Adventures and Events

Virgin Voyages Maiden Cruise out of Seattle 🛳 7-Night Alaska Cruise

Thu, May 21 · 12:00 PM PDT

Port of Seattle - Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66), 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, US

Virgin Voyages is coming to the West Coast!! You're invite to join my friends and me on their maiden out of Seattle to Alaska in 2026! Book early for the best rate and discounts. (I have Alaska cruises posted for 2025 if you want to go this year.)

COST: Rates start at $2,373 per cabin (single and double occupancy), including taxed and fees with exclusive special amenities! As of 1/9/25
See current rates and book directly and still receive the bonuses and agent support.

BONUSES:
🛳 Book and pay in full a year in advance and get 10% off!
🛳 Up to an Additional $300 in Sailor Loot on Select Categories & Sailings!
🛳 Join Virgin Voyages Open House for extra perks and note that First Mate Claudette Hatcher, Claudette@ClaudetteTravels.com, invited you!
AND Solo Sailors get 80% off the double occupancy rate (i.e. the single supplement is 120% vs 200%) - special subject to change or end without notice.

*** PASSPORT REQUIRED AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED. ***
This is a multi-group event. More people may be signed up than you see RSVPd here. All rates and deposits are subject to change until booked.

England & Wales: Britain’s Green Heart & Cultural Soul

Tue, May 26 · 7:00 PM PDT

Manchester, 101 Portland St, Manchester M1 6DF, United Kingdom, GB

May 26th - June 3rd, 2026

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/england-wales-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Criss-crossing the heart of England and stretching into the rugged beauty of Wales, a journey through Central and Northern UK is a heady mix of industrial heritage, cultural landmarks, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Across two cities and four national parks, these are the spots where locals travel to escape the business in the south. See Manchester, a city pulsing with creativity, music, and sporting pride; a short ride to the west brings us to Liverpool, where maritime history and Beatles nostalgia collide. The real treat awaits outside the vibrant cities. Step into Wales and marvel at the soaring peaks and glacial landforms in Snowdonia National Park; enjoy light hiking or a ride on the historic heritage railway. In the north, walk beside tranquil lakes and learn the literary history within Lake District National Park. The Peak District National Park is full of windswept moors and rolling hills around villages filled with stone cottages. Not to be overlooked, the lush valleys and limestone cliffs of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are an exciting surprise. It's a classic UK route that blends urban edge with untamed countryside perfect for curious travelers chasing contrast and character.

• 8 nights/ 9 days accommodation
• Refined boutique hotels
• Private transportation
• Breakfast daily
• 4 Dinners, 1 Lunch
• Arrival and departure transfer within the given time range
• All privately guided small group tours and activities as listed in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
• All entrance fees, transfers, taxes

Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!

Manchester - 3 nights

• City Tour (half day): Guided tour that feature the highlights of this storied city. See the Victorian, Neo-gothic Town Hall, John Rylands Library, the now trendy Northern Quarter, and the industrial heritage around Castlefield.
• Free time to explore: spend an afternoon at the Museum of Science & Industry, the Manchester Gallery, Heaton Park with green spaces and neoclassical hall, or shop around the street market area.

Peak District National Park

• Chatsworth House: one of England’s finest stately homes, a grand 17th-century estate surrounded by rolling parkland and sculpted gardens.
• Lunch in Bakewell: Lovely market town in the district of Derbyshire and the largest settlement within the national park.
• Walk the Monsal Trail: This a traffic-free walking, cycling, and horse riding trail located in the center of the park.
• Cross the Monsal Head Viaduct: One of the most iconic and photographed landmarks, this impressive structure built in 1863 by the Midland Railway is about 300 feet long and 70 feet high. Enjoy the sweeping views of the river valley and cliffs.

Yorkshire Dales National Park
Renowned for its tranquil beauty and rich farming heritage, the Dales provide endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

• Visit Malham Cove: This striking curved limestone cliff, rising around 230 feet, was carved by a powerful waterfall fed by glacial meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age.

Lakes District National Park - 3 nights

• Visit Wordsworth Grasmere: Home of Dove Cottage, this was the home of England's most celebrated romantic poet, William Wordsworth.
• Stroll through Grasmere village: A picturesque village located in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England.
• Walk along Derwent Water: One of the most beautiful and popular lakes in the Lake District National Park, located just south of the market town of Keswick.
• Walk to Friar's Crag: Enjoy this tranquil, tree-lined headland on the eastern shore of Derwent Water. It offers one of the lake’s most iconic and peaceful viewpoints, with sweeping views across the water toward Borrowdale, framed by dramatic fells and wooded hillsides.
• Windermere Lake Scenic Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Stretching over 10 miles, Windermere is surrounded by rolling hills, lush woodlands, and picturesque villages.

Liverpool - 2 nights
Once a powerhouse of maritime trade, city is now a vibrant hub of music, art, sport, and is famously the birthplace of The Beatles. Explore its revitalized waterfront, dive into world-class museum, and enjoy exploring on your own time!

• Optional - Fab 4 Taxi's Beatles Classic Tour: Hop into a black cab with Fab 4 Taxi Tours of Liverpool and journey back to the Swinging Sixties on their iconic Beatles Classic tour. This is their most popular experience, where over roughly 3 hours, a local expert will guide you to some of the band’s most famous and memorable spots around the city. This includes Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, Liverpool's version of Abbey Road, and childhood homes of the band.

Snowdonia National Park (Wales)
Wales' best-known slice of nature became the country's first national park in 1951

• Guided Walk in the Park: Walking in Snowdonia offers a thrilling escape into rugged mountain landscapes, ancient forests, and shimmering lakes. There are plenty of choices for us and simply exploring quieter trails will include breathtaking scenery at every turn.
• Optional - Ride Heritage Railway: The Ffestiniog Railway is a historic narrow-gauge steam railway that winds through the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia, Wales. Established in 1836, it was originally built to transport slate from the quarries to the coast and is now one of the oldest independent heritage railways in the world.

Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!

Price: $3,995.00
Single Supplement: $895.00

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/england-wales-group-tours/

Fort Columbia with coastal strawberry and oyster and cranberry weekend trip

Fri, May 29 · 6:00 PM PDT

Location not specified yet

Description
Picture it: you sweep across the emerald span of the Astoria–Megler Bridge, the river flashing like hammered steel below. On the Washington side, Fort Columbia Historic State Park rises out of cedar and spruce—moss‑soft bunkers, parade lawns, and cliff‑edge lookouts where the Pacific breathes in and out like a living thing. The air tastes faintly of salt and fir. Gulls stitch white threads across the sky. You’ve reached the place where the river meets the ocean—and where the weekend slows into something timeless.

No cancellations for oyster closure
There is a chance of oyster closure. There is NO REFUND for that. Instead we will find alternative things to do near Fort Columbia

Gas and Food Costs and Sharing
Gas costs is negotiated within each car group ahead of the drive. Everyone should bring food and split costs for additional food bought. I encourage people to share part of each of our shellfish harvest as part of our communal experience.

Equipment to bring

1. License
2. Gloves for warmth before and after harvesting
3. Water
4. Change of Clothes
5. Cooking ingredients
6. ziploc bags for oysters
7. Food to share
8. Oyster shucking knife
9. Things you want to bring to lighthouse quarters

License
You will need to buy an annual shellfish license or a temporary combination license.

Regulations

1. Oyster

Coastal Strawberry Forage
We will forage for beach strawberries.

Vacation House Cost
The house costs $150 per person and there are 6 total spots. 5/19 is last day for a full refund and past that only $100 refund is available if someone can be found to take your spot.

Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/family

• Zelle
• Paypal
• Venmo
• CashApp

Vacation House Info
Sleeping accommodations include one room with two queen-size beds, one room with one queen bed, one room with two twin beds, and one room with one twin bed. The spacious living room has three full-size futons, plush couches, Smart Roku TV and WiFi, and opens onto a large porch that faces an old-growth forest. The dining room is stately, and a modern, tiled kitchen offers a comfortable place to prepare culinary delights. No pets or smoking allowed. Cable is not provided.

Itinerary

1. Friday evening: Drive to Fort Columbia and get dinner on way
2. Saturday 6am(optional): Oyster Harvest
3. Saturday morning: Get brunch and look for wild coastal strawberry
4. Saturday 11am: Cranberry Museum Workshop
5. Saturday afternoon: Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
6. Saturday evening: Visit Historic Fort Columbia Buildings and Museum
7. Sunday Morning: Illwaco Boardwalk
8. Sunday Afternoon: Go Home

Optional if they open: Waikiki Beach and North Jetty at Cape Disapointment and North Head Lighthouse at sunset

Carpool
Arrange Carpool on whatsapp.

Liability:
Filling this will be required

Leavenworth Weekend: White Water Rafting and Wine Tasting

Fri, Jun 5 · 1:00 PM PDT

Leavenworth, WA, US

🎉 Adventure Weekend Alert! 🎉
Hey everyone! I'm heading up to Leavenworth for an epic weekend of white water rafting—and you’re invited! This is a multi-meetup adventure, so come join the fun! I’ll be heading up Friday for the weekend (welcome to drive🚗, use comments for carpooling — I'm riding my motorcycle 🏍️—riders, check out the riding group links below!). Or, if you're just in it for the splash, come up Saturday and jump in for the rafting action!

Never been rafting before? No worries—it's beginner-friendly and a total blast! You’ll be with a pro guide the whole time, and it’s the perfect way to try something new with a great group.

But there's more...
🎢 Leavenworth’s brand new Alpine Coaster Park is open—let's check it out!
🍖 After the thrills, we’ll kick back with some of the best BBQ in Washington and enjoy a little wine tasting too. 🍷
🛶 Rafting + Hotel packages and Rafting Only options are available—

HOW TO SIGN UP
RSVP here and see the full details and book with group.
I have a block of rooms for 1-, 2-, and 3-night stays on hold until May 12th. Rates are subject to change and availability after that, so book soon!

Let’s make a splash and a weekend to remember! ~ Claudette

THE PLAN
FRIDAY - 1pm*...If you'd like to drive behind the bikes or take a scenic route...Meet at Arco on Willows Rd, Depart 1:15pm*
**Route https://goo.gl/maps/WtPBsoVf44FbFMEG9 (subject to change)
1:55pm...Meet at Monroe Jack in the Box
Depart 2pm4pm...Arrive in Leavenworth
5pm or TBD - Whether you join the 'ride or meet us in Leavenworth...
Meet for dinner, afterwards, party in town in the evening

--- OR ---

SATURDAY - 1pm...join us for white water rafting
5pm...Return from rafting-head out for BBQ dinner

--- FOR THOSE STAYING THE WEEKEND ---

SUNDAY - Late Morning/Afternoon...Enjoy a day of wine tasting, Bavarian food and more! Meeting time TBD
MONDAY - 11am...Check out of hotel, spend more time in Leavenworth, head home at your leisure

📣This is a joint event with Eastside Social Club, Seattle Social and Getaways, and Bon Voyage, along with Lady Riders and Seattle Riders motorcycle groups. My guests are people signed up in the other invited groups.