Sun Rise - Sun Set

A perfect day to veg out and enjoy the weather (76, low humidity, and gentle breezes) and the ambiance. These are photos taken from the patio at sunrise and sunset. A beautiful day!

Destin - The Emerald Coast

Last year me and Kath drive toward Destin, Fort Walton and Panama City beaches. Known for its emerald waters and white sand beaches. We were told that the sand on Destin's beaches is some of the whitest in the world. (I bet that this beach was on NatGeo's "Most Beautiful Beaches of the US") The sand comes from the mountains and is made of finely ground quartz crystal. It almost looks like sugar, but with a finer texture.
As you enter Destin, you are immediately impressed with the friendly warm harbor-side town. Me and Kath enjoy having a cold one by the entrance to the harbor while we appreciate the warmth of the sun on our face. If you look closely at the photo, you can see me and Kath on the left side.

Crab Trap for Lunch with Friends

This year when we got to Pensacola, we were so warmly greeted by someone who has become a good friend and partner in crime... Dave Woods. He arrived at our front door and invited us to a day of touring the Pensacola area and lunch. Well, I can tell you that the day was wonderful. We stopped at several landmark areas and establishments and ended our trip with lunch by the water-side at the Crab Trap in Pensacola. The food was great, the weather was mild and the sun was inviting, especially after the long winter we have had in MA. The ambiance was awesome, gentle breezes and the food was good. I had my first bowl of real "GUMBO" and I was impressed!
The company was what we live for and appreciate! Thanks Dave!!!! The day was full of all things good...

Joe Patti's Famous Seafood

OK, we all have to be into seafood in order to get this. Well, I have to admit that I have never seen such a huge selection of absolutely fresh seafood in my life. This includes Joe's seafood market on the Cap Cod canal! This place had everything, I mean all types of fish including "red shrimp" of which I didn't even know existed! What a sight to see. There was no odor and you could watch the fish get unloaded from the dock beside the market from a "Thompson Trawler" (well known fishing boat on the Gulf coast).
I am not a huge fish eater, but I was tempted to purchase a few pounds of the red shrimp and/or Mahi Mahi for dinner, but being in Florida, one would have to be close to home or have a cooler close by.

Blue Angels on the Tarmac

Well, I have to say that it has been more years than I want to admit since I have seen the Blue Angels. Friends that have a very special place in my heart used to take me to see them when I was very young and I haven't seen the Blue Angels show since. Sad to say...
They haven't lost a step... They are as spectacular as I remember them to be!
After a long day of travel and finally arriving at a friends castle, we awoke early to get a good spot at the airshow. This show was at their home base at the Pensacola Naval Air-station. It lasted approximately 45 minutes and was absolutely spectacular!
While watching, we thought that they had just gone by when another appeared out of nowhere... We almost lost our shit....

April 2009...

Spring Break 2009 - Maybe a little time away at a good friends castle? Can you recognize these pictures?

Mumm's the Word!

After a warm afternoon at the beach, we were back at our room to wash off the sand and enjoy a cold beverage while we took in a spectacular view.
This worthy exemplar of richness and finesse that epitomizes “Only the Best” was a gift from someone very special - Thank you "J", we enjoyed every drop!

A Spot with a View

This is definitely one of my favorite photos. Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in one of these chairs listening to the surf hit the golden sands while you appreciate the gentle breezes upon your sun kissed skin... ~ LJg

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.