Houseboat Florida's St. Johns River Holly Bluff Marina

Florida is a great destination for houseboats! On St. Johns River you can cruise for a whole week even up to Jacksonville starting from "Holly Bluff Marina" near the city of DeLand.

A family company which run this business for more then twenty years and earned all the experiences in this field.

We tried the experience for a week-end, unfortunately the first day we had some rain, but this was even a better occasion to live the houseboat comfort, hanging out, cooking and truly having lots of fun!

This is the perfect kind of relaxing vacation you can have with the whole family. We had with us even a baby girl who was so excited to be on board together with two other friends.

The "Southern Belle" is a fantastic boat with top notch features. It's really a floating apartment which despite its size can approach the river's banks almost everywhere.

In some period of the year (winter) you even watch the Manatee at the Blue Springs State Park

A magnificent natural environment that can be considered the essence of the Central Florida

Fishing is a great opportunity along the cruise because this region has an incredible variety of species

The southern spirit is everywhere around here. You can relax under an old charming porch of a traditional colonial and historic house right inside the State Park.

When hungry we have the pleasure to cook our own meal on board of the houseboat. The first day we made a nice "Brisket" (corned beef) with its veggies around. No it wasn't St. Patrick day and we aren't Irish but we love it!!

The dining room is incredibly big and over its roof you could even have a party with lots of friends!

In the evening we approach to the "Swamp House Riverfront Grill" where you can eat everything southern style, including blackened or fried gator and Jambalaya Florida Style with Fried Green Tomatoes.

The day next we get on board our friends and we do a smooth cruise in a sunny and warm winter day making a very nice BBQ brunch all together.

We spent the rest of the Sunday drinking and relaxing doing birdwatching and exploring the beautiful St.Johns river most secluded areas.

We finally return to Holly Bluff Marina where we rented the houseboat totally satisfied of this enjoyable kind of vacation and we certainly recommend it to everyone cause it worth every single dollar! Better if you do as a family reunion or with friends, but if you are a couple there are smaller a nice boats as well.

article and pictures by Luca Centoni

Abajo Haven in the Wildlife of Canyonlands Utah

Visiting the southwest of the United States of America is always an unforgettable experience. Utah is one of the most beautiful place of this country and the perfect base to visit the West. "Abajo Haven" is a natural and unique settlement for travelers who want experience a starred night around a fire. Everything is right outside these authentic cabins where you can even cook like a pioneer meanwhile you go around for Canyonlands region and its parks. Far away looking to east in the crispy air of March you can see the Colorado Mountains and to the south you can feel the presence of the Navajo lands.

We enjoyed one night experience this year and we understood that this is the way to feel the western spirit.

Stay in one of their warm, insulated cabins! Portable heaters are provided in each cabin. An outdoor campfire will warm you as you enjoy the snow falling. See the diversity that only this country provides. Snowshoe or cross-country ski the Abajo Mountain. Travel a few miles South of Abajo Haven and hike the desert canyon country. Winter also offers great opportunities to view the elk and wild turkeys that are coming off the mountain to the ranch. This is a good time of year to explore areas south of us such as; Grand Gulch (a large Ancient Native American population lived in the Grand Gulch area), Monument Valley, Natural Bridges State Park, or Hovenweep National Monument.

You will be staying in one of their comfortable, CLEAN log cabins. Each cabin is new and tastefully decorated with a king size bed and 2 twin size beds. You can take comfort in knowing that they take pride in providing you with very clean cabins with fresh bedding. Your PRIVATE restroom cabin (with your group) has all the conveniences of home, including hot showers. All towels and paper items are provided for you.  Cabin and restroom cleaned daily. $89.00/night (includes first night's firewood -$5.00 for firewood after first night). Enjoy sitting by your own campfire each night! Each cabin has an outdoor cooking area where you can fix your own meals, roast marshmallows, or relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

You have several dining options when you stay at Abajo Haven:

1. Abajo Dinner: $20.00 per person – includes BBQ ribs and chicken, BBQ beans, salad, garlic toast, and extras.
2. Your Own Cookout - If you didn't bring cooking equipment, don’t worry: we provide all the basic cooking utensils, including pots, pans, plates, cups, and a cooler. You buy your own groceries in town, and you’re ready to whip up your own rustic meal over an open fire. We'll even do the dishes for you because this is your vacation! 
3. Restaurants – Several dining options are available only 6 miles away in the nearby town of Blanding.

Everyday there is plenty of things to do and to visit. Hiking, horseback riding, rafting and more!

Ancient Anasazi Ruins wait for you to discover their ancient culture and the mystery of their people

article by Luca Centoni

pictures by Maria Grazia Sanfelice

Santa Fe a Gourmet Dinner at La Casa Sena Restaurant

The Restaurant address in Santa Fe, New Mexico is "La Casa Sena". A charming cozy elegant spot in the middle of the old city. Resident Chef Patrick Gharrity assisted by Chef de Cuisine Noé Sanchez designed a lovely gourmet course to let us understand their art. We were impressed by the Seared Sea Scallop with aragula, hazelnut pesto and rice paper. Paired with a wonderful 2009 1er Chablis Corinne et Jean-Pierre Grossot "Mont de Milieu"

Then we had a Foie Gras Mushroom Tartlette with 15 years balsamic, shallot rings paired with a Riesling Spätlese "Dorsheimer Pittermännchen", Nahe 1999 We found this combination very appropriate to this refined and delicious dish.

Though the most interesting and different dish was a Southwest Seared Colorado Lamb Loin served on purple sweet potato-blue goat cheese gratin, ancho chile (Santa Fe is famous for it) demi-glace, in zinfandel syrup and roasted heirloom tomatoes. Here the wine choice was a Brick House, Pinot Noir,, "Le Dijonnais", Ribbon Ridge 2012. Definitively our favorite recipe.

Dessert ended our gourmet dinner with a Chocolate Tarragon "Paté" Lavander cream paired with a Hungarian Tokaj 2012 "Evolúcio" late harvest.

We recommend very much this location for an elegant experience with a great gourmet value and great service, not to mention the great wines selection in their shop. When the weather is nice the court is a great place to spend a late afternoon and consequent dinner. Score 20/20 for wines pairing and 18/20 for the dinner.

Executive Chef Patrick Gharrity

Article by Luca Centoni

Pictures by Maria Grazia Sanfelice