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This Way To Paradise

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me

Recent Posts

  • Why High-End Travelers Matter So Much to Resorts
  • Holiday Homes in France
  • Why The People You Meet Are What Make Travel Unforgettable
  • Sports Tourism by the Sea: How Beach Cities Turn Matches into Mini-Vacations
  • The Best Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Portland: Routes, Stops, and How to Plan Yours
Travel Tips

Unforgettable Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

I moved back to Portland, Oregon after living in Charleston, SC and St Pete, FL the past four years. Moving back has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever…

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April 1, 2025
Escape Guides

From Dolphins To Fish Tacos: The Best Things To Do In Loreto

I just returned from Loreto, Mexico, and while I can’t say it was my favorite place in Mexico, it still had its charms. Zipolite still gets my vote for being…

read more
August 5, 2025
Travel Tips

San Pancho & Sayulita Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

I just got back from my travels to San Pancho and Sayulita in Mexico, and I had a wonderful time. These two beach towns are right next to each other,…

read more
November 28, 2025
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My Favorite Greek Island
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Sacred Sites of Mt Shasta
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Best Things To Do in Milos, Greece
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The Secret Beach on the Big Island
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Do You Know About the Florida Springs?
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Some of the Best Florida Beaches
  • Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau
    Travel Tips

    Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau

    November 12, 2018 / 1 Comment

    I hiked Mosier Creek Falls in the spring. There was nothing like climbing above the rim of Mosier Creek Gorge while wildflowers surrounded my every step. As far as Oregon waterfall hikes go, this is an easy one with stunning views the entire way. This is a great hike to do if you’re on the way out to Rowena Crest to see the wildflowers there. The hike to the two-tiered waterfall is only 1/2 mile, but I highly recommend continuing on the rest of the hike which takes you to Mosier Plateau. Mosier Creek Falls is about 100 feet tall, and in the summer, it’s even possible to swim in…

    Read More
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  • Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All
    Travel Tips

    Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All

    October 29, 2018 / 2 Comments

    The Labyrinth hike, in the Columbia Gorge, is one of my absolute favorite Washington hikes. On this hike, in the Catherine Creek area, you get it all. A few waterfalls, a stunning view of the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood, basalt outcroppings, and wildflowers in the Spring. Plus, the crowds are smaller than you will find at the neighboring Coyote Wall hike. The Labyrinth is the name for the area between Coyote Walland the Rowland Basin. You can even take your dog on this hike! Note that dogs must be on a leash from December 1st to June 30th. The only downsides to this hike is there is a lot of poison…

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    Hawaii Hikes: The Most Magical Hike Of My Life At Kuliouou Ridge

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    Yep, I’m A Goofball-How That Fact Saved The Day (And Had Half of SFO Airport Cheering Me On)

    March 2, 2013
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    February 3, 2015
  • Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
    Travel Tips

    Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

    October 16, 2018 / No Comments

    If you’re looking for an easy hike in Hawaii with gorgeous views, then make sure to hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail (Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline). While, you won’t find seclusion on this trail, it’s still a hike that’s definitely worth doing. The lighthouse isn’t really the main reason to do this hike. You will only see it from a distance. The reason to do the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is for the incredible vistas that you start seeing before you even reach the top. Also, the entire path is paved, so this makes it great for strollers or those who are in wheelchairs. The hike is only two miles round trip, so it’s…

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  • Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls
    Travel Tips

    Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls

    September 24, 2018 / 1 Comment

    If you’re looking for an easy hike to see some Oregon waterfalls, I highly recommend a stop at Butte Creek Falls. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Portland, near Scott Mills. And, this mile-long easy hike will let you view two beautifully stunning waterfalls. The tranquil forest trail takes you to both Upper Butte Creek Falls and Butte Creek Falls. It’s often possible to walk behind Upper Butte Creek Falls which provides for a stunning view. Be careful of the slippery rocks, though. This is a great hike for people with all skill levels of hiking, including kids. You will want to keep an eye on your kids on…

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  • A Northwest Forest Pass or other valid parking pass is required to park at the Ramona Falls Trailhead
    Travel Tips

    Ramona Falls: The Most Breathtaking Waterfall In Oregon

    August 28, 2018 / 6 Comments

    While Oregon has many incredible waterfalls, my absolute favorite is Ramona Falls. It’s close to Portland, located near Rhododendron, Oregon. And, it’s usually not crowded, as it does require a bit of effort to hike to. First of all, it’s a 7 mile hike. Also, the bridge at the Sandy River crossing was washed away, so you have to use your balancing skills to cross logs to get across the river. If the river is running fast, don’t try to cross. It is dangerous, so save the hike for when the river is more calm. You can always check with the Zigzag Ranger station before setting out to ask about…

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About Me

I am always looking for the perfect escape, the perfect paradise, the kind of place that tosses your cares into the sea. Fortunately, I have discovered many! I created this site to show you where to go and how to get there. My goal is to show you that Paradise is only a plane ticket (or boat ride) away. I have inspired many others to travel and to create a better life. I am available for inspirational speaking, coaching, writing, travel planning, and photography.

©2026