About Nigel Boney

I started writing for Northwest.com in 2010, with 37 articles published. I have strong links with the Pacific Northwest. UK based, I also wrote for Mobbly News Written by You - 73 articles mainly under showbiz & entertainment. Recently I published on MusicVita. I have a Diploma in freelance journalism and I'm currently writing on Blasting News US.

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Brent Tor Devon: A Tiny Dartmoor Church With A Vast Outlook

Brentor Church, Dartmoor, England

Hike almost four miles (6.4 km) north of Tavistock in West Devon, United Kingdom, and you’ll discover something quite unique: the quaint village of Brentor. At first glance, it may seem much like any other village in Dartmoor National ParkContinue reading


San Juan Island’s Whale Museum: Far More Than Just A Walk-Thru

whale museum, San Juan Island

On San Juan Island in Washington state, a walk along First Street in Friday Harbor will bring you to the Whale Museum. It’s far more than just a walk-thru, and although it’s a non-profit organization, it does charge for … Continue reading


Park Life In Kelvingrove: Glasgow’s Historical Urban Haven

Glasgow, Scotland, has an abundance of greenery and parks if you know where to look. In the shadow of Glasgow University, you’ll discover the 85 acres of Kelvingrove, a park that can be enjoyed in all seasons. The park … Continue reading


Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion: Wale’s Creepy Chasm

There can’t be too many tourist spots boasting a deep gorge, a punchbowl, three bridges stacked one above the other, and a narrow-gauge railway link from the nearest resort. But this is where Devil’s Bridge in west Wales stands out. … Continue reading


Dock Street Tacoma, a Steel Cone and a Whole Lot of Glass

Dock Street, the home of Tacoma’s glass museum. Topped with a distinctive steel cone, it’s been open since 2002 and has been the focus for the Pacific Northwest Studio Glass Movement. It has also become the only American museum … Continue reading


Plymouth Barbican, a Snowshoe Tour

Plymouth’s Barbican is steeped in maritime history with its spectacular marina. The launch site for the Pilgrim Fathers in their quest for the New World, and a hub for tourists from around the globe. It’s here you’ll find narrow cobbled … Continue reading


Autumn and Winter walks on the Coast and in the Hills of West Wales

Follow the B4340 for around 13 miles out of Aberystwyth on Wales’ west coast, and you’ll eventually find a small hamlet called Ystrad Meurig. You may think there’s nothing strange about that. After all, there are plenty of small communities … Continue reading


Autumn and Winter Wandering in Devon Lanes

You never need to wander too far in Devon to find a secluded lane or two. Seasons and locations don’t really matter, there’s something soothing about a country lane. Just you, the wildlife, the scenery. And the scenery takes a … Continue reading


Apres Downtown Seattle: Shops, Eats, Dale Chihuly & The Needle

Seattle Skyline

After a long day of hiking or snowshoeing near the Seattle area, switch roles from country to city slicker with an apres experience in downtown Seattle. It might not be the largest downtown area, but it packs plenty in. … Continue reading


Fine Dining, Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor

Divide your time between Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor and you’ll be split for choice finding some of the best ‘eateries’ in the region. Whatever your culinary tastes, there’s something for everyone. Forget ‘breakfast at Tiffanys’, Roche Harbor’s Lime Kiln Continue reading


Vista 18 Restaurant: Top-of-the-World Dining in Victoria, British Columbia

Arguably one of the best parts of spending time outdoors–whether it’s hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, skiing or swimming–is the meal you get to eat after you burn all that energy. Victoria, British Columbia, is a mecca for outdoor adventurers and foodies … Continue reading


Winter on the South Hams

You’re only a short distance north and east of Plymouth, yet the city is easily forgotten when you venture out on the South Hams. There’s a strong feeling of intimacy in the surrounding valleys and woodlands, and being at one … Continue reading


Music In The Great Outdoors: Snowshoeing With An I-Pod

Music can be a very effective means of bringing fond memories back to life. Include the great outdoors in the mix and it’s a guaranteed certainty those memories will become crystal clear. How often have you heard a song while … Continue reading


Snowshoeing with a Dalmatian

Let’s face it, we’re a nation of dog lovers. There are few more loyal than our four-legged friends, so why should they miss out when it comes to snowshoeing? Dalmatians are notoriously energetic with bucket loads of stamina, and while … Continue reading


Drake’s Trail: A Winter Walk in the Southwest of England

Aside from – allegedly – finishing a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe in the face of the advancing Spanish Armada, Sir Francis Drake’s name is well-known in the Southwest of England, not least around his birthplace near Tavistock. This … Continue reading


Winter Walking and Wildlife in the UK’s New Forest

If you’re seeking an instant remedy to the Festive over-indulgence, then a walk through the New Forest could be the answer. At a time of year when everything seems to be masked with snow, the Forest scenery takes on a … Continue reading


Winter in Suncadia Resort, Washington State

It may have a name synonymous with summer, but Washington State’s Suncadia Resort is just as vibrant and alive in winter. It’s a huge resort, covering around 6,000 acres and caters for an equally vast number of family activities. You … Continue reading


Christmas Tree Farms, Skiing and Festive Snowshoeing in Montana

The focal point in most homes during the holidays is the Christmas tree, and throughout the state of Montana, Christmas tree farms are plentiful. There is simply so much variety – farms offering pre-cut, pre-packed or cut your own. Though … Continue reading


Winter Hikes in Snowdonia National Park

It covers more than 800 square miles and is the third most visited. Snowdonia National Park was designated in 1951 and since then, tourists have flocked to this rugged part of north Wales for its crystal clear lakes and rivers … Continue reading


Winter Hiking and a Touch of History Around Kit Hill, Cornwall

The Tamar Valley’s highest point owes its origins to over 5,000 years of human endeavour. Kit Hill – topped by a disused mine stack – sits between the wild and scenic Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. Its Country Park covers over … Continue reading


Hiking, Snowshoeing and the Beast of Bodmin Moor

It’s been in existence for more than 5,000 years. Its moorland has been the source of folklore and the subject of legend. With its wild and rugged landscape, Bodmin Moor still remains an unspoilt part of Cornwall. Mysterious stone circles, … Continue reading


The San Juan Island Alpaca Ranches

Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm

Set among huge oak trees and sprawling pasture, the Krystal Acres alpaca farm claims the largest herd in the San Juan Islands. Owned by Kris and Albert Olson, their 80-acre spread, near Friday Harbor, is home … Continue reading


Summer on San Juan Island, the Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Stroll through any field of lavender and one thing is certain: the lavender’s scent will conjure up all kinds of personal memories. Such is the way of this amazingly versatile plant. But its unique scent is only one of many … Continue reading


Summer Excursions Around Eastern Washington State

Eastern Washington State offers countless world-class wineries, stunning canyons, lakes and dams in place of its western neighbour’s evergreen forests and rugged mountains. Twice the size of its western half, it has just a third of the population.

Eastern Washington … Continue reading


Gold Hill, Grants Pass and the Mysterious Oregon Vortex

If like me, you relish the unexplained, then set your sights on the delightful city of Gold Hill and the mysterious Oregon Vortex. This circle of puzzling phenomena has been welcoming its tourists for more than 80 years. The area … Continue reading


Victoria, British Columbia’s Other Gem

Snowshoe Magazine

Western Canada’s oldest city and British Columbia’s capital, nestles on Vancouver Island’s southeast coast. Once a regional outpost for the Hudson’s Bay Company, it was founded by Sir James Douglas and established in 1843.

Its waterside location, with Saanich Inlet … Continue reading


Astoria, a Gateway to Oregon

The four-mile wide Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River from Washington State, is a great opening for one of Oregon’s main gateways: Astoria. Established in 1811 and the oldest settlement west of the Rockies, it’s an historic city. East of … Continue reading


Spring in British Columbia: Victoria’s Historic Chinatown

For a true taste of the Orient in British Columbia, Victoria’s Chinatown is the place to visit. Near the waterfront, the district is the oldest in Canada with its roots dating back to the mid-19th century. From a collection of … Continue reading


Spring is in the Air: Victoria’s Exotic Butterfly Gardens

“A small piece of paradise” is how Victoria’s Butterfly Gardens was once described – and a more appropriate phrase would be hard to find. Thousands of exotic moths and butterflies flutter freely amongst lush blooms and foliage in this unique … Continue reading


A Snowshoe Magazine Interview with Swiss Mountain Leader Ian Spare (BAIML)

Switzerland. You possibly couldn’t find a more diverse climate or landscape in such a relatively small area. Despite this, its ski resorts attract tourists in droves for the dramatic alpine scenery, après-ski and numerous lakes. One of its better known, … Continue reading


A Snowshoe Magazine Interview with Gareth Jefferies

Doing what you love in gainful employment must be the ideal dream for many. Going to work in the French Alps each day has to be the ultimate. The scenery, the crisp fresh air and exercise is seldom part of … Continue reading


The Butchart Gardens: Victoria’s Far-from-Secret Garden

Brentwood Bay, near Victoria, is home to the immaculate Butchart Gardens. Dating back to the early 1900s, the Gardens began in a disused limestone quarry and have evolved into one of Canada’s major tourist sites. Featuring multi-coloured floral displays, themed … Continue reading


Sno-Parks and Cabin Fever in Mt. Adams & Trout Lake, Washington

Mt. Adams, located in Washington, is the state’s second-highest mountain and one of the Cascade’s largest volcanoes. With a summit rising to well over 12,000 feet (3658 m), it’s a close contender to California’s Mt. Shasta in eruptive force. Furthermore, … Continue reading


Cosmos Holidays: Snowshoeing and Winter Festivities in Lapland, Finland

Winter festivities and Lapland, Finland have long been a part of the Yuletide magic with snow-clad landscapes, reindeer and pine forests. Enchanting scenes featured on many a Christmas card. But go beyond this image and you’ll discover a former Finnish … Continue reading


Snowshoeing and Other Delights in the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula forms a protective arm of land around the western fringes of Washington State. The Pacific rolls in to the west, the Juan de Fuca Strait laps its northern shores, and Puget Sound and the Hood Canal flows … Continue reading


Snowshoeing with Wanderlust Tours in Oregon

Wanderlust Tours has been a leading light in guided trips and snowshoe hikes in Central Oregon for two decades. Located in Bend, they specialize in tours for smaller parties and their experienced guides will help you uncover the quieter and … Continue reading


Mount Hood: Snowshoeing Around Oregon’s Iconic Peak

With its summit at 11,000 feet, Northern Oregon’s most prominent landmark is visible up to 100 miles away. An iconic peak, Mount Hood is around 50 miles east/southeast of Portland and borders between Clackmanas and Hood Counties. It is the … Continue reading


Monarch Airlines: Blazing Snowshoe Trails in Val d’isère

In the depths of winter, there can be few experiences better than getting out and about in snow-covered landscapes and taking in the peace and solitude. Granted your choices of resorts are wide, but when the snowshoes are packed and … Continue reading


Ilwaco and Baker Bay, Washington State

Journey to the southern end of the Longbeach Peninsula and on scenic Baker Bay, you’ll discover Ilwaco. This historic community was founded in 1848 and was once a thriving trading post for the Chinook Indians. Today, that thriving trade has … Continue reading


Summer Vacations in Whistler

As we hurdle towards the start of summer, and thoughts turn to inspiration for an outdoor getaway, why not consider a family vacation to the Northwestern edge of the Garibaldi Provincial Park. Here you will find the home of the … Continue reading


Snowshoeing in Croatia

Croatia, at the crossroads of Europe and the jewel of the Adriatic, attracts around 10 million tourists a year. The bulk of its tourism industry is centred near its stunning coast, and it’s near here that many of its key … Continue reading


Rosario Resort and Spa, Orcas Island

Offering relaxation and comfort on tranquil Orcas Island, Rosario Resort and Spa is an ideal waterfront haven where you become one with nature amidst the beauty of the San Juan islands. An unforgettable maritime experience in one of the world’s … Continue reading


Agassiz, the Fraser Valley’s Rural Hideaway

The corn capital of British Columbia, Agassiz lies just 35km southwest of Hope, on the north bank of the Fraser River. A quaint and immensely peaceful agricultural community, it grew from a humble homestead owned by Lewis Nunn Agassiz, a … Continue reading


Roche Harbor, Much More Than Just a Marina

The marina at Roche Harbor, on the north western shore of Washington State’s San Juan island, is an immensely popular destination for tourists, boat owners and opulent cabin cruisers, large and small. A great stop-off for kayaking, hiking and orca … Continue reading


Gear Review: Gordini GTX Storm Trooper Gloves

The story goes that you apparently lose around 75 percent of body heat through your head, hands and feet. This has never really been proved or disproved, but it makes sense when you consider that all three are almost always … Continue reading


Gear Review: KEEN Olympus Lite Crew Socks

You can own the best hiking boots on the planet, but if your feet aren’t equally protected by the socks you wear, then the shortest hike can seem like a painful marathon. Those contraptions on the ends of your legs … Continue reading


Gear Review: Chaco Men’s Basin Shoe

If versatility, reliability and comfort are high on your priority list, then the Chaco Basin Shoe will fit the bill perfectly.

Designed and built for more than just an active lifestyle, the manufacturer has done its part for the planet’s … Continue reading


Gear Review: Hi-Tec Sierra Lite I WP Hiking Boot

If you’re in the market for a hard-wearing multi-purpose boot designed for both a Sunday afternoon stroll as well as major league hiking, then the Hi-Tec Sierra Lite is ideal for both. This is one rather eye-catching piece of footwear, … Continue reading


Gear Review: Kamik KeystoneG Men’s Boot

Reputation and reliability are always strong points when it comes to choosing the best in outdoor footwear. A company with huge amounts of both, as well as a long history, is Kamik. A family business, they’ve been around for more … Continue reading


Gear Review: Teva Chair 5 Men’s Boot

The practicalities of packing bulky items like hiking boots into your case or rucksack has often been seen as a spacious issue. Well, that issue is now vanishing in the rear view mirror thanks to the smart thinking and design … Continue reading


Gear Review: Vasque Snowblime Ultradry – Men’s Winter Boot

The keenest of backpackers doesn’t usually view the seasonal changes as a hindrance, merely a challenge. Part of that challenge is seeking out a rugged boot which will see him through all weathers from autumn to spring. The Vasque Snowblime … Continue reading


Gear Review: Vasque Snow Junkie Ultra – Men’s Winter Boot

Let’s be honest. Winter can be one harsh beast. Rain, hail, sleet, snow – and sometimes all on the same day. So, just what does the keen outdoor enthusiast do when it comes to keeping those feet well protected? Simple … Continue reading


Exmoor National Park in Winter

Exmoor, covering more than 260 square miles, is regarded as one of Britain’s smaller National Parks. Despite this it covers an area that runs from Minehead in Somerset to Combe Martin in Devon, a region taking in some of southwest … Continue reading


Winter Walks Around Burrator Reservoir

If you stand on Yennadon moor, high above Burrator Reservoir in the summer months, the views are simply breathtaking. The isolation simply inspiring. Here on the southwestern edge of Dartmoor, the grassland, the gorse and the fields stretch further than … Continue reading


Glacier Peak: The Isolation and the Challenge

Glacier Peak in Snohomish County is the most isolated and one of the Cascades’ more active stratovolcanoes. Scenically diverse, it stands a mere 70 miles northeast of Seattle, closer to the city than any other barring Mt. Rainier. Known as … Continue reading


Oregon Winter Sports Resorts

Hoodoo Ski Resort

Just 130 miles southeast of Portland lies Oregon’s Hoodoo ski resort. Founded in 1938, the resort is central Oregon’s original skiing area, offering over 800 acres of terrain. Situated in the Cascades, near the summit of Santiam … Continue reading


Friday Harbor: A Slow Pace, a Quiet Town

There are many variations as to how this San Juan Island county seat got its name.

Possibly the most popular is the tale of the sea captain who, on entering the harbor, spied a solitary figure standing on the shoreline. … Continue reading


A Drive Along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway

Winding through ever deepening channels of rugged scenery, the highway north of Bellingham enters an almost arboreous world largely dominated by green firs. State Route 542 takes you to one of Washington State’s most visually stunning destinations: the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National … Continue reading


Mount St. Helens: One of Washington State’s Crown Jewels

Travel 96 miles south of Seattle, and in the Western half of the Cascades, you’ll encounter a wounded giant. With its name derived from a British Diplomat, Mount St. Helens is a peak which once had a summit of perfect … Continue reading


Snowshoes and the Canadian First Nations

Snowshoes and Canadian First Nations probably don’t seem an obvious pairing, but, nonetheless, the two appear to be indelibly linked. Consider this First Nation quote passed down from generation to generation: “The white man always attempted to avoid the snow … Continue reading


The Forgotten San Juan Islands: Spieden and Lummi

Spieden Island

Positioned directly northwards from San Juan, in the Spieden Channel, Spieden Island, three miles long and a half mile wide, is a mysterious, wildlife sanctuary. Shrouded in strange and exotic tales of non-native wild animals and unconfirmed sightings … Continue reading


Vancouver Island: the Offbeat, the Exciting and Unusual

Zipwest, Sooke

Set on a 100-acre site among the Sooke Hills in a coastal temperate rainforest at Sooke Road, this is one amazing experience which is guaranteed to bring you thrills galore. Its two suspension bridges and eight zipline cables, … Continue reading


Nootka Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia

If you are keen to experience superb Vancouver Island fishing in a region where you can fish for Coho Silver and Chinook King salmon, then the place to be is one of Canada’s premier fishing lodges in beautiful British Columbia. … Continue reading


Fairy Lake, Lizard Lake and Cowichan Lake – Fishing and Hiking on Vancouver Island

Travel 5km northeast of Port Renfrew on the active Harris Creek logging road and you’ll find three picture perfect hideaways. Havens of peace fondly remembered from my first visit back in ’69. The delightful Fairy Lake Recreation site is a … Continue reading


Dartmoor – Hikes and Attractions in the Southwest of England

Covering more than 360 square miles, Dartmoor features some of the wildest and bleakest scenery in England. A stunningly beautiful, wind swept region of moorland, with granite tipped tors and wooded valleys. ‘The Moors’ makes wonderful hiking country, and its … Continue reading


The San Juan Islands: Hopping Around the Archipelago

The San Juan Islands, clustered in the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and Washington State, have naturally developed over countless years, tranquil coves, stunning views, unspoilt landscapes and sheer “get away from it all” retreats. Mainland visitors, who become converts, … Continue reading


Lewis and Clark, Young Men Going West – the Ultimate Hike

The Lewis and Clark National Park covers a sprawling 40 miles and comprises 12 seperate sites in an area stretching from Long Beach, Washington State to Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Abundant trails for hiking, drama, stunning scenery and wild, rugged coastline … Continue reading


Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Steens Mountain, Oregon

Travel towards the south eastern corner of Oregon, and 30 miles south of Burns, you’ll discover the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Founded in 1908, this stunning and vast habitat covers more than 187,000 acres of meadow with 120,000 acres of … Continue reading


Hanford Reach, the Monument, the River and the Region

With the snowshoeing close season fast approaching, the opportunities to get out and about and simply hike and explore are still so out there. One such area well worth uncovering is The Hanford Reach in the eastern half of Washington … Continue reading


Secret Coves of San Juan Island

As spring and early summer approaches, hidden gems worth exploring are not just reserved for mainland outdoor enthusiasts. Board a ferry at Anacortes, Washington State and head for the San Juan Islands. And be prepared for the pace of life … Continue reading


Snowshoeing in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The stunning Okanagan Valley lies in the southern half of British Columbia. Well known for the variety of its amazing scenery, the valley stretches from Sicamous to the U.S. border and is home to the Canadian portion of the Okanagan … Continue reading


Snowshoeing in Paradise: Mt. Rainier National Park

Rising above the skyline from 54 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington State’s highest and most prominent volcano in the Cascade Arc, is still considered one of the world’s most dangerous. Reaching an elevation of more than 14,000 feet, makes it … Continue reading


Mount McKinley and Snowshoeing in Denali National Park

Alaska’s Mount McKinley is North America’s highest peak. With its base at almost sea-level and a summit at over 20,000ft., it dwarfs the surrounding mountains. It is the focal point of the Denali National Park and Preserve. Situated in the … Continue reading


Mt. Waddington: Snowshoeing British Columbia’s Mystery Mountain

Mount Waddington, the highest peak in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, was once known as the “mystery mountain”. Resembling a jagged tooth, its very existence was challenged until it was first climbed in 1936.

Standing amongst its sister peaks at over … Continue reading


Snowshoeing British Columbia’s Mt. Robson Provincial Park

Located in the Canadian Rockies, with an area in excess of 800 square miles, the Mt. Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest in the province. The park is a World Heritage Site and for the keen outdoor enthusiast, there … Continue reading