Prince Edward Island with friends ~ Day 1 & 2

Following Elaine & Rick over Confederation Bridge

Our 4 days at Rick & Elaine's was fabulous ~ we had so much fun with them! Today we caravaned to Prince Edward Island for a 2 week stay.  Our first week we stayed at Marco Pololand RV Park in Cavendish.  It was a fairly nice park and was really super kid friendly.  I was excited because we were right in the heart of Anne of Green Gables... Author L.M.Montgomery was from here and a lot of her books were based on her life and the area she loved so dearly but with the fictional character Anne Shirley.  I read these books when I was young and shared them with my daughters and they with theirs...  We traveled through beautiful countryside and went over a really huge bridge to PEI.  The Confederation Bridge is a bridge spanning the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick,  Canada. It is commonly referred to as the "Fixed Link" by residents of Prince Edward Island prior to its official naming. Construction took place from the autumn of 1993 to the spring of 1997, costing $1.3 billion. The 8 mile long bridge opened on 31 May 1997.  Most of the curved bridge is 131 ft above water, and it contains a 197 ft high navigation span to permit ship traffic. The bridge rests on 62 piers, of which the 44 main piers are 820 ft apart.

We finally arrived at Marco Pololand (click here for our review) and got set up for the week.  We BBQ'd hot dogs and beans and had a lovely night just sitting and chatting... The next day we headed out for Anne of Avonlea park.  A recreation of the town where Anne lived and grew up.  It was as if I had stepped right into the books ~ everyone there was dressed in period costumes and acted totally the part they were portraying.  Throughout the day they had different events and skits that they performed right out of the book.  We even played dress up and dressed in costumes of the time.  But the biggest highlight was the band that played in the Shanty.  They played what I would call Irish Folk tunes... Maybe Arcadian?

A few fun things at Avonlea ~ Donna of Green Gables ~ School time ~ Anne playing jacks and dress up time.

The guys who played at the Shanty in Avonlea ~

we thought the guy on the right looked like George Clooney

After we went to Avonlea we went to L.M.Montgomery's Grave site... I never knew she was married to a Reverend.  Also while there we saw her mothers grave, who died early at age 23 leaving Lucy to be raised by her Maternal Grandparents.  I am sure this is parallel to Anne being an orphan too and raised by and older woman and her brother. I am convince that Lucy and Anne's life intertwined...

Day 2:  We went to visit  Lucy Montgomery's birth house.  I was so glad to have the opportunity to visit it and see the collection of furniture from that time period.  Also there was a ton of information pertaining to Lucy. If you haven't read L.M. Montgomery you should...

On our drive out to visit her Paternal Grandparents house we went by the most intriguing little village with an incredible view.  It was breathtaking to say the least...   Soon we arrived at her Grandfathers house where we were greeted by Robert Montgomery (not the actor) who claimed to be Lucy's 2nd cousin once removed... The house at one time must have been very elegant and still had a lot of charm today but was very run down inside.  Many items that inspired some of Lucy's stories were in the house and to me quite valuable.  Robert took us on a guided tour through the house and told us stories of Lucy's childhood.  He was a character in his own right ~ and very enjoyable to listen too.

After touring the house we went to a light house close by ~ what a surprised I had in store when we headed out this long and bumpy road and it looked like we were going to run right off into the sea.  But we didn't and when we got out to the end there was the Tryon Lighthouse.

Also while there we saw eagles soaring the cliffs ~ they were hard to capture

After we left the lighthouse we all were hungry so we decided to stop at a little cafe we saw on the way.  It was right on the bay and had a great view of the water and fishing boats.

What a GREAT day we had but it didn't end there ~ that night we went to a good old fashion "Ceilidh" at Brackley Beach community hall.  What a great time listening to the fiddle playing and watching the Step Dancers.  They even had Strawberry Shortcake for intermission and all proceeds from that went to the Make a Wish Foundation.  How wonderful was that!  This girl playing had so much energy and never stopped moving while she played. We are having an excellent time ~  "THANKS" Elaine & Rick for showing us a fantastic time....
These beautiful yellow fields are Canola and they were everywhere on the Island.

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

"Oh Canada" ~ at Long Last ♥

Finally we headed out for Canada ~ going through Canadian customs was a breeze... we have gone through many times so we pretty much have it down pat as to what you can & can not do.  We passed beautiful country on our way to Moncton, New Brunswick.  I even got to see the elusive moose on the way but sadly it was to fast to get a photo.

Canadian Customs at Houlton, Maine

I was very excited since we had never been to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia.  New Brunswick held our friends Elaine &Rick with whom we stayed with, Tassie was parked in their drive way for four days… We had so much fun catching up, playing cards and eating and boy did we eat!  Elaine and Rick are the optimal hosts and go way out for their company ~ she fed us like we were royalty.  We had so much fun with them and I was really excited to be there not only because we got to visit with them but also because they were going to share in part of our adventures while we are visiting this area of Canada.  We were all going down to Cavendish, PEI land of Lucy Maude Montgomery.

A beautiful ride through the countryside arriving in Moncton and finally to our friends Elaine & Rick's house.  Enlarge photo to see where we parked in their driveway on the left hand side of their house.

While at their place they recommended for us to go visit Hopewell Rocks.  Hopewell Rocks is about an hour's drive from Moncton, New Brunswick. The park is well-designed and features an interpretive center, hiking trails and visitor facilities. If you don't want to walk the trail to the Flowerpot Rocks view point, you can take a shuttle for $1.50. The Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, Canada are gigantic pieces of artwork created by the tidal erosion. These fascinating rocks are covered by water at two different times of the day but when it is low tide you can wander amongst the rocks and explore these natural wonders.  The forces of the tides, which vary 36 to 46 feet or more each day is really amazing. These large rock formations are located at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada.

The next day we will all head out for Prince Edward Island.  I am excited about Elaine & Rick going with us and spending a week together.  So come on back and here about our adventures.

A photo borrowed from the Internet to show you the extreme tides at Hopewell Rocks

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

Where am I ~ Not in Bangor Maine...

As you most likely know we are in Prince Edward Islands but I am so far behind in posting I am trying to work my way up to our current date ~ between sightseeing until we drop and bad Internet I just get further behind... So here I go with the last of Bangor Maine. our favorite places to visit as you probably already know is OLD cemeteries... so we headed off for

Mt. Hope Cemetery in Bangor, Maine is the second oldest garden cemetery in the United States. It was designed by architect Charles G. Bryant in 1834, the same year that Bangor was incorporated as a city, and modeled after Mt. Auburn Cemetery (1831) in Boston, Massachusetts. Bangor was at that time a frontier boom-town, and much of its architecture and landscaping exactly mirrored that of Boston. The preferred resting ground for Bangor's 19th and early 20th century elite, the cemetery includes the gravesites of Hannibal Hamin (a U.S. Vice President), two U.S. Senators, eleven U.S. Congressmen, two U.S. Ambassadors, five Governors of Maine, eight Civil War Generals, and numerous "lumber barons" and other local businessmen and politicians. Actors Richard Golden and Ralph Sipperly are also buried there.  The movie Pet Sematary was filmed in Mount Hope.

Mount Hope Cemetery

While out riding around we looked for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.   It is one of Maine’s newest wonders and quite a sight to see. The bridge opened in May of 2007 and a one minute elevator ride on the fastest elevator in Maine (well—fastest in New Hampshire and Vermont too) will take you to the top of the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world. The 420-foot observatory tower is fashioned after the Washington Monument and offers an awesome, panoramic 360-degree view. The bridge towers forty-two stories high – one of only three such bridge observatories and the only one in the western hemisphere. Wow!!  It was quite a thrill riding up the elevator and enjoying the views....

Penobscot Narrows Bridge

Fort Knox is right next to Penobscot Narrows Bridge and was a very interesting place to visit,  Not only was there a small re-enactment there we also got to see a weeding preformed right in the center of the fort... Boy were they hot sitting outside in the sun!  Also we looked and looked for gold but there wasn't any to be found!

Located on the west bank of the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine, in an area known as the Penobscot Narrows, Fort Knox is one of the best preserved military fortifications on the New England seacoast. The fort has many unique architectural features, as well as a rich history behind its walls.

During the country’s infancy, Maine was repeatedly involved in northeast border disputes with British Canada. In fact, the area between Castine and the rich lumber city of Bangor was invaded and occupied by the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Fort Knox was established in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River Valley against a possible future British naval incursion.

It was a fun day exploring the Observatory tower and the fort... Now onto another adventure ~

"Oh Canada"

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

What's BIG & Scary in Bangor Maine

Can you see the face in the tree???

We have arrived in Bangor Maine and staying at the Pumpkin Patch RV Resort (Click here for complete review) in Hermon which is right outside of Bangor.  There are several really great things to see and do while in this area and  Stephen King's House is one of them.  In Bangor he is just another great citizen, an ordinary man living in the community but to most people Stephen King is an American author best known for his popular horror novels, many of which have become bestsellers.  As an avid reader I had to go search out his home and stalk it for a few minutes ~ lol. It looks like just another house on the street but on second look you see the things you might expect to see... Like a web on the front gate including bats and gargoyles... A tree with a face on it really got my attention and then a huge leaping frog... It really was an exciting experience for me to visit his house.  If you like scary books you should read Stephen King's books.

Broadway Historic District - Includes Garland, Essex, State, Park and Center Streets

This historic district is protected under local ordinances and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A favorable neighborhood to the lumber barons in the early to late 19th century, this district features Greek Revival, Italianate, Colonial Revival and Second Empire architectural details covering 500 acres and 19 buildings.

The Broadway Historic District is modeled after Boston's Beacon Hill, featuring a green space where the first residences were built, with double rows of elm trees lining the street for the first couple of blocks of the roadway. Broadway Park is the center of the district and is a great place to stop and have a picnic with the family.  The Fire of 1911 destroyed part of the Broadway Historic District, which was mostly rebuilt but as more elite neighborhoods were created, Broadway lost popularity as a residential spot.

Thomas Hill Standpipe, which holds l,750,000 gallons of water, is a riveted wrought iron tank with a wood frame jacket located on Thomas Hill. The tank is 50 feet high and 75 feet in diameter. Built in l897, it is the District's oldest standpipe and has been in use since its construction. Its purpose is the same today: to help regulate Bangor's water pressure in the downtown area and to provide water storage for emergencies. The standpipe is really two structures in one. The standpipe itself consists of steel plates riveted one outside the other. The building which enclosed it is 85 feet in diameter and 110 feet high. The 24 main posts which extend up past the observation deck begin at the base of the structure. Of hard pine, they measure 12x12 inches and are 48 feet long.

The entire structure has a stone foundation 9 feet high and 3 1/2 feet thick at the base. The sill atop the foundation is made of bent pine planks and is 14 inches thick. Along the interior wall of the facade is a winding staircase which leads to the promenade deck encircling the top of the building. The deck is 12 feet wide and 280 feet in circumference. To erect the wooden part of the structure took 42,000 feet of hard pine and 22,000 cedar shingles. When constructed in 1898, the contractor employed 22 men and erected a portable saw mill and blacksmith shop on the site. The entire project took about six months to complete.

We went to the Casino for dinner and to play for a little while when we noticed the statue of Paul Bunyan across the street... It is a symbol of the lumber era where a lot of people made a fortune.

We had a ton of fun exploring Bangor and will be seeing what else we can get into here~

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

Did Someone Say Cranberries

There are a ton of little Islands around the coast of Maine and we wanted to go over and visit some of them. The Cranberry Isles consists of Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry, Sutton, Bear, and Baker Islands. It got its name from the wild low-bush cranberries that grow throughout the islands in the fall.  The views of the Islands from Acadia National Parks Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island are spectacular.

Great Cranberry Island is the largest of the Cranberry Isles off the southern end of Maine's Mount Desert Island. Access is by private boat or ferry service only so we decided to take the Beal & Bunker Mail Boat over to the Islands and spend the day exploring the Great Cranberry Island and Little Cranberry Island. The most well-known village, Islesford, is on Little Cranberry Island. Acadia National Park has a maritime museum near the public dock there.  Of course we got another stamp for our National Park Passport book.  The ride over was very nice and kinda fun being on the small passenger and mail boat. We passed Baker Island on the way there and saw the lighthouse that sits up high on the cliff of the island. 

Our first stop was the Great Cranberry Island. According to historical records, the likely first permanent settler of Cranberry Island was Benjamin Spurling in 1768. Spurling, a ship builder and sea captain, arrived here from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. During the British war with the American colonies, he was captured and held prisoner in the depths of one of the British ships. Already having a reputation as a "high-spirited man of great bravery," his command given to his son to partly console him as well as being a call to action, inspired many of his day. The words were "Never mind me, Rob, I am an old man; but give it to these dashed Britishers as hard as you can."
The Great Cranberry Island, the largest of the Cranberry Isles, has a truly commanding and spectacular view of Mount Desert Island and the mountains of Acadia National Park in Maine. Located near the southern entrance to Somes Sound, you can view Manser, Southwest Harbor and Somes Sound to the northeast from the public pier. Sutton Island and Northeast Harbor are to the north. Little Cranberry Island and Islesford are to the east.  We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the Island taking in all the flowers and quaint homes.  Along the way we visited a Museum and Church.  When we returned to the piers we had a little lunch at the local cafe which also had the local  grocery store in it too.  We visited the small post office which the mail had been delivered to from the Mail Boat we took over to the Island.

Islesford and the rest of Little Cranberry Island, has a very unique and relaxed lifestyle that is desired by many. The experience is like being able to take informal, safe, and unfettered strolls through out a large extended neighborhood, where soon, you begin feeling as if you are a member yourself. People are relaxed, very friendly, and accommodating.
One of the first settlers of Little Cranberry Island was John Stanley, Jr. His father, John Sr. began the lineage of the Stanley name that exists to this day throughout Hancock County. There are many places that bare the name as in Stanley Brook in Acadia National Park, within Seal Harbor, part of Mount Desert. There were many settlers trying to make a go of agriculture as this was the accepted view of where the area's worth was. It wasn't until Colonel Black was able to effluence the perspective that the area's wealth was actually in the timber industry, that this really took off. It seems obvious today that the rocky soil is not a good bet for agricultural endeavors. It is a great little Island to spend the day wandering around and actually had more to offer then Great Cranberry Island and be sure to eat at the little restaurant at the end of the pier... the Cod Balls are really good ~ YUM!

We really enjoyed our day going from Island to Island on the Mail Boat.

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

Lobsters Big & Small ~ What Fun

While you are visiting the area of Mount Desert and you have some time go visit the Mount Desert Oceanarium & Lobster Hatchery ~ is located at 1351 State Route 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 and is open daily 9 to 5 except Sundays.
 

When we went by it on the way into Bar Harbor we instantly knew we wanted to go there and see what it was all about.  So on a rainy day we hopped into the car and headed over there ~ luckily for us it stopped raining as we arrived.

As soon as you enter the front office you are greeted by several young people who are interning here.  After purchasing your tickets you are given a schedule of times for the different events...
Our first event was the Discovery Pool where they showed you different sea critters and told you what they were.  You could hold them if you wanted to but we left that to the kids...

Discovery Pool

Enlarge to see the thousands of eggs in her tail

After visiting the Discovery Pool it was off to the Lobster Hatchery where they get Female Lobsters that have eggs attached from Lobster Fisherman.  They put them into a tank where the eggs will hatch a little at a time and then when the female is all done delivering the babies they are released back into the ocean.  NOTE: The female Lobster carries the eggs inside her for a year and then they are released to her tail where she carries them for another year.  YIKES!  As soon as they hatch they scoop them up and put them into a tank where they number how many are in there and when they were born .  They raise the babies until they are about 2 inches long and then through a special release program they are released back into the sea where only about 50% will reach maturity.  It was very interesting and the intern who gave us the demonstration was so passionate about what she was talking about.  That made it all the more interesting.



After the Lobster Hatchery it was off to the Thomas Bay Marsh Nature Walk where we learned about the plant vegetation and wildlife.  Our guide took us through explainingwhy the marsh exist and how the plants and wildlife partake in that.  It was a great time and we really enjoyed all the information we learned.

Last but not least was our one on one chat with Oceanarium director & owner David Mills. David relishes his role of teacher and enjoys taking his time to explain the Oceanarium and the life of a Fisherman/ Lobster career.  He is an outstanding man and very interesting talk to.  This is his passion and you can hear his love for it in his chat.

It was a great day and we really enjoyed our time at the Oceanarium ~

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!

Acadia National Park III ~ I hear the Thunder!

It was a beautiful sun shiny day on Mount Desert Island day 3 and we headed out early for another day of sightseeing.  Today our goal was to check out Thunder Hole, The Jordan Pond House, Wildwood Stables, and Cadillac Mountain.  Each place has it's own beauty and we are excited to visit them
Our first stop was Thunder Hole ~ I think you have to time it just right because we have been here twice and never seen it at its full potential.  Thunder Hole is the place in Acadia National Park to experience the thunder of the sea against the rocky shores of Maine! On calm days you may wonder what the fuss is all about. But wait until the waves kick up a few notches. Thunder Hole is a small inlet, naturally carved out of the rocks, where the waves roll into. At the end of this inlet, down low, is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of distant thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar! Hence the name: Thunder Hole. Last time we were here we saw a little action and this time the sea was so peaceful we didn't see any... I 'll have to come back and camp out right there to see it in full force.
BIG TIP: go visit Thunder Hole when the seas are restless ~ you'll get a better show!!!

This is a picture from the internet showing what it does when conditions are right

Next we were off to Jordon Pond House ~ The famous Jordan Pond House, the only full service restaurant located within Acadia National Park, is located in a spectacular park setting overlooking beautiful Jordan Pond with the North and South Bubbles in the distance. It is a modern full service restaurant offering lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. You may continue a late 1800's tradition of having afternoon tea & popovers on the lawn while savoring the spectacular view.  We decided to do lunch and sat outside on the lawn area with a view of the pond. 

Jordon Pond

Lunch at Jordon Pond House

After lunch we headed down the road to Wildwood Stables where you can get on a horse drawn wagon and tour the Carriage Roads.  The Carriage Roads and stone bridges were financed and directed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., between 1913 and 1940, for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and carriages. Approximately 45 miles of Carriage Roads within the park allow for the activities of hiking & biking. The Carriage Roads are the best example of turn of the century “broken stone” roads in America today. Granite from Mount Desert Island was quarried by the construction crews for road material and bridge facing. Native vegetation such as fern and wild blueberries was tastefully used to landscape the roadside. (Click Carriage Roads for a map furnished by U.S. National Parks.)

Last but not least is the drive up to the Summit of Cadillac Mountain.  Last time we were here it was a bright sunny day however by the time we got up there it was a little foggy.  At 1532 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is the first place to view sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. It is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island, Maine, that were pushed up by earth's volcanic forces millions of years ago. If it wasn't for a huge glaciers that sheared off their tops, they would be even higher than what we see today. Note the slopes on the islands in the distance to see the impact the glaciers had on the land. The northside is on the left and the steeper slope or the down side is on the right.

Cadillac Mountain is largely composed of pink granite with forests of spruce and pitch pine. Views of Acadia National Park from the top of the mountain are spectacular. The winding and scenic road that ascends to the top of Cadillac Mountain is approximately 3.5 miles long and was officially opened in 1931. There are several small observation points along the way that offer great viewing opportunities. It is easy to get caught up in the views while driving ~ be careful as much of the road is right beside steep cliff like areas. Just a little scary at times. 

It was another wonderful day and still there is so much more to see and do here.  I am telling you to come to Mount Desert Island and enjoy visiting all the small coastal towns and the wonderful Acadia National Park.  You won't be disappointed!

Acadia National Park II ~ AHHHHHH Nature♥

Our second day had a lot on our agenda ~  Sand Beach, Sieur de Monts a natural spring, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Nature Center and a interpative trail at the same spot.  There is so much nature and beauty here that you can spend hours just strolling through the Gardens, Woods or Seashore and get caught up in the breathtaking beauty.  We started at Sieur de Monts which has the Nature Center where we saw animals of the region and plant life. Then walked outside to the Springs and the interpertive walk.

The Sieur de Monts Spring House was built in Acadia National Park by George B. Dorr in 1909. On a nearby rock he carved “The Sweet Waters of Acadia” which can still be seen today. This serves as an important monument to the Park's formation.

The Wild Gardens of Acadia is maintained by a  group of community volunteers. It reflects the typical habitats as found on Mount Desert Island. More than 300 native species are labeled to make identification easy in nine separate display areas.

When we strolled into the beautiful gardens, which we  wondered through and a interpative trail we walked along, it was such a beautiful feeling of peace and serenity.  I could have sat here for hours.

Our last stop for the day was Sand Beach ~ Sand Beach is a gorgeous little beach nestled between mountains and rocky shores. The beach is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments created by the pounding surf.  The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer but the children don't seem to mind much. There is approximately one half a cup of salt per gallon of water.   We dipped our toes in and believe me ~ no swimming for us!

We had a GREAT day exploring more of Acadia National Park and there is still so much to see and do here... We have more then exceeded our last visit here several years ago and we are having so much more fun this time!  I guess we have learned finally to slow down ad smell the Wild roses ~ LOL!

Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!