Category Archives: Leisure

Innovations: “ExoLung” Tankless Underwater Diving System (Video)

ExoLung logoExolung is a new and unique approach to shallow water diving for recreational and utility purposes. It is also enjoyable to use in the pool for training, or as a form of underwater gymnastics and yoga. The idea was to create a simple extension to the usual ABC kit (fins, mask, snorkel), being simple, robust and affordable whilst not requiring a lot of maintenance or care, and absolutely no recharge or refill required. ​ 

ExoLung Diving System features

It is lightweight (3,5kg) and compact (40x30x20cm pack size) making it super portable, flexible and functional. There is a high degree of safety, due to the inflatable dive buoy, which the diver is attached to at all times. There is no need for diving certification, though a basic knowledge of compressed air diving is required before use. This can be learned by attending a beginner diving course at your local centre.

Website: https://www.exolung.com/

New Camper Vans: 2020 “VanDOit LIV” Built Into All-Wheel Drive Ford Transit

From a New Atlas online review:

Now VanDoIt has capitalized on the launch of the 2020 Transit AWD to make its modular vans even more capable and versatile, letting owners option right up to a full-blown off-road, off-grid adventure vessel. It received a pre-production prototype from Ford and got to work rejiggering its modular conversion around the updated van, bearing fruit in the all-new LIV.

Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to launch an all-wheel-drive Transit as part of its updated 2020 US van lineup. That might seem like small product news, but it means that the US market will finally get a second factory AWD van to compete with the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 that came over the Atlantic in 2015. It also means we can expect to see camper vans that look more like this one. The masters of modularity at VanDoIt become the first Americans to offer a camper van on the all-new Transit AWD, adding the LIV van as the second model in their lineup of super-flexible adventure vans. With a full selection of plug-and-play equipment, the LIV can flex between eight-seat, toy-hauling sleeper van and fully equipped multi-bed camper.

To read more: https://newatlas.com/automotive/vandoit-liv-camper-van/?utm_source=New+Atlas+Subscribers&utm_campaign=330e6a3cf7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_11_26_02_39&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-330e6a3cf7-93002753

Automobile Nostalgia: “1949 Healey Silverstone” Was Designed As “Both Road And Racing Car”

From a ClassicDriver.com online article:

Classic Driver Logo“Originally designed as both a road and racing car, little compromise was made for comfort and practicality. With a light body and a peppy 2½ litre Riley engine, the Healey Silverstone performed well; even the headlights were brought inside behind the grille to make it more aerodynamic. It had a very limited run; just 105 produced making correct examples extremely desirable. 

1949 Healey Silverstone Classic Driver

…Donald Healey himself raced one, winning the 1949 Alpine Rally. A Healey Silverstone also won Belgium’s Liège-Rome-Liège Rally, the Isle of Man Manx Cup, various races at Goodwood and other national events.

Due to the limited production run, cars with important period competition history are desirable and so when a previously undiscovered chassis turns up, correct identification is key.

To read more: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/healey/silverstone/1949/712691?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Classic%20Driver%20Daily%203252019&utm_content=Classic%20Driver%20Daily%203252019+CID_45cd83d4933f01b9587a4a72c19b3141&utm_source=newsletter

Top Hikes: “San Francisco Crosstown Trail” – Candlestick Point To Lands End (17 Miles)

SF Crosstown Trail logoThe Crosstown Trail is a route connecting San Francisco neighborhoods, open spaces, and other major trails. It runs from Candlestick Point in the southeast corner of the city to Lands End in the northwest corner. The route is usable by both pedestrians and bicyclists, and it connects many parks, business districts, residential areas, and public transit.

crosstown-trail-poster-size_page-0001.jpg

The Crosstown Trail is just one part of the city’s Green Connections Plan. It is one of the first to be concretely mapped and made available to the public.

Read New York Times article on the hike: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/18/travel/crosstown-trail-san-francisco.html

Website: https://crosstowntrail.org/

New Camping Products: “Mock One” Portable Folding Hammock

  • Mock ONE V2.0 – Portable Folding Hammock with Stand
  • Use anywhere – No trees. No problem!
  • Includes sun shade, under basket and hammock carry wrap
  • Person weight limit: 250 lbs
  • Person height limit: 6’4″
  • Weight: 14.5 lbs
  • Opened Size:  67″L x 25”W x 31”H
  • Folded (carrying) Dimension: 11″L x 6″W x 33″H
  • Fabric: 210T parachute nylon (Stronger than 75D Nylon)
  • Frame: Durable Coated steel free standing hammock frame

Mock One Folding Hammock

Website: https://republicofdurablegoods.com/products/mock-one

Innovative Leisure: “Blindfold Travel” Books Surprise European Trips Per Travelers’ Budgets

From a The Italian Eye Magazine online review:

Blindfold TravelBlindfold Travel offers a complete package with flights and overnight stays in a European city. The customer is only asked to choose the budget and fill out a questionnaire to indicate wishes and preferences. Blindfold Travel organises your holiday from the starting point to the end by providing all the useful information to travellers, who reach the airport completely unaware of their destination. Before leaving, a package containing the various directions arrives at home, and a series of numbered envelopes guide you step by step to the discovery of the journey as in a treasure hunt.

https://www.blindfoldtravel.com/

The only important elements to know are the departure datetime and some hints about what to bring with you; but it’s only shortly before leaving that boarding passes are sent by email. The surprises continue with other offers already included in the package, such as guided toursmuseum tickets and many other activities. If you are already curious and want to find out more, you will be amazed!

To read more: https://www.theitalianeyemagazine.com/en/alternative-travels-3-websites/2

Travel Destinations: The Nikko Kanaya Hotel Is A “Glorious Relic From A Lost World” In Japan

From a Wall Street Journal online review:

Nikko Kanaya Hotel Japan HistoryFINICKY WESTERN EATERS would still be relieved to find filet mignon on the French menu of the hotel, now known as the Nikko Kanaya, a 90-minute drive from Tokyo. The dining room itself looks much as it did when it first opened, in 1893 and eagle-eyed diners might notice that the wooden pillars are decorated with flower carvings that echo those of the nearby Toshogu shrine. The views from the guest rooms are likewise unchanged—forest-covered mountains in the background, the same fastidiously manicured gardens in the foreground that the Einsteins strolled in 1922. Other parts of the hotel feel mildly haunted, like a Japanese version of “The Shining.” The wood-paneled lobby is well worn, stairwells creak noticeably and a shadowy cocktail bar features fading black-and-white photos of forgotten ’20s parties, with men in tuxedos and women in frocks smiling at the camera. 

THE 19TH-CENTURY FOREIGNERS who first ventured to the Japanese mountain town of Nikko came away enchanted by the scenery: ornate Shinto shrines set among rivers, forests and waterfalls. But those same visitors were less impressed with the lodging options. Many griped about the local inns, furnished with futon-beds set on the floor and paper walls that offered no privacy. And the food? Overly exotic at best. British traveler Isabella Bird offered a typical review: “The fishy and vegetable abominations known as ‘Japanese food’ can only be swallowed and digested by a few, and that after long practice.” In 1873, in an attempt to cater to Western sensibilities, Zenichiro Kanaya, a 21-year-old temple musician, opened rooms in his family house, serving guests simply-prepared poultry, rainbow trout and eggs.

To read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-japanese-hotel-is-a-glorious-relic-from-a-lost-world-11571314355

Top Camping Sites: Sandy Pines Campground In Kennebunkport, Maine Added “Unique Retreats”

From an Inhabitat.com online review:

Sandy Pines Campground Kennebunkport, Maine sitesTo kick off the 2019 season, Sandy Pines installed some new glamping units that offer the best in luxurious camping. For guests looking for a trip back in time, there is a decked-out Airstream or two beautiful Conestoga wagons. Additionally, there are a few tiny cabins on site, including a minimalist A-frame with a fully opened facade. For stargazers, the transparent Oasis Dome or the Glass House would make for great stays. Most of the sites are for two people, with the exception of the family cottages, which can accommodate two adults and two children.

Located in the idyllic coastal region of Kennebunkport, the campground is surrounded by pristine forest on one side and salt marsh on the other. Designed to be a relaxing retreat, the site offers a variety of interesting accommodations.

Each glamping unit is tucked into a site overlooking the marsh, just steps away from the beach. All of the lodgings come with bed linens, bath towels and beach towels as well as private seating areas and fire pits.

To read more: https://inhabitat.com/kennebunkport-campground-offers-tiny-cabins-airstreams-and-more/

Top-Rated Resorts: “Sunset At The Palms – Jamaica” Is Eco-Friendly, All-Inclusive (And Affordable)

From the Sunset at the Palms website:

Sunset at the Palms Jamaica photos…one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica as selected by Trip Advisors Peoples Choice for 2018 and 2019. 

Sunset at the Palms was the first hotel in the world to receive certification for Environmentally Sustainable Tourism by the U.K.’s Green Globe. The resort also won the prestigious Governor General’s Award for overall architectural design as was recognized by TripAdvisor.com as one the “Top Ten Most Romantic Resorts in the Caribbean” in the 2018 Traveler’s Choice hotel list. In 2015, received the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame Award for earning the Award of Excellence five years running.

Website: https://www.thepalmsjamaica.com/

Top Hotel Bars: “Everdene” At The Virgin Hotels San Francisco Has “Standout” Rooftop City Views

From a New York Times online article:

Everdene Bar San Francisco rooftop barA more recent addition to San Francisco’s rooftop bar scene is Everdene, a standout which opened this April atop the new Virgin Hotels San Francisco. Besides taking its name from the heroine of Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd,” Everdene has a lush, garden party vibe that feels far removed from the crowds below in SoMa. The drinks program consists of brightly colored, flora-heavy sippers (tequila-based “Her Majesty’s Pleasure,” with cucumbers and sugar snap peas, is an early favorite), courtesy of the lead bartender Tommy Quimby, another Trick Dog alum. 

To read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/travel/san-francisco-hotel-bar-cocktails.html