Family Adventure Travel Web Log

2011-11-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release, November 18, 2011

Amazing and Authentic Tropical Family Eco-Adventures

Langford & Company, an adventure tour operator, doesn’t take youdown a road you’ve been before. They take you away from the cookie-cuttervacations, years apart from the traditional resorts, and onto a whole neweco-adventurous level. Langford & Company provides interesting, active, culturallyinvigorating trips off the beaten path. Langford & Company customizes all trips,and offers alternatives for family members of all ages, different activitylevels, and with different travel styles. Check out the website at www.langfordadventure.com for greatphotos, trip details and blog entries under the ‘News & Stories’ tab. Langford& Company is excited to introduce two new, you-can’t-book-it-on-expedia adventures:

Belize Family Adventure Jungle & Snorkel Vacation

Go tubing through caves, bike through the jungle, kayak blue waters, rappelinto a black hole, and visit Mayan ruins. The exceptionally clear waters of Glover’sAtoll and a vibrant reef system offers the best kayaking in the Caribbean. Beas active or explorative as you like. Unique, tented overwater cabanas and ajungle lodge stay offer you rustic-luxury and comfort. Unwind in your hammockor with open-air dining. Indulge in delicious meals served up island style withfresh fish and seafood. Customize your adventure by adding on a3 day Kayak and snorkel adventure to the amazing Glover’s Reef with activityand fun for all.

8 days/7 nights $1,764/person

Includesland and chartered boat transportation within Belize, unique accommodations, seafood meals and adventurous guides

Perfect Week in Panama: Sailing the San Blas Islands

Glide between the 400+ islands of picturesque San Blas on your sailingcruise aboard a privately owned yacht. Witnessfirsthand the culture of the native Kuna Yala people. Snorkel to see the vastcolours of the coral or to explore antiquated shipwrecks. Enjoy freshly caughtseafood at meals. Go kayaking, fishing, or swim the turquoise waters off whitesand beaches to see some of the natural bio-diversity. Stay in one of the mostbeautiful hotels Panama City has to offer located in Casco Viejo, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Enjoy your private balcony, access to the rooftop terrace,and welcome drink. Enjoy the privacy of a joint bedroom and living room area ofyour boutique accommodations.

8Days/7 nights $2,200/person

Includesdomestic flights, accommodations in private yacht and boutique hotel, all mealsand beverages in San Blas, and Breakfasts in Panama City

Tosee more details of these trips and others, visit www.LangfordAdventure.com

Formore information contact: Followus!
(416) 486-3605 twitter @TravelLangford

info@langfordadventure.com www.facebook.com/LangfordAdventure

Lake Placid for a great family adventure

2011-11-14T17:58:00.007-05:00

This past weekend I visited Lake Placid with my son 's peewee hockey team. Having no expectations save for the 1980 Olympics, I was really surprised at how comfortable and scenic Lake Placid is and came away with a great destination for another family adventure. In winter, Lake Placid shines with so many adventures to do from downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain in eastern North America's longest vertical, to experiencing Bobsledding to skating around the Olympic speed skating track. Accommodation options abound including the quaint Mirror lake Inn.Talk to Langford Adventure to help customize your next adventure here.

Langford Adventure Blog Returns

2011-11-14T17:33:00.003-05:00

With our last website rebuild Langford Adventure Co. created a web log that is hosted on our homepage. While our website has great weekly stories on our adventure trips accross Canada and the Caribbean, there are so many other stories on adventure travel we thought we would give voice to again on this blog. So in short hello again !

Western Pond Inlet- Awesome and Pristene

2008-06-16T21:33:00.001-04:00

Newfoundland’s famous picture of the hiker with arms open staring down a fjord was taken on the hike from Western Brook Pond. Having seem so many pictures of this fjord I was worried that the boat trip might be a let down. Any worry vanished even before we got close to the trail head parking lot. The sheer cliffs of the fjord are magnificent and can be seen for miles as you drive north from Rocky Harbour. What was most impressive is how Parks Canada have kept the Western Pond Inlet area 100% pristine. I loved the 45 minute hike to the boat launch. The walk across the bog and stunted spruce and tamarack is stunning and is a great appetizer to the boat tour. How tempting it must have been for Parks Canada to build a road to this incredible lake. Hats off for keeping this jewel in it’s natural splendour. If you would like to take in Western Pond Inlet, check out Langford Adventure's Newfoundland family adventure.

The Tablelands

2008-06-15T21:30:00.001-04:00

Norris Point, our home for the last three nights is surrounded by impressive mountains including , the famed Tablelands of Gros Morne. Today we hiked up to the Partidge Lookout which featured a forest floor of bunchberry and pitcher plants not to mention great views of Bonnie Bay. Later in the afternoon, we sramble half way up the Tablelands to get a sense of the unique rock that came from 30 km beneath the earth’s surface. Hiking in Gros Morne is one big real life slice of geology 101.It is impossible to be here without been awed by the powers of glaciers and earth plates craming into one another.

Kayking Bonnie Bay

2008-06-14T21:29:00.001-04:00

16 years ago, Eva was out here at Gros Morne National Park paddling with Sue and Bob from Gros Morne Adventures. Eva recalls her trip fondly including the great organization of the kayak guide team. Bob and Sue’s tips on how to kayak in the tides and seas helped Eva frame her own kayak trip style and love for all things kayaking. Yesterday we had the pleasure to return here as a family and head out on Bonnie Bay for a morning tour of the bay with great views of the Long Range Mountains. Langford & Company's Big Impressions includes a guided day with Sue and Bob.

Arctic Red Jellyfish

2008-04-22T15:33:00.000-04:00

PEI offers families a great opportunity to get up and close with marine life including the Arctic Red jellyfish found on select beaches. This summer, Langford & Company have added seveal new options for exploring PEI including a fun and active biking inn to inn adventure.

Family Climbs Everest

2008-04-09T10:25:00.004-04:00

Dan Mallory is taking his family to new heights - an adventure to the top of Mt. Everest.

Over the next 2 1/2 months the Mallory family plans to journey through this ultimate adventure to Everest. This will be the first time, though all avid mountaineers, that all five members of the family climb together.

The Dad, once bitten by the climbing bug, made it his goal to climb the highest mountain on all seven continents with one or more family members. So far, various family combinations have summitted Argentina's Mt. Aconcagua, Alaska's Mt. McKinley, Australia's Mt. Kosciuszko, Russia's Mt. Elbrus, and Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mt. Everest in Tibet is number six and their final challenge would be the Vinson Massif in Antarctica.

Langford and Company salutes this family for their adventure spirit. We meet many fascinating families who are either just beginning or well on their way to achieving their family adventure goals. Family adventure strengthens family ties whether it be Everest or Newfoundland, Costa Rica or British Columbia. Check out some of our family adventures and get your family's adventure list recharged.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the family in their expedition can do so by visiting www.malloryexpedition.com. You can also contact Dan Mallory directly at dan@malloryexpedition.com.

Team Langford!

2008-04-03T16:04:00.002-04:00

The Langford line of Ben, Ana and John were ripping up the ice with smooth passing and shinny on the lake over the Easter weekend. March Break is great for skating at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost. With sunny days to melt the ice , the lake's surface freezes overnight providing nature's version of the "flood". Whether it be polishing off the hockey skills or enjoying a relaxing game by the fire- winter's final few weeks are a great time to be in Algonquin!

Check out the available Cottage Outpost packages that are offered by our Algonquin adventure company, Voyageur Quest.

Dogsledding with the family

2008-03-24T19:20:00.001-04:00

Dog sledding is truly a great Canadian winter experience. As thrilling as the mush can be, hooking up, harnessing, working with and getting to know the dogs is what dogsleddign is all about. Have a look at these short videos taken at the dogyard before a March break mush! For a great family experience, check out the dog sledding trips offered by our Algonquin adventure company , Voyageur Quest.

Champagne Powder Big White

2008-03-18T13:21:00.003-04:00

Big White delivers on its promise of "it's all about the snow!". Our family enjoyed fresh snow on four of our six ski days. Check out this short video of the Falcon Glades after a 11cm snowfall!

Big White Ski trip great for kids !

2008-03-16T15:48:00.000-04:00

The kids had a great time this past week at Big White. The ski terrain is very family friendly and the ski instruction was excellent. The snow rides and skating made for soem fun post ski fun !

Good times roll on at Big White

2008-03-14T15:53:00.000-04:00

Big White fun continues! Here are a few more shots form the past few days on the Big White Mountain near Kelowna.

On Hill Chalet accommodation at Big White

2008-03-13T15:55:00.001-04:00

Big White offers a vast array of ski in / ski out on hill accommodation. Our family loved the chalet. It was really comfortable and the hot tub was a hit with the kids. How about the snow for mid March !

Big White certainly lived up to its name this past winter with the heavy snowfall!

Winterlude - a great winter family adventure

2008-03-07T15:58:00.001-05:00

Our Algonquin Operation has been hosting families looking for authentic winter adventures including dogsledidng, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Winterlude mades for a great add - on to our Algonquin adventure. Head to Ottawa to skate the canal, taste a beavertail and stroll through a park filled with magnificent ice scupltures.

Contact us and have Langford & Company customize a great family winter vacation for you!

Inspiring Father and Son story

2008-01-29T11:11:00.001-05:00

Families looking for inspiration need look no further than the incredible Dick and Rick Hoyt.

The deeply inspiring story was originally published in Sports Illustrated. After reading this incredibly moving story of transformation between a father and his son, don't miss the four-minute video of this amazing love story found at the link at the end.

Strongest Dad in the World
Rick Reilly for Sports Illustrated

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars -- all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much -- except save his life.

This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an institution."

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."

"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.

Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!" And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that."

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks."

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!"

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

"No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?"

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says. Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling" he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992 -- only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.

"No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century."

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago."

So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

"The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once."

Sports Illustrated Issue date: June 20, 2005, p. 88

Have a look at this deepely inspiring video

To see the inspiring website of Team Hoyt: http://www.teamhoyt.com

Ski for free at Big White

2008-01-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Getting to Big White is getting easier these days with daily direct flights to Kelowna from Toronto. Both Big White and Silver Star offer a free day of skiing the same day you arrive if you fly with with WestJet. WestJet provides non-stop service to Kelowna from a variety of departure cities including Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria, allowing you to fly and ski the same day you arrive. Visit Langford and Company's family website for Big White photo's and package information.

The Canadian dollar goes further in the Abacos

2007-11-13T20:44:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how the dollar has made this spectaular Bahamas beach escape an incredible deal for Canadian families seeking a tropical vacation this winter. Compared to March 2005 when I was last there, the cost for Canadians is now 35% cheaper !

Adventure awaits offshore in Belize

2007-11-13T19:54:00.000-05:00

Thatch Cay offers a remarkable tropical setting to kayak, fish, snorkel and dive. Located one mile from the Barrier reef, this new Belizian Lodge is managed by our friend and former Voyageur Quest Operations Manager kris Shaw. Have a look at these new shots below and call Langford & Company to book your Thatch Cay experience !

Fishing in PEI

2007-07-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

Fish are plentiful in the waters around Prince Edward Island! Whether it be small fish like the ones above, or a nice big lively one like the one below, our Prince Edward Island Trip will give you many chances for a big catch!

"Pura Vida" Costa Rica family fun

2007-03-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

Our kids loved the Infinity pool and vacation home with a great view of the Pacific ocean and sunsets. Beach life is good in Nosara in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica; as this short video can attest.

Horesback Riding Tican style!

2007-03-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

A different way of relaxing on the Costa Rican beaches! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean while riding horseback. Add in a beautiful sunset and enjoy the ride!

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

2007-03-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

Imagine getting up close and personal with an active volcano! The surrounding area is alive with wildlife and people, just like the volcano itself! One of the many experiences that can't be missed on a Costa Rican adventure!

Coffee Plantation in Costa Rica

2007-03-12T12:02:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica is well known for it's vast rainforest and spectacular wildlife, but they are known for their beans as well...coffee beans that is! Visit here to learn more about putting together a Costa Rican experience of your own!

Rafting Costa Rica

2007-03-11T20:19:00.000-04:00

Whitewater abounds in the lush mountains of Costa Rica. While the legendary Pacuare roars with class 4 drops, families may opt for the gentler Sarapiqui. We had a ball with Maurice shooting off rocks, dropping into whirlpools and even catching fish with pineapple ! Have a look here for more pictures. Talk to Langford & Company about customzing your Costa Rican adventure to fit your families time and budget.

Kayak with killer whales

2006-07-12T23:10:00.000-04:00

British Columbia's Johnstone Straight is one of the world top spots ( if not the top spot ) to get up close to Killer whales. Every summer , the Orca's gather to gorge on salmon off the north shore of Vancouver Island.

Seeing these whales from a kayak is truly an extraordinary experience ! Contact Langford & Company on arranging an appropriate trip for your family.

Family canoe trip in Algonquin Park

2006-07-11T12:36:00.000-04:00

Algonquin Park is a great place for a family adventure vacation. A canoe trip into Algonquin's interior offers families incredible opportunities to see and hear wildlife, enjoy spectacular campsites and great swimming. Moose are abundant and easy to see in June and July on early morning canoe excursions. Algonquin is world famous for it's wolf howls which the Park Rangers conduct in August along the #60 corridor.

Kids over the age of 6 will enjoy a canoe trip adventure. For the best experience, use the services of an Algonquin guiding company who know where the wildlife are not to mention cook slendid meals by the campfire.

Talk to Langford & Company about how to best mix an Algonquin family canoe trip with other great adventures in the fresh water capitol of Canada - Ontario.

Jamaica Villa - ideal for young families

2006-04-06T13:32:00.000-04:00

Two friends of mine recently teamed up together to rent a private villa in Jamaica. Both had children under the age of 5 and were looking for a Caribbean escape for much needed R and R.. They choose the Jamaica Villas Resort as it provided these families with all the comforts of a home plus the added bonus of in- house service. Service from a cook who will go out and make what ever you fancy for dinner – to a babysitter who will look after your infant while you visit the beach with the older kids.

They arrived back last week and raved about their experience. They loved the private pool and ability to relax in their own villa. The independence was great and they loved their own cook, driver and cleaning staff! The villa also seemed to offer some good options as it is located within a hotel complex, they had the option of using the hotel services. They played a round of golf and had the odd meal in the Hotel restaurant.

More informaton?

Visit the Langford & Company website

Costa Rica Family Adventure Vacation

2006-04-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

With it’s kind people, safe travel environment, dozens of incredibly diverse national parks, two oceans, active Volcano’s, incredible whitewater rafting and of course amazing wildlife viewing, Costa Rica is ideal for a family adventure vacation. But with so much to see and do, what do you include in your 1 to 2 week adventure and what do you omit? Do you look for Turtles at Torruguerro, relax on a beach on the Pacific’s Tamarindo, hop in a plane to visit the rainforest of Corcavado, walk the cloud forests at Montverde. Where are the crowds going and where are they not going? Typically at Langford and Co we recommend families combine one or two National parks in Costa Rica and resist the urge to visit both coasts. With so many options we recommend contacting a trip planner or adventure travel expert like Langford & Company. to help organize the trip for your family.

Touching Stingrays

2006-03-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

Growing up in Canada – far from the ocean, I was always conditioned to believe that Sting Rays were a lethal fish that you would be unlucky to run into let alone touch. It turns out my fear was somewhat unjustified as our recent family trip to the Bahamas can attest.

Sting Rays are very common in the Abacos, Bahamas. Our family saw one on our first day swimming in Cocoa Bay. Sitting on the dock, a moving black shadow caught our attention and served as an introduction to Sting Rays ! Later in the week, a mid sized sting ray followed us as we made our way down the beach.

The highlight of our Sting Ray interaction came on a snorkel day trip with Brendall’s Dive Shop. As our boat pulled up to a beautiful deserted beach for a shore lunch, two large
Sting Rays came right up to the boat.

Brendall demonstrated that Sting Rays are quite friendly and in fact you can touch them as long as you stay away from their spine and tail ( which are sharp and poisonous). Standing in waist high water off the beach, Brendall showed our family how we could touch and pet Sting Rays (their belly feels soft!). He gave us little bits of fish to put between our toes. The Sting Rays would then approach and suck out the fish. The experience was unforgettable! Contact Langford & Company if you are interested in seeing Sting Rays or organizing a family adventure to the Abacos

Family Ski Vacation - Vermont

2006-03-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

It seems most Ski Resorts are labeling themselves as family friendly these days. But what makes a great family ski vacation? Every family has different needs, abilities and interests.
While some ski hills will advertise massive amounts of snow and vertical, this may not really be that important to your family- especially if you have beginner or intermediate skiers. At Langford & Company, for example, many of our family customers are looking for deluxe on– hill accommodation that has a kitchen/dining area.

I was recently speaking with some family friends who just returned from a March break ski vacation to Okemo Resort in Vermont. They raved about their experience. This family wanted a ski hill they could drive to (from Toronto), had a great ski school and good on hill accommodation. Okemo delivered on all three needs and more. The weather was perfect, instruction was excellent and they most importantly – the resort was comfortable and safe.
Ski Magazine lists Okemo as having the #2 Family ski program in the US.