Louise Masin Sattler

Next stop: Kauai (Part 2 of How we made a loser year end like a winner with trips to Hawaii and Alaska)

Published on January 6, 2017May 19, 2025 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

In my recent blog and part one of this series, I blogged about how hubby and I longed to search for a great ending to a year that sucked. We ventured first to Oahu where we discovered some great local spots and learned much about Hawaiian history. The continuation continued with our second stop – Kauai.

Kauai is OLD Hawaii. Charming. Rustic. Enchanting.

A long time ago I read James Mitchner’s HAWAII. It was the only book of his that I read cover to cover and didn’t give up half way through. What kept my interest was the long descriptions of the lush and mysterious Hawaiian islands that rest thousands of miles away from the mainland of North America. I now have visited three of the island and it has become apparent that each of the Hawaiian islands have their own personalities.

Oahu is the cosmopolitan island with nightlife and amenities that make you feel that you could be in Newport Beach, California. Maui is the up-scale island. Quieter than Oahu but certainly full of vibrancy and beauty. And then there is beloved Kauai, considered by many to be the heart of Hawaii. It is where the clock has been turned backkwards or has just stopped at a time that was simpler. Wild chickens are everywhere and don’t be surprised to see feeding goats climbing in state parks. There is “the ice-cream place” (Lapperts) and each vista is prettier than the one before. Outdoor living is a must with paddle boarders and surfers enjoying the sea from sun up to sun down. You relax because it is a place where the lights go out by nine on most establishments. Kauai has the “old” Hawaiian feel that I longed to discover from the days of reading Mitchner. It feels like home the first day.

Kauai is for gentle hiking (And, some not so easy.) We trekked along many trails and saw everything from those chickens to wild boar. As a person who loves to photograph everything, I couldn’t get enough of Hawaii’s waterfalls, rock formations from volcanoes that no longer are active, caves and beaches. The sunsets are extraordinary and the people are some of the kindest I have met.

Christmas day found us at the Marriott Resort Beach Club in Lihue. Imagine my surprise to see Santa come to shore in a canoe to bring cheer to awaiting children and to wake-up Christmas morning to stockings hung on each hotel door. Way to go, Marriott! (For the record, they also had a menorah for Chanukah.)

I could write a long blog about Kauai and all of its’ splendor or simply upload a slideshow to share. Remember – I love photography, so slideshow it is!

Aloha and next stop on our journey to end 2016 positively – ALASKA! (Third series of this blog will be coming very soon.)

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If you are enticed to travel to Hawaii, may I suggest Linda Kahn-Ferrell from the TravelStore in Malaga Cove, CA. She can help you by phone or email to get the perfect vacation experience. Connect with here here.

A photo tour of Fallingwater

Published on August 15, 2016August 15, 2016 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Not too far from Pittsburgh or the West Virginia border in a little town called Mill Run, Pennsylvania sits one of the most unique architectural treasures in the United States – Fallingwater. This one – of – a kind home was built in 1935 by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufman family as their second home.

During a recent family reunion we all trekked to see Fallingwater – up close and personal. It is off the beaten path – but no too far off. The walk is fairly easy and well worth it, even during damp and rainy weather – as we saw it.

Be prepared when visiting Fallingwater. No backpacks or large purses allowed. Photos are ONLY allowed outside unless you book the photojournalist tour. (Sadly, I missed that memo.) However, I didn’t feel too cheated as the exterior of the home presents like a photo bonanza.

1- You are met by many signs reminding you of where you are. This is a historical site and was donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to be opened as a museum in 1963. (The Kaufman family should receive major kudos for this!)

2. Walking to and from the home is a lovely hike. The trail is paved. Bring bug spray – just say’in.

3. The waters flow beneath the home – yes I said BENEATH the home. Windows of varying types can be opened to allow for natural air flow. In the living room you can literally open a window and “fish” for dinner! The rock formations are integrated in to the building of the home. Walls are actually rock formations. The furniture is largely “built in” and all has the classic Frank Llyod Wright signature.

4.When you first see the home you notice there are three levels. What you don’t see is that there is a separate guest residence in the back. This home was estimated to have cost in 1930’s economic times $25,000 ,but ,after the total project was completed in 1941 it racked up a final cost of $155,000! On a positive note, many people who were unemployed due to the aftermath of the great depression and other economic downturns were given work.

5. When the formal tour is completed you are offered the opportunity to walk about the property on the hiking trails.

6. Using my i-phone 6 I snapped a set of photos from a different vantage point. I used different filters. Not sure which is my favorite,

7. And, just when you think you have seen all the little treasures at Fallingwater you spot a bird nest nestled between the rocks of the home.

Want to learn more about Fallingwater or schedule a tour? Tickets and more info are available at this link: Fallingwater.org

I will leave you with a last look at the stream that brings Fallingwater to life!

What Cruise Newbies Might Want to Know

Published on January 24, 2016May 19, 2025 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

 This article originally appeared on Linkedin here

I just disembarked from my “virgin” cruise vacation. It was short and sweet – 72 hours from Long Beach to Ensenada, on the Carnival Cruise Line – Inspiration. I was expecting the entire time to be spent in my cabin waiting for the “horror” to end. See, I get sea- sick looking at bath water, so I was predicting a miserable time. I was wrong! It was fabulous and hubby and I had a great time – really!

Our trip left from the Port of Los Angeles at sundown. A great photography opportunity. Once out to sea, we went to explore the ship and what it had to offer. This “mini-city” on the sea was packed with about 2400 travelers and quite a bit of activities that were well organized and advertised via their ship’s brochure that was easily found in each cabin. The food was so-so (probably the worst part of the trip), but the fitness center, outdoor track, spa and water actives were quite fun. The people we met were from as far as Europe and a close as Long Beach, the city where we set sail.

Not many people write about cruising for “newbies” in a way that is raw and honest. So, I will take this opportunity to give a few helpful hints with the sole purpose to educate others. Note Carnival, the cruiseline mentioned in this post, did not compensate me. They just happened to be the first cruise line I tried.

Here is my “To Do and Not To Do” list for first – time “cruisers”

1. Seek out good deals with short cruises. Many are available from the Port of Los Angeles (Long Beach and San Pedro). Some cruise lines offer 3 and 4 night cruises for a very comfortable price.

2. Book an inside cabin, in the center of the boat and on a lower floor. Less rocking happens in this part of the ship.

Discovering California’s Inland Empire – Beautiful and Culturally Rich

Published on October 15, 2013May 13, 2014 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I am what many consider a “newbie” to California. Born and raised on the east coast, my family recently relocated to Southern California. Despite living here for almost 18 months, I still feel a bit like I am on vacation. That is why I hopped in my car and headed EAST on local freeways until I got on the fun Route 66 into the Inland Empire.

(Note: For an east coast person it is difficult to type FREEWAY instead of HIGHWAY)

There is so much to see throughout this hamlet of Southern California. Seriously, I was caught off -guard at the beauty, diversity and cultural richness of the “IE”. My first stop was Rancho Cucamonga, Once known as mainly a farming area, this “town” now tops over 100,000 people. Locals brag of well known spots such as The Christmas Inn, the Victoria Cultural Centerwhere you can hop a ride on their lovely carousel, and The Victoria Gardens outdoor shopping plaza. Spent more than my share of time there! Last, but certainly not least, the mountains! One cannot help but be in awe of the backdrop that the San Bernardino Mountain range creates all around Rancho Cucamonga and throughout the Inland Empire.

Looking to travel to the Inland Empire? Here is some things I learned that may be of interest to you-

1- An impressive number of the top California higher education institutions are located here. Cal State Polytechnic, Cal State San Bernardino and Claremont University are just a few.

2- There are dozens of museums to entertain and culturally enhance any visitor. Next visit I will carve out more time to actually visit a few.

3. Medical care is par excellence here in this part of Southern California. With many well known hospitals and new medical facilities here to serve niche populations, such as those seeking fertility services. HRC Fertility in Rancho Cucamonga was one such office that recently opened their doors, with Dr. John Norian and Dr. Jeffrey Nelson as the center’s physicians.

4. The population of the Inland Empire is very diverse, including the deaf population in Riverside County thanks to theCalifornia School for the Deaf- Riverside campus.

5. Route 66 is more fun than one should be allowed to have while driving. OK- confession… I snapped over a dozen photos of the RTE 66 signs along the way! The one here in this post was taken during a much needed STARBUCKS “nourishment” visit.

6. At one time, this area was known for agriculture with many working in the citrus, dairy and wine – making industries. Many fine wineries and farms continue to exist today. Wish I had more time and a designated driver – as I would have enjoyed a little wine tasting! Oh well, I did pick up some fabulous produce on my trek home.

I have blogged before about vacationing in your own backyard. It doesn’t matter if your home is in the rural plains for Iowa or the crazy busy center of NYC. There is always something to explore. So, go ahead… grab your keys, bike or sneakers and enjoy!

2013-09-04 15.55.32 — Photo: L Sattler
Victoria Gardens

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post.

Discover the Mission of San Juan Capistrano

Published on July 24, 2012 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

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Today I spent a glorious morning with a friend at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. Located in Orange County, minutes from I-5 and the beaches, this is a little slice of heaven. San Juan Capistrano is known for the annual flight of the swallows, but also for this distinguished mission which dates back to 1775. The Mission itself has a deep history which you can read on their website. I love a great historical site, but for me today was all about the photography.

What fascinates me about this Mission is how the architecture, including the famous bells, are juxtapose with sublime gardens. A photographers dream landscape. Also, the gardens are tended by volunteers , aptly named Gardening Angels – who today were especially helpful in teaching me the names of flowers and plants indigenous to my new Southern California home.

If you have a few spare moments, walk the rest of the town and check out the coffee shop near the train tracks and petting zoo.

Lastly, don’t forget your camera!

To learn more about the Mission of San Juan Capistrano click HERE

For information about the mission throughout California, click HERE