Sunday, September 14, 2008
Summer is over
Hi, My trip to Alaska was awesome. George and I stayed overnight in Seattle. George treated me with a limo ride to the Space Needle for a memorable dining experience. The meal was great but the view was the best! We enjoyed the view as the restaurant slowly circled the beautiful Seattle. We could see the ocean,the city lights, the outdoor sculptures at the museum below. Our waitress was as sweet as could be, considering she waits on tables of tourists all evening asking the same questions time after time. After diner we spent some time in the gift shop. Something George and I enjoy is collecting Christmas ornaments of the places we travel to. We found a replica of the Seattle Space Needle,bingo!! We returned to our hotel room in a Toyota Prius ( the real us). After a night sleep we had a early morning call as our flight to Sitka Alaska left at 6 a.m. Take off was on time, we had a short stop over and then to Sitka. My son and family were waiting patiently as we arrived. First thing we got excited about was all the eagles! Everywhere we looked not just one but dozens.Really beautiful. They have as many eagles as we have seagulls. My son took us on a quick get to know the town of Sitka and off to the Coast Guard Housing where they live. Colvin my grandson showed me all his toys. After we got settled then off to see Sitka on the water. My son Brandon had the boat ready for sightseeing. Sitka reminded me of Maine in so many ways but the biggest difference to me was size of the mountains, very, very tall and so majestic as they seem to come right out of the ocean. Oh, in July they were snow capped. We ate well, crab almost every day, fresh from my son's traps. My daughter in law Steph made crab quiche, crab cakes etc. We did some fishing, George and I did not catch much to speak of but enjoyed every moment on the boat. When we weren't on the boat we scoured the art galleries,we went to a eagle refuge where they rehab and house eagles that will not survive in the wild after an injury. We enjoyed a cute July 4th parade. I would guess just about every person on the island was at the parade. Hiking is great but wet, it rains most everyday. At 10pm it was still light out. Our stay in Sitka was a special time shared with my family. We may go back next year maybe in August,September when the fishing is best. We will also spend more time exploring Seattle. If you have any tips or favs in Seattle please share. Adios!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Off to Alaska
I am getting excited! George and I fly to Seattle and spend the night before flying to Sitka, Alaska. Since I have never been to Seattle and we have limited time he felt the best way for me to see the city is from the Space Needle. We have dinner reservations which also allows us entrance to the observation tower. Can't wait to see the view. Early on the 4th of July we will catch a flight to Sitka. This island is very small and home to the Coast Guard base where my son is stationed with his family. We plan on spending the week fishing, kayaking and eating all the King Crab and fresh salmon we can catch. If we don't catch any we are raiding my son's freezer. A few weeks ago he got lucky and caught a 40 lb salmon! Can you believe!! Keep your fingers crossed we are hoping we see some whales. Brandon, my son has been on his boat and spotted as many as 12 whales in the bay while he fishing. He is a great outdoors man and really enjoys his boat. It is set up to catch salmon and he also has crab traps set. We are lucky to have family living in such a beautiful place. I will share stories when we get back. Happy 4th of July! We will watch the fireworks in Alaska!! I've got to pack.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pilates for Paddlers
As promised some pilates tips for paddlers. Whether you kayak or canoe, good posture, core strength and flexible muscles are important. I know that my pilates training allows me to enjoy my time in the kayak. Maintaining good posture is key to proper paddling technique. While you're paddling does your back feel tight, or does shoulder's ache.
Some basic pilates exercises done correctly will make your future paddling trips more enjoyable.
Are you experiencing lower back soreness while paddling?
Try stacking your hips, shoulders, and head as if you were sitting against a wall by doing so allows your torso to spine to rotate freely, your torso and shoulders have more range of motion and your lung can expand fully. Core strength will help you maintain this upright posture which will reduce upper body fatigue,and alleviate pressure on your lower back. Good posture while paddling is key but to maintain this posture requires core strength and flexibility. Additional flexibility helps the torso with better rotation and reduces strain on the shoulders and neck which is a common complaint.
Also be sure your kayak is fitted properly. If the deck is too low and does not allow your knees to bend or raise can also cause lower back or leg pain.
Practicing pilates exercises will help you gain strength, stamina to maintain good posture and proper paddling technique.
The beauty of pilates is that you can stretch one part of your body while strengthening the other. It's important to stretch the over worked paddling muscles but you also need to strengthen the non paddling muscles. Keep in mind it takes strong core muscles to keep you balanced in your kayak or canoe.
If you would like more specific pilates exercises that will benefit your needs you can schedule an appointment. Or you can join any beginner pilates class at MidCoast Pilates 373 0872,
This week I will be getting ready for my trip to Alaska. George and I will be staying with my son and his family who are stationed in Sitka, Alaska. George and I are planning on spending as much time on the water as possible. I will keep you up to date as we travel. Oh I forgot, we will staying overnight in Seattle. My first time in Seattle, George is taking me to the Space Needle for dinner and then up the observation deck, can't wait.
More later, good night. Happy healthy paddling. Maurine
Some basic pilates exercises done correctly will make your future paddling trips more enjoyable.
Are you experiencing lower back soreness while paddling?
Try stacking your hips, shoulders, and head as if you were sitting against a wall by doing so allows your torso to spine to rotate freely, your torso and shoulders have more range of motion and your lung can expand fully. Core strength will help you maintain this upright posture which will reduce upper body fatigue,and alleviate pressure on your lower back. Good posture while paddling is key but to maintain this posture requires core strength and flexibility. Additional flexibility helps the torso with better rotation and reduces strain on the shoulders and neck which is a common complaint.
Also be sure your kayak is fitted properly. If the deck is too low and does not allow your knees to bend or raise can also cause lower back or leg pain.
Practicing pilates exercises will help you gain strength, stamina to maintain good posture and proper paddling technique.
The beauty of pilates is that you can stretch one part of your body while strengthening the other. It's important to stretch the over worked paddling muscles but you also need to strengthen the non paddling muscles. Keep in mind it takes strong core muscles to keep you balanced in your kayak or canoe.
If you would like more specific pilates exercises that will benefit your needs you can schedule an appointment. Or you can join any beginner pilates class at MidCoast Pilates 373 0872,
This week I will be getting ready for my trip to Alaska. George and I will be staying with my son and his family who are stationed in Sitka, Alaska. George and I are planning on spending as much time on the water as possible. I will keep you up to date as we travel. Oh I forgot, we will staying overnight in Seattle. My first time in Seattle, George is taking me to the Space Needle for dinner and then up the observation deck, can't wait.
More later, good night. Happy healthy paddling. Maurine
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Kayaking in Harpswell
My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Alaska in a few weeks and we plan on kayaking so we thought it wise to brush the dust off the kayaks and go paddling.
Saturday we decided to drive toward Basin Point and put in at the Dolphin Marina. Sun was shining a bit cool but nice and we start paddling over to Whale Boat for a picnic. Last year we did this same trip and had a wonderful time. Not so this weekend, just as we were rounding the point it looks like the fog is rolling in. We decide to paddle toward some other little islands which are closer and it looks like there are a few nice beaches to choose from to have our picnic. George is thinking that even if the fog does come in we could make it back to the marina safely. I am little nervous about this but decide to go along so as not to rock the boat. (no pun intended)While we paddle towards the islands I take some video clips that I think my grandson might enjoy. I spot a seal sunning on a rock but as we get closer he slides into the water. We keep paddling toward the smaller island but as we get close I notice these small islands are inhabited by a large variety of birds,and lots of them. Really kind of creepy, reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds". We see some seagulls trying to steal little baby duckling's from the mother. Very distressing. I look back towards the shore and see threatening black clouds rolling in and the fog is rolling in the other way. We decided at this time it was time to paddle back and fast.
We were a bit disappointed that we did not make it to Whale Boat this trip but summer has just begun. We decide not to give up on having a picnic rain or shine.
So after loading the kayaks on the car we drove to Stover's Point. We enjoyed our picnic looking across the water to Bailey Island and the Cribb Stone Bridge and reflected on just how beautiful it is on the Coast of Maine and how lucky we are to live here.
My next post I will write about how pilates can benefit paddlers.
Till next time, enjoy the view.
Saturday we decided to drive toward Basin Point and put in at the Dolphin Marina. Sun was shining a bit cool but nice and we start paddling over to Whale Boat for a picnic. Last year we did this same trip and had a wonderful time. Not so this weekend, just as we were rounding the point it looks like the fog is rolling in. We decide to paddle toward some other little islands which are closer and it looks like there are a few nice beaches to choose from to have our picnic. George is thinking that even if the fog does come in we could make it back to the marina safely. I am little nervous about this but decide to go along so as not to rock the boat. (no pun intended)While we paddle towards the islands I take some video clips that I think my grandson might enjoy. I spot a seal sunning on a rock but as we get closer he slides into the water. We keep paddling toward the smaller island but as we get close I notice these small islands are inhabited by a large variety of birds,and lots of them. Really kind of creepy, reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds". We see some seagulls trying to steal little baby duckling's from the mother. Very distressing. I look back towards the shore and see threatening black clouds rolling in and the fog is rolling in the other way. We decided at this time it was time to paddle back and fast.
We were a bit disappointed that we did not make it to Whale Boat this trip but summer has just begun. We decide not to give up on having a picnic rain or shine.
So after loading the kayaks on the car we drove to Stover's Point. We enjoyed our picnic looking across the water to Bailey Island and the Cribb Stone Bridge and reflected on just how beautiful it is on the Coast of Maine and how lucky we are to live here.
My next post I will write about how pilates can benefit paddlers.
Till next time, enjoy the view.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
MidCoast Pilates June update
Hi,
I am excited to post my first blog. My friend and client Emily convinced me that this would be fun and necessary for any successful business owner. So here I go.
About my pilates studio, MidCoast Pilates, is located in downtown Brunswick, Maine; A really cute typical New England main street. So far, the location has worked out well. I hope to attract people who work or live in the downtown area and would like to get a workout in during, before, or after work. Save on gas!
Pilates has been compared to yoga. It has a few similarities but is very different. Pilates focuses on core strength and developing muscles that create balance. Practicing pilates on a consistent basis is the best program there is to make long lasting changes to your posture, muscle tone, increases flexibility, and your attitude!
This Saturday June 21st we will start a new beginner class. This is a chance to enhance the rest of your life. May it be long and healthy!
More later.
Maurine
I am excited to post my first blog. My friend and client Emily convinced me that this would be fun and necessary for any successful business owner. So here I go.
About my pilates studio, MidCoast Pilates, is located in downtown Brunswick, Maine; A really cute typical New England main street. So far, the location has worked out well. I hope to attract people who work or live in the downtown area and would like to get a workout in during, before, or after work. Save on gas!
Pilates has been compared to yoga. It has a few similarities but is very different. Pilates focuses on core strength and developing muscles that create balance. Practicing pilates on a consistent basis is the best program there is to make long lasting changes to your posture, muscle tone, increases flexibility, and your attitude!
This Saturday June 21st we will start a new beginner class. This is a chance to enhance the rest of your life. May it be long and healthy!
More later.
Maurine
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