tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1224759867085115262024-03-18T16:34:04.440-05:00RVentures with Doug and ChrisRVentures with Doug and Chris - RV life, adventures, and a dash of nimbleness...Doug Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020561567044224007noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-75478600760273907612024-03-18T12:59:00.037-05:002024-03-18T16:33:10.813-05:00The ''Prime'' Reason We Love to Spend Time In Medellín, Colombia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpSRS8WXrr3qPXHb1Z-SpEpC79swdvOC__P-FByy-0SnTAI4hpGteAjxmJioIpJpI9gT0rtVF7wKfbjzNce6E3LHF_0-bJKspBp4DSbH6rGhgLhX-KKQERFJp3Y4VwyNlufQv1sU3w116EVakyxcGT0X5T1bnRLC0zNlYOPumoY7YsLmOdy5IVIyoibQ/s1532/20240224122849-PXL_20240224_172849564.MP.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1359" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpSRS8WXrr3qPXHb1Z-SpEpC79swdvOC__P-FByy-0SnTAI4hpGteAjxmJioIpJpI9gT0rtVF7wKfbjzNce6E3LHF_0-bJKspBp4DSbH6rGhgLhX-KKQERFJp3Y4VwyNlufQv1sU3w116EVakyxcGT0X5T1bnRLC0zNlYOPumoY7YsLmOdy5IVIyoibQ/w323-h364/20240224122849-PXL_20240224_172849564.MP.png" width="323" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Five years ago we traveled to Medellin, Colombia for our first extended visit abroad. Our plan was to learn Spanish by taking classes for a few months, become a wee-bit fluent, and then travel to other Spanish-speaking countries in the following years. In the process of learning Spanish, we became connected with <a href="https://primed.community/">Primed Community</a>, a non-profit organization that brings free English classes to many underserved barrios (neighborhoods) of Medellín.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaL9w4ov_uM0Hg6WEtd8057LsrBkKxlhyQ7KNR2_LCMOdEGrsTy4XuZClKj5xiyg-Xdap0FCf-OiQ3TY4s9E4b1MCSo11SXA7dLGPc2NlmgVuczYjmZPGbnnBxWAofIeNSkSLirAx2HBC-8kNC6cE7Q-k3SoHpCwEV7t5SDclCo-i40qQGxgmANjatRA/s2504/20190213173627-20190213173627_IMG_6687.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1671" data-original-width="2504" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaL9w4ov_uM0Hg6WEtd8057LsrBkKxlhyQ7KNR2_LCMOdEGrsTy4XuZClKj5xiyg-Xdap0FCf-OiQ3TY4s9E4b1MCSo11SXA7dLGPc2NlmgVuczYjmZPGbnnBxWAofIeNSkSLirAx2HBC-8kNC6cE7Q-k3SoHpCwEV7t5SDclCo-i40qQGxgmANjatRA/s320/20190213173627-20190213173627_IMG_6687.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We started serving as volunteer English teachers and quickly fell in love with the people and culture of Medellín. And after five years, we have to say that the Primed Community is one of the ''Prime'' reasons we love to spend time in Medellín.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSAAZAU7MZv1cdM-cXfmuPqAQuYwUwkhPedXPrb5FmZ2xiG-6MLCD8A-b0sCats_8gwnWbR8Qk6M3vZYNQjmiB-CxxfEM8-k88Macpf3zmqWJUMtJdAlBHrspwB_GyGtZODN5A6KLzybtTNMeZC3nQkp8zKUfHUwFLDXK3n0vZDEJVbecXr_GDi8MMfI/s887/20230406000000-IMG-20230405-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSAAZAU7MZv1cdM-cXfmuPqAQuYwUwkhPedXPrb5FmZ2xiG-6MLCD8A-b0sCats_8gwnWbR8Qk6M3vZYNQjmiB-CxxfEM8-k88Macpf3zmqWJUMtJdAlBHrspwB_GyGtZODN5A6KLzybtTNMeZC3nQkp8zKUfHUwFLDXK3n0vZDEJVbecXr_GDi8MMfI/s320/20230406000000-IMG-20230405-WA0015.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Primed's mission is to build up community through learning opportunities. </span>By learning English, their adult students can often obtain better jobs as local tour guides and entrepreneurs. Their program, called ''Storytellers'', encourages each student to share their unique story (in both Spanish and English) with their friends, neighbors and visitors to their barrio.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGywgPIidTzpIrQafyRZSulpML84FLpVHj8tdQQRuNMOrPvEJJeb5nb67U4mE5HNlRDiTwajii2xSHAaIs2vbG2bOPLw_h4B-HhRReP-fHtpZb2Gq37sUBDyIQJRj0SuWIsZQRmBS_WaweYYhJSiEd9FU9AzZ06tADIDLZI8_VY-_6pGGC-J2XpjeQgjE/s3648/20190320124602-20190320124602_IMG_7292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGywgPIidTzpIrQafyRZSulpML84FLpVHj8tdQQRuNMOrPvEJJeb5nb67U4mE5HNlRDiTwajii2xSHAaIs2vbG2bOPLw_h4B-HhRReP-fHtpZb2Gq37sUBDyIQJRj0SuWIsZQRmBS_WaweYYhJSiEd9FU9AzZ06tADIDLZI8_VY-_6pGGC-J2XpjeQgjE/s320/20190320124602-20190320124602_IMG_7292.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The first year we assisted in the barrio of San Javier. Known as Comuna 13, this neighborhood was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. But through the efforts of its local, city, and national leaders, Comuna 13 has been transformed into a cultural mecca. Innovative escalators bring citizens and tourists up the steep hills. Magnificent paintings tell the story of this community's re-birth. And thanks to Primed Community's free English classes, local tour guides now share their story, reflected in the local art, in both Spanish and English.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfVh7NvA9TCJhkyLW0Rbg9JEdki8MPVJKq74Jx66-mUs8rrGHiSdxEMm-lJ3XljU_UDz9E87WG3siwm6lvuMVCyxi0wdeD-gWLmQTBe6n79lJRu7P04KnWMR4X7mXbrtyML_1s6SD4nG1ITvIBfBuxwHJqt29lJj8BukFlqbLDguwwQis6WdzWqE3xwo/s3648/20190320144514-20190320144514_IMG_7315copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfVh7NvA9TCJhkyLW0Rbg9JEdki8MPVJKq74Jx66-mUs8rrGHiSdxEMm-lJ3XljU_UDz9E87WG3siwm6lvuMVCyxi0wdeD-gWLmQTBe6n79lJRu7P04KnWMR4X7mXbrtyML_1s6SD4nG1ITvIBfBuxwHJqt29lJj8BukFlqbLDguwwQis6WdzWqE3xwo/s320/20190320144514-20190320144514_IMG_7315copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A couple of years ago, Primed expanded their program into another barrio known as Moravia. Moravia has a sad history in that it was the site of the municipal garbage dump for Medellin in the late 20th century. People, trying to escape the poverty and violence in other parts of the city and country, built ramshackle homes next to and sometimes on top of the piles of foul-smelling, decaying garbage. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">But recently, e</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">fforts have been made to clean up and improve the living conditions of this barrio, and citizens are working</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> together to bring about a positive transformation. As this mural states:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBT9jMe1UD_pd0_R3YS9fZi7oIrjFaj13uFP_MmwUGbwRxeL15RA1sEIY5GdSLcMZv9WtDGQ4Ba6Avw46qnJfEqvscijxRtPkJayEGszI6XQTto-LNSlZWwEEeYQd7lFW6mmdADKK9-BkIcHXeK2eE9PMBlskUvTdKFUqZe5ysyuZfkEdCzYaReZO9vg/s3255/20190303111705-20190303111705_IMG_7110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2483" data-original-width="3255" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBT9jMe1UD_pd0_R3YS9fZi7oIrjFaj13uFP_MmwUGbwRxeL15RA1sEIY5GdSLcMZv9WtDGQ4Ba6Avw46qnJfEqvscijxRtPkJayEGszI6XQTto-LNSlZWwEEeYQd7lFW6mmdADKK9-BkIcHXeK2eE9PMBlskUvTdKFUqZe5ysyuZfkEdCzYaReZO9vg/s320/20190303111705-20190303111705_IMG_7110.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>No more garbage! </b></i><i style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Nature is sacred. </b></i><i style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Let's take care of our barrio.</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We were able to experience a bit of this transformation first hand last year when Primed's Storytellers program spread to Moravia. We served as volunteer English teachers and quickly became addicted to the energy of our students. The following video is just a small example of the pride that we felt as we saw our students dedicate themselves to learning English in order to improve their own lives and the lives of their community.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t_wNW-Uj-q4" width="320" youtube-src-id="t_wNW-Uj-q4"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Moravia class ''graduated'' last September, and we were fortunate to be able to reconnect a few weeks ago with some of our former students. It was heart-warming to see the confidence of our students as they shared stories of how they are using their English skills to improve their job status as well as improve their community. One student is now an elementary teacher, and he is proud to be able to introduce English to his young students. Another student works as a barber, and his clientele now includes foreign tourists, all because of his ability to speak English.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6Pr9jO96U9lrS-jcuzHpdcTOmbp81SrydqHHLGSHorDrMPBN9TRf6inMqblB2tjVo1LAFezKMSBuBYmHOyVdiSDnGtxdhcKY5V75TmzQWVjRnikvQNyCPCIFzSBMQAx8IXGubkAuXDNZU8GwhraBSzuEOiWo2HX6gVQEK2Yi8nQgGVZMxLEK9vzD_wk/s3648/20240217111055-PXL_20240217_161055953%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6Pr9jO96U9lrS-jcuzHpdcTOmbp81SrydqHHLGSHorDrMPBN9TRf6inMqblB2tjVo1LAFezKMSBuBYmHOyVdiSDnGtxdhcKY5V75TmzQWVjRnikvQNyCPCIFzSBMQAx8IXGubkAuXDNZU8GwhraBSzuEOiWo2HX6gVQEK2Yi8nQgGVZMxLEK9vzD_wk/s320/20240217111055-PXL_20240217_161055953%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year we're happy to see Primed's Storytellers program expand once again into the barrio of Manrique. In the 1990's this community began as makeshift houses that were built on the steep hillside. Considered an ''invasion'' community by the city, there was no water, electricity or sanitation services for the original citizens. Through the efforts of community leaders, conditions for this neighborhood have begun to improve.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHZGAZmc_tx51tSFVyqW927V2MjIIEpFp3_y3ROx5ogaat-MDIbl6Qur1Lfw5puR4paUeFQ7TZYWn1Og9rTk-lDceSVLW9qYQW2jKvS1PEkANDtDUBzHBuHMBnPMOu0x7PI63SAzCMCOKqO3cW5nFqiE8jCYAWPW4k7BX9nISgD13L1odpHTXAQg-JuI/s4430/20240210154312-PXL_20240210_181946953~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3171" data-original-width="4430" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHZGAZmc_tx51tSFVyqW927V2MjIIEpFp3_y3ROx5ogaat-MDIbl6Qur1Lfw5puR4paUeFQ7TZYWn1Og9rTk-lDceSVLW9qYQW2jKvS1PEkANDtDUBzHBuHMBnPMOu0x7PI63SAzCMCOKqO3cW5nFqiE8jCYAWPW4k7BX9nISgD13L1odpHTXAQg-JuI/s320/20240210154312-PXL_20240210_181946953~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bus service now connects them to jobs further down the hillside in the city. A reservoir in the center of town provides important water and hydroelectric power. And most recently, a project is underway to transform the neighborhood with colorful art.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcPqxOpeTH7bTVnngNCgf4V5MYUwxjgkb3RrdLkerSph4JiFl1TY717gdWKJppSFrOV_ggjKWlJq7pCJTWj4U3VcpHDBEF1wJITfoiApGQMBK-mftOBDMpkpI8yPCfU_rL_vQXFyI2ALHh-85CfgzM2vAFrnqtYmpglmlM2PD6bN28yyuGiRCKTWbpEQ/s3338/20240303120816-PXL_20240302_203607511~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3338" data-original-width="2895" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcPqxOpeTH7bTVnngNCgf4V5MYUwxjgkb3RrdLkerSph4JiFl1TY717gdWKJppSFrOV_ggjKWlJq7pCJTWj4U3VcpHDBEF1wJITfoiApGQMBK-mftOBDMpkpI8yPCfU_rL_vQXFyI2ALHh-85CfgzM2vAFrnqtYmpglmlM2PD6bN28yyuGiRCKTWbpEQ/s320/20240303120816-PXL_20240302_203607511~2.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Through a new program called Constellations, citizens of Manrique have begun giving tours of their newly revived barrio. Luz, one of our students, proudly showed us around her community one Saturday and shared stories of its past struggles and recent transformation. While our tour was in Spanish, I have no doubt that Luz will be telling her stories in English in the near future. In the meantime, I appreciated the fact that she spoke slowly and clearly so that I could understand... most of it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONf3LsywNNmmzhCsvNkZ4gJ3Vn-hNwcAlT2-SG5iZ8zlvNTBgAks3-nLQOBdAerNpv0__RCDb_cncL-WYayqPetS7iS1sKshIy5DBG4eyyBBW_vw1HeagxGmVoGmBEGUyiEWOZIYRT3_Pn725grvk5tB9k7swmxZlQ3uI8cCM8AAvioI7eboXSm7t4Hc/s4227/20240303125944-PXL_20240302_203004495~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4227" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONf3LsywNNmmzhCsvNkZ4gJ3Vn-hNwcAlT2-SG5iZ8zlvNTBgAks3-nLQOBdAerNpv0__RCDb_cncL-WYayqPetS7iS1sKshIy5DBG4eyyBBW_vw1HeagxGmVoGmBEGUyiEWOZIYRT3_Pn725grvk5tB9k7swmxZlQ3uI8cCM8AAvioI7eboXSm7t4Hc/s320/20240303125944-PXL_20240302_203004495~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Luz and her brother outside their childhood home.</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our tour started out with a Colombian coastal lunch of fish, coconut rice, and patacons lovingly prepared by Melida and family.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg66zPMhuoioUNrDP-0PZx4zLwYopasjoYhdtP-F32V7EHbr0fpxqCwJeqfKDc7SqgXvXh6lWFyuW_0SV6NCf4SDdU7Q-fMHFgB_l6l5xj-ZEF6Ox-yg-iOToeoEjWbin14ZqbfEcBGHer-A1cuyEl9QpNzIHESxMV2BESg5e5cyHsL9T0rN41Qlw2Vg/s4624/20240303130132-PXL_20240302_184455839.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg66zPMhuoioUNrDP-0PZx4zLwYopasjoYhdtP-F32V7EHbr0fpxqCwJeqfKDc7SqgXvXh6lWFyuW_0SV6NCf4SDdU7Q-fMHFgB_l6l5xj-ZEF6Ox-yg-iOToeoEjWbin14ZqbfEcBGHer-A1cuyEl9QpNzIHESxMV2BESg5e5cyHsL9T0rN41Qlw2Vg/s320/20240303130132-PXL_20240302_184455839.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The fish may not have been smiling, but our enthusiastic patacón maker was!</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfOZAAS1T07p_NLROGq4ePiZlugN4HaXrWfdraACHh5JddWRTL1vbf754_OZC7IzE2SGqXNhad8ug3Su3kCL1vBPmypUgxvBoDl-DPjJR9vGVZSkriIeoJ2uomXDxYo-h78VGy4MlQtS0jngncuF-qDnL8j__QBP_gQbfMYFD4oVLpDhqdPG_VBLzI0w/s4311/20240303123217-PXL_20240302_182927384~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4311" data-original-width="2994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfOZAAS1T07p_NLROGq4ePiZlugN4HaXrWfdraACHh5JddWRTL1vbf754_OZC7IzE2SGqXNhad8ug3Su3kCL1vBPmypUgxvBoDl-DPjJR9vGVZSkriIeoJ2uomXDxYo-h78VGy4MlQtS0jngncuF-qDnL8j__QBP_gQbfMYFD4oVLpDhqdPG_VBLzI0w/s320/20240303123217-PXL_20240302_182927384~2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Afterwards, we walked through the narrow streets as Luz told us stories of the barrio that are reflected in the street art.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrZW7VX6PTeAIrOS4B7b3CV1q41FEbFAW81MJ_dxqTIKSWXUKE8AyOyD0C7meRtaFXWMHDVTzXY6nWjLovpkLAOwnbHs9E-JN3ZU5-5ppVo8Xhsl8XtqnVMocGk3cbXFAsVQ193a-18vssWAnUwN71EMDLHx1022Ju0pdBXofjhL7FTgWm36RDSJ6gbI/s4392/20240303123506-PXL_20240302_182307262.NIGHT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4392" data-original-width="3298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrZW7VX6PTeAIrOS4B7b3CV1q41FEbFAW81MJ_dxqTIKSWXUKE8AyOyD0C7meRtaFXWMHDVTzXY6nWjLovpkLAOwnbHs9E-JN3ZU5-5ppVo8Xhsl8XtqnVMocGk3cbXFAsVQ193a-18vssWAnUwN71EMDLHx1022Ju0pdBXofjhL7FTgWm36RDSJ6gbI/s320/20240303123506-PXL_20240302_182307262.NIGHT~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stories of how Melida and many like her left the Caribbean coast in hopes of finding a better life for her family in Medellin.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-sHWBjINcQa4knVwZTFh92PWnTD85V7T8050GETtYJOE-ish1AoCXX-o8rKv53NuFJK6krbhBH-h9pRKf3ES8YMQl06aG36Mcf2UNO6ZVHFyofCrgT02rHXM7OFSwE_U_ZxBzigJNu3gec6MvibxM3b3ehGBx1AEFgCJodpX5k6wj_QtRblvF7eeg34/s4624/20240303122027-PXL_20240302_200628977~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-sHWBjINcQa4knVwZTFh92PWnTD85V7T8050GETtYJOE-ish1AoCXX-o8rKv53NuFJK6krbhBH-h9pRKf3ES8YMQl06aG36Mcf2UNO6ZVHFyofCrgT02rHXM7OFSwE_U_ZxBzigJNu3gec6MvibxM3b3ehGBx1AEFgCJodpX5k6wj_QtRblvF7eeg34/s320/20240303122027-PXL_20240302_200628977~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stories of the simple joys of the children of Manrique.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1Fv7VmszbEYNrUndHkVcExOdGPltS5Ta2mI0t2Pz2sIRg36Eb_E9knFZeBg4vpQNfgEX3fKmPIaRPKWVwADWgASLYHeuOYgzcoporOtDF7ndWbmGXHyHJIZyki2vEJWUv2_gNJOSUBRYUNO6xe4piWgHUM3oWHpDOnPCGigCnSSe0koq-5FQY91HxgM/s4624/20240303121813-PXL_20240302_201243121~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1Fv7VmszbEYNrUndHkVcExOdGPltS5Ta2mI0t2Pz2sIRg36Eb_E9knFZeBg4vpQNfgEX3fKmPIaRPKWVwADWgASLYHeuOYgzcoporOtDF7ndWbmGXHyHJIZyki2vEJWUv2_gNJOSUBRYUNO6xe4piWgHUM3oWHpDOnPCGigCnSSe0koq-5FQY91HxgM/s320/20240303121813-PXL_20240302_201243121~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Stories of hope for rebirth, transformation, and a better future for the citizens of this historically underserved barrio.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7DaDuFrsq-SbiM_B-rWAOgaxSY7L2Z3vHY9Fbl6atr1V1s0RtRsT-aKatQ_in5wjD4clqA_hlt-clU8EpiBYO31Id51jnxGOg_BcShP8MxTPS3DVcBoYGzUFQlMpoyopdwbZ9iZ7QEuSj9H3h9DgM6XNNdoVcdsMYi6OL6O2GedWxWKAhAcoc3fuH24/s3472/20240303121918-PXL_20240302_200938094~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="3412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7DaDuFrsq-SbiM_B-rWAOgaxSY7L2Z3vHY9Fbl6atr1V1s0RtRsT-aKatQ_in5wjD4clqA_hlt-clU8EpiBYO31Id51jnxGOg_BcShP8MxTPS3DVcBoYGzUFQlMpoyopdwbZ9iZ7QEuSj9H3h9DgM6XNNdoVcdsMYi6OL6O2GedWxWKAhAcoc3fuH24/s320/20240303121918-PXL_20240302_200938094~2.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Primed Community's classes are an important way to help promote tourism in this revitalized neighborhood, and these classes would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Cata, Primed's director, and Tom, </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the program's talented and passionate academic coordinator.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRXmb7fB3DaYwT-WV_YD25sUR-_ydyfdXIUCkR8CMxBrkyvWvQCPogbbA1ree_CqV-YcJD8-Wh61OoFcxDnuAugnJtFkJvpC8pwwupAe997mUbyyNHuMNryu4hzQDf33ofltugmGLiGzxTV8YK7nnrUTMWGv4EXXM0bFCMEfpvk5M3L4bilZxtn8JnfM/s3615/20240316201347-PXL_20240316_155042576.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2673" data-original-width="3615" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRXmb7fB3DaYwT-WV_YD25sUR-_ydyfdXIUCkR8CMxBrkyvWvQCPogbbA1ree_CqV-YcJD8-Wh61OoFcxDnuAugnJtFkJvpC8pwwupAe997mUbyyNHuMNryu4hzQDf33ofltugmGLiGzxTV8YK7nnrUTMWGv4EXXM0bFCMEfpvk5M3L4bilZxtn8JnfM/s320/20240316201347-PXL_20240316_155042576.MP~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>There is no hiding Tom's passion for teaching!</i></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Originally from Great Britain, Tom now calls Medellin home and has devoted countless volunteer hours to start another two year program in the neighborhood of Manrique. Every Saturday he leads the three hour class with 40-50 students in the Manrique Community Center. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. This amazing teacher has developed the program's curriculum, written the weekly learning platforms, organized the weekly online review sessions, and recruited numerous volunteers to assist with the classes.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCp7bIk11NZNEPCoxi0w8C7g-4lutWIpc176riZxAqFmZnU_na-ivo6P63sD_fTOXJn_-H-AU2JREFtKTqqpiCOucjCbHG0VF3dg6Vdi51tJJaJSTm_TO7o_SGhQK2EGHgodgIVpnwJNuTj2LG67gBSNsab4OkTmV3FAB5Q6VOftEZmcVa6DOff-4q5M/s4032/20230412181635-PXL_20230412_231635791.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCp7bIk11NZNEPCoxi0w8C7g-4lutWIpc176riZxAqFmZnU_na-ivo6P63sD_fTOXJn_-H-AU2JREFtKTqqpiCOucjCbHG0VF3dg6Vdi51tJJaJSTm_TO7o_SGhQK2EGHgodgIVpnwJNuTj2LG67gBSNsab4OkTmV3FAB5Q6VOftEZmcVa6DOff-4q5M/s320/20230412181635-PXL_20230412_231635791.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As volunteer teachers, we get to do the ''fun stuff'' in class. Tom sends us the detailed lesson plan a few days beforehand, and we show up ready to assist, encourage, and just have fun. When learning a new language, it is important that students have an opportunity for individual practice... and that's where we come in. Through small group practice, students gain confidence in speaking.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguO7YHRuWrTByLOSbu1X4CZzfEXUfN8RCH78JOLTPNtca4_13YvvEktezijaFte8KxrTYnDYq8Jh4ADocdh8NYiunrwXJKpSi4D4fATJQ89B1dif0KjEYGJw44Zhai10gTeRG5_TgG6sN2KipahYxoHTk4ak6SlDyHLTTLwZ_-TgG-0hNs-Jv84G8Vvw/s4032/20230412181730-PXL_20230412_231730336.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguO7YHRuWrTByLOSbu1X4CZzfEXUfN8RCH78JOLTPNtca4_13YvvEktezijaFte8KxrTYnDYq8Jh4ADocdh8NYiunrwXJKpSi4D4fATJQ89B1dif0KjEYGJw44Zhai10gTeRG5_TgG6sN2KipahYxoHTk4ak6SlDyHLTTLwZ_-TgG-0hNs-Jv84G8Vvw/s320/20230412181730-PXL_20230412_231730336.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fun and games are also an important element of each class. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVCjpRJ4chuuu7A-f0DScLnE9rNJ4ljZRVb4-0SQWfjW_0Ijc5OFS28D2x1hmob790rCmLTjEL9dCLVjj-i9rqNcCsd8cMG2sYq9J5NyAPuHu5N5ltyXUfIjL0NI8hX1xPbsOwKI96zgbfe4T6_gyXAQNQS-8lbCFmFIvPiln8vxjeQeT81ErgNtPyTw/s4032/20230208185142-PXL_20230208_235142426.MP%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVCjpRJ4chuuu7A-f0DScLnE9rNJ4ljZRVb4-0SQWfjW_0Ijc5OFS28D2x1hmob790rCmLTjEL9dCLVjj-i9rqNcCsd8cMG2sYq9J5NyAPuHu5N5ltyXUfIjL0NI8hX1xPbsOwKI96zgbfe4T6_gyXAQNQS-8lbCFmFIvPiln8vxjeQeT81ErgNtPyTw/s320/20230208185142-PXL_20230208_235142426.MP%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And there's always plenty of friendly competition to bring out the inner child in all of us!</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsUYJi5TW94zN9kGEZLkBsGgYNtiXs01NYlIDkb0IEe2T4q0w9p3i2Y9AXULUTgKCgbgNWK5weNxYYUqHSeZQivFTIXK5JXLI44PL_Ib_HvaEgpNHDED45zVLfUnIBXaJ1yBw7idoDYY6R3WAqfWedXQuzIIMNnLO7nGA7Xgb9TxDai190GSldLLd-pk/s4032/20230308185334-PXL_20230308_235334237%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsUYJi5TW94zN9kGEZLkBsGgYNtiXs01NYlIDkb0IEe2T4q0w9p3i2Y9AXULUTgKCgbgNWK5weNxYYUqHSeZQivFTIXK5JXLI44PL_Ib_HvaEgpNHDED45zVLfUnIBXaJ1yBw7idoDYY6R3WAqfWedXQuzIIMNnLO7nGA7Xgb9TxDai190GSldLLd-pk/s320/20230308185334-PXL_20230308_235334237%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are so many reasons to love Medellín, but it's...</span></i></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the dedication of lead teacher Tom,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4aDoVImmPRAWvNezxIw9ScVzIVHMv70vYyAa_glpHSFz2ddPYoB1-PpcxGCtVu0WdprbwfsJkS6URsHZDifwZ-PCcxMVzbIqYp2aMdjupl4FgywVVsgdR8MdujQeFR4LCdTt6bUQQp8R13Tc4G6a2D9O3rjvpi0S7jFHZR6jAlAEw_jUhL-qIpnkhjs/s3855/20240220152503-PXL_20240217_150548300~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="3855" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4aDoVImmPRAWvNezxIw9ScVzIVHMv70vYyAa_glpHSFz2ddPYoB1-PpcxGCtVu0WdprbwfsJkS6URsHZDifwZ-PCcxMVzbIqYp2aMdjupl4FgywVVsgdR8MdujQeFR4LCdTt6bUQQp8R13Tc4G6a2D9O3rjvpi0S7jFHZR6jAlAEw_jUhL-qIpnkhjs/s320/20240220152503-PXL_20240217_150548300~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the enthusiasm of the many volunteer assistant teachers,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTHADhf5nASnPbY0TjjIzvixsN4RaryPxkntjA_Mpx2hPxR2JakWnYys_YrhmxVe5E-P5BNLjY-hIES7bCSkKRWoDu5cCqvr6l-9wamdahS9SaNxa_LvaVA4W6DBbX40gRVKwMyXD2sm7sWA5Jea9GRQ7d-cUj_0DMnYIKYxelQKCCGoALvr04h6fN24/s3937/20240309164253-PXL_20240309_174553765.MP~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="3937" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTHADhf5nASnPbY0TjjIzvixsN4RaryPxkntjA_Mpx2hPxR2JakWnYys_YrhmxVe5E-P5BNLjY-hIES7bCSkKRWoDu5cCqvr6l-9wamdahS9SaNxa_LvaVA4W6DBbX40gRVKwMyXD2sm7sWA5Jea9GRQ7d-cUj_0DMnYIKYxelQKCCGoALvr04h6fN24/s320/20240309164253-PXL_20240309_174553765.MP~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the determination of the students,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7I05MlhZSsv6RNtDUcedcr9pePuZZ25lspeuf5uubQ6GICnatUBKqFoLuUSzuN0aaceh9ZgwN6IP-qstARRzWGPArvBWmfWnorSom3aSeXOjYvqxZAfx8PUaQ6-XZdRKKdtciNjm3RxD43BbwwyrkvKCZsxIvs1EPzLVaUDWqHCwOOenEc0Bu6py780/s3742/20240303123624-PXL_20240302_163648356~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3005" data-original-width="3742" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7I05MlhZSsv6RNtDUcedcr9pePuZZ25lspeuf5uubQ6GICnatUBKqFoLuUSzuN0aaceh9ZgwN6IP-qstARRzWGPArvBWmfWnorSom3aSeXOjYvqxZAfx8PUaQ6-XZdRKKdtciNjm3RxD43BbwwyrkvKCZsxIvs1EPzLVaUDWqHCwOOenEc0Bu6py780/w274-h220/20240303123624-PXL_20240302_163648356~2.jpg" width="274" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the shared smiles,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCCoHZakXs1UxKfUfHt-TtDUTYcPlgy7qJvPW9HNHAbAxEfowxgA54xHqo2E1ueHHgPPRZYPSpaW81bH1vVOQWdurnwxUqTSCScSMcbiAqrqZHTh2WqKEis1WQSLjcsXivn9pHsiGSsp6pjJyG4GNKWxGDMSElrGesUu2HWIpay8hDJpc3sJqEu46CXQ/s4624/20240224130805-PXL_20240224_180805463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCCoHZakXs1UxKfUfHt-TtDUTYcPlgy7qJvPW9HNHAbAxEfowxgA54xHqo2E1ueHHgPPRZYPSpaW81bH1vVOQWdurnwxUqTSCScSMcbiAqrqZHTh2WqKEis1WQSLjcsXivn9pHsiGSsp6pjJyG4GNKWxGDMSElrGesUu2HWIpay8hDJpc3sJqEu46CXQ/w215-h286/20240224130805-PXL_20240224_180805463.jpg" width="215" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the laughter and friendships that cross language barriers,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZe2hWQPTJ8H3KIQgQ4GyRYpa4dVDujGoP-y_ydNgaKMlOIaVNBzEHcf3FyDNWkjhRiucpNDScU5k_P-qTglSdHkSkhUA88PfVH845VvEQYNmt2LVdqGMLmBmi5ylsirJw_M8dHJ9ZyC6XyddtuofsuHPtlKSlxAepdhbDMiLQ7nzbsZs5MeM9TTswHY/s3659/20240316194956-PXL_20240316_180205920~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="3659" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZe2hWQPTJ8H3KIQgQ4GyRYpa4dVDujGoP-y_ydNgaKMlOIaVNBzEHcf3FyDNWkjhRiucpNDScU5k_P-qTglSdHkSkhUA88PfVH845VvEQYNmt2LVdqGMLmBmi5ylsirJw_M8dHJ9ZyC6XyddtuofsuHPtlKSlxAepdhbDMiLQ7nzbsZs5MeM9TTswHY/w442-h237/20240316194956-PXL_20240316_180205920~2.jpg" width="442" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the fun of learning,</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyi6XOlkMrZufrSnQCFZPc1KnCk3SemVsewmeXhSmj9t7mlloQfh1LntgIAgfhDCe5gq37iZJHgO7T7YRFflfFNXlOd6j4x6F48U_WHjeTd5-Ah-uoCKnngelvTWgIYFXqOhJ7Fu7pR_e5J1LBNphdi95zYlizTfokoocPUOR5iADxYsXn4oLeO0Bi0g/s3538/20240224151431-PXL_20240224_155748250~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="3538" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyi6XOlkMrZufrSnQCFZPc1KnCk3SemVsewmeXhSmj9t7mlloQfh1LntgIAgfhDCe5gq37iZJHgO7T7YRFflfFNXlOd6j4x6F48U_WHjeTd5-Ah-uoCKnngelvTWgIYFXqOhJ7Fu7pR_e5J1LBNphdi95zYlizTfokoocPUOR5iADxYsXn4oLeO0Bi0g/s320/20240224151431-PXL_20240224_155748250~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and the desire to build a better world ... one barrio at a time</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fKaNtKIi9w8crDqFc9lsjcaUgXwpf40oMUqnRp_gEJDrmY_pvfFWduM30AuSW8aUwu_YGnXfrexNvBjULJn4Orae_S02LmrPwd74gU5C-9jLH2MfyWz_Wk1llLi92IWlWBFXly5C4OTbDXfP3ylNXXQtPsU5Ooc1RWiy_aUZ7IdzS0fcQDiaFyFmBRY/s4624/20240303115753-PXL_20240302_205237877~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2631" data-original-width="4624" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fKaNtKIi9w8crDqFc9lsjcaUgXwpf40oMUqnRp_gEJDrmY_pvfFWduM30AuSW8aUwu_YGnXfrexNvBjULJn4Orae_S02LmrPwd74gU5C-9jLH2MfyWz_Wk1llLi92IWlWBFXly5C4OTbDXfP3ylNXXQtPsU5Ooc1RWiy_aUZ7IdzS0fcQDiaFyFmBRY/w366-h208/20240303115753-PXL_20240302_205237877~2.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">that has become one of the ''Prime'' reasons we love spending time in Medellin, Colombia.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb96TQctW0y2XYE3VIbS1rlr49CcdU-KK9S9dF20GLRdUk94j9WIgp-AGyNBxAD_V-40k7FgfEj-VFDAhMrcYlUKPzi0nxuUrmw2nGkeBr95mJDQ65PpyM16ltYFy0Udi92O7z7EPx60D1hUYNu0PYz0I_EqdJpL8J_CiloF-ijNEF6tQqt8mhekclKfQ/s4450/20240210163501-PXL_20240210_144146576.MP~2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3316" data-original-width="4450" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb96TQctW0y2XYE3VIbS1rlr49CcdU-KK9S9dF20GLRdUk94j9WIgp-AGyNBxAD_V-40k7FgfEj-VFDAhMrcYlUKPzi0nxuUrmw2nGkeBr95mJDQ65PpyM16ltYFy0Udi92O7z7EPx60D1hUYNu0PYz0I_EqdJpL8J_CiloF-ijNEF6tQqt8mhekclKfQ/w366-h272/20240210163501-PXL_20240210_144146576.MP~2%20(1).jpg" width="366" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">PS...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Primed Community is always looking for more volunteers! If you will be visiting Medellin for an extended period of time and want to have more fun than you ever thought possible, visit <a href="https://primed.community/">their website</a> to learn more.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">PSS...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">There are online volunteer teaching opportunities also. Experience some of the kindness and beauty of Medellin without leaving home. Contact <a href="https://primed.community/contact/">Primed Community</a> for more information.</span></div><p></p><p></p></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-43882344332620845882024-02-22T21:38:00.002-06:002024-02-22T21:38:40.609-06:00Medellin, Colombia: Getting Back Into The ''Spring'' of Things<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbC0xp_ZLH_cnKdE5cpmGhKIaIE9wFrKoRK9CJI2uln6NqWIHUXlAR1yPf8XR-anppq5KVgowFAFsdpvpeaXRXATazEyBYfLXUVyB2Ite4RZBeiWqWUN-7ygErmk5h57TdWUH04ncQKdgBByciDwqGFmn_7EQz6RNVJmpgGX1kNAjrB2q05DlkcUfXh4/s1887/20240210163501-PXL_20240210_144146576.MP~2(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1887" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbC0xp_ZLH_cnKdE5cpmGhKIaIE9wFrKoRK9CJI2uln6NqWIHUXlAR1yPf8XR-anppq5KVgowFAFsdpvpeaXRXATazEyBYfLXUVyB2Ite4RZBeiWqWUN-7ygErmk5h57TdWUH04ncQKdgBByciDwqGFmn_7EQz6RNVJmpgGX1kNAjrB2q05DlkcUfXh4/w362-h269/20240210163501-PXL_20240210_144146576.MP~2(1).png" width="362" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We're back in our happy place... a place filled with abundant sunshine, blooming flowers, and friendly faces. A place fondly called La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera. We are back in Medellin, Colombia for our fifth extended visit, and once again, we are very happy to get back into the ''Spring'' of things.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnYNaL9vrfL7foBQ5Avka48ufdh_SrcGnDcRUXt6fXMuzQ2WL1XoeFAc-s99mKFui3fE37AmF53kEW62mPvUG3HSwqBg-3K-hZ9fSlL9qW3jhg1Op1xDRAg6v0d3-iyA-_MIutO0RlOjeBBzC4EV9dr_2a11cUy2wlqCWtsfheUhSAuIpw14uwiwbLiI/s3678/20240211164302-PXL_20240211_164247960.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3313" data-original-width="3678" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnYNaL9vrfL7foBQ5Avka48ufdh_SrcGnDcRUXt6fXMuzQ2WL1XoeFAc-s99mKFui3fE37AmF53kEW62mPvUG3HSwqBg-3K-hZ9fSlL9qW3jhg1Op1xDRAg6v0d3-iyA-_MIutO0RlOjeBBzC4EV9dr_2a11cUy2wlqCWtsfheUhSAuIpw14uwiwbLiI/s320/20240211164302-PXL_20240211_164247960.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sabaneta, a municipality just south of Medellin, is our ''home'' for the next two months. We enjoy the laid-back vibes of Colombia's smallest municipality while still being close to everything that Medellin has to offer.</span><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PdHIWMSI0lyzqBysi2IKoti_5Yn_opohQDyhbBCQzBZqvBNCYIFt4TYMoaagD3nJp8S3swVH7ZfIcT2aYWTC9Nr6PkyYRhqc39x1TOgixhbF49U2FXJ8mfG4mYucZ8RZTzUcgs92dKqKOGt1BGPoVMlYLS-XWNZn-UNTV59mw00ZaGLtyNF8mtUgmjI/s3385/20240219211647-PXL_20240219_205432275~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3173" data-original-width="3385" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PdHIWMSI0lyzqBysi2IKoti_5Yn_opohQDyhbBCQzBZqvBNCYIFt4TYMoaagD3nJp8S3swVH7ZfIcT2aYWTC9Nr6PkyYRhqc39x1TOgixhbF49U2FXJ8mfG4mYucZ8RZTzUcgs92dKqKOGt1BGPoVMlYLS-XWNZn-UNTV59mw00ZaGLtyNF8mtUgmjI/s320/20240219211647-PXL_20240219_205432275~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dominoes, anyone?</span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our (and in ''our'' I mean Doug's) Spanish has gotten quite proficient, and we continue to think about venturing out to other Central and South American countries. But something keeps drawing us back to Medellin.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Could it be...</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The natural beauty of the mountains that surround this city in the Aburrá valley?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUCQFioYjbofnjNO6RH9Njsko_w9O4l0tnxBn9BITYaP2LkMM0-8SxSOChTEvhRhdyK9jT_vyJENZoBy0Qiv1LoNGHqAgTD0KLZ-R7es8mIoQcA6S4cqAe1A-1L-ujJ_yqYepTeaPBxboMkdN2zSwZTLBhxBgUv2fPtiCwIR_EdU-Kj-4k2VzcunbC54/s4624/20240211164755-PXL_20240211_192150876~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUCQFioYjbofnjNO6RH9Njsko_w9O4l0tnxBn9BITYaP2LkMM0-8SxSOChTEvhRhdyK9jT_vyJENZoBy0Qiv1LoNGHqAgTD0KLZ-R7es8mIoQcA6S4cqAe1A-1L-ujJ_yqYepTeaPBxboMkdN2zSwZTLBhxBgUv2fPtiCwIR_EdU-Kj-4k2VzcunbC54/s320/20240211164755-PXL_20240211_192150876~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The overflowing baskets of fresh fruit that give us a healthy start every morning?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEujVwsejxqhXQaYCimi784Tvdcc9eDAIoo0Jx5T4MATQRM-ix1G5kBp9WPAKdd8jUgVP2AXVAsc-W4_zcI6vDfNzyIV16blcZ3lPPkeNg-lPkVc4XeE7L1YUBuP3ztMjCHMf9Hfotb82Mx8c1uYWBjn_WlDHoQV2C5BaBi74kFRRaHhDDqQ-LtjSDfs/s1471/20240207170255-PXL_20240207_220056317~2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1179" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEujVwsejxqhXQaYCimi784Tvdcc9eDAIoo0Jx5T4MATQRM-ix1G5kBp9WPAKdd8jUgVP2AXVAsc-W4_zcI6vDfNzyIV16blcZ3lPPkeNg-lPkVc4XeE7L1YUBuP3ztMjCHMf9Hfotb82Mx8c1uYWBjn_WlDHoQV2C5BaBi74kFRRaHhDDqQ-LtjSDfs/w228-h285/20240207170255-PXL_20240207_220056317~2.png" width="228" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The delicious homemade ''menú del día'' lunch that more than fills us up for the rest of the day?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_motw6O0rG8-8DsZK87O1xu-wvUg_Zzem0yhzPC-od5R-Q8ZDg1crmzJTZ5XATOlTW66ENdAtOCDriPbTHCGIIT3NGCT0wO5rW20a_wxArkyoKW4P8NvP3-Ntjfiq0oEs1jcNhXgm2hyjzUz-pcxexBcbGx84wsvEBiGMd3NALHkLdg93hi_7u2ZwvI/s4160/20240207164929-PXL_20240207_183954478~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2710" data-original-width="4160" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_motw6O0rG8-8DsZK87O1xu-wvUg_Zzem0yhzPC-od5R-Q8ZDg1crmzJTZ5XATOlTW66ENdAtOCDriPbTHCGIIT3NGCT0wO5rW20a_wxArkyoKW4P8NvP3-Ntjfiq0oEs1jcNhXgm2hyjzUz-pcxexBcbGx84wsvEBiGMd3NALHkLdg93hi_7u2ZwvI/s320/20240207164929-PXL_20240207_183954478~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The comfortable Airbnb apartment that spoils us with all the ''luxuries'' of home?</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3MApuEryQDSiDHyyxrbVqmL5dPHMAmrQxRHD3THxiMRi4VevNqgmbcJOEsy2TpzOHLugxoRG-SQTMXCa3Q1x4-O3wmbu5eFGPoxlnFHbJLGEp9gJet-z3gPUVQ6Pygp_HRKV_hSyWa0oXIze0m70O51EID8hvAkQm-DGSmn8QPYQrecgBlVKUVonONA/s4624/20240206161741-PXL_20240206_211741152%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3MApuEryQDSiDHyyxrbVqmL5dPHMAmrQxRHD3THxiMRi4VevNqgmbcJOEsy2TpzOHLugxoRG-SQTMXCa3Q1x4-O3wmbu5eFGPoxlnFHbJLGEp9gJet-z3gPUVQ6Pygp_HRKV_hSyWa0oXIze0m70O51EID8hvAkQm-DGSmn8QPYQrecgBlVKUVonONA/s320/20240206161741-PXL_20240206_211741152%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The colorful and welcoming barrios with their unique and exuberant personalities</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">?</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MkYOBMmnKO8Rdruqk7ER0tzdR_uLInhH5XBKjn0Z39-CYvcaScIzemVJIHLhuTsSI28Sj45DDbAZe7mMX_0EuO7zDpUov_5i_uXDjyjMT_wMg0omB73ULveE6pwypadhTXHgA3NCR6t4sIpcKznTyT7AAd2qZTgO9BUSnvBAygTD_2s32WgAPeSsKpg/s4430/20240210163607-PXL_20240210_181949264~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3326" data-original-width="4430" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MkYOBMmnKO8Rdruqk7ER0tzdR_uLInhH5XBKjn0Z39-CYvcaScIzemVJIHLhuTsSI28Sj45DDbAZe7mMX_0EuO7zDpUov_5i_uXDjyjMT_wMg0omB73ULveE6pwypadhTXHgA3NCR6t4sIpcKznTyT7AAd2qZTgO9BUSnvBAygTD_2s32WgAPeSsKpg/s320/20240210163607-PXL_20240210_181949264~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Or the joy of being able to enjoy this fabulous weather all year long?</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCnAQnFhMxQJM2tlMQJfkhaXgsMNKLGMr2DgXlxkQt5j8AqP7imd6ZhYfFGanusIHkhLhQfU1AypyRkCLkwQWTKzwRG9VeITRxmLhficeDeXPsCBEgFOZZmcBhEcyDTCjpGcLzgFkPrG3SsK-eb5PBTv_1d5bBNTWtWUSIyyJnEPNs7xcpVe9tHvocM8/s4624/20240211164000-PXL_20240211_165801590~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCnAQnFhMxQJM2tlMQJfkhaXgsMNKLGMr2DgXlxkQt5j8AqP7imd6ZhYfFGanusIHkhLhQfU1AypyRkCLkwQWTKzwRG9VeITRxmLhficeDeXPsCBEgFOZZmcBhEcyDTCjpGcLzgFkPrG3SsK-eb5PBTv_1d5bBNTWtWUSIyyJnEPNs7xcpVe9tHvocM8/s320/20240211164000-PXL_20240211_165801590~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It could be any of those reasons, but for us, it's more than that.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's the...</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnknXG_BUoYyfVYmZ1YKgZbUrEYC-AgU0v6bZJzmAclT3dIN6yZ7jLi8hHzs__10pQApX7UPSvCTnkD-kL111lfW51GlkASwrFjcpx_Wi6X5MJ0ZHCwd7liYsjsOcU90nspyxMOkYuGL7rQwdI4HfoqjHP3tspa1StvMBJJV3lU2dlephoCUQ9_SE6m-c/s4615/20240216144812-PXL_20240215_231113926~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4615" data-original-width="2767" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnknXG_BUoYyfVYmZ1YKgZbUrEYC-AgU0v6bZJzmAclT3dIN6yZ7jLi8hHzs__10pQApX7UPSvCTnkD-kL111lfW51GlkASwrFjcpx_Wi6X5MJ0ZHCwd7liYsjsOcU90nspyxMOkYuGL7rQwdI4HfoqjHP3tspa1StvMBJJV3lU2dlephoCUQ9_SE6m-c/w217-h362/20240216144812-PXL_20240215_231113926~2.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">''dear old amigos'' who warmly welcome us back, </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hmZI9O8PL9UR36R40MNPjJhyphenhyphennB8JIhjnI9lkp41OkZg_eo7oP4ssRTY6VtgIHBti0FezD-ufCsloyoo7knuMHCzpyM8DVjX2RASLICr_O1tsqfSh8xdM3HhRPR7r9AAWwE1dg8PETI-QlYTl_ato5CpKmdVFEO6Knj1dlfyzRm6O2n35aI1YI3kcVi8/s1775/20240209110946-PXL_20240208_235433702_exported_33_1707494894158~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1775" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hmZI9O8PL9UR36R40MNPjJhyphenhyphennB8JIhjnI9lkp41OkZg_eo7oP4ssRTY6VtgIHBti0FezD-ufCsloyoo7knuMHCzpyM8DVjX2RASLICr_O1tsqfSh8xdM3HhRPR7r9AAWwE1dg8PETI-QlYTl_ato5CpKmdVFEO6Knj1dlfyzRm6O2n35aI1YI3kcVi8/w268-h225/20240209110946-PXL_20240208_235433702_exported_33_1707494894158~3.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and the new friendships that are formed when we attend nightly language exchanges at local cafés.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNnGfP8KXUK3oBjqiISSnI7INpRweG_4nW-MizV-FYGf4ycrZwG3QazBCd8YS7isjLNepMBBrFRuYpeiDJ-lPDtTJvqWeV_bO_KCHzD5IWt0XiN37qx5D4UWafxW4UuPjiLeb6ARwEJzbG1SxQs2fYvU37mjumSfgF9ga1PTV2vZShNrjOKiwI0ypvjo/s1019/20240207165832-PXL_20240207_015001683_exported_1986_1707342808087~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1019" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNnGfP8KXUK3oBjqiISSnI7INpRweG_4nW-MizV-FYGf4ycrZwG3QazBCd8YS7isjLNepMBBrFRuYpeiDJ-lPDtTJvqWeV_bO_KCHzD5IWt0XiN37qx5D4UWafxW4UuPjiLeb6ARwEJzbG1SxQs2fYvU37mjumSfgF9ga1PTV2vZShNrjOKiwI0ypvjo/w284-h259/20240207165832-PXL_20240207_015001683_exported_1986_1707342808087~2%20(1).jpg" width="284" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>It's the...</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw1xvQVwJfiiff6snJccn6QGCVcDXCH5DXfB2J7VELvj7mbVMRcznkWjjyLcbd2n1-lpXrZZ46KxOdai9sd2T6nDnjrkwuL4Dk8LBifUHNabwjIyUgCfO25QmR6ujnC4-qBiUd278ajOlpNjWaLA8EDHFCUIE8EdtsLnUcrAlP7ZAT03rynhL8uO5khU/s4624/20240218152423-PXL_20240218_202423318.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw1xvQVwJfiiff6snJccn6QGCVcDXCH5DXfB2J7VELvj7mbVMRcznkWjjyLcbd2n1-lpXrZZ46KxOdai9sd2T6nDnjrkwuL4Dk8LBifUHNabwjIyUgCfO25QmR6ujnC4-qBiUd278ajOlpNjWaLA8EDHFCUIE8EdtsLnUcrAlP7ZAT03rynhL8uO5khU/s320/20240218152423-PXL_20240218_202423318.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">opportunity to improve our Spanish as we help teach English,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI8oY4yHKMsS2xgzKPbrIRvU5E8AgaNj03vbmUqIGeB2meOe1CAHfRNPJYc8oZhtPbRMjm-aoFEr9SKcHzxy6cwDVZpWEhfmvNnlRI1JuYnsnkpETjENgAT2mmxDc4tzYW1X634KoqSVUzeraB3FDoo8XDEbuFBJTCo2EYxBQMBUt0hce9pTpu-z1yGc/s3128/20240220152724-PXL_20240217_145228456~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="2740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI8oY4yHKMsS2xgzKPbrIRvU5E8AgaNj03vbmUqIGeB2meOe1CAHfRNPJYc8oZhtPbRMjm-aoFEr9SKcHzxy6cwDVZpWEhfmvNnlRI1JuYnsnkpETjENgAT2mmxDc4tzYW1X634KoqSVUzeraB3FDoo8XDEbuFBJTCo2EYxBQMBUt0hce9pTpu-z1yGc/s320/20240220152724-PXL_20240217_145228456~2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and seeing the smiles of former students who are as proud of their accomplishments as we are of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIOnJ7V1bXpUodFd6eKd3r-GDFjcvvKCfh-GGIxKJBYd3-YCAjv836O79IQv9_PIrTIX6ueB-Q1RS88d7LltwfEVj7GbaLkbai1TmwocRO2YGxUU5HHlEOFAS_mXWQG8MFsaCxctBpo4UL7IGU7fnLUawyZA70S_8LMKdrsID_Px6d1rhq-IAlXEd23o/s3648/20240217111055-PXL_20240217_161055953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIOnJ7V1bXpUodFd6eKd3r-GDFjcvvKCfh-GGIxKJBYd3-YCAjv836O79IQv9_PIrTIX6ueB-Q1RS88d7LltwfEVj7GbaLkbai1TmwocRO2YGxUU5HHlEOFAS_mXWQG8MFsaCxctBpo4UL7IGU7fnLUawyZA70S_8LMKdrsID_Px6d1rhq-IAlXEd23o/s320/20240217111055-PXL_20240217_161055953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>It's the gift of once again being able to return to a place friendships blossom </i></b></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtq32nU_vyLRCGJU1G5a3Z0A2IZdXHrZWKKhEaUIuM7fq2PZLPcsWyoF2_0-KkXllVo5h4yt1Wk776ZrMqGncTcKamhwkysRtYkAtSD_UWr5nUCJsp0upGtqSwct0j0dNTUr_wKjazSuaIu9CcFu683PLXdqBRLhWxL6xu8U69ywv0uGAfERs8qP1_o/s4624/20240211164357-PXL_20240211_164010345~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtq32nU_vyLRCGJU1G5a3Z0A2IZdXHrZWKKhEaUIuM7fq2PZLPcsWyoF2_0-KkXllVo5h4yt1Wk776ZrMqGncTcKamhwkysRtYkAtSD_UWr5nUCJsp0upGtqSwct0j0dNTUr_wKjazSuaIu9CcFu683PLXdqBRLhWxL6xu8U69ywv0uGAfERs8qP1_o/w261-h348/20240211164357-PXL_20240211_164010345~2.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>... as brilliantly as the spring flowers.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7uGqDPM2f6jthhsVdPVJ853ZFW9512MtVEax568ZUiorAB9Y9paYFjSqsIDEykO1T97x6tubfx_08oc8sskA2gEAvC-xUg3RCyoz88D1zlBFOfn592dw9pgfLzeSgLD93V7k25xtYFT8CWvMbEd2OgwMEqMUKzaJEwrBC5kt6hAkBIUmuDBxI9xcCFc/s4624/20240214155553-PXL_20240214_205553994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7uGqDPM2f6jthhsVdPVJ853ZFW9512MtVEax568ZUiorAB9Y9paYFjSqsIDEykO1T97x6tubfx_08oc8sskA2gEAvC-xUg3RCyoz88D1zlBFOfn592dw9pgfLzeSgLD93V7k25xtYFT8CWvMbEd2OgwMEqMUKzaJEwrBC5kt6hAkBIUmuDBxI9xcCFc/s320/20240214155553-PXL_20240214_205553994.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-3280116638190872422024-02-05T18:12:00.000-06:002024-02-05T18:12:54.317-06:00Welcome Home! Dade City, Florida Habitat For Humanity Build<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLbbhY2ewRD22EdOY7Qh6hj_wFWqphiBZa568Qo8rLFbwRxZlXHiqyMtNUXUGKbhX6bUZSM_S9nRZcGUtgv49M75TAY_ip0l3jnLiKTgErCufUzcnj3PqBp5fZeGx9TKJ1eCOp5B-zeQu1XVt3sLpQhhdJWKDB8DsYvknzQCOMihcJt78AFddbnfHHps/s583/20240116000000-IMG_4657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="583" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLbbhY2ewRD22EdOY7Qh6hj_wFWqphiBZa568Qo8rLFbwRxZlXHiqyMtNUXUGKbhX6bUZSM_S9nRZcGUtgv49M75TAY_ip0l3jnLiKTgErCufUzcnj3PqBp5fZeGx9TKJ1eCOp5B-zeQu1XVt3sLpQhhdJWKDB8DsYvknzQCOMihcJt78AFddbnfHHps/w425-h226/20240116000000-IMG_4657.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Kaushan Script; font-size: large;"><b>''Home is where love resides, memories are created, family and friends belong, and laughter never ends.''</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A year ago, I walked up to a house that had been given to the local Habitat affiliate... unsure of what I had just ''volunteered'' to help with. Scraggly bushes and an over-surplus of weeds embraced the building. Acrobatic skills were needed as I carefully stepped over the warped porch boards in order to get into the building. And as I entered the house, it was definitely <i><b>not</b></i> the aroma of fresh-baked cookies that greeted me. Yet, the contagious smiles, laughter and dedication of the other Habitat volunteers... along with the firm belief that this structure would someday welcome a deserving family is what encouraged me to stay and help with this rehab project.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt40uakme8-uHt_J_cSP5jfy6vIZ8Maxx9VS02TGMxS-ZUbExGVvI-JtsQyiQ0W0N_iUXfkS4PpPNLdpfW0Zu2P3dRScrgdpG17Nh3hIP_IgP2Kv0XeFNqBasl7G97V5lct0ka_cTTBMT9uuv1A33djB9aD1CvIR6s30e9CAEt-l2r-hFCLd0wnoS8BY/s2048/20221223000000-4571531177855922711%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt40uakme8-uHt_J_cSP5jfy6vIZ8Maxx9VS02TGMxS-ZUbExGVvI-JtsQyiQ0W0N_iUXfkS4PpPNLdpfW0Zu2P3dRScrgdpG17Nh3hIP_IgP2Kv0XeFNqBasl7G97V5lct0ka_cTTBMT9uuv1A33djB9aD1CvIR6s30e9CAEt-l2r-hFCLd0wnoS8BY/s320/20221223000000-4571531177855922711%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A few weeks ago, Doug and I returned to Dade City, Florida to participate in another Habitat for Humanity Care-a-Vanner build. Initially when we started doing this volunteer activity, we would choose new cities to explore and new affiliates to assist. But recently, we have found ourselves being drawn back to this small town in central Florida to help build houses that will eventually welcome hard-working families home.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4FqRxm2CNwPHaJqTlYN_un1vLW83qgFEXnQ8Ux_3E_eJsidp1LAJ1e-0Si_lziw4Jh_bJLOwz3uPd_AtH0fYIGDzZY2VqFQxTqn8mcHV2Z9CzAMBPNjFVDWfpUsn-oqFNLPDhWf0bceZT18lwkgxpBBr6zful7b5pXl-BGxqg5mw_hnyUCJZfl3tEho/s3742/20240120164823-PXL_20240117_125936973~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="3742" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4FqRxm2CNwPHaJqTlYN_un1vLW83qgFEXnQ8Ux_3E_eJsidp1LAJ1e-0Si_lziw4Jh_bJLOwz3uPd_AtH0fYIGDzZY2VqFQxTqn8mcHV2Z9CzAMBPNjFVDWfpUsn-oqFNLPDhWf0bceZT18lwkgxpBBr6zful7b5pXl-BGxqg5mw_hnyUCJZfl3tEho/s320/20240120164823-PXL_20240117_125936973~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While morning temps were not quite as extreme as they were up north, we were taking no chances and donned our winter jackets as we gathered around the campfire for morning instructions and devotion. This affiliate has done a great job at making sure the Care-a-Vanners feel welcome in their camping area. They built a volunteer community center with a kitchen, bathrooms, showers, and a large screened porch that surrounds the full-hookup camping sites. This area overlooks a pond where migrating sand-cranes serenade us, and Mr Alligator basks in the sun.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyylOwe8TY305oNEr2HaeQWGR2vX0TBo_-0OyArE-WUXnft3TciU4YEZj6DBHV00UdtrJ-96A1LjNMIm-9bBJLUW8QPltA9QsrpU8YUATnJZpWUdPNjWVU3I-PUdjo17WbcLHK4fQnTO00OSnJlCVpdMEnuIdi7YJaeNhXPTl-GNvSXKnFR0SP5myCos/s1499/20240123175236-20240123175236_IMG_0784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1499" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyylOwe8TY305oNEr2HaeQWGR2vX0TBo_-0OyArE-WUXnft3TciU4YEZj6DBHV00UdtrJ-96A1LjNMIm-9bBJLUW8QPltA9QsrpU8YUATnJZpWUdPNjWVU3I-PUdjo17WbcLHK4fQnTO00OSnJlCVpdMEnuIdi7YJaeNhXPTl-GNvSXKnFR0SP5myCos/s320/20240123175236-20240123175236_IMG_0784.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My first day on the job was spent doing a familiar task ... caulking the siding and windows with a local volunteer. As we started talking, I could sense the excitement bubbling over in her. Marissa had worked for over a year to become a Habitat homeowner. The challenge of taking numerous ''future homeowner'' classes and working three-hundred volunteer hours while continuing to work full-time and care for her family was about to pay off. She was closing on and moving into her new home in a few days. And what a joy to hear that her new home was the house that I had helped work on the year before!</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvz1aLCVRB1D32yOp9AqZNvDztHf6p2maEpEtbVkXkqgrq_E5ueM4uSLhtvfewoolVYraKnnY2Tq2b7mXgTZwfjQgmELs7p2zy-IsDgL1LhVzXakYDIE1J_2830N9nHc_K_ZW0K1vOoG39JaYZIl9exIG6mkcx7LKNLH-kl8y1eaD2aLXqIs4Hnnu0io/s640/20240110000000-IMG_2402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvz1aLCVRB1D32yOp9AqZNvDztHf6p2maEpEtbVkXkqgrq_E5ueM4uSLhtvfewoolVYraKnnY2Tq2b7mXgTZwfjQgmELs7p2zy-IsDgL1LhVzXakYDIE1J_2830N9nHc_K_ZW0K1vOoG39JaYZIl9exIG6mkcx7LKNLH-kl8y1eaD2aLXqIs4Hnnu0io/s320/20240110000000-IMG_2402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we arrived at the dedication ceremony the following week, I was blown over by the transformation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL9ooPLV1qV7k1R9RNHgZVVy-0cUkf_3f584wL6LDqMpZyNVkeBTdlr0UyqSLG-xuWPRqHUc18wB_ivqu67-C5FpRTEt1NUVTQjmEtNXTvgLtVyy-KzmFxFCqV5a73kZZV-o_qt8qQ_ckQ1XUVBRbbCfc94SlUtAQM5k6l9YUuj8WD3TEeIhihK1Ypxc/s1777/20240116102702-PXL_20240116_152702428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1777" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL9ooPLV1qV7k1R9RNHgZVVy-0cUkf_3f584wL6LDqMpZyNVkeBTdlr0UyqSLG-xuWPRqHUc18wB_ivqu67-C5FpRTEt1NUVTQjmEtNXTvgLtVyy-KzmFxFCqV5a73kZZV-o_qt8qQ_ckQ1XUVBRbbCfc94SlUtAQM5k6l9YUuj8WD3TEeIhihK1Ypxc/s320/20240116102702-PXL_20240116_152702428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Neatly planted bushes replaced the weeds. Strong and sturdy steps led the family onto the porch where they would cut the ribbon, and accept their house key... along with an affordable 30 year mortgage.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOkNCeIbuT1YryA5958FKWzda8YOnkTErxu4NZvrn2H1WnMYxanQcCU3_KH-TeNee_Kr2HQK3wwXX096IHPtbZL8I5bag11X4PyUK4GuXbiy3NE7uerMw4JJEp9sHjxz2Fwk4Kd-4M6HrkGemrl0tr7LE9tuhfIG9DOverEw3e_hlTtF6wopWWd1LWmw/s3339/20240116132550-PXL_20240116_154750362~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3339" data-original-width="3236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOkNCeIbuT1YryA5958FKWzda8YOnkTErxu4NZvrn2H1WnMYxanQcCU3_KH-TeNee_Kr2HQK3wwXX096IHPtbZL8I5bag11X4PyUK4GuXbiy3NE7uerMw4JJEp9sHjxz2Fwk4Kd-4M6HrkGemrl0tr7LE9tuhfIG9DOverEw3e_hlTtF6wopWWd1LWmw/s320/20240116132550-PXL_20240116_154750362~2.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As they invited us into their new home, fellow volunteer, Sally and I were so happy to see that our persistence the year before played a small but still important part in helping welcome another family ''home''.<br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNvPHKNhgAGLcvMZV4kpAqGF_ogtH5OM0ZBRzKGDl6LgszFknYq9AFRUhoLdz5sc03uzU_F8hXERUBNYX3GA4ViDpHSwRMlXVA7txusDjId2bKnXYtx3Yl5bzlOQCQvs-1ss2gEzkWvSKVO9uK8n-mF0OP6Se2lEH4pkvYy8wFqa6NmmDPZ1_cbCJrcY/s3001/20240116132456-PXL_20240116_155804109~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3001" data-original-width="2983" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNvPHKNhgAGLcvMZV4kpAqGF_ogtH5OM0ZBRzKGDl6LgszFknYq9AFRUhoLdz5sc03uzU_F8hXERUBNYX3GA4ViDpHSwRMlXVA7txusDjId2bKnXYtx3Yl5bzlOQCQvs-1ss2gEzkWvSKVO9uK8n-mF0OP6Se2lEH4pkvYy8wFqa6NmmDPZ1_cbCJrcY/w257-h259/20240116132456-PXL_20240116_155804109~2.jpg" width="257" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This welcoming spirit is what keeps us coming back to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity's Care-A-Vanner program.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Whether on the job site...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl1yijER_y4CBIsusYW1rb83JFysXRyGekwmuXfOYJvaOzZFKT2ZPte1T4rmm4G1ueHPLCfzozkr1OhBNj3yriZ_HTOMSse5Z6FS6Z3VGb9JNKbErEHNrDkm_0mOCFfmt-SSQjeuKi9bgvqJBOQVjR3eWw8fzB8-vpFylEjLkFrf83cgi4JjEeO9vdDI/s4624/20240123084702-PXL_20240123_134702321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl1yijER_y4CBIsusYW1rb83JFysXRyGekwmuXfOYJvaOzZFKT2ZPte1T4rmm4G1ueHPLCfzozkr1OhBNj3yriZ_HTOMSse5Z6FS6Z3VGb9JNKbErEHNrDkm_0mOCFfmt-SSQjeuKi9bgvqJBOQVjR3eWw8fzB8-vpFylEjLkFrf83cgi4JjEeO9vdDI/s320/20240123084702-PXL_20240123_134702321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or around a campfire... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYYUqsIEaKTHLCL4AnEVtuPe7VsDZUSJoA6NmaUaHF3EFxSOwyzFbH16WXAjXhVPjhNNEneFS0A4adesiRB0t6XioDSuf_fQqezHceFqu7Q8bR_nipKRuDOasApNQ_UxDT26G8vX0CPjVmLNSo9LKRdz5kW2KjJcITvNJN9H-Itpwx4bKJYENG0JHVwY/s2048/20240114183315-PXL_20240110_235626463_exported_2208_1705275195503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYYUqsIEaKTHLCL4AnEVtuPe7VsDZUSJoA6NmaUaHF3EFxSOwyzFbH16WXAjXhVPjhNNEneFS0A4adesiRB0t6XioDSuf_fQqezHceFqu7Q8bR_nipKRuDOasApNQ_UxDT26G8vX0CPjVmLNSo9LKRdz5kW2KjJcITvNJN9H-Itpwx4bKJYENG0JHVwY/s320/20240114183315-PXL_20240110_235626463_exported_2208_1705275195503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or at the paintbrush cleaning station...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEltCjyzmDfs8SkBvKerrS9c6qxub8STaHAVir_bZARPo9Rn69CNS0Ec8ptP5yVRCUGhiKtuSaCgFl9d0aR1T_d8McFAIXdcR6eun_FRR6PS5Y5wtysMrAonV-9Q4L8fA1Q1jUGK27Q9_FnahTixMbqKlvV_wm9vHP0dSvHZRug5UQvYv4SlV4ytX471Y/s1329/20240125144437-PXL_20240125_194437559.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEltCjyzmDfs8SkBvKerrS9c6qxub8STaHAVir_bZARPo9Rn69CNS0Ec8ptP5yVRCUGhiKtuSaCgFl9d0aR1T_d8McFAIXdcR6eun_FRR6PS5Y5wtysMrAonV-9Q4L8fA1Q1jUGK27Q9_FnahTixMbqKlvV_wm9vHP0dSvHZRug5UQvYv4SlV4ytX471Y/s320/20240125144437-PXL_20240125_194437559.png" width="260" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or at the local ice cream shoppe...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_0B8AXat00jHcqC-xzOjXNbuh3jSAgfMhKn8L-AO1B1-Dx26SZnQNdUvBmqnqIESzVBuDOgogw-N6IQk_Xlc3U7kf70lrMmgpEXuBgYfHtWDLAwz_dsjHTItZ1upvd8Z62kWFrd7UZfqXMt1on5aeCmiEOsXlKIU5Rc0EjDMxLL-3nE7f0Cz1FC_BkE/s1245/20240125154043-IMG_3182.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1217" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_0B8AXat00jHcqC-xzOjXNbuh3jSAgfMhKn8L-AO1B1-Dx26SZnQNdUvBmqnqIESzVBuDOgogw-N6IQk_Xlc3U7kf70lrMmgpEXuBgYfHtWDLAwz_dsjHTItZ1upvd8Z62kWFrd7UZfqXMt1on5aeCmiEOsXlKIU5Rc0EjDMxLL-3nE7f0Cz1FC_BkE/w295-h301/20240125154043-IMG_3182.png" width="295" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or during a ''potluck'' pancake breakfast...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8qtvjoHyTK253Y3JFoM1xTXUnrrP4L20PsJTIydKIepvqS9XBmIbpHgRw2yMqcJRQkfHiqFnsg3p0m7KHzuYs3d9mzcNggc5iZPh9nkGbCRfJ9HWXroX72hyphenhyphenUg0pFbBVgR9b0RbOorbkDYgqsh6PxPuKeINVULDGjh8qizs69Zfgh8GzzpFxQE-5y3M/s4624/20240127085951-PXL_20240127_135951224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8qtvjoHyTK253Y3JFoM1xTXUnrrP4L20PsJTIydKIepvqS9XBmIbpHgRw2yMqcJRQkfHiqFnsg3p0m7KHzuYs3d9mzcNggc5iZPh9nkGbCRfJ9HWXroX72hyphenhyphenUg0pFbBVgR9b0RbOorbkDYgqsh6PxPuKeINVULDGjh8qizs69Zfgh8GzzpFxQE-5y3M/s320/20240127085951-PXL_20240127_135951224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">or while debating whether the current outdoor temp of 55 degrees is winter jacket or t-shirt weather...</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5EDUsJZwokGol-vD7B1Oss1jHdPD8ODHU6g85ExGcEPRt1xLQgHdd7oWrGIgPYiZQEJ-gGzhRcaBigkf5vv6x4QRjt_m1eaHyao_qg078CPpuYAe0IDNHN2i7A6E-QnUTKkk_KRBXmtSizBMid_7VSfAI09S5e5fA-2MlywAg4HXA_V-eddt4QO-XrY/s3424/20240120164449-PXL_20240117_221156362~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3424" data-original-width="3071" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5EDUsJZwokGol-vD7B1Oss1jHdPD8ODHU6g85ExGcEPRt1xLQgHdd7oWrGIgPYiZQEJ-gGzhRcaBigkf5vv6x4QRjt_m1eaHyao_qg078CPpuYAe0IDNHN2i7A6E-QnUTKkk_KRBXmtSizBMid_7VSfAI09S5e5fA-2MlywAg4HXA_V-eddt4QO-XrY/s320/20240120164449-PXL_20240117_221156362~2.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Guess who has Canadian blood and</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>who has lost his hardy Minnesota spirit ??!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">friendships are formed...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueOLIX3srvAeF2eaHC6xm7oaG9FJI3XSoH9QrAt594__BqJJkZQIxGpBjzVauB-w2ZUP2cOAGIOc8D0G2Ok9FV8SQUlyX1952ztrVUp3KUEZ8f0JT0vGM3iSDWlYd7wSjoKv0eOj297MAf-5hsKrMKEW6BxKNpbC0Lv4_8XG0RddbbHerG7M6rGkTjdI/s1080/20240131000000-FB_IMG_1706763755289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueOLIX3srvAeF2eaHC6xm7oaG9FJI3XSoH9QrAt594__BqJJkZQIxGpBjzVauB-w2ZUP2cOAGIOc8D0G2Ok9FV8SQUlyX1952ztrVUp3KUEZ8f0JT0vGM3iSDWlYd7wSjoKv0eOj297MAf-5hsKrMKEW6BxKNpbC0Lv4_8XG0RddbbHerG7M6rGkTjdI/s320/20240131000000-FB_IMG_1706763755289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and families are welcomed home...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTfosx7jdRGSJaZ3ZOJPn8CsseYJ1QyjXcavc6F0gOrWxzM_nhy2X8aI46aLpjkKFxNcdjR0QfJeuBD7abBVi-ATkQUkMHm2Rh6XyPyB1jspszwKBIfC3t7xGhSzmVEgqBOSCHla2kzN4gKVyZ8JoxCsQBMkBO20jnY0RYAdXGraNnkelwxamLwNZ4hE/s3472/20240116132756-PXL_20240116_152845585~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="3115" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTfosx7jdRGSJaZ3ZOJPn8CsseYJ1QyjXcavc6F0gOrWxzM_nhy2X8aI46aLpjkKFxNcdjR0QfJeuBD7abBVi-ATkQUkMHm2Rh6XyPyB1jspszwKBIfC3t7xGhSzmVEgqBOSCHla2kzN4gKVyZ8JoxCsQBMkBO20jnY0RYAdXGraNnkelwxamLwNZ4hE/s320/20240116132756-PXL_20240116_152845585~2.jpg" width="287" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">during each Habitat for Humanity build that we are grateful to participate in.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM607QtbCvisAkdgvN-35PTsj7fEnqPmwY8D-wg2ZO7Jb6oJktVylbFII-DJIOUA_2uBdtXSeuFPw9dNaPjdkPNs9GsujJUcX60BI96HePB66NKs2eC0NhizACtSPkb9ba6DWAx2kVhoMI7AeTKRiGemnKVx5dhbJHW64_Ac29HWPINmA5SYUapDz1Ms/s4032/20240126145013-PXL_20240126_195013434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM607QtbCvisAkdgvN-35PTsj7fEnqPmwY8D-wg2ZO7Jb6oJktVylbFII-DJIOUA_2uBdtXSeuFPw9dNaPjdkPNs9GsujJUcX60BI96HePB66NKs2eC0NhizACtSPkb9ba6DWAx2kVhoMI7AeTKRiGemnKVx5dhbJHW64_Ac29HWPINmA5SYUapDz1Ms/s320/20240126145013-PXL_20240126_195013434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity's Care-a-Vanner program or future building opportunities,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">talk to us or visit...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the Habitat for Humanity <a href="https://www.habitat.org/cd/rv/schedule.aspx">website</a>.</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-23765364855882728002024-01-14T18:56:00.000-06:002024-01-14T18:56:35.896-06:00Maui, Hawaii: Rainbows For Recovery <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsYTIcUWWJEHWbvQ2_8lxHRHUauDdFiTjicEcJZR8W69dFRZvJAUrvyoYtM_bMlPgRt_g9tzWw9zfjpodjE4Jn_wkEKMe0LpcsUkHaZI4ysyrpzBUyBlajj1KwBJCIMIZfDzXSSwhcBJjzvj1UzWoQvyHaAZwaBYf0Q5Fj_eQXc4FQAz-BF4IJYDFkQ4/s1821/20231212150114-PXL_20231213_010114795%20(2)(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1821" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsYTIcUWWJEHWbvQ2_8lxHRHUauDdFiTjicEcJZR8W69dFRZvJAUrvyoYtM_bMlPgRt_g9tzWw9zfjpodjE4Jn_wkEKMe0LpcsUkHaZI4ysyrpzBUyBlajj1KwBJCIMIZfDzXSSwhcBJjzvj1UzWoQvyHaAZwaBYf0Q5Fj_eQXc4FQAz-BF4IJYDFkQ4/w375-h267/20231212150114-PXL_20231213_010114795%20(2)(1).jpg" width="375" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Rainbows have long been a sign of hope ... the beauty that returns after the storm. And after we arrived on Maui, our final island in Hawaii, we realized that these rainbows which we see so often, hold a special significance for the people of this island.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoR8hUgCMD8Bt2QD5tB0n46js2rQ5gagKPYVANOhyphenhyphenahe1XFOV8GKlzNy3PeyMqZrHGcsBiIzoRycvIxeHaf5_Bm7qgPPfyad0jbubVlulj2MGvU4q1jGliD_al_ghJUHB3YSf525NeWhd7AB6-ny4CMle6YU7D_b6PSaCFCIWpyi2zTRtg7-9vMZVCEI/s1100/hawaii-islands-mapmaui.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1100" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoR8hUgCMD8Bt2QD5tB0n46js2rQ5gagKPYVANOhyphenhyphenahe1XFOV8GKlzNy3PeyMqZrHGcsBiIzoRycvIxeHaf5_Bm7qgPPfyad0jbubVlulj2MGvU4q1jGliD_al_ghJUHB3YSf525NeWhd7AB6-ny4CMle6YU7D_b6PSaCFCIWpyi2zTRtg7-9vMZVCEI/s320/hawaii-islands-mapmaui.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maui is known as the Valley Island because of the huge lowland that lies between its two volcanoes. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The second-most visited Hawaiian island,</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Maui's breathtaking beaches and lush tropical landscapes makes this a magical place for so many people. But this all changed for many last summer. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">On August 8, 2023, a massive and rapid moving wildfire swept through the iconic Maui village of Lahaina killing over 100 people, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and changing the lives of the townspeople forever.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2yiCn4rhhyHV3TU1DTVoKUHQT7MD53tweR_Zn2x47gLMO-M_m9PYJ6uvZ87EM-I-U41m-K22oF07HPAXFbEg0RFVwt2esGg5feYrGIE3Lly-4H81SAGk1zjK3LuvpMZ_u44hN6i217bi5JhRhfREM57Vpvu3mCpmgkdHJqNW96J-yhAwmnZuOzw4vZs/s4624/20231211165745-PXL_20231212_010647857.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2371" data-original-width="4624" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2yiCn4rhhyHV3TU1DTVoKUHQT7MD53tweR_Zn2x47gLMO-M_m9PYJ6uvZ87EM-I-U41m-K22oF07HPAXFbEg0RFVwt2esGg5feYrGIE3Lly-4H81SAGk1zjK3LuvpMZ_u44hN6i217bi5JhRhfREM57Vpvu3mCpmgkdHJqNW96J-yhAwmnZuOzw4vZs/w341-h175/20231211165745-PXL_20231212_010647857.MP~2.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we were planning our trip this past fall, there were mixed messages as to whether tourists should come to Maui. While we didn't want to take away lodging options for those who recently became homeless, the island's economy desperately needs the tourism dollar. After talking to a friend who comes to Maui every winter, I realized that we could respectfully visit the island and, with our tourism dollars, be the ''rainbows for recovery'' that the people of Maui need to see.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Maui Highlights</i></b></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Haleakala National Park</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpsnPuFvOuZyFqlUqy7_udy8MPJJsUxWgfozUYAnDycqLnv59h0ygQaMvZFw1ak3llTtdoFDNs-tvq7LUNWuZXMV-_M68yRQxZ3g-TfbKbC7EcvqI0cNbbAknJMHC_yeIBg7qFj4-G3sPy5gdR9MYwJiGXN_UofbGI3XPR5XwwzTHEC01bh6iqQa1VhQ/s2769/20231207152816-PXL_20231207_211053934~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2769" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpsnPuFvOuZyFqlUqy7_udy8MPJJsUxWgfozUYAnDycqLnv59h0ygQaMvZFw1ak3llTtdoFDNs-tvq7LUNWuZXMV-_M68yRQxZ3g-TfbKbC7EcvqI0cNbbAknJMHC_yeIBg7qFj4-G3sPy5gdR9MYwJiGXN_UofbGI3XPR5XwwzTHEC01bh6iqQa1VhQ/s320/20231207152816-PXL_20231207_211053934~4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Haleakala (House of the Sun) is a dormant volcano on Maui's eastern side that last erupted 400+ years ago. It is also the location of another national park for us to visit. An extremely twisty but well paved road brings cars (and a few hardy bikers) up above the clouds to the summit that rises 10,000 feet above sea level.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozYTLH6U5Lm1ruzcylo_KkdT6bLeRwQOBhrvgKc1Z5wXTpngcl_mogUAs3k_lhN01dU2itGvTeDdHj9wjDYUIcDe6otVIyfM000lFtCcInQzTJADLH6aBpRLX4WKuO6lim_geVzO7zyahC_bbHNz37-IsK-Cj1Md0rtAKjRqHSkAo5A9vMkCYlweLTI0/s2237/20231207153155-PXL_20231207_205456414.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1893" data-original-width="2237" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozYTLH6U5Lm1ruzcylo_KkdT6bLeRwQOBhrvgKc1Z5wXTpngcl_mogUAs3k_lhN01dU2itGvTeDdHj9wjDYUIcDe6otVIyfM000lFtCcInQzTJADLH6aBpRLX4WKuO6lim_geVzO7zyahC_bbHNz37-IsK-Cj1Md0rtAKjRqHSkAo5A9vMkCYlweLTI0/s320/20231207153155-PXL_20231207_205456414.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Haleakala's summit is a popular place to see spectacular sunrises, but advance reservations are required for this pre-dawn experience. Doug was happy to be able to sleep in, and he gladly drove us up at a more reasonable hour for a very scenic picnic lunch above the clouds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lP-meor18mqHyR9yGavEwhMjasfNwLuOgW8SAtF1ncjYvpedUeRiS1yOOTrPYUUw1B2pji_3ouk7Ooz2C5UkC9OPdvfR_fCrZPkym7oncs9dzlmHuq8dUd9Z-6YTJBVrPaBSBrZNHyOq6U4S02iE_mjdABbTnIlZ2ZCvPV9p4-REK9sUdhto_dRYnR4/s4080/20231207125406-PXL_20231207_225406097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lP-meor18mqHyR9yGavEwhMjasfNwLuOgW8SAtF1ncjYvpedUeRiS1yOOTrPYUUw1B2pji_3ouk7Ooz2C5UkC9OPdvfR_fCrZPkym7oncs9dzlmHuq8dUd9Z-6YTJBVrPaBSBrZNHyOq6U4S02iE_mjdABbTnIlZ2ZCvPV9p4-REK9sUdhto_dRYnR4/s320/20231207125406-PXL_20231207_225406097.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Various lookouts and trails along the road lead to amazing views of Haleakala crater.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01-YSxIqrnPSoZiG-YMzDny_ZuxWTBny6KAV6YnSYAAxUJR3Wsce3gcpwVnUrOwemVOPk2GtvB5HhOjdOH1sN5Z29bajZJFFnJvmVdLf58HlThyq7T7tYnhtNlUpSrR_jYfgfJuYq33dfNiATDMMMvGU63PtgryKCjvqJsiOeN_6eqroT24b-LdAipM/s4080/20231207134043-PXL_20231207_234043510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01-YSxIqrnPSoZiG-YMzDny_ZuxWTBny6KAV6YnSYAAxUJR3Wsce3gcpwVnUrOwemVOPk2GtvB5HhOjdOH1sN5Z29bajZJFFnJvmVdLf58HlThyq7T7tYnhtNlUpSrR_jYfgfJuYq33dfNiATDMMMvGU63PtgryKCjvqJsiOeN_6eqroT24b-LdAipM/w360-h271/20231207134043-PXL_20231207_234043510.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This national park also serves to protect many of the endangered native plants and animals that are only found in Maui. One such plant making a resurgence is the Ahinahina (Hawaii silversword) which grows very slowly for decades before flowering at the end of its life cycle. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJvuY8TOFG0OdBbdZPSugXSwKHb262uxUkUkLAAn0Fk9bsP08oMx3Kz2ifykGrd7BRGWxTOe0IEGDcDvdkuOKd75nNHYpiFQOZfTPuuZwvNCmc4PgCuOFVFuJ7pUWNqkt7tieCYWtH3ajGWTGHmwmoZ4VPfu3UyG6nJZlyavoJG0glKoGlGaZgsVHT5E/s4624/20231207114417-PXL_20231207_214417682.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJvuY8TOFG0OdBbdZPSugXSwKHb262uxUkUkLAAn0Fk9bsP08oMx3Kz2ifykGrd7BRGWxTOe0IEGDcDvdkuOKd75nNHYpiFQOZfTPuuZwvNCmc4PgCuOFVFuJ7pUWNqkt7tieCYWtH3ajGWTGHmwmoZ4VPfu3UyG6nJZlyavoJG0glKoGlGaZgsVHT5E/s320/20231207114417-PXL_20231207_214417682.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The Road to Hana</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The twisty road up to the top of Haleakala National Park was just a ''warm up'' for our journey on the Road to Hana the next day. This 64 mile road connects the middle of the island with the quaint towns and spectacular scenery that line the northeastern coast of Maui. Despite the approximately 620 turns and 52 one-lane bridges, this is a popular route because of the spectacular scenery that lies just around the bend of each curve.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJz-nFKuj5IFOvP8YLTyOYfAG_fLz_23hkgcONP4y9VEsRGsidNvXPuSG04MNmX7BAkTo2SvjtmiKHvH1fgeIK3lzghyvd0vpFeXzYckGnUyZlNACDMWq5TJXAOGqsivPjuEFHpVdFyBlMMJSl2yDWZLbJhlec_wvJucDZSKFLS_DOF0ukzL04ts6ZX0/s4080/20231208094011-PXL_20231208_194011446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJz-nFKuj5IFOvP8YLTyOYfAG_fLz_23hkgcONP4y9VEsRGsidNvXPuSG04MNmX7BAkTo2SvjtmiKHvH1fgeIK3lzghyvd0vpFeXzYckGnUyZlNACDMWq5TJXAOGqsivPjuEFHpVdFyBlMMJSl2yDWZLbJhlec_wvJucDZSKFLS_DOF0ukzL04ts6ZX0/s320/20231208094011-PXL_20231208_194011446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our destination was Wai'anapanapa State Park's Black Sand Beach which is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Kudos to my husband for securing a reservation so that we could take a hike along the lava cliffs </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and enjoy another scenic lunch spot.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0om5P6uNKkUWyRC5n22WMo-N5lRfeKCG3wur0rrokb3w4khaqEO33B4xWzsMlmgzIpRW8LR-jIlEZqyeFVa_eAZodPqPRcTXeIEAG9cZNt1ox2vYzw03M0FRgZOBpgtqS0J_oFbIm-irKo1eoAeQ0to_MkYPWhYFZo4jOfsPT_yE0o5ka0bKkRVgvXWE/s3648/20231208163615-20231208163615_IMG_0762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0om5P6uNKkUWyRC5n22WMo-N5lRfeKCG3wur0rrokb3w4khaqEO33B4xWzsMlmgzIpRW8LR-jIlEZqyeFVa_eAZodPqPRcTXeIEAG9cZNt1ox2vYzw03M0FRgZOBpgtqS0J_oFbIm-irKo1eoAeQ0to_MkYPWhYFZo4jOfsPT_yE0o5ka0bKkRVgvXWE/s320/20231208163615-20231208163615_IMG_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Afterwards we drove into the small village of Hana and did a short hike to a small, secluded beach before turning around for the slow but scenic ride back.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvncOQMKS1qCLro4vMM_uhYHoOzXJ7cOFYd9a31L6S7lRzNNWYrVj4jSW1wUOUJh8sf-I23_fy8mYDL9RDQJobHIc0JRAYP4SZZEbnDDnOTz92HMOw2b6-9AfWfTj9kEzMfRDcMwhjYYogJ7ZweJbUi9oUHTFHnXM6Q3pKpgu_yZRFVA-n6o-oi5BYqQ/s4080/20231208125232-PXL_20231208_225232296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvncOQMKS1qCLro4vMM_uhYHoOzXJ7cOFYd9a31L6S7lRzNNWYrVj4jSW1wUOUJh8sf-I23_fy8mYDL9RDQJobHIc0JRAYP4SZZEbnDDnOTz92HMOw2b6-9AfWfTj9kEzMfRDcMwhjYYogJ7ZweJbUi9oUHTFHnXM6Q3pKpgu_yZRFVA-n6o-oi5BYqQ/s320/20231208125232-PXL_20231208_225232296.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While on Red Sand Beach, we struck up a conversation with a local couple who had done quite a bit of RVing when they lived on the mainland and shares our passion (or is it craziness?) for the lifestyle. They invited us to meet up with them later in the week and treated us to a ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Maui Tour with the Locals</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our day with Janet and Bob started out with a hike in Iao Valley State Monument. This area holds historical significance for native Hawaiians as this is where King Kamehameha conquered Maui to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Our hike took us along (and sometimes in) the river that runs between the mountain slopes. It was definitely a ''cool'' way to beat the Hawaiian heat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa5tUJRxXZd1vWOkZ0cU-qTRCNXFzTC-ha9YVEU-O8t_JtFj6ij-tQMwVrBWoQduVq9g6mEaa9JXWX91VgtBoNftytZH5uEsY26ZWVssAl2sp0nwfhTAKu31c8ovtAhnaVayhW37kXyhhybre2CiodMwTZwlYRD3E1p4G7xw1cZzV_dtlqQ5dRK0ayxQ/s4080/20231212130753-PXL_20231212_230753607.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa5tUJRxXZd1vWOkZ0cU-qTRCNXFzTC-ha9YVEU-O8t_JtFj6ij-tQMwVrBWoQduVq9g6mEaa9JXWX91VgtBoNftytZH5uEsY26ZWVssAl2sp0nwfhTAKu31c8ovtAhnaVayhW37kXyhhybre2CiodMwTZwlYRD3E1p4G7xw1cZzV_dtlqQ5dRK0ayxQ/s320/20231212130753-PXL_20231212_230753607.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Janet and Bob were drawn to Hawaii because of their love of the many outdoor activities that are found there. They constantly seek out the scenic hiking and kayaking opportunities that are found on Maui.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyt8ceOcDWhsmk84n3HMtYvNpenihl-mTiuT0f0OMDtY1dtIS9B8N59MxhrTbrmaXwWsEku9vd29NDhGvP9RwIbiQwoY02nhmilJxABebRLFN2l1f6DZrmhpE9ZiyZvw9aZHFMFZBpc2M5zMkSL-hUrhjZ6Nqg80j9wB3c8Sf4bEkYC4xo2qlmOmuPcE/s3648/20231212114454-PXL_20231212_214454035%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyt8ceOcDWhsmk84n3HMtYvNpenihl-mTiuT0f0OMDtY1dtIS9B8N59MxhrTbrmaXwWsEku9vd29NDhGvP9RwIbiQwoY02nhmilJxABebRLFN2l1f6DZrmhpE9ZiyZvw9aZHFMFZBpc2M5zMkSL-hUrhjZ6Nqg80j9wB3c8Sf4bEkYC4xo2qlmOmuPcE/s320/20231212114454-PXL_20231212_214454035%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After the hike they took us to a local beach where we could check out their newest outdoor activity ... wing foiling or winging. They recently bought the board, kite, and foil, and are looking forward to starting lessons soon. The wingers out on the water that day seemed to be having a great time despite the strong winds, and I'm sure that it's a little more difficult than they made it look.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNuXsMfxWLcAvaIgdH8pM0tEJnuWsfsiK-An69XtqaRkoRQ0WCUeu3p1Rdu_hx0P3tFPa7lp3fySu1fBE-hKnz4dQ1pQ_ULJxA6lVau_GBDK27cZOGYHK8tKHgtZ-Qs1ObA0Y9NmbO-si0M6FskQWQVscWIRovJNiD_9Po8cQAFk96jWpxiNE5KR3a08/s4080/20231212144239-PXL_20231213_004239618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNuXsMfxWLcAvaIgdH8pM0tEJnuWsfsiK-An69XtqaRkoRQ0WCUeu3p1Rdu_hx0P3tFPa7lp3fySu1fBE-hKnz4dQ1pQ_ULJxA6lVau_GBDK27cZOGYHK8tKHgtZ-Qs1ObA0Y9NmbO-si0M6FskQWQVscWIRovJNiD_9Po8cQAFk96jWpxiNE5KR3a08/s320/20231212144239-PXL_20231213_004239618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Next stop was Hookipa Beach where large numbers of sea turtles like to congregate on the beach. No, those dark spots on the beach are not rocks. A park volunteer was doing a count when we were there and said that about 125 sea turtles had decided to hang out on the beach that afternoon. Strong winds were predicted over the next two days, and the volunteer said that the turtles were confirming the forecast as they prefer not to be in the sea when the waves are really rough.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mze3jPL-BljlA1qD3nObw-usMaNtklZ80eq1n86-Xeg-GIZ2ikBJgrSTIGCj0b-cds8UPAtgl00NQLxA2tDx-tgOuJcd-_MC-G4AhcpQpeXYbFHYjTQNe7nJj_vv-w93cK9PT4lTvWrVR2tguIcCKmT5pKYiqicPnTuvEy-V3A3OrSqUYss-M3Euy58/s4624/20231212160013-PXL_20231213_020013987%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mze3jPL-BljlA1qD3nObw-usMaNtklZ80eq1n86-Xeg-GIZ2ikBJgrSTIGCj0b-cds8UPAtgl00NQLxA2tDx-tgOuJcd-_MC-G4AhcpQpeXYbFHYjTQNe7nJj_vv-w93cK9PT4lTvWrVR2tguIcCKmT5pKYiqicPnTuvEy-V3A3OrSqUYss-M3Euy58/s320/20231212160013-PXL_20231213_020013987%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our last stop for the day was a place that only a ''local'' could lead us to. Secret Beach lives up to its name, as the roads and paths leading down to it would definitely be hard to find. Unfortunately, we were running out of daylight at this point, so we didn't get to take the ''secret'' path down to the beach. But just enjoying this incredible view with our new friends was the perfect ending to our tour with the locals!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjbwRCy9StzmnYLSZwGMoFR9lJstERrEFrBr7AA7yxRFWuaupLM4toWsdtDe3u94q2n8yFAng5ttPoqOTSvBSny4SMFQI1CuA4kdFaSJ7zrzPL3IxC_rWxPVJ2u94fPZxdvBsabOdkZdXNQPhqVuxuAT5nz8cJh74L8MicVC9r5b1eb_IzWWwE3DmbAk/s4080/20231212162859-PXL_20231213_022859081%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjbwRCy9StzmnYLSZwGMoFR9lJstERrEFrBr7AA7yxRFWuaupLM4toWsdtDe3u94q2n8yFAng5ttPoqOTSvBSny4SMFQI1CuA4kdFaSJ7zrzPL3IxC_rWxPVJ2u94fPZxdvBsabOdkZdXNQPhqVuxuAT5nz8cJh74L8MicVC9r5b1eb_IzWWwE3DmbAk/s320/20231212162859-PXL_20231213_022859081%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Snorkel Excursion: Swimming with the Turtles</span></b></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can't experience Hawaii without exploring the treasures that lie below the clear blue water. And while we didn't do very many organized tours while we were in Hawaii, we're both glad that we signed up for an early morning snorkel tour with Maui Magic. This small tour company took us out at sunrise to explore the coral reef that was teeming with colorful fish just off Molokini Crater.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oCH2D9SUfGhY-SSWPNSkYBKiopWMaU22PYQB96tm0j5mIwEUkAPpl0nkkejPz0ziniicqS2CTOuHJL8aO4xOzWTWPJ63LIbhVylhUdC6rym0olZfvqrEQqIrg5cxRJCL0MMrQKM5rk37m4WM3LxNhcfcaaXSLBPxZx2URUYWh_maDke6O_NBXDXtAMU/s1920/20231209081008-PXL_20231209_181008213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oCH2D9SUfGhY-SSWPNSkYBKiopWMaU22PYQB96tm0j5mIwEUkAPpl0nkkejPz0ziniicqS2CTOuHJL8aO4xOzWTWPJ63LIbhVylhUdC6rym0olZfvqrEQqIrg5cxRJCL0MMrQKM5rk37m4WM3LxNhcfcaaXSLBPxZx2URUYWh_maDke6O_NBXDXtAMU/s320/20231209081008-PXL_20231209_181008213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The highlight of our trip was coming eye-to-eye with this curious creature.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JjN9qYgBgjlZp8yz_2m0K0-Bmz__i9tpvsT6hwCKB9-DhRCbNugBffl_HoGZTvBVwCPxzy6gCIdFkmQCZaCnq-U2EGh1qAtzrKg9jkQNNY5ucCdwgiRaO6hYTCsYrHt5i60gyznEB8BnSM6ZogoBiH4r9JCw0kdvt1bZF1cvUKu9Z19hLemK9VEMAZM/s1920/20231209000000-1000010424_2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JjN9qYgBgjlZp8yz_2m0K0-Bmz__i9tpvsT6hwCKB9-DhRCbNugBffl_HoGZTvBVwCPxzy6gCIdFkmQCZaCnq-U2EGh1qAtzrKg9jkQNNY5ucCdwgiRaO6hYTCsYrHt5i60gyznEB8BnSM6ZogoBiH4r9JCw0kdvt1bZF1cvUKu9Z19hLemK9VEMAZM/s320/20231209000000-1000010424_2%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The tour company made sure that we had the best experience possible which included good snorkel equipment, a ''refresher'' snorkeling lesson, and plenty of delicious food and drink. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaDFay81AmIUxpS2yewpjemyc2pJmcf21XXjRQLQju2n_kRvwNLqQUj9bSNZxoFw16CawN1P2SHWXU4zNFqqDOqG6dqxfmQjN6MzNHlnDGVHWOEauOTDgAhW8umZWp-FZXJDYiQYe9KxTabCMNnOMrZJBia5SK8pidH4xmqPIVoDgctTD-EI4TodVlOw/s3933/20231209130056-PXL_20231209_210138286~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3149" data-original-width="3933" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaDFay81AmIUxpS2yewpjemyc2pJmcf21XXjRQLQju2n_kRvwNLqQUj9bSNZxoFw16CawN1P2SHWXU4zNFqqDOqG6dqxfmQjN6MzNHlnDGVHWOEauOTDgAhW8umZWp-FZXJDYiQYe9KxTabCMNnOMrZJBia5SK8pidH4xmqPIVoDgctTD-EI4TodVlOw/s320/20231209130056-PXL_20231209_210138286~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It may not be noon yet, but our tour guides insisted</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>that after every successful snorkeling expedition,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>it's always double Mai Tai time!</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Coastal Hikes and Million Dollar Views</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The shores of Maui are lined with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and as we discovered, hiking trails that led us to some million dollar views. The Kapalua Coastal Trail, located on the northwest corner of Maui, rewards hikers with dramatic cliff views and a bird's eye view of migrating whales below ... if there are any. We, unfortunately, arrived too early in the season to see the show.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xZQ5qIjQpMf9O6d1k9sA-WzXeJEdC6902Tk56ch0-aSGpuHTg672IUpkvEWiRf7oENvNNL3pLdaMg22EpkTu29FWFO3AdwRyNkeo1biK6U6n0AdCrVOg-2qMATCNFmEG1S-wpOKKPJQ7B6igIurDJJ_XWcstfGQBPI029TrvK8Rn39m6PUNvCrJdCUU/s4080/20231211114537-PXL_20231211_214537213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xZQ5qIjQpMf9O6d1k9sA-WzXeJEdC6902Tk56ch0-aSGpuHTg672IUpkvEWiRf7oENvNNL3pLdaMg22EpkTu29FWFO3AdwRyNkeo1biK6U6n0AdCrVOg-2qMATCNFmEG1S-wpOKKPJQ7B6igIurDJJ_XWcstfGQBPI029TrvK8Rn39m6PUNvCrJdCUU/s320/20231211114537-PXL_20231211_214537213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail in south Maui is a two mile walking path that guides condo dwellers to the sandy beaches that line the coast below them. I can only imagine that the cost of these coastal homes really does give the owners a million dollar view!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mmngGGnfn6UCrmJVNxJbaP7Mq-nZbNLBIUoVIPeI-fCbtTPz1SdZFTxpTIenItESXmROW6rbMoyNTf_fcsAe7MipRZ6nqVjHZ6UvMk9O4oMlw8MziCAA95v1CcHBG4lOhhKZS7XmzNZ3N26qZJQF5ByaKIiVUtBqLUbw63GFe_5qZGlZhAlWKNHSr2M/s4624/20231210161925-PXL_20231211_021925211.jpg" style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mmngGGnfn6UCrmJVNxJbaP7Mq-nZbNLBIUoVIPeI-fCbtTPz1SdZFTxpTIenItESXmROW6rbMoyNTf_fcsAe7MipRZ6nqVjHZ6UvMk9O4oMlw8MziCAA95v1CcHBG4lOhhKZS7XmzNZ3N26qZJQF5ByaKIiVUtBqLUbw63GFe_5qZGlZhAlWKNHSr2M/s320/20231210161925-PXL_20231211_021925211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our condo was located in the town of Kihei and was a five minute walk to the beaches which gave us a million dollar sunset view at a fraction of the cost.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYICo4QB1xizjGErG5DQwwr9gH4P3KqyorJ4ruFuJdebNRIKCzkB8PpeHxCCL2_4z-Bjvu5jSZY_JlwQhKilCp4QICu79DkEzj47NsIRAyTC_2wulySFqW5Ca_m_bATRcUny7TrNZrQR4tOKphlkgJIpA1vNJcDK0iT5Rl02FikI0S6zpdp1jLIgB6hM/s4080/20231209174529-PXL_20231210_034529739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYICo4QB1xizjGErG5DQwwr9gH4P3KqyorJ4ruFuJdebNRIKCzkB8PpeHxCCL2_4z-Bjvu5jSZY_JlwQhKilCp4QICu79DkEzj47NsIRAyTC_2wulySFqW5Ca_m_bATRcUny7TrNZrQR4tOKphlkgJIpA1vNJcDK0iT5Rl02FikI0S6zpdp1jLIgB6hM/s320/20231209174529-PXL_20231210_034529739.jpg" width="241" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Hope for Lahaina</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we took the road to the western side of the island, the distant views of the charred remains of Lahaina were painfully visible. The high cost of living and the high demand for rental property on Maui has made the destructive fire even more devastating for its residents who need to find a new place to call home. At the same time, they also need the income created by the arrival of the winter tourists. It's a delicate balance, and we, as tourists, need to be empathetic to the needs of the local people while supporting their economy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW-IuDsWCsbuQGvsQ-oQgGeEK3jzRBW2Ke_vSy-BDO0hnUIR5SMcxn5__OMgZxvjWaopsG25Pdd4qzogFqiEnUNQRSA20ArazMtUM3uK2EEqTqXSA_v_z71vp9hVN8RLPuU0CKvSaww-eI7qtG5FLBeJ_IYJyko2VMREwwSrwSB8GSzbXAIfGOcwz-wM/s299/images%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW-IuDsWCsbuQGvsQ-oQgGeEK3jzRBW2Ke_vSy-BDO0hnUIR5SMcxn5__OMgZxvjWaopsG25Pdd4qzogFqiEnUNQRSA20ArazMtUM3uK2EEqTqXSA_v_z71vp9hVN8RLPuU0CKvSaww-eI7qtG5FLBeJ_IYJyko2VMREwwSrwSB8GSzbXAIfGOcwz-wM/w367-h206/images%20(7).jpeg" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(photo credit: KITV.com)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recovery in Lahaina is beginning slowly and is being led by the famous Lahaina banyan tree that was also charred in the fire. Recently, signs of new growth have been seen on this 150-year-old icon. Each new leaf brings new hope for the citizens of Lahaina. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recovery in Maui is going to take time,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48_n0aSIFM73TA-toeeeYg3NsjbXnwm3vN8I_MFzGrfz6fGDYgIfRkKbMt-HgKWBHlZGF8iSFDSXMRqNgJUEQvfGwyO0SRMuwGCCaekdlKZkADdnljkLcsrUVsBLP2gZTO-3g0KkYEeFWvCOUJjJ7ggNcbK-7NN75b8ur4vL9ZjyUzT497AemBJyo6C8/s1920/20231208105936-PXL_20231208_205936499.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48_n0aSIFM73TA-toeeeYg3NsjbXnwm3vN8I_MFzGrfz6fGDYgIfRkKbMt-HgKWBHlZGF8iSFDSXMRqNgJUEQvfGwyO0SRMuwGCCaekdlKZkADdnljkLcsrUVsBLP2gZTO-3g0KkYEeFWvCOUJjJ7ggNcbK-7NN75b8ur4vL9ZjyUzT497AemBJyo6C8/s320/20231208105936-PXL_20231208_205936499.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">... but as we watched this rainbow emerge from behind the crashing waves, we are reminded that as visitors to Maui we can enjoy its tremendous beauty while we</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">Try to be the rainbow in someone's cloud.</span></i></b></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maya Angelou</div><p></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-17291164076085188462024-01-01T13:45:00.001-06:002024-01-01T13:45:37.956-06:00Our Eighth RVenturous Year On The Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMgeJ3ubZ8pb0DM1SBPFpRx-7Ja_mjg1NSw5R0nFK_Zw9EvFYjth4z71dXovt5DfV40MWE2XHB3z7juAMG_lfpsroJgntqI1z_ZDB-LFLSkUzbjwjwZmY6Zgk6YUGAVkjx1Im7HefJ06qoq1hCBb3LVLXZVepAng2rsU_AGv90EcVlRneEl8SDELuaCM/s1920/20230705185702-20230705185702_IMG_9535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMgeJ3ubZ8pb0DM1SBPFpRx-7Ja_mjg1NSw5R0nFK_Zw9EvFYjth4z71dXovt5DfV40MWE2XHB3z7juAMG_lfpsroJgntqI1z_ZDB-LFLSkUzbjwjwZmY6Zgk6YUGAVkjx1Im7HefJ06qoq1hCBb3LVLXZVepAng2rsU_AGv90EcVlRneEl8SDELuaCM/w327-h245/20230705185702-20230705185702_IMG_9535.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Kaushan Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>''The best trips are the ones where you don't make any plans and just see where the wind takes you.''</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One would think that after eight years of traveling full-time, we would become at least a little proficient at pre-planning. But, especially this year, we are grateful for the flexibility of our lifestyle. The most treasured destinations were often found by chance. As always, we are grateful for the places that God leads us to.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>A Quick Recap of our 2023 Travels</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>January</i></b> </span>started out with a two week Habitat for Humanity build in Dade City, Florida. At the end of the month we parked our van near the Orlando Airport and flew to Medellin, Colombia. We were so happy to settle down once again in the vibrant city of Sabaneta.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwJfNDWjYMjq1mfQRy4kFJhESuw2-Kndr6I8aeCo6zN2hB_RPsymmlixEWFvnKhG2XMU76xPVJgMvl_rv5T498X_BVKH6gqn1giHTYR4Z1-euT_cUpYrskN0EVHdt87WHxY7jfP_ySDgUysBdaQCC1NU3-HXT5-rGNq4k81wTp2pOggG30gcJs-zCTHg/s4032/20230123182835-PXL_20230123_232835535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwJfNDWjYMjq1mfQRy4kFJhESuw2-Kndr6I8aeCo6zN2hB_RPsymmlixEWFvnKhG2XMU76xPVJgMvl_rv5T498X_BVKH6gqn1giHTYR4Z1-euT_cUpYrskN0EVHdt87WHxY7jfP_ySDgUysBdaQCC1NU3-HXT5-rGNq4k81wTp2pOggG30gcJs-zCTHg/s320/20230123182835-PXL_20230123_232835535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">February, March, and the first part of April</span></i></b> were spent meeting up with old friends and making new friends as volunteer English teachers in Medellin. Evenings were filled with attending language exchanges as we continue to try to improve our Spanish. We also got to discover more beautiful pueblos with trips to Bucamaranga, Santa Marta, and Jericó.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCmtzaxPemLwgdp-P5GwQwAvCUpvbknRRAzIhcpaR4Ro2NpYS0R8E7pa2cR6u5zYF_CRj4ockLulkXcXsHR897IUVXxQ3Xr20qh6Pbr_xUyTKIj9yKjphvUbElO6uBFe5QQEqSbF04me21HnRyEfVil38Xcn-E4_biQ_T7-IzOzUPFtvFEtm97hr1WYo/s3942/20230221144740-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_194740696%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCmtzaxPemLwgdp-P5GwQwAvCUpvbknRRAzIhcpaR4Ro2NpYS0R8E7pa2cR6u5zYF_CRj4ockLulkXcXsHR897IUVXxQ3Xr20qh6Pbr_xUyTKIj9yKjphvUbElO6uBFe5QQEqSbF04me21HnRyEfVil38Xcn-E4_biQ_T7-IzOzUPFtvFEtm97hr1WYo/s320/20230221144740-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_194740696%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">April and May</span></i></b> - After spending Easter week in Colombia, we flew back to Florida to help Doug's parents with some difficult health issues. We are ever grateful to be able to spend time with family and support each other.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHDyAMnTOMAV53n-fqrSyyLB2v8U8CeRBbNDT1xEsBwip9d0OBiAFMWBMa_FXVjqpkIHMRxeis7LVwnv5-wOI2yMcl-c5EIVEmHHzn0cijcQon7W2xMwNrZI91h3pgCRokj9brWrdXfXTHyP91_2kCU-25DCwUzQw2K3kbGIYnuDbpx0HWjTekjNjN5g/s3648/20230513190006-PXL_20230513_230006908%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHDyAMnTOMAV53n-fqrSyyLB2v8U8CeRBbNDT1xEsBwip9d0OBiAFMWBMa_FXVjqpkIHMRxeis7LVwnv5-wOI2yMcl-c5EIVEmHHzn0cijcQon7W2xMwNrZI91h3pgCRokj9brWrdXfXTHyP91_2kCU-25DCwUzQw2K3kbGIYnuDbpx0HWjTekjNjN5g/s320/20230513190006-PXL_20230513_230006908%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">June</span></i></b> - As we traveled up the East Coast, we enjoyed the colorful spring flowers, bustling large cities, and the beautiful hikes that we found on the coast of the United States and in the Maritime Provinces of eastern Canada.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGHDR7z-xKZI-kA4-q2gF1GE3UbaoDh1q44tm5_hQk_11lzb5IdHmR6w0OyvdIaj0IfGKOZsuceEbkGBMnORY5RyOWrHZYmCBUtACS_vWB0E6Vh-UXIU54-atPcNXFNPC0SJzScaWVn-zmZbRSMXSJ9FA-sT3h9S02Vn6TGNqrh4VacYDiY7GO1zQxPY/s3648/20230611154831-20230611154831_IMG_8910%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGHDR7z-xKZI-kA4-q2gF1GE3UbaoDh1q44tm5_hQk_11lzb5IdHmR6w0OyvdIaj0IfGKOZsuceEbkGBMnORY5RyOWrHZYmCBUtACS_vWB0E6Vh-UXIU54-atPcNXFNPC0SJzScaWVn-zmZbRSMXSJ9FA-sT3h9S02Vn6TGNqrh4VacYDiY7GO1zQxPY/s320/20230611154831-20230611154831_IMG_8910%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">July</span></i></b> - Once again, we put Baby Beest on a ferry and made our way to the island of Newfoundland. We learned our lesson when we first visited two years ago ... one needs at least five weeks to thoroughly enjoy all the beauty that can be found on ''The Rock''.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDNSTnow12EFtQH0UdBQvemhSgYRGlT2h8qp_bo3RAb26aF2VtHWZhweRj95rLT4fokEqtN4PQMZMaCWHr49X-VSjzp59vkz7sres_eVJVo-aHA6Hm7jvdDpMqCRU4ooYCqdZ6SRWtXeYRByxzhyrisDe83SNJ2Gpf09zfNp7lcNuCrpCr8WYUmlg5gk/s4080/20230715141014-PXL_20230715_164014327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDNSTnow12EFtQH0UdBQvemhSgYRGlT2h8qp_bo3RAb26aF2VtHWZhweRj95rLT4fokEqtN4PQMZMaCWHr49X-VSjzp59vkz7sres_eVJVo-aHA6Hm7jvdDpMqCRU4ooYCqdZ6SRWtXeYRByxzhyrisDe83SNJ2Gpf09zfNp7lcNuCrpCr8WYUmlg5gk/s320/20230715141014-PXL_20230715_164014327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">August</span></i></b> - Plenty of sunshine and warm summer temps greeted us as we spent time in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and back into Canada for a Lake Ontario circle tour.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUtTHJO8S_rFQyzRuxzv89x7ABPQftlhDD2Mn5BH6XUkL_y7vnr3k9mr7PAZQRgD9ee8exK2LvWM7R-tt6zDPP3PhQl28ISmoEs6E3ACqB9yWQKtGUQ08G4kc4LhXSjWQvZekklnLYFis53JxvmXkK945ratVJ0w02JbLedubAKk8gUS0DKj59jPlUsA/s4080/20230809130328-PXL_20230809_152036192~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUtTHJO8S_rFQyzRuxzv89x7ABPQftlhDD2Mn5BH6XUkL_y7vnr3k9mr7PAZQRgD9ee8exK2LvWM7R-tt6zDPP3PhQl28ISmoEs6E3ACqB9yWQKtGUQ08G4kc4LhXSjWQvZekklnLYFis53JxvmXkK945ratVJ0w02JbLedubAKk8gUS0DKj59jPlUsA/s320/20230809130328-PXL_20230809_152036192~2%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">September</span></i></b> - It's always good to be back home in Minnesota when the trees start to display their brilliant autumn colors. Special thanks to all our family and friends who warmly welcomed us back.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3HZpaC_oBj_RQF3rX_8v4-7Z4l8cAWrXm5Ji5Og2PriFGSTEK2MbwEgnq_wW8M_13MIVv7VaV6SNja4KADMAa42baioTV-tXcMseD5DmcphwSkm7T-KIT_8MVIyCnjtf8UwmFfbPaQJ7gCbL0gYOBZ047N3rHVjYNquhRHBHqemiYlb8TzcuOyggXas/s4624/20230924150506-PXL_20230922_161250254~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2689" data-original-width="4624" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3HZpaC_oBj_RQF3rX_8v4-7Z4l8cAWrXm5Ji5Og2PriFGSTEK2MbwEgnq_wW8M_13MIVv7VaV6SNja4KADMAa42baioTV-tXcMseD5DmcphwSkm7T-KIT_8MVIyCnjtf8UwmFfbPaQJ7gCbL0gYOBZ047N3rHVjYNquhRHBHqemiYlb8TzcuOyggXas/s320/20230924150506-PXL_20230922_161250254~2%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">October </span></i></b>- We headed west hoping to visit a few more national parks, but Baby Beest had a different plan when she developed a coolant leak. We're always grateful to be ''flexible'', as we were still able to see the annular eclipse in Great Basin National Park and spend time with friends on the California coast.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZGfkT-I_v1XxXAjKQcmgKylKO2sSt1xUuxmG5_9W_MNuY9vRQRwBeWELdWNjsJ-_JKRgA58JrEXTYio0JFhV2i9j_d2PkFxBbEZAe8pAzeItJw8xP51TmofoM7UaWijPTtkpQSs_GacPqONvZ2W6qlvvo7R3TsGTX_s-evEZvlXcnnuY_JrjrgttU10/s4080/20231014102632-PXL_20231014_162632372%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZGfkT-I_v1XxXAjKQcmgKylKO2sSt1xUuxmG5_9W_MNuY9vRQRwBeWELdWNjsJ-_JKRgA58JrEXTYio0JFhV2i9j_d2PkFxBbEZAe8pAzeItJw8xP51TmofoM7UaWijPTtkpQSs_GacPqONvZ2W6qlvvo7R3TsGTX_s-evEZvlXcnnuY_JrjrgttU10/s320/20231014102632-PXL_20231014_162632372%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">November </span></i></b>- Sorry, Baby Beest, but we're leaving you again. This time our flight took us to our 50th state of Hawaii ... so beautiful!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqYvcC6H402215LN0vLTkvdZzyA9Fp-oSHhFkaP-aOUGw2BfWTdoFSJltvrFqcUs4XICbWGySv6eyCu2HzAMvdHkLJKa1MCRvrjbr0lpCPiwwG3UC2LM4-dwLcJb9W47OpiD9zZ0ShCuoygMdKZIiIcj7ghwaBgahyN2J7BUkJIdG00ldQI40gKkDZ7w/s4054/20231128201644-PXL_20231129_023653129~3%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="4054" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqYvcC6H402215LN0vLTkvdZzyA9Fp-oSHhFkaP-aOUGw2BfWTdoFSJltvrFqcUs4XICbWGySv6eyCu2HzAMvdHkLJKa1MCRvrjbr0lpCPiwwG3UC2LM4-dwLcJb9W47OpiD9zZ0ShCuoygMdKZIiIcj7ghwaBgahyN2J7BUkJIdG00ldQI40gKkDZ7w/s320/20231128201644-PXL_20231129_023653129~3%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">December</span></b></i> - After our five weeks in Hawaii, we explored a little more of California (and got the final fix for our coolant leak ... fingers crossed) before heading to Tucson, Arizona to spend the holidays with our RV buddies, Joanne and Gary.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial91PezW84BEg08Qbl3E6s6x9yWK2FzH7dZjNN4pg0NcSaF_hEU_w5SXmn_-FHfYpuj_OrbKaPpNNkaPKQswbfJCSlBik-xJ8P-hyZYQQOkoDHd1eGkCwun1qUxAgy5lj1myUbitA2oWHdlJoEdiPM26hAuII9WETeeOKp8fGSTZszhmvTMJfR5oYm9s/s4080/20231224194717-PXL_20231225_024717308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial91PezW84BEg08Qbl3E6s6x9yWK2FzH7dZjNN4pg0NcSaF_hEU_w5SXmn_-FHfYpuj_OrbKaPpNNkaPKQswbfJCSlBik-xJ8P-hyZYQQOkoDHd1eGkCwun1qUxAgy5lj1myUbitA2oWHdlJoEdiPM26hAuII9WETeeOKp8fGSTZszhmvTMJfR5oYm9s/s320/20231224194717-PXL_20231225_024717308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>By the Numbers</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Miles</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Number of miles traveled in Baby Beest: 19,000</span><br />Started the year at 75,000 miles and ended 2023 at 94,000<br /><br />The highs and lows of gas prices:<br />High $6.39 (California)<br />Low 2.89 (Arizona)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryNpsvd9QOMCXCwnO-KNdkn_yDAP8qRXKk89rL2JKtJULPL9naXZAvRATWuX2-jt9J9fzq9i-QL2HbKrMS3QOuuNyZvnv6pBaGQHiKEJF5yIsrWHVcxC6c0bxcpa6_ooLhQ1dtlTy5g_J534zjmuBMB8siDtbkP-pvC_eabms2SbbGg4pTupuxtW8ZHk/s4624/20231017101858-PXL_20231017_161858711%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryNpsvd9QOMCXCwnO-KNdkn_yDAP8qRXKk89rL2JKtJULPL9naXZAvRATWuX2-jt9J9fzq9i-QL2HbKrMS3QOuuNyZvnv6pBaGQHiKEJF5yIsrWHVcxC6c0bxcpa6_ooLhQ1dtlTy5g_J534zjmuBMB8siDtbkP-pvC_eabms2SbbGg4pTupuxtW8ZHk/s320/20231017101858-PXL_20231017_161858711%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Oh, the places our credit card will take us!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Our Nightly Hangouts</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of nights in an AirBnB - 124<br /><br />Number of nights in a paid campgrounds - 88<br /><br />Number of free boondocking nights - 72<br /><br />Number of Harvest Host nights - 23<br /><br />Number of nights ''mooch-docking'' - 58</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Heartfelt thanks for welcoming us</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">💕</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Mom & Dad</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sue & John</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cheryl & Levi</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Tom & Jen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Gillian and Karren</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Barb & Rodger</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Laura & Dave</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Shannon & Adam</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Mary</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Marybeth & Gary</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Kay & Paul</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">💕</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We spent approximately .... 35% of nights this year in an Airbnb apartment/hotel</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> .... 25% of nights in a paid campground</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> .... 40% of nights in a ''free'' campsite</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our camping costs averaged about $15/night.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Adding in our Airbnb stays, our nightly costs were quite a bit higher ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ5M2C7_WENxlFyew1_AjVyRk2e6gAO1ScT6D3jFRQsryzJYAgkcErTqK6MnOFE_VtY-XKx1zliC8v8EPYMbEUrEQsRMWfG8rK86goS3-h4bMsidZYQYib8ulRRW8u6ZEuotHXN_Pvrw46VOSjzYjugX1pzej6ufV7ptv_Hwmo86l5O8yyKY2WyfObW8/s4080/20230725205813-PXL_20230725_232813766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ5M2C7_WENxlFyew1_AjVyRk2e6gAO1ScT6D3jFRQsryzJYAgkcErTqK6MnOFE_VtY-XKx1zliC8v8EPYMbEUrEQsRMWfG8rK86goS3-h4bMsidZYQYib8ulRRW8u6ZEuotHXN_Pvrw46VOSjzYjugX1pzej6ufV7ptv_Hwmo86l5O8yyKY2WyfObW8/s320/20230725205813-PXL_20230725_232813766.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">We love when we find resting spots like this for ''free''!</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Travel Bucket List Accomplishments</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of states visited for the first time: 1</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hawaii</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We have now visited all 50 states and ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">✅ Joint ''travel bucket list'' item is complete ✅</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of new state capitol buildings visited: 3 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Columbia, South Carolina</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Frankfort, Kentucky</div><div style="text-align: center;">Honolulu, Hawaii</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">✅ Chris' ''travel bucket list'' item is complete ✅</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of craft breweries visited: quite a few,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">but the important thing to note is that along with visiting every state in the US, Doug has visited at least one craft brewery in every state.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">✅ Doug's ''travel bucket list'' item is complete ✅</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of countries visited: 4</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">United States</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Canada</div><div style="text-align: center;">Colombia</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">St Pierre, France (a small island off the coast of Newfoundland which is a territory of France)</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE97Iplew_pVrJKDJlTbrYbadxQL4NBpF8OV5Sl_7x9vjQr5fQCKvBKrbozlKV2_TL0TETJyKJaV2hJ5namsC6wqZ8gabFdoji8W1GYcrFGrHeWsbh1Jj_JrKYqgrmLPG0TpU_omKUmNWbaUUHanxEstYJId4vmImuarf5oemFcf-z9wJl2qErLxuOfBY/s3648/20230708080248-20230708080248_IMG_9571%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE97Iplew_pVrJKDJlTbrYbadxQL4NBpF8OV5Sl_7x9vjQr5fQCKvBKrbozlKV2_TL0TETJyKJaV2hJ5namsC6wqZ8gabFdoji8W1GYcrFGrHeWsbh1Jj_JrKYqgrmLPG0TpU_omKUmNWbaUUHanxEstYJId4vmImuarf5oemFcf-z9wJl2qErLxuOfBY/w230-h173/20230708080248-20230708080248_IMG_9571%20(1).JPG" width="230" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Number of US National Parks visited: 9 for a grand total of 48.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Congaree</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Acadia</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Badlands</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Wind Cave</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Great Basin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pinnacles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Channel Islands</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hawaii Volcanoes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Haleakala</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Always good to have ''travel bucket list'' goals, so Doug has suggested that we look into visiting all 63 US National Parks. I'm not as convinced, since it'll be a bit more challenging to get to the national parks of American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Dry Tortugas, or the five in Alaska that are accesible only by boat or sea plane.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83C8r0HhPc0ccFtWLUDYog-_53zxpq7tSdZtJb0OvmABOleW4y-XwZmBUO6fr65k36I40T3IfN7cIenIdX7EQAPNRQpaWtQtHIasTyD_f0CF5cYJNSr9MdQ0QQ0jfVIP3e9_ndZFa9BhAQiX5EdojKmp8zSEfnK9B5rKPcjP69NPei8xiHzWRvkHBNvQ/s3264/20230521134441-PXL_20230521_174441208%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83C8r0HhPc0ccFtWLUDYog-_53zxpq7tSdZtJb0OvmABOleW4y-XwZmBUO6fr65k36I40T3IfN7cIenIdX7EQAPNRQpaWtQtHIasTyD_f0CF5cYJNSr9MdQ0QQ0jfVIP3e9_ndZFa9BhAQiX5EdojKmp8zSEfnK9B5rKPcjP69NPei8xiHzWRvkHBNvQ/s320/20230521134441-PXL_20230521_174441208%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For now, we will enjoy the ones Baby Beest can get us to.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our Favorites:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>And the winner is ....</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Campground:</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Far Horizons; Tucson, Arizona</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhibI7trqA-DxO8iHsS4J7uPKWKPxPgmxbbsS9fUozPnW5_LWKFvJudxom3ZVyiimT8ip1Al1Qw9ukc0C_eSdYWeJTKALVEQskPPorLu9hs-0uDUxIDpUKC4qkg5KD2AH8pMfj40WrSbBre_VdmB44apVKCeA4fSRWVR4jR-7YAL2kwtDB0gViNmbGZk/s4080/20231229170819-PXL_20231230_000819895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhibI7trqA-DxO8iHsS4J7uPKWKPxPgmxbbsS9fUozPnW5_LWKFvJudxom3ZVyiimT8ip1Al1Qw9ukc0C_eSdYWeJTKALVEQskPPorLu9hs-0uDUxIDpUKC4qkg5KD2AH8pMfj40WrSbBre_VdmB44apVKCeA4fSRWVR4jR-7YAL2kwtDB0gViNmbGZk/s320/20231229170819-PXL_20231230_000819895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What JOY to spend the holidays with dear RVing buddies and their community of friends at Far Horizons RV Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Walks, gab sessions, game nights, and happy hours by the pool ... it doesn't get much better than this!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Boondocking Spot:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sea Breeze Park; Twillingate, Newfoundland</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrmeoTRuNNTIu7NjGeHgMnbHdr8aVY55rzHXkBbMlYhLCqo52gAX4iyC9Uzmtu4HndKdCTNz_wMwPNROklOrjDd77SpyrRa5dMWhlytHu6EJChBvIsscVI5V57Fml6NjzwQBkCwLzoGQkaDCWwWAqlbDyTw50LHUPMKv_wtXLv2eKOwBQZnV2HDj-B8I/s4080/20230715181915-PXL_20230715_204915862%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrmeoTRuNNTIu7NjGeHgMnbHdr8aVY55rzHXkBbMlYhLCqo52gAX4iyC9Uzmtu4HndKdCTNz_wMwPNROklOrjDd77SpyrRa5dMWhlytHu6EJChBvIsscVI5V57Fml6NjzwQBkCwLzoGQkaDCWwWAqlbDyTw50LHUPMKv_wtXLv2eKOwBQZnV2HDj-B8I/s320/20230715181915-PXL_20230715_204915862%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our two day stay in Twillingate turned into a week when we found a very scenic boondocking spot overlooking the water ... perfect for spotting whales and icebergs and enjoying colorful sunsets.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Harvest Host Location:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Any of the California Vineyards</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASsvmXv-w1QUgSJv59bRDmMmm9sVYffYL7K20ksaVXjOKOvVLXl8wOf5fkA5bzYzlyt4aWufFpp_Iw4G9hQeCOcyUiADwzrO8jFP1ggjr7-clNN4yAM7caNVCbF9wk1ciMZpMwW4Q-zsOQiIosXgDF-Mcgd7GqdWulOwXOMRzdmt9K2kK8aNP_xaNCbE/s4465/20231028165002-PXL_20231028_234925411.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4465" data-original-width="3353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASsvmXv-w1QUgSJv59bRDmMmm9sVYffYL7K20ksaVXjOKOvVLXl8wOf5fkA5bzYzlyt4aWufFpp_Iw4G9hQeCOcyUiADwzrO8jFP1ggjr7-clNN4yAM7caNVCbF9wk1ciMZpMwW4Q-zsOQiIosXgDF-Mcgd7GqdWulOwXOMRzdmt9K2kK8aNP_xaNCbE/s320/20231028165002-PXL_20231028_234925411.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We continue to enjoy being members of Harvest Host in that it allows us to spend the night at many unique places. One of my new favorites ... the many California wineries that allow us to park alongside their grapevines and enjoy a glass of wine in a peaceful garden-like setting.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite State Capital City:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Honolulu, Hawaii</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQZDwR2jLkycYoRKJGisyKyym35EuYRB908jal-ggbIUzk8pyhdMcu7EZ0vfn2_YV8l852BW8ybjINi3Y_j19SnsuVOy4eOlP6CJozoJn85A8520oS9I0FHQVMx1Wsd5HhRJjzLxXUEOjNBMJpmlMrpsmRsivkKuEvP4PagdWf3-uaEztsY28fcMrS8c/s4080/20231108143059-PXL_20231109_003059602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQZDwR2jLkycYoRKJGisyKyym35EuYRB908jal-ggbIUzk8pyhdMcu7EZ0vfn2_YV8l852BW8ybjINi3Y_j19SnsuVOy4eOlP6CJozoJn85A8520oS9I0FHQVMx1Wsd5HhRJjzLxXUEOjNBMJpmlMrpsmRsivkKuEvP4PagdWf3-uaEztsY28fcMrS8c/s320/20231108143059-PXL_20231109_003059602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Big City meets Tropical Paradise ... what's not to like? And the fact that Honolulu is the location of my 50th state capitol building ... WIN-WIN!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Craft Brewery:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Dildo Brewing Company; Dildo, Newfoundland</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwyR96TlSui6EiWWpNig4vV8CmKCc5yKkMElDS-AWy3bKAdp4YGth4ONrLefMZXXeeCWXgzjlLVsJWLp6tkitETun3bNQRKZTvdywnj9bnoHksj6tcWt9GP8rnqHaN_j7WPj4snJwT8ZvwNqimVPq3fYYMt5DY6BwzYZJOQjExYhSz3Eai05aoyHkyR4/s3648/20230705135105-20230705135105_IMG_9527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwyR96TlSui6EiWWpNig4vV8CmKCc5yKkMElDS-AWy3bKAdp4YGth4ONrLefMZXXeeCWXgzjlLVsJWLp6tkitETun3bNQRKZTvdywnj9bnoHksj6tcWt9GP8rnqHaN_j7WPj4snJwT8ZvwNqimVPq3fYYMt5DY6BwzYZJOQjExYhSz3Eai05aoyHkyR4/s320/20230705135105-20230705135105_IMG_9527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">According to my craft beer expert, Dildo Brewing had some solid IPAs. And the addition of fabulous crab legs and fish & chips made this Doug's 2023 winner!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite City:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">New York City</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-fkxCmZEmgJdGgEQ6WDUJtucY16VVOLm3gzN9EJK8HZ_K3Ekv98zyS0IkSvCRL9PiQKfoS_AnHteig7XFuRYtq_H2c5j1jID_IKYTxHfa60U_VfKxm-0JbeiGlzoGWvlBmxjkt-b0BE0XKHlaDrFBIJtIewSkmwqAOLDBYwfC2pmA6c9cdP-LDWQ3pA/s4032/20230530150018-edited_PXL_20230530_190018208%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-fkxCmZEmgJdGgEQ6WDUJtucY16VVOLm3gzN9EJK8HZ_K3Ekv98zyS0IkSvCRL9PiQKfoS_AnHteig7XFuRYtq_H2c5j1jID_IKYTxHfa60U_VfKxm-0JbeiGlzoGWvlBmxjkt-b0BE0XKHlaDrFBIJtIewSkmwqAOLDBYwfC2pmA6c9cdP-LDWQ3pA/s320/20230530150018-edited_PXL_20230530_190018208%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Just a few blocks off the busy business districts, we enjoyed walks through the sleepy neighborhoods along with the ''mom & pop'' restaurants selling New York pizza slices for under $4 ... what's not to love?</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite cute little town:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Barichara, Colombia</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyBae3m2i3qUwVzmT-wls42xqikp4n0s54rJroyRQ-qn89fxqdcTgo1sBLbTpwLgUljBHP_0oVsg3Gi2kcFUEJly5G0fBa5529HctVH0JZ8QhyYyhmjww09pD_vNJzeNI7iTLQivytQ2CpHSK5Z9bb_PS02H1TwvJlEHLJs4iY9mSGVrwcCru6zwGt80/s4032/20230222160941-edited_PXL_20230222_210941035%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyBae3m2i3qUwVzmT-wls42xqikp4n0s54rJroyRQ-qn89fxqdcTgo1sBLbTpwLgUljBHP_0oVsg3Gi2kcFUEJly5G0fBa5529HctVH0JZ8QhyYyhmjww09pD_vNJzeNI7iTLQivytQ2CpHSK5Z9bb_PS02H1TwvJlEHLJs4iY9mSGVrwcCru6zwGt80/s320/20230222160941-edited_PXL_20230222_210941035%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cobblestone streets, colorful houses and cozy cafes welcomed us to sit a while and enjoy our visit in this quiet Colombian pueblo with timeless charm.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Restaurant:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Dan's Clam Shack; Crystal River, Florida</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM6-gzoDVMZP5OoXZGXwe_gAdNHfiSHAdpVJSBtQexX4w5vnKLmlF36Uem85R3hz-GAy5QOaarjT-PKAy7hgP8JGgtlnhsUiiGETWpQsOXSIm2ADvZrgJede26kEQ3nBDEEbOOc6w7hjvmYOsi7v7K_6i4xDqr6D9hWGda5nPBrfVKcAvmptvI3IcDhY/s2995/20230514191048-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230514_231048153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1972" data-original-width="2995" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM6-gzoDVMZP5OoXZGXwe_gAdNHfiSHAdpVJSBtQexX4w5vnKLmlF36Uem85R3hz-GAy5QOaarjT-PKAy7hgP8JGgtlnhsUiiGETWpQsOXSIm2ADvZrgJede26kEQ3nBDEEbOOc6w7hjvmYOsi7v7K_6i4xDqr6D9hWGda5nPBrfVKcAvmptvI3IcDhY/s320/20230514191048-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230514_231048153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While it's hard to beat Newfoundland fish & chips, Dan's kept us coming back for more when we were hanging out in Ocala. It was bonus that Doug's mom's eyes would light up when we brought her home some of Dan's famous clam chowder! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Natural Area:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ha'ena (Shipman) Beach; Big Island, Hawaii</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBxnuwOttQc8-BX9mYFeiEpWGNYH_H6JM6D_rj0FStFu63aJ2u2lqJSfYMmNLQu2GVt-6LWwFdwu6eLTfBYz_bvoLqyCPfXdDNjL6B2xY9O6BvFI164SlwFJ9rpng0MFP3GVSzX9n_LmvedwvNYQQzLgUYLzf1Mq9U1POBp2LsrcERicSpCVsPf2nMuE/s1920/20231205105245-PXL_20231205_205245012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBxnuwOttQc8-BX9mYFeiEpWGNYH_H6JM6D_rj0FStFu63aJ2u2lqJSfYMmNLQu2GVt-6LWwFdwu6eLTfBYz_bvoLqyCPfXdDNjL6B2xY9O6BvFI164SlwFJ9rpng0MFP3GVSzX9n_LmvedwvNYQQzLgUYLzf1Mq9U1POBp2LsrcERicSpCVsPf2nMuE/s320/20231205105245-PXL_20231205_205245012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Can you see him?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug almost stepped right on a resting sea turtle as we reach Ha'ena Beach at the end of the Puma Historic Trail. There, at least sixteen green sea turtles were hanging out on the sand and rocks of this secluded beach.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Historical Park:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pearl Harbor Historic Sites</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivabfbI9Nz1E96SVEYFAq2iKEI2Hp6ZbxGlXED3gqFrOpuMa2ketQTzSe3OLjRGqpS8sYo-DckNHpFgafDMcSOEZZCHF-WMMrO5weNZx3WXKnhGruT3_lS2yDDXVn3uD1qeq6FFw5zRCcz28GdwNIRVXP3Xl5_amde90Z0RtzYHqI01R4vPX0B3NllDRw/s4080/20231108111409-PXL_20231108_211409572%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivabfbI9Nz1E96SVEYFAq2iKEI2Hp6ZbxGlXED3gqFrOpuMa2ketQTzSe3OLjRGqpS8sYo-DckNHpFgafDMcSOEZZCHF-WMMrO5weNZx3WXKnhGruT3_lS2yDDXVn3uD1qeq6FFw5zRCcz28GdwNIRVXP3Xl5_amde90Z0RtzYHqI01R4vPX0B3NllDRw/s320/20231108111409-PXL_20231108_211409572%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">We all know the history, but to see the harbor, read the heroic stories, and step upon the Arizona Memorial is something sacred.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Bike Ride:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Rochester City Trails With Dave</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRPtjiMjDEIUFzrr9W7uGaw-LlOwuE_i5N_2GcHOtCLVaOgNvNQ4tVRHdVxM_Sdcawhn4LKAWC_GZOBNZMMjJd_G4wGvmlnuOviVzhTsK-GU7ENOi7gxeJ6Syji0SdX_fqD8ooRv6cHwnqQ_G3y-ktPt8hrt1NJB13yLbqfRYl4rDEMlLb4H3yNLf_Yk/s3648/20230831104641-PXL_20230831_154641241%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRPtjiMjDEIUFzrr9W7uGaw-LlOwuE_i5N_2GcHOtCLVaOgNvNQ4tVRHdVxM_Sdcawhn4LKAWC_GZOBNZMMjJd_G4wGvmlnuOviVzhTsK-GU7ENOi7gxeJ6Syji0SdX_fqD8ooRv6cHwnqQ_G3y-ktPt8hrt1NJB13yLbqfRYl4rDEMlLb4H3yNLf_Yk/s320/20230831104641-PXL_20230831_154641241%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">''Home'' is where the best biking trails and the best biking buddies are ... and we always feel like we're back home when cruising the Rochester, Minnesota trails with good friend, Dave.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Hike:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Whale watching on French Beach Trail; Twillingate, Newfoundland</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9Jlfaxsa6aGQsVV5c9X4XsLQc5W6U3hUMCaxdi2yzSyfZmdsH73eX1_ksK_FJa5ik7-8071Tk22o2T-_BrBvyXI422MlOjTCsf_e7vKg1UtHsXirWuS7aH2pxFzJPoHqmTOnfHrD28E_oKMxO939KyRM_xLuIhtNvdVlR2SRLhkqxkWWzliB24ArRVw/s3648/20230718100636-20230718100636_IMG_9775%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9Jlfaxsa6aGQsVV5c9X4XsLQc5W6U3hUMCaxdi2yzSyfZmdsH73eX1_ksK_FJa5ik7-8071Tk22o2T-_BrBvyXI422MlOjTCsf_e7vKg1UtHsXirWuS7aH2pxFzJPoHqmTOnfHrD28E_oKMxO939KyRM_xLuIhtNvdVlR2SRLhkqxkWWzliB24ArRVw/s320/20230718100636-20230718100636_IMG_9775%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We found a series of hiking trails just outside of Twillingate, Newfoundland. These trails not only gave us great views of the cliffs below, but we were also able to watch a number of whales frolicking in the water.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite ''this could be a fun new hobby'':</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cod Fishing in Newfoundland</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWJUpcJyAMcJlxXlskMUdsHFLzJDbjHM7dKYX5TDvT27tExLp8Kt4Bm9qjsJj60R0KinkX3XB8Z7UkFZ1-UcqY9JZUlAAFK2MSDYXRi1f1Be_zxHux3HKUKYozUdgp_oaUyDjm_vtS2rv7dIV6jhH3RUIzM6H6EIzuBSvKm8SsjrhMT2Bmc34fQ3403s/s4080/20230717131620-PXL_20230717_154620328%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWJUpcJyAMcJlxXlskMUdsHFLzJDbjHM7dKYX5TDvT27tExLp8Kt4Bm9qjsJj60R0KinkX3XB8Z7UkFZ1-UcqY9JZUlAAFK2MSDYXRi1f1Be_zxHux3HKUKYozUdgp_oaUyDjm_vtS2rv7dIV6jhH3RUIzM6H6EIzuBSvKm8SsjrhMT2Bmc34fQ3403s/s320/20230717131620-PXL_20230717_154620328%20(2).jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">A chance conversation with an acquaintance turned into an hour of sheer delight as we were able to go cod fishing in the North Atlantic waters off Newfoundland. It was all pretty easy, except for lifting the almost 40 pound cod into the boat. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Food to Cook in my Van Kitchen:</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">''Just off the hook'' Cod dinner</span></i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-5hZsJ4aEf-P3uU0To4GPnAo9rTHFdqQ5p6sfTHqL13EWk4Q0azuxkAkfc3pUslRbYgfR31xD3tpPDP1ctkdSuXDjmcD1Emb7Lo00m4khDFrPP7Y7isCfy-_8fLLsmiXmwDMAEpYUZsoExQvMQB2IeVWlAVEZF86kywJMHNXG4OBGyszlQLO-tyYsIY/s3648/20230721164858-20230721164858_IMG_0084%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-5hZsJ4aEf-P3uU0To4GPnAo9rTHFdqQ5p6sfTHqL13EWk4Q0azuxkAkfc3pUslRbYgfR31xD3tpPDP1ctkdSuXDjmcD1Emb7Lo00m4khDFrPP7Y7isCfy-_8fLLsmiXmwDMAEpYUZsoExQvMQB2IeVWlAVEZF86kywJMHNXG4OBGyszlQLO-tyYsIY/s320/20230721164858-20230721164858_IMG_0084%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Following my cod fishing success, I loved cooking up the fillets in a little butter and garlic ... the perfect meal for my tiny kitchen. Just wish I had freezer space to fit 40 pounds of cod fillets!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Outdoor Adventure:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, Colombia</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjmiFLPtbMxKFjPMBcXZ6q56MGjjMjQS6HzJV_R9eL7Zab19Au_ATeYRoUd30w8PSIGyoc92ASXYUnzhqF3I7pA388bo-SiuJCaK6dGv406CFLrcloOXOHYKOrjq4-tSrDXGQfp0lreu07l2YpQ3fb15c2gDE9T0OhDI7LrDW7p1JJbrlDWBgCplH8G4/s3648/20230224164231-G0016932%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjmiFLPtbMxKFjPMBcXZ6q56MGjjMjQS6HzJV_R9eL7Zab19Au_ATeYRoUd30w8PSIGyoc92ASXYUnzhqF3I7pA388bo-SiuJCaK6dGv406CFLrcloOXOHYKOrjq4-tSrDXGQfp0lreu07l2YpQ3fb15c2gDE9T0OhDI7LrDW7p1JJbrlDWBgCplH8G4/s320/20230224164231-G0016932%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm glad that there are some bucket list activities that we don't both have to share. Doug was all smiles when he got to go paragliding over the scenic Chicamocha Canyon, and I was more that happy to watch him from the ground.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Tourist Attraction:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hamilton on Broadway</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_b357xlnx-UuYeVfL5bh93wMtnaDM47d59trnfC6864Szg7puODBjfZmhdOLsxqKRt4HxXj-R8j60ukko_8AzEmMwxwJSiiXT_zTYEbKRZrE6hHQiAegsLGIah0ZBMI3ztfucSO7fANa2w3FfREmLq6FZedElWltl5J_Pq9TtpRoRvQY87GeJaJS0F4/s4080/20230531132853-PXL_20230531_172853317%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_b357xlnx-UuYeVfL5bh93wMtnaDM47d59trnfC6864Szg7puODBjfZmhdOLsxqKRt4HxXj-R8j60ukko_8AzEmMwxwJSiiXT_zTYEbKRZrE6hHQiAegsLGIah0ZBMI3ztfucSO7fANa2w3FfREmLq6FZedElWltl5J_Pq9TtpRoRvQY87GeJaJS0F4/s320/20230531132853-PXL_20230531_172853317%20(1).jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There's a reason it's hugely popular ... It's. Just. That. Good.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Most ''over-rated'' tourist attraction:</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hershey, Pennsylvania</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGJy4tMWanNMGR5rcaXbigyjfhhgkUY0QuhmsPsa_Nbn_8sl5VmRz_mspUCfvQ9Ip73Fep-8yoY1NZxwfT-b5lvsKBHUciyDM-g_VODSO6Eqy6ACHWzaHyHGe5DqXqiaG3AgVJq2cYPCJjd9Hnt5WM6H2Fqk4JG_eKi3WzjNVy7Mw5A2oiEa8B-z_OY0/s4032/20230526141801-PXL_20230526_181801411%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGJy4tMWanNMGR5rcaXbigyjfhhgkUY0QuhmsPsa_Nbn_8sl5VmRz_mspUCfvQ9Ip73Fep-8yoY1NZxwfT-b5lvsKBHUciyDM-g_VODSO6Eqy6ACHWzaHyHGe5DqXqiaG3AgVJq2cYPCJjd9Hnt5WM6H2Fqk4JG_eKi3WzjNVy7Mw5A2oiEa8B-z_OY0/s320/20230526141801-PXL_20230526_181801411%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There's a lot of crowds to contend with in order to get a</span><b style="font-size: large;"> </b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">tiny</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">''free''</span><b style="font-size: large;"> </b><span style="font-size: medium;">chocolate bar when one tours Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We recommend you avoid the throngs of tourists and just buy your loved one his Hershey chocolate stash at your local store.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Tree:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Banyan</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16W9ldbTBBE-aTCup7p-Wq69noSfuo0CLNAVRlRMkHV333db8s5DH3xrqOjfofDJTx1exO4sRLpUv1xQpHhQWjoCqxky5OTuJLi8xFIv_6ZQ_iOxGz6DxMZJnpu8LRuiPnMYIOYsPYc6pzXy7HZ92e2HdG-2ym-4iGVp8qQKCHmiF3e7iZc-QjbcFi74/s4624/20231205115147-PXL_20231205_215147397%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16W9ldbTBBE-aTCup7p-Wq69noSfuo0CLNAVRlRMkHV333db8s5DH3xrqOjfofDJTx1exO4sRLpUv1xQpHhQWjoCqxky5OTuJLi8xFIv_6ZQ_iOxGz6DxMZJnpu8LRuiPnMYIOYsPYc6pzXy7HZ92e2HdG-2ym-4iGVp8qQKCHmiF3e7iZc-QjbcFi74/s320/20231205115147-PXL_20231205_215147397%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Many people are still trying to recover from the devastating fire that destroyed the town of Lahaina, Hawaii in August. But there is hope with the reports that the beloved burned banyan tree in the middle of the town is starting to show some signs of new growth. Every time we saw a banyan tree, we were struck by how strong and resilient they are ... giving hope to the people of Maui.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Bird Viewing:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Colombia parrots</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZjPsBzdXYoskNmOGIP6FxdrfSSHtrRKzoRGs7XQQcqkuhGs-MxgJsGI7gzgrqGeWxpHPWdQcJRMu58ecb11zoD67GuP25oATIzMFBhvFK3DtWVHlmHXbJ8oTODsP8-T4D1N6ar8wm4RbDRMBtOqJeuxNeeCuPhg_OXI_aUB8-l9mEcxcKTmuS24Jlas/s1631/20230321142808-20230321142808_IMG_8741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1631" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZjPsBzdXYoskNmOGIP6FxdrfSSHtrRKzoRGs7XQQcqkuhGs-MxgJsGI7gzgrqGeWxpHPWdQcJRMu58ecb11zoD67GuP25oATIzMFBhvFK3DtWVHlmHXbJ8oTODsP8-T4D1N6ar8wm4RbDRMBtOqJeuxNeeCuPhg_OXI_aUB8-l9mEcxcKTmuS24Jlas/s320/20230321142808-20230321142808_IMG_8741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">These friendly chaps greeted us every morning when we stayed at a resort on the shore of the Colombian Caribbean Sea. I'm thinking that they should give Hawaii's obnoxious roosters some lessons on early-morning politeness.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite ''random'' stop:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Vasquez Rocks, California</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u8R7kmmY4kjjZ8HD_DLydrKgyv47J5W_36nHgV-OOc2iAmS1zP-fMsESRVHkMXndsdHsnT8Sjy-IILiMO6CSYalRPa8KzDD3NnlXfrVAQazv159n2kvEQTuMTcC44fTw3pshHK6LMspWHBD_M6M__AaKHW39CY62492CBW4mEaUEkVAbUZXiamejgNM/s4080/20231216104745-PXL_20231216_184745219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u8R7kmmY4kjjZ8HD_DLydrKgyv47J5W_36nHgV-OOc2iAmS1zP-fMsESRVHkMXndsdHsnT8Sjy-IILiMO6CSYalRPa8KzDD3NnlXfrVAQazv159n2kvEQTuMTcC44fTw3pshHK6LMspWHBD_M6M__AaKHW39CY62492CBW4mEaUEkVAbUZXiamejgNM/s320/20231216104745-PXL_20231216_184745219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">On travel days, it's always nice to find an interesting place to stop for a short hike and lunch. So glad that my ''Star Trek loving'' husband found this filming location for us to explore just northeast of Los Angeles.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite ''once in a lifetime'' opportunity:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4fVGjsqvdxFrpAeF0fhYmfNJTY8AqNrpD3uNiJzLn1BtFYw9WgKJxNEyIcGvpcGZpLlZOjPLUqn0y7WSXaw-ZDoLrmBF6DMyuPi0Pjdo0MJvkYaqWALbfn_jWbatFMf9L1ysKBbT73cN0stfuN27Ow5pfCICHCGnTe-AjZZfKbqBEYrtTx4MBAFJDRE/s1680/20231209000000-1000010424_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1680" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4fVGjsqvdxFrpAeF0fhYmfNJTY8AqNrpD3uNiJzLn1BtFYw9WgKJxNEyIcGvpcGZpLlZOjPLUqn0y7WSXaw-ZDoLrmBF6DMyuPi0Pjdo0MJvkYaqWALbfn_jWbatFMf9L1ysKBbT73cN0stfuN27Ow5pfCICHCGnTe-AjZZfKbqBEYrtTx4MBAFJDRE/s320/20231209000000-1000010424_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">We weren't expecting to meet eye-to-eye ... and we're so glad that we did!</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite wildlife expressions:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Puffins</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3RF8pKdXtyiXDZDYPTPljWss8ogcniR27bxVSPwV1SPExJMrIYPa7xl9hHqrG3K2AylhfUJEiaAv-QUAyOay7AgvzgArVPhCiwVr1nQqjzahvDxSCnoQbgkw4T_4X2OeISjIH5LLUVy8gLFHBel4c6hhZLPGsUoFWLU0bIYy1o41ktr5CxpUL61nQI/s3648/20230720053535-20230720053535_IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3RF8pKdXtyiXDZDYPTPljWss8ogcniR27bxVSPwV1SPExJMrIYPa7xl9hHqrG3K2AylhfUJEiaAv-QUAyOay7AgvzgArVPhCiwVr1nQqjzahvDxSCnoQbgkw4T_4X2OeISjIH5LLUVy8gLFHBel4c6hhZLPGsUoFWLU0bIYy1o41ktr5CxpUL61nQI/s320/20230720053535-20230720053535_IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We can't help not loving these funny sea birds of Newfoundland ... as we get up early in the morning and sit for hours watching them.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Random Art:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Presidential Sculptures; Rapid City, South Dakota</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_iCxVwwownGcCdTmVwMW8cUSwF3pTRdFhrGhDjean9wSUdX_CSIv_M4KI3zfgzc5AJzfFsGmpzQByd1fmo4bcCP60jpacWe2FQ9WFgE9AxvhahsyqFiRb19j7j1tHOo-M02dvdm8xDHhU7reHUctiYdQ4j0A_5q8kFw_mwrcn8kmCB1HHuAmNhWFB5E/s4624/20231002115809-PXL_20231001_230155083.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_iCxVwwownGcCdTmVwMW8cUSwF3pTRdFhrGhDjean9wSUdX_CSIv_M4KI3zfgzc5AJzfFsGmpzQByd1fmo4bcCP60jpacWe2FQ9WFgE9AxvhahsyqFiRb19j7j1tHOo-M02dvdm8xDHhU7reHUctiYdQ4j0A_5q8kFw_mwrcn8kmCB1HHuAmNhWFB5E/s320/20231002115809-PXL_20231001_230155083.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was interesting to walk around downtown Rapid City, South Dakota to find the sculptures of the presidents of the United States ... although we should probably take that scarf to be a warning sign and think about heading south sooner rather than later!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite home improvement:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>New Lithium Batteries</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc8HCp6wC5jJPf35IVWGEPiiV4fJfvWYRTWPIy5HaXCGmV8aneX6W7aVMa7_j3GILCQppCl3wun6r9Ak73poGw269FWIoFqDaxweonkyNg74zD0nXv5ZJ0S51ZtnoJjgEpeh3F23vTXg8s0BKzW_IwxqRS1sbYYBjPtB1BXL0A9DpQ9yvbeiC9E6B1ic/s4032/20230525154424-PXL_20230525_194424719%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc8HCp6wC5jJPf35IVWGEPiiV4fJfvWYRTWPIy5HaXCGmV8aneX6W7aVMa7_j3GILCQppCl3wun6r9Ak73poGw269FWIoFqDaxweonkyNg74zD0nXv5ZJ0S51ZtnoJjgEpeh3F23vTXg8s0BKzW_IwxqRS1sbYYBjPtB1BXL0A9DpQ9yvbeiC9E6B1ic/s320/20230525154424-PXL_20230525_194424719%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's been an expensive year for RV repairs and improvements. After new lithium batteries, new tires, new windshield, and an improved coolant system, we have our fingers crossed that Baby Beest will be working well and keeping our batteries charged and wheels rolling for a few more years.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Favorite Photo of the Year:</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>The Turtle Whisperer</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjatoATeRPXtxfXN5BeLmRUS5LoKz3PKDn-1zQbgaQnT5HXERLtYmpWBkoBJQbCKWTVDMtOxdhFxljh4VEvMS44juh1bzlnFiPTuQzNDy1QMHd0pE9Mt80-W0PI2vFCUzaMDdvDCK9T29xxo49hFv2Wlp7LhomyOcBHKyVRtdIlWRhm3UqId2ASi1RHHU/s3055/20231205132334-PXL_20231205_205316443~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3055" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjatoATeRPXtxfXN5BeLmRUS5LoKz3PKDn-1zQbgaQnT5HXERLtYmpWBkoBJQbCKWTVDMtOxdhFxljh4VEvMS44juh1bzlnFiPTuQzNDy1QMHd0pE9Mt80-W0PI2vFCUzaMDdvDCK9T29xxo49hFv2Wlp7LhomyOcBHKyVRtdIlWRhm3UqId2ASi1RHHU/s320/20231205132334-PXL_20231205_205316443~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This photo just speaks to the wonder and the joy of all the small unexpected treasures that we have encountered during this past year.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>We are grateful for another RVenturous year of ...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Warm Alohas,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCgoKkS4Nif2cHH_f6XUSZfKpztJ7aisZ4_v2nmmxMZSWFT48N4BHLb2KVOaa5_rE0AovN0lAlCdia6KK3HPzDydWvhVGO3FVH1Zz21FwAEWnn3S5lZKZRExuAFbbVKH7urKkL1CZyLL8ju32hpWZUQRhNfUnZyt81EKVGhcJE4nK_NbYiIU4Oe4UXkI/s4080/20231126131635-PXL_20231126_231635473.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCgoKkS4Nif2cHH_f6XUSZfKpztJ7aisZ4_v2nmmxMZSWFT48N4BHLb2KVOaa5_rE0AovN0lAlCdia6KK3HPzDydWvhVGO3FVH1Zz21FwAEWnn3S5lZKZRExuAFbbVKH7urKkL1CZyLL8ju32hpWZUQRhNfUnZyt81EKVGhcJE4nK_NbYiIU4Oe4UXkI/w261-h197/20231126131635-PXL_20231126_231635473.MP.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Languages Freely Shared,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrmTQ6b2NMD3wrPYUYxRGqZVD-Y0fHMO-LQlDQcODF8MP_iCu3PN5dN_uNXFRx3vHWVAQIlKYzqibUnqTk6zfNRJ8OP6LWeSmIJTGl2qARcmqnbRyKqvue1-J6VKcoL-eATGG3ScNoE_GqxZGcUxuoUJBEy-2koDqjesGmW6nVjsLwaJGwGNkoRBuwbc/s1499/20230413000000-IMG-20230413-WA0001%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1499" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrmTQ6b2NMD3wrPYUYxRGqZVD-Y0fHMO-LQlDQcODF8MP_iCu3PN5dN_uNXFRx3vHWVAQIlKYzqibUnqTk6zfNRJ8OP6LWeSmIJTGl2qARcmqnbRyKqvue1-J6VKcoL-eATGG3ScNoE_GqxZGcUxuoUJBEy-2koDqjesGmW6nVjsLwaJGwGNkoRBuwbc/w409-h198/20230413000000-IMG-20230413-WA0001%20(1).jpg" width="409" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">All the places we can go,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGgqAVTN9mtwhvKUsDpz6p0F3W8P4UyKMoAVfGC8YIImbzO2psEpr3L6blJ1r2ZG2FczosimlXUiClSR0RdiRHBQj-siJ2g5YFasyotpDnRm8fJlunLL6Ua9UH2Ua9SkF3G-T4L-wcG3BO1tPo_ahyvmYe7xVj8GVUy1NrKRPHYIj5J7CLYzddfZMROQ/s4607/20231011004714-PXL_20231010_150038177.MP~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="4607" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGgqAVTN9mtwhvKUsDpz6p0F3W8P4UyKMoAVfGC8YIImbzO2psEpr3L6blJ1r2ZG2FczosimlXUiClSR0RdiRHBQj-siJ2g5YFasyotpDnRm8fJlunLL6Ua9UH2Ua9SkF3G-T4L-wcG3BO1tPo_ahyvmYe7xVj8GVUy1NrKRPHYIj5J7CLYzddfZMROQ/s320/20231011004714-PXL_20231010_150038177.MP~2%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In Baby Beest ... Repaired!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmZRVtSA4A1MBKNuTVSAtKySuHfjUX2rP2PdKHqgGpKInz2zYKiACPJ4t6rj83bGXVWpxifwJr_uXdSVa7ej-Uw6fUhi5u6pM5LZ_ddbLtF6aDKxjL-yihXk3Pi4fBSvLe3W5zV9sDBZ3-6tEsQJTsPhVBd3BjdB465Vc2WZv3zspBdZNd3jOhUt5S84/s1920/20231219172659-PXL_20231220_004809462~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmZRVtSA4A1MBKNuTVSAtKySuHfjUX2rP2PdKHqgGpKInz2zYKiACPJ4t6rj83bGXVWpxifwJr_uXdSVa7ej-Uw6fUhi5u6pM5LZ_ddbLtF6aDKxjL-yihXk3Pi4fBSvLe3W5zV9sDBZ3-6tEsQJTsPhVBd3BjdB465Vc2WZv3zspBdZNd3jOhUt5S84/s320/20231219172659-PXL_20231220_004809462~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>What will 2024 have in store for us?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During our extended trips to Colombia and Hawaii, we enjoyed more of the airplane/Airbnb type of travel. And with some of the ''aging'' issues that have been popping up with Baby Beest, we are starting to think about our life post-van. But for now, we plan to return to Colombia for two months this winter, and spend the spring and early summer with family in Minnesota. It's a challenge to ''get out of our comfort zone'', but exploring other Central and South American countries does sound intriguing. Where should RVentures lead us next? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b>So many choices and no wrong answers, because ... </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Kaushan Script;">'</span><span style="font-family: Kaushan Script;">'When you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.''</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHBPm7vF5dSOx-FiCowQztK-SZfYqP0tzy5hwwrfwV_GGNWLKorsVsCpk06Az74vdcf2IGJZA-4gxJw9D9a8RCAcwhU6hknA7hZEp2F8aZLSNa7HdQ7SsLjLLmV1g0DHAb__53j5AMXZj8SAX0ZBjtc0GbUZ4F0ySjPNAUjUoDqQ2QOcxbTtzIRdv91I/s3648/20231211173536-PXL_20231212_033536773%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHBPm7vF5dSOx-FiCowQztK-SZfYqP0tzy5hwwrfwV_GGNWLKorsVsCpk06Az74vdcf2IGJZA-4gxJw9D9a8RCAcwhU6hknA7hZEp2F8aZLSNa7HdQ7SsLjLLmV1g0DHAb__53j5AMXZj8SAX0ZBjtc0GbUZ4F0ySjPNAUjUoDqQ2QOcxbTtzIRdv91I/w244-h183/20231211173536-PXL_20231212_033536773%20(1).jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Thanks for continuing to follow us wherever RVentures take us.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>We truly appreciate every time you welcome us ''home''.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024!</i></b></span></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-18310186641634280492023-12-24T15:42:00.000-06:002023-12-24T15:42:49.109-06:00Christmas Greetings 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzW8hUDWXz9MQR5Tvlwb3rvh_0IJG_pn3Qf3ZZkl04PV3wKxNwCPGdQCFu1KVQ8QbW7KgtbnSTWXeUAezzFXzbsRLSFCNn8VGQumzHUlvsOpAhlnhaSMQR1ibsODjtLpc5o-Z7sjsbE3YYq7zvPg7FSFgZnjM68RYIqSOIpKvyvRPJY5m-aLCxfO0gP4/s1113/20231108184358-PXL_20231109_044358984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1113" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzW8hUDWXz9MQR5Tvlwb3rvh_0IJG_pn3Qf3ZZkl04PV3wKxNwCPGdQCFu1KVQ8QbW7KgtbnSTWXeUAezzFXzbsRLSFCNn8VGQumzHUlvsOpAhlnhaSMQR1ibsODjtLpc5o-Z7sjsbE3YYq7zvPg7FSFgZnjM68RYIqSOIpKvyvRPJY5m-aLCxfO0gP4/w386-h286/20231108184358-PXL_20231109_044358984.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>🎜 Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><b>On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day,</b></i></span></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTB81tL7jyD2Uu0xVRGn16P1OzRHr2BCveYRC4sdHRYXubhwUfx9RFIXhbbojST2CEmVwMT84zlg6EsAnQzEwSJhlnHQAwBDNkz6g2PhnRHpu0b-5Ll-1cii5bElH0W9ilJ7YXOVJG6gTtkRhebj7q9tVTxvbmzMQTrxCARu_HfGPytKZI6Yvhey_UxY/s4624/20231209071222-PXL_20231209_171222110.jpg" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTB81tL7jyD2Uu0xVRGn16P1OzRHr2BCveYRC4sdHRYXubhwUfx9RFIXhbbojST2CEmVwMT84zlg6EsAnQzEwSJhlnHQAwBDNkz6g2PhnRHpu0b-5Ll-1cii5bElH0W9ilJ7YXOVJG6gTtkRhebj7q9tVTxvbmzMQTrxCARu_HfGPytKZI6Yvhey_UxY/s320/20231209071222-PXL_20231209_171222110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b>That's the island greeting that we send to you</b></i></span></div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="letter-spacing: 0.1px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><b>From the land where palm trees sway,</b></i></span></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJgaIOEckm9SJxdolG2suiluoFRlIKB_GKrfIDVBZlDFR3TK395F3YHj2xZqkrUgYqWxTpO44KGUx1qhmGnZEGdx0gQlk9f06RcJHNIg7WYnHXsTRQLZgW1xdN9i7itEJ5OvmYBdIoq9fEy5IvPkTWnvBeXG4ZGiTE6nP9dsR37g7mmdYMFho4k3zLU/s4343/20231205210251-PXL_20231202_214304185~4%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4343" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJgaIOEckm9SJxdolG2suiluoFRlIKB_GKrfIDVBZlDFR3TK395F3YHj2xZqkrUgYqWxTpO44KGUx1qhmGnZEGdx0gQlk9f06RcJHNIg7WYnHXsTRQLZgW1xdN9i7itEJ5OvmYBdIoq9fEy5IvPkTWnvBeXG4ZGiTE6nP9dsR37g7mmdYMFho4k3zLU/s320/20231205210251-PXL_20231202_214304185~4%20(1).jpg" width="256" /></a></div></span></div><div style="color: #202124; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b>Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright</b></i></span></div><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwgp3AagGe0NmYoO91rXYmJPFu2NkCKYJsQ6Vym7AxWL4JC4jweNTpNISExyDrTsOewldf0GaiwjhYpwTF1mu_yglsJNEr53aEkIQ5AEKWGZH7X5LLMa1rtaOpe3TjRuKp_1eEj4BORromZp_MRpLcThr1ychGEDoNvs7O1w7FQee3DdBfYNpfe8qFjM/s4351/20231202190949-PXL_20231202_211829637~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3267" data-original-width="4351" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwgp3AagGe0NmYoO91rXYmJPFu2NkCKYJsQ6Vym7AxWL4JC4jweNTpNISExyDrTsOewldf0GaiwjhYpwTF1mu_yglsJNEr53aEkIQ5AEKWGZH7X5LLMa1rtaOpe3TjRuKp_1eEj4BORromZp_MRpLcThr1ychGEDoNvs7O1w7FQee3DdBfYNpfe8qFjM/s320/20231202190949-PXL_20231202_211829637~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></i></span></div><div style="color: black; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><br /></div><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b>The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOmUJ2DhmYpxVZfegJWsDgKVkOU77-Cj4jxfqrNYcwuhoRE4_3pCQppABZbNG3_mL48juZTOO2fJxUfNfT-blVqIX9Sb9TiEhqc4NzFmowR4dkvE1DFrD_b2dL6aWBLSBau43nl780RN8XOa5NDx4bBlzxKf5vp78ZIOFfPrQsvANOvPfYFn1QmhwYh0/s4624/20231207153839-PXL_20231207_041036120~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOmUJ2DhmYpxVZfegJWsDgKVkOU77-Cj4jxfqrNYcwuhoRE4_3pCQppABZbNG3_mL48juZTOO2fJxUfNfT-blVqIX9Sb9TiEhqc4NzFmowR4dkvE1DFrD_b2dL6aWBLSBau43nl780RN8XOa5NDx4bBlzxKf5vp78ZIOFfPrQsvANOvPfYFn1QmhwYh0/s320/20231207153839-PXL_20231207_041036120~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><br /></div><div style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b>Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way</b></i></span></div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><b>To say Merry Christmas to you! 🎝</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i><br /></i></span></div></span></div></div></span></div></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we returned to San Diego after spending five weeks in Hawaii, it seemed like we had just dropped into the center of Whoville's Christmas Square. While Hawaii had the occasional festive ''Mele Kalikimaka'' decorations, it was nothing compared to the multitude of bright lights, inflatable santas, and last-minute gift ads that bombarded us as we returned to the mainland. It made us appreciate the fact that, although they don't put on a big holiday display, Hawaii's ''Aloha Spirit'' of kindness and harmony reflects the real essence of Christmas all year long.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPj0QhodnOwm2o2hO6i0tD1AITJgLN-n7mXMes8IlmlfsqvWV5oDDgAbrHHFEl3pYHZ7ben739H0eCankqTN5-jubRO0nrWQKvSKMxdzBPb83RIlk160C0tKOVNItsajDTq2g9jeNw2zxi8gXDVz3rOeWlJsAH0KFs9_VEH3zmgraAxcXaYpIiqG8oAA/s4204/20231123194336-PXL_20231124_011930230~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="4204" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPj0QhodnOwm2o2hO6i0tD1AITJgLN-n7mXMes8IlmlfsqvWV5oDDgAbrHHFEl3pYHZ7ben739H0eCankqTN5-jubRO0nrWQKvSKMxdzBPb83RIlk160C0tKOVNItsajDTq2g9jeNw2zxi8gXDVz3rOeWlJsAH0KFs9_VEH3zmgraAxcXaYpIiqG8oAA/w496-h152/20231123194336-PXL_20231124_011930230~2.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And as we thought about it, this same ''Aloha Spirit'' has filled so many of our days during our past year of travel. We are grateful for the Aloha Spirit felt in ... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJcbUow5uMCg65K0r9KAT5_7YfulIkxGJOFEL9I2lTLSsKeWPCOof8-XI60V4f8_mUoJ619c0rbQuAP_wHpb3tkMeKkafXkzzv6HsLy29OxtUmQ-BJ4IEFNp6wsN0NlAU1bOui1oFlx0wJqcFGbKMWhIwdgw-cNSNNLu3s5DRp4Y2QUk0sLL0mXBfhM0/s4032/20230104142440-PXL_20230104_192440205%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJcbUow5uMCg65K0r9KAT5_7YfulIkxGJOFEL9I2lTLSsKeWPCOof8-XI60V4f8_mUoJ619c0rbQuAP_wHpb3tkMeKkafXkzzv6HsLy29OxtUmQ-BJ4IEFNp6wsN0NlAU1bOui1oFlx0wJqcFGbKMWhIwdgw-cNSNNLu3s5DRp4Y2QUk0sLL0mXBfhM0/w221-h294/20230104142440-PXL_20230104_192440205%20(1).jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the sharing of knowledge and skills during our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Habitat for Humanity build,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQoXKr31x9mV14eOoTb4ESi8Fo3wTEs1tb5e9dT2p_YaBNdEbWNUjEDDEo424oyu9VC-ZR9bb2SWZekWjmnl49Q0Whk3cfwU1hRoaZG5L2CNMsT6Fd0K-B0WO8WfM5u75WhEM426zUbTaFn-esQU3W3dTsFE1jvpKpKck_6Gex8fubS9DyplYdzOcLoo/s4032/20230120190846-PXL_20230121_000846314.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQoXKr31x9mV14eOoTb4ESi8Fo3wTEs1tb5e9dT2p_YaBNdEbWNUjEDDEo424oyu9VC-ZR9bb2SWZekWjmnl49Q0Whk3cfwU1hRoaZG5L2CNMsT6Fd0K-B0WO8WfM5u75WhEM426zUbTaFn-esQU3W3dTsFE1jvpKpKck_6Gex8fubS9DyplYdzOcLoo/w296-h222/20230120190846-PXL_20230121_000846314.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the smiles of dear friends who warmly welcomed us back</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to Colombia once again this winter,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcNZ3unrFrt8Xl-KSzl6uaYJC4x3b9D-mY1m-CyFnr6Qm9Nn5ayF7hcHgbhaagDlrefCMg_zjnLD5Fau8e49Po9LMxYw76_KU-xCUjuNqVnJWr3dq4qY1cYyUlN_F4o-htrLyen55WqJaNJe3FbGC_oP9xjBzN-VDC_NIRNvgAFxB5Q-YHiTkCffhPoE/s3812/20230228172719-edited_PXL_20230228_222719960.PORTRAIT%20(1)%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3812" data-original-width="2116" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcNZ3unrFrt8Xl-KSzl6uaYJC4x3b9D-mY1m-CyFnr6Qm9Nn5ayF7hcHgbhaagDlrefCMg_zjnLD5Fau8e49Po9LMxYw76_KU-xCUjuNqVnJWr3dq4qY1cYyUlN_F4o-htrLyen55WqJaNJe3FbGC_oP9xjBzN-VDC_NIRNvgAFxB5Q-YHiTkCffhPoE/s320/20230228172719-edited_PXL_20230228_222719960.PORTRAIT%20(1)%20(4).jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the laughter of</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">of children we have met along the way,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQinKcA7PbndvAnNc_0MSEBpslSVQzIQHCSU39YqRWTIi0xOA51Qu4eAXfE8ul8mhXaRU_B9LY0p42TnfrI1TZF1qzEh36Fb3XQinrV_0LM-2VQKI4We1_GxSzRfknVwUWsggmbPV8ekEcLiT5nBFpgXY5tcqr_wvHrZpcYGWjCMWOcRigQhABovn8qk/s1040/20230406000000-IMG-20230405-WA0016%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQinKcA7PbndvAnNc_0MSEBpslSVQzIQHCSU39YqRWTIi0xOA51Qu4eAXfE8ul8mhXaRU_B9LY0p42TnfrI1TZF1qzEh36Fb3XQinrV_0LM-2VQKI4We1_GxSzRfknVwUWsggmbPV8ekEcLiT5nBFpgXY5tcqr_wvHrZpcYGWjCMWOcRigQhABovn8qk/s320/20230406000000-IMG-20230405-WA0016%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the ''amor'' (love) of learning shared while serving</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as volunteer English teachers in Medellin,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYNMW-cBzMESVOMJn8rvpCleOEZ4aGR8z3C8AWdgn85M85bGjP74fPxHbqhOgCmx4nmK1J7qObOJiPzs-vOnDNBNcQfGfK3AKMK6NIUe5Il9IR-gzYhBE3HkhBr_27haDfV9LqF7oOMq9wPy9UJ1SbUFVQH0ZJlBQ3Y1sVImDugccMxPqhMhA0ewxVvg/s4032/20230419130818-edited_PXL_20230419_170818294%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYNMW-cBzMESVOMJn8rvpCleOEZ4aGR8z3C8AWdgn85M85bGjP74fPxHbqhOgCmx4nmK1J7qObOJiPzs-vOnDNBNcQfGfK3AKMK6NIUe5Il9IR-gzYhBE3HkhBr_27haDfV9LqF7oOMq9wPy9UJ1SbUFVQH0ZJlBQ3Y1sVImDugccMxPqhMhA0ewxVvg/w259-h194/20230419130818-edited_PXL_20230419_170818294%20(1).jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the support of family during</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">difficult times,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEidLyvqv_2paEF5-ncnIbmDRiHQoUdRXMveyfbZzU70EMWanfP8y37QVGJyeq1apZUC1_9aegH07Kv3DtfX229J3fs62aQs09PocZVsM352Z4WtKm2tRpQ1tc2ntHwYMN6UIEG7DYZ-xEegkzKJMcuxkexWzUSxa-6Sg92QceD8qTpXgd28o7l3l9pY/s3648/20230621044752-20230621044752_IMG_9028%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEidLyvqv_2paEF5-ncnIbmDRiHQoUdRXMveyfbZzU70EMWanfP8y37QVGJyeq1apZUC1_9aegH07Kv3DtfX229J3fs62aQs09PocZVsM352Z4WtKm2tRpQ1tc2ntHwYMN6UIEG7DYZ-xEegkzKJMcuxkexWzUSxa-6Sg92QceD8qTpXgd28o7l3l9pY/s320/20230621044752-20230621044752_IMG_9028%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the warm welcomes of family and friends</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as they opened their driveways and homes to us,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLYwdGxfo2hsD2eXNS-wRd_rBbAAloYzlfcGzPC53JbhMJjRLeOl9rwJDb0Nf9hftGa60SCSKsxQWejq5TZhxzIzRf0N7jwCRWpVYYs-5bu7Laispo5uKZeBejoIPvWJzKuwTG9wOw-441caEcsZ6Gr9Vpd5wkBbPVzc_yvYgJnz5YGDMMEaWRC5HJMU/s4080/20231212130435-PXL_20231212_230435506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLYwdGxfo2hsD2eXNS-wRd_rBbAAloYzlfcGzPC53JbhMJjRLeOl9rwJDb0Nf9hftGa60SCSKsxQWejq5TZhxzIzRf0N7jwCRWpVYYs-5bu7Laispo5uKZeBejoIPvWJzKuwTG9wOw-441caEcsZ6Gr9Vpd5wkBbPVzc_yvYgJnz5YGDMMEaWRC5HJMU/s320/20231212130435-PXL_20231212_230435506.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... the enthusiasm of new friends who introduced us</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to some of their favorite local treasures,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QTPOjDlA5g1JV4cwMc39fMaIZOZDaw5qvo9ahyIujSvnbAoPCRNupIV5Bm5yBuIvRzlAeO20q3aKPnj0r3syAb9f2GorY8aSJ3QK55h-ZxEJc6HOt4isSC7LuTHyVSaQF-KPIupth-q9Pd0RliSiVxxoefY8grbZcPsCx73Fy49zgC16Kj7OUd7Uyb4/s1319/20230922181604-PXL_20230922_231604857.MP%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1182" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QTPOjDlA5g1JV4cwMc39fMaIZOZDaw5qvo9ahyIujSvnbAoPCRNupIV5Bm5yBuIvRzlAeO20q3aKPnj0r3syAb9f2GorY8aSJ3QK55h-ZxEJc6HOt4isSC7LuTHyVSaQF-KPIupth-q9Pd0RliSiVxxoefY8grbZcPsCx73Fy49zgC16Kj7OUd7Uyb4/w232-h259/20230922181604-PXL_20230922_231604857.MP%20(1).png" width="232" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and the generosity of sharing meals</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigITwBpGuYOm2DzHaC2hP5cdcSCL4Icmi8LlAF-9RRT_pU5cc3Br7c0I56vlJ6AXxP47xusHcQ7V3bf1B9Lw_Y6UziuGT9fU1yu92gnKdShP3BsPhutPmMJiERn8mQcLjMSwb8u0AvkGPBzIyt4O99dzekbrZyviEtD1ZOGxRXeZeZsFaUnuuSsPQfKDU/s3648/20230820134136-PXL_20230820_184136174%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigITwBpGuYOm2DzHaC2hP5cdcSCL4Icmi8LlAF-9RRT_pU5cc3Br7c0I56vlJ6AXxP47xusHcQ7V3bf1B9Lw_Y6UziuGT9fU1yu92gnKdShP3BsPhutPmMJiERn8mQcLjMSwb8u0AvkGPBzIyt4O99dzekbrZyviEtD1ZOGxRXeZeZsFaUnuuSsPQfKDU/s320/20230820134136-PXL_20230820_184136174%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and time with us when our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">travels bring us back together once again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAZPOMmLIBXSyHbHoyFWf4ZaHaqOcEQW8Q7HAH2dVmVhZl7mCdqXnE-l7W6C9q17mvi4iz6p9VJeqboszwVDRw27p_L_3OfsAQcokQxtgTw2b30ZwBBwKtaUmYb2Nv6_7lMGt0SrvABb6TH1dDhhP_zSKB0dTNtdVB6K7VgIvxTbFaxlSr5jfw9GSyAE/s3648/20231118195618-20231118195618_IMG_0555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAZPOMmLIBXSyHbHoyFWf4ZaHaqOcEQW8Q7HAH2dVmVhZl7mCdqXnE-l7W6C9q17mvi4iz6p9VJeqboszwVDRw27p_L_3OfsAQcokQxtgTw2b30ZwBBwKtaUmYb2Nv6_7lMGt0SrvABb6TH1dDhhP_zSKB0dTNtdVB6K7VgIvxTbFaxlSr5jfw9GSyAE/s320/20231118195618-20231118195618_IMG_0555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What a joy to experience the colors of the season and the Aloha Spirit wherever RVentures take us!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkCu0lnIKeGEMPECq5s8n5AXmGf2FXNtEsq2B4xXwI13BZ21KwMJS6gRApZXCw-U4dmRQlv2urq3NOhiURUFDTETiI0e7HogDDeEIqMoO_AtlIvL_gnyrftopLBDAtLzsGOr2fLHmXvftMXUO7NUc5okQ9DzxRxyN30yQZ5Z3tCMvvIUxO9ccIJs2Md0/s3648/20231121165147-20231121165147_IMG_0598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkCu0lnIKeGEMPECq5s8n5AXmGf2FXNtEsq2B4xXwI13BZ21KwMJS6gRApZXCw-U4dmRQlv2urq3NOhiURUFDTETiI0e7HogDDeEIqMoO_AtlIvL_gnyrftopLBDAtLzsGOr2fLHmXvftMXUO7NUc5okQ9DzxRxyN30yQZ5Z3tCMvvIUxO9ccIJs2Md0/s320/20231121165147-20231121165147_IMG_0598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">May your Holidays be filled with laid-back island vibes</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">as you gather to celebrate the</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Best </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Aloha </span><span style="color: red;">Ever!</span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiptOmtlGb1I_KrbuUL0qdXGT3Lhyphenhyphen4BFMkdjV2ADRQwJq8-q6Nm60-HQpav_1XELHS1QsVp-rEI2VwnRIsPvQGoRphI-8q_GJctpxASeOVLeUuu0e-hIfULdXKC3mF6oBTMX1EMmBI0ReSp5fqO33BI1zUWQBu9hjLIIEj0uL_mx5qVm4zq2Gq8tzKAiE/s3710/20231218163233-PXL_20231217_232022949.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3045" data-original-width="3710" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiptOmtlGb1I_KrbuUL0qdXGT3Lhyphenhyphen4BFMkdjV2ADRQwJq8-q6Nm60-HQpav_1XELHS1QsVp-rEI2VwnRIsPvQGoRphI-8q_GJctpxASeOVLeUuu0e-hIfULdXKC3mF6oBTMX1EMmBI0ReSp5fqO33BI1zUWQBu9hjLIIEj0uL_mx5qVm4zq2Gq8tzKAiE/s320/20231218163233-PXL_20231217_232022949.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Mele Kalikimaka!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Merry Christmas to you!</i></b></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa1uiKf1mkru4Ylppt78q3Y_N01vPWW7Lglw12fuZIltywceTIanuR8PWrKGvPiV5w93mLPo0sCVWJ7mAHu9F4WGG8IHQFZUw9MzBZi9OAh8RfGiqtVkcOQhL8zgy5HGxnbjCfuFUNhr9uMolmLbrOFed-n03kL8TE0TsDEeQp2PKBF36oxTJXcRWInQ/s3648/20231211185905-PXL_20231212_034058447.PORTRAIT~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa1uiKf1mkru4Ylppt78q3Y_N01vPWW7Lglw12fuZIltywceTIanuR8PWrKGvPiV5w93mLPo0sCVWJ7mAHu9F4WGG8IHQFZUw9MzBZi9OAh8RfGiqtVkcOQhL8zgy5HGxnbjCfuFUNhr9uMolmLbrOFed-n03kL8TE0TsDEeQp2PKBF36oxTJXcRWInQ/w347-h260/20231211185905-PXL_20231212_034058447.PORTRAIT~2%20(1).jpg" width="347" /></a></div></b></span></div><p></p></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-28817238307937530552023-12-17T23:42:00.000-06:002023-12-17T23:42:58.420-06:00The Many Personalities of the Big Island of Hawaii<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWw-xuyUO_kIA3uoLFhkc5D_kRL3B-wDytLE_ZYUAdsK-MsjJTnQAIxkVBhU_fETUP6Ptl2bGpa3gQmEUf9iMN8ejsGM1Q7X4khRSbWNsim3XO69_2FR2sxS2qWBb-aiKloyGFCL_eM8uVm7Y3v08iwNLqJSWLiPi9skTrPFz06fXjMbMw2qoA6Ba9rk/s1920/20231124095302-PXL_20231124_195302293.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1920" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWw-xuyUO_kIA3uoLFhkc5D_kRL3B-wDytLE_ZYUAdsK-MsjJTnQAIxkVBhU_fETUP6Ptl2bGpa3gQmEUf9iMN8ejsGM1Q7X4khRSbWNsim3XO69_2FR2sxS2qWBb-aiKloyGFCL_eM8uVm7Y3v08iwNLqJSWLiPi9skTrPFz06fXjMbMw2qoA6Ba9rk/w383-h288/20231124095302-PXL_20231124_195302293.png" width="383" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">How does one capture the essence of the Big Island of Hawai'i in just one photo? While it is common to see </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">vast fields of black lava still being deposited on the island thanks to its four active volcanoes</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">, there are also ...</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Lush tropical rainforests,</span></b></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCtViz4Jy6twoi8_OftaxWyRuyKQNGnTP0PgrAlgGDa3Jn9jD-smsS8KJ90gNMRXErxgcAdSBRGzQQQoVEdlZHEuYHvORFnB4VtP3UNUl2xy0JCZD59pUWR_gmhgykCfCEP4kwH4RzmpJj6PtnRbkW-z7Hnk1qjBk4wb7uN5r9iBKToexKIBbSATrgQQ/s4624/20231205115147-PXL_20231205_215147397.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCtViz4Jy6twoi8_OftaxWyRuyKQNGnTP0PgrAlgGDa3Jn9jD-smsS8KJ90gNMRXErxgcAdSBRGzQQQoVEdlZHEuYHvORFnB4VtP3UNUl2xy0JCZD59pUWR_gmhgykCfCEP4kwH4RzmpJj6PtnRbkW-z7Hnk1qjBk4wb7uN5r9iBKToexKIBbSATrgQQ/s320/20231205115147-PXL_20231205_215147397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Pristine sandy beaches,</span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvP5qvjqYlhYOmtMmedoeduM36mdD4n9e2CxfA1RF7dmFxILF7lBXF2IxY5pTuE5Xnqc8Q47Uyai6UgaHYhIHebLa4-wjF40tfrtD0FvpJK-ASthNfP84j-xgVXPzRnz9rvJ6yL1Nmuv8F2JwkkvLXlSRagwMcSnQnwieQyTI6aUp30eHoWMTbsjatqs/s4054/20231128201644-PXL_20231129_023653129~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="4054" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvP5qvjqYlhYOmtMmedoeduM36mdD4n9e2CxfA1RF7dmFxILF7lBXF2IxY5pTuE5Xnqc8Q47Uyai6UgaHYhIHebLa4-wjF40tfrtD0FvpJK-ASthNfP84j-xgVXPzRnz9rvJ6yL1Nmuv8F2JwkkvLXlSRagwMcSnQnwieQyTI6aUp30eHoWMTbsjatqs/s320/20231128201644-PXL_20231129_023653129~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Breathtaking coastal views,</span></i></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7jgK5nLBWEEPx_JE4_9DcOyjS7us2jT768VDNCC1DOyvgAqEZODF3zwhMOVEheuqw176uOKdqF8lzCSMoTWZJp2l1PgzJOhmNJ-jT56xi8AN-mgZkisPHq-frHxv9ZK-QkhLHwsv_XPXSDGBCbzOZyHYCz3k5fk4P2v2KtsooZx5Nl0MVDlgQUj-Q8/s4080/20231124111607-PXL_20231124_211607899.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP7jgK5nLBWEEPx_JE4_9DcOyjS7us2jT768VDNCC1DOyvgAqEZODF3zwhMOVEheuqw176uOKdqF8lzCSMoTWZJp2l1PgzJOhmNJ-jT56xi8AN-mgZkisPHq-frHxv9ZK-QkhLHwsv_XPXSDGBCbzOZyHYCz3k5fk4P2v2KtsooZx5Nl0MVDlgQUj-Q8/s320/20231124111607-PXL_20231124_211607899.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Rich Hawaiian history,</span></i></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6YJYHjBAlr2eAgmO8Iq1U9TVXvWhlDm80gulFELSl4B25Lwp56omGLucQz51gu1cH9EveEcTkgKC58_f1SPzLhdcdW9ZUPM7dQZ1Tc4VDjO4yOwp0uaykgTpUsl6Ti0BhWI9WUr3EgNSTXbTqQ9gD-AmUsWrk_xKQLbasupiptfkhgC7oDZtggaJzw/s4624/20231125151515-PXL_20231126_011515613.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6YJYHjBAlr2eAgmO8Iq1U9TVXvWhlDm80gulFELSl4B25Lwp56omGLucQz51gu1cH9EveEcTkgKC58_f1SPzLhdcdW9ZUPM7dQZ1Tc4VDjO4yOwp0uaykgTpUsl6Ti0BhWI9WUr3EgNSTXbTqQ9gD-AmUsWrk_xKQLbasupiptfkhgC7oDZtggaJzw/s320/20231125151515-PXL_20231126_011515613.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">And lots of green sea turtles who seem to enjoy the laid-back beach life as much as the tourists!</span></b></i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ybBDh4DnHBgHGNv_yW5icdxiYGcuY0c4NpRHVloVF_2tLier5mTROe1YPBAj2EmSDIiAkUPRHjkXUr75ytSCtx7sS5mUV6Mxjuev9a-PhIqr5m3Hc1eV0cCP2Skgz7DAvscNep8BG2VUA_7kHGtl5qs1fI4dHrGzVGLovC0H-l4jfMdsU0Ivk_LYkvs/s3648/20231124233526-20231124233526_IMG_0652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ybBDh4DnHBgHGNv_yW5icdxiYGcuY0c4NpRHVloVF_2tLier5mTROe1YPBAj2EmSDIiAkUPRHjkXUr75ytSCtx7sS5mUV6Mxjuev9a-PhIqr5m3Hc1eV0cCP2Skgz7DAvscNep8BG2VUA_7kHGtl5qs1fI4dHrGzVGLovC0H-l4jfMdsU0Ivk_LYkvs/w304-h228/20231124233526-20231124233526_IMG_0652.JPG" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>With so much to enjoy, w</span><span>e're grateful to have been able to spend a week on the dry, sunny Kailua-Kona side and a week on the lush, rainy Hilo side of Hawai'i.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEdHWvJir5bBZT7X6bRnesy9sEgd7nhgWmMBYCo6HjV3k1pVCluAcguRojhaR2cny2Z56-JCrOiwdFARS-eNJv55bv_rrXmZZmctFJOyBAHycwrvD5mMvY171s9_3UIacKCmCxpUjEDcV848qOb86UOevB-0Vke82XP51K-oxri14NSmtcw7p43cq-9E/s431/vhp_img3015bigisland.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="431" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEdHWvJir5bBZT7X6bRnesy9sEgd7nhgWmMBYCo6HjV3k1pVCluAcguRojhaR2cny2Z56-JCrOiwdFARS-eNJv55bv_rrXmZZmctFJOyBAHycwrvD5mMvY171s9_3UIacKCmCxpUjEDcV848qOb86UOevB-0Vke82XP51K-oxri14NSmtcw7p43cq-9E/w332-h196/vhp_img3015bigisland.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><span>The Big Island of Hawai'i</span><span> lives up to its nickname as it is massive in size compared to the other seven major islands of this archipelago. It is also the ''newest'' Hawaiian island with volcanic eruptions occurring as recently as three months ago. Two massive mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, divide the island and provide some eruptive ''entertainment''. They could ''technically'' be considered the highest mountains in the world, except for the fact that much of their base is underwater. Another fun fact ... the Big Island of Hawai'i contains 8 of the 13 recognized climate zones, each with its unique ecosystem. From humid tropics to arid hot deserts to alpine cold ... with<i> snow</i> on top of Mauna Kea, it's no wonder that the Big Island seems to have </span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">many</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> personalities </span><span style="text-align: center;">for visitors to enjoy.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl-zEbBMjRPaC2uo5OBxDaxZo5nyZ4tuMN1_fVaec2RzGVMDaA56AfX4wLq7GeuGRhyphenhyphenY0IkbVUyZILjtwzBTGwG9IsunZVyqnfhPB4rCbP9koLTvQEuAziwHxMOUoD8gIN8Qog3OD2H5tOEbhBJVG8E439K0xXh8hd_DCeYERuZ4ucoOMCRrnDcV3UkI/s4080/20231127123645-PXL_20231127_220114374~2.jpg" style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl-zEbBMjRPaC2uo5OBxDaxZo5nyZ4tuMN1_fVaec2RzGVMDaA56AfX4wLq7GeuGRhyphenhyphenY0IkbVUyZILjtwzBTGwG9IsunZVyqnfhPB4rCbP9koLTvQEuAziwHxMOUoD8gIN8Qog3OD2H5tOEbhBJVG8E439K0xXh8hd_DCeYERuZ4ucoOMCRrnDcV3UkI/s320/20231127123645-PXL_20231127_220114374~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><i>Kailua-Kona Highlights</i></b></div></span><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Located on the leeward (ie: dry and lots of sunshine) side of Hawai'i, Kailua-Kona's personality shines forth with its beautiful beaches and arid climate. As a result, it is the most populated part of the Big Island and the most popular for tourists to visit.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFusPAYP3c5yfgB9xvaDODMX2uGWHnUNdprtTvX1uPPYs8Eg3gse5CoS9UvAgRI1WAPfyW4CxcNOEv9T_mPFV-5kOpCOwHlX8U0EyDZhMmiR1ji63xyvRuOMMgCrw8BLWgQ0lFn4h7LWCBmXWAkXdbZCdmAxkmStkstG9LilMM0pdP-UGYLPAQGaqNgA0/s4437/20231126204353-PXL_20231126_011055545~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3332" data-original-width="4437" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFusPAYP3c5yfgB9xvaDODMX2uGWHnUNdprtTvX1uPPYs8Eg3gse5CoS9UvAgRI1WAPfyW4CxcNOEv9T_mPFV-5kOpCOwHlX8U0EyDZhMmiR1ji63xyvRuOMMgCrw8BLWgQ0lFn4h7LWCBmXWAkXdbZCdmAxkmStkstG9LilMM0pdP-UGYLPAQGaqNgA0/s320/20231126204353-PXL_20231126_011055545~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>Thanksgiving on the Beach: The </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Big Island's Social Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We stayed in the lower level apartment of a delightful couple in Kona who invited us to their group's Thanksgiving feast on the beach. What a delight to socialize with the locals ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kzt2qkzEMfg6c_KRjsAlbdynXvxtFTSJ13IEXlfA0pG3Q1CUTc1hO8l51Wv1b8zOR-q7Tmdqs4WXnkqtkCiwlx-XnXESXUHUt24kSKb2D6lJuikjNe2xEAnnh6e6ZnrAgYCDAyYBrvLIBWRVAd8FzexmTlTv0s9RQxs-AeYb2f8yk4ratA12CQSPaJk/s3472/20231123195638-PXL_20231123_225119166~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="2982" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kzt2qkzEMfg6c_KRjsAlbdynXvxtFTSJ13IEXlfA0pG3Q1CUTc1hO8l51Wv1b8zOR-q7Tmdqs4WXnkqtkCiwlx-XnXESXUHUt24kSKb2D6lJuikjNe2xEAnnh6e6ZnrAgYCDAyYBrvLIBWRVAd8FzexmTlTv0s9RQxs-AeYb2f8yk4ratA12CQSPaJk/s320/20231123195638-PXL_20231123_225119166~2.jpg" width="275" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">as we enjoyed island music,</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmymvJ3jCv00W99PRCvgv8EOhPwE1OKtAmf_BgmJZGTimnB0h5fvaIprrboc7q3DjZ8194LHlUBJLE5-GkT6TEmTx06y6RwYL2ooXLg8Bvi8xWnQlkmdG0yldHSQ9gEaQlrPdvlOvf0I-gwuoEd8jk5vtLo3fW9vUmajLN0hTie3KC37NdJAqvPQVbiM8/s4624/20231123123144-PXL_20231123_223144411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmymvJ3jCv00W99PRCvgv8EOhPwE1OKtAmf_BgmJZGTimnB0h5fvaIprrboc7q3DjZ8194LHlUBJLE5-GkT6TEmTx06y6RwYL2ooXLg8Bvi8xWnQlkmdG0yldHSQ9gEaQlrPdvlOvf0I-gwuoEd8jk5vtLo3fW9vUmajLN0hTie3KC37NdJAqvPQVbiM8/w267-h200/20231123123144-PXL_20231123_223144411.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and a traditional Thanksgiving meal with Hawaiian flare.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pololu Valley Lookout: The </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Big Island's Dramatic Personality</span></span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We drove up to the ''end of the road'' on the north shore to enjoy the dramatic seaside beauty of the Big Island's cliffs and valleys. A half mile hike with an 850 foot descent rewarded us with ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNPlJk0nMvHG6kSOFfqaP5CybFbTfgGenxkYMH8o43bwX2jAN-hownWji-MVmrQk3QJBbsD-nwGINo-LOJdfKPag6-XLOY_vTvPt6sIvbA8EcbiIcMQrWHchIIgd-c2aa5WCnBKVMucBp_26-SVRXLbrpNfP9YDHMaQPGXDRM_MYZCZgKUR9eI_MQans/s3648/20231124191543-20231124165338_IMG_0643~2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNPlJk0nMvHG6kSOFfqaP5CybFbTfgGenxkYMH8o43bwX2jAN-hownWji-MVmrQk3QJBbsD-nwGINo-LOJdfKPag6-XLOY_vTvPt6sIvbA8EcbiIcMQrWHchIIgd-c2aa5WCnBKVMucBp_26-SVRXLbrpNfP9YDHMaQPGXDRM_MYZCZgKUR9eI_MQans/s320/20231124191543-20231124165338_IMG_0643~2.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">fantastic views,</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZDvCHEuRLtYK8wEHyMzqIxh79TrOKZTOa5hm_7vRhaF2QLTpM4U7SWNxtBUz7I_-t5Sbc0sP7oCq_yOOXOtlPgfux2j3Q1L_C03CPD2KBbD7E-S9JS1Pp4vBThtjG8NoRO5Ca5rrDmyOiiJGJgOownZCfbdSrOhgeBEocF1eKhn1IeqcCD1e4dtrVWM/s4568/20231124202618-PXL_20231124_214729486~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="4568" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZDvCHEuRLtYK8wEHyMzqIxh79TrOKZTOa5hm_7vRhaF2QLTpM4U7SWNxtBUz7I_-t5Sbc0sP7oCq_yOOXOtlPgfux2j3Q1L_C03CPD2KBbD7E-S9JS1Pp4vBThtjG8NoRO5Ca5rrDmyOiiJGJgOownZCfbdSrOhgeBEocF1eKhn1IeqcCD1e4dtrVWM/s320/20231124202618-PXL_20231124_214729486~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as well as a beautiful lunch spot on the beach below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">National Historic Sites: The </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Big Island's Ambitious Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is one Hawaiian name that you need to memorize because he is sort of a ''big deal'' on the Big Island. King Kamehameha was an ambitious warrior who united the individual Hawaiian islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzJGtsB4-Hzw91UcLC6wNu6xdRUt68w9Skk_LrCgPLw64k6W091caYoPg3qBWSeKp6yxtVwoiMhHIyZrJZUJAwZTCw4dsvEIwdZr8FNvshOTPcXcMrIzVmrALrwidPsGIyBaNk6C3hMtsOyu6XTf5yEoXQr0kRROWB31nWw3QJwDVj3prawqHc9_FZgE/s4336/20231124203409-PXL_20231125_015846406~2%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4336" data-original-width="2985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzJGtsB4-Hzw91UcLC6wNu6xdRUt68w9Skk_LrCgPLw64k6W091caYoPg3qBWSeKp6yxtVwoiMhHIyZrJZUJAwZTCw4dsvEIwdZr8FNvshOTPcXcMrIzVmrALrwidPsGIyBaNk6C3hMtsOyu6XTf5yEoXQr0kRROWB31nWw3QJwDVj3prawqHc9_FZgE/s320/20231124203409-PXL_20231125_015846406~2%20(1).jpg" width="220" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Park preserves the site where Kamehameha built a Hawaiian temple using hundreds of thousand volcanic stones. The movie at the Visitor Center told the fascinating story of how he defeated a rival warrior to unite the islands. Still standing today, this ''heiau'' is a sacred site that symbolizes the peace that unites all of the Hawaiian people.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMrvP-OtK1A0zRoVrE0qrjIsh3h2GVXecI4-BXb-gnHQfCYr_0gGKDhw33SDz6o90Y4Nn0iYPy1lPiwRA046WslHz3yPxSZtBoNV9t08a0cyf6mjVuYCAZPLm7NqCKlC6XddA8ValSenC5IFdd1aKZ8Dl-gclPNJjk0gVBCWzl4fRWt4oTbNHG02QfgY/s4624/20231124162956-PXL_20231125_022956143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMrvP-OtK1A0zRoVrE0qrjIsh3h2GVXecI4-BXb-gnHQfCYr_0gGKDhw33SDz6o90Y4Nn0iYPy1lPiwRA046WslHz3yPxSZtBoNV9t08a0cyf6mjVuYCAZPLm7NqCKlC6XddA8ValSenC5IFdd1aKZ8Dl-gclPNJjk0gVBCWzl4fRWt4oTbNHG02QfgY/s320/20231124162956-PXL_20231125_022956143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Further down the west coast, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park preserves a spiritual sanctuary of the Hawaiian culture. Visits to this sacred place instill a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beautiful Hawaiian culture.</span></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEprDzTNlzc1Ie-ALbQ-sb7fFe1nl_ieC-rkAVde6z0wmjjt_5iZQ9b3XTlAC3nToaQ1XUJYu37w4EzkmAWaP6KNLigEFXWGgRe7ZkXDPJIUqASK-jVbNQZzCNReKB0gOE403u8S6XndEVkGTcEzSh_7pMyt76OARMsJ-2vCaRgOAHDuhGo48Ydcz_rBY/s4080/20231125151336-PXL_20231126_011336072%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEprDzTNlzc1Ie-ALbQ-sb7fFe1nl_ieC-rkAVde6z0wmjjt_5iZQ9b3XTlAC3nToaQ1XUJYu37w4EzkmAWaP6KNLigEFXWGgRe7ZkXDPJIUqASK-jVbNQZzCNReKB0gOE403u8S6XndEVkGTcEzSh_7pMyt76OARMsJ-2vCaRgOAHDuhGo48Ydcz_rBY/s320/20231125151336-PXL_20231126_011336072%20(1).jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Variety of Beaches: The </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Big Island's Colorful Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With sunshine the norm on the Kailua-Kona side, the beaches are a popular hangout. Due to the mysterious workings of nature, these beaches are quite colorful with their ...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtk-RVUvrcHkz0yp4PE5Wvv7hZN9NOaiN6gd-FWw92HEJ3UvCW4WG32cq_7O_ixDzpxxTkpYAbqgSaLGgmIFpfdzYvyM54CuASfBWWzlBQwWY9xuhUwAVMDcNnQGo0qzQC7z1Gse0Ac5yx6zLaK3kRP23pp_fzpDn9KZs0IGyhvsuW905TDFW5azYQbE/s4080/20231127113543-PXL_20231127_213543765.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtk-RVUvrcHkz0yp4PE5Wvv7hZN9NOaiN6gd-FWw92HEJ3UvCW4WG32cq_7O_ixDzpxxTkpYAbqgSaLGgmIFpfdzYvyM54CuASfBWWzlBQwWY9xuhUwAVMDcNnQGo0qzQC7z1Gse0Ac5yx6zLaK3kRP23pp_fzpDn9KZs0IGyhvsuW905TDFW5azYQbE/s320/20231127113543-PXL_20231127_213543765.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">green sand,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrGNnBWRAAleCS2QtttR6jXErC320PFWMEaZPuKihZh53Pg87CkdO3bQdMt0oV7XRkQ73pGNWw4B7deSnxguVNieNpUpYmY7A4P12alXqHoj6yiW9_N7icI4kIvF-wZFIsfWiHnOzb_SjceKnorbs-V1GYIoPu0eJr0Am7DkN0Qj-3256Q__5C35rRQk/s4080/20231127140554-PXL_20231128_000554318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrGNnBWRAAleCS2QtttR6jXErC320PFWMEaZPuKihZh53Pg87CkdO3bQdMt0oV7XRkQ73pGNWw4B7deSnxguVNieNpUpYmY7A4P12alXqHoj6yiW9_N7icI4kIvF-wZFIsfWiHnOzb_SjceKnorbs-V1GYIoPu0eJr0Am7DkN0Qj-3256Q__5C35rRQk/s320/20231127140554-PXL_20231128_000554318.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">white coral,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPqxbA5-KT6E_yjOKg-g85d1iT9qvvpmk2XV06hvuxtnhbEapQnYRHcArI4OP-ZRD-WLoFCbtvWKkPTyPO1dRVlpZzlfEvhmZm1QsZmUxGD6Ybt_zz-DC9nVKPCKhYhmR77EKkBkf_zlrILBP-gHEFTQk1NEBseeDTnH74GxQX3xnj7SLPrQVe5JoRlM/s4624/20231128135547-PXL_20231128_235547747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPqxbA5-KT6E_yjOKg-g85d1iT9qvvpmk2XV06hvuxtnhbEapQnYRHcArI4OP-ZRD-WLoFCbtvWKkPTyPO1dRVlpZzlfEvhmZm1QsZmUxGD6Ybt_zz-DC9nVKPCKhYhmR77EKkBkf_zlrILBP-gHEFTQk1NEBseeDTnH74GxQX3xnj7SLPrQVe5JoRlM/s320/20231128135547-PXL_20231128_235547747.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and black lava decorated beaches.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTzLpCXAR3aagpKycb5rSvAiBrux8eYMnR3RWRHPK8uq1HBg47asuXSgdEokn006pZeObXa5qwfJaqG-24liZu-FXnR8S9Ms7Uc-D23IQn1TIHuChqCVDYRS4DqdeiJURt3C-JP6sKE1Ge2BtcegNF3FunXX5C7vSm6rkAQQrmTg65kU_Z0H7ciuc3C8/s4061/20231124201444-PXL_20231125_034624707~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4061" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTzLpCXAR3aagpKycb5rSvAiBrux8eYMnR3RWRHPK8uq1HBg47asuXSgdEokn006pZeObXa5qwfJaqG-24liZu-FXnR8S9Ms7Uc-D23IQn1TIHuChqCVDYRS4DqdeiJURt3C-JP6sKE1Ge2BtcegNF3FunXX5C7vSm6rkAQQrmTg65kU_Z0H7ciuc3C8/s320/20231124201444-PXL_20231125_034624707~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Of course, Mother Nature's sunset colors make many of the beaches a cozy resting spot for the island's green sea turtles.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Turtles and Birds: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Big Island's Amusing Personality</span></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is no shortage to the wildlife waiting to entertain visitors.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sjN3V3mIFHPXQEIhCblovBXb02afyOG1f693hLEJH_EugPRMvEgNkaTsGqpQfxS8ESRdFrFmg8SsoJhb3DKx-1eTnuQjX6WIGptm5UIfyKr0OOVfrmcKEIXb5kR7KsW0KyqHFVY_CML8qAgo8ctRBdovpF_j1bHXOGMyCxtWeVX5vwPiOlEol2D6lRY/s3648/20231125170742-20231125170742_IMG_0674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sjN3V3mIFHPXQEIhCblovBXb02afyOG1f693hLEJH_EugPRMvEgNkaTsGqpQfxS8ESRdFrFmg8SsoJhb3DKx-1eTnuQjX6WIGptm5UIfyKr0OOVfrmcKEIXb5kR7KsW0KyqHFVY_CML8qAgo8ctRBdovpF_j1bHXOGMyCxtWeVX5vwPiOlEol2D6lRY/s320/20231125170742-20231125170742_IMG_0674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Green sea turtles play ''hide and seek'' in the water,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDX4A-wRE7xfARJfAO_80MzcZSnU7tSWK69rKC7X4zRZANGzlnBGRXXFAYlg00AtocZ4BGs-BUOV620C-c3woC3xg881_gxhaNoLWpABdSd6om43sfIooVqbi60fyiPWdDNARKuXDic1wg0J183Vl8CsXM4qRGZTqZ6fI4xJYmX3IyyrolTkmVYVX6QQ/s4624/20231124202046-PXL_20231125_033951103~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDX4A-wRE7xfARJfAO_80MzcZSnU7tSWK69rKC7X4zRZANGzlnBGRXXFAYlg00AtocZ4BGs-BUOV620C-c3woC3xg881_gxhaNoLWpABdSd6om43sfIooVqbi60fyiPWdDNARKuXDic1wg0J183Vl8CsXM4qRGZTqZ6fI4xJYmX3IyyrolTkmVYVX6QQ/s320/20231124202046-PXL_20231125_033951103~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and on the beach ... watch your step!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J583KQp7bxnp1DLaB6tAZfex3eRJlNII0Pf_pYdSRNvQg3lw6UTHVBiuH0-5mcejtQs0dM7Z9Lly6R1Q5-F55AJ0t0jk_zOltg8wDocxLVSwBznhDoawPJwt87efpufFGs56iYrRCA-iONyaga3tAb5z0YkuYoQ5rJzA5eiJkbv1JvEv8KubOmC92S4/s2838/20231129220655-PXL_20231129_193630228.MP~6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="2698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J583KQp7bxnp1DLaB6tAZfex3eRJlNII0Pf_pYdSRNvQg3lw6UTHVBiuH0-5mcejtQs0dM7Z9Lly6R1Q5-F55AJ0t0jk_zOltg8wDocxLVSwBznhDoawPJwt87efpufFGs56iYrRCA-iONyaga3tAb5z0YkuYoQ5rJzA5eiJkbv1JvEv8KubOmC92S4/s320/20231129220655-PXL_20231129_193630228.MP~6.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our early morning entertainment involved watching the birds battle it out to be crowned ''king of the bird feeder'',</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhkGdXDbdLE0bMkrwo3DjYP65vhVW2_gqaufoYfeE-by-mcp3qLUjJQ4CJXIpjf-4bKQvcMs7IlIvPuaPNvOpMNi-YA9jP_yWZy-ROiWzLEwQjK8aZ2Zki0SLw0dfyQ9IV1Su01NnH-px0X-AXgenv3hr5EfCo5qOHifh7GztiMHlvGAZNtZ-Fk-8oEs/s2790/20231124191313-20231124135526_IMG_0624~2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="2790" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhkGdXDbdLE0bMkrwo3DjYP65vhVW2_gqaufoYfeE-by-mcp3qLUjJQ4CJXIpjf-4bKQvcMs7IlIvPuaPNvOpMNi-YA9jP_yWZy-ROiWzLEwQjK8aZ2Zki0SLw0dfyQ9IV1Su01NnH-px0X-AXgenv3hr5EfCo5qOHifh7GztiMHlvGAZNtZ-Fk-8oEs/w267-h262/20231124191313-20231124135526_IMG_0624~2.JPG" width="267" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">in which the wild parakeets prove to be the clear winners.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Coffee Farm Tour: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Energetic Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With just the right amount of sunshine, warmth, and rain, coffee farms thrive on the hillsides of Kona. When we visited Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm, we could feel the ''energy'' ...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8pgt4gPrk4vB9XxtAMMTOi_mezampsxFMkojNRqk78qdWaFGRzRZA2nEF7gmZPVwBk5JDClrs_WVIPbD5qDvj3l9UjrIgPGfFUsehMx886bLo68rbjfeIt5R6bdaGqVTdRXKdHN8eudXPbAfxwosto-4blBzPJWKB6C9Yhu98d8t15dxX3xbdxht0-A/s3648/20231129171204-20231129171204_IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8pgt4gPrk4vB9XxtAMMTOi_mezampsxFMkojNRqk78qdWaFGRzRZA2nEF7gmZPVwBk5JDClrs_WVIPbD5qDvj3l9UjrIgPGfFUsehMx886bLo68rbjfeIt5R6bdaGqVTdRXKdHN8eudXPbAfxwosto-4blBzPJWKB6C9Yhu98d8t15dxX3xbdxht0-A/s320/20231129171204-20231129171204_IMG_0682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">that is stored in these colorful coffee cherries,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1u0d86fkVU65nrc5vd8PdRpEDS48JeRGSSmCI7KOSxTCUSsWznpWjU1dx6Y8GGWnLyUPMuvelTje5_9wU6KQd19I_ow29Z7eKJnb8mG-J7WGGQqAckTQYWcYdUoo8GQAieiFubOCo9SxrQ__peS81THFCOIIc0du0xeMjo1pT2klWeDKqE2kKg7Vib4/s4052/20231129215801-PXL_20231129_210303603~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="4052" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1u0d86fkVU65nrc5vd8PdRpEDS48JeRGSSmCI7KOSxTCUSsWznpWjU1dx6Y8GGWnLyUPMuvelTje5_9wU6KQd19I_ow29Z7eKJnb8mG-J7WGGQqAckTQYWcYdUoo8GQAieiFubOCo9SxrQ__peS81THFCOIIc0du0xeMjo1pT2klWeDKqE2kKg7Vib4/s320/20231129215801-PXL_20231129_210303603~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and is released in the roasting and brewing process</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBmk6SicvyuSiBMb9WXfephyphenhyphend9pRRyIzFOlHaZnOjRwhbRxp1cBD9uQTbckmy8bfy-U4pNyLsUEmNZZ0aI0BU1UxazR8rxRgAJIOgDxT82cHo6Zo62m_02GjWbFgosVATEux8Pnuu4nHbueRnplaZJzuH7nbyzsOQK9GjjbkKZ-PRSfKoBXJxuPvBKnM/s4624/20231129123054-PXL_20231129_223054827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBmk6SicvyuSiBMb9WXfephyphenhyphend9pRRyIzFOlHaZnOjRwhbRxp1cBD9uQTbckmy8bfy-U4pNyLsUEmNZZ0aI0BU1UxazR8rxRgAJIOgDxT82cHo6Zo62m_02GjWbFgosVATEux8Pnuu4nHbueRnplaZJzuH7nbyzsOQK9GjjbkKZ-PRSfKoBXJxuPvBKnM/s320/20231129123054-PXL_20231129_223054827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to make each cup of Kona Coffee a truly ''heavenly'' experience!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Finding the ''Aloha'' Spirit: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Kind Personality</span></span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was the kind personalities of the people we met that really made us feel a part of this island paradise. The ''aloha'' spirit was alive in ...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lQHOZJ8dk4zMdrqKNmqRuAeDrXdYqyMOGmH58FCARvJI9NjCLSsA5r-kE0RxfvwVE_w1Rboa8niEzj0lWULRtrdl6_nBMlp2XQcDNnIdalQQaHPpnvuaVW72ePlcTXJVW3k1nrT-vJtTlFPDgQ_itwJvEhpgsF9Z7TLBoK4-0i88ogTOktxk01CH1A/s2458/20231123195208-PXL_20231123_232952028~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2424" data-original-width="2458" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lQHOZJ8dk4zMdrqKNmqRuAeDrXdYqyMOGmH58FCARvJI9NjCLSsA5r-kE0RxfvwVE_w1Rboa8niEzj0lWULRtrdl6_nBMlp2XQcDNnIdalQQaHPpnvuaVW72ePlcTXJVW3k1nrT-vJtTlFPDgQ_itwJvEhpgsF9Z7TLBoK4-0i88ogTOktxk01CH1A/s320/20231123195208-PXL_20231123_232952028~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">our Airbnb host who shared stories, recommendations, and a Thanksgiving meal with us,</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIO5Zs876q6W4_86FMSQT1ZMelxCbCJFaRV37xgTQARwJgjHsE4NcFTG30BotkLewwNpPX-57fxJJIXoCzV7-3gQAhtzrT3Aaco9FfFB6gobU-CQN4seJBe5jud2R1yWUpJNqY_YlifPaN22o90buLZ9H-Br3LinKI2yrqoccsaSJXkX-dQbeijaUXCg/s4624/20231126085142-PXL_20231126_185142652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIO5Zs876q6W4_86FMSQT1ZMelxCbCJFaRV37xgTQARwJgjHsE4NcFTG30BotkLewwNpPX-57fxJJIXoCzV7-3gQAhtzrT3Aaco9FfFB6gobU-CQN4seJBe5jud2R1yWUpJNqY_YlifPaN22o90buLZ9H-Br3LinKI2yrqoccsaSJXkX-dQbeijaUXCg/s320/20231126085142-PXL_20231126_185142652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the members of a local church who welcomed us with a seashell lei,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSETo4YlDOPvvSewrHiARdJP5I-jN83zXZTDJnnifMrrlsDxUKGlKwDWSUN1sdWcm90DDAwOiRdar0cR4p-ux8tKqYo2Dgv0KdwW3PnAPMKX9F5uJeSuFy3VMBimGWHbDImnIDlMmDfsutL_PO8OPsBUWuQxSNBL-8DcjtQracQ-t-1LJbwFdeqBz0JOo/s1534/20231126141612-PXL_20231127_001612563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1534" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSETo4YlDOPvvSewrHiARdJP5I-jN83zXZTDJnnifMrrlsDxUKGlKwDWSUN1sdWcm90DDAwOiRdar0cR4p-ux8tKqYo2Dgv0KdwW3PnAPMKX9F5uJeSuFy3VMBimGWHbDImnIDlMmDfsutL_PO8OPsBUWuQxSNBL-8DcjtQracQ-t-1LJbwFdeqBz0JOo/s320/20231126141612-PXL_20231127_001612563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and ''Mama'' who warmly invited and insisted that we join in on the food and fun at her family gathering when I happened to wander into the ''event room'' of a local brewery. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D2fXo3-O051eoOEl2IQ809MH6fODXRy7w9yOUiDP3429M_AJnFYSeRmt1TzU2qoDyUipcunlwtRug-_4GtQ_FiUa5IT4XKJ3Pf9XtD7ceTpe2ZzcLBhUnqjbd34Rk-2IDoqx6cX1xzL42BzycivJZ84DMNi0zI-4cuBSkJ63oQYbduM_uLZnexiMH3k/s4624/20231202145914-PXL_20231203_005914904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D2fXo3-O051eoOEl2IQ809MH6fODXRy7w9yOUiDP3429M_AJnFYSeRmt1TzU2qoDyUipcunlwtRug-_4GtQ_FiUa5IT4XKJ3Pf9XtD7ceTpe2ZzcLBhUnqjbd34Rk-2IDoqx6cX1xzL42BzycivJZ84DMNi0zI-4cuBSkJ63oQYbduM_uLZnexiMH3k/s320/20231202145914-PXL_20231203_005914904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i>Hilo Highlights</i></b></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After a week in Kona, we drove an hour and a half over the ''saddle'' road ... the low point that divides Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, to the town of Hilo. Hilo has much more of a small town feel, and because it is located on the windward or rainy side of the island, it is bursting forth with the natural beauty of waterfalls, rainforests, and blooming gardens.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Wp_-iwButDBvztL8d3AbJdvn8rmtDe-xR2vGxLbiFu5W4XnHjftOLPR8d2nryhDy0vp5QVXo-CcaVhg8i_nMyqmyVKMdmjKwuxvRWtSf_TXAvwSGqSZ5C2tcpeKn-_vm8Ld9kUeY0WOUAgKPbZR7RIq_sLKsIiOY0nA2Qf2WZd-3d_geEXz3QtizKPA/s3648/20231201190151-20231201190151_IMG_0695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Wp_-iwButDBvztL8d3AbJdvn8rmtDe-xR2vGxLbiFu5W4XnHjftOLPR8d2nryhDy0vp5QVXo-CcaVhg8i_nMyqmyVKMdmjKwuxvRWtSf_TXAvwSGqSZ5C2tcpeKn-_vm8Ld9kUeY0WOUAgKPbZR7RIq_sLKsIiOY0nA2Qf2WZd-3d_geEXz3QtizKPA/w305-h229/20231201190151-20231201190151_IMG_0695.JPG" width="305" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Let it Rain: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Practical Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Practically speaking, you need rain as well as sun for your garden to grow. And the beautiful gardens really appreciate all the rain that falls on this side of the island. We found that the people here embrace the rain and design their homes to be able to enjoy the outdoors even on a soggy day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNG5f0mbELSCKqJJQjZR2mUe7IUtOyYVGcgboDT_TJL-43-FZQlp9zKa-dOHYeBPvvm3fkBvqTkpjW0SSATr0JHumLbN-geYEXF_NJ3LeGHIA-Fa5wYC0n_c5Ax8YO799qpSHCSr8gWsYnr_Jwn7mFEFgpnwKbtw-uE9JYhPTqJ4m4oDKTZnZ9IdRtVw/s4624/20231130081732-PXL_20231130_181732230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNG5f0mbELSCKqJJQjZR2mUe7IUtOyYVGcgboDT_TJL-43-FZQlp9zKa-dOHYeBPvvm3fkBvqTkpjW0SSATr0JHumLbN-geYEXF_NJ3LeGHIA-Fa5wYC0n_c5Ax8YO799qpSHCSr8gWsYnr_Jwn7mFEFgpnwKbtw-uE9JYhPTqJ4m4oDKTZnZ9IdRtVw/s320/20231130081732-PXL_20231130_181732230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our Airbnb cottage was equipped with a large covered deck so that we could still eat outside or relax in the hammock even when Mother Nature was ''watering'' our garden.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4mVdIgtMJStG3_fwBiyO9gMC38gi6Qv26ooVGBJdu72S9-PVjqZNQHg0z7yetnEA7nh89wN4z_93oHDGACz_H42bHTS-ZV6zntShvoTvjvHY6XNPdwXJUPlPtzz4KTr4ECwHJsqzF9htpiCeCz46bTfRrfxiGB4iuQC6E7VHnX84AjKYX2FbES45WCI/s4624/20231130164034-PXL_20231201_024034011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4mVdIgtMJStG3_fwBiyO9gMC38gi6Qv26ooVGBJdu72S9-PVjqZNQHg0z7yetnEA7nh89wN4z_93oHDGACz_H42bHTS-ZV6zntShvoTvjvHY6XNPdwXJUPlPtzz4KTr4ECwHJsqzF9htpiCeCz46bTfRrfxiGB4iuQC6E7VHnX84AjKYX2FbES45WCI/s320/20231130164034-PXL_20231201_024034011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Often times the rain would come and go, so we just learned to always have our umbrellas with us while we enjoyed the beauty of a hike along the coast on a drizzly day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Hardworking Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our first order of business was to visit the national park that is located on the Big Island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and was an easy drive from Hilo. One could say that these volcanoes are very hardworking as their frequent eruptions and lava flows are constantly reshaping the park's trails and roads and adding to the Big Island's land mass. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF1gdzLcV9Rqzaky9TXxVNlHZIcOMIHfbnanIfd0qOPlsFv1B-Kf8e8w584HaTMoagYq4B7dCy8LO5uXFr0BE6fBdNsQYYdEeo6br9nL38epznt2VzWnoYnlD-vyQrvl8i2fgPxkdEff1N3eiq81puHMzs00cVSB_fNZmRaJKXRXxeaTjIHNaQV_LpZc/s3648/20231201194803-20231201194803_IMG_0699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF1gdzLcV9Rqzaky9TXxVNlHZIcOMIHfbnanIfd0qOPlsFv1B-Kf8e8w584HaTMoagYq4B7dCy8LO5uXFr0BE6fBdNsQYYdEeo6br9nL38epznt2VzWnoYnlD-vyQrvl8i2fgPxkdEff1N3eiq81puHMzs00cVSB_fNZmRaJKXRXxeaTjIHNaQV_LpZc/s320/20231201194803-20231201194803_IMG_0699.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While there was no active eruption occurring at the time of our visit, steam could be seen rising up from the caldera.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj98ZRW6Wy0PUM4tIvgwLThDaooTpnHSrmlTw3FxmZ2lGSvAY8tsHnP_LvQJDbC-urrMQiFwS7_qIwlnYHse9Klpxwh3HB7OUvVFHchts5TIyl-BvjRGPr2zHGNDLiexlzoiX9BAoXgXyawyaWSqe5r3Sy6v-7M4YlKHU5WmHQ8lXHvYpIPdqMoY0iOA/s2920/20231201182528-PXL_20231201_225448585~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="2128" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj98ZRW6Wy0PUM4tIvgwLThDaooTpnHSrmlTw3FxmZ2lGSvAY8tsHnP_LvQJDbC-urrMQiFwS7_qIwlnYHse9Klpxwh3HB7OUvVFHchts5TIyl-BvjRGPr2zHGNDLiexlzoiX9BAoXgXyawyaWSqe5r3Sy6v-7M4YlKHU5WmHQ8lXHvYpIPdqMoY0iOA/s320/20231201182528-PXL_20231201_225448585~3.jpg" width="233" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">According to Hawaiian tradition, Pele is revered as the volcano goddess. She is said to dwell in the lava and direct the natural forces associated with volcanic eruptions. </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7m7A8CfcA9HiPBwkWotguuZFCMfTPQRJQQsjNdD4Ni3mmXwxWrToaT4wZ95lhk58H53gomzy-IgWunZJ887jFsCqvivEIpZTSR4SJk-kOfNf_uqkmUshBffxY4UVTPZlVUMupLp_0SgyKLl639bPAiu9QdgV_hnNDB5VgsFFFImBFesbhjRKbKgI8tc/s3308/20231201183418-PXL_20231201_215841742~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="3308" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7m7A8CfcA9HiPBwkWotguuZFCMfTPQRJQQsjNdD4Ni3mmXwxWrToaT4wZ95lhk58H53gomzy-IgWunZJ887jFsCqvivEIpZTSR4SJk-kOfNf_uqkmUshBffxY4UVTPZlVUMupLp_0SgyKLl639bPAiu9QdgV_hnNDB5VgsFFFImBFesbhjRKbKgI8tc/s320/20231201183418-PXL_20231201_215841742~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Park Ranger Dean led us on a hike along the crater rim and both educated and entertained us with his scientific facts and Hawaiian folk stories.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fissure 8 Tour: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Dynamic Personality</span></b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In 2018, Kilauea erupted almost continually over a four month period, and the dynamic forces of its lava forever changed the landscape of the southeastern part of the Big Island. It also wiped out over 700 homes changing this community in a huge way. Melissa was one of the fortunate ones in the Leilani Estates neighborhood as the lava flow stopped just as it reached the edge of her back yard.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNarMWhkoGcbPKSrGT6NYZxepnk-JOrLwBJeaZiK3recYYybbv2ZptlTgBW-n5enZeYVmilccMiw1DxKwE8wPK8CcCVSp4KJYOeLkQw-oqd-rNwwn39B0rlH_9sBbvKNgukykVCQFCd5LiOsUsTS9SOBA5ifiAIfIwT_iL4Tc4NtPAvl7iXQQsuIqQrX8/s4624/20231203133838-PXL_20231203_233838201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNarMWhkoGcbPKSrGT6NYZxepnk-JOrLwBJeaZiK3recYYybbv2ZptlTgBW-n5enZeYVmilccMiw1DxKwE8wPK8CcCVSp4KJYOeLkQw-oqd-rNwwn39B0rlH_9sBbvKNgukykVCQFCd5LiOsUsTS9SOBA5ifiAIfIwT_iL4Tc4NtPAvl7iXQQsuIqQrX8/s320/20231203133838-PXL_20231203_233838201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today she leads tours out to what was once a vibrate green area of her neighborhood.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJMTMTJ5UUcPCjS5iI4ssOQIcFN0xqXuZGxl1nWE23k0d6wuY-aIEviLsFT_8iKx1CtbDiCPvFItJ5Z8_O0a4cJYRbsZF41f6pm_v75youI01ib-xUjuEOyn3IVnmyBjg1vCtMrXzVa_F5pdvrGM8pRJYho_jSPMBm4RWNLFCpvgNkG7wBYuij_4brqw/s4624/20231203134801-PXL_20231203_234801183.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJMTMTJ5UUcPCjS5iI4ssOQIcFN0xqXuZGxl1nWE23k0d6wuY-aIEviLsFT_8iKx1CtbDiCPvFItJ5Z8_O0a4cJYRbsZF41f6pm_v75youI01ib-xUjuEOyn3IVnmyBjg1vCtMrXzVa_F5pdvrGM8pRJYho_jSPMBm4RWNLFCpvgNkG7wBYuij_4brqw/s320/20231203134801-PXL_20231203_234801183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was a surreal moment to hear her stories, pick up the light lava rocks, feel the steam still escaping from fissures and see the distinct line between lava and human dwellings. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbotenqo0seUheASAUNaLFn4ij7VrpJ8SwKJGI6bt_Vt2_lkMyt81B-wY1INBgUW_LNMXZwALQuWRnU60f4sS5dbR_Xzk_PntScajMoMtp9kfKi4VBMh4jxxo2twdsMP1_LIVsXbR7P-tFwA257YJahvcDpws0CHu94xlftEF3UsQD_B_qFv2zxUgvOQ/s4624/20231203134625-PXL_20231203_234625560.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbotenqo0seUheASAUNaLFn4ij7VrpJ8SwKJGI6bt_Vt2_lkMyt81B-wY1INBgUW_LNMXZwALQuWRnU60f4sS5dbR_Xzk_PntScajMoMtp9kfKi4VBMh4jxxo2twdsMP1_LIVsXbR7P-tFwA257YJahvcDpws0CHu94xlftEF3UsQD_B_qFv2zxUgvOQ/s320/20231203134625-PXL_20231203_234625560.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But nature is resilient, as we saw with the hardy small ferns and other plants that are rising up from the lava.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJz-IxfptTSpL7KjN47p9Soioz3WT21f4m9WwoVL04Ucd-70T8UofAQBwF2GIuZOUAdlUMMa-Nj3leILBqL2REmIItYfyeOKCJuuwQWScLxrZiSGaxF294vbTrKdWkfRV1qIKRfJi7tUT0oL96vHtxu0Mcm64QLPDILeJfQhXekAQZl3XTBZpAyrQetI/s4080/20231203141741-PXL_20231204_001741995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJz-IxfptTSpL7KjN47p9Soioz3WT21f4m9WwoVL04Ucd-70T8UofAQBwF2GIuZOUAdlUMMa-Nj3leILBqL2REmIItYfyeOKCJuuwQWScLxrZiSGaxF294vbTrKdWkfRV1qIKRfJi7tUT0oL96vHtxu0Mcm64QLPDILeJfQhXekAQZl3XTBZpAyrQetI/s320/20231203141741-PXL_20231204_001741995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From the top of the ridge, we could see some of the 875 acres of new land that this eruption of Kilauea created.</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Chocolate Farm Tour: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Joyful Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Who doesn't get happy with the mere mention of ''chocolate''? Well, I sure did when Doug signed us up for a highly rated chocolate farm tour near Hilo. <a href="https://www.hamakuachocolate.com/">Hamakua Chocolate Farm </a>was started by two hardworking and talented men who wanted to share their love of exotic plants and good food with others.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzibiwCfuSTzLyX2L8t2Z32z1H9UopKSiXIJWKBBLN_54MRKlO-2saOQX38CvGdBdcHLy61jY7lK5rN3hu4P8tGQwZhu4h7RFVJthZpzkTxVbjhvakqDayYXaSMUoaN1ZjmunDtDy8R_NZ4aqbIOU5usFKUxwbs5cxsgsoxxVfYJYR4iul0-epfr6jrM/s4080/20231202134545-PXL_20231202_234545301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzibiwCfuSTzLyX2L8t2Z32z1H9UopKSiXIJWKBBLN_54MRKlO-2saOQX38CvGdBdcHLy61jY7lK5rN3hu4P8tGQwZhu4h7RFVJthZpzkTxVbjhvakqDayYXaSMUoaN1ZjmunDtDy8R_NZ4aqbIOU5usFKUxwbs5cxsgsoxxVfYJYR4iul0-epfr6jrM/s320/20231202134545-PXL_20231202_234545301.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we walked around their six acre farm, they told us the story of how these funny looking cacao ''fruits'' get transformed into the Food of the Gods.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yc2MZTs16gMg766pHF4hnlgiD_9n_jd586hFL9koE_U0W8pTAcuPfKtDuNd_dPaRbAVDXDIiIks33j5kM-plm3vqJ0BtEEybQ2FYGhYBtam-ft1QuXQWnN0hyphenhyphenTksa4gSz4IONjXYBCnps-0udDq0GZvmU7Kjq0onXIQHjWlHqRHL8i0Vgx4ZWSekUZ0/s2923/20231202192048-PXL_20231202_233239664~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2187" data-original-width="2923" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yc2MZTs16gMg766pHF4hnlgiD_9n_jd586hFL9koE_U0W8pTAcuPfKtDuNd_dPaRbAVDXDIiIks33j5kM-plm3vqJ0BtEEybQ2FYGhYBtam-ft1QuXQWnN0hyphenhyphenTksa4gSz4IONjXYBCnps-0udDq0GZvmU7Kjq0onXIQHjWlHqRHL8i0Vgx4ZWSekUZ0/s320/20231202192048-PXL_20231202_233239664~4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The pod is carefully cut open revealing the seeds that are surrounded by a sweet juicy layer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOoVuTZWHVNoEolpRXLelianLas3Yuz9boUx60iUOFoBPOwu-oUnGy7ugMjM4N-kiBFbAQSCGS-S-eoRZ9P_lUA-cRcl4ATAkkboKRYFoqSXXSwc608SsKbQJCX6O_rod4jOyX6mwhwLI-ZaiVc-v4QG5jlsP7sASXQMmYbzYEj_B_8kYET8jz7U8imc/s4624/20231202143016-PXL_20231203_003016222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOoVuTZWHVNoEolpRXLelianLas3Yuz9boUx60iUOFoBPOwu-oUnGy7ugMjM4N-kiBFbAQSCGS-S-eoRZ9P_lUA-cRcl4ATAkkboKRYFoqSXXSwc608SsKbQJCX6O_rod4jOyX6mwhwLI-ZaiVc-v4QG5jlsP7sASXQMmYbzYEj_B_8kYET8jz7U8imc/s320/20231202143016-PXL_20231203_003016222.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The seeds are then fermented, dried, roasted, and ground in a mixture that ...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9r3EaPwz246vYrb1TZX-MiLGH8Qui15nTVxeKPaEbTcjDx1zjJbtE0hIUhdh1Fg7jQ5SsJUQBIObtyJVul3Qh63sA-jMeeZdu9zM90TXtOi_7_a8AUEApcyNkjS4iquf52aNv7DKAgB5qMID2C5N6SnxbJZ7Tnn42pmWoE9pe0DZnYdmsSVxOT6t4rc/s4624/20231202154536-PXL_20231203_014536244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9r3EaPwz246vYrb1TZX-MiLGH8Qui15nTVxeKPaEbTcjDx1zjJbtE0hIUhdh1Fg7jQ5SsJUQBIObtyJVul3Qh63sA-jMeeZdu9zM90TXtOi_7_a8AUEApcyNkjS4iquf52aNv7DKAgB5qMID2C5N6SnxbJZ7Tnn42pmWoE9pe0DZnYdmsSVxOT6t4rc/s320/20231202154536-PXL_20231203_014536244.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">we all know and LOVE!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04h1Gy_MGqvbRtiz7FENvBdqpDVvuQISLr-Xdd6aOKsgS9QWdidrIC6rSMzMn5-25ZX6nk0K4vm0vMIYcokNW5___rFJwfdqZXOZ-MR6fKZv3ItOhM0YJmnzNbdv88d6Uguw_w-eGBoBHVLo95M4Jf4MV_ptW7WRBGUjdHrvulwAD2B4O1xjYbTZd0Mo/s4112/20231202171618-PXL_20231203_021827628.PORTRAIT~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="4112" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04h1Gy_MGqvbRtiz7FENvBdqpDVvuQISLr-Xdd6aOKsgS9QWdidrIC6rSMzMn5-25ZX6nk0K4vm0vMIYcokNW5___rFJwfdqZXOZ-MR6fKZv3ItOhM0YJmnzNbdv88d6Uguw_w-eGBoBHVLo95M4Jf4MV_ptW7WRBGUjdHrvulwAD2B4O1xjYbTZd0Mo/s320/20231202171618-PXL_20231203_021827628.PORTRAIT~4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What made their chocolate stand out from the other chocolate farms that we visited is that they liked to ''experiment'' by adding non-traditional spices and other ingredients like Kalamata olives, black pepper and chai, and even small bits of a local cuttlefish. The results were quite surprisingly ... delicious! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9PIF9E86q6Jt2TmCwSfUuDIJkxnnsa8g6tLhLrfcHyA8vg8kjve1b3FD3cqM97_5DnIJaV_vSdhpLp4YuDsSnuzgs-b5ECRfdaLWDFkH8JYLOKAYHVDFDjF75Z0pEJlM32BKhu1qShbA_i9cJd_fepzmJa2Onu0f7KxbnAPCDj6bKywNihMhu4DOt2I/s4624/20231202145026-PXL_20231203_005026939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9PIF9E86q6Jt2TmCwSfUuDIJkxnnsa8g6tLhLrfcHyA8vg8kjve1b3FD3cqM97_5DnIJaV_vSdhpLp4YuDsSnuzgs-b5ECRfdaLWDFkH8JYLOKAYHVDFDjF75Z0pEJlM32BKhu1qShbA_i9cJd_fepzmJa2Onu0f7KxbnAPCDj6bKywNihMhu4DOt2I/s320/20231202145026-PXL_20231203_005026939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After we left their cacao grove, we descended to the lower portion of their property where they have developed an exotic plant garden. Vanilla plants, cinnamon bushes, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCqvgfhaG8eUMnqBYXdYsiUI6yqV5UbkcTBYVDcxXDqM3w1MJdytaXCpdh4p-aSlVl6FiXMeX0vZG38tH-fxfKZqTagvX0LOKHKBh0o2wDEFtEyQkPUpp2Tj0p1YYGU7bEerRE1A1dc706Ntj1CbXJ-0yn7LKZ9F6yPunz8qPx3csbpn_9HAYDVMMn34/s4624/20231202172456-PXL_20231203_001111321~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCqvgfhaG8eUMnqBYXdYsiUI6yqV5UbkcTBYVDcxXDqM3w1MJdytaXCpdh4p-aSlVl6FiXMeX0vZG38tH-fxfKZqTagvX0LOKHKBh0o2wDEFtEyQkPUpp2Tj0p1YYGU7bEerRE1A1dc706Ntj1CbXJ-0yn7LKZ9F6yPunz8qPx3csbpn_9HAYDVMMn34/s320/20231202172456-PXL_20231203_001111321~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and a visit to the tree house that was accessible via a swinging bridge brought out the joyful kid in all of us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hawaii's Newest Beach and Hot Tubs: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Laidback Personality</span></span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With each volcanic eruption, some of Hawaii's most valued spaces, the beaches, are formed. We drove out to the far southeast part of the island to visit one of Hawaii's newest areas to relax and enjoy ...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4cCGd6EGWigUDFw72Zo5jcXLpbh87qngsqZB1ONGFCv_QMPqUfG03NyIrzoqNaqXt_cdKoY4QSWi2Kc6uBMThYo5PZep5CQSTPbkph6KOV9ipa2j8pk7W11Tk7towqozes4zr7T9ykRxfBJNukcy4T3pV5WID07wGUPL14ZaWKOiPJlgSImmfK3Oqek/s4080/20231204110636-PXL_20231204_210636494.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4cCGd6EGWigUDFw72Zo5jcXLpbh87qngsqZB1ONGFCv_QMPqUfG03NyIrzoqNaqXt_cdKoY4QSWi2Kc6uBMThYo5PZep5CQSTPbkph6KOV9ipa2j8pk7W11Tk7towqozes4zr7T9ykRxfBJNukcy4T3pV5WID07wGUPL14ZaWKOiPJlgSImmfK3Oqek/s320/20231204110636-PXL_20231204_210636494.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the new Pohoiki Black Sand Beach</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-sVln0sem8bpxqDfqwnhwBZPblu7Ax899bLPCS78FHQ-P8t4ujf3Ci6wBIrOIP5qJ9d0Dbv3D08mLmN-_RbuZ8hRCYvFitGAgItinkr9galBaLCUU0mujF9cuULu2sGo1wCOuGHbluCYPQa1YE-jMBnjb6vgjbNjlk01UgIoh-uzxB3Yop_bRnosgPc/s4080/20231204113353-PXL_20231204_213353457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-sVln0sem8bpxqDfqwnhwBZPblu7Ax899bLPCS78FHQ-P8t4ujf3Ci6wBIrOIP5qJ9d0Dbv3D08mLmN-_RbuZ8hRCYvFitGAgItinkr9galBaLCUU0mujF9cuULu2sGo1wCOuGHbluCYPQa1YE-jMBnjb6vgjbNjlk01UgIoh-uzxB3Yop_bRnosgPc/s320/20231204113353-PXL_20231204_213353457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and Hot Springs!</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXFdZA2oDPSiOTQeL2XMTZaJpxELXc2xY-EEAhWG_kKcORh0fkEO-WBJlpY-xblzPa7XF_CNscp_-PAi3l_RC7BMYTR3rBiRa1v0bU1DAMdBniAwIKvLaxNmaj8jPtr1F2VYNDmn2CmjfCEt3B6F5dW-nymw9Pwl9LUyrw80ZWU99TACjJwsjJQJy9c0/s4624/20231204125412-PXL_20231204_225412481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXFdZA2oDPSiOTQeL2XMTZaJpxELXc2xY-EEAhWG_kKcORh0fkEO-WBJlpY-xblzPa7XF_CNscp_-PAi3l_RC7BMYTR3rBiRa1v0bU1DAMdBniAwIKvLaxNmaj8jPtr1F2VYNDmn2CmjfCEt3B6F5dW-nymw9Pwl9LUyrw80ZWU99TACjJwsjJQJy9c0/s320/20231204125412-PXL_20231204_225412481.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It is a bit of a drive to reach this farthest point on the Big Island. The former road was buried under lava, but recently, the road that was rebuilt ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92gl8-ILCGkAwFN785OjmdwaMiUCKqtf5RGgOZMQSHY8j3rFcLCUkN-z8VcD6NIpDBJOipLCzseGdLLUTUN8AKUtRqKpOTctpX58MtFUbbTVNtVz_0G775V5gwisRmYgvbv5w_0d_qxom0JvKagvZ3ob6-fKL4b-MMjdg_cbbiiN5jraidiYBXYrb9vE/s4624/20231204121747-PXL_20231204_221747367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92gl8-ILCGkAwFN785OjmdwaMiUCKqtf5RGgOZMQSHY8j3rFcLCUkN-z8VcD6NIpDBJOipLCzseGdLLUTUN8AKUtRqKpOTctpX58MtFUbbTVNtVz_0G775V5gwisRmYgvbv5w_0d_qxom0JvKagvZ3ob6-fKL4b-MMjdg_cbbiiN5jraidiYBXYrb9vE/s320/20231204121747-PXL_20231204_221747367.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">leads to some amazing views. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">More Turtles: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Big Island's Charming Personality</span></span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sea turtles don't seem to mind the fresh lava rocks, and they also embrace the serenity that is found in the ''less populated'' beaches found on the Hilo side. Here they can ...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lnEargtxqaWTMuNHI1z_ImGFh3eSeNP7mVVbezF0p5P-84rAy6MNn1-VXNSoL-Ni0x1M4NNu2vLwYIxecwC4PN3uubk47xpPiIbLpajW2W8kEP7oT4PFShUTaXvmYATK7UWnutwoV-4YHmSj-xWRquy3dXKjN_bDyFaQmIB-xT8C9ZPFbxsfFRDjR8M/s4080/20231205104517-PXL_20231205_204517135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lnEargtxqaWTMuNHI1z_ImGFh3eSeNP7mVVbezF0p5P-84rAy6MNn1-VXNSoL-Ni0x1M4NNu2vLwYIxecwC4PN3uubk47xpPiIbLpajW2W8kEP7oT4PFShUTaXvmYATK7UWnutwoV-4YHmSj-xWRquy3dXKjN_bDyFaQmIB-xT8C9ZPFbxsfFRDjR8M/s320/20231205104517-PXL_20231205_204517135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">hang out with their buddies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4XSc99w0PGDcEBcWdoa7KVZAOdl3to8Yk9gkG2KSjBYRD6VkyZmbsotqFZSLtzDlgwlBzar8kBIqPr4O7EW-fC2hsRWROBb5iX2IjPS_OWMjLIEaetgFtd6L6E4i4AdhVoCdXPipfqRB2oPqsEDc-qRqam_LRpj1OJjLosWEc44ApHjEx3R2kyn6o38/s3055/20231205132334-PXL_20231205_205316443~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3055" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4XSc99w0PGDcEBcWdoa7KVZAOdl3to8Yk9gkG2KSjBYRD6VkyZmbsotqFZSLtzDlgwlBzar8kBIqPr4O7EW-fC2hsRWROBb5iX2IjPS_OWMjLIEaetgFtd6L6E4i4AdhVoCdXPipfqRB2oPqsEDc-qRqam_LRpj1OJjLosWEc44ApHjEx3R2kyn6o38/w259-h244/20231205132334-PXL_20231205_205316443~3.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and charm the occasional curious visitor who successfully hikes down the muddy 2.5 mile path that leads to their secluded hangout.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span>Rain Forest Beauty: </span>The Big Island's Exuberant Personality</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Despite the rain, or perhaps because of it, I have become a fan of the rainforest portions of the Hawaiian islands. Its exuberance is found in ...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyl6tUf2c67sSIgNVzLesxBOOpYNHailo57ZWwW0wc6F5heiZ0C16Ftv_sISwMM0TkAnqpKxw36E-RcYH_UxSqg4tSQXQWX3-dMhgxtoacv-JBXXTJV8ABObyoefhc0oQefQjZtkT4G0Bccma5UrvCVwegeSo8k5dD50rLIQrpEp74xLvXpZ5OWVjx1s/s4232/20231201183700-PXL_20231202_015126390~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4232" data-original-width="3209" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyl6tUf2c67sSIgNVzLesxBOOpYNHailo57ZWwW0wc6F5heiZ0C16Ftv_sISwMM0TkAnqpKxw36E-RcYH_UxSqg4tSQXQWX3-dMhgxtoacv-JBXXTJV8ABObyoefhc0oQefQjZtkT4G0Bccma5UrvCVwegeSo8k5dD50rLIQrpEp74xLvXpZ5OWVjx1s/s320/20231201183700-PXL_20231202_015126390~3.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the lush seas of green,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH5eQrebVaVmAck0binqRA19fkIbZviJkCJOFG9qVC7bqc2sbimKP66ZOsCxpnbMhlNXBL1XmKaghQSAYoN229j2lSPuDPEIT1wvp85nJ6U4ZJeUaLzUGWQcUwImx9ikzrzIjZlzJ3p5zr7-ZMrUqz-JvjckeKjC-KIL66w4YlC7ZO1x9gwSKoHI_bus/s4080/20231202143741-PXL_20231203_003741451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH5eQrebVaVmAck0binqRA19fkIbZviJkCJOFG9qVC7bqc2sbimKP66ZOsCxpnbMhlNXBL1XmKaghQSAYoN229j2lSPuDPEIT1wvp85nJ6U4ZJeUaLzUGWQcUwImx9ikzrzIjZlzJ3p5zr7-ZMrUqz-JvjckeKjC-KIL66w4YlC7ZO1x9gwSKoHI_bus/s320/20231202143741-PXL_20231203_003741451.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> the humongous plant leaves,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQo9yYMLzd4Jw3MYtZ6F-vbmGto7wKnjefuAyHX-K_D_6cinH5r7ErtpD428j1-zYahsY-YzUBbFTKurHcnerknL95Nmu87vOwXnbYChHyeufC4uPdtk671V0ihx3ENaFmnJq2mS_TW4jqVAy8R5YLPvj4u8ZCB0sWqn2AuqNujP6iP7B3By31sB_eaY/s4211/20231202191106-PXL_20231202_201610900~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2739" data-original-width="4211" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQo9yYMLzd4Jw3MYtZ6F-vbmGto7wKnjefuAyHX-K_D_6cinH5r7ErtpD428j1-zYahsY-YzUBbFTKurHcnerknL95Nmu87vOwXnbYChHyeufC4uPdtk671V0ihx3ENaFmnJq2mS_TW4jqVAy8R5YLPvj4u8ZCB0sWqn2AuqNujP6iP7B3By31sB_eaY/s320/20231202191106-PXL_20231202_201610900~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and the colorful and delicious fruits and vegetables that end up at Hilo's many farmer's markets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiSJr3YqmsGLsTg5JrcnIcYfJmgTC2LyomXlDDRCCEaU3JV9wwls65f1Kd-o5-XQpmSBz2usQVuuKuQpVQUEeyiWFDDD90ijzTMaBEWKn_M8LzPRGpLP5V9Px0H14hr6dz6ZDIIHwDZCFcLAu771sDQmVYZfrGmUz00q6CjKaQ0dJASxIaIh_-BpYxbM/s3648/20231124111934-PXL_20231124_211934293.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiSJr3YqmsGLsTg5JrcnIcYfJmgTC2LyomXlDDRCCEaU3JV9wwls65f1Kd-o5-XQpmSBz2usQVuuKuQpVQUEeyiWFDDD90ijzTMaBEWKn_M8LzPRGpLP5V9Px0H14hr6dz6ZDIIHwDZCFcLAu771sDQmVYZfrGmUz00q6CjKaQ0dJASxIaIh_-BpYxbM/s320/20231124111934-PXL_20231124_211934293.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> ''Be ready for anything'' became our motto as we enjoyed the varied and beautiful personalities that come together on the Big Island of Hawai'i.</span></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-10234719615355041422023-12-04T02:17:00.000-06:002023-12-04T02:17:51.900-06:00Kauai, Hawaii: Take A Stroll Through The Garden Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4igkmbO73NHLMVKFwDu8xnu3MmTZfQhM9c_nnjr4rbFzELAAyVdpl1AqiJmnjiNeKBIYmw0WyCeoOMpED_sfFSDwVfMUwyAC8Ymi8wG01D6pUPocD34yl8Ibh8ZCiOA-7VyJwD6GuiRc5XVvVmhrYXXG-cRA9_CHXOdjKc138S00dw_5YLq6PIiEVCo/s1846/20231116205219-PXL_20231116_225400254~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1846" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4igkmbO73NHLMVKFwDu8xnu3MmTZfQhM9c_nnjr4rbFzELAAyVdpl1AqiJmnjiNeKBIYmw0WyCeoOMpED_sfFSDwVfMUwyAC8Ymi8wG01D6pUPocD34yl8Ibh8ZCiOA-7VyJwD6GuiRc5XVvVmhrYXXG-cRA9_CHXOdjKc138S00dw_5YLq6PIiEVCo/w367-h275/20231116205219-PXL_20231116_225400254~2.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Waves crash against rocky cliffs and rush up the sandy beaches of its coastline. Lush green rainforests blanket its rolling landscape. A deep canyon cuts through its central mountains. As we arrived on our second Hawaiian island, we were excited to experience some of the many beautiful reasons Kauai is known as ''The Garden Island''.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknVhAGziXOk0UN9TeIvHV4dF_z9QNbBviI_AqJwyacSUG6CbUVsJcTwBtpVnjJwLvwjsP_ZbMxfgx13_f2_CdyECi4-oHWU3bR_FmjePZ_-zRXrVAwFyGYI8vwia0MmU-PH-Ei0JO8BEXR2fifXsn3jO7zetKGixaGoMxUHxYtPXLzTCM3KJAVawFXSI/s4080/20231118104154-PXL_20231118_204154426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknVhAGziXOk0UN9TeIvHV4dF_z9QNbBviI_AqJwyacSUG6CbUVsJcTwBtpVnjJwLvwjsP_ZbMxfgx13_f2_CdyECi4-oHWU3bR_FmjePZ_-zRXrVAwFyGYI8vwia0MmU-PH-Ei0JO8BEXR2fifXsn3jO7zetKGixaGoMxUHxYtPXLzTCM3KJAVawFXSI/s320/20231118104154-PXL_20231118_204154426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sunshine is an important component for a lavish garden, and there are plenty of sun rays shining down on this tropical paradise. But as any seasoned gardener knows, rain is also important for a garden's success ... and as we found out, Kauai is an overachiever in that department. Yes, the brief daily rain showers and occasional all day drenches made our visit a bit more challenging, but they also added to the surrounding beauty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>For every majestic waterfall,</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApvwrd4eqE6ZVomIsxdDAieZSMk5wexCR3wI-41oFe4FUFH7KWsyIZ2S59a2bZi77BefJ3w8kCrfx2swJV3qOgICzjLp-vlAr4f68ObFLLoXP-B0HFljcCb92vwIXBnQNVBnm8RvSTtVSx-5lmy0V5Q_x2voDYUhqlGB0s_m49ubRLI_VObWVUExQcKY/s4624/20231117192009-PXL_20231117_194617376~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApvwrd4eqE6ZVomIsxdDAieZSMk5wexCR3wI-41oFe4FUFH7KWsyIZ2S59a2bZi77BefJ3w8kCrfx2swJV3qOgICzjLp-vlAr4f68ObFLLoXP-B0HFljcCb92vwIXBnQNVBnm8RvSTtVSx-5lmy0V5Q_x2voDYUhqlGB0s_m49ubRLI_VObWVUExQcKY/s320/20231117192009-PXL_20231117_194617376~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or delicate bloom,</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_AzdopuyrwfpdC9g2FKXAjcCcxYHC7qjMx_dIsgvSswYTdFy1_1L8MEiV_K7eouxVbVeagbjAcjIewzHTcN6BzLU2FJKHfdyzuT5K2IWLyvk1CFEiS72jI1sfMfAjN4CUG71b3BG2OuGMrIdIF8PVlLdlin-ei6qpBiNMtPDzXSlJ1oJSz-cnqM3Lg4/s3648/20231121163917-20231121163917_IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_AzdopuyrwfpdC9g2FKXAjcCcxYHC7qjMx_dIsgvSswYTdFy1_1L8MEiV_K7eouxVbVeagbjAcjIewzHTcN6BzLU2FJKHfdyzuT5K2IWLyvk1CFEiS72jI1sfMfAjN4CUG71b3BG2OuGMrIdIF8PVlLdlin-ei6qpBiNMtPDzXSlJ1oJSz-cnqM3Lg4/s320/20231121163917-20231121163917_IMG_0592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>or colorful rainbow,</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI4a0k-c6k65YdQfUm74WAno_bW4Y7iKUShJXC1RoTA99Pl1AzRPa4xQJu8SzRJfa71Dn-4a5AiSkydFbvJQvwMcKjaKaHajYb-NMN2bLLqAmpAXbrB9RkKRQJdy6xgLOnfRCb3-suwlvx6TUilJdwO5LNxhyWYz0gK79Vb8ZiR_wY3UpJmo4E1f2gVM/s1920/20231117103208-PXL_20231117_203208235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI4a0k-c6k65YdQfUm74WAno_bW4Y7iKUShJXC1RoTA99Pl1AzRPa4xQJu8SzRJfa71Dn-4a5AiSkydFbvJQvwMcKjaKaHajYb-NMN2bLLqAmpAXbrB9RkKRQJdy6xgLOnfRCb3-suwlvx6TUilJdwO5LNxhyWYz0gK79Vb8ZiR_wY3UpJmo4E1f2gVM/w365-h275/20231117103208-PXL_20231117_203208235.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">begins with a few drops of rain</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3RutZ3Wn_a25tScnPBBw0n8TJ1hN5kB4vCU96lWhfiFkJrh4DAQndSd38gupmj0x_dQkVcA4CgtG3q-WReREUnEJtOl55CAO9YEnomtJP3f2kj2CwQaoPVFGX9TE-f9t591Q0k-eF0vr3w_7d67mMTFrn2qytEJMkE96QVuRNNBG5hPEORIpcbWHfbY/s4080/20231115162453-PXL_20231116_022453206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3RutZ3Wn_a25tScnPBBw0n8TJ1hN5kB4vCU96lWhfiFkJrh4DAQndSd38gupmj0x_dQkVcA4CgtG3q-WReREUnEJtOl55CAO9YEnomtJP3f2kj2CwQaoPVFGX9TE-f9t591Q0k-eF0vr3w_7d67mMTFrn2qytEJMkE96QVuRNNBG5hPEORIpcbWHfbY/s320/20231115162453-PXL_20231116_022453206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>... or in this case, a huge cloudburst</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>cascading over the mountains.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Yes, Kauai is known as the Garden Island because it gets a lot of rain. In fact, it is the location of one of the wettest places in the world, Mount Waialeale, which receives over 400 inches of rain a year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3vd1GIJxFBxR2DyPtelYlzY5q7XX19-alhbdak6nEcRVKY3JEsGvfI2x7ATPsdR_WW_V4GZQaqh5LFZiLpv8GewAsk6SmqZIZEB3IPuL2Kzqad2XYGSnwRErQhg5UJEyB7v71IaUvem9eD6LMcSLaqkf4CVVpZ_4zSC8zUpX-E1XY8zHK6H_hgdNvk/s3648/20231120203132-20231120203132_IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoe3vd1GIJxFBxR2DyPtelYlzY5q7XX19-alhbdak6nEcRVKY3JEsGvfI2x7ATPsdR_WW_V4GZQaqh5LFZiLpv8GewAsk6SmqZIZEB3IPuL2Kzqad2XYGSnwRErQhg5UJEyB7v71IaUvem9eD6LMcSLaqkf4CVVpZ_4zSC8zUpX-E1XY8zHK6H_hgdNvk/w277-h208/20231120203132-20231120203132_IMG_0589.JPG" width="277" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><i><b>All that rain helps sustain the</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><i><b>abundant blossoms found on the island.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here's a little science that I wish I would have reviewed before I made our Kauai Airbnb reservations ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8EWfPIE976eFHqRDNEzuHPmE4CjSeM-hr5mDeAs0gO8ZfNwg2jcgFGI7W7NWe5njbqPiqClZr7mOUXZHNGbuEBEJEzneM9QlMbvdjm79yfQFrA2jwCJNZhA-auKvg64UrIqshUz-MQ2QizZijyjxUyBNKthviXjsnu7nl9CmlabmbIHlb2Al1BR57w4/s1920/moisture_in_the_air_-_2020-03-06.png__1920x1080_q85_crop_subsampling-2_upscale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8EWfPIE976eFHqRDNEzuHPmE4CjSeM-hr5mDeAs0gO8ZfNwg2jcgFGI7W7NWe5njbqPiqClZr7mOUXZHNGbuEBEJEzneM9QlMbvdjm79yfQFrA2jwCJNZhA-auKvg64UrIqshUz-MQ2QizZijyjxUyBNKthviXjsnu7nl9CmlabmbIHlb2Al1BR57w4/s320/moisture_in_the_air_-_2020-03-06.png__1920x1080_q85_crop_subsampling-2_upscale.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because the damp northeasterly Pacific trade winds produce condensation as they hit the mountains in the center of the island, the windward (northeastern) side of the island will typically get the most rain. The leeward (southwestern) side of the island will typically be dryer and sunnier. Guess which side our Airbnb condo was located on?? Yup .. we were hanging out on the lush, green, and rainy windward side.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi4U01qhyphenhyphenxhk_7VFP59IZIQ-DwLa9PzaPTvdHSda71GCTTLsjOhfumMBtTho-SZ_iX9rDvDLJvzw_1UiuqADRPPveGjfkiMGUjWPyX__7m8-vU5T3V9jYcAx9EtkNOWM9e6gMuQUeAEEAp7jsX64r_DaOTjcsNvifvBw4d79e9OgpHJTdcYrFt6g6AqA/s1100/hawaii-islands-mapkauai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVi4U01qhyphenhyphenxhk_7VFP59IZIQ-DwLa9PzaPTvdHSda71GCTTLsjOhfumMBtTho-SZ_iX9rDvDLJvzw_1UiuqADRPPveGjfkiMGUjWPyX__7m8-vU5T3V9jYcAx9EtkNOWM9e6gMuQUeAEEAp7jsX64r_DaOTjcsNvifvBw4d79e9OgpHJTdcYrFt6g6AqA/w350-h225/hawaii-islands-mapkauai.jpg" width="350" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After landing in Kauai, we rented a car in order to explore the island. While there are a lot less people on Kauai then on Oahu, there didn't seem to be less traffic ... and the wild chickens strutting freely alongside the roadways seemed to add to the congestion. Kauai has two main roads that almost, <i>but not quite</i>, circle the island. The roads ''dead end'' on the north and south sides of the Napali Coast, so all trips become an ''out and back''. While Kauai is not very big ... only 25 miles long by 33 miles wide, the traffic moves slow. A trip from one end of the island to the other usually takes around two hours</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICilGd073wgvfHdmG0G5pH8wlT4S81mgdq8xtIB_i2OStiDsGBHJADU9Cj5MJilMXlv0_VJYSJyWs3fDirJfi-_9shA_Y3tlPbsDOVzS_KfO17GiGqv_yboiWvZgJiYe0ErQJySedPkd6HtXTCg_yjZXcHrVl1ie_h_C8TqGNgcbVd06OjunwXWdQOqU/s4624/20231117191836-PXL_20231117_200658070~2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICilGd073wgvfHdmG0G5pH8wlT4S81mgdq8xtIB_i2OStiDsGBHJADU9Cj5MJilMXlv0_VJYSJyWs3fDirJfi-_9shA_Y3tlPbsDOVzS_KfO17GiGqv_yboiWvZgJiYe0ErQJySedPkd6HtXTCg_yjZXcHrVl1ie_h_C8TqGNgcbVd06OjunwXWdQOqU/w310-h232/20231117191836-PXL_20231117_200658070~2%20(1).jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... unless one of these colorful fellas decides to stop traffic and share one of his jokes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Why did the rooster cross the road?</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To prove that he wasn't chicken!</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">OK, the humor may be bad, but the scenery is amazing. Come along as we ...</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Take a Stroll Through the Garden Island.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N9ya8mLosxAHp_vZV8Fm1MtLQ3kXaEW67EcTWLUUKGNhPMTIu3BVZXxXSt-4hKwi8Jw7949yHTfd_ZNA7y7DYtww9bZ3XYdR0ljaOtP5HfNvro9R4SM5lNqwaaNsL3Z5MjoFgg9yp_YBcK6s1WCRxolZIaKoUnaniI7284leMjbIPsjuPNL7JyyiCUE/s4080/20231116115843-PXL_20231116_215843382.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N9ya8mLosxAHp_vZV8Fm1MtLQ3kXaEW67EcTWLUUKGNhPMTIu3BVZXxXSt-4hKwi8Jw7949yHTfd_ZNA7y7DYtww9bZ3XYdR0ljaOtP5HfNvro9R4SM5lNqwaaNsL3Z5MjoFgg9yp_YBcK6s1WCRxolZIaKoUnaniI7284leMjbIPsjuPNL7JyyiCUE/s320/20231116115843-PXL_20231116_215843382.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Napali Coast</span></i></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our Airbnb was located about ten miles from one of the most striking geological features on Kauai ... the Napali Coast. This stretch of steep, rocky, and oh-so-gorgeous cliffs is only visible by boat, helicopter, or foot. Because of the popularity of the hike along the Kalalau Trail, once again, we found out (a little too late) that a reservation system is in place. Those who plan well in advance can snag one of the few parking spots at the trailhead in Ha'ena State Park for $10/car and $5/person. For the rest of us, we get to park a few miles away and take a shuttle into the park. It wouldn't have been a bad option, except that the shuttle company charged $35 per person ... a tad bit more than the $20 it would have cost us if we were ''advanced planners''.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWXpy52A-XUrqe52FyTOlhNjh_ha1JqvSSql20ww0yEz-XrRhiJAjfIxGkGF3gTgDuGGtPa3r0PYMp8dwx7tPrauz9kCsOZhUFb0uXvGlOfXe7Xr9gJZ04UY-exhivBy_oQjXdGdILzX-wRxpcfTsOcGfsy8ip47tufoow1ugwDj4Nu2jSfn4YAdayzk/s4080/20231116135725-PXL_20231116_235725237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWXpy52A-XUrqe52FyTOlhNjh_ha1JqvSSql20ww0yEz-XrRhiJAjfIxGkGF3gTgDuGGtPa3r0PYMp8dwx7tPrauz9kCsOZhUFb0uXvGlOfXe7Xr9gJZ04UY-exhivBy_oQjXdGdILzX-wRxpcfTsOcGfsy8ip47tufoow1ugwDj4Nu2jSfn4YAdayzk/s320/20231116135725-PXL_20231116_235725237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>But the views that awaited us were worth it! </i></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Kalalau Trail stretches 11 miles along the Napali Coast. While many expert hikers do the whole thing, I'm glad that we chose the two mile hike out to Hanakapiai Beach which is the more popular (and achievable) option. We soon realized why this was named one of the most beautiful and dangerous hikes in the US as there is</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLuEZtwP_0rgIN6_J9zsMpWrEZXMDVxkZB82w0IFtYdpHs08PGVTFySXQgP_EWjt-ujCxlmCcQ2tQQSypExjRa4NFTTLtp87Zs8yUPf7lBNDMFUOLR9WCBNoy3aMPBGQGg9KU7Pgka5y34tSvGq0n79VG5MBFGOamxALmRGlUXc7mCy4GvHr86-KjeWw/s4080/20231116125354-PXL_20231116_225354309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLuEZtwP_0rgIN6_J9zsMpWrEZXMDVxkZB82w0IFtYdpHs08PGVTFySXQgP_EWjt-ujCxlmCcQ2tQQSypExjRa4NFTTLtp87Zs8yUPf7lBNDMFUOLR9WCBNoy3aMPBGQGg9KU7Pgka5y34tSvGq0n79VG5MBFGOamxALmRGlUXc7mCy4GvHr86-KjeWw/s320/20231116125354-PXL_20231116_225354309.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... amazing scenery</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ39wTbfZTKfmb-lI-hWbhbWyirA64KYNFPDWehB_U5TO5SGdcKwzfGG_OK0RT9by1aYAmc8hfOL20792O6UdO2bAgRXS7XYcGCHAr2ASUQl_GvkKaamllff3iqxmSfVXnXtVr0x7CSWuOdu9lfmkpAKS683EZRK7ktJVRKeVOPmrcLJKXha-sJKOrwiI/s4080/20231116124513-PXL_20231116_224513534.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ39wTbfZTKfmb-lI-hWbhbWyirA64KYNFPDWehB_U5TO5SGdcKwzfGG_OK0RT9by1aYAmc8hfOL20792O6UdO2bAgRXS7XYcGCHAr2ASUQl_GvkKaamllff3iqxmSfVXnXtVr0x7CSWuOdu9lfmkpAKS683EZRK7ktJVRKeVOPmrcLJKXha-sJKOrwiI/s320/20231116124513-PXL_20231116_224513534.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... along with steep, muddy, slippery trails.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because this trail is located along Kauai's rainiest coast, the path is almost never dry. But the feast for the eyes kept us going for almost two miles until just before we began our descent to the beach area.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sDOB1JU3qbUZUDfNmsQQgO9gOD3dnABqoQe079fy4gb8LbZyyAeeUl_R5IVRU8lO7-8z7enr6wIHxBUYTtygtb0pWW9DpokMjqYOhdM-61em3yQV-j1cJ1fZK7doOABsBJkaS85cfFTXFa8rPxOTu2aCzRkVhjVik4ETYf8-RKhONEQwaykDUXVmMII/s3266/20231116203853-PXL_20231116_225553117~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="3266" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sDOB1JU3qbUZUDfNmsQQgO9gOD3dnABqoQe079fy4gb8LbZyyAeeUl_R5IVRU8lO7-8z7enr6wIHxBUYTtygtb0pWW9DpokMjqYOhdM-61em3yQV-j1cJ1fZK7doOABsBJkaS85cfFTXFa8rPxOTu2aCzRkVhjVik4ETYf8-RKhONEQwaykDUXVmMII/w286-h256/20231116203853-PXL_20231116_225553117~2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Shortly after we took this picture, the smiles disappeared when we realized that someone forgot to put the lunch in their backpack. Not willing to risk a ''hangry'' attack on the way back, my wise husband decided that we would enjoy this view and head back. There would undoubtedly be other scenic hikes in our future. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i>Waimea Canyon</i></b></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincEOwLLA7nXnx1ekFXqgjC_Bty9wnt6QzVSDJ1a2zTtoztAgY_xp7N4YNQJKKlxuz3SAAAeb-B0lRBysgAenpcFzeDqgMAX0qE15EsdyvJZvTOR7V2RXCCyYxuoyZcfJ08qLfFf56fWza5Qhl9wSEck9Otp-wG4e3AEM5iaIYxgJgUeq7uSuGHcn7l5Y/s4080/20231117094713-PXL_20231117_194713299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincEOwLLA7nXnx1ekFXqgjC_Bty9wnt6QzVSDJ1a2zTtoztAgY_xp7N4YNQJKKlxuz3SAAAeb-B0lRBysgAenpcFzeDqgMAX0qE15EsdyvJZvTOR7V2RXCCyYxuoyZcfJ08qLfFf56fWza5Qhl9wSEck9Otp-wG4e3AEM5iaIYxgJgUeq7uSuGHcn7l5Y/s320/20231117094713-PXL_20231117_194713299.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Nicknamed ''The Grand Canyon of the Pacific'', Waimea Canyon cuts through the center of the island. This wilderness area was formed by the massive amounts of rain that falls in the nearby mountains. Panoramic scenery and numerous hiking trails make this a popular tourist destination. From the many vistas along the road, we were able to enjoy the views of waterfalls cascading down the red rock cliffs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkoBRTnN8PzyPIsxLO-SPLGe_VXygnzwrALhKbuFw80ZNvhEE7biMmA4AB_Le6Q8WboveALv6QjaG6exilb8xtkBBIhId06-TlLub5cfEKPSpGPzFnnFvalJ0OTmZnr5BNlQHByEL97tvcXEmYupemDmAngK4zLZ43A-Pa7iKhUyvRTQHW7WoZXZU-Q8/s4080/20231117094556-PXL_20231117_194556306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkoBRTnN8PzyPIsxLO-SPLGe_VXygnzwrALhKbuFw80ZNvhEE7biMmA4AB_Le6Q8WboveALv6QjaG6exilb8xtkBBIhId06-TlLub5cfEKPSpGPzFnnFvalJ0OTmZnr5BNlQHByEL97tvcXEmYupemDmAngK4zLZ43A-Pa7iKhUyvRTQHW7WoZXZU-Q8/s320/20231117094556-PXL_20231117_194556306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug was true to his word and delivered another scenic and muddy hike along the Awa'awapuhi Trail. No food emergency stopped this hike ... common sense did as we both decided that sliding down the trail was not our idea of a good time.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApf7GIbwEPQmANDzO7HQ66NY3ekHNlVc9D4XWHSOCc4Tm2y_XVvOj9chjoQZNfVKd952UHiNiFq_cXbrIzNC4IVifBi9jXk7WtbUn_r55WAnwcctSjIIsEHvEQ-j1x2ssThleocYMgfUifU9YfiJyYHNj2vsJH6MLUmJSofsz2aHip_vpGDQcwjEwZcQ/s4624/20231116205316-PXL_20231116_224126841~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApf7GIbwEPQmANDzO7HQ66NY3ekHNlVc9D4XWHSOCc4Tm2y_XVvOj9chjoQZNfVKd952UHiNiFq_cXbrIzNC4IVifBi9jXk7WtbUn_r55WAnwcctSjIIsEHvEQ-j1x2ssThleocYMgfUifU9YfiJyYHNj2vsJH6MLUmJSofsz2aHip_vpGDQcwjEwZcQ/s320/20231116205316-PXL_20231116_224126841~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our second hike in Waimea Canyon along the Cliff Trail proved to be a winner ... dry trails as well as scenic views. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBOLEXfZucyKy-CHVNfORbbzY8bfjLs-NaHBrg5askhO3lGcSuZiNIuH07BodeT7UvDUb54dJTt9jeV37jPqPjmod7oL1XdZwfNwQcV_RmQiELjrSMGgwne4T6u1i9Lg33Lycg6e0sHncvwx5jia7mB3GsUXnClbnCIIZ2Myl8Sj9ejAg4JaK2EjHwro/s4080/20231117130051-PXL_20231117_230051957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBOLEXfZucyKy-CHVNfORbbzY8bfjLs-NaHBrg5askhO3lGcSuZiNIuH07BodeT7UvDUb54dJTt9jeV37jPqPjmod7oL1XdZwfNwQcV_RmQiELjrSMGgwne4T6u1i9Lg33Lycg6e0sHncvwx5jia7mB3GsUXnClbnCIIZ2Myl8Sj9ejAg4JaK2EjHwro/w351-h264/20231117130051-PXL_20231117_230051957.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Beach Time</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Kauai has more beaches per square mile than any of the other Hawaiian Islands, so there were plenty of opportunities for beach walks and wildlife sightings.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPKjwjuS7OIa0-x-p2KpEmlxrJtYzS2BZXA9o8r0JNB3S2eSMO1ehgAGxUvYXOUmkGaOcnUGrugYTw5FNCTUQaUuNpGJIrM4EXUM4kQv-3U1W5XxjMlQAU26kx_zDCI5zXjC2OE4vJZniUlho0j3uJPzLm853lKf29zFUs4dCcxeb_QmIFBdpZkgDtU4/s1920/20231119141543-PXL_20231120_001543845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPKjwjuS7OIa0-x-p2KpEmlxrJtYzS2BZXA9o8r0JNB3S2eSMO1ehgAGxUvYXOUmkGaOcnUGrugYTw5FNCTUQaUuNpGJIrM4EXUM4kQv-3U1W5XxjMlQAU26kx_zDCI5zXjC2OE4vJZniUlho0j3uJPzLm853lKf29zFUs4dCcxeb_QmIFBdpZkgDtU4/s320/20231119141543-PXL_20231120_001543845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Just be aware ... that lava rock that you think you are stepping on may be a dozing seal,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tlfnJ-do_rG2wh3mLoC7Y52kWQc3yTBfmwD3EbPU9H5-MGNXRzaSdUKxpj9uZD-8ptCko0wFhCB0ArbpWq9Jj4DPIu6QWN7L9oNF7YTebD79Zq_Xen9mfgJRksyarwlSKj_KrlDB0432wFSdowJ3vQ3QrFdQdb-nCBtTfPHova9KTkFuPqMnSNPjmoc/s3648/20231118154553-20231118154553_IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tlfnJ-do_rG2wh3mLoC7Y52kWQc3yTBfmwD3EbPU9H5-MGNXRzaSdUKxpj9uZD-8ptCko0wFhCB0ArbpWq9Jj4DPIu6QWN7L9oNF7YTebD79Zq_Xen9mfgJRksyarwlSKj_KrlDB0432wFSdowJ3vQ3QrFdQdb-nCBtTfPHova9KTkFuPqMnSNPjmoc/s320/20231118154553-20231118154553_IMG_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and be sure to take time to greet the waving sea turtles.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMmxDROzMan1uaRUZnVqTT7dL-PC8TpmrPSpGeg8wZCTI5zeCmWJ2ceguZDpRaBUT9SndAgJoHUEEkt949E7Nm4xsUqLvXAY6qAtF9DcBCiMvnCfjKTNa-9cOmWLrQ2Z-9lR7oHdOvPu5F4JKE9MAVCJpwhHeSMfIPmNXfX2yNQr0X1qWhH-6jU-A8oo/s4080/20231115160029-PXL_20231116_020029503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMmxDROzMan1uaRUZnVqTT7dL-PC8TpmrPSpGeg8wZCTI5zeCmWJ2ceguZDpRaBUT9SndAgJoHUEEkt949E7Nm4xsUqLvXAY6qAtF9DcBCiMvnCfjKTNa-9cOmWLrQ2Z-9lR7oHdOvPu5F4JKE9MAVCJpwhHeSMfIPmNXfX2yNQr0X1qWhH-6jU-A8oo/s320/20231115160029-PXL_20231116_020029503.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Wait for the sun rays to break through the clouds,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8y3n2KOUa9Z2FCSDOTGu8Eix1Vs7dyb6cEOVhlZ-srkIrC-ZMutwDBbKVVZM_s7UD8yxYPKWcia3_13Y6XIm_4LlTvKEYJDCxtofFl4mp_YyQDVtDt4Kj57PpFXyCsKmQmxak3dzGHY0F8MA_-B0cSowHYi7blNJP6Y2WqoGopGeXfCUHxKLCuVgGDk/s4624/20231118094254-PXL_20231118_194254247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8y3n2KOUa9Z2FCSDOTGu8Eix1Vs7dyb6cEOVhlZ-srkIrC-ZMutwDBbKVVZM_s7UD8yxYPKWcia3_13Y6XIm_4LlTvKEYJDCxtofFl4mp_YyQDVtDt4Kj57PpFXyCsKmQmxak3dzGHY0F8MA_-B0cSowHYi7blNJP6Y2WqoGopGeXfCUHxKLCuVgGDk/s320/20231118094254-PXL_20231118_194254247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and join the palm trees</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJShUaEJ-rKcaT8zPwt6x9FksB1MZaFeupQLc5ZYJfpCV6dg41EKecxn0swlW5rNvHMFxiJdz1cNZX0uiBqk0YHpKK7eWKzZClmme-94MvRkGSO-xZAkdzszIDetwKJ8WbfUdy1HLZIqq7t4PbZkVprFMrgwH1C7cK8I33gewy8K7dpH0e1GVyWsQOAWM/s4624/20231118115959-PXL_20231118_215959869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJShUaEJ-rKcaT8zPwt6x9FksB1MZaFeupQLc5ZYJfpCV6dg41EKecxn0swlW5rNvHMFxiJdz1cNZX0uiBqk0YHpKK7eWKzZClmme-94MvRkGSO-xZAkdzszIDetwKJ8WbfUdy1HLZIqq7t4PbZkVprFMrgwH1C7cK8I33gewy8K7dpH0e1GVyWsQOAWM/s320/20231118115959-PXL_20231118_215959869.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and the ocean waves in their happy dance when the sun shines bright!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One of our favorite beach visits included a hike on<span style="text-align: left;"> the Mahaulepu Coastal Trail that is found near Shipwreck Beach on Kauai's sunny south side. The trail was dry and the views were</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp8efLehk8-3uzOnZkvK6fCaUwWclqv_hZvhWuE9ipozdhI_GtZ76AlJDFX2DM_Qvng5NkBSU3HBb4HTcZdTrP6NFWhUPUNT5SlSHed2Qs_osehbT-HXg7lrqA_CQVR_n9-StWe8taTwv13JOtQGIi9eLzS54EsBKO8pSNbEwK5zHUhGy3sgYRQ6uGBI/s4080/20231118102010-PXL_20231118_202010030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp8efLehk8-3uzOnZkvK6fCaUwWclqv_hZvhWuE9ipozdhI_GtZ76AlJDFX2DM_Qvng5NkBSU3HBb4HTcZdTrP6NFWhUPUNT5SlSHed2Qs_osehbT-HXg7lrqA_CQVR_n9-StWe8taTwv13JOtQGIi9eLzS54EsBKO8pSNbEwK5zHUhGy3sgYRQ6uGBI/s320/20231118102010-PXL_20231118_202010030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ... spectacular</span><span style="font-size: medium;">!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUamhA3FxmEi2lOqk_MX2xjWRs5ZZlMEMIOjXhAXu6mt-h1oI6xdlspmbUimvx-JnGeB-GQZ0h8VWFYY2mtbPioYS6N9DIW_UsUpW6nCnxu_DAkE6qUUmdZwgSANBKJv08bAFCmIyh4iafPBdtMNXHQTa8KxFBzVyMbYePxy5j8yR7emCNWlKVWXZ4B04/s4080/20231118100302-PXL_20231118_200302239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUamhA3FxmEi2lOqk_MX2xjWRs5ZZlMEMIOjXhAXu6mt-h1oI6xdlspmbUimvx-JnGeB-GQZ0h8VWFYY2mtbPioYS6N9DIW_UsUpW6nCnxu_DAkE6qUUmdZwgSANBKJv08bAFCmIyh4iafPBdtMNXHQTa8KxFBzVyMbYePxy5j8yR7emCNWlKVWXZ4B04/s320/20231118100302-PXL_20231118_200302239.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">At the end of the the 2.5 mile hike along the cliffs, we came to a unique oasis to cool down, and we crawled through a small passageway to enter </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrtPrTWKf_pNEU8u9n21uG-wmaPRIHXmCJ6On7Y_Uz9W-GWGYCCZU7E6mY6aVknxGe7-MgzjmnHKncioIu4_039CbUhg5olPq0i7hgvDGSu7slyvqxUHxILmoi9HY7q3KZCTEfGBjKfg55bC3Ze72X6f6eKjC32c7XXV8TZ48iNB1jh_IFzgb162YAP0/s4080/20231118112756-PXL_20231118_212756198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrtPrTWKf_pNEU8u9n21uG-wmaPRIHXmCJ6On7Y_Uz9W-GWGYCCZU7E6mY6aVknxGe7-MgzjmnHKncioIu4_039CbUhg5olPq0i7hgvDGSu7slyvqxUHxILmoi9HY7q3KZCTEfGBjKfg55bC3Ze72X6f6eKjC32c7XXV8TZ48iNB1jh_IFzgb162YAP0/s320/20231118112756-PXL_20231118_212756198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... Makauwahi Caves.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05r5T8fEpqu9DnK5P1QsE5UP3hUyxPpZBim5kQ3PsfNHLsAoZiGj5twCgPw58Oc5VszZO33D-YnsNwJppjpshKPNOFp5AvQkM7hveZm0sLJWwyPRfcsYwo_pPZ0mxEBR-EDtUyKn0ay_RPKfA79C_vWXlVwGoCnwjqL0gPK0QurlmnV9ZN7F5m32XwE/s4624/20231118113851-PXL_20231118_213851118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05r5T8fEpqu9DnK5P1QsE5UP3hUyxPpZBim5kQ3PsfNHLsAoZiGj5twCgPw58Oc5VszZO33D-YnsNwJppjpshKPNOFp5AvQkM7hveZm0sLJWwyPRfcsYwo_pPZ0mxEBR-EDtUyKn0ay_RPKfA79C_vWXlVwGoCnwjqL0gPK0QurlmnV9ZN7F5m32XwE/s320/20231118113851-PXL_20231118_213851118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">An interesting Hawaiian history lesson from the friendly park volunteer accompanied this cave visit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5P8ma0qhyphenhyphenm21iRXeGy_hFSGnGcWrrss7ObT7GZclz0wtbkcc8_CfduKcDju8Hfa2PY6bzbVvdK5NxpK27mfRDmfrr_WFwazX5FSgSBQ4oGxvGDxqhia5j1szuwOF5Jai1ofLR0fDkau2jn6dB_ovnmjp6zm4rnLbEm7hpDwSuZwAlIvGobHS2uFuM8w/s4080/20231118100318-PXL_20231118_200318165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5P8ma0qhyphenhyphenm21iRXeGy_hFSGnGcWrrss7ObT7GZclz0wtbkcc8_CfduKcDju8Hfa2PY6bzbVvdK5NxpK27mfRDmfrr_WFwazX5FSgSBQ4oGxvGDxqhia5j1szuwOF5Jai1ofLR0fDkau2jn6dB_ovnmjp6zm4rnLbEm7hpDwSuZwAlIvGobHS2uFuM8w/s320/20231118100318-PXL_20231118_200318165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After our hike back to Shipwreck Beach,<span style="text-align: left;"> we watched green sea turtles </span><span style="text-align: left;">frolic in the surf from our trail high above them.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmFatzocPjxlPpGzE9kyDR1xEylqrc2G37jeN5huaJpFUThO9dJPbLUoslP_uRQgggdwmb0j_vLzE4kDHwnb82nwU_pkHQv_2lHiFlR4ZHZ3JU8feUGv1DKCWBVrjUYFIKE7Xthm89kej3V3scByyV7MWfyEAUEJTacNQFiuszuYmo7RTVzecRgh1YsI/s3648/20231118202556-20231118202556_IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmFatzocPjxlPpGzE9kyDR1xEylqrc2G37jeN5huaJpFUThO9dJPbLUoslP_uRQgggdwmb0j_vLzE4kDHwnb82nwU_pkHQv_2lHiFlR4ZHZ3JU8feUGv1DKCWBVrjUYFIKE7Xthm89kej3V3scByyV7MWfyEAUEJTacNQFiuszuYmo7RTVzecRgh1YsI/s320/20231118202556-20231118202556_IMG_0563.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> As we ate our lunch (we're getting good at remembering to pack the food) under the shade trees that line the beach, </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">we were entertained by adrenaline junkies jumping from the cliff that we had just finished hiking down.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZR5e4w17FZO69GpdeGJ9EDxlbQNdVVpj9WpsOkHV0afh1WcDXLUhOz3JcDu5k313aRWgo73-eXMESn0l_qNbLf4NM2MowPiSnvlbe1mxX4EPmCLIFC0QOpguKq6BXvSTBfAGb63ydAUM_FciSrUtbzC0zAIvWDfX49cez0HyfKQEzQNxEAkfXKS1w9A/s4080/20231115140716-PXL_20231116_000716737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZR5e4w17FZO69GpdeGJ9EDxlbQNdVVpj9WpsOkHV0afh1WcDXLUhOz3JcDu5k313aRWgo73-eXMESn0l_qNbLf4NM2MowPiSnvlbe1mxX4EPmCLIFC0QOpguKq6BXvSTBfAGb63ydAUM_FciSrUtbzC0zAIvWDfX49cez0HyfKQEzQNxEAkfXKS1w9A/s320/20231115140716-PXL_20231116_000716737.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">On the northern coast of Kauai, a lighthouse serves as a beacon that calls each of us to help protect Hawaii's important and fragile wildlife population. Hawaii's state bird, the Nene, happily calls this sanctuary ''home''. Once on the brink of extinction, the rarest goose in the world proudly struts his stuff as he entertains the park's visitors.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUROLeI9WPkh4jm8upki7wnsJ3ltTz-Wykn7hCyYxNay2WflJdNyibQjd-uwLi364JvS1xd9mYKwYX8atXslrt2F-hcjWVElN19eehnXDSZOFkLNmRBzczhOCclDwkJ09uUW7FDdQNbUOuOjuU33aejzTfwpm-Cs16iABUO44FUQUzeFWCm9JsxDloO8/s4624/20231115141600-PXL_20231116_001600576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUROLeI9WPkh4jm8upki7wnsJ3ltTz-Wykn7hCyYxNay2WflJdNyibQjd-uwLi364JvS1xd9mYKwYX8atXslrt2F-hcjWVElN19eehnXDSZOFkLNmRBzczhOCclDwkJ09uUW7FDdQNbUOuOjuU33aejzTfwpm-Cs16iABUO44FUQUzeFWCm9JsxDloO8/s320/20231115141600-PXL_20231116_001600576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While it is free to visit with my ''senior'' National Parks' pass, advanced reservations to visit Kilauea Point are required due to limited parking. With all the pre-planning that we're forced to do, we may just develop some ''planning ahead'' skills that will be helpful during our future travels.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWsvBodEIW37qSsn8KVvNuAg1VPvcGxHvysB5Og0sKr5Sow5rDuxwXtx3JMow3zW-lke_6Y0Jy36t7n1jkIjb52N8GasestcPmDlmGsIOGEquL9Kjg3omh1Z-Yl_0Emc0x1bWRk1jO1NlDP2iwbfi-OKAWebDaYhNtL1Dq8tnJdLRk2okx3l1fChVRQo/s4080/20231115142910-PXL_20231116_002910074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWsvBodEIW37qSsn8KVvNuAg1VPvcGxHvysB5Og0sKr5Sow5rDuxwXtx3JMow3zW-lke_6Y0Jy36t7n1jkIjb52N8GasestcPmDlmGsIOGEquL9Kjg3omh1Z-Yl_0Emc0x1bWRk1jO1NlDP2iwbfi-OKAWebDaYhNtL1Dq8tnJdLRk2okx3l1fChVRQo/s320/20231115142910-PXL_20231116_002910074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But for now, we were happy to just be able to enjoy spectacular views of the powerful waves crashing into the cliffs below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Coffee, Chocolate, and Rum Tasting</i></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">All the rain, ample sunshine, and near perfect temperatures make Kauai a paradise for growing some of the world's favorite foods. And we found that a trip to the farms that produce fine coffee, chocolate, and rum is also a good ''rainy day'' activity, because who doesn't want to eat and drink their troubles away?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvHpmd5uwKV8asN3Uv7B-kw-vInIywkixNNmYuOts1hrSD8Q-6APt56-q2K2yKXxNEqriKrDp5MvfO0OA8Lk9nmuiUC8k6wiRGQlqyxc93_XHn4g2PChTx18NlVY8o_l8mqmT5qkxaVBiyUJb80D-c0QOybprOpQRCh3wITEDMCmbkfFK_bWNr_Xlkc4/s4529/20231117164310-PXL_20231118_020339096~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3401" data-original-width="4529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvHpmd5uwKV8asN3Uv7B-kw-vInIywkixNNmYuOts1hrSD8Q-6APt56-q2K2yKXxNEqriKrDp5MvfO0OA8Lk9nmuiUC8k6wiRGQlqyxc93_XHn4g2PChTx18NlVY8o_l8mqmT5qkxaVBiyUJb80D-c0QOybprOpQRCh3wITEDMCmbkfFK_bWNr_Xlkc4/s320/20231117164310-PXL_20231118_020339096~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Kauai Coffee Estate is the largest coffee farm in the United States. Rows and rows of coffee plants lined the road for miles as we drove to its visitor center. After sipping the various types of coffees, we were encouraged to stroll around their grounds to learn how our morning joe is grown, harvested, and roasted on the island. We were intrigued by the few similarities and the many differences between this coffee plantation, and the smaller coffee farms that we toured while visiting Colombia. There is a lot more automation here with only one harvest a year instead of the continuous ... and hand-picked harvest seen in South America.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2SLv_9QGcS5KkBqvD-GLovGwS1weJ3-IRIuZ25BJH681mTLDlXvdL4XtPW6TAGHqdoZqz66CnPnMyJ0AUKANe4mJElMy3rwY6LRdA9XUNWPjuOTFkOtdrI5s4nO8uoPkIE1R0RdTO0lW8q_RwkopsZ-aw8h6htSZheM_RiWNYfpTB2oOJfmEL4ZfEKI/s4067/20231117190633-PXL_20231118_014935459~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2957" data-original-width="4067" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2SLv_9QGcS5KkBqvD-GLovGwS1weJ3-IRIuZ25BJH681mTLDlXvdL4XtPW6TAGHqdoZqz66CnPnMyJ0AUKANe4mJElMy3rwY6LRdA9XUNWPjuOTFkOtdrI5s4nO8uoPkIE1R0RdTO0lW8q_RwkopsZ-aw8h6htSZheM_RiWNYfpTB2oOJfmEL4ZfEKI/s320/20231117190633-PXL_20231118_014935459~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we stopped at Lyngate Farms, we were invited to sample some amazing chocolate while learning how they turn the seeds of the cacao tree's fruit into the beloved sweet treat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb87BwVGl9xUBhIqmy8O9Q4QEbAidFW8sTvEEjHLS5awzz53eBy3D_ZxuO8ZQL3oKt4hjyawcYGt51x4ljvfSXmKeFIWrz5OdihO-jEJmhddno6jC9Z-U4qLu-yC9aVG3u9JpkAYfyriy1ABjW98cbCvdNNTP7rHZjrnAGJ-Q5-SDGPLthPQ-j8BLCMos/s3648/20231120193521-20231120193521_IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb87BwVGl9xUBhIqmy8O9Q4QEbAidFW8sTvEEjHLS5awzz53eBy3D_ZxuO8ZQL3oKt4hjyawcYGt51x4ljvfSXmKeFIWrz5OdihO-jEJmhddno6jC9Z-U4qLu-yC9aVG3u9JpkAYfyriy1ABjW98cbCvdNNTP7rHZjrnAGJ-Q5-SDGPLthPQ-j8BLCMos/s320/20231120193521-20231120193521_IMG_0582.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Who would guess that this funny looking fruit produces some of the finest chocolate in the world?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3MBZKsqLO9C1scOGm5yliAuuMCt8oXnS-3WONsrW_Vs4hZbsakRoEUwiGGOL0KGpwW4a_L_NFdKwt2BpNnctFP6_tnl4Z6KumYVl5IChxXaCBU2ZgVopgHg1zlNKSiLVVO6pSPKmzNHHSrPjAwRdEl1ncfrPftol_TF26c9dcd3aKzGvjot2PVPmdrg/s4624/20231120130759-PXL_20231120_230759892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3MBZKsqLO9C1scOGm5yliAuuMCt8oXnS-3WONsrW_Vs4hZbsakRoEUwiGGOL0KGpwW4a_L_NFdKwt2BpNnctFP6_tnl4Z6KumYVl5IChxXaCBU2ZgVopgHg1zlNKSiLVVO6pSPKmzNHHSrPjAwRdEl1ncfrPftol_TF26c9dcd3aKzGvjot2PVPmdrg/s320/20231120130759-PXL_20231120_230759892.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This small batch, made-with-love chocolate is so good that it even converted my ''milk chocolate only'' husband into a 70% Dark Chocolate fan. We walked away with a few bars that we hope to share with family and friends ... if it survives our trip back home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_wCvYn3C-F0oz47gNEYDrgnPA9PSwLTIRLz6m8RMBVK7uHMnH6Z8MmQYBgBmu-zP_tw23b331vtqngsAvRczKxui2A945S_lwF4urDYUD7bSvzq232JiwrusdAf50231oFSrswHMESrzUljBsjzQYnF3S1nifdU4mg-37BlwTNsX7zZenJi_DPaQ8Jo/s4624/20231120132504-PXL_20231120_232504247.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_wCvYn3C-F0oz47gNEYDrgnPA9PSwLTIRLz6m8RMBVK7uHMnH6Z8MmQYBgBmu-zP_tw23b331vtqngsAvRczKxui2A945S_lwF4urDYUD7bSvzq232JiwrusdAf50231oFSrswHMESrzUljBsjzQYnF3S1nifdU4mg-37BlwTNsX7zZenJi_DPaQ8Jo/s320/20231120132504-PXL_20231120_232504247.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And finally, from the sugar cane fields of Kauai comes some of the finest rums. We stopped by Koloa Rum Company and were able to snag a last minute reservation for their rum tasting demonstration and learn the secret to making the perfect Hawaiian Mai Tai.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaveWlnegPju_QKzb9uoNs58CExQ7HRNWOKPZCvgHmeCfOJPCwyDhqPZRfh-qCA1EGCBpYVVz5BYTqVJYijqT6pdd7eWIGZfuWfah8AaP7j82VKQlb2r1DuK8wLNZ1Lyz9oxe1WWGZJIuSDXTl1I80ETCmOtr7bFQxFpU_4Kt4wSPIMxUqAp5XNvSPiQ/s4122/20231122123705-PXL_20231121_010407340~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4122" data-original-width="3311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaveWlnegPju_QKzb9uoNs58CExQ7HRNWOKPZCvgHmeCfOJPCwyDhqPZRfh-qCA1EGCBpYVVz5BYTqVJYijqT6pdd7eWIGZfuWfah8AaP7j82VKQlb2r1DuK8wLNZ1Lyz9oxe1WWGZJIuSDXTl1I80ETCmOtr7bFQxFpU_4Kt4wSPIMxUqAp5XNvSPiQ/s320/20231122123705-PXL_20231121_010407340~2.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Take a Stroll Through a Botanical Garden</span></i></b></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">On the Garden Island, there are plenty of opportunities to visit beautiful botanical gardens. One such oasis is the Na Aina Kai Garden and Sculpture Park. Luck was on our side as the sun was shining on the morning that we planned our visit. Na Aina Kai means ''sea lands'' in Hawaiian, a perfect name for this luscious green garden overlooking the deep blue ocean. This acreage was a flat, over-ranched piece of land when Ed and Joyce Doty bought it in 1979 as a ''retirement'' project. Over the course of the next few years, they transformed it into a serene garden bursting with trees, flowers, water, and art.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH5EFlIvozUiUHqgLepXZHhfi2tZ6Y9PFnmOmehogL4mLYGMry41mHDzZ6c_sYnYRbY86AAI55Xlx37_rRbWILuOr55_iDoh4_6LRBTgrLEqjsKH61MxhLXTLPvtPw8d7mo3_v2yONCiZRiSZjL5K_ljKhAI1KAZ_RBttZOZLrDjsF8p05EXSKgbsWvw/s4624/20231121105139-PXL_20231121_205139282.NIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH5EFlIvozUiUHqgLepXZHhfi2tZ6Y9PFnmOmehogL4mLYGMry41mHDzZ6c_sYnYRbY86AAI55Xlx37_rRbWILuOr55_iDoh4_6LRBTgrLEqjsKH61MxhLXTLPvtPw8d7mo3_v2yONCiZRiSZjL5K_ljKhAI1KAZ_RBttZOZLrDjsF8p05EXSKgbsWvw/s320/20231121105139-PXL_20231121_205139282.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Native Hawaiian as well as exotic plants of all shapes and colors line the paths.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCfOkUpuf4ZTU7iUN_scmqVmVwh5Sact_6pMjwTiaumo47VF6oLT0ofPzkNEH7GYUoXqlIQgHRfgmW7YobMT5HqXjBavdONO_1i7mBzzTVS2gTsVEswM2r7YblbvHg7x96A9APD-RKYybTweaizzADBCGQ04T0z7usrfirxglDB-AUzll7wX0vK3CmCE/s4624/20231121105350-PXL_20231121_205350389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCfOkUpuf4ZTU7iUN_scmqVmVwh5Sact_6pMjwTiaumo47VF6oLT0ofPzkNEH7GYUoXqlIQgHRfgmW7YobMT5HqXjBavdONO_1i7mBzzTVS2gTsVEswM2r7YblbvHg7x96A9APD-RKYybTweaizzADBCGQ04T0z7usrfirxglDB-AUzll7wX0vK3CmCE/s320/20231121105350-PXL_20231121_205350389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Over 200 whimsical bronze sculptures greet the visitor at every turn.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV-9puWSIbeTzuIOuwQJZUcHk1JpMEPGvHUaUPdbePbcnGQ0JoLVvJiKFYMp8FXkS-H0_GsWwabcGTURcuTYYc-TN4BM1ZZrW_Fwomqor-5ja6mnr6VYUa59gDe84leNXnrQzZWZz6Y8xxoAAXX8ZcotgwzCZIZFSYK5TNivcOFc55uDdC0nG2VTLsRc/s3815/20231122121833-PXL_20231121_210021190.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3006" data-original-width="3815" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV-9puWSIbeTzuIOuwQJZUcHk1JpMEPGvHUaUPdbePbcnGQ0JoLVvJiKFYMp8FXkS-H0_GsWwabcGTURcuTYYc-TN4BM1ZZrW_Fwomqor-5ja6mnr6VYUa59gDe84leNXnrQzZWZz6Y8xxoAAXX8ZcotgwzCZIZFSYK5TNivcOFc55uDdC0nG2VTLsRc/s320/20231122121833-PXL_20231121_210021190.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Orchids of all colors cascade down trees and trellises.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-bmGbPYAIojvb9mqLLdeybyt6K9hkIZSNpGmHiK52sn06pFbCLpxeXWEbx4CLbD1u4WvhJCGLD-nFA8djaoUGqiDWQzVvz4SRbY0sfqcRLShCArF-j7CONSLaitdfSD-lMai2YHxHlhGqDD0C2T1kzEQIbB6Zx_zYwBISm-eEVnCr1BQY8Tq3676CxU/s4624/20231121101911-PXL_20231121_201911945.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-bmGbPYAIojvb9mqLLdeybyt6K9hkIZSNpGmHiK52sn06pFbCLpxeXWEbx4CLbD1u4WvhJCGLD-nFA8djaoUGqiDWQzVvz4SRbY0sfqcRLShCArF-j7CONSLaitdfSD-lMai2YHxHlhGqDD0C2T1kzEQIbB6Zx_zYwBISm-eEVnCr1BQY8Tq3676CxU/s320/20231121101911-PXL_20231121_201911945.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Waterfalls tumble where the land was once barren and flat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXNhDg-Tr5HcgrIztub6BrakSu5kNxqmmHvMtHTIrIlisfN2GN0MgIJzN_zBOafnaAxAO0B827cC_tlw430Jma43tUphPmnMACnT4Gf0lrfiXex008kI7B7kvFN5JaVFwDeRkISV3Xnb_pJzvKgDtGjv7VyaOTx-NeVQJ-YQ6CuDqCNdpX5qP7W3uq04/s4624/20231121101405-PXL_20231121_201405392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXNhDg-Tr5HcgrIztub6BrakSu5kNxqmmHvMtHTIrIlisfN2GN0MgIJzN_zBOafnaAxAO0B827cC_tlw430Jma43tUphPmnMACnT4Gf0lrfiXex008kI7B7kvFN5JaVFwDeRkISV3Xnb_pJzvKgDtGjv7VyaOTx-NeVQJ-YQ6CuDqCNdpX5qP7W3uq04/s320/20231121101405-PXL_20231121_201405392.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A uniquely shaped swimming pool and slide tempts the visiting youngsters to test the waters ... while the friendly, but vigilant garden volunteer makes sure that the children stay dry. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5KXf5wOxw01ZOx5VOwi7CHVVWM9dRQnK3soCZ9IIu9RHBnxBsoNgzxMMORDKKMgF_-xzTb2_t4-r9miy1lC4LWFgZm_GuIZ0PG9hkwckOhs8MelJFKpY4kP_Oaxe51dS92ljJXreg9HiRTC-wz9UaWrzz51DYElqnQHDeDzPOPlrQLqZiBj-dxy58i0/s4216/20231122122038-PXL_20231121_204113022~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4216" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5KXf5wOxw01ZOx5VOwi7CHVVWM9dRQnK3soCZ9IIu9RHBnxBsoNgzxMMORDKKMgF_-xzTb2_t4-r9miy1lC4LWFgZm_GuIZ0PG9hkwckOhs8MelJFKpY4kP_Oaxe51dS92ljJXreg9HiRTC-wz9UaWrzz51DYElqnQHDeDzPOPlrQLqZiBj-dxy58i0/s320/20231122122038-PXL_20231121_204113022~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The joyful spirit of the garden's</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQYVOF94jiIqFx8ZaUGDmjbzQ21N3otz-m1z2VySz1bBlRhkYu_WB6LbCUfNLSXrNJgxxUDk8RqMMPXqgPHmzYIRiqNJGh4Y2wFHhbSywYw6sMuxKZk0_W-8utUF4CDev_fe-DrYR3LOBGr9Z4nsgYFNDb_DoRaMpBTsodQzsxVGhToCTLueoRy6004U/s4624/20231121102810-PXL_20231121_202810960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQYVOF94jiIqFx8ZaUGDmjbzQ21N3otz-m1z2VySz1bBlRhkYu_WB6LbCUfNLSXrNJgxxUDk8RqMMPXqgPHmzYIRiqNJGh4Y2wFHhbSywYw6sMuxKZk0_W-8utUF4CDev_fe-DrYR3LOBGr9Z4nsgYFNDb_DoRaMpBTsodQzsxVGhToCTLueoRy6004U/s320/20231121102810-PXL_20231121_202810960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> playful sculptures</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTi2-Fk8d1FVtCO2s4PN0r6W2Z1zhrV-fEOKihsSa4vm4zYWz1O5yU1S8qR6XuuPNPuTlmycNYQGqeIdyBa5MdjrYfRk_u7JbHOHw8S7xBcpBTlRBTz9cK1AfWyaXeBoD7Hs-WllISt-CGNJIisiibIAnDhw4WZUzNR9DFJBZprXQgnsagE5N7NUrmUo/s3648/20231121165134-20231121165134_IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTi2-Fk8d1FVtCO2s4PN0r6W2Z1zhrV-fEOKihsSa4vm4zYWz1O5yU1S8qR6XuuPNPuTlmycNYQGqeIdyBa5MdjrYfRk_u7JbHOHw8S7xBcpBTlRBTz9cK1AfWyaXeBoD7Hs-WllISt-CGNJIisiibIAnDhw4WZUzNR9DFJBZprXQgnsagE5N7NUrmUo/s320/20231121165134-20231121165134_IMG_0597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and colorful blossoms</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0useD9LqzjtAZI0BZK0WENEIr1m-vG4LZcS4ouCovk_Yp21bo5iJD5_-aLrrcBPKiVDem55wasyGzOev4XoHB7kFlxHg92bDALZmNXnu_8W1LsLvsHi5JJWpojehigu7kcZsoqN3ekQfOyp3iA2NckjP_iDYZ4pHaK3LtYKZIQKWvHx5ev5Hzu_0Njto/s3648/20231121165659-20231121165659_IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0useD9LqzjtAZI0BZK0WENEIr1m-vG4LZcS4ouCovk_Yp21bo5iJD5_-aLrrcBPKiVDem55wasyGzOev4XoHB7kFlxHg92bDALZmNXnu_8W1LsLvsHi5JJWpojehigu7kcZsoqN3ekQfOyp3iA2NckjP_iDYZ4pHaK3LtYKZIQKWvHx5ev5Hzu_0Njto/s320/20231121165659-20231121165659_IMG_0603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">refresh and recharge</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ukjKNjTRtfTghBUNi2wIZEgwv3ocd_dHBRC2PJLiojNULTNQPcRgNffF_RKm25LR_b0MhzGaRggPe338coqzljMhcVOYXiJ-VNE6TI-wl6ZcOwQ3Ff5GOJGdWvBDKxn9TcyoxoxRtt_AJgMGKz9RfJN4R7jSNcSQ8Bw7mxWX3ftyCfy93zw0-tmusvk/s3648/20231121171534-20231121171534_IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ukjKNjTRtfTghBUNi2wIZEgwv3ocd_dHBRC2PJLiojNULTNQPcRgNffF_RKm25LR_b0MhzGaRggPe338coqzljMhcVOYXiJ-VNE6TI-wl6ZcOwQ3Ff5GOJGdWvBDKxn9TcyoxoxRtt_AJgMGKz9RfJN4R7jSNcSQ8Bw7mxWX3ftyCfy93zw0-tmusvk/s320/20231121171534-20231121171534_IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the soul.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0HoJO8wJMKR-gb8m0HFXNHdZ-iL8E0dv-Nef9DH7INpImH6h2ZRVa80Ag4X5YpQOehVcPLNvKYrkzLeqKLMtThCQlTmUtbznQt-RBC4mU20xzns0NpYb2fDq8pCqVi-fFIx-PwVSWVu3JHpm4b1qXF6Pq9cPAjwYKJsi2pz_vX9UQPfVor_fqgmBufc/s4184/20231123091849-PXL_20231121_211931512~4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4184" data-original-width="3067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0HoJO8wJMKR-gb8m0HFXNHdZ-iL8E0dv-Nef9DH7INpImH6h2ZRVa80Ag4X5YpQOehVcPLNvKYrkzLeqKLMtThCQlTmUtbznQt-RBC4mU20xzns0NpYb2fDq8pCqVi-fFIx-PwVSWVu3JHpm4b1qXF6Pq9cPAjwYKJsi2pz_vX9UQPfVor_fqgmBufc/s320/20231123091849-PXL_20231121_211931512~4.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>From canyons to beaches to gardens, </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFLDs2a613og5osqPTyvtVxWYJd7N4yf1RzUtw4NW2OlNvFyfxBCDzJ2vZj22WhpNI4dOlSt6sMc_3acAmZFhddObibB0Pb9uq7uVmi9CzyAG-5G-qwUZkgGZNyAEbw9ss20P-_SVMJWCOIC3ZoGv-6aWhb8kcC8oBZKnIzoz2IvPaEmd755oymxQJ4g/s3648/20231117085926-PXL_20231117_185926671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFLDs2a613og5osqPTyvtVxWYJd7N4yf1RzUtw4NW2OlNvFyfxBCDzJ2vZj22WhpNI4dOlSt6sMc_3acAmZFhddObibB0Pb9uq7uVmi9CzyAG-5G-qwUZkgGZNyAEbw9ss20P-_SVMJWCOIC3ZoGv-6aWhb8kcC8oBZKnIzoz2IvPaEmd755oymxQJ4g/s320/20231117085926-PXL_20231117_185926671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... we're grateful that, in between the raindrops, we were able to take a stroll through the Garden Island of Kauai to enjoy the lavish landscape</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxtX5Gqk1S8f00S_Q2XnzrpkFdRN0gvbEVxjjm_jn4FzCr7-f3RQy4r2HI59xe9_q7NE-50k3SNum8HVB0E6PIgzV2rZV-N1hjxKu3-dZCM4G1Om0E4ZLDA-5LAA3QrHS08lnYG3AHFtYuqyBJCNSZkuUK4RE_JhYVYxoALyP1ACjEr57G2i_3h9OHA8/s3648/20231116201908-20231116201908_IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxtX5Gqk1S8f00S_Q2XnzrpkFdRN0gvbEVxjjm_jn4FzCr7-f3RQy4r2HI59xe9_q7NE-50k3SNum8HVB0E6PIgzV2rZV-N1hjxKu3-dZCM4G1Om0E4ZLDA-5LAA3QrHS08lnYG3AHFtYuqyBJCNSZkuUK4RE_JhYVYxoALyP1ACjEr57G2i_3h9OHA8/s320/20231116201908-20231116201908_IMG_0530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and a feathery friend or two!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">PS: In honor of Mr Rooster who liked to show up outside our Airbnb at 6 am ... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What do you call a rooster who wakes you up at the same time every morning?</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">An alarm cluck</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-79036857176710591232023-11-21T21:40:00.001-06:002023-11-21T22:06:48.560-06:00Oahu, Hawaii: Completing Bucket List Items Amidst A Sea Of Tourists<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWrcoMr-94LC8rntFLshvLKPa_Rh_kTwjT0pfJvzLL_b7mctAYdzRQXlqiuQNpcXyTym-AF9Ult_vASwkXMup4S4ax3IgVUscU-LgjkLeJi0sQJ9lPWnM50JktnZv4btc9uSunbexwYUHgKJI4c1040PeeW7PBNtifWzRkV8vj0Acl90wI-Cq-B_EWh4/s4624/20231108193554-PXL_20231108_020901219~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWrcoMr-94LC8rntFLshvLKPa_Rh_kTwjT0pfJvzLL_b7mctAYdzRQXlqiuQNpcXyTym-AF9Ult_vASwkXMup4S4ax3IgVUscU-LgjkLeJi0sQJ9lPWnM50JktnZv4btc9uSunbexwYUHgKJI4c1040PeeW7PBNtifWzRkV8vj0Acl90wI-Cq-B_EWh4/s320/20231108193554-PXL_20231108_020901219~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As our plane dipped below the clouds, we caught of glimpse of the famous harbor. Sprawling resorts and long sandy beaches lined the coast. We were finally arriving in Oahu, Hawaii where we planned to check off a couple of ''travel bucket list'' items as we joined the sea of tourists who flock to this tropical paradise each year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY6DJlum4HRaysQDTc-6RgKpUp1w2Xhfqbh38Hmm4gn7H3v84BHncGUzHRHarrB72JOkKQiUpTKjoihYFP5MwUvU__G7U4-xDogdb0YFeoz5M31zxf68sFqTgdNKoK_XTIflGvveCW2XDN3DdVy1WlLpr9fA6FoK7xIKyRkBcuTYtttCVlA1csHgxgBo/s1779/20231109153112-PXL_20231110_013112862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1779" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY6DJlum4HRaysQDTc-6RgKpUp1w2Xhfqbh38Hmm4gn7H3v84BHncGUzHRHarrB72JOkKQiUpTKjoihYFP5MwUvU__G7U4-xDogdb0YFeoz5M31zxf68sFqTgdNKoK_XTIflGvveCW2XDN3DdVy1WlLpr9fA6FoK7xIKyRkBcuTYtttCVlA1csHgxgBo/w429-h205/20231109153112-PXL_20231110_013112862.jpg" width="429" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since neither one of us is a fan of long air flights, it has taken us a while to reach our 50th state. Our plan is to spend five weeks exploring four of the eight main islands that make up the state of Hawaii while enjoying the ''Aloha'' spirit that these islands are famous for. Oahu i</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">s our first destination, followed by Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Maui. Before we planned our Hawaii trip a month ago, we knew very little about any of these islands. But as we are quickly finding out, each has its own unique ''personality''.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74giDKsWHaLNxQyCXyxS563cYGscAew2kt27jkSbSE5hKTs_t_V884aWchb5eUnxsi_is9T9MUpLl8pOP3IYD2boxidiz5yFu-9T7ZC9cGxB29Cm8y6W9jJVwH1evSxEC-GNGPeLO7EcTH9zR7XlgrZuER2krG6Hs2xvEr8zUJT4yf9dgTXKXq_8NJ6Q/s1100/hawaii-islands-mapoahu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1100" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74giDKsWHaLNxQyCXyxS563cYGscAew2kt27jkSbSE5hKTs_t_V884aWchb5eUnxsi_is9T9MUpLl8pOP3IYD2boxidiz5yFu-9T7ZC9cGxB29Cm8y6W9jJVwH1evSxEC-GNGPeLO7EcTH9zR7XlgrZuER2krG6Hs2xvEr8zUJT4yf9dgTXKXq_8NJ6Q/w371-h239/hawaii-islands-mapoahu.jpg" width="371" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Oahu may not be the largest of the Hawaiian islands, but it is the most populated with nearly one million residents ... the majority who live in its largest city of Honolulu. Add to that four million tourists who visit each year, and one can appreciate its vibrant metropolitan personality. Known as ''The Gathering Place'', tourists from around the world and locals intermingle on Oahu to create a multi-cultural vacation experience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMMPqtKteWRac37CtcAzXb4SKBWIWIWOevexRIB4rpNxYeo6CPZq1stD0F1k52pv0hMJHNlFpN5yUvCHcvo4n_kPR4E2t0q3OnhCNCfg7swX7MbJqD7xkhzswDoTwgrYyJkDD4L26mlMgFKLykPkKgQghxzyLcMaTmCn5B4FlvZDYxaWR_B4v3NHZJ9w/s4588/20231111201110-PXL_20231112_035433665~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4588" data-original-width="3053" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMMPqtKteWRac37CtcAzXb4SKBWIWIWOevexRIB4rpNxYeo6CPZq1stD0F1k52pv0hMJHNlFpN5yUvCHcvo4n_kPR4E2t0q3OnhCNCfg7swX7MbJqD7xkhzswDoTwgrYyJkDD4L26mlMgFKLykPkKgQghxzyLcMaTmCn5B4FlvZDYxaWR_B4v3NHZJ9w/s320/20231111201110-PXL_20231112_035433665~2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Oahu's Famous Sites and Activities.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hy20x_64GLEdabJdF5ydVjtK-3atAl-ukZiwyNh-VAjRwYgHTXZYghzquoLjXDjvbbE_7KUNJ_gIj7Df9nQwtqV-qaea0T5oMeKZAnxFW5sv58Xr4WLlEuI-1qgyO4YuLxBxotg8DGnZtKZrYnxDh60dDg-w0WfseKrcyv6PFSWp5gPv2-yUCnE8SiY/s4080/20231107195222-PXL_20231108_055222766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hy20x_64GLEdabJdF5ydVjtK-3atAl-ukZiwyNh-VAjRwYgHTXZYghzquoLjXDjvbbE_7KUNJ_gIj7Df9nQwtqV-qaea0T5oMeKZAnxFW5sv58Xr4WLlEuI-1qgyO4YuLxBxotg8DGnZtKZrYnxDh60dDg-w0WfseKrcyv6PFSWp5gPv2-yUCnE8SiY/s320/20231107195222-PXL_20231108_055222766.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The world-famous <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Waikiki Beach</span></i></b> boasts of world-class resorts, restaurants, and entertainment. During the day the beach is packed with sun-worshippers and surfers, and after sunset, it buzzes with music and entertainment. Our Airbnb condo was located just two blocks from this famous strip, so it was very convenient to take a stroll along the beach to find our next meal or Mai Tai ... or just enjoy its beauty. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMo_xjgUFTJncNTj5IlPdCC-vD__eupXkbDAhj4PszpbXXK8YR55o3pxMlA4LJ1PeDiizBQarP3A06-ZBA_JBYAsIO_txNjDe5Tfiyk3dbdlvhLmiuW_5V1J4fmLugQSoTK9VWvi4_OmWmmwgBiNXyVjrWvtoMY8AY89nzMuab6wkj10J90YhOwI-kHc/s2863/20231110214411-PXL_20231111_034651189~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2863" data-original-width="2801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMo_xjgUFTJncNTj5IlPdCC-vD__eupXkbDAhj4PszpbXXK8YR55o3pxMlA4LJ1PeDiizBQarP3A06-ZBA_JBYAsIO_txNjDe5Tfiyk3dbdlvhLmiuW_5V1J4fmLugQSoTK9VWvi4_OmWmmwgBiNXyVjrWvtoMY8AY89nzMuab6wkj10J90YhOwI-kHc/s320/20231110214411-PXL_20231111_034651189~2.jpg" width="313" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Waikiki Beach is also a great spot to learn to surf and enjoy all types of water sports, and to savor a sunset at the end of an active day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMklqBC8IBT0Cubp-loTWFSj3dUa1YHoB2g41tc1SqCMDRBYuKIdjLCpuMPlpk-tj78UarcgDgISoPZWHCZg2oPUyxVhCeMZg6iC1pQXjTO6jOwWhXbd782z77AOcHy-K-L-YOGrEZUDKRxrNMnp256qSm7Jqc_5mIpskO9hhm2kQv2p44nAM4dd-URIE/s4624/20231110121729-PXL_20231110_221729602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMklqBC8IBT0Cubp-loTWFSj3dUa1YHoB2g41tc1SqCMDRBYuKIdjLCpuMPlpk-tj78UarcgDgISoPZWHCZg2oPUyxVhCeMZg6iC1pQXjTO6jOwWhXbd782z77AOcHy-K-L-YOGrEZUDKRxrNMnp256qSm7Jqc_5mIpskO9hhm2kQv2p44nAM4dd-URIE/s320/20231110121729-PXL_20231110_221729602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diamond Head Crater</span></i></b> is a prominent landmark visible from Waikiki Beach. It also is a hugely popular destination for all who visit this area, so ... make your reservations a few weeks ahead of time if you want to hike to the top. I was thinking ahead (for once) and secured our admission time slot reservation for $5 each. Doug figured out the Honolulu bus system, and it was another $6 per person fare for the round trip ride from our condo. Because we started our walk at 11 am, it was already quite hot when we began the ascent up the crater. And there was a sea of people to weave through despite the ticketed entry system. I can't imagine how massive the crowds would be if reservations weren't required.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MfeH6qbCBrL5B0vl9sW578M-keWz9XFotJwfm12bTxExFq3v3a61RTNfsPtq8gJQGlyO6WPmjZPsIkk6RWwS4tbmQxUHMAmZHG5mTT7H-jq2PvTZSYP6TCGc7I6-IqfsXuPsz588xZ9dG1qMLEi-26i-I_9DRVas82bk0isCPLCERLI99IUyJM1UmXY/s4080/20231109104133-PXL_20231109_204133900%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MfeH6qbCBrL5B0vl9sW578M-keWz9XFotJwfm12bTxExFq3v3a61RTNfsPtq8gJQGlyO6WPmjZPsIkk6RWwS4tbmQxUHMAmZHG5mTT7H-jq2PvTZSYP6TCGc7I6-IqfsXuPsz588xZ9dG1qMLEi-26i-I_9DRVas82bk0isCPLCERLI99IUyJM1UmXY/s320/20231109104133-PXL_20231109_204133900%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The views from the top were nice, but we wouldn't put this hike high on our all-time favorites list as it was really just too ''touristy'' for our liking.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki2dyZJvFjAPkLP-RD3-lvbCy7VL_8lpCt8OMqI2L3L9iWzLaFCx5cpA6rBdjVZkg45lc24LtB1n7WPjrgIiGiADiaGfZpNgMabFGXyYqhmDaRGj2It2J4-n9iDZgug7QBsKllLj52Fy1bEcjHQa6YDBSjgbedYrZi8-z6DNS6QK8j1wCNiypKtdOyCE/s3628/20231108152521-PXL_20231108_220538735~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2216" data-original-width="3628" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki2dyZJvFjAPkLP-RD3-lvbCy7VL_8lpCt8OMqI2L3L9iWzLaFCx5cpA6rBdjVZkg45lc24LtB1n7WPjrgIiGiADiaGfZpNgMabFGXyYqhmDaRGj2It2J4-n9iDZgug7QBsKllLj52Fy1bEcjHQa6YDBSjgbedYrZi8-z6DNS6QK8j1wCNiypKtdOyCE/s320/20231108152521-PXL_20231108_220538735~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pearl Harbor Historic Sites</span></i></b> is one of the ''must-visit'' destinations when in Oahu. Once again, advance reservations are required, but it only costs $1 per person to reserve your spot through the National Park Service website. Once again, we were able to take a bus there and back. Because the historic site is still a part of an active naval base, no bags or purses are allowed in (unless they are clear plastic). There is a place to check bags just outside the entrance (for a $7 fee). Once inside, there were a number of educational displays to wander through and a movie to watch while waiting for your scheduled boat ride out to the Arizona Memorial.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPYvy-MYiqJ4KtEmJ_B06kBFqhSfmpALdVm78aeYahnRVBcQQ2h8KrXddYsU65VqRvTQEPJvQNWEl_P-qarTkQwTYiz5_Bg1M00wRrpFEPohbHBUHVBbY_hO4GnO9x5NqVMaduohlzxXOVrWHJCNWwqo26oD6vUiwo0gROibNkW_YXx-aagbDWLhW9fg/s3763/20231108152355-PXL_20231108_222020407~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3298" data-original-width="3763" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPYvy-MYiqJ4KtEmJ_B06kBFqhSfmpALdVm78aeYahnRVBcQQ2h8KrXddYsU65VqRvTQEPJvQNWEl_P-qarTkQwTYiz5_Bg1M00wRrpFEPohbHBUHVBbY_hO4GnO9x5NqVMaduohlzxXOVrWHJCNWwqo26oD6vUiwo0gROibNkW_YXx-aagbDWLhW9fg/s320/20231108152355-PXL_20231108_222020407~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A short trip across the harbor brought us to the famous floating memorial that lies over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona. It is also the final resting place for over 900 brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom when their battleship went down during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-71FLLJ7mfkFxVqWmUG8E4lQIUGzeYyr4ePVnaxHPQ0uTZTjbWbJ6WRFJ6JPPQHXpPIdyI0T6DZOgKnPWsovtZDHA43mtgQWL1kpLVpJ9Yn85_oz6x_JtDckaAYKgJdCGqigVkN_QOGEzWFoLpP3UBoyclE2ln_ss2C436rIMVeFGKw6LaQTuarz7mO0/s1919/20231108142227-PXL_20231109_002227196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1919" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-71FLLJ7mfkFxVqWmUG8E4lQIUGzeYyr4ePVnaxHPQ0uTZTjbWbJ6WRFJ6JPPQHXpPIdyI0T6DZOgKnPWsovtZDHA43mtgQWL1kpLVpJ9Yn85_oz6x_JtDckaAYKgJdCGqigVkN_QOGEzWFoLpP3UBoyclE2ln_ss2C436rIMVeFGKw6LaQTuarz7mO0/w389-h209/20231108142227-PXL_20231109_002227196.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Iolani Palace</span></i></b>, the only royal palace in the United States, was the home of the last ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Queen Lilioukalani. With the overthrow of her monarchy in 1893, it also became her prison until her death in 1917. Once again, advance reservations are required for a guided tour of the palace, so I just enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds and seeing it from the outside.</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi1VQWAo5mZuHPTp9nlLGGE_UZwG2qUldmutseIo7ETXmQtylEYHC1kB4jK0NHovwrGkMJoCllZXDdWUhXe0O7TGsH4nyJRFMzZByCBVWkJFVezEset2AdJeOCgHZTuDFbd3Q1MeGmLapEQGeQE7u6ZT60n5Egej7aa2MEoE5gziFoI_casStp4wjwl0/s4624/20231108144821-PXL_20231109_004821963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi1VQWAo5mZuHPTp9nlLGGE_UZwG2qUldmutseIo7ETXmQtylEYHC1kB4jK0NHovwrGkMJoCllZXDdWUhXe0O7TGsH4nyJRFMzZByCBVWkJFVezEset2AdJeOCgHZTuDFbd3Q1MeGmLapEQGeQE7u6ZT60n5Egej7aa2MEoE5gziFoI_casStp4wjwl0/s320/20231108144821-PXL_20231109_004821963.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With all the dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and tropical rain forests, it's no wonder that <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Oahu is the perfect location for many famous movie and television scenes</span></i></b>. Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-0, Lost, and Magnum PI have all used the Oahu landscape in their production. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEPc6LFMt4ciYSsQ8tAQ6BG31BNO9BNgl1zvMLqjFG5b-sNQ5DenhK4pCHnFhD5zSYOo1VbwK6m2brgjkibF2f441oYz_nWjStLiv-faeKLWe8D2KWbBe92BePMni0MOkUQVIN1P0TrOKBF972Ff-wQzMFfyxbliDTXeV20JAEA-r6s0-ItCaUtit04c/s1655/20231113111754-PXL_20231113_211754182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1655" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEPc6LFMt4ciYSsQ8tAQ6BG31BNO9BNgl1zvMLqjFG5b-sNQ5DenhK4pCHnFhD5zSYOo1VbwK6m2brgjkibF2f441oYz_nWjStLiv-faeKLWe8D2KWbBe92BePMni0MOkUQVIN1P0TrOKBF972Ff-wQzMFfyxbliDTXeV20JAEA-r6s0-ItCaUtit04c/s320/20231113111754-PXL_20231113_211754182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We got to look down on this beach where the ''the most famous beach kiss'' scene took place in the movie, ''From Here to Eternity''.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AhhZ-GB0QnMmXXpLjwpO2xyVMfcIlnJGLJHTwL-dpudDvzMa_xo5x7pv8tt_84oQvu5bWYYK9w3QG-hAcWagW1x4tI0PQLEf5UoBngPeC9YUMydedTm9gam7BsvbUX5G58LljxwI2-u8EU81TDJuQywYXKH-Py_V-qBaApkWaH9MjRvQ8fdjXzzsq48/s4080/20231113083733-PXL_20231113_183733377.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AhhZ-GB0QnMmXXpLjwpO2xyVMfcIlnJGLJHTwL-dpudDvzMa_xo5x7pv8tt_84oQvu5bWYYK9w3QG-hAcWagW1x4tI0PQLEf5UoBngPeC9YUMydedTm9gam7BsvbUX5G58LljxwI2-u8EU81TDJuQywYXKH-Py_V-qBaApkWaH9MjRvQ8fdjXzzsq48/s320/20231113083733-PXL_20231113_183733377.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Plenty of rainfall and abundant sunshine make Oahu an ideal location for growing <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">tropical fruits and nuts.</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6VSWkFuacb7sVO9YnMkL7VzCP_RK1LTbiUQG9fS91U_ifaIuFQUaF61FSE-vI3mg102Z4GUhyphenhyphenDXoYFgqHFNKJ8xMQIfTC6pHk8qW8KlUkAyiPwNI6M-815w-SFUDoOBhHAUSoYVf9VVG0CfIMxvZ2Ks-VIElRhVcIjvScr0HxSPBQD1fHuHfHv0d2yI/s4624/20231113131924-PXL_20231113_231924846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6VSWkFuacb7sVO9YnMkL7VzCP_RK1LTbiUQG9fS91U_ifaIuFQUaF61FSE-vI3mg102Z4GUhyphenhyphenDXoYFgqHFNKJ8xMQIfTC6pHk8qW8KlUkAyiPwNI6M-815w-SFUDoOBhHAUSoYVf9VVG0CfIMxvZ2Ks-VIElRhVcIjvScr0HxSPBQD1fHuHfHv0d2yI/s320/20231113131924-PXL_20231113_231924846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But by far the most plentiful and popular are macadamia nuts and pineapples. During our island tour with a local tour company, we ate our way around Oahu ... enjoying garlic butter shrimp for lunch, a ''turon'' (deep fried banana) for dessert, free samples at a macadamia nut farm,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1xVSn8D2ZzSdjVti2aCE0Pls8OwgjKJaSKhgqMhkLU1PC0A_jSTzryWx2c1kIfb_sDpIH_EZQnhESc111vQtml4Fdc6sXPfXW59IlPJLL_kXo6QBLaH6ON5wIJS8qq4o6Pw0m8cW4kcU6VIIJzOS64vggeFQDvOFOHSJj7et2mBBQZXrUPLU5GLMMOw/s4436/20231113155853-PXL_20231114_013021427.PORTRAIT~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4436" data-original-width="3331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1xVSn8D2ZzSdjVti2aCE0Pls8OwgjKJaSKhgqMhkLU1PC0A_jSTzryWx2c1kIfb_sDpIH_EZQnhESc111vQtml4Fdc6sXPfXW59IlPJLL_kXo6QBLaH6ON5wIJS8qq4o6Pw0m8cW4kcU6VIIJzOS64vggeFQDvOFOHSJj7et2mBBQZXrUPLU5GLMMOw/s320/20231113155853-PXL_20231114_013021427.PORTRAIT~4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and a heavenly Dole Whip pineapple sundae during our visit to the sprawling Dole Pineapple Plantation located about an hour outside of Waikiki.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEjvWF0ex3RraR_mP2XRMorA6DVu0c02EhrtwTqO_XamwlRQ711EJ7e-Fhh443uiTvfUyVr-6We7CcHgejH_9LNixIK2h2z53kv08SYYM57Wk28GrHtE_Lgpf-SUVnBIRARTCvq6i48epWPeIw2nKhEinseqVLJXewpAV3CTdY5a8DazsW-dYoxBx7XQ/s4080/20231108143254-PXL_20231109_003254042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEjvWF0ex3RraR_mP2XRMorA6DVu0c02EhrtwTqO_XamwlRQ711EJ7e-Fhh443uiTvfUyVr-6We7CcHgejH_9LNixIK2h2z53kv08SYYM57Wk28GrHtE_Lgpf-SUVnBIRARTCvq6i48epWPeIw2nKhEinseqVLJXewpAV3CTdY5a8DazsW-dYoxBx7XQ/s320/20231108143254-PXL_20231109_003254042.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Of course, our main reason to visit Hawaii, and Oahu in particular, was to complete some ''travel bucket list'' items. I was welcomed by Fr Damien, the patron saint of Hawaii, in front of my <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">5oth state capitol building</span></i></b> in Honolulu. A helpful security guard congratulated me on my momentous feat and told us a few fun facts about the Hawaii state capitol building's structure and design. Its open-air atrium (instead of the traditional central dome) was constructed to give the feeling of being inside a volcano. The pillars that surround the building are in the shape of Hawaii's beloved King Palms. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSUVbIT4P6nVWlRt6CkgPFT6DsUjGfsrcV26c2pqFLU9fEKDv4IOUP5pcxvDL3wHzsTxOF6Cs8OHTbYPpsrP8HegocykbRcXsi_jBNpQZxIoOepADPfvE548BRcv1Q-vAWla9HrwCu6GuZCvWkQ8U-Aq3lFTsZSWXqSRZBCHGUh4IubE_FsznKdHC3gQ/s4624/20231108144522-PXL_20231109_004522591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSUVbIT4P6nVWlRt6CkgPFT6DsUjGfsrcV26c2pqFLU9fEKDv4IOUP5pcxvDL3wHzsTxOF6Cs8OHTbYPpsrP8HegocykbRcXsi_jBNpQZxIoOepADPfvE548BRcv1Q-vAWla9HrwCu6GuZCvWkQ8U-Aq3lFTsZSWXqSRZBCHGUh4IubE_FsznKdHC3gQ/s320/20231108144522-PXL_20231109_004522591.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She encouraged us to check out the offices and enjoy the view of the city and ocean from the top floor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvFP2-xIhnIVYPAzYzQyJjyn7H8MLqT7NCdJhuBifKAXnDD_AH_SEO-JrXyP54AqXCaJ55_SKiu8fe75Cc8m-Wy9SbELSFpmOR25_Dq6D9SSb5L3jwNkQ9sSdSyZGIKwVMsN_MpMGECbgFohp7jXee94qPl2svEHjR8NTNQubm9qKgvyyUNoQ_aXJWmc/s4080/20231108144104-PXL_20231109_004104218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvFP2-xIhnIVYPAzYzQyJjyn7H8MLqT7NCdJhuBifKAXnDD_AH_SEO-JrXyP54AqXCaJ55_SKiu8fe75Cc8m-Wy9SbELSFpmOR25_Dq6D9SSb5L3jwNkQ9sSdSyZGIKwVMsN_MpMGECbgFohp7jXee94qPl2svEHjR8NTNQubm9qKgvyyUNoQ_aXJWmc/s320/20231108144104-PXL_20231109_004104218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is the first of my 50 state capitol buildings that I have actually stepped foot into. Do you think that I should convince Doug that we need to revisit the other 49 and do the same?? Probably not going to happen ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">but</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> I sure would welcome some suggestions for a new ''travel bucket list'' item.</span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY8Wsvpfx705jSgsJU_qXao3n9f4n-xDM-Wuz59c8sruiS1ToOR1-7cMUqiZRFn5MO2g-ZJ3SC6pP5Qa0QOo8L05OfuwViacFXryMjeuNixE3MNFVasY2O3j1HqkMR2MLxAChFZt-tRTVH-LUOcUP5K7JT1Gm6-07ljb7YIM3CCMwflL0QqaNJpFlw4g/s4624/20231107184914-PXL_20231108_044914394.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAY8Wsvpfx705jSgsJU_qXao3n9f4n-xDM-Wuz59c8sruiS1ToOR1-7cMUqiZRFn5MO2g-ZJ3SC6pP5Qa0QOo8L05OfuwViacFXryMjeuNixE3MNFVasY2O3j1HqkMR2MLxAChFZt-tRTVH-LUOcUP5K7JT1Gm6-07ljb7YIM3CCMwflL0QqaNJpFlw4g/s320/20231107184914-PXL_20231108_044914394.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug also completed his ''travel bucket list'' item of <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">visiting a craft brewery in every state</span></i></b> when we dropped by Waikiki Brewing for an IPA. I opted for the local favorite, the Hawaiian Mai Tai.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Other Oahu Highlights</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While in Oahu, we certainly did many of the popular tourist activities, but we were also able to spend time doing some of the normal everyday activities that we have come to enjoy when visiting a new part of our country</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvZ-N0lCBgvtroKwfCKRsd8P03sr1owu5EM_uP6njUnw4s8yTHI2m_2UwnFeXayJ0OGpPcqGj64rc13ad3xqnNJDyINaOOLaEV78WGBj_22UmwaoDMWZhK2mGVgDdRbRjw0CNCqckUNo_aPOcr52g0td9aGp4q6RUnHu12SHlPHhz9bE3DUqwl20Z5c8/s4080/20231110150011-PXL_20231111_010011438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvZ-N0lCBgvtroKwfCKRsd8P03sr1owu5EM_uP6njUnw4s8yTHI2m_2UwnFeXayJ0OGpPcqGj64rc13ad3xqnNJDyINaOOLaEV78WGBj_22UmwaoDMWZhK2mGVgDdRbRjw0CNCqckUNo_aPOcr52g0td9aGp4q6RUnHu12SHlPHhz9bE3DUqwl20Z5c8/s320/20231110150011-PXL_20231111_010011438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... like taking a peaceful walk through one</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">of the many garden-like city parks.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Oahu Island Circle Tour</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Since we didn't want to rent a car and try to make our way through the throngs of Honolulu traffic, we decided to take an eight hour tour with Go Tours Hawaii to see the sights on the less populated north side of the island. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQS_tfCfi4BMzmyIUr8KLAr6kUryAF9sOk3-WkoGKUsPBat2LM5ymavr4RyQFKbUAyOfJhHqJr9AuB7da1SMkskCKKba3kuuvPCu-34baWSRoOnOUYi0TakE0rj0N1kxTXcChjDF0OHcjktQTmj9yt9zrDKICN6evzq1P6X-hTMROFfU4Xvbu1UaALpM/s3824/20231113112601-PXL_20231113_212120934~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="3824" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQS_tfCfi4BMzmyIUr8KLAr6kUryAF9sOk3-WkoGKUsPBat2LM5ymavr4RyQFKbUAyOfJhHqJr9AuB7da1SMkskCKKba3kuuvPCu-34baWSRoOnOUYi0TakE0rj0N1kxTXcChjDF0OHcjktQTmj9yt9zrDKICN6evzq1P6X-hTMROFfU4Xvbu1UaALpM/w269-h220/20231113112601-PXL_20231113_212120934~2.jpg" width="269" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During our circle around Oahu,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm9GJrOEn3edzcuajIr5EFN3AJZLKXfe2fAJ9n5U-dAK2Ar23h1QMsPl07I70zH6UlWP-7UIMw_MtvvTUe62jk0ylphakYlFKoTX2Ledfyxw4hVd5Hod8leGprFz3RL2BgKGEFsTjYYpyXlYhbYhNgdTmFN8fELravoJDAUcI0cmyw1I3jzU6um9eqJY/s4624/20231113101112-PXL_20231113_201112497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm9GJrOEn3edzcuajIr5EFN3AJZLKXfe2fAJ9n5U-dAK2Ar23h1QMsPl07I70zH6UlWP-7UIMw_MtvvTUe62jk0ylphakYlFKoTX2Ledfyxw4hVd5Hod8leGprFz3RL2BgKGEFsTjYYpyXlYhbYhNgdTmFN8fELravoJDAUcI0cmyw1I3jzU6um9eqJY/s320/20231113101112-PXL_20231113_201112497.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">... we visited a Buddhist</span><span style="text-align: left;"> temple and garden,</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCChfhyphenhyphenhmmfkPAgVRIYL6Z5llzLh0m0lPrUetXEQFjN6Jfq1kiM8mxHNSLKaFe92Ie13kpdYeoJuO3ORPKjqHhsNWmNAkT2SYJ5An_8axywJAUdbl4Ews4jgA4i5594kBEckNughNjtElZ1Qk7CLoL5LE0qZ8OQmXnCGjZ2jq5fnD9Pc9x6Hazr8MN70/s4284/20231113155656-PXL_20231114_014839613~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="2284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCChfhyphenhyphenhmmfkPAgVRIYL6Z5llzLh0m0lPrUetXEQFjN6Jfq1kiM8mxHNSLKaFe92Ie13kpdYeoJuO3ORPKjqHhsNWmNAkT2SYJ5An_8axywJAUdbl4Ews4jgA4i5594kBEckNughNjtElZ1Qk7CLoL5LE0qZ8OQmXnCGjZ2jq5fnD9Pc9x6Hazr8MN70/s320/20231113155656-PXL_20231114_014839613~4.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">... saw the colorful Rainbow Eucalyptus tree, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdcM7k8Khyg1Luj5C36SIoMs2lPGxwaNV2bcYhBiIpt8N8KnLdzOmabsRUVamx9c8v_Dj-lTbgu-VSOYHr5p_Yc-Ld2QbhGtB-nIJQXuagSLXKGgrTjNq_e0d0IAyTlbYRxVPC4p1XWrMg0u2NdmPyHNGR0FEEm0BYFW2duZ-TnPngGIjVzEf0KAdsUE/s4624/20231113123005-PXL_20231113_223005835.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdcM7k8Khyg1Luj5C36SIoMs2lPGxwaNV2bcYhBiIpt8N8KnLdzOmabsRUVamx9c8v_Dj-lTbgu-VSOYHr5p_Yc-Ld2QbhGtB-nIJQXuagSLXKGgrTjNq_e0d0IAyTlbYRxVPC4p1XWrMg0u2NdmPyHNGR0FEEm0BYFW2duZ-TnPngGIjVzEf0KAdsUE/s320/20231113123005-PXL_20231113_223005835.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... enjoyed a delicious garlic butter shrimp lunch</div><div style="text-align: center;">at an oceanside cafe,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAbtqoRCPl2Nn0sf-RAQSqEAwCHql9HGMoXSgKBivXL_4VqjoDZpy7_qVLRWS5_-khehBcnPYlgDkDRdNwtH11jfVJMq7IVBP4vLCcPs6y3ZHemb2xnpFZBUOBFrGPYHu0VAjdXtXl_f2-FkmQMaHc_-sT-_oFpgnsAqNA8_OvoHJb6mZSOV0AkpFY9U/s4080/20231115135506-PXL_20231115_235506355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAbtqoRCPl2Nn0sf-RAQSqEAwCHql9HGMoXSgKBivXL_4VqjoDZpy7_qVLRWS5_-khehBcnPYlgDkDRdNwtH11jfVJMq7IVBP4vLCcPs6y3ZHemb2xnpFZBUOBFrGPYHu0VAjdXtXl_f2-FkmQMaHc_-sT-_oFpgnsAqNA8_OvoHJb6mZSOV0AkpFY9U/s320/20231115135506-PXL_20231115_235506355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and searched for surfers who were</div><div style="text-align: center;">nowhere to be seen on the unusually calm seas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dJ30Qsl9b4l1hif9vqwDdZ3BgJZG-uBvK7cF22kfrWB9NT0fG9HOMZoK89Vsz68fUGTdkHR5z35DMCzeXqFuV_8c9DdRuJX13ihsZKWx1ArlbMxODD0QPQmDLYdDjY4x3ZHVRaLt07CZ2ejz7K6NZ8Pug4TDksj_EosYEJNA9qcqIxNMtaXsU2sGKPM/s3648/20231113203159-20231113203159_IMG_0529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dJ30Qsl9b4l1hif9vqwDdZ3BgJZG-uBvK7cF22kfrWB9NT0fG9HOMZoK89Vsz68fUGTdkHR5z35DMCzeXqFuV_8c9DdRuJX13ihsZKWx1ArlbMxODD0QPQmDLYdDjY4x3ZHVRaLt07CZ2ejz7K6NZ8Pug4TDksj_EosYEJNA9qcqIxNMtaXsU2sGKPM/s320/20231113203159-20231113203159_IMG_0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The green sea turtle, however, seemed</div><div style="text-align: center;">to enjoy its quiet day at the beach.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>A Magnificent Hawaiian Concert Along With Mass</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-umJX8LtqdL1aCMkeXnmX_GY61OIzVApgYNkuomvvUVYyw5fxP1444VctZtyna63xsieUQis-zXsxRH5PhdjG-4ktlrbzWrCxPKuX_Jm5b1TMyRDVO9Loc13ahPeWfwM0Sfy4Glz2NeqixGNdJcXUyqpHjVSjBIjDeaYznTuBzTWyfAK2AhUb2fzkNF0/s3753/20231112144440-PXL_20231112_210200943~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3753" data-original-width="2924" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-umJX8LtqdL1aCMkeXnmX_GY61OIzVApgYNkuomvvUVYyw5fxP1444VctZtyna63xsieUQis-zXsxRH5PhdjG-4ktlrbzWrCxPKuX_Jm5b1TMyRDVO9Loc13ahPeWfwM0Sfy4Glz2NeqixGNdJcXUyqpHjVSjBIjDeaYznTuBzTWyfAK2AhUb2fzkNF0/s320/20231112144440-PXL_20231112_210200943~2.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Beautiful cultural experiences abound when we worship in the local churches. The beautiful Hawaiian music performed by this church choir reminded us once again that we all belong to one spiritual family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Our Impressions of Oahu</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Lots of Traffic ... Expensive Uber Rides ... Let's Take the Bus</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Seventy percent of Hawaii's population live in Honolulu County and <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">many, many</span></i></b> more visit every year. Because of that, there is a lot of traffic. Parking is also difficult and expensive. When we arrived during rush hour and saw that it took our Uber driver over an hour to go eleven miles, we're glad that we didn't rent a car. It was easy and fun to use public transportation and our feet to explore the island. The Honolulu bus is a simple and inexpensive way to get to many of the popular spots in the city. At the end of our Oahu visit, our one way bus fare back to the airport was $6 compared to the $60 fare that Uber charged us when we arrived. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFZJkfQwrHf6KSoc31YgP0o2MrvEQmfeCe5KgE26Sa2L7cTcnelgkOIfl7Zlf21cSCYAef2W7c6a5fDXBgMC642T0gDrOJLpwHGhBOjzQLrdYxoPY8GAf-RSQd8ILIHXhapIU18vSN4awG5x-V22bgAETl_9dEy77cVrEEZM7BA-rCQ6ROfMR4rYFoG8/s583/Oahu-Bus-Waikiki-Beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="583" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFZJkfQwrHf6KSoc31YgP0o2MrvEQmfeCe5KgE26Sa2L7cTcnelgkOIfl7Zlf21cSCYAef2W7c6a5fDXBgMC642T0gDrOJLpwHGhBOjzQLrdYxoPY8GAf-RSQd8ILIHXhapIU18vSN4awG5x-V22bgAETl_9dEy77cVrEEZM7BA-rCQ6ROfMR4rYFoG8/s320/Oahu-Bus-Waikiki-Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Expensive Resort or AirBnB Condo?</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There are plenty of high end resorts in Waikiki, but we were happy that we stayed in a studio apartment that we rented through Airbnb. It was close to beach and near to everywhere that we wanted to be. It had a comfortable bed, full bath, and a small kitchen which was adequate enough to prepare simple meals. The only downside was that the view from our two patios looked out at the other high rises. But, for less than $150/night, we were ok to forego our ocean view. A quick two block walk led us to some beautiful sunset views on Waikiki Beach. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnt7d7Ck75-K4msy5CGaJIDqAFk1Qq7QrJMlzjXVo5VYqsHxA2ZnSNaLJyCk2gab5E9Bvsg_Z-Km6Jl_YtRhvaQfxvJPj2uW4bo_MdLumwsEdGQvcxaYEA8ou7mXWFKDsQ5MJzGzaa4LDOEYvw5EG6IQA4-z-x3HLx8vyO7YZprVxkblkx9RbDKfaeTQ/s4080/20231109175029-PXL_20231110_035029698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnt7d7Ck75-K4msy5CGaJIDqAFk1Qq7QrJMlzjXVo5VYqsHxA2ZnSNaLJyCk2gab5E9Bvsg_Z-Km6Jl_YtRhvaQfxvJPj2uW4bo_MdLumwsEdGQvcxaYEA8ou7mXWFKDsQ5MJzGzaa4LDOEYvw5EG6IQA4-z-x3HLx8vyO7YZprVxkblkx9RbDKfaeTQ/w204-h271/20231109175029-PXL_20231110_035029698.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Affordable</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Food Options</span></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Waikiki Beach was surrounded by all sorts of food options that made it easy for us to ''live off the land.'' We enjoyed a few tasty and affordable meals by finding a nearby McDonald's and downloading their online app to take advantage of their ''deals''. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_TU5MLEId0UhpNsSUttRLBajo2nr6JiOJWxYPx4GvXl98ejjjvEV9bAud28G26Y-opLlXp3HDWW5AYk4leNM2cI-oM67RuGZStqvGak60MMSROznFO9d6Uko_1-9xD8Uu2AINE1gidpuDtCI9gpwIaTgV0jQv6xQO5ZeUqM69I8JHX42adV2aP150t0/s4624/20231108082455-PXL_20231108_182455234.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_TU5MLEId0UhpNsSUttRLBajo2nr6JiOJWxYPx4GvXl98ejjjvEV9bAud28G26Y-opLlXp3HDWW5AYk4leNM2cI-oM67RuGZStqvGak60MMSROznFO9d6Uko_1-9xD8Uu2AINE1gidpuDtCI9gpwIaTgV0jQv6xQO5ZeUqM69I8JHX42adV2aP150t0/w176-h235/20231108082455-PXL_20231108_182455234.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><i>Doug became very good at</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><i>''making'' breakfast!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We learned that many restaurants offer great ''happy hour'' specials which included good deals on food and drinks. My favorite was the refreshing $6 pina colada that we found at a garden-like food court. The menu selections at most restaurants were often large enough for us to share.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKSdcrcUkHWhYjXOaBhtyGk-Vujv7hbwhbYIikyjN74Szw-PoC3Gy2Oipdzd3tVqmmV1IwTetX3IzhBhdZ1tqVFwVPJDKftl9ea4ncuo0Xxqkd9N5s1PHNFbIYQOQ79BFyUDJ3Z1Any4nynseUMs15jtn_YwAYfTjshHDtBjo3fQqtqXN1Wl7AERyV9E/s4076/20231108192526-PXL_20231109_040248516.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4076" data-original-width="3375" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKSdcrcUkHWhYjXOaBhtyGk-Vujv7hbwhbYIikyjN74Szw-PoC3Gy2Oipdzd3tVqmmV1IwTetX3IzhBhdZ1tqVFwVPJDKftl9ea4ncuo0Xxqkd9N5s1PHNFbIYQOQ79BFyUDJ3Z1Any4nynseUMs15jtn_YwAYfTjshHDtBjo3fQqtqXN1Wl7AERyV9E/w207-h250/20231108192526-PXL_20231109_040248516.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Our coconut shrimp with rice was</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>very tasty and the perfect amount for two.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We ventured a little off the beaten path to find a neighborhood cafe that served up authentic Hawaiian Poke (raw ahi tuna marinated in garlic, oil, and soy sauce) with rice at more reasonable prices than restaurants on the Waikiki strip.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1oHdZKBLbcMv5-pL2DhWehc_efDVydCj17Et2mW5bN_JCH0tetEYeSibenoy_lRViir3I2OpnZieauq8Ty8oqhkIXhFrvMWBRuMe_GdBSrIUjT3Hcy2QWCxFretZzD6MlioflHMZBIksHAuS3_5NK0GsLWO2ZSIDW9aTU1M27ecSAJW0-AqXUevRQQU/s2726/20231112143521-PXL_20231112_232327787~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="1671" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1oHdZKBLbcMv5-pL2DhWehc_efDVydCj17Et2mW5bN_JCH0tetEYeSibenoy_lRViir3I2OpnZieauq8Ty8oqhkIXhFrvMWBRuMe_GdBSrIUjT3Hcy2QWCxFretZzD6MlioflHMZBIksHAuS3_5NK0GsLWO2ZSIDW9aTU1M27ecSAJW0-AqXUevRQQU/w183-h299/20231112143521-PXL_20231112_232327787~2.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Yes, I was a good sport and tried the Poke,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>but I think that I'll stick to the cooked coconut shrimp!</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If all else fails, we just looked for an ABC Store. This popular Hawaiian mini food mart has a store on just about every street corner. Each store carries an array of Hawaiian souvenirs and various ''grab 'n go'' food items. Our new favorite is Spam Musubi. Yes, that is the same Spam that is manufactured near our hometown in southern Minnesota. Layer it on top of sushi rice and wrap it in seaweed, and you're in ''Midwest Sushi Heaven''! I now understand why more Spam is eaten in Hawaii than in any other state.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAt6AF21RLbjo4q6WIpQ_ShbnE9fBinx47iWNQjVzWPopMOHSkxWAqvpEPQDItX98vcRXrccJ0etIhzbPKV0g3CuETUAnZL3_dCs-0-1QwSuk9Ir_6C9-WhSq-dHjXaJ6RbZ3NVrZYh4O-GwJrZsNKTZ29wG7zy0PlboQOVTkG-Vl09fZW2WlBGC9-M/s3765/20231111200016-PXL_20231112_042335868.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3765" data-original-width="3134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAt6AF21RLbjo4q6WIpQ_ShbnE9fBinx47iWNQjVzWPopMOHSkxWAqvpEPQDItX98vcRXrccJ0etIhzbPKV0g3CuETUAnZL3_dCs-0-1QwSuk9Ir_6C9-WhSq-dHjXaJ6RbZ3NVrZYh4O-GwJrZsNKTZ29wG7zy0PlboQOVTkG-Vl09fZW2WlBGC9-M/s320/20231111200016-PXL_20231112_042335868.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I think Spam has just added two more fans!</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Can We Afford to Visit Hawaii?</b></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we found quite reasonably priced airline tickets from San Diego to Honolulu ($225 round trip), we soon realized that getting to Hawaii was the only thing that was going to be reasonably priced. Lodging, transportation, entertainment, and food costs are higher than on the mainland, but there are ways to make it more affordable while still having fun. What one chooses is up to each individual. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We found that we could ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Enjoy our Journey in Oahu</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">by savoring the everyday beauty that surrounded us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJxdFBIhR8m5GzNd8DwrLBm8TWWvXO1Fgv-PSb5a-HIepvuCe447W7t4rCtIS6i_7cH7Yb4XuwkJLrEFihZ5yXYU31uZBMGMR2XulnWLMFCofzGST3lZoAjYwZ8qCShck3aFAhVR2UjR6VD0Rg8Vg7Pbr0rNT0CW_h7V0kR3QkwNQKUGoxq82QaahPwM/s4080/20231109173246-PXL_20231110_033246208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJxdFBIhR8m5GzNd8DwrLBm8TWWvXO1Fgv-PSb5a-HIepvuCe447W7t4rCtIS6i_7cH7Yb4XuwkJLrEFihZ5yXYU31uZBMGMR2XulnWLMFCofzGST3lZoAjYwZ8qCShck3aFAhVR2UjR6VD0Rg8Vg7Pbr0rNT0CW_h7V0kR3QkwNQKUGoxq82QaahPwM/s320/20231109173246-PXL_20231110_033246208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While we didn't find a lot of nature trails for hiking while we were in Waikiki, the city provided many opportunities to enjoy ''urban walks''. Some of the treasures that we found along the way included:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyyUkMUdDphwD-_eVVMGuZQYG0G3adrFzbYmTRq61OdslRS9Z6H3s5FzcB2Si8eQF16wDadSexxS4jxKxoOdDr1yzoCKhaXUPi-3c8HahNMEk0V8b0OScWCpnB_-nu2lvrpJKHIo4Pwhl-JSju-lhEuDvqEkWQM5NkgHIURPB6gF0bqCFEqjdxvOSFu4/s4417/20231110155242-PXL_20231110_210746425.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2746" data-original-width="4417" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyyUkMUdDphwD-_eVVMGuZQYG0G3adrFzbYmTRq61OdslRS9Z6H3s5FzcB2Si8eQF16wDadSexxS4jxKxoOdDr1yzoCKhaXUPi-3c8HahNMEk0V8b0OScWCpnB_-nu2lvrpJKHIo4Pwhl-JSju-lhEuDvqEkWQM5NkgHIURPB6gF0bqCFEqjdxvOSFu4/s320/20231110155242-PXL_20231110_210746425.MP~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... colorful views under the sea when our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">stroll took us to the Waikiki Aquarium,</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfLNrRSvG07nowKMSlRFHXE50i9J8vmq455PbIWE_dsvsNoulDweqxIRhCP3mUnOqKo8kDOnel4591rA-HPxI6xg4opiBEowbhC5CiHNvDm4o2tPIRjxU8ceOOdCa-JPjqjbVC9FymEjvuEbWboCI9Kv0DhSJCGZEfFDWovyjXso3-oNWJF-h2XqyO8Q/s3516/20231110131726-PXL_20231110_224517865~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2991" data-original-width="3516" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfLNrRSvG07nowKMSlRFHXE50i9J8vmq455PbIWE_dsvsNoulDweqxIRhCP3mUnOqKo8kDOnel4591rA-HPxI6xg4opiBEowbhC5CiHNvDm4o2tPIRjxU8ceOOdCa-JPjqjbVC9FymEjvuEbWboCI9Kv0DhSJCGZEfFDWovyjXso3-oNWJF-h2XqyO8Q/s320/20231110131726-PXL_20231110_224517865~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... a tasty free treat when Doug led us to</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">a BBQ rib competition in a local park,</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLylc7kt9EFs070_6VzqNkj5uxNts_FfkNGPP23ujyHxd2nYREvv_5cz2gsBtszYxU8Glp2M4C08wHaiDYP9lQjS13_xRY_SjRRg6ZghThpNEvST_y4rxTMP7W970RCDzrBOtsIc_mBbiODmQjDVN-QZU5E0t91xvM8cj6qHmINrEKFZcLLcyaVzjSnM/s3527/20231110152704-PXL_20231111_010257661.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="3527" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLylc7kt9EFs070_6VzqNkj5uxNts_FfkNGPP23ujyHxd2nYREvv_5cz2gsBtszYxU8Glp2M4C08wHaiDYP9lQjS13_xRY_SjRRg6ZghThpNEvST_y4rxTMP7W970RCDzrBOtsIc_mBbiODmQjDVN-QZU5E0t91xvM8cj6qHmINrEKFZcLLcyaVzjSnM/s320/20231110152704-PXL_20231111_010257661.PORTRAIT~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and plenty of colorful flowers </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to get us excited</span><span style="font-size: large;"> of what's in store for us</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">when we travel to our next Hawaiian island of Kauai!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Mahalo (thanks) for following along!</i></b></span></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-14588960353703961352023-11-07T02:44:00.000-06:002023-11-07T02:44:13.710-06:00California Dreamin' ... of Friends, Vineyards, Mountains, Beaches, And (hopefully) a Van Repair<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNlk6hZsjYhRlDjTCd6IK1vnAdx0WdPfhKizRgfVgXZWmnAYeu7Tbd1m7eSOrrnObtUNLrz-vi1SNPUMDKv7-5LU-ux1EjFm-XW1lHn65p6xGhO2RzmK2KJ4oheOknJ5my-JTruZNs7mmo0CbcpxJ0aUnkQOUdfYZ0l5_XlXhkh2c6SkZC_tSf69ZVk8/s4080/20231030181836-PXL_20231030_211813952~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNlk6hZsjYhRlDjTCd6IK1vnAdx0WdPfhKizRgfVgXZWmnAYeu7Tbd1m7eSOrrnObtUNLrz-vi1SNPUMDKv7-5LU-ux1EjFm-XW1lHn65p6xGhO2RzmK2KJ4oheOknJ5my-JTruZNs7mmo0CbcpxJ0aUnkQOUdfYZ0l5_XlXhkh2c6SkZC_tSf69ZVk8/w359-h270/20231030181836-PXL_20231030_211813952~2.jpg" width="359" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is no problem in the world that a sunny beach, a glass of wine, or time with friends can't cure. And that was especially true as we headed towards California with Doug's temporary coolant fix still holding.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ6dU_m4-C6l4aW66M_Jqh69wvBJVkW1fgKKQotg4iTycYMbx8562dgVqx-UlcJI3XO_1VNubDECCDe4Oz-yIg0BH-8ys6rIySJNU8STKn-rfhMLOgMsDo2gc7jzO86mVmxni5pZKH0VqLNNj6SgMnxO84hvZbIx3G6qx1pkgMoIr5MBMnVO80nx8qPg/s4624/20231016111333-PXL_20231016_171333570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ6dU_m4-C6l4aW66M_Jqh69wvBJVkW1fgKKQotg4iTycYMbx8562dgVqx-UlcJI3XO_1VNubDECCDe4Oz-yIg0BH-8ys6rIySJNU8STKn-rfhMLOgMsDo2gc7jzO86mVmxni5pZKH0VqLNNj6SgMnxO84hvZbIx3G6qx1pkgMoIr5MBMnVO80nx8qPg/s320/20231016111333-PXL_20231016_171333570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Before we crossed into California, the view the Red Mountains of southern Utah caught our eye. But something even better made us stop and enjoy the views for a few days. We met up with some of our favorite travel buddies, Joanne and Gary. While we recharged our van's batteries, our own internal batteries were recharged also as we enjoyed a few days of hiking, biking, and laughing together. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhqR6qt_P7HqaSC1Z19_JTLzFS0E1YMltyrgPqzLIeGulHfFqxgfuH77m9XX4t1lYJBxIE8jMcwZT9BIjnhBY84MsMpu7hyphenhyphenPFcxH_qBtOeMfdah-Gmr6CsBrKXhlUPSm5AKHTDV0273H2SNSV6E0nz9SkKNQKUbKvHGBVPGeY3TYDgFtPQZUTW2Z2SRA/s4624/20231017091218-PXL_20231017_151218302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhqR6qt_P7HqaSC1Z19_JTLzFS0E1YMltyrgPqzLIeGulHfFqxgfuH77m9XX4t1lYJBxIE8jMcwZT9BIjnhBY84MsMpu7hyphenhyphenPFcxH_qBtOeMfdah-Gmr6CsBrKXhlUPSm5AKHTDV0273H2SNSV6E0nz9SkKNQKUbKvHGBVPGeY3TYDgFtPQZUTW2Z2SRA/s320/20231017091218-PXL_20231017_151218302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As they headed towards their winter hangout in Arizona, we continued west to California. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD2F7R_HgRb6imfXJusBLOz04hS1AZoQRjCdaFVvFsrIyZxNMLjuXGD_kxa8ss-Wkp9r4G9LLoSwgdS1-ncqTdMH5tTemk3UwTc-eLH9WTcbaJ_1W3HHYxm9UOgfq4bXWBgmi7_x0N1jgHLWTyMdvIcFai2P6kpEL3GM9d4zqcR0w8ZH0pYyltnam0Ww/s4624/20231017101858-PXL_20231017_161858711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD2F7R_HgRb6imfXJusBLOz04hS1AZoQRjCdaFVvFsrIyZxNMLjuXGD_kxa8ss-Wkp9r4G9LLoSwgdS1-ncqTdMH5tTemk3UwTc-eLH9WTcbaJ_1W3HHYxm9UOgfq4bXWBgmi7_x0N1jgHLWTyMdvIcFai2P6kpEL3GM9d4zqcR0w8ZH0pYyltnam0Ww/s320/20231017101858-PXL_20231017_161858711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We headed through the magnificent canyons that lead from Las Vegas into the Mojave Desert of California. From there we traveled alongside the vast fields of agriculture that cover the central valley of the state. Miles and miles of fruit and nut trees, vegetable patches, olive groves, grape vines, and flower gardens fill this desert area with lush greenery.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MxDAR82_39_IpmoECQdHKOwyPpOjRPrtUXhE6v2q7zI_JsswkOHuKPVvL9YaE76EA_Ii4TKoGIxGP4d6d7pHFDi1m2BKKKCO4fruLJSoeZFYnB8GviIRa_xn1zIb5GK3x7NjCXIn4h52Bzp5NjN-keGzzHAwzeNg8xS3Yuu_Q-YdTphQxfFEEJoA55k/s3876/20231019143525-PXL_20231018_203139375~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="3876" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MxDAR82_39_IpmoECQdHKOwyPpOjRPrtUXhE6v2q7zI_JsswkOHuKPVvL9YaE76EA_Ii4TKoGIxGP4d6d7pHFDi1m2BKKKCO4fruLJSoeZFYnB8GviIRa_xn1zIb5GK3x7NjCXIn4h52Bzp5NjN-keGzzHAwzeNg8xS3Yuu_Q-YdTphQxfFEEJoA55k/w389-h208/20231019143525-PXL_20231018_203139375~3.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our lunch stop was in the midst of a lavender flower farm. Just imagine a purple blanket of flowers stretching on for miles in mid summer. Their gift shop tempted the visitor with lavender soaps and aroma-therapies, and for hot and thirsty travelers like us, lavender-flavored ice cream and lemonade hit the spot. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">But we best not tardy,</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> as we headed to the Morro Bay Rock in search of ...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj868TYzRy7Ww8-ieV3td_x-zn5BfcOp84Kf1Dz5qnCn1aiBHICj7hLTIvM2L77m0rGIiW1ZhAt-X_HUCv3WxPjbj3sLRdXK9UnO4diKjaT9_V9w0lPwEF5YA4JfKrOKMA8xGZTAv4vy2-asIRYMAOj6LDGHukwcJ4M_KtMPkpTLNQ2eYyTGFT-7wSmKjE/s2892/20231022175206-PXL_20231020_214924460~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj868TYzRy7Ww8-ieV3td_x-zn5BfcOp84Kf1Dz5qnCn1aiBHICj7hLTIvM2L77m0rGIiW1ZhAt-X_HUCv3WxPjbj3sLRdXK9UnO4diKjaT9_V9w0lPwEF5YA4JfKrOKMA8xGZTAv4vy2-asIRYMAOj6LDGHukwcJ4M_KtMPkpTLNQ2eYyTGFT-7wSmKjE/s320/20231022175206-PXL_20231020_214924460~2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>the Hymer-Heads!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbvSKRWS0B6vjN7TPJhMs1ibyforXBJQHMA1YoIh6Eq0q6eLmaq-vDhsFWeYVMw1eBGNgeMhqGa7D3czS2GEK_43xw2hDv85ldKERHVAwolGQUNlDeVqWKC-7dKi_hzzEtoeSBHkuKy4uAuX3uVt7JPDY37N2u5mzQ28IYC5LRUacqGRXTFoKRl1u5_I/s4624/20231020164805-PXL_20231020_234805983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbvSKRWS0B6vjN7TPJhMs1ibyforXBJQHMA1YoIh6Eq0q6eLmaq-vDhsFWeYVMw1eBGNgeMhqGa7D3czS2GEK_43xw2hDv85ldKERHVAwolGQUNlDeVqWKC-7dKi_hzzEtoeSBHkuKy4uAuX3uVt7JPDY37N2u5mzQ28IYC5LRUacqGRXTFoKRl1u5_I/s320/20231020164805-PXL_20231020_234805983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A couple of times a year some of the owners of vans like ours gather in different parts of the country to share travel stories and a lot of laughs, while also ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJztlmVkJqD6qebhAD-R7AafSX9dJup3qTeu8kpSE946kSVKJtK2CklMCkKAPJlCXzUScxcxV5O7iBPiRB7CFq6t_-SnGexQo1CO8KTmnu7qXvl_Sprhe2JdBURL4AqSvUrGgn1poPnbOCLmh3FzZyD9YxGFcgirGm_QeA2AU1nQmgxPdCezAEZMfHig4/s3590/20231022175800-PXL_20231020_182929343~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3097" data-original-width="3590" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJztlmVkJqD6qebhAD-R7AafSX9dJup3qTeu8kpSE946kSVKJtK2CklMCkKAPJlCXzUScxcxV5O7iBPiRB7CFq6t_-SnGexQo1CO8KTmnu7qXvl_Sprhe2JdBURL4AqSvUrGgn1poPnbOCLmh3FzZyD9YxGFcgirGm_QeA2AU1nQmgxPdCezAEZMfHig4/w271-h234/20231022175800-PXL_20231020_182929343~2.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... holding ''fix-it'' sessions to try and figure out the complexities of Hymer's battery systems,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BEEoPjUSQjZQj3GX1Q2z8Pc0Av0YwHNPeNj5BybQhVMYTOOnAk80o4oU8SkPGQ8IpVrypwYkyQbSMAnd3P9NrWfg5vJENisgcZ97WblvtNjdHyB-m7v71CTHCI_8cXRrXUC1PKN7lmehDbEZAfZQ0h49zLvPuuFZck0UGY-FOQrpjtpSNZaU9kZehJs/s4071/20231022180106-PXL_20231022_002014469~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="4071" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BEEoPjUSQjZQj3GX1Q2z8Pc0Av0YwHNPeNj5BybQhVMYTOOnAk80o4oU8SkPGQ8IpVrypwYkyQbSMAnd3P9NrWfg5vJENisgcZ97WblvtNjdHyB-m7v71CTHCI_8cXRrXUC1PKN7lmehDbEZAfZQ0h49zLvPuuFZck0UGY-FOQrpjtpSNZaU9kZehJs/s320/20231022180106-PXL_20231022_002014469~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... sharing campfire cooking skills with a dutch oven cooking demonstrations,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GiPg2kzR2xZmrLeuaAlYXNLF3_VO8Xf1Ts4aV5wXg6Xhm69pCvw8LY_50bpoMMY7I_lcv3etYOWYeFfXABUOkrg85F6SUwWxOScqcJ570lJDYCev_pgKDPNZPZWYipqvvHwe8EwEtRkPPDHSwL-Wq9YqQ9yE4C9GDFk-v2-QhECH-xkebbrUZJVgcOg/s981/20231022175633-PXL_20231020_204605686_exported_870_1698022507065~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="981" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GiPg2kzR2xZmrLeuaAlYXNLF3_VO8Xf1Ts4aV5wXg6Xhm69pCvw8LY_50bpoMMY7I_lcv3etYOWYeFfXABUOkrg85F6SUwWxOScqcJ570lJDYCev_pgKDPNZPZWYipqvvHwe8EwEtRkPPDHSwL-Wq9YqQ9yE4C9GDFk-v2-QhECH-xkebbrUZJVgcOg/s320/20231022175633-PXL_20231020_204605686_exported_870_1698022507065~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and learning about and enjoying the beautiful outdoors as one member took us on a guided bird hike.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During this weekend meet-up, Doug and I not only saw some great ideas for sprucing up Baby Beest, but more importantly, we formed new friendships with people who share our travel passion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Q-ZeDcD31T_UawAZnpQwBZbyKCAFo7wL3seonJUUfpCTNEHPsIIIrsD079MIquBE8JqFC7W33ya_EOF_moFyq3LL8LwjH8jzOXLGKBS8KjDH8uu0xpjEY9XSngHyTPEi6MImkh7Mdio3ZqMQZ-1EtCxI3YYBAYDPfu1dDupR1ht2aBTaxJB1tRw9sI/s3918/20231022174410-PXL_20231021_220244627~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2931" data-original-width="3918" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Q-ZeDcD31T_UawAZnpQwBZbyKCAFo7wL3seonJUUfpCTNEHPsIIIrsD079MIquBE8JqFC7W33ya_EOF_moFyq3LL8LwjH8jzOXLGKBS8KjDH8uu0xpjEY9XSngHyTPEi6MImkh7Mdio3ZqMQZ-1EtCxI3YYBAYDPfu1dDupR1ht2aBTaxJB1tRw9sI/s320/20231022174410-PXL_20231021_220244627~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After our fun weekend, we headed north right through ... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWFW1Uy4oFII4xcQDiR88SgSYmSwWCjB1_pmTv5YZsR7tVBhnDGnZM8gFKvZfpWFj6zbAIOFMVjW2C1Vzlnw47j0MYqpEAlNjfG0sBJyM1bz9HDN_YnGLiswU7h_K2vdsA3YGjUkg2kgyFvoaImgT1P8w1IW6cx6VLX6F8_VCP7YhxDGG5J4G_gpWqBU/s4465/20231028165002-PXL_20231028_234925411.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4465" data-original-width="3353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWFW1Uy4oFII4xcQDiR88SgSYmSwWCjB1_pmTv5YZsR7tVBhnDGnZM8gFKvZfpWFj6zbAIOFMVjW2C1Vzlnw47j0MYqpEAlNjfG0sBJyM1bz9HDN_YnGLiswU7h_K2vdsA3YGjUkg2kgyFvoaImgT1P8w1IW6cx6VLX6F8_VCP7YhxDGG5J4G_gpWqBU/s320/20231028165002-PXL_20231028_234925411.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #762ac7; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>California Wine Country!</i></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuehkkpKRVPfiNJaiwEIzrgx7I1AAyc_RuRELGGv1HlJkUXq6vHCdcJtEpXT4jTiTQcxs1xI1CU9mUDPd-O0PPfg2fFKHaED73qhyphenhyphenPo6dwhyphenhyphenrLkyxrwihxlrATxHpGvu1wwhfkN1Eayul8cL6uk0A4JxXA0TXWZQ4v0m5bSTu0MC42F_hr_u0mVtpbr8/s4491/20231023184024-PXL_20231024_010711765.MP~4%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3372" data-original-width="4491" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuehkkpKRVPfiNJaiwEIzrgx7I1AAyc_RuRELGGv1HlJkUXq6vHCdcJtEpXT4jTiTQcxs1xI1CU9mUDPd-O0PPfg2fFKHaED73qhyphenhyphenPo6dwhyphenhyphenrLkyxrwihxlrATxHpGvu1wwhfkN1Eayul8cL6uk0A4JxXA0TXWZQ4v0m5bSTu0MC42F_hr_u0mVtpbr8/s320/20231023184024-PXL_20231024_010711765.MP~4%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We enjoyed a few overnights boondocking in the lovely gardens of wineries that participate in the Harvest Host program. It's a win-win situation when vineyard owners allow us to spend the night after enjoying some of their fine wines in the serene surroundings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PxyyTo8qBp4aiivWQCoS9qUKhBIFZ6LMJ2PoWZWJbvPLNBD5eAgE9kKrMd7rkklrLivGitfmmDfvXS6IxIj_bN2aA9KlUwuxAxQvHfQJ4SUFbYeI3BzwYufWZlz90yMNrpALoAyFdcfskthpNZ4P-fZD6QBhKjuOLl35ccxJzSEHcOrGI5p6Pt47HGE/s4624/20231024172150-PXL_20231025_002150100.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PxyyTo8qBp4aiivWQCoS9qUKhBIFZ6LMJ2PoWZWJbvPLNBD5eAgE9kKrMd7rkklrLivGitfmmDfvXS6IxIj_bN2aA9KlUwuxAxQvHfQJ4SUFbYeI3BzwYufWZlz90yMNrpALoAyFdcfskthpNZ4P-fZD6QBhKjuOLl35ccxJzSEHcOrGI5p6Pt47HGE/s320/20231024172150-PXL_20231025_002150100.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While I would have loved more pampering at this lovely poolside winery, it was Baby Beest's turn for pampering in Livermore, California. That is where Edge VanWorks, a shop that specializes in camper van modifications and repairs, is located. The owner, Gordon, is highly revered in the Hymer community for his knowledge of inner workings of our particular type of Class B van. After Doug talked with him, we felt confident that Gordon could install a simpler type of generator to keep our house batteries charged while getting our coolant system working reliably once again. <i>(That's the simplified version of what we needed to have done. If you are interested in the specific details, talk to Doug.) </i>So while he worked on her in order to get the coolant system and under-hood generator back in working order, we hung out at a few local businesses including a delightful French pastry and coffee shop.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeb08plMwAUX5IMtQhkzX_t1a5_4TTKM62XGPXJXlfw0xwjm2eCw2t0iZZxKi4CXz1GdQfO3M5uD5PnNpgMdRyECWdcRhLvX-ki3lYuQr5PBB7k6goF54AcskhASVLjPk3WjtKFYhIEEQt1sXqfVtR6g4bJEVh36LBPhA29rpHD4fnqYXZI1xOXfa4iY/s4624/20231025105820-PXL_20231025_173946384.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeb08plMwAUX5IMtQhkzX_t1a5_4TTKM62XGPXJXlfw0xwjm2eCw2t0iZZxKi4CXz1GdQfO3M5uD5PnNpgMdRyECWdcRhLvX-ki3lYuQr5PBB7k6goF54AcskhASVLjPk3WjtKFYhIEEQt1sXqfVtR6g4bJEVh36LBPhA29rpHD4fnqYXZI1xOXfa4iY/s320/20231025105820-PXL_20231025_173946384.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>How does one choose?</i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Hopeful that Gordon resolved</span> our coolant issues, we started back towards southern California with a few stops along the way to visit two more national parks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Pinnacles National Park</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1omFTul9Ik8G7O2EjquAo96YlH12ADWE216d_OnYgML2qOHX1ZAnNUwqgFRI_WCMoChSy0l_CT7QhghFgPiDGozXzQiaouEBHo_LW_ieN90KOWMGgyiRszN44cUoJTKJZmjaUtFjpJABXD9tMrMAYVKKHUkmy2GpoWB6zLZTEPTFXwpExhbkI8xqSNQ/s4450/20231027193911-PXL_20231027_213534716~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4450" data-original-width="3341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1omFTul9Ik8G7O2EjquAo96YlH12ADWE216d_OnYgML2qOHX1ZAnNUwqgFRI_WCMoChSy0l_CT7QhghFgPiDGozXzQiaouEBHo_LW_ieN90KOWMGgyiRszN44cUoJTKJZmjaUtFjpJABXD9tMrMAYVKKHUkmy2GpoWB6zLZTEPTFXwpExhbkI8xqSNQ/s320/20231027193911-PXL_20231027_213534716~2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The California conger has been successfully re-introduced and today soars high above the mountain peaks at Pinnacles National Park in north-central California. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSfW6fNlalqqKLekva4XivvR2PqSYgPcreNg55cdm6Ha7FWAc2iczouvM-XzE1bAI3HExOPg6GFxGjQcFo4B53U_k9ImPa40U14EvM9g3t3CYlWLGg6MD8OHK9QZYUsGWnHrZ1ElHShyphenhyphen4L2N8HlJEs3d30wXhBO5wifggt45SK8isfhDxzLsWdClJZOI/s4080/20231028100432-PXL_20231028_170345105~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSfW6fNlalqqKLekva4XivvR2PqSYgPcreNg55cdm6Ha7FWAc2iczouvM-XzE1bAI3HExOPg6GFxGjQcFo4B53U_k9ImPa40U14EvM9g3t3CYlWLGg6MD8OHK9QZYUsGWnHrZ1ElHShyphenhyphen4L2N8HlJEs3d30wXhBO5wifggt45SK8isfhDxzLsWdClJZOI/s320/20231028100432-PXL_20231028_170345105~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The park has miles of trails that brought us up to great heights as we climbed to see a mountain reservoir, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPLjFF8y1ZmfSzAN5M2lDtezrRG822keV48I1y_1FAq1XQdiYn1xv8L3u0rIZyWjjLrMN_bbksIWPXAbUHjx1Zbp2hK6PTQ2gWEpcPLYTasHrRkKWR-KqrvmtvORKoOFkHVUAlNrnKnal4s-tqX68adZ8LGLXPTRSKkrZXvL-KBd1Jl-kf9uuAlptYU0/s4080/20231027141800-PXL_20231027_211800103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPLjFF8y1ZmfSzAN5M2lDtezrRG822keV48I1y_1FAq1XQdiYn1xv8L3u0rIZyWjjLrMN_bbksIWPXAbUHjx1Zbp2hK6PTQ2gWEpcPLYTasHrRkKWR-KqrvmtvORKoOFkHVUAlNrnKnal4s-tqX68adZ8LGLXPTRSKkrZXvL-KBd1Jl-kf9uuAlptYU0/s320/20231027141800-PXL_20231027_211800103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">.. as well as down on our knees as we made our way through a few boulder-sculpted caves.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Channel Islands National Park</i></b></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our travels went from mountains to beaches as we made our way towards San Diego. Along the way, we stopped to check out the Channel Islands which is nicknamed the ''the Galapagos of North America'' because of the unique animals and plants that are only found on these islands located about 20 miles off shore of Ventura, California. While it's possible to stop at the Visitor's Center on the mainland, the only way to ''officially'' visit the national park is to take a boat tour. So glad that this time we ''sort of'' planned ahead and got tickets to visit one of the islands, Santa Cruz.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Some highlights included:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypP5KHBY59zLWu4FjXmNg9NjQp5ZPFMF2WtSmv3W-gJZsQn7sfvcTwX8mNTedzBR6L8jhhv7xq7ZYZMPALQVyPRBSW-_cKP3QN2-NbbRFP4SVtgbSIhvI97Q3damjYYW65ZX5xVgds_-6nLUUm0uqdjg87-29tBd5p_GJZUCBx89ick4T9QMY-M4DgsA/s1601/20231031163128-PXL_20231031_233128474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1601" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypP5KHBY59zLWu4FjXmNg9NjQp5ZPFMF2WtSmv3W-gJZsQn7sfvcTwX8mNTedzBR6L8jhhv7xq7ZYZMPALQVyPRBSW-_cKP3QN2-NbbRFP4SVtgbSIhvI97Q3damjYYW65ZX5xVgds_-6nLUUm0uqdjg87-29tBd5p_GJZUCBx89ick4T9QMY-M4DgsA/s320/20231031163128-PXL_20231031_233128474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... a spectacular dolphin show from the boat on the way to and from the island,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcHOJ8_Vvtujfnu7w6qUt7gdEsuYKqVDiTitzp1yisfD0-QuL5txyxFD1TXd1RVCUq0iGErtXHHtTwhc2a3pkMX-3BYcIqoZvgGkY7JpUjaZVEDlUi2j9FOLAE8IlQFEmBQ6h_mSVByk4WThhuFW5k8bRMHo-FmIf9zaJjvDXExe2jw8O-hKlTk8LUyQ/s4019/20231031204743-PXL_20231031_191158039~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3017" data-original-width="4019" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcHOJ8_Vvtujfnu7w6qUt7gdEsuYKqVDiTitzp1yisfD0-QuL5txyxFD1TXd1RVCUq0iGErtXHHtTwhc2a3pkMX-3BYcIqoZvgGkY7JpUjaZVEDlUi2j9FOLAE8IlQFEmBQ6h_mSVByk4WThhuFW5k8bRMHo-FmIf9zaJjvDXExe2jw8O-hKlTk8LUyQ/s320/20231031204743-PXL_20231031_191158039~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and an information nature hike with one of the park volunteers during which we learned how the islands are slowly returning to their natural state after years of abuse by ranchers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQbHpPOJeIjBu1NdMPWCn96EoNuybFbElthgTb8C0Nf6dTiDNakdi1QbD0q8dZFNoGKbZlArN-re1i0bH7PNvnxciYp4yWLaaCDyfvwXzRcvfal0_GkMxc4y3zLb8soy33tlayDvfFhfVFPlbYeL3uMswAH7dzCqmUKERo9TiLfNL5t_ieXE1d7om-0/s3648/20231031171722-20231031171722_IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQbHpPOJeIjBu1NdMPWCn96EoNuybFbElthgTb8C0Nf6dTiDNakdi1QbD0q8dZFNoGKbZlArN-re1i0bH7PNvnxciYp4yWLaaCDyfvwXzRcvfal0_GkMxc4y3zLb8soy33tlayDvfFhfVFPlbYeL3uMswAH7dzCqmUKERo9TiLfNL5t_ieXE1d7om-0/w278-h209/20231031171722-20231031171722_IMG_0506.JPG" width="278" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The island scrub jay, found only on Santa Cruz Island, is enjoying the re-emergence of native plants.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhUorz4a3xk31GYRpWtdcSIONpp2WI6lqRk9EXoRePQDeNRWIOUmRtOMYHU1lozy3L22wGTaVWDhV8lDVcSCqOAQdMRzh9pPu-_jLYPz0ReE6cVTSeHKuPFsP3O-Drv-llpAzocnKDip3ppXPdtZ0QwVNgvJ-1RmTphjROVwZ02Vu3A83XDK1ZLpQQps/s3648/20231031174433-20231031174433_IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhUorz4a3xk31GYRpWtdcSIONpp2WI6lqRk9EXoRePQDeNRWIOUmRtOMYHU1lozy3L22wGTaVWDhV8lDVcSCqOAQdMRzh9pPu-_jLYPz0ReE6cVTSeHKuPFsP3O-Drv-llpAzocnKDip3ppXPdtZ0QwVNgvJ-1RmTphjROVwZ02Vu3A83XDK1ZLpQQps/w274-h206/20231031174433-20231031174433_IMG_0514.JPG" width="274" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Channel Island fox, who was near extinction, is once again enjoying his island playground as a result of conservation efforts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM3rnWaQhyBlty1lY61Z2MPiSYKNHYDM4CyY9Ebi7G42kJ1T_4yNyGIIWtHLaAbhQRZ7d76iiWnd7cu5KrzD8ip5p38YZgf948yY2kyeNogIbnNQWp3-a9OdeUS-QpsxzmuJa5Uk4zkwslRiMuXpWaHiO8sS3lnl2_vY-ou-N6nn_xIAlKtXGzS6YExc/s4080/20231030140423-PXL_20231030_210423101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM3rnWaQhyBlty1lY61Z2MPiSYKNHYDM4CyY9Ebi7G42kJ1T_4yNyGIIWtHLaAbhQRZ7d76iiWnd7cu5KrzD8ip5p38YZgf948yY2kyeNogIbnNQWp3-a9OdeUS-QpsxzmuJa5Uk4zkwslRiMuXpWaHiO8sS3lnl2_vY-ou-N6nn_xIAlKtXGzS6YExc/s320/20231030140423-PXL_20231030_210423101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After a few days camping at a California State Beach along the Pacific Ocean and enjoying spectacular sunset views,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhh0MbMeRWO1vj4GpGTY7YBTCaRsxkSzceMuobrdy2IIZIWXLHhVK6zdomO9opgya2g67oU25-cBV-ilCZCyzgNUNI1RintUEV9XrJvL8_ff3xH8GaVWfUPMDdWat0LYdiGPLoQuirqxeQS7-2YHJLLiH7G0Efo6OuKImN81-4e-dVoMy69E40ZxiF1w/s4080/20231029175554-PXL_20231030_005554095%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhh0MbMeRWO1vj4GpGTY7YBTCaRsxkSzceMuobrdy2IIZIWXLHhVK6zdomO9opgya2g67oU25-cBV-ilCZCyzgNUNI1RintUEV9XrJvL8_ff3xH8GaVWfUPMDdWat0LYdiGPLoQuirqxeQS7-2YHJLLiH7G0Efo6OuKImN81-4e-dVoMy69E40ZxiF1w/s320/20231029175554-PXL_20231030_005554095%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... it was on to Los Angeles, where my skillful driver successfully avoided the dreaded rush hour snarls, and we got to spend some time with dear friends who recently moved out there. They don't miss the cold and snow, and we made sure that they don't miss sharing laughs with old friends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2nZ6Fr04-ROduyaQqv1JvFuuCxyulxi3EJsgv9nOHqQ9bo2VVmb6MwCzwplgrUNKNfVvvEUrnqMcT4qRKPK5lM1AQfzBifJvcmpNBi3N1rwZnsKN3ivAsYmcf6MtCc-ytGJq3lc7EPQIJZrsWMPehyphenhyphenIZLKTDMM-aKy1gFwsgaE84R9iTs19u5dP8aAU/s3648/20231102114358-PXL_20231102_184358013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2nZ6Fr04-ROduyaQqv1JvFuuCxyulxi3EJsgv9nOHqQ9bo2VVmb6MwCzwplgrUNKNfVvvEUrnqMcT4qRKPK5lM1AQfzBifJvcmpNBi3N1rwZnsKN3ivAsYmcf6MtCc-ytGJq3lc7EPQIJZrsWMPehyphenhyphenIZLKTDMM-aKy1gFwsgaE84R9iTs19u5dP8aAU/s320/20231102114358-PXL_20231102_184358013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While there, we had a moment of panic, when Doug a detected small coolant leak. He was able to replace a loose clamp that he suspects was the culprit, and with fingers crossed,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAbXleN2rffOeoHNZKRNsOLbybgkKb7zp6yBiRrEAlMwXBsdVWHh8KKE5WOFGwYVqOe6Vmgl_TQYpSUPgmIXKaZVMDirB6YKMvBCCrpKaO8M9CKRHECip6hk6oX6dyrTuttoqMt0jynyetovR7zJu5wOT8lu8u_8gS0eWjH-SUaQQm4CxErtvAVuymZ4/s3384/20231103214052-PXL_20231103_202216921~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2199" data-original-width="3384" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAbXleN2rffOeoHNZKRNsOLbybgkKb7zp6yBiRrEAlMwXBsdVWHh8KKE5WOFGwYVqOe6Vmgl_TQYpSUPgmIXKaZVMDirB6YKMvBCCrpKaO8M9CKRHECip6hk6oX6dyrTuttoqMt0jynyetovR7zJu5wOT8lu8u_8gS0eWjH-SUaQQm4CxErtvAVuymZ4/s320/20231103214052-PXL_20231103_202216921~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... we headed to San Diego where we visited with more sunshine-loving friends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVAZ06h3cUkhCDhfDqttA4modu4LuQs00tz3RW68JYQXGX6b6Qa7wZP94Q_kc4-gS3tgBo4hEwy6CbkUhbwLmLFAwHQbI_C1IbjdwdLV7lb_1_VTfuFt51mir-MI_A6VHohyEm_jucOpx6T6YpAYCWRNyI-DKeUxks-l2fqYNlTDZojjBuM6v4Y8kJX0/s3648/20231105123721-PXL_20231105_203721373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVAZ06h3cUkhCDhfDqttA4modu4LuQs00tz3RW68JYQXGX6b6Qa7wZP94Q_kc4-gS3tgBo4hEwy6CbkUhbwLmLFAwHQbI_C1IbjdwdLV7lb_1_VTfuFt51mir-MI_A6VHohyEm_jucOpx6T6YpAYCWRNyI-DKeUxks-l2fqYNlTDZojjBuM6v4Y8kJX0/s320/20231105123721-PXL_20231105_203721373.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here is also were we will leave Baby Beest for a few weeks as we board a plane in order to visit our 50th state of</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ee560a; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>Hawaii</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJghmhWtmJ72c6R1FtyZdsb1ngReWW7_Jc_UvaGQSeijCzJb5CF-g6Drqk42A_2u_LDpVXBiSzKBmq-_344lHATx2NlHhpY_OVOs5UmEJrOib2SINEituL8YObRyTnx0DpkZV-aoGCM3te83DmakmnKnOC1eQA8bHHxGowaeiDXTtyhe2yxxpBeD1118/s1608/20231102120949-PXL_20231102_190949897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1608" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJghmhWtmJ72c6R1FtyZdsb1ngReWW7_Jc_UvaGQSeijCzJb5CF-g6Drqk42A_2u_LDpVXBiSzKBmq-_344lHATx2NlHhpY_OVOs5UmEJrOib2SINEituL8YObRyTnx0DpkZV-aoGCM3te83DmakmnKnOC1eQA8bHHxGowaeiDXTtyhe2yxxpBeD1118/w282-h215/20231102120949-PXL_20231102_190949897.jpg" width="282" /></a></div></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We're trading our California dreamin' in for dreams of (bird of) Paradise!</span></div><div><br /></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-71292135598677716572023-10-26T15:53:00.000-05:002023-10-26T15:53:46.853-05:00There's No Eclipsing the Beauty of Great Basin National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t3w5SzI2XYu8S6RXl9YiBDOKOFt-so0dPLRMrBS811rwTHPsXfcZGuvj2A-yaccccZlxRgQIrwKtkI58gHhHmAiyLzLzHQwRQDmCfW1DZI_7h8bGLkF6KxzdgNapKA77puNHmTscH0L3ZbFDbO6t8Z7F2QJ1v0TbBjdoFgJu6IsXWiy7cdZJzhuxRPA/s1500/20231012203750-PXL_20231012_204456755~2(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t3w5SzI2XYu8S6RXl9YiBDOKOFt-so0dPLRMrBS811rwTHPsXfcZGuvj2A-yaccccZlxRgQIrwKtkI58gHhHmAiyLzLzHQwRQDmCfW1DZI_7h8bGLkF6KxzdgNapKA77puNHmTscH0L3ZbFDbO6t8Z7F2QJ1v0TbBjdoFgJu6IsXWiy7cdZJzhuxRPA/s320/20231012203750-PXL_20231012_204456755~2(1).jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug normally doesn't have too many travel destination requests. If there's a brewery stop in his future, he's a happy camper. So when he suggested that we plan our October travels around a celestial event, I made sure to take notice. Being able to observe an annular eclipse is a big deal for my star-gazing partner. Being able to observe it against the backdrop of the mountains of Great Basin National Park made it memorable for the both of us!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUyNL62mZX4-Nz1kd05kp0mNuC-ZKILk9sF-DsmynQegH-qGE2h4Qqoxq2CyIitYq92_C-xb6QtYw8kE2uwvecgDF48LE8Lnn-QozthxYPN7Ou61iS_ZzDQCYu9TLHAPixS9NUOfnvd4wbz7IignIVLGrJJcPlg1fD4hrZ4EDwk0RqDEtAdH6DYZaK48/s3648/20231011132739-PXL_20231011_192739499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUyNL62mZX4-Nz1kd05kp0mNuC-ZKILk9sF-DsmynQegH-qGE2h4Qqoxq2CyIitYq92_C-xb6QtYw8kE2uwvecgDF48LE8Lnn-QozthxYPN7Ou61iS_ZzDQCYu9TLHAPixS9NUOfnvd4wbz7IignIVLGrJJcPlg1fD4hrZ4EDwk0RqDEtAdH6DYZaK48/s320/20231011132739-PXL_20231011_192739499.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The journey here had been a <i>tad bit</i> stressful with our coolant leak issues, but fix #3 was currently still holding, so we felt confident driving two hours into the middle of nowhere to visit our 44th national park. Great Basin National Park derives its name from a huge geological area that encompasses most of Nevada. It's called the Great Basin because all the water in the streams and rivers of this area drain into shallow salt lakes, marshes, and mud flats rather than making their way to the ocean. These water reserves eventually evaporate into the dry desert air. Great Basin is one of the few national parks where you can experience both the hot desert and the cold alpine environment by just driving a half hour up the road from the Visitor Center.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZQqjuDmx8Rw6FrRXjulMdNHA1Trb7L_ZxBkMcSdlLqb9_DgI7xAPBxOVe4S59QzvNdh7GxMdCaczdHymtM0M3cUpf0j5g6Dx5rpXeDGzObzuUhoDsWlD1aXdwCsvsC-Km1zBwx-U7WQF2042l9Z9EWTIrTAtyt3kpg9X5lPsNgZrSYT7kU1l3X_c-Eo/s1577/20231012153214-PXL_20231012_213214931.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1577" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZQqjuDmx8Rw6FrRXjulMdNHA1Trb7L_ZxBkMcSdlLqb9_DgI7xAPBxOVe4S59QzvNdh7GxMdCaczdHymtM0M3cUpf0j5g6Dx5rpXeDGzObzuUhoDsWlD1aXdwCsvsC-Km1zBwx-U7WQF2042l9Z9EWTIrTAtyt3kpg9X5lPsNgZrSYT7kU1l3X_c-Eo/w358-h224/20231012153214-PXL_20231012_213214931.MP.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We left 80 degree temps on the desert floor (5500 feet elevation), found 60 degree temps in the national park campground (7500 feet elevation), and donned our winter jackets in the 40 degree temps found on the trails near Wheeler Peak (10,000+ feet elevation).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobAmG0Mcf2-C2I08fE634krDBcPcx0FZYr0UvB8NuVmrKajUximBVoS_-K3FbT_VXWuyB48Mi1OVaRqaSz-2MOqgnsUkpVGJAGf98Rf7fAxtjxZD1FCCitbeIbhLl4pEPDZ-ru9YwOCMfYrdCU88dniMD_799gMJS6jcv64en467V-nqtmZcjCF4aPUg/s4624/20231012212051-PXL_20231012_204436309~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobAmG0Mcf2-C2I08fE634krDBcPcx0FZYr0UvB8NuVmrKajUximBVoS_-K3FbT_VXWuyB48Mi1OVaRqaSz-2MOqgnsUkpVGJAGf98Rf7fAxtjxZD1FCCitbeIbhLl4pEPDZ-ru9YwOCMfYrdCU88dniMD_799gMJS6jcv64en467V-nqtmZcjCF4aPUg/s320/20231012212051-PXL_20231012_204436309~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And that was also where we found ...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1beAh-V2vxAqEClut-5pxudwILLxsIqgIqUXtmzOJGXZZUPKOZGciQqbXa_ERHFIYIRdZ2fzx7WQTxhIB8JyNOAlPcRaDcW5oAQPkod34B7-hLCbAMOBy_V0W8Ow8RT5wJpuI5IsFBYZuXz3Rt9jqa3rP_sxLAumjWdxUUusXUrIo_bC8Icpdc-umMDI/s4080/20231012145426-PXL_20231012_215426445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1beAh-V2vxAqEClut-5pxudwILLxsIqgIqUXtmzOJGXZZUPKOZGciQqbXa_ERHFIYIRdZ2fzx7WQTxhIB8JyNOAlPcRaDcW5oAQPkod34B7-hLCbAMOBy_V0W8Ow8RT5wJpuI5IsFBYZuXz3Rt9jqa3rP_sxLAumjWdxUUusXUrIo_bC8Icpdc-umMDI/s320/20231012145426-PXL_20231012_215426445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">alpine lakes,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFtidQ69jwTCvHAUvfrZiGgzwg2xf2pHL_0aAo3d31ssZLYV5127wutWzzo1qXSMXqmfuqatUeC99clE3qWtoxfIkAr_LOrJxt9zlrw7eOpap50Xq2t9g3bikh4T-yNL7sUkF72FBU_n_gchVE6JayyBPJmISq9hG_qW1F-mklBTuBSZD9rI8JLkrSFg/s4080/20231011151856-PXL_20231011_221856706.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFtidQ69jwTCvHAUvfrZiGgzwg2xf2pHL_0aAo3d31ssZLYV5127wutWzzo1qXSMXqmfuqatUeC99clE3qWtoxfIkAr_LOrJxt9zlrw7eOpap50Xq2t9g3bikh4T-yNL7sUkF72FBU_n_gchVE6JayyBPJmISq9hG_qW1F-mklBTuBSZD9rI8JLkrSFg/s320/20231011151856-PXL_20231011_221856706.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">mountain streams,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0k9vE4lussRKFqQckSXLLZb9UFM_m10AuNpEzcdhH36tqhj1pVTAlTTgwGuUEgQ0a1a7BBp_1lGCKr_K2dM0uxnL2ASTIW6-nQP8Y3-OU0_bJH0LqO98IRDiSLLqKh0hzeU9qbLHClPCKgk0mwfCrJBBGlBvgurRmFxtcJ0HRRoHjfd5QpTUeVo7IWM/s4624/20231011165513-PXL_20231011_225513495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0k9vE4lussRKFqQckSXLLZb9UFM_m10AuNpEzcdhH36tqhj1pVTAlTTgwGuUEgQ0a1a7BBp_1lGCKr_K2dM0uxnL2ASTIW6-nQP8Y3-OU0_bJH0LqO98IRDiSLLqKh0hzeU9qbLHClPCKgk0mwfCrJBBGlBvgurRmFxtcJ0HRRoHjfd5QpTUeVo7IWM/s320/20231011165513-PXL_20231011_225513495.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">colorful fall foliage,</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1itApY0yvb4edzOKU288O_g4fe5ywVcCae-N83ChBOqyD-GZXEjOpLA2jeRr_fBbiQ95hYKes2-Ra46LEsgv6LhrbZpJE2yfQ700Gh3SPn780waWXSe4iATVzvD763-m6tblrPkD6hJ8_7dho4XvjTJkQ6sYtU1HeYoJPLSsnvRWuMRcUO9rZw1ZD4g/s4080/20231012150953-PXL_20231012_210953856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1itApY0yvb4edzOKU288O_g4fe5ywVcCae-N83ChBOqyD-GZXEjOpLA2jeRr_fBbiQ95hYKes2-Ra46LEsgv6LhrbZpJE2yfQ700Gh3SPn780waWXSe4iATVzvD763-m6tblrPkD6hJ8_7dho4XvjTJkQ6sYtU1HeYoJPLSsnvRWuMRcUO9rZw1ZD4g/s320/20231012150953-PXL_20231012_210953856.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and the national treasure that makes Great Basin such a special place ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>We found the home of the Bristlecone Pine!</b></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Bristlecone Pine is the oldest known living organism on our planet. Estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old, these gnarly-looking, hardy trees grow in the high elevations of the Great Basin mountains. They are accustomed to withstanding the bitterly cold temperatures and strong winds found in the high alpine environment. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJT9YYKn6KrTsDOukSfrM9tGzxbWy5sqNkzVKVxQdgAMtgQxlRER3tQEDE940pllhFrOiLVfmRC5EInxvwBSojVevLJp4jsKOQXCmOCoflRtfbYt_WSz1Dnkkno5DhCgjaJbUPR36uPuTNe9kw0WVI8sEB_K0Hv5qLVUcvXVsIS5H4KpYyDzAEJGETw0/s4624/20231012150700-PXL_20231012_210700650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJT9YYKn6KrTsDOukSfrM9tGzxbWy5sqNkzVKVxQdgAMtgQxlRER3tQEDE940pllhFrOiLVfmRC5EInxvwBSojVevLJp4jsKOQXCmOCoflRtfbYt_WSz1Dnkkno5DhCgjaJbUPR36uPuTNe9kw0WVI8sEB_K0Hv5qLVUcvXVsIS5H4KpYyDzAEJGETw0/s320/20231012150700-PXL_20231012_210700650.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Due to the strength of their ancient wood, even the ones that are considered ''dead'' will continue to stand upright and tall for 600+ years after the tree last sprouted green pine needles.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KYPAnDr3wdboh60MF1YyLy6Q-jmMphSR4bP5rQqThWfH639J80afv3rTrHg9WPF4RhyphenhyphenePvH4tNW9-LMoMPrKLbigozo3mrnui7SQ9fTXgko1e-rsOGuHMRTRQpTlLdujFbxUUDZb1FeWUREGxxEK7lU9J1oUye27g7sWj8vDcNk2rhSIkUZF8YKBHHU/s4080/20231012152122-PXL_20231012_212122932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KYPAnDr3wdboh60MF1YyLy6Q-jmMphSR4bP5rQqThWfH639J80afv3rTrHg9WPF4RhyphenhyphenePvH4tNW9-LMoMPrKLbigozo3mrnui7SQ9fTXgko1e-rsOGuHMRTRQpTlLdujFbxUUDZb1FeWUREGxxEK7lU9J1oUye27g7sWj8vDcNk2rhSIkUZF8YKBHHU/s320/20231012152122-PXL_20231012_212122932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Oh, the stories that these ancient giants could tell us as we walked around their mountaintop grove.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YI7as1z7ccURd-SWi0q71coo6WtG4rmRdvinaVB1Jd_GnGu2vEiGf_2nI5rt9yz6irMdqVUU2ctvs83ewgA_PsukkN-2yHXRGzuFJ_rlKYmtkK_OBCKrGq4CBGbHW8SJsZsm6w8SJ_upevFYDIVba4zm6yywS4rkF1QA8J10mEVzNED1J4Xx1tNGX0g/s4624/20231012141544-PXL_20231012_211544093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YI7as1z7ccURd-SWi0q71coo6WtG4rmRdvinaVB1Jd_GnGu2vEiGf_2nI5rt9yz6irMdqVUU2ctvs83ewgA_PsukkN-2yHXRGzuFJ_rlKYmtkK_OBCKrGq4CBGbHW8SJsZsm6w8SJ_upevFYDIVba4zm6yywS4rkF1QA8J10mEVzNED1J4Xx1tNGX0g/s320/20231012141544-PXL_20231012_211544093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fortunately, the park service has done a good job of protecting, studying, and passing on the story of these masters of longevity.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRZQv4vtVFSRA_pZkMhbukCqknbKSZCkbiAKBUFtJeg_AWKb4OROZo4d-2zSp-DY64A9OfVcWWkKbXnRJEpbVMG4VSsn1WejUr-s2fxqrq14ekj6tW-2I90O_y5YmlVMs5FWMmecDTzFtakSiiMMTgrAdIclVZasaPBV1mxhDmvsGYhMvAKKQNmxFP54/s4080/20231012151148-PXL_20231012_211148455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRZQv4vtVFSRA_pZkMhbukCqknbKSZCkbiAKBUFtJeg_AWKb4OROZo4d-2zSp-DY64A9OfVcWWkKbXnRJEpbVMG4VSsn1WejUr-s2fxqrq14ekj6tW-2I90O_y5YmlVMs5FWMmecDTzFtakSiiMMTgrAdIclVZasaPBV1mxhDmvsGYhMvAKKQNmxFP54/s320/20231012151148-PXL_20231012_211148455.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Camping at 7,500 feet also has its challenges as we found out the following morning when we woke up to below freezing temps ... which is not-so-good for our external water pipes. Fortunately, we had no issues, but with even colder temps forecast for the following nights, we decided to go back down to ''desert level''. Great Basin National Park is surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land which is essentially ''public'' land, so ... if you can get to it, you can camp on it. Doug found us a prime spot right next to an abandoned horse corral.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3jwYA9YaKpJ7kMMYHfgGQ0iEwjjC_TUrwHYOJEMxQEO5fNFsMS8dx3QLDE8bMHhGSd-wDI56FeRl-S7YFyWYHlT8WMb6JyODAOwgzwYceLEhlKUyTYgy6CqLSlRPfS0sUOqjHseLTvVnDheiyg1UE7EhiCEJaGSjKbc_dgL-cr6-C6R7cXfDRTTqgdE/s4080/20231013144030-PXL_20231013_204030886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3jwYA9YaKpJ7kMMYHfgGQ0iEwjjC_TUrwHYOJEMxQEO5fNFsMS8dx3QLDE8bMHhGSd-wDI56FeRl-S7YFyWYHlT8WMb6JyODAOwgzwYceLEhlKUyTYgy6CqLSlRPfS0sUOqjHseLTvVnDheiyg1UE7EhiCEJaGSjKbc_dgL-cr6-C6R7cXfDRTTqgdE/s320/20231013144030-PXL_20231013_204030886.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Loving our 200+ acre ''yard''!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmZloU5Do0a_LTbx8vEgd03HQqKUdZhcF2QYLF8D3DGcINyYpt3Po3GAWiEOeipNnL0kSsx6uQhLvW8ERfOIPJL4oX2ACP7Ak0KVlalkGlrZqngf-XkXh5t0jpoWdzFpSoIHRGfYZl8lGtWpSObuTt36y8wl_s9KfVIKpgHUzaGf1Q2uy3Zi-6tkmkg/s4624/20231013152255-PXL_20231013_212255904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCmZloU5Do0a_LTbx8vEgd03HQqKUdZhcF2QYLF8D3DGcINyYpt3Po3GAWiEOeipNnL0kSsx6uQhLvW8ERfOIPJL4oX2ACP7Ak0KVlalkGlrZqngf-XkXh5t0jpoWdzFpSoIHRGfYZl8lGtWpSObuTt36y8wl_s9KfVIKpgHUzaGf1Q2uy3Zi-6tkmkg/s320/20231013152255-PXL_20231013_212255904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The skies were clear on the morning of the much anticipated annular eclipse,</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYDXtPbPSej6JNe5X44cnw_lOBLhQ7Z96yo41WoFHNz_UZtAtFKr1E4qYgv1vlOWsdgQADGrJIlX21Umd46gSRZNIRchkb9yzX3lKguU0Yfg5QpV7420x52kz9qouiOOoF6WfXrlK6B35CKbDKIERMB6vroPS9i8EnmebIr3a_FE2y0vBiuH0Hk5gsVk/s4624/20231014092058-PXL_20231014_152058444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYDXtPbPSej6JNe5X44cnw_lOBLhQ7Z96yo41WoFHNz_UZtAtFKr1E4qYgv1vlOWsdgQADGrJIlX21Umd46gSRZNIRchkb9yzX3lKguU0Yfg5QpV7420x52kz9qouiOOoF6WfXrlK6B35CKbDKIERMB6vroPS9i8EnmebIr3a_FE2y0vBiuH0Hk5gsVk/s320/20231014092058-PXL_20231014_152058444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> and we were grateful to be in the perfect spot to see ...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYT3H9BIEzgBGAZ7o5Vr6O-Y8z4c3VpLrwhyMeNFSG8nx14pLQ3znMdzPd4NwgflEi3g5MbMgH0Uz8gIDt1wme4jDlc4_e3j0kkk4DfcxQq9blqG7czZD46-QUhTuBbw5pM-_w3IRU8yBq8tyrK3JoSLFx1JTLTMamXfWNuOsdhH8ReReeicwyyhmwug/s4624/20231014092648-PXL_20231014_152648937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYT3H9BIEzgBGAZ7o5Vr6O-Y8z4c3VpLrwhyMeNFSG8nx14pLQ3znMdzPd4NwgflEi3g5MbMgH0Uz8gIDt1wme4jDlc4_e3j0kkk4DfcxQq9blqG7czZD46-QUhTuBbw5pM-_w3IRU8yBq8tyrK3JoSLFx1JTLTMamXfWNuOsdhH8ReReeicwyyhmwug/s320/20231014092648-PXL_20231014_152648937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">God's amazing light show!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHwcgaklNG7iBE9xFvPkTswBO8FjQbR7hnbshEuKT2Hso9adND1F_vbhn1KZx2KSJ9wSDs8ueVGRqLn2d8U4cLS-Ps9bweyHfyYO7PZ-MTt6rjKfstv-c1eukiv7ae-iSVPToN9M_LtoXgP2rfRvJq9G6v7BZeYw4HQPcwV-Y4WoLV9lB5w-ywhXH-vg/s1835/20231014102811-PXL_20231014_162518584~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="1488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHwcgaklNG7iBE9xFvPkTswBO8FjQbR7hnbshEuKT2Hso9adND1F_vbhn1KZx2KSJ9wSDs8ueVGRqLn2d8U4cLS-Ps9bweyHfyYO7PZ-MTt6rjKfstv-c1eukiv7ae-iSVPToN9M_LtoXgP2rfRvJq9G6v7BZeYw4HQPcwV-Y4WoLV9lB5w-ywhXH-vg/s320/20231014102811-PXL_20231014_162518584~2.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Baby Beest even got in on the act. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kITh3QWHlwAFtAh8UmWL10bFHh2O0hF9kqtJ5LwC0oGgZr12odQVtAteYR9-QieprGdh7R0MwyUYNBam-0bWkypCok4rr4YTQTNlB0CpTiJxtxbSs-fd0HV0ImI66fY0iHtlqaBHX6nBzSOXifMLlqCWwoZzJ2_c-0Sal2BwSew0xOQ1pAIv2jJeEik/s4080/20231014102632-PXL_20231014_162632372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kITh3QWHlwAFtAh8UmWL10bFHh2O0hF9kqtJ5LwC0oGgZr12odQVtAteYR9-QieprGdh7R0MwyUYNBam-0bWkypCok4rr4YTQTNlB0CpTiJxtxbSs-fd0HV0ImI66fY0iHtlqaBHX6nBzSOXifMLlqCWwoZzJ2_c-0Sal2BwSew0xOQ1pAIv2jJeEik/s320/20231014102632-PXL_20231014_162632372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Enlarge the photo to see her </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia;">''ring of fire'' </i><i style="font-family: georgia;">tattoo!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our original travel route may have changed, but we were happy to find ourselves in the beautiful Nevada desert with its vast clear blue skies. Even though it was in the middle of nowhere, there is no eclipsing the natural beauty and amazing natural phenomenons found in Great Basin National Park!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh0ZzYV0MMJjp2GaOGUZQcgO-rri1UawK5o0yFKcWexVGdz94UUJ7zG8zQ_FDaq6Mfk8tenFmqPIhIsWJxntG44ntERmPWDN6a2EZDWY0CvX_XUOkRLCrFYrAvVza4z_veqYUi3SuAA5MFM3AmGyTPzeWRJjwARUWzLH5Zyp9mzzRmh4iqD8Yhq0ZHxo/s1920/20231012151255-PXL_20231012_211255475%20(1)(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1920" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh0ZzYV0MMJjp2GaOGUZQcgO-rri1UawK5o0yFKcWexVGdz94UUJ7zG8zQ_FDaq6Mfk8tenFmqPIhIsWJxntG44ntERmPWDN6a2EZDWY0CvX_XUOkRLCrFYrAvVza4z_veqYUi3SuAA5MFM3AmGyTPzeWRJjwARUWzLH5Zyp9mzzRmh4iqD8Yhq0ZHxo/s320/20231012151255-PXL_20231012_211255475%20(1)(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Grateful also that some problems wait until we get back to civilization ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Coolant leak #4 happened just as we pulled into the Arby's in Cedar City, Utah.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa8C9f9eLB4q23hFRCNIIy5kGL6BhpqJE7MQXqRLaQ3zBT0x4WjQgFglnU2EmyFWj2usCB-lWrIq3FDxRq8U_ntxKAcEU5bjHFQcOZhY1u6YiWPKQkStiZ1gFLyWC-DjiEYEmnQFrImRpr2ZbXzQypIZpg91L9rUXCFqox7rpco9Wc4MLjh46GsByqZ4/s4624/20231014151539-PXL_20231014_211539500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa8C9f9eLB4q23hFRCNIIy5kGL6BhpqJE7MQXqRLaQ3zBT0x4WjQgFglnU2EmyFWj2usCB-lWrIq3FDxRq8U_ntxKAcEU5bjHFQcOZhY1u6YiWPKQkStiZ1gFLyWC-DjiEYEmnQFrImRpr2ZbXzQypIZpg91L9rUXCFqox7rpco9Wc4MLjh46GsByqZ4/s320/20231014151539-PXL_20231014_211539500.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The belt from the Hymer-installed under hood generator once again wore a hole through the coolant hose. Thank God that there was a Napa Auto Parts store just down the street. Since he had been ''studying up'' on these coolant issues, Doug came to the rescue with a temporary fix that lasted until we could get to our trusted Hymer repair shop in California.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>My hero earned his Arby's gyro!</b></i></span></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-34303643220400531882023-10-14T11:08:00.001-05:002023-10-14T11:08:50.627-05:00Finding Gold As We Travel West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfKSXqFJGFkjETP51qFbXbX3QsMstxUFIuan0ofhMse65czzkhYXFooEBtw-qvQYeRfqaeVnRgZ2G0O8fVPQoxs62H4LBG73jLuUqspTDhQQT8V7uOHISAGdylyMm8_vQiK1ObQ6NDvSBkKbIMo_KjNyrX0Avq2h5n8tJ7ritPSDG7l-Vefsd-ZzDsVU/s4624/20231010144554-PXL_20231010_204554199.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfKSXqFJGFkjETP51qFbXbX3QsMstxUFIuan0ofhMse65czzkhYXFooEBtw-qvQYeRfqaeVnRgZ2G0O8fVPQoxs62H4LBG73jLuUqspTDhQQT8V7uOHISAGdylyMm8_vQiK1ObQ6NDvSBkKbIMo_KjNyrX0Avq2h5n8tJ7ritPSDG7l-Vefsd-ZzDsVU/s320/20231010144554-PXL_20231010_204554199.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we left Rapid City and headed west, we were cautiously optimistic that our coolant leak issue was resolved. At every stop, Doug would check the coolant level and give me the much anticipated ''thumbs up'' sign. When we reached the banks of the North Platte River in Casper, Wyoming, we were starting to feel the optimism that many early pioneers felt as they passed by here in covered wagons in the 1840s.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmlGva1iYnUMztnxSog5luLJoGrQJLMBwCTzNUQEuG6Gy1bqHg4xdc38-XKgXOysvqUOVLESznc_twzi8La1f9U2tW_yNWL96y0SOtumEhowkW-DRyuBu24yMccQsbA_IQhfIkAXFgLWlDI2wCZi8VEA5ukwXR8KwYBoOxoPswUBl0eLOwqAN84sWYWM/s4080/20231007163139-PXL_20231007_223139622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmlGva1iYnUMztnxSog5luLJoGrQJLMBwCTzNUQEuG6Gy1bqHg4xdc38-XKgXOysvqUOVLESznc_twzi8La1f9U2tW_yNWL96y0SOtumEhowkW-DRyuBu24yMccQsbA_IQhfIkAXFgLWlDI2wCZi8VEA5ukwXR8KwYBoOxoPswUBl0eLOwqAN84sWYWM/s320/20231007163139-PXL_20231007_223139622.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We had reached the 19th century emigration route that nearly 500,000 people followed in search of farmland, religious freedom, and wealth. We were in search of a once-in-a-lifetime ring of fire ... yet we found so much more along the way as our travels took us through Wyoming and down into the Salt Lake City, Utah area. As we followed the famous Oregon Trail, we ''struck gold'' when we found rich historical and gorgeous natural areas lining our route.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6saV3rtQkXqNT5TvQHCxLTnCCn_d1Xg7EpI8uCLWtpFpga-T5HdXbKfFckfKefYf_ysfELFS-tD3s4o3xc886leSZQSvXH6-Fnz9wFMVnbmhKudt7JjcK5kIQRpTOZAd8JlxSc9ncuuHboN6jp4veYyHOWZ2LO2Quce_qdTqmC0ki3p1pbK1mf3iXT5E/s1672/20231007154257-PXL_20231007_214257070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1672" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6saV3rtQkXqNT5TvQHCxLTnCCn_d1Xg7EpI8uCLWtpFpga-T5HdXbKfFckfKefYf_ysfELFS-tD3s4o3xc886leSZQSvXH6-Fnz9wFMVnbmhKudt7JjcK5kIQRpTOZAd8JlxSc9ncuuHboN6jp4veYyHOWZ2LO2Quce_qdTqmC0ki3p1pbK1mf3iXT5E/s320/20231007154257-PXL_20231007_214257070.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Casper, Wyoming is where the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails merged as the pioneers headed for South Pass, the least-difficult crossing over the Rocky Mountain Range. Today, Casper is where the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is located to tell the story of these determined pioneers. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ__uoqredyjt0Tp_rTbEVfoX95gXAUQWtgNs6BxA3LzVNEtrCxoxw5-NUAEhjxvmufzVO4f76KardfDyMwMf2WClZ2CDjiDE-0BNH2gEleRiT6ejTQOoaUxXHJyLN_A2y4mWpuJXAQlFXuaNbKeNtUS1VmxSKc24ojuD1s49y7BJJuWGFaOyCF7_28w/s4579/20231007205300-PXL_20231007_205646335~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3047" data-original-width="4579" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ__uoqredyjt0Tp_rTbEVfoX95gXAUQWtgNs6BxA3LzVNEtrCxoxw5-NUAEhjxvmufzVO4f76KardfDyMwMf2WClZ2CDjiDE-0BNH2gEleRiT6ejTQOoaUxXHJyLN_A2y4mWpuJXAQlFXuaNbKeNtUS1VmxSKc24ojuD1s49y7BJJuWGFaOyCF7_28w/s320/20231007205300-PXL_20231007_205646335~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>The center shares the pioneers' narratives of their slow, dangerous journeys west in which upwards of 10% of the emigrants didn't survive. Disease and accidents as well as harsh weather were constant threats. But their determination to find a better way of life pushed them on.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvikeOuO3IuAoE6Juyj0d-FrHBUuWhri90eeli5Vn9ZVh7-RBH8QJBA6OvwVoAYRADoQojBFvBtlWxebhFuB1v3s11IWeE71nCA2rxR7yBQLHG_Pog4sxEdBIsV4i_ybK5VIeApleW4mbP7X2aV_cZLESGicbSI9Lipb1t9xhfdjLkPx3GJev86BvLDU/s4624/20231008103838-PXL_20231008_163838659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvikeOuO3IuAoE6Juyj0d-FrHBUuWhri90eeli5Vn9ZVh7-RBH8QJBA6OvwVoAYRADoQojBFvBtlWxebhFuB1v3s11IWeE71nCA2rxR7yBQLHG_Pog4sxEdBIsV4i_ybK5VIeApleW4mbP7X2aV_cZLESGicbSI9Lipb1t9xhfdjLkPx3GJev86BvLDU/s320/20231008103838-PXL_20231008_163838659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>Today m</span>any groups are working to preserve these historical trails. Our route the next day took us near one of the trails that led to Independence Rock, a Wyoming state historic site. This large granite rock alongside the Sweetwater River became a well-recognized landmark for the early westward travelers. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R0iKUXoPlfSMGa9MPpIzIQ_M_2R6XLu3xq2giOUzPnlbqlRB3r7SKHbS4p6xG55Ri2AsxalZ2zbWTpTfEbdVLBZ4mNKSDwcSpP2n4A1Q2Th3ExSzIvuJMW12T5biRAkGFj0uaXMjzImv0fNgBVBMd5BYQdHvhsvbdG7PzrvaUuzFVg_rEm0mXxSxJWM/s4624/20231008111916-PXL_20231008_171916602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R0iKUXoPlfSMGa9MPpIzIQ_M_2R6XLu3xq2giOUzPnlbqlRB3r7SKHbS4p6xG55Ri2AsxalZ2zbWTpTfEbdVLBZ4mNKSDwcSpP2n4A1Q2Th3ExSzIvuJMW12T5biRAkGFj0uaXMjzImv0fNgBVBMd5BYQdHvhsvbdG7PzrvaUuzFVg_rEm0mXxSxJWM/s320/20231008111916-PXL_20231008_171916602.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was said that the name came from the fact that the emigrants had to arrive at Independence Rock on or before July 4, otherwise there was a good chance that they would not be able to get across the western mountains before the first winter storms arrived. We may be in trouble since it was already early October when we made it here! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTkKSuMD0Z6cTsw29heTaQ4WQtUhAQ1bUALzROPYR3jtmBM4Nym0aX4PT-BpBNxqFVZTQzol0cLw5zdxZGKBDavGrGTVIgxajgtrBJI7ob0STg128YTpdYdXiCD0XkwAAaaccYFHgs9RibW5E3XP_R-kMCKcsTC3cG16qQ1-djmHOJXEMv8nyRBnbpzE/s4624/20231008110330-PXL_20231008_170330482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTkKSuMD0Z6cTsw29heTaQ4WQtUhAQ1bUALzROPYR3jtmBM4Nym0aX4PT-BpBNxqFVZTQzol0cLw5zdxZGKBDavGrGTVIgxajgtrBJI7ob0STg128YTpdYdXiCD0XkwAAaaccYFHgs9RibW5E3XP_R-kMCKcsTC3cG16qQ1-djmHOJXEMv8nyRBnbpzE/s320/20231008110330-PXL_20231008_170330482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>This huge landmark has been nicknamed ''the register of the desert'' because over 5,000 pioneers carved their name and the date of their passing by in the rock as they made their way west. </span>It was amazing to walk around this monument and see some names still there after almost 180 years.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr819lIFWU-XkBn6BJpkcbVbklwvMtejekoCEEJq0eKQ2an0tAuncfeXrlxfybVQs5bUNsmAOzLSuKJpc3SOMcbseyMg6whp27QRASUbHX6Y3bVyztbVqeP1N5ThkLAggpuSBosb-UOGZ0VTR__GTjzi8_Ta0ZRjlk9oiVnHyf8q3CZE4J0T2nn_AMtE/s4624/20231008110412-PXL_20231008_170412740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr819lIFWU-XkBn6BJpkcbVbklwvMtejekoCEEJq0eKQ2an0tAuncfeXrlxfybVQs5bUNsmAOzLSuKJpc3SOMcbseyMg6whp27QRASUbHX6Y3bVyztbVqeP1N5ThkLAggpuSBosb-UOGZ0VTR__GTjzi8_Ta0ZRjlk9oiVnHyf8q3CZE4J0T2nn_AMtE/s320/20231008110412-PXL_20231008_170412740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look closely ... can you see a bit of history?</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fortunately, due to the invention of the automobile, we arrived in the Wasatch Mountains between Park City and Salt Lake City a few days before the first winter storm arrived. And we were greeted with a gift of magnificent gold ... in the form of colorful autumn leaves.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjebMmz1S2ZP-KQv3PcSwK_AKYhjL4AX42ZsSBE4w-g-B5WW6YONnfl14vvlKDlTx-Ac0_JK-C_F2k-_e6Wof8iKQPCMh7dThmNnPaI8vPvC2RnGNZWQOO5o2W5e-8Jhlfyd4g6MbFjgKHX7MKdSwfHGOe3JP0BKTfRPcfGWKAnQTUzmWpSVZxcHC48hE/s4080/20231009154133-PXL_20231009_214133418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjebMmz1S2ZP-KQv3PcSwK_AKYhjL4AX42ZsSBE4w-g-B5WW6YONnfl14vvlKDlTx-Ac0_JK-C_F2k-_e6Wof8iKQPCMh7dThmNnPaI8vPvC2RnGNZWQOO5o2W5e-8Jhlfyd4g6MbFjgKHX7MKdSwfHGOe3JP0BKTfRPcfGWKAnQTUzmWpSVZxcHC48hE/s320/20231009154133-PXL_20231009_214133418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We drove up to Wasatch Mountain State Park where we found ...</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAIu9J1avBwHluS7_lZJ45SVCEqHmjVeq713ZamKvE8nAUFEUqeXth_Do-clKf5TEt4W-a7TCFhT-2T3NMcgoz48D6y7Dsja0UY1SWGh0GVxEoGQ69BQnV_C2yaDzUCxfAi2D5fd6vCMOTncAf6u-rBMS7_CR2xukJVyaR49IX4UFeS9upd6wk0S90Ak/s3755/20231011004410-PXL_20231010_171308590.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3755" data-original-width="2725" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAIu9J1avBwHluS7_lZJ45SVCEqHmjVeq713ZamKvE8nAUFEUqeXth_Do-clKf5TEt4W-a7TCFhT-2T3NMcgoz48D6y7Dsja0UY1SWGh0GVxEoGQ69BQnV_C2yaDzUCxfAi2D5fd6vCMOTncAf6u-rBMS7_CR2xukJVyaR49IX4UFeS9upd6wk0S90Ak/s320/20231011004410-PXL_20231010_171308590.MP~2.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">colorful hiking trails,</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC3jNkUlzrxvojWhDKWpJ45bKdmdUnTvBRmwInInUI7vRFuTMSzvgiurHZ7RpmmrVGN1EDDJpyTpHo8YgSefH2XJVjFEvfdrM3dfOZXBU8EKW0GEt1mnkujJaZkgW0SEDTS3NQTQ8CA3SiA8wfa50_mHkcwR-zMV_GiJE4GS1bIcq0lmhm2ovIX_DjQ0/s4624/20231010084424-PXL_20231010_144424631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC3jNkUlzrxvojWhDKWpJ45bKdmdUnTvBRmwInInUI7vRFuTMSzvgiurHZ7RpmmrVGN1EDDJpyTpHo8YgSefH2XJVjFEvfdrM3dfOZXBU8EKW0GEt1mnkujJaZkgW0SEDTS3NQTQ8CA3SiA8wfa50_mHkcwR-zMV_GiJE4GS1bIcq0lmhm2ovIX_DjQ0/s320/20231010084424-PXL_20231010_144424631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as well as a picturesque place to camp for the night.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo-_ObRTg2lSBOdZ94ypLNMP2ipH70ok2CrhaFh9jZBy8lIUbXKsTdlbzykyAwBywex79WV_i-G-OcW4Wt8X_ZlYW84H6IqBGx8wwqpfWKAEAgyyINbRPbc_jD1dxtggjnqMyayPwmIBkeE5ZAdI3_yk3c8WwNaaxHw2O7gCP039dIk8rMjGpJFvR56s/s4607/20231011004714-PXL_20231010_150038177.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="4607" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo-_ObRTg2lSBOdZ94ypLNMP2ipH70ok2CrhaFh9jZBy8lIUbXKsTdlbzykyAwBywex79WV_i-G-OcW4Wt8X_ZlYW84H6IqBGx8wwqpfWKAEAgyyINbRPbc_jD1dxtggjnqMyayPwmIBkeE5ZAdI3_yk3c8WwNaaxHw2O7gCP039dIk8rMjGpJFvR56s/s320/20231011004714-PXL_20231010_150038177.MP~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The next morning we enjoyed a colorful but ''white knuckle'' ride up and over Guardsmen Pass.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfABxG8tqM8y0waAg6a5XMhiKL7ElaCbPIvuyIGyFvy3uk6MDsRS_8qOAiC1SzIC-i3yS_gYQI_f5AEJNtyey2-PNOtFYJkrxBOAuOMFQCY2VqONDaidvB9lo93AGzNFVX3Pc7_Evwf54CwWWfpOLIvpU3u9RElFa5XNFtxbVJkfh1QxRxQmkpGL50ZM/s4624/20231010090444-PXL_20231010_150444631.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfABxG8tqM8y0waAg6a5XMhiKL7ElaCbPIvuyIGyFvy3uk6MDsRS_8qOAiC1SzIC-i3yS_gYQI_f5AEJNtyey2-PNOtFYJkrxBOAuOMFQCY2VqONDaidvB9lo93AGzNFVX3Pc7_Evwf54CwWWfpOLIvpU3u9RElFa5XNFtxbVJkfh1QxRxQmkpGL50ZM/s320/20231010090444-PXL_20231010_150444631.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lots of switchbacks, very few guardrails ...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and a long way down!</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The ski trails at the top are patiently waiting for snow in order to welcome back the skiers, but they seemed happy to have two hikers enjoy their slopes ...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ4sXSr-DU0QGOQxqclOUZsS24CPy4hklU8Y5YqFc0Qz7zvi6hMQXDw4oMpE1XoEMXcmdqUYi2Y5MkQXDoxAYbSoryQ5dV3nClc3TiVTHqIfSS8Ro0LaaMutSqjEgX-Clf3X0xcRewTIbpFLd2FQWxwP4DgeVz6txBf9710xZdgcQpzIC26W97iEVN_Y/s4624/20231009153107-PXL_20231009_213107603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ4sXSr-DU0QGOQxqclOUZsS24CPy4hklU8Y5YqFc0Qz7zvi6hMQXDw4oMpE1XoEMXcmdqUYi2Y5MkQXDoxAYbSoryQ5dV3nClc3TiVTHqIfSS8Ro0LaaMutSqjEgX-Clf3X0xcRewTIbpFLd2FQWxwP4DgeVz6txBf9710xZdgcQpzIC26W97iEVN_Y/s320/20231009153107-PXL_20231009_213107603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as we walked up them!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8FX5zuwkF6-sNCgzZWccZ-Y7iQZQALkjE-iCHTsl2OU-fGFOd1iE9__Jai6BU95bgHdS6kAgcRl4h2KwnD8VCqTW-do9BCG18te98B9We_R_H2nz9S5WYqXkCX1khp6lgIPsqsn3gPyxda3CtRR7plt8WreVMAJreiFA8sRWRVBlKyGrRWOvslp3RS8/s4080/20231010103338-PXL_20231010_163338845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8FX5zuwkF6-sNCgzZWccZ-Y7iQZQALkjE-iCHTsl2OU-fGFOd1iE9__Jai6BU95bgHdS6kAgcRl4h2KwnD8VCqTW-do9BCG18te98B9We_R_H2nz9S5WYqXkCX1khp6lgIPsqsn3gPyxda3CtRR7plt8WreVMAJreiFA8sRWRVBlKyGrRWOvslp3RS8/s320/20231010103338-PXL_20231010_163338845.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>That blue diamond run was a bit</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>more difficult than I remember!</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznMQUHOyEBlNAGWwm9pQgcnWjbjY_hMRhu5oW0uOPCvg7sYaSbYi9IJlBUGsckNB06y3BziMlo9BCJkW_z5Hvuts8YvkLmK0IcOwq4bodYhh4Y22n-Xr7_AN2GABq1viiXDcM5Ay-xL-UrFIguAKZ5rzkr27Xucx4OUBKwCSMVaWBnFluwWTn_QqQAH8/s4080/20231010103951-PXL_20231010_163951190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznMQUHOyEBlNAGWwm9pQgcnWjbjY_hMRhu5oW0uOPCvg7sYaSbYi9IJlBUGsckNB06y3BziMlo9BCJkW_z5Hvuts8YvkLmK0IcOwq4bodYhh4Y22n-Xr7_AN2GABq1viiXDcM5Ay-xL-UrFIguAKZ5rzkr27Xucx4OUBKwCSMVaWBnFluwWTn_QqQAH8/s320/20231010103951-PXL_20231010_163951190.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The view at the top overlooking Twin Lakes was definitely worth the effort!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMoAO9oDm9zTPpk72NZXS0hSvBTSyvUoDOgR32PME3O3CdvRTzLbpiDwqqp4yVefPoyHacHAUP7Dmr4tVZyoAk_l3XblnwNZ-ZIjXYpmQ36Xfs2SyhyBJLiLYoINIJlaJSfElrDZe13Rxgzd1MQQHC_8UgbZeumIYtgmZC4n5Vo9vLKu1V9uUqYAsaIQ/s4080/20231010110717-PXL_20231010_170717948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMoAO9oDm9zTPpk72NZXS0hSvBTSyvUoDOgR32PME3O3CdvRTzLbpiDwqqp4yVefPoyHacHAUP7Dmr4tVZyoAk_l3XblnwNZ-ZIjXYpmQ36Xfs2SyhyBJLiLYoINIJlaJSfElrDZe13Rxgzd1MQQHC_8UgbZeumIYtgmZC4n5Vo9vLKu1V9uUqYAsaIQ/s320/20231010110717-PXL_20231010_170717948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Like the early pioneers knew,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X8Th4_1YZDEnTWMLHsDfu_y0l9cW5-lUrzu98U_mTpevahgi0sAa_iE-WKfw7_npl3LzHmP9bK8ieVn8UDkom1c1O2Xm0HlyXMa7YDynWV_jc1ykyIa-S60JuM9M0L7uoNUkJth8Uu5fvuxIwkJRhhDNYnro9030qHAmSYXWoCoeGMsZXP3bSxoGPNI/s4059/20231009134611-PXL_20231009_194419686~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2996" data-original-width="4059" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X8Th4_1YZDEnTWMLHsDfu_y0l9cW5-lUrzu98U_mTpevahgi0sAa_iE-WKfw7_npl3LzHmP9bK8ieVn8UDkom1c1O2Xm0HlyXMa7YDynWV_jc1ykyIa-S60JuM9M0L7uoNUkJth8Uu5fvuxIwkJRhhDNYnro9030qHAmSYXWoCoeGMsZXP3bSxoGPNI/s320/20231009134611-PXL_20231009_194419686~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">there is gold in these hills,</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFteOkgLp_uV9oKnsGZmFS3HcdGoxrQCrlSK45bzJXmqBFP8TjDZvu-h5xFzrAOdBJ0tqZWw_Lt64YTIu5EbThCsSolJm6A7B-cDU-s5HcclqIeb2GWKzy-SD4TSBxAipLtqH3XPEkUwDVE5iixz9eTC5Jeguds1CcJOY9wPGgQDBuU7BPsgnwwqGXgk4/s3648/20231009154154-PXL_20231009_214154932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFteOkgLp_uV9oKnsGZmFS3HcdGoxrQCrlSK45bzJXmqBFP8TjDZvu-h5xFzrAOdBJ0tqZWw_Lt64YTIu5EbThCsSolJm6A7B-cDU-s5HcclqIeb2GWKzy-SD4TSBxAipLtqH3XPEkUwDVE5iixz9eTC5Jeguds1CcJOY9wPGgQDBuU7BPsgnwwqGXgk4/s320/20231009154154-PXL_20231009_214154932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and we're grateful that God's perfect timing allowed us to find it!</span></div><p></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-35718380668577561732023-10-06T22:18:00.000-05:002023-10-06T22:18:16.035-05:00Cooling Our Jets in Rapid City<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4z2YST8G_9w66wz7yX_BMwtnBDMt_w6q6Blll9xMUw9iYRgy2Sq5SM57XOlAuLnwGQ_CY0_46hQ_R6MF_g8v4dMyCb80bDlVssgHZUGY2CxM_wq-iAr2XI8-n-SQEVaNwZ0qnfI4IiI-MNCBEfRm7bhq_dplieqvEhtGXKFKiGBZkHYvbk-PcyyRRc8/s4624/20231005132006-PXL_20231005_192006040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4z2YST8G_9w66wz7yX_BMwtnBDMt_w6q6Blll9xMUw9iYRgy2Sq5SM57XOlAuLnwGQ_CY0_46hQ_R6MF_g8v4dMyCb80bDlVssgHZUGY2CxM_wq-iAr2XI8-n-SQEVaNwZ0qnfI4IiI-MNCBEfRm7bhq_dplieqvEhtGXKFKiGBZkHYvbk-PcyyRRc8/s320/20231005132006-PXL_20231005_192006040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After enjoying five weeks with family and friends in Minnesota, we were ready to take off. We had ''planned'' a leisurely three week journey west with stops at the Badlands, Grand Tetons, Crater Lake, and Great Basin National Parks. Our goal was to be somewhere out west in order to experience the annular eclipse on Oct 14.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkPyVrAVQJJxSoMsFo5IsSk5HUMPrLCc_nGWMgQ5yfD7UyR1qhhHEo34VDd1n59ahdUHGbEh5S6USeo4xB445h6s92NIzFTmI5DyjcD9sdmjzndztM_UGyHjgIaJbWuEwG7T0IBXyoaGmVossEJula4OAg5UbXlwpWEw-txLgep9kbfqU3Yx7GsiW0Rk/s1899/20230928104229-PXL_20230928_164229906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1899" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkPyVrAVQJJxSoMsFo5IsSk5HUMPrLCc_nGWMgQ5yfD7UyR1qhhHEo34VDd1n59ahdUHGbEh5S6USeo4xB445h6s92NIzFTmI5DyjcD9sdmjzndztM_UGyHjgIaJbWuEwG7T0IBXyoaGmVossEJula4OAg5UbXlwpWEw-txLgep9kbfqU3Yx7GsiW0Rk/w396-h211/20230928104229-PXL_20230928_164229906.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But we had to throw out the ''leisurely'' part of our trip to see the eclipse</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">when we found ourselves in Rapid City for a week seeking a fix!</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOJxBlojqs6cz3SXSNNLyuu2OoJZFvL3FCHdqYqtOOsJ-1m4RPcmwQmR_sykeptOTV7ywO6NBGtV8IxZnWZ540uxEBU4stREHdzr1HB2cNhez1Hr1Se4219BC84wNyplwI0VAitvfD0PqvqpD08PfmNuBTUq6ZAfK9c91Ojk9mbaU2T4-OJ-vIVJt3Rk/s4624/20230928144541-PXL_20230928_204541292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOJxBlojqs6cz3SXSNNLyuu2OoJZFvL3FCHdqYqtOOsJ-1m4RPcmwQmR_sykeptOTV7ywO6NBGtV8IxZnWZ540uxEBU4stREHdzr1HB2cNhez1Hr1Se4219BC84wNyplwI0VAitvfD0PqvqpD08PfmNuBTUq6ZAfK9c91Ojk9mbaU2T4-OJ-vIVJt3Rk/s320/20230928144541-PXL_20230928_204541292.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While visiting Wind Cave National Park, an hour south of Rapid City, Baby Beest sprung a coolant leak ... not good, and definitely not driveable!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUanhfppbW__hDL4eh-QA84DbBapjIma2TIxGQr76c9IT1GQhPYJz581RCM2PsXRMtoYwpLNAYZOmAI8uE0hPT14yxeh4Bi-B58zHy5_K3NVx7QTewJZuySv3TkZhq1aPTD4WGE3E78koWTrRop_vtTvtZRORMPLHpWrmUXKsjUqFsaWgCtLP9-7ZIrgk/s4624/20230928172858-PXL_20230928_232858002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUanhfppbW__hDL4eh-QA84DbBapjIma2TIxGQr76c9IT1GQhPYJz581RCM2PsXRMtoYwpLNAYZOmAI8uE0hPT14yxeh4Bi-B58zHy5_K3NVx7QTewJZuySv3TkZhq1aPTD4WGE3E78koWTrRop_vtTvtZRORMPLHpWrmUXKsjUqFsaWgCtLP9-7ZIrgk/s320/20230928172858-PXL_20230928_232858002.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>The first of three tows in the next five days ...</i></span></div><div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After getting it towed back to Rapid City and finding a shop that would agree to work on it ... not an easy feat when the Ram </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">ProMaster engine has been modified by the Hymer van build-out ... we have been cooling our jets while they tried a few creative maneuvers</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> to repair the leak. Yes, we needed two more tows when the first few repairs didn't pass the ''drive around town'' road test. But we're optimistic that the third time is the charm! Our recent road tests allowed us to check out the fix as well as explore the surrounding area.</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSTnKqNqoyejh-JMtz_tADXiIvw_5f50n1dsk8Z3mZ-vz2P_G7Y386m1bs9M1J4vX1Fxoq5tHDIr_ogdezd8GvM8L2elSi1OxpVzBhfhzwzLNJSQak4E2l0aSEQlxMsAtmeJXzXszU66902k4uhooSmX7XE6qREqFI4537XfEtFW-8jwIbNr4cnFvn0I/s4624/20231005110200-PXL_20231005_170200412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSTnKqNqoyejh-JMtz_tADXiIvw_5f50n1dsk8Z3mZ-vz2P_G7Y386m1bs9M1J4vX1Fxoq5tHDIr_ogdezd8GvM8L2elSi1OxpVzBhfhzwzLNJSQak4E2l0aSEQlxMsAtmeJXzXszU66902k4uhooSmX7XE6qREqFI4537XfEtFW-8jwIbNr4cnFvn0I/s320/20231005110200-PXL_20231005_170200412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The fall colors are in full bloom along the city trails.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkTqqtpHLbmi8UcPZ_Zy5Kl4Mz7W5HjtQGbG4xR4kVIL-J5yCBPpnU-GvB4RMZftia5SS24kNAn9SzAiGtp9DrLQFifb0GDArV3Nav3-q4caJK7B7At62zuQDIkHHiWGp6dZbPkI30nkSbVdZ6B4T3vpCugHBGT7pDNQdh2es0Jnumr7E7S3pK2mhOYA/s4624/20231004193358-PXL_20231005_013358341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkTqqtpHLbmi8UcPZ_Zy5Kl4Mz7W5HjtQGbG4xR4kVIL-J5yCBPpnU-GvB4RMZftia5SS24kNAn9SzAiGtp9DrLQFifb0GDArV3Nav3-q4caJK7B7At62zuQDIkHHiWGp6dZbPkI30nkSbVdZ6B4T3vpCugHBGT7pDNQdh2es0Jnumr7E7S3pK2mhOYA/s320/20231004193358-PXL_20231005_013358341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We found a few breweries to try out as well as an outdoor concert one evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5hlhsPF52bpuNqsPtWzOdKhMT72XIj7FhQj6DIN9rT247NhEdAl4kVxhqcIQ-GX8KnAkpQNjFgSSviU8-2DaEdvxdzsi40ooT-JPx86lrE2MJVAU37wBbNtAK9unpZR470k0B3uhvukXvKmtcx5cBwd6_RX9V9Kgj8vtJdOk2-HXZONkLt-caFQcpE0/s4229/20231002115929-PXL_20231001_230513812.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4229" data-original-width="2699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5hlhsPF52bpuNqsPtWzOdKhMT72XIj7FhQj6DIN9rT247NhEdAl4kVxhqcIQ-GX8KnAkpQNjFgSSviU8-2DaEdvxdzsi40ooT-JPx86lrE2MJVAU37wBbNtAK9unpZR470k0B3uhvukXvKmtcx5cBwd6_RX9V9Kgj8vtJdOk2-HXZONkLt-caFQcpE0/s320/20231002115929-PXL_20231001_230513812.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And I'm enjoying my history lessons as we walk around downtown with the lifesize statues of the Presidents of the United States hanging out at every corner.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwwhpHyPSEbjnTdzM45PQlCF0dLbBvtUiQXxAbdKuuvZUTmqRFFLkSf8Ew4nWLpEWNf-m9ssquSxQy5QQ0bWZOOVZDHRwtMX1W4dlhf_-kA3yndiw-OG5n5OxjUDw0JxYrVyQrC9l8AA3WxRXNUqAWilpWCyFY7Gsqa_yaBdLq9jylBOTEqrieEAv9gs/s4080/20231004185603-PXL_20231005_005603104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwwhpHyPSEbjnTdzM45PQlCF0dLbBvtUiQXxAbdKuuvZUTmqRFFLkSf8Ew4nWLpEWNf-m9ssquSxQy5QQ0bWZOOVZDHRwtMX1W4dlhf_-kA3yndiw-OG5n5OxjUDw0JxYrVyQrC9l8AA3WxRXNUqAWilpWCyFY7Gsqa_yaBdLq9jylBOTEqrieEAv9gs/s320/20231004185603-PXL_20231005_005603104.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I think that James Madison and I could see ''eye-to-eye''!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We're trying to stay positive, because this is the reality of our lifestyle. There are going to be fun time</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">s as well as frustrating moments. So as we wait out this current repair, I'm going to concentrate on and share some of the fun times that we recently enjoyed during our visit to Minnesota.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Kaushan Script; font-size: x-large;">Wonderful moments like ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfEmn0m0syE5EegrfhzEZzGs-N6wg7DOj4AFw09gj3Yem5zlpbqdBEGQBZ3OcQCj-GaNb1TMmUSmwIeZQOVIupd8yfk5RaKu-1KiLts2Fd_iSlBWU4dapqfRUKA7nncQD61MLNd01czDp-zTPXxZjYKv8DORELLP12ZyHFIHv86-348D8CDFO8jnIZoM/s3648/20230820134136-PXL_20230820_184136174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfEmn0m0syE5EegrfhzEZzGs-N6wg7DOj4AFw09gj3Yem5zlpbqdBEGQBZ3OcQCj-GaNb1TMmUSmwIeZQOVIupd8yfk5RaKu-1KiLts2Fd_iSlBWU4dapqfRUKA7nncQD61MLNd01czDp-zTPXxZjYKv8DORELLP12ZyHFIHv86-348D8CDFO8jnIZoM/s320/20230820134136-PXL_20230820_184136174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Minneapolis biking with our sons and daughter-in-law,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP1Ev_-8rGA-J7iKTBFgzNdC0D_6NW_5_uSSQIUefa7uO0yEf7ZpMjYqS1FVKyyBg1qa8DIwm58TyfwgtYXTfcOUVQLwG-rpbhm4JKwGl76h6rnmaMEfXs5m2TciKfCn8mqCZArLO8d6HmKeYkkdQit6FH6aEC38XtPAAkFP6gz_q_-Tpq3J9WymhMo8/s4493/20230826153536-PXL_20230824_171620719.MP~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2690" data-original-width="4493" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP1Ev_-8rGA-J7iKTBFgzNdC0D_6NW_5_uSSQIUefa7uO0yEf7ZpMjYqS1FVKyyBg1qa8DIwm58TyfwgtYXTfcOUVQLwG-rpbhm4JKwGl76h6rnmaMEfXs5m2TciKfCn8mqCZArLO8d6HmKeYkkdQit6FH6aEC38XtPAAkFP6gz_q_-Tpq3J9WymhMo8/s320/20230826153536-PXL_20230824_171620719.MP~4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Lunches and therapeutic gab sessions with girlfriends,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8On6JO9E231KX66Faq8dMC7BzG1cotTjKs3_grjfWz4P0cx3a4ZkZh85M8mTxL7SzQcdssQ3ocoZk_RMePi95SLDDk_awdZ7Od4f3eShHC8qqBKKKHqxsNF4Qy_hdVOhCB_OR2gcOPv0upvVzQO56PKzNmiwlRAcqPXcc8xbMfjHDVQYzPxk2xq_-yY/s4541/20230910175016-PXL_20230910_203012982~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2985" data-original-width="4541" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8On6JO9E231KX66Faq8dMC7BzG1cotTjKs3_grjfWz4P0cx3a4ZkZh85M8mTxL7SzQcdssQ3ocoZk_RMePi95SLDDk_awdZ7Od4f3eShHC8qqBKKKHqxsNF4Qy_hdVOhCB_OR2gcOPv0upvVzQO56PKzNmiwlRAcqPXcc8xbMfjHDVQYzPxk2xq_-yY/s320/20230910175016-PXL_20230910_203012982~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A pontoon ride with college friends who make the forty years since graduation seem just like yesterday,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rr-Euv_SdnkHPReMBKtCc9hng6Av1hwkawQa-Dbd0r4w3vIkK0C5eXI12GRPXTyy2z8hiLJikc6LIoXkddlJeQBybvTDDlAKMInA6oqDjQ9Dof9uyGpavX9Vm_bpWDhPS9eRjx-EIpUhrWs6-VpjDB206uH9uMaOr7VYu5JJyZBqFXH0Ma7LxmQClJ0/s3648/20230831104641-PXL_20230831_154641241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Rr-Euv_SdnkHPReMBKtCc9hng6Av1hwkawQa-Dbd0r4w3vIkK0C5eXI12GRPXTyy2z8hiLJikc6LIoXkddlJeQBybvTDDlAKMInA6oqDjQ9Dof9uyGpavX9Vm_bpWDhPS9eRjx-EIpUhrWs6-VpjDB206uH9uMaOr7VYu5JJyZBqFXH0Ma7LxmQClJ0/s320/20230831104641-PXL_20230831_154641241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thursday morning bike tours around Rochester with our friend, Dave followed by a Mr Pizza lunch,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4IFqzW9gmp85251i36UFmthqDBQAMXT7qcbiBCzUDAPrIwfNWm3BzhksKib5xpLOgWeW1MnU-OG2A3rTtXOcblqB8N6DFfMy_9cYRG1bmaAcO6JQ_hHi601ve9iEY6v8Ym16yKNtkLzP_YJ4C3rtu6DIredggQQ5fdhhsXb2Wn0ViluUYFuR0ckfj5Y/s4624/20230831182250-PXL_20230831_232250641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4IFqzW9gmp85251i36UFmthqDBQAMXT7qcbiBCzUDAPrIwfNWm3BzhksKib5xpLOgWeW1MnU-OG2A3rTtXOcblqB8N6DFfMy_9cYRG1bmaAcO6JQ_hHi601ve9iEY6v8Ym16yKNtkLzP_YJ4C3rtu6DIredggQQ5fdhhsXb2Wn0ViluUYFuR0ckfj5Y/s320/20230831182250-PXL_20230831_232250641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fun fajita fiestas with friends,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FNIymlmtzh_cORqNHE3ysvjO_uF8AmaBo5A3WWFwloEzsR7UdAKnEuPKXcv_fXlhvaKU6kOVCILej8aVHV_j4iyRFPdqLPZ0qhoz644a2Khc893INl7mnW-vHC_l0O87v29t5gvlKSZikeqHCZAICDVpa-LUMKTVchTEbjicbjxtjVfYALAszBGpe5A/s3088/20230824000000-received_316511370844888.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FNIymlmtzh_cORqNHE3ysvjO_uF8AmaBo5A3WWFwloEzsR7UdAKnEuPKXcv_fXlhvaKU6kOVCILej8aVHV_j4iyRFPdqLPZ0qhoz644a2Khc893INl7mnW-vHC_l0O87v29t5gvlKSZikeqHCZAICDVpa-LUMKTVchTEbjicbjxtjVfYALAszBGpe5A/s320/20230824000000-received_316511370844888.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Chance meetings with ''day brightener'' pals,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIolP8H0n7wuPLjdTmBo_iXWfIp41uttCjgDJ91bnbQg5bDQKuhWn0ddSBDnzASeGB9Z05i5kbmbCAM2in7ZpHqMiTkyWDLO9zeBbKwu8iNhaFjFyxizodW0AwVv8hRv5M0KWWzKmuuxaZYbF51N8mexfux8gio3_LZP7MSJYp0tVRZ4ANrvQFXNxY-Ww/s4624/20230921192509-PXL_20230922_002509566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIolP8H0n7wuPLjdTmBo_iXWfIp41uttCjgDJ91bnbQg5bDQKuhWn0ddSBDnzASeGB9Z05i5kbmbCAM2in7ZpHqMiTkyWDLO9zeBbKwu8iNhaFjFyxizodW0AwVv8hRv5M0KWWzKmuuxaZYbF51N8mexfux8gio3_LZP7MSJYp0tVRZ4ANrvQFXNxY-Ww/s320/20230921192509-PXL_20230922_002509566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Cello concerts by our talented Godchild, Ella,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rdLHU0AlJ5P5LSrsbrwzabK66VV4ZCBhV29QREC6kpBJuX_388MboX1B2fmBd8ZP2qUh4EJJ5JprVCOuKnIho-OO2w_pgKjN7sKuu6kJKsw6UzWq131HSKAxCInC5gcrep3T7fZp4eqxtinrCq8qj2UelVs28mfX6ASxPpdi4zCaz85uayQuFFyezMk/s4624/20230830201915-PXL_20230831_011915417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rdLHU0AlJ5P5LSrsbrwzabK66VV4ZCBhV29QREC6kpBJuX_388MboX1B2fmBd8ZP2qUh4EJJ5JprVCOuKnIho-OO2w_pgKjN7sKuu6kJKsw6UzWq131HSKAxCInC5gcrep3T7fZp4eqxtinrCq8qj2UelVs28mfX6ASxPpdi4zCaz85uayQuFFyezMk/s320/20230830201915-PXL_20230831_011915417.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bedtime stories with our ''adopted'' grandchildren,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3drXx6NrhSisPLn_KEkT1GwmeVlPjIsWyiYgl0XZpRJayU1O_R1sh3BiiihCNEbfjMm64y4RrFPYJaOtJdPV7b0zmnQITr7EkE0fb2YLn-euP9Mqru7CtxbSHkCFBK2FcfF51XhLzLi2MRRo9gf-QI0AlvQl9WsVeUQh7qheWDj43Lzl9jOxlLtKVTdA/s4624/20230925172758-PXL_20230925_222758596.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3drXx6NrhSisPLn_KEkT1GwmeVlPjIsWyiYgl0XZpRJayU1O_R1sh3BiiihCNEbfjMm64y4RrFPYJaOtJdPV7b0zmnQITr7EkE0fb2YLn-euP9Mqru7CtxbSHkCFBK2FcfF51XhLzLi2MRRo9gf-QI0AlvQl9WsVeUQh7qheWDj43Lzl9jOxlLtKVTdA/s320/20230925172758-PXL_20230925_222758596.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A toast with my sisters, when we just happened to find ourselves in the same city at the same time,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGwOxY71IARuFZpMHnafM9qJvv4LXujznGhyphenhyphenGxdJCGiyk3T3Dwlc8XmqbK-nrThpzXi9CzrUqryNGu1BNvnC4UCNLva0RwEpXrUo8r2kDh8pW8M-cAOYFqXj_aprkKvV5BVtExS1alh9aAcyTekrQC9aq2-KP55eEQgavJSTBhPDGO5HTfRZxDngpCQs/s3648/20230918150036-PXL_20230918_200036821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGwOxY71IARuFZpMHnafM9qJvv4LXujznGhyphenhyphenGxdJCGiyk3T3Dwlc8XmqbK-nrThpzXi9CzrUqryNGu1BNvnC4UCNLva0RwEpXrUo8r2kDh8pW8M-cAOYFqXj_aprkKvV5BVtExS1alh9aAcyTekrQC9aq2-KP55eEQgavJSTBhPDGO5HTfRZxDngpCQs/s320/20230918150036-PXL_20230918_200036821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hanging out with camping buddies ... happy that our travel paths crossed once again,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvY3YIAHWfUPGL6Zs4KzMzeBu10MJo2RqrTaPQYw1AwED3H6zTQ26wJm6018cNKyXJdJokzNI-9jnGxKBNb7W8m1mVAIBpboGut4pOWoK4xBIRceklNcXt9u9S5KYaMlZvQukrSgg9cvzwxrRSQc79VGABMbrG9Y-oSQIc1d3oLA8usKEGV2HvryKM7k/s3648/20230902194501-PXL_20230903_004501289.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvY3YIAHWfUPGL6Zs4KzMzeBu10MJo2RqrTaPQYw1AwED3H6zTQ26wJm6018cNKyXJdJokzNI-9jnGxKBNb7W8m1mVAIBpboGut4pOWoK4xBIRceklNcXt9u9S5KYaMlZvQukrSgg9cvzwxrRSQc79VGABMbrG9Y-oSQIc1d3oLA8usKEGV2HvryKM7k/s320/20230902194501-PXL_20230903_004501289.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A Labor Day lake gathering with other camping friends,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgovkOk_u83-35T-DrWNZrN8KVUDFGeHlm5TxM0KaIVh2zS8phiYzak-6NQc3kHlJJka9qTRH49gRVGqVeAD8cF5fYYAwi2AJ72egBl75UdH411WbyR40ep6zpy3llBoQAxpPwd_M0kQ2x7OmYPMGeArLkxUQYTpQIk1eCBKs-3soCKAS6QDmJd93QpTI/s1024/20230911000000-IMG-20230911-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgovkOk_u83-35T-DrWNZrN8KVUDFGeHlm5TxM0KaIVh2zS8phiYzak-6NQc3kHlJJka9qTRH49gRVGqVeAD8cF5fYYAwi2AJ72egBl75UdH411WbyR40ep6zpy3llBoQAxpPwd_M0kQ2x7OmYPMGeArLkxUQYTpQIk1eCBKs-3soCKAS6QDmJd93QpTI/s320/20230911000000-IMG-20230911-WA0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Delicious dinners, movie night, and quality time spent with my talented friend, Brittany. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppX36i6bFJkbDTT-cnlJitXVu0yugjfm3XjQjXaJSI5l3ccFTwhC7r0GlSyd8suX9to7gtLmkBSyLL2qTqpicxyxRI72hXuvRJeEly-PFd7U93N3th_IE31FERAehJKeo92lLMWLQOroFoITqdAJ2g9n9TTF-PMYM5GwuJEU2m79wKCfnqPckX6kX8as/s4624/20230905193734-PXL_20230906_003300352~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppX36i6bFJkbDTT-cnlJitXVu0yugjfm3XjQjXaJSI5l3ccFTwhC7r0GlSyd8suX9to7gtLmkBSyLL2qTqpicxyxRI72hXuvRJeEly-PFd7U93N3th_IE31FERAehJKeo92lLMWLQOroFoITqdAJ2g9n9TTF-PMYM5GwuJEU2m79wKCfnqPckX6kX8as/s320/20230905193734-PXL_20230906_003300352~3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and just hanging out with Zoey, who had decided that she really wants to become an RV dog.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thinking back on all the blessings that we have been able to experience because of ''van life'' helps put some of the difficult times into perspective, and also gets us thinking ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L_TUgh0T7-KWL6yEODUzEL8eqYi6t6cdAUne2jU6q5WpSdWYmpmBq2Ha17AH2Ki1v4knWpZkagAWxPam7DY_bFlRDDWrEWuNjbF9ylAwv-4SgiG7DkI4_IhEnze936hzFT-h9DcATrxdsxldO_HjP4Z7Czt3YfZAl1_52KyoACclmKI-vS4Mvm6r_h4/s4624/20230924150506-PXL_20230922_161250254~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2689" data-original-width="4624" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L_TUgh0T7-KWL6yEODUzEL8eqYi6t6cdAUne2jU6q5WpSdWYmpmBq2Ha17AH2Ki1v4knWpZkagAWxPam7DY_bFlRDDWrEWuNjbF9ylAwv-4SgiG7DkI4_IhEnze936hzFT-h9DcATrxdsxldO_HjP4Z7Czt3YfZAl1_52KyoACclmKI-vS4Mvm6r_h4/w351-h204/20230924150506-PXL_20230922_161250254~2.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What will our next season of retirement look like?</span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We often get asked, ''how long do you think that you will continue to travel?'' or, ''what does your next phase of life look like?'' This current ''bump in the road'' has started us (ok, mainly me) pondering those questions. Continuing van life ... Selling the van and pursuing international travel ... Settling down ... and where?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2_PXi0E_WriTCuHNOhEGMTyQY0Wi_T3mxCW6n_Q4UyP9prKii9qCq5r_3xq1r3L5HBosV9JaRfhtqK08U02DlhrnL4NmSOUqO7pv6wJdZtfdeOBrEEEGD71VOPgJbCuEjaCVvJ_LZoyUTAD00SSQ5pGOFW0T6iMEEuQfjuCS7mUESgvRiTYVdhQJy6w/s3648/20230819163950-20230819163950_IMG_0480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2_PXi0E_WriTCuHNOhEGMTyQY0Wi_T3mxCW6n_Q4UyP9prKii9qCq5r_3xq1r3L5HBosV9JaRfhtqK08U02DlhrnL4NmSOUqO7pv6wJdZtfdeOBrEEEGD71VOPgJbCuEjaCVvJ_LZoyUTAD00SSQ5pGOFW0T6iMEEuQfjuCS7mUESgvRiTYVdhQJy6w/s320/20230819163950-20230819163950_IMG_0480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Spending time with cute grand-puppies like Pippy Longbody,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNaly-R8g__8QduafKKEGsWOl5vqV45JWpIV6uig-qHWimjHNSvgeHWxBjbJv6uCwVxJw1evxvpp8G1A7m6dvdycD1a-kEfdbUpaGBsJh6gZbX1zQ3vwMNPD6DtskyjtjRfldvW7Ggbfsc8BF03w8yxW5hncwIamLwzMKICWvxiEODlK0U50jmJeQrec/s3648/20230820175137-20230820175137_IMG_0490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNaly-R8g__8QduafKKEGsWOl5vqV45JWpIV6uig-qHWimjHNSvgeHWxBjbJv6uCwVxJw1evxvpp8G1A7m6dvdycD1a-kEfdbUpaGBsJh6gZbX1zQ3vwMNPD6DtskyjtjRfldvW7Ggbfsc8BF03w8yxW5hncwIamLwzMKICWvxiEODlK0U50jmJeQrec/s320/20230820175137-20230820175137_IMG_0490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and Peter the Pug,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAyiiAEWfDDH-HSUhx7AajZwU6kdtKCWMki__ZiUTfy0BT9YuSVltXvRV-ckGUaLfpBy90mMZEcvnmcxiz30f7AqmSJcPQwa685pFR_LzYfokBsBiA5Rc068K7InL6iwzZEd-Tbym_jkiRDP315fyOlx7QEnI0G7EmftJGzsT7QMY8LwVl7crqsb7AfM/s4624/20230922181604-PXL_20230922_231604857.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAyiiAEWfDDH-HSUhx7AajZwU6kdtKCWMki__ZiUTfy0BT9YuSVltXvRV-ckGUaLfpBy90mMZEcvnmcxiz30f7AqmSJcPQwa685pFR_LzYfokBsBiA5Rc068K7InL6iwzZEd-Tbym_jkiRDP315fyOlx7QEnI0G7EmftJGzsT7QMY8LwVl7crqsb7AfM/s320/20230922181604-PXL_20230922_231604857.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and feeling a sense of community with family and friends are strong reasons to settle down,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtu-GUOfaTPGyl9kVfX8t5iHbSGl3JM6IJeE4bFknKmd4MDo-1QrX0bGxCSiv6gx102hbmFbhx_sfTHhjw3aHX3oFSDhsGFUy2ODt__dc4wFjHvR5dtkAClvuZ90ZDg28Ymxy4nXQ3AGgd6PdlWBaqDbGHZ1BnowdOFYtbdwusltynRsu9xpcpiF3P0KI/s4080/20230728190619-PXL_20230728_213619239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtu-GUOfaTPGyl9kVfX8t5iHbSGl3JM6IJeE4bFknKmd4MDo-1QrX0bGxCSiv6gx102hbmFbhx_sfTHhjw3aHX3oFSDhsGFUy2ODt__dc4wFjHvR5dtkAClvuZ90ZDg28Ymxy4nXQ3AGgd6PdlWBaqDbGHZ1BnowdOFYtbdwusltynRsu9xpcpiF3P0KI/s320/20230728190619-PXL_20230728_213619239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">but memories of the amazing places that we have been able to visit because of our current lifestyle also pose very compelling reasons to keep traveling. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yq-OR6lSulGBJ-47b5rIajCHw_qNEfTQC7cuV-Hh62N5fHm8kCP45_4aGmOyaQ4fjqpvSdOVBhHBFYmAMXnXxMeeVyiRLKE1ua-oy5-gbeZFpXGXpRIZvAwj693-D3bp2g8o9rT-0Nquw9rrV6Q9fzHih6DB-UE3yqSRnv9aSMEASEh7l-XaC3GlKJg/s4624/20230908195920-PXL_20230909_005920329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yq-OR6lSulGBJ-47b5rIajCHw_qNEfTQC7cuV-Hh62N5fHm8kCP45_4aGmOyaQ4fjqpvSdOVBhHBFYmAMXnXxMeeVyiRLKE1ua-oy5-gbeZFpXGXpRIZvAwj693-D3bp2g8o9rT-0Nquw9rrV6Q9fzHih6DB-UE3yqSRnv9aSMEASEh7l-XaC3GlKJg/s320/20230908195920-PXL_20230909_005920329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thankfully, our van is up and running once again. So, for now, we'll take it one day at a time, pondering our options while being grate</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">ful for the people who are always there to warmly welcome us back home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM-34IrqkoEB3PrNQqwYNYbLABJRfERtCHRYUzbmsIL5ER5JF5Bxz0swVRbmGVpsz_XKah5TMchrqQQfG5mlwFGEH4IJKWIUERMPjcXjVx3MXq5SIya5-hH26SBx5jEk2wS2xCxHoUBjsbDOZNreqvxLj-Nw6kdngX0FaO-cP117WPqesZ5-nok8fKWs/s4624/20230909100531-PXL_20230909_150531777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM-34IrqkoEB3PrNQqwYNYbLABJRfERtCHRYUzbmsIL5ER5JF5Bxz0swVRbmGVpsz_XKah5TMchrqQQfG5mlwFGEH4IJKWIUERMPjcXjVx3MXq5SIya5-hH26SBx5jEk2wS2xCxHoUBjsbDOZNreqvxLj-Nw6kdngX0FaO-cP117WPqesZ5-nok8fKWs/s320/20230909100531-PXL_20230909_150531777.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">PS: The opinions expressed about our future travel plans are the sole opinions of this blog author. Her travel partner currently just agrees that this break-down has been difficult and that we need to start thinking about what our ''next phase'' looks like. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRuW99p7Q2YiqGPGCrWV2sOBlj6oADl6G7w7R_SmYKpEwRNopUI3q5_rqU61gUUbnrFEee_6bnOIMwrX80p4i6PJ8CB1vWiXfxKv_na8Mq6E0mW9DxcIck09UHCPr91vDxDyvLBoqehKhSU84cVQkvnt7NzWFgCvYTQ66KtoZ1t0SRu1-tRCR7fFw0Xg/s4036/20230930174809-PXL_20230930_232413367~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3151" data-original-width="4036" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRuW99p7Q2YiqGPGCrWV2sOBlj6oADl6G7w7R_SmYKpEwRNopUI3q5_rqU61gUUbnrFEee_6bnOIMwrX80p4i6PJ8CB1vWiXfxKv_na8Mq6E0mW9DxcIck09UHCPr91vDxDyvLBoqehKhSU84cVQkvnt7NzWFgCvYTQ66KtoZ1t0SRu1-tRCR7fFw0Xg/s320/20230930174809-PXL_20230930_232413367~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Of course, if he would happen to be in the market for a new travel vehicle, I think that I may have found him the perfect model at the recent antique auto show that was held last weekend in downtown Rapid City!</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-49018313621644353842023-10-03T16:46:00.000-05:002023-10-03T16:46:00.600-05:00Beauty Flows Freely: Waterfalls, White Mountains, Tidal Bores ... and Toronto, Too!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ0UwaCkzK8GDRELy4tKitlyJGqQHMhl1rAcZXvVWyWWJYrUIUMiaJb9Et0EUFh7gVSyn7rbpoIQ-QPbiUxQkU-a5zaYlzwsZdtpK4PansC0GGUK-FV_9tU9urdzWwMBdEg5eGqiSm629i8YWeXiUuVCAxWERXj9UdYUC9UCfU-hJk_AatGdbFONYjLw/s4080/20230809113939-PXL_20230809_153939644.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJ0UwaCkzK8GDRELy4tKitlyJGqQHMhl1rAcZXvVWyWWJYrUIUMiaJb9Et0EUFh7gVSyn7rbpoIQ-QPbiUxQkU-a5zaYlzwsZdtpK4PansC0GGUK-FV_9tU9urdzWwMBdEg5eGqiSm629i8YWeXiUuVCAxWERXj9UdYUC9UCfU-hJk_AatGdbFONYjLw/s320/20230809113939-PXL_20230809_153939644.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Beauty flows freely in the power of water</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSWgSjh_P2-7Qmp6LIRTe_xDmL8zvmi8Rh79OpIcrknsTwa6_ZufmXPMBCcBh5gIg83dVTER-us4hjEUNlGkUbMgzsykgSf8TNqgeS36PlyO2IGLFlUZ0oTG6A0V0M28r4fMxMIwNl38ZXMBJGnXiNO-rnGdKZHV__Duzrt_07ZVmg8wzx-fuWrRwjA/s4080/20230803114802-PXL_20230803_144802395.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKSWgSjh_P2-7Qmp6LIRTe_xDmL8zvmi8Rh79OpIcrknsTwa6_ZufmXPMBCcBh5gIg83dVTER-us4hjEUNlGkUbMgzsykgSf8TNqgeS36PlyO2IGLFlUZ0oTG6A0V0M28r4fMxMIwNl38ZXMBJGnXiNO-rnGdKZHV__Duzrt_07ZVmg8wzx-fuWrRwjA/s320/20230803114802-PXL_20230803_144802395.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we were returning to Nova Scotia on the ferry following our five+ week RVenture on the Rock, I couldn't help but wonder ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>How can the scenery on the mainland even come close to the beauty found in Newfoundland? </b></i></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But as we soon found out, there was more charm waiting to be discovered in the eastern Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States ...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BrOunmgKrE8UCDggGT-YumzCUmivFk2wSPSgRC_aNZ0Ph6f2YHelqWjpMLaFh0s5cS4mQhnXWkbQCztf6IJXahIQJidMEYY02UEhfuu-kZ2MyoKbbrNldbUOwlG5WAsPkUso7Ozd7_FstSzUzMMgYtQcxPSGKr2djamJXF4BIlWPxhl-CxSGwm1ZW7A/s4080/20230731125147-PXL_20230731_155147874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BrOunmgKrE8UCDggGT-YumzCUmivFk2wSPSgRC_aNZ0Ph6f2YHelqWjpMLaFh0s5cS4mQhnXWkbQCztf6IJXahIQJidMEYY02UEhfuu-kZ2MyoKbbrNldbUOwlG5WAsPkUso7Ozd7_FstSzUzMMgYtQcxPSGKr2djamJXF4BIlWPxhl-CxSGwm1ZW7A/s320/20230731125147-PXL_20230731_155147874.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">like panoramic views on the coast of Nova Scotia in Cape Breton Highlands National Park,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhKUGjVRq0x7pcx2CeneE_QSYzTDt5OocwvRgp_vCV2XT5-sSw4UHh6aqjxl0RpFwxbBWYHG-8j19y7Mw9553LzSavDXyLSjMKlaRrrfjRwBckxxrbmv-r9sOtS86R016D-jrX6PZmSFDGHrMqu7bHnoUUNHJw_rxY1ZvlW_TJKn-39Fxrmzq2TvvZjo/s4080/20230809124527-PXL_20230809_154224342.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhKUGjVRq0x7pcx2CeneE_QSYzTDt5OocwvRgp_vCV2XT5-sSw4UHh6aqjxl0RpFwxbBWYHG-8j19y7Mw9553LzSavDXyLSjMKlaRrrfjRwBckxxrbmv-r9sOtS86R016D-jrX6PZmSFDGHrMqu7bHnoUUNHJw_rxY1ZvlW_TJKn-39Fxrmzq2TvvZjo/s320/20230809124527-PXL_20230809_154224342.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">or melodious waterfalls that tumble freely down river ravines in New Hampshire's Flume Gorge,</span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdBX5AQgDcwVbE4v6fFYHgaddtS-EZ2Mcnkc-VuFvEyFz40Q-cpBM-Jeq71H2Pkt7z9ctAVQ7s-lKZrwhAXM1Qf96AqgGxUaiQzSGh5OrZU_nuEKWDgihJVIAPKr85QcYYvblZf-zxV1DCHkIddGVhllxshl7X8TCdXlgZJkQpuOO7A1L0h5nSJifFLI/s3648/20230808095944-20230808095944_IMG_0408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdBX5AQgDcwVbE4v6fFYHgaddtS-EZ2Mcnkc-VuFvEyFz40Q-cpBM-Jeq71H2Pkt7z9ctAVQ7s-lKZrwhAXM1Qf96AqgGxUaiQzSGh5OrZU_nuEKWDgihJVIAPKr85QcYYvblZf-zxV1DCHkIddGVhllxshl7X8TCdXlgZJkQpuOO7A1L0h5nSJifFLI/s320/20230808095944-20230808095944_IMG_0408.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or dense forests that disappear into the fog on Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8gIXv9COtTd0urVChF9onUmLKSN22dIrzHkSkbhQRN4lwU0uXYPQGDLBCMRNDc4vKTUK9yYANolvFmZpaC0YJwQqXcy4ydCl1IOtVVML2S02msayVYYRrdBN_fkApkZkwsundTOS7vcmd8Rh-Li4c_XRToTiR1VolaU9cQroO21MdcG4K5sigrSulRU/s4080/20230812210720-PXL_20230813_010720974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8gIXv9COtTd0urVChF9onUmLKSN22dIrzHkSkbhQRN4lwU0uXYPQGDLBCMRNDc4vKTUK9yYANolvFmZpaC0YJwQqXcy4ydCl1IOtVVML2S02msayVYYRrdBN_fkApkZkwsundTOS7vcmd8Rh-Li4c_XRToTiR1VolaU9cQroO21MdcG4K5sigrSulRU/s320/20230812210720-PXL_20230813_010720974.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or colorful urban structures that light up the night skies in Toronto, Ontario,</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRwkQvzTpl_heIud1aRJ-ttd-8y8O9L0AJ5oveq1twUwhUolRp68w_wVFbcfi2r6VVdcbuHKoxhxUx4R-wA7_XndyWaswcSGnY6gMpnXnmT3gV_y-Ez_-e1hV1YycHVowhQCXYb6TDFZF0qW3vsXfxi0F9LdcZ2Pg8DmS6Uljz_nFgCW3j5QksZQ9rI/s4080/20230814112025-PXL_20230814_152025204.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRwkQvzTpl_heIud1aRJ-ttd-8y8O9L0AJ5oveq1twUwhUolRp68w_wVFbcfi2r6VVdcbuHKoxhxUx4R-wA7_XndyWaswcSGnY6gMpnXnmT3gV_y-Ez_-e1hV1YycHVowhQCXYb6TDFZF0qW3vsXfxi0F9LdcZ2Pg8DmS6Uljz_nFgCW3j5QksZQ9rI/s320/20230814112025-PXL_20230814_152025204.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">or majestic waterfalls that draw thousands of visitors to Niagara Falls on a daily basis,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oJY8A0HNzfQc3rOVl6AvDxR-EnbfycLpzgNXAfCp4-5bbkKE-qWhF8QchbUQc90zgI59J_f7dWyHA-i_SLQS__F07wLMIe6c54f6UC8tbkEsLAgRVHyjx1lsF801bvqYI84OYn2N9Ws8XUl8Oooh8E2XyJPFtVkJAnyTuI9sbMCCo-PjwxARGasdw0o/s3648/20230804125542-20230804125542_IMG_0383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oJY8A0HNzfQc3rOVl6AvDxR-EnbfycLpzgNXAfCp4-5bbkKE-qWhF8QchbUQc90zgI59J_f7dWyHA-i_SLQS__F07wLMIe6c54f6UC8tbkEsLAgRVHyjx1lsF801bvqYI84OYn2N9Ws8XUl8Oooh8E2XyJPFtVkJAnyTuI9sbMCCo-PjwxARGasdw0o/s320/20230804125542-20230804125542_IMG_0383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or brown murky waters that bring waves of excitement with the changing tides on the Bay of Fundy ... ok, maybe I wouldn't call it beautiful, but it is amazing nonetheless!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s9MxqbVVjE-kFMmI66jpWGUaSzYc0vYFGijQ93Mqtx9uuUrNeQzgTn5MbwWELp5p2Nl6yFN9pYhZ-2K4J5VfQxCkZVIrEEOMqSndGfX9bdc7BujPnl2S5GfOh9tkPcQaqxDosduFxifEym6Xwlx1MoWluA6U4B86kbVKlOgvF6pCRRZ1Osoo41YqM4Y/s3648/20230802093529-20230802093529_IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s9MxqbVVjE-kFMmI66jpWGUaSzYc0vYFGijQ93Mqtx9uuUrNeQzgTn5MbwWELp5p2Nl6yFN9pYhZ-2K4J5VfQxCkZVIrEEOMqSndGfX9bdc7BujPnl2S5GfOh9tkPcQaqxDosduFxifEym6Xwlx1MoWluA6U4B86kbVKlOgvF6pCRRZ1Osoo41YqM4Y/s320/20230802093529-20230802093529_IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Discovering this diverse beauty made us glad that we slowed down to enjoy the natural areas along the way even as I was feeling the strong urge to hurry though in order to spend time with family and friends in Minnesota.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefK1OgrmuLJt8_NCk6M5IotRdmxR33d3zegXO9nRxz59Nn4TuNs3w0tqcYvUhOg2bdS7SEErNOtNnlDahvHggfeV6uZlWlADmhd71nR8n49kb2u8sPcNFBy-nVrzTHaJebPa8o4yYPQ2B2C3Y1zC_l_Uh5g8V8UN3j7nWZyAw-MojSydOgb7EM8hhO78/s3648/20230802092536-20230802092536_IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefK1OgrmuLJt8_NCk6M5IotRdmxR33d3zegXO9nRxz59Nn4TuNs3w0tqcYvUhOg2bdS7SEErNOtNnlDahvHggfeV6uZlWlADmhd71nR8n49kb2u8sPcNFBy-nVrzTHaJebPa8o4yYPQ2B2C3Y1zC_l_Uh5g8V8UN3j7nWZyAw-MojSydOgb7EM8hhO78/w301-h226/20230802092536-20230802092536_IMG_0347.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I need to take a lesson from these snowbirds </i><i>who were enjoying another day of</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>cool sea breezes and sunshine before beginning their journey south.</i></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Some of the highlights of our journey through eastern Canada and United States included: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cape Breton Highlands National Park</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We took a ride on the Cabot Trail and found ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NI4IxnB3LU0B9-lTXdkZAATgePc57Iryr2tlxT5YVObjEwwU49Z9nPIXcKiy5E6x03aHEhKjv51hf_v9Lbc_Y0iKaqUGfYpPd7PRzpDl_Ez5pkn9G0ZYrrDDejrt1toGymqLBFxE8KV8ZeCzkjm3Ekjm4zXsl-lY-Nem2nsY54p7KC6_TwsDk8a1G2Y/s4080/20230802171200-PXL_20230802_201200252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NI4IxnB3LU0B9-lTXdkZAATgePc57Iryr2tlxT5YVObjEwwU49Z9nPIXcKiy5E6x03aHEhKjv51hf_v9Lbc_Y0iKaqUGfYpPd7PRzpDl_Ez5pkn9G0ZYrrDDejrt1toGymqLBFxE8KV8ZeCzkjm3Ekjm4zXsl-lY-Nem2nsY54p7KC6_TwsDk8a1G2Y/s320/20230802171200-PXL_20230802_201200252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">brilliant seaside scenery,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A5jpnHraVSqT9PjxAeHSM8YGUmRRaxvnE4ltYN5wCPKCKNPmlNYK3brWbfufp6GAUUfMbSEBbboHNOto3EHjTLeJLOImZaUlI0tljq1WmKAa9oPkaix2diTcYR8qrzIZzveJXCfj4T5qyHGxDfeGXdki9oHYeR_qlFevQ0ikZVqIcZ3_wZJS074C7Cg/s3648/20230803110410-20230803110410_IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A5jpnHraVSqT9PjxAeHSM8YGUmRRaxvnE4ltYN5wCPKCKNPmlNYK3brWbfufp6GAUUfMbSEBbboHNOto3EHjTLeJLOImZaUlI0tljq1WmKAa9oPkaix2diTcYR8qrzIZzveJXCfj4T5qyHGxDfeGXdki9oHYeR_qlFevQ0ikZVqIcZ3_wZJS074C7Cg/s320/20230803110410-20230803110410_IMG_0366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">tranquil hiking paths,</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dt9PZDg910HSxkyZa2PKeL4Dg-Q8iiqjbKqOMs_rYI-QUmNAiIf3cdvgKbFfbjfoioOIOQFsKvCSnvTcR1Hr6PqPelq7qsKmRZG1gn6Xg7_bbLWtWC2mouSkFqUZrvrFdugXCBY-XpwMLMQn_K4zk5-o17oshOhM3FioTl_5vizkwOBkSitM-PQoHJk/s4080/20230803115620-PXL_20230803_145620211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dt9PZDg910HSxkyZa2PKeL4Dg-Q8iiqjbKqOMs_rYI-QUmNAiIf3cdvgKbFfbjfoioOIOQFsKvCSnvTcR1Hr6PqPelq7qsKmRZG1gn6Xg7_bbLWtWC2mouSkFqUZrvrFdugXCBY-XpwMLMQn_K4zk5-o17oshOhM3FioTl_5vizkwOBkSitM-PQoHJk/s320/20230803115620-PXL_20230803_145620211.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and a restful spot to enjoy a waterfall view when we reached the end of the trail.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Bay of Fundy</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Situated between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick lies a powerful body of water known for its extremely high tides with 40+ feet of water rise from low to high tide. We stopped at a number of places along the shoreline to marvel at ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NUjQdWRgeqCPfadzR30msBQWvbvivzGtGcovQHMQDYk2jGk9ym0Rty8F9MV_hlcrmiocTmMHyl6Q8Ac5_Q0nSTKRLSyNzd6k8RNG5nGpqyiGrbG3c4Aal9ftQsh71UpLk8jgJkGuVKbywavIsZqrcncrJH8cORw1SbWIy7FfKR4Gcp6EkSITmMHPM1U/s3648/20230804121137-20230804121137_IMG_0374%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NUjQdWRgeqCPfadzR30msBQWvbvivzGtGcovQHMQDYk2jGk9ym0Rty8F9MV_hlcrmiocTmMHyl6Q8Ac5_Q0nSTKRLSyNzd6k8RNG5nGpqyiGrbG3c4Aal9ftQsh71UpLk8jgJkGuVKbywavIsZqrcncrJH8cORw1SbWIy7FfKR4Gcp6EkSITmMHPM1U/s320/20230804121137-20230804121137_IMG_0374%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the muddy rock formations that appear during low tide,</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_wmNxkHdH6Al5mmdw5j17siGJMiwG4qrFnKT9bRiwxeVxSHXM2rQ9VTjgPUcIsJ22fuIAwFm7AIt-Ps_hA2avxJUfmDgEBsqkJ-bH-WLuYipEa2OltS_yKgqOxApqPE8SMzVLEVAtyhemfouUyDGzU02XeBQa3uPvUuMB3snt_27EhXru4P1z3WFmlk/s3648/20230804131011-20230804131011_IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_wmNxkHdH6Al5mmdw5j17siGJMiwG4qrFnKT9bRiwxeVxSHXM2rQ9VTjgPUcIsJ22fuIAwFm7AIt-Ps_hA2avxJUfmDgEBsqkJ-bH-WLuYipEa2OltS_yKgqOxApqPE8SMzVLEVAtyhemfouUyDGzU02XeBQa3uPvUuMB3snt_27EhXru4P1z3WFmlk/s320/20230804131011-20230804131011_IMG_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and some adventuresome folks riding the waves as the tide came back in.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Fredericton, New Brunswick</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We found the provincial capital of New Brunswick to be ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMm8FpJGQDirGmrVL46bEtVZtUHEgffAAtI5DpRJRUDCRX7wA1d3P7MxQ7Ho_Le7xW9pGApBURl_WoGgKSR_KQsI0DGTkwVmQa04kSRNfu94L48iY6BjmhVC1xTjFJQYCv513KPJ1EPFrI91PzS6MxSDtC3tpRwepGV0Qrvlqcw9aVIpQORR_WGs6Qb0/s4080/20230805153819-PXL_20230805_183819680.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMm8FpJGQDirGmrVL46bEtVZtUHEgffAAtI5DpRJRUDCRX7wA1d3P7MxQ7Ho_Le7xW9pGApBURl_WoGgKSR_KQsI0DGTkwVmQa04kSRNfu94L48iY6BjmhVC1xTjFJQYCv513KPJ1EPFrI91PzS6MxSDtC3tpRwepGV0Qrvlqcw9aVIpQORR_WGs6Qb0/s320/20230805153819-PXL_20230805_183819680.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a charming stop for another ''capitol'' building photo op,</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrcbSExEOeFoAg-pDN68IhvRogZjXtp_IL_KHToP32xBI0ZD3Yvnwj5lFi3BYn9hcZRGLVKkTx9H1EdtsLL6ZZp2WHaAeCg4xBHn9R7MHpoahq1lt3z3L3b4OWhv6ixIALd7gYQKQD4c6Bs7O4Jh9gPGUIJaHw6nPkFwB7zZ3SHxjaYoSDX5Wye2kjiE/s4080/20230805122334-PXL_20230805_152334706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrcbSExEOeFoAg-pDN68IhvRogZjXtp_IL_KHToP32xBI0ZD3Yvnwj5lFi3BYn9hcZRGLVKkTx9H1EdtsLL6ZZp2WHaAeCg4xBHn9R7MHpoahq1lt3z3L3b4OWhv6ixIALd7gYQKQD4c6Bs7O4Jh9gPGUIJaHw6nPkFwB7zZ3SHxjaYoSDX5Wye2kjiE/s320/20230805122334-PXL_20230805_152334706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as a city blooming with summer flowers and activities.</div><br /> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>White Mountains National Forest</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In central New Hampshire lies a scenic drive through the White Mountains National Forest. As we drove along the Kancamagus Highway, we enjoyed ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNxZp3_xVWuNaZzSPJ1ydmA09VxHd5kA5GP1WYgXHX1aI-cHONNW96rXkqhPRhMbv2DZGMEVcWo0HUU4gq_UIZTgGiDoyW5dimtWblqEOJz3KUs_bsPlaNPOEf0YNtj6OAW7Cp0FAk2iw-5cZVOwf-8y8u5LAFogR96bLBXD0d123JIpj9zd9pgBzwPk/s4080/20230809171125-PXL_20230809_211125149.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNxZp3_xVWuNaZzSPJ1ydmA09VxHd5kA5GP1WYgXHX1aI-cHONNW96rXkqhPRhMbv2DZGMEVcWo0HUU4gq_UIZTgGiDoyW5dimtWblqEOJz3KUs_bsPlaNPOEf0YNtj6OAW7Cp0FAk2iw-5cZVOwf-8y8u5LAFogR96bLBXD0d123JIpj9zd9pgBzwPk/s320/20230809171125-PXL_20230809_211125149.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">cascading waterfalls</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xz7zWSGmhZLPIjirBC79_yL3aT2bVeqpB0SxZv7ehZS2E5nbv0ogYH6hVF2mvWZ8mOyrbyHXuMTRD_1Yf3Lmt4crUpjroBdxb0F7zS0PLIiOzcm-EaJhc7wv_w7HKzpVlHN2WNY-eomOEm8bC7PTpc3E4cXG_sakSreyATXcarGL_sk_9SUzYKh8aGQ/s3648/20230809112934-20230809112934_IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xz7zWSGmhZLPIjirBC79_yL3aT2bVeqpB0SxZv7ehZS2E5nbv0ogYH6hVF2mvWZ8mOyrbyHXuMTRD_1Yf3Lmt4crUpjroBdxb0F7zS0PLIiOzcm-EaJhc7wv_w7HKzpVlHN2WNY-eomOEm8bC7PTpc3E4cXG_sakSreyATXcarGL_sk_9SUzYKh8aGQ/s320/20230809112934-20230809112934_IMG_0414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">during a hike through the narrow Flume Gorge,</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEFSPguiCgTNXeX9EeNq49Wlg91vGqmWTV80Ejw-iYHyWH6sbEGF6OZVYUhZqf6XQcr39bqvaroqp34k2K_RZbFnuFruyaO79ly0vGw5Wp9DFDBtNtB53ngmBcM6yq-iMPy1crHT4EcIDIlGXdWErDe9Ol5-DEVQGcXFzwtBLhtfZBayTS4afRAhFMlw/s3648/20230809142525-20230809142525_IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEFSPguiCgTNXeX9EeNq49Wlg91vGqmWTV80Ejw-iYHyWH6sbEGF6OZVYUhZqf6XQcr39bqvaroqp34k2K_RZbFnuFruyaO79ly0vGw5Wp9DFDBtNtB53ngmBcM6yq-iMPy1crHT4EcIDIlGXdWErDe9Ol5-DEVQGcXFzwtBLhtfZBayTS4afRAhFMlw/s320/20230809142525-20230809142525_IMG_0418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">views of the majestic White Mountain range,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLiKI-cQjbw_DT7Nc0prHDQnI2fP1rzYG2zC0Are5LUDdhjFH1EMcm5nmLoU6rgJYbh_w7ecH7gCMMIsZX5lEuFf1RXhT9A2I3xkvhPyBsFtmEQdp94y-SJitvBvelA1tlL4Y7oukWdBWllSiSXejDcyHGiEhsmUw4lcXAU-PRw_mfjoguI9wK3HO8Rw/s4080/20230809130328-PXL_20230809_152036192~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLiKI-cQjbw_DT7Nc0prHDQnI2fP1rzYG2zC0Are5LUDdhjFH1EMcm5nmLoU6rgJYbh_w7ecH7gCMMIsZX5lEuFf1RXhT9A2I3xkvhPyBsFtmEQdp94y-SJitvBvelA1tlL4Y7oukWdBWllSiSXejDcyHGiEhsmUw4lcXAU-PRw_mfjoguI9wK3HO8Rw/s320/20230809130328-PXL_20230809_152036192~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and a chance to step back in time as we stopped at numerous covered bridges, historical inns, and log cabins that line the parkway.</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Thousand Islands National Park</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We crossed back into Canada from New York in order to take a scenic drive around Lake Ontario. More than one thousand tiny islands dot this northern shoreline, and thus lends itself to the name and scenery of this Canadian National Park.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPA-DrQxXkgK3WBJrUxZIoTU7bBgDzaxKWiavVsl83s89cEZADdshg64brELSZnqTRIBjzsqGDJEwePvN1cn4BOC1kuOXz0U-WKEASrIcKqwidrqBoKrGhhVBqtvKm-EZh6KR-Ip-dcMJQQZkJD_excZfwbpBcCaUd7OkN73C90eMfh4HvnNGEZ7Z4OY/s4080/20230811161434-PXL_20230811_201434307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPA-DrQxXkgK3WBJrUxZIoTU7bBgDzaxKWiavVsl83s89cEZADdshg64brELSZnqTRIBjzsqGDJEwePvN1cn4BOC1kuOXz0U-WKEASrIcKqwidrqBoKrGhhVBqtvKm-EZh6KR-Ip-dcMJQQZkJD_excZfwbpBcCaUd7OkN73C90eMfh4HvnNGEZ7Z4OY/s320/20230811161434-PXL_20230811_201434307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A hike up to Landon Bay Lookout helped us see five or six of the 1000+ islands.</div> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Kingston, Ontario</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The best part of traveling is reconnecting with friends who we have previously met on the road. We got to know fellow Hymer van owners, Rodger and Barb, a few years ago when we were both boondocking in Cape Breton.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRqRRBHitltc5uPCUBcnS2pNvN_v2eHddJCxA1EWq7Fk6uk3HVrSl6kWeyqjiDzLA7_A3hIijTYB2RTf7O0uW-BxO_oBnFcItLrdAKgQYojLl090VmMrfqCWTdUihbswDPXNJDrQVv8sJaQWzFQWQd1yY4avaZz3z_mO_fOanwp18em-WljXHteXCaxg/s4080/20230811210823-PXL_20230812_010823115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRqRRBHitltc5uPCUBcnS2pNvN_v2eHddJCxA1EWq7Fk6uk3HVrSl6kWeyqjiDzLA7_A3hIijTYB2RTf7O0uW-BxO_oBnFcItLrdAKgQYojLl090VmMrfqCWTdUihbswDPXNJDrQVv8sJaQWzFQWQd1yY4avaZz3z_mO_fOanwp18em-WljXHteXCaxg/s320/20230811210823-PXL_20230812_010823115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We were all happy that we took them up on their offer to stop by if our travels would ever bring us to their hometown of Kingston, Ontario.</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2k7mbDOtl7fyKSWpnR3upp61gNKhOVEYwXhRsHmtBnuzGiMmNhQgbWRgWYvLkKY1VfbKdGKf9xaZhjz1MDxq0mGCidDTD1lv_L0wO1Z1pXwN4IL4H5Qg2FgjFfZeirNrIZoicH5ComOGkRZgLFKmQduERa1I688GiUa81GuHv0bN34leUFA9Grl-HI8/s4080/20230811191625-PXL_20230811_231625545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2k7mbDOtl7fyKSWpnR3upp61gNKhOVEYwXhRsHmtBnuzGiMmNhQgbWRgWYvLkKY1VfbKdGKf9xaZhjz1MDxq0mGCidDTD1lv_L0wO1Z1pXwN4IL4H5Qg2FgjFfZeirNrIZoicH5ComOGkRZgLFKmQduERa1I688GiUa81GuHv0bN34leUFA9Grl-HI8/s320/20230811191625-PXL_20230811_231625545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is nothing better than to have a personal tour down the cobblestone streets and past the limestone buildings of this beautiful historic city,</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65gre_BWmvAdUE0-qHQl89kfGJNCNSuNnUeQUxeC-xX_Orry_vFC9yz7Jj5TMPTXotE2JJfEqI-VuWGZp1f5W3exhXtcOb7Rj9A62E0pIok1o_b0GhmY5w7yApq6WoTYyfUR0liLsFQAvoBiWGzx8Uua0Q5FYpEqjxwXx5gQ_x4M06BfestBZsbcfSks/s3648/20230811215917-PXL_20230812_015917858.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65gre_BWmvAdUE0-qHQl89kfGJNCNSuNnUeQUxeC-xX_Orry_vFC9yz7Jj5TMPTXotE2JJfEqI-VuWGZp1f5W3exhXtcOb7Rj9A62E0pIok1o_b0GhmY5w7yApq6WoTYyfUR0liLsFQAvoBiWGzx8Uua0Q5FYpEqjxwXx5gQ_x4M06BfestBZsbcfSks/s320/20230811215917-PXL_20230812_015917858.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... except, perhaps, sharing stories and laughs with our travel buddies!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Toronto, Ontario</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We have heard horror stories of Toronto's traffic, but during our weekend there, we were able to easily drive into downtown and ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xrJJUWMF5xhwnekFeYaIACjp46uwFBetcrM05i7PKEIkQhyUVzsqgp5nmJPPxtbCIdEvZ877Cfvz-xfMBBXHGTptjIEBQXVdiAd9FgJuMEIPA9yLWsbiM42Ouu0epaofpxTTMJ-rMGQM6d42dLFMllp1KSLXyjZFzuSH6Vkzj8ponxwkYJEi_paipks/s3648/20230813091137-20230813091137_IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xrJJUWMF5xhwnekFeYaIACjp46uwFBetcrM05i7PKEIkQhyUVzsqgp5nmJPPxtbCIdEvZ877Cfvz-xfMBBXHGTptjIEBQXVdiAd9FgJuMEIPA9yLWsbiM42Ouu0epaofpxTTMJ-rMGQM6d42dLFMllp1KSLXyjZFzuSH6Vkzj8ponxwkYJEi_paipks/s320/20230813091137-20230813091137_IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">secure a quiet boondocking spot near the heart of the city for only $5/day.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwTELXP8MTkohDBWUiUjOr035TMiGnegqSO6s5s8tNR3mZjYjUxL6Ff2CMCBOU4wyxuSPwNb2dsBI1lJaBSaIzGueA9UO0FjveBYP8iwIRr09Y3XxTJXO9u9ywA4EujdG7aKo88cpG-iUEC0LEVO-pnhyphenhyphenb91EmJc7RDmD0rBYZ-6dVUETUldev1nmTGc/s4080/20230812220415-PXL_20230813_020415169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwTELXP8MTkohDBWUiUjOr035TMiGnegqSO6s5s8tNR3mZjYjUxL6Ff2CMCBOU4wyxuSPwNb2dsBI1lJaBSaIzGueA9UO0FjveBYP8iwIRr09Y3XxTJXO9u9ywA4EujdG7aKo88cpG-iUEC0LEVO-pnhyphenhyphenb91EmJc7RDmD0rBYZ-6dVUETUldev1nmTGc/s320/20230812220415-PXL_20230813_020415169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our folding bikes came in handy as Toronto is very ''bike-friendly''. City paths led us to some beautiful city skyline views,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI_jDnTcOiQ8tPnjqEwhc4_YsaR0fcXPzM24s_AI-oZFwo0lH5U94MqwV7FHeRwgMMcQy5aoPgA7Rz2uK1YQQHaUe9XYfaPmMZhmxkx7JX9rDHWDsmY57fpZe7yESvyDRDCyNbp9Sp9HDoQs1q_-VmYw2uzaC3hhvyJoD95J2rYsHeVu35pC80JPhV_k/s4080/20230813112029-PXL_20230813_151903469~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI_jDnTcOiQ8tPnjqEwhc4_YsaR0fcXPzM24s_AI-oZFwo0lH5U94MqwV7FHeRwgMMcQy5aoPgA7Rz2uK1YQQHaUe9XYfaPmMZhmxkx7JX9rDHWDsmY57fpZe7yESvyDRDCyNbp9Sp9HDoQs1q_-VmYw2uzaC3hhvyJoD95J2rYsHeVu35pC80JPhV_k/s320/20230813112029-PXL_20230813_151903469~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and up to the provincial capitol building of Ontario.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7nkWQlJDn_itk7Qt5_6s5oFfK1tgNyHmAIzs4vygTGTWTnlggNRRxvsBem4r7218rFujs8T2lXsjHKNG6Ba50NRGvN2b6KL8Q5FEwYxy-3Up0E2WyBKqDvZOl3sllZPA7uI7g2Wtm3QKlv1nhGplFPrm0VrK6UhJQGZGyBwNnXIBJ_J6w4fHpQ5PQlk/s3648/20230812195215-20230812195215_IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7nkWQlJDn_itk7Qt5_6s5oFfK1tgNyHmAIzs4vygTGTWTnlggNRRxvsBem4r7218rFujs8T2lXsjHKNG6Ba50NRGvN2b6KL8Q5FEwYxy-3Up0E2WyBKqDvZOl3sllZPA7uI7g2Wtm3QKlv1nhGplFPrm0VrK6UhJQGZGyBwNnXIBJ_J6w4fHpQ5PQlk/s320/20230812195215-20230812195215_IMG_0439.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But it's the international flair of Toronto that makes this such a fun city to visit. Whether your greeted with a ''bonjour'', ''hola'', ''ciao'', or ''</span><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202124; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">你好'',</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiiQWCHc8g-UcyJ7v1mWPk0cd2DkhMkhsH8jO70lyUT_86hlGdyyf0jPClwvEluBxzt24pu6SyX87y5rqDgYlBqbx-4apScnebIZ1kERSAgj0p0roh_wMRvj0KPYn-m0XmqTBgdB8DE_jVwGKBYKYFhVpzmO36y1bjC4_RSZ4awOwGQDzMLT9widU1mA/s3648/20230813130237-20230813130237_IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiiQWCHc8g-UcyJ7v1mWPk0cd2DkhMkhsH8jO70lyUT_86hlGdyyf0jPClwvEluBxzt24pu6SyX87y5rqDgYlBqbx-4apScnebIZ1kERSAgj0p0roh_wMRvj0KPYn-m0XmqTBgdB8DE_jVwGKBYKYFhVpzmO36y1bjC4_RSZ4awOwGQDzMLT9widU1mA/s320/20230813130237-20230813130237_IMG_0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Toronto's multicultural influences make a trip to the St Lawrence Market,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4eYG0Jh_jeGRnN9iJuvi6J42_rZDFp2s8b_5KP9N-yngJ3bJegPT77WQNoO3-61g75X9l8gCFD3H9Pt0pEodCF8e-wDBj4EA9BGA66MVvCL9p85MtBD-uI5esg0mJHFdGa7f9eR51urnYIjYpqNzpTG6FAPTQQ1LIObiu6MDW4UrNlXc1aMBBumT7Ng/s3648/20230812201507-20230812201507_IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4eYG0Jh_jeGRnN9iJuvi6J42_rZDFp2s8b_5KP9N-yngJ3bJegPT77WQNoO3-61g75X9l8gCFD3H9Pt0pEodCF8e-wDBj4EA9BGA66MVvCL9p85MtBD-uI5esg0mJHFdGa7f9eR51urnYIjYpqNzpTG6FAPTQQ1LIObiu6MDW4UrNlXc1aMBBumT7Ng/s320/20230812201507-20230812201507_IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or a Saturday evening open-air concert </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">a truly global experience!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Niagara Falls</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Three waterfalls spanning the border between Ontario and New York have become one of the most popular tourist destinations for both countries. As we prepared for our final crossing back into the US, the mystical charm of Niagara Falls lured us in for another visit. Its colorful beauty flows freely ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0soTs3fo-jAxptigqfJ2KNiSSLg1F1PYBx-vB1vGV_DNr1y6EkGkNs-pXpdLmM3GxtZwEBLDcA_6ufNWyy2QwH46r5IR1ySG2Q9CmkNAb9nJF78hwDuzWekot101fgeORKdGGZRxVKDRmIGcYd_aogwsOLK6dLsk7bOpen5O4r7aA_gQ70O5COxLBAN0/s1920/20230814171743-PXL_20230814_211743895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1920" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0soTs3fo-jAxptigqfJ2KNiSSLg1F1PYBx-vB1vGV_DNr1y6EkGkNs-pXpdLmM3GxtZwEBLDcA_6ufNWyy2QwH46r5IR1ySG2Q9CmkNAb9nJF78hwDuzWekot101fgeORKdGGZRxVKDRmIGcYd_aogwsOLK6dLsk7bOpen5O4r7aA_gQ70O5COxLBAN0/s320/20230814171743-PXL_20230814_211743895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">day,</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw3ZrnVfEtEstzKrQ8SATFViq9Cz4zCmagDjyw_heM0H07lff3Z4P-PlHI9C7XElquutJcICgyZnolExJc6VpcU7xOIc2jfNbJLf8Z_HZpLHxy_GUcmv-M88g_wtd7S8ENtsILULsRqKWjIzMTSOep3bQOBetKsa2C9lRdxHjWeY5rLcV60OhTAscHYA/s4080/20230814204806-PXL_20230815_004806280.LONG_EXPOSURE-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw3ZrnVfEtEstzKrQ8SATFViq9Cz4zCmagDjyw_heM0H07lff3Z4P-PlHI9C7XElquutJcICgyZnolExJc6VpcU7xOIc2jfNbJLf8Z_HZpLHxy_GUcmv-M88g_wtd7S8ENtsILULsRqKWjIzMTSOep3bQOBetKsa2C9lRdxHjWeY5rLcV60OhTAscHYA/s320/20230814204806-PXL_20230815_004806280.LONG_EXPOSURE-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and night!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As much as we both missed the amazing scenery, laid back lifestyle, and daily fish & chip lunches when we left Newfoundland, we found plenty of beauty flowing freely during our time in eastern Canada and United States.</span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA6Nk-merGhyqu_RknOp1YBf7DTVEb5VteVYIKN5Qyj9ajppIqtMwYASlMvsg4-TXFiDGIdouNepZye6HXCmsVMNv3SWCq8hNpgNW5laVrPs-sNargvt1eTW_Wj-WVo-ei0Map_Asa3E5_nfD5AwJdznbtiVh_QgLWpRkq1BLShkxSa2-RfPU1UPBris/s3648/20230811180045-20230811180045_IMG_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA6Nk-merGhyqu_RknOp1YBf7DTVEb5VteVYIKN5Qyj9ajppIqtMwYASlMvsg4-TXFiDGIdouNepZye6HXCmsVMNv3SWCq8hNpgNW5laVrPs-sNargvt1eTW_Wj-WVo-ei0Map_Asa3E5_nfD5AwJdznbtiVh_QgLWpRkq1BLShkxSa2-RfPU1UPBris/s320/20230811180045-20230811180045_IMG_0435.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From cascading flower blossoms,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQw6nY250ffXLxj2o6VYRc-a1gz9ZRV2CjlRJnCS4TE_JE2cMbr8Hx_zr2_wKs8jtjvFe3FDN9hF1YzwahTienenObsjXDBnrdn0p8vapD7OhUQyWeyfhcBL8H0mz3Ic2MO2uJbsVy8hsbPHKk3uxTzjMLXWL-Lf2uKGt5L49JiWGm5B_RZkRfd5cOFA/s4080/20230809113145-PXL_20230809_153145751.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQw6nY250ffXLxj2o6VYRc-a1gz9ZRV2CjlRJnCS4TE_JE2cMbr8Hx_zr2_wKs8jtjvFe3FDN9hF1YzwahTienenObsjXDBnrdn0p8vapD7OhUQyWeyfhcBL8H0mz3Ic2MO2uJbsVy8hsbPHKk3uxTzjMLXWL-Lf2uKGt5L49JiWGm5B_RZkRfd5cOFA/s320/20230809113145-PXL_20230809_153145751.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to cascading rivers,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPXIh5_hl_JRuTuF4C41hyphenhyphenEvXkJ9LmAt-zrLHgKcaruEei1iOxTBbUjMhFJ7lr8gTNATusZqj_v0YUvHS3QeupE1g7tal8-thTJN5tEJ7yCRz0gV_7KL_YMvz_odD4o7n0TskObJb2mv3yKIVGbaebAcBaHpv0KPGIJ7KWDb9OpaiZfKjbE_f58t89JI/s3648/20230804131241-20230804131241_IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPXIh5_hl_JRuTuF4C41hyphenhyphenEvXkJ9LmAt-zrLHgKcaruEei1iOxTBbUjMhFJ7lr8gTNATusZqj_v0YUvHS3QeupE1g7tal8-thTJN5tEJ7yCRz0gV_7KL_YMvz_odD4o7n0TskObJb2mv3yKIVGbaebAcBaHpv0KPGIJ7KWDb9OpaiZfKjbE_f58t89JI/s320/20230804131241-20230804131241_IMG_0396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to cascading tidal bores,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJSVVuyIeUH0Vf3VyaikA8HF1WxkIzEVnZDur6ua33LImDBlbqGj2_1sdzy2ADikcCSUxBkMjweT4tvEEI3Gx6BxA4js06BcmJNpw3fMdd_pxwIywQzAbeXnXVsb2rLsc8jplTRpud8MrUsMVWzGg_KKdw8OluxSodxU7t2hh0fUjKSBU5wQNcCFYoaE/s3648/20230809142536-20230809142536_IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJSVVuyIeUH0Vf3VyaikA8HF1WxkIzEVnZDur6ua33LImDBlbqGj2_1sdzy2ADikcCSUxBkMjweT4tvEEI3Gx6BxA4js06BcmJNpw3fMdd_pxwIywQzAbeXnXVsb2rLsc8jplTRpud8MrUsMVWzGg_KKdw8OluxSodxU7t2hh0fUjKSBU5wQNcCFYoaE/s320/20230809142536-20230809142536_IMG_0419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to cascading mountain roads,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3fqJZJZCQOWzbQ7PpgGGqGwQ7qDr66ot5EWhh05ZZexDcDEuSJOU16yLFD6uJ-mc32uE4bqIWnOXi_H-Tt2KlgyLiq64Tf-ghx_Foo34FMRQKwr8skgW28f1J6QUxOADgMcu5DazjtpPS6Wyt7IUevoUTa0DpqaZmZSVBkPRYRwGdUxzRmu3ySpfAJE/s4080/20230812203339-PXL_20230813_003339559.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3fqJZJZCQOWzbQ7PpgGGqGwQ7qDr66ot5EWhh05ZZexDcDEuSJOU16yLFD6uJ-mc32uE4bqIWnOXi_H-Tt2KlgyLiq64Tf-ghx_Foo34FMRQKwr8skgW28f1J6QUxOADgMcu5DazjtpPS6Wyt7IUevoUTa0DpqaZmZSVBkPRYRwGdUxzRmu3ySpfAJE/s320/20230812203339-PXL_20230813_003339559.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to cascading voices coming together to produce an international musical event,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkc7tq-7lVlZjZFvd0TrZr0qMUFm5zhgitUzCwvc8GLA2-v01epTSIR5JrKRF3BjHIjtgu7gsz_-whTnniKLBiYSHHBbCyUz_gwA8apx9NKzr-z0XUEIlPOCzKv1ZS_J348__LANJd_GokOQcA13yOhna6egl-b1QxNk_fNkH4HuLguyjFdm5_hlX4m8/s4080/20230808153133-PXL_20230808_193133656.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkc7tq-7lVlZjZFvd0TrZr0qMUFm5zhgitUzCwvc8GLA2-v01epTSIR5JrKRF3BjHIjtgu7gsz_-whTnniKLBiYSHHBbCyUz_gwA8apx9NKzr-z0XUEIlPOCzKv1ZS_J348__LANJd_GokOQcA13yOhna6egl-b1QxNk_fNkH4HuLguyjFdm5_hlX4m8/s320/20230808153133-PXL_20230808_193133656.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">beauty flows freely in the power of<span style="text-align: left;"> water, nature and people of eastern Canada and United States.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-29792084300677646682023-08-14T15:15:00.056-05:002023-08-14T18:35:48.198-05:00A Grand Ol' Time in Newfoundland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL_zHojwNtsya7bk6vOVGF-vWC5iLXt6ljt40Dptx3OjVr7MYWVoLOQ8QIJ2hIXL9p-4JKH7u3s0jB71lzFNYjzP6YfQybXgvnYzfzMSAU2Ctriuk-1spV5P-SaMdUgUyuCMvcVu_p_shJX18d3agjeIK7C3irAgSu12vJJ96NJ00U5luvpeANDNTz9I/s1920/20230711192456-20230711192456_IMG_9646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL_zHojwNtsya7bk6vOVGF-vWC5iLXt6ljt40Dptx3OjVr7MYWVoLOQ8QIJ2hIXL9p-4JKH7u3s0jB71lzFNYjzP6YfQybXgvnYzfzMSAU2Ctriuk-1spV5P-SaMdUgUyuCMvcVu_p_shJX18d3agjeIK7C3irAgSu12vJJ96NJ00U5luvpeANDNTz9I/w381-h240/20230711192456-20230711192456_IMG_9646.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It seemed like we had no more than arrived in Newfoundland, and just like that, the sun was setting on one of our last boondocking spots. We have become all too accustomed to having breath-taking coastal views like this in our ''back yard''. I would love to write five or six more blogs about all we have experienced and share even more of the massive amounts of photos that we took, but I know that our travels will quickly move us on to other beautiful locations. So for now, I'm going to attempt to highlight some of the<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> ''Best''</span></b></i> moments during our time in Newfoundland.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Yes, you could say that we had a ...</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7_9riXcKhapVWKNeyO8OBY34sz-3oVMJRRy-x-E-8d3iX0B--MwNZfGGJ6gdlbhfPGjMuw7_0VCnmlV4c5EXHjt-_ppTnIj9pB7XOMwrKHBa7YECE0B1Bbiwg8fAckgZq8m2MQ_8uk11ipVUEQN4GUpFuWVejlckW-62Qne12pw_kY7qvqHlXthuRjs/s3648/20230720064629-20230720064629_IMG_0059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7_9riXcKhapVWKNeyO8OBY34sz-3oVMJRRy-x-E-8d3iX0B--MwNZfGGJ6gdlbhfPGjMuw7_0VCnmlV4c5EXHjt-_ppTnIj9pB7XOMwrKHBa7YECE0B1Bbiwg8fAckgZq8m2MQ_8uk11ipVUEQN4GUpFuWVejlckW-62Qne12pw_kY7qvqHlXthuRjs/s320/20230720064629-20230720064629_IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Puffin Jivin' and Whale Divin',</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7xJHVB3k7CtoMpaUtWlBbNQyCbJYzdYGOobbGGnrEDeXGGAtiypsEW27I6MNIKoDBg7-QuDjK0fBTdLBQAwOHtR6Ddk5sEJtQPO7f_nEGnJL5m3PaYWLA5gpOxxiQ-fWCtkyb1LGbmzzHFBcxZBp22DwwBFnk8nSrlzF-UaCgY0udPKm2Pg0WNcp5Ds/s3648/20230721093332-20230721093332_IMG_0076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7xJHVB3k7CtoMpaUtWlBbNQyCbJYzdYGOobbGGnrEDeXGGAtiypsEW27I6MNIKoDBg7-QuDjK0fBTdLBQAwOHtR6Ddk5sEJtQPO7f_nEGnJL5m3PaYWLA5gpOxxiQ-fWCtkyb1LGbmzzHFBcxZBp22DwwBFnk8nSrlzF-UaCgY0udPKm2Pg0WNcp5Ds/s320/20230721093332-20230721093332_IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXDX6lRr1L9PBMhqdrHs31mx3CZHGbrQESpdcxAoNx26xqG4rFJgJ_xClVVfaqBSEf9AzQPnuAf88J01At7IrOU6BjXR39pI2rgqOeV3e0i3QlSk97-hSlRRmonUVvqm4pnZNV05zC2Q0kzIqcwFApW3Vx76-6qRJe2S-c_kkTLtGNvfCWQOEoUy3ZI/s4080/20230722190101-PXL_20230722_213101228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXDX6lRr1L9PBMhqdrHs31mx3CZHGbrQESpdcxAoNx26xqG4rFJgJ_xClVVfaqBSEf9AzQPnuAf88J01At7IrOU6BjXR39pI2rgqOeV3e0i3QlSk97-hSlRRmonUVvqm4pnZNV05zC2Q0kzIqcwFApW3Vx76-6qRJe2S-c_kkTLtGNvfCWQOEoUy3ZI/s320/20230722190101-PXL_20230722_213101228.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Coastal Hikin' and Iceberg Sightin',</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcF8tJrM_xj-aezFAZuFLlDAeKdxNBMBkW7Q_iLi6uEwuSRB9mcMklYR0xPObC7aVcSTtrFDJF05q-9ttpDqeeAFuDCkTMlJIyskEixz-UP6KRD4utjRWz_aezIOLV40WDrO1yC6ic6hArpN4OO1rbUSXoL1g7MVoysnv74tkrB0FxVe6jqhauNBgC2Q/s3648/20230727084240-20230727084240_IMG_0221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcF8tJrM_xj-aezFAZuFLlDAeKdxNBMBkW7Q_iLi6uEwuSRB9mcMklYR0xPObC7aVcSTtrFDJF05q-9ttpDqeeAFuDCkTMlJIyskEixz-UP6KRD4utjRWz_aezIOLV40WDrO1yC6ic6hArpN4OO1rbUSXoL1g7MVoysnv74tkrB0FxVe6jqhauNBgC2Q/s320/20230727084240-20230727084240_IMG_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI83l0BpxXZ3gNvD-YzlOA8WL_TBzcCpcqdBFOrQ_2BKMdUgeuIpA8AGEeXZC-LvoxWvUbIWB_ZCEWurxeoPKqzZSGlveoieWGU1Ixb_cwJZ_tuQSS5bb2NBu0Jtgj1GoYUfAVWJ18gYIq0LGHc2b5OnZhzSWYT8FYbTUNAoKNGD1buPjjIbTWA81Fpo/s4080/20230728190551-PXL_20230728_213551913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI83l0BpxXZ3gNvD-YzlOA8WL_TBzcCpcqdBFOrQ_2BKMdUgeuIpA8AGEeXZC-LvoxWvUbIWB_ZCEWurxeoPKqzZSGlveoieWGU1Ixb_cwJZ_tuQSS5bb2NBu0Jtgj1GoYUfAVWJ18gYIq0LGHc2b5OnZhzSWYT8FYbTUNAoKNGD1buPjjIbTWA81Fpo/s320/20230728190551-PXL_20230728_213551913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Boondock Livin' and Cod Jiggin',</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg0WVR0yEIu0Yf6DwQh1FYUICPrm_mNAEwila9vlIbbeFfSTaikVz7N8MzvMhSBxV-P6K7j_uxbXXtINk7Sju6VfKy_Mb2UeOsfGrykw0yZd9MRwX89xkA5PdbN1mcylw8qdKbdLnNT0QIDCNJ6nRJtZAH-Y58cj0-LCq0Y2FsQS6jtr4zyDyhlw3OLI/s4080/20230717133550-PXL_20230717_160550077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg0WVR0yEIu0Yf6DwQh1FYUICPrm_mNAEwila9vlIbbeFfSTaikVz7N8MzvMhSBxV-P6K7j_uxbXXtINk7Sju6VfKy_Mb2UeOsfGrykw0yZd9MRwX89xkA5PdbN1mcylw8qdKbdLnNT0QIDCNJ6nRJtZAH-Y58cj0-LCq0Y2FsQS6jtr4zyDyhlw3OLI/s320/20230717133550-PXL_20230717_160550077.jpg" width="241" /></a></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlR3UmDVS1aML1KhMYa1BcNR4353Irk8e_5VDImWwohtRGPQXwQ0C1fc1AuXALv5uXcqFkl-1al6_h-JN2v5t4lmerGbXdj-NltbtlhPt6BVC0712oyVTk2lDlbKKlapXdZgvBApZzgkFLIK1N0lXO1lNZSjGBCZTVVX--jnM2O32XlmyMQa_0MhCwyQ/s3648/20230716124708-20230716124708_IMG_9731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlR3UmDVS1aML1KhMYa1BcNR4353Irk8e_5VDImWwohtRGPQXwQ0C1fc1AuXALv5uXcqFkl-1al6_h-JN2v5t4lmerGbXdj-NltbtlhPt6BVC0712oyVTk2lDlbKKlapXdZgvBApZzgkFLIK1N0lXO1lNZSjGBCZTVVX--jnM2O32XlmyMQa_0MhCwyQ/s320/20230716124708-20230716124708_IMG_9731.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Seafood Chompin' and Newfie Stompin'</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4KcwmU0fIpl4s2Z_-2BuRrtJRZWrZTu8g3cncCKmt8kuwHIYpHgClCGKT37zGAJ3RYUgI-awgt7I44sShd0vV1Q_uLSbve31jBgse85NeZfa-QgKSo_I72CLFf9GdzA4wDrDkwsN-0un37EDXw-csKg4BprjdANRCDL3NW1MGN-uo9XNH2SiVJNZtBc/s1040/20230714212927-PXL_20230714_235927352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1040" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4KcwmU0fIpl4s2Z_-2BuRrtJRZWrZTu8g3cncCKmt8kuwHIYpHgClCGKT37zGAJ3RYUgI-awgt7I44sShd0vV1Q_uLSbve31jBgse85NeZfa-QgKSo_I72CLFf9GdzA4wDrDkwsN-0un37EDXw-csKg4BprjdANRCDL3NW1MGN-uo9XNH2SiVJNZtBc/s320/20230714212927-PXL_20230714_235927352.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>grand ol' time in Newfoundland!</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our five and a half weeks in Newfoundland were filled with so many magical sights and experiences. I hope that by showing you some of our picture-perfect moments, it will convince you to put this eastern island of Canada on your travel bucket list!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrOsWg88p5a-GrUHqQ4DDu01zEc7NE02_VpEozELOOw1u8HRJpYRQqahjkh2hOkJyppusGd7CpxN3cDTLlQSjCWYXlv61Aq6jB47KAtHq0CgD75S_5H-MrWyq9SJS1ffgu32UvVOl3DU3OLeVj5u4DGVT9oXXovP2FhED7TnV436HnGc0tQRVkGV_VZw/s651/Screenshot%202023-08-05%207.28.25%20AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="651" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrOsWg88p5a-GrUHqQ4DDu01zEc7NE02_VpEozELOOw1u8HRJpYRQqahjkh2hOkJyppusGd7CpxN3cDTLlQSjCWYXlv61Aq6jB47KAtHq0CgD75S_5H-MrWyq9SJS1ffgu32UvVOl3DU3OLeVj5u4DGVT9oXXovP2FhED7TnV436HnGc0tQRVkGV_VZw/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-05%207.28.25%20AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Trans Canada Highway (TCH) is the main transportation artery on the island. Once you get off the ferry in Port aux Basque on the west side (a seven hour journey from Nova Scotia) or Argentia on the east side (a sixteen hour journey), the TCH connects you with all of the cute fishing villages that line the various peninsulas and small islands jetting out from the main island. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUh6ca50LrdE_mIvL4XKAVSGScXMoCIsBNR7lMJqjudfedpWGkuqQCmQSLfmLu7MRVHMcMWSY8nFdGqaD5JQqBfcIznR-cAIAK9bV5gXZrJy8x0s-_GdPYW9mgVE4WRvb_5siF-jG2eUpgZuH-WM-wiiLv5taciLGXDR0P58b3MhW-l-E2WOOQHMnMZY/s3648/20230723094811-20230723094811_IMG_0130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUh6ca50LrdE_mIvL4XKAVSGScXMoCIsBNR7lMJqjudfedpWGkuqQCmQSLfmLu7MRVHMcMWSY8nFdGqaD5JQqBfcIznR-cAIAK9bV5gXZrJy8x0s-_GdPYW9mgVE4WRvb_5siF-jG2eUpgZuH-WM-wiiLv5taciLGXDR0P58b3MhW-l-E2WOOQHMnMZY/s320/20230723094811-20230723094811_IMG_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During our time in Newfoundland, we saw quite a few of the boulders that make up ''The Rock'', and we would like to present our ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Grand Ol' List of the Best of Newfoundland</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Town: Twillingate</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We originally planned to spend two days in Twillingate, but as we soon found out, its charm drew us in for a week. We quickly found that it's possible to experience the ''authentic'' feel of Newfoundland in this one quaint fishing village on the northeastern tip of the Rock. Twillingate delivers unique cultural experiences, good local fish, iceberg and whale sightings, and magnificent hiking trails. It also has the only winery on the island featuring unique blends of island berries and plants ... yes, even dandelion! We also found Twillingate to be a welcoming boondockers paradise with easy access to all the ''nice-cesities'' (showers, laundry, dump station, water refill) along with spectacular views from the many hiking trails and scenic boondocking locations.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBytFt7R5ESUYnqGRLYTyWu8FDHce4BmNqYG1_4BaQ2ps8ckqVwFjz-tybcgSHSaw0ypVS_k0JiP5VX5hqSOPUxwuwvWR6p-zYdpgEAoE0do6gmZTD3izbQRK7T4dA15sIZNxJvPciT5oRTZOX07_lqRqZXEuAOtNsnesC_V6yZGV9CDPeUu65_lOxedQ/s3648/20230715113503-20230715113503_IMG_9713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBytFt7R5ESUYnqGRLYTyWu8FDHce4BmNqYG1_4BaQ2ps8ckqVwFjz-tybcgSHSaw0ypVS_k0JiP5VX5hqSOPUxwuwvWR6p-zYdpgEAoE0do6gmZTD3izbQRK7T4dA15sIZNxJvPciT5oRTZOX07_lqRqZXEuAOtNsnesC_V6yZGV9CDPeUu65_lOxedQ/s320/20230715113503-20230715113503_IMG_9713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Boondocking Location</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Speaking of scenic boondocking, we found a treasure at Sea Breeze Park on the northern tip of the Twillingate island. An abandoned campground, Sea Breeze had (almost) all that a boondocker can desire ... scenic and peaceful camping spots, a convenient location to the nearby town and hiking trails, good cell signal, and amazing sunset views!</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbhjc3r7hDf21biwsMykmYZsCqVFzde87NdZJoFk4fO58Orq2bVL3wQTLHBb0kirrquoOcv4lb78OcRQcVcMG_1V2r_oyzjftuVlwAvpnMF3hFNXtu09W5oBUTXJxiAmoPW8-aA8DhA95OqV9-JBtCINKvRAsf4zvrmsjAdf1g6N3aXZQLgP2nnCgzzg/s4080/20230715181915-PXL_20230715_204915862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbhjc3r7hDf21biwsMykmYZsCqVFzde87NdZJoFk4fO58Orq2bVL3wQTLHBb0kirrquoOcv4lb78OcRQcVcMG_1V2r_oyzjftuVlwAvpnMF3hFNXtu09W5oBUTXJxiAmoPW8-aA8DhA95OqV9-JBtCINKvRAsf4zvrmsjAdf1g6N3aXZQLgP2nnCgzzg/s320/20230715181915-PXL_20230715_204915862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Newfoundland Food and Entertainment</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I don't often have an excuse to get dressed up, but when Doug saw that the Twillingate Dinner Theater was serving up lobster, it was Date Night, Newfoundland style!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUNjhf3MXj1qwKg-oeqqjdcuO5bESj0BiF6NTtlNerNtqVCGMqdZ50usV7YVrxOOHRWt7lRRO85lDDExuiCUkB6vqlJ4-GEmEJ-643jQJA_4-r0Ia1PSsH1HBEdp3Vpvn-2UjE2dKX3ks2AhIcT6GQzz2ZtidBzvVcnA93H-mQkmE6Wtmqy2QB_h8KOc/s4080/20230714183539-PXL_20230714_210539365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUNjhf3MXj1qwKg-oeqqjdcuO5bESj0BiF6NTtlNerNtqVCGMqdZ50usV7YVrxOOHRWt7lRRO85lDDExuiCUkB6vqlJ4-GEmEJ-643jQJA_4-r0Ia1PSsH1HBEdp3Vpvn-2UjE2dKX3ks2AhIcT6GQzz2ZtidBzvVcnA93H-mQkmE6Wtmqy2QB_h8KOc/s320/20230714183539-PXL_20230714_210539365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The dinner theater featured a delicious seafood dinner followed by an authentic local music and comedy show chucked full of Newfie humor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoMlpkuBOeAAgeqfCVOTgzp7ICSR__D-jBU8RRCMSKOsVXxx2TQws2wQsGBqeVcwFh-bz71OrgXZNMENRJ7tR972qlwF45l2eS00oSe1pyz1oqaiWbBVrDVRk3doJf9H1BPmHbUNWh-0mm0rEJLMDCSG3c8SVG4he6J9C0uO_OnkGIHKjvZcJ6q6Ax7k/s3648/20230706181511-20230706181511_IMG_9543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoMlpkuBOeAAgeqfCVOTgzp7ICSR__D-jBU8RRCMSKOsVXxx2TQws2wQsGBqeVcwFh-bz71OrgXZNMENRJ7tR972qlwF45l2eS00oSe1pyz1oqaiWbBVrDVRk3doJf9H1BPmHbUNWh-0mm0rEJLMDCSG3c8SVG4he6J9C0uO_OnkGIHKjvZcJ6q6Ax7k/s320/20230706181511-20230706181511_IMG_9543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There were a number of other times when we enjoyed authentic Newfie entertainment along with a delicious meal. Doug (using the Google Maps reviews) became quite good at finding us fun off-the-beaten-path culinary gems. It's always a bonus to be served up some lively folk music along with delicious fish & chips like we enjoyed at Smuggler's Cove Restaurant in the town of Burin.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best ''True Newfie'' Experience: </i></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Grand Ol' Shed Party Show</i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Every Sunday evening, mother-daughter musicians Karren and Gillian transform their large garage into the ultimate Newfoundland musical and cultural experience. For a small admission fee of $15, guests are encouraged to pick out a fancy Newfie hat and instrument and join in the lively hand-clapping, leg-stomping, jig-dancing fun. Because the fun lasted way past dark, they invited us to boondock overnight on their property.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJCiDc3BDk2u8olg-qyr_93I7fuV2NCKw9XNyh_fD5gFSFsdy_zJGzCAuXy2NPt8ctHdU1nJLzu_dl2qMHRrIp7NkQZmNOHIaK3_0aMnixuidoKGZfM-NHWzB9SRTu9oM6293jLVAkWnth8kog6KC_iKvt-Xhjmy1fnYItaygOEkY4I6m97HdG6yMb_c/s3648/20230716182316-20230716182316_IMG_9746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJCiDc3BDk2u8olg-qyr_93I7fuV2NCKw9XNyh_fD5gFSFsdy_zJGzCAuXy2NPt8ctHdU1nJLzu_dl2qMHRrIp7NkQZmNOHIaK3_0aMnixuidoKGZfM-NHWzB9SRTu9oM6293jLVAkWnth8kog6KC_iKvt-Xhjmy1fnYItaygOEkY4I6m97HdG6yMb_c/s320/20230716182316-20230716182316_IMG_9746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Choose your crazy hat,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ2SYwReUV7o_dUsga0Vwl8wgk49jATKJDvIgQtrTHdzo4kKCECQZrGXdOH7jDaVl_QDPUoR19HnPRVExS2kvDviT_Ip0PqhnJctWN6j0nkXY14IuOK01FjYEpp9ViU_F7fwNph5vIr2VAdccW03O4NgKzkILAKCAmNWvUpUJFrvkot-kTUEJV8QWOYI/s3648/20230716204909-20230716204909_IMG_9764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ2SYwReUV7o_dUsga0Vwl8wgk49jATKJDvIgQtrTHdzo4kKCECQZrGXdOH7jDaVl_QDPUoR19HnPRVExS2kvDviT_Ip0PqhnJctWN6j0nkXY14IuOK01FjYEpp9ViU_F7fwNph5vIr2VAdccW03O4NgKzkILAKCAmNWvUpUJFrvkot-kTUEJV8QWOYI/s320/20230716204909-20230716204909_IMG_9764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... grab your homemade instrument (no musical talent required),</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPueQTUaB6AOwDztV201W8DqdFcjmJZYEa2yLLLAq1oDD8eE1x7o0_iYNSZeSPKO2_izNhHygiDXq-i8ajlJmpVGcFSGFmNVya_cUq6-cUg1RfwS75d1Qt7I47XSuTfgXCnLk4yVb5-02xLHhnAICCR48KGenNTKs-1Zpfq5Xd11yiq6Yc7a47ZZXowk/s1443/20230716202228-20230716202228_IMG_9762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1443" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPueQTUaB6AOwDztV201W8DqdFcjmJZYEa2yLLLAq1oDD8eE1x7o0_iYNSZeSPKO2_izNhHygiDXq-i8ajlJmpVGcFSGFmNVya_cUq6-cUg1RfwS75d1Qt7I47XSuTfgXCnLk4yVb5-02xLHhnAICCR48KGenNTKs-1Zpfq5Xd11yiq6Yc7a47ZZXowk/s320/20230716202228-20230716202228_IMG_9762.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and sing along!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best ''Spur-of-the-Moment'' Cod-portunity!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While visiting with Karren and Gillian the next morning, we were gifted with one of the best spur-of-the-moment opportunities that we could have ever asked for. Gillian's fiance is an avid fisherman, and he allowed us to go out with him to catch some cod that afternoon. The cod fishing regulations are somewhat limited in order to help the fish supply recover after years of over-fishing. In Newfoundland, you don't need a fishing license to catch cod, but you can only catch them on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Each person can only catch five cod per day with a boat limit of fifteen cod total. Since he and his two buddies had already caught their fifteen limit that morning, he was happy to take us and another couple out to catch another fifteen. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCeSNTGhuv-EDFpugRhe80VbD1nfDFzxzDmsvV5nIkStJjyOJ7Muw8Ira9L2vEyImEAFRE2tcrVCkcRReJDKjqU9hD5_2tSBu2LxXtW1AFMcY2ifNTUuaPAvIR2UEQ70H-HYV891zL9S4cID21QOitEgYXH2cq-Y06XCLjOTtmstDZX_uF83OLZ_GTx4/s3648/20230717111007-20230717111007_IMG_9766.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCeSNTGhuv-EDFpugRhe80VbD1nfDFzxzDmsvV5nIkStJjyOJ7Muw8Ira9L2vEyImEAFRE2tcrVCkcRReJDKjqU9hD5_2tSBu2LxXtW1AFMcY2ifNTUuaPAvIR2UEQ70H-HYV891zL9S4cID21QOitEgYXH2cq-Y06XCLjOTtmstDZX_uF83OLZ_GTx4/s320/20230717111007-20230717111007_IMG_9766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fishing for cod doesn't take much ''skill'' ... just a jig tied to a thick, long nylon-coated rope will do the trick. You simply drop the line into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Once it lands on the bottom, you pull it up a little bit and start ''jigging'' the line in order to (hopefully) attract the cod who are feeding on the bottom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPbsTKhiHKWoYLo0BLshOY4mZxmsLuAB78EAQBU--ySCGNpKCATyMdYJLuveW7BXAy9HHTHdWT-Et720PHIY8Hy8I_WrNFLVCnKzN7c4s_5TaylvpsxodvBwmwWXMt_wmCkgeazwNSwL8athr2uXh_10l5kwNF1CRwyEeLsELUb5tSlvqusXwvXjqO6g/s4080/20230717130513-PXL_20230717_153513345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPbsTKhiHKWoYLo0BLshOY4mZxmsLuAB78EAQBU--ySCGNpKCATyMdYJLuveW7BXAy9HHTHdWT-Et720PHIY8Hy8I_WrNFLVCnKzN7c4s_5TaylvpsxodvBwmwWXMt_wmCkgeazwNSwL8athr2uXh_10l5kwNF1CRwyEeLsELUb5tSlvqusXwvXjqO6g/s320/20230717130513-PXL_20230717_153513345.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Much to my delight, I snagged a mighty fine one within the first five minutes. Doug, who was just along to take pictures, had to get his hands slimey in order to help me lift the thirty-five pound cod into the boat. There were a lot of laughs and squeals of delight as this amateur group of fishermen caught our limit within thirty minutes. After being taught the fine art of cleaning and filleting, we each took home a couple of fillets and left the rest with our new friends to fill their freezer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f3Wu1Zo-Tbnj3rWAXcR2iD-F_MnyYATm2bTp4BC5kps1GTVOqEdsJw2dgBPWHB6KketD26-JXGyfmzrJnDMawaVXsCttDSa4oyoZcWFEx1A7glabCvrlgWfQfwsxp-Pquwp-yqqluK-VhtFj3eRSW3VTaDSa0Vh7FPV458QMP4fv4j6-UbQgIiTjjzU/s4080/20230717131620-PXL_20230717_154620328%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f3Wu1Zo-Tbnj3rWAXcR2iD-F_MnyYATm2bTp4BC5kps1GTVOqEdsJw2dgBPWHB6KketD26-JXGyfmzrJnDMawaVXsCttDSa4oyoZcWFEx1A7glabCvrlgWfQfwsxp-Pquwp-yqqluK-VhtFj3eRSW3VTaDSa0Vh7FPV458QMP4fv4j6-UbQgIiTjjzU/s320/20230717131620-PXL_20230717_154620328%20(1).jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Best Fish & Chips</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we discovered, rich fishing grounds surround the cold Atlantic waters just off the coast of Newfoundland. While salmon, squid, lobster and haddock are plentiful, around here <i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cod is King</span></i>! Fish & Chips is standard fare in the majority of restaurants and roadside stands, and it is always thick, flaky, moist, melt-in-your-mouth, right-off-the-hook cod. It became our ''go-to'' meal during our time there, and we became quite the fish & chip experts. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9NE3CqlK8motTWZ9GXK3L4P3RDLx7Pw64819mksebPBiZNRY4RXpo2I8kFZNrU4e5h_jT1ipq5TFZLN2PbRmKrgRMSt73cxio08uedigrVFLfJjQy0iD7x0MZJuRi3ImL9J45yzPjRyvE0SOTFZkOYp6fYn5FyL-Gv_hhHvQfWlMo33sVQ5xI9WRqzY/s3648/20230624114516-20230624114516_IMG_9088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9NE3CqlK8motTWZ9GXK3L4P3RDLx7Pw64819mksebPBiZNRY4RXpo2I8kFZNrU4e5h_jT1ipq5TFZLN2PbRmKrgRMSt73cxio08uedigrVFLfJjQy0iD7x0MZJuRi3ImL9J45yzPjRyvE0SOTFZkOYp6fYn5FyL-Gv_hhHvQfWlMo33sVQ5xI9WRqzY/w264-h198/20230624114516-20230624114516_IMG_9088.JPG" width="264" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our vote for the best fish & chips goes to Off The Hook food truck in Deer Lake, just a mile off the TCH. Their fish batter was light and crispy, their hand-cut, skin-on fries were cooked to the perfect consistency, their cole slaw was creamy good, their portions were generous enough to share, and their prices were quite reasonable ($14 usd for a ''sharable'' three piece meal). What sealed our vote is the fact that we were able to enjoy this decadent meal three different times during our Newfoundland travels because of its strategic location just off the TCH.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih576NkhHIC1UVoEJ7QekfAu5yy9gUEM6c83Q-kSWnui_8oijnv2u68KzeQSBvq2O70t4eOq-Rqw9A9o9uHyWRx-NVMmcFZ85CDN4Of9HVYnpbNtRBM37pEIn0JxM1zlQAAgwdN-lfAutKfrhSKy7WDTANzZmXY-KMjE6KnUG_vEUNC_1yh8BlaiVKFB4/s3648/20230729125905-PXL_20230729_152905423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih576NkhHIC1UVoEJ7QekfAu5yy9gUEM6c83Q-kSWnui_8oijnv2u68KzeQSBvq2O70t4eOq-Rqw9A9o9uHyWRx-NVMmcFZ85CDN4Of9HVYnpbNtRBM37pEIn0JxM1zlQAAgwdN-lfAutKfrhSKy7WDTANzZmXY-KMjE6KnUG_vEUNC_1yh8BlaiVKFB4/w280-h210/20230729125905-PXL_20230729_152905423.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Honorable mentions go to the fish & chips served at the food truck associated with Quidi Vidi Brewing in St John's, Dildo Brewing in Dildo, Smugglers Cove in Burin, and Sansomes in Hillgrade ... and pretty much any small town diner.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Home-cooked Meal: I'm Cookin' Up a Scoff</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That's Newfie for I'm cooking up some of our fresh caught cod. Heat up a little olive oil/butter mixture, add crushed garlic and whatever other spice catches your fancy, add the cod fillet, and in just five minutes, it's ''what's for dinner'. I added some Minnesota wild rice to make it a true home-cooked feast!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzom_ioEBrWiaUSYxpblcVZJ-Sa8Oh9etMT4cDIulGL5Pefh9sJfad9aNgO6KIlUdl6fWTMz2v7wqVFYOosZyMPbqM9HFev6DyjU3Lam4DsbbctdHSEU9MF0Ml-0HZ4CG2igkG4Fn9hWhYHKe_or6_MAywKulBQyitsYRuCgBbfgiRL5ZkWRm7ZVq-BU/s3648/20230721164858-20230721164858_IMG_0084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzom_ioEBrWiaUSYxpblcVZJ-Sa8Oh9etMT4cDIulGL5Pefh9sJfad9aNgO6KIlUdl6fWTMz2v7wqVFYOosZyMPbqM9HFev6DyjU3Lam4DsbbctdHSEU9MF0Ml-0HZ4CG2igkG4Fn9hWhYHKe_or6_MAywKulBQyitsYRuCgBbfgiRL5ZkWRm7ZVq-BU/s320/20230721164858-20230721164858_IMG_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While in Twillingate, Doug came upon some frozen packages of cooked lobster meat for sale at a local fish market. For the same price of one restaurant-sized lobster roll, Doug was in ''lobster heaven'' for four days!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNcPIvL2jwggvorgX1_IpKY5GytdYA3s8L_7DBLO-nw3Mwrhdw8h6_Avx4rzF90dYJQV14A2SQD0VD83BazyJ9P9rjKjn6x73pa1wSpCUjHOhtiPs8OUvDK4gBcIDhKtGFutyBBmukqOYJfj36u8O2v6r6Y9CDY3SpQrY1xPCr7g_abAJPjYTEKWkKLQ/s3648/20230721104802-20230721104802_IMG_0081%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNcPIvL2jwggvorgX1_IpKY5GytdYA3s8L_7DBLO-nw3Mwrhdw8h6_Avx4rzF90dYJQV14A2SQD0VD83BazyJ9P9rjKjn6x73pa1wSpCUjHOhtiPs8OUvDK4gBcIDhKtGFutyBBmukqOYJfj36u8O2v6r6Y9CDY3SpQrY1xPCr7g_abAJPjYTEKWkKLQ/s320/20230721104802-20230721104802_IMG_0081%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best ''Sweet Treats'' </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Quite by accident, Doug found his newest favorite sweet treat at a small local restaurant by the harbor in Tilting, Fogo Island. Not sure why, but Date Squares are a very popular dessert on the Rock ... and are a new favorite for him. Like Doug, Newfies must like their sweets, because we found a lot of small bakeries on the island. Other ''must try'' delectables included the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from Rosie's Restaurant and Bakery in Gander, and the homemade ice cream that we found at Growler's Ice Cream on Fogo Island. They use</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> the island's abundant wild berries to create some delicious flavors.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmrrTIBb5K-y63tTg8YvUsRgIPMlSSCn0GEduZujQjn0xO65c7xJFUM9ffxtcrwe4g2SV9XcJmow9dc8DZaog7hM1XstKjHqRdkhJRPtsSff50hbwMAjr0eDQ-kX2UVh9VQbZPU77yX9OZJWke_HQOPln4kCs2JQzZ0JkAx-R_BdxwRb3G_o7nCQQPR0/s3648/20230708095835-20230708095835_IMG_9580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmrrTIBb5K-y63tTg8YvUsRgIPMlSSCn0GEduZujQjn0xO65c7xJFUM9ffxtcrwe4g2SV9XcJmow9dc8DZaog7hM1XstKjHqRdkhJRPtsSff50hbwMAjr0eDQ-kX2UVh9VQbZPU77yX9OZJWke_HQOPln4kCs2JQzZ0JkAx-R_BdxwRb3G_o7nCQQPR0/s320/20230708095835-20230708095835_IMG_9580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, his favorite dessert, Creme Brulee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">may require a more creative search on the Rock ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Brewery</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While there are only about twenty craft breweries in Newfoundland, the oldest, Quidi Vidi Brewing in St John's gets Doug's vote for the best. Situated in a cute artist village on the harbor, it served up some creative brews alongside their delicious fish & chips.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zxSOrWSnPbp-OeuxB0IaxKbOxrXz__rjTgyY8jd_V7qVE5gMSPOoEzAFjk4ngYnKbVOxxNknOnMBIsFNl61pWnCzf6eAtlFdKPyBCrwqszXKOQPAFgIxswVDudumOXpbHnoPUJCRfeurgirSsVippMvmGSypU18igFegPoABIqm_xjX3slRy6L8wqyU/s1679/20230629165004-PXL_20230629_192004915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1679" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zxSOrWSnPbp-OeuxB0IaxKbOxrXz__rjTgyY8jd_V7qVE5gMSPOoEzAFjk4ngYnKbVOxxNknOnMBIsFNl61pWnCzf6eAtlFdKPyBCrwqszXKOQPAFgIxswVDudumOXpbHnoPUJCRfeurgirSsVippMvmGSypU18igFegPoABIqm_xjX3slRy6L8wqyU/s320/20230629165004-PXL_20230629_192004915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One of their best selling lagers, Iceberg, has been 10,000 years in the making ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_aSSMM7cSu0WQM-xPfTSIPM_ckEMfIK3ishJjrXkPnpu1P3iSxflljc7MVORPPGVTjTW1TTUxi7C7vd1t8hEkfNzzH3ALmEuYSQh4341wUQD4wnzj845FLQpErqNDJFMxLB0IYWLUXZrdFXeLCr2Hdm2Ykb7VqpFtNJOtiRHtgDaZAMV6CCR2mLwfso/s3648/20230730123751-20230730123751_IMG_0301%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_aSSMM7cSu0WQM-xPfTSIPM_ckEMfIK3ishJjrXkPnpu1P3iSxflljc7MVORPPGVTjTW1TTUxi7C7vd1t8hEkfNzzH3ALmEuYSQh4341wUQD4wnzj845FLQpErqNDJFMxLB0IYWLUXZrdFXeLCr2Hdm2Ykb7VqpFtNJOtiRHtgDaZAMV6CCR2mLwfso/s320/20230730123751-20230730123751_IMG_0301%20(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Hike: French Beach, Twillingate</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This moderately challenging three mile hike started out on a rocky beach and quickly brought us up to some magnificent views as the trail snaked along the high coastal cliffs. At one point, we watched four humpbacks happily flip and feed right below us. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeJ1TGdDGJt1m7k2wMd0Blj9wU7wkOIvkp8od70hPR4uZvqQhzngVn3unq7Q8vR8_WihfL4ABtaOR5JK83fF9lTzWo5AR4kvHLb_Ja7EWOVna14UjLPDwA5im1zxa6fm7292UGas8ZON7MUMmgsnyk3XMEOLKXHS8swZ9W3yYLvAP4AShZsoRwVdRnRU/s3648/20230718100636-20230718100636_IMG_9775%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeJ1TGdDGJt1m7k2wMd0Blj9wU7wkOIvkp8od70hPR4uZvqQhzngVn3unq7Q8vR8_WihfL4ABtaOR5JK83fF9lTzWo5AR4kvHLb_Ja7EWOVna14UjLPDwA5im1zxa6fm7292UGas8ZON7MUMmgsnyk3XMEOLKXHS8swZ9W3yYLvAP4AShZsoRwVdRnRU/s320/20230718100636-20230718100636_IMG_9775%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best of Nature: We could hang out for hours watching ...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqinMOLLuE3j-R_8T3QANlLLxgPyhtFjuXk29J6JMScapYm9_qX1LK2VXcToCSzsnOi1WiYMzhhkrLNZuMbhKZrJLnBOFEAtFXni84tzctHO8vsQK3M8Xh6kYMCn3S8XWH_HtjoGKDNS9puga3jmR9FR6st_eUmy3Ex-z3TMwZ9xNchmTRyezb7YjVts/s3648/20230720054727-20230720054727_IMG_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqinMOLLuE3j-R_8T3QANlLLxgPyhtFjuXk29J6JMScapYm9_qX1LK2VXcToCSzsnOi1WiYMzhhkrLNZuMbhKZrJLnBOFEAtFXni84tzctHO8vsQK3M8Xh6kYMCn3S8XWH_HtjoGKDNS9puga3jmR9FR6st_eUmy3Ex-z3TMwZ9xNchmTRyezb7YjVts/s320/20230720054727-20230720054727_IMG_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Puffins</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">95% of the North American puffins call the rocky shores of Newfoundland ''home'' during the summer nesting season. The most popular place to catch a glimpse of these colorful sea birds is just off the shore of the small town of Elliston, Newfoundland. Thousands of puffins return there every summer to hang out, enjoy the nice weather, feast on fish, and launch off the next generation of adorable puffins!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmphFyUJ3NVRn_IYnmM3k-3AAzfQmVgxx4BAkAYRdjYADkFGQcFVy6UVOIM5gsswBqniNlQCY8FTCtwx9M4rrMy4dZJtThWkCS5nH8ar_S1bZhnoa8uXLVg8I_DKLUdCBJMluUZc7HO2S9tt0UaBcktDWBsPgr2mdJRZ6vxyIOlrCg28oKtiYZih6lx4/s3648/20230719191042-20230719191042_IMG_9988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmphFyUJ3NVRn_IYnmM3k-3AAzfQmVgxx4BAkAYRdjYADkFGQcFVy6UVOIM5gsswBqniNlQCY8FTCtwx9M4rrMy4dZJtThWkCS5nH8ar_S1bZhnoa8uXLVg8I_DKLUdCBJMluUZc7HO2S9tt0UaBcktDWBsPgr2mdJRZ6vxyIOlrCg28oKtiYZih6lx4/s320/20230719191042-20230719191042_IMG_9988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff5e00; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Whales</i></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Humpbacks, sperm, orchas and many other types of whales, like us, call Newfoundland their perfect summer destination. Pretty much every oceanside hike gave us an opportunity to view these magestic sea creatures in their glory while chasing a migrating school of their favorite sea delicacy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaN5DblLHh5DWxWcjDu60Sk8L6tPT_tGQpBM2mtUdMXsDXjoPGQDdZLAMbnP9NpiU332GDtI2zqIVFbGhN7HgtGobmguGdqaBnvwvaFpjVJgEk-TQFoBxuPTEVYYDd-5xFzT8MdJ1akj0-liMeq5khmS23jWv7m8_BPk44QPWfbQ_DVkoEPmxxrasuEQ/s3648/20230718104636-20230718104636_IMG_9780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaN5DblLHh5DWxWcjDu60Sk8L6tPT_tGQpBM2mtUdMXsDXjoPGQDdZLAMbnP9NpiU332GDtI2zqIVFbGhN7HgtGobmguGdqaBnvwvaFpjVJgEk-TQFoBxuPTEVYYDd-5xFzT8MdJ1akj0-liMeq5khmS23jWv7m8_BPk44QPWfbQ_DVkoEPmxxrasuEQ/s320/20230718104636-20230718104636_IMG_9780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Icebergs</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While the sight of these massive chunks of ice indicate that global warming continues to be a problem, it still is amazing to these frozen monsters slowly float across the vast sea of blue.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvf-fSZeUvQGVtCE1OdiDUjH2tCiSLLbxWEVkn86i7YtBrGEsM-FsVeaIF1EneM2fqb1wt_YDJVqZdcoVFuT2SacnYyRMQTkkUNey8bwBNzqSTqaaOu8G1YkLo-HzdB7-hjgj8uk_tOuF1D7PwELCoMJO0VhVSUCehTmhZLvESukkrb7c3aainkhTx_k/s4080/20230715132559-PXL_20230715_155559854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvf-fSZeUvQGVtCE1OdiDUjH2tCiSLLbxWEVkn86i7YtBrGEsM-FsVeaIF1EneM2fqb1wt_YDJVqZdcoVFuT2SacnYyRMQTkkUNey8bwBNzqSTqaaOu8G1YkLo-HzdB7-hjgj8uk_tOuF1D7PwELCoMJO0VhVSUCehTmhZLvESukkrb7c3aainkhTx_k/s320/20230715132559-PXL_20230715_155559854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6f00; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Wildflowers</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Blue, purple, yellow, orange, or white ... whatever trail you choose is lined with the beautiful colors of wildflowers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4LxglKCQPjzMMmsaE4ycmJzvxzmmHYubObHaXqy3rU_1wsdHLDyH98KF8Um4IRTcvg3Mfy9GcMVGPTKKY1wXD22Bl-2-4tf7mVuNVL4NUUKLzm-5jXp3LlXRs3QemJiCk-Us-XamOUD9PFcm07n3JHJtjuPLJ7GTuzPxafHsUH4qY6o-ec1lbPk89DI/s1600/20230720173732-20230720173732_IMG_0073.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4LxglKCQPjzMMmsaE4ycmJzvxzmmHYubObHaXqy3rU_1wsdHLDyH98KF8Um4IRTcvg3Mfy9GcMVGPTKKY1wXD22Bl-2-4tf7mVuNVL4NUUKLzm-5jXp3LlXRs3QemJiCk-Us-XamOUD9PFcm07n3JHJtjuPLJ7GTuzPxafHsUH4qY6o-ec1lbPk89DI/s320/20230720173732-20230720173732_IMG_0073.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Moose</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While not native to Newfoundland, moose continue to be an important citizen on the Rock. We saw a lot of roadway signs warning us to be on the lookout for these gentle beasts, but during our time in Newfoundland, we only saw one just wandering out of the woods. Thankfully, the giant size sculpture along the TCH is our best ''close encounter'' with this Newfoundland resident.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsD3-sQbGYXfJ-sTzoMtD9O-8vxxNGlpDeYCAo9PWOlTK4KBHDc2CYWp7eUYkIkTBX-EnQO_Y3YIccc4QuIDaFSvoPxtvxCenO7GdlSBwdyM1AdGM1seN2CpF-akQFCtbUSDmIPn_3V8Yx5qSexZXb1EqmCGFyR9aRJ0mHt3S2Z39SnoT-6jY7L8cfc5M/s3648/20230628123430-20230628123430_IMG_9274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsD3-sQbGYXfJ-sTzoMtD9O-8vxxNGlpDeYCAo9PWOlTK4KBHDc2CYWp7eUYkIkTBX-EnQO_Y3YIccc4QuIDaFSvoPxtvxCenO7GdlSBwdyM1AdGM1seN2CpF-akQFCtbUSDmIPn_3V8Yx5qSexZXb1EqmCGFyR9aRJ0mHt3S2Z39SnoT-6jY7L8cfc5M/s320/20230628123430-20230628123430_IMG_9274.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Caribou</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We saw a few of ''Santa's helpers'' in various parts of Newfoundland. Native to the island, we learned that they were an important food and clothing source for the indigenous people as well as early explorers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUiiUEH3H-HPH_DUKjFi_Jd4j9gkDZPQ1-baZjlavVu_cVoC4FwVgS8i_8-xpQdXnq04Uj_8Zlbn289axcjfIn5hlIDzVfmF5_jvl6UP5gAI6_xDOKD9LaXKbEQcDMfqImBR5L7h08WErHHaNVvAasUP_NW6b-hmLAPsc74xiXDlfuZ-30wb19O69JxA/s3648/20230728120146-20230728120146_IMG_0248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUiiUEH3H-HPH_DUKjFi_Jd4j9gkDZPQ1-baZjlavVu_cVoC4FwVgS8i_8-xpQdXnq04Uj_8Zlbn289axcjfIn5hlIDzVfmF5_jvl6UP5gAI6_xDOKD9LaXKbEQcDMfqImBR5L7h08WErHHaNVvAasUP_NW6b-hmLAPsc74xiXDlfuZ-30wb19O69JxA/s320/20230728120146-20230728120146_IMG_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Best Hike With a Bit of History: Chambers Cove Trail</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After talking with a delightful local couple in St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, we found that the Chambers Cove Trail, just outside of the town, was a perfect place to combine another beautiful coastal hike with a history lesson. It is along these tall rocky cliffs that the tragic grounding of two US Navy ships, the USS Truxtum and the USS Pollux, occurred during a horrific blizzard in February, 1942. While over half of the military men were lost in the midst of a severe winter storm, many were saved due to the courage, quick action, and kindness of the local miners and townspeople.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXmsA68HLPSgoygF3_w5W1pyBL1rYZ6kYjvkau50XHOwzOwRhYbnL2EmHcsxWnLy_GRYQ0zEPpef-r_hP3f9q4MHaHRaHgLyFyE-ZOYrnpuoHpqMUqjXZvBCKN90utF1za7Q7T0rsnGFNOybbdfcMhCHXeLc_qKGXi96ZRk-zBROa2EngTrcjUUfbhKg/s4080/20230707144055-PXL_20230707_171055598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXmsA68HLPSgoygF3_w5W1pyBL1rYZ6kYjvkau50XHOwzOwRhYbnL2EmHcsxWnLy_GRYQ0zEPpef-r_hP3f9q4MHaHRaHgLyFyE-ZOYrnpuoHpqMUqjXZvBCKN90utF1za7Q7T0rsnGFNOybbdfcMhCHXeLc_qKGXi96ZRk-zBROa2EngTrcjUUfbhKg/s320/20230707144055-PXL_20230707_171055598.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The few of the sailors who managed to cross the water and scale to tall cliffs, briefly rested in this garden shelter before continuing their quest to find help.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMTG9UWtnw9Zu-4lxXLGMT-XVrDRp8lTnUc6GLdkmI8lij-Lv6rTWimcdHy-JV-7MJ-3EWMmHMkJuxPIxbspiz_08YIbChCSer3Nwoyvs-eYPm7S1TyxWrc0CpICch03VIK-kiDkDrifA78yBYM7qVj_SNyZ4Yc606ztFknN_dp3AsjD8StBi9q_3-w/s3648/20230707131240-20230707131240_IMG_9557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMTG9UWtnw9Zu-4lxXLGMT-XVrDRp8lTnUc6GLdkmI8lij-Lv6rTWimcdHy-JV-7MJ-3EWMmHMkJuxPIxbspiz_08YIbChCSer3Nwoyvs-eYPm7S1TyxWrc0CpICch03VIK-kiDkDrifA78yBYM7qVj_SNyZ4Yc606ztFknN_dp3AsjD8StBi9q_3-w/s320/20230707131240-20230707131240_IMG_9557.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was inspiring to read how the heroic Ed Bergeron managed to trudge three miles through the blinding snow storm in order to summon help. The quick and selfless reaction of the Newfoundland citizens is the reason so many men were able to survive and continues to remind us of why we feel so welcome on this beautiful piece of God's earth. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxhzp_FFqZE6C__TbW3mNS7uBKSs6_tIeAlXFsP0dod8vkb1XAiIKOx2J_1KByqFnfg-s1l0Io81sKuU6D7rTgmDRLij8RdXxtoPjXfylF3phplnmNtgbZsgeZlUTqdiY7eSFh3uS7pwaP1wrBfDPnOtNH6Lnym6qICax8cS0ySyvcZpsbFz0b8roHrQ/s3648/20230707142939-20230707142939_IMG_9566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxhzp_FFqZE6C__TbW3mNS7uBKSs6_tIeAlXFsP0dod8vkb1XAiIKOx2J_1KByqFnfg-s1l0Io81sKuU6D7rTgmDRLij8RdXxtoPjXfylF3phplnmNtgbZsgeZlUTqdiY7eSFh3uS7pwaP1wrBfDPnOtNH6Lnym6qICax8cS0ySyvcZpsbFz0b8roHrQ/s320/20230707142939-20230707142939_IMG_9566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Best Place to See Viking</span>s</span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">L'Ance aux Meadows National Historic Site on the northern tip of Newfoundland is the oldest European settlement in North America, and that is where we traveled to meet up with Leif Erikson and the rest of the first Europeans who landed in North America on the ''Viking'' Peninsula of Newfoundland around the year 1000 AD. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7H6U2-kVcgZDnovRaN67Uvogay10F2wXYzyj1lhiCWqRVOlkYfTbn0Ld9ag1lx5uSJgA8VkTploLj8kCDeF-pmeTDLvsDEBJmLJdmXRp8kRfW5SicpQRTKE76OLnBI77aSYUx_Jq8YrxDFi1fpEyoCsSz99y7Z05PB9KcWPUzkLiQn_lOWPrT2Qq1goM/s4080/20230726154221-PXL_20230726_181221590.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7H6U2-kVcgZDnovRaN67Uvogay10F2wXYzyj1lhiCWqRVOlkYfTbn0Ld9ag1lx5uSJgA8VkTploLj8kCDeF-pmeTDLvsDEBJmLJdmXRp8kRfW5SicpQRTKE76OLnBI77aSYUx_Jq8YrxDFi1fpEyoCsSz99y7Z05PB9KcWPUzkLiQn_lOWPrT2Qq1goM/s320/20230726154221-PXL_20230726_181221590.MP.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Despite popular images portrayed by fanatic Minnesota Viking fans, the original Norse people did not have horns coming out the side of their metal helmets ... nor were their favorite colors purple and gold.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JGS5PQpdHTDt5uAinmx71GnrZUvumh48S835x2un-W6sAzE7IrGEIvwhwSe6DQiZcHwcwrdPKQ9X3QPkcjnNt8Ln6Et6OV2-nB1YaGkQ6r-XPv3V0LeCd5RZed-H2WzwUdNmD0IY5WTZP8U7YXJrgPbXq42yTiNwLX1yJGOMXwml39z9384poCd51iA/s201/download.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="201" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JGS5PQpdHTDt5uAinmx71GnrZUvumh48S835x2un-W6sAzE7IrGEIvwhwSe6DQiZcHwcwrdPKQ9X3QPkcjnNt8Ln6Et6OV2-nB1YaGkQ6r-XPv3V0LeCd5RZed-H2WzwUdNmD0IY5WTZP8U7YXJrgPbXq42yTiNwLX1yJGOMXwml39z9384poCd51iA/s1600/download.png" width="201" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To clarify: they like to be called the ''Norse'' and not the ''Vikings''. The Norse were the ''polite'' group of explorers and traders from northern Europe. The Vikings were the rowdie warriors of the group. Both groups traveled by well-designed wooden boats across the North Atlantic to Iceland, Greenland, Labrador, and on to modern day Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in search of lumber, furs, and other valuable commodities to trade.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBGEUPCAISAjVskverpW4RnhFf5Cae8sGWXCxkz5DIWoGqjobDDAX-4MhwNW_c7QfZ-zmnL476yIsSt4hBF-_J7S1wil43oiQcuTvEt5dHhMatIe4tPYsdbjAezdWPJ_zOeq8c19QQMnEJjJO4-QrxOVBbLS-nxKsVOSAsHJRWOvdQ19qxTh2khj1SC0/s724/Screenshot%202023-08-10%207.50.17%20PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="724" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBGEUPCAISAjVskverpW4RnhFf5Cae8sGWXCxkz5DIWoGqjobDDAX-4MhwNW_c7QfZ-zmnL476yIsSt4hBF-_J7S1wil43oiQcuTvEt5dHhMatIe4tPYsdbjAezdWPJ_zOeq8c19QQMnEJjJO4-QrxOVBbLS-nxKsVOSAsHJRWOvdQ19qxTh2khj1SC0/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-10%207.50.17%20PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">L'Ance aux Meadows is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the artifacts found here that prove this to be the earliest European settlement found in North America. The site continues to be excavated, studied and reconstructed by anthropologists and their students.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNb8yz244Rz8D6iqsG597mxtI_1t1oyAro8W2rDyGN-Longfduqg9IwPww2JzveX1IaXrhw3k1fqIzJuqjbbhZ2Ds0sX2q57ONiCfe2B67-TDBtqjcQ6hc5cCzwloEhY21Gt8WAEHJPsZYHuzgNOKGfywGBeuyXu5NR_UHuhbW1DdlI1do00X2hoWam0/s3648/20230726110629-20230726110629_IMG_0196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNb8yz244Rz8D6iqsG597mxtI_1t1oyAro8W2rDyGN-Longfduqg9IwPww2JzveX1IaXrhw3k1fqIzJuqjbbhZ2Ds0sX2q57ONiCfe2B67-TDBtqjcQ6hc5cCzwloEhY21Gt8WAEHJPsZYHuzgNOKGfywGBeuyXu5NR_UHuhbW1DdlI1do00X2hoWam0/s320/20230726110629-20230726110629_IMG_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From their previous escavations, they have determined what the early Norse settlement may have looked like. We enjoyed walking around the site and hearing about their everyday lives by costumed guides. I even found out how to make their important dietary staple ... caribou stew that used the abundant supply of wild game, potatoes, and carrots. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiuedAnpmrBFCQ3Vf7et-X9X2Xj4lymSBwLj7P91UvuQ1L7ehWDYeDpBXxUnHYoLCLISrMQvfFc1AWXdK_YcGYjjscB9Ws4boHphQOCSgYGdPORZxrWYDG_a-sBfnaLfcBTScxrVosz5gUhgZlv4mBSiLL2xUclScybzpQ9lzMzhbGe37Xu0a8DJCOsM/s3648/20230726112406-20230726112406_IMG_0200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiuedAnpmrBFCQ3Vf7et-X9X2Xj4lymSBwLj7P91UvuQ1L7ehWDYeDpBXxUnHYoLCLISrMQvfFc1AWXdK_YcGYjjscB9Ws4boHphQOCSgYGdPORZxrWYDG_a-sBfnaLfcBTScxrVosz5gUhgZlv4mBSiLL2xUclScybzpQ9lzMzhbGe37Xu0a8DJCOsM/s320/20230726112406-20230726112406_IMG_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Best ''Off the Beaten Path'' Side Trips</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNifOmRbodUBJIEfDtvcOhuW3EI-S9V_rf3dSW8CkK5Eir58noz5KEeBtv_uwYzrBYE5WYQIwq_pstpsSIdVym-43SRhPr10MPIiE8No5hw3QOxh2kj6REHynx-TNniCUMR_A2A77xqdzFzh6DHC2Z1rF0a5Xohdggsj9RdtYZD7UJxYcAx2Da2JHh8/s3648/20230708080248-20230708080248_IMG_9571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNifOmRbodUBJIEfDtvcOhuW3EI-S9V_rf3dSW8CkK5Eir58noz5KEeBtv_uwYzrBYE5WYQIwq_pstpsSIdVym-43SRhPr10MPIiE8No5hw3QOxh2kj6REHynx-TNniCUMR_A2A77xqdzFzh6DHC2Z1rF0a5Xohdggsj9RdtYZD7UJxYcAx2Da2JHh8/s320/20230708080248-20230708080248_IMG_9571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Let's Go To France!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While the Trans Canada Highway will get you quickly from the west end of Newfoundland to the east, we soon found out that one has to get off the main roads in order to find the ''true'' Newfoundland. One such venture involved driving down the ''boot'' (Burin Peninsula) and finding a bit of France.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkSfkzHbV1JC51Vw_366S_eGLw0Hr-2sNk-iB1jAK8SaOH4bMFkm-6N2oqANXf9zGz2EsnV6VUdVXOLhmT7Qv4Dn8w4JzWvL1zATMNCK48sZouWcs3nlEKuHjJ5gkL41miSDp0Qz7onHfmA9QGuFMrcdH1o_sh17qga99gZ4Ws6y2CF_IE3VY1Ug_KPI/s813/Screenshot%202023-07-28%208.11.11%20PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="813" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkSfkzHbV1JC51Vw_366S_eGLw0Hr-2sNk-iB1jAK8SaOH4bMFkm-6N2oqANXf9zGz2EsnV6VUdVXOLhmT7Qv4Dn8w4JzWvL1zATMNCK48sZouWcs3nlEKuHjJ5gkL41miSDp0Qz7onHfmA9QGuFMrcdH1o_sh17qga99gZ4Ws6y2CF_IE3VY1Ug_KPI/s320/Screenshot%202023-07-28%208.11.11%20PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Many people may be surprised to know that one can get a ''taste'' of Europe by just taking a short ferry ride to a group of islands off the coast of Newfoundland, but you can! After many years of fighting over ownership of the Rock and its rich fishing resources, England emerged victorious. With the Treaty of Paris in 1814, they gifted the French fishermen with ownership of the tiny St Pierre and Miquelon Islands just off the southwestern coast of Newfoundland. Today these islands are officially a part of France and retain the French language, food, and culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0odWsMwP0WPUzOSGBSbA_ml-Rl3goHpunQi3Nckgi-h-7Uk8CKSd5dBlFZiP3TfM_KstYeb5f7HNBuAqi09_onKqm_pr1RlEEKDpbN79ysu4axmc92c9Q_Eu_VlE-yPLnS5Zo8BG4d7wlmTR6MFzcw4awqD-TgIbwLR6KMGFnZ8eMIIRdwUc_7eoPn4/s3648/20230708111518-20230708111518_IMG_9589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0odWsMwP0WPUzOSGBSbA_ml-Rl3goHpunQi3Nckgi-h-7Uk8CKSd5dBlFZiP3TfM_KstYeb5f7HNBuAqi09_onKqm_pr1RlEEKDpbN79ysu4axmc92c9Q_Eu_VlE-yPLnS5Zo8BG4d7wlmTR6MFzcw4awqD-TgIbwLR6KMGFnZ8eMIIRdwUc_7eoPn4/s320/20230708111518-20230708111518_IMG_9589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because of that treaty, it is possible to take a short ferry ride, have your passport stamped, and find yourself in the heart of France complete with gourmet food, street music, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lhFTimUxgJOW7-0y7QkMfs3SlmRe_CVX5C-gdMZe69GDi9TV4bGUg59Y2GvxxP9dpP8SfSdAwkG-lB-mq50LMT2WCrs1ImfHhhff4d-kuMaLQNGLFsd445wR5X_-h92TV279Ivmi6QkzPaux-mQ2Zfb2HmgivAj3WLX5rsLToFyuY-fQ64XYC5fnx_k/s1020/20230708101008-20230708101008_IMG_9582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lhFTimUxgJOW7-0y7QkMfs3SlmRe_CVX5C-gdMZe69GDi9TV4bGUg59Y2GvxxP9dpP8SfSdAwkG-lB-mq50LMT2WCrs1ImfHhhff4d-kuMaLQNGLFsd445wR5X_-h92TV279Ivmi6QkzPaux-mQ2Zfb2HmgivAj3WLX5rsLToFyuY-fQ64XYC5fnx_k/s320/20230708101008-20230708101008_IMG_9582.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... sweet, rich pastries and breads,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60pmjzWXqGbzqYHLDNxHQ99460ATJrWVt8z3LSf_cNpCW_rjw2_JaXV5Ycl1m-QrC8lLzSL31ABRYSuKjbpp-E7fmGhsWHm8f-OpPJdbMoKd3qPKUbfNg1OXZ_MtrKmefMLkqEAqz73_U4M6TX-hl463FfBCNFdS-nkhmVU8mEZWjFhih69gusMlTBM/s3648/20230708104418-20230708104418_IMG_9585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60pmjzWXqGbzqYHLDNxHQ99460ATJrWVt8z3LSf_cNpCW_rjw2_JaXV5Ycl1m-QrC8lLzSL31ABRYSuKjbpp-E7fmGhsWHm8f-OpPJdbMoKd3qPKUbfNg1OXZ_MtrKmefMLkqEAqz73_U4M6TX-hl463FfBCNFdS-nkhmVU8mEZWjFhih69gusMlTBM/s320/20230708104418-20230708104418_IMG_9585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and full, earthy French wines.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We drove down the ''Boot'' with the sole purpose of enjoying an afternoon in France, and while we did achieve our goal, we also found more hidden treasures in the Burin Peninsula that can only be found by veering off the TCH. This included my favorite history hike along Chamber Cove (see above) and a hike up to Captain Cook's Lookout where he had a most excellent viewpoint to map the coastlines and keep out unwanted pirate guests.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUvyQH7AzZ8lwcI6Q8FEpBUE2CbJi0zF8cNjln2AFlCmgqCduHiD3PTHlCk8RFveV6JLhxGXpJRikL8YKbuPzoUeRhysv1K26cP8MLqyeCqmKvIpEzuSwUl4pesKVdLACNTpbzDNfPcMGitKwErKbcjpWlVEskwzMW6bUmU6YrmoitE32dYoB94xUK_A/s4080/20230707104817-PXL_20230707_131817925.MP%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUvyQH7AzZ8lwcI6Q8FEpBUE2CbJi0zF8cNjln2AFlCmgqCduHiD3PTHlCk8RFveV6JLhxGXpJRikL8YKbuPzoUeRhysv1K26cP8MLqyeCqmKvIpEzuSwUl4pesKVdLACNTpbzDNfPcMGitKwErKbcjpWlVEskwzMW6bUmU6YrmoitE32dYoB94xUK_A/s320/20230707104817-PXL_20230707_131817925.MP%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Fogo Island</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Another ferry ride took us along ''Iceberg Alley'' off the northern coast of Newfoundland for a three night stay on Fogo Island. Many of the residents share a long fishing heritage, but currently, the island is being transformed into a popular tourist destination.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJnVsV2rj-jE4mUM4rsdAqh7Jc53rgcaySJfdGZzQvO6CGvgaVTPN-CBmWkdCMxgTrGNMc47Npnfl0LJTmPWnm1j6Qf-XX1J-yHA7YDYXlof7pMFHMEuSoJ4xhYMtBcNCgIbCtU3sWso-BjuptgCWIrYY3wRFPoC_933s32rDm0YA1Y9YRab_b8ZD5Xc/s4080/20230712093318-PXL_20230712_120318379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJnVsV2rj-jE4mUM4rsdAqh7Jc53rgcaySJfdGZzQvO6CGvgaVTPN-CBmWkdCMxgTrGNMc47Npnfl0LJTmPWnm1j6Qf-XX1J-yHA7YDYXlof7pMFHMEuSoJ4xhYMtBcNCgIbCtU3sWso-BjuptgCWIrYY3wRFPoC_933s32rDm0YA1Y9YRab_b8ZD5Xc/s320/20230712093318-PXL_20230712_120318379.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In 1992, the cod fishing industry, decimated by years of over-fishing, was shut down by the Canadian government. Naturally, this almost destroyed the small island's economy and people. Yet in recent years, the people of Fogo Island have developed and promoted the tourism industry. Some of the most ''iconic'' Newfoundland tourism photos depict serene locations in the cute towns of Fogo, Joe Batt's Arm, and Tilting.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTbfz4KxMOQoe45784ej7vgTJt8do1PauZ0sCOu3NjRIxilfQQDGd0SRbK5D4FtW4Z31FmgSfYntVQKNppoFGw1m_xPYXjxcJNyWliMF2-AxFUaiJESxdI_o1daigDfhxQi5oFEqVVmfawOBNJV4dCXJhN2kRP8KUsSGiKiWl1mArpqEDrkYV--m69Ds/s3648/20230712075619-20230712075619_IMG_9657%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTbfz4KxMOQoe45784ej7vgTJt8do1PauZ0sCOu3NjRIxilfQQDGd0SRbK5D4FtW4Z31FmgSfYntVQKNppoFGw1m_xPYXjxcJNyWliMF2-AxFUaiJESxdI_o1daigDfhxQi5oFEqVVmfawOBNJV4dCXJhN2kRP8KUsSGiKiWl1mArpqEDrkYV--m69Ds/s320/20230712075619-20230712075619_IMG_9657%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While much of the island strives to retain that ''old fishing village'' vibe,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdwxSxfU7f97VTjDYN7An50RwusTkgwk4D5WyA9bFpHnL563NNFLxi3sqT4C1ck6PDN7I_GkG-aPwa672DPtted4-sUKfxjfID1e9TlNYiw4vwYQJOL-BUudtP9f2v_fr2Rd0nw09K9A8Soc4QJL-P9FjQOisqeQYwWJemhEKVbP0hgvg_4J39afSf-I/s3648/20230712090627-20230712090627_IMG_9675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdwxSxfU7f97VTjDYN7An50RwusTkgwk4D5WyA9bFpHnL563NNFLxi3sqT4C1ck6PDN7I_GkG-aPwa672DPtted4-sUKfxjfID1e9TlNYiw4vwYQJOL-BUudtP9f2v_fr2Rd0nw09K9A8Soc4QJL-P9FjQOisqeQYwWJemhEKVbP0hgvg_4J39afSf-I/s320/20230712090627-20230712090627_IMG_9675.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... modern, artistic architecture like the Fogo Inn attracts a glamorous crowd. For only $3000+ a night (with a three night minimum stay) we could have had a luxurious suite, meals and other amenities in this iceberg-shaped resort overlooking the harbor. This and many other tourist-related businesses were orchestrated by a generation of the Fogo residents who saw their parents and grandparents lose their livelihood with the collapse of the cod fishing industry. The proceeds from the Fogo Inn and other simular ventures go back to the help build up the struggling community.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Greenspond Island</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Along Bonavista Bay is another quiet, cute village that bursts forth with Newfoundland charm. Greenspond Island is connected to the mainland by a land bridge, yet once you get to the end of the road, you will feel like you have been transported to a much simpler place and time. There is a community-supported hiking trail that leads you to spectacular waterfront views.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ2_egAx8yHonijfu7tzocLGaSO7X7z8TCvITGpGP-3rdwRnewv3U3r32gF7-ZRVWFNfFDyL3VxxcM90oUQ2c6sa3aWVNlHHxSJkCnuejezNCAzjrmmxWAF1Uj4pPK1bBQpQdY4nPcFOkR-WDFeaY30GoGIetQOmQ8ctKzbpexUDNdeQO6OQvXvskd9M/s3648/20230710130138-20230710130138_IMG_9616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ2_egAx8yHonijfu7tzocLGaSO7X7z8TCvITGpGP-3rdwRnewv3U3r32gF7-ZRVWFNfFDyL3VxxcM90oUQ2c6sa3aWVNlHHxSJkCnuejezNCAzjrmmxWAF1Uj4pPK1bBQpQdY4nPcFOkR-WDFeaY30GoGIetQOmQ8ctKzbpexUDNdeQO6OQvXvskd9M/s320/20230710130138-20230710130138_IMG_9616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As the fog rolls in and the sun sets, you will know that you have found the true heart and soul of Newfoundland.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdtNKhbJi9suyVb1OmjVzY2FxQU0Aw5s9I2OF4npUxsRZnaloQhgaR4fcHnVBpl3kkjfEo6aM3A8pBjeGfovEikxfHpd1dGIjiXTflL3O_7ucOPHy7ABe-gN1-vjRr9p6UjroJbNDiXrn_IbD1jEiwc84x4BmYI4ihavbXF7kTG7cT5C44lEpxSwgF68/s3648/20230710152850-20230710152850_IMG_9623%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdtNKhbJi9suyVb1OmjVzY2FxQU0Aw5s9I2OF4npUxsRZnaloQhgaR4fcHnVBpl3kkjfEo6aM3A8pBjeGfovEikxfHpd1dGIjiXTflL3O_7ucOPHy7ABe-gN1-vjRr9p6UjroJbNDiXrn_IbD1jEiwc84x4BmYI4ihavbXF7kTG7cT5C44lEpxSwgF68/s320/20230710152850-20230710152850_IMG_9623%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Challenges</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">OK ... I would be wrong if I didn't point out some of the challenges of choosing to hang out in this small piece of paradise called Newfoundland. Newfies are strong people because of the obstacles they face and handle everyday. Of course, some of the things that I listed as challenges are a normal (and sometimes endeared) part of their daily life. Newfoundland wouldn't be Newfoundland if it wasn't for ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>High gas and food prices</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because (almost) everything needs to be transported over by boat or plane, prices are high and selection is low. With Canada continuing to add new ''carbon taxes'' to fuel, gas ended up costing about $5.25 (usd). Some of our usual and/or beloved grocery items (ie ... Cheetos and chocolate chip cookies) were MIA. Of course, a freshly caught fish & chips dinner was still a bargain at any price!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Rough roads</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Welcome to pothole paradise! Nine months of winter takes a toll on the roads ... just be prepared to drive slow, brace for bumps, and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>The weather</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sun, rain, fog, and cold only to be followed by excessive heat warnings the next day. Bring your winter jacket and be grateful if you don't need it. The ''normal'' weather forecast usually includes a 60 - 100% chance of RDF = Rain, Drizzle, Fog ... and no one is going to fire the weatherman if by some lucky chance, he is wrong!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53e3lV0kbhKKTQgEJhVwdgcfAU3vZaQfasp0ioL82LXmGzKaqjTupJI37uFnqvpLn11p5tZjnLvnDBpnZ2_dPLh9EaPzmQ7Ensa9FN72y_UlJ3fhI4F4tX6One2pt5Oo5xF9gq51Jqv8BimNFjc44cKXI4hTZCa-GoGEuOnApB5ZsMN-DmihP2PmUjKk/s3648/20230709172505-20230709172505_IMG_9603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53e3lV0kbhKKTQgEJhVwdgcfAU3vZaQfasp0ioL82LXmGzKaqjTupJI37uFnqvpLn11p5tZjnLvnDBpnZ2_dPLh9EaPzmQ7Ensa9FN72y_UlJ3fhI4F4tX6One2pt5Oo5xF9gq51Jqv8BimNFjc44cKXI4hTZCa-GoGEuOnApB5ZsMN-DmihP2PmUjKk/s320/20230709172505-20230709172505_IMG_9603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Drinking water</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">They tell me that it's because there are so many tannins in the water streams, but whatever the reason, we found Newfoundland's water to be a slightly tan color and have a ''unique'' fishy taste to it ... or maybe we were just eating too much seafood!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Sporadic internet coverage</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug learned to be happy if he had one or two bars of Internet and/or one or two dessert bars!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Lots of local radio</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A local talk and ol' time radio station was better than nothing at all ... sometimes. It kinda made me feel like I wanted to learn the Newfie stomp while listening to the lively Celtic folk music.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>The most popular and ''hyped-up'' hiking trails are not always the ''best'' hiking trails</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug usually finds our hiking trails and plans the hikes. But I had read about the ''best hike in Newfoundland'' and convinced him to try it out. The Alexander Murray Trail boasts of 2,200 steps leading to spectacular vistas. Well there were at least 2,200 steps that led us up and up and up ... to a platform overlooking a river valley. As my mathematician husband pointed out ... that was not a high enough reward for the high percentage of effort. He's in no danger of losing his ''Master Trail Planner'' position any time soon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDqV6K1UZ6iNYQ9eBaA2Z5sWhoQMdZsL201x9MAvC5eQAwVbIT_K90S6vU25xibqrRwEa2CWtrZqRJtQBw6B4kJuOkso8b4eKq-FFHQ4UQ8dXksgWeIUYp3Tc00H-3UZl22SYDz9qbir7NfC7x6XPGLlD3yWc9jueQ3DfiwXyhOplu8VLkFZ5Hy6sq2Q/s3648/20230724133655-20230724133655_IMG_0157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDqV6K1UZ6iNYQ9eBaA2Z5sWhoQMdZsL201x9MAvC5eQAwVbIT_K90S6vU25xibqrRwEa2CWtrZqRJtQBw6B4kJuOkso8b4eKq-FFHQ4UQ8dXksgWeIUYp3Tc00H-3UZl22SYDz9qbir7NfC7x6XPGLlD3yWc9jueQ3DfiwXyhOplu8VLkFZ5Hy6sq2Q/s320/20230724133655-20230724133655_IMG_0157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Finding the RV services that we need (dump, water, showers, etc)</i></b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Life would be easy if we always stayed in full-service campgrounds ... but what fun would that be? Thankfully, the iOverlander app came through with places to take care of all of life's necessities. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Where is the fresh summer produce??</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I had to keep reminding myself that we were on the Rock, and that not much grows on a rock. Consequently, there is not much for local produce aside from ground vegetables like carrots and potatoes. But on one of our last hikes, I spied some delightful island treasures. The small but sweet strawberries were at their peak, and if we could have just stayed around another few weeks, ripe blueberries, partridge berries, and bakeapple berries would line the trails and fuel a few more magnificent hikes! Next time ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTxhAbWa2DTF_zCKV26zu8uRm_en-FXnjkzBWhaty6Drd9dI8ZMVpkncigZw4moh4XTJoFXFM9UNTi4l57ThhiCymidjskIWBLZgWO3bXs4aMp2VkR9s3BQ7_GSXvkAEyXY_wipCBNWde5pVSL9VAlSn4HFEbBcTNeqIQyVU1KvCe89xcMyxPJmealwE/s3648/20230728132624-20230728132624_IMG_0252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTxhAbWa2DTF_zCKV26zu8uRm_en-FXnjkzBWhaty6Drd9dI8ZMVpkncigZw4moh4XTJoFXFM9UNTi4l57ThhiCymidjskIWBLZgWO3bXs4aMp2VkR9s3BQ7_GSXvkAEyXY_wipCBNWde5pVSL9VAlSn4HFEbBcTNeqIQyVU1KvCe89xcMyxPJmealwE/s320/20230728132624-20230728132624_IMG_0252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>What language are they speaking?</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Newfoundland accent is a unique combination of English, French, and Irish along with local colloquialisms. Between the thick accent and the abundance of unusual phases, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher. But you don't ever want to get left out on the fun, so here are a few to get you started.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNczbATGyD4DT5ObmQRS3NZbfO6bypIDTohyNhugZ0zdq3Xk0MAfQURheZ0HJcw_kKYyjhVXpBI2YThNAxOx8T8a5R6MfNaLL8Hdkidgs-oXE6p7hoQ0jugBTTnUaqnTu9Rmd1Upa-kMi5LITg9G2hwemvWyFG_Kkd5G6FJqsYXHpY9aggy1wk8alzGo/s3648/20230716123518-20230716123518_IMG_9728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNczbATGyD4DT5ObmQRS3NZbfO6bypIDTohyNhugZ0zdq3Xk0MAfQURheZ0HJcw_kKYyjhVXpBI2YThNAxOx8T8a5R6MfNaLL8Hdkidgs-oXE6p7hoQ0jugBTTnUaqnTu9Rmd1Upa-kMi5LITg9G2hwemvWyFG_Kkd5G6FJqsYXHpY9aggy1wk8alzGo/s320/20230716123518-20230716123518_IMG_9728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>How's ya gittin' on b'y?</i> = How are you?</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whadda ya' at?</i> = What are you doing?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Are you a ''come from away''</i>? = someone who is not from Newfoundland</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>God love your cotton socks</i> = Thank you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Havin' a time</i> = Having a good time</div><div style="text-align: center;">If someone asks you, <i>''Hows ya' gittin' along?'',</i> your answer should be,<i> ''Best kind''</i>.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And if they call you<i> ''me duckie''</i> or <i>''me ol' trout''</i> you should take that as a sincere compliment or a term of endearment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ergHz_4HWCQfLLTqmRGNTu9LoniNTGp-EB_qYkUs__SfafYA56SG-unIw9YN3aOux7xy1qu1x4xnOgJRZqcbtAPosf0t_dU_ci5GUI0t0FIR8sHpat3Abechk8EnhjhIn53oAu7O6nixfmJPAcFZfOJhmT56qx6opmFqGkM9beHJD0VZfmBy_tf6B_g/s3648/20230716194524-PXL_20230716_221524073.jpg" style="font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ergHz_4HWCQfLLTqmRGNTu9LoniNTGp-EB_qYkUs__SfafYA56SG-unIw9YN3aOux7xy1qu1x4xnOgJRZqcbtAPosf0t_dU_ci5GUI0t0FIR8sHpat3Abechk8EnhjhIn53oAu7O6nixfmJPAcFZfOJhmT56qx6opmFqGkM9beHJD0VZfmBy_tf6B_g/s320/20230716194524-PXL_20230716_221524073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">''My Dougie'' has now become ''Me Duckie''!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As our time on Newfoundland came to a close, we found ourselves grateful for every tasty seafood meal, quiet boondocking spot, and colorful sunset. Moreover, we're grateful to have been able to meet so many fun-loving, kind and welcoming Newfies. There are so many beautiful areas in Newfoundland, and we have come to realize why they love the ''Rock'' that they call home. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>It was a Grand Ol' Time!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7VFIaQUqYIoneQMsXBiME8BGOB7VBE-4SWF-jj_ToaQCqkJmRmPyKYVQJw3Ts0i_cRbs7NQSI3GWWmjNdS0xfpABo0JOHFSvXfN8UyRuKgOnzz7x-5eAnY9F76DaJwAV4QrAODLH5LgfadnEjrscngXe_YG-lG3Lx_tY9eupCjqW-YGlN4IzoDUPYx8/s3648/20230718192034-20230718192034_IMG_9909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7VFIaQUqYIoneQMsXBiME8BGOB7VBE-4SWF-jj_ToaQCqkJmRmPyKYVQJw3Ts0i_cRbs7NQSI3GWWmjNdS0xfpABo0JOHFSvXfN8UyRuKgOnzz7x-5eAnY9F76DaJwAV4QrAODLH5LgfadnEjrscngXe_YG-lG3Lx_tY9eupCjqW-YGlN4IzoDUPYx8/s320/20230718192034-20230718192034_IMG_9909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Passing on this traditional Newfoundland wish on to you,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">as summer comes to an end ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>'<span style="color: #990000;">'Long may your big jib draw''</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">May each and every day bring you good fortune!</span></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-54749876339697966732023-07-28T19:43:00.000-05:002023-07-28T19:43:31.760-05:00Newfoundland: St John's and the Avalon Peninsula <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bUfUHfDxfmyTTHylXsHstsi6scU1Ki8_vQgBBfo-fHY6-JNLgrD28rvDu23RqcAHFeTDGWPO6w2AeTVPQ2mWZy4IQTHMdFB3F_nrwkIM6DgYwcn9KR8E4WFddLnAswhNbZ8zahMyIvsocxuqmI86hG4mpAPCKPglHRIxoeJXTI7IsSlQJZ1fD1glWwQ/s4080/20230630114038-PXL_20230630_141038404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bUfUHfDxfmyTTHylXsHstsi6scU1Ki8_vQgBBfo-fHY6-JNLgrD28rvDu23RqcAHFeTDGWPO6w2AeTVPQ2mWZy4IQTHMdFB3F_nrwkIM6DgYwcn9KR8E4WFddLnAswhNbZ8zahMyIvsocxuqmI86hG4mpAPCKPglHRIxoeJXTI7IsSlQJZ1fD1glWwQ/w362-h272/20230630114038-PXL_20230630_141038404.jpg" width="362" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><i><b>A sheltered harbor surrounded by towering cliffs,</b></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #213a96; font-family: georgia;"><i></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #213a96; font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59-5FtjFndWsGljaQLPXStfzITPfUlY0YkDRLpw6wnok1cBM-T9dZgLBRL-0d9F8wN8xEze8jbXnUFlHeg95Fe_SW76raPyANLhOqHJtHu5SLYn8Up5KpvYyb7QTfX47q6cSiT10b5hZDxTtTDiBFELzOJRZ1reCFWp9XlwMfqeP5jDydNInF2AVnoFo/s1263/20230630162344-PXL_20230630_185344304%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1263" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59-5FtjFndWsGljaQLPXStfzITPfUlY0YkDRLpw6wnok1cBM-T9dZgLBRL-0d9F8wN8xEze8jbXnUFlHeg95Fe_SW76raPyANLhOqHJtHu5SLYn8Up5KpvYyb7QTfX47q6cSiT10b5hZDxTtTDiBFELzOJRZ1reCFWp9XlwMfqeP5jDydNInF2AVnoFo/s320/20230630162344-PXL_20230630_185344304%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">colorful</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span><span style="color: #bf9000;">Jellybean </span><span style="color: #8b60c7;">Row</span> <span style="color: #ee681a;">houses</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">,</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpNLH1KD0jL8nEpzlOU1kagq5RtST3tWjKOt1CNB2YavQUcNc1wPBB_Lgnkc7bfP9r2jJVTNTrYSvPAeFaoZNeTkaRvftIHoT6o-aRd8NIqIDpNCMHNf_YIQACDJOnC8XNDET6CBZArCwMXpBW7EK_1njPXz4rFtCyiy8kLn_ao--SpOAY_Qxlw0-IeA/s605/il_fullxfull.4703008108_4bvy.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="605" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpNLH1KD0jL8nEpzlOU1kagq5RtST3tWjKOt1CNB2YavQUcNc1wPBB_Lgnkc7bfP9r2jJVTNTrYSvPAeFaoZNeTkaRvftIHoT6o-aRd8NIqIDpNCMHNf_YIQACDJOnC8XNDET6CBZArCwMXpBW7EK_1njPXz4rFtCyiy8kLn_ao--SpOAY_Qxlw0-IeA/w233-h231/il_fullxfull.4703008108_4bvy.webp" width="233" /></a></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><i><b>and </b></i></span><i><b>an initiation ceremony that involves kissing a frozen cod.</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">(no real photo here 'cause we haven't been persuaded to do it ... yet!)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We had entered a new part of the island for us ... the colorful town of St John's on the Avalon Peninsula. Located on the eastern edge of Newfoundland, it is the most populated city of Newfoundland and Labrador. During our visit to this island two years ago, we didn't have enough time to explore this lively area. With a few more weeks planned on the island with this visit, we had plenty of time to see what makes St John's and the Avalon Peninsula one of the most popular tourist destinations on the ''Rock''.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQ1gRx5WaWaW0IJWWNUu3IrD-pZ9OWk1dFpGnT6SjahsHP-QPp2S5ectQbCYHcKWAHD2E9FIOK8aTBG8DalY59OTCC2Vax2b3NNqTsZ6lhikSptkiEx1mm9znlSEPl7nvXEHnEWjZ_zvG4XZqvxQsLCmMYXyTfLxACL7MGltKUaviG190MfgAuGoP2g/s744/Screenshot%202023-07-27%207.01.15%20PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="744" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQ1gRx5WaWaW0IJWWNUu3IrD-pZ9OWk1dFpGnT6SjahsHP-QPp2S5ectQbCYHcKWAHD2E9FIOK8aTBG8DalY59OTCC2Vax2b3NNqTsZ6lhikSptkiEx1mm9znlSEPl7nvXEHnEWjZ_zvG4XZqvxQsLCmMYXyTfLxACL7MGltKUaviG190MfgAuGoP2g/s320/Screenshot%202023-07-27%207.01.15%20PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Our route around the Avalon Peninsula</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>History on Signal Hill in St John's</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">St John's, the provincial capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and its largest city, has a</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> history as colorful as the homes that line its waterfront.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihltyOabNjYhiVOwfX8dgRso1tADFJ0-bWiCMk7glu_3QZsrzuhfPUL6BmnuZ74y4Q8MSlKbZawKhJTBO177T1-UQQ7aVWeKfLRFqarwlhFkGbUewuTa2Lt8AFV9Ga4eqVwyfd2cpw8wyOePYctnvIiy2iwpDHwux_tG0CM_XywnsjOKuW64S-dQW3hTQ/s4080/20230629164930-PXL_20230629_191930721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihltyOabNjYhiVOwfX8dgRso1tADFJ0-bWiCMk7glu_3QZsrzuhfPUL6BmnuZ74y4Q8MSlKbZawKhJTBO177T1-UQQ7aVWeKfLRFqarwlhFkGbUewuTa2Lt8AFV9Ga4eqVwyfd2cpw8wyOePYctnvIiy2iwpDHwux_tG0CM_XywnsjOKuW64S-dQW3hTQ/s320/20230629164930-PXL_20230629_191930721.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Blessed with a well-protected natural harbor, St John's has played an important role in the maritime, military, and communication history of the province.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG0gzde7eHazHaUyHOcpKibn-Wz6XFayAFvKJWdcBZXWI6JhdAWIeXq3f7ilYkV8UaiAbDBqXD60ONwjYpC-TChOZwKyn--ZZ0BDU46GGwjneVzLovHNnmUC8x3WQrLH3J-My_yJj2XBKOeRtrGY8emzCwkhmRblVFAemj3n9bZNAw6dMLFXVx4p-Csc/s4080/20230630112520-PXL_20230630_135520569%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG0gzde7eHazHaUyHOcpKibn-Wz6XFayAFvKJWdcBZXWI6JhdAWIeXq3f7ilYkV8UaiAbDBqXD60ONwjYpC-TChOZwKyn--ZZ0BDU46GGwjneVzLovHNnmUC8x3WQrLH3J-My_yJj2XBKOeRtrGY8emzCwkhmRblVFAemj3n9bZNAw6dMLFXVx4p-Csc/s320/20230630112520-PXL_20230630_135520569%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was high on Signal Hill in the 18th century that many battles were fought between the French and the English in the attempt to gain control of the rich fishing waters just off the coast. Soaring above the city, the Cabot Tower was the location where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless communication in 1901. During WWII, Signal Hill became an important strategic location for the protection of North America against the Axis powers. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKF2rWSQVDFop3GU7y2koXqd_wj3iHfZ_zAuvrlJLbmpTWJzQusZ_Si16Uh9awlnT3fpqhCkEQE6FxdmCs8NIPWFvfkoqNsHQwkx89g0XA8d1s8hX7j4hxekUoIHo54Ed3frbLyAYTq7SOTvi5NoPXWaFTDxGFnO0pnJu0FvuMuAqoQHT-jtkVmVP4cs/s3648/20230630103002-20230630103002_IMG_9301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKF2rWSQVDFop3GU7y2koXqd_wj3iHfZ_zAuvrlJLbmpTWJzQusZ_Si16Uh9awlnT3fpqhCkEQE6FxdmCs8NIPWFvfkoqNsHQwkx89g0XA8d1s8hX7j4hxekUoIHo54Ed3frbLyAYTq7SOTvi5NoPXWaFTDxGFnO0pnJu0FvuMuAqoQHT-jtkVmVP4cs/s320/20230630103002-20230630103002_IMG_9301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stunning sea views from the top of the rocky cliffs that surround the city make this a hiker's paradise also. It was from these high cliffs that we were able to see our first whales on the island! While it's almost impossible to capture in photos, it's pretty amazing to watch their water spouts and tail dives through our binoculars.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn8xEi6ceCkEZA22gkObCLNDf5M7rikHIiarAq1l8fCfRUtu8ya2ngF7JRbf1Mqrj-kcKuGQN5r73MVjxW8DOWCjOX9WUVZdXFYiedBByYsWH9KjIhj7MJAijOJuED5P4Ml9DpUJ5rHSTL_jfnh4urIVAc5mehFx-cwm6w7eU2hiZNaJ2AyNr91GTv4c/s4080/20230630103802-PXL_20230630_130802837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn8xEi6ceCkEZA22gkObCLNDf5M7rikHIiarAq1l8fCfRUtu8ya2ngF7JRbf1Mqrj-kcKuGQN5r73MVjxW8DOWCjOX9WUVZdXFYiedBByYsWH9KjIhj7MJAijOJuED5P4Ml9DpUJ5rHSTL_jfnh4urIVAc5mehFx-cwm6w7eU2hiZNaJ2AyNr91GTv4c/s320/20230630103802-PXL_20230630_130802837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Happy Canada Day!</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3BW7srRTQDr3-ahBll_jh-g--mvVsFLZ9Khx5eB-tuPLTLWvvuNd-Vg8eSzxrljonoXw973Up2lSe4KjVTJVstN_dRqxqSWrhcoTO8GlhzmOgcbrlMb-suqENVpUoxj3kHzqaspPVpSTje0zEA3_Qw2wHlEmp7CMCJtE_4NNIokUbJwmBM0K4ObYsdk/s3648/20230701182734-20230701182734_IMG_9331%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3BW7srRTQDr3-ahBll_jh-g--mvVsFLZ9Khx5eB-tuPLTLWvvuNd-Vg8eSzxrljonoXw973Up2lSe4KjVTJVstN_dRqxqSWrhcoTO8GlhzmOgcbrlMb-suqENVpUoxj3kHzqaspPVpSTje0zEA3_Qw2wHlEmp7CMCJtE_4NNIokUbJwmBM0K4ObYsdk/s320/20230701182734-20230701182734_IMG_9331%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Like Independence Day in the US, Canada Day (July 1) gives everyone a reason to don their red and white maple leaves and gather outdoors to <i>(finally) </i>celebrate the arrival of summer. Picnics, music, and fireworks filled the day. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTqRaPZZlFFYsajqXJJDZWmeJJO3cZqy9kKsm-1g4V5_HqYKUQeYbErLvQAk9FOobUECMrbNNTxDIdLG98yphhBt0rV9NVbwlBT4ZEf5BJgpzlQJu0y50Y_3oBLtUt665xalGlxQfLeMhWOq_Amw40FjwGZYPCiS0C7y7PHmqF6mFlUQxhP77Ts7LTs/s3648/20230701084327-20230701084327_IMG_9311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTqRaPZZlFFYsajqXJJDZWmeJJO3cZqy9kKsm-1g4V5_HqYKUQeYbErLvQAk9FOobUECMrbNNTxDIdLG98yphhBt0rV9NVbwlBT4ZEf5BJgpzlQJu0y50Y_3oBLtUt665xalGlxQfLeMhWOq_Amw40FjwGZYPCiS0C7y7PHmqF6mFlUQxhP77Ts7LTs/s320/20230701084327-20230701084327_IMG_9311.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We got in on the birthday celebration with free cupcakes and a Newfoundland language lesson at the Signal Hill Visitor Center coffee shop. Yes, we're ''havin' a time''! </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP3kFNKcwcxV5nk9eHlmOJfUXw7mpRUJLYdyEPOF4VpKTETlaJN1GIciLNjGUpc-XE5jPzjqWahzaPzyvxCFZW9l-DbHaoOcXe6T9NLzrJ4Y8SKN1eYbGDO6gS_XXsge4b8OlxLuPbUaLUbvqbbXM2cyeEdyndGK_lIJutj2QrPclrY-SNv3n-f5zhfw/s4080/20230701221307-PXL_20230702_004307238.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP3kFNKcwcxV5nk9eHlmOJfUXw7mpRUJLYdyEPOF4VpKTETlaJN1GIciLNjGUpc-XE5jPzjqWahzaPzyvxCFZW9l-DbHaoOcXe6T9NLzrJ4Y8SKN1eYbGDO6gS_XXsge4b8OlxLuPbUaLUbvqbbXM2cyeEdyndGK_lIJutj2QrPclrY-SNv3n-f5zhfw/s320/20230701221307-PXL_20230702_004307238.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From our boondocking spot near Signal Hill, we ended our day with ''some shockin' good'' views of the fireworks that evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Some other highlights during our stay in St John's included:</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... learning about rocks while on the ''Rock'' when we visited the Johnson Geo Center,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TPjbatAULvlHCrXPHE1Q97Dx-7iRGIC-vjP_RTV5RYhVoBVTxBAMNYWgQAFAkfT_1WItN3ubODpuyvqqR7i0j-_ywWIf0Yyhdl_wd50iGIPQMeqswR1iGNTliDVasZxtSFqCFqCzBF7AGbQM-5JqecXLTUDfOXiZCzYP9XqikTskW7CQL-NiRgkk02Y/s3648/20230701131544-20230701131544_IMG_9314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TPjbatAULvlHCrXPHE1Q97Dx-7iRGIC-vjP_RTV5RYhVoBVTxBAMNYWgQAFAkfT_1WItN3ubODpuyvqqR7i0j-_ywWIf0Yyhdl_wd50iGIPQMeqswR1iGNTliDVasZxtSFqCFqCzBF7AGbQM-5JqecXLTUDfOXiZCzYP9XqikTskW7CQL-NiRgkk02Y/s320/20230701131544-20230701131544_IMG_9314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... adding another ''Capital'' to my list when we stopped by the Provincial Building of Newfoundland and Labrador.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx1P741OPuFuyLBB8KwM6MoaXDkyPZEvc5TkDEg2JhfOFODqyW9tVZvCfROgLZbK2j48ono6AR5xUP8XHPZLWWUku9e2ZDgXTPmYeSafhmgaBejslQh2YAJQooN8b0RSCpqHiVA7ExNMGtREJbauZCurLD2u-gzzASxjuUceudsqF1ayqiF9U5TxMjXQ/s4080/20230702135611-PXL_20230702_162611412.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx1P741OPuFuyLBB8KwM6MoaXDkyPZEvc5TkDEg2JhfOFODqyW9tVZvCfROgLZbK2j48ono6AR5xUP8XHPZLWWUku9e2ZDgXTPmYeSafhmgaBejslQh2YAJQooN8b0RSCpqHiVA7ExNMGtREJbauZCurLD2u-gzzASxjuUceudsqF1ayqiF9U5TxMjXQ/s320/20230702135611-PXL_20230702_162611412.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and searching for the best fish & chips. Ches's Famous Fish & Chips may be St John's oldest deep-fried seafood hangout, but it didn't end up high on our list. Our quest continues.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTPoSCtw8XXoTpuqPS8dS7rBnUSO2ADMIfq0nD2zrhr5BonFAMt7Z465MjPzXY5fiZTzyy-DcdlrqEHSDcSlhTlSbLuOwmHxD7MjNJDxrvGvHz8XNunG9-WUfHpmIraLmiX4S7yx08_6UljOeMvwR0-X0v9XjQBMb9PW16EzEBCj3NFUt6YWY-vzd2iM/s3648/20230702104510-20230702104510_IMG_9360.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTPoSCtw8XXoTpuqPS8dS7rBnUSO2ADMIfq0nD2zrhr5BonFAMt7Z465MjPzXY5fiZTzyy-DcdlrqEHSDcSlhTlSbLuOwmHxD7MjNJDxrvGvHz8XNunG9-WUfHpmIraLmiX4S7yx08_6UljOeMvwR0-X0v9XjQBMb9PW16EzEBCj3NFUt6YWY-vzd2iM/s320/20230702104510-20230702104510_IMG_9360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And while an evening out included a trip to the popular Quidi Vidi Brewery, we were't quite convinced that we wanted to be fully ''screeched in'' as a ''Newfie'' if it involved a shot of rum and kissing a frozen cod. We'll stick to the beer that may or may not have recently been a part of a melting iceberg. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj429GA2QPD_HF66WgIOHg_owFF9bN_3SHpR6T7nU54vNl04yPpYYxh2gV8JHTY-vpTM1FTc2JZCbXl3ooeabgLdVUmtEw32SGj3Bl3EF46HZgaumGzIokvm0wVMG18l73wt8jMLCSSadAManVfKN3ATULMRit6Vadhx_6ufIcMXY11jAjgyIc3xVqZ0S0/s3648/20230629154816-20230629154816_IMG_9294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj429GA2QPD_HF66WgIOHg_owFF9bN_3SHpR6T7nU54vNl04yPpYYxh2gV8JHTY-vpTM1FTc2JZCbXl3ooeabgLdVUmtEw32SGj3Bl3EF46HZgaumGzIokvm0wVMG18l73wt8jMLCSSadAManVfKN3ATULMRit6Vadhx_6ufIcMXY11jAjgyIc3xVqZ0S0/s320/20230629154816-20230629154816_IMG_9294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After a few days in this colorful city,</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQLxu_QHBUSyLV4CrAfuKsQbkM8zkf-clVf9ZoEem7VXaVRupzSfq-vSv-6QB4r9o_YWEcj32nozukgeAAYi-BM5h_HcXkMEM1Soug8e_q_NCntocHdOlkAGhk6teZdMQQICBCHmpR6NN4pZNGwOG89xynVqxYokVAHQUL2EvdLXKJdVCwd4soX3nbAY/s3648/20230630163845-20230630163845_IMG_9308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQLxu_QHBUSyLV4CrAfuKsQbkM8zkf-clVf9ZoEem7VXaVRupzSfq-vSv-6QB4r9o_YWEcj32nozukgeAAYi-BM5h_HcXkMEM1Soug8e_q_NCntocHdOlkAGhk6teZdMQQICBCHmpR6NN4pZNGwOG89xynVqxYokVAHQUL2EvdLXKJdVCwd4soX3nbAY/s320/20230630163845-20230630163845_IMG_9308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... we were ready to enjoy the tranquility of the lesser populated parts of the Avalon Peninsula.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2M7ZQtmqP-uR3cDsu0pCmmONqbWJwECUOm2a-8fsCEzczMLmAjqkYFe4tJfNJmliw9EhqKyMNK7Rx4qCwWK_h_1q163TQ5P9AI3-mvSFUhZ-Bs_fMzLlrqN3yncsGse_bQpakIWIBUuT87VoX11Jeybd-iirKnYTtRFGlI86QzSCJYD5yOfWFNq2IAw/s4080/20230705115708-PXL_20230705_142708418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2M7ZQtmqP-uR3cDsu0pCmmONqbWJwECUOm2a-8fsCEzczMLmAjqkYFe4tJfNJmliw9EhqKyMNK7Rx4qCwWK_h_1q163TQ5P9AI3-mvSFUhZ-Bs_fMzLlrqN3yncsGse_bQpakIWIBUuT87VoX11Jeybd-iirKnYTtRFGlI86QzSCJYD5yOfWFNq2IAw/s320/20230705115708-PXL_20230705_142708418.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The road around the southern portion of the peninsula is named the ''Irish Loop'' because of historical ties that this area has with Ireland. Here we would find beautiful lighthouses, scenic coastal hikes, and frolicking whales enjoying a capelin feast.</span></p></div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historical Site</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vNQM1ZJCXQRh---DkN4kyoSBF9xvMeyUB-7fGzwWzfi8H1NS6r1butLqmM6AvK3nGvoUTgxNliV1PvMEYazOffarTSIsShpGTe0iKpLzQA3LY0i1-zVuyvWxFOe4QmKA_jDDKrt_Syb2x2zc9WaXBxsZxhp1poKhSJulFhG0IZW2M1IphvjF660PcgU/s4080/20230702170432-PXL_20230702_193432617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vNQM1ZJCXQRh---DkN4kyoSBF9xvMeyUB-7fGzwWzfi8H1NS6r1butLqmM6AvK3nGvoUTgxNliV1PvMEYazOffarTSIsShpGTe0iKpLzQA3LY0i1-zVuyvWxFOe4QmKA_jDDKrt_Syb2x2zc9WaXBxsZxhp1poKhSJulFhG0IZW2M1IphvjF660PcgU/s320/20230702170432-PXL_20230702_193432617.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Cape Spear Lighthouse is probably one of the most famous lighthouses in Newfoundland, possibly because it is the first location in North America to see the sunrise.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_H97e6LfJ5fgFGNxOnHdQAvRALcxwjshLAKvSA1DLGaONw4TZcJYAg4iz_OLqJwStjYrUA7wQBxgfqC5cReQQtmyYUWo0YXmx_ra6ZUznysL430tCCFs4qVUG3scalNAXxs1Um8Yi_eNjUkhGn3sUXjfpIRCbZ-pC5JfV27TjehYOE6ad1SNHqqDWBw/s4080/20230702195841-PXL_20230702_222841123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_H97e6LfJ5fgFGNxOnHdQAvRALcxwjshLAKvSA1DLGaONw4TZcJYAg4iz_OLqJwStjYrUA7wQBxgfqC5cReQQtmyYUWo0YXmx_ra6ZUznysL430tCCFs4qVUG3scalNAXxs1Um8Yi_eNjUkhGn3sUXjfpIRCbZ-pC5JfV27TjehYOE6ad1SNHqqDWBw/s320/20230702195841-PXL_20230702_222841123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because they allow boondocking in the Visitor Center parking area, there could have been a slight chance that I would be one of the first to see the sunrise at 5 am ... but it didn't happen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVnHaLcfiwBQfMc22TpeC-G28y3ByCspBOHa-1ZmuUFS4GN13bhRHIFOwRBZ0APtLxpWJAOOWpSxaEEngEf8cW9JUyMO_uYz1AKMS79qKvnNWXTpF_GD-5564ra8nk0VOKPH0l-C_xtY6-AmC_o_bEbPtNpX_xnv0B20YRKeFwGSNPFfgGqUvcQMOtFw/s4080/20230702172007-PXL_20230702_195007004%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVnHaLcfiwBQfMc22TpeC-G28y3ByCspBOHa-1ZmuUFS4GN13bhRHIFOwRBZ0APtLxpWJAOOWpSxaEEngEf8cW9JUyMO_uYz1AKMS79qKvnNWXTpF_GD-5564ra8nk0VOKPH0l-C_xtY6-AmC_o_bEbPtNpX_xnv0B20YRKeFwGSNPFfgGqUvcQMOtFw/s320/20230702172007-PXL_20230702_195007004%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The surrounding trails provided amazing lighthouse scenes as well as spectacular ocean views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLM9RqF64eqdjeRSGxiDjW86D4b2bgAmg-JPNsCI_MAi9PlSJUyhd7VcyQGaG8_X4FO9Ui-CrQkJ5GU4MOTqxmh9ZA9wHhc52-h1Ibt4hzlf4VLpDOPjaJaC22_bMFBl4YDMnYZWAW46ABpBYR5LCMwt21ROKl4XMG-nsQUwEYCgItFvcwTPzu24ZOIA/s4080/20230702175617-PXL_20230702_202617820.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLM9RqF64eqdjeRSGxiDjW86D4b2bgAmg-JPNsCI_MAi9PlSJUyhd7VcyQGaG8_X4FO9Ui-CrQkJ5GU4MOTqxmh9ZA9wHhc52-h1Ibt4hzlf4VLpDOPjaJaC22_bMFBl4YDMnYZWAW46ABpBYR5LCMwt21ROKl4XMG-nsQUwEYCgItFvcwTPzu24ZOIA/s320/20230702175617-PXL_20230702_202617820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Pick a Section ... Any Section of the East Coast Trail!</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpfPDkU_OfddvmOeNhek4onVh4uyh5cWWq4MkqTShZpR9lpKFn1KyTV32rYg2-nAT3jZ7me78DSzzWRxvb60oJWifpqaUi7Rd4fhb9Ob2jYJBJt0SrBd_GywP6nyZZmDPVHKF2JN0S958DJS-a1ZhJpzqKKOPc0yYRHB-uAdJjaYi5IK-kTlCpIqsSZs/s4080/20230703131424-PXL_20230703_154424874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpfPDkU_OfddvmOeNhek4onVh4uyh5cWWq4MkqTShZpR9lpKFn1KyTV32rYg2-nAT3jZ7me78DSzzWRxvb60oJWifpqaUi7Rd4fhb9Ob2jYJBJt0SrBd_GywP6nyZZmDPVHKF2JN0S958DJS-a1ZhJpzqKKOPc0yYRHB-uAdJjaYi5IK-kTlCpIqsSZs/s320/20230703131424-PXL_20230703_154424874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Newfoundland's hiking trails are amazing, and it has become our goal to enjoy at least one or two of these trails each day. We used Google Maps and All Trails to find a few of the spectacular hiking trails that hug the coast of the Avalon Peninsula as a part of the 336 kilometer (210 mile) East Coast Trail system.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdTHboCldLAkkfegxVm16MLTgy2mBafUjJu4p0WJOXWl2QI14sC9wXzmyCIQbeFhN64w1TzWFZ9t1WokK_mjut9Qg2SQ9f-joz-Y8k-IsVCdHthpQfLst8CYt_eYnL51kQsKRDtMBg3WRrjArVkVrdCyD1iX6880S88MxJ8ghRNFBi5Isd5gKM5hUZ4E/s3648/20230703114407-20230703114407_IMG_9380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdTHboCldLAkkfegxVm16MLTgy2mBafUjJu4p0WJOXWl2QI14sC9wXzmyCIQbeFhN64w1TzWFZ9t1WokK_mjut9Qg2SQ9f-joz-Y8k-IsVCdHthpQfLst8CYt_eYnL51kQsKRDtMBg3WRrjArVkVrdCyD1iX6880S88MxJ8ghRNFBi5Isd5gKM5hUZ4E/s320/20230703114407-20230703114407_IMG_9380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The trailheads are usually easy to get to and have abundant parking. The trails are of moderate difficulty requiring a bit of climbing and occasional scrambling over rocks and tree roots, but for the most part, we have found them to be well marked and well maintained. It always amazes us to think about the effort that goes into building and maintaining the stairs and platforms that safely get you to your next fantastic vista. And while fog sometimes obstructed our views, we still believe that it only adds to the beauty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Q_9gRr5P5XEEn1ndNQ7hGdrCg0y0PCw5HjGiRcM8WByDxYzoec023tlmwzqHwJ6PorGxwZKEsHNpn7VYONbfckZKwzk8w3DeF-FdG3dddtys8-pRAtKpDQbv1IgNUD779WFGqioMNCd_qjcXnRGonYo40KjjEQwqtqlKL6l3UE9TQRI4GOoOXu8eHt0/s4080/20230703122747-PXL_20230703_145747710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Q_9gRr5P5XEEn1ndNQ7hGdrCg0y0PCw5HjGiRcM8WByDxYzoec023tlmwzqHwJ6PorGxwZKEsHNpn7VYONbfckZKwzk8w3DeF-FdG3dddtys8-pRAtKpDQbv1IgNUD779WFGqioMNCd_qjcXnRGonYo40KjjEQwqtqlKL6l3UE9TQRI4GOoOXu8eHt0/s320/20230703122747-PXL_20230703_145747710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #767171; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Whale Watching at St Vincent Beach</span></b></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh_KXMQIGd2qWeSI-9G_YpUDTxEpsCKUwwxRnFpXICdlOc_mS9owj-x8oBkm1RGXI2IvkyslDYHSK6mAnr5uy0_jUrZqbWfg7zohGfZEjF8NRWq3AcMMFwWkMStKmT7FI576m1xm_WjdY3fNZKEA42GwTOIby_LMStBBQlMAyKwoWpW0Oq62B-pOdWDM/s4080/20230703184606-PXL_20230703_211606439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh_KXMQIGd2qWeSI-9G_YpUDTxEpsCKUwwxRnFpXICdlOc_mS9owj-x8oBkm1RGXI2IvkyslDYHSK6mAnr5uy0_jUrZqbWfg7zohGfZEjF8NRWq3AcMMFwWkMStKmT7FI576m1xm_WjdY3fNZKEA42GwTOIby_LMStBBQlMAyKwoWpW0Oq62B-pOdWDM/s320/20230703184606-PXL_20230703_211606439.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">On the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula near the town of St Vincent lies a beach area that is close to some favorite feeding grounds for hundreds of whales. While we had to endure a few rough roads, some stiff ocean breezes, and a bit of fog,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8uSvzewnefQ1wEImSE8ysIRip8ZDVtZHThJNUK4yXB_C34GmqRq5WfkmtX64sylmjHEI3DsgXqh7hZverFNSbUDY5mu3zv89RWrn4vWE8xd7J9TMnM4CQ4C4_UO0xKAZcK7lKB5yE-iSFMXC4JwKb_h71xBmVUqmyaBw_YL9dMbEtFZCV3jnh39S_ZA/s3648/20230703175558-20230703175558_IMG_9468%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8uSvzewnefQ1wEImSE8ysIRip8ZDVtZHThJNUK4yXB_C34GmqRq5WfkmtX64sylmjHEI3DsgXqh7hZverFNSbUDY5mu3zv89RWrn4vWE8xd7J9TMnM4CQ4C4_UO0xKAZcK7lKB5yE-iSFMXC4JwKb_h71xBmVUqmyaBw_YL9dMbEtFZCV3jnh39S_ZA/s320/20230703175558-20230703175558_IMG_9468%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... it was worth it to hear, ''ther' she blows''!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGMYabb-cWWt4DVpOmoKgg-RrGRRQu0POUiAz1TUiiJsfEplmZosoKZ_zhyHnLWDxSw1cpU8U0ph7Qa_V2IikWnxkDt1q9pxP4KMQFIn48NM7cNYPJo_TrgEkwY__YEynhc3BpObwZIUVDRFc1Htr5TizvHrOaTE4N-aGZWAb7V8ibG1v-C3lDpj1Ax8/s3648/20230703163130-20230703163130_IMG_9401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGMYabb-cWWt4DVpOmoKgg-RrGRRQu0POUiAz1TUiiJsfEplmZosoKZ_zhyHnLWDxSw1cpU8U0ph7Qa_V2IikWnxkDt1q9pxP4KMQFIn48NM7cNYPJo_TrgEkwY__YEynhc3BpObwZIUVDRFc1Htr5TizvHrOaTE4N-aGZWAb7V8ibG1v-C3lDpj1Ax8/s320/20230703163130-20230703163130_IMG_9401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Frolicking humpback whales were more than happy to allow us to watch their acrobatics as they filled their bellies with the 3000 pounds or more of fish that they eat each day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0ldOy8o-1XuNItDZ3S8kavqNxWviX3GOOgTwf3qD12734JOo4P6ouWqECo1KPvA4I-4yAdf28tdbpEHRQoMvuMpfDMj0wnsw19kop_lUB1z2YYLj0FQL-GwH89yIb8kDgjO8ucDmsieX31DOiporsC5lkO6kV1690ls5xqgh9mfmS-nNv7GMQNO96cQ/s4080/20230629194705-PXL_20230629_221705743%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0ldOy8o-1XuNItDZ3S8kavqNxWviX3GOOgTwf3qD12734JOo4P6ouWqECo1KPvA4I-4yAdf28tdbpEHRQoMvuMpfDMj0wnsw19kop_lUB1z2YYLj0FQL-GwH89yIb8kDgjO8ucDmsieX31DOiporsC5lkO6kV1690ls5xqgh9mfmS-nNv7GMQNO96cQ/s320/20230629194705-PXL_20230629_221705743%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">By now we hope that we have convinced you ... whether hanging out in St John's, driving along the Irish Loop, or conquering another section of the East Coast Trail system, Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula turns the rugged drama of its rocky coast into regal beauty with each new vista!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH0piOsW9yloBSftq893TpjKqDUTb0fKN3mvHGv-vA5ReZnyNo0NT7TXpjIHq3sMXno0kl-HzrBkFDjhMCCV41GlPq9oDheVmLms6QYrVIrFQfI49XAT21Q9U5udMIyD6EYeu05HTZ-uG4D0Qr9YOxqs-8QhO0GHuuYG_RTL1_hmsRlIh1cHgryGP140/s3648/20230628150303-20230628150303_IMG_9282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipH0piOsW9yloBSftq893TpjKqDUTb0fKN3mvHGv-vA5ReZnyNo0NT7TXpjIHq3sMXno0kl-HzrBkFDjhMCCV41GlPq9oDheVmLms6QYrVIrFQfI49XAT21Q9U5udMIyD6EYeu05HTZ-uG4D0Qr9YOxqs-8QhO0GHuuYG_RTL1_hmsRlIh1cHgryGP140/s320/20230628150303-20230628150303_IMG_9282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>It's a joy to ''take a spell'' and enjoy the view!</i></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7sD3uLENfztXwxakWKhTjtSldqTDOoolONn8lbPEKl2SDjYohXDveqR3TVeHcFtYubraxibZbM-KQCD_0oU7J7y6Xyr2svwAJAiDEgGcGKQrZLvRQqGMS7k3RP6tJcwhSJpQF2vIGqqeWBV5WxB4bkXJK8o_hvFq-J9jXczVDSeIuBGDoGdMcg3eKyQ/s4080/20230705172645-PXL_20230705_195525280~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7sD3uLENfztXwxakWKhTjtSldqTDOoolONn8lbPEKl2SDjYohXDveqR3TVeHcFtYubraxibZbM-KQCD_0oU7J7y6Xyr2svwAJAiDEgGcGKQrZLvRQqGMS7k3RP6tJcwhSJpQF2vIGqqeWBV5WxB4bkXJK8o_hvFq-J9jXczVDSeIuBGDoGdMcg3eKyQ/s320/20230705172645-PXL_20230705_195525280~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-44683365441116429372023-07-23T20:38:00.000-05:002023-07-23T20:38:14.012-05:00Newfoundland: We're Ba-a-a-ck!<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe02wfVEg0Rd_deCK5n8MD-0mDSvh4NNlKbQXwpiYwbxSvTfILfvprTBCovJV3MIRNv47dUiKqfck4Ui6-PUwzY7kywtHJrhxOxEdNAFdgm2hSX60MBit95ySNAjerzaefTx3KlxWLxFflNIdJJksPaEEpLkBw-9kdznU2DuXjRNOrnO4NN_zWIgbyHy8/s4080/20230627104854-PXL_20230627_131854185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe02wfVEg0Rd_deCK5n8MD-0mDSvh4NNlKbQXwpiYwbxSvTfILfvprTBCovJV3MIRNv47dUiKqfck4Ui6-PUwzY7kywtHJrhxOxEdNAFdgm2hSX60MBit95ySNAjerzaefTx3KlxWLxFflNIdJJksPaEEpLkBw-9kdznU2DuXjRNOrnO4NN_zWIgbyHy8/w356-h268/20230627104854-PXL_20230627_131854185.jpg" width="356" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>The ''Rock'' has lured us ba-a-a-ck!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Two years ago we enjoyed our first visit to Newfoundland, n</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">icknamed the ''Rock'' because of its massively impressive rocky cliffs that dip down into the North Atlantic Ocean. The scenery, hiking, culture, and seafood that we experienced then made it one of our most memorable travel destinations.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-98v31GwqU-lf2DtXScNs5WRw8YKTgGa0614qBZ2FGb5bETHIrgkJKuvC4IYdTpPHrfYsVBOBwUB_bNyobblBOmpnMGTrbw6jFt9qFIhenlghpFckaoY6XejcV6RBnYZwR4g7ww-SNMty9wz3vsaIdrARxBoVa0ZuqyifL9LoB1XwK5yr8Jtv2Xo21Mw/s4080/20230626163327-PXL_20230626_190327659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-98v31GwqU-lf2DtXScNs5WRw8YKTgGa0614qBZ2FGb5bETHIrgkJKuvC4IYdTpPHrfYsVBOBwUB_bNyobblBOmpnMGTrbw6jFt9qFIhenlghpFckaoY6XejcV6RBnYZwR4g7ww-SNMty9wz3vsaIdrARxBoVa0ZuqyifL9LoB1XwK5yr8Jtv2Xo21Mw/s320/20230626163327-PXL_20230626_190327659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">U</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">nfortunately, our trip that year was cut short because of hurricane warnings. So this year when we found ourselves on the East Coast, we decided to head back to Newfoundland in search of the puffins, icebergs, whales, and other treasures that we missed out on the first time around. While there is so much to see, it's possible to get a ''taste'' of the island in just a week or two. Of course, this ''bite'' will just make you want to come back for more ... which is why we plan to spend five weeks on the ''Rock'' this time around!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I6gtHo1vi_FgR-VZNXFMURx0CnM4GO7_MRJWFpETOS7VR6gjksfBLueQk24TqSowpEqnsL6kALIO3TTtTOFxeijwS8nxgTbr-7VqP1cp5EVxfenbJLgWccT3t121tMK6dEv7jv7qEhTOqyXBve21851PNQdnGed8Tb3GXdOk6ASDJKcXAp6NMwSf9wU/s658/Screenshot%202023-07-21%201.20.56%20PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="658" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I6gtHo1vi_FgR-VZNXFMURx0CnM4GO7_MRJWFpETOS7VR6gjksfBLueQk24TqSowpEqnsL6kALIO3TTtTOFxeijwS8nxgTbr-7VqP1cp5EVxfenbJLgWccT3t121tMK6dEv7jv7qEhTOqyXBve21851PNQdnGed8Tb3GXdOk6ASDJKcXAp6NMwSf9wU/w382-h366/Screenshot%202023-07-21%201.20.56%20PM.jpg" width="382" /></a></div></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here is the map of our first week's travels. Since we spent more time on the western side of the Rock last time around, we moved more quickly towards St. John's on the eastern side. But that still took us a week as we were drawn back to revisit some of our favorite towns, trails, and fish & chip joints during our first week back in Newfoundland.</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 1 ... The night ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basque, Newfoundland and short drive on the Trans Canada Highway to Corner Brook</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8a951SG0KfXttR59I3cQyGuzDj-POl-xHsy_-DIeFDf6kaOCh5DUQ0idELgEjpMoahBlFHMC_IQWiNzs53alRDfS3A4Yj9f2bhx7UoLN07qp2_B3WiXN5vBcpPlxT1lRuGvcK5GVJimQn_4kxwsjFEZ2pjYijbM9Gn_Y8L6rGDpvRxgrn6jQFczUfzQ/s4080/20230622204547-PXL_20230622_234547541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8a951SG0KfXttR59I3cQyGuzDj-POl-xHsy_-DIeFDf6kaOCh5DUQ0idELgEjpMoahBlFHMC_IQWiNzs53alRDfS3A4Yj9f2bhx7UoLN07qp2_B3WiXN5vBcpPlxT1lRuGvcK5GVJimQn_4kxwsjFEZ2pjYijbM9Gn_Y8L6rGDpvRxgrn6jQFczUfzQ/s320/20230622204547-PXL_20230622_234547541.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">An eight hour ferry ride takes passengers from Sydney, Nova Scotia to the western Newfoundland town of Port aux Basque. The round trip fare for us and our 20 foot van ran $335 (usd), but once there, we had all the comforts of ''home'' with us. It is also possible to take a ferry from Sydney to Argentia, Newfoundland which is on the eastern side of the island about an hour from St John's, but that is a sixteen hour journey ... a little too much time on a boat for my liking. While we would have preferred the daytime crossing, our last minute planning meant that our choices were a little limited. Thus we got ready for a ''slumber party'' as we prepared for the night crossing over to the Rock.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BhlJVHyyWRSJNzZMShRakfVmSTqgKXeO4DINzDJpIwy7_BH7M1-JBb5OEHY4MCE_rPnv_C-CbacPmYFaSrPGQGuPJcdNaI78qEE97rlZDhBhhjv2RMPFnlZoU57Jsn0eTc5b-quVHACtX8Uk7AlH-IC5Q-XWWF6n1iOPPCDEZWgPkPEAnQwEzOiCCQE/s3648/20230622221058-20230622221058_IMG_9065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BhlJVHyyWRSJNzZMShRakfVmSTqgKXeO4DINzDJpIwy7_BH7M1-JBb5OEHY4MCE_rPnv_C-CbacPmYFaSrPGQGuPJcdNaI78qEE97rlZDhBhhjv2RMPFnlZoU57Jsn0eTc5b-quVHACtX8Uk7AlH-IC5Q-XWWF6n1iOPPCDEZWgPkPEAnQwEzOiCCQE/w245-h184/20230622221058-20230622221058_IMG_9065.JPG" width="245" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you want to sleep in a real bed during the voyage, there are a few cabins available for an extra cost. Of course, those sell out early, but we were able to reserve a reclining sleeper chair for $12 each. Ear plugs and/or having white noise playing on your phone is also helpful for drowning out the noise of an occasional snoring neighbor. We arrived at the ferry and were checked in and had our place in line at 5:30 pm. They started loading at 10 pm, so we had plenty of time to walk around town and enjoy a delicious fish dinner at Black Spoon Bistro.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZnAFuHIZP3KsT_HcXLmxgv52vm3qNlfr-BvcGJc5VfM4RAVZVcBfZYv6JxvWkeWhJ7zQBlPnw5ALhZ-CPdRI2jqLXvQL1D3auik4CrY03YcXNw7sef7G0EdGUMK60bc36tb8RiihdrGR9qE_moqwF6v5Ulo4_01zTN4wb0p0rDw6txRk9SyFhyrbMpg/s3648/20230622180326-20230622180326_IMG_9064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZnAFuHIZP3KsT_HcXLmxgv52vm3qNlfr-BvcGJc5VfM4RAVZVcBfZYv6JxvWkeWhJ7zQBlPnw5ALhZ-CPdRI2jqLXvQL1D3auik4CrY03YcXNw7sef7G0EdGUMK60bc36tb8RiihdrGR9qE_moqwF6v5Ulo4_01zTN4wb0p0rDw6txRk9SyFhyrbMpg/s320/20230622180326-20230622180326_IMG_9064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The first of many delicious cod fish dinners in our future ...</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The loading was a slow process, but we were settled in and ready for the waves to lull us to sleep when the ferry left at 11:15 pm. We arrived in Port aux Basque at 7 am, and I was pleasantly surprised that I slept so well.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9bZjP2QODZhWyHhwM8297-WNpz_I2PRgOlTNrP_XHb2IwtZEfbxlIWchNR8x8ZtgCnGRpfciWva28a2_9_aPK_IBnNKXO91JxKc0r2U5kBu39Dkw1252sVPRP507X_0Dl1esiR-ZG0Wo6BeuCIGcZXRtyMzFx_cUkKg3OSl3SGg54Z3mNDHhC7Fs3Q/s3648/20230623065607-20230623065607_IMG_9067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9bZjP2QODZhWyHhwM8297-WNpz_I2PRgOlTNrP_XHb2IwtZEfbxlIWchNR8x8ZtgCnGRpfciWva28a2_9_aPK_IBnNKXO91JxKc0r2U5kBu39Dkw1252sVPRP507X_0Dl1esiR-ZG0Wo6BeuCIGcZXRtyMzFx_cUkKg3OSl3SGg54Z3mNDHhC7Fs3Q/s320/20230623065607-20230623065607_IMG_9067.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Since Doug was a few hours short of his mandatory nine hours of sleep, we decided that our first stop would be Tim Horton's for caffeine and sugar. Next we stopped at the nearby Visitor's Center and found a few helpful guide books ... let the planning begin! We know that we have a few favorite places, hikes, restaurants, and experiences that we wouldn't mind repeating, but there are many new areas to explore also.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7EvPydF3Kid648m57-OUdUTx0YjBMibzuKy6mYIjmMSzf3sOdQX7-pkSV7Sj7ujLSlB9VleGShC_uEeQtZ-CWf2Vm1RCtIBNDfObvOydCzQc1cDZWE-MyOfbULP6uzxav0JMQ_s2QVbXZ-4A2nZPjrjA8v28ab_mdAm1iyt5M4HEpwtvVAXxxrTk5SI/s4080/20230626190250-PXL_20230626_213250457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7EvPydF3Kid648m57-OUdUTx0YjBMibzuKy6mYIjmMSzf3sOdQX7-pkSV7Sj7ujLSlB9VleGShC_uEeQtZ-CWf2Vm1RCtIBNDfObvOydCzQc1cDZWE-MyOfbULP6uzxav0JMQ_s2QVbXZ-4A2nZPjrjA8v28ab_mdAm1iyt5M4HEpwtvVAXxxrTk5SI/s320/20230626190250-PXL_20230626_213250457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We're hoping some puffins welcome us back!</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug felt surprisingly good after his donut and caramel iced latte ''fix'', so we decided to drive two hours up the road to our first overnight location. The town of Corner Brook is just off the Trans Canadian Highway (TCH) and is a place that we didn't visit last time around. We like to pick our overnight locations based on hiking opportunities and the availability of showers, sewer dump and water fills. Unique boondocking choices and having a craft brewery to try out usually seals the deal. Corner Brook met all our requirements.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our hike on the Bear Head Trail was</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9paGb7QVk_TXwvQ5X7MH4_K6dSIMG9Tqxa1zMuJYIfU-cpExFX5wzfQ-2xbdgNRxSxDGvu09Ka35X8Q70Pqjc_DV2pKQQIQ5m2VJ1AR33BtulFk5zRYwflOkuzWj8S0Vir32tcLFgoHlVkN7WID49R2A4FnUMcpKP3bxt0HhBQwmWRhJvUqsc9f7a-k/s4080/20230623132855-PXL_20230623_155855158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9paGb7QVk_TXwvQ5X7MH4_K6dSIMG9Tqxa1zMuJYIfU-cpExFX5wzfQ-2xbdgNRxSxDGvu09Ka35X8Q70Pqjc_DV2pKQQIQ5m2VJ1AR33BtulFk5zRYwflOkuzWj8S0Vir32tcLFgoHlVkN7WID49R2A4FnUMcpKP3bxt0HhBQwmWRhJvUqsc9f7a-k/s320/20230623132855-PXL_20230623_155855158.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">... 2.2 miles of natural beauty with 500+ feet in elevation gain. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIBSRQ0QbOtIhJG2_QttnMnmoVoBBGmjEtUZjowEhtuTUH8LruykHwoHqvg2-EgGBAB318unYbZC5WZw3n2DmNupY9Na5wUnT_jcQ4W0SaLVX105NqZm3zUWDnrgd3cb-ru6Yae3uYwsljGGvKdX_hmOXs081j4z99t5huxtLHU3VDAhjlszqJXkvIoc/s3648/20230623125813-20230623125813_IMG_9073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIBSRQ0QbOtIhJG2_QttnMnmoVoBBGmjEtUZjowEhtuTUH8LruykHwoHqvg2-EgGBAB318unYbZC5WZw3n2DmNupY9Na5wUnT_jcQ4W0SaLVX105NqZm3zUWDnrgd3cb-ru6Yae3uYwsljGGvKdX_hmOXs081j4z99t5huxtLHU3VDAhjlszqJXkvIoc/s320/20230623125813-20230623125813_IMG_9073.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">A variety of wildflowers lined the trail,</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4lXpo7iZIWNRvqx8ECypGs1WWw7nmgoxPMTW4ZLF0uaxFKHLEQso4XalfD2TClLMR5FONT3daSFgsSCTver-U0caO23vwRt4LAvn-kX0Z9CzID_SfdpZOL4XLo-uM3AEXFw_4xZr27hbybWl00FyB5bpQ95MIlTG-1J5prh33fU6zSoz3-e-6icSgWM/s3648/20230623130813-20230623130813_IMG_9074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4lXpo7iZIWNRvqx8ECypGs1WWw7nmgoxPMTW4ZLF0uaxFKHLEQso4XalfD2TClLMR5FONT3daSFgsSCTver-U0caO23vwRt4LAvn-kX0Z9CzID_SfdpZOL4XLo-uM3AEXFw_4xZr27hbybWl00FyB5bpQ95MIlTG-1J5prh33fU6zSoz3-e-6icSgWM/s320/20230623130813-20230623130813_IMG_9074.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... interesting rock ''art'' could be seen in the distance,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>(Can you pick out the Man in the Mountain?)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sVPhbEDJ2ixfBCjBsCdibrZfW8eAp0RLfKleM9ngtrcxTDv9ahwVpfqMezfwR6k-MFmnWbUudl_q4za3BeOfc5HmmizH3ChWWNE3V0vfRCLz7WPNloNUjbnGRZHkRUzwwCqFcMgllLt2XrwzAgXEaux0oj2Pe-YsH-QTBilSkQTHGXGPkqAHwpIOCN0/s4080/20230623144710-PXL_20230623_171710302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sVPhbEDJ2ixfBCjBsCdibrZfW8eAp0RLfKleM9ngtrcxTDv9ahwVpfqMezfwR6k-MFmnWbUudl_q4za3BeOfc5HmmizH3ChWWNE3V0vfRCLz7WPNloNUjbnGRZHkRUzwwCqFcMgllLt2XrwzAgXEaux0oj2Pe-YsH-QTBilSkQTHGXGPkqAHwpIOCN0/s320/20230623144710-PXL_20230623_171710302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and the summit rewarded us with amazing views of the river valley below.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After finding free hot shower facilities at a local campground (<i>oh, the simple pleasures of life!</i>), we headed to Boomstick Brewing for our first of many fish & chips feasts. Afterwards, we d</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">rove up to Captain Cook Historical Site Lookout for view of sunset over the water. Captain Cook explored and mapped the coast of Newfoundland from 1763-67 before becoming more well known for his South Pacific expeditions. As we do more hiking along the jagged Newfoundland coastline, I appreciate his intricate mapping skills even more!</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1i3-LNRt2ZUy8wDZfcWvsdElW_j8iTr9emVC1IJ0u88_qK6PEjzUoLvakN7gMUfZG6-XvOUzmgTC0RFDBsmcJJbOxZxT0KwlT4U5BbK3sac40kFw1KjO3EnvOIVq1UgUNyCQ5RfOrYdGHK2HliLOaHIVShbj_uT_QDKrpJ26UO6J87F5gFyySQl5_mc/s3648/20230623190049-20230623190049_IMG_9082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1i3-LNRt2ZUy8wDZfcWvsdElW_j8iTr9emVC1IJ0u88_qK6PEjzUoLvakN7gMUfZG6-XvOUzmgTC0RFDBsmcJJbOxZxT0KwlT4U5BbK3sac40kFw1KjO3EnvOIVq1UgUNyCQ5RfOrYdGHK2HliLOaHIVShbj_uT_QDKrpJ26UO6J87F5gFyySQl5_mc/s320/20230623190049-20230623190049_IMG_9082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 2 ... Continuing up the TCH in search of icebergs and whales</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We learn to take advantage of free dumps and water fills when we can find them, so after taking care of that ''business'', we enjoyed a four mile hike on the Corner Brook Gorge Trail. The trail started at the Margaret Bowater City Park and took us on a steady uphill climb. At the top we enjoyed views of the river gorge, waterfalls, and the city below. It amazes me that so many cities in Newfoundland have put a lot of effort into developing and maintaining beautiful natural trail systems within their city limits for all to enjoy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RAmrk0S41ZkN_03lW52TvpcOHp-NYYW6vUgzzt7KE3BQ2e0nSPMFTQSlpt8IreZFzRoxObptGwQ5Qs6m3pWuv7VYRUQzAnTQiHkhtZAMJqgBjsGyPlaA0GfaUh39kWbFxdZ8Vr5BhSU9OEu6TciiGOgMGB6wpFKKanrlibPezU-MVpCTLkUhuEM6eyA/s4080/20230624112308-PXL_20230624_135308217.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RAmrk0S41ZkN_03lW52TvpcOHp-NYYW6vUgzzt7KE3BQ2e0nSPMFTQSlpt8IreZFzRoxObptGwQ5Qs6m3pWuv7VYRUQzAnTQiHkhtZAMJqgBjsGyPlaA0GfaUh39kWbFxdZ8Vr5BhSU9OEu6TciiGOgMGB6wpFKKanrlibPezU-MVpCTLkUhuEM6eyA/s320/20230624112308-PXL_20230624_135308217.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The two and a half hour hike built up our appetites, and we were glad that we weren't far from one of the best fish & chips food trucks that we found during our last visit ... ''Off The Hook''' in Deerlake. It was just as good as we remember!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFud-VTq3MCljo8WSPAb4htcvyaEpmpshcBb3uPkbA2_Im4rel3Yb44PeY3X3xRNVvwcTu0gWG8kB21PPGwUITctHhJIZPe2sZI1MEH6hZER26inSSIqLsGd0D-CTmortI7Y_Z7h_7K1JrqoDaYUCNDX3cj5LAYSrTMNVP5GXhL2igsUdZMYcTv0eXGNw/s3648/20230624113550-20230624113550_IMG_9087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFud-VTq3MCljo8WSPAb4htcvyaEpmpshcBb3uPkbA2_Im4rel3Yb44PeY3X3xRNVvwcTu0gWG8kB21PPGwUITctHhJIZPe2sZI1MEH6hZER26inSSIqLsGd0D-CTmortI7Y_Z7h_7K1JrqoDaYUCNDX3cj5LAYSrTMNVP5GXhL2igsUdZMYcTv0eXGNw/s320/20230624113550-20230624113550_IMG_9087.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We decided to come Newfoundland earlier in the season this time in order to possibly get a glimpse of some of the icebergs that originate from the glaciers of western Greenland. Doug had been following the sightings on an iceberg tracker app, and today's suggestions led us to Pilley's Island, which also just happens to have a craft brewery ...<i> are you beginning to figure out how he plans our routes??</i> As we pulled in, one of the locals gave us more hints on where to best see the icebergs as he had seen few while out on his Harley earlier in the day.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KI9Cd-GYJFqZHnet8XfNTMe3oVhGnI8y4FULDWnCnY95WrPdyrlulxZfwd2a5M5g2JxIXpjEYidz2ty4w__Y6E2SHxGoLc8c4D4JUKiTOwmKXf-qK8T99TCxG-Mbxw3v38fGSH1C58GHvfXRbkPSfqYYcVOH3GPyofjkQ-GKKl__EGDlwwN5AVXcugE/s3648/20230624150250-20230624150250_IMG_9090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KI9Cd-GYJFqZHnet8XfNTMe3oVhGnI8y4FULDWnCnY95WrPdyrlulxZfwd2a5M5g2JxIXpjEYidz2ty4w__Y6E2SHxGoLc8c4D4JUKiTOwmKXf-qK8T99TCxG-Mbxw3v38fGSH1C58GHvfXRbkPSfqYYcVOH3GPyofjkQ-GKKl__EGDlwwN5AVXcugE/s320/20230624150250-20230624150250_IMG_9090.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We saw that there was a Sperm Whale Interpretive Center just up the road in the small town of Triton, so we decided to check it out. After an hour and a half tour/visit/class/conversation with our knowledgeable guide, Terry, we almost became sperm whale experts ... I just wish that I could remember all the facts that he threw at us. The center looks out on a bay where Terry had spotted a few whales earlier. No such luck for us.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhmh-Twuis2MLcjhxAiESHAx2nwNNLxemteZrURsrVl-S3qrEyBpt82zWorCAq5RS6FW_n2YEkXNb9y_h2yFtOy3_W5LPVK5fgxAaGlzl4v7pgoIeKol7qXpl1RSXBWHxuL43ejKMQVKytzjMPH1PVvJF8N4E-ifZh9BZWT0EqJCWOOsaFrklAINzPs4/s3648/20230624192259-PXL_20230624_215259432.MP.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhmh-Twuis2MLcjhxAiESHAx2nwNNLxemteZrURsrVl-S3qrEyBpt82zWorCAq5RS6FW_n2YEkXNb9y_h2yFtOy3_W5LPVK5fgxAaGlzl4v7pgoIeKol7qXpl1RSXBWHxuL43ejKMQVKytzjMPH1PVvJF8N4E-ifZh9BZWT0EqJCWOOsaFrklAINzPs4/s320/20230624192259-PXL_20230624_215259432.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But we did take our motorcycle buddy's advice and drove a short distance up the road to Freddy's Lookout, where our first iceberg greeted us.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54Ju50IssXB7uLC6IexyFUVmps3357gKKtcdwY7UBHoL_3FaQUNQHpUY_aWaPrs9XC76o3AqN9HliYGeKpegy13UDgvKgqynwizHFRM1_LMaG79gnn1GntnXkZuusYta2q8wi7crdvCVX590y9yOGwyRrrElxO3wxoMUBe50mO-UjWzRZ5hnjpORfGuc/s3648/20230624184103-20230624184103_IMG_9100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54Ju50IssXB7uLC6IexyFUVmps3357gKKtcdwY7UBHoL_3FaQUNQHpUY_aWaPrs9XC76o3AqN9HliYGeKpegy13UDgvKgqynwizHFRM1_LMaG79gnn1GntnXkZuusYta2q8wi7crdvCVX590y9yOGwyRrrElxO3wxoMUBe50mO-UjWzRZ5hnjpORfGuc/s320/20230624184103-20230624184103_IMG_9100.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Terry invited us to boondock in the Whale Center parking lot that night, so we could have a front row seat if any whales decide to come in to bid us good night or greet us in the morning.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N55t5mKqFbOD54OyvrrXUQvxXC01i_PJDqh8GVOMUB-kcTyv6KOzn5woPsPw5EPH2HsRM5gybpQJhvnA6vbxdp6w6_-JUq-E8YJ7JCxLkraoZKJmiOMftbS8s1R9cgB78cbcsDEKIE-tM1IxiuwgtfVt8zW9tU61b09B9269e7ezCD1q8wlvhM6xTFc/s4080/20230624220845-PXL_20230625_003845384.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N55t5mKqFbOD54OyvrrXUQvxXC01i_PJDqh8GVOMUB-kcTyv6KOzn5woPsPw5EPH2HsRM5gybpQJhvnA6vbxdp6w6_-JUq-E8YJ7JCxLkraoZKJmiOMftbS8s1R9cgB78cbcsDEKIE-tM1IxiuwgtfVt8zW9tU61b09B9269e7ezCD1q8wlvhM6xTFc/s320/20230624220845-PXL_20230625_003845384.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Day 3 ... Rainy days are made for comfort food</b></div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In Newfoundland, fog, drizzle and cool is often the norm, so we used this day to drive towards our future travel destination of St John's. We stopped for lunch at ''Rosie's Restaurant and Bakery'' in Gander for some comfort food ... Newfoundland style. Doug ordered his usual fish & chips, but I was intrigued by the ''Sunday Dinner'' special called a ''Jiggs dinner''. To my surprise, this traditional Newfoundland boiled dinner came with three kinds of beef (roast beef, corned beef and salted beef riblets) along with cabbage, dressing, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and lots of gravy. Needless to say, I was enjoying the leftovers for a few days. Of course, you can't leave Rosie's without passing though their amazing bakery area, so some scrumptious homemade chocolate covered peanut butter cookies followed us back to the van. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ8hTRr3W1IwUPxCzZs3WphCBe7emjyu-fnyJ_LF-8TcfdaZlpWaoOO7KGVJSrLcF4NzBAmMz1OHpL6kp9Z_FWgfWAH5EVKtIYiyVfEuzYw9b5e1TF1ZqVq2HFvqvWDr1hjDL7ggHRYhnYICThCkC6ux7NHt7ihDxbn0qK67EVdKLtfT9nuq32B55xsc/s680/PXL_20211107_202118048.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ8hTRr3W1IwUPxCzZs3WphCBe7emjyu-fnyJ_LF-8TcfdaZlpWaoOO7KGVJSrLcF4NzBAmMz1OHpL6kp9Z_FWgfWAH5EVKtIYiyVfEuzYw9b5e1TF1ZqVq2HFvqvWDr1hjDL7ggHRYhnYICThCkC6ux7NHt7ihDxbn0qK67EVdKLtfT9nuq32B55xsc/s320/PXL_20211107_202118048.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I forgot about taking a photo, so I grabbed this one</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>off their website ... Mine was drowning in gravy also!</i></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because it was still drizzly, cool, and damp, we decided to get a site at one of the campgrounds in Terra Nova National Park which is just off the TCH. For $25 Canadian ($19 US) we got a site overlooking the water with nice hot showers and electricity so we can run our electric heat tonight. On our walk this evening, we saw this fellow just hanging out in a tree near us. Clicked a photo just before he left to find his own ''comfort food''.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB3b7QUTYb_CSPK2-wZlpvstzbxH4ANXV7_hk-oH6e24oTnt2NQjV0MfO4DDqbc0nkcQHscOWgFio1s80gXxLSrzmFqE0462wAdN5BsiB8d6N_qg2zcJcL85kDSArfLjsRVgqKdZC8nxVgTG3gkKhunSJm0rSdCNHK4t_yXnfyFAvNL6IISzGPtqDNWU/s1490/20230625203534-PXL_20230625_230534749copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1490" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB3b7QUTYb_CSPK2-wZlpvstzbxH4ANXV7_hk-oH6e24oTnt2NQjV0MfO4DDqbc0nkcQHscOWgFio1s80gXxLSrzmFqE0462wAdN5BsiB8d6N_qg2zcJcL85kDSArfLjsRVgqKdZC8nxVgTG3gkKhunSJm0rSdCNHK4t_yXnfyFAvNL6IISzGPtqDNWU/s320/20230625203534-PXL_20230625_230534749copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 4: The Golden Rule for RVing in Newfoundland: Hike and Look for Puffins While the Sun Shines</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The rain yesterday seemed to clear the smokey haze (from the Quebec wildfires) that has been obstructing our views since we arrived on the ''Rock'', and we woke up to brilliant sunshine. And that means ... a perfect day for hiking and puffin watching! On our way out of Terra Nova National Park, we hiked the Ochre Hill Trail (3 miles total) which took us around some ponds, through a boggy marsh area, and about 1,000 feet up to a spectacular vista.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMu7D7sTeZL1RY7EvBRfJnscHhgNgUgtKBkXFWcd7efkRFgITw7e7iJaJG1WWeArRDrQbvtQoMLAGd27RCx729yKAMXpmjjuI93DuhO74RFJv9cZneQlLDUG-yvk7lZ_9m4d9EJBPwduYywhUsNJH9e6rDsbBSl_YjCdxqmsIOwwLpPlRHi9njNQw650/s4080/20230626120343-PXL_20230626_143343913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMu7D7sTeZL1RY7EvBRfJnscHhgNgUgtKBkXFWcd7efkRFgITw7e7iJaJG1WWeArRDrQbvtQoMLAGd27RCx729yKAMXpmjjuI93DuhO74RFJv9cZneQlLDUG-yvk7lZ_9m4d9EJBPwduYywhUsNJH9e6rDsbBSl_YjCdxqmsIOwwLpPlRHi9njNQw650/s320/20230626120343-PXL_20230626_143343913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In the afternoon we decided to take a detour off the TCH and head to the Bonavista Peninsula. On the way there, the co-pilot noticed an interesting trail that received rave reviews on Google maps, so we stopped at King's Cove and hiked to the lighthouse.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnpba4VKqkrEGcSCHBqxfLYY40o8WswsnT0mWe51-t0e9NyeamyoxbPCAp0B1JwIqLt9opJd3cCNT_g1WyZKtYHvY6sVrAyqREnM7Y5VuJzLSjdmeM_FCqXWWSVJaZcCrM9qFMPPgrMyfJ5_fes0DoOCYaJRao741gnjnTY3BY-564uAbo7rLKMXf-gw/s3648/20230626145912-20230626145912_IMG_9131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnpba4VKqkrEGcSCHBqxfLYY40o8WswsnT0mWe51-t0e9NyeamyoxbPCAp0B1JwIqLt9opJd3cCNT_g1WyZKtYHvY6sVrAyqREnM7Y5VuJzLSjdmeM_FCqXWWSVJaZcCrM9qFMPPgrMyfJ5_fes0DoOCYaJRao741gnjnTY3BY-564uAbo7rLKMXf-gw/s320/20230626145912-20230626145912_IMG_9131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We were also excited to see another iceberg just across the water ... a very successful stop!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr1v9Bh14klm7ls9RBg6kCzOSdx5ydxQ0xq2QFaNQX6adDC2ov9kIq5oyPCcKJPqL6s99Iu9xD6CbqDlzvEj_KpolkwA9hclO2cbHQ4GzqGW2M0LHG2JOQRX_nLt1Bbxi_NLcU5po2cAJkbvV8riG7GsONlGoCctdZvjb0-NYCakV_DwbkOFxmRuKsPM/s3648/20230626143835-20230626143835_IMG_9122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr1v9Bh14klm7ls9RBg6kCzOSdx5ydxQ0xq2QFaNQX6adDC2ov9kIq5oyPCcKJPqL6s99Iu9xD6CbqDlzvEj_KpolkwA9hclO2cbHQ4GzqGW2M0LHG2JOQRX_nLt1Bbxi_NLcU5po2cAJkbvV8riG7GsONlGoCctdZvjb0-NYCakV_DwbkOFxmRuKsPM/s320/20230626143835-20230626143835_IMG_9122.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At the end of the peninsula</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> lies the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site. Every summer thousands of puffins are attracted to the rock formations where they lay and hatch their eggs. Unfortunately, f</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">og and cold moved in over the water as we reached the Puffin Viewing Area, but a few of the silly looking, orange-beaked birds did greet us.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1ZvtR6YVZeAn2mmBuNe-r97t71KQ9zhXClTnlIWroe0PE6r5n2wSZx4WTZUGdQyFp7qFRRtqKzylWWh09rkiiAsV6OgmnzcuInFNA-z-NbcBIZhkLHqIdyv21yeewRrYIt8rjkj-UCW6Xzotk7tx44YiA1TUi4ifj-uOm2A0akTSsPbnz9Ju93GgIHs/s3648/20230626172725-20230626172725_IMG_9149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1ZvtR6YVZeAn2mmBuNe-r97t71KQ9zhXClTnlIWroe0PE6r5n2wSZx4WTZUGdQyFp7qFRRtqKzylWWh09rkiiAsV6OgmnzcuInFNA-z-NbcBIZhkLHqIdyv21yeewRrYIt8rjkj-UCW6Xzotk7tx44YiA1TUi4ifj-uOm2A0akTSsPbnz9Ju93GgIHs/s320/20230626172725-20230626172725_IMG_9149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The city allows overnight parking in their visitor's parking lot, so we stayed here for the night. Fingers were crossed for clearer puffin-viewing skies in the morning. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0__mvUS2aQfqh6_ZZsEIxU9FaLYEKDGqEOoPQK2yhDaVeNwBha8AhAETuD6WdjoklUBWu4SjDbNc8gzcdSfDAvZHggxfRXDJKXWzlNW_jNYgfXCksPZr0Cbb2h28GcwPfULcXeOP62lOsF12_Rn2ro1_ot87KTAWfpm3mmQLtJgBKYuivJqElHMjw8A/s4080/20230626205309-PXL_20230626_232309239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0__mvUS2aQfqh6_ZZsEIxU9FaLYEKDGqEOoPQK2yhDaVeNwBha8AhAETuD6WdjoklUBWu4SjDbNc8gzcdSfDAvZHggxfRXDJKXWzlNW_jNYgfXCksPZr0Cbb2h28GcwPfULcXeOP62lOsF12_Rn2ro1_ot87KTAWfpm3mmQLtJgBKYuivJqElHMjw8A/s320/20230626205309-PXL_20230626_232309239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 5: A Hiker's Paradise</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We took advantage of another day of sun and cooler temps to hike and enjoy the scenery on the Bonavista Peninsula. Hundreds of puffins greeted us in the morning and a few even got together for a group shot.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZHSv3Gw_sGpkQgjZJ9YaysRl4cz-qYoXJgR87vI1TXdp4pTVShCI3lowdHc7-zRNAnUEqEEYjZ0dPtBTDYjoNRmzpKo1H9MipoFFIk87pCf1iWoui3nKzKEOeX3-h8O8i7m5iUtoDRTmlxRTtj1RUKGHys9hp8wzJFOXlh6EB1fo3Hnu0ozoIh6pwpw/s3648/20230627064637-20230627064637_IMG_9205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZHSv3Gw_sGpkQgjZJ9YaysRl4cz-qYoXJgR87vI1TXdp4pTVShCI3lowdHc7-zRNAnUEqEEYjZ0dPtBTDYjoNRmzpKo1H9MipoFFIk87pCf1iWoui3nKzKEOeX3-h8O8i7m5iUtoDRTmlxRTtj1RUKGHys9hp8wzJFOXlh6EB1fo3Hnu0ozoIh6pwpw/s320/20230627064637-20230627064637_IMG_9205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Afterwards we repeated two of our favorite hikes from when we visited this area two years ago.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i__XqHa-julr05wfuorJ2KreQhidc6O66XwUn1HfXDXKaW4ot3NK4PF_PPWxwpSAVGnD8VHrQnrypLMlKgUX19YflIRTP7s38G_Wdmu56Xd6exrU0htLu_rjhehJfcJbFH60xTM7jTPUk_uzb_nwMbx8IBZE1sCf7sB9g5iOWy7QmexJWv-C6f1lI5A/s4080/20230627123157-PXL_20230627_150157479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i__XqHa-julr05wfuorJ2KreQhidc6O66XwUn1HfXDXKaW4ot3NK4PF_PPWxwpSAVGnD8VHrQnrypLMlKgUX19YflIRTP7s38G_Wdmu56Xd6exrU0htLu_rjhehJfcJbFH60xTM7jTPUk_uzb_nwMbx8IBZE1sCf7sB9g5iOWy7QmexJWv-C6f1lI5A/s320/20230627123157-PXL_20230627_150157479.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Spillars Cove gifted us with three miles of breath-taking rocky cliff views and an iceberg or two,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgJiLO3fmQkK1YjEufLst2k0myjpTQtskWpYEnjS4sUfcFrQX83Y1VEx7czGesDvWdk4nbQ4LpR_LZpDqVeEtXwYOD1ddN-tI7wLE0yE_sLEUxh0pC-UIPRC0JIk2IMPvy-mIGmTUK7fHk4LpA5qrEUaHMeJoF4HHpDlkQtkrchT6pg5f6ZXZLDc_VWE/s4080/20230627151947-PXL_20230627_174947656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgJiLO3fmQkK1YjEufLst2k0myjpTQtskWpYEnjS4sUfcFrQX83Y1VEx7czGesDvWdk4nbQ4LpR_LZpDqVeEtXwYOD1ddN-tI7wLE0yE_sLEUxh0pC-UIPRC0JIk2IMPvy-mIGmTUK7fHk4LpA5qrEUaHMeJoF4HHpDlkQtkrchT6pg5f6ZXZLDc_VWE/s320/20230627151947-PXL_20230627_174947656.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and Skerwink Trail gave us four miles of panoramic ocean views.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_0zcMsfOadPg0lA8f0sLQiqKLHNLtALCywAQJFIVGhGRLm7DfGPwqXbWJXuqJBFtzEBIZHOeS1-77m1_1lnMC3Pmzh-Z33HsdT12mPZ7E6bau-aApI3IOdt4nCBTiGoc7HULw759R3cPyONsl_bOQ4mpFZo-5gD0ZKXDVe2nc6RdFkkqYCNSGFyn6hk/s3648/20230627183113-20230627183113_IMG_9263.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_0zcMsfOadPg0lA8f0sLQiqKLHNLtALCywAQJFIVGhGRLm7DfGPwqXbWJXuqJBFtzEBIZHOeS1-77m1_1lnMC3Pmzh-Z33HsdT12mPZ7E6bau-aApI3IOdt4nCBTiGoc7HULw759R3cPyONsl_bOQ4mpFZo-5gD0ZKXDVe2nc6RdFkkqYCNSGFyn6hk/s320/20230627183113-20230627183113_IMG_9263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We boondocked in the cute fishing village of Trinity. A number of the buildings in town are recognized for their historical value making this a popular tourist hangout and a colorful place to take a sunset walk.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW35qWIZ6Mq3lxnOvo9ALUQmHTJ7tgjctt-MYM9FuCdZQofQ42v-iudnOm5vtmgzkbb3Qq-Acg7hNPlo2pyaUBzO5M8icaMEPf4jfVM1X8zMmAPbq013xnAVKODoG-4MMrStFimiMlLzOkHqNszZnMCrB6FfjZBqVbFeYbckHX03ZQXF2JWSBnA1FMQc/s1920/20230627185836-20230627185836_IMG_9267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW35qWIZ6Mq3lxnOvo9ALUQmHTJ7tgjctt-MYM9FuCdZQofQ42v-iudnOm5vtmgzkbb3Qq-Acg7hNPlo2pyaUBzO5M8icaMEPf4jfVM1X8zMmAPbq013xnAVKODoG-4MMrStFimiMlLzOkHqNszZnMCrB6FfjZBqVbFeYbckHX03ZQXF2JWSBnA1FMQc/s320/20230627185836-20230627185836_IMG_9267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 6: A Little Fog is Not Going to Ruin Our Hike</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After a night of rain, we woke up to another sunny day. It's supposed to warm up which is good because we've had to run the heat during the last three nights. But the predicted highs of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) has the local meteorologists issuing excessive heat warnings. As a shopkeeper explained to me this morning ... most Newfies really don't like the heat of summer. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-vrre4kG2TsYDEh9FYd8HFORPd0Bnpw2l9m6YYrGE8jRsYXsomzjSmfonT6EMeONE2VrYuQjSm-uEdAjeLrNDKTqGqkqk5lc4jCnUl-lxIS_GCUY_o2cWL7TKdEC1ZwsgAJVvSzqREBYU7_p767o--btL6CQz308K_XzWQcDP6-GPdrQBTEWYc3IZA/s3648/20230627152124-PXL_20230627_175124063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-vrre4kG2TsYDEh9FYd8HFORPd0Bnpw2l9m6YYrGE8jRsYXsomzjSmfonT6EMeONE2VrYuQjSm-uEdAjeLrNDKTqGqkqk5lc4jCnUl-lxIS_GCUY_o2cWL7TKdEC1ZwsgAJVvSzqREBYU7_p767o--btL6CQz308K_XzWQcDP6-GPdrQBTEWYc3IZA/s320/20230627152124-PXL_20230627_175124063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And we're not fans of the cold,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>so I'm sure glad that we kept our winter coats!</i></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We continue to make our way to St Johns. Since it was such a clear day, we decided to stop along the way to do the Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail as it promised beautiful views from the high cliffs of the rocks, ocean, and possibly whale or two. Unfortunately, fog moved in when we arrived, but that only added to the magic of the hike.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6WVFAaSlXNXIgsqK9Nk2Iz4wboZksxlZV5gcc0iiFFnAPb6_SU6pmV3yQ2PitM8dcVVhMhwz6svAPHqkxgZA7G5uEo9O1v4kz1R6laySsOUr_c3jRR-7-Y9ODs2Gg_L05ks9XPL4pwoCN8tIZi8jTp4Vcm7HEsondpSau23OFIBrNqYiFUcc62kbJwk/s3648/20230628135432-20230628135432_IMG_9278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6WVFAaSlXNXIgsqK9Nk2Iz4wboZksxlZV5gcc0iiFFnAPb6_SU6pmV3yQ2PitM8dcVVhMhwz6svAPHqkxgZA7G5uEo9O1v4kz1R6laySsOUr_c3jRR-7-Y9ODs2Gg_L05ks9XPL4pwoCN8tIZi8jTp4Vcm7HEsondpSau23OFIBrNqYiFUcc62kbJwk/s320/20230628135432-20230628135432_IMG_9278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I was happy to see that they had recently built a set of stairs that led us down to a secluded beach area. According to the reviews of this hike, previous hikers had to get down using a rope.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxhIi9c6zmW-3BH2VI9LtVkgjw0m4VvY6h4r5MGgROiGvl8YdOSyNCAr_Ara76jEmjepUDhTjv_anGT6o6ZUB9tG2Ifwkhnn9Q80r8ltjj4zGrKNge2px5CP8klmB-hCR7np2K3msJYI2atWZLnITu5CmnXUr8wIjwYsK_AZSeLrPU9jzdyPmiInb-8E/s3648/20230628143445-20230628143445_IMG_9279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxhIi9c6zmW-3BH2VI9LtVkgjw0m4VvY6h4r5MGgROiGvl8YdOSyNCAr_Ara76jEmjepUDhTjv_anGT6o6ZUB9tG2Ifwkhnn9Q80r8ltjj4zGrKNge2px5CP8klmB-hCR7np2K3msJYI2atWZLnITu5CmnXUr8wIjwYsK_AZSeLrPU9jzdyPmiInb-8E/s320/20230628143445-20230628143445_IMG_9279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Afterwards we had a delicious fish & chips dinner and craft brew at Dildo Brewing in Dildo, Newfoundland ... yes, that's the real name of this town, and yes, this is our sixth straight day of having fish & chips.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmH4lC2y4Z7ccQAPw4fulXJJ4NHm4VBxAJaV6vm1cyDHhZFrPWjqtVdbG_5WWhvXUvjia5jWaisaxgkL39SatFlIPNY42Pc4fqwq8J8FBiD35inTdcvWqppEHWBv51NNW_yJY2O9DfI3zfHo3I0nhxqN1cwpHGe37XwfRZuWjn9jJo-SzyJyqKXzVRU0/s3648/20230628190819-PXL_20230628_213819664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmH4lC2y4Z7ccQAPw4fulXJJ4NHm4VBxAJaV6vm1cyDHhZFrPWjqtVdbG_5WWhvXUvjia5jWaisaxgkL39SatFlIPNY42Pc4fqwq8J8FBiD35inTdcvWqppEHWBv51NNW_yJY2O9DfI3zfHo3I0nhxqN1cwpHGe37XwfRZuWjn9jJo-SzyJyqKXzVRU0/w269-h202/20230628190819-PXL_20230628_213819664.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Doug dodged a few potholes on a narrow gravel road that led us to another sweet boondocking spot on the water's edge just outside of town. H</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">e's getting a lot of practice being a ''pothole-dodger' since Newfoundland's secondary roads are all pretty rough ... but they always seem to lead us to beautiful locations.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRbkj1qPEhBTmxTAiIXEEobteHF1kLsg2-_0MyJhRFfLeWCpREoiIdF_1e5T5xB6BUr4BKcmA1d3FwJr-Q5903CECovdziHn2CzKfRqOoJC26xOw484bNYlejHRBGwUCnktR5jf8kb8IufjpbHb6FfqYaa_-EYTrsaOisJ6Bzx7mnptl1QCFTiGb1zdc/s4080/20230628201104-PXL_20230628_224104207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRbkj1qPEhBTmxTAiIXEEobteHF1kLsg2-_0MyJhRFfLeWCpREoiIdF_1e5T5xB6BUr4BKcmA1d3FwJr-Q5903CECovdziHn2CzKfRqOoJC26xOw484bNYlejHRBGwUCnktR5jf8kb8IufjpbHb6FfqYaa_-EYTrsaOisJ6Bzx7mnptl1QCFTiGb1zdc/s320/20230628201104-PXL_20230628_224104207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Day 7: Local Hiking Gems and On to St Johns</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug uses both Google Maps and All Trails to find some hiking ''hidden gems'', and today he found one that was near a small village along our route. The Burnt Head Trail started out just outside of the town of Cupids and was a 2.2 mile hike that led us past a small waterfall and to some amazing sea cliff views. At the beginning of the hike we talked with a couple that lives in the town, and they told us how this trail was planned, developed, and maintained by interested citizens of the community. As you can see by the pictures, they are doing a great job of showcasing the natural beauty of their area for all to enjoy.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6APQteSmwRhsvTOE3WhW-T6fENu9y3xqL3zHfp-sOBmKN6jSZfS0pGkTFHp_1jUzk4hcm-H0b622bkh16zG8dPNDqSM6GjTfFp2zqns0zqRj0rBWe-VG93SLKJT38j-XArU1Grcjln5kK3VuJPWPbzdL4UkMcrcPz9vOHpBhO3_-6c31Xb02AoRkK4MM/s4080/20230629113117-PXL_20230629_140117240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6APQteSmwRhsvTOE3WhW-T6fENu9y3xqL3zHfp-sOBmKN6jSZfS0pGkTFHp_1jUzk4hcm-H0b622bkh16zG8dPNDqSM6GjTfFp2zqns0zqRj0rBWe-VG93SLKJT38j-XArU1Grcjln5kK3VuJPWPbzdL4UkMcrcPz9vOHpBhO3_-6c31Xb02AoRkK4MM/s320/20230629113117-PXL_20230629_140117240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After finding a free dump and water fill in a neighboring small town, another local let us in on his town's special claim to fame ... a tunnel blasted through the rock. Early settlers constructed this passage through the huge boulders that blocked the harbor from the town making it easier for the ship's goods to be transferred from the boats into the town. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ8e6YrVdzSJ7OagF4asOftQCnYl9F49u8wozd9Xifm8r7r23h6cmHNaATp3E-oIWiSsVJ1cnOHi8ck-dWBRzxN-NCscynACWznLol9CUJNpI6eH31Q4Pq7_pZadEdRn7ixPDGLhZ9jdY5WW7uH9LttlbcILNCCdWozg3SMyjCXXO-vbToVgAXqjiZXc/s3648/20230629133911-20230629133911_IMG_9292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ8e6YrVdzSJ7OagF4asOftQCnYl9F49u8wozd9Xifm8r7r23h6cmHNaATp3E-oIWiSsVJ1cnOHi8ck-dWBRzxN-NCscynACWznLol9CUJNpI6eH31Q4Pq7_pZadEdRn7ixPDGLhZ9jdY5WW7uH9LttlbcILNCCdWozg3SMyjCXXO-vbToVgAXqjiZXc/w277-h208/20230629133911-20230629133911_IMG_9292.JPG" width="277" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We made it to Newfoundland's largest city and provincial capital of St John's in the afternoon. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">An evening hike up the rocky trail near the Quidi Vidi Brewery gave us some amazing views of the rocky cliffs and the open sea below but no whale sightings ... yet.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg711yIQKxBdDCzGWPnzx6Cn0xr7VMtlsglYFHBOXwfa9XK_LuSc4aoUiIP9GGGWW2cvYTtaLdgH69oXowVQs4G62napFBcn9EgAPgOvuuK7om6yZRcJDvh36BGy0xdrnOuL1MptJhUCDsLaPm_vsmIxviMheChGyKZpwxyxdiFtzkMyjoHTHexEKT3L9Y/s4080/20230629194705-PXL_20230629_221705743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg711yIQKxBdDCzGWPnzx6Cn0xr7VMtlsglYFHBOXwfa9XK_LuSc4aoUiIP9GGGWW2cvYTtaLdgH69oXowVQs4G62napFBcn9EgAPgOvuuK7om6yZRcJDvh36BGy0xdrnOuL1MptJhUCDsLaPm_vsmIxviMheChGyKZpwxyxdiFtzkMyjoHTHexEKT3L9Y/s320/20230629194705-PXL_20230629_221705743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We're looking forward to exploring the colorful and historical seaside town of St John's and other hidden gems in Newfoundland over the next four weeks.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7NKIuL58k7oQKlOGs6sFrDIsmSKKl0VTAtrE8_YgJ6ELn7x_3oE8E7sfKLM04zPI3Y69X80BOu3gZ_iEol-Y7vtgwf6Qlinn06i8tPtspJbRKCfF7uqUmNfHYrZZ65JyN1Ybyn0RIL0WcX4ccc2sb_cOa72rMgF1TI5NczHqgquXMIQ4K8XqP2bHS8A/s3648/20230629164838-20230629164838_IMG_9295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7NKIuL58k7oQKlOGs6sFrDIsmSKKl0VTAtrE8_YgJ6ELn7x_3oE8E7sfKLM04zPI3Y69X80BOu3gZ_iEol-Y7vtgwf6Qlinn06i8tPtspJbRKCfF7uqUmNfHYrZZ65JyN1Ybyn0RIL0WcX4ccc2sb_cOa72rMgF1TI5NczHqgquXMIQ4K8XqP2bHS8A/s320/20230629164838-20230629164838_IMG_9295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With each fishing village or ocean view, we're reminded how good it is to be ba-a-a-ck enjoying the beauty of <span style="text-align: left;">this North Atlantic island!</span></span></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-90082056327178156442023-07-21T11:12:00.000-05:002023-07-21T11:12:31.281-05:00Maritime Meaderings Through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPBZ_IukfNGsxRj9piK6irvjk_Lx8JrvIu-Oq31yaI7G82Z1WCuJDBUGSapVxoByHoHQ4IKajYFEZ53DebzJSWLvyVv4tkGYWATU71U5sL7bP52oBq5HDcEYYAxK1n2gkJZZZE4iwhspyH_VtI4daVZLklihO_hxufLx94HXNi7aJdGn1hp-nQoIaGds/s3648/20230622094351-20230622094351_IMG_9062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPBZ_IukfNGsxRj9piK6irvjk_Lx8JrvIu-Oq31yaI7G82Z1WCuJDBUGSapVxoByHoHQ4IKajYFEZ53DebzJSWLvyVv4tkGYWATU71U5sL7bP52oBq5HDcEYYAxK1n2gkJZZZE4iwhspyH_VtI4daVZLklihO_hxufLx94HXNi7aJdGn1hp-nQoIaGds/s320/20230622094351-20230622094351_IMG_9062.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After our visit to Acadia National Park, we continued to head north to the cute fishing village of Eastport, Maine. A monument near our boondocking spot on the harbor stated that we had arrived in the easternmost city in the United States.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEknT9jt2FPcpTe0zx4N8ULpDPu2sgDVMvv7_lxgobXQpKmCZwlLiATSAAupzWzgOIDd_lumAYEe8_dwzAAZU2wDTIzUzKwnR6JQlWruT6AeHiyPP8-aF3rl5VNUlWrwQigXwFOG5kH3FPBVtDc7A37QFX6M8P4SxmiVJxLmy-4zN-bxpaGb0TiNMsgaQ/s4080/20230614094103-PXL_20230614_134103917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEknT9jt2FPcpTe0zx4N8ULpDPu2sgDVMvv7_lxgobXQpKmCZwlLiATSAAupzWzgOIDd_lumAYEe8_dwzAAZU2wDTIzUzKwnR6JQlWruT6AeHiyPP8-aF3rl5VNUlWrwQigXwFOG5kH3FPBVtDc7A37QFX6M8P4SxmiVJxLmy-4zN-bxpaGb0TiNMsgaQ/w224-h297/20230614094103-PXL_20230614_134103917.jpg" width="224" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The next morning as we drove little further east to the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, a monument there also claimed the bragging rights for the most eastern point of the continental United States. It could also be a very spectacular spot to see the first rays of the new day in our country ... unless it is fogged in like it was on the day we visited.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEe0dNRIPXkS19q3rsO6rF7VW6fjLSOw3-pKbn_79p10bA8tVNVL0rSo1HIrpV2cKnno_VP1mjcJrzpRf_EoJjoqSBPgGeu4PmHAPkqoj3vk441WkxcrJJsWzf7rMsutwfntEX28i4OlK-uFjGecurFnEZxUhkeoHjVd4gtMz5pHwr71U9nchetA_eu4/s4080/20230614120240-PXL_20230614_150240120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEe0dNRIPXkS19q3rsO6rF7VW6fjLSOw3-pKbn_79p10bA8tVNVL0rSo1HIrpV2cKnno_VP1mjcJrzpRf_EoJjoqSBPgGeu4PmHAPkqoj3vk441WkxcrJJsWzf7rMsutwfntEX28i4OlK-uFjGecurFnEZxUhkeoHjVd4gtMz5pHwr71U9nchetA_eu4/w241-h320/20230614120240-PXL_20230614_150240120.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A quick border crossing in Calais, Maine would bring us to our next travel destination ...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbQaaFCh3e43C2nv4raRtQeJlwarJGc_OHks104rkHDXDjYuQRKCyKAMck2uHcy63a5a4WoG5cmPhS5a1FTwsEIRSIVy84klg45N1L168yOMLJoWesmyAIQJd3wqpmzec5c_DBuzJdjndKBGisE6W1AYMse99awdVdC2smbQkJdVbLkHSXi_rKflelMY/s4080/20230617160635-PXL_20230617_190635711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbQaaFCh3e43C2nv4raRtQeJlwarJGc_OHks104rkHDXDjYuQRKCyKAMck2uHcy63a5a4WoG5cmPhS5a1FTwsEIRSIVy84klg45N1L168yOMLJoWesmyAIQJd3wqpmzec5c_DBuzJdjndKBGisE6W1AYMse99awdVdC2smbQkJdVbLkHSXi_rKflelMY/s320/20230617160635-PXL_20230617_190635711.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Canada, Here We Come!</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But wait! Not so fast! Was it our ''Florida'' license plates, or the fact that we stated we had some bear spray on board, or just a slow day at the border patrol office?? Whatever the reason, we were one of the lucky ones ''chosen'' for a van search. Border crossings always make me a little nervous because I worry about them confiscating all my produce and meat supply. It seemed that they were more concerned about finding something a little more dangerous than freezer-burned chicken, but after a 15 minute search, we were given the A-OK and were on our way to the ... </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The name alone fills us with savory visions of fresh lobster, scallops, and the King of the North Atlantic, Cod</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WErqZNRZzXh8rfNmmaSp-XuQvTMiYPLvFvPZWXMRxrDOTU0dpR_4dkNJtGf86BWgplyAUYfHDtC2S1jZUVEQdoKfNNffjR0WggAffVTdSwvyUDxXu9pBVmhc9fpf9crO57EITcHJ97Lq-Lq9mq7ge9hUbWK4UQ6czz_12FViVwxmWNtRrwJXSc4dMaA/s3648/20230617104551-PXL_20230617_134551587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WErqZNRZzXh8rfNmmaSp-XuQvTMiYPLvFvPZWXMRxrDOTU0dpR_4dkNJtGf86BWgplyAUYfHDtC2S1jZUVEQdoKfNNffjR0WggAffVTdSwvyUDxXu9pBVmhc9fpf9crO57EITcHJ97Lq-Lq9mq7ge9hUbWK4UQ6czz_12FViVwxmWNtRrwJXSc4dMaA/s320/20230617104551-PXL_20230617_134551587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> ... as well as other Canadian staples such as Tim Horton's Donuts,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT19uWZdCDi8pNx_Gv-3jQay3-jfivwc28HfzKJ6Zlks8LmXSKNMeygNVEgnSQnAlbxFCNV_cRxc5EJ8NqQ4bx9uoMZ2DQJ2ami8awr-vUeD4YAZ4XBiScJrpV6I0jo2CN7zp5vxbb8AG5Lyd03LjioX3N7lt5FCyU8-zN3oKlt0U4TQZbSLeIo7f_8s/s3648/20230616183104-20230616183104_IMG_8970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT19uWZdCDi8pNx_Gv-3jQay3-jfivwc28HfzKJ6Zlks8LmXSKNMeygNVEgnSQnAlbxFCNV_cRxc5EJ8NqQ4bx9uoMZ2DQJ2ami8awr-vUeD4YAZ4XBiScJrpV6I0jo2CN7zp5vxbb8AG5Lyd03LjioX3N7lt5FCyU8-zN3oKlt0U4TQZbSLeIo7f_8s/s320/20230616183104-20230616183104_IMG_8970.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... lobster poutine,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyg5BFnt4kTgabGPuHZIW46zd19mo0nUnCdZ5Frt04bX20dPQSNyigwrPsy6cMSsN_KjLhBAc5GCBhN7k1H3LXsa5xvX4qWrxFiMaq9v_Vbt1RCe5GYXVHtg_3iAw_ah-RTa7klbsmAWcvPdR3p-u0ZESSMTD9_DYKpotbEICdqaw7kozAQcz3aodqLk/s3648/20230616102745-20230616102745_IMG_8965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyg5BFnt4kTgabGPuHZIW46zd19mo0nUnCdZ5Frt04bX20dPQSNyigwrPsy6cMSsN_KjLhBAc5GCBhN7k1H3LXsa5xvX4qWrxFiMaq9v_Vbt1RCe5GYXVHtg_3iAw_ah-RTa7klbsmAWcvPdR3p-u0ZESSMTD9_DYKpotbEICdqaw7kozAQcz3aodqLk/s320/20230616102745-20230616102745_IMG_8965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and ketchup-flavored Lays potato chips.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>(I do like to dip my potato chips in ketchup, so I probably should try these ... )</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When the food coma from all this rich Canadian cuisine sets in,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTJk9KZwkXnwvcjuLnbZN9cM_4HiOuqYd79FguJSOWoIYfsyg9dt9l_3AYj-97UmcfScs-IddBcl_Of1Nr932xZehNOF3rLmJ2AJk7vgYwHK44gFTKcmpPeB1uxRuxPGjIs7IDIh4mUB4aX-hd2ZAu-FdLRvftSLTJi5R4jkI7wn_MKjVwob1oT8clfo/s4080/20230615173536-PXL_20230615_203536388.MP%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTJk9KZwkXnwvcjuLnbZN9cM_4HiOuqYd79FguJSOWoIYfsyg9dt9l_3AYj-97UmcfScs-IddBcl_Of1Nr932xZehNOF3rLmJ2AJk7vgYwHK44gFTKcmpPeB1uxRuxPGjIs7IDIh4mUB4aX-hd2ZAu-FdLRvftSLTJi5R4jkI7wn_MKjVwob1oT8clfo/s320/20230615173536-PXL_20230615_203536388.MP%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... there are plenty of comfy Adirondack chairs that welcome visitors to sit a spell and enjoy the beautiful Canadian wilderness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'll be ready to start exploring the Maritimes right after this nap ...</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Saint John, New Brunswick</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We spent a bit of time in this area two years ago, but Doug neglected to visit a craft brewery in New Brunswick <i>(I know ... can you believe it??)</i>. Feeling compelled to get that ''bucket list'' item checked off, our first overnight stop was the city of Saint John, New Brunswick and specifically, Big Tide Brewing. It was also our first of many maritime fish & chips dinners. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBBbABILQaOwprygX_BrnfGpQYifk2t8BuH5FOgtJjeblWUygiaLvQ7vLZAwgGYE6d298yF9VPNEZ-bSyjOonzmh9p4ZF3MfvX02oYUCxIij0w9bX_LK2jECxWkmKMjjQXGedv-Eu_JR5aXGD6k3Id1wtFlcSGQWPZeVWFyK6W2DvO3Uu_OGKzKwpSpc/s3648/20230614174527-20230614174527_IMG_8958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBBbABILQaOwprygX_BrnfGpQYifk2t8BuH5FOgtJjeblWUygiaLvQ7vLZAwgGYE6d298yF9VPNEZ-bSyjOonzmh9p4ZF3MfvX02oYUCxIij0w9bX_LK2jECxWkmKMjjQXGedv-Eu_JR5aXGD6k3Id1wtFlcSGQWPZeVWFyK6W2DvO3Uu_OGKzKwpSpc/s320/20230614174527-20230614174527_IMG_8958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">We quickly learned that the ''fish'' in fish & chips is always cod,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">and that we can </i><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">easily share </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the gigantic fillets piled on top of the mountain of fries</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">that come in a typical two-piece dinner.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That night we were able to find a boondocking spot overlooking the Bay of Fundy. This was the first of many nights of scenic, quiet, and <i>free</i> boondocking spots that we would enjoy during our maritime travels. While we mainly use the<a href="https://ioverlander.com/"> iOverlander </a>application to find legitimate boondocking spots, it seems that Canadians are pretty laid back as far as boondocking goes. A number of people told us that pretty much any public spot out of the way of traffic is OK for a night or two.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Fundy Trail Parkway</i></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkcifp8F3wlGPkyHAfMQQlpv3ITTqxeMndAZeOm1oa6Kj6IE1K4VUsXpibxCjeV2eYhl1DEO18DbyiJlG1L4sRp72pIVLdJME5iRFUJfjZ9SEFcXfbNXOMNC4sXiWYc3FqwgZYA3jLUhfSqDBVb--sRVXA0LeT9dsLkcXCHRy-ccsjZQgeR3BCrqT8gU/s4080/20230615115818-PXL_20230615_145818629%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkcifp8F3wlGPkyHAfMQQlpv3ITTqxeMndAZeOm1oa6Kj6IE1K4VUsXpibxCjeV2eYhl1DEO18DbyiJlG1L4sRp72pIVLdJME5iRFUJfjZ9SEFcXfbNXOMNC4sXiWYc3FqwgZYA3jLUhfSqDBVb--sRVXA0LeT9dsLkcXCHRy-ccsjZQgeR3BCrqT8gU/s320/20230615115818-PXL_20230615_145818629%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our route the next day would take us along the Bay of Fundy which is famous for tides that can fluctuate up to 50 feet from low to high tide. A friend suggested that we take a 12 mile trek along the Fundy Trail Parkway.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HLcqObIZwX8IDy0WWkd5iV3UAdoTQUVpQZ2h_IkL4HNyUnK0XzqaT-9yd8NERNw7d3h5_vjKg6qVIrh9MYWqzlF1bTCe3TbC4lLAVU2V0M1DrUc3B1P4bhb_Be8UCQrmneJDC7QxxxAn5-MsMctygDMz3V4FaGAlk8tT462Go6Gs5peY_3Q-htpZKXc/s4080/20230615161128-PXL_20230615_191103857~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HLcqObIZwX8IDy0WWkd5iV3UAdoTQUVpQZ2h_IkL4HNyUnK0XzqaT-9yd8NERNw7d3h5_vjKg6qVIrh9MYWqzlF1bTCe3TbC4lLAVU2V0M1DrUc3B1P4bhb_Be8UCQrmneJDC7QxxxAn5-MsMctygDMz3V4FaGAlk8tT462Go6Gs5peY_3Q-htpZKXc/s320/20230615161128-PXL_20230615_191103857~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This not-for-profit park winds along the Bay of Fundy coastline giving visitors spectacular views of the coastline, gorges, waterfalls, and treasures on the beaches that can be discovered during the low tides.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDlQ8weBiB8EF_ttQ3G9wC5Rx4JopzVm2v7X-B6DUKfxLMOBsCctNA9Hi_IfT39MQVIwVDJivjuYq-MEaOxg4FeCE2eCnpYU_3McJHfJVQUhiFS1WZ_QiDwsPMes_NQ_8hPToa0TewnvAPhlexOw0fMA8tCcdwRIxx7B8NCPDb9t9qF09OLeZYwqIoYk/s4080/20230615153917-PXL_20230615_183917605%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDlQ8weBiB8EF_ttQ3G9wC5Rx4JopzVm2v7X-B6DUKfxLMOBsCctNA9Hi_IfT39MQVIwVDJivjuYq-MEaOxg4FeCE2eCnpYU_3McJHfJVQUhiFS1WZ_QiDwsPMes_NQ_8hPToa0TewnvAPhlexOw0fMA8tCcdwRIxx7B8NCPDb9t9qF09OLeZYwqIoYk/s320/20230615153917-PXL_20230615_183917605%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">An overnight stay at Fundy National Park gave us more scenic views of the ever changing water levels below us as we planned our weekend stop in ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNLH2mtYB4yCk4O-Ob2r9oToGC18paxQRSZLDw-n6L4558OTpuAhI8XcmwQ-lbGCqVHXyYUFfAuS3iR8bRad9lcCPUpQhcKD70c0ZAIJtnPPYZwi3zsz2xsPNRuVRk1a2A6lyhJ9nKc5MkcxU96Uu_tCZ7U0scH4fXFhJtt9L0ZSfZDeDPeikoUXh85M/s3648/20230615195855-20230615195855_IMG_8964%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNLH2mtYB4yCk4O-Ob2r9oToGC18paxQRSZLDw-n6L4558OTpuAhI8XcmwQ-lbGCqVHXyYUFfAuS3iR8bRad9lcCPUpQhcKD70c0ZAIJtnPPYZwi3zsz2xsPNRuVRk1a2A6lyhJ9nKc5MkcxU96Uu_tCZ7U0scH4fXFhJtt9L0ZSfZDeDPeikoUXh85M/s320/20230615195855-20230615195855_IMG_8964%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Halifax, Nova Scotia</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLfkOgqaq4DpvkgsKVfzEiq8cMAwEjOWBaN_c-aoIjZQwUAFsYhKNxneIcYWECxrB9P6undAWSRNZ-Lbb7QDm8PjhkEpk_uUld10HEyKuxwgEOwFHRR3LdyVtKThbsNU4xt51s077mWzA3A8oqkrFlk1elCgjhk68g1ZZJJ_Fdy_urOjfYshph9ZVXrk/s3648/20230616191246-20230616191246_IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLfkOgqaq4DpvkgsKVfzEiq8cMAwEjOWBaN_c-aoIjZQwUAFsYhKNxneIcYWECxrB9P6undAWSRNZ-Lbb7QDm8PjhkEpk_uUld10HEyKuxwgEOwFHRR3LdyVtKThbsNU4xt51s077mWzA3A8oqkrFlk1elCgjhk68g1ZZJJ_Fdy_urOjfYshph9ZVXrk/s320/20230616191246-20230616191246_IMG_8971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A lively waterfront community, delicious seafood, easy boondocking, and a craft brewery or two drew us back once again to Halifax, Nova Scotia for a few days. We also like how the diversity of this city's citizens brings an energetic vibe to the local surroundings. When there is favorable weather, it's fun to walk along the harbor boardwalk, beside the elegant old brick buildings, and through the colorful neighborhoods and local farmers market.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEd1mhGQnh2f8sTEK6JEGSGT0nQMSiLM2BDflCXfSWmovu_vtSeGJTN1t5pjJwzFikVGVdzSicKcO46_qz4Jg1XApAIYwpOCPGraScZi3OcXdgvgdIguuRA20zmZ5ORc5SreWXQGkloa_BVmnJNQk_yWlaKvDTw8kFJ1_0_fWLVKbX5EuC68dQ9UZvaw/s4080/20230617152022-PXL_20230617_182022328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEd1mhGQnh2f8sTEK6JEGSGT0nQMSiLM2BDflCXfSWmovu_vtSeGJTN1t5pjJwzFikVGVdzSicKcO46_qz4Jg1XApAIYwpOCPGraScZi3OcXdgvgdIguuRA20zmZ5ORc5SreWXQGkloa_BVmnJNQk_yWlaKvDTw8kFJ1_0_fWLVKbX5EuC68dQ9UZvaw/s320/20230617152022-PXL_20230617_182022328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And if rain moves in (which it often will in the Maritimes), we are grateful to be able to check the radar and head to where the forecast looks a bit more promising, which turned out to be ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Kejimkujik National Park</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CPiiO_raye5tY3To2abpNAtIFE5Ds7gZJDmPqetNDJrUS9RTLYVVxH5Bf828iVITv7-131OaYe-lZtLP3efcD2vZt_LkM8pQr29b-uHPtTmbd2vSusFwDM5eGG-f5HKFoFz60o8wLNTIibBs-JBpcTVzTn_Xnwz_rDYD1v-mFBh4TSC26aNa6yFkk_w/s4080/20230618194758-PXL_20230618_224758739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CPiiO_raye5tY3To2abpNAtIFE5Ds7gZJDmPqetNDJrUS9RTLYVVxH5Bf828iVITv7-131OaYe-lZtLP3efcD2vZt_LkM8pQr29b-uHPtTmbd2vSusFwDM5eGG-f5HKFoFz60o8wLNTIibBs-JBpcTVzTn_Xnwz_rDYD1v-mFBh4TSC26aNa6yFkk_w/s320/20230618194758-PXL_20230618_224758739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Last fall when we visited Jasper and Banff National Parks, we ended up saving money by buying a yearly entrance pass for Canada's national parks. Always ones to want to ''save'' even more, we decided to use our pass to visit Kejimkujik National Park in central Nova Scotia for a few days. We have come to appreciate that Canada's national park campgrounds have more amenities and less crowds then those in the US. For $25/night we were able to get a lakeside site in a nearly empty campground with a brand new shower house nearby.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Q-cdt4IfrowqwUF74NEGuEw6uWvnAVvJgcQpBtV2lX0VQDty1XWFbWtvuXwTPiAW-u5p_ho_3a98Em8RPzYxfkmDJzDKQvA8ybLo1nxe460BuAVQSZtFPz6sM7KtQnTtpfd06iZthGyLuSIWmMjRYHMun57N2zdhohLeZbqwqL6nrdJyCbUY72KciY/s3648/20230618192107-20230618192107_IMG_8983%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25Q-cdt4IfrowqwUF74NEGuEw6uWvnAVvJgcQpBtV2lX0VQDty1XWFbWtvuXwTPiAW-u5p_ho_3a98Em8RPzYxfkmDJzDKQvA8ybLo1nxe460BuAVQSZtFPz6sM7KtQnTtpfd06iZthGyLuSIWmMjRYHMun57N2zdhohLeZbqwqL6nrdJyCbUY72KciY/s320/20230618192107-20230618192107_IMG_8983%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Kejimkujik's surroundings reminded us a lot of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota (on a smaller scale). The park has many beautiful lakes surrounded by hardwood and hemlock forests. As we walked along one of the trails, we saw an energetic group of young paddlers setting out in their canoes for one of the more primitive campsites on the other side of the lake. While I admired their enthusiasm, I was more than happy to head back to our cozy van with electric heat and a hot shower! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpADoaMNuug-DnLeUotviw8YbMk89mQqhzRzQemzYT1oL2nMZF5q1_tLuz93oq7gqoSrT3M9CL_Mf68owcUm10CShVFlt0JBGjwUYlha8UMzXupcMwAXtGGi-5CY7NS6tbpLAirXddE52LRhBluDKKWzKTo3QwWybks_aZFmqvU_US6zlEwc0PckHSZkc/s3648/20230619115440-20230619115440_IMG_8988%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpADoaMNuug-DnLeUotviw8YbMk89mQqhzRzQemzYT1oL2nMZF5q1_tLuz93oq7gqoSrT3M9CL_Mf68owcUm10CShVFlt0JBGjwUYlha8UMzXupcMwAXtGGi-5CY7NS6tbpLAirXddE52LRhBluDKKWzKTo3QwWybks_aZFmqvU_US6zlEwc0PckHSZkc/s320/20230619115440-20230619115440_IMG_8988%20(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we came to appreciate during our visit, it's the hiking trails through old growth hemlock and hardwoods forests, and</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0qyXYzTNhFCqPGsIIT7xh9gIf_98k-YMyUf1KZZKV6IVrqYRrW2OOqib3yRz2vNNt6P_sbrrmzjb6Ig2lZY34gPzJ2XASbqvrbPnDOdGfQEF1oU1tgQxjsUJTwb9nusdm_3P_ito34pXMZFbxvxFZES0k7yY5MoKX37xsUIsNIuvZ_Yy3XfVmfY59CU/s4080/20230620115025-PXL_20230620_145025405.MP%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0qyXYzTNhFCqPGsIIT7xh9gIf_98k-YMyUf1KZZKV6IVrqYRrW2OOqib3yRz2vNNt6P_sbrrmzjb6Ig2lZY34gPzJ2XASbqvrbPnDOdGfQEF1oU1tgQxjsUJTwb9nusdm_3P_ito34pXMZFbxvxFZES0k7yY5MoKX37xsUIsNIuvZ_Yy3XfVmfY59CU/s320/20230620115025-PXL_20230620_145025405.MP%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... paths alongside lakes and rivers leading to magnificent waterfalls that really highlight the beauty of Kejimkujik National Park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Other Maritime Treasures of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After our national park visit, we had to get serious about heading in the direction of Sydney, Nova Scotia as we have reservations for the ferry that will take us to the island of Newfoundland. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkahBl474bpY97w2qK7wwPM8Xq9yar1QOBzkf6Kl4O8ghNDmpzCDJNcRgemkeVsxJ7XESrAsM8EJmOddvTb3aKaOZ8jHegjuqAqJhPJiSWtt7Ya0eJcZQR4xgqT8Sa6Uphg8z-0FG-OYpDFGs9iPxj0s_ofN1KeA2-BfNLmsR5MfJDx9fVLIRP77rx80/s3648/20230620140134-20230620140134_IMG_9015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkahBl474bpY97w2qK7wwPM8Xq9yar1QOBzkf6Kl4O8ghNDmpzCDJNcRgemkeVsxJ7XESrAsM8EJmOddvTb3aKaOZ8jHegjuqAqJhPJiSWtt7Ya0eJcZQR4xgqT8Sa6Uphg8z-0FG-OYpDFGs9iPxj0s_ofN1KeA2-BfNLmsR5MfJDx9fVLIRP77rx80/s320/20230620140134-20230620140134_IMG_9015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we made our way there, we not only passed more beautiful maritime scenery,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDnm6OlXAHSIXiwwaVFwjSLIa3Dol2WcqI5l8SsG7VEdyqSpBh313gPA67dLyWVQxY8E1TFUr0yiJCn6HQm0kaJAG-fsUntrSdx2zTI6lkJV3byPzGlwcopyu33nIWVeJwrkA2-MJSxpeoJdin_VJwN_vEpjUnLDbRaOKXvyZlNU1mH4PDn79qodmpIU/s3648/20230621044752-20230621044752_IMG_9028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDnm6OlXAHSIXiwwaVFwjSLIa3Dol2WcqI5l8SsG7VEdyqSpBh313gPA67dLyWVQxY8E1TFUr0yiJCn6HQm0kaJAG-fsUntrSdx2zTI6lkJV3byPzGlwcopyu33nIWVeJwrkA2-MJSxpeoJdin_VJwN_vEpjUnLDbRaOKXvyZlNU1mH4PDn79qodmpIU/s320/20230621044752-20230621044752_IMG_9028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... but were blessed with new friendships while enjoying an incredible boondocking site on the property of fellow Hymer van owners.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Thanks, Jen and Tom!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM5eeU6BBruE7YlvI60NifIss1PJGEhaPSXAx2b7k6PRVbbYxALJKd-KF80O-qALA51zeykefBTn5ravUIwQ9RbY5R5JSa27F2kSzmrmQmliKaHpNhTNKkiHTRPtq6DwNwP02W7n7mjUQLP05XSnvSL6As2OBntoF4ChR377gD_TD1MYKiXxRG96W0LY/s4080/20230621152805-PXL_20230621_182805856.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM5eeU6BBruE7YlvI60NifIss1PJGEhaPSXAx2b7k6PRVbbYxALJKd-KF80O-qALA51zeykefBTn5ravUIwQ9RbY5R5JSa27F2kSzmrmQmliKaHpNhTNKkiHTRPtq6DwNwP02W7n7mjUQLP05XSnvSL6As2OBntoF4ChR377gD_TD1MYKiXxRG96W0LY/s320/20230621152805-PXL_20230621_182805856.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Dancing waterfalls,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmld6r1JV5wNuAEkbS_PibhsxH6DptlClNzLLvPpuSMVdzEtAdwYIl_IUnWpUsQaGOntocSuBmvbCbsEibRP3LQhWLxRUb7ww2adovyl_H9eFSY2u7SbTOUCzfNo9fqIPtg2zfHPFVULCJiv89eDi6o8ZtHiWbpFVofJHy5pa1HQIXbKfST0swKxUVTg/s4080/20230621194932-PXL_20230621_224932031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmld6r1JV5wNuAEkbS_PibhsxH6DptlClNzLLvPpuSMVdzEtAdwYIl_IUnWpUsQaGOntocSuBmvbCbsEibRP3LQhWLxRUb7ww2adovyl_H9eFSY2u7SbTOUCzfNo9fqIPtg2zfHPFVULCJiv89eDi6o8ZtHiWbpFVofJHy5pa1HQIXbKfST0swKxUVTg/s320/20230621194932-PXL_20230621_224932031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... calm reflections,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw84tqd6z0i-jA3L1QZOKFU2fV0zB_OsPFJn9WWrRKGzlt1K9zIFj-TvCh_TWidi-NS9nLymIkd1BBQdEf8IxhC-CRV7l0qEbuOfnom0V2aj3XSy66QYq5bkXvc72Sxfl_0BqhHenBjAmxXbyg6ZKcwwn9PdfJWNBZNGUcjx2dbqwOjNCFX0b3JgCVPRc/s3648/20230620142748-20230620142748_IMG_9020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw84tqd6z0i-jA3L1QZOKFU2fV0zB_OsPFJn9WWrRKGzlt1K9zIFj-TvCh_TWidi-NS9nLymIkd1BBQdEf8IxhC-CRV7l0qEbuOfnom0V2aj3XSy66QYq5bkXvc72Sxfl_0BqhHenBjAmxXbyg6ZKcwwn9PdfJWNBZNGUcjx2dbqwOjNCFX0b3JgCVPRc/s320/20230620142748-20230620142748_IMG_9020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and colorful fishing villages</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">are just some of the beauty that we discovered during our</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Maritime meanderings through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">!</span></span></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-22224815134735340222023-07-13T11:26:00.000-05:002023-07-13T11:26:17.809-05:00Acadia National Park's Rugged Coastal Beauty<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeaV3rQv54caS9Dxygd9o4uFoqb5IHCGf95NA7mA3lIVdnFIrfzYzD9nuuEQygaMHJq6iE9QH5znM4jY3cR0MLCzZMOfQ1QDlLtSO6Vi2nY7KB00bOc31vK61aNL2-n7Lk9F2ToTNNhjqqJoVJIjAn7Vgv2t-NXPG5F6Uv-MQl9fJEDYAVSCGvw0R/s4080/20230611163218-PXL_20230611_203218028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeaV3rQv54caS9Dxygd9o4uFoqb5IHCGf95NA7mA3lIVdnFIrfzYzD9nuuEQygaMHJq6iE9QH5znM4jY3cR0MLCzZMOfQ1QDlLtSO6Vi2nY7KB00bOc31vK61aNL2-n7Lk9F2ToTNNhjqqJoVJIjAn7Vgv2t-NXPG5F6Uv-MQl9fJEDYAVSCGvw0R/w383-h289/20230611163218-PXL_20230611_203218028.jpg" width="383" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The rugged coastlines draw the tourists in. The granite-topped mountains, spruce-fir forests, and lobster bakes endears them to this small, quiet island on the northern Maine coast. Covering just over 50,000 acres, Acadia National Park may be the 13th smallest national park, but its beauty draws over three million visitors each year making it the 5th most visited national park in the United States.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgH90uuP-NJ1an7tCngfKl6zwhMjAJX1m1czs80wVIi5dJehjfXnzXgotbrTsAJ4zlMu8A7q_29F1EaBeBIM-srw4PdIKmruXdjIpPS6l83qONrDk9RE1lobPLQDyYenhn-hDheBhwR0OpHP35Cr_sudofX3K426BQB-ZNFb4JzgAcMnnZ7Vl_Rzl/s4080/20230610182712-PXL_20230610_222712142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgH90uuP-NJ1an7tCngfKl6zwhMjAJX1m1czs80wVIi5dJehjfXnzXgotbrTsAJ4zlMu8A7q_29F1EaBeBIM-srw4PdIKmruXdjIpPS6l83qONrDk9RE1lobPLQDyYenhn-hDheBhwR0OpHP35Cr_sudofX3K426BQB-ZNFb4JzgAcMnnZ7Vl_Rzl/s320/20230610182712-PXL_20230610_222712142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The massive number of visitors is what limited our visit here in 2021 to just one day. The fall colors were popping, and people were finally starting to travel again after too many months of ''staying put''. We did get to enjoy a bike ride on the carriage roads but were unsuccessful in securing a spot in the popular national park campgrounds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MNiW7wwbAJ3DShy_m1H13jWoxg--QC9mrwOLWfbWJrpA6_VPTVnXGj-sQ6UNUFDM3s3GKLfspvIofEMacDspSs8aORm1tnwDDP4cbFvi5ixd5fcl0_r7qAR-gA_-T5j4Xm3JVRUOo1A31JdyUq26Dx20uRzqhnuHIs_8NWfUxZmd4sIkXo4OmFTSruc/s2592/20210923140411-PXL_20210923_180411600.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MNiW7wwbAJ3DShy_m1H13jWoxg--QC9mrwOLWfbWJrpA6_VPTVnXGj-sQ6UNUFDM3s3GKLfspvIofEMacDspSs8aORm1tnwDDP4cbFvi5ixd5fcl0_r7qAR-gA_-T5j4Xm3JVRUOo1A31JdyUq26Dx20uRzqhnuHIs_8NWfUxZmd4sIkXo4OmFTSruc/s320/20210923140411-PXL_20210923_180411600.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So when we found ourselves in Maine once again equipped with my newly acquired ''Senior'' Park Pass, we knew that it was time to see more of what draws millions of visitors each year to Acadia National Park ... The crown jewel of the Maine coast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs8tf9YgpAd9wP_cy8OnsCxchN6WRB9StZ8Ha9hsbWcnqiFlpO6zyGih3w1LTyUy_tEXJGkPZUvjuPDh_dWj4VyJWcam7CGVF4lwpQNo8b7wa-LdQLCgrqJkXY87GLlGVix9_PF9ADEjorbyP7wR346EE-T9_B1mbUb7Jg-Y3DAUCzfloLPTLl8a0-LQ/s4080/20230608184615-PXL_20230608_224615063%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs8tf9YgpAd9wP_cy8OnsCxchN6WRB9StZ8Ha9hsbWcnqiFlpO6zyGih3w1LTyUy_tEXJGkPZUvjuPDh_dWj4VyJWcam7CGVF4lwpQNo8b7wa-LdQLCgrqJkXY87GLlGVix9_PF9ADEjorbyP7wR346EE-T9_B1mbUb7Jg-Y3DAUCzfloLPTLl8a0-LQ/s320/20230608184615-PXL_20230608_224615063%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here, like most national park campgrounds, you need to make a reservation on-line at least a day ahead of time, so these ''fly by the seat of your pants'' travelers had to do a little more pre-arrival planning than we're used to doing. Doug used the app ''Wandering Labs'' to find last minute cancellations at Blackwoods Campground in the heart of the park. While we ended up having four different sites during our five night stay, it was no problem for our nimble van to change locations every day. My national parks senior pass gave us half price camping as well as free admission to the park. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iG8EsyQ1owc0jzXQk97KohWRsWaJTYvYSzKa4M43jo11nk-CVMwgeenP80EgtTtfmDc2vnuaJLTqr8VexzrUPIFGtWENnHCMzaJkh5O3rKURO3STwMdlZtH52gS7nX2ir9ax-_Qjs8Q5S9hDGV5czFWhFTBaYgRdjUvxSAQPNZCzwih8XNaBfNCX8b4/s4080/20230609120115-PXL_20230609_160115848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iG8EsyQ1owc0jzXQk97KohWRsWaJTYvYSzKa4M43jo11nk-CVMwgeenP80EgtTtfmDc2vnuaJLTqr8VexzrUPIFGtWENnHCMzaJkh5O3rKURO3STwMdlZtH52gS7nX2ir9ax-_Qjs8Q5S9hDGV5czFWhFTBaYgRdjUvxSAQPNZCzwih8XNaBfNCX8b4/s320/20230609120115-PXL_20230609_160115848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The number one draw of Acadia is the beauty of the rugged coastline that surrounds its location on Mount Desert Island. This national park, established in 1919, was the first one to be created entirely from private donations of land. Many conservation-minded philanthropists on the island wanted to see their beloved coastal paradise preserved for future generations to enjoy.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUbNYIXb0TY1T50Opw98p0P1q7BqYqDhc0mZ4R1zpBrBx3BhSgaiSH3JPKALiFfMeuBlFThlp7muN8Vo8fDIzs63N0qOyTuwJbAyv5i-aB1l60uyo_W1KW3qmdwWqyfJSbd-97I8e3BzldV3ktUKpVUCkUQm-rSCpk6C7UhIL_QaKiFMr2VCfIopk/s4080/20230609113015-PXL_20230609_153015320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUbNYIXb0TY1T50Opw98p0P1q7BqYqDhc0mZ4R1zpBrBx3BhSgaiSH3JPKALiFfMeuBlFThlp7muN8Vo8fDIzs63N0qOyTuwJbAyv5i-aB1l60uyo_W1KW3qmdwWqyfJSbd-97I8e3BzldV3ktUKpVUCkUQm-rSCpk6C7UhIL_QaKiFMr2VCfIopk/s320/20230609113015-PXL_20230609_153015320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">John D. Rockefeller, Jr was one of the generous individuals. After donating 11,000 acres of land, he funded and supervised the development of the 45 miles of broken-stone ''carriage roads'' that weave through the forests and around the lakes and mountains of the park. No matter how busy the main park roads are, one can always find beauty and solitude on these quiet paths that are only used by bicyclists, walkers, and passengers in an occasional horse-drawn carriage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lhkmOTeNkNte8y-YvxhPxRpcsbzn-omnOob-Dt8SAr-xbk396DWABoB6z02Oup5JFIMlNfrGxoHiYX6lxj3MNnjxqZEYBVxmQNg1sO19aWWD7t2Dh2HqPFMOrKvajfGBl1rlHPC4llyfoxYOi2pAb-ld-NyQB74jhR-yJjxbonb4ydV31yXoWvkM9dE/s4080/20230610151806-PXL_20230610_191806252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lhkmOTeNkNte8y-YvxhPxRpcsbzn-omnOob-Dt8SAr-xbk396DWABoB6z02Oup5JFIMlNfrGxoHiYX6lxj3MNnjxqZEYBVxmQNg1sO19aWWD7t2Dh2HqPFMOrKvajfGBl1rlHPC4llyfoxYOi2pAb-ld-NyQB74jhR-yJjxbonb4ydV31yXoWvkM9dE/s320/20230610151806-PXL_20230610_191806252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You can expect a sweet ride on the occasionally hilly gravel roads, except when you let Google Maps plan your route. We wanted to check out the famous Jordan Pond House restaurant, but we had heard that parking there was extremely limited. Doug ''asked Google'' and saw that we could park at the Day Mountain trailhead and bike the rest of the way. Google did find us a nice place to park, but we had to ''bushwhack'' a short distance up a rocky hiking trail in order to finally connect to the carriage road.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBqKNJwPYoR4ves71b0neUwSkONitvP2wT8ccj-jLQOBsSVH9n8qQKyp3MlYbNkfgvyHR-hzfDDa9Ps7-FpEhh2yNzG2Y67AE-4iaXV7VXOlWfSR2vN3huB__QllqLJKqOTnWwFKpnNAxA8-Cb4uNH-JErtKtnx8Nko_ALmPDak9mtCDNWBaKMacxnP4/s4080/20230610153958-PXL_20230610_193958423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBqKNJwPYoR4ves71b0neUwSkONitvP2wT8ccj-jLQOBsSVH9n8qQKyp3MlYbNkfgvyHR-hzfDDa9Ps7-FpEhh2yNzG2Y67AE-4iaXV7VXOlWfSR2vN3huB__QllqLJKqOTnWwFKpnNAxA8-Cb4uNH-JErtKtnx8Nko_ALmPDak9mtCDNWBaKMacxnP4/s320/20230610153958-PXL_20230610_193958423.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And then there was the minor detail of how to get up on that bridge from the carriage road ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9w_WVwzVEz8daIcANREJLhwDN7vSO_zsdxrzqLrvVVcxgQcxr0y_hNgkNjKGLwYRxwjT2tmuIXI7ma-99NP4oip3LYs3nHmqq8FWhDYDkDSM5c9jZUxLGZKDHniZqj0AAcdiVDsexA1VJjan3WrdCfShFFDd3JXlj_tSKptIcD_c67z3BUXEt6UDJ-U/s3648/20230610140023-20230610140023_IMG_8903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9w_WVwzVEz8daIcANREJLhwDN7vSO_zsdxrzqLrvVVcxgQcxr0y_hNgkNjKGLwYRxwjT2tmuIXI7ma-99NP4oip3LYs3nHmqq8FWhDYDkDSM5c9jZUxLGZKDHniZqj0AAcdiVDsexA1VJjan3WrdCfShFFDd3JXlj_tSKptIcD_c67z3BUXEt6UDJ-U/s320/20230610140023-20230610140023_IMG_8903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... but the blueberry lemonade and blueberry soda at Jordan Pond House hit the spot when we finally made it to our destination. And yes, while it would have been nice to try some of Acadia's famous popovers that are a specialty there, we realized that would have involved making reservations a few days in advance. Planning ahead is not one of our strong suits!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk4noSZc46jmymNYQi8Cam5Do_BI2mAMFdwdwRRyh7eLTPiSkLELACxugGXOlKiF18_EiZCvPgEV36K3L1SB1flXIdGw-4cExl7qDwTeWz5OUcXli8meutfD4sHM94QaGvbJpcdQpUCMTdsMb63DpsiaU03Z1IxDmwH4xwlliT91I6MN4sIA64OWw86M/s4080/20230610142828-PXL_20230610_182828616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk4noSZc46jmymNYQi8Cam5Do_BI2mAMFdwdwRRyh7eLTPiSkLELACxugGXOlKiF18_EiZCvPgEV36K3L1SB1flXIdGw-4cExl7qDwTeWz5OUcXli8meutfD4sHM94QaGvbJpcdQpUCMTdsMb63DpsiaU03Z1IxDmwH4xwlliT91I6MN4sIA64OWw86M/s320/20230610142828-PXL_20230610_182828616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Miles of beautiful hiking trails is another reason outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Acadia. During our five days in the park we were able to enjoy a few of the picturesque trails. One of our favorites was the Ocean Path Trail. From Blackwood Campground, it was an easy walk to the trailhead. The trail led us through the spruce-fir forest and alongside huge trees whose roots were wrapped around even larger boulders.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcua9AIwPYmun4jZi0K1fLHrLBg8GLWZIWHettZnoRqoJ6m1E3PJ5g3WtKIs3ZgK_OWRoreab2bnyKBE2GjKKsQ9-eomIdsnrWji6YayOqueEb9Yb3GiwrustrfkI_eO6LatjxZ5W-Jq5E7xGYQnxuk1SUY-QE1Un36e3G8YFn8iNJH5zzFsa2LkWC8o/s3648/20230609113710-20230609113710_IMG_8885.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcua9AIwPYmun4jZi0K1fLHrLBg8GLWZIWHettZnoRqoJ6m1E3PJ5g3WtKIs3ZgK_OWRoreab2bnyKBE2GjKKsQ9-eomIdsnrWji6YayOqueEb9Yb3GiwrustrfkI_eO6LatjxZ5W-Jq5E7xGYQnxuk1SUY-QE1Un36e3G8YFn8iNJH5zzFsa2LkWC8o/s320/20230609113710-20230609113710_IMG_8885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The majority of the trail followed the rocky coastline that treated us to beautiful ocean views.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9farEn8JtcaFYysgrEcU5wE-bmtU14OtIQKke9RwzGGbHNNW4UaexFQJwsfyyRYPDLSC99GDYaaNYUKGhEBMso538khdNpY7E_Nj-j86wMlKTZroGSwHJiz02Aork1Ydv6yPF2dp4wOT2_LoU7-KJpB0LG6iS0yDNiqS-iIoMGGZe1LKAeLVHeSyFOwE/s4080/20230609114458-PXL_20230609_154458958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9farEn8JtcaFYysgrEcU5wE-bmtU14OtIQKke9RwzGGbHNNW4UaexFQJwsfyyRYPDLSC99GDYaaNYUKGhEBMso538khdNpY7E_Nj-j86wMlKTZroGSwHJiz02Aork1Ydv6yPF2dp4wOT2_LoU7-KJpB0LG6iS0yDNiqS-iIoMGGZe1LKAeLVHeSyFOwE/w344-h259/20230609114458-PXL_20230609_154458958.jpg" width="344" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Another fun hike was the Bar Island Land Bridge Trail, but this one involves coordinating your hike with the local tide schedule.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpKzWo61FLUD-_xgsqpBi83ntDmL6ag7b0ZmX29f9AJtg5fysrSBbL0kYRcpZv9V0oimO8WgX2-GxyfMQOVyQF3CB9-o4_BtJYn6S-XapD612cjgN9RM9g4HGxWv-ja47dZwAIufPX6OrdaAu5EfmmuwIwAYjlieb4J7-THalEHPnCHAtM1bDEf7XmAs/s4080/20230610103225-PXL_20230610_143225678.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpKzWo61FLUD-_xgsqpBi83ntDmL6ag7b0ZmX29f9AJtg5fysrSBbL0kYRcpZv9V0oimO8WgX2-GxyfMQOVyQF3CB9-o4_BtJYn6S-XapD612cjgN9RM9g4HGxWv-ja47dZwAIufPX6OrdaAu5EfmmuwIwAYjlieb4J7-THalEHPnCHAtM1bDEf7XmAs/s320/20230610103225-PXL_20230610_143225678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That's because access to the island from the city of Bar Harbor via the sand bar is only possible during the hour and a half before and after low tide ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-fiGuI8_pk57hoBCp9qR2SQVQ7Vwo11B3DohSLt-gImbsICWsWZF3rnTXEE6qhCm2-B5YnV7CUY9yv0raBEXTSyhRNUGUyDRaWKmuaRQpAZRUWDMrSdgmCMBPfR_J02FUPNEiUBFUQ53zK82wHssYJSRNmgWEYN7_MwgejNslu9inENEh-kPXiRb0jc/s3648/20230612122603-20230612122603_IMG_8930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-fiGuI8_pk57hoBCp9qR2SQVQ7Vwo11B3DohSLt-gImbsICWsWZF3rnTXEE6qhCm2-B5YnV7CUY9yv0raBEXTSyhRNUGUyDRaWKmuaRQpAZRUWDMrSdgmCMBPfR_J02FUPNEiUBFUQ53zK82wHssYJSRNmgWEYN7_MwgejNslu9inENEh-kPXiRb0jc/s320/20230612122603-20230612122603_IMG_8930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">when unique sea treasures usually covered by ocean waters wait to be discovered.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lmneXib1XSmc9_E9OaY2lVcw-H-0r6NhL1ezWAbABYcb7PSS3VZ6HF-ZqAjqR-1citieFKv-BXE_BeD0YTsOGRw75A6UCpGMn6IJArZ0xOC-7yS-WDrowVxVPkYc4gxdn6tcCpqiwiQ4S1HfAUtrjwxmZlvSMf8hEAZUaKRHZCCHOgScQtkKcTrhW8s/s3648/20230612122924-20230612122924_IMG_8932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lmneXib1XSmc9_E9OaY2lVcw-H-0r6NhL1ezWAbABYcb7PSS3VZ6HF-ZqAjqR-1citieFKv-BXE_BeD0YTsOGRw75A6UCpGMn6IJArZ0xOC-7yS-WDrowVxVPkYc4gxdn6tcCpqiwiQ4S1HfAUtrjwxmZlvSMf8hEAZUaKRHZCCHOgScQtkKcTrhW8s/s320/20230612122924-20230612122924_IMG_8932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Once on Bar Island, it's nice to enjoy a little solitude while looking across at Bar Harbor which is always buzzing with activity. But best pay attention to the time or else you'll miss your window of opportunity to cross back, and you'll ''enjoy'' eight more hours of solitude as you wait for the next low tide.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBccdhKD3i7Y8OwgVCRvcvqu7a07fu0hCKydGamXXvPXDOKtqrbNb50A6-uNIaCl_GBclesaK9wBOGm3wvF04DFQ2mJYUIxNh3bhT81OSiXcBMWkm-eKLgG8yf-ijAKeibE9oMKvvB12KPfsBfqgqYdy-y405MP84wTAE1B-WfOYVaD6dHBMnbdysoFcI/s4080/20230610104520-PXL_20230610_144520086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBccdhKD3i7Y8OwgVCRvcvqu7a07fu0hCKydGamXXvPXDOKtqrbNb50A6-uNIaCl_GBclesaK9wBOGm3wvF04DFQ2mJYUIxNh3bhT81OSiXcBMWkm-eKLgG8yf-ijAKeibE9oMKvvB12KPfsBfqgqYdy-y405MP84wTAE1B-WfOYVaD6dHBMnbdysoFcI/s320/20230610104520-PXL_20230610_144520086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A trip up Cadillac Mountain, a must-do for all park visitors, is accomplished by either hiking or driving up. This is the most popular activity for visitors who want to see the views from the highest point on the United State's eastern seaboard, therefore, one must make a vehicle reservation to drive up the mountain during the busy summer/fall season. With our lack of advance planning skills, I thought that we would be out of luck, but happily, I was wrong. The very popular sunrise time slots do fill up quickly, but Doug was able to go online and reserve an entrance time to view sunset just the day before. There is a minimal fee ($6) to make the reservation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Xlbj1K9Jx5HI2NL2eShZKaTXv8rIQ7bugMPrAMnPrcFdLVlLBKDszFxJkQgk8hsDtUE9QhpKHKUjN0NYTcOTjHIi-VYYOIcnfNk1P-H3HEhvv5V0PeyJ6kdiFlyZa45z_0Laiz5xplv5ICyVBd0kzm9gF8TOKye92YKK061gwdVX7imUDj0w1of3dY/s4080/20230612194434-PXL_20230612_234319252~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Xlbj1K9Jx5HI2NL2eShZKaTXv8rIQ7bugMPrAMnPrcFdLVlLBKDszFxJkQgk8hsDtUE9QhpKHKUjN0NYTcOTjHIi-VYYOIcnfNk1P-H3HEhvv5V0PeyJ6kdiFlyZa45z_0Laiz5xplv5ICyVBd0kzm9gF8TOKye92YKK061gwdVX7imUDj0w1of3dY/s320/20230612194434-PXL_20230612_234319252~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sunrise or sunset??</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Both are spectacular when viewed from 1527 feet above the sea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2VV4DfIsuB27fBS4WOIz9MtaxMiFRfEK8KKmtNxiCm2SICUY9ORYOSB9e3_nJJ9muSnnb8SdpfRJLg9n4cP9ZMBo6dn8BQX3fsSfFFgPTwooAdc9OtjnBPr_FBFEPAj1mt5a2TGLLpUfhlmxtfPpLo_w7bRtNOC53DtGauZtVCOL6V9n1cEvxtAK/s4080/20230612201755-PXL_20230613_001715312~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2VV4DfIsuB27fBS4WOIz9MtaxMiFRfEK8KKmtNxiCm2SICUY9ORYOSB9e3_nJJ9muSnnb8SdpfRJLg9n4cP9ZMBo6dn8BQX3fsSfFFgPTwooAdc9OtjnBPr_FBFEPAj1mt5a2TGLLpUfhlmxtfPpLo_w7bRtNOC53DtGauZtVCOL6V9n1cEvxtAK/s320/20230612201755-PXL_20230613_001715312~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So you have it ... rocky coastlines, biking, hiking, and sunrises/sunsets. The only thing missing is something to fuel all this activity. Thus, some would argue that the real star of Acadia National Park is ... Lobster!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrK6Ltf7-JyzR6zbdLs35Vam7RoQ27ZQ5lrgE1n4mF49t5nuCoH1AcW7k1crNVjSL1F868s2rv4REYT3ZQAa8EFn4VgsZj24WMnnFv6L6yK2v8GporsDhB-BfPv8sOoGw_PY-4OJjDFWHbODvKvqW-qgJPWwQLVfyw3WFFspijUuoLGSIZm4hVpN5bB0/s3648/20230612165329-20230612165329_IMG_8936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrK6Ltf7-JyzR6zbdLs35Vam7RoQ27ZQ5lrgE1n4mF49t5nuCoH1AcW7k1crNVjSL1F868s2rv4REYT3ZQAa8EFn4VgsZj24WMnnFv6L6yK2v8GporsDhB-BfPv8sOoGw_PY-4OJjDFWHbODvKvqW-qgJPWwQLVfyw3WFFspijUuoLGSIZm4hVpN5bB0/s320/20230612165329-20230612165329_IMG_8936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug tried a few local lobster shacks near the park, and his favorite was The Travelin' Lobster. We came back twice, despite the lines, for him to enjoy a lobster roll and the 1.5 pound lobster dinner. It's probably good for our budget that I'm not a lobster fan. It's nice to be able make something for myself in our van while he feasts of this ''filet mignon'' of the sea.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDl2DXYq-pGH8EXKVqyeFAxwhMjBXp0H6ZSPqhHNmM2hYP2lNmqvb9V0YpCs_qPD1q2IBG2u8FUJW7Yq50PJ062tmTt7MBX3skfIEhJ7NpTb0wBsTtLyJyp4PE-BCDLzGi2BpTXRH-5Ltil-CCTj2hntgYqN5USLXq0KVb5BSZm2H0BQJMuzXXvjOjUk/s3648/20230612173534-20230612173534_IMG_8939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDl2DXYq-pGH8EXKVqyeFAxwhMjBXp0H6ZSPqhHNmM2hYP2lNmqvb9V0YpCs_qPD1q2IBG2u8FUJW7Yq50PJ062tmTt7MBX3skfIEhJ7NpTb0wBsTtLyJyp4PE-BCDLzGi2BpTXRH-5Ltil-CCTj2hntgYqN5USLXq0KVb5BSZm2H0BQJMuzXXvjOjUk/s320/20230612173534-20230612173534_IMG_8939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Like us, you are going to be drawn in by the crushing of the waves against the rocky shoreline at Acadia National Park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Enjoy rustic, forested campgrounds ... just secure the campground reservations at least a day, a week, or a few months ahead of time.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Be the first to greet the sun on Cadillac Mountain ... just make your vehicle reservation ahead of time.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hike some beautiful trails ... just be prepared to share the views with a lot of other hikers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bike the carriage roads ... just be ready for a few rolling hills and some occasional ''off roading''.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Savor the taste of a warm popover with blueberry jam ... once again, just make your reservation at Jordan Pond House Restaurant ahead of time.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Enjoy some delicious Maine lobster ... just be prepared for lines and have that credit card handy.</span></li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYpAJWukyFz1QXkwGqvwWHtdZk_7fSfOXK3kLBwO9AreS50Jy9jXKPfVPYhTsyI9ZjpC7iGJ9_XD5ktUjKdSU0xLaZz3Qmym64XA5w7NU0jA3SZjIB2OEgfU9o-l7AeElcael5h4AqNMUTZASy2TGK4qiJXvdkYSt-qxJ_sahGNeXCQRAhl2v3JE0wEM/s3648/20230611163351-PXL_20230611_203351547%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYpAJWukyFz1QXkwGqvwWHtdZk_7fSfOXK3kLBwO9AreS50Jy9jXKPfVPYhTsyI9ZjpC7iGJ9_XD5ktUjKdSU0xLaZz3Qmym64XA5w7NU0jA3SZjIB2OEgfU9o-l7AeElcael5h4AqNMUTZASy2TGK4qiJXvdkYSt-qxJ_sahGNeXCQRAhl2v3JE0wEM/s320/20230611163351-PXL_20230611_203351547%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Follow the call of the sea ... and enjoy all the beauty that Acadia National Park has to offer!</span></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-72292584449352471722023-06-29T06:36:00.000-05:002023-06-29T06:36:55.711-05:00Springing Up The East Coast<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFvN7dgJWFE22frJzw1v_PDJAU45zSSNg5RpeuavnPyCA-gvE4x1NFcV0mg4_k387A0cNRhvzt1aN30Fz2Y8jivOPdH1NxwQxHTmcVOcOTVHCj5FBv0ZmaKpRP9oiTXul-Ko1hkrmcsn_VmU0aDgHtWiY3LjkYa2S-r99y1jVzqTNUuTJOPgA__E7JJE/s3648/20230610114828-20230610114828_IMG_8901.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFvN7dgJWFE22frJzw1v_PDJAU45zSSNg5RpeuavnPyCA-gvE4x1NFcV0mg4_k387A0cNRhvzt1aN30Fz2Y8jivOPdH1NxwQxHTmcVOcOTVHCj5FBv0ZmaKpRP9oiTXul-Ko1hkrmcsn_VmU0aDgHtWiY3LjkYa2S-r99y1jVzqTNUuTJOPgA__E7JJE/s320/20230610114828-20230610114828_IMG_8901.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Springtime, with its colorful blooms and cooler temps, has always been one of my favorite times of the year. But after staying in Florida a little longer then we had originally planned, I thought that we would just jump right into summer as we started to head north. An appointment in central Pennsylvania to get Baby Beest's batteries ''recharged'' helped set our travel course, but also forced us to travel a bit faster than we normally like to. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGX9RnJtYHZJPCVwCh-aVqtP4hmYtUhZ-mTPm03DD6BlUH1Ev8kobj14e-Aob4sv4gLFlRTivPwmHGrIcmIX4GWRhJZYx4QZY09FtSHW94afD7xy1AT4fssJ1RE_es9lu35SRiii_vif6CfqvJNcaEYO3gVZl7K08-DaSVu3sfRFOtCzJEkInTTH6JlE/s4080/20230605184336-PXL_20230605_224336517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGX9RnJtYHZJPCVwCh-aVqtP4hmYtUhZ-mTPm03DD6BlUH1Ev8kobj14e-Aob4sv4gLFlRTivPwmHGrIcmIX4GWRhJZYx4QZY09FtSHW94afD7xy1AT4fssJ1RE_es9lu35SRiii_vif6CfqvJNcaEYO3gVZl7K08-DaSVu3sfRFOtCzJEkInTTH6JlE/s320/20230605184336-PXL_20230605_224336517.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But I quickly noticed, blooming rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain-laurel, and sea roses lined our travel route up the East Coast.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDmxJElq6vfixFdn4P3QK_aN_SBWvRS14oLI2MzPj_kzeS1Oys3uJYKlFQ8vO3V1QZtLBwrptCtYcN99RZnSpzoevf0cIrBB5JKWBYzOm2S2Lk9nl04hgx-2nfSCqxt3nkAw8jOKwdRtN4Xv0EBqesk558dxgCmBWpcjSPrb7Glp3Ji6kdgNMoDtECE0/s4080/20230529165256-PXL_20230529_205256941.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDmxJElq6vfixFdn4P3QK_aN_SBWvRS14oLI2MzPj_kzeS1Oys3uJYKlFQ8vO3V1QZtLBwrptCtYcN99RZnSpzoevf0cIrBB5JKWBYzOm2S2Lk9nl04hgx-2nfSCqxt3nkAw8jOKwdRtN4Xv0EBqesk558dxgCmBWpcjSPrb7Glp3Ji6kdgNMoDtECE0/s320/20230529165256-PXL_20230529_205256941.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="241" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And visits to national parks, historical sites, busy cities, quiet villages ... and best of all ... time with family and friends made this a quick but memorable three weeks as we enjoyed ...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Springing Up The East Coast.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsgOZFq6WcEgqI6RhiK-PoKkiS-4D2mKhWtrAAOddrT6vZYEuLsLWOS3ym6WsfV6ukzMAKCGQzM34QS2BJIha574LRoMm1TaI7jKTP2KlRvQo5VxzlEkrm91MIRVr1PcSDm9d8A0p2nFp9TiVo4KVwBUOvNtmDtHdGow89fWBuHRpKCvtPLSjvvtb5yY/s3648/20230611154831-20230611154831_IMG_8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsgOZFq6WcEgqI6RhiK-PoKkiS-4D2mKhWtrAAOddrT6vZYEuLsLWOS3ym6WsfV6ukzMAKCGQzM34QS2BJIha574LRoMm1TaI7jKTP2KlRvQo5VxzlEkrm91MIRVr1PcSDm9d8A0p2nFp9TiVo4KVwBUOvNtmDtHdGow89fWBuHRpKCvtPLSjvvtb5yY/s320/20230611154831-20230611154831_IMG_8910.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here are some of our ''<span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b><i>colorful</i></b></span>'' highlights.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HR1ajlxSmCl9hksU1LztQxXhNi7GQkKS7cG62l1z5hbtUYNCe9xl5ZCqPcr1f0f18dDftzfnSg0DMUjwXJg2JZlVTJgGkN4cp2XAwf18LlchAvXyHoNvHeK-RS0gQhHG1W_yrku9uiigPKMzFlN6O7OhU2vH4v0CPhtaenfuyESZaZH6GYrOdK8w/s4080/20230520165233-PXL_20230520_205233142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HR1ajlxSmCl9hksU1LztQxXhNi7GQkKS7cG62l1z5hbtUYNCe9xl5ZCqPcr1f0f18dDftzfnSg0DMUjwXJg2JZlVTJgGkN4cp2XAwf18LlchAvXyHoNvHeK-RS0gQhHG1W_yrku9uiigPKMzFlN6O7OhU2vH4v0CPhtaenfuyESZaZH6GYrOdK8w/s320/20230520165233-PXL_20230520_205233142.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A photo-op in front of the capitol building in Columbia, South Carolina. This is my 48th state capital visit ... only Kentucky and Hawaii elude me.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYyOPSKGSJXPAQAFmppFfsjOiIn7QptuqqQfhqwyP4AGBpqgg4hX_XiHnJ9wcGO-8mYMb9alpmaFjaVt7SCGXAlzTaAfW9mVijPIAxO5RRuhzW95YbDMlgMPT7FHfJq4Dx4MzufAx_4OQP2tjntYwyTWOtGi97DPrsQygyb6fmMDiSGa8cBbLd3xt/s3389/20230520174120-edited_PXL_20230520_214120356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3389" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYyOPSKGSJXPAQAFmppFfsjOiIn7QptuqqQfhqwyP4AGBpqgg4hX_XiHnJ9wcGO-8mYMb9alpmaFjaVt7SCGXAlzTaAfW9mVijPIAxO5RRuhzW95YbDMlgMPT7FHfJq4Dx4MzufAx_4OQP2tjntYwyTWOtGi97DPrsQygyb6fmMDiSGa8cBbLd3xt/s320/20230520174120-edited_PXL_20230520_214120356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The pure joy of children at play. We sure missed the energy, creativity, and laughter of young people when we were hanging out with the ''older crowd'' in Florida.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE1qhWiaz9m9pJmEJLJN-TN8-mJTVlnEZMgP1Yp2GtfA935NMM1nWpaA2WWXQNDKnwXrSsCNi7gxSWZBs5vqfi2DeMAIbFXny0vIJr37otr8bf6MsqzZXU1O0m4AMEROLZ7tUVahohzNdWdqkmKx5OWMLDaQnacdEwAAc2Ey3_q8f9UZv3nbp7zqn/s4032/20230521121518-edited_PXL_20230521_161518653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE1qhWiaz9m9pJmEJLJN-TN8-mJTVlnEZMgP1Yp2GtfA935NMM1nWpaA2WWXQNDKnwXrSsCNi7gxSWZBs5vqfi2DeMAIbFXny0vIJr37otr8bf6MsqzZXU1O0m4AMEROLZ7tUVahohzNdWdqkmKx5OWMLDaQnacdEwAAc2Ey3_q8f9UZv3nbp7zqn/s320/20230521121518-edited_PXL_20230521_161518653.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">A walk among the towering giants at Congaree National Park. This South Carolina park protects the largest area of old growth river swamp hardwood trees that is left in the United States.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipAYdASG6IgPvYe1UaKxyBZvLAGMJFtW7HHJDUM7kUVliEm0NAYBqBErdSmxaJcVRoMhUfSjWyITUrG6k2FRTfEymWtB44HrGCRcW0yCr7qTflM9xP7YJW8LnVn9JKMPEpcSldrXQl2Vgkzj9LO5j4gfnVs75vyaeN79xjzmCCiDhv-_S1ezPKb0K/s2885/20230524211436-PXL_20230523_231224999~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2718" data-original-width="2885" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipAYdASG6IgPvYe1UaKxyBZvLAGMJFtW7HHJDUM7kUVliEm0NAYBqBErdSmxaJcVRoMhUfSjWyITUrG6k2FRTfEymWtB44HrGCRcW0yCr7qTflM9xP7YJW8LnVn9JKMPEpcSldrXQl2Vgkzj9LO5j4gfnVs75vyaeN79xjzmCCiDhv-_S1ezPKb0K/s320/20230524211436-PXL_20230523_231224999~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A birthday visit with family in Richmond, Virginia. Nothing like time with active grand-nieces to make me feel ''young at heart''.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1KBUPAnB-eElM93Kwj5k6V6Ds_TVJT5I2QosxS5_DIj83D5hF9su-UWUiZJllUuwPi0D2p08Zfw1i2bgtLyqBg96eMuXumr34lo81PjgwiUMctb2pmzquR4rIn7eWMNcWle_AA9-0TgBKDpVcrlV3rxODEwcgxAcvS0dfD1r9PRTM0FWDLYmIGLo/s4032/20230524202212-edited_PXL_20230525_002212557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1KBUPAnB-eElM93Kwj5k6V6Ds_TVJT5I2QosxS5_DIj83D5hF9su-UWUiZJllUuwPi0D2p08Zfw1i2bgtLyqBg96eMuXumr34lo81PjgwiUMctb2pmzquR4rIn7eWMNcWle_AA9-0TgBKDpVcrlV3rxODEwcgxAcvS0dfD1r9PRTM0FWDLYmIGLo/s320/20230524202212-edited_PXL_20230525_002212557.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A walk by a covered bridge in central Pennsylvania. While our van was getting a new battery system, we enjoyed all the colorful beauty of this quaint farming community.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UVka_ewWNeHbrXMXT_jp77LYIljaNDVEtRj7w_Ddbn9P1GoiNfRuRTkulQQ1iCOV4otJ7fChX0t8us7o1AltUhL_9vCdzbZUBD42mHHzuJzCizGK4BFaA2PZbmvFtrNV3y07ezaN_sfjnV_-erXjUlJJHdMtMrimvn-vmt-qbyxOjc1j8eYwzgAV/s4032/20230526141801-PXL_20230526_181801411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UVka_ewWNeHbrXMXT_jp77LYIljaNDVEtRj7w_Ddbn9P1GoiNfRuRTkulQQ1iCOV4otJ7fChX0t8us7o1AltUhL_9vCdzbZUBD42mHHzuJzCizGK4BFaA2PZbmvFtrNV3y07ezaN_sfjnV_-erXjUlJJHdMtMrimvn-vmt-qbyxOjc1j8eYwzgAV/s320/20230526141801-PXL_20230526_181801411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A ''sweet'' visit to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Yes, it's one of those silly tourist traps, but anyone who loves Reese's Peanut Butter Cups as much as Doug does, needs to go pay them homage ...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cw0Ss5PzD-0US6z8U43x-CUT1vtXYy2EV_HidH0FAwTsaWRqaMwyG_9dpuAT7Df1TmjZNWiZRhZ0o4gx0bcHFyFZsWAt6CQijIKXM3m_XHGc1xtf6gxtN92wwQn_OZ1YzxeeF6dG18ct8crZjNY-cLGNVfqaDDt_rFFx62-IQ1HP6D8SUgGwHLAY/s4032/20230526151619-PXL_20230526_191619222.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cw0Ss5PzD-0US6z8U43x-CUT1vtXYy2EV_HidH0FAwTsaWRqaMwyG_9dpuAT7Df1TmjZNWiZRhZ0o4gx0bcHFyFZsWAt6CQijIKXM3m_XHGc1xtf6gxtN92wwQn_OZ1YzxeeF6dG18ct8crZjNY-cLGNVfqaDDt_rFFx62-IQ1HP6D8SUgGwHLAY/s320/20230526151619-PXL_20230526_191619222.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">while enjoying a Reese's PB sundae in honor of the 50th anniversary of this chocolate entertainment mecca.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinizQ0nuA6v7n6-jFgKR37TiFmJggvQGnDI5tStfX5zlRAukhisxANUFNzHiMed6yv1BXFrDsLLcnmEiPFlL0Ly_zeiy1F2qt9cbRIUtakaBLKuH86S_v71g9vQY0HRC0HhIpLgbS2Aw6xNFdKvosTtx9cm8LnLmRLBEpIJNTQWFNMGrJG_-9C7ax0/s3773/20230528204449-PXL_20230528_190320551~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="3773" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinizQ0nuA6v7n6-jFgKR37TiFmJggvQGnDI5tStfX5zlRAukhisxANUFNzHiMed6yv1BXFrDsLLcnmEiPFlL0Ly_zeiy1F2qt9cbRIUtakaBLKuH86S_v71g9vQY0HRC0HhIpLgbS2Aw6xNFdKvosTtx9cm8LnLmRLBEpIJNTQWFNMGrJG_-9C7ax0/w477-h210/20230528204449-PXL_20230528_190320551~2.jpg" width="477" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A bike ride though the rolling green fields of Valley Forge. Unfortunately, my phone had some issues while we were there, so I don't have any photos of this place that is considered the turning point in the American Revolution. We'll have to go with a picture of Washington crossing the Delaware River ... I imagine the winter at Valley Forge was just as cold and miserable, and the soldiers were just as brave and determined.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMImWY_NqqPvURB5uGG8g7m6RH-52uYHh481uRty8nGzJCd2HOUssbCCi9GnsMJtAtCemYEaZQZWq1Ank4WDGXAFOdqSenKsIpLd7Ex8AKhqu8ZkiIVRd5t8zyvpJQqub3DbOhVOD2UxAlP1xKXhOoMWXGQ5i7M2RZvxXtsh4dcVxU8r0JsIx5PbMC/s2987/20230528203742-PXL_20230528_151314542.MP~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="2857" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMImWY_NqqPvURB5uGG8g7m6RH-52uYHh481uRty8nGzJCd2HOUssbCCi9GnsMJtAtCemYEaZQZWq1Ank4WDGXAFOdqSenKsIpLd7Ex8AKhqu8ZkiIVRd5t8zyvpJQqub3DbOhVOD2UxAlP1xKXhOoMWXGQ5i7M2RZvxXtsh4dcVxU8r0JsIx5PbMC/s320/20230528203742-PXL_20230528_151314542.MP~2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A visit to Philadelphia for a scene out of the movie ''Rocky'',</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUslQtN1tGqZABQXmcnsHD4s39QOW3WE3KkajTexBj40D0BWQ5NTDXxaiDJ4WseAIqHzQB--X-CR88XVdVQqNu8RYoLo-6-Z-b6B7BDR-HrHoi0XpwCFk7B-32M2343ETiT3ki_9PW-pfdTFPETRkLs48OW1xK3y1tyDlx-0qY7WrjxNix6Z5diVjP/s2880/20230528204621-PXL_20230528_175619347~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUslQtN1tGqZABQXmcnsHD4s39QOW3WE3KkajTexBj40D0BWQ5NTDXxaiDJ4WseAIqHzQB--X-CR88XVdVQqNu8RYoLo-6-Z-b6B7BDR-HrHoi0XpwCFk7B-32M2343ETiT3ki_9PW-pfdTFPETRkLs48OW1xK3y1tyDlx-0qY7WrjxNix6Z5diVjP/s320/20230528204621-PXL_20230528_175619347~2.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and a scene out of history.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is the house where Thomas Jefferson stayed when he wrote the Declaration of Independence during the summer of 1776.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5nyuIpevlUzlzhDGXpPk0WMmtGQ_J69ODFlUxqWJqqSkQdbCFsOCEoRdPStEkUOGdDc6lJsg6orzfsDXAeUIVyk1cOu_pUrGLDAgkxL_AzX9PC8sEnSL5c9oaitlqIqHPy9zn80SvqC5wAF3hiPrWxVnC6H8UKDIdQzwiLMDTzVVoXgl2Rzug_HB/s3832/20230529125541-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230529_165541545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3832" data-original-width="2302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5nyuIpevlUzlzhDGXpPk0WMmtGQ_J69ODFlUxqWJqqSkQdbCFsOCEoRdPStEkUOGdDc6lJsg6orzfsDXAeUIVyk1cOu_pUrGLDAgkxL_AzX9PC8sEnSL5c9oaitlqIqHPy9zn80SvqC5wAF3hiPrWxVnC6H8UKDIdQzwiLMDTzVVoXgl2Rzug_HB/s320/20230529125541-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230529_165541545.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A stop at Gateway National Recreation Area. We enjoyed a bike ride on the trails that led us past an old fort and lighthouse, and we soaked up the quiet before we headed to our next ''home'' on the Jersey Shore overlooking ... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: Kaushan Script; font-size: large;"><b>New York City!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhRvympRtRgesvZEN3kx7cKxMRDNhdMw5crPqq8RF9ex4tPoCU0Fwi45B3HvuGJ9hAwADRlcWXtvpU4CZ4RRPTXuxz7UEvEPYpXjDjkUgaj6yyIFt5UTtzfer8irdBiFryZI46SAD4azkrueZxP2fmHTFV15KGtouunbK48S7u5w0Ou1_COx47B4F/s3648/20230601111107-20230601111107_IMG_8798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhRvympRtRgesvZEN3kx7cKxMRDNhdMw5crPqq8RF9ex4tPoCU0Fwi45B3HvuGJ9hAwADRlcWXtvpU4CZ4RRPTXuxz7UEvEPYpXjDjkUgaj6yyIFt5UTtzfer8irdBiFryZI46SAD4azkrueZxP2fmHTFV15KGtouunbK48S7u5w0Ou1_COx47B4F/s320/20230601111107-20230601111107_IMG_8798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From our campground in Jersey City, we could bike along the coast to catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty or walk to the subway that would take us into the city. Any guesses which dear old ''Friends'' lived in this corner apartment in Greenwich Village?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLvqYLV5xsYIEZsDHxVT_oidY6_QuJCpAWZUfabYu8exfPLINpg14iKMCMfD-Y6us7Q-x0FbraTdLcwkP7CPx9-RzxsfG7BqW2VQ3ITVrxRxNINrwLQl9R9pwkR5LXkzZAeH3hUOV0NxLZe_3-ENJksiMYNJCOJoMm3Kup6ZChXq9A_Arreq1or8u/s3398/20230530211205-PXL_20230530_184610681~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3398" data-original-width="2895" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLvqYLV5xsYIEZsDHxVT_oidY6_QuJCpAWZUfabYu8exfPLINpg14iKMCMfD-Y6us7Q-x0FbraTdLcwkP7CPx9-RzxsfG7BqW2VQ3ITVrxRxNINrwLQl9R9pwkR5LXkzZAeH3hUOV0NxLZe_3-ENJksiMYNJCOJoMm3Kup6ZChXq9A_Arreq1or8u/s320/20230530211205-PXL_20230530_184610681~2.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stately architecture with a ''spring'' floral flare greeted us as we walked around the quiet neighborhoods just outside of the busy Manhattan business center.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0KKpCV82Imr0Hy6ZTx_GwTn87YZGA-mVLVavgQKT26BHg_xu_7MSSzk5PkFvWTz5pn6Sw1-Nq9aJF7Idb6qzlK6QdILxl2jYGHi23EyHEpeJGYkzA1HT0FQmBe1sDwVg14SODB4RXg14kAYeQRnjUbjFQUm2Kyhs6qWiPpAIzrTJp_1EWLN0GDaLzMI/s4032/20230530150018-edited_PXL_20230530_190018208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0KKpCV82Imr0Hy6ZTx_GwTn87YZGA-mVLVavgQKT26BHg_xu_7MSSzk5PkFvWTz5pn6Sw1-Nq9aJF7Idb6qzlK6QdILxl2jYGHi23EyHEpeJGYkzA1HT0FQmBe1sDwVg14SODB4RXg14kAYeQRnjUbjFQUm2Kyhs6qWiPpAIzrTJp_1EWLN0GDaLzMI/s320/20230530150018-edited_PXL_20230530_190018208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This was our second visit to NYC, and this time we didn't spend as much time in the touristy areas. Instead we met up with my niece on the East Side who introduced us to authentic New York style pizza. It was good, and very inexpensive by New York City standards at only $3.75 a slice, but I think that I'm a bigger fan of Chicago-style ... what's your choice?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-i6XhiwvcMQNMpZIpR3SOLE_zOK72O9SC2uKkKcEf3PmAPPC92HzYjitQJlfSbm9_T8nG3SrTAvNnB-TMVlcow_VCaD6HOw8qbpGkaSo14m3Geo82c_tsho3w6xHubLtD8-xOtiswz7rOY7MB8Lu66ycHxKSeLpu9YJSBYnvoNZ2kZD3h3IUg82dlrQ/s4032/20230530181942-PXL_20230530_221942803.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-i6XhiwvcMQNMpZIpR3SOLE_zOK72O9SC2uKkKcEf3PmAPPC92HzYjitQJlfSbm9_T8nG3SrTAvNnB-TMVlcow_VCaD6HOw8qbpGkaSo14m3Geo82c_tsho3w6xHubLtD8-xOtiswz7rOY7MB8Lu66ycHxKSeLpu9YJSBYnvoNZ2kZD3h3IUg82dlrQ/s320/20230530181942-PXL_20230530_221942803.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We also learned that searching out the ''local'' bakeries yield delicious results. We took the subway to Brooklyn to walk around another working class section of the city and just happened to stumble upon this amazing selection of sweets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85xLNaFzphXnJT0vfH_xTnxKTP7NFk6Dzjd9c-x8gDmlbKttnxfP2iD-GzYSMP02ow46p6QC0uVZNP2iZ2sZSWfmMKX5CBBdhccalfCtUhNdLnspp-HqFrB-CqfEaDcWrKV8lee5qszG59Izrh0u784ifASrPM35HUMlU_46-wAEFuWZJ6xt27LBk/s3648/20230601182832-20230601182832_IMG_8812.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85xLNaFzphXnJT0vfH_xTnxKTP7NFk6Dzjd9c-x8gDmlbKttnxfP2iD-GzYSMP02ow46p6QC0uVZNP2iZ2sZSWfmMKX5CBBdhccalfCtUhNdLnspp-HqFrB-CqfEaDcWrKV8lee5qszG59Izrh0u784ifASrPM35HUMlU_46-wAEFuWZJ6xt27LBk/s320/20230601182832-20230601182832_IMG_8812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>How does one decide??</i>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But I had no problem deciding on my favorite beer during our Brooklyn Brewery tour The secret is out ... their barrel aged stout ''Black ops'' is seriously delicious.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbU2V6FVQ69LVWSfvIBbnD35oLZ0zX7dXGdNqr5VQQWTuqa2m10He_Wlhgss3OIbK94uGfnek3F5fKg_5THDXklZTgmzKZkEPOrAgPceZnFY-O4PMIGI0f6cSRk5JUeAETkRUIihSMdw76gQTWpYg6xQ7x-7rrLL-26NwUQDlZB999uNzU5GKK9AJ/s5184/20230601164531-20230601164531_IMG_8807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbU2V6FVQ69LVWSfvIBbnD35oLZ0zX7dXGdNqr5VQQWTuqa2m10He_Wlhgss3OIbK94uGfnek3F5fKg_5THDXklZTgmzKZkEPOrAgPceZnFY-O4PMIGI0f6cSRk5JUeAETkRUIihSMdw76gQTWpYg6xQ7x-7rrLL-26NwUQDlZB999uNzU5GKK9AJ/s320/20230601164531-20230601164531_IMG_8807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After two days of more mellow ''neighborhood'' strolls, we spent our third day doing the ultimate tourist activity ... it's showtime! There were big smiles for ''Hamilton''!</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kx8GNT_RHulvBWKgWD9M6OvjL0w2s3tfCM_yX84JeP-Vr7IGsarZO5GLDY49EgTg_FchrxqDaTgWI2IOpayVFKDyueNvL0-luD4yOCTcZl-ULIuChklP0a9L6u8-_DepoZVgCPSP1I1zlmL6JNn1TWD4t19sW_SrEsgv78IvTJqbqRFVHIlCpbuz/s4080/20230531132853-PXL_20230531_172853317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kx8GNT_RHulvBWKgWD9M6OvjL0w2s3tfCM_yX84JeP-Vr7IGsarZO5GLDY49EgTg_FchrxqDaTgWI2IOpayVFKDyueNvL0-luD4yOCTcZl-ULIuChklP0a9L6u8-_DepoZVgCPSP1I1zlmL6JNn1TWD4t19sW_SrEsgv78IvTJqbqRFVHIlCpbuz/s320/20230531132853-PXL_20230531_172853317.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After three days in NYC, it was time to move out of the high-rent district. We drove north to Poughkeepsie, New York where Doug met up with a friend from his college days. Even though they hadn't seen each other in many years, Levi and his wife made us feel right at home. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gVTql1TJeF1MFyWNUCfGizf6DdaZSPfIepNVSxCauRVN1ybo0JzURlhs1sI5REAuZZ89g3Pme4RtgBF7ktXXIDm8hpU8mviwMhvio6K8ITFCm1QyKlEfU_j1Pt1BfaBPvTsXm1GHFOsLRDwRlfLCtvAdfPProRP4gR8nbHT8fq9eMsFY_MQ8tkR74u8/s4080/20230602162840-PXL_20230602_202840722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gVTql1TJeF1MFyWNUCfGizf6DdaZSPfIepNVSxCauRVN1ybo0JzURlhs1sI5REAuZZ89g3Pme4RtgBF7ktXXIDm8hpU8mviwMhvio6K8ITFCm1QyKlEfU_j1Pt1BfaBPvTsXm1GHFOsLRDwRlfLCtvAdfPProRP4gR8nbHT8fq9eMsFY_MQ8tkR74u8/s320/20230602162840-PXL_20230602_202840722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was a fun surprise to find out that their house is near Hyde Park, which is where Franklin D. Roosevelt was born and raised, and where he and Eleanor raised their family. The National Park Service now manages and gives tours of the house as well as his presidential library and Eleanor Roosevelt's Stone Cottage which is nearby. And since I just turned that ''magical'' age, I received my National Park Senior Pass and got us all in on the tour of the FDR home for ''free''.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1aMtIwk9G4RemZDc4IFW3RqpaU-M8qU2INUNQvt_uv9HviZbuhM0p8SBTUhg6ncHQeYblYqJCrnQOYtgaNDn4WRKVP0KqA0uRd0tB_86vo5vil_Xz4TF3NQTxcy-TEfBqB_WnJbwnS6IPdUry1OdJmxbmkrp3Hk10Wndnc3_QiGyylsfBv6WXwz-bBU/s3648/20230602154500-20230602154500_IMG_8818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1aMtIwk9G4RemZDc4IFW3RqpaU-M8qU2INUNQvt_uv9HviZbuhM0p8SBTUhg6ncHQeYblYqJCrnQOYtgaNDn4WRKVP0KqA0uRd0tB_86vo5vil_Xz4TF3NQTxcy-TEfBqB_WnJbwnS6IPdUry1OdJmxbmkrp3Hk10Wndnc3_QiGyylsfBv6WXwz-bBU/s320/20230602154500-20230602154500_IMG_8818.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because he gifted the house and grounds to the Park Service upon his death in 1945, much of FDR's personal belongings are still there including his personal wheelchair. He designed it using a normal chair as the base in order to downplay the after effects of polio. With all the amazing things that he accomplished for our country, it's crazy to think that he could not stand on his own.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl48s-uTp6sdjzCH96GU_7ZtTdydknPIUbOwd20_aez92QtdGQ44SFWIwHesmSIARvqBZd12z2qc75CRVntlW0MpaM8B9_yLrB9moIk2x3z5boiRHxS4KCE_n6DrdvkhytrEIBCRDYVHsnvSEoCvMFFK5K_FjVQ2cucLmijdXUtZeGo76Wb21XPoX/s4080/20230603155524-PXL_20230603_195524545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl48s-uTp6sdjzCH96GU_7ZtTdydknPIUbOwd20_aez92QtdGQ44SFWIwHesmSIARvqBZd12z2qc75CRVntlW0MpaM8B9_yLrB9moIk2x3z5boiRHxS4KCE_n6DrdvkhytrEIBCRDYVHsnvSEoCvMFFK5K_FjVQ2cucLmijdXUtZeGo76Wb21XPoX/w285-h215/20230603155524-PXL_20230603_195524545.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There wasn't enough time to take in all of the history in that area, but I'm sure that FDR, Eleanor, and our friends Levi and Cheryl will welcome us back in the future.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhDkWFGO5RH6mSGrSFguWhOS_Rs4yAdD38n7hiMiVe1_v-ASpuRMewJr1I3J368eA1zKGiheIAChEzPpXg4vTTLt8jgKDRmOr8EK3qcY48IAE2vyW2FR2pEVaErSaokPUf5V4krkc2HnujjNsXmJXIcyQe-rMfF167_KlR2zg2LRhVzKjmMYWqX4B0jc/s3648/20230602200709-PXL_20230603_000709120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhDkWFGO5RH6mSGrSFguWhOS_Rs4yAdD38n7hiMiVe1_v-ASpuRMewJr1I3J368eA1zKGiheIAChEzPpXg4vTTLt8jgKDRmOr8EK3qcY48IAE2vyW2FR2pEVaErSaokPUf5V4krkc2HnujjNsXmJXIcyQe-rMfF167_KlR2zg2LRhVzKjmMYWqX4B0jc/w240-h180/20230602200709-PXL_20230603_000709120.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During the following days, we finally were able to (sort of) solidify our summer travel plans and decided to head to eastern Canada. We were enamored with Newfoundland when we visited two years ago and want to spend more time there, so we decided to head there before returning to Minnesota in late summer. A few travel bucket list items of Doug's determined our route through New England.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy2JLYxRcBHXwV8qphfcBJMBcLfAPCxAkgxGTg-3o-m5HNx9wlsxIBO0s98vyEsQliTR7Jw1KSTRml0ss-akrTXXxIMc6m9oW5nUFeTMSKl_EN2OAxndtEkr3X3ZpetfgZgAGrSlvRNdlQ-eSruF2dX3rEI2ndHBaoG4BRmo4NjNRdS0ckYMPBjYH/s4080/20230604122442-PXL_20230604_162442358.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy2JLYxRcBHXwV8qphfcBJMBcLfAPCxAkgxGTg-3o-m5HNx9wlsxIBO0s98vyEsQliTR7Jw1KSTRml0ss-akrTXXxIMc6m9oW5nUFeTMSKl_EN2OAxndtEkr3X3ZpetfgZgAGrSlvRNdlQ-eSruF2dX3rEI2ndHBaoG4BRmo4NjNRdS0ckYMPBjYH/s320/20230604122442-PXL_20230604_162442358.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One is his love of lobster, which kept us close to the coast in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpoWdmXgrcZOgd9L-ON6EA-bYA_aRULoNKi64E7qwRGb_tuPx7Z9kKH3Xe0eWPmYWObMOtZDB_01fVewY4d8VImddeC9chk6gyIf2JXsYPEUXnoypyx-4SK1BnPCwJ5J8akJW8bDGkER0Gzb5rZ5hFgSqUW8H8Zcg-qk_6KsBWUbpSp5S1SVYZWn/s3648/20230606150705-PXL_20230606_190705221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpoWdmXgrcZOgd9L-ON6EA-bYA_aRULoNKi64E7qwRGb_tuPx7Z9kKH3Xe0eWPmYWObMOtZDB_01fVewY4d8VImddeC9chk6gyIf2JXsYPEUXnoypyx-4SK1BnPCwJ5J8akJW8bDGkER0Gzb5rZ5hFgSqUW8H8Zcg-qk_6KsBWUbpSp5S1SVYZWn/s320/20230606150705-PXL_20230606_190705221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And he found some good ones! The coastal town of Wiscasset, Maine is famous for its roadside lobster stand called Red's Eats. Called the ''World's Best Lobster Shack'', it has been featured in numerous written publications and TV shows. Because of its popularity, there is always a long line. Not wanting to wait in line for an hour and a half like we did two years ago when we last passed through, we decided to try the ''rival'' shack across the road called Sprague's Lobster.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIKCKIY-9FwtdJz3NlB7vkaO8WpHRvkjUxAbt-WXYx51u1hA9bRWmhKV40UIvduufn7bmiCpPxrV-89DuIgZyLMp7LxrJ1o1svmCFK-Qhuu2m0CJLFVLWa_0yYqvrpPtXytxJmhZ_GcVPwK9bsiGqpUnulqCEtZHW4lv6QtDwBpNoH5l-8vOj-qYp77A/s3648/20230608131730-20230608131730_IMG_8876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIKCKIY-9FwtdJz3NlB7vkaO8WpHRvkjUxAbt-WXYx51u1hA9bRWmhKV40UIvduufn7bmiCpPxrV-89DuIgZyLMp7LxrJ1o1svmCFK-Qhuu2m0CJLFVLWa_0yYqvrpPtXytxJmhZ_GcVPwK9bsiGqpUnulqCEtZHW4lv6QtDwBpNoH5l-8vOj-qYp77A/s320/20230608131730-20230608131730_IMG_8876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Same price, no wait, and according to Doug, the lobster roll as good or better than the competition across the street. Should we let the hungry people standing in line across the street in on our secret?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S44470iG2BrNM1x6qqGNKqsa76rD9pHw5Yy9WUJyK6iXw6mkuBzy5Gs8whs2sESdZjpFJDOyNaE8NVjUcgP7WYfPK_M3w4GzryhcMedWTaaK5WyZdH9vIpBiSJQLqK4T9Jks58o1TRyj7lDKZYheSFsvID7ddoO0q2v0az5TrJQL7CZm4nQrToawWpI/s3648/20230608133814-20230608133814_IMG_8878%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S44470iG2BrNM1x6qqGNKqsa76rD9pHw5Yy9WUJyK6iXw6mkuBzy5Gs8whs2sESdZjpFJDOyNaE8NVjUcgP7WYfPK_M3w4GzryhcMedWTaaK5WyZdH9vIpBiSJQLqK4T9Jks58o1TRyj7lDKZYheSFsvID7ddoO0q2v0az5TrJQL7CZm4nQrToawWpI/w183-h244/20230608133814-20230608133814_IMG_8878%20(1).JPG" width="183" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The other activity that determined our route was Doug's goal of visiting a craft brewery in every state.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb21IBTU_mCddD2dy7w5AsFjwaLTLRa5clhkwxyxPs3lkL0hVSLPF9xuZsS1307mIVNbyufw4h9OtoPYJPUsFVnfm1wmdo8LMrdcLHE8_welfXnk-vWf7b1jsMzsctADaUuow1fjfWhK9rYSALKDuJx7OoLRN0rEX3GdmfnkpbTeJn-t8MTRo9pAmgNQ/s4080/20230606084046-PXL_20230606_124046545%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb21IBTU_mCddD2dy7w5AsFjwaLTLRa5clhkwxyxPs3lkL0hVSLPF9xuZsS1307mIVNbyufw4h9OtoPYJPUsFVnfm1wmdo8LMrdcLHE8_welfXnk-vWf7b1jsMzsctADaUuow1fjfWhK9rYSALKDuJx7OoLRN0rEX3GdmfnkpbTeJn-t8MTRo9pAmgNQ/s320/20230606084046-PXL_20230606_124046545%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Northwoods Brewing, a Harvest Host location in New Hampshire, served up good fish & chips in addition to their excellent home brews. As a bonus ... the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked crullers drew us back in for a breakfast treat the next morning.</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrEmNCXwp_zvoVvp1fUUt6VBeAvhC2gOyMgoQtNaTSFIL3PaRCE0vsTH7FPIzrZHVzajBNEnecZXzXSWCHZV8iy85mEdUoPKMfw4LkSdbf4cNVJmt3tDt3VrQFLCMzMoSJ0mjTC7XmBsSlwmYdOgqqHVgoItm3SffQg2APIsRR-5p_FuEOfkgY8l4/s3648/20230606155314-PXL_20230606_195314804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrEmNCXwp_zvoVvp1fUUt6VBeAvhC2gOyMgoQtNaTSFIL3PaRCE0vsTH7FPIzrZHVzajBNEnecZXzXSWCHZV8iy85mEdUoPKMfw4LkSdbf4cNVJmt3tDt3VrQFLCMzMoSJ0mjTC7XmBsSlwmYdOgqqHVgoItm3SffQg2APIsRR-5p_FuEOfkgY8l4/s320/20230606155314-PXL_20230606_195314804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A visit to Portland, Maine with its many craft breweries made it easy for Doug to capture his 49th state. It also was a lovely place to enjoy beautiful seaside scenery after another delicious seafood lunch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ERz7te61feLJfjz8ZfC4bEiCZZbPGOJHpbCCaBIqtLdVIvjWA9xMN9HK_ufCQInj_C23Zo-LvP318qTnp8TgIYGcMZgxEHv07aXoKGbapjJ4R5Gp4IzsYJ8HcK_0foCRkOQIQgi-JadwdqX5q9NK_WLePvkD-B6WcVK4MlHi3_DStS_7UAkHOXeZ5eo/s3648/20230606191711-20230606191711_IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ERz7te61feLJfjz8ZfC4bEiCZZbPGOJHpbCCaBIqtLdVIvjWA9xMN9HK_ufCQInj_C23Zo-LvP318qTnp8TgIYGcMZgxEHv07aXoKGbapjJ4R5Gp4IzsYJ8HcK_0foCRkOQIQgi-JadwdqX5q9NK_WLePvkD-B6WcVK4MlHi3_DStS_7UAkHOXeZ5eo/s320/20230606191711-20230606191711_IMG_8858.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stopping at a state park just north of Portland, we got our first glimpse of some of the coastal beauty that awaited us at our next extended stop at Acadia National Park. But that iconic park deserves a blog entry all its own!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUokYW-kCqL_O-YMuckx0HZjsn5T4WjJH6n88mGgIxYmxBN3R53d7I5fQhO_fNjBs7LJdbEnIcuSAYjfFvicophCPKz3QffArqLxAclbbxr9s3k7D3yc1V8jrMJBcBTmgL1PfMPQ-zoNPGsqVC_OoinsYyEFCz4-PE8r_s9TEL2JZLK2ReuAa_sBo5s/s4080/20230607112413-PXL_20230607_152413347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUokYW-kCqL_O-YMuckx0HZjsn5T4WjJH6n88mGgIxYmxBN3R53d7I5fQhO_fNjBs7LJdbEnIcuSAYjfFvicophCPKz3QffArqLxAclbbxr9s3k7D3yc1V8jrMJBcBTmgL1PfMPQ-zoNPGsqVC_OoinsYyEFCz4-PE8r_s9TEL2JZLK2ReuAa_sBo5s/s320/20230607112413-PXL_20230607_152413347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We were ready to enjoy a few days immersed in coastal beauty, ever grateful to be able to enjoy so many colorful moments while <span style="color: #ff00fe;"><i><b>Springing</b></i></span> up the East Coast.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfimtijgXmDunTZvoGZzJBBDXYoWuuChE7LUtvKDd8QldfFhPBOay-rfCWGgtcZuFcR_HJp3sNg1UP3r8u51tMX9QhmGyVNM2t-Df6p1wxOxB8aIhwP5j5ljs6SaVojJj33AcabasjeaTWKVTmtlkEbA_O-pIqhm58GEkmLl5iXmbYS6OsVDUQ7aajDs/s3648/20230605100511-20230605100511_IMG_8850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfimtijgXmDunTZvoGZzJBBDXYoWuuChE7LUtvKDd8QldfFhPBOay-rfCWGgtcZuFcR_HJp3sNg1UP3r8u51tMX9QhmGyVNM2t-Df6p1wxOxB8aIhwP5j5ljs6SaVojJj33AcabasjeaTWKVTmtlkEbA_O-pIqhm58GEkmLl5iXmbYS6OsVDUQ7aajDs/s320/20230605100511-20230605100511_IMG_8850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-26443662500835049082023-06-10T20:17:00.000-05:002023-06-10T20:17:20.868-05:00Finding Peace With Changing Plans<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAW8xOSTm11rGiBXfm9JewN6u73gPIrvMbR2ZT5hmYtbwPR1vfaWS1s-9uqd3LDiQkYC0nhpVfx04KE9HYN2LxAhAfnaAyrGCMxBnjUD7B733sTZHfgoUPTLJvzIoW3mhMB7PR2KPM2NoIJ06Bz3Q1KSQ6VUjj-jK6oxjCKeA1OXlnkqf6W2YpPJz/s4032/20230413183613-edited_PXL_20230413_233613699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAW8xOSTm11rGiBXfm9JewN6u73gPIrvMbR2ZT5hmYtbwPR1vfaWS1s-9uqd3LDiQkYC0nhpVfx04KE9HYN2LxAhAfnaAyrGCMxBnjUD7B733sTZHfgoUPTLJvzIoW3mhMB7PR2KPM2NoIJ06Bz3Q1KSQ6VUjj-jK6oxjCKeA1OXlnkqf6W2YpPJz/s320/20230413183613-edited_PXL_20230413_233613699.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A beautiful sunset greeted us as we landed in Orlando in mid April. We had just enjoyed three months in Medellín, Colombia and were discussing our spring travel plans. First off was a short visit with Doug's parents in Florida while we took care of a van repair. But when our ''short visit'' got extended we realized that ...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><b>If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans for today!</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I have always looked forward to visits with my mother-in-law. Anytime I walked through the door, she joyfully handed over her kitchen to me and allowed me to cook to my heart's content. She appreciated having the ''nurse'' in me organize her medications. And best of all ... ''getting things done'' was never a priority for her. She loved just sitting on the porch and hearing about our travels. She read all my blog posts and would quiz me for ''the rest of the story.''</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbI4xnuhvR0Xu2QdvYAVyzAziQ0psB0d-eF9T4yRaj6bTXudTVelJpFP0JPi18g3MPfMbdzOmP6FXwl2s7V5Y4xNGFeUJ8UnHpL-RgPVNLdgLj9NjNpRlOxB_WTieB2RGKAoBCqdktcOZN3ByXVjrVRHLk_ReK0oak1J4fbdQdpW_MrH8epOM_be9/s1718/20210508144345-20210508144345_IMG_2920%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1718" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbI4xnuhvR0Xu2QdvYAVyzAziQ0psB0d-eF9T4yRaj6bTXudTVelJpFP0JPi18g3MPfMbdzOmP6FXwl2s7V5Y4xNGFeUJ8UnHpL-RgPVNLdgLj9NjNpRlOxB_WTieB2RGKAoBCqdktcOZN3ByXVjrVRHLk_ReK0oak1J4fbdQdpW_MrH8epOM_be9/s320/20210508144345-20210508144345_IMG_2920%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One time she commented about the fact that my travel blogs always seem so positive ... what would I write about if our travels became a little ''challenging''? I thought about it and answered that I hoped that I could write about both the positive and negative aspects, since life is full of good times as well as bad.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypmOrVVb7Qab0TBOqj9zdR1ZKFvOfsLgCi6f880-RZBUn3NMEK3fGF0lIlqCI5TUKl3W94vT8s1VQnGFjdmiHYJdWISzCfwIu6YVQoQ9orEJyGDwgQuda4nyHMMoKOq-u84LgUn3cy_R6_3zyBJhBtdF5vUleI7f9iM2oTjjYJFf8ZCLBwre6dvqj/s4032/20230525154424-PXL_20230525_194424719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypmOrVVb7Qab0TBOqj9zdR1ZKFvOfsLgCi6f880-RZBUn3NMEK3fGF0lIlqCI5TUKl3W94vT8s1VQnGFjdmiHYJdWISzCfwIu6YVQoQ9orEJyGDwgQuda4nyHMMoKOq-u84LgUn3cy_R6_3zyBJhBtdF5vUleI7f9iM2oTjjYJFf8ZCLBwre6dvqj/s320/20230525154424-PXL_20230525_194424719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Like when our ''home'' </i><i>is in need of repairs ...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>in this case, a pricey new battery system.</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When we arrived at their condo this spring, I immediately knew that despite her perpetual ''I'm fine'' response, her health had taken a turn for the worst. We were about to be faced with one of those challenging times, and RVentures were put on hold as we cared for Doug's mom during her final weeks here on earth. It was hard to see the positives during such a stressful time, which is why my social media posts were ''missing in action'' for a while.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBngQn99mqrIzkWna_3kS9dwLxZnsw-ZFIn1QoeQ5bB2BksvpOZQdqPKSACmHYgbMHnWKK7OK89xOf67tgOOBAYlcTw9J0XDagWyQF30YdxsB4Wj3jvuewoD1D3X-srTWD9xWZ9wuK75iPpT1aQuD-Hsh1csCpJBUgYVMOa9tkcNPPwmmUz3-1xkWY/s4032/20230411164220-edited_PXL_20230411_214220280.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBngQn99mqrIzkWna_3kS9dwLxZnsw-ZFIn1QoeQ5bB2BksvpOZQdqPKSACmHYgbMHnWKK7OK89xOf67tgOOBAYlcTw9J0XDagWyQF30YdxsB4Wj3jvuewoD1D3X-srTWD9xWZ9wuK75iPpT1aQuD-Hsh1csCpJBUgYVMOa9tkcNPPwmmUz3-1xkWY/w192-h256/20230411164220-edited_PXL_20230411_214220280.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #df0dd1; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Jesus said to his disciples: ''Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ... Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.''</i></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">John 14:27</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I read this bible verse as I sat with Mom in the days before her passing. These comforting words made me think ... the past few weeks had been anything but peaceful. But what a gift to be able to come together to help family during this difficult time. Each of Doug's siblings came with their unique talents, and together as a team, we were able to give Mom and Dad exactly what they needed.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCLYmRaGzkYsEOBdEU2YkalFvij9vEYb2UigQG77TmYGCspxKSLpBl6iDlOf9iN6FuAGue3N6tlD4ruwKgbFtgGgbNvniaPpmsncygAUrKk1VFRjaNv7QPZpVP7xuFxMsNJBZVkhIbVahqoQE43t05JaKrB6A4QzkB5PlSkeT1mBp8nq6qDuhyDxM/s3648/20230606135634-20230606135634_IMG_8854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCLYmRaGzkYsEOBdEU2YkalFvij9vEYb2UigQG77TmYGCspxKSLpBl6iDlOf9iN6FuAGue3N6tlD4ruwKgbFtgGgbNvniaPpmsncygAUrKk1VFRjaNv7QPZpVP7xuFxMsNJBZVkhIbVahqoQE43t05JaKrB6A4QzkB5PlSkeT1mBp8nq6qDuhyDxM/s320/20230606135634-20230606135634_IMG_8854.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The peace of Christ didn't bring us the promise of smooth sailing. We weren't able to fix everything, but we were all able to do our part. Doug was able to get their finances in order. I was able to help set up hospice care. Doug's sister and brother were able to assist, comfort and guide their Dad through his grieving process.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8voK_bfU6V4QZKHo_iao9WAoUcnVjujf9tR8CmkF5Im11dlRKjzYqpXoI5JwKJHy3b955Mn_swXaSCFKgHMWI5e72yEwP2SLf5PwBO7YPxiOqIx-CsmFrSKruyT3DFTnVQXxIGEKXrr-D3ObSjvv_AnwDbV3y4vC-1OAX7FVvyOIEiMsq8nooPzNe/s3648/20230513190006-PXL_20230513_230006908%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8voK_bfU6V4QZKHo_iao9WAoUcnVjujf9tR8CmkF5Im11dlRKjzYqpXoI5JwKJHy3b955Mn_swXaSCFKgHMWI5e72yEwP2SLf5PwBO7YPxiOqIx-CsmFrSKruyT3DFTnVQXxIGEKXrr-D3ObSjvv_AnwDbV3y4vC-1OAX7FVvyOIEiMsq8nooPzNe/s320/20230513190006-PXL_20230513_230006908%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To use a metaphor in honor of our favorite Mexican restaurant ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>We all may be some crazy avocados,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>but we blend together to make a great guacamole.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We trusted and continue to trust that God can use our many individual talents to calm the troubled hearts ... just as we helped calm Mom and gave her a sense of peace as she entered into Eternal Life.</span></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYhFQbcRZSY1GwvfMhK4i9Zzw0D0mioLuWNUMAS3SLrd2v4lqY-EL87QWiXsVd3EcrYz5UUgWQD687HZzoGj_5qV4IQ85bPvn4JT_jADjtmyzsLwhOF59nTQecRDvCa94Pr1wx4oqURQNct11yUQa_nctB6gKHHA8x0R56zh9T8C4Z0popFKP9QKp/s4032/20230419130818-edited_PXL_20230419_170818294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYhFQbcRZSY1GwvfMhK4i9Zzw0D0mioLuWNUMAS3SLrd2v4lqY-EL87QWiXsVd3EcrYz5UUgWQD687HZzoGj_5qV4IQ85bPvn4JT_jADjtmyzsLwhOF59nTQecRDvCa94Pr1wx4oqURQNct11yUQa_nctB6gKHHA8x0R56zh9T8C4Z0popFKP9QKp/s320/20230419130818-edited_PXL_20230419_170818294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>And Penny's calming presence was a gift to us all! </i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When God gave me Doug as a husband, I got a bonus gift ... my mother-in-law. Vacations spent in Michigan and later in Florida centered around family and included hours of lively conversations on the porch. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed keeping up with them through their Facebook posts. She loved reading about RVentures when we started to travel ... even if she suspected that I sugar-coated the challenging aspects of full-time travel just a little. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ85QkeNKKSkcWTcdqUaT9TnFdSkaHwBs6J4pc-BcPdWom3aoYukRLfqrbDLu0wrTrXre0TXK-v-OJn3l9sMm030XVbrdTSSIM1RHqe3TZ7qpVaDEmzg7WSPY3jcLMnQEnZg5qWv9HuDMDMWkCpgPXdA4YXccQ_DUf7tPnVindQ1LWJuBR8wnNJE1h/s4032/20230525140928-edited_PXL_20230525_180928636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2732" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ85QkeNKKSkcWTcdqUaT9TnFdSkaHwBs6J4pc-BcPdWom3aoYukRLfqrbDLu0wrTrXre0TXK-v-OJn3l9sMm030XVbrdTSSIM1RHqe3TZ7qpVaDEmzg7WSPY3jcLMnQEnZg5qWv9HuDMDMWkCpgPXdA4YXccQ_DUf7tPnVindQ1LWJuBR8wnNJE1h/s320/20230525140928-edited_PXL_20230525_180928636.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Life isn't always a</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>beautiful garden in full bloom.</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There's no sugar-coating the fact that it's been a tough couple of months for us. But what a gift to have the flexibility to be there when our family needed us.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfVjKUEmyV_qtGWmB4XO4JDjLw_Y9bKsc8HLxb5YYKL9HiFi0XDUHAw5Q2pu0qX6Iqd2FhrqWr4SwBWIXLYuLjgVOxmIzsjHVtiTxQ-3gEhcAy_2ERVUWbYjg-XTuHKTpbWifOTXsKkJSNFR5YPmT7Z7j8LIqniTFAT7bmgImAoIdc3FL1O1QiFsZ/s4032/20230520200801-edited_PXL_20230521_000801444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfVjKUEmyV_qtGWmB4XO4JDjLw_Y9bKsc8HLxb5YYKL9HiFi0XDUHAw5Q2pu0qX6Iqd2FhrqWr4SwBWIXLYuLjgVOxmIzsjHVtiTxQ-3gEhcAy_2ERVUWbYjg-XTuHKTpbWifOTXsKkJSNFR5YPmT7Z7j8LIqniTFAT7bmgImAoIdc3FL1O1QiFsZ/s320/20230520200801-edited_PXL_20230521_000801444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That is why my lasting memory of my mother-in-law is that she taught us, by example, that we will find peace when we are open to following the path that leads to God's perfect plan.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotIDK3aJ1Y4cdqjvkHi0HmWEv0MUcB-wtHF5PjpAqijXvpYef9SPpCIyeqaInxz2sT33fUtI3s5WfXFMBIs7Gx-mv3oUyfCSN6SacbNvEYbvU048f9CcctmH8Tn6CnpI2pTrE7gIl3DbWekSJStLCtn8K5a2cv0ezq8ASZk7sI2esSkmLQScSZOdm/s4080/20230529181752-PXL_20230529_221752193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotIDK3aJ1Y4cdqjvkHi0HmWEv0MUcB-wtHF5PjpAqijXvpYef9SPpCIyeqaInxz2sT33fUtI3s5WfXFMBIs7Gx-mv3oUyfCSN6SacbNvEYbvU048f9CcctmH8Tn6CnpI2pTrE7gIl3DbWekSJStLCtn8K5a2cv0ezq8ASZk7sI2esSkmLQScSZOdm/s320/20230529181752-PXL_20230529_221752193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we start to travel again, we will continue to work on finding this peace despite changing (and sometimes challenging) weather, locations, and travel plans.</span></div><p></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-71746206397864877752023-04-12T23:59:00.000-05:002023-04-12T23:59:37.724-05:00A Visit to the Country Without Leaving the City<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZy14HFL2AWBinlrZzBRDpPQf3dfX9dH4eUCjPVvZy0kkrYKuPm8zDuiHXPaT1NckZ00z7aw7shEBkfq11gnlXUCUatfAR4teM-xdEuJA537f0XNJp_L4fSBieh0FU_b8zVPLTV1k2NDEKvuglx14R4LVU1DW0pGftH-zBVtBlFMPspchIlZGrixY/s4032/20230331082046-PXL_20230331_132046937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZy14HFL2AWBinlrZzBRDpPQf3dfX9dH4eUCjPVvZy0kkrYKuPm8zDuiHXPaT1NckZ00z7aw7shEBkfq11gnlXUCUatfAR4teM-xdEuJA537f0XNJp_L4fSBieh0FU_b8zVPLTV1k2NDEKvuglx14R4LVU1DW0pGftH-zBVtBlFMPspchIlZGrixY/w353-h265/20230331082046-PXL_20230331_132046937.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lobster; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>'</i>'Nature is not a place to visit. </span><span style="color: #38761d;">It is home.''</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gary Snyder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Last week our new friends from a local English/Spanish club invited us to their home for a visit. Located twenty minutes from our apartment, I was excited to visit another barrio of Medellín, but I did not imagine the amazing experience that awaited us. Beatrice and Eduardo's home is surrounded by a garden of nature's abundance that Colombia is famous for. Trees producing avocados, mandarines, and limes. Herb gardens full of basil, parsley, and oregano (along with many more herbs that I would love to learn to cook with). Garden plots bursting forth with onions, celery, and carrots just waiting to become a part of a fresh soup ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCGH4Bwnq7d_P4452LR--UWWRPweOknc0z4K5H8wUVLnSlbPcRV_6ScCnSDsLLch4od2i9jjnysjeIsFyxc43-cbFadYR50BiJlb6Okjma3-6ZaF5p8D8LyP9BGHanp416P46mlrDb6Bys2qY8vwxAT3nuKUuT61VyclNu7BkaroBQA5ROTXDrewU/s4032/20230331083030-PXL_20230331_133030749.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCGH4Bwnq7d_P4452LR--UWWRPweOknc0z4K5H8wUVLnSlbPcRV_6ScCnSDsLLch4od2i9jjnysjeIsFyxc43-cbFadYR50BiJlb6Okjma3-6ZaF5p8D8LyP9BGHanp416P46mlrDb6Bys2qY8vwxAT3nuKUuT61VyclNu7BkaroBQA5ROTXDrewU/s320/20230331083030-PXL_20230331_133030749.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or in our case, a delicious breakfast omelet!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We were pleasantly surprised to take a visit to the country without leaving the city!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_mmpgiD769JD3uFffuXsK0PXxkvzTQmyc7S8hdO2HyA_Bw0z9I-jUTNp6BZp-5bcQHMyI0BNR9l6DOEYcBloIdUIJ87YXpyFsZjZUMC7iaZU8PRzysalsT-GDHnY3JmUy8tpTM0NhC_-MWlsrxn5yZFG1gQ7I5iQOyRnVqekcUJoePAsbg-D3Cvn/s4032/20230331110138-PXL_20230331_160138419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_mmpgiD769JD3uFffuXsK0PXxkvzTQmyc7S8hdO2HyA_Bw0z9I-jUTNp6BZp-5bcQHMyI0BNR9l6DOEYcBloIdUIJ87YXpyFsZjZUMC7iaZU8PRzysalsT-GDHnY3JmUy8tpTM0NhC_-MWlsrxn5yZFG1gQ7I5iQOyRnVqekcUJoePAsbg-D3Cvn/s320/20230331110138-PXL_20230331_160138419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's personal visits like this that you won't find on tourist websites. Visits like this are the result of friendships that form when we get out of our comfort zone. Learning a new language and living for an extended time in another country has given me a fair share of anxious moments. There have been times when I wonder if I will ever get to the point that I can freely share my many thoughts, ideas, and stories in another language.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheglAgayWY6KffxQZBL-hPmv25TdJC6fGtTJ-7lXP3ExanAd8xWRaGQmpLD45SSoqxBUkvbLOcZY6ZlsBkUruXFebuKu2we3qYW1B1Avi2vB7aNnIjD2bQdMYA_7msqtzXK30YKhsZouhPUCu9BIqt0F6uO-OkqldSopW2MSm8CspUo2aRTwbRpuB4/s4032/20230331111848-PXL_20230331_161848916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheglAgayWY6KffxQZBL-hPmv25TdJC6fGtTJ-7lXP3ExanAd8xWRaGQmpLD45SSoqxBUkvbLOcZY6ZlsBkUruXFebuKu2we3qYW1B1Avi2vB7aNnIjD2bQdMYA_7msqtzXK30YKhsZouhPUCu9BIqt0F6uO-OkqldSopW2MSm8CspUo2aRTwbRpuB4/s320/20230331111848-PXL_20230331_161848916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But it is people like Beatrice and Eduardo who welcome us and make us feel at ease while we are visitors in their beautiful country. They live in a planned community in the foothills of the city that is surrounded by lush vegetation and two mountain streams. They and their neighbors worked together to develop a space where nature and community bind together as intricately as this thatched roof of one of the community buildings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeuBolfa2fVDEHjKxhEiKMEJM3_1-lUkONExeB9HYEfAbn0Hb3RRVvY3JlLcWsoDQ5kJ5AjKYUNk3z-dgNN9DS2V_X8vG8rSVFhYdN7maPZawNR7ZQTOt9HXoZwXTwBpqoJWYPNCQfBMG305rcS6Fl5q0AwCixGyypZpl6h0s_8ZJvDN0NrnGd6ei/s4032/20230331104113-PXL_20230331_154113287.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeuBolfa2fVDEHjKxhEiKMEJM3_1-lUkONExeB9HYEfAbn0Hb3RRVvY3JlLcWsoDQ5kJ5AjKYUNk3z-dgNN9DS2V_X8vG8rSVFhYdN7maPZawNR7ZQTOt9HXoZwXTwBpqoJWYPNCQfBMG305rcS6Fl5q0AwCixGyypZpl6h0s_8ZJvDN0NrnGd6ei/s320/20230331104113-PXL_20230331_154113287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After our delicious breakfast, we took a walk around their neighborhood. While strolling along the paths and sharing stories in both Spanish and English, we quickly forgot that we were still in a large city.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73Z_HVIcYUfkh6t8PZ13dASqQdyxa2joyTee0g2nvEyyUjRWnjiQbW9r5T9Hm-TmoLUyoJxTT-dVZ-xD9auAuErf3AeU8wc0AIXDbBMBoDAis9TxEZLoYIDGl9Nn7PHt5xVxgrvrik_ni-UoQYsBKkVZJmkrpKRUS2HBqDiKGX4yWuFEzObVRr8L-/s4032/20230331100220-PXL_20230331_150220757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73Z_HVIcYUfkh6t8PZ13dASqQdyxa2joyTee0g2nvEyyUjRWnjiQbW9r5T9Hm-TmoLUyoJxTT-dVZ-xD9auAuErf3AeU8wc0AIXDbBMBoDAis9TxEZLoYIDGl9Nn7PHt5xVxgrvrik_ni-UoQYsBKkVZJmkrpKRUS2HBqDiKGX4yWuFEzObVRr8L-/s320/20230331100220-PXL_20230331_150220757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Chickens at the community farm eagerly accepted a ''green'' treat from us</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKptvX5bkwHHh_kf9wlsZEFh7iphhzc7ogw-2uVD984bE-Nmtr8dqI_PI9pPn16rUu0ahdDZzO2EzaWkSckCtuwHq7FEJmdQq7yqPiNP4C0X7QugwY9el6zt5fv-iR4yRSntTMofKODQIVaJYsR0IpgDxoMv9I7gwmL_c_anBd-Y2xdpaPW-nJDnW/s4032/20230331095025-PXL_20230331_145025257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKptvX5bkwHHh_kf9wlsZEFh7iphhzc7ogw-2uVD984bE-Nmtr8dqI_PI9pPn16rUu0ahdDZzO2EzaWkSckCtuwHq7FEJmdQq7yqPiNP4C0X7QugwY9el6zt5fv-iR4yRSntTMofKODQIVaJYsR0IpgDxoMv9I7gwmL_c_anBd-Y2xdpaPW-nJDnW/s320/20230331095025-PXL_20230331_145025257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and in return, they supply the local residents with an abundant daily supply of fresh eggs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_gpRveQBVM7gqPoDqG8dMx5uL6zX2OZT04mIoCY4hLt7mOcMGqZQAxcDo6WDHH7G-8TMP8vXVYOeBFGWJi0OaZoNpJixdu20stE-848etNAQCX1QpUg-3C2RWyuZc_DxiskxAe21H4zhbKZz56stS005EYLqXTqL5pCN-wPgc0B1PrJyX5tDmMbe/s4032/20230331095205-PXL_20230331_145205294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_gpRveQBVM7gqPoDqG8dMx5uL6zX2OZT04mIoCY4hLt7mOcMGqZQAxcDo6WDHH7G-8TMP8vXVYOeBFGWJi0OaZoNpJixdu20stE-848etNAQCX1QpUg-3C2RWyuZc_DxiskxAe21H4zhbKZz56stS005EYLqXTqL5pCN-wPgc0B1PrJyX5tDmMbe/s320/20230331095205-PXL_20230331_145205294.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A community workshop not only encourages residents to create beautiful objects out of local materials, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2iAAbC-XyPHPpPi6q-KQVHOqqHFHA2zTPD33jpQnz4uocnjZipUvNlTk5gcuZwCKoHxzoDvkTefJa9QFPG8GOC1aMEZLixJhNs-XBp1idf2N2h5HRtq5hcX-y5V-6wfMejzjLltVOhZ0VOto1w9AD34pJLD5Kt6aVRaIn6XkY1W8hEO9wRvVlStX/s4032/20230331094011-PXL_20230331_144011158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2iAAbC-XyPHPpPi6q-KQVHOqqHFHA2zTPD33jpQnz4uocnjZipUvNlTk5gcuZwCKoHxzoDvkTefJa9QFPG8GOC1aMEZLixJhNs-XBp1idf2N2h5HRtq5hcX-y5V-6wfMejzjLltVOhZ0VOto1w9AD34pJLD5Kt6aVRaIn6XkY1W8hEO9wRvVlStX/s320/20230331094011-PXL_20230331_144011158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... but also encourages creative ''re-purposing'' of common household garbage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoXOpy9hmQIzzkVFetEYl6u_7Sbww3ktYt4-8OejSoZPx9_1f-gWWLrnDP4jZr98hQuXZnRavpcqvS3fFfELTjFl1z-4pZXjoSa1sDf8whogqoQm0_diH8xIqktdvFifZqbm8OAm-7H3pIsgeZgGOd7Hm6pJl1XgKL8kyY6mAG3bkggeKUjCClOiV/s4032/20230331093733-PXL_20230331_143733912.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoXOpy9hmQIzzkVFetEYl6u_7Sbww3ktYt4-8OejSoZPx9_1f-gWWLrnDP4jZr98hQuXZnRavpcqvS3fFfELTjFl1z-4pZXjoSa1sDf8whogqoQm0_diH8xIqktdvFifZqbm8OAm-7H3pIsgeZgGOd7Hm6pJl1XgKL8kyY6mAG3bkggeKUjCClOiV/s320/20230331093733-PXL_20230331_143733912.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The common areas that host exercise, dance, and music events were designed and built by local indigenous people in order to preserve and promote the natural balance that is an important part of Colombian culture.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJXLQ_gzR3VkPSX6nVHMQvre2luryBEDNkYLeW61x30B94CCzOOyXsmtDK39T7lOjofRzzex6ayIpzC77rL8BedOHPd-c9Z08iUHDkNKmBqKSk5-stnpGi87k3e1KXf6kr5EDW1HGjYeVaL7cnGKb5vdSv059ZFNmKWVafl0IN8BZIbUbxPn7Ge-J/s4032/20230331103954-PXL_20230331_153954932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJXLQ_gzR3VkPSX6nVHMQvre2luryBEDNkYLeW61x30B94CCzOOyXsmtDK39T7lOjofRzzex6ayIpzC77rL8BedOHPd-c9Z08iUHDkNKmBqKSk5-stnpGi87k3e1KXf6kr5EDW1HGjYeVaL7cnGKb5vdSv059ZFNmKWVafl0IN8BZIbUbxPn7Ge-J/s320/20230331103954-PXL_20230331_153954932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A community fish pond provides hours of entertainment for Beatrice's 96 year old mother, and occasionally she will also joyfully gift them with a ''fresh catch of the day'' lunch in return. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqO6OOEPwaSyH4mq-SDTZmVWjCI0CxnDe61Q3GDstZ90bb7E3jq_EpUI9JPSJ3vNcQHyc09cVSdrxvmUv8SFx0ccMiNvjCY-1nBdor7ysUvjXEGTZibv18QQ3r2WoniCuuLqsuNJdK1JSzjkegZGoM1UhkQaWNPuUTq-O5u9tcytiULJRdTa3TPrD/s4032/20230331102011-PXL_20230331_152011959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqO6OOEPwaSyH4mq-SDTZmVWjCI0CxnDe61Q3GDstZ90bb7E3jq_EpUI9JPSJ3vNcQHyc09cVSdrxvmUv8SFx0ccMiNvjCY-1nBdor7ysUvjXEGTZibv18QQ3r2WoniCuuLqsuNJdK1JSzjkegZGoM1UhkQaWNPuUTq-O5u9tcytiULJRdTa3TPrD/s320/20230331102011-PXL_20230331_152011959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we walked, we were serenaded by the many song birds that also call this oasis home. Because it's prohibited to use any pesticides on the trees or plants in the community, Beatrice had to come up with a creative way to keep the birds from feasting on their avocados.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvCdSC5UzSTsjlkrM1iyIkKy_FHjbl3UtRJP_0RlszRCvaSJKXwBy813evtYVfMVlPwqBs0unuAM6zFnSzJSABICeDUK_Ss5oy9hwEYkI2QfalK013AUY1ilAtp4r5z-ATpxmCuOYXAMjW6oihDHwHZW862A5jj8NKPMnAR1b6QzWLOhwFGD7-gfl/s4032/20230331085307-PXL_20230331_135307460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvCdSC5UzSTsjlkrM1iyIkKy_FHjbl3UtRJP_0RlszRCvaSJKXwBy813evtYVfMVlPwqBs0unuAM6zFnSzJSABICeDUK_Ss5oy9hwEYkI2QfalK013AUY1ilAtp4r5z-ATpxmCuOYXAMjW6oihDHwHZW862A5jj8NKPMnAR1b6QzWLOhwFGD7-gfl/s320/20230331085307-PXL_20230331_135307460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She is hoping that the new ''scarecrows'' do the trick ... if not, at least we shared a lot of laughs as the women completed the project while the men ''supervised''.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhMMKXTJPWIT24DYY7u_MW9Ftkzch-g9wnVNOQJLXzzIgvcxyXpe09dc2qtwGQHCD0htXV5w3GbSYmEGkHXiSSygn3VSZEWxp6uksxUB8BoTckYdYgVojIj1V8VPrRx6gjKFIMFWoOZyTZjCvGytjUlX-A4bKBoQWb6Harv-tg29zqmJ_XFIW0DX6/s1600/20230401000000-IMG-20230331-WA0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhMMKXTJPWIT24DYY7u_MW9Ftkzch-g9wnVNOQJLXzzIgvcxyXpe09dc2qtwGQHCD0htXV5w3GbSYmEGkHXiSSygn3VSZEWxp6uksxUB8BoTckYdYgVojIj1V8VPrRx6gjKFIMFWoOZyTZjCvGytjUlX-A4bKBoQWb6Harv-tg29zqmJ_XFIW0DX6/s320/20230401000000-IMG-20230331-WA0005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is during special experiences like this, that I realize that laughter and kindness shared transcends any language barriers, for it's</span><span style="text-align: left;"> ...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Lobster; font-size: large;">''Not the ones speaking the same language, but the ones sharing the same feelings that understand each other.''</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rumi</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMiJCXfuuZWoySqnfDXomOFi_YT6GvNF1Kcygq3c2-D-39UBRdKBHKklyZtyIbji-M2zBdJasUo4dxf9LWTLCEJh-gGLXFUTotaHtlw5HgC7jPzoHsbvO7Oyiw_HCfO11rl7HSWyUvQ8DefDZFTZwCiOoSBF-WEhLaxTO8F9eYAtA4NVn2J9Tbx44/s3264/20230331103125-PXL_20230331_153125287.MP%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMiJCXfuuZWoySqnfDXomOFi_YT6GvNF1Kcygq3c2-D-39UBRdKBHKklyZtyIbji-M2zBdJasUo4dxf9LWTLCEJh-gGLXFUTotaHtlw5HgC7jPzoHsbvO7Oyiw_HCfO11rl7HSWyUvQ8DefDZFTZwCiOoSBF-WEhLaxTO8F9eYAtA4NVn2J9Tbx44/s320/20230331103125-PXL_20230331_153125287.MP%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We have enjoyed so many beautiful experiences during our time in Colombia, and our final two weeks here in Medellín has flown by! Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions ... serving as volunteer English teachers ... sharing meals and saying ''good-byes'' to so many new and dear friends. More stories to come even as we return to the United States tomorrow.</span></div><p></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-8012770725490320902023-03-28T17:12:00.003-05:002023-03-28T17:14:06.350-05:00Santa Marta, Colombia: A Hiker's and Beach Lover's Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ui1VPREnwcyqFmAbFBLUaOUyefeX2C2I7qRslnsv6isTs0hHG7Ac_fVITk5FgeHCLlhBNleuj76XBo3sBWwz4SqI5IMw1vGwbcXkybMbXzpkcc6MsChXmEx9TcV9gKAOBNgn0ktWpF3-A8W0pNk5K6VjBp1SFVkkx9f7A3Km7PR4omLb7P9clnJj/s1920/20230322170228-PXL_20230322_220228009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1920" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ui1VPREnwcyqFmAbFBLUaOUyefeX2C2I7qRslnsv6isTs0hHG7Ac_fVITk5FgeHCLlhBNleuj76XBo3sBWwz4SqI5IMw1vGwbcXkybMbXzpkcc6MsChXmEx9TcV9gKAOBNgn0ktWpF3-A8W0pNk5K6VjBp1SFVkkx9f7A3Km7PR4omLb7P9clnJj/w464-h252/20230322170228-PXL_20230322_220228009.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Colombia is bordered by two bodies of water along the two coasts of the country. The Pacific Ocean hugs the west coast, but this region is sparsely populated due to its rugged terrain and tropical climate which brings some areas of this region over 300 inches of rain per year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSa_5BzLbZiVlbw6361jeV7KNy_Ywc5MuJgB5O5w362iZHvcCqWvH6RhSC2zb5E8mnz0REwdnuz4UmwgA5D4F81b3_3tmy6QiBG_gDwJ21HvfTq8RU85kh982h7YipCJTthrEq4ihepJSI6NeLRnInTY_0p0aABmdB2ghu2rFUZ8e65FjCcHfzJUU/s4032/20230320171918-edited_PXL_20230320_221918455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSa_5BzLbZiVlbw6361jeV7KNy_Ywc5MuJgB5O5w362iZHvcCqWvH6RhSC2zb5E8mnz0REwdnuz4UmwgA5D4F81b3_3tmy6QiBG_gDwJ21HvfTq8RU85kh982h7YipCJTthrEq4ihepJSI6NeLRnInTY_0p0aABmdB2ghu2rFUZ8e65FjCcHfzJUU/s320/20230320171918-edited_PXL_20230320_221918455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Caribbean Sea embraces Colombia's northeastern coast, and early in its history, this became the major route for transporting goods back to Spain. Thus many important port cities developed, including the historic walled city of Cartagena that <a href="https://dougchartrand.blogspot.com/2019/04/visit-cartagena.html">we visited</a> during our first winter here back in 2019. While we enjoyed the historical aspects of Cartagena, we were less than enthralled with the hot, humid climate and the throngs of tourists and vendors.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3yYuF6N6G8qCm_IKG_BP4V3D5Et9ksiuXljqzn2rYQ-Dhn2F4pA6wZcMbtPDzV5c39BQw0AAUcwvA5OEoE7k8SBNvOnZJcCV6weIqQFhqvlc6nJT80ZMRlmbcP_CGTE2isQSdA1Xg-uNDDpR6eelYklzxDGPaZiO64sh0onFKc0NsJIdbbR3o4j-/s2871/20190411102315-20190411102315_IMG_7607copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2421" data-original-width="2871" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3yYuF6N6G8qCm_IKG_BP4V3D5Et9ksiuXljqzn2rYQ-Dhn2F4pA6wZcMbtPDzV5c39BQw0AAUcwvA5OEoE7k8SBNvOnZJcCV6weIqQFhqvlc6nJT80ZMRlmbcP_CGTE2isQSdA1Xg-uNDDpR6eelYklzxDGPaZiO64sh0onFKc0NsJIdbbR3o4j-/s320/20190411102315-20190411102315_IMG_7607copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Want a hand-crafted work of art?</span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We heard that there were more ''tranquilo'' cities to visit on Colombia's Caribbean coast ... so we recently went back to check out the area surrounding Santa Marta. There, with mountains on one side and beaches on the other, we found a perfect mix of jungle and surf.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sí! Santa Marta is a</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Hiker's</span></span></i></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq8ACL5TQK4QBUEqBcTTFiwJ9fgNnQV6n7pfh8te6ChvWWbp3OrnyqCYDuEUXG08SrWeccE4CXwSgqAel179qywFsXZXk3PF5J8fEnwCiPSkSAR8Wa_uDlpIeGyqblW64DR3YQw6Frwso0Hf71-W_KL89iATsZOSbHrsBLley_QhGjwjhH2Sv-RzQ/s1920/20230323121540-20230323121540_IMG_8772.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1920" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq8ACL5TQK4QBUEqBcTTFiwJ9fgNnQV6n7pfh8te6ChvWWbp3OrnyqCYDuEUXG08SrWeccE4CXwSgqAel179qywFsXZXk3PF5J8fEnwCiPSkSAR8Wa_uDlpIeGyqblW64DR3YQw6Frwso0Hf71-W_KL89iATsZOSbHrsBLley_QhGjwjhH2Sv-RzQ/w351-h217/20230323121540-20230323121540_IMG_8772.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">and Beach Lover's Paradise!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpck_dlDF-HKYjxIJFLi4baSkNvyfSzefATr3-JwTLj7aTrnYfsuspm20pi247cQRT4FhJjYT2NpYV0dZ7NXddQWg2el0tKhA9DMxqeXXfWtm9kVaw2TuGjezRRHiSIgE76F6dJj-1_vsOuD_FqkV6Uu81shu87pr4YCLskpzNnQcK7OrCsp83Wql/s4032/20230320180014-edited_PXL_20230320_230014770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpck_dlDF-HKYjxIJFLi4baSkNvyfSzefATr3-JwTLj7aTrnYfsuspm20pi247cQRT4FhJjYT2NpYV0dZ7NXddQWg2el0tKhA9DMxqeXXfWtm9kVaw2TuGjezRRHiSIgE76F6dJj-1_vsOuD_FqkV6Uu81shu87pr4YCLskpzNnQcK7OrCsp83Wql/w346-h260/20230320180014-edited_PXL_20230320_230014770.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During our winter visits to Medellín throughout the years, we've discovered that traveling to other Colombian cities is fairly inexpensive ... and Santa Marta was no different. The round trip airfare from Medellín was $71 for the two of us. Comfortable hotel rooms in Santa Marta ran about $23/night. Taxi and bus fares between the airports and various hotels and sight-seeing locations cost about $50 in total.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>We're convinced ... Time to discover another one of Colombia's tropical paradises!</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9veIGj3hSeabZxGNwaL9BYhtUED-yHws2gWOWstdvEze1qk18HJG-m_F7LktK_15WhOkoACbiWCOW4oWyBXFWo4iQzXNqtiykN-5ml1JOUxvKzV0IuahHyMQ1ixH8De-1qTMLL8tBzVDWsf1fijIRQnvUishxOqQl55aJHsiSd07MkxAeSjFhE1Z/s4032/20230322173035-PXL_20230322_223035541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9veIGj3hSeabZxGNwaL9BYhtUED-yHws2gWOWstdvEze1qk18HJG-m_F7LktK_15WhOkoACbiWCOW4oWyBXFWo4iQzXNqtiykN-5ml1JOUxvKzV0IuahHyMQ1ixH8De-1qTMLL8tBzVDWsf1fijIRQnvUishxOqQl55aJHsiSd07MkxAeSjFhE1Z/s320/20230322173035-PXL_20230322_223035541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, lies between the Caribbean coast and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. Because of the close proximity of beaches, rainforest, and snow-capped mountains, this area draws many tourists looking to enjoy the many outdoor activities. Tayrona National Park, located just east of the city, is a large protected area of white sandy beaches and tropical jungles. Because it is only accessible by boat, horse, or hiking paths through the tropical forest, it attracts many adventure-loving backpackers. Doug did his research, but couldn't quite convince me to hike two+ hours through the hot and humid jungle and spend the night in a non-air conditioned tent or hut alongside the beach. Maybe next time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgNq4Q-ds9tlFLaR50UBhuxgDy2Qy8_ZUC45EqkHYsl8HmzBUalbKsNM_8zHPakhkuhzWwTR55FlGu2tgUBJc_bWVbD1tRtePYYC_w-MWvx8ioHpDBnWMyvtAbWo1wcA4qwnAVEjLGU6FTYDA234hbgOyWt3AnLT6dYvnJy5Msb4D39vjRXIlmuV/s4032/20230320143804-PXL_20230320_193804331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IgNq4Q-ds9tlFLaR50UBhuxgDy2Qy8_ZUC45EqkHYsl8HmzBUalbKsNM_8zHPakhkuhzWwTR55FlGu2tgUBJc_bWVbD1tRtePYYC_w-MWvx8ioHpDBnWMyvtAbWo1wcA4qwnAVEjLGU6FTYDA234hbgOyWt3AnLT6dYvnJy5Msb4D39vjRXIlmuV/s320/20230320143804-PXL_20230320_193804331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Instead, I hit the jackpot when Doug found us a beautiful resort located to the east of Tayrona Park near the small pueblo of Palomino, Colombia. Coconuco Beach Resort was everything that I ever imagined a Caribbean beach resort to be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmO-NDqQrEkbyO7usu34o-gdYPg63Ma4xVULZ89ZIacr4S6EFzU0tk0fTFMND9yHvoKvmkQn0MIUjVBS-4NboBNYBavGlwwkK6-sOeGuhsZ4fqwrp0hZVUAUxO2NjUglZMuLIoKgmv32inGJQUH6A56ipJMTa6FxX9DBYZ5gqfBmtp2qmOTPK4Px_/s4032/20230320180443-edited_PXL_20230320_230443717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmO-NDqQrEkbyO7usu34o-gdYPg63Ma4xVULZ89ZIacr4S6EFzU0tk0fTFMND9yHvoKvmkQn0MIUjVBS-4NboBNYBavGlwwkK6-sOeGuhsZ4fqwrp0hZVUAUxO2NjUglZMuLIoKgmv32inGJQUH6A56ipJMTa6FxX9DBYZ5gqfBmtp2qmOTPK4Px_/s320/20230320180443-edited_PXL_20230320_230443717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Located a mile east of Palomino, the Coconuco staff gave us two days of pampering and relaxation.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvwZjzpQSd1neGqL9nzycNswshgojDvTxgOJ0PH99KnZOwFX8-yWsLf1vdV67qV4RzsyF-cFsf14LjwtDJHOFFyEtJRPOjLgO2JGSyAoZAScxBo41bQ3Q62mFO0LmzdacLt_iovpl9Jf5PwQE-KRxQ0BwkJe_xLV4QC3Z3pRxEiyOHfgfWY9cYEPX/s3648/20230321142622-20230321142622_IMG_8738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvwZjzpQSd1neGqL9nzycNswshgojDvTxgOJ0PH99KnZOwFX8-yWsLf1vdV67qV4RzsyF-cFsf14LjwtDJHOFFyEtJRPOjLgO2JGSyAoZAScxBo41bQ3Q62mFO0LmzdacLt_iovpl9Jf5PwQE-KRxQ0BwkJe_xLV4QC3Z3pRxEiyOHfgfWY9cYEPX/s320/20230321142622-20230321142622_IMG_8738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">These three colorful squawkers greeted us and made sure that we knew when the sun rose every morning. But I'll take that in place of Medellín's traffic noise any day!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u8ju9q10QnGS2FH6xo7QTCw5xcPy41rQmonlWth4i_tRUUmiWrIm7aVb8l2cL-ib2gROaS4LJgG5wBMgyK1MbkZ6qy8BULtMNo8kBpKwYD16-KYaiHO9m13ToJ6cMh6G6HqObAWjKLgCjfvTncBE8oM1FnglCCBUWdUKZlrcU4BXH98pHD_9XfQ_/s4032/20230320133909-PXL_20230320_183909398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u8ju9q10QnGS2FH6xo7QTCw5xcPy41rQmonlWth4i_tRUUmiWrIm7aVb8l2cL-ib2gROaS4LJgG5wBMgyK1MbkZ6qy8BULtMNo8kBpKwYD16-KYaiHO9m13ToJ6cMh6G6HqObAWjKLgCjfvTncBE8oM1FnglCCBUWdUKZlrcU4BXH98pHD_9XfQ_/s320/20230320133909-PXL_20230320_183909398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our bungalow room was a bit more luxurious then I imagine Tayrona's tents would have been. For $100/night, we enjoyed our own private paradise.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY7Vk2rRx8RV5Ub9qJlPlQ_xlgfKAe_tJH8DY9m7I8UbN5VuPlioVDhWzBvzcJZI62jf1rHg1uPo6TSyMa9DNggc7ff5rS5i1qDqEFpwlqt9Mh2QJVavDyzzttU5AHx9UafPwxgwBnNJ9IDDXgk5C-f9Un-dMiJl2rq2eYdJauqRoKExO6x_Coiwj/s4032/20230320133920-edited_PXL_20230320_183920596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY7Vk2rRx8RV5Ub9qJlPlQ_xlgfKAe_tJH8DY9m7I8UbN5VuPlioVDhWzBvzcJZI62jf1rHg1uPo6TSyMa9DNggc7ff5rS5i1qDqEFpwlqt9Mh2QJVavDyzzttU5AHx9UafPwxgwBnNJ9IDDXgk5C-f9Un-dMiJl2rq2eYdJauqRoKExO6x_Coiwj/s320/20230320133920-edited_PXL_20230320_183920596.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Ocean waves could be heard from our balcony, and the breezes coming off the distant Sierra Nevada mountains cooled us nicely.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv_hENUVKJua_ZB6fPGOhtVn2Q4ppLYpOjjnAoIqY2HGNd8Sw0T3B9LA2riGjB7tQh_4ObxQSG2VAnfKG3ONYTSr1uLlEyblPxTEGWVDu5Rd5JTpJrMBG5Ssc5qSRhIbSG0SU8rFd1XNu75KnmiwODfmHAvtQ6GhYq70aViBw127goYU7n5huMuKy/s4032/20230320200007-PXL_20230321_010007462.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv_hENUVKJua_ZB6fPGOhtVn2Q4ppLYpOjjnAoIqY2HGNd8Sw0T3B9LA2riGjB7tQh_4ObxQSG2VAnfKG3ONYTSr1uLlEyblPxTEGWVDu5Rd5JTpJrMBG5Ssc5qSRhIbSG0SU8rFd1XNu75KnmiwODfmHAvtQ6GhYq70aViBw127goYU7n5huMuKy/s320/20230320200007-PXL_20230321_010007462.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In a place where the daytime temps reach into the 90s year round, the resort's pool was still quite ''refreshing'' even after sunset.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-UM-mfyyBHYYCpQISZ-30w-86lOOkmqk-Wt7_pzW7M26piUZzcJ9xqvkeuSdWmEcryrkv0SUKmqdW5Cc4xjTSs63tA8N0HcZuIhjkzRBTVj2tTVefKDzKI_gwC-vdV11jksbbMnNMYDoyPTKMIwNewgAxEp0w_h3ks-vcLSO0kjjrSfxGIe08MGf/s4032/20230320144758-PXL_20230320_194758340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-UM-mfyyBHYYCpQISZ-30w-86lOOkmqk-Wt7_pzW7M26piUZzcJ9xqvkeuSdWmEcryrkv0SUKmqdW5Cc4xjTSs63tA8N0HcZuIhjkzRBTVj2tTVefKDzKI_gwC-vdV11jksbbMnNMYDoyPTKMIwNewgAxEp0w_h3ks-vcLSO0kjjrSfxGIe08MGf/s320/20230320144758-PXL_20230320_194758340.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The views from the resort's restaurant were as scrumptious as their made-to-order meals. I swear the ingredients used to make the shrimp and coconut rice must have been harvested just before we ordered.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh59EPF3Alvo5D0YaARUXyM0IqLslh2EnhP-MN-JDEuUQlCSdSrCxHPJKbt4kcVXvVHuuHvqlUqvXj4zrLDSuFBosBr0xenIyloQhHjJHhquzdpWMzj5azMJew1OYUit8dqnUbkHODmA5jDZ5Ad2jxxx7Q2nJyYmeq7TFce2UaQBJzGG_GSH_9C_K0/s3856/20230320171937-edited_PXL_20230320_221937543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="3856" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh59EPF3Alvo5D0YaARUXyM0IqLslh2EnhP-MN-JDEuUQlCSdSrCxHPJKbt4kcVXvVHuuHvqlUqvXj4zrLDSuFBosBr0xenIyloQhHjJHhquzdpWMzj5azMJew1OYUit8dqnUbkHODmA5jDZ5Ad2jxxx7Q2nJyYmeq7TFce2UaQBJzGG_GSH_9C_K0/s320/20230320171937-edited_PXL_20230320_221937543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Yes, it was easy to get into a<i> <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>''don't worry, be happy''</b></span></i> state of mind!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After two days of being beach bums, it was time to head back to Santa Marta to explore that city and the mountains that hug it to the south. And once again, the journey there was a big part of the adventure. The local bus from Palomino transported tourists, school children, farmers with their produce, and local residents with their dogs. What started out as an empty bus quickly became standing room only as we approached Santa Marta. The ''mother'' in me was a bit nervous at times watching the young school boys lean out of the open door while the bus was going down the narrow, bumpy road.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEUk_vz4C5v-sw68YdEgzVsdkvtBcy0VoSnLRqVNFqceL4zMThCYSyrQU6NEdvzi1Cv3Gv7Bkyvb4WlKp7bklYP0KpSOujDFOzH3xClQznBzzTqrRk0ZhT1Pd1Bidft6U8W_7bGxA3KIUihXUC2zmp6Eix_3RgHc3aTcw02B9KmZPdzy4crfD536Y/s4032/20230322124618-PXL_20230322_174618059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEUk_vz4C5v-sw68YdEgzVsdkvtBcy0VoSnLRqVNFqceL4zMThCYSyrQU6NEdvzi1Cv3Gv7Bkyvb4WlKp7bklYP0KpSOujDFOzH3xClQznBzzTqrRk0ZhT1Pd1Bidft6U8W_7bGxA3KIUihXUC2zmp6Eix_3RgHc3aTcw02B9KmZPdzy4crfD536Y/s320/20230322124618-PXL_20230322_174618059.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Everyone managed to get to their desired destinations in one piece. We then explored Colombia's oldest city for the next two days. Santa Marta is divided into three sections separated by mountains that rise up close to the coast. Our hotel was located in the historical district, so we were surrounded by picturesque architecture as we walked the few blocks from our hotel to one of the town squares, Parque de Los Novios. At the waterfront nearby, we were able to watch the fishermen bring in their nets just before the sun set on another warm Caribbean day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxfibfcUgeX_nJAMJfXbHTL_9Ii4vYrMgXzRT2i4QFby2k8aeMNUaApMWHGDGkkKWWsdUf0-h0j86mPn76Z5FIEbGtjh5MpCCdQPeuskgreWqZmBWpI-HhYDKMhruBWGg9MCpW_m3wfFHmktcTr5_-nIQ-UrYP-jNhSub2GJz-Z7_VI4Wz0xeHnAU/s4032/20230323180019-edited_PXL_20230323_230019512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxfibfcUgeX_nJAMJfXbHTL_9Ii4vYrMgXzRT2i4QFby2k8aeMNUaApMWHGDGkkKWWsdUf0-h0j86mPn76Z5FIEbGtjh5MpCCdQPeuskgreWqZmBWpI-HhYDKMhruBWGg9MCpW_m3wfFHmktcTr5_-nIQ-UrYP-jNhSub2GJz-Z7_VI4Wz0xeHnAU/s320/20230323180019-edited_PXL_20230323_230019512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From there, it was a short walk back to the active town square where many shops, bars and restaurants welcomed us for an evening of latino music and people-watching while we sipped on our fancy tropical drinks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7COlbTfkAM7sOT2ljem9lprhArAX2ctD9LVGRa0x20DoLiWfYXwbFkzYM8EG827V4eain--Nw0_9Vo95bLjJFc9rLLxLVGVOBCcVSKYQ-TUZwXuf_38TSQ8HLxYoRjHlOEdJhOYac9di5L4OuO5AtFhYfzexltyHTP26sireY1UaYdQ31ihADSbv/s4032/20230322190022-PXL_20230323_000022037.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7COlbTfkAM7sOT2ljem9lprhArAX2ctD9LVGRa0x20DoLiWfYXwbFkzYM8EG827V4eain--Nw0_9Vo95bLjJFc9rLLxLVGVOBCcVSKYQ-TUZwXuf_38TSQ8HLxYoRjHlOEdJhOYac9di5L4OuO5AtFhYfzexltyHTP26sireY1UaYdQ31ihADSbv/s320/20230322190022-PXL_20230323_000022037.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The next day we took a bus to explore Minca, a small pueblo an hour south of town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Minca is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers because of its many trails that meander through the bamboo for</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">ests,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sfPYFnTIrSn_GJt1VAKgvlqDkhBwoN7sXv2buFSLAXSr-hrXmtW4ofvvlfEPStY5XShJXAGpfcFf7I4SAAVIU2C2o7bVz3fTnaMBDWmH8DRqtq41B_QLZ2C9R8C-zdp3mm23f5UqZwuMIh0Ti32xEqArnNwFEVclsMxDIpzEpPZ0UKYDm65U0Yja/s1920/20230323122113-20230323122113_IMG_8773.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sfPYFnTIrSn_GJt1VAKgvlqDkhBwoN7sXv2buFSLAXSr-hrXmtW4ofvvlfEPStY5XShJXAGpfcFf7I4SAAVIU2C2o7bVz3fTnaMBDWmH8DRqtq41B_QLZ2C9R8C-zdp3mm23f5UqZwuMIh0Ti32xEqArnNwFEVclsMxDIpzEpPZ0UKYDm65U0Yja/s320/20230323122113-20230323122113_IMG_8773.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... leading to many beautiful vistas and refreshing waterfalls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26AS_JeyH-CGuCvXHovxka0V9zpHwLv-wQev567qIN4xNVCpO7Zu44yoqcqEZ4u0bHVQtjxBrnTJIq3W_V-aix4PwRnKJK9uKlMg-pQenABAYeIDkPIN9wQmfJp1WQ1TZwtwYuV38NKyHIa8ggzKhLB_8UFG1voWintBoOfSG3T1srdkpRn8xbgmZ/s3648/20230323125038-20230323125038_IMG_8777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26AS_JeyH-CGuCvXHovxka0V9zpHwLv-wQev567qIN4xNVCpO7Zu44yoqcqEZ4u0bHVQtjxBrnTJIq3W_V-aix4PwRnKJK9uKlMg-pQenABAYeIDkPIN9wQmfJp1WQ1TZwtwYuV38NKyHIa8ggzKhLB_8UFG1voWintBoOfSG3T1srdkpRn8xbgmZ/s320/20230323125038-20230323125038_IMG_8777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Even the iguanas seemed to enjoy hanging out on the shady rocks near the swimming hole.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0EV5lpwLm_ysQ9g0HVGcbEowy0Ss48a7iheU0Q0WRt29ClIQgJMbPLQEAllWiQKGEA_N92iE2niFvpNIsXdCwNx5qyZ0tK5RLRQk2aNYMcYSF2IKthI3g2fDt-aJwsKgLZrK4Z-Ok0r0MrddTQ2H_WVxSHsDo9a2a_oXpt0EE1z_XN9qxbWrT0cv/s3648/20230323125724-20230323125724_IMG_8779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0EV5lpwLm_ysQ9g0HVGcbEowy0Ss48a7iheU0Q0WRt29ClIQgJMbPLQEAllWiQKGEA_N92iE2niFvpNIsXdCwNx5qyZ0tK5RLRQk2aNYMcYSF2IKthI3g2fDt-aJwsKgLZrK4Z-Ok0r0MrddTQ2H_WVxSHsDo9a2a_oXpt0EE1z_XN9qxbWrT0cv/s320/20230323125724-20230323125724_IMG_8779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While Minca is a very touristy town, it is still possible to experience some of its traditional culture firsthand. While we sat in the town square, I saw some colorful and unique Colombian mochilas (handbags) being crafted by a woman of the indigenous Wayuu community. This artisan said (as best I understood) that it took her about eight days to make the bag that she was putting the finishing touches on. One could take it home directly from its creator for only $85,000 Colombian pesos (about $18).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEWCx9GeaL39dIkaAXWRWwt3T0bZTHKV7-96kAn8kJpDDL72CwnGdLKfkSUIPphK_x4BWIyIruWMZyJ_wUCH_C6HJVLJ1yQ4IFYtGu7fleZcYXSYI79kQaMoi58cBtL6a6fwZSrb4z2oefZxPslAaA74Gz_Dyd1VX_wc99aeltbUX0cAp9CFD-w4e/s3648/20230323114621-20230323114621_IMG_8770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEWCx9GeaL39dIkaAXWRWwt3T0bZTHKV7-96kAn8kJpDDL72CwnGdLKfkSUIPphK_x4BWIyIruWMZyJ_wUCH_C6HJVLJ1yQ4IFYtGu7fleZcYXSYI79kQaMoi58cBtL6a6fwZSrb4z2oefZxPslAaA74Gz_Dyd1VX_wc99aeltbUX0cAp9CFD-w4e/s320/20230323114621-20230323114621_IMG_8770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our five day trip to the Santa Marta coast was another great opportunity to experience the picturesque beauty that can be found all around Colombia.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #ffa400;">Some of our favorite hiker and beach lover's memories include ... </span></i></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iDj2RgEJVpqEx5qxp3EPpOTmCvqb_s6LCBieL3hQh7bXo46fz74ysLBfByjfx2_ttHfNlwoF2LkiVqcMKKPskViQ-gtlJS0Eq0CumvzIPCFrJdYqYz_sdC5Gbyh7LYpv257hVoxGvTPhXvh4xT0vYGxyu8t3Wkr8tBuhEL_BY72oziBZ1rkcMiln/s4032/20230321060648-edited_PXL_20230321_110648474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iDj2RgEJVpqEx5qxp3EPpOTmCvqb_s6LCBieL3hQh7bXo46fz74ysLBfByjfx2_ttHfNlwoF2LkiVqcMKKPskViQ-gtlJS0Eq0CumvzIPCFrJdYqYz_sdC5Gbyh7LYpv257hVoxGvTPhXvh4xT0vYGxyu8t3Wkr8tBuhEL_BY72oziBZ1rkcMiln/s320/20230321060648-edited_PXL_20230321_110648474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Beautiful sunrises that reward the early risers ... not surprising to say that Doug didn't get in on this ''prize''.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznmABepo8IL5U2d6Gb4So5axOuTneYEbcQItcKnx8bwM_-jhVmv8DwikD6Z6r4HMyRqQsfCvlleXa2663GLVM2M1QjK9AqUPib3Uz9MqAe3qdRqtg-AVWa6TVzEY6W1xbdfclw-XGEp_sjJo3IakHkgsX9Zl9MzOeYXMj1GrphVTBlXJV9wUfJfEE/s4032/20230320163105-PXL_20230320_213105976.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznmABepo8IL5U2d6Gb4So5axOuTneYEbcQItcKnx8bwM_-jhVmv8DwikD6Z6r4HMyRqQsfCvlleXa2663GLVM2M1QjK9AqUPib3Uz9MqAe3qdRqtg-AVWa6TVzEY6W1xbdfclw-XGEp_sjJo3IakHkgsX9Zl9MzOeYXMj1GrphVTBlXJV9wUfJfEE/s320/20230320163105-PXL_20230320_213105976.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Unique beach towns with open-air restaurants that ''warmly'' invite you to hang out while sipping a cool drink and watching the surfers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPh9COHVIJlyPksM4Q7dVY3Pjk0jlqpT8jkff5qwAdGs9QZRMwrrcUsL0vYKfpNEAL-dOdDlkO8toJqJbc6mFhedlblCe4yVg9PUkZehR28a2BA9XoQ2TTcjJyorh7BiO_1mi1L_baVUUYzvVIafQUKq3RQE4GUgUYKUmJu6e-5npg3UCM-fS_nKr/s3055/20230323185458-edited_PXL_20230323_235458242.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3055" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPh9COHVIJlyPksM4Q7dVY3Pjk0jlqpT8jkff5qwAdGs9QZRMwrrcUsL0vYKfpNEAL-dOdDlkO8toJqJbc6mFhedlblCe4yVg9PUkZehR28a2BA9XoQ2TTcjJyorh7BiO_1mi1L_baVUUYzvVIafQUKq3RQE4GUgUYKUmJu6e-5npg3UCM-fS_nKr/s320/20230323185458-edited_PXL_20230323_235458242.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Specialty restaurants in Santa Marta that take advantage of the abundant fresh seafood to give the visitor a break from the traditional ''menú del día''. This crab, shrimp, whitefish, and salmon sushi platter was <i>AMAZING!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6g20DEK-hNN1_4dfN6ziLfCQgOPqYJ4oIcztljzEq10WaI5u2aD0kpwJFVNsM7dnGmxrrgrrcURjo2EEKvBd0rlYmKHVBYuta0HeEFigNIE_1AQGR6PY-CbrxkkGaeddJM7-D-oaySPkAotWX-DLuDZxyJboA8tVHRh0LQljfpXTWzd57pVoZ9_t/s3648/20230323100517-20230323100517_IMG_8769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6g20DEK-hNN1_4dfN6ziLfCQgOPqYJ4oIcztljzEq10WaI5u2aD0kpwJFVNsM7dnGmxrrgrrcURjo2EEKvBd0rlYmKHVBYuta0HeEFigNIE_1AQGR6PY-CbrxkkGaeddJM7-D-oaySPkAotWX-DLuDZxyJboA8tVHRh0LQljfpXTWzd57pVoZ9_t/s320/20230323100517-20230323100517_IMG_8769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Of course, if you are craving the more ''typical'' food, there is always a local restaurant willing to serve you a breakfast of scrambled eggs, rice, plantains, juice, and hot soup for $2.15 or a menú del día lunch for $3.25 . Not sure I totally understand the reasoning behind eating soup when it's close to 90 degrees out, but it is always quite tasty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElp40CnMifWmKknZCl699X2WPRwZgJxOxagYEm3YuM3sWeyGDBYoGVG-iHuXWMBCSFb2ZukG16NlO3WcXz59XTVAEYCpMqWsxzSMc2d87cr7BLJfDcMwY7FyC3jjTQ6-SKs88XNOJeOCr9vuYiSquTBeOJ0CzAfBhp4Rj7lZaLtUQso0f04t70pjB/s4032/20230320082154-PXL_20230320_132154463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElp40CnMifWmKknZCl699X2WPRwZgJxOxagYEm3YuM3sWeyGDBYoGVG-iHuXWMBCSFb2ZukG16NlO3WcXz59XTVAEYCpMqWsxzSMc2d87cr7BLJfDcMwY7FyC3jjTQ6-SKs88XNOJeOCr9vuYiSquTBeOJ0CzAfBhp4Rj7lZaLtUQso0f04t70pjB/s320/20230320082154-PXL_20230320_132154463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Open air patios and gardens of the hostels and hotels that provide a quiet respite from the noise of the city streets. For a restful sleep, the air conditioned room is definitely a must. Just don't expect a hot shower ... the small ''luxuries'' of life that we often take for granted are definitely not the norm in this tropical paradise!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4TZfytXhSxx6eelowWfP0-acgNiKnFgEeg0CyrdWny6OwaeKty4i6qByq3uB0kUMebEyKz6bzf2P9eZPiZIy0ZLarE3hMuKw3SDJ6nAaCjoSXPReUgSbvxwReSKoUN9xcIzt_xtL-5Frto001bkHexjZ3ru-8vkwpHkhrVfJU43kjCyqiB7wyvEJ/s4032/20230320134858-PXL_20230320_184858257.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4TZfytXhSxx6eelowWfP0-acgNiKnFgEeg0CyrdWny6OwaeKty4i6qByq3uB0kUMebEyKz6bzf2P9eZPiZIy0ZLarE3hMuKw3SDJ6nAaCjoSXPReUgSbvxwReSKoUN9xcIzt_xtL-5Frto001bkHexjZ3ru-8vkwpHkhrVfJU43kjCyqiB7wyvEJ/s320/20230320134858-PXL_20230320_184858257.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fresh fruit juice ''Happy Hours'' ... maracuyá (passion fruit) is my new favorite!</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE5mcN59bbGCHq2gbZWQw1r7sLw0noXXOiRf1MAUrVLJROBXQf8c9AGG-kKLQ75PxLRtxWA64jNREvjRvui427tC1oGJB5mLPs4Olq6pZ39Dr7TBElzfnlxEIsEiM-kkRdddtff5LqfJETwJCKGXfy5D4DUXCQvHklWus9naJz7H505U-eDpW5n7v/s3264/20230320170901-PXL_20230320_220901223.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE5mcN59bbGCHq2gbZWQw1r7sLw0noXXOiRf1MAUrVLJROBXQf8c9AGG-kKLQ75PxLRtxWA64jNREvjRvui427tC1oGJB5mLPs4Olq6pZ39Dr7TBElzfnlxEIsEiM-kkRdddtff5LqfJETwJCKGXfy5D4DUXCQvHklWus9naJz7H505U-eDpW5n7v/s320/20230320170901-PXL_20230320_220901223.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Miles of tropical beaches that give us a hint that there may be even more beautiful areas to explore in Tayrona National Park.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We'll put that on our travel ''wish list'' for the next time!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbFOGTaE-b0eiilHBUbru9bG3nlx9zjVyfxB40h9bOIV8IZFYGaSfqgl7snlDDUgvK-RXnlW-_P7ixcycdFy8Yip0i3KIxYwrA5K6avBHhR3oBYoasDnVfPh8LX-xfe4pkKjbP-ICYmd-DdABWatXxvnIXckzzbqT5J0WcW5bSLAwJQH1c8Z--CMH/s4032/20230322175821-PXL_20230322_225821295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbFOGTaE-b0eiilHBUbru9bG3nlx9zjVyfxB40h9bOIV8IZFYGaSfqgl7snlDDUgvK-RXnlW-_P7ixcycdFy8Yip0i3KIxYwrA5K6avBHhR3oBYoasDnVfPh8LX-xfe4pkKjbP-ICYmd-DdABWatXxvnIXckzzbqT5J0WcW5bSLAwJQH1c8Z--CMH/s320/20230322175821-PXL_20230322_225821295.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With just two weeks left in Colombia, the sun is quickly setting on another amazing adventure,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPLrTpbIhuBkUSSncaP4KuHKc6jwpVHQVwifo6OwzmCb7gNaSNKvUfM4K7MB5eu8FTKcIWFjkjto0EMtOqhqqyuDsTGmzl49hM7LYTBaAyitdWwxrpjUqjPPxi7e4Bdk7r6HjgHb_BS5_QLYDUwCDZl2H9x2RZ9TgwZJM6finmMG5RxH8pwO_MyXd/s3648/20230321151617-20230321151617_IMG_8761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPLrTpbIhuBkUSSncaP4KuHKc6jwpVHQVwifo6OwzmCb7gNaSNKvUfM4K7MB5eu8FTKcIWFjkjto0EMtOqhqqyuDsTGmzl49hM7LYTBaAyitdWwxrpjUqjPPxi7e4Bdk7r6HjgHb_BS5_QLYDUwCDZl2H9x2RZ9TgwZJM6finmMG5RxH8pwO_MyXd/s320/20230321151617-20230321151617_IMG_8761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... but with all the colorful people, places, and experiences, there's no doubt that we'll be back.</span></div></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-23858844985462724992023-03-19T11:46:00.000-05:002023-03-19T11:46:30.186-05:00Celebrating Spring Everyday In The City of Eternal Spring<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fuEk70lFaTHcYQb6ToNQGtMv-419w_Kt20RhGb5XntJGc2wlymQM6hh3jEJSBqz0R-MROUcVz0dgMCrB0kBXDPEAFsTqBuDtW3CuVn5YhvvQFptxHMCHX3WJ_iLb8xiWrUJHdrnp_IzBusvXvNkkbczwBsCaCDDrhJHT6NQR3ENun5T6E2-tG3Jz/s3774/20230226092917-edited_PXL_20230226_142917933%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="3774" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fuEk70lFaTHcYQb6ToNQGtMv-419w_Kt20RhGb5XntJGc2wlymQM6hh3jEJSBqz0R-MROUcVz0dgMCrB0kBXDPEAFsTqBuDtW3CuVn5YhvvQFptxHMCHX3WJ_iLb8xiWrUJHdrnp_IzBusvXvNkkbczwBsCaCDDrhJHT6NQR3ENun5T6E2-tG3Jz/s320/20230226092917-edited_PXL_20230226_142917933%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The calendar says that spring should be knocking at your door. But for those in the northern part of the United States, the snow on the ground may tell you otherwise. The Spring Equinox ... that beautiful time of year when the hours of daylight equals the hours of darkness ... is greatly welcomed by our northern friends. Everyone joyfully anticipates longer, warmer days ... along with plenty of <span><b style="color: #ffa400; font-style: italic;">sunshine</b> and blooming </span><span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><b>flowers</b></span></span> once again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqOM8-bNT1Z6gCdygEHMuS0BXXCjY9YIuWr_G367icf-TfUYfXd8ZKeHB4xb-_jeHIgP6old2_TYUG3RrIuyitRha9ycyJNJ29IlXi1onl_eE8WN3FHWGUtYW7giq5xjbLSQjWhOmjD79wgRWxw6dqMlHPExpmKtCt-bxT9Q4DNaRUobBx9Q22-E8/s4032/20230124121324-edited_PXL_20230124_171324706.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqOM8-bNT1Z6gCdygEHMuS0BXXCjY9YIuWr_G367icf-TfUYfXd8ZKeHB4xb-_jeHIgP6old2_TYUG3RrIuyitRha9ycyJNJ29IlXi1onl_eE8WN3FHWGUtYW7giq5xjbLSQjWhOmjD79wgRWxw6dqMlHPExpmKtCt-bxT9Q4DNaRUobBx9Q22-E8/s320/20230124121324-edited_PXL_20230124_171324706.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But in this land so close to the Equator, every day ... <i>all year long</i> consists of twelve hours of sunlight and twelve hours of darkness. Sunrise is always around 6 am, and the night is still young when the sun sets twelve hours later.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE-WGOQYDhq9SZ510dft_062nAM_0j2NA8AW4b4arcrHFGSQoEr8t0yl5STZ2t7KDzPXERtBi5A2GytvlDQNTRINEENR6uJpwvKPfuWd2zJ1XP7_NoM0tlG7RD8ybYKdS_Y6HxMmdHKGr5af5pf3DKlBFDwYINCLwmcF71JTbbtyRqeMM5wQeVZk5/s3942/20230222183418-edited_PXL_20230222_233418566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE-WGOQYDhq9SZ510dft_062nAM_0j2NA8AW4b4arcrHFGSQoEr8t0yl5STZ2t7KDzPXERtBi5A2GytvlDQNTRINEENR6uJpwvKPfuWd2zJ1XP7_NoM0tlG7RD8ybYKdS_Y6HxMmdHKGr5af5pf3DKlBFDwYINCLwmcF71JTbbtyRqeMM5wQeVZk5/s320/20230222183418-edited_PXL_20230222_233418566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So while the locals may not understand the hype that we ''northerners'' have with the ''official'' arrival of Spring on March 20, Colombians do love to celebrate ... anything ... anytime. So I suspect that most of our paisa friends would agree with one of my favorite comedians when he said ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!'</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Robin Williams</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZG8HSfEqq5KSf0rNa5jkgDljVRBE68JhjOLjJ9r6DmtLpQMX4TnTREvDO39yvbSagG1B1Azb1OmyOEKGrdPb02wksbgxFB5Hb33jS_A58OY9dDV9JWiy9cjQxLZtYKzJI1kTrkegAQTTecMlpDvylRWdMwo_eCuG1pn4quXRxXtK9fpn2kPwnM-T/s3305/20230216221525-edited_PXL_20230217_031525290.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3305" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZG8HSfEqq5KSf0rNa5jkgDljVRBE68JhjOLjJ9r6DmtLpQMX4TnTREvDO39yvbSagG1B1Azb1OmyOEKGrdPb02wksbgxFB5Hb33jS_A58OY9dDV9JWiy9cjQxLZtYKzJI1kTrkegAQTTecMlpDvylRWdMwo_eCuG1pn4quXRxXtK9fpn2kPwnM-T/s320/20230216221525-edited_PXL_20230217_031525290.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And Medellín knows how to party ... complete with fireworks to celebrate a victory of their local fútbol team!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín, here's a glimpse of the fiesta that is awaiting you when the earth rids itself of the layer of white and puts on its</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #ffa400;">S</span><span style="color: red;">p</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">r</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">i</span><span style="color: #ffa400;">n</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">g</span> <span style="color: red;">C</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">o</span><span style="color: #04ff00;">l</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">o</span><span style="color: #01ffff;">r</span><span style="color: red;">s</span></i><span style="color: #04ff00;">!</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcln2eNH8ng6Bc-U7n4uStfiyY9y3NyyPQxr8ebo7bUOsPa-8aoJjqCW-tZi4cXuF0tAVWVqa7S6xj6fWuDQBWfrCs6Q9LfJPRDeK-E_D_3OyiKE7E8abFTJy497TiqINJ_p6WbJYUZcM8DnhD74xCAyXCZ0Fp_DPnpb81lJAy-oP4MDQ848xwJC1/s4032/20230228152322-PXL_20230228_202322515.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcln2eNH8ng6Bc-U7n4uStfiyY9y3NyyPQxr8ebo7bUOsPa-8aoJjqCW-tZi4cXuF0tAVWVqa7S6xj6fWuDQBWfrCs6Q9LfJPRDeK-E_D_3OyiKE7E8abFTJy497TiqINJ_p6WbJYUZcM8DnhD74xCAyXCZ0Fp_DPnpb81lJAy-oP4MDQ848xwJC1/s320/20230228152322-PXL_20230228_202322515.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcC6vyku58qkig3P_M4btGMSs33s1ZJGsOSrV_xB-9RNkY5Eo0eOvVlryHiRjm0VMRpgEpy3hHVP5LkhQC7y6vRq1ByULOy9w6imTahTOE30xmDNIqaa8tgQpAIy-3XRVOtjbpQm0i7VWP6ifwcI8ZGti6xxVcJrT9oMJvew2VugIcAntZDrat2c-/s4032/20230221133155-edited_PXL_20230221_183155112.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcC6vyku58qkig3P_M4btGMSs33s1ZJGsOSrV_xB-9RNkY5Eo0eOvVlryHiRjm0VMRpgEpy3hHVP5LkhQC7y6vRq1ByULOy9w6imTahTOE30xmDNIqaa8tgQpAIy-3XRVOtjbpQm0i7VWP6ifwcI8ZGti6xxVcJrT9oMJvew2VugIcAntZDrat2c-/s320/20230221133155-edited_PXL_20230221_183155112.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLBPORCFPS990jRj22PzXoEuJbqlcsNBiZc42rGpu7t7-O64kvCnzIKuY7kkbCD2kdsPYV41BoIBmT4bVf1v3rg6Xl1_R658Yel6j_XLaFdUOmdYJK-eQ0XOgSE4VjrmgaQ-e-tBDugPTIH6vjUbU5rNL8XFg5-hK3iaWxMzcYvi02zvh2Ibs_OvA/s4032/20230202175825-edited_PXL_20230202_225825561.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLBPORCFPS990jRj22PzXoEuJbqlcsNBiZc42rGpu7t7-O64kvCnzIKuY7kkbCD2kdsPYV41BoIBmT4bVf1v3rg6Xl1_R658Yel6j_XLaFdUOmdYJK-eQ0XOgSE4VjrmgaQ-e-tBDugPTIH6vjUbU5rNL8XFg5-hK3iaWxMzcYvi02zvh2Ibs_OvA/s320/20230202175825-edited_PXL_20230202_225825561.MP.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The signs of spring around us fill our senses with </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOKZYYMTN_O8AAv7SJOzvMW9C3--zkJnL-VwGhrxS6Uy8TSMvlXdHI9WsX4QmjDWfe6ranLRZGc2s4fOPuYN42GDSNAlWVKHu8gIV-5neyc2EWMAvcAb4sPnvbds_j6EPZPtTYjDbokqVunVrFMSQHjTGqzkQFwlqWQBo0GBJa58IigxE_UzIxB9h/s4032/20230119151721-PXL_20230119_201721427.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOKZYYMTN_O8AAv7SJOzvMW9C3--zkJnL-VwGhrxS6Uy8TSMvlXdHI9WsX4QmjDWfe6ranLRZGc2s4fOPuYN42GDSNAlWVKHu8gIV-5neyc2EWMAvcAb4sPnvbds_j6EPZPtTYjDbokqVunVrFMSQHjTGqzkQFwlqWQBo0GBJa58IigxE_UzIxB9h/s320/20230119151721-PXL_20230119_201721427.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... sweet tastes of the abundant fresh fruit,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqZveISHeky51U0ocVzS69xcWRD5pm34dLZH0_sUvmL02GxjlLam4l5tj3dBrnywQkZrBj9v0TEoKvQ1tl47kvfEHTWAe7Hs7GfCnmOWdJg87q0hGyWYmpk9EkbzpLiibweqCALB-eOdKqevgRutNycXUCcC6on2am24yKOtZRtaQAS_1m3ORDUGh/s4032/20230123155039-PXL_20230123_205039233.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqZveISHeky51U0ocVzS69xcWRD5pm34dLZH0_sUvmL02GxjlLam4l5tj3dBrnywQkZrBj9v0TEoKvQ1tl47kvfEHTWAe7Hs7GfCnmOWdJg87q0hGyWYmpk9EkbzpLiibweqCALB-eOdKqevgRutNycXUCcC6on2am24yKOtZRtaQAS_1m3ORDUGh/s320/20230123155039-PXL_20230123_205039233.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... aromatic fragrances of blossom-laden trees,</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKbt_OivypjK8weJ5PY3QpzKs8mfRLh1hzd19fEqOyp5bPZlX2qS0omnO4heUQXIN10esaDN63vyQjNTnxgsmfcD7x-O9sz4s6BDpvM7K5eT0MgtiohTZoK0oq_qIOvnqUSLyXKbrt0p-XXaA32PmXLGWAujPcDrC1f0Qs1pGam4CR1lTb84CHKyZ/s4032/20230202175619-edited_PXL_20230202_225619694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKbt_OivypjK8weJ5PY3QpzKs8mfRLh1hzd19fEqOyp5bPZlX2qS0omnO4heUQXIN10esaDN63vyQjNTnxgsmfcD7x-O9sz4s6BDpvM7K5eT0MgtiohTZoK0oq_qIOvnqUSLyXKbrt0p-XXaA32PmXLGWAujPcDrC1f0Qs1pGam4CR1lTb84CHKyZ/s320/20230202175619-edited_PXL_20230202_225619694.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... unique textures of intertwined timber,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNVi9Y3eTFfH81I1qqr0pTP_9ngLetru_B_XIDGzyQUUQP6ZthfVb6kkNq_Gom5_vTCQkeIXALD-MFi5mCEu65ylm97eax8uUHVaXX5NC_QRuqT9xnGUpKaD_kQ72KOI5vQbm06rLHJXLFqZNfRbWV2efmG6hxsv1Xsa0TYVgfwKKDGfAtc82GF17/s3648/20230221135416-20230221135416_IMG_8705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNVi9Y3eTFfH81I1qqr0pTP_9ngLetru_B_XIDGzyQUUQP6ZthfVb6kkNq_Gom5_vTCQkeIXALD-MFi5mCEu65ylm97eax8uUHVaXX5NC_QRuqT9xnGUpKaD_kQ72KOI5vQbm06rLHJXLFqZNfRbWV2efmG6hxsv1Xsa0TYVgfwKKDGfAtc82GF17/s320/20230221135416-20230221135416_IMG_8705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... melodious songs of colorful feathered friends,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5shNolFHI-ro8pkK5OA4SrZQyr46edYbpsJ5b-PZg-yv4HWnZLragC7irpdYBWEoErqVP4iD2XbKTV8uWJV3MgZgcx_E8HALfdJoNjDGiOQDepF31VWAYWxKB9jX3Yt5qSgufSClTTHun9G75owQvbUFJZPFX2MrMwGH9bp50h59YnFblz6kdNfD8/s4032/20230228154132-edited_PXL_20230228_204132530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5shNolFHI-ro8pkK5OA4SrZQyr46edYbpsJ5b-PZg-yv4HWnZLragC7irpdYBWEoErqVP4iD2XbKTV8uWJV3MgZgcx_E8HALfdJoNjDGiOQDepF31VWAYWxKB9jX3Yt5qSgufSClTTHun9G75owQvbUFJZPFX2MrMwGH9bp50h59YnFblz6kdNfD8/s320/20230228154132-edited_PXL_20230228_204132530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and sights of pure wonder and joy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Because of its mountainous terrain and year-round favorable temps, Colombia is home to over 4,200 species of orchids. Here's a few for you to enjoy ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYStM6KWV2opbwjnAstmf5mK6hRVx6oi0L4p5ofO7LXOPIbaG0BjvDWMP_UY8mkrX_rx2fqYIg_gRxOV1IfOynvI-juyztAupRwWGVXKQTI7uk2K7wuegK-TgH0O2etftNv1ITaK4FGgJsfGvikimHL_0rQ5e9aVHKwQ_pHJApDXM4b5uhepZKojp/s2048/20180105185735-20180105074456_IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYStM6KWV2opbwjnAstmf5mK6hRVx6oi0L4p5ofO7LXOPIbaG0BjvDWMP_UY8mkrX_rx2fqYIg_gRxOV1IfOynvI-juyztAupRwWGVXKQTI7uk2K7wuegK-TgH0O2etftNv1ITaK4FGgJsfGvikimHL_0rQ5e9aVHKwQ_pHJApDXM4b5uhepZKojp/s320/20180105185735-20180105074456_IMG_0409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32H3jwKs-pr7u2aAuzDvCpZEwutBxjZk5tg6Lavy36LuG7QMueUutNDIeQlucQLIjG51u-v1iFZ83AcHnWrm8xHGTmcxRdzzs-jpXA_hZNdqI_T5DGNW6H5u9O46vqIr7eANoAJse0AAHAUfexvGAZjHPpsAvVgmmHU_tLpvLJdbijGvziSWnw2K/s4032/20230228160410-PXL_20230228_210410385.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU32H3jwKs-pr7u2aAuzDvCpZEwutBxjZk5tg6Lavy36LuG7QMueUutNDIeQlucQLIjG51u-v1iFZ83AcHnWrm8xHGTmcxRdzzs-jpXA_hZNdqI_T5DGNW6H5u9O46vqIr7eANoAJse0AAHAUfexvGAZjHPpsAvVgmmHU_tLpvLJdbijGvziSWnw2K/s320/20230228160410-PXL_20230228_210410385.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kzCLWanEoSzjXX79FKV-Q0hdp2xGu5jCQLfOsgH3Yi_k96hzRiLQl4B6ELjhRQv5E_r1icqLQjZ9Ki5WJI6GL0Vhe8m4uP_MknBZUt2Azv3DbCpfzvvslhLiUrQwEnFqFWBafO-HhVZVWU2Tdc9Zmf9wU_c9ggewxmqVaONklhPEuwJ_Nmr7eBKG/s4032/20230228170647-PXL_20230228_220647593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kzCLWanEoSzjXX79FKV-Q0hdp2xGu5jCQLfOsgH3Yi_k96hzRiLQl4B6ELjhRQv5E_r1icqLQjZ9Ki5WJI6GL0Vhe8m4uP_MknBZUt2Azv3DbCpfzvvslhLiUrQwEnFqFWBafO-HhVZVWU2Tdc9Zmf9wU_c9ggewxmqVaONklhPEuwJ_Nmr7eBKG/s320/20230228170647-PXL_20230228_220647593.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlayEZoAzOVZvfAViU5EvGItEjjykhACAae232QjOA0cT9-yNWQArXKDIz9LuaPn1XyZMAs8uB-an3mN1B0O9Z7KjHEJ1RpwLzW0oR-NrFL4_9Pq-QZm0MLfMmTBEd9cpWR1mMal-kwidtcr3gQlfc1y14RhKEfaSrp3C2c_fH3fRbT5PuHRSDENvC/s2048/20180105185749-20180105073632_IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlayEZoAzOVZvfAViU5EvGItEjjykhACAae232QjOA0cT9-yNWQArXKDIz9LuaPn1XyZMAs8uB-an3mN1B0O9Z7KjHEJ1RpwLzW0oR-NrFL4_9Pq-QZm0MLfMmTBEd9cpWR1mMal-kwidtcr3gQlfc1y14RhKEfaSrp3C2c_fH3fRbT5PuHRSDENvC/s320/20180105185749-20180105073632_IMG_0394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh0DbYvt0BLvTFpsSVjSEyOszVK1m1Sxugao2cxvXvcK87_tXB2wcOxRHiS7Zpq8kCHomuWjXivDnv015oWwM3pRcCynvXKORU1YhEzvEkxKn7Hdyo8S5bMQnxSlmBabF5zusQLCcYDAZpp5Wpgl0Wlo6zRAbpau-4N4j1BAU7lYCjsse_hoUqN7t/s2048/20180108185916-20180108120509_IMG_0650copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh0DbYvt0BLvTFpsSVjSEyOszVK1m1Sxugao2cxvXvcK87_tXB2wcOxRHiS7Zpq8kCHomuWjXivDnv015oWwM3pRcCynvXKORU1YhEzvEkxKn7Hdyo8S5bMQnxSlmBabF5zusQLCcYDAZpp5Wpgl0Wlo6zRAbpau-4N4j1BAU7lYCjsse_hoUqN7t/s320/20180108185916-20180108120509_IMG_0650copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our time in Colombia is passing quickly as we fill our days volunteering at a community English class, attending language exchanges, traveling to surrounding pueblos, and recovering from GI issues ... yes, there was something in either some food or water that my gut didn't like. I'm grateful that I finally felt good enough this past week to take one of our favorite hikes in Medellín. As the saying goes, the journey is as good as the destination.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPbMuic-cMOBA9e4GQhlpAC2n7gYBowkyDjIblQ1wZbzf0BGtUVdV17cji01Fah_dCXUKfH94Fxc1jJNRvBma01Mh7WI3haotqVHyb-jZJsg3ES88gZXxihHSk0zs12JRt36lMTsQU2tgpQaOslB8nh6XD8ESLRishYEqNyXUcZVJDNNX_oosoVDE/s4032/20230314225859-PXL_20230315_035859568.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPbMuic-cMOBA9e4GQhlpAC2n7gYBowkyDjIblQ1wZbzf0BGtUVdV17cji01Fah_dCXUKfH94Fxc1jJNRvBma01Mh7WI3haotqVHyb-jZJsg3ES88gZXxihHSk0zs12JRt36lMTsQU2tgpQaOslB8nh6XD8ESLRishYEqNyXUcZVJDNNX_oosoVDE/s320/20230314225859-PXL_20230315_035859568.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In this case, the city's Metro (subway), Tram-via (electric cable car), Metro-cable (gondola-type lift system) and a two-block walk up one of Medellín's steepest, narrowest, and most interesting streets got us to the start of the trail.</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht29t9ArJLKTKo3p9AO5JlDt2rpg4XnHL4jhhzoCai-rBer6xvbkydPabPpWuZEXwSzYK5rVfyyjLALPh6bzqoRGonb98gKOodAMAcjRFgA-uO_prVT5IOQZBGPmV2U31WSnEy_t1GNE8dQe6kj17mXBlC4637hh3vi61snn7jqb-JYNYO7XgwUrRX/s3942/20230316123346-edited_edited_PXL_20230316_173346018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="2956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht29t9ArJLKTKo3p9AO5JlDt2rpg4XnHL4jhhzoCai-rBer6xvbkydPabPpWuZEXwSzYK5rVfyyjLALPh6bzqoRGonb98gKOodAMAcjRFgA-uO_prVT5IOQZBGPmV2U31WSnEy_t1GNE8dQe6kj17mXBlC4637hh3vi61snn7jqb-JYNYO7XgwUrRX/s320/20230316123346-edited_edited_PXL_20230316_173346018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">Trees shaded the path through Pan de Azúcar</span><span style="text-align: left;"> garden,</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippnEY7ubEzwYYlKUWm4tWP3cToXhLmtzQO469lzbvdB6c4kHyKi-nbgCmjUrO_jWNVRUhiqpiFwyAz8AfEQNRyGzaJ1DDgg1SIvTY9RPxOY5X0b13tvRkbFoXfbTljPm6ZCIzswq5eFJBCT09Yi7sj_CKPm2rI_xmGN8gd-lhTI82HZofpVWhSMyK/s4032/20230316131055-edited_PXL_20230316_181055465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippnEY7ubEzwYYlKUWm4tWP3cToXhLmtzQO469lzbvdB6c4kHyKi-nbgCmjUrO_jWNVRUhiqpiFwyAz8AfEQNRyGzaJ1DDgg1SIvTY9RPxOY5X0b13tvRkbFoXfbTljPm6ZCIzswq5eFJBCT09Yi7sj_CKPm2rI_xmGN8gd-lhTI82HZofpVWhSMyK/s320/20230316131055-edited_PXL_20230316_181055465.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... but that didn't prevent just a little sweat as we made our way up the 1000 or so stairs to the summit.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLXcn6Hg-Yc1jx2VOJfRKCD0P53AibfoDF-yA89cfE4RL9dJYJ-Rt-see-YfRm-iUopKZGj-yvxEawFn6RX7JKEPwyUEzLQhRDcx2To9eM1R71ak5VU6nK2wYSjPYKnzE-I3Dxot3mBD7iEYJb0zRc-yqqcwi8PXb-IDYDW0igaPJaidpem7KEPlt/s4032/20230316131243-edited_PXL_20230316_181243768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLXcn6Hg-Yc1jx2VOJfRKCD0P53AibfoDF-yA89cfE4RL9dJYJ-Rt-see-YfRm-iUopKZGj-yvxEawFn6RX7JKEPwyUEzLQhRDcx2To9eM1R71ak5VU6nK2wYSjPYKnzE-I3Dxot3mBD7iEYJb0zRc-yqqcwi8PXb-IDYDW0igaPJaidpem7KEPlt/s320/20230316131243-edited_PXL_20230316_181243768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As we approached the top we saw that ...</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">''If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.''</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Frances Hodgson Burnett</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8TL0sPlot60z_e25Yg5bDQ_1iSRssRu3D-sfw56VRmuFXYISBJO3lp6GcrzJ5HCSkh2Gsv9g_yh-HEjbhUYSwyQBJgSbvaPQkQPGBhTrSpzUi7tdTzNEPrlgWvIUdvlzXdTTCPzaXsQ-lw08OEzsSx8CZkhRIPgfXKwKzDuPxbticg2as2OU1khL/s4032/20230316124933-edited_PXL_20230316_174933083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8TL0sPlot60z_e25Yg5bDQ_1iSRssRu3D-sfw56VRmuFXYISBJO3lp6GcrzJ5HCSkh2Gsv9g_yh-HEjbhUYSwyQBJgSbvaPQkQPGBhTrSpzUi7tdTzNEPrlgWvIUdvlzXdTTCPzaXsQ-lw08OEzsSx8CZkhRIPgfXKwKzDuPxbticg2as2OU1khL/s320/20230316124933-edited_PXL_20230316_174933083.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sometimes it's just covered with a lot of buildings ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKEexOzmvYoxtgoZ7QCETdJokENeJhENngPo1KgBunzhjbaHhwqyZAFiLG1FMjgwVs940-QdpLLP5-LhqQXdUpguet9WPyq5gGy-7JCFcQFiLj0twMJmtUu65cztrgatbZYlevA1msECkCXiiwKuUlL_Q8lTKH3cbA4bX7HLQU72GlG1pFzyEqoLf/s3968/P1030011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKEexOzmvYoxtgoZ7QCETdJokENeJhENngPo1KgBunzhjbaHhwqyZAFiLG1FMjgwVs940-QdpLLP5-LhqQXdUpguet9WPyq5gGy-7JCFcQFiLj0twMJmtUu65cztrgatbZYlevA1msECkCXiiwKuUlL_Q8lTKH3cbA4bX7HLQU72GlG1pFzyEqoLf/s320/P1030011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or waiting patiently for the snow to melt so that ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQvxza0oHeTBfq40s0eVzWio86N3GqYv9u_kU62gBxfMan6dBt8uP42sGqanHsSkT5YI-fpofKiMk8gaTRa4WgGB_GcxpMjxACp8BPvBawCJh3Rco_7Uqll7RTzW6E1AotPCjP5yl7vENaCER3LKVocnyEnYbp71oERVh_kcgeJ5gd3ISD3JiWONv/s3856/20230228162205-edited_PXL_20230228_212205667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="3856" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQvxza0oHeTBfq40s0eVzWio86N3GqYv9u_kU62gBxfMan6dBt8uP42sGqanHsSkT5YI-fpofKiMk8gaTRa4WgGB_GcxpMjxACp8BPvBawCJh3Rco_7Uqll7RTzW6E1AotPCjP5yl7vENaCER3LKVocnyEnYbp71oERVh_kcgeJ5gd3ISD3JiWONv/s320/20230228162205-edited_PXL_20230228_212205667.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">it can burst forth with its amazing beauty!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #ffa400;">First</span> <span style="color: #01ffff;">Day</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">of</span> <span style="color: #04ff00;">Spring</span> <span style="color: red;">from</span> <span style="color: #ffa400;">Medellín,</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #04ff00;">the</span> <span style="color: #ff00fe;">City</span> <span style="color: #01ffff;">of</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eternal</span> <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Spring !</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlxfOvJ0u2pFKjIHXVRc_dc0Q4cR9moenlr9dDCvh7kFctyDX_IfoG-0Z4NBquahCynxK8PDYX2TRfzTZYRCvm0eSPB_wHsVv0iVsszsegvLYMQrZatMttnms6oi0zYLLvpdGnMtym7c69UM0QehbtB0_gctajsszFxwOw9A7hIfAAZu--WmIbCD9/s4032/20230219113247-PXL_20230219_163247247.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlxfOvJ0u2pFKjIHXVRc_dc0Q4cR9moenlr9dDCvh7kFctyDX_IfoG-0Z4NBquahCynxK8PDYX2TRfzTZYRCvm0eSPB_wHsVv0iVsszsegvLYMQrZatMttnms6oi0zYLLvpdGnMtym7c69UM0QehbtB0_gctajsszFxwOw9A7hIfAAZu--WmIbCD9/s320/20230219113247-PXL_20230219_163247247.PORTRAIT%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122475986708511526.post-24359893376095431092023-03-09T21:13:00.005-06:002023-03-09T21:24:22.792-06:00The Endearing Charm of Colombia's Chicamocha Canyon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGofsajoJbd9DdHynQqHOr29WG1RWeDWc6if0Ari6BzJNvRF_HaqBtDLFxnLE0pI7rWH74LlvG7s6DTjupJGXEIOCZCbdyLD1_jSVSC-mH-uw_TosWSeuq0OF-YNhi8Lcv_-HlyqIdQ5MY3A9-ZqjvSkd9dRdpvEH4tVbXIEyXoJaSNJRcCjwrnIP/s1920/20230220130813-PXL_20230220_180813711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGofsajoJbd9DdHynQqHOr29WG1RWeDWc6if0Ari6BzJNvRF_HaqBtDLFxnLE0pI7rWH74LlvG7s6DTjupJGXEIOCZCbdyLD1_jSVSC-mH-uw_TosWSeuq0OF-YNhi8Lcv_-HlyqIdQ5MY3A9-ZqjvSkd9dRdpvEH4tVbXIEyXoJaSNJRcCjwrnIP/w391-h293/20230220130813-PXL_20230220_180813711.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">'</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">'A river cuts through the rock not because of its power, </span></b></span><b style="font-family: "Dancing Script";"><span style="color: #b45f06;">but because of its persistence.''</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Unknown</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There weren't too many places to safely pull over on the side of the narrow, twisty mountain road. But Jose Luis, our taxi driver, was determined that we catch the perfect view. And there it was ... one of the most beloved treasures of Colombia, the Chicamocha Canyon.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbqUJ6edqUEmHPYv4oR0NDOHWRzS0Rb0HB1NbReF8CbePVEReiUbrQXDSzCuC_fCAlMpLSEYvAoSkoaIav-WRjAscAy83vMLkm5YWdkHK8mvmXsIecesxqerw9jxlqbz5mFwZQ3Xslvmld4AFsFxE4EW24KvH0211zBM5MAS1bqHQlXbRWOIfFNY1/s4032/20230220131616-edited_PXL_20230220_181616620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbqUJ6edqUEmHPYv4oR0NDOHWRzS0Rb0HB1NbReF8CbePVEReiUbrQXDSzCuC_fCAlMpLSEYvAoSkoaIav-WRjAscAy83vMLkm5YWdkHK8mvmXsIecesxqerw9jxlqbz5mFwZQ3Xslvmld4AFsFxE4EW24KvH0211zBM5MAS1bqHQlXbRWOIfFNY1/w357-h268/20230220131616-edited_PXL_20230220_181616620.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While the measuring and ranking of canyons is an imprecise science, Colombians hold dear to the belief that the Chicamocha Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. And who are we to disagree when we saw the canyon that stretched from Bucaramanga, in the Colombian department (state) of Santander, where our plane landed, to Barichara, four hours south, where our week-long adventure would begin.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE46P69jAkH55cWAsux7vJGlD1gwstyqmwm4RuQUTfh-P0B1tRsBMD4vpRQhLeKWxMal2RX8Keu4y6BkB-Nw13x8lBT2mSSS8o9RgK_HMzpESC9UEBpjcbPjKGt4jzkhMGuOx4mc5k4jnc5ZNohz4FXOY6BEtlkbB2OqbIiocEYtfucwh7ENbrk_s/s608/Screenshot%202023-03-05%2011.51.36%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE46P69jAkH55cWAsux7vJGlD1gwstyqmwm4RuQUTfh-P0B1tRsBMD4vpRQhLeKWxMal2RX8Keu4y6BkB-Nw13x8lBT2mSSS8o9RgK_HMzpESC9UEBpjcbPjKGt4jzkhMGuOx4mc5k4jnc5ZNohz4FXOY6BEtlkbB2OqbIiocEYtfucwh7ENbrk_s/s320/Screenshot%202023-03-05%2011.51.36%20AM.png" width="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There are three main ways to travel between the different cities in this region ... by private car, taxi, or bus. We arrived in Bucaramanga in the morning, so our friends had arranged for their ''trusted driver'' Jose Luis to take us to our first destination, Barichara. Along the way, he stopped at many beautiful vistas and points of interest.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX-OtXeAUMT8SDOGldJ-YDf7IuByR6-kRXj-NV1lP_dWlb8kpioYxJNxNZDyfArTJNUTJ6UPdNvVfU_0Q6Qp8zDK60-fyV4gSZVdP9cp5RQ4tNLqCl-CT225A11Gvn3Mx2tqhjRp2sCBgv2c3Ze1utS_c-P9xjcLkdnIsXOCwn4SuDrXZ8yEYUfRW/s3552/20230220110307-edited_edited_PXL_20230220_160307439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2492" data-original-width="3552" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX-OtXeAUMT8SDOGldJ-YDf7IuByR6-kRXj-NV1lP_dWlb8kpioYxJNxNZDyfArTJNUTJ6UPdNvVfU_0Q6Qp8zDK60-fyV4gSZVdP9cp5RQ4tNLqCl-CT225A11Gvn3Mx2tqhjRp2sCBgv2c3Ze1utS_c-P9xjcLkdnIsXOCwn4SuDrXZ8yEYUfRW/s320/20230220110307-edited_edited_PXL_20230220_160307439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Just south of Bucaramanga lies another Pueblo Patrimonio (historical colonial village) of San Juan de Girón. Once again, white and brown stone houses lined the cobblestone streets. Jose Luis insisted that we try the traditional dessert of Girón, the Maracumango. This sundae consisted of two local fruits, maracuya (passion fruit) and mango. Along with some ice cream made from local goat milk, it was very refreshing in the noticeably warmer and more humid weather that is characteristic of this dry tropical forest region. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0zVdXRXVwuSdjMJcJ7RMAsgMWSt4gv3cxxc73pwaP30fQpQrncTMqQWAao8tCySCxxcjkLZE_XFVsCjS22ePoWaPWcSM7nys4Znk5MYUMhJ3AppAbEVH3LzygTZIPefM1Ty-dmUHzH2VSvAK9JEy3dYvmb30CXEjhdVQfZWJp2-kGIOXX3AE5x6u/s1920/20230220131824-PXL_20230220_181818966.PANO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0zVdXRXVwuSdjMJcJ7RMAsgMWSt4gv3cxxc73pwaP30fQpQrncTMqQWAao8tCySCxxcjkLZE_XFVsCjS22ePoWaPWcSM7nys4Znk5MYUMhJ3AppAbEVH3LzygTZIPefM1Ty-dmUHzH2VSvAK9JEy3dYvmb30CXEjhdVQfZWJp2-kGIOXX3AE5x6u/w514-h180/20230220131824-PXL_20230220_181818966.PANO.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The rest of our five hour journey consisted of more panoramic views of the canyon along with some interesting sights along the way. We saw many ''walls of tires'' that were used to prevent erosion of the canyon walls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-cQFjcatQQh9i_isWUwvEwiKn8IuHSwpkLDGnJumsxMmZvCxKo2pj50jfokZcY87ED1v2jvldhWgZ0JrM_DVyVRWrNLLcMQTEHIT_HIp9nYSiOgcxujndWjQhj-p26FrWt6bGDRpYuB31d6KLd1V80-A-Y835vqq1Vgp7gPribK4OqQKtA1y_44Z/s4032/20230220140949-PXL_20230220_190949461.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-cQFjcatQQh9i_isWUwvEwiKn8IuHSwpkLDGnJumsxMmZvCxKo2pj50jfokZcY87ED1v2jvldhWgZ0JrM_DVyVRWrNLLcMQTEHIT_HIp9nYSiOgcxujndWjQhj-p26FrWt6bGDRpYuB31d6KLd1V80-A-Y835vqq1Vgp7gPribK4OqQKtA1y_44Z/s320/20230220140949-PXL_20230220_190949461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As best as I understood Jose Luis' story in Spanish, this airplane ''hotel'' at the side of the road was flown into the canyon and transported to its current resting place many years ago.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18DC-RhBGtDDFSURJ0zjezeeffe9XIgpTALgneDvqgLF-G8HVlTFAnSbGNnUNZOeR4rsAkeO4fNcb1aEM_jBIxFNDETItzUePKHgmsnrFhFqC2Ut4E5E_hKLbICbCNa9tSJq-2575AHyawodRBcrmUwItxdvYHIwRpuHe7R9IDCG-mvAVAwYlEyXQ/s3264/20230220150332-PXL_20230220_200332530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18DC-RhBGtDDFSURJ0zjezeeffe9XIgpTALgneDvqgLF-G8HVlTFAnSbGNnUNZOeR4rsAkeO4fNcb1aEM_jBIxFNDETItzUePKHgmsnrFhFqC2Ut4E5E_hKLbICbCNa9tSJq-2575AHyawodRBcrmUwItxdvYHIwRpuHe7R9IDCG-mvAVAwYlEyXQ/s320/20230220150332-PXL_20230220_200332530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After many more interesting sights and stories, we thanked our driver, teacher, tour guide and new friend. It was time to experience one of Colombia's most famous Pueblo Patrimonios,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Barichara, Santander </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaHPOmqF1C8NE_UO257J7GOOaSrFmfotW0NppdZi7V8YcQCtSBcwMKr7NO_xCh7h0SFy654HVMZcn-xMvPBeAMXXck-X8KjtFjqTB3QWHdtkW41qnkHxEBg-Kjh5SGbbpWn7x8gDRXMmk8fHicKMa-j8MBH3gupz4O2_ryhy63pu0YAKt4U9WxscF/s4032/20230222131353-edited_PXL_20230222_181353020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaHPOmqF1C8NE_UO257J7GOOaSrFmfotW0NppdZi7V8YcQCtSBcwMKr7NO_xCh7h0SFy654HVMZcn-xMvPBeAMXXck-X8KjtFjqTB3QWHdtkW41qnkHxEBg-Kjh5SGbbpWn7x8gDRXMmk8fHicKMa-j8MBH3gupz4O2_ryhy63pu0YAKt4U9WxscF/s320/20230222131353-edited_PXL_20230222_181353020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We quickly realized why this town has earned the title of ''the most beautiful town in Colombia''. Stone carved architecture give shape to the buildings as well as to the streets and walkways.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Giz8zi1auTuWbn05zGuTbqSKI3JtfJh9Byr5oYOwTqbmnbif4j1n3Uo8Pt6gtrRemd5fZAEWJ_Ne3QE9L-uV-C0w9TplMZoy4W9J4Rt46wszBttJ3m3UGpcgluH5X0GJ-nYJySAiNGsG9LwoGaCxMOSsgIDRTRg-oAqGi67vUY4ATI301upn-zK/s4032/20230222160941-edited_PXL_20230222_210941035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Giz8zi1auTuWbn05zGuTbqSKI3JtfJh9Byr5oYOwTqbmnbif4j1n3Uo8Pt6gtrRemd5fZAEWJ_Ne3QE9L-uV-C0w9TplMZoy4W9J4Rt46wszBttJ3m3UGpcgluH5X0GJ-nYJySAiNGsG9LwoGaCxMOSsgIDRTRg-oAqGi67vUY4ATI301upn-zK/s320/20230222160941-edited_PXL_20230222_210941035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Located on a mesa, the hilly landscape provided amazing views of the village and surrounding valleys as we walked along the perimeter of the city</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oB6WjOtkthNHVPMflJPWKWVattZoKoGpHV2PZz-3BQKobFrvnztvtBQV5Qkoy8Di6jepbwAGijyuSfHgne5gSGLrc_Y6eThFLRZK5FQQRNAjnnABXhlXX0SplLLSW5N1x0KIogELXZxZ3Yi8zw6MRZWyBF7dvkHIztjC3EwPKjqPO4wW3h0Q4SwZ/s4032/20230220170109-edited_PXL_20230220_220109240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oB6WjOtkthNHVPMflJPWKWVattZoKoGpHV2PZz-3BQKobFrvnztvtBQV5Qkoy8Di6jepbwAGijyuSfHgne5gSGLrc_Y6eThFLRZK5FQQRNAjnnABXhlXX0SplLLSW5N1x0KIogELXZxZ3Yi8zw6MRZWyBF7dvkHIztjC3EwPKjqPO4wW3h0Q4SwZ/s320/20230220170109-edited_PXL_20230220_220109240.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and hung out on a ledge for a while just admiring the artwork of the persistent river below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2IYWBpZV8LKIFAE1h6N8avw67XOUVilpaP_p2ncjdKXlYDulfJ5PUciOnoHiix89itr8im-c0q8QK9Jrf1HgJNlDxjFJwGL2vzmSp6OMvZ-I4gtzPsu3DgQQelmBk0o_ZsrAmMEjLUVQ2QhAbUQz3jAUEL0cBIaqAIiIV6OAlhIyiUCjyZibHSTm/s1920/20230222132443-PXL_20230222_182443488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2IYWBpZV8LKIFAE1h6N8avw67XOUVilpaP_p2ncjdKXlYDulfJ5PUciOnoHiix89itr8im-c0q8QK9Jrf1HgJNlDxjFJwGL2vzmSp6OMvZ-I4gtzPsu3DgQQelmBk0o_ZsrAmMEjLUVQ2QhAbUQz3jAUEL0cBIaqAIiIV6OAlhIyiUCjyZibHSTm/s320/20230222132443-PXL_20230222_182443488.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We stayed in an Airbnb apartment for three days, so we were able to experience the beauty and tranquility of Barichara while surrounded by colonial history. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yRmpirwQ2Hth_S__30T1Bcb2WZNZww3ouozy-cf8INipMay49oDi3GHG2lE1y4ARyPLqfspGRPLjcR1aWIJrov05IfGe1WAojXym3Q6sDIGpA_wNluscf1LrryNI2yw2yfN5N79y8xk8VlNvpgrhB3SrsBhbalC9jm8naILd7i7eviuY5uHkw3Ym/s3656/20230222145820-edited_PXL_20230222_195820695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3656" data-original-width="2804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yRmpirwQ2Hth_S__30T1Bcb2WZNZww3ouozy-cf8INipMay49oDi3GHG2lE1y4ARyPLqfspGRPLjcR1aWIJrov05IfGe1WAojXym3Q6sDIGpA_wNluscf1LrryNI2yw2yfN5N79y8xk8VlNvpgrhB3SrsBhbalC9jm8naILd7i7eviuY5uHkw3Ym/s320/20230222145820-edited_PXL_20230222_195820695.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From the ornate stone carvings in the town cemetery,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZWqmTi9iT0eYTrZlA4_nnYXROvigPDPHxGsD6XVPZ3nDlbiteLW2UHJ2x0KutunDcASX8IjirKeXjo44dX10I3g-mGj5GTb6SYK3-5JTwG6YKRP2xkUkPA6TNlo-MtlSJ64-A9pT5bk81V7B4ibK7RWnUu-BcedtrnKJcFFP5okvR5-UyOGj-7l7/s4032/20230222132116-edited_PXL_20230222_182116225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZWqmTi9iT0eYTrZlA4_nnYXROvigPDPHxGsD6XVPZ3nDlbiteLW2UHJ2x0KutunDcASX8IjirKeXjo44dX10I3g-mGj5GTb6SYK3-5JTwG6YKRP2xkUkPA6TNlo-MtlSJ64-A9pT5bk81V7B4ibK7RWnUu-BcedtrnKJcFFP5okvR5-UyOGj-7l7/s320/20230222132116-edited_PXL_20230222_182116225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to the flowers and cacti that line the cobblestone roads,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8IcG7sdxEECPMAuPdcnApMxn6n_2avz7rf6GVlzxU7oDCb44Jgv0NuRXmqzSc17MtgdUunSn3xFHLPXILG1fRd0s5ia8vdb9LAUweA5luEkPj71PNdDCYPAzbKKoFBqNnvH5Zm05QRDnFugiYughWNl7wLCPyCOa6gcn-nIeFIyVXqW5thGEdGja/s4032/20230222164401-edited_PXL_20230222_214401595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8IcG7sdxEECPMAuPdcnApMxn6n_2avz7rf6GVlzxU7oDCb44Jgv0NuRXmqzSc17MtgdUunSn3xFHLPXILG1fRd0s5ia8vdb9LAUweA5luEkPj71PNdDCYPAzbKKoFBqNnvH5Zm05QRDnFugiYughWNl7wLCPyCOa6gcn-nIeFIyVXqW5thGEdGja/s320/20230222164401-edited_PXL_20230222_214401595.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to the paths that lead</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgyFZwnuxjNJQCH-Kll3hidrU7j8UZvyFIfdqOxbpfGKQp-bQ-lOabiuQDkNyrauv45mQ1TaZAUBBLB3UoFE4MPKnZiqMcYgWnVSqScqkJITmtLZnMHrH4HU2H6SMdp1hbMGW192TeylIkFspBEE9R27A6FbpSTKE25qOPsA_5Ci0rvsT74k4vVo/s1836/20230222163343-PXL_20230222_213343218.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1836" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgyFZwnuxjNJQCH-Kll3hidrU7j8UZvyFIfdqOxbpfGKQp-bQ-lOabiuQDkNyrauv45mQ1TaZAUBBLB3UoFE4MPKnZiqMcYgWnVSqScqkJITmtLZnMHrH4HU2H6SMdp1hbMGW192TeylIkFspBEE9R27A6FbpSTKE25qOPsA_5Ci0rvsT74k4vVo/s320/20230222163343-PXL_20230222_213343218.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to amazing views overlooking the village,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWiowVNlWyL2EAeYuaun-BFmeA5pzQ6bCXmH4pafW6LHng1oz2gFO4_P9L82kSbgnjjP3ocNIJhKlc8ed-fefZ3_Hz_qzZMT-5zG1FXMBXtCJ7dRoKnAeDKipYRykKwns9bbZJHUki2g-F0InFetPAPWsBAcggGZG7g4Pbf6ezkxnQhMOvh7zGjMJ/s3942/20230222172341-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230222_222341788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="2692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWiowVNlWyL2EAeYuaun-BFmeA5pzQ6bCXmH4pafW6LHng1oz2gFO4_P9L82kSbgnjjP3ocNIJhKlc8ed-fefZ3_Hz_qzZMT-5zG1FXMBXtCJ7dRoKnAeDKipYRykKwns9bbZJHUki2g-F0InFetPAPWsBAcggGZG7g4Pbf6ezkxnQhMOvh7zGjMJ/s320/20230222172341-edited_edited_edited_PXL_20230222_222341788.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to a ''limonada de coco with a view'' to celebrate the end of the day,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Barichara has our vote!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>A walk along the Camino Real to Guane</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE-I6qmO5mlaq23IWyJQqifHNkHFTxZwT1uOXNV_CF7ump4_CiQkzW2pP-WW8to0M3kiTx-wWofY8wiWatjx1K2sOQ8bdONjGaB3NB_dXJtCM_xAlhPFVNQqBcZk4wuqalDC4T0mngSFwQJNLPYs-hhjIeTvIENB7Fdl0NOvkNM7Qy4qlx4h-xG_s/s1920/20230221112023-PXL_20230221_162023398.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE-I6qmO5mlaq23IWyJQqifHNkHFTxZwT1uOXNV_CF7ump4_CiQkzW2pP-WW8to0M3kiTx-wWofY8wiWatjx1K2sOQ8bdONjGaB3NB_dXJtCM_xAlhPFVNQqBcZk4wuqalDC4T0mngSFwQJNLPYs-hhjIeTvIENB7Fdl0NOvkNM7Qy4qlx4h-xG_s/s320/20230221112023-PXL_20230221_162023398.MP.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This 5.5 kilometer stone trail connects Barichara to the even smaller pueblo of Guane and also connects current hikers with Colombia's historic past. In prehistoric times, oceans covered this part of Colombia, and fossils of ancient sea plants and animals can be seen preserved in the stones that line the path.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaZ33uiDN5ZksTFyv0CHJNleSy8Z8MXQVRSpGGm8oHv-pWM_O-CZeyX136fYRsY8QQDoOQq2UQYPNd1qwGRKY4MZ4UZk6tL8q4rmzq2wnBzyTy4KsVkWPyXqXN_yGdm5lfm1x8uF-3xK8KMsZPxC_6czI6qBkY8QRZlpezV75oMaF8PzSyYCSxfMS/s4032/20230221121027-edited_PXL_20230221_171027129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaZ33uiDN5ZksTFyv0CHJNleSy8Z8MXQVRSpGGm8oHv-pWM_O-CZeyX136fYRsY8QQDoOQq2UQYPNd1qwGRKY4MZ4UZk6tL8q4rmzq2wnBzyTy4KsVkWPyXqXN_yGdm5lfm1x8uF-3xK8KMsZPxC_6czI6qBkY8QRZlpezV75oMaF8PzSyYCSxfMS/s320/20230221121027-edited_PXL_20230221_171027129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In more recent history, this serene path was an important part of a system of trails that were used by indigenous people for trade. I suspect this hiker is hoping to trade a few thousand pesos for a cold drink at the end of the trail!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8PanZ3blUGaNLaZQiH9JslrYV1DizCHd6mhqq_bRauHpVSThwaFp5-o4h5US6zhpoGcU_-IiSzZN9mRVlEnj7nwDG_A2rslEVNFoiguL9thPEaFkSg-Ron9xJmqkw2qobNfIeV8QkbYRp8env80dMtdcBowG_A50qPJ0xxQuZKguPuOAzyttlSR7/s4032/20230221120908-edited_PXL_20230221_170908067.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8PanZ3blUGaNLaZQiH9JslrYV1DizCHd6mhqq_bRauHpVSThwaFp5-o4h5US6zhpoGcU_-IiSzZN9mRVlEnj7nwDG_A2rslEVNFoiguL9thPEaFkSg-Ron9xJmqkw2qobNfIeV8QkbYRp8env80dMtdcBowG_A50qPJ0xxQuZKguPuOAzyttlSR7/s320/20230221120908-edited_PXL_20230221_170908067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Once in the pueblo of Guane, the cool glass of fruit juice was accompanied by amazing views surrounding the village.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ikoyl27IW6QwWkgjU63OlA3PocBcq45pkFiAozAiL1OhDQaXR4C0i06uFdwHBccX8QLqGy5Jwz9X0FYpuP5vSVkUtj9Mxhf9mfvPEeLMC3ppVVy4fIayEzaZpQ873c29QtEwpNO_jwQpDDYdaqbwy7zwf76LHboVBVS_RHlzrVzV5dNcFUWj1SE4/s4032/20230221133803-edited_PXL_20230221_183803680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ikoyl27IW6QwWkgjU63OlA3PocBcq45pkFiAozAiL1OhDQaXR4C0i06uFdwHBccX8QLqGy5Jwz9X0FYpuP5vSVkUtj9Mxhf9mfvPEeLMC3ppVVy4fIayEzaZpQ873c29QtEwpNO_jwQpDDYdaqbwy7zwf76LHboVBVS_RHlzrVzV5dNcFUWj1SE4/s320/20230221133803-edited_PXL_20230221_183803680.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">More fossils could be seen decorating the Guane town square and in the town's Paleontological and Archaeological Museum. For 6,000 pesos ($1.25) each, we got a guided tour and a 15 minute Spanish listening lesson. I'm hoping that my Spanish is slowly improving, as I estimated that I understood about 25% of what our museum guide told us. Just seeing some of the huge fossils that were found in the region is truly fascinating in any language!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeYg0O1UmrZJJNYY84v7DHmiSL17KdHLcT66Y-6GrDQCZraDsUHIbnX30mPlOr6JAzF8l9qeEj2o4pQCOf6N7V-NeTtVNvko3RJzvReWwh7tQaZcghEI5vNWakFC7XA7GxLweilku9u_ya-ig7-3UzTb7FCt7pSjrL-U8zxjWGsgp7mUc0oatP-O0/s4032/20230221152224-PXL_20230221_202224062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeYg0O1UmrZJJNYY84v7DHmiSL17KdHLcT66Y-6GrDQCZraDsUHIbnX30mPlOr6JAzF8l9qeEj2o4pQCOf6N7V-NeTtVNvko3RJzvReWwh7tQaZcghEI5vNWakFC7XA7GxLweilku9u_ya-ig7-3UzTb7FCt7pSjrL-U8zxjWGsgp7mUc0oatP-O0/s320/20230221152224-PXL_20230221_202224062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While Doug stopped in the town's souvenir stores to purchase a fossil of his own, I enjoyed the unique beauty of this tiny pueblo.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKklgEaOLIxF9QVVpPRIzI5j2lUSBoAWR0hqC68Aw5bQW8IXdhTxuACVfGr4UgcRiCN1xG-jbNR_7Ayp4jiHQm_2A72unZI0VqVoIfZmaGGgwLosTJUAEVQ5QI5YL2OzrafyQMRdRZUWILoIdr0grU24ENBmcsJIKYM5cIdoRa9S-AIxld-dJVbjf9/s3942/20230221144740-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_194740696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKklgEaOLIxF9QVVpPRIzI5j2lUSBoAWR0hqC68Aw5bQW8IXdhTxuACVfGr4UgcRiCN1xG-jbNR_7Ayp4jiHQm_2A72unZI0VqVoIfZmaGGgwLosTJUAEVQ5QI5YL2OzrafyQMRdRZUWILoIdr0grU24ENBmcsJIKYM5cIdoRa9S-AIxld-dJVbjf9/s320/20230221144740-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_194740696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">From the ornate church that is the center of Colombian life,</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iN-LYnb0Gf9IHPKGhOV70NFgs8XyvCLC5IHsVQg-U-MGgjeSfiwjvyKICWGBCR6mQIheRGRXhCr_OJnxjldw-pF67WIj1r6bm-LEnjFoYKn-3iZR5obm9dODEyu7HaqTqTBGR46bu-iItEhPZKjgXO67Fvy9v_zNziCBZClCKknOaMfUwrWTzAii/s3942/20230221145218-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_195218376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iN-LYnb0Gf9IHPKGhOV70NFgs8XyvCLC5IHsVQg-U-MGgjeSfiwjvyKICWGBCR6mQIheRGRXhCr_OJnxjldw-pF67WIj1r6bm-LEnjFoYKn-3iZR5obm9dODEyu7HaqTqTBGR46bu-iItEhPZKjgXO67Fvy9v_zNziCBZClCKknOaMfUwrWTzAii/s320/20230221145218-edited_edited_PXL_20230221_195218376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to the fossilized mushroom that reminds us of its ancient past,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02dqtyiIlZVHtYzNZxgh_WwK7fcLuy5tEFwvA8JxfMPAVypYrvN-O2H2TRxtFdA-nEDF0O7fVDtGWUdFqnnzFeKVcVut9X7tEY4A5nFG0ZYTUQJLsYDPVRFyMiPFeu1zG_5KvhLKjnZQOSrX_g36NasBFLWAjfxahYK-CknacqlabYV8-LApo91g/s4032/20230221155136-PXL_20230221_205136232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02dqtyiIlZVHtYzNZxgh_WwK7fcLuy5tEFwvA8JxfMPAVypYrvN-O2H2TRxtFdA-nEDF0O7fVDtGWUdFqnnzFeKVcVut9X7tEY4A5nFG0ZYTUQJLsYDPVRFyMiPFeu1zG_5KvhLKjnZQOSrX_g36NasBFLWAjfxahYK-CknacqlabYV8-LApo91g/s320/20230221155136-PXL_20230221_205136232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... to the friendly fellow who greeted me on the street,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OiemGXN3nNe1ImcgLApgee_7k9MMbeacOCF3-GQFBqnwZFwuJFMmLIyloXtiVp7aJDwAsMNK-SPI7q4q13-9dt_zx2qNrqDyjVs_iZ3d1ju8ZIII02L603HgnKwO88EwQXeVA7GR-EyQH1AbnqVBAY0lXYbcPRgJD43v3ChUDFpu5kGgHTX7rTm6/s4032/20230221153147-edited_PXL_20230221_203147771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OiemGXN3nNe1ImcgLApgee_7k9MMbeacOCF3-GQFBqnwZFwuJFMmLIyloXtiVp7aJDwAsMNK-SPI7q4q13-9dt_zx2qNrqDyjVs_iZ3d1ju8ZIII02L603HgnKwO88EwQXeVA7GR-EyQH1AbnqVBAY0lXYbcPRgJD43v3ChUDFpu5kGgHTX7rTm6/s320/20230221153147-edited_PXL_20230221_203147771.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... it is definitely a step back in time to take a stroll down the historic Camino Real.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0JtL1y1rb2UYti63VWEXQFTSKiOwmFTC4MUn1-fSkyDCscRfiICIr5qv_g1CFMHgtZINnEfJi6kBihI0sdnF3AKWwy-kEAvAl0vtv0R2kJS-rClCads0hJVWaC9L_-UqFlzmniFWza4-JviSArc0NAPRsrutOgQ3GCPOAvuT5mNsNLOtHjTNyThW/s4032/20230221153943-edited_PXL_20230221_203943161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0JtL1y1rb2UYti63VWEXQFTSKiOwmFTC4MUn1-fSkyDCscRfiICIr5qv_g1CFMHgtZINnEfJi6kBihI0sdnF3AKWwy-kEAvAl0vtv0R2kJS-rClCads0hJVWaC9L_-UqFlzmniFWza4-JviSArc0NAPRsrutOgQ3GCPOAvuT5mNsNLOtHjTNyThW/s320/20230221153943-edited_PXL_20230221_203943161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Next stop ...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>San Gil, Santander</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc3mL8xdSHe2C_feJfZ1abtJ2wwu7xDJreqaXhsfyMLYDDNQ_AYycQr2irhhMjbT7baC6n8PT_RV-lYkPVil0BOGC6ykTLmFJyY0gLKI9goMgwzz4WB29ujjxxcVIglYr4kwzSVKV-6_14uUgoudR5u3Xth7nlql27paMayOLRbvyzwHfWI_NnlRA/s4032/20230224171325-PXL_20230224_221325503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc3mL8xdSHe2C_feJfZ1abtJ2wwu7xDJreqaXhsfyMLYDDNQ_AYycQr2irhhMjbT7baC6n8PT_RV-lYkPVil0BOGC6ykTLmFJyY0gLKI9goMgwzz4WB29ujjxxcVIglYr4kwzSVKV-6_14uUgoudR5u3Xth7nlql27paMayOLRbvyzwHfWI_NnlRA/s320/20230224171325-PXL_20230224_221325503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>It may appear to be a tranquil town square, but San Gil is better known as the epicenter for adventure sports in the Chicamocha Canyon area. It's a 45 minute bus ride ($1.35 per person) from Barichara to the slightly larger town of San Gil. As we walked up the steep incline from the bus station to our ''home'' for the next two days, I was thinking that this town was very appropriately named. San Gil, if spoken in perfect Spanish, sounds like ''San Hill'', and this certainly is the city of hills! I quickly decided that while walking <i>down</i> the hill to the city park was quite pleasant, a taxi ride back <i>up</i> the hill to our Airbnb apartment was well worth the $1.84 fare.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqJjx5QSseX3Y2Zs3OmIwr4_Y9huFsDUTNRn5rLdtBjlApVoV5mxIh72vPuD8Zc3Zfjbatr22VNfcLgEJvmjIvedCn5BOIsrX41ib3G6oBKkOFpTtrVPTZbAX0Ck_2NwnTNm0lG4XjFmYSEbkddDYS2oJGcRM0A4hDEKB0SFfiLuOHbFJTXqsVlPY/s4032/20230224083308-PXL_20230224_133308275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqJjx5QSseX3Y2Zs3OmIwr4_Y9huFsDUTNRn5rLdtBjlApVoV5mxIh72vPuD8Zc3Zfjbatr22VNfcLgEJvmjIvedCn5BOIsrX41ib3G6oBKkOFpTtrVPTZbAX0Ck_2NwnTNm0lG4XjFmYSEbkddDYS2oJGcRM0A4hDEKB0SFfiLuOHbFJTXqsVlPY/s320/20230224083308-PXL_20230224_133308275.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The area around San Gil's main park was alive with activity. Even Homer Simpson would approve of one of the local hangouts!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vDJ-tlBn53_uBAg0x-7XuoSxcpPSzPg8-i2qYVjVDkOO_f6yQQ9JlF4esSdRPvn0pdPXUtXjFZ1JdXxl-BbzSL_oB0UjXs4ibnpPVIlKifOj9Fgt1Da2E5IQCfqjF8A4hzbrwNCpkjMhlXJitNcRHI_wMNwnCHvBydtkSGXgkZFlsYIKjtaUjr2j/s1263/20230224155346-PXL_20230224_205346840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1230" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vDJ-tlBn53_uBAg0x-7XuoSxcpPSzPg8-i2qYVjVDkOO_f6yQQ9JlF4esSdRPvn0pdPXUtXjFZ1JdXxl-BbzSL_oB0UjXs4ibnpPVIlKifOj9Fgt1Da2E5IQCfqjF8A4hzbrwNCpkjMhlXJitNcRHI_wMNwnCHvBydtkSGXgkZFlsYIKjtaUjr2j/w228-h234/20230224155346-PXL_20230224_205346840.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was especially fun to watch a community gathering organized by the local police department. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4G6Tsm-cvdIDiMrYlgIf7O3je7MwaiL_Ky7z32sLMg_vCplJGJJdm7-AbFkTG8suqerLpNikUC7Wf5ZCxcgru8OBrV7P_pb94XIhnVO3UEVgE5-GZ0-4BnV1OGCJbKyo5qw5Q1VA9pZe3uS20LrbH9204U3onET8E7l_LdTf0A0b8Er3BOKcNgP8/s4032/20230224155704-PXL_20230224_205704490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4G6Tsm-cvdIDiMrYlgIf7O3je7MwaiL_Ky7z32sLMg_vCplJGJJdm7-AbFkTG8suqerLpNikUC7Wf5ZCxcgru8OBrV7P_pb94XIhnVO3UEVgE5-GZ0-4BnV1OGCJbKyo5qw5Q1VA9pZe3uS20LrbH9204U3onET8E7l_LdTf0A0b8Er3BOKcNgP8/s320/20230224155704-PXL_20230224_205704490.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Art activities, music, and inflatable bounce toys,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDe1DyF5NNxbXyDZCR8Wja4c0O17go77PqgKKlOuDAx7Ki48UfmIDH4Jyck4_a9MaYovLMBC9CdWSMUsPnWNoBaoD1BX-cbN_LHEcMZ6xte__8RxAH4Ya398daGHk3YzbRq_2L0fgxiJxePm-XRf3iT-_dqS20eAgv70NrKB9eV38CssmAv6ncovI/s4032/20230224174627-PXL_20230224_224627684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDe1DyF5NNxbXyDZCR8Wja4c0O17go77PqgKKlOuDAx7Ki48UfmIDH4Jyck4_a9MaYovLMBC9CdWSMUsPnWNoBaoD1BX-cbN_LHEcMZ6xte__8RxAH4Ya398daGHk3YzbRq_2L0fgxiJxePm-XRf3iT-_dqS20eAgv70NrKB9eV38CssmAv6ncovI/s320/20230224174627-PXL_20230224_224627684.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... dance and karate performances,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbM3ZIC-1f9Ds5MJ8jgxeiqqqCy1LvU8ZpPfhhn5bLKL7B3vgTaGcTQmtvBsgjKgBCC-o06wssiRZ7wzqOjyi8z-5bqph3DFQBsjmZrwWQI2eZv8Xs0o8Ef1OrxXmzAdrh2WDh8p3Ki0W180iNDu_foQxDS8l37zT_JFcZ1ULU1nwHzZibqz8EhNZ/s3500/20230224183513-edited_PXL_20230224_233513295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbM3ZIC-1f9Ds5MJ8jgxeiqqqCy1LvU8ZpPfhhn5bLKL7B3vgTaGcTQmtvBsgjKgBCC-o06wssiRZ7wzqOjyi8z-5bqph3DFQBsjmZrwWQI2eZv8Xs0o8Ef1OrxXmzAdrh2WDh8p3Ki0W180iNDu_foQxDS8l37zT_JFcZ1ULU1nwHzZibqz8EhNZ/s320/20230224183513-edited_PXL_20230224_233513295.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and demonstrations of skill by the police department's intelligent, agile, and oh-so-cute K9 unit was a fun and positive way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the local community.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cascadas (Waterfalls) de Juan Curi Ecological Park</b></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug had done his research on how to ''actively'' fill our two days in San Gil. First off ... a bus ride to Juan Curi Ecological Park that is thirty minutes south of town. I do appreciate feeling more comfortable navigating the local bus systems with Doug's excellent Spanish skills. A short walk on a lush trail alive with flowers and butterflies led us to the waterfalls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpa8k1HMLXBfTTPV0DmFcIyi_o8dL9O574bgU_E-O1dncSYhAzZAVOILm-_ajSB_KQPlbhmrnwKFaEKzF7bR2KTxkEaVRLJB9Qf_2hv7fZlmeoRrYV_NSyv_7rbtt30w-pD9H3VVctgFc1y1f_0_X5Ebqbd6pWnCanG7DASQeS9bkeKLQTwDDjhLZ/s941/20230224095722-PXL_20230223_191017304_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="941" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpa8k1HMLXBfTTPV0DmFcIyi_o8dL9O574bgU_E-O1dncSYhAzZAVOILm-_ajSB_KQPlbhmrnwKFaEKzF7bR2KTxkEaVRLJB9Qf_2hv7fZlmeoRrYV_NSyv_7rbtt30w-pD9H3VVctgFc1y1f_0_X5Ebqbd6pWnCanG7DASQeS9bkeKLQTwDDjhLZ/s320/20230224095722-PXL_20230223_191017304_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For the really adventurous, it's possible to follow another trail (accompanied by a guide) to the top of the falls and repel down. Maybe Doug can do this next time if he brings one of his more ''fun'' friends along!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9nP2oCRBRdYGFnEATFvRKh-w0o_uH8kxsCxlOcnZO2aTtyk4eyfNEv8rGsmWpMpz7pj9oJkKhL2H0Nr0V0Tyls8YWmba6haCa6XfPRknCnd8l-pDPtaBzmGKZE2o_sjLL-RoAKF2mxdQbL-yUIUJ4AcibEMnjjZfZxQIXI8hC2IUfnYGXr1AnQqf/s4032/20230223131636-edited_edited_PXL_20230223_181636371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9nP2oCRBRdYGFnEATFvRKh-w0o_uH8kxsCxlOcnZO2aTtyk4eyfNEv8rGsmWpMpz7pj9oJkKhL2H0Nr0V0Tyls8YWmba6haCa6XfPRknCnd8l-pDPtaBzmGKZE2o_sjLL-RoAKF2mxdQbL-yUIUJ4AcibEMnjjZfZxQIXI8hC2IUfnYGXr1AnQqf/s320/20230223131636-edited_edited_PXL_20230223_181636371.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We also enjoyed another opportunity for an impromptu language exchange with Deli and Alejandro who were enjoying the afternoon in the chilly swimming hole under the falls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lw1c3MBD1F9PbYMdijP9cRKEOm2W50MmsC-M-KUQjXTAOJEKtwm7zjS2MBuQRhu-8Avlf9UhdKOPbfuvv8YiJ9WTJZoyKYy1QJEoFsgzYiJ7lUYPFaGOmSAkIuGwNfoYAMbRQCr-PlUiWKzXrIYobbkXct0WQ089LHm2wdXW4jKPtJxweTbmyJAU/s4032/20230223134400-PXL_20230223_184400212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lw1c3MBD1F9PbYMdijP9cRKEOm2W50MmsC-M-KUQjXTAOJEKtwm7zjS2MBuQRhu-8Avlf9UhdKOPbfuvv8YiJ9WTJZoyKYy1QJEoFsgzYiJ7lUYPFaGOmSAkIuGwNfoYAMbRQCr-PlUiWKzXrIYobbkXct0WQ089LHm2wdXW4jKPtJxweTbmyJAU/s320/20230223134400-PXL_20230223_184400212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Photos like this are some of our most cherished. We appreciate being able to share stories and learn from the enthusiastic young people of Colombia!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Parapente (Paragliding) Over the Chicamocha Canyon</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The following day was Doug's opportunity to cross off another activity from his bucket list. With favorable winds and spectacular scenery, the Chicamocha Canyon is a popular spot for parapente (paragliding). Doug connected with an adventure company that offered tandem flights. For $60 we got transportation to the flight pad an hour north of town, and Doug got a 20 minute flight of a lifetime along with G0Pro photos and videos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8XEt7DMhZly25nVc1vUkKbdPLmrm5wLQZ-nBsAti2685YdTMFV5tGYuiD_RpZCTx6TpeYNa9CXqJYKBE4I8mnpy4QR3sddbojCWnRaqSwmMwfG90Tkn9XOhWehTA6uEJoNMaR781QpiPEOQEHN4WJys471gD_eL2VN0NKEZJM5DbdjJ8QRGXy5s/s4032/20230224121941-PXL_20230224_171941122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY8XEt7DMhZly25nVc1vUkKbdPLmrm5wLQZ-nBsAti2685YdTMFV5tGYuiD_RpZCTx6TpeYNa9CXqJYKBE4I8mnpy4QR3sddbojCWnRaqSwmMwfG90Tkn9XOhWehTA6uEJoNMaR781QpiPEOQEHN4WJys471gD_eL2VN0NKEZJM5DbdjJ8QRGXy5s/s320/20230224121941-PXL_20230224_171941122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It was his time to soar!<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRiWRed7PNYi4btGTxFjInTitbqLBIAw3b2IslR-lLOwOK1rumDCkbJ3w-5x4kVgoCtbEJFB5ucR1VmvsRhG6slBwQ8qO6plVwssjR2pJq_Zr5GnczENY-b_ypPRmtTIix_Knat8e06gIKU4ZilHZDWR0nVyGbpDGK0hwRQX8UiCuNzqqg7oFY6z/s3648/20230224132840-20230224132840_IMG_8728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRiWRed7PNYi4btGTxFjInTitbqLBIAw3b2IslR-lLOwOK1rumDCkbJ3w-5x4kVgoCtbEJFB5ucR1VmvsRhG6slBwQ8qO6plVwssjR2pJq_Zr5GnczENY-b_ypPRmtTIix_Knat8e06gIKU4ZilHZDWR0nVyGbpDGK0hwRQX8UiCuNzqqg7oFY6z/s320/20230224132840-20230224132840_IMG_8728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And that he did!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnCOTG_1u-vXj9mgIFbur4T4sXowSIb2PKMj7fiRapKsYTQxZ55VY_Ndsl82QCFIfESep_fWYMqzsHEX4O33Ejb6RqsXGDqPjaJjFUSV42hg9b4KTU9ijhHRTtBi6xQkkZWHC8iMXKRAfs_BJl7hGaPjAfQKdko7nYdjn_wUuk8R8-2qHOR2uHNeJ/s3648/20230224164231-G0016932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnCOTG_1u-vXj9mgIFbur4T4sXowSIb2PKMj7fiRapKsYTQxZ55VY_Ndsl82QCFIfESep_fWYMqzsHEX4O33Ejb6RqsXGDqPjaJjFUSV42hg9b4KTU9ijhHRTtBi6xQkkZWHC8iMXKRAfs_BJl7hGaPjAfQKdko7nYdjn_wUuk8R8-2qHOR2uHNeJ/s320/20230224164231-G0016932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I suspect that the smile is permanently affixed ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Parque National del Chicamocha </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The following morning we continued our bus journey back in the direction of Bucaramanga. Next stop ... Parque National del Chicamocha which is located in the heart of the canyon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTK_SttOOA_c9fW9KAyAHopGoyskMLkiU_WnVEmH63YGlxX3sXpsv4ofkBJbVJ3t9nvYxU5ak6kGDp_HS-k430b4yXVxgS4hmn_AuEWOJ5MpFXme2yteg46PmAcJTJ79udSJL-4j20GoMaXAkLDn8EwaxIa5j15KYJPHLzmu9uF6jxbJsl5sRs3Wh/s1816/20230225103849-PXL_20230225_153849866.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTK_SttOOA_c9fW9KAyAHopGoyskMLkiU_WnVEmH63YGlxX3sXpsv4ofkBJbVJ3t9nvYxU5ak6kGDp_HS-k430b4yXVxgS4hmn_AuEWOJ5MpFXme2yteg46PmAcJTJ79udSJL-4j20GoMaXAkLDn8EwaxIa5j15KYJPHLzmu9uF6jxbJsl5sRs3Wh/s320/20230225103849-PXL_20230225_153849866.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Besides the amazing canyon views, the biggest draws to this area are the waterpark and teleférico (cable car) that takes visitors across the canyon to the community on other side, Mesa de Los Santos. While it was plenty hot, we left the waterpark for the younger visitors and just explored the main park area that consisted of</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJtv24RovHPMg8PXASK8RSiEivEd-vMjoBe832CRsWSl1BiqGEx_aJylDKaM-DbIlZIXpCZSu0It2Nu47o1xICI3RCXMlr7ehNpNIhJKv0S9zgs9JuWxId7u3lqcdzX3YCj0Qun_-lXYssgeDlGqt7FQ4yVfh3MTCcgHFEiveQ6gvunmTuLb6B5vy/s4032/20230225121854-edited_PXL_20230225_171854240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJtv24RovHPMg8PXASK8RSiEivEd-vMjoBe832CRsWSl1BiqGEx_aJylDKaM-DbIlZIXpCZSu0It2Nu47o1xICI3RCXMlr7ehNpNIhJKv0S9zgs9JuWxId7u3lqcdzX3YCj0Qun_-lXYssgeDlGqt7FQ4yVfh3MTCcgHFEiveQ6gvunmTuLb6B5vy/s320/20230225121854-edited_PXL_20230225_171854240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... a magnificent monument to the early settlers of this area and their brave fight for freedom from Spanish rule,</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPQh_9zEYA2cxTS_WMUk4A4qYp33wK6rUbOwo24d8exjIz8sKSyfHoiG_AOdGmE9HvDWJBcsR0kSD4DA7RzYA7uVytNpsTfBzU79rBlLEhZiylelI8uCEstaMxRS0nQo6B-MwQ60RqyDu1RTqYcIcW7RQjyIS_szRp4V8qoLHswPTyyp6ApWYatNm/s4032/20230225113448-PXL_20230225_163448347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPQh_9zEYA2cxTS_WMUk4A4qYp33wK6rUbOwo24d8exjIz8sKSyfHoiG_AOdGmE9HvDWJBcsR0kSD4DA7RzYA7uVytNpsTfBzU79rBlLEhZiylelI8uCEstaMxRS0nQo6B-MwQ60RqyDu1RTqYcIcW7RQjyIS_szRp4V8qoLHswPTyyp6ApWYatNm/s320/20230225113448-PXL_20230225_163448347.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... lunch, a cool drink and even cooler 360 degree views of the canyon,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89qSy8NAkjEIqKT4KU1QYOeB8-N1TmzCQ18ir3FKV2H66DOs-QgeFD9eK5NQnKnvwzsBAQtN8LaSxBs0fyGLwrSFI7GSurpdXgtLhb9QuvXHylr3pyoPvP6yx3f3Bzn5jo66TiHBSivrY_Ql1751eG-8Q8_j6gmtwIkVw5gdVoVTNtwcoAWZ6-9au/s1920/20230225141918-PXL_20230225_191918802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89qSy8NAkjEIqKT4KU1QYOeB8-N1TmzCQ18ir3FKV2H66DOs-QgeFD9eK5NQnKnvwzsBAQtN8LaSxBs0fyGLwrSFI7GSurpdXgtLhb9QuvXHylr3pyoPvP6yx3f3Bzn5jo66TiHBSivrY_Ql1751eG-8Q8_j6gmtwIkVw5gdVoVTNtwcoAWZ6-9au/s320/20230225141918-PXL_20230225_191918802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">... and a cable ride to the bottom of the canyon and back up to the other side. There, on the Mesa de Los Santo plateau we found our way to our next unique Airbnb experience.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mesa de Los Santos</b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Casa Martinez, our home for the night, is a former family finca (vacation home) that was recently transformed into a tranquil vacation retreat </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eP79rKbZvsYMxDw5GYnW9qrAScsRdx4-u2qDXexvpaXi_WaTBKju6c7w6mYQrX0HCt3cilLRnJKL9K2anreokOQSZgex9EHCjQJs9mmPPrhZ1w9KPrAtSxfxKc031Iaidxkf7ZeinLGJgwWZE7Mn6diZNokO7gC6L42D-Ui6qAT8j1PKmeFje8Ht/s4032/20230226083656-edited_PXL_20230226_133656323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eP79rKbZvsYMxDw5GYnW9qrAScsRdx4-u2qDXexvpaXi_WaTBKju6c7w6mYQrX0HCt3cilLRnJKL9K2anreokOQSZgex9EHCjQJs9mmPPrhZ1w9KPrAtSxfxKc031Iaidxkf7ZeinLGJgwWZE7Mn6diZNokO7gC6L42D-Ui6qAT8j1PKmeFje8Ht/s320/20230226083656-edited_PXL_20230226_133656323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... where the inside is as cute as the out,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vRrpAF4R_TZMGnjSKULRD0g9nv2xb2K1xP4mWEO43DYDMRNv58cg-ajeiMpUf0_tSH4mZtctGAg_8YTbMTZfRooENx6zAV5Zxy60VVpTsQJnRvCJ_7x5KGl-fz9bv547GEJOcm0WRvEzsdMDpP8MC6SH5c9AGpioEAiTOEeP78spQOoAn9eDDey/s4032/20230225153245-edited_PXL_20230225_203245603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vRrpAF4R_TZMGnjSKULRD0g9nv2xb2K1xP4mWEO43DYDMRNv58cg-ajeiMpUf0_tSH4mZtctGAg_8YTbMTZfRooENx6zAV5Zxy60VVpTsQJnRvCJ_7x5KGl-fz9bv547GEJOcm0WRvEzsdMDpP8MC6SH5c9AGpioEAiTOEeP78spQOoAn9eDDey/s320/20230225153245-edited_PXL_20230225_203245603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... and the canyon views have you spell-bound.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LK_NoRQziQ7LiMGiRathQDeAlalcCsFgX2oYgeJ-zD4HomdzWRBfqD543NKAY9KbpDAJo5FI3CqgAqrsqvORMyAEUGSaN3ENcXo6deOZUUlfadjN6DeA55ozie6K5s4EMw4qkEnz54BHT5h2IReDjaSsLT_dA8lGvlMHowLnVpQNSagCH4Wh6cJ5/s1920/20230225162725-PXL_20230225_212725863.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LK_NoRQziQ7LiMGiRathQDeAlalcCsFgX2oYgeJ-zD4HomdzWRBfqD543NKAY9KbpDAJo5FI3CqgAqrsqvORMyAEUGSaN3ENcXo6deOZUUlfadjN6DeA55ozie6K5s4EMw4qkEnz54BHT5h2IReDjaSsLT_dA8lGvlMHowLnVpQNSagCH4Wh6cJ5/s320/20230225162725-PXL_20230225_212725863.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">During a walk around the property we enjoyed a landscape</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5BzUL5zbNQ-NZrIy93p-HlSPTJKq6Pt5IRu8YQeux8X61_LYA-J1CDjoWcZyOkF6n7MJDSBrRswx9dCMAyk58PpSO5AN4Pdwz1XvzSUwfLosouDpTyeRjAlNEphx7aO1ydbNhflzkBRCFTwN4WSsyD7X6m8k_fk-zmvJ46q1tCUDBauT4vCHNniF/s3942/20230225170210-edited_edited_PXL_20230225_220210193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="2956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5BzUL5zbNQ-NZrIy93p-HlSPTJKq6Pt5IRu8YQeux8X61_LYA-J1CDjoWcZyOkF6n7MJDSBrRswx9dCMAyk58PpSO5AN4Pdwz1XvzSUwfLosouDpTyeRjAlNEphx7aO1ydbNhflzkBRCFTwN4WSsyD7X6m8k_fk-zmvJ46q1tCUDBauT4vCHNniF/s320/20230225170210-edited_edited_PXL_20230225_220210193.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... decorated with endless fields of pineapple ripening around us.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The next morning the owners served us a traditional breakfast consisting of arepas, an egg and potato soup, and hot chocolate</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhkRwaU-2KrOBzOjfdV40aE_qmYSWCrgyyf2KfOitkzlO25XMvZjkHqW09yKw64OdSew-YrXvEG83wYlfuP6MA-ue3hyDHEEMa8e6KaAJrkT5W7EcPJda40ELt1IV6KdDoReV66IHpwktLM_tBHVtKryQDrIfQqrudJz2piFcKwuxKhYvYIM8Xs7j/s4032/20230226085941-PXL_20230226_135941552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhkRwaU-2KrOBzOjfdV40aE_qmYSWCrgyyf2KfOitkzlO25XMvZjkHqW09yKw64OdSew-YrXvEG83wYlfuP6MA-ue3hyDHEEMa8e6KaAJrkT5W7EcPJda40ELt1IV6KdDoReV66IHpwktLM_tBHVtKryQDrIfQqrudJz2piFcKwuxKhYvYIM8Xs7j/s320/20230226085941-PXL_20230226_135941552.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">... while someone waited patiently for leftovers!</span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our task after breakfast was to catch the bus that would take us to Bucaramanga, our final destination on this ''canyon adventure''. The tricky part is that the Mesa de Los Santos side of the canyon is a little more remote, but the gentleman at the teleférico station reassured us that the bus to Bucaramanga ran every two hours on the even hours. So we walked to the bus stop a little before 10 am and waited, and waited, and waited. For an hour we were entertained by multitudes of hardy athletes biking and rollerblading up the steep mountain road. Finally, a bus came by. Even though it wasn't going all the way to our final destination, Doug decided that it was close enough. We could always take a taxi to finish our journey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wcTUXdme9ikd8n4gmOiMeRXynkrQfvYIOChRp8TPFhkI92V_1fieVWi7WD08u59DihfQfsAapB9CFrqcB0eZc5YZ8dF34CeYqNUX0rORJIsGGzRdbo5BXgXVq6y_HX0oRIFY4_QutLpYTeR2sWvBN6M202NSz9GZI7IYqg1F428I8PoZh5yThKaA/s2892/20230226110435-edited_edited_PXL_20230226_160435595%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="2474" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wcTUXdme9ikd8n4gmOiMeRXynkrQfvYIOChRp8TPFhkI92V_1fieVWi7WD08u59DihfQfsAapB9CFrqcB0eZc5YZ8dF34CeYqNUX0rORJIsGGzRdbo5BXgXVq6y_HX0oRIFY4_QutLpYTeR2sWvBN6M202NSz9GZI7IYqg1F428I8PoZh5yThKaA/w211-h246/20230226110435-edited_edited_PXL_20230226_160435595%20(1).jpg" width="211" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I was a bit more skeptical, but as is the norm in Colombian taxis and buses, there were plenty of religious reminders of whom I need to place my trust in ... God and my skillful Spanish-speaking husband!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bucaramanga, Santander</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Doug's plan worked perfectly, and we arrived in Bucaramanga a little after 1 pm. It was easy to see why this city is proudly nicknamed ''the city of parks''. According to a city placard, there are more than 140 parks in Bucaramanga. I liked how our hotel brought the ''park'' feeling into the interior space.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmcQQeaXlmmxfWI1xeZfA--2UmMBoL4kxRkmpVNA4mHVRCU_23SPGWP0pexJnrXOg4GnSxN2L_c_WJc1YbrDEakIXrBoKLzwIszSHjReiTJ_NQoCaZUxgDkG6sS6V-3iB_C5kuPSXpF-iPR4uZo9BSi3FoKTXZsz2yxaog3P-X65xi0mEjqSkhV7L/s4032/20230227081414-PXL_20230227_131414633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmcQQeaXlmmxfWI1xeZfA--2UmMBoL4kxRkmpVNA4mHVRCU_23SPGWP0pexJnrXOg4GnSxN2L_c_WJc1YbrDEakIXrBoKLzwIszSHjReiTJ_NQoCaZUxgDkG6sS6V-3iB_C5kuPSXpF-iPR4uZo9BSi3FoKTXZsz2yxaog3P-X65xi0mEjqSkhV7L/s320/20230227081414-PXL_20230227_131414633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That afternoon we walked around Parque de Las Flores, one of the larger parks in town. It was full of people out enjoying another warm yet beautiful day in Colombia.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeWIggRzCOAQjFh9H91uKWtxC9ADwxMfDLFLmiwlPUH2iGxefZwEUXBoWXGPyCn1KLDl7SnGJmaVYdqepH6TWCsAl_uFwT5lAWDFxWnpYSn9nh1qVTeAJlUBJ3AbDwJOcqyi3BDBFDDd7sWUMfk9bziBc6EGNuhTonONaVeqsPgGaBq2ZD5U3Mw29/s3265/20230226160921-edited_edited_PXL_20230226_210921879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3265" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeWIggRzCOAQjFh9H91uKWtxC9ADwxMfDLFLmiwlPUH2iGxefZwEUXBoWXGPyCn1KLDl7SnGJmaVYdqepH6TWCsAl_uFwT5lAWDFxWnpYSn9nh1qVTeAJlUBJ3AbDwJOcqyi3BDBFDDd7sWUMfk9bziBc6EGNuhTonONaVeqsPgGaBq2ZD5U3Mw29/s320/20230226160921-edited_edited_PXL_20230226_210921879.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For our main meal, we were happy to have followed the recommendation of our hotel host, Carlos. We have come to realize that the Colombian people absolutely <i>love</i> their meat and cheese, but this local restaurant took this love to a <i>whole 'nother level</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4pvKcpN9dJOSg71PDvrwmPRY7cwQgpVj2G32JVMIYP9ZhDr_yL0HEqVZ-1H2HbxiFjy_-7gZ0taZx87pNnTABdBDxTtyE__3XjvUDRNei3xEZ7TckRSg5shHthR1ssgLze6SR-COk5H3ntL6Q0H2bUBP7GCgM3c4VwbEGstF-YTqZcJHwjFIkvy5/s4032/20230226145631-PXL_20230226_195631887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4pvKcpN9dJOSg71PDvrwmPRY7cwQgpVj2G32JVMIYP9ZhDr_yL0HEqVZ-1H2HbxiFjy_-7gZ0taZx87pNnTABdBDxTtyE__3XjvUDRNei3xEZ7TckRSg5shHthR1ssgLze6SR-COk5H3ntL6Q0H2bUBP7GCgM3c4VwbEGstF-YTqZcJHwjFIkvy5/s320/20230226145631-PXL_20230226_195631887.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Now that's a ''smothered chicken''!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Makes my cholesterol level rise just looking at it ...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">One other ''interesting'' claim to Bucaramanga's culinary fame are hormigas (ants) ... yes ANTS. According to our host, hormigas culonas (big-bottomed ants) emerge from their earthen homes each year during Holy Week. These huge ants are either roasted or fried in salt. High in protein and low in fat, these creatures are considered a ''healthy'' delicacy. Doug picked up a few small containers for some Medellín friends who really like them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdGjNf-f_2FuvRwaWxOoUMRkallle9vdAZ4NRYdFALdQP3SvTi0MCiplnzMU29XqmGDfeH8qYdKfhPNOXyOCnPZH0Jwx0P5kwHgyZkbMghiOfjwyb7hYCH1TSLmJVyo3MqcWs_zeGUyUhS6nbZg7tp2v7T1ncmWxDH-YZISWZt5UoVlD9NEmJ7VvP/s4032/20230307115405-PXL_20230307_165405875.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdGjNf-f_2FuvRwaWxOoUMRkallle9vdAZ4NRYdFALdQP3SvTi0MCiplnzMU29XqmGDfeH8qYdKfhPNOXyOCnPZH0Jwx0P5kwHgyZkbMghiOfjwyb7hYCH1TSLmJVyo3MqcWs_zeGUyUhS6nbZg7tp2v7T1ncmWxDH-YZISWZt5UoVlD9NEmJ7VvP/s320/20230307115405-PXL_20230307_165405875.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Anyone else want to try?</span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our trip to the Chicamocha Canyon area was quickly coming to an end. We didn't spend nearly enough time in Bucaramanga, but I suspect that we'll be back to explore more of the incredible beauty of both the pueblos and the natural areas. But what will really draw us back is the memory of the genuine kindness of the people we met. From our taxi driver, to the young people on the hiking trails, to the skillful parapente team, to the owners of the various Airbnbs ... everyone is <i>just so nice!</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We'll definitely remember the delicious Santanderian breakfast that Carlos made for us on our last morning in Bucaramanga,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvY5s9vt3MheDdAk7vfBQprdqDhM9FrAzzzmiaqepHIB0ijT0C6T6XjjYZ8EuqohEzriOI4oLDdn8L0rdXTlxzMOLIjlrV3PhQUn9YYeLMFCMaNsnwfhQm6ovwAHqKl2y-L6PZKznpZaaLlTogf0wqCEwbuBbFL_PkIg0a0FdiGPSM2JDY94CpZgW/s4032/20230227081048-PXL_20230227_131048774.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvY5s9vt3MheDdAk7vfBQprdqDhM9FrAzzzmiaqepHIB0ijT0C6T6XjjYZ8EuqohEzriOI4oLDdn8L0rdXTlxzMOLIjlrV3PhQUn9YYeLMFCMaNsnwfhQm6ovwAHqKl2y-L6PZKznpZaaLlTogf0wqCEwbuBbFL_PkIg0a0FdiGPSM2JDY94CpZgW/s320/20230227081048-PXL_20230227_131048774.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">... but it's the conversations and smiles shared that give endearing charm to Colombia's Chicamocha Canyon region.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXZr-zrapyYRny8FBBHflOt-fu64TUD_SKQwlsXdZP4FfhTtlEYdTEpzGAkxV-MYut1Iq3HHI1CW6Sq5pc18CEys8CTfXkuBPYdQdGEs_T7I18xky9RGs4SZJOIOAj7FRTsl4si2nNmT8o6Mo9UillwzV6-Qg4Utdln-FsiVT46VcNS0RZa2oKf_i/s3264/20230226205616-PXL_20230227_015616045.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXZr-zrapyYRny8FBBHflOt-fu64TUD_SKQwlsXdZP4FfhTtlEYdTEpzGAkxV-MYut1Iq3HHI1CW6Sq5pc18CEys8CTfXkuBPYdQdGEs_T7I18xky9RGs4SZJOIOAj7FRTsl4si2nNmT8o6Mo9UillwzV6-Qg4Utdln-FsiVT46VcNS0RZa2oKf_i/s320/20230226205616-PXL_20230227_015616045.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><p></p></div>Chris Chartrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887387236823804407noreply@blogger.com0