkening me back to my Mt Tamalpais hike in the hills above San Francisco.  No one would expect scenery like this in Niagara Falls.

On the lookout of Ewoks!

My feet slipped and slid over mud and dirt.  Leaves fell like rain from the sky as branches crackled.  I was caught between rocks and hard places as I struggled to watch my footing below and take in the scenery above.

As I got closer to the end of this short trail, the sound of water came closer and closer.  I struggled to catch a glimpse through the trees as I hurried along the trail.

As the trees opened up, the sight of Whirlpool made me stop and stare as I made audible sounds of exclamation and awe.  I set my bag down on a concrete lookout and made my way down to the shore.

My first look at Whirlpool!

For nearly thirty minutes, I watched a fisherman wade his boots into the water.  He cast his line over and over with a graceful rhythm that even the fish could appreciate.

Just beyond Whirlpool’s bay of concentric chaos, I could see Class 6 rapids crashing as they flowed just downstream from Niagara Falls.

Class 6 rapids flow below the gondola and into Whirlpool

Over head, the Niagara Falls Whirlpool Aero Car (aka gondola) glided slowly from one side of Whirlpool to the other.  A few minutes later a Whirlpool jet boat slammed into the waters, twisting and contorting to soak every passenger from head to toe.

Whirlpool Jet Boat tours

Niagara Falls Whirlpool Aero Car

Watching from the shores, I knew I wasn’t the only one who knew about Whirlpool.  People could see it from above or get splashed by its waters from within.  After a few minutes, they were gone.  I was still here and everything was quiet and beautiful.

The waters of Whirlpool invited me to stay a little longer.

I snapped photos and stood at the edge of the waters watching and waiting until my body and soul let me know they were ready to leave.

After a long silent chat with nature, I returned to the concrete overlook to gather my things.  Enjoying the views was Jim, a local who grew up in the area around Niagara Falls.  I sat down beside Jim.

As we talked, Jim told me that most tourists didn’t know about this place.  It was a favorite among locals but the trail isn’t really well marked.  We talked about life, his family, faith, and a passion for travel.  He pointed out the trails, talked about the area, and shared his love for this place that went back to his childhood days.

For nearly twenty minutes Jim and I talked, joined only by a couple sitting near the water.  On a hot spring day in early June, the four of us came here from different places yet I felt connected to these people I didn’t even know.

As we talked, tourists glided by overhead and zoomed in and out on Whirlpool boats.  This place was full of life yet there weren’t many people who were here long enough to truly experience it.

I said my goodbyes to Jim and began the muddy ascent through the Ewok forest.  A muddy hike turned into a quad burning workout as I climbed the last few steps before reaching the top.

Gorgeous scenery on the hike back from Whirlpool

The Niagara Falls hiking trail of the locals

Back on the path, people walked and rode bikes, played golf at Whirlpool Golf Course, and sat at the picnic tables.  How many of them knew what lies at the bottom of this trail?

On the bus to Toronto, a tired, sunburned grin appeared as my eyes rested and reflected on my day.

I discovered the hidden secret of Niagara Falls with miles of trails along the river and rapids.  Memories of Whirlpool swirled in my head as I smiled knowing I had a Niagara Falls secret I couldn’t wait to share.

Interesting facts about Whirlpool

1.  From the Falls, water is pushed into a narrow gorge creating the Whirlpool rapids – class 6 rapids that are a mile long with speeds up to 20 mph.

2.  The whirlpool is a basin created by the right turn in the Niagara river.  It is 1700 feet long, 1200 feet wide, and 125 feet deep.

3.  The flow of the water from the rapids rotates in a counter clockwise motion when it enters the basin.  Pressure builds when the water tries to exit and is forced under the incoming water flow creating a vortex.

4.  When water flow is low, the whirlpool waters rotate in a clockwise rotation (as seen in the video below) and exit the outlet down to more rapids below.

Read more interesting facts about Niagara Falls.

Directions to the Whirlpool hiking trail

The entrance to the Whirlpool hiking trail

1.  The Whirlpool hiking trail is on the Niagara River Recreation Trail located along the Niagara Parkway.

2.  From Niagara Falls (Canadian side), drive down the Niagara Parkway towards the Whirlpool golf course.  The Niagara River Recreation Trail runs parallel to the road.

3.  Approximately two miles from Niagara Falls, the Whirlpool hiking trail is across the street from the Whirlpool golf course (hole #2).  A number of picnic tables are located just a few steps from the trail entrance.

4.  The trail is marked by a metal gate, a warning sign about the trail, and a set of steps leading down the trail.

5.  A number of parking lots are located beside the picnic tables making it an easy walk to the trail.

6.  Please note that heavy rains may cause the trail to be muddy and slippery.  Wear appropriate hiking shoes and be careful on the trail.

Check out this video I took of Whirlpool where the waters are dangerous yet calm.  To see how dangerous Whirlpool can be, check out this Whirlpool rescue video where a woman fell into the waters while hiking.

Have you been to Niagara Falls?  What’s the most surprising place you discovered while traveling?

If you love hiking check out my northern California hiking guide as well as my Yosemite in Winter photography book!

Hanging out at Whirlpool in Niagara Falls

Thanks to Holly Goertzen of Niagara Parks for letting me in on this Niagara Falls secret.  A few minutes at the Falls, a round of golf, and this Niagara Falls hiking trip provided by Holly and Niagara Parks.  The unforgettable experience and descriptions of this account were all mine.  There’s so much more to Niagara than just the Falls!

The post Awash in a Whirlpool: the secret Niagara Falls hiking trail appeared first on Budget Travel Adventures.

Putting on a kilt and hanging out with these guys

I recently got back from a travel conference in Toronto called TBEX.  It’s a great place for like minded travel writers, bloggers, and photographers to connect and discuss ways to become better at what we do.

I’ve made a number of friends all over the world at this conference.  After writing for a number of years, I get the same question from a number of different people – “Are you traveling full time now?”

The answer is always the same – No.  And I have no plans on changing that.

There are a number of reasons why I don’t travel more.  For me, it’s a lifestyle decision.  While full time travelers like Kate McCulley, Michael Hodson, Matt Kepnes, Dave and Deb of the Planet D and many others have been visiting places all over the world, most people who love travel can’t relate to that lifestyle.

I don’t travel full time.  Yet I want show people who are like me how they can travel more.

I’m a traveler just like you

As a traveler blogger, I am a fan of exploring places close to home, getting the most out of your travel time and budget, and seeing the world with a travel mindset.

As a 9 to 5 traveler, I probably travel more than the average 40 hour a week person.  However, I also live a life many people can relate to – full time job, house, car, family, daily routines and stresses.  Travel isn’t my life but it is a part of it.

However, travel is only a part of my journey.  My life is full of daily stresses that aren’t related to travel.  My life isn’t always pretty, fun, or comfortable.

I’ve had my share of travel confessions.  I’ve even had moments so low on the road that I wanted to quit traveling.

I would argue that traveling and working full time can be even more difficult than just traveling.  Yet this is the life I’ve chosen.

Here are a few reasons why I am not a full time traveler.  Many of you can relate to these and may be surprised by some of these facts about my travel lifestyle.

4 reasons why I’m not a full time traveler

Using my vacation time to travel

I believe that my experiences and how I travel can inspire you to travel more – even those who think they are just too busy.

I like where I live

I really enjoy living in California.  This has been my home for the last 12 years.  I like having a house.  I love sleeping in my own bed.  Quite honestly, I love exploring California.

I live a 100 miles or less from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Napa.  I love spontaneous trips close to home and my annual traditions like visiting Apple Hill.  I do lots of hiking in northern California and consider my backyard a playground to whet my travel appetite.

I strongly believe travel is a mindset.  Nearly half my travels are spent within driving distance of my home.

Even if you don’t get lots of time to travel, open your mind to places close to home and just go!

Traveling close to home allows you to see places you know so well in a different way.  And it makes a day trip or weekend getaway an exciting thing!

I have a full time job

I work 40 hours a week.  My degree is in accounting.  I work in IT with computers and systems.  According to stereotypes, I’m a nerd with awkward social skills and a pocket protector who gets excited about numbers and software updates.

OK a couple of those are true (I’m not going to confess which ones).  However, I am also a travel writer and blogger who has visited 18 countries and 36 states.  I’ve written for Expedia, rubbed shoulders with athletes, been featured in newspapers for my travel and sports endeavors, and I’m very passionate about my travel style and interests.

My travels don’t make me special.  I am just like you.

Years ago, I had a passion and pursued it.  In 2011, I had an idea for a College Football Travel Tour.  So I just did it.  A year later, I’m wrote a 4 month college football series for Expedia and traveled to 8 college football games in the US and Ireland.

How do I travel so much?  I save my time off to go to places I enjoy.  I take weekend trips leaving on a Thursday and coming back on Sunday.  I have to work around other people’s schedules.  I’ll take a day trip on the weekend.  I make sacrifices by leaving early, coming back late, and making the most of the time I have.

I love discovering places close to home which don’t cost much in time or money.

And here’s a secret I think many people can relate to – there are many, many times I am frustrated by my job and don’t always like it.  You can still embrace a travel lifestyle working 40 hours a week.

If you have a passion for travel, just do it – however and whenever you can.

I pay for my travels

Because I have a full time job, I pay for 75% of all my travels.  There are times I get invited on trips.  However, most of my trips are out of my pocket and I turn down more opportunities to travel than I accept.

While many people would love to travel for free, I think there is a positive side to paying for your own travels.

For one, your experiences are authentic and you get to do the things you want to do.  You aren’t dependent on others to tell you where to go or when.  And you understand the value of travel and what it costs when you pay for it yourself.

This doesn’t mean free trips aren’t great.  Quite honestly, my travel style dictates that the trips I take are a bit unique.  Not many people visit Dublin Ireland to see a college football game or go to wine country for adventure sports.

However, I value the opportunities I have.  Travel costs time and money.  Those travel opportunities mean I want to make the most out of the travel experiences I have.

And that accounting degree I have?  It can be fun to see how I can travel passionately, spend wisely, and experience more.

I have a family

This is not something I talk about very much.  I have two little boys at home.  Traveling as a writer can be tough.  Travel is fun but being away from home isn’t always easy.

These days, I travel solo due to the nature of my travel and the research that I do.  Most of my trips are a lot of work and not family vacations.

When I am at home, I may be the most boring travel writer in the world. Every day life is full of ordinary things like dinner, dishes, activities, and school.  Life at home isn’t always easy but a full time life on the road would be one of the worst things I could do.

I am sure many of you can relate to traveling with a family.  It can be expensive and difficult.  However, those special moments with kids at a park, on vacation, or trips close to home are great for bonding.

When it comes to family trips, remember that it’s more about bonding experiences and memories than it is the places you go.

You don’t need to be a full time traveler

Exploring places I love close to home

If you’re like me, you have many reasons why you can’t travel full time.  Even with a job, home, family, or other obligations, you can still travel.

Travel is a mindset and you don’t have to travel far to create memorable travel experiences.  Your best travel experiences probably won’t involve a specific destination, site, or museum.

Find creative ways to stir your travel passion.

I still find ways to enjoy travel photography.  I go to college football games in cities and towns.  I go hiking and enjoy discovering places close to home.  I enjoy telling travel stories and getting off the beaten path that inspire others.

Travel isn’t my life.  It’s only a part of it.  And even though I’m not a full time traveler, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

What ways do you find time to travel with a job or busy life?  Can you relate to many of the reasons as to why I am not a full time traveler?  Would you ever want to travel full time?

The post I am not a full time traveler (how you can travel more with a full time job) appeared first on Budget Travel Adventures.

The Pittsburgh skyline – a scene right out of a Hollywood movie

If like was like a movie, these would be the scenes playing on the streets of the city.

Batman roams the dark streets of Gotham as a hero with a dark past.  Nearby, a runaway train races down the tracks ready to destroy anything that gets in its path.  In a nearby prison, a flesh eating psychopath torments and plays games with an FBI agent.

Has this city gone mad?  Not at all.  Welcome to Pittsburgh – the Hollywood of the East!

A new Pittsburgh

The new Pittsburgh

I arrived on Tuesday ready to experience a Pittsburgh Renaissance.  Over the last 30 years, this city has been transformed.

Walking the streets of Pittsburgh, gone are the days of industry, steel, and blue collar workers.  Yet this city still has a blue collar feel.  In my conversations with locals, they are still a working class people who have embraced a new kind of Pittsburgh.

The city is cleaner and is making efforts to go green.  The three rivers of Pittsburgh are adorned with new stadiums like Heinz Field and PNC Park as they decorate the banks of the Allegheny.

Wandering through downtown Pittsburgh on a Wednesday morning, construction efforts continue to make this city more appealing and efficient.  Pittsburgh has become a well balanced city mixing tourism, finance, green energy, and many other industries to rebuild and sustain its economy.

For those who haven’t visited the city since the 80s, my photos of Pittsburgh show how much it has changed.  On a tour of PNC Park, I was stunned by the views of Pittsburgh’s skyline – maybe the best of any stadium in the country.

Pittsburgh has been named one of the top US cities to live and is becoming quite the popular destination for tourists, movie buffs, and families.

As a first time visitor to Pittsburgh, I was impressed despite the clouds and cold.  There was still a bit of grit and working class feel to the city without the ugly, dirty industrial views.  The city has maintained its charms while transforming into a modern, clean, urban city that is getting some attention.

On my visit to Pittsburgh, I was here to explore the past and the present in a unique way.  Welcome to the new Hollywood with some of the best TV and film history of any city in the country!

Pittsburgh movies and a new Hollywood

“Who are the people in your neighborhood…in your neighborhood…in your neighborhood?”

Pittsburgh movies and TV history began in 1905 with the first motion picture theater in the United States.  However, Pittsburgh’s TV debut began in 1968 with the kids show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

Fred Rogers was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and his neighborhood was based on the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.  WQED in Pittsburgh debuted Mr Rogers Neighborhood in 1968.  It was a family friendly way to usher in the TV and film era in Pittsburgh.

The Hollywood of the East was just getting started.

In 1968, Night of the Living Dead hit the theaters with most of the movie filmed in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.

For years, the city was in movie limbo but made its feature film return with the popular movie Flashdance in 1983.  This was the movie that defined and showcased the blue collar city with all its struggles in the early 80s.

2013 celebrates the 30^th anniversary of that movie.  How times have changed in the city of Pittsburgh!

Since 1983, nearly 60 films, TV shows, and TV movies have been shot in Pittsburgh including Silence of the Lambs, Inspector Gadget, Lorenzo’s Oil, Mothman Prophecies, Unstoppable, Abduction, The Dark Knight Rises, and Jack Reacher.

As we move into 2014, expect that list to grow as the Pittsburgh film commission and the city have worked on incentives to draw even more movies to this hotbed of Hollywood films.  2013 will see the debut of three new films shot in Pittsburgh – A Resurrection, Out of the Furnace, and Foxcatcher.

During my visit to Pittsburgh, I had the chance to visit Enrico Biscotti Café and the Strip District, 31^st Studios, and Carrie Furnace.

Learning about the movie The Bread, My Sweet at Enrico Biscotti Cafe

During lunch at Enrico Biscotti Café, we learned about the film The Bread, My Sweet from owner Larry Lagattuta which was based on the life of the original owners of the place.  Walking the streets of the Strip District, we learned about the historic and cultural heartbeat of Pittsburgh where scenes from Flashdance, Inspector Gadget, Jack Reacher, and more were shot.

On a visit to 31^st studios, we got to see a real life Hollywood movie studio in Pittsburgh.  Here, scenes from Unstoppable and The Dark Knight Rises were filmed.  I got a little excited as visions of Batman props and vehicles in this massive studio danced in my head.

On our final full day in Pittsburgh, we drove out of the city to see a little history.  In nearby Braddock, Carrie’s Furnace was a vital part of the iron and steel industry.  The work here was hard and even deadly.  These days, it’s the home of films, movies, and videos.

In October, the movie Out of the Furnace will debut with many of the scenes being filmed right here.  The series “Hemlock Grove” was inspired by Carrie Furnace.  Even a music video by Wiz Khalifa was filmed here.

Walking around the site, the place was beautiful in a historic and nostalgic kind of way.  As the sun was shining down on this Pittsburgh relic, this place had life again.

It was the perfect place to end my time in Pittsburgh.

Scenes from a Hollywood movie – Carrie’s Furnace

Carrie’s Furnace – a piece of Pittsburgh’s history and popular film location

Pittsburgh – a plot from a Hollywood movie

The Hollywood movie scene is just one piece of the ever changing city of Pittsburgh.  From past to present, films and television have played a vital role in the city’s history.

31st studios – film location for movies like Unstoppable and The Dark Knight Rises

From gorgeous skylines to Hollywood blockbusters, Pittsburgh movies have hit the big time.  These days, movie buffs are making their way to the city and discovering that it’s much more than a film destination.

If you enjoy those Hollywood stories where the star rises from the ashes to overcome hardship and become a success, you’ll enjoy the city of Pittsburgh.  It’s not just a city that plays hosts to Hollywood – it’s a city with its own real life Hollywood script.

What’s your favorite movie or television show filmed in Pittsburgh?  Would you want to do a tour of Pittsburgh’s film history?

Thanks to Visit Pittsburgh for inviting me to the city to experience a taste of the movie and film history in the city.  While travel expenses and accommodations were provided by Visit Pittsburgh, all opinions are my own.  If you want more information on Pittsburgh movies and TV, check out Pittsburgh’s Hollywood history.

The post The Caped Crusader, an unstoppable train, and the perfect Hollywood script appeared first on Budget Travel Adventures.

A man asked if I needed a ticket. We walked around the corner. I handed him the last $25 I had in my pocket. I walked nervously to the gate and held my breath as my ticket was scanned.

As I walked inside, the place was packed. I could barely move through the crowd. As I walked to my seat, I looked around. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. A sea of red and white surrounded me. Flags were waving, voices screaming, and here I was right in the middle.

I felt uneasy. One of the first times I’ve ever felt this way in an environment like this. Like a lone sheep among a pack of wolves, I was in a dangerous place.

However, this experience would remind me how connections with people can transcend culture, travel, and sports – even in a hostile environment.

Sitting with the enemy at the women’s USA vs Canada soccer match

A Canada fan waves the Voyageur flag during the women’s USA vs Canada soccer match

As I stood there among the rabid Canadian fans at the women’s USA vs Canada soccer match, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. No one suspected that an enemy was among them.   They would find out soon enough.

In the 72nd minute, American star Alex Morgan dribbled around the Canadian defenders, past the keeper, and slotted the ball into the net right in front of me. My red, white, and blue patriotism surged through my veins prompting a spontaneous fist pump as I screamed “YES!!!”

Every head in that section turned and stared at me. My cover was blown.

A man in front of me looked back and shockingly asked “You’re an American?!” The questions were thrown at me from all directions. How did I get ticket for this section? Didn’t I know the American section was on the other side? Did I know where I was sitting?

I kindly explained that I had just gotten here at halftime and got a scalped ticket for this seat.

The man sitting beside me was here with his family. He owned the four seats on the end as well as the one as I was sitting in. I shouldn’t have been sitting in my seat.

The man in front asked where I was from. As I answered “California”, the conversations began. Being a foreigner from a far away place eased the tension as they enlightened me about my current location.

They explained that I wasn’t just sitting among Canadian fans. These were the ultras, the Voyageurs. These were the passionate, traveling, flag waving, screaming Canadian fans.

And this wasn’t the match to be sitting behind enemy lines. This was the rematch of the controversial Olympic semifinal – USA vs Canada women’s soccer.  The Canadians wanted revenge.

The 2nd half – women’s USA vs Canada soccer rematch

This was the most tension I had ever experienced between Canadians and Americans. And here I was right in the middle of it, surrounded by the most loyal and supportive Canadian fans in the stadium.

A few minutes later, Alex Morgan once again dribbled around Canadian defenders and slipped the ball past the goalkeeper as the US scored again.

Another fist pump, exclamation, and stares.

As the US women celebrated another goal, the woman beside me tapped her daughter on the shoulder and told her “He’s an American.” Like a freak show on display at a circus, I was the subject of stares and finger pointing.

A few minutes later, the USA scored another goal – by Canadian born and hated Sydney Leroux. Right in front of the Voyageurs, she put her fingers to her lips and proudly showed them her shirt. The boos reigned down as the Canadians waved their flags proudly.

Canadian born Sydney Leroux scores for the USA against Canada

As I talked with the man beside me, he told me that the men’s games were nasty. He would never bring his kids to one of those games. The women’s games were much more mellow and family friendly. Glad to know these were the friendly fans in attendance.

This was the perfect time to make friends with the enemy.

I had conversations with the guy in front of me, the lady wearing the Canadian shirt who ratted me out as “the American” to her daughter, and the man with his family. I talked about my time here in Toronto, how I was a travel writer, their experiences, the Canadian team, and where they lived. I apologized for my patriotism in a place where the red, white, and blue wasn’t welcomed.

The conversations were cordial and as the match drew to a close, hospitality abound among the surrounding Canadian fans.

As I put my camera away, people thanked me for being a respectful fan. Even though this was a rivalry and I was behind enemy lines, I had a lot of respect for Canadians. I shook hands, wished the Canadian fans luck, and said goodbye to my new friends.

This spontaneous trip reminded me why travel and sports experiences are so memorable.

Sports, culture, and the best travel experiences

As I made my way out of the stadium, Canadians wore their colors proudly. And they were kind to this American.

I’ve been to many sporting events in numerous places around the world. The College Football Travel Tour helped me connect with fans all over the country. Despite this contentious rivalry, I was reminded why sports are such an awesome travel experience that everyone should try.

Sports unite culture and passion around the world. If people want to meet locals when you travel, a sporting event is a great way to do it – even if you’re cheering for the other team.

This was the first time I sat in the stands among the home fans rooting for the other team. Yet even in enemy territory, I experienced the best travel experience that sports and culture have to offer.

I wish people could understand what makes these sports experiences so unique. It’s something that goes beyond the game to the memories, the people, and those moments that transcend differences in culture or language.

This is why I love sports and travel.

Enemies became friends. Respect and kindness were shown even though we cheered for different teams. We set aside our differences and built connections – the foreigner and the local. Why can’t the rest of the world live together like this?

Sitting among the Voyageurs, I made friends with the Canadian fans

Not everything in sports is beautiful. However, these moments remind me how travel can change the world.

Years from now, I will remember this women’s USA vs Canada soccer match. While the US beat Canada 3-0, I don’t care about the score or details.  I will remember those Canadian fans and this experience. Making friends behind enemy lines can create some pretty special travel experiences.

As I began the long walk to downtown, locals were happy to point me in the right direction. As I stood a few blocks from the stadium, I wasn’t sure where to go. I met John who was carrying a baseball glove after he just finished his softball game.

As we walked a few blocks together, we talked about our lives and his disappointing softball loss in the last inning. As John turned toward home, we shook hands and said goodbye.  After leaving the soccer match, a softball game connected another local and foreigner.

This wasn’t the World Cup or the Olympics.  However, the women’s USA vs Canada soccer match reminded me how culture and sports can change the way we travel and connect with people around the world.

What travel experiences have changed the way you travel?  Do you have a fun story to tell about meeting locals while traveling?

The post What the USA vs Canada soccer match taught me about travel appeared first on Budget Travel Adventures.