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Royals rout Angels 11-4
Billy Butler gets 5 hits, 5 RBIs
So much for Billy Butler's offensive drought.
Butler broke out of a severe slump with five hits and five RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals kept Joe Blanton winless in eight starts this season with an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.
"I knew I had been getting closer, but it's just one game," Butler said. "You've got to come out and do it consistently. Hopefully I'm on that upward streak now."
Butler's hit total tied his career high, established on July 27, 2009, at Baltimore. The designated hitter has three games with five or more RBIs in the majors - including a franchise record-tying seven on April 7 at Philadelphia, when he hit his first career grand slam. He began the day in a 4-for-35 rut with a .228 average and one RBI in 23 at-bats over his previous six games.
"Billy's one of the best hitters I've ever seen," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "I've seen a lot of really good hitters go into little slumps, and Billy's slumps are usually 0 for 9 or 0 for 10. But you also know that any day he's capable of breaking out and really carrying the team for a period of time. Billy's like a light switch. All of a sudden he can walk in, flip it, and there he goes."
Luis Mendoza (1-2) allowed three runs and six hits over six innings, striking out six and walking none as the Royals began a nine-game road trip following a three-game sweep by the New York Yankees.
"We needed to get a win," Yost said. "We knew the offense would click sooner or later, and it did tonight. We knew Billy had been struggling, and that it was just a matter of time before he got back on track. And he did it in a big way tonight."
Mendoza was staked to a 10-1 lead and took a three-hitter into the sixth before giving up a pair of runs. Luke Hochevar pitched three innings for his first save in seven big league seasons.
"Everybody contributed offensively. We got a bunch of hits and a bunch of runs and made it easy for Mendy," Yost said. "But Mendy was pretty darn good tonight. When he missed, he missed down. He had a good two-seamer, a good sinker and good action to his pitches. He also had a good curveball that he kept down in the zone."
Blanton (0-7) threw 99 pitches through 4 2-3 innings, giving up seven runs and 12 hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. The right-hander's ERA shot up to 6.46.
"I felt like I threw the ball good tonight and my stuff was good," Blanton said. "When they made contact they found holes, broken-bat balls fell in for singles and balls bounced their way down the lines. It was one of those weird games. There were a couple of innings where I was one pitch away from it. But they got a couple of two-out hits that cost me three or four of those runs."
It's the first time in the Angels' 53-year history that they have been on the losing end in all of a pitcher's first eight starts in a season. The last time one of their pitchers was winless in his first eight starts was 1997, when lefty Matt Perisho started eight times as a rookie and was 0-2. The Angels were 4-4 in those games.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the first when Alex Gordon singled with two outs and came all the way around on Butler's double off the right-field wall. Two innings later, Butler drove in two more with a two-out single.
"He's a good hitter," Blanton said. "I threw him a little bit of everything."
The Angels got on the board in the third with an RBI single by Chris Iannetta, who had one hit in his previous 27 at-bats. But the Royals increased the margin to 4-1 in the fourth with Jarrod Dyson's two-out RBI double and tacked on three more in the fifth with an RBI single by Lorenzo Cain and a two-run double by No. 8 hitter Salvador Perez that chased Blanton.
"Probably the biggest one was that last double," Blanton said. "I threw a cutter and left it up in the zone. Other than that, I thought my pitches were pretty crisp and had a lot of movement down in the zone. I felt like I had located, for the most part."
Even the Angels' improving bullpen couldn't contain Butler, whose two-run double highlighted a three-run sixth against rookie Michael Roth and gave the Royals a 10-1 cushion. The hit increased his RBI total to 25 and snapped a string of scoreless innings by Angels relievers.
NOTES: Angels RF Josh Hamilton was 2 for 3, including a ground double to the left side against the shift. He left the game in the seventh inning because he was "a little lightheaded," manager Mike Scioscia said. ... Butler, an All-Star for the first time last season, was moved into the cleanup spot five games ago after batting third most of the season. ... Blanton struck out the side in the second, his only 1-2-3 inning. The only time this season that he has left a game with a lead was April 22 against Texas, when the bullpen blew a 6-3 advantage and he ended up with a six-inning no-decision. ... Royals RF Jeff Francoeur, 3 for 24 with no RBIs in his last seven games, did not start even though he is 6 for 14 against Blanton. ... Kansas City's five doubles were a season high. ... The entire seven-game season series will take place this month, including a four-game set at Kansas City starting May 23.


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Media Contact:
Andrea Salzman
Cone Communications
[email protected]
Zephyrhills® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water Teams Up with Crystal Springs Foundation to Take
Water Education on the Road
Celebrate the launch of an interactive mobile lab that brings environmental education to students throughout Florida
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, January 9, 2013 – Zephyrhills® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water is going straight to the source to bring quality environmental education on the road. Today, the iconic local spring water brand is teaming up with Crystal Springs Foundation to host the launch of WaterVenturesTM, Florida's Learning Lab – a vehicle that will empower Florida's students to make environmentally conscious decisions through interactive, educational experiences. The launch is being celebrated today at Crystal Springs Preserve, one of the spring sources for Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water, with 100 fourth-grade students, local influencers and government officials.
More than 50,000 students, parents and teachers engage in hands-on learning science experiences at Crystal Springs Preserve every year. With the launch of WaterVentures, Crystal Springs Foundation and Zephyrhills have the opportunity to reach an additional 100,000 students in Northern and Southern Florida, significantly expanding their geographic footprint. "We're thrilled to be working with Zephyrhills to inspire critical thinking and empower students to make a difference in the world around them," says Karen Pate, Vice President, Crystal Springs Foundation. "The Foundation's goal is to educate people about Florida's wetland habitats and creatures, and this mobile learning lab will serve as a tool to engage more youth in an entertaining and dynamic way."
WaterVentures, Florida's Learning Lab, is a traveling science center housed within a customized 53-foot semi-trailer that will tour elementary schools throughout Florida over the next 12 months. The vehicle features several enriching activities that offer a hands-on look at Florida's water and conservation, with interior, museum-quality exhibits on topics including aquifers and the natural filtration of spring water, Florida's hydrogeology and biodiversity, water stewardship and recycling. The lab also features a dynamic staff of trained educators, an outdoor activity center and an AV screen for presentations. All of the exhibits were designed by the experienced teaching team from Crystal Springs Foundation.
"We're thrilled to officially unveil WaterVentures and kick-off the tour in Florida with Crystal Springs Foundation," says Greg Berumen, Senior Marketing Manager, Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water. "Zephyrhills is committed to preserving the local area and this dynamic learning tool approaches environmental education in a creative and engaging way."
For more information on WaterVentures, Florida's Learning Lab and to confirm tour locations, please visit waterventures.ur or the Zephyrhills brand Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/zephyrhillswater.
About Nestlé Waters North America With 36 years of experience providing refreshment in the bottled water segment, Nestlé Waters North America is the nation's leading bottled water company. The company produces six regional natural spring water brands in the U.S., distributes three international brands, produces Nestle® Pure Life®, its nationally distributed purified bottled water, and most recently, ready-to-drink iced teas. The company's dedication to quality products, employee development, bringing shared value to communities, and its commitment to environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has led Nestlé Waters North America to the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company position in the U.S.
About Crystal Springs Preserve
Crystal Springs Preserve has served its guests in a number of ways over the millennia. It has been a source of drinking water for Florida pioneers, the hub of a utopian community, a swimming hole and one of the spring sources for Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. Thanks to a unique partnership between Nestlé Waters North America and the Bob Thomas family, the spring has evolved into a world-class environmental education center that teaches thousands of school-age children each year about springs ecology and the importance of conservation. For more information, visit www.crystalspringspreserve.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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By now you should've watched the Australian Grand Prix, or at least you had to, because NBC's only replay of it was at 6 AM, for some reason. Spoiler alert: Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo came in second, and then was disqualified hours later. But the reason is a bit technical, and not so easy. Here's your explainer.
But first, a little background. Daniel Ricciardo was racing in the first event of his first season for the big Red Bull team, which has enjoyed a string of championships over the past few years. He's an Australian, too, racing in his home race, so it was kind of a big deal. The fact that he made the podium was huge, for him, as you can see right there on his big happy Australian face.
Seriously, that grin-thing is about to take over his entire body. He'd just be one big mess of teeth soon, if, you know, he wasn't disqualified.
But part of the reason why this is such big news is in the context of the sweeping changes that Formula One has undergone in the past few months.
This season is totally different, in large part because of tweaks to the aerodynamics rules, but mainly because this is the first year since the 1980s that F1 cars will have turbocharged engines. It's a massive tweak to the way F1 engines have been run for decades, and with a massive change you're likely to see some rule bending, whether intentional or unintentional.
Furthermore, that championship-winning Red Bull team was known to be having some trouble with their Renault engines, so it left everybody wondering what trick they would pull out of their sleeves to keep that success alive.
With the 2nd place finish for Ricciardo, it appeared that Red Bull had done whatever was necessary to get their car ready for the season, and surely they'd be continuing their winning ways within short order.
But it was all for nought. News soon came out that Ricciardo was about to be disqualified. F1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer issued this note to the race stewards:
In case that image is a bit blurry, it reads:
During the race car number 03 has exceeded consistently the maximum allowed fuel flow of 100 kg/h.
As this is not in compliance with Article 5.1.4 of the 2014 Formula One Technical Regulations, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.
Jo Bauer
The FIA Formula One Technical Delegate
To anyone that is a total rules-geek, that note should set off massive alarm bells. F1 cars are only allowed a certain amount of fuel for an entire race, according to the 2014 regulations, and pursuant to that, they are only allowed a certain rate of what is known as "fuel-flow" as well.
Fuel-flow is important to engines. In its most basic sense, it means how much fuel is going into the engine. Again, in a very basic sense, more fuel in an engine potentially means more power, which means that it was entirely possible that Red Bull Racing, in pursuit of an extra boost, somehow tampered with its fuel pump to get more juice into the engine, and thus more juice out of the engine.
Either something was broken, or the implication from the stewards was that Red Bull was cheating. Cheating, in some form, happens in all levels of racing, though, so it's not like this is unique to Red Bull or F1.
A lot of Ricciardo fans on The Internet seemed to be immediately crestfallen, partially because Ricciardo seemed like such a nice guy, and partially because of how darn happy he looked on the podium. Seriously, I've never seen a guy enjoy champagne as much as this:
Partially because there was so much consternation from fans, and partially because they always do this sort of thing when a driver is disqualified, the stewards issued a 10-point memo to explain their reasoning (via F1fanatic.co.uk):
1) The Technical Delegate reported to the Stewards that Car 3 exceeded the required fuel mass flow of 100kg/h. (Article 5.1.4 of the Formula One Technical Regulations)
2) This parameter is outside of the control of the driver, Daniel Ricciardo.
3) The fuel flow is measured using the fuel flow sensor (Art. 5.10.3 & 5.10.4 of the Technical Regulations) which is homologated by the FIA and owned and operated by the team.
4) The stewards considered the history of the fitted fuel flow sensor, as described by the team and the Technical Delegate's representative who administers the program. Their description of the history of the sensor matches.
a. During Practice 1 a difference in reading between the first three and Run 4 was detected. The same readings as Run 4 were observed throughout Practice 2.
b. The team used a different sensor on Saturday but did not get readings that were satisfactory to them or the FIA, so they were instructed to change the sensor within Parc Ferme on Saturday night.
c. They operated the original sensor during the race, which provided the same readings as Run 4 of Practice 1, and Practice 2.
5) The Stewards heard from the technical representative that when the sensor was installed on Saturday night, he instructed the team to apply an offset to their fuel flow such that the fuel flow would have been legal. He presented an email to the stewards that verified his instruction.
6) The technical representative stated to the Stewards that there is variation in the sensors. However, the sensors fall within a known range, and are individually calibrated. They then become the standard which the teams must use for their fuel flow.
7) The team stated that based on the difference observed between the two readings in P1, they considered the fuel flow sensor to be unreliable. Therefore, for the start of the race they chose to use their internal fuel flow model, rather than the values provided by the sensor, with the required offset.
8) Technical Directive 01614 (1 March 2014) provides the methodology by which the sensor will be used, and, should the sensor fail, the method by which the alternate model could be used.
a. The Technical Directive starts by stating: "The homologated fuel flow sensor will be the primary measurement of the fuel flow and will be used to check compliance with Articles 5.1.4 and 5.1.5 of the F1 Technical Regulations…" This is in conformity with Articles 5.10.3 and 5.10.4 of the Technical Regulations.
b. The Technical Directive goes on to state: "If at any time WE consider that the sensor has an issue which has not been detected by the system WE will communicate this to the team concerned and switch to a backup system" (emphasis added.)
c. The backup system is the calculated fuel flow model with a correction factor decided by the FIA.
9) The FIA technical representative observed thought the telemetry during the race that the fuel flow was too high and contacted the team, giving them the opportunity to follow his previous instruction, and reduce the fuel flow such that it was within the limit, as measured by the homologated sensor – and thus gave the team the opportunity to be within compliance. The team chose not to make this correction.
10) Under Art. 3.2 of the Sporting Regulations it is the duty of the team to ensure compliance with the Technical Regulations throughout the Event. Thus the Stewards find that:
A) The team chose to run the car using their fuel flow model, without direction from the FIA. This is a violation of the procedure within TD/ 01614.
B) That although the sensor showed a difference in readings between runs in P1, it remains the homologated and required sensor against which the team is obliged to measure their fuel flow, unless given permission by the FIA to do otherwise.
C) The Stewards were satisfied by the explanation of the technical representative that by making an adjustment as instructed, the team could have run within the allowable fuel flow.
D) That regardless of the team's assertion that the sensor was fault, it is not within their discretion to run a different fuel flow measurement method without the permission of the FIA.
The main points here are three-fold. The first is that this had nothing to do with Daniel Ricciardo, as it was completely beyond his control. The second is that the sanctioning body of the race, the FIA, knew there was some sort of problem with Red Bull's fuel pump, and told them as such before the race was underway.
The third, and perhaps most damning, is that when the FIA told the team that there was a problem, Red Bull basically replied with "your thingy that measures the fuel pump is all over the place and a bit unreliable, so we'll just continue to use our own no matter what you say, thank you very much."
Basically, the FIA is saying that the team was cheating during practice, they told the team that they thought they were cheating, and to please stop it before the race, and Red Bull said "piss off" anyways.
And off they sent young Ricciardo to race, probably with the hopes that nobody would notice the fuel pump issue, he would win, and everybody would just forget all about what went down the day before. Huzzah.
With news coming out now that Ricciardo has indeed been disqualified, Red Bull is mad as all Australian/Austrian heck. They issued this statement lashing back at the FIA (again, via F1fanatic.co.uk):
"Following the decision of the FIA that Infiniti Red Bull Racing is in breach of Article 3.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and Article 5.1.4 of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations with car three, the team has notified the FIA of its intention to appeal with immediate effect.
"Inconsistencies with the FIA fuel flow meter have been prevalent all weekend up and down the pit lane. The team and Renault are confident the fuel supplied to the engine is in full compliance with the regulations."
During the race weekend the teams were advised by race director Charlie Whiting of a change to the fuel flow filter frequency. The teams were given the following notification:
"Following a review of the fuel flow data from the practice sessions the following change will be applied for qualifying and the race.
"The maximum fuel flow limit mFFMIllegal will be checked using a fuel flow filter frequency (parameter fdmFFMFuelFilter) of 5Hz instead of the 10Hz currently configured in the FIA data version.
"Due to time constraints before the qualifying session the FIA data versions will not be changed. The revised monitoring will be processed by the FIA off-car."
So, yeah. Red Bull is appealing the steward's ruling, saying that their measurements of the fuel flow to the engine were all over the map all weekend, and not just with their team. The FIA's measurements are not to be trusted, Red Bull did everything right, they did nothing wrong, Ricciardo won 2nd place fair and square.
To recap:
- The FIA said Red Bull cheated, the FIA knew Red Bull was cheating, and asked them to stop before the race even started.
- Red Bull said there was no cheating to begin with, and the FIA's cheating metric was wrong.
So who's right here? It's a little too early to tell, and the FIA will almost certainly hear Red Bull's appeal. As it stands, Ricciardo has been disqualified, while Nico Rosberg remains the race winner. Everyone else has been accordingly bumped up a slot, meaning McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen is now the official 2nd place finisher. It's the highest spot achieved by a rookie in his first race since Jacques Villeneuve did it, with his terrible music, in 1996.
I just feel bad for Ricciardo. He looked so darn happy.
Your provisional race results are below.
Photos via Getty Images


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Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated with sharks. My interest in these remarkable fish has never really waned, leading to my majoring in zoology while at college and my insistence that Shark Week is must-see television. Sharks have evolved over millions of years to become the most efficient fish in the sea, and one can't help but admire how they're built perfectly for their roles as predators.
Most of the sharks we see in movies are Great Whites, and every once in awhile, we'll get some makos (like in Deep Blue Sea). But there are a lot of sharks swimming in the Earth's oceans that look nothing like the sharks we see on the big screen. I usually post about movies or video games, but some of these sharks look so bizarre that they can only be classified as "unreal." I hope you enjoy this gallery of the strangest-looking sharks in the world.
10.Goblin Shark
Goblin Sharks – an accurate name if there ever was – are rarely seen and that's not a bad thing for them or us. Living thousands of feet below the surface of the seas, Goblin Sharks have semi-transparent skin that gives them a pinkish hue. The bizarre projection at the top of their heads is believed to house an advanced electroreceptor system to help them home in on prey in the absence of light.
9. Frilled Shark
Frilled Sharks are deepwater fish that are rarely seen at the surface, though they are often caught by bottom trawlers. Long and eel-like, Frilled Sharks are sometimes considered to be "throwbacks" to the early period of shark evolution though their existence today is testament to the success they have found in their particular ecological niche.
8. Basking Shark
This shark is called the basking shark because it is most often observed when feeding at the surface and appears to be basking in the warmer water there. It is the only member of the family Cetorhinidae. Gunnerus was the first to describe and name the species Cetorhinus maximus from a specimen found in Norway. The genus name Cetorhinus comes from the Greek, ketos which means marine monster or whale and rhinos meaning nose, the species name maximus is from Latin and means "greatest".
7. Megamouth Shark
Megamouth Sharks are filter-feeders like Whale Sharks (below) and Basking Sharks. Growing up to 18 feet long and weighing as much as 2.5 tons, Megamouth Sharks are a deepwater species that boasts a ring of light-emitting photophores around its mouth – sort of a deep sea "Eat At Joe's" sign, though diners quickly become dined upon.
6. Ghost Shark
The elephant shark, Callorhinchus milii, is a cartilaginous fish belonging to the subclass Holocephali. Sharks, rays and skates are the other members of the cartilaginous fish group and are grouped under the subclass Elasmobranchii. Alternative names of the elephant shark include: Australian ghost shark, Makorepe, whitefish, plownose chimaeras or elephant fish. The latter is best avoided as it may be confused with elephantfishes which are freshwater teleost fishes from tropical Africa and the Nile.
5. Hammerhead
Hammerhead Sharks are relative newcomers to the world of sharks, having first evolved their bizarre hammer-like heads a mere 50 million years ago (give or take a few million). Scientists aren't exactly sure what benefit their unique heads provide – perhaps greater spacing of their olfactory (scent) sensors helps them locate food with more accuracy and at a greater distance.
4.Thresher Sharks
Sharks are versatile killers from tooth to tail – especially tail, in the case of the Thresher Shark. A 20 ft long Thresher Shark might have half its total length locked up in its tail. Researchers observing Thresher Sharks catch prey found that their typical technique is to swim through schools of fish while whipping their tails, then retracing their paths to snap up any stunned or killed fish.
3.Frilled Sharks
Frilled Sharks are deepwater fish that are rarely seen at the surface, though they are often caught by bottom trawlers. Long and eel-like, Frilled Sharks are sometimes considered to be "throwbacks" to the early period of shark evolution though their existence today is testament to the success they have found in their particular ecological niche.
2.Spined Pygmy Sharks
Spined Pygmy Sharks are among the smallest members of the shark family, reaching maximum lengths of just 11 inches. Deepwater fish like its close relatives, the Lantern Sharks, the Spined Pygmy Shark exhibits a network of bioluminescent photophores that run along its midsection. It's thought that the photophores help it blend in with ambient light conditions, thus disguising it from both predators and prey.
1.Saw Sharks
Saw Sharks look like Sawfish but they're not – they're sharks. Saw Sharks have their gills on each side of the neck like most other sharks while Sawfish gills are positioned beneath their bodies. The lifestyles of Saw Sharks and sawfish are similar, though: swish tooth-studded beak when sea creatures come close, snap up the shredded remnants. In Latin that would be veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I had lunch.


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The pressure sensors of the PN0 series with full stainless steel housing are suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The units have a switching output which can be programmed as normally closed or normally open, and a scalable analogue output for the output of the measured values. The robustness of the measuring cell and the high repeatability ensure good long-term stability and wear-free operation over millions of pressure cycles.
Parameter setting is effected via the buttons on the sensor. A well-readable, sloping display rotatable by 180°, combined with a user-friendly interface, enables fast and easy set-up. The pressure unit to be indicated (bar/mbar, kPa, Mpa, psi) is freely selectable. The electronic lock protects the device from unauthorised access.


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If you are heavily involved in the food or BBQ industry, you know of the Thermapen. If you don't know of it, you should. And let me be the person to introduce the Thermapen to you. I want to give a big thank you to Jesse Black from ThermoWorks for sending me a Thermapen to review.
But First, About Thermoworks…
ThermoWorks, the company behind the Thermapen, is located just south of Salt Lake City, Utah. The company's focus is all things thermal and temperature related. Whether it's thermometers, sensors, or even calibration equipment, you can find ThermoWorks as an industry leader. You can find their equipment not only in the food service industry, but also in other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber, and road construction and repair.
Thermapen Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.1 in. long, 1.85 in. wide, 0.75 in. wide
- Weight: 4 oz.
- Probe Length: 4.5 in. long
- Uses 2 CR2032 lithium coin cell batteries (can be found at most retail department stores)
- Estimated battery life: 1,500 hrs.
The Story Behind the Colors
Big Wayner, you ask, why are there so many different colors available? Well, I can answer that from you (with help from the product page for the Thermapen). Once upon a time, you could order any color Thermapen as long as it was gray. ThermoWorks then decided to add the following colors to correspond with color coding used by many in the food service industry to assist in preventing cross-contamination:
- Red — Raw beef & pork
- Blue — Raw seafood
- Yellow — Raw poultry
- Brown — Cooked meats
- Green — Produce
- White — Dairy/Bakery items
In 2006, ThermoWorks added black and orange as available colors. Purple and pink came along sometime later, and that is how the color choices came to be what they are today. (Picture below is courtesy of Thermoworks)
Before I even start to tell about my experience using this tool, I have to say I was already impressed. On the back part of the packaging that lists out the specifications, there was a hand-written section outlining that the particular unit I had was calibrated at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 212 degrees Fahrenheit on September 29th.
This past weekend, I took the opportunity to cook up some chicken thighs to try out a few sauces in my arsenal. As everyone knows, it's very important to make sure that chicken is properly cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (as recommended by the USDA). So this was the perfect opportunity to try out the Thermapen!
When I thought the chicken thighs were done, I pulled them off the grill, took them in, and decided to check the internal temperature using the Thermapen. The first thing I immediately noticed: it was really fast! I had an accurate reading of internal temperature in 2-3 seconds (much closer to 2). In all things grilling and BBQ, this short amount of time usually means not drastically losing cooker temperature when on a tight schedule.
It was seriously easy to use — just flip open the probe to turn on the thermometer, and flip the probe closed to turn it off.
The only thing that I would suggest as an improvement for this tool is to make the LCD screen backlit for viewing temperatures in the dark. And I'm not the only one to echo this sentiment.
I overwhelmingly endorse the Thermapen as the standard for measuring food temperatures. The guys at ThermoWorks take their craft seriously, and it shows in the quality product they have here. While you may be able to purchase other thermometers at a lower price, you will not find the same quality in those that you will find in a Thermapen. It will make the perfect Christmas gift for the griller or BBQ pitmaster in your family!
If you are interested in finding out more about the Thermapen, you can go to its product page on the ThermoWorks website. Right now ThermoWorks has prices reduced by $9 on the Thermapen, from $96 to $89.
And for the record, black is the fastest Thermapen… 😉
- My Top 5 BBQ Joints in Unexpected Places - April 16, 2019
- The Best Beef and Wild Game Marinade Ever! - February 19, 2018
- 2018: I'm BACK!! - February 6, 2018


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Planned Parenthood Bomber: 'They're Killing Babies There'
Francis Grady, who's accused of firebombing a Wisconsin Planned Parenthood clinic on Sunday night, appeared in court today and settled the question of whether or not he's an anti-choice fanatic: he is.
A Grand Chute man accused of setting a fire at a Planned Parenthood clinic made his first appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Green Bay.
Francis Grady, 50, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Sickel he planned to plead guilty, but Sickel ignored the statement and scheduled Grady for an April 19 preliminary hearing.
At one point, Grady interrupted him to ask, "Do you even care at all about the 1,000 babies that died screaming?"
Grady told his lawyer, public defender Tom Phillip he was fired for interrupting Sickel, prompting a woman from the back of the courtroom to call out, "Shut up, Frankie."
"My sister told me to shut up," Grady said to Phillip. …
Outside the courtroom, Grady told a Green Bay Press-Gazette photographer, "I just want to give one wink to my girlfriend." When a reporter asked him why he had planted a bomb at the clinic, Grady corrected him, saying, "There was no bomb, it was gasoline." He said he did it because "they're killing babies there."
This will come as a real disappointment to racist blogger Robert Stacy McCain, who earlier today wrote a long post mocking writer Michelle Goldberg for tying this terrorist act to the anti-abortion movement, and pointing at Grady's criminal record as "evidence" that he had no connection.


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Find The Best Affordable Yoga Retreats in 2018/2019
You've been dreaming about it for awhile now and it's time to book your yoga holiday for 2018 and 2019. Though it may seem like it's a far-fetched idea, yoga vacations are easier to plan than you think. We have yoga getaways that won't break the bank (from as little as $18 per day). Search for an affordable yoga retreat anywhere in the world so that you can finally book yourself a little self-care this year. You deserve it.
Budget Yoga Retreats: Five Simple Ways to Reduce Your Costs
(Updated for 2018)
When you've finally got that time off to go on a yoga vacation, or you're a bit tighter on a budget, finding a retreat that's inexpensive is super important. There are different levels of retreats: luxury, affordable, and cheap. Luxury retreats are usually going to have stellar accommodation, plush amenities and other features that make them stand out. But you will find quite a bit of that in some affordable yoga retreats, as well. All you have to do is get creative when you book your yoga retreat. 😉
1. Stay in shared accommodation
Many retreats will offer shared accommodation options, which will be cheaper than private or luxury rooms. If you're into solo travel, then this will be the easiest way to save cash and make new friends.
2. Sleep in a tent
Some retreats offer the option to camp out on the property, either by bringing your own tent or using one of theirs.
It's a great way to make your trip more affordable.
Plus you get to experience the real grounding feeling of sleeping so close to the ground.
The pranic field is strongest within 18 inches of the earth itself, so sleeping directly on the ground will have rejuvenating effects on the body and mind.
3. Book early
Many retreats offer yoga retreat deals for "early birds" if you book your retreat far enough in advance. This also gives you enough time to book cheap flights, which can be a major cost in yoga retreats.
You can easily save $100 or more simply by planning ahead and committing early to your retreat.
4. Go during low season
You can often get much cheaper rates if you go during the low season of a location.
For example, low season in the islands of Thailand is usually during the rainy season in October, November, and December. Whereas high season is usually January, February, and March.
Low season in Costa Rica usually includes May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
Bali is a pretty amazing spot all year round, but rainy season is from October to March and the locals generally love the dry season from April to October.
If you've got questions about when low season is for a certain country, you can contact the host of the retreat you're interested. They are usually locals and have a great sense of the weather.
5. Use BookRetreats.com's price filtering
We've developed a set of filters that allows you to set your price range and only see retreats that fit your budget. If you're looking for a retreat under $1000, just use the slider and set the maximum to $1000. You'll instantly filter out all the retreats that are too expensive for you.
You can also use the "Sort By Lowest Price" option. That will sort all the retreats by the lowest price. We often have retreats as low as $150-$200, so we've got something for every budget (no need to break the bank).
Quick Navigation and Travel Guide For Each Month
For January, these are the best countries to visit for a winter yoga retreat:
Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos.
Guess you're looking for a last minute retreat deal huh?
February is a great time to go to places like Thailand, Bali, and warmer climates as places like Europe and the US are a bit cold at this time. Bali is very nice during February because there is a nice mix of rain and warm weather. Not too rainy, not too hot 🙂
Mexico is also a top pick for people wanting a holiday in February with awesome weather from December to April. It's their "dry season."
Another great month for a retreat in Thailand as it's warm, but not the hotness of April, May and June. It's also a great time for a retreat in the North of India in a place like Rishikesh. Other locations in Southeast Asia like Cambodia and Vietnam would also be perfect for this time of year.
Australia is a top destination for March as the "land down under" is actually opposite seasonally from the Northern Hemisphere.
And finally, this is a wonderful month for traveling to the Phillipines in the Southern Pacific.
Italy is our recommendation for a destination in April. Why?
Beautiful rolling Tuscan hillsides, warm weather, and European aesthetic. Winning combination.
That's why it's our top recommendation if you're looking for a spring yoga retreat.
We'd highly recommend traveling to the US for a yoga retreat in May. It's the perfect time. Spring time!
This is also the best time to visit Europe for a retreat. Specifically: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, and Hungary.
Here's the list of countries we'd recommend for a summer yoga retreat in June:
South Africa, Canada, Indonesia (Bali), New Zealand, Kazakhstan, and most of Europe.
Recommended travel destinations for July:
Canada, South Africa, Indonesia (Bali especially), New Zealand, Germany, and Austria.
In South America, we'd recommend Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
The best places to travel in August:
Canada, New Zealand, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Austria.
Best destinations for a yoga holiday in September:
USA, Canada, South Africa, Bali, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, and China.
Top locations for a fall yoga retreat in October:
Brazil, United States, Australia, Japan, Italy, Ireland, France, and Greece.
Our recommended destinations for November:
NOT Europe this time :). Brazil, Australia, Cambodia, India, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, and Bhutan.
Top destinations for December retreats:
NOT America, most of Europe, and the Northern part of Asia (including Russia).
But we would recommend Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, India, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand). And last but not least…
…New Zealand. It's sweet as there, mate.
If you want to search through every yoga retreat and yoga holiday on our site, just click the link above. You'll be able to sort by price, date, style of yoga, weekend or week-long retreat, food preference, destination, and more. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive yoga retreats, the best yoga retreats, or simply searching for "yoga retreats near me"…we're your spot.
One of our customers said recently: "Your site and personalized service saved me 60 hours of planning my trip. Thank you so much!"
Quick Navigation For The Best Yoga Retreats in 2019 by Destination
Choosing the best destination for your upcoming yoga holiday can be pretty tricky. We totally get it. So that's why we've made a list of the best places in the world to take your yoga vacation, including the retreats. Check out our best yoga retreats all over the world.
This retreat is open all year round and is a beautiful mixture of reiki and yoga. You'll learn aspects of pranic healing (which you should always be careful with), and have daily yoga sessions in the process. Not a retreat to miss if you're interested in healing.
This is your opportunity to rebalance your mind, body, and soul while you reconnect with nature so that peace and joy will grow inside your heart! For less than $500 you can experience the beautiful magic of Nepal while also cleansing yourself, physically and spiritually.
Escape to this unique offering of spiritual yoga and detox retreat around the cultural world center of Angkor Wat. It's time to focus on wellness and discover the benefits of yoga and practice in a unique environment. They offer a place dedicated to well-being: body, mind, and spirit. This yoga retreat comes with a distinctive lifestyle, immerse yourself in an environment where you can focus on and make a commitment to your health and wellbeing. Feel yourself move closer to a new way of being and be supported in the most amazing ways. Come and create that dramatic shift in your life!
The idea of the small changes retreat is that we show you little changes that you can make in your normal diet or routine that can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing. Take these lessons back home with you to your daily life so that you can continue your mission to improve your health and well-being.
We send lots of our customers here for good reason. It's located on an island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand. Part of a beautiful 3 island cluster that's very popular for tourists and retreats. Koh Samui is the more touristy island compared with nearby Koh Phangan (known for its full moon party and Koh Tao (a diving hotspot).
A wonderful retreat that has options of 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. For those who want a longer retreat experience, it's truly hard to beat the 21-day retreat deal.
Awaken with an energizing yoga session and learn to surf surrounded by warm tropical waters. Don't worry if you are a beginner in surfing or yoga. This retreat is for anyone and everyone and for less than $500.
This retreat consistently gets high reviews with over 228 reviews on Trip Advisor with an average of a 4.5-star rating. A beautiful blend of Ayurveda and yoga. Perfect for people looking to get healthy in body and mind again.
Set in the southern part of India in the beautiful state of Kerala, this retreat is dedicated to the true meaning of yoga: union. You'll be getting a nice blend of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda from the source. Yoga originated in India, and its effects are seen embedded in the culture across the board. From the way people sit, eat, talk, and generally move in society. It's a beautiful thing for every yogi to witness.
India is a wonderful destination for affordable yoga retreats because the prices are great, and you're in the heart of yoga's origins.
Imagine a week on the spiritual city Rishikesh The world capital of Yoga. A chance to deepen and renew your yoga practice, through daily vinyasa flow classes and Hatha yoga classes. Including, meditation and the real philosophy of yoga. Eat nourishing vegetarian food and learn more about healthy living and nutrition.
Meditation is a powerful tool that can be used for the complete transformation of the soul. If you are someone who wants to find inner strength and peace, then you should definitely get yourself signed up for a meditation program that can help you in the process. Retreat in the Himalayas is one of the best yoga retreats in Rishikesh known for offering powerful yoga training for all those who want to have greater control over their lives. The center offers excellent Meditation programs that can educate students about the various forms of meditation and the way they affect the body and soul.
This is one of our most popular retreats and we send people here all the time. Located on a beautiful beach in Costa Rica, it's perfect for surfers, those looking to get away, and anyone looking for more balance in their life.
Spend 7 days on the ocean and immersed in the jungle of Costa Rica. If you are you feeling stressed out and looking to get a handle on a tough issue, take some time for yourself to replenish your energy and renew.
This retreat brings you 2 daily yoga classes, catered to your level and style of yoga, as well as 2 daily meals, and plenty of time to hang out in nature, explore the jungle, and maybe even try your hand at surfing.
What would it be like to live in a world where people were working to expand their consciousness and to be more loving and compassionate beings? What would it be like to be surrounded by people who cared for and supported one another? What would it be like to live in a low impact environmentally friendly world? Escape to the remote and magical Nass Valley. Located in an ancient forest in the heart of the Nisga'a Nation. This program will provide you with the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of life and will open your heart and your perspective on what could be.
Head to Salt Spring Island for meditation, gentle yoga, writing explorations, nature, and self-discovery. No writing experience needed. This retreat is perfect for people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those wishing to dedicate time to the practice of writing, blogging, or journaling. You'll access your innate creativity, rekindle your passion for the page, be inspired by stillness and nature, and uncover deep truths from within.
A yoga center in London is the perfect place to look for your yoga retreat. You'll get access to direct teachings on meditation and yoga, ancient practices like tantra yoga and hatha yoga postures (asanas), as well as practical tips on how to live a yoga lifestyle.
So you might be more interested in yoga workshops in London or some of the best yoga studios in London but…
…I'd highly encourage you to try a yoga retreat instead.
You'll get a more immersive experience. Instead of trying to make it to a workshop in between answering emails and taking care of your kids, you'll be at an actual resort near London or wherever you live. These getaways can include everything from hiking to meditation to daily fresh juices while you detox.
Imagine attending a truly transformational weekend, where it is possible to make both physical mental emotional changes where you leave feeling a new chapter of this life has started – rejuvenated – reenergized – ready? This retreat is for friends, couples and family friends. It is for those who wish to attend a small group retreat with 1-1 focus throughout the weekend, getting in touch with yourself to reenergise your system and take tools home to bring into your daily life using a 360 approach to health and wellbeing.
This retreat is for people who wish to work on themselves, to shift deep patterns and connect with a living spiritual practice. The essence of the retreat is rooted in Earth-based and indigenous wisdom, as well as being a space to cleanse and renew through healing, detoxing foods, daily practices, and meditations.
3. A Yoga Teacher Training in London
Ok so this one isn't technically a retreat, but it's for those people who want to do a deep immersion into their practice or who just want a yoga alliance certification. You've got a ton of options. You could stick close by for a teacher training in the UK, or you could do a yoga teacher training in India (the source of yoga).
Personally, we'd recommend India as there are many quality options, but if you want to stay closer to home then the UK or a training in Europe is a good bet.
Searching for a more intensive yoga experience? Then join us for 8 days of Yin/Soft Flow and invigorating Vinyasa Flow within a small intimate group. Treat your body and soul with yoga, massages, vegetarian food and coastal walking along the most stunning part of Portugal`s West Coast Ericeira – first world surfing reserve. Additional wellness treatments and activities like surfing lessons, SUP lessons, and kayaking can be arranged or just enjoy relaxing in the garden, soak up the sun or enjoy exploring the fishing town of Ericeira. Enjoy your stay in a cozy guesthouse, whether you are seeking a wellness break or a more active vacation.
It is time now to give yourself a break and give yourself a timeout. We do not only talk the talk but also walk our talk. Restore and reset your mind, body, and soul in Voula, Athens (Greece). You will be immersed in a unique restorative program starting with an assessment of the needs of your body status. We will use the self-healing power of your body by using Yoga Therapy Sessions, Kinesiology by Dr. Goodheart, Dr. Bach Consultation Sessions, and massage therapies. Especially suitable for people with a stressful life or rehabilitation needs.
Imagine waking up in the gorgeous wine country in Southern California! Wine, yoga, winery excursion, new friends (or bring some with you), connection, bright stars at night, fireside communion, and lots of laughter. Learn something new, share your own knowledge, find acceptance, strength, joy, and peace. Join us for an exciting, life-changing adventure. Join a group of like-minded people on a retreat in the vineyards! The retreat is held at a gorgeous home set on 40 acres in the heart of wine country. Private pool and spa on site as well.
This retreat is a nurturing blend of Yin Yoga, Iyengar and Ashtanga-influenced vinyasa, gentle Hatha and Pranayama. Begin each day hiking on one of our nearby picturesque trails. These guided hikes will explore some of the best, unspoiled, scenery in California. In the late afternoon enjoy the yoga class followed by restorative yoga postures that will leave you feeling grounded and at peace. As we embark on our inward journey of renewal, guests feel a deeper sense of connectedness to oneself and the beautiful nature that surrounds the Sagrada Wellness retreat sanctuary. Relax in our reflection garden, by the healing saline pool, treat yourself to acupuncture or bask in the warm hot tub.
We specialize in offering an all-inclusive fitness retreat based in beautiful Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, Florida. We believe in creating a fitness lifestyle that will last long after guests leave our retreat. Our goal is to show our guests that fitness can be fun while helping them reach their fitness goals! Luxury infused with fitness and fun in the sun!
If you are feeling or experiencing low energy, tiredness, belly distress and bloating, eczema, acne, bleeding gums, or mood swings, this program is for you. Boost your body and soul to be able to come home with a clean slate and new energy. Join a group of like-minded people at this retreat center for a program designed to support your inner healing ability through food, breath, asana, as well as clearings for the mind and spirit.
A retreat you can come to at any month of the year, it's a chance to truly reset. Close by to the US, but still based in a tropical paradise, it's a good compromise for someone searching for a yoga retreat in the US. A perfect retreat for people who want to connect with nature, get back to their healthy habits, lose weight, do a detox, and generally have a wonderful experience.
Another yoga retreat based on sound healing, but this one is more focused on wellness. Go stand-up paddle boarding in the beautiful blue waters, or hike to the top of a volcano for breaathtaking view. With daily yoga classes, healthy vegetarian meals, and healing treatments, this retreat center is comitted to improving more than just your yoga practice. Get well, be happy 🙂
Australia is home of some of the most beautiful retreats with hotspots in various major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. You've got options for everything from: Ashtanga Yoga in Victoria, Vinyasa Yoga in Brisbane, Restorative Yoga in Melbourne, to the famous Sivananda Yoga retreat centre.
Maybe you're looking for yoga and meditation retreats, or a wellness retreat, Iyengar Yoga retreat, or even a stand-up paddle board (SUP) retreat. Either way, we've got a solid set of curated options for you. Retreats where you can experience: deep relaxation meditations, a natural juice detox, deep spiritual healing, exploration of the chakras, the natural beauty of the outdoors, as well as learning how to apply these to experience yoga in daily life.
People like Swami Swaroopananda have been running centres nearby for years, and over time have honed in on their skills in helping people come into deep relaxation in life.
(Oh and one tip: make sure to check the cancellation policy of any vacation you want to book. See if they have a non-refundable deposit, or if they are more flexible in their cancellation policy)
Imagine a tranquil, secluded location with commanding views of mountains and valleys with no neighbors in sight and just the sounds of nature, including the choir of many birds. An opportunity to indulge yourself with peacefulness and silence, through the teachings and practice of yoga and meditation, with the addition of our resident Zen Buddhist Priest, Fushin Daijo Yin Chao available for any Zen or Buddhist matters.
Top Affordable Yoga Retreats in 2019
The retreat includes Airport transfers from Liberia Airport, daily beach transfers, Yoga two times per day, Meditation, 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day and all taxes. Our groups are not very big in size mostly which gives the teachers more time to spend with students. The retreat is very much for relaxing and looking after mind and body and making friends with like-minded people. There will be excursions to local attractions (Volcano, Animal rescues, Zip Line, Catamaran Sailing and more…) offered at an extra cost which are of course optional.
Unwind on the paradise island of Nusa Lembongan for a week rich of activities. Awaken with an energizing yoga session and learn to surf surrounded by warm tropical waters. Don't worry if you are a beginner at surfing or yoga. We are very happy that you are willing to learn with us and we will do our best to teach you in a fun a safe way so you get a strong base knowledge. Live the life of Nusa Lembongan, experience this beautiful paradise island to relax and recharge your energy.
Ready to experience the essence of yoga in one of the world's most stunning hidden beach and jungle paradises on the planet? Join us for a blissful, transformative and affordable 7 day/6 night yoga retreat in paradise. Step into the fullness & magic of life and join us for this life-changing retreat NOW!
We are happy to welcome you to this 3-night yoga break in the gorgeous seaside town of Albir, Alicante. Imagine waking up and practicing your sun salutations on our roof terrace, with the sun rising over the sea and birds singing all around. You can smell the sea air and feel the freshness of a new morning in the air. We combine the specific health benefits of yoga with healthy Mediterranean food to give you the complete mind-body experience.
Searching for a more intensive yoga experience? Then join us for 8 days of Yin/Soft Flow and invigorating Vinyasa Flow within a small intimate group. Treat your body and soul with yoga, massages, vegetarian food and coastal walking along the most stunning part of Portugal`s West Coast Ericeira – first world surfing reserve. Additional wellness treatments and activities like surfing lessons, SUP lessons, and kayaking can be arranged or just enjoy relaxing in the garden, soak up the sun or enjoy exploring the fishing town of Ericeira. Enjoy your stay in a cozy guesthouse, whether you are seeking a wellness break or a more active vacation.
We all need to get away sometimes, to turn off all the noise and busy-ness and get reacquainted with some much needed 'personal time'. We provide the perfect atmosphere to just relax in peace and quiet, go at your own pace and do what you feel you need. Rejuvenate your spirit surrounded by 100 acres of natural pristine forest, mountains, and wildlife. Our simple and comfortable accommodations, natural setting, yoga classes, attentive facilitators, and nutritious vegan meals support you in reconnecting with your self.
Top Featured Retreats on the Blog
If you want to daydream about some of the top featured retreats on the site, then thumb through some of our blog posts. It's like virtual window shopping with a personal shopper.
If you're just wanting a quick weekend yoga retreat, this is for you.
If you can do a long weekend, you'll probably want a 4-day retreat.
We recommend doing a week-long retreat if you can. It really goes deeper than a weekend. Make it happen.
For people who really want to go deep. The kind of transformation you can achieve in two weeks is remarkable.
For people who want total immersion. Maybe you've been doing yoga for a while and want to see how deep it goes. Or maybe you've had a life-changing event and you'd like to be in an atmosphere that's truly supportive of your growth. Or maybe you'd like to spend time away from the craziness of life.
Whatever it is, we so highly encourage you to make the leap and do a full month.
It will change your life.
P.S. if you're new to yoga and just looking for an affordable fitness getaway in 2018, you've gotta try yoga. There's a reason that millions of people are practicing…
…it just works.
Top Yoga Holidays in 2019
Here's what you can expect if you do a yoga holiday in London: tasty vegetarian food, holistic wellness programs, Ayurvedic treatments, a beautifully refreshing yoga experience, and different styles of yoga like vinyasa flow yoga or hatha yoga.
Some yoga centres in London focus more on family yoga or yoga pilates approaches, which mix classical yoga with the more core-focused pilates style. You can choose from weekend yoga holidays or week-long retreats that are normally six days and seven nights. If you're doing a style like ashtanga yoga, it will be very focused on yoga poses (asanas), as well as alignment and movement.
If you're from the UK and looking for a yoga holiday, here are some of the top places to check out: East Sussex, Liverpool, Sheffield, SLO. A specific place to check out would be Burren Yoga Centre.
If you're from the US, you might be more interested in things like holiday excursions to places like Malta, luxury options that include swimming pools, exploring new activities like Thai yoga massage, or combining the ancient systems of yoga and Ayurveda.
Types of Yoga Retreats
Health retreats focus on something pretty straightforward: your health and well-being. You may be going on a detox health retreat, or a raw food or vegetarian retreat. Either way, your getaway will focus on healing your body, mind, and soul.
One of the most popular areas for a health retreat is the USA, with California being a main hotspot.
If you're a beginner to yoga, we are soooo excited to have you here! Really. We made this site to help yoga and meditation spread to more people in the world, and it's our absolute pleasure to serve beginners.
Whether you're looking for a beginners yoga retreat or are unsure about whether you fit in, our support team will be more than glad to give you guidance along the way 🙂
Yoga holidays are more of a vacation program with a bit of yoga, instead of a retreat that's focused on deepening your practice. So if you want to transition into trying out a yoga vacation, these might be a good fit for you. This will give you an opportunity to practice yoga and get the benefits of it, without it being overwhelming.
Often these yoga getaways will include spa treatments, guided relaxation exercises, therapeutic yoga, vinyasa yoga, and other methods that involve bringing balance to the mind-body connection. Some places are all-inclusive resorts on the beach, with full vegetarian or vegan meals. Others only provide accommodation but no food. All listings on our site must include accommodation with the program and almost all provide food as well.
(oh and usually there is no need to bring your own yoga mat to any of these experiences, they are provided most of the time)
If you want to combine two of the best techniques in the world for bringing inner peace, a yoga meditation retreat is the way to go. You'll bring your physical body into stability with yoga and your mind into equilibrium with meditation.
If you're a beginner, they'll teach you how to meditate, and provide different techniques such as insight meditation, breath meditation, and other basic forms.
Kriya yoga meditation is a more advanced technique of meditation that allows you to unlock dimensions of higher consciousness within yourself. This style of meditation is for people who want to explore the full depth and dimension of what's possible within human perception.
In an often male-dominated world, going on a woman retreat can be one of the most liberating experiences you can have. You'll be with like-minded people who you can form a true sisterhood with. In these female-only retreats, you'll explore your femininity, open your heart, and be able to let your guard down and truly be vulnerable.
If you'd like to try a more gentle and restorative form of yoga, you might want to look into a yin yoga retreat. This style of yoga is the opposite of ashtanga. It's very gentle, smooth, slow, and healing.
Hatha Yoga is one of the best places that any person can start off with. It's hard to beat Hatha Yoga's ability to knead the body into a supple and smooth vehicle. You'll do deep into asanas (postures) and explore what it's like to open up your body.
When you come to a point in your life where you're feeling bondage in everyday life and you're looking for something deeper, then a spiritual retreat is something for you. You will explore your mind, emotions, body, and the dimensions beyond these three. When you're ready and yearning for something more in life, then it's time to find one of the best spiritual retreats to help you take that next step.
A weekend retreat can be one of the best things you can do in your life. If you're stressed at your job, or daily life has just become too much, then getting away for a weekend can totally rejuvenate you.
These kinds of solo retreats are for people who want to simply go inward. They don't want to engage too much in the social aspect of many other kinds of retreats, but instead take time for themselves to reflect on their lives.
If you've been doing yoga for a while and feel the call to go deeper, then it might be time to get a yoga teacher certification and learn how to transmit this ancient science to others.
This isn't something to be taken lightly. If you truly want to become a yoga teacher, yoga needs to ooze out of you. It's not only about what you teach with your words…
…it's how you carry yourself. It's how you live your life. How much ease and grace do you move through life with?
These are the things you will transmit to your students.
The embodied teachings.
This will be true whether you're teaching in a yoga studio or you want to be a private yoga instructor and give private yoga lessons in a one-on-one setting.
There are many types of yoga certifications. Here are some of the most popular:
If you've been on a yin yoga retreat or have taken a series of yin yoga classes and feel like this is the style for you, then you should check out our list of some of the best trainings. You'll be able to bring a dynamic into your classes that may be missing from other styles.
Hatha yoga teacher trainings can be some of the most life-changing months of your life. Our highest recommended training is a 5 month immersion done by Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation. If that is too much of a commitment, then you register for one of our 200 hour trainings.
Our simple recommendation: stay away. Not only has Bikram disgraced himself and the entire yoga world with his horrible abuse of power, but the yoga itself can be very damaging. Yoga was never meant to be practiced in that level of heat. It can cause serious cellular damage. Click the link above if you want more info on that.
This is a relatively new style of yoga that is gaining popularity. It's a nice addition that can add some creativity and flair to any retreat or class you may want to teach. Or you might just want to explore how to work with this acrobatic approach.
A restorative yoga certification will focus on teaching you how to heal through yoga. It will help you practise how to ease areas of the body that are out of alignment in a gentle, restoring way.
One of the most popular styles of yoga today, getting your ashtanga training certification instantly connects you into a worldwide community. You are often able to teach through different retreats and studios and centers around the world through the well-connected ashtanga community.
Top Retreat Centers and Wellness Resorts
Whether you're looking for retreat centres in UK or NSW or even Ireland, we've got a ton of options for you. Want to start with the most popular yoga retreats around the world? Here are the top retreat centers and wellness centers in 2018 and 2019:
Anamaya Resort brands itself as a mind, body, and spirit resort that allows you to heal yourself in Costa Rican paradise. The resort itself is built on a ledge that overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by lush jungle. You can hike up to a nearby waterfall, stroll down to town for some leisurely shopping, or head to the beach for some serious relaxation. They serve fresh organic food (because all food in Costa Rica is naturally organic) and host yoga retreats and teacher trainings throughout the year. If you're passing through Montezuma, you can drop in one of their yoga classes.
With two beautiful yoga studios and a facility that is dedicated to hosting groups focused on self-exploration, Prana del Mar is the ideal place to go for yoga retreats. They host dozens of acclaimed international yoga teachers each season – many returning year after year – so it's easy to find a teacher whose style matches the approach to yoga that resonates with you most. Aside from a few groups each year dedicated to advanced yoga training, the majority of their yoga retreats are open to all participants, with skilled teachers offering modifications for all levels of experience and all body types. Their location in the desert – surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the east – feels open, spacious, secure, and inviting. The tranquility and serenity make it the perfect place to relax, refresh, and renew.
Sagrada Wellness offers all-inclusive Yoga Retreats in Santa Margarita, California just outside of San Luis Obispo. Positioned on a majestic hilltop, surrounded by preserved land, Sagrada Wellness is a one-of-a-kind Central Coast California yoga retreat destination. They are known for our boutique style Yoga Retreats, our sacred Sanctuary, delicious rustic cuisine and Acupuncture Services in San Luis Obispo County California.
Samana Wellness in Hawaii is all about natural healing modalities, such as Ayurveda, yoga, and self-care. It is the perfect retreat center for people who would love to check out Hawaii and indulge in the healing vibrations that the tropical island of Maui has to offer. Learn how to prepare your food in a way that suits your body and participate in daily yoga classes and guided meditation sessions. It is a truly remarkable center that can quite literally change your life.
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat provides an immersion experience into the daily practices of a yogic lifestyle. A spiritual sanctuary nestled in the beautiful Bahamas. The yoga retreat offers deeply-rooted teachings of a renowned yoga lineage, as well as a rich tapestry of yoga vacation programs, Yoga Teacher Training Courses, residential study programs, beginner courses, cleanses, professional trainings in yoga and the healing arts, and more. The daily schedule includes meditation, breathing practices, yoga asanas, and balanced vegetarian diet.
The owners are so sweet and can customize a personal retreat or group retreat for you.
They mostly teach Hatha Yoga and Kriya Yoga. You won't find a more true-to-the-essence transmission of yoga anywhere in the world.
What are some yoga retreats in the US?
The United States has a huge variety of yoga retreats happening right now. We have spiritual retreats alongside adventure retreats, each of which depends on the location. (We've got that, too) The West Coast houses some of the best yoga retreats in the country, thanks to the hotspots throughout California.
Pennsylvania also has a strong yoga culture, hosting the majority of our American retreats this year. Hawaii and Florida both offer tropical retreats where blue water and white sand serve as the backdrop. If you're more of the mountain type (hey, so am I), then you will love Oregon or Colorado. Whatever your little yogi heart desires, we've got it.
What would be your favourite destination for a yoga retreat and why?
Gosh, what a question. It really depends on what you're looking for, right? Do you want tropical beaches with a symphony of jungle sounds in the background? Or do you want crisp mountain air that is only possible above the treeline?
Do you want a foreign experience, tucked away in the Alps, the Himalayas, or on the other side of the equator? Or perhaps you want to immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture as it is in Southeast Asia. And that doesn't even begin to address the culture of the yoga school, itself. There are so many reasons a yoga retreat can be a dream vacation and it all depends on you.
I am looking to go on a yoga retreat as soon as possible?
Sweet! We are looking to book you as soon as possible. Luckily, there are tons of yoga retreats happening throughout the year and many of them are pretty customizable. Just shoot a message over to the retreat owner and see if you can get into an upcoming retreat.
If not, then ask about creating your own little retreat at their yoga school. Our retreat owners are pretty awesome and accommodating, that's why we love working with them 🙂
Are yoga retreats just for women?
No. But it seems that way, doesn't it? Women are pretty much dominating the yoga scene all over the world but that's just the result of a combination of social norms and human anatomy. Otherwise, most yoga holidays will be available to men, women, and everyone in between.
Unless it specifically says that it's a women's retreat. Then, in that case, yeah it's just for women.
When and where are specific women's spiritual retreats?
The best thing about our website is that you can look these details up pretty easily. You can use the filter functions to determine the dates and the locations of the retreats. You can also narrow your search to spiritual retreats and women's retreats.
Even better? If you have any questions or requests at all, you can easily shoot a message to the retreat owners or our support team and we will help you get exactly what you want. It's literally our passion to make your dreams come true, so don't be afraid!
Where in Europe/Asia can I find good Ashtanga yoga retreats and surf?
Our search function is pretty stellar and you can easily toggle the options to create the perfect retreat for you. You want an Ashtanga yoga and surf yoga retreat in Asia or Australia? Look no further. Or you want a surf and Ashtanga retreat in Europe? Also an easy search.
Play with the combinations and make yourself the perfect dream retreat. But if you're looking for a bit of human advice, then I can help you out. Bali is perhaps the best spot in Asia for surfing and Portugal has killer waves out of all of Europe.
What are some yoga retreats in Southern California?
California is one of the best places to take your yoga retreat because the yoga culture is strong and the weather is perfect. You can expect to find some retreats in Ojai, which is basically the spiritual retreat destination of the United States, or Santa Barbara, San Diego or Malibu.
Just up the coast are San Luis Obispo and the Bay Area. Though they're not in Southern California, they are popular yoga spots that can provide lots of options to choose from.
Anyone know of a reasonably priced yoga or meditation retreat?
Um, yes. Definitely. That's the entire objective of Book Retreats: affordable yoga retreats all in one place. We have hundreds yoga and meditation retreats, many of which are are within an affordable price range. Even so, many of our retreats have meditation built right into them since yoga and meditation are so closely intertwined.
How to find a meditation camp near me?
You can use our search function to view our yoga and meditation retreats and the location that you are interested in. Most of our meditation retreats serve as a sort of meditation camp by offering meditation workshops and guided lessons. The benefit of booking with us is that most retreats also include accommodations as yoga.
Is there a site that aggregates yoga retreats by date and location?
Yeah, man! You're on it. At www.bookretreats.com you can search for yoga retreats by date, location, yoga style, or retreat style. Or a combination of all of the above.
How can I find good yoga retreats and Ashrams around the world?
You can easily run a search to find some Ashrams but you may not know whether or not they are good until you get there. Instead, relying on word of mouth is the best bet. While we don't necessarily have a search function for ashrams, we do have hundreds of yoga schools around the world.
Send a quick message to the retreat owners to get their insights on what's available in their area. Many of them likely know of a reputable Ashram and may even work with some during their yoga retreats.
Can you recommend retreat locations for yoga and meditation?
While there are so many beautiful yoga and meditation retreats all over the world, there are a few spots that are more impressive than others. Meditation in the Himalayas, for example, is unlike anywhere else in the world. Buddhist countries also provide great meditation spaces, such as in Thailand and Sri Lanka. Burren Yoga in Ireland offers yoga holidays and retreats in a wide variety of yoga styles, such as vinyasa flow yoga and restorative yoga. They also provide mindfulness meditation workshops to help you live your best life.
Anyone know of any voluntary retreats?
Our listed retreats are not volunteer-based but that doesn't mean that the opportunity isn't there. Many yoga schools around the world rely on volunteers to run their retreats and classes. Send our retreats owners a message to see if a discount or volunteer agreement is available. Ask if any volunteer teaching opportunities are available, instead.
What is up with the yoga people?
Who knows, man. Sometimes they're cool, sometimes they're strange. But that is a part of the human experience. Some of us wear beads, chant, and swear we reach nirvana and others of us just like yoga. The main thing is that the yoga community just accepts your funky self and welcomes you with open arms.


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CBS has ordered a new comedy pilot from producer David E. Kelley that will star Robin Williams, as well as two new hourlong drama pilots, one from the creators of Homeland, TVGuide.com has learned. Crazy Ones is a single-camera, half-hour workplace comedy about a father/daughter team in the world of advertising.
Pilot Season: Get all the latest news
Anatomy of Violence, which will be executive-produced by Homeland's Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa and Alex Cary, is about a criminal psychologist and expert on sociopaths who partners with a young female detective with whom he shares a conflicted past.
Intelligence, from Michael Seitzman (North Country), takes place at U.S. Central Command and is about a unit that has been created around one agent with a very special gift — a microchip that has been implanted in his brain, allowing him access to the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Seitzman will act as executive producer and writer for the pilot, alongside David Semel, who will direct, and Tripp Vinson.


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Mike Tyson's reinvention as promoter includes New York homecoming
Mike Tyson didn't think he'd have a life after boxing.
He certainly didn't expect to have one that included the sport that made him a household name.
"I was planning on killing myself," Tyson told reporters Monday of his mindset in 2008.
He didn't and has since seen a remarkable turnaround, one that continues Friday when he makes his debut as a boxing promoter at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center.
It's been eight years since Tyson's last fight on June 11, 2005, in Washington D.C., when the 32-year-old fighter quit before the seventh round. He said the end of that bout was one of the best moments of his life.
"It was just for money to pay bills," he said of the final fight. "I didn't care about that fight. I was gambling with my life back then."
Tyson's gamble would continue, as he fell deep into drug addiction and away from the boxing world. During the former champ's most difficult times in 2008-09, he would overdose every night only to wake up in the morning.
"I couldn't believe I was waking up," he said.
It was a dark time from which Tyson eventually woke up, thanks to a call to Lakiha Spicer, a friend of Tyson's since she was 18. A depressed Tyson asked Spicer to come to Las Vegas and spend time with him. She did, and after becoming pregnant and giving birth to Tyson's child, she became his wife and began to outline the changes to come in their lives.
"My wife and I were going to become entertainers," he said. "I was a full-blown addict, and all of a sudden, it just started happening. ... It's been hell but I'm happy to be here."
Tyson reintroduced himself to the public through appearances with his pigeons on reality television, a one-man Broadway show and movie cameos, notably in the comedy "The Hangover."
Now he's returning to the sport that made him famous and returning to Central New York. A fitting place for his continued rebirth, considering Tyson made his way through the area as an up-and-coming fighter, including winning the gold medal in the heavyweight division of the 1984 Empire State Games, fighting his first professional fight in Albany and his first televised fight in Troy.
"When I go up there I'll see a whole bunch of my friends from Rome, Syracuse," Tyson said. "I had a lot of experience up there. I know that place like the back of my hand."


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Each and every year, Smitty is asked to to go on dozens of nationwide NFL/Fantasy TV Shows and Fantasy Football Radio Programs. From ESPN Radio in New York, to NBC Sports Radio in Arizona, the HuffPostLive with ESPN's Matthew Berry, to shows like The Cardinals Sam Acho Show (by News Channel 12 and AZ Sports Central), Smitty brings his bold fantasy football approach to all different fantasy sports markets.
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Smitty has been in the fantasy football industry since 2004. Smitty created the industry's first instant-based Trade Calculator and he also created one of the first, if not the very first, Mock Draft Simulators... all back in 2004-2005. Smitty created SleeperU with one goal in mind: Create too much fantasy football information and create it year-round!
Famous for his Bold Predictions each and every fantasy football season, Smitty has landed some of the biggest fantasy football breakout candidates in the business. Below are just some of those successful calls:
4 Championships in 12 years in one of the industry's toughest Expert Leagues.
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SleeperU brought home (4) Championship Expert League Trophies in 2017-2018 alone, as SleeperU and Smitty battle it out every single season against other 'experts' and fantasy football sites (with sites like Football Guys, ESPN, Yahoo and more).
In Smitty's 15+ years in the fantasy football industry, he has brought home well over two dozen Expert League Championships. He puts his bold predictions to the test each and every fantasy football season!
Smitty's 2018-2019 Dynasty Team In Current 12-Team Expert League
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FANTASY PROS: "In the case of Jimmy Graham, Smitty from DraftCalc even wrote the following on our site:
SMITTY: "Breakout alert! This kid could be the next elite TE and could have a top 3 fantasy TE season in 2011.'
FANTASY PROS: "It's safe to say that anyone who listened to that advice benefited greatly."
FantasyPros also highlights Smitty's Victor Cruz prediction, showing that Smitty had Cruz ranked 37th heading into his breakout year (when his ADP was outside of the top 60).


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- By Simion Iulian Belea
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- Posted 22 Jan 2019
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We are software craftspeople. We build well-crafted software for our clients, we help developers to get better at their craft through training, coaching and mentoring, and we help companies get better at delivering software.


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2500SLFP Fuel Point Bunded Diesel Tank
Related Products
Product Overview
Harlequin Fuel Point bunded fuel tanks are manufactured in the UK and combine the acknowledged benefits of integral bunding and combine them with cost-effective, fit for purpose diesel dispensing technology. Harlequin Fuel Points are Ideal for the cost-conscious user, who does not require the added-value benefits which characterise Harlequin's Fuel Station and Titan Fuelmaster fuel tank ranges.
Standard Equipment
Rotationally moulded bunded diesel storage and fuel dispensing tank, supplied complete with:
The following options are available with all Harlequin 2500SLFP Fuel Point Bunded Diesel Tanks - just specify at time of order placement:
Plastic bunded storage and fuel dispensing tank suitable for use with Diesel (D) and Biodiesel with a bio element not exceeding 10% concentration (B10), at agricultural, commercial, industrial and institutional installations. For higher concentrations, please see the Harlequin 2500BFS BioFuel Station Fuel Tank which is suitable for use with Biodiesel blends of up to B100 i.e. 100% bio-element concentration.
Every Harlequin Fuel Point fuel tank is fully compliant with all current and expected fuel storage tank regulations in the United Kingdom and European Union.
Installation Requirements
This fuel tank must be installed by a suitably competent person in accordance with supplied instructions and statutory requirements. All mains electrical conections must only be undertaken by a qualified electrician in accordance with prevailing statutory requirements. It is recommended that all 230v fuel tanks are connected to an RCD protected mains power supply.
Delivery and Payment
Price(s) stated are inclusive of delivery to any address in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, excluding offshore locations and subject to access for an articulated lorry.
If access to your premises is restricted please advise at time of order placement. Please note it is the customer's responsibility to arrange for all fuel tanks to be offloaded from the delivery vehicle to the customer's premises. Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery.
TankDepot.co.uk accepts Delta, Maestro, Mastercard and Visa. Your credit / debit card will be charged at time of order placement.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please note that all images are supplied for reference purposes only. All tank dimensions and capacities stated are approximate. Maximum capacity stated is equivalent to the brimful capacity of the tank. Nominal capacities stated are equivalent to 95% of actual tank capacity. Consistent with TankDepot.co.uk's policy of continual improvement, the right is reserved to amend product specifications without notice. E&OE


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After a successful raid on the zombie-infected town of Corben, the newly-reinstated FVZA's recruits are on high alert. Meanwhile, as the agency scans the world for new outbreaks of the undead virus, the vampire high council begins its plan for domination of the United States. Only the knowledge of agency adviser Hugo Pecos and the battle skills of his grandchildren, Landra and Vidal, will give the FVZA a fighting chance at eradicating the undead threat once and for all!
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I am always amazed at how things often have a magical way of unfolding.
This past weekend I was supposed to go camping with my meditation group. We had had it on the calendar for a while and I had gotten the time off from my weekend job. I was excited as this would be my first camping trip in years and I looked forward to going deep, in the stillness of nature, with my sweet little meditation group.
But as it often does, things come up and as the weekend got closer, unfortunately a couple of people had to cancel and in the end we decided to postpone. I was disappointed, but I knew we'd go another time.
However, as the weekend unfolded, and different plans began to take form, I was blessed to witness something so magical, so inspiring, that I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
My good friend Rebecca (also from said meditation group) and I decided to go for a day hike in Tennessee Valley, just a handful of miles north of the city. San Francisco summer was full on: it was hot, sunny and clear blue skies; the perfect day for a hike to the beach.
When we got to the parking lot, we decided it was too hot for sneakers and slipped into more comfortable shoes for the fairly flat walk to the beach. Rebecca put on her favorite pair of flip-flops and we made our way to the Pacific. It was a beautiful day at the beach. It was hot, but there was a perfect, soft sea breeze and for once it was actually warm enough to wade in the water (a rare thing in San Francisco).
We left our shoes in the sand, went into the water, and waded around happily for a while at the shore. Walking along the beach, the tide was clearly coming in and the waves were catching us by surprise and splashing playfully against us. Set against the shimmering water were the beautiful California hills, limestone cliffs jutting up dramatically against the sky.
We walked around a rock and at that moment, we saw a big wave coming. Rebecca managed to run away from it, but I on the other hand was not fast enough and got a refreshing sprinkle.
With the tide coming in so fast, our thoughts turned to our shoes and it occurred to us that we hadn't even thought about how far they were from the water. We wondered if they were even still there, or if they had been whisked away, sacrificed into the sea. We began walking back the short distance of the beach, preparing and laughing to ourselves about the prospect of having to possibly hike back to the car barefoot.
As we got closer and closer, I saw no shoes in sight. I was convinced they were long gone and I chuckled. Yes, it would be unfortunate, but it makes for a great story, so the humor in it did not escape me. However, as we made our way back to the spot where we thought the shoes were, a friendly woman asked us if these shoes were ours, pointing to the wet, sand-covered shoes. Yep, that was them. The tide had in fact tried to steal them away from us, but thanks to the kindness of complete strangers, we would not have to go shoeless that day. That was just one of the magical encounters of the day.
I tell this part of the story because it is relevant to the next part. If we hadn't found our shoes, we wouldn't have ventured out on our next adventure and we wouldn't have experienced the most magical encounter of all.
As we began making our way back towards the car, along the dry, dusty path, we saw several different trails, to the left and right, meandering up and over the rolling hills. We knew we didn't have loads of time, and as the trail heads were marked with their corresponding mileage, we decided to take the shortest one, a 1.9 mile trail up to the right. And off we went.
Shortly after embarking along the path, suddenly we were under a canopy of trees, in what I can only describe as a tiny enchanted forest. We crossed over a sweet little bridge over a trickle of river and the sun was magically filtering through the trees. Within the rest of the dry, hot landscape, this little oasis seemed very out of place. We reveled in it.
Emerging out of this small grove, we then started heading up and up over the hill. As we got further along and it began to get steeper, Rebecca began to hesitate. She was uncertain if her flip-flops would be able to handle the slippery slope back down and she of course didn't want to fall. We knew we weren't prepared to do a major hike in our chosen footwear, but we figured we'd go as far as we could. So we paused for a moment as she tested out the security of her footing beneath her.
In that moment, I looked up and saw something I will never forget. I turned to Rebecca and in response to her question about whether or not we should keep going, I said, "Look up and I think you have your answer. Let's keep going."
She looked up and saw what I saw. There was a man, with not one, but two prosthetic legs, walking carefully down the steep dirt trail, ensuring that he had his footing as he went. And if that isn't incredible enough, not only did he have two prosthetic legs, he also had one prosthetic arm. And this man was hiking, by himself. Are you blown away yet? Because there's more. Yes, more. On top of having three prosthetic limbs, this amazing human being was also carrying a mountain bike over his shoulder. This man (perhaps a veteran of war?), who through some unknown turn of events was left with only one natural limb, was spending the day hiking and mountain-biking. Rebecca and I were completely dumbfounded.
As the man (who was quite good-looking by the way- just sayin'!) walked by, we greeted him and asked him how his day was going. He returned our greeting with a friendly smile. We asked him how much farther it was to the top and he told us we were about 65% of the way. We wished him a beautiful day and kept on going. And as we continued up the hill, our hearts were blown wide open. We, both of us, were absolutely in awe of this beautiful spirit, this incredible being whose story we knew nothing about, but who clearly had the immeasurable strength to overcome so much adversity. And we stood in wonder of the resilience of the human spirit.
We got to the top of the crest and looked out at the breathtaking scenery: romantic, rolling hills colliding with the churning ocean, and a group of hawks soaring majestically above. I was filled with goose bumps. Rebecca and I looked at each other and we acknowledged the absolute gift with which we had just been blessed; the absolute wonder and testament to the triumphant nature of the human spirit. The two of us were overflowing with amazement and gratitude.
In the end, I'd have to say I'm pretty happy that our camping trip got canceled because I wouldn't have wanted to miss that encounter for the world. It was an experience by which I was deeply humbled, a gift for which I am truly grateful, and a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
And if ever you find yourself thinking that you are incapable of accomplishing or overcoming something? Think again.
"Although the world is full of suffering,
it is full also of the overcoming of it."
~ Helen Keller


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"This was our third time renting from Gloria and Joe and we've come to expect the very best in every way! The location is ideal; close ..."
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