Destinations

Laying Low in Abaco Bahamas

Published December 1, 2023 in Bahamas , Mexico/Carribean - 0 Comments

Laying Low in Abaco

By Jane Finn, Photography by Dave Finn as published in the November 2023 Issue of Planet Golf Review

The Bahama Breeze is a popular drink here in the Outer Islands, but for a sailor yearning to set out on a sea of adventure, it’s the wind in your sail, the song in your heart and the skip in your step that gives you the courage and freedom to chart your own course.

Slowing Down to the Speed of Life

It’s late afternoon and a balmy 27° Celsius when we touched down in Marsh Harbour, the nation’s third-largest settlement behind Nassau and Freeport. Still, there’s plenty of time to pick up groceries at Maxwell’s and store our gear aboard our rental boat before heading to Snappas Chill & Grill for dinner. It’s Monday, and the place is hopping. William Albury is tinkling the ivory keys, and as we went our way to the back of the restaurant, the crowd erupts in a passionate, if not precisely harmonious, rendition of Brown Eyed Girl. A local tribute to all the mothers and daughters, sisters, friends, and girlfriends gathered here to celebrate that life is good today!

As we settle in at our table overlooking the twinkling lights of the harbour, I take a deep breath, willing myself to slow down, relax and enjoy being on ‘island time.’ Magically, a Hibiscus Kiss appears before me, and the blackened mahi-mahi and grilled shrimp that follow are equally delicious. Gradually, the busyness of the past several weeks starts to fade, and I soon feel like I don’t have a worry in the world. Gone is the stress of packing, repacking, answering last-minute emails, plane delays, and then racing to make connections. For the next ten days, we are going to disconnect to reconnect. No cell phones, no Netflix, no What’s App, no Mr. Google – only our wits, GPS to navigate the waters and a marine radio to communicate with those onshore. I can’t wait for the journey to begin! Continue reading

New Zealand – The Sound of Silence

Published November 15, 2023 in New Zealand - 1 Comment
New Zealand South Island

Join Jane Finn for an Epic Road Trip as she navigates the highways and byways of New Zealand’s South Island

Words by Jane Finn Photography by Jan Helebrant – As published in the summer issue of Planet Golf Review

It’s 6:45 in the morning, and the rain continues to beat a constant tattoo on the roof of our camper van. We had planned to leave Wellington yesterday, but the seas were running so high that our ferry crossing was cancelled. Instead, we’ve spent the night on the dock, wedged between two transport trucks, somewhat buffeted by the fierce winds ripping through New Zealand’s capital. Patiently waiting in the queue, I cross my fingers and pray that the weather gods will cooperate, and within minutes the horn sounds, signaling it’s time to commence boarding.

Typically, once we’re aboard, I race for the upper deck to get an unobstructed view, but today the skies are gray and gloomy, and I’m beginning to feel a bit dull. Rather than brave the elements, this time, I opt for a seat in the cabin where it’s warm and dry.

Our voyage across the Tasman Sea was uneventful, and as we approached Picton Harbour, I wandered outside. That’s when I realized it had been more than a week since I last saw the sun, and then, suddenly, the clouds parted, and my energy shifted. I look at the crowd waiting to disembark; everyone is beaming as brilliantly as the noon sun that has decided to grace us with her presence. It’s a good omen, and now I’m excited to get ashore and start exploring Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island.

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A Tale of Two Cities – Surrey & Victoria BC

Published April 4, 2023 in British Columbia , Canada - 1 Comment

A Tale of Two Cities

Jane heads to British Columbia in search of culinary delights from around the world on the Spice Trail, while being protected by a wolf at a sacred site

by Jane Finn, Photography by David Finn as published in the April 2023 Edition of Planet Golf Review Magazine

The snow-covered peaks loom large, piercing the sky before tapering off to meet the sea. As we descend into Vancouver, I have a bird’s eye view of the raw, rugged terrain and dancing lights below. Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia’s natural beauty is breathtaking and draws me back time and time again. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places on the planet to hike, ski, canoe, or golf. Still, on this trip, I want to spend time exploring smaller cities and the diversity of culture, cuisine, history and entertainment that makes BC not only an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise but a world-class destination.

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Canada’s Wine Country – Message in a Bottle

Published January 13, 2023 in Canada - 1 Comment
Canadian Wines

Message in a Bottle – Canada’s Wine Country

“A bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rose instead.”

Join Jane Finn as she savours the flavours and philosophy of Canada’s Wine Country.

By Jane Finn, Photography by Dave Finn as published in Issue 20 of Planet Golf Review Magazine

Writing this article was a challenge. Not because I had to sample so many delectable wines to make sure you would be delighted with my picks, but because Canada’s wine scene is as varied and diverse as the country’s landscape. From coast to coast, I’ve had the privilege of meeting passionate growers and world-class winemakers. I’ve walked with them in their vineyards, visited their cellars and spent more than a bit of time in their tasting rooms learning how to pair, serve, buy and enjoy a good bottle of wine. I’ve also gained a whole new appreciation for the vision, grit, and determination it takes to produce award-winning wines by listening to the stories of people who make a life and a living, sharing their labour of love.

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Impressions of India

Published November 24, 2022 in Asia , India - 0 Comments

IMPRESSIONS OF INDIA

by Jane Finn, Photography by David Finn as published in Issue 23 of Planet Golf Review

To read the entire issue visit: https://planetgolfreview.com/PGR-planet-golf-review-magazine-issue_23.pdf

If I were asked to describe India in a single word, that word would be incredible. Jane Finn discovers the many faces of India on her way to a wedding.

Rich in history and steeped in tradition, India is a country of contrasts. It’s spicy with a bit of bite like the chili chicken I would grow to love on this trip. It’s a mix of congested cities, rural settlements, and large tracts of uninhabited land where wild animals roam free. It’s also a spiritual hub where mind, body and soul align if you allow it. Here, the threads of architecture, culture, and ritual weave together to create a tapestry as stunning as the silky, rainbow-coloured sarees I admire wherever I go.

Before I even land, India engages all my senses. As we descend into Mumbai, the plane’s cabin fills with the scent of camphor, incense, and cooking fires. It’s just after dawn, and the soft morning light shines upon the encampments nestled up against multimillion-dollar condos. From my window seat, I can see that even though it’s early in the day, throngs of people line the streets, and traffic appears to be moving at a crawl.

Everything about India evokes my curiosity and my desire to explore. Still, I admit to being a little intrepid about what I will discover, not only about the country but also about myself on this trip. Continue reading

Moe Norman – A Canadian Golf Legend

Published May 29, 2022 in Canada , Ontario - 1 Comment
Moe Norman swing

The unique, quirky, uber-talented Moe Norman

By Paul Knowles

Moe Norman is a legend among golfers everywhere. Moe, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 75, was renowned for consistently making perfect golf shots. His swing has been praised and admired by hundreds of golfers up to and including Tiger Woods himself. Moe was also known as the quirkiest good golfer ever – an introvert, described as “slightly autistic” as well as “a savant.” His skill was unquestioned, but his struggles with learning disabilities and self-esteem robbed him of the success he could undoubtedly have achieved on the biggest stages of golf.

He was born in Kitchener, Ontario, and during his finest playing days, was primarily associated with Rockway Golf Course, the municipal course in the heart of Kitchener. But in his later years, Moe was mostly found hanging around Foxwood Golf Course, west of Waterloo, because Moe liked to spend time with his friend, advisor, and advocate – Gus Maue, at that time owner of Foxwood.

You can find dozens of Moe Norman anecdotes through a simple search on the internet. And in the works is a Moe Norman movie, the project of Canadian moviemaker David Carver, who told me that some big Canadian names are on board: famed Canadian comedian and actor David Steinberg and his wife, Robyn Todd “are executive producers, and Wayne and Janet Gretzky are co-producers.” Carver hopes to start production of the movie this fall, depending on the availability of a still-to-be-named director and actors.

This movie will tell the Moe Norman story to the world. But Gus Maue has a store of other, more private, and poignant Moe Norman stories – and he sat down to share some of them for this article. So, this is not an exhaustive, biographical piece – it’s a collection of powerful stories about Canada’s quirkiest – yet internationally revered – golf legends, a man who Gus simply describes as “a golf genius.”

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