Entertaining

The past couple of years at the RIU had dynamite entertainment every night,(not me and Kath). This place had very poor entertainment nightly, so we made our own. You be the judge...

Grand Bahia Principe

The past couple of years we have gone to Jamaica because it is close and offers warm water and sunshine at a time when we usually have had enough cold.
The hotel that we stayed at was the Grand Bahia Principe. Last year we dropped off a few people at the resort on our way to ours and thought that it looked grand. It had just opened. We both said to each other that we should have considered staying there. Well this year we did.
The grounds were impeccable and stylishly designed. Palms and tropical flowers everywhere. The beach was expansive with grass huts all over the place. Calm surf, powder white sands, and gentle tropical breezes. If I close my eyes I can still feel the sand between my toes and the smell of the salt air and feel of the sun embellishing my body with vitamin D. Ahhhhh, that was the life... That is until we got into the room and found that there were a few things that we hadn't planned on. For example, the "mini bar" that was supposed to be stocked with our favorite beverages had the following in there: 2 beers, 2 small bottles water, 2 cokes, 1 diet coke, 1 orange soda, and 1 sprite. That was it! We wandered where the vodka was??? Now I ask you, do you think that this would be a problem? We asked to have more water put in the room and that really never happened. So guess what, we had to drink the other stuff from the bar that looked like water. Kath is so smart, she said there had to be water in there at one time or another. We had to hydrate... Anyways, after the hotel running out of vodka two days in a row, the shower head falling off on Kath's head, no towels in the room, the electronic key system erratically locked us out of the room... We still had a good time.

Liquid Breakfast for Two, Please

We departed for our annual winter reprieve on Friday. Upon our departure the Boston temperature was 17 degrees. A little cold to say the least, but 4 hours later, we were enjoying the balmy tropical heat and breezes of Jamaica.
Our trip this year almost didn't happen. We had decided that we were not going to go in January, but last minute Kath said "let's do it."
Good call Kath! The photo to the left is during the plane ride. Liquid Breakfast for two Please...

Our Chairs Await...

As you can see, these chairs are awaiting their occupants... Me and Kath!
Stay tuned - we will update from the Caribbean!

How Many People Can You Fit in a Coach?

As most of you know, I love the ocean, the sand, the sound of the waves breaking on the beach, the clanging of the rigging shackles on the boats and the smell of the salt air.
Last week we spent our last weekend for the season at our favorite camp ground. We were able to get our favorite site as well. We were facing the ocean with a view of the Cape Cod Canal. Does it get any better than that?
The weather was absolutely wonderful for one of the weekend days, but seasonally cold the other. The good news is that we had many friends around that kept us warm with friendship and laughter!
Willie usually pulls his lobster pots from the canal, and we indulge in a decadent lobster or two freshly boiled by Willie himself (as many places we have enjoyed lobster, none have ever tasted as sweat and delicious as those from the canal). We try to have a clambake before the end of the season; however the weather was not cooperating with us this time, so we only had the lobsters (thank you Willie)! Ok, so what did we do? We had a fry-all… We had a commercial fryer and cooked, ate, drank, and laughed for hours. The fried asparagus was to die for. The onion rings were awesome as well. Oh, yes, and how can we leave out the clam cakes? They were better than the ones we have gotten anywhere in New England.
We went to the fish market and asked to purchase the batter. They’ll sell anything these days. It was soooo worth it, though. I can’t wait until next year to try them again. You are probably asking why we have to wait until then; because that crap will kill us.
Saturday night we had over 16 people in the motor home. I say we could still have gotten a few more in there... The sounds of joy and laughter could be heard throughout the campground. Thank God the season was at its end and not a single Ranger was to be found! Can we say party time?
The sadness came with the reality that all good things must come to an end. And yes, this too shall become a memory to get us through the winter months in NE.
Friends, stay safe and healthy - Until we meet again…

Brown's Wharf, Boothbay Harbour

When you see the gigantic yellow statue of The Old Lobster Fisherman out front, you know you've arrived at Brown's Wharf. Me and Kath have been going to Brown's for over 25 years and we never get tired of relaxing on our deck, enjoying a panoramic view of the harbor dotted with lobster boats, yachts and pleasure craft!
The family owned and operated hotel is friendly, warm and inviting. We always get a big hug and warm greeting from Mrs. Brown herself. It's nice to be remembered for good things... After we settle in, Kath pours the juice and we find our way to our chairs on the deck outside of our room or move to the docks. Whichever we choose, the ambiance is guaranteed to please us. The sounds of the gulls and the clanging of the rigging's on the boats as they toss to-and-fro in the calm bay waters is something that I personally enjoy tremendously.
The sunsets in the fall are brilliant red and orange and are ready for you to take all the photos your camera can hold.
If the weather turns cloudy, there is always shopping. Boothbay Harbor offers galleries, antique shops and specialty stores. Some of which have been there for centuries.
The restaurants are abundant as well. But, me and Kath are partial to just a few. The one we love most is 93 Townsend (formally the Daily Catch). They have award winning fried asparagus and we can't wait to have some every year. There too, we are remembered from year to year. The owners remember us from their beginnings. They used to sell chowder and clams in a small storefront off the beaten track. They now have a large restaurant rated as number one in Boothbay by Down East Magazine. A long time coming, but worth all of the accolades.
The memories are awesome and the friendships are valued! We cant wait to see them again soon. ~L

My Favorite Photos

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s well-tended and inviting back garden. The weeds and wilderness have been tamed to create a pastoral green patchwork of rolling potato fields, tidy gabled farmhouses and seaside villages.
The entire island is rimmed with miles of vivid red cliffs, sand dunes and fabulous beaches. If you have been following our trip thus far, you have been able to see some of the sights that we have been fortunate enough to experience. One area in particular (other than the harbours of course) sticks out as simply beautiful. This was at the east end of the island (East Cape) just before you turn towards the west. The shore drive was so beautiful... The potato farms were different here. The flowers on top the plants were yellow. No other place on the island did we see the plants like these. Simply breathtaking and awe inspiring. We later found out that the plants were "Rustic" potatoes, and as you can see in the photos (which do not do depict the actual beauty) were yellow and green as far as the eye can see... AWESOME!

The Bottle House

One building has over 25,000 recycled bottles. Truly an amazing sight!

West Point Harbour & Light

The only lighthouse on the island that is black and white. It's unique because it is a working light as well as bed and breakfast/restaurant. We camped right on the beach beside the lighthouse for the night.

Tip to Tip, PEI

"Where the mighty tides of the St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait meet to create a show of nature’s force”.
We did it! We traveled the entire east coast through the island to the west coast. The trip was one that is unexplainabley beautiful. The rolling hills, the colors of ecological life, and the scent of the ocean. A trip we all would appreciate.
North America's largest natural reef is accessible from here. The waters are unbelievably warm and the sand was soft and red. In the foreground you can see the sea lions perched on the sandbar, baying in the warm oceanic air.
Elephant rock is located at the extreme tip of the point and is easily accessible at low tide, and North Cape Light stands tall and bright. Well worth the drive!

"One Particular Harbour"

Quaint, picturesque, and inviting...
Rustico is quite well known as having by far the best lobster grounds, with the biggest catches of anywhere on the island. "Fisherman's Wharf Lobster Suppers" and the "Blue Mussel Cafe" are popular places to enjoy the fresh seafood of Prince Edward Island. We opted for the Blue Mussel Cafe where we enjoyed local mussels, a lobster roll, and chowder. The mussels were sweet and tender. They also tasted a bit milder than those found on the Massachusetts shores. The lobster was good, but we like the lobster in the Cape Cod Canal (Willy's) much better. It' sweeter and much more tender.
We sat outside and took in the welcoming sights of the calm and warm waters while listening to the faint bustling of tourists strolling the boardwalk. The small harbour was lined with small shacks, shops, restaurants, and of course a lighthouse and beach where we "off roaded on the beach" with the Lead Sled!

Charlottetown & the House of Green Gables

Home to a third of Prince Edward Island's residents, Charlottetown is a small but lively and historic city. It is also the home of the infamous Lucy Maud Montgomery, world renowned author of Anne of Green Gables. Throughout the many miles of driving, Kath and I listened to the audio book version of Anne of Green Gables and were keenly aware of the story and the attributes of it's author. Upon our arrival we found that 2008 is the 100Th anniversary of the book, so they were in the midst of celebrating. The tour of the house that was the center of the story was just as the story depicts. We both enjoyed the home, the gardens and the infamous walk through the haunted forest.

The Sands Sing in Souris

Close to the eastern tip of P.E.I., just northeast of Souris, there’s a spectacular golden sand beach that the locals say sings or squeaks when you walk on it. Although many consider this to be the best beach on the island, we were unable to hear the squeaks because it was had been raining. The quartz in the sand along with it's shape enables a high pitch sound to be emmitted while rubbing the gains of sand together as when you walk on it. However, it has to be dry for that to happen. We did however enjoy the beach and all of the activities that abound there.

East Coast-Prince Edward Island

Upon the early morning sunshine, Kath and I arose with direction and determination towards the days travels.
Location #1 was Brakely Beach PEI. Our first impression is that the water was WARM and that the sand was red. Totally different from the ocean we are accustomed to.
The remainder of the day we encountered several lighthouses and rolling hills of potato fields and farms. Green, every place you looked. What a warm and welcome sight.
Onward tomorrow...

Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island

The Confederation Bridge joins the Provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. It took us about 15 minutes to cross it and the sights of PEI were enticing. We can't wait to experience the PEI culture!

Low Bridge to Hopewell Rocks

Well, as you know, we are on a trip to New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island. We traveled down narrow isolated roads that were the worst I have ever driven. Obviously stress was beginning to mount as we encountered a very low covered bridge, AND I MEAN LOW. It was wooden and said that the clearance was 5.3 meters. What the Hell was this in feet? At this time I was in no mood to do any conversion!!! Kath was very quiet. I said "you decide, I am not feeling good about this". Kath being the person she is said, "Let's go for it". It reminded me of Thelma & Louise! So obviously we made it, but it was very close, and we are still rolling!
The Bay of Fundy's Hopewell Rocks at Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick — also known as The Flowerpot Rocks — are the single most popular tourist attraction in Canada's Picture Province, New Brunswick, and the site of the higest tides in the world.
Twice each day the highest tides in the world (up to 46 feet) flood the beach, and twice each day you can explore the floor of the Bay of Fundy at low tide! Created over thousands of years by the Bay of Fundy's awesome tidal forces, these rock formations are a natural wonder we all should put on our list of "things to see before I go"!
We arrived in time to walk the ocean floor around the rocks at low tide and then we found a campsite close by so we may go back to see the rocks at high tide. unfortunately, the next morning during high tide the place wasn't open early enough and the tide recedes so quickly that we were not able to see it completely. Absolutely spectacular though. -L

Saint Johns, New Brunswick

It was raining most of the day, but we moved on toward Saint Johns, NB as our next stop. The town is the oldest ship building city in North America.
Saint Johns has unspoiled natural parks(one of which we stayed the night)with a view carved by the Bay of Fundy. Steep (reminded me of San Francisco), history lined streets simply bustling with the maritime charm that I love so.
We strolled around the city for a while and checked out the City Square witch is similar to our Fanuel Hall. The roof of this building is made from a very old ship of the early 1800's. There is not a great deal of excitement here, but non-the-less an experience... ~L

Saint Andrews, New Brunswick

After a long day traveling and going through customs, it was very welcoming to stop at a campground in Saint Andrews by the Bay of Fundy for the night. It was still early enough, and we had a campsite right on the ocean. We set up camp and sat by the waters edge for the rest of the night as we planned our next days agenda.
Stay Tuned...

Canadian Customs

Yup, you guessed it!!!!! We approached the Canadian border and as we got into the inspection area and after they checked our passports, of course... That's when the excitement happened. They asked us all of the questions that they usually would ask, such as how many people, pets, etc. and then they asked about alcohol. We told them that we had two bottles in there. They asked how big and we thought it best to be evasive, so when she said 1.2 liter we said probably. She waved us on through the first station and we thought great!!!! Not so fast, as when we approached the real border the "Men with Guns" came out. They asked us to get out and they went in. I was crapping my pants because I knew full well that we had more vodka than we should have.
So, trying to be optimistic, I thought maybe we could offer them a cocktail... maybe act stupid and say we had no idea that was in there. Maybe they wouldn't find it all.
What an idiot I was! This is what they do for a job, they are trained to find this shit. And, find it they did. They came out after twenty minutes and casually strolled over to us and said "Ladies, do you realize that you have more alcohol than you declared"? We shockingly looked at each other and then back to them and said really????? Yes, they said we could confiscate it, but since this is your first time, we will only give you a warning". I gratefully said thank you AND said that I could drink it right NOW if they would feel better. They smirked and then said that won't be necessary, Ma mm.
Off we went and found a place as soon a we could to change our undies. We will be certain to drink it all before we go back.
~L

The MOORINGS, Belfast Maine

OK, by now you have figured out that we have gotten ourselves ready and we have made our departure. We departed a little late as both me and Kath had business to attend to before we left. Once we got on the road however we were headed towards a campground that we have been trying to get into for 4 years. It is small but right on Penobscot Bay. We checked it out a couple of years ago when a dear friend(Queenie) found it on the Internet. While we were in Maine visiting a couple of years ago, we decided to drive to check it out. It was off season, but it was easy to see what a wonderful spot that would be to take the Lead Sled!
OK, so now that we have been able to have the opportunity to get there, we called ahead and asked if they had any sites. They did, Yahoo!!! We were ready, and off we went. The site was not right on the bay, but one row back. It was wonderful. Me and Kath enjoyed a leisurely stroll down to the water and sat by the ocean until dark. Sweet!
In the AM we were off to Canada, but before we went, we had to take a few pictures of the bay and a huge Coast Guard vessel just off the shore. The fog was light as it often is by the New England coast. Just enough however to entice you to return.