What we’re about
Welcome to the group! Houston is HUGE and only getting bigger. So for newcomers it is a daunting task to do anything. For locals...well they tend to stay in their local community and not venture out much. This group will explore familiar haunts along with periodically checking out some new areas of interest. We're always looking for new Assistant Organizers with new/fresh ideas. If you are willing to host events, please email me with your ideas. I would love to hear from you!
Should you need help finding a home, I would love your help you. Just message me and I'll get back with you promptly.
All the best,
Nermine, Realtor®
ThisPrettyHouse@yahoo.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wonders of Chile & PatagoniaNeeds location
April 19th - April 25th, 2024
Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club ( http://www.photoflytravel.com/ ) have invited us to another amazing adventure in Chile & Patagonia! This will be the FIFTH time and considering the program and world-class accommodations, it is easy to understand why.
E-mail joinus@photoflytravel.com for the DAILY ITINERARY!
Sign up at: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/chile-group-tour-santiago-patagonia/
Our Chile and Patagonia small group tour is one of our most exciting adventures! This epic journey will begin in the world renowned capital of Santiago where we will enjoy the culture, food, and energy of the bustling city among the mountains. After heading further south, unforgettable hikes & photographs will be the norm throughout this adventure with activities available for all fitness levels!
Email to see daily itinerary at joinus@photoflytravel.com
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- 7 night/8 Day Journey (2 Nights Santiago, 5 Nights Patagonia)
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Santiago
- Centrally located and welcoming Santiago accommodations
- Breakfast included
- Privately guided city tour exploring the highlights, such as Cerro San Cristobal, Cerro Santa Lucia, Plaza de Armas, La Moneda (Presidential Offices), and more!
*Free time in Santiago to explore the city & photograph the sites
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Patagonia
- Patagonia Camp is one of the first luxury camps in South America. It is an original and distinctive glamping concept where every detail has been carefully thought of so that our guests may thoroughly enjoy the magnificent and wild nature of mythical Patagonia, combining comfort, convenience, and the warm hospitality that Chileans are known for.
- All Inclusive Meals & Adventures while at Patagonia Camp. Plus Open Bar throughout!
- One of a kind luxury yurt style accommodations at Patagonia Camp. Patagonia Camp was recognized by Conde Nast in the Top 20 Reader's Choice Award for all of South America!
- Each day we will have the opportunity to embark on amazing walks and hikes around this wonderland landscape of sharp edged mountains and glacier lakes. See below for JUST A FEW OF THE HIKES AND ADVENTURES that we’ll be able to choose from each day (all are optional, included, and cater to different fitness levels including beginners!). To see the full list of hikes, learn more about the Torres del Paine National Park we'll be exploring, and to see more pictures of the unbelievable luxury yurts, email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com to request an itinerary.
Base of the Towers Trek: A rewarding & deservedly famous trek to the base of the iconic “Towers” of Torres Del Paine. Panoramic views of lakes and valleys greet us along the way until we penetrate the ancient lenga tree forest.
Los Cuernos Trek: This trek is perfect to experience the beauty of the park’s two iconic mountains: Las Torres and Los Cuernos del Paine. The hike starts alongside beautiful rivers and lakes with ever-present native flora and fauna.
Mirador Condor Hike: The hike to the Cóndor viewpoint is another privileged trek in terms of views. The trail begins at Lake Pehoé which will fascinate our eyes and cameras with its distinctive turquoise color. You will climb for about an hour through the Sierra del Toro; along the way you can appreciate some of the local vegetation such as nothofagus trees, the area’s micro-wildlife and the beautiful soaring condors.
*Optional horseback riding & boat trips will be available at additional price (minimum # sign-ups needed)
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Inclusions:
- Privately guided small group tour as always!
- All taxes & entrance fees included
- All transfers and ground transportation included
- Roommate pairing to save money as always!
- Domestic round-trip airfare from Santiago –> Punta Arenas INCLUDED
- International airfare is not included but we will assist all guests with finding the best flight!
(Specific arrival/departure times will be sent to all guests and we’ll assist in booking the proper flights as always)
- Email us to see daily itinerary at joinus@photoflytravel.com
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Join Us!
*For our solo travelers I will pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.
Price: $3,949.00
*Single Supplement: $645.00
Deposit: $600.00
For those looking to enhance their stay even further, there are yurts available with outdoor jacuzzi! Imagine - enjoying the warm soothing waters in the cool air while looking up into the endless night sky as the stars dazzle above. Please contact us for availability!
Go here to sign up: http://www.photoflytravel.org/chile-group-tour-santiago-patagonia/
- $$ Texas Colorado River: Columbus Loop | Stream Geomorphology Guided Kayak TourBeason's Crossing Park, Columbus, TX
$199 per adult | 5 hours stream geomorphology guided kayak field trip on Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip lecture with geology professor, sharing historical facts, use of high-end touring kayaking equipment, certified instruction and pictures.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttleTHIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbanks morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.
More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.
In addition to kayaking and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.
This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.
Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.
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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.
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Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***
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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak
Lightweight paddle
Adjustable life jacket
Small size dry bag for car keys, wallet, phone
Group first aid kit, safety and recue kit (bilge pump, paddle float, tow rope, lights, VHF radio, etc)= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.
Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
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UNDECIDED? Check out our photo album:
2019-2023 Texas Colorado River Columbus Loop
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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-2 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid
NOLS Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!