By Ron Oster

La Ora Na Everyone (that’s Tahitian for “howdy”)! It’s been a few years since you’ve heard from me but I’ve been asked by the staff at the brand new Northwest valley review to “educate you on travel” so here’s hopin’ they’ll keep me around for a spell. I’d also like to take this opportunity To express my sincere congratulations to the entire staff and wish them The very best in success. I’m honored to be a part of the new team and Writing for the very first issue.

Okay, let’s get on with the shoe. Tons of travel topics to talk about so I thought i’d start off with the top five most beautiful beaches in the World since most vacations people take involve a beach or two.

Naturally, being the beach bum that I am, the selection is mine. I’ll Start with number five and the award goes to Anse Lazio beach located on the island of Praslin which is the second largest island In the Seychelles (off the east coast of Africa) in Bay Chevalier. The beach Is a perfect crescent which makes you feel very secluded. It’s made up of soft white medium grained sand.

It’s a deep beach with Takamaka and palm trees (watch out for falling coconuts) waving at the warm crystal clear turquoise colored Indian Ocean. and, due its northwest facing location, Anse Lazio beach is situated perfectly to experience a dazzling Seychelles sunset! because of its isolation, you’ll have to bring your own gear (can’t rent any there) and there’s only one little cafe that I know of close by call the Bonbon Plume Cafe’.

The number four award goes to Palm Beach located on the island of Aruba In the Netherland Antilles (Caribbean). Although there are three terrific Beaches on Aruba that are alluring (Palm, Baby and Eagle beaches), I’m gonna stick with Palm Beach located on the southwest coast of the island because constant trade winds keep you cool,

It has an outrageous aqua lagoon and you won’t have to go Gar to reach It because it’s probably located in front of your hotel. It’s great for swimming, tanning, fishing, sailing and snorkeling and because it runs Along and in front of resort hotels, people-watching is a must.

You can spend about an hour walking from one end to the other and what’s fun about this (besides getting great exercise) is that you can “stop and sample refreshments” at all the beach front resorts! tisk, tisk! the sand is medium grain and like white soft powder and the beach is dotted with swaying mature palms. splendid. all watersports are available from any of the major resorts including scuba gear, Hobie Cats, jet skis, windsurfing and beach toys.

The number three award goes to Magen’s Bay Beach located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although there are several breathtaking beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, i chose Magen’s Bay Beach because of the warm Turquoise lagoon, the pure white powdery sand that is as fine as sugar and it’s shaded by tropical swaying palms.

Even Conde Nast says it’s one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful Beaches. It spans between two mountains and the waters are spectacular For snorkeling and swimming. Their are full facilities at the beach so It’s possible to rent anything from a kayak to scuba gear. The beach is gated so the operating hours are from 5:00am to 6:00pm daily and there is a $3.00 charge to get it. And hey, close by is former President Bill Clinton’s favorite beach and…..it’s clothing optional!!!

And the number two award goes to Whiteland Beach located on the Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. This was a hard one to choose, as you can well imagine, because there are literally hundreds of beaches to choose from in the Bahamas.

Maybe the reason I chose Whiteland beach is because I was just there in May. South Eleuthera is know for it’s magnificent beaches but to me, None are quite as beautiful as Whiteland beach. It’s secluded and a bit difficult to reach because it’s reef protected but well worth the efforts. It’s a seductive long beach with pure white sand with several areas of pink sand. There are tons of natural secluded coves (hey Bill!) All with crystal clear turquoise water. Obviously, there are no facilities and it’s Very very secluded. Great for swimming, snorkeling and sunning. It’s Shaded naturally with Caribbean palms.

And the Emmy goes to (drum roll or something please) Matira Beach on the island of Bora Bora located in the South Pacific (Tahitian islands). having been to Tahiti and her dream islands 46 times (yes….46 times), James Michner, who wrote several of his novels on Bora Bora, called it the most beautiful island in the world.

The island is only 16 miles around and I’d say, without a doubt, it’s also The most famous island in the world. Bet you’ve even heard of it? Bora Bora, obviously, is surrounded by beaches but my award goes to Matira Beach (the only public beach on the island) located on a “finger” on the southern Most part of the island. The sand is pure white and as fine as salt.

The multi-colored lagoon has up to seven different shades in it ranging from emerald green to turquoise with up to 300′ of crystal clear visibility in 82 degree waters. The beach is dotted with Tahitian coconut palms and several locals live here in their small little bungalow type houses. You could literally wade waist deep “in liquid heaven” from the Beach all the way out to the reef (about a mile) noting sea turtles and tropical fish of every color along the way. Needless to say, it’s a swimmers paradise and snorkeling is awesome.

So there ya have it, my choices for the top five most beautiful beaches in the world. I hope you enjoyed and if you ever get the chance to travel to any of these beach areas, you’ll take my advice and check one of them out. Happy “snorkeling” trails to you!

In closing, it’s time for the Rawhide Travel question of the day: (drum roll Or something please) was Roy Rogers Trigger Happy?