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Getaway Guide To Climate Quirks

The climate change summit in Paris this week reminded us that the elusive Northwest Passage above the Arctic Circle had been denied to noted explorers including Henry Hudson and Captain James Cook until the meltdown began. Then in 1957 the Coast Guard Cutters Spar, Bramble and Storis made a historic voyage that signaled a major change for getaway seekers around the globe. The climate quirk that opened the Northwest Passage across the top of the world also brought changes for beach seekers and winter sports buffs, not to mention adventurers who like to cruise. So how do we get something good out of a condition that's not so good. Listen up and we'll start with the extreme.– Jay Lloyd

Sartoga Cover
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

ARCTIC CRUISES

Arctic bordering nations including Russia, Canada and the United States have been racing to establish their interests in the recently opened Arctic Circle. So have cruise lines. The Russians were the first to jump in followed quickly by Silversea and Crystal lines. Voyages to the top of the world are expensive - over $9,000 a person. But what you get is something few people have seen. There are massive icebergs the size of small countries, wildlife including the iconic Polar Bears, riding frozen flows, and of course the Midnight Sun. It's the stuff that generates fantasies. But for those willing to take advantage of the climate change, it becomes a world of adventure.

Hampton Saratoga
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

SKI RESORTS

The changing winter weather patterns have been felt most dramatically from the Mountains of California to the Pocono Mountain ridges. Seasons of dependable snowfall and solid snowmaking weather have been mixed, in recent years with record shattering blizzards and droughts. Ski resorts have been responding. For local skiers and riders, there's been a real bright side as the Pocono Mountains have adapted by adding all-weather attractions and more powerful snow-making systems to their mix. That means a resort can build up an inventory of snow that withstands a warming trend and can be moved around the mountain to fill in, where needed. Camelback Mountain will open the faucets on a new indoor water park at its 453 room base lodge with 7 pools and 13 water slides - not to mention an array of restaurants and bars. Split Rock Lodge nestled between Jack Frost and Big Boulder Mountains also sports a water park, while Fernwood Resort goes outdoors with a dry land snow tubing run that doesn't require snow. Check your own favorite winter spot for the latest in spas, pools and eateries.

Boca Tapas
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

AT THE BEACH

I saw fish that were frozen to death wash up on a South Padre Island, Texas beach in what should have been a warm, sun filled winter getaway. Getting drenched by a sideways blowing rain, chasing a summer happy hour crowd from a Rehobeth Beach Tiki Bar was also on the list of unexpected happenings. So were late breaking hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding rains, mudslides and extreme droughts. Forward thinking seashore communities have adopted construction codes to help limit damage and have attracted more indoor activities to keep beach seekers happy on days when ponchos replace bikinis. Cape May is now becoming popular for estate tours, winery visits and shopping. Wildwood is seeing rainy day traffic heading toward a popular aviation museum, and Atlantic City - well, you know that story.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

GOLF

Golf courses across the country are enjoying a brisk business on indoor simulator courses. They were intended for winter play, but as weather becomes a bit more fickle, summertime indoor tee times are becoming more common. Close to home, indoor golf is available year-round at Linfield National Golf Course in Montgomery County.

So, when planning a getaway, look on the bright side - even if there's a funnel cloud between you and the sun.

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