October 7-10, 2024
I’m going to call this my “Here I Go Again Tour”.  Niagara Falls for the umpteenth time!  This time, the Canadian side.   It’s a Friendship Tours trip sponsored by the Senior Center.

View of American Falls from Canadian side.

Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Is there really that much to see and do to warrant coming back time and again? Yes!   Both sides mirror each other in many ways and are total opposites in just as many ways.  They both have “cruises” to the falls.  They both have casinos.  They both have butterfly conservatories, hiking and biking trails, ….  The Canadian side has more glitz, glitter and better views.    Clifton Hill with its magnificent “Big Wheel” and carnival style attractions, multitude of restaurants and entertainment out do the American side by far.

The Falls are always a magnificent site, but the views from the Canadian side showcase both sides day and night.

So, Here I go again.
We spend three nights at the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson  5525 Victoria St.  This is my only disappointment on the entire trip. I’d give it 2 1/2 stars at best, mostly because of location.  It is not an easy walk to any of the attractions.  It is on the far edge of the Clifton Hill District.  I knocked off 1/2 star for the disappointing free cookies served nightly in the lobby.  Always chocolate chip, always stale ….bah humbug!

We traveled here in comfort on a brand new Peter Pan Coach, with an awesome driver, Andre and 27 year, seasoned Tour Director, Gary.

The itinerary is jam packed with places I’ve never been.

Our first night dinner is at Top of the Rock House Restaurant at Table Rock Centre. Good food, slow service, fabulous views of the falls.

Day 2  … We have a very knowledgeable, Hop On Tour Guide, Sue, from True Rainbow Tours.  We did stop at the Falls again and she talked about them and the hydroelectric power.  There are two defunct hydroelectric plants not far from Top of the Rock Centre. One is a museum, open daily and at night shows a movie about the power of the falls.  it’s on my list of “next times”.  The other is being converted into another entertainment center.  Always something new.  The highlights of the Tour went beyond the Falls to “everything” Niagara.  A lot new to me!   The Floral Clock at the Botanical Gardens

Saint Catherine’s Museum and Wetland Canal Centre, where “my ship came in”, not really but the Swiss ship,  Gardno, headed for Montreal, came into Lock Three and we watched the amazing lock process.  Now I don’t have to go to the Panama Canal.

Stopped to view the Whirlpool area on the Niagara River and Whirlpool Aero Car that takes you across and back.  There wasn’t enough time allotted to take the ride,  so now it’s on my “next time” list.  Another “next time” is riding (at least part of) the 35 mile Niagara Parkway Scenic (off road) Recreational Trail that runs from the Falls to Lake Ontario.

Sue left us at the quaint town,  Niagara on the Lake (Lake Ontario), where we were on our own for lunch, shopping or walking to the lake.  It was such a clear day you could see Toronto more than 35 miles away across Lake Ontario.  My photo isn’t great, so squint a little.

Sue had great lunch suggestions,  the best was Chimney Cakes  from The Budapest, a Hungarian (take out only) Bakeshop. This was the best sandwich I’ve had in a long time. The roll is a cross between a popover and a croissant with a crispy crust,   I’ve never had anything like it.  Another reason to come back again.

Our evening was on our own, with an optional ride to the new Falls Casino Resort (not a reasonable walk from the hotel).  Lots “more shopping”, restaurant’s and a little gambling .

Day Three …. What’s a visit to Niagara Falls without a Cruise to the Falls?   The Hornblower on the Canadian side, Maid of the Mist on the American.  Same cruise, same thrills, same soaking, same fun!

Next stop the Butterfly Conservatory.  If you’re thinking “ seen one seen them all”,  not true here.  Over two thousand spectacular butterflies in a lush rainforest setting.  The short introductory Film  they offer is a must.  The emergence window is fascinating. The butterfly below just hatched and will be making its way out into the room soon.

The butterflies were beautiful and entertaining.

You might guess, I liked the Butterfly Conservatory a lot.
More time on our own, we chose the Journey Beyond the Falls Tour.  Just my opinion but $28.25 (Canadian) $22.24 (U.S.) was a lot of money for a ten minute activity.  A quick ride down 125 ft to walk two tunnels.   One tunnel goes to an outdoor observation. A plastic poncho came with your admission and you got very wet.   The second tunnel  has two juxtaposed windows where you see the “Falls”.  Your money is much more well spent going on a Hornblower Cruise.

More fun and better views were had on the 4 minute ride on the Falls Incline Railroad (funicular) ($3.50 Canadian one way).  There’s another funicular at The Hornblower, but that one was already closed for the season.  Taking it made our 1 hour walk back to the hotel a lot easier, because it knocked off a lot of steep uphill walking.

Dinner tonight is at the revolving restaurant at the top of the  Skylon Tower.  Fast service, good food and beautiful views of the Falls.  After dinner we walked up one level to the indoor/outdoor observation deck for great views and photo opportunities.

Each night at 10:00 p.m. there are Fireworks over the falls.  I missed them all three nights.  Another reason to go back.  I have at least a half dozen reasons to visit again.

Day 4  … Last stop Duty Free Shopping and we’re on the road back home again.  This was a great trip!

This is a “Going  BIG Adventure”.  Do you know how BIG Alaska is?  Twice the size of Texas!  Do you know where you’ve got a very good chance of seeing the BIG 5 (bears, moose, wolves, dall sheep and caribou?  Yup, Alaska!  Do you know where you can see BIG, BIGGER and the BIGGEST Glaciers?  You got it! Alaska!
Making travel arrangements for this adventure was an adventure.  Lots of planning and making choices was required.  Booking and flight arrangements were made through Friendship Tours, a Connecticut based agency.  The Land and Cruise Tours  were all Holland America.  Getting to the airport and on the plane we were on our own.  Throughout the entire trip, there was no one Tour Guide, there were many.  At times is was a bit unorganized and chaotic, but  it somehow always seemed to work out.

Note:  The Travel package (June 16 – July 1, 2024), included air, land transportation, cruise, government fees, taxes and an optional Cruise On Board Package ($350) that included free Wi-Fi, up to 15 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages per day, $100 off excursions, One specialty dining and free gratuities),  balcony room on the cruise, Total $6,624.  There was a very BIG list of optional Excursions to choose from everyday.  Also,  many add ons.  Big Bucks! BIG Adventure!

Day 1  Sunday  (Travel Day)  Leave BDL – Hartford, CT  11:45 a.m. Arrive Gateway Air Fairbanks, Alaska 8:48 p.m.  I had a BIG smile on my face after a long but, problem free day of flying. (Hartford, CT to Minneapolis, MN to Fairbanks, AK).

Alaska’s three BIGGEST cities are Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau.  Their skyscrapers are spruce, evergreen and pine trees.   No concrete jungles in Alaska!   Lakes,  rivers,  glaciers  and mountain ranges galore.

Westmark  Fairbanks Hotel, 813 Noble St.  Fairbanks, Alaska … our two night stay is not luxurious by any means, but by Alaska standards its stars are where you want them to be. Note: BIG kudos here for Westmark (Holland America). All of their hotels provide free distilled water for guests.  Anyone traveling with a CPAP machine knows how BIG a deal this is.  Alaska is not all  about  the warm chocolate chip cookie before bed,  it’s about providing what you need to get to bed.  Air conditioning is provided by Mother Nature.

We are here at the peak of the summer solstice (2O plus hours a day of sunlight).  This is BIG time strange!  Weirder than jet lag

Day 2. (Monday)  Riverboat Discovery Cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers in the morning.  BIG Wheel Keeps On Turning.

As we cruised down the Chena River,  we were thrilled to see a herd of reindeer come running out of the woods.  Then we realized it was all staged.  They live in Chena Village an Alaskan fishing village we were about to stop at and tour.

A BIG Furry Alaskan Fashion statement!

One of the primary means of transportation in Alaska are float planes.

A delicious all you can eat lunch served family style  at the riverboat landing was included.

Next stop, Tanana Valley Railroad for a  train ride to Gold  Dredge 8 to pan for gold .  Didn’t strike it rich, but I panned $18 dollars worth of gold.  Not BIG BUCKS, but BIG fun!

No bag pipes in Alaska, but 800 miles of BIG pipes!

We were on our own for dinner and had booked an Excursion: Alaska Salmon Bake at Pioneer Park and “The Golden Heart Revue at the Palace Theater ($94.95, 2 1/2 hours).  The food was disappointing, but the venue was not.  Pioneer Park is a must visit and the Golden Heart Revue a do not miss!  Walking out of the theater at 9:00 at night into bright sunshine was freaky.  What wasn’t freaky was the evening ending on a BIG Note!

Day 3 (Tuesday) Fairbanks to the  McKinley Chalet Resort Mile 238.9 Denali National Park and Preserve.
Originally, I had signed up for the Guided Rock Creek Trail – Interpretive  Hike ($99.95 3 1/2 hours, 4 mile loop starting at 6:00 p.m.).    This was a very ambitious choice for day 3 at 4,000 ft elevation.  After much procrastination,  I opted for  the Black Diamond Covered Wagon Adventure with Back Country Dining  Excursion ($109.95, 3 1/2 hrs.)    Chili and Barbecue vs Granola Bars and Trail Mix;  Horsepower vs Me  Power;  I made a good choice.

I hiked a little on my own in Denali National Park,  but stayed close to the Visitor Center.  After attending several talks on the dangers of encounters with grizzly bears and moose  I was overly cautious.  I’ve put a Ranger led hike on my list of “next times”.

Day 4  Wednesday   5:30  a.m. Exploring Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour (included).  We had hoped  the early morning start would  increase the possibility of wildlife  sightings.  No such luck.  Four Dall Sheep on a mountainside  was the best we could do.  I’m not sure that 4 white dots on a mountainside should be counted as a sighting.  The tour guide had the capability of magnifying the BIG Blurry “sighting” .

Our Tour Guide tried to convince us that we should count the couple of dozen Arctic Ground Squirrels that he kept pointing out as “wildfife”.  Sorry, they’re cute, but not in the BIG 5.

Denali is very fickle. Approximately 30% of visitors to the park are treated to beautiful views.  We were lucky to be in that  elite 30%.  No luck spotting wildlife, but we are having great luck with the weather.

The park provides a free shuttle, from the Bus Depot,  near the Visitor Center, to and from the Savage Run Trailhead at MM 15.  This is one of the best places to view Denali.  This is also where there is a heavy population of Arctic Ground Squirrels.   They live in little holes in the ground and if you get too close they’ll pop up and bark at you.  Kind of like the game “whack a mole”.

The park service also provides a free Sled Dog demonstration.   A free shuttle is available from the Bus Depot to the kennels.  The demonstration is about 1/2 hour, but you can arrive early or hang out after and interact with the dogs.  If they choose to interact.

Prospectors Pizzeria and Alehouse MM 238.9 Parks Hwy offers a great menu with BIG flavors . Both indoor and outdoor seating.

5:45 p.m. Excursion: Wilderness Wave Tour ($134.95  3 hours).  BIG! BIG! Thrills!   Eight of us “Riders” and our “Paddler Guide” Kyle,  put on dry suits, helmets and life jackets and hopped into a big rubber raft on the glacial  fed Nanana River. (very cold 30 degree-ish water).  Usually, the rapids run  category 1-3  in this part of the River.  Due to exceptionally warm weather,  the Nanana Glacier is melting  faster and the river’s water level  is higher and running faster than usual.   Our Eleven mile  wave tour is now 3 and 4  category rapids.  It is one BIG thrill after another with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and Nenana Canyon.

Kyle, our guide, worked his butt off keeping us safe.  Not so dry, but that was part of the fun.
Day 5 Thursday  9:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.  Travel on the McKinley Explorer (Dome Train) from Denali to Talkeetna then Talkeetna to Anchorage. This is luxury train travel  providing the BIGGEST of viewing opportunities.

Summit Lake

View of Denali from the Dome Train in Talkeetna.

One night stay at the unremarkable  Westmark Anchorage Hotel 720 West 5th Ave  Anchorage, Alaska. One nice thing about the room is we have a balcony and can leave the door open for fresh, fresh air conditioning.

Day 6  Friday 9:30 a.m.  Excursion: Anchorage Trolley ($26.95 1 hour). 15 miles through Lake Hood area and Earthquake Park in search of the “Mighty Urban Moose” a famous resident.  We are striking out on wildlife sightings.
Noon – 3:00 travel by coach to the 5 Star Hotel Alyeska  100 Arlberg Ave  Girdwood, Alaska.  2 night stay

On our way we take a little detour to Potter Marsh Boardwalk to see an eagles nest with recently born babies in it.   I am striking out BIG time on photos of wildlife.  Binoculars are really needed for close ups.

Day 7   Saturday – Day At Leisure!   We take the free shuttle into the not BIG city of Girdwood. Crow Creek Merchantile is as BIG as it gets!  Have I mentioned how BIG Alaska is and its cities are not?   It’s taking me awhile to realize that Alaska is true wilderness.

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Nordic Spa Hydrotherapy Twilight Soak ($80.00)  was  an add on.  This was a happy reprise for weary travelers.  Hot, cold,  relaxation pools, saunas and steam rooms and an exfoliation room, all while enjoying  beautiful scenery and once again unbelievable weather.

Day 8  Sunday –  Noon –   Portage Glacier Cruise,  1 hour on My Ptarmigan to the face of Portage Glacier.  This was an awesome up close view of the BIG blue ice.

11:00-4:00 Coach Alyeska to Whittier to  Board the Nieuw Amsterdam.  This is the end of our land portion of the trip.   Now we’re “cruising”.   Our accommodations are not BIG.  They are comfortable and the views from our balcony (starboard side, fifth floor- room 5033) are magnificent.

7:30 p.m. Sail from Whittier

Day 9  Monday –  Cruising  Hubbard Glacier  3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

BIG, BIGGER !!

Ive probably said this at least a hundred times … There are no photos that can do justice when a view takes your breath away.  Alaska has taken my breath away over and over and over again.

Tuesday Day 10  more  Glacier Cruising

We are not having much luck with wildlife viewing on land or sea.  My only guess is that the animals are as confused as I am by all this sunlight.  That and the beautiful warm weather and clear blue skies.  We are being told this is not natural for this time of year.  It’s definitely not what we expected.

Day 11  Wednesday- Skagway, Alaska 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Excursion: 7:30 a.m.  Haines Eagle Preserve Float and Wildlife Quest ($269.95 6 1/2 hours).  We travel by Catamaran and  Coach to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.  Salmon swim up the shallow Chilkat braided river, North Americas deepest fjord along the  Lynn Canal to Village Haines.  No dry suits needed here.  This is definitely a  float  trip surrounding us with towering mountains,  hanging glaciers and lush forests.  There are over 30,000 bald eagle residents in the preserve.  We feel the BIG bulging eyes of our bald Eagle friends before seeing them.  Our guide on this trip, Jacob, isn’t faced with the challenges of category 3-4 rapids, but he is challenged with having to navigate the constantly changing  channels and diverse terrain of the River.

Day 12  Thursday – Juneau, Alaska  8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Excursion: Best of Juneau Whale Watch, Mendenhall Glacier and Orca Point Lodge (on Colt Island). 9:00a.m. – 4:15 p.m. ($284.95 6 3/4 hours).
We travel by coach through Scenic Auke Bay, in a water jet powered expedition vessel, through Stephen’s Passage,  looking for humpback whales, killer whales, Stellar Sea Lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, Sitka black tail deer.   We did see lots of spouting.   Some “humpbacks” and quite a few “whale tails”  but  again better viewing with binoculars and no great photo opportunities.   More beautiful scenery and a delicious lunch at the Orca Point Lodge.

Orca Point on Colt Island

Mendenhall Glacier …. BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST!

Day 13  Friday – Ketchikan, Alaska  11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.   Excursion: Totem Bight State Park and The Great American Lumberjack Show ($84.95 4 hours) Grand stands are heated and covered. Chopping. sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling, 50 ft. speed climb performed by BIG muscled Lumberjacks.

If we were going to see black bear, it would have been on the Totem Bight Trail.  This was my favorite hike, but no bear.

Authentic Clan House

Day 14  Saturday – Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage.  Below is the closest we came to seeing a sunset.   This is really our only dreary overcast day.  We have had two weeks of gorgeous weather.

Day 15  Sunday – Vancouver, Canada  … Gastown Steam Clock, runs 24/7 on steam.

A BIG Wave goodby to the Nieuw Amsterdam.  We have the whole day in Vancouver before boarding our “red eye” flight at 11:40 p.m.   UT, OH!  We’re in for our first and only disappointment of the trip and it’s BIG!   Our flight home  is cancelled!   Our day in Vancouver ends up being spent in the Airport, trying to rebook flights.  No BIG smiles here.  It’s going to take us 3 days and hours  of hanging around airports to get home. At least it happened at the end of the trip, not the beginning.

BIG “STUFF”! BIG fun! on this BIG Adventure in Alaska.

The University of Connecticut (UCONN) Huskies Mens Basketball Team won the NCAA Championship for the second year in a row.  In honor of this awesome accomplishment, I’m calling this my “Slam Dunk Adventure”.
This is my second time in a row traveling with Collette Tours. Hawaii was amazing and I have set very high expectations for this Tour.
Joel, our  Collette Tour Guide,  is a three pointer shooter.  3 points for a fun filled introduction email two weeks prior to the trip, 3 more pts for a follow up email the day before and 3 more pts for greeting us in the Lobby of the  Thompson Hotel  in Seattle Washington and getting the trip started well before “the tip off”.

Day One ….. started at 4:15 a.m. with transportation from Connecticut to Logan International Airport, Boston, MA.  A none stop flight takes us to Seattle Tacoma International Airport.   From there, next destination Thompson Hotel,  Seattle.  approx 2:30 p.m..  Do you think we’re tired?  Not after meeting Joel.  His pre game pep talk, filled with enthusiasm gets us right out  “on the court”.
It is a beautiful warm sun shiny day, with crystal clear blue skies.  We were forewarned that the weather in the Pacific Northwest is very fickle.  No matter how tired we are this day is not one to be wasted.

Our Hotel is two blocks from Pikes Place Market and a quick walk to “The Seattle Great Wheel”.     Up, up, up we go to magnificent views of Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay and the Seattle Skyline.

No “Air Balls” at Pikes Place Market, each flying fish is an “Alley Oop” at the fish market.

Dinner is a meet and greet with Joel, Tim, our Coach Driver and our 38 “new team mates” at Cutter’s Crab House, 4 blocks from the hotel.  Joel surprises us with a quick detour on the walk to dinner.  The Gum Wall!   He supplied us all with chewing gum. One might think this would be a foul,  but it’s a Gum Ball and hits the Wall for 2 points!

Game Note … we have a full blown rivalry, loaded with banter going on  between Our Team Captain, Joel, a true blue Washington fan and  Co-Captain, Tim,  Oregon all the way!

Day 2   6:00 a.m. wake up call!  Breakfast on The  Rooftop, score 2 points for the early morning view.

We explore Seattle’s colorful waterfront area and historic Pioneer Square with Theresa, a local guide.  I couldn’t pick a favorite thing we did today if I tried. I could have spent the whole day at  Ballard Lock’s Great Blue Heron nesting area.  It’s time for the fledglings (young)  Heron’s to leave the nests.  Simply amazing to watch!
Note: Notice overcast grey skies.  What a difference a day makes!

The overcast and slight drizzle didn’t put a damper on The Washington State Ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bremerton or the  Spectacular Seattle Skyline views.

Rain clouds hid magnificent views of Mount Saint Helen at the Visitor Center, but her majestic remembrance was everywhere.

The Portland (Oregon) Marriot Downtown Waterfront is our home for the next to nights.  Our day ends watching Dragon boat races and taking a walk at Tom McCall  Waterfront Park

Day 3 …. First stop is  The International Rose Test Garden.  We are a month or so early for full bloom, so it takes a “Full Court Press” to make this play.

The very scenic Columbia River Gorge scores an easy 2 points.

Multnomah Falls 611 ft roaring Cascade is amazing.  The 11 switchback, approx 1 mile hike to the top would have been a slam dunk, but I fouled out with less than a quarter mile to go.

Enroute to visit the Hood River Lavender Farm, Mount Hood is visible under cloud cover.

Day 4 …. Yaquina Head Lighthouse (93 ft) and Cobble Beach

We make a quick stop,  only a hour, at the Seaside town of Newport for lunch.  I generally don’t comment much about food.  I am such a picky eater,  my critiquing would not be fair. BUT,  I have to mention Mo’s Seafood and Chowder in Newport.  It is two “Slam Dunks”.    I have no photos, because I took a “Time Out” to enjoy the best ever warm Marionberry Cobbler, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.  From our table, the picturesque views and wharf activities “stopped the clock”.   I was mesmerized watching sea lions frolicking in the wharf waters and fisherman treating pelicans to the scraps from their freshly filleted fish.
The next hotel on or itinerary is at The Mill Casino North Bend, Oregon.  The staff was amazing, but the facility was out of bounds,.   The sunrise views from the boardwalk the next morning took the ball onto the court after half time.

Day 5  ….  Brandon State Natural Area Beach is amazing.

Next on our itinerary is a stop at interpretive trails, through the Redwood Forest, at the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, Oregon.   Thank You, Collette!   I would never have stopped here on my own.  My roadside impression would have been “tourist trap”.  Instead it turned out to be a highlight of the trip. The 3 tiered tree top rope bridge course, was something I’ve always wanted to try.  It both thrilled and scared me.  I loved every minute!

After traversing the rope bridges, we were treated to Tree Top views and a gondola ride.

Traffic Jam!

We stop for the night at Best Western Plus Bayshore Inn Eureka, CA.   Dinner is a treat!  In and Out Burger is a must when visiting California.

Day 6  …  Tim our coach driver, switched sides and guided a walk through Humboldt Redwoods State Park while Joel set up a special “Mimosa” picnic.  These two never miss a shot.

The Golden Gate Bridge is our gateway to San Francisco and our final two nights are at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA.

Day 7   … The final “Tip Off” !  We have another hop on guide, Yvonne, take us on a Couch Tour of  some San Francisco highlights.

Japanese Tea Garden

Fishermans Wharf

Time on our own we take a Ferry ride around the bay enjoying views of Alcatraz,  the Golden Gate Bridge, the fabulous Sklyline and no trip to San Francisco would be complete without the sights and sounds of the Pier 39 Sea Lions.

Collette gets to take down the net for this Championship Tour.  Of course, they couldn’t have won it without the great Team effort of Joel, Tim and 40 fabulous Teammates!

For those that have followed my blog for awhile, you know my son, Richie’s, quest to run a marathon in every state.  Well, this is IT!  The BIG 50!!!  The BIG Kahuna!!!  I won’t keep anyone in suspense. I’m posting “The Grand Finale”  of this adventure first!  Richie ran his first marathon (26.2 miles) in October of 2004.  Not quite 20 years later he had run at least one marathon in each of the 50 U.S. States.  The Maui (Hawaii) Ocean Front Marathon, on January 14, 2024 completed the Big 50!  Congrats Richie!


Plans had been in the making for a while for Hawaii to be his 50th State …. Close to a year in advance  Richie had registered for  The Maui Oceanfront Marathon (the marathon max’s out at 500 runners).   The family started planning and making reservations to be there to cheer Richie on.  In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the Island of Maui.  The damage was devastating.  Our hearts went out to the people affected.  We didn’t cancel our plans, we waited, we watched and listened to reasons why we should or shouldn’t go.  The marathon wasn’t cancelled.  Most reports were tourism was encouraged and welcomed.  We went and were glad we did.
Most of the family was planning on going for a week.  I thought … hmmmm…. If I’m going to fly all the way from New England to Hawaii I’m going to do it BIG!  Collette Travel offered a 10 day, 9 night, three Island Tour that started in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 4, 2024 and ended on January 13 in Maui.  Three nights on Oahu, Three on Hawaii (The Big Island) and Three nights on Maui … Perfect!  I booked 4 additional nights on my own closer to where the family was staying and the Marathon start in Kihei.

Day 1 “FLY DAY”!  Leaving on a jet plan, American Airlines 6:01 a.m. (can anyone tell me the reason for the “01”?).     First flight 3 1/2 hours to Dallas Texas … was it really 3 1/2 or 2 1/2, because of the time change?  Two and 1/2 hour layover and then … 7 1/2 hours to Honolulu.  I’m not good enough at math to calculate what hours are real and what aren’t.  Arrive at 3:40p.m.  “Who Really Knows What Time It Is?”  All I know is it took a loooooooot of time to get there.

In an effort to be frugal with my spending.  I had booked my own flights and hotel transfer (Robert Hawaii Airport Shuttle).  I give 5 stars to the Robert’s attendant who made sure I got to the Shuttle Bus, without a glitch.  I’m a grandmother of 7 and this lady could have been my grandmother.  She never stopped smiling, offered to help with my bags,  put on her crossing guard hat and didn’t let me out of her sight until I was safely on the shuttle.  I nominate her for Hawaiian Travel Ambassador of the day!
I’m safely delivered to The Prince Waikiki Hotel (3 nights Honolulu, HI 855-622-7558).  I’m only giving the Prince Waikiki 4 stars, because it is not on the beach.  IMO … If you want 5 stars in Honolulu,  beach access is a must.  I did have nice views from my room, but still not 5 star worthy.

My Colette Tour Guide, Julie was waiting for me outside.  I’m trying to be tired and cranky and she is making me smile and feeling glad to be here. Travel  Ambassador Nominee number two, Julie!
I am in bed and asleep by 7:00 p.m. Hawaii time.  I’m wide awake 3:00 a.m. Hawaii time.  Ouch!  I have the alarm set for 6:30.  Something is off with my internal clock!  If you haven’t guessed this is my first experience with jet lag.

Day 2  … 6:45 a.m. I’m at the Breakfast buffet (included at the hotel restaurant, 100 Sails).  8:30 Collette Tour Welcome Orientation.  Julie racks up a few more Travel Ambassador points.  9:15 a.m. We meet Garfield, our Driver/Guide for the day.  Today had a somber “theme”,  visits to The National Cemetery of the Pacific and Pearl Harbor.  Well, Garfield is now another nominee for Travel Ambassador!  Gar, as he likes to be called,  is a wonderful storyteller.  He was able to be respectful in his narrative,  but interjected enough humor to lighten up the day.  On Gar’s recommendation I rented a “Self Guided Narrated Audio Tour” for $9.  Well worth it!

One of the highlights for me was traveling by Naval launch to view the white marble-clad USS Arizona Memorial.

Quick stop at King Kamehameha’s statue.  Garfield very graciously made sure we were all aware that the Kings Cloak wasn’t real gold!

Back to 100 Sails (dinner buffet included) for dinner and then a wonderful treat to end the day.  Fireworks!

Day 3  I’m thinking of calling this the Rise and Shine Tour.  Up and out early again for more sightseeing.  Iolani  Palace…

Lunch and shopping in downtown Honolulu

Menehune are little mythological people that are believed to bring good luck when you see one.  They are not mischievous like leprechauns.  They are good natured and work undercover at night for the good of others.  .

Pali Lookout in Oahu’s Rainforest

Our wonderful Tour Ambassador, Julie, treats us all to one of the Hawaiian Islands delicacies, Shave Ice (No S on the end of Shave!)

Now there is time “on my own”  to do something I’ve been waiting to do since I arrived here … Walk Waikiki Beach … the water is beautiful and WARM! The view of Diamond head is classic.

I also have time for a quick walk over to Ala Moana Park to check out the fabulous Banyon Trees.  I won’t get to see the Spectacular Lahaina Banyon Tree, but these are pretty awesome.

The Banyon Tree below is one of, if I remember correctly, 46 or 47 that were planted here in the National Cemetery of the Pacific.  My brain is taking in so much information, that I can’t get all of my facts straight, but they are very commemorative.

Dinner is with some new friends at Harbor Pub and Pizza (1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu)  A must try if you are in the area.  This was the BEST Pizza,  I’ve had in a long time.  Five stars for food, service, staff, location and atmosphere.

Day 4 …. The days are “flying” by!

The Prince Waikiki opens for breakfast early for us (6:15 vs 6:30) There are only 18 of us and they are this accommodating.  Maybe I should give them 4 1/2 stars.
We are on our way to Honolulu airport at 7:00 a.m.  It’s going to be a day full of travel and sightseeing.  After a 40 minute flight we land at Hilo Airport.

First stop Rainbow Falls at Waii Uku River State Park.  There are dozens of waterfalls, each spectacular in thier own way.  Remember we are here in the rainy season.

Second stop … Safeway grocery store to pick up some incidentals and a “picnic” lunch.  This was different.  Two of my pet peeves with traveling on a tour is that too much time is spent eating and shopping.   This has not been the case so far.

Third stop ….Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea – the worlds most active volcano)  we arrive and it’s pouring.  By the time we get off the bus and walk a short distance to the viewing point, it stops raining and the views are amazing!

Very glad Kilauea wasn’t erupting when we were here!

Fourth and so far my favorite stop …  Punalu’u Black Sand Beach … we are told we may “luck out”  and spot a green sea turtle.  We see FOUR!  ONE swimming

THREE sunning themselves on the beach! They are huge!

It’s  after 6:00 p.m. when we get to our hotel … The  Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa  (Kailua-Kona, HI  808-930-4900) … Our home for the next three nights.  I’m going to give The Outrigger 5 stars.  The beach is not a traditional sand beach, it’s an ocean front  lava rock beach.

My balcony overlooked the Outrigger Luau area. I was a Luau eavesdropper!

I break one of my own unwritten rules … never eat at a chain when traveling, that you can go to at home.  Me and a couple of new friends are too travel weary, we just order pizza and salads from Domino Pizza.  No stars, just like at home.

Day 5 … I opt out of “getting back on the bus” for more sightseeing.  The tour is going to the town of Kailua-Kona, a town established by King Kamehameha I before he unified the Kingdom of Hawaii.  Four hours of history, food and shopping.  I need a “little” bus break.    Instead I chose to spend my day taking advantage of all that this Resort has to offer. The amenities here are in a class of their own.  I’ve never scored amenities separately, but I am giving them their own 5 stars.  One of the reasons is because of Ne’Ni, my third nominee for Travel Ambassador .   I opt out on the 8:30 yoga class, because I want to do the 9:00 Kaukulaelae Walking Tour.  I can do Yoga at home.  The tour, guided by Ne’Ni, is a 1 hour cultural and historical walking tour of Keauhou Bay, where the Resort is located.  There are NOT enough stars to describe Ne’Ni.  Her knowledge and storytelling skills are amazing, but her passion for this island is off the charts.  She also has a voice that is so harmonious that you don’t want her to stop talking.

Next  Up! Beginners Hula Lesson at 11:30?  Guess who the teacher is?   Yup! Ne’Ni !!!!!  More Travel Ambassador points for her!   I am soooo glad that I skipped the bus tour.
3:30. Lei making class … and you KNOW who is teaching it!!!  Yup! Ne’Ni !!!!!

I have a 6:00 p.m. reservation to Swim with Manta Rays.  Due to terrible surf conditions, my Sea Quest Hawaii  (78-7138 Kaleioppapa St, Kailua-Kona  808-329-7238) Night Manta Experience is cancelled.  I have never snorkeled at night and never snorkeled with Manta Rays.  The Big Island is the only Island that offers this experience.  This was the only night that I had available.  I guess I’m just going to have to come back.  Note:  Sea Quest was great to work with, a full refund was given with no hesitation.

I’m going to take a minute here to point out, we are in the Hawaiian Islands in the “winter”.  Their windy/rainy season.  Temperatures “only” in  the 70’s and low 80’s.  We were fully aware of this and knew we’d have to be understanding and a little flexible with what we could do and what we might not be able too.  We were for-warned that some activities on the itinerary, like going out on the Naval Launch to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial  are weather permitting.  We were lucky,  the seas were calm.  I was disappointed that I couldn’t swim with the Manta Rays,  but when  I saw the waves I was glad it was cancelled.    They are still amazing to watch from a lookout.

Below are the waves I was supposed snorkel in with the Manta Rays!  See why I’m glad they cancelled!

Day Six …. We get to sleep in today.  Our “get on the bus  time isn’t until 9:00 a.m..  Wahoo!  We wake to RAIN, lots of RAIN, not a 5 minute downpour, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!  The Tour must go on!

First stop .. Bay View (coffee bean) Farm . . . “Very Interesting”  just a small 7 or 8 working person business, except when they bring extra people in for picking.  Yup, I was surprised, coffee beans are hand picked.   It was interesting.  I was glad that I am NOT a coffee drinker, when I saw the prices per pound for 100% Kona Coffee, over $55 a pound.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park … Once again the National Park Service does not disappoint.  Pu’uhonua means refuge.  Between 1400-1600 kapu (sacred laws) began being enforced.  A few of my favorites … women weren’t allowed to eat bananas or coconuts, men and women were not allowed to eat meals together,  my absolute favorite – women were not allowed to cook for men.  If you broke kapu, you were severally punished.  If you could make it to pu’uhonua  and meet with the Chief you could be forgiven.   This is one of the places that I would come back to in a heart beat.  A pro and a con to traveling in a tour is your time is limited at each stop.  

Next Stop … The Painted Church, built and decorated 1899-1904.  A self taught artist, Father John decorated the interior walls using parishners leftover house paint.

Off the bus for the day, but still more on the agenda.  We  have Floral Hair Clip Making and guess who’s our instructor!  Yup,  Ne’ Ni!

There’s no stopping us!   A short walk from our hotel is a rainforest walk, commemorating the birthplace of Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III.  Me and a couple of new friends venture out on our own.

My second favorite restaurant and best dinner, so far.  I’m loving all the open air seating.

Day Seven …. Checked baggage ready for pick up by 6:30 a.m.  Next Stop Kona International Airport for our inter Island  flight to Maui.

More sightseeing !  2,000 ft Iao Needle natural landform.

Stop for lunch in Kihei at Foodland Farms Shopping Area.

On our way to spend 3 nights at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa,  (2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI  808-661-0031).  The ride to the Sheraton is through parts of  Lahaina that were hard hit by the wildfires.  Collette Tours hired a Cultural Advisor to ride with us and talk about what has and is happening in the area we are about to see.  It is heartbreaking seeing the devastation, but being made aware of what to expect, public reaction and rebuild efforts helped.
The Sheraton is a Five Star Resort, it has a beautiful oceanfront beach and diving cliffs!
It does NOT have a Ne’Ni.  There would not have been time for me to enjoy Resort amenities anyway, because of another jam packed itinerary. I have a spectacular view from the terrace off my room.

Not much time to enjoy it because we rush off to a Luau.  It had been scheduled for our last night but was rescheduled.

Day 8 … Another early bird morning.   I signed up for the optional, Road to Hana, 12 hour,  cliff-side drive excursion.  (6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Breakfast and Lunch included.

Richie and “the cheer squad” have arrived in Maui and we’re on the Road to Hana the same day.  By chance we meet at Waianapanapa State Park.

The Road to Hana is one awesome view after another.  The road is treacherous. It is 64 miles long, has 620 curves and 59 bridges that are mostly one lane wide.  It would take days if you stopped at every pull off.  The driver has no chance of enjoying the views, so I was VERY glad we had an experienced tour driver.  Thanks,  Sale, for keeping us safe!

Day 9   January 12, 2024. … I say goodby to my new friends and Tour Director and join my family in Kihei.  Another early morning.  We have planned a 5 hour snorkel trip to
Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure with Red Line Tours that starts at 7:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. check in).  The Sheraton is an hour away.  Julie, my Collette tour director,  helped arrange transportation for me.  My driver, Loi, was great.  Picking me up at 5:30 a.m. He had me laughing for the hour ride.

Snorkeling was half a bust.  We did get to go out.  The Sea was rough.   The crew called the trip at half a day.  We got to snorkel some at the Molokini Crater.  We saw a lot of whales and had a boat ride that was comparable to an amusement park ride.  Half of the cost was refunded.  Photos may come later, when I have the camera card from my underwater camera developed.  First time using it!

With a little unexpected down time, three of the “cheer squad”  took surfing lessons at Kalama Park.  The waves weren’t good for snorkeling, but great for surfing.  It was fun to watch.

I’m with my family. Life is good.
I check in for 4 nights  to the Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanfront, (2980 S. Kihei Rd,  Maui, HI  808-879-7741.)  This  is NOT a 5 star resort.  This is an adventure!  I’m going to call it “Hawaii and the Three Bears Hotel”.   My first room has no HOT water.  My second room the  air conditioner is too COLD  My third room is JUST RIGHT!  I am only giving the Days Inn 2 Stars.  One star is for the awesome staff and the other is for the oceanfront.  There are zero stars for the Inn.  The beach is a public beach, so they technically don’t have one.  There are close to zero amenities.  Beach towels are provided but you must sign a waiver that you won’t steal them and a VERY limited continental breakfast (more like a snack) is available.  It’s a must to have a car if you stay here and do t want to Uber or walk 2 miles in either direction for stores and restaurants.

Day 10 January 13, 2024 …  We have reservations to go on a Grand Wailea Swim with the Turtles and Sightseeing Paddle.  Yup! Cancelled because of high seas and murky water.  Again, full refund, but just a little disappointing.  We do a morning trip to The Aquarium of Hawaii Maui Ocean Center. If you think “If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all.”  You haven’t seen this one.  The 3D whale experience is amazing!

A walk on the 2,200 ft boardwalk at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge was on my to do list and the family was very kind to oblige.  It is home to the endangered Hawaiian Stilt and Hawaiian Coot.  I was thrilled to see a couple of Hawaiian Stilts.  Wish I had a better zoom.

Did some snorkeling. There were a few turtle spottings.

Not done yet … we have reservations for a Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on The Pride of Maui from Maalaea Harbor.  Saw some whales too!  Again, no photos.  No fabulous Zoom and they are too quick. It was more fun to just watch them.  Lots of baby whales.

Day 11 January 14, 2024  It’s  Maui Oceanfront Marathon Day!   We are up and out to the starting line at 4:00 a.m.  Starting time 5:00.It is DARK!  There are tiki torches, a blessing by a Hawaiian Chief, accolades are read, There’s a runner participating in his 500 marathon, another running her 105 1/2 marathon, 27 runners completing their 50th State and on and on …

This is a great spectator marathon.  One way, all on the road.  We were able to follow, pass and then get out and cheer for Richie numerous times.  There were awesome musicians at the finish line.

After the race we head to the beach for a little body surfing and snorkeling.

We top off the celebration, on the water again!  Boss Frog’s Dive and Surf put together a special Whale Watch Dinner Cruise for runners and their family’s.  Calypso Charters put out a five star Prime Rib and Mahi Mahi Dinner and at least 50 whales put on an unbelievable, unforgettable show!  I put down my camera and just enjoyed the most wonderful evening with my amazing family.  Many, Many thanks to Richie.  If it wasn’t for him we would not have done this fantastic adventure!

The family all heads home, but I’ve given myself one more day to relax and have a little me time.  It was an amazing adventure.

MAHALO,  to all the wonderful people that made this adventure so fantastic. A  Special MAHALO to Julie from Collette Tours you are truly a  Superb Travel Ambassador, a Menehune in disguise!

March 3, 2023 ….    Since 2020 I have been pretty picky about where and how I travel.  Why, a long weekend in Little Rock,  Arkansas???

My son, Richie, is on a quest to run a marathon (26.2 miles) in all 50 States.  Arkansas marks off his 43 rd State.   Wahoo!!!

We flew out a day early, because of an impending storm.  Airlines have been taking a lot of heat recently for not providing good customer service.  That was not the case this time.  American Airlines was very accommodating with changing our flights.  It only cost us $6 pp additional and on one of our flights we were upgraded to business class.  Wahoo!
You’re probably thinking  I might call this blog my “Wahoo Tour!”.  Nope I’m calling it my “World Tour”!  As I was doing my research for this trip and making my list of “must see or do’s”,  phrases like best in the WORLD, longest in the WORLD kept popping up.   I’m going to say the people we met and interacted with in Little Rock are the friendliest in the WORLD.

We stayed at the Residence Inn Little Rock Downtown/Marriot, 219 River Market Ave, LR.  This is a GREAT location.  Fortunately, they offered Marathon runners a generous discount or I would call it pricey.  5 Stars for location, location, location!
The gal that checked us in on Friday, put a smile on my face every time I saw her.   First impression,  I wouldn’t be asking for extra towels.  When she spoke,  I knew I could’ve ask for extra towels and all the little soaps and shampoos I wanted.  She checked us in on Friday night,  got breakfast out (five stars for a hotel breakfast) on Saturday and was still behind the desk Sunday morning and still being nice to people.  Best Front Desk Clerk in the WORLD!

IMO Little Rock is a VERY unusual City.  Its downtown/river market area’s focus is on culture, art, entertainment, recreation and everything Clinton.   There are no retail/souvenir shops, no pharmacies or grocery stores.  I found one small market to buy water and essentials in a block from the Residence Inn.

We got in late on Friday and decided to walk across the street to Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro (200 River Market Ave, LR) for dinner.  “A whimsical setting with colorful chandeliers and art covered walls.”  Five stars everything!

Saturday morning we headed out to rent Bicycles at Town River Outfitters (400 President Clinton Ave, LR).   The plan was to bike ride approximately 6 miles on the Arkansas River Trail  to the Big Dam Bridge.  On the way we see two Lime Scooters calling our names.

We had been tempted to rent scooters in Idaho Falls, but had opted out, it was too hot that day.  The weather was perfect here,  so why NOT?  So, close your eyes and those of you that know me, picture me …. those that don’t know me I am a “slightly” overweight, 70 year old, gray haired lady … that day I was wearing a “This  Gramma Belongs to” sweatshirt (with pics of all the grands on it) and a “Snake and The Mongoose” (drag racing legends) backpack.  Now imagine the looks I was getting as I zipped around LR on a Lime green scooter!  O.K.  I wasn’t quite zipping.  At first it was more of a snails pace then as I got more comfortable it was a casual cruise.  I won’t be competing anytime soon in any  WORLD Scooter races.  It was easier than I’d thought it would be.

It was FUN!  Until we noticed … the signs

Hmmmm … I ask Richie … “ Do they mean the scooters were on?  Ours are battery operated, not motorized? “ Richie just laughed!  ooops!  $500 fines, Yikes!  We had gone a little over 2 miles in 45 minutes on the Arkansas River Trail.  We had another 4 miles to go to get to our destination, the Big Dam Bridge.  Scooter rentals were 40 cents a minute (I had thought it said 40 cents a mile.). This could be a VERY expensive ride.  We turned around.  We’d Uber/Lyft to the dam, not quite as pricey, but definitely not as much fun.
Little Rock has  3 bicycle/pedestrian bridges and one pedestrian bridge that connect Little Rock (LR) to North Little Rock (NLR).  We did not do the Junction Pedestrian Bridge, too many stairs to carry our scooters up!

Richie needed to pick up his Runners Packet at the State Convention Center, which is in front of Riverfront Park (400 President Clinton NE, LR) , the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and the Riverwalk which runs from the Clinton Library ($12 adult/$10 senior) on the east to the Old State House Museum (FREE)on the west.  We decide to check out the Sculpture Park, before going to the Big Dam Bridge.   There is just so much to see and do here walking, that it’s easy to get distracted.

We finally make it to the Big Dam Bridge (7700 Rebsamen Park Rd, LR).  This is well hyped as one of Little Rock’s most popular attractions.  It is the longest (spanning 4,226 ft over the Murray Lock and Dam) bicycle/pedestrian bridge in the WORLD, (small print) built specifically for that purpose!  It is 90 ft above the Arkansas River.

Dinner is at Stickyz Rock N Roll Chicken Shack (107 River Market Ave, LR)  “Little Rocks original gourmet chicken finger and live music shake shack.  We chose patio seating and the Sticky Fingerz Salad ($11.49).  I don’t think you’ll find any Sticky Fingerz in the WORLD better than these! Good food, great atmosphere, reasonably priced.

The Arkansas River Trail is an approx 18 mile loop, connecting the Little Rock (LR) and North Little Rock (NLR) sections by the Clinton Presidential Pathway on the south and the Big Dam Bridge on the North.

On our list of to dos was walking the William Clark Presidential Park 1,600 ft Boardwalk and look for alligators.  I had read that there could be alligators as long as 14 ft in the marshy area.   Unfortunately, it was closed, because of flood damage. Nice views from park though.

We did walk the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge and the Park grounds.

“Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet” is public art with a purpose that are on display throughout Clinton Presidential Park.  Very WORLDLY!

We did not go inside the Clinton Library and Museum (1200 President Clinton Ave, LR) .  The weather has been wonderful and there is so much to see and do outside.  The building may not be a Wonder of the WORLD, but it is an architectural wonder.

We were only here for a long weekend and didn’t even make a dent in the list of “things to do”.
Just strolling through downtown or in the River Market district you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature,  art,  history, music ….

Next door to Kilwins Chocolate Shop ( 415 President Clinton Ave, LR) there is a patio where every time we’ve walked by there has been someone performing.  The one time we walked by and there was an empty table we sat down to listen.  Earl Waymon Jr. Rocked my WORLD with his rendition of “What a Wonderful WORLD” and again when he sang “Rainy Night in Georgia”.  I even got asked to dance!

What in the WORLD is better than a FREE Trolley Tour?  Having the best Trolley Tour Driver/Guide in the WORLD, Murphy!  He kept us listening and laughing the entire ride.

Two Trolleys run the route simultaneously.  I made Richie ride a second time so we could compare the Tours.  Murphy is by far the WORLD best Trolley Tour Driver/Guide, at least in my WORLD!  The Trolleys run seven days a week.  There are two lines, the Blue and the Green.  Until 2025 only the Blue is running, because of construction.  The Blue Line takes you across the River to NLR and the Simmons Bank Arena and circles Downtown/River Market area.

There are a lot of entertainment venues in Little Rock … Robinson Center for Performing Arts,  Simmons Bank Arena, Arkansas Reperatory Theater are some of the larger.  Sunday night choices were a little limited.   Richie found that Tre Williamson, WORLD class actor/comedian was doing a special performance at the Looney Bin Comedy Club (West Little Rock’s Breckinridge Village Center).  Five star entertainment, pub style food, nice venue.  Good thing we weren’t drinking alcoholic beverages…  Arkansas has a 32.6 % tax on alcoholic beverages!

We cannot leave Little Rock without having lunch at Gus’s WORLD famous Fried Chicken (300 President Clinton Ave, LR) … special of the day CHICKEN!   I don’t know about WORLDS famous, but it was Clucking Good!

Note:   A lot of museums and restaurants  are closed on Mondays … The Historic Arkansas Museum (free), Old State House Museum (free), Central Arkansas Nature Center (Free)

This weekend was out of this WORLD!

October 2 – 6, 2022.    This was a Big Bucket list Adventure for me!    I’ve lived in New England all of my life.  I’ve been to the Cape a few times, but never to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.  How could that be ???? So close and yet so far away!
Sunday  …. Travel Day … Hurricane Ian tried to put a damper on our first couple of days at the Cape,  but a little damper didn’t keep us down or in.  On our first day one of the locals told me … “We’re not afraid of water here!”  Well, neither are me and my brother.  It was windy,  it was overcast and at times we got a little wet, but It was the beginning of a great adventure.
First stop Falmouth, MA
We stayed at the Falmouth Inn  824 Main St.  It gets Five Stars for location, location, location and honorable mention for its indoor pool.   It’s two blocks to the Island Queen Ferry dock (75 Falmouth Heights Rd) to take a day cruise over to Martha’s Vineyard.  It’s in the midst of the  Main Street shops and restaurants.  It’s approximately a mile to a Shining Sea Bikeway Trailhead.

Monday … The Shining Sea Bikeway is one reason we chose to start in Falmouth.  This one way,  10.7 mile, paved pathway runs from Woods Hole on Vineyard Sound to North Falmouth along the shores of Buzzards Bay.  Five stars all the way!

Tuesday ….. The Island Queen isn’t running, because of high winds, so we’re going to do a little hiking.   Two Pond Conservation Area, 2.1 mile trail is one of the 300 Committee Land Trust properties open to the public.

Falmouth Historical Society was hosting a Tour of The First Burying Ground,  aka cemetery.   It’s  almost Halloween”,  it’s only fitting to spend a little quality time among the “Spirits”.  We met our Tour Guide, Tom,   at the Sailors Memorial.  Free Parking is available across the way on Depot Road, which is also a Shining Sea Bikeway access point.

Tom, our Tour Host was Five Stars all the way!  His knowledge, enthusiasm and storytelling  were informative and very interesting.    This Burying Ground has more than 750 gravestones, the oldest dating back to 1705.  It memorialize’s soldiers, sea captains and early settlers, including 56 soldiers from the American Revolution, 3 from the Civil War and 24 from the War of 1812.  It would have been very hard to find the very obscure entrance (8 Cemetery Lane) without Tom.

A short drive from the Burying Ground is the Nobska  Lighthouse.  I would not suggest trying to walk or bike the narrow winding road up to the lighthouse.  The lighthouse is a view in itself, but the views of Martha’s Vineyard from the grounds are a must see, even on a very overcast day.   On our visit the Lighthouse was closed inside for renovations, but it stood its stance in full glory outside.  Did you know ????  The Nobska Lighthouse is the featured photo on Cape Cod Potato Chip Bags!

A Five Star way to finish our day …   Falmouth Art Center … This is a small, but quaint center.  On our visit it was featuring a 2022 Juried Abstract Art Exhibition,  a local camera clubs photography exhibit and My New Life on Cape Cod works by Diane S. Scott.  Admission is Free, donations are appreciated.

Wednesday…..This is a “moving day”.  We are leaving Falmouth and going to the Comfort Inn  259 Main Street  Hyannis, Ma.  Again,  FIVE Stars for location, location, location and honorable mention for an indoor swimming pool.  It’s approx .2 miles from the Steamship Authority Ferry Dock and amidst the Main St Shops and restaurants, reasonable distance from the Cape Cod Rail Trail  (CCRT).
We brought our bicycles and our plan is to do a lot of riding.  This is a GREAT area and time of year to do it.   The CCRT runs approx 27 miles from South Yarmouth (parking  at 460 Station Ave) to Wellfleet.  With the time we had,  we knew we could only do a small portion.   We chose to start our ride at MM 4.5 in Harwich (parking lot on Headwaters Drive) and ride to MM 14 in Nickerson State Park (Public Rest Rooms).   This is notably a very scenic portion in the area. We were not disappointed.

Thursday…..Nantucket … We walk our bikes two blocks over to the Steamship Authority Ferry Dock at 7:45 a.m.  We opted for the High Speed Passenger Ferry,  Iyanough (approx 1 1/2 hour travel time)  Note: Round Trip, same day, Mon-Thursday only,  $55 plus $14 for a bicycle.  When purchasing your ticket a return time is required.

WOW!  Not what I had expected!  CROWDED … cobblestone roads, brick sidewalks, very narrow streets!!!   Quaint! Picturesque! But ouch!  Not easily maneuverable with a bicycle.
Fortunately, we had done our homework and had mapped out our route.   We were riding a loop using the Polpis and Sconset Bike Paths out to the Sankaty Lighthouse and Siasconset and back (approx 20 miles).  We did walk our bikes more than we had anticipated, because of the road conditions and heavy traffic (approximately 1 1/2 miles).

We missed a dirt bike path shortcut at the Duck Pond, but were able to pick it up on the way back.

We stopped for lunch in Siasconset at Claudette’s Sandwich Shop  10 Main St.

We shared a veggie sandwich and a bottle of water ($22).
Note:   I haven’t mentioned food or restaurants yet.  I will list them at the end.  We are doing only take out and restaurants that offer vegan/ vegetarian options.  We brought peanut butter and jelly fixings’ and breakfast is included at both of the hotels.
Back to Nantucket!

Friday ….  Martha’s Vineyard …  Our original plan had been to go to Martha’s Vineyard from Falmouth.  Unfortunately, the residual winds  from Hurricane Ian had wrecked havoc for a couple of days with the ferries and we had to rearrange our plans.   No problem.  We could have taken a Steamship Authority Ferry from Hyannis.   But,  We had found a “hidden gem” in Falmouth, The Island Queen.  Everything about The Island Queen was Five Stars!   Polite, professional,  courteous staff,  spotless ship. …. Thirty five minutes from pulling anchor to stepping off the ship in Oak Bluffs.    And a great value price wise,  $25 adult $8 a bicycle, round trip.  We’ll worth the trip back to Falmouth.  We did have to pay $20 for parking for the day, but it was well worth it.

AND our first SUN SHINY DAY!  We  took the 7 mile Beach Roads multi use path from Oak Bluffs to the Edgartown.

Saturday … Homeward Bound

It was a FIVE STAR Adventure!

Honorable mention Restaurants … all within walking distance to Inns

Pickle Jar Kitchen  170 Main Street Falmouth, MA   Yummy crunchy pickled veggies

Dilly’s Taqueria 281 Main St  Falmouth, MA   Build a Bowl

KKaties Burger Bar  334 Main St  Hyannis, MA    Black Bean or Impossible Burgers

FIVE STARS EACH
Sharkeys Cantina   31 Circuit Ave Oak Bluffs, MA    Build a Bowl with grilled veggies

Mad Martha’s Homemade Ice Cream  12 Circuit Ave Oak Bluffs, MA  Best Dairy Free Coconut Ice Cream EVER!

July 27, 2022 – August 2, 2022.

Day 1.     I LOVE Yellowstone!  It’s a whole new world.  This is my 4th time visiting and I have a list of  “FIRST time” as long as my “been there done that”.

We flew into Bozeman. this was a FIRST for me.  On previous trips I had been in an RV and driven in via either the East or South Entrances and stayed in park campgrounds. (If you click on the little magnifying glass you can search previous trips).  This time we’d be entering through the west entrance.

After picking up our rental … a mini van.  There were five of us and it was GREAT having more than enough room for us and our luggage.  Also, if we happened to be surrounded by a herd of bison I didn’t want to be  in an economy size car. This had happened on a previous trip, but luckily we were in an RV.

First Stop … Walmart … We had been forewarned that finding food in the park might be a problem.

We were lucky to even be getting into the park.  Just a month earlier, a once in hundred year flooding devastated many areas of the park.  Like all adventurers,  it’s all about making the best of any situation.  The north entrance was closed, as most of the facilities in the northern area of the park.  Our reservations at Mammouth Hot Springs had been cancelled, but we were able to get a last minute reservation at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel. It added time and travel within the park to our itinerary, but we easily adapted. This is my first time in the park mid summer.  Seasons mean a LOT in Yellowstone, as does “mating season” for different animals.  I had boasted to my 4 travel companions, who had never been to Yellowstone, about the herds of bison and antelope that we would see.  We did see bison, but we had to go looking for them.  We only saw one lone antelope.

Another FIRST for me was seeing Bear and Elk.  The Elk were everywhere. The bear were spotted on our way to Steamboat Point for sunset.

First Stop … Norris Geyser Basin … (2 loops Porcelain Basin .6 mi.  and Back Basin 1.5 mi.) Slightly  hilly. Home of, Steamboat Geyser, which is the tallest active geyser in the world, eruption time is unpredictable. We didn’t get to see it erupt, but it’s quite impressive just “simmering.”

Our homes for the next two nights are cabins at Canyon Lodge and Cabins.  All lodging in the park is pricey,  but it’s well worth it.  These cabins had full “indoor plumbing”, but are very rustic.

Day 2

Another FIRST … we had 9:45 a.m. reservations for a 2 hour back country horseback ride.  Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!  We had great views and our first sightings of Elk, up close and personal.  We also had a coyote running parallel to us for a portion of the ride.  I wish I’d done this on previous trips.  I’ve put it on my list of do agains  when I come back.

We put on our hiking shoes and headed to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  The options here are limitless.  You can hike for days and not see it all.  Trails range from handicapped accessible, to easy, moderate and difficult.  Views of the falls and canyon are breathtaking!   My favorite hike is the Brink of the Lower Falls.  It’s only .7 miles, but it’s switchbacks down a steep decline, comparable to an 8 story building.  Going down was easy! Coming back up was challenging! 

Day 3

We head out of the park, via the south entrance, enroute to Idaho Falls where my son was running in his 40th state marathon.
We stopped to see the very majestic views of the Grand Tetons,  had lunch and did some “tourist” shopping in Jackson Hole and took the Teton Pass (HWY 22), another FIRST, to Idaho Falls.  For all the hype on how treacherous it was, maybe during a snowstorm or if you were driving a Tractor Trailer Truck, but for the mini van it was a piece of cake. View wise the pass was a disappointment, Until we saw a MOOSE!  No photo, I was too excited!

We stayed one night at the Candlewood Suites 665 Pancheri Drive  Idaho Falls

Day 4.    It was HOT and dry here.  After being the #1 spectators and cheering on my son, who finished the 26.2 miles in just under 4 hours, we had planned to spend some time on the Riverwalk along the Snake River,  but instead we chose  to go to a very “cool” special exhibit on Genghis Khan at the Museum of Idaho.

We returned to Yellowstone via the west entrance, less scenic, but much quicker.   Our reservation for that night is at the Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins.  This was “roughing it”.  Our cabin had a sink, no other “facilities”.  But, It was AWESOME!  There was a stream behind the cabins with beaver dams and an Otter sighting!  Maybe the dams were otter dams!   It was an easy walk to Old Faithful!  Seeing Old Faithful erupt at night was on my list of “must dos”.  I not only saw her erupt at night, but more thrilling was seeing it at dawn.

The Mammoth Hot Springs area took a big hit during the flooding, but fortunately the Terraces were open.

We checked out the Fountain Paint Pot area on our way back from Mammoth.

There is no way to fully describe the AMAZING geothermal features of the park.  Walking and if you are able, hiking is the best way to appreciate the uniqueness of Yellowstone. It is possible to drive and get a good flavor of the park.  We walked and HIKED.  Two of my favorite Hikes were to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (2 miles out and back).

and the Natural Bridge (2 miles one way).

Our last two nights we stayed at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel.  We went from “roughing it” to   not quite luxury, but very nice.
We had reservations for a one hour boat ride on the lake. It was the last one of the day and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset from on the water.  A bonus was watching an Elk swimming across the mouth of the inlet at the boat launch.

The park is divided into eight main sections.  Norris Geyser Basin,  Canyon Area,  Old Faithful,  Fountain Paint Pot,  Mammoth Hot Springs,  Mud Volcano and West Thumb.  We were able to spend a little time at each and a lot of time at some.  The Northeast Entrance was closed due to the flooding, but we were able to drive the entire “figure eight” loops of the park.  The drive through Hayden Valley was a treat!  The bison were migrating to there mating grounds.

Another FIRST for me was seeing the Petrified Tree!  Come to find out it is the remains of a giant redwood.

Must see’s at West Thumb are the Abyss Pool which made the news recently after a foot was found floating in it.

and Fishing Cone … where legend has it, fisherman would catch a fish on one side of the boat and put it in the cone on the other side and cook it.

Interesting! Unusual! Unique! Definitely one of a kind!  Yellowstone is truly an amazing place to visit over and over and over again!  I can’t wait to go back!

March 12, 2020  – March 14, 2020 …

Should we stay or should we go?  The coronavirus has just “begun” to impact the United States.  We have a 12 year old that has been looking forward to this trip for years.  It’s a “quick trip”.   Fly in on Thursday,  we have tickets to see the New York Yankees play baseball games (outdoors) at Steinbrenner Field  Friday,  Saturday and Sunday and fly home on Monday.  The plan was to go to the games and hang out at the practice fields and fences in hopes of getting some autographs,  enjoy some fresh air,  blue skies and 80 degree temperatures.  We go!

Thursday … 1:45 p.m. We fly out of “business as usual” Bradley Airport in Hartford on Jet Blue Airlines,  non stop to Tampa International.  Full flight,  disinfectant aroma in the air,  a few people wearing masks,  flight attendants wearing gloves.  A little different than usual, but kind of in a nice “clean” way.    Arrive on time,  pick up our rental car and our first priority is finding a sports bar to eat at and watch the second half of the UCONN vs Tulane basketball game that had started at 3:00 p.m..  If you haven’t guessed we are big time sports fans.

Prime Time Sports Grill   14404 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa Florida 813-908-0780  … Family owned and operated, delicious food, great staff …  UT! OH!,  the UCONN game has been cancelled, All NBA and College Basketball … cancelled.  We watch golf 🙁

Next stop … Walmart,  for a few essentials.   Whoa! There is not a parking place to be had,  there are people of all ages everywhere, isles are full, carriages are loaded.  People are chit chatting nicely as they wait in looooong lines at the registers.  The woman in line in front of us at the register, has a baby in her overfull carriage that is sucking on a clothes hanger and a toddler at her feet that is eating goldfish crackers off the floor that has obviously not been washed in a loooong time.  No panic here.   The woman sees we only have a few items in our carriage and offers to let us go ahead of her.  If the public reaction to the coronavirus isn’t confusing enough,  this scene definitely has me wondering.

We check into The Fairfield Inn and Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport 2215 North Lois Ave  Tampa, Fl  1.8 miles from George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Friday  … What a difference a day makes!  Major League Baseball  cancels all Spring Training games for the rest of the season.  Wow! have we been thrown a curve ball!  We head over to Steinbrenner  Field in hopes that something is going on.  Maybe there are some pre signed baseballs available.  Nothing .. We take a few photos and chat with a few other disappointed fans.  Funny thing, almost everyone  said the same thing … “just have to come back next year”.

Plan B … making the best of a disappointing situation.  The sun is shining, the weather is gorgeous and we’re in a beautiful area of Florida.

We had planned on having dinner one night after a game at The Tampa Riverwalk.   This  is a 2.6 mile pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough river.   We stopped and walked a bit of it.  It is definitely a “my cup of tea place”,  but a little too relaxing (aka boring) for my travel companions.  I’ve put a relaxing bicycle ride along the river on my list of “next times”.

My travel companions want to go looking for Alligators in their natural habitat.  In downtown Tampa you say!  I say, Dorothy, we are not in Kansas!  This is Florida, home of the “Gators”!   We were given two  nearby locations by a tour guide at the Riverwalk …  Rowlett Park 2401 E Yukon St  Tampa,  home to one of the largest (maybe 16 ft) alligators in the area.  The other was Lettuce Lake Park 6920 E Fletcher Ave  Tampa.    We picked the one closer to us, Rowlett and “struck out”, but we had fun looking.

Next on our list is Jet Skiing …. Bada Bing Water Sports  101 Bay Shore Dr NE  St Petersburg, Florida 727-592-1111

This is a great business, in a super location, with a fabulous staff.  There is something fun to do here for everyone.   My son-in-law had booked a jet skiing tour for him and my grandson.  Not “my cup of tea”,  but if my grand daughter,  aka my paddle board buddy,  was with us that’s what we would have done.  My plan was to walk to nearby Demens Landing Park and watch the jet skiers head out on their adventure.   Then  walk (.4 miles) to the Salvadore Dali Museum  1 Dali Blvd, St Petersburg.   My plans changed when, Dante,  one of the Bada Bing owners,  offered me a boat ride,  following the jet skiers,  so that I could take photos from the water.  He would leave me off at the Demens Landing Dock.   Wow!  Talk about being nice!  Thank You, Dante,  you made my day!  I’ve added renting one of your awesome electric motor boats to my “Next Time” list!

Demens Landing was so entertaining that Salvadore Dali was also moved to my “next time” list.

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The “boys” had a blast, I had a blast.  Dante gave us a card for a 15% discount at Frescos Waterfront Bistro, conveniently located next door to Bada Bing.  Delicious food, reasonable prices, wonderful atmosphere.

We have one more stop for the day … St Petersburg Beach … can’t go to Florida without visiting a beach!

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Things had gotten a little scary on the coronavirus scene.  Schools and businesses were closing. Events were being cancelled.  We decide to cut our trip short and were able to change our flight home from Monday to Saturday night.  We had time Saturday morning for one more fun activity.   We book a Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve  out of Billy’s Stone Crab 1 Collany Rd  Tierra Verde Fl (Tampa Bay Area) a half hour drive from the Tampa International  Airport.  This was all of ours “cup of tea”!

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A short but fun filled adventure.

Note:   There was a LOT of hand washing and sanitizing on this trip.  Once there, we were able to limit our close contact socializing.  The scariest part was flying.  The flight to Florida was uneventful.  Coming home their were 2 people that were coughing and sneezing.  They had left their brains home with their face masks,  as well as,  their common sense to not cover their coughs and sneezes into their open hands.

???  How many people over 55 years of age, do you think there are that live in Connecticut, that would travel North in February instead of South?   Answer …  that I can vouch for … Forty Two.   A friend and I signed up through a local senior center for a 4 day, 3 night trip to Quebec, Canada.   We would be traveling by Motor coach to and from Quebec,  led and organized by Tours of Distinction.  The draw of the trip being the Quebec Winter Carnival, but the itinerary was jam packed with ways to enjoy the FROZEN festivities,  see an ICE Hotel and enjoy other spectacular WINTER sights  …   if your thinking COLD,  you’re right. If your thinking SNOW, you’re right, if  you’re wondering if this could be FUN, the answer is  absolutely!

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s oh, so delightful!”   The snow was on the road before us.   Our First Lunch Stop … Miss Lyndonville Diner  686 Broad Street  Lyndonville, Vermont …  Couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction to what lay ahead … good food,  friendly people,  beautiful scenery.    

It took my table mates a few minutes to get my humor when I suggested we all order the “Noreaster”.   I gave them a little slack, we’d only been on the road a few hours.  I loved this menu.  My first mistake, I didn’t save room for fresh baked pie. My first reason to go back.

Our home away from home for four days, three nights will be,  The Palace Royal  775 Ave Honore-Mercier  Quebec  418-694-2000.  Great location  at the St. John Gate to the Walled City.    If your room doesn’t have a balcony with a view, no problem, there is one on every floor, available to all guests.   My second mistake,  not bringing a bathing suit, to enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub.  Suffice to say,  I made do.  Instead I relaxed on a balcony, enjoyed the company of a good friend,  a beautiful view,  a glass of wine and great conversation.

Day two … venturing out into the blizzard, we made it to the Quebec Observatory and  enjoyed the views from the highest point in the city,  221 meters up.

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“Baby It’s Cold OUTSIDE” and INSIDE the Hotel de Glace!  If your interested … rooms are available with price ranges from $400 – $900 a night.  If you are still interested,  its advised you  should book now for next year, because availability is limited.  The third mistake I made was not putting in my hand and toe warmers.  I was thinking INSIDE a Hotel, not INSIDE an ICE CUBE.  Problem solved, the music inside the Ice Bar got my feet moving.

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Our City tour guide, James, insisted on taking those that were well bundled and willing to battle the gusting wind for a “stroll” through The  Quartier Petit Champlain.  It is truly a must see area in any season or weather.  The Fresque de Quebecois  is exquisit. Thank You James!

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After strolling through the wind and snow, we were treated to a most delicious cup of hot vegetable soup and a home style lunch at Spag&tini Le Resto   40 rue du Marche-Champlain Quebec 418-694-9144   Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!  Compliments to the chef and merci beaucoup to the waitstaff for the excellent service.

A blustery, cold but beautiful day after the storm for a STROLL on the Boardwalk at Dufferin Terrace

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Tour of the Chateau de Frontenac.

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Bonhomme’s (Carnivals Mascot) Ice Palace

A big perk to the trip was seating in the VIP section for the WINTER Carnival’s Night Parade.  This included souvenir lap blankets and a wide variety of complimentary drinks,  including the most popular drink of the Carnival …  Caribou –not what you may think!  This is a drink made with Port Wine, either whiskey or brandy and some add a bit of maple syrup.  The parade was absolutely astounding!  Sorry, no photos …  I”ll leave this vision to your imagination and give you a reason to see it for yourself. It is a reason for me too!

Our personal journey was highlighted by many of the people we met.  For one couple, this was their 4th visit to Quebec, third time in the winter.  On the one evening that we were on our own for dinner, they invited us and several other “new friends” to join them and their daughter at one of their favorite Quebec restaurants.  Louis Herbert  668 Grande Allee E,  418-525-7812.   Excellent Everything!  Kudos to William, our waiter,  for suggesting we try his own secret Hot Sangria.  Don’t tell Bonhomme, but it was much better than the Caribou!

Two places on our tour that I had visited previously are St Anne de Beaupre Basilica and Montmorency Falls.  It was fun seeing the Falls in winter.  We weren’t able to stop because of time lost in the blizzard.  I opted out of the tour of the Basilica in favor of attending Mass, which was quite an honor for me.  If you’d like to view my past photos of both places just tap on my search icon and type in Quebec.

TEN Stars to Tom,  our bus driver,  for getting us there and back safely.  Most of our 11 hour drive to Quebec, it was snowing.  The second day,  Quebec had it’s first blizzard of 2020. Tom’s driving skills were taxed to the max!  He managed to get us around the City,  but when our plans outside the City were cancelled, due to the highway being shut down,  he worked with our Tour Director and “City Tour Guide” rescheduling.   Mother Nature lighten up a little on days 3 and 4, but Tom still had to maneuver around the clean up.  We did not miss out on any activities.  THANK YOU TOM!  Oh!  Did I mention that he never complained, not even when I called him JIM!

TEN Stars to Julie,  our Tour director,  for how well she handled all the “snow balls” she was thrown and all the extra efforts she made to make sure everyone was as comfortable as possible.  Julie worked tirelessly through “snow mounds” of complaints,  that  the only person that could have been held accountable was Mother Nature.  Julie (not TOD) gave gift bags to everyone on the first day.  The bags had hand and toe warmers, tissues,  lifesavers and kisses.  The warmers were lifesavers and Julie got lots of hugs at the end of the trip, no kisses they had been used as body fuel!  THANK YOU JULIE!

HONORABLE mention to James, our City Tour Guide.  James’ ancestors helped build Quebec. He is a true Canadian.  At times when he had us trekking up and down the snow crested hills of the City,  I thought he had to have some mountain goat in him.  He was relentless in making sure we were offered the full Quebec WINTER experience.    THANK YOU JAMES!

KUDOS to the Tours of Distinction “behind the scenes” research and planning staff.  The restaurants chosen were characteristic of the areas traveled.  Even though food choices were limited, due to the size of the group, dietary restrictions were accommodated.  The variety and quality of the sightseeing tours made sure there was something for everyone.

Last stop, on our way  home.   East Side Restaurant and Pub  47 Landing St  Newport, Vt.   The food was great, staff was awesome and entertainment was provided by the snow mobiler’s on the lake. 

The weather was definitely challenging,  but if you were dressed for it, not a problem.  It did cut into our time on our own, but that’s all the more reason to do it again. This was a very unique, fun and enjoyable adventure!

August 6 – 13, 2019

I am going to call this  “The Magical Mystery Hiking Tour”!   I am not going to leave the mystery to the end.   I’ll reveal the secret now.   This is an AMAZING trip!

This adventure included,  my son and two of his sons.  My son has a goal of running a marathon in every state,  this 8 day vacation was planned around the Crater Lake Rim Run.  I had never heard of Crater Lake National Park.   It was a mystery to me!

I won’t leave you in suspense til DAY 5,  Rim Run Day.   My son finished the 26.2 mile full marathon.   Running at altitudes ranging from 5,980 to 7,900,  over a course of many steep demanding grades,  how he finished was not a mystery.  He is an AMAZING athlete!

This is not my first time in Oregon.   In 2015 my husband and I drove a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway (HWY 101) in our motor home,  stayed at campgrounds,  enjoyed the fabulous rock formations ocean side and hiked one MAGICAL trail.   This trip, we decided to do a round about route,  experiencing a variety of Oregon’s attractions,  highlighting my one Magical trail and Crater Lake National Park.

DAY 1

An early flight (6:45 a.m) from Connecticut (BDL),  gets us into Portland, Oregon (PDX) early afternoon (1:00 p.m.).   Gotta love the those time zone changes,  flying west.   First stop … Dollar Car Rental.  We get upgraded from our economy/compact to an ocean blue Subaru,  which we nickname Boo-baru!   The fun begins.

TIP:  Request a Highway 101 Mile by Mile Guide from  Oregon Tourism when planning or                    at tourist info on arrival in Oregon.

M.M. 28 Ecola State Park – Cannon and Indian Beach    Our first view of the Oregon Coast!

Our first hike …  The  2.8 mile Clatsop Loop Trail,  veering off twice to see the WWII bunkers and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.  This is a moderate to strenuous hike, with elevation changes of over 700 ft.  A great introduction to what lay ahead at Crater Lake National Park. 

WW II Bunker

When many of us envision ocean side,  we think flat,  seeing for miles in many directions, sandy beaches,  sand dunes,  marshes,  rock jetties.  Oregon is one of Mother Natures most magical and mysterious creations.  Rock formations along the coast mystify the eye.  The  waves and water of the ocean reflect offf the sand slides that reach upward and tease the green tree tops from the steep cliffs and forests to blend  with them.  Your eyes are tricked into not knowing where one ends and the other begins.  If you’re going up or down.

NIGHT 1   …  MM 50.8   Silver Sands Oceanfront Motel  215 S Pacific St  Rockaway Beach,  OR  97136  503-355-2206   I had procrastinated on reserving an “ocean view” or “limited view” room. considering $$ I chose limited view and got lucky.  The difference was our view was from a side window, not a  straight on ocean view.   Silver Sands is an ocean front property.   This is an older Motel,  but well maintained and reasonably priced.   Five Star location ($138  2 Queen beds,  Oregon Lodging Tax $2.48,  Rockaway Beach City Room Tax  $13.80, Tillamook County Lodging Tax  $1.38, Total $155.66).     Note: Oregon has no Sales Tax

DAY 2

First Stop … MM 64.7  Blue Heron French Cheese Company … thought this would be a good place for breakfast and to pick up a picnic lunch.  Not so,  TOURIST TRAP!  VERY expensive, Very limited menu.

Sometimes things happen for a reason.  A few miles down Hwy 101 we spot the Dutch mill Diner  206 Main Ave,  Tillamook, Oregon  503-842-1277  Open Wed – Sun.  Hooray!  It’s Wednesday!  This is a 50’s decor dinner, reasonable prices and delicious food.

MM 119.2    Hike #2  …  Drift Creek Falls Interpretive Trail,   3 mile out and back to a 240 ft  suspension bridge,  hanging 100 ft above the canyon floor,  to the 75 ft lava flow Drift Creek Waterfall.  The SUSPENSE is Thrilling!  The trail appears to end at a scenic overlook.  But,  a steep, rocky trail was being used by the “more agile than I”,   to get down to the bottom of the falls.   After my family scurried down the  mountainside,   I  “the much older and wiser” noticed the trail continued on a much safer but longer route.

M.M.  126.4  Boiler Bay State Scenic  Viewpoint  …  And what to our magical eyes should appear ???  WHALES!  WHALES! and more WHALES!  A breathtaking performance of phenomenal acts by magnificent creatures!!!   It’s all about being in the right place at the right time!   We had our binoculars expecting to need them,  but the whales were so close to shore,  that if it were not for the rocks,  we could have swam with them.  They surfaced a lot,  but my camera was not quicker than the eye.  No Photos 🙁

M.M. 132.5  The Devil’s Punch Bowl … This is a MUST stop!!!  We were tricked into stopping here … the Devil made us do it and we were glad he did !!!   The Devil’s Churn (m.m. 166.5) was on our itinerary.  Otter Rock is m.m. 132.5,  that’s where we are and so is the Devil’s Punch Bowl.  An optical illusion of natural proportions.  The interior is  only safe at low tide and anyone caught there in high water would surely be killed.  We were lucky to be there at low tide and lucky to find the short hiking trail down.  It is not well marked.  To see it at high tide, when the waves are crashing against and over its sides,  is a reason to return 🙂

M.M. 141.0   Newport … This is our Walmart Stop –  My son and his family are very “casual” diners.   The two restaurants mentioned, so far,  were because of their uniqueness.     For less than $100, our trip to Walmart supplied us with enough food and water for hiking,  breakfasts and lunches for the rest of the trip.   We are eating well, but the food simply,  disappears.  No tips needed  🙂

M.M. 150.7  Seal Rock,  the name is a trick,  it’s not a rock,  but a town.  It is a tourist area along the highway with lots of eye catching shops,  we chose to stop at Carvers Wood Shop in hopes of catching a Chain Saw Carving Demonstration,  but not happening this time.    We did enjoy the artistry and I found a boyfriend.  I couldn’t bring him home,  he was too  set in his ways.  But  I did promise if I ever come back I’d stop by and hold his hand again.

M.M. 179.0    Sea Lion Caves is on our itinerary, but we ran out of time.  I only mentioned it because it looked very interesting as we drove by.  Next Time!

Night 2 … M.M. 211.2    Best Western Salbasgeon Inn and Suites 1400 U.S. 101 S   Reedsport, Oregon     97141   541-271-4831   A great location on our route, but nothing more than a place to lay our heads and have a “hot” breakfast in the morning.

DAY 3

M.M. 222.6  John Dellenback Dunes Trail  … This is my MAGICAL trail.  It was one of mine and my husband’s favorite trails.  Oh! and our dogs!  Oregon is VERY pet friendly.   I could not wait to show it to “my favorite hikers”.   From the parking lot,   over the Eel Creek bridge,  it’s a 1 mile hike through the forest.  Suddenly,  as if magic,  the forest opens to breathtaking views of some of the tallest sand dunes on the Pacific Coast.  The hiking trail continues another 5 miles,  over the dunes and passes a forest island to the beach and Pacific Ocean.   We did not have time to hike the entire trail,  but did get a glimpse of the ocean from the top of one of the dunes.  Next Time!

We now head further south,  but inland.

During the planning of this adventure,  I had been watching the first season of a new reality show “Blown Away”.   This is a process of elimination show,  highlighting the Artistry of Glass Blowing.    When I saw the Glass Forge  501 SW G Street on a list of things to do in Grants Pass, Oregon,  it went right on our itinerary.  We were NOT disappointed.   No reservation needed,  totally drop in,  totally free.  Just walk in,  watch,  talk to the artists, ask questions,  view finished pieces for sale.  We were lucky to arrive just as an artist was beginning a piece.  We were able to watch from start to almost finish.  The final step in the glass blowing process is to place the hot piece in a  special “cooler” for 24 hours.

Night 3 … Our reservations for tonight are at the Buona Sera Inn  1001 NE 6th Street  Grants Pass, Oregon  97526   877-286-7756  ($109.69 a night).  This is NOT a chain property.   It is the most unique, charismatic place I have ever stayed.   Each room is decorated with a different theme.   Everything from the furniture,  bed linens,  towels,  even glasses look like they belong in someones home.   I give it six stars.  it was so close to the Glass Forge that we checked in before heading to our next attraction and last hike of the day.

Our final “scheduled”  attraction for the day is the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserves  1900 Caves Hwy Cave Junction, Oregon  97523.   541-592-2100   We had (strongly suggested) reservations for the Ranger led, 1 1/2 hour Discovery Cave Tour.  This is at least a 45 minute ride off the main road into the Siskiyou  Mountains.   Well worth the drive,  but allow plenty of drive time and watch carefully for wildlife crossing the roadway.

On our drive to the caves, we had spotted a sign on the main road for  The Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Wayside Boardwalk Trail.   Two hikes a day are better than one!  The 1/8 mile boardwalk trail ends at a field of Darlingtonia Californica aka the California Pitcher Plant.   It is a carnivorous plant which feeds on insects.  How could we resist?  Now you see it!  Now you don’t!

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There is a “downside” to the full “Lake Experience”.   The ONLY lake access is from the Cleetwood Trail.  This is a 1 mile, 700 ft decent down a series of switchbacks equivalent to 33 flights of stairs.  It’s NOT as bad as it sounds.   Remember the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race!   I actually enjoyed the challenge and had a great time talking to and listening to people along the trail.  One of my favorite conversations was between a father and his,  maybe 5 year old,  daughter while walking UP the trail.   She says:  “Daddy will you carry me?”  Father says “I was just thinking.  I think peanut butter cups are my favorite candy. What kind of candy Is your favorite?”  She says “Oh Daddy!  Maybe M&M’s,  but I like peanut butter cups too,  but maybe …”.   I smiled and started thinking “What a good Dad,  great diversion.”   Then I couldn’t make up my mind if Pay Day or Strawberry Twizzlers were my favorite candy.  Then we were at the  top!

Top of the Cleetwood Trail

Middle of the Trail