I’m calling this “My Bucket Runneth Over Tour”.
Hold onto the bucket handle! This is an amazing adventure!

Wednesday July 8, 2026  It took awhile to get the water running and start filling the bucket,  but it was definitely a good move to start out slow.  We flew into Vancouver, via Delta Airlines a day early. We had booked an extra night at the Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel and Resort (2 nights), where Our Insight Tour was to begin on July 9.  (Great Airport Hotel Location, but nothing else nearby).

Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia! 

.Day 1. Thursday  July 9, 2026    The bucket was just starting to fill when we met our Insight Tour Director,  Jeannine.  This is my first time booking an  Insight Tour. We had a traditional Meet and Greet Dinner at the Hotel and the bucket started filling with Friendships.  First impression, this group was going to be fun.  Every single one of the Twenty-six passengers, the Coach Driver, Mary  and the Tour Director, Jeannine were amazing.  No drips in this bucket!

Note:  This was a 14 day trip (15 for us) and there are only four two night hotel stays. All others are one night.  We saw Moose, Grizzly and Black Bear, Elk, Deer, Mountain goats, Big Horn Sheep, Whales, Sea lions, Seals, Porpoises, Marmuts and American Red Squirrels  …. 

Day 2.  Friday July 10   Early morning start and we’re off on a Coach Tour of Vancouver.

Note:  This is the most comfortable Coach, I’ve ever been on. The seats are comfortable and the leg room would even put a smile on Donovan Clingan’s face.  Considering we would be traveling on it more than 40 hours and almost 2,000 miles in the next 11 days it put a smile on my face for sure.

 First stop the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park  … FUN! Fun! fun!   I haven’t laughed so hard in a very long time.  We wibbled, wobbled, swished and swayed but didn’t fall down! Crossing was a blast!

Across the bridge is the Tree Tops Adventure! More wibbling, wobbling, swishing and swaying suspension bridges strung from tree top to tree top!  

Wibbled and wobbled our way back over the “big bridge” to the Cliff Walk.   Not wibbley, wobbley  or swishy or swaying just magnificent views from a Birds Eye perspective. 

Next Stop Stanley Park for a little stroll along the Seawall and to check out the Totem Poles. 

We boarded a Ferry and crossed the Straight of Georgia to Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.  My photos are a little hazy. There was smoke making its way from Washington State wild fires.

Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia and the Hotel Grand Pacific!  The photo below is the Welcome sign made of begonias, the building is the Parliament Building the Hotel Grand Pacific is just to the right of it. (Great Location).

Day 3. Saturday July 11   Our morning was spent visiting the Beautiful Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay Victoria British Columbia.

Afternoon (Optional $183 CAD) Eagle Wing Whale Watch.  Did we see Whales???  We saw Sea Lions! We saw porpoises!  We saw 2 families of Orca Whales and a Mom Humpback Whale and her calf!   My bucket was filled from the sea!  Five stars for the Eagle Wing Staff.  The below photos were taken on board by the Staff and emailed to all on board, for free!!! 

Day 4.  Sunday July 12  We Ferry back across the Straight of Georgia. We travel the, can be hair raising but wasn’t today, Coquihalla Pass.  We stop in Hope, British Columbia for lunch.  The town is famous for its Chain Saw wood carving competitions and parts of the movie Rambo was filmed there.

We head on to Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canadas second largest Ski Resort, for a quick overnight stay at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.

Day 5.  Monday July 13  We travel through Wells Grey Provincial Park: Mountain Robson. Nickname: Cloud Cap.  Mount Robson is the highest peak (a-boo today) in the Canadian Rockies.

Note: The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Roughly 1,000 miles of the most magnificent,  mountain ranges.  My photos do no justice to their magnificence, uniqueness or breathtaking beauty.   I no longer have any desire to visit Switzerland.  The Canadian Rockies far exceed in numbers of mountain peaks and glaciers. 

We arrive in the Alpine Wonderland of Jasper, Alberta National Park (lose an hour time change).  We check in at The Crimson Jasper Hotel and head right back out for our “Float Trip”  on the Athabasca River.  It was a “float” trip with category 2  rapids.  Not as relaxing as expected, but much more fun and exciting. 
Note:  Photos still have a slight haze from the smoke from wild fires in Washington State.

Day 6.  Tuesday July 14.  Lakes, Falls and Glaciers     After lunch,  a beautiful boat ride on Lake Maligne, with a stop at Spirit Island.  Next stop Athabasca Falls and our first wildlife viewing!

Moose on the Loose!  First wildlife sighting!

Our Awesome Coach Driver, Mary, spotted our first bear!

Our stop for the night is the Glacier View Lodge, Columbia Icefield, Alberta.  Our nights entertainment was an after hours visit to the Glacier glass bottom Sky Walk. 

Day 7.  Wednesday July 15.  Before hours tour of the Athabasca Glacier in an Ice Explorer, Icefield Parkway.  Everything about this excursion was awesome.  Our Tour Guide, Malakai and Ice Explorer Driver, Chris (There are more Astronauts in the world than Ice Explorer drivers.) the ride up and down the Glacier, the walk on the glaciers and the 360 views were a bit chilling, even more thrilling!  What bucket isn’t complete without ice cubes! 

Note: From our hotel  we could see five glaciers, North Face, Double AA, Andromeda, Athabasca and Snow Dome! 

On our  travels along the Icefield Parkway we make two unscheduled stops. Peyto Lake ….WOW! WOW! WOW!  And Crow Foot Glacier and Bow Lake!  

We are having a great time! Myself and many of my travel mates didn’t quite follow directions and chose the wrong path down to the Lake.  We ended up “bushwhacking” our way down instead of taking the well marked trail.  It was quite an adventure and everyone had a good laugh.

Our last stop of the day is Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier.  I added two wildlife sightings a Magpie (bird) and a Marmut (large ground squirrel) 

Our hotel for the next two nights is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff National Park. 

Day 8. Thursday July 16. Optional Banff Gondola ride ($85 CAD) on Sulfur Mountain.  A beautiful day for a hike, From the gondola lift lower terminal (5194 ft ) to the lookout (7,486) to the Summitt (8,041 ft). Absolutely magnificent views! I was totally in awe! 

When I returned from the hike, I had a welcome committee waiting!  A family of Big Horn Sheep!  I can’t express enough how much I’m loving this adventure.

Afternoon on our own , walking around downtown Banff and a trip to Cave and Basin a National Historic Site, a very special place for indigenous people for over ten thousand years. It is also home to the endangered Banff  Snail, only a bucket full left in the world. 

Indigenous People Art Work.

The Banff Snail is in the water, it looks a little like a mini squid.

Day 9. Friday July 17. We say goodbye to the Canadian Rockies and Hello to the United States at Watertown (Canadian)  – Glacier (U.S.) National Park the only International Peace Park in the world.  

We arrive at Many Glacier Hotel, Browning Montana in time to take a very cool 1 mile hike around the Lake.  During the day hikers had reported more than 10 Grizzly Bear sightings in the area.  We didn’t see any bears, but a very cute Squirrel saw us.

Day 10 Saturday Friday July 18.  Mariah Gladstone a Native American educator “Hops On” and shares some wonderful stories of her tribe,  Black Feet, Cherokee, at the Blackfeet Indian Memorial.

Next stop the Red Jammer Tour on the Going to the Sun road … ALL 50 miles!  The bucket is overflowing!  

Arrive Lake McDonald Lodge, West Glacier, Montana.  Lots of our very entertaining furry friends popping up and down and in and out of ground holes everywhere! We take the Glacier Park Boat Company evening tour of the lake.

Day 11 Sunday July 19.  Enroute to our next stop Spokane, Washington we make fun stops along the way.  In St Regis, Washington  we stop at an “Only in Montana” gift shop. 

 In Lake Coeur D’Alene we stoped at McEuen Park.

Next hotel is  The Historic Davenport Hotel, Spokane, Washington it’s a short walk to the Riverfront Park and the Spokane Falls. 

Day 12  Monday July 20.  Lunch at Errant Cellars Winery  for a yummy wine and food pairing.

Our next stop encounter to Seattle is Snoqualmie Falls is a place of spiritual importance to the Snoqualmie People.  It is also featured in the opening credits of the TV show Twin Peaks.

Our last two nights are at the Even Hotel Seattle Downtown Lake Union and IHG Hotel (2 nights)

Day 13. July 21  The Soaring Sights of Seattle … Seattle Space Needle

This is my fourth visit to Seattle and my first to the Chihuly Glass Museum … hard to tell what is glass and what is real … sometimes!
Can’t go to Seattle and not go to Pike Place Market and watch the fish fly!

Last stop on the tour Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Carl S. English Jr. Gardens

 Good by Dinner Ivar’s Salmon House

Day 14.  July 22.  Another full day of travel, but not on the Coach, an airplane.  I can’t take a bucket on the plane, but I am bringing home a fuller than full Bucket running over of wonderful memories. 

May 11 – 14, 2026

DAY ONE …. Another “Peter Pan” Adventure with Friendship Tours.

We’re not headed to Neverland, but  to spend 2 days and 3 nights in Ocean City, Maryland at the Quality Inn Boardwalk in an Oceanfront room with a balcony.
     There are signs a little “Pixie Dust” may have prompted some of the sand art on the beach. 

   Tic Tock, Tic Tock … no signs of Captain Hook, just a beautiful fun filled boardwalk, smooth sandy beach and gorgeous ocean views. 

DAY TWO … Rise and shine  … no Nana, Wendy, Peter or Michael flying over the Tower of London, a spectacular sunrise, and a visit to the towering Fenwick Island Lighthouse.

No swashbuckling pirates, no lost shadows at the Discover Sea -Shipwreck Museum, but the owner and curator, Dale Clifton, is a genuine Treasure Hunter.  He entertained us with fascinating stories of his diving excavations along the Atlantic Coast.  Displayed throughout the Museum are thousands of artifacts that he has recovered.  My favorite story was about a local beachcomber that for years found hundreds of what he thought were awesome “skipping stones”  along a stretch of beach. He’d find them on the shoreline  and “skip” them out into the ocean.  One day he brought one to Dale and asked if he knew what they were. They were ballasts containing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of emeralds.

DAY THREE …..
Assateague Island giddy up horses here we come!  And they were there! 



The historic town of Berlin on which Disneys movie “Tuck Everlasting” is based and where Runaway Bride was filmed (starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts) is our destination for Lunch “on our own”.  We ate at Rayne’s Reef,  seated at “The Counter” where Richard Gere sat in the movie.  Tic Tock, tic Tock “be still, be still my beating heart”! 
Berlin’s notoriety is not just from films.  It is “Americas Coolest Town”.  We enjoyed walking around admiring the many Murals scattered throughout down town.  It is a  very cool. “Fairy Tale” like Town.

Berlin, Maryland, like Berlin, Germany has its own “Locks of Love” wall.  

Next stop … Assateague Explorer Eco Tour. We’re not looking for Captain Hook, we are looking for wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, shorebirds … we cruise Oceanside along the National Wildlife Refuge at Assateague.
Still Flying high from our Assateague land adventure and seeing all the wild ponies, we are not as lucky at sea.  No ponies, dolphin or  bald eagles, just a very nice boat ride.  

 – Under the Boardwalk, down by the sea! We were havin’ some fun!  Nobody walked the plank or was eaten by a crocodile. It was just fun being out on the water.

Day Four …. When we left Connecticut it was raining. When we arrived in Ocean City the sun came out  and stayed out for our two days of sightseeing.  Our final day we woke to rain, but still a beautiful sunrise. 

Not headed to London “this time” but Peter Pan is bringing us home, filled with many magical memories of a Darling Adventure.

The “gulls” chatting it up.

NOTE : There is no shortage of restaurants, entertainment (mini golf courses on every corner), souvenir’s shops opened Memorial Day to Labor Day.  This month, May,  is off season.  Many businesses and entertainment venues were closed.  There was still plenty to do and places to eat during the day.  Dinners each night, included in the tour, were at  The Captains Table, Harrison’s Harbor Watch and Marlin Moon.  Breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Coastal Salt, was the same all three mornings. Food was good at all the included restaurants, but service was slow.  
     My Lunches at Rayne’s Reef (meatless Reuben) and Pablo’s Bowls (Açaí Bowl) were my favorite meals.  My claim to fame will never be as a food critic! 

Honorable mention to Syed our Peter Pan Coach driver and Donna our Friendship Tour Director.  They kept the fun rolling, while keeping everyone safe.  Their thoughtfulness, patience and professionalism was evident throughout the trip. 

      Cruising …. This is only my third “ocean voyage”.  First 2 times were on Holland America ships,  cruising the ’ St Lawrence Seaway and Alaskan Inner Passage.  
     This time I’m venturing out to my first Bahama Island, Bimini ( 8.2 ocean miles from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)  on the Celebrity Reflection. 

      It’s a short cruise, 4 days, 3 nights with only 2 stops.  Key West, Florida and Bimini Island.  
      Key West is very close to my heart.  It’s a place I’ve visited time and again with my husband and two of my grands.  This time I’m taking Grand #3 for some college R&R a quick reprieve from the CT cold weather.
   We fly into Fort Lauderdale a day early.  We spend the night at the  Maritme Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruiseport (2161 Maritime Mile Blvd). Good midpoint location between the Airport and Cruiseport.  Free airport shuttle, pricey port shuttle.  We used Uber to the Cruiseport for less than half the cost the Hotel offered (Hotel $20 per person/ Uber $25 including tip / there were 3 of us). View from our room! There were at least 8 iguanas on the roof, but this is my best photo. Welcome to Florida!

The best thing about the hotel location was the short walk to the Rendezvous waterfront restaurant.  We went for both dinner and breakfast. Yummy food, great waitstaff, indoor and outdoor seating and great atmosphere!

  Key West! I’m back!  With only a little over half a day in port,  we choose a 2 1/2 hour bicycle excursion!  We ride from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. 

The tour hit on a lot of my “must sees” … The Hemingway House, Lighthouse, Mile Marker Zero, the Southern most point (more photos in previous posts). A first for me is Jimmy Buffets Music Studio.  His family is currently contemplating its future.  

There’s always something new to see and do, no matter how many times I come back.  I learned the “the southern most point buoy” is technically for “tourist use only”.  The true southern most buoy is the big golf ball on the “for Navy use only” Key West U.S. Naval Air Station.

Our tour guide “Salty” from Key Lime Bike Tours was awesome!   Even more awesome was the “must have a slice when visiting the keys” Key Lime Pie that was served at the end of the tour.  
      We still had room for a delicious lunch at my favorite Duval Street Restaurant, Fogartys. We asked to be seated outdoors, street side at a high top so we could enjoy the “people watching” or in this case the “rooster watching”.   Key West is a bird sanctuary. Roosters are a protected, bird.  Penalties for harming a rooster range from a $500 fine to jail time.  

     Back on board, in true flavor of the Keys, one of my favorite entertainments was listening to the “Steel Pan” music.  

The entertainment on board was excellent, the Reflections theater hosted, musicians, dancers, comedy and the “cheesiest”  hypnotist ever.  There were art auctions, dance parties, volleyball contests, game show style contests… I won a free, on board excursion, playing a True False game.  Fortunately and unfortunately the only excursion that was available in a time slot I could attend was the Whistling Pig Whiskey Tasting. I represented Women Well!  Kudos to Dino the Sommelier. Great fun! Very informative and Tasty too! 

First view of Bimini Island!  

Fishermans Wharf Beach is where we met for our Eco Conch Cruise Tour!  

Fun! Fun! Fun!  The staff was great, very knowledgeable.  Very, very nice introduction to the island. A diver leaves the catamaran looking for a conch,  dives down, brings it up and aboard.   When I signed us up, I thought “it was probably planted,  same one conch has probably entertained hundreds of tourists”.  Not true!!!  There are hundreds, or more like thousands of conchs in the ocean and it does take skill to find them.  

Top of the Island.  Bimini is only about 7 miles long and 700 ft wide ( 2  football fields) 

Although this cruise was only a few days, it was jam packed with fun.  There’s no place like home, but this was a wonderful getaway! 

     This was ANOTHER Friendship Tours, Peter Pan adventure.  My local senior Center offers a variety of Travel Opportunities with Friendship Tours throughout the year.   So I’m on the road with Friendship again.

I’ve been to Pennsylvania many, many times.  Never to the Sight and Sound Theater, never on a horse drawn buggy ride through the Amish Countryside and never have I experienced a “Chalk Talk”

    Much to my chagrin, I am calling this trip my “Shop Til You Drop Adventure.”   I am NOT a shopper. Arrrggghhh!   Yes, there is a “Gift Shop” at every stop. Arrrggghhh! ! Yes, it began …..

Day 1 with lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Never before had I contemplated the “SHOPPING appeal” at a Cracker Barrel.  I always thought the only reason people stopped  at Cracker Barrel was for the gourmet food and exquisite cuisine!  Apparently, time needs to be allowed for SHOPPING!

Next stop for SHOPPING is the Reihl Farm and Quilt shop!  I spent most of my time not “SHOPPING”, visiting.

Check in Holiday Inn, Lancaster for 2 nights (not recommended).
Family Style dinner at Plain and Fancy Farm Restaurant with time allowed for SHOPPING in the Gift Shop!

Day 2

First  activity of the day and was the ride on the Amish All Around Buggy Covered Bridge Ride on a back country road (60 minutes). In no way did it compare to the Mackinac Island Horse drawn Coach rides.  Sharing the roads with motorized vehicles was more nerve wracking than relaxing.  

The scenery was beautiful.

Uniformity and neatness was ever evident n the area and especially on the farms.

Yes, this is a neatly stacked pile of manure.  Quite impressive if you ask me. 
Next stop Kitchen Kettle Village for a little lunch (on our own) and SHOPPING! 
My favorite part of the shopping experience was sitting in the courtyard listening to the One Man Band. 
Onto the first real highlight of the trip.  The sight and sound theater to see NOAH!

This was a phenomenal experience.  I had expectations that it was going to be memorable, but to what degree I was not prepared for.  I knew it was live theater. I knew there would be live animals.  I did not expect the 180 degree submersion into the time and life of Noah.  I heard God speak to Noah. I watched Noah’s struggle to accomplish Gods request.  I was on the Ark with Noah and all the animals and I was brought to tears with the heartfelt message.  It’s an, on the edge of your seat, performance from beginning to end. WOW! WOW! WOW!  
Dinner was at the Hershey Farm Restaurant, almost next door to the Theatre, for a delicious seasonal Smorgasbord.

Day 3 

What is a “Chalk Talk”?  I had no preconceived notion.  The Friendship Tour description “Engage your senses through music, storytelling and the amazing Chalk Artistry of a former Old Order Mennonite woman, Elva Hurst.”   Yes, time will be allowed for SHOPPING in the gift shop.  Arrrggghhh!  

The moment I stepped off the Coach and saw the Entrance to Elva’s World,  my senses were alerted that this performance was going to be special.

WOW! WOW! WOW! If you’ve ever watched Bob Ross draw,  add chalk, music and storytelling  and you have Elva.  I wish I could watch Elva bring life to a story everyday!   I’m looking forward to watching her story unfold on the big screen in 2026.

Blank Canvas to completion approximately 30 minutes. 
Twice in two days I have experienced two of the most artistically created performance of heartfelt emotions imaginable.  

Even the SHOPPING experience put a smile on my face.  Elva’s daughters art work.

Our last  SHOPPING experience, The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market.  Homemade at its best!

Another amazing adventure!    Even with all the “SHOPPING” 

September 9 – 16, 2025 

Yes, Friendship Tours, again! Yes, Peter Pan Coach, again!  Leaving the planning, reservation making and driving to professionals is my travel preference these days.
What attracted me to go on this trip?  An Island that takes you back in time to when there were no trains, planes and automobiles.  Transportation choices on the Island are limited to your own two feet, real horsepower and bicycles.  There is an 8.2 mile Highway (M-185) that encircles Mackinac Island perfect for bicycling, my favorite mode of transportation.

I’m calling this adventure my “If You Could Turn Back Time Tour.”

Day 1   Is a looooong day of travel.    7:30 a.m. start and first “Check in” is  5:30 p.m. at The Chautauque Harbor Hotel  10 Dunham Ave Celoron, NY.  (dinner in the hotel.)  This is a beautiful hotel on Lake Chautauque  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . Our room has an amazing view from our room and private balcony.  We are only here for one night. I wish it were more.

Jamestown, where Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy) grew up is the next town over. A quick walk, next door to the hotel, is Lakefront Celeron Park where  “ugly” Lucy and “pretty” Lucy statues “sort of” pay tribute to Lucy.  

Day 2   6:45 a.m.  Buffett Breakfast in the hotel and back on the coach.  Destination …   Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cleveland, Ohio, where inductees receive Musics Highest Honor.   We were only allowed 3 hours to self – tour the museum.  I’d recommend more time for serious Rock and Roll  fans.  We had enough time to quickly peruse the 7 floors of artifacts and watch 4 documentaries (Elvis,  Saturday Night Live, Live Aid and a musical medley of performance clips.)   The building is currently under renovation and we were told to return in 2026 to enjoy the total transformation.  Cher and Neil Diamond are two of my favorite Legends!

Check in – 5:30 p.m.  Doubletree Detroit-Dearborn 5801 Southfield Expressway, Detroit, Michigan  (Dinner in the hotel).  Another looooong day!  Nice thing is we’re here for two nights. 

Day 3  A reprieve  8:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet in the hotel. 

9:00 a.m we’re off to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.  We are back in time again …Riding in horse drawn coaches, being chauffeured in Model T’s, riding on a steam train and even two rides on a  “menagerie” carousel that was built in 1918.  Much more fun than I had anticipated.  Admission alone is a self walking tour.  “Riding”  was an optional “add on”.  $19 (group discount, regular $25).  This gets you unlimited rides all day on the Steam Train, Horse drawn coaches, Model T cars and the Herschell-Spillman Carousel in Greenfield Village.  Greenfield Village is a working farm with historical buildings from all over the U.S. relocated there.  The Henry Ford Museum was  not “all about cars” as I had imagined.  It was about trains, planes and automobiles.  A must do is seeing a documentary in the Giant Screen IMAX Theater (another add on $5).  The 2:00 show was “Trains” .   The scenery and music transformed these transportation Giants into mystical creatures blasting through blizzards and across mountain ranges.  

Day 4  8:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet in the hotel and 9:00 a.m. on the road again.  

Board Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry 

 Our “Taxi to the The Island House Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan via Horsedrawn Carriage.

I had a list as long as my arm of things to see and do on the island.  Even though it had been a long day,  checking off  a sunset walk through town and along the boardwalk was accomplished.

Day 5. Breakfast at The Grand Hotel

After breakfast we toured Mackinac Island State Park on a 3 horse drawn carriage and visited landmarks like Arch Rock, 

The afternoon was spent doing what I had come here to do … bike the 8.2 mile Highway.  The only traffic hazard we encountered was “horse exhaust”  aka: horse poop!

Day 6   Early morning 7:30 a.m.   Breakfast Buffet at the Island House and Taxi back to Shepler’s Ferry  and Mackinac City.  A sad Farewell to Mackinac Island.

Check – In Zehnder’s  Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark.  Frankenmuth  1365 South Main St. Frankenmuth, Michigan. I am thrilled!    I love water parks and especially Lazy rivers.

“Our journey back in time is still not over.

Dinner and Pretzel Rolling at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

Day 7

EARLY 7:30 a.m.  Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel.  Next stop Canadian Border, Port Huron.

Check In – Country Inn and Suites 5525 Victoria Ave Niagara Falls, Canada …   I’ve lost count of how many  times I’ve been to Niagara Falls.  I am always excited to be going back.  

I looked forward to 
Dinner at the Skylon Tower in the Revolving Dining Room again.

Day 8

 7:00 a.m.  Deluxe Continental Breakfast at the hotel and then Homeward Bound!!!  Another wonderful adventure. 
NOTE:  To those that read my  Bay of Fundy blog.  I sadly report that our border crossing at Port Huron pretty much duplicated our border crossing in and out of New Brunswick in July.  There were no lines and few vehicles crossing in either direction.  

     Oh Canada! Where Pines and Maples Grow!   Yes!  Another Canada Adventure!  This time to a never been before Providence,  New Brunswick.  The Bay of Fundy has been on my “to go” list for awhile.  
I found a Friendship Tours/Peter Pan Coach trip with a great itinerary.  Two of my “gripes” with group travel, by Coach (not bus, Coach has a “facility”,  WiFi and very comfortable seats) #1  is not having enough time at stops … #2 is sitting on the Coach (not couch, the seats aren’t that comfortable) for long periods of time.   No “griping” this time! 

Day One – Our Lunch stop is in Portland, Maine.  We have two hours to get lunch (on our own ) and explore this cute “fishing village”.

    I’m traveling with my brother, Dave.  We are both “picky, picky, picky” eaters.  No “griping” here, every culinary cuisine is covered..  We chose Three Dollar Dewey’s, 241 Commercial St..   Great food!  A bit more than $3, but reasonable.

First night .. Holiday Inn 404 Odlin Rd, Bangor Maine – just a clean place to lay our heads.  Dinner and breakfast were included and the food was good and our “pickiness” accommodated. No griping!
Day 2
Entering Canada … A very weird Border Stop.  When we pulled up we thought the crossing was closed.  No cars, no people, the doors were locked.  We didn’t have a reservation!  We didn’t have forms (now required) filled out.  We were treated very kindly, allowed entry without incident, without delay.   The current political tension between Canada and the U.S. is very disconcerting. BUT, throughout our entire time in Canada, not once did we encounter anything but friendliness, kindness and respect.  Hopefully, we all left the same impression of Americans.   
 First Stop … Kingsbrae Garden 220 King Street, St Andrews New Brunswick, Canada ….Two and a half hours to tour the Gardens and get lunch on our own.  The sculpture gardens were my favorite.

We had plenty of time to tour the gardens and take a quick 5 minute walk to Downtown St Andrew, another quaint fishing town.  We had packed a picnic lunch from “breakfast leftovers” and ate on a picnic table Oceanside, but there were many restaurants to choose from.

Our hotel for the next three nights is the Hilton St John, 1 Market Square, St John, New Brunswick the only hotel in St. John right on the water/Harbour Passage Du Port (Bay Walkway that goes from Downtown to the Reversing Falls). A real novelty, is the hotel is attached to the “Pegway System, which runs underground to the City Market and shopping mall.  This type of system is common in Canada, making it easier to get around during in-climate weather.    My favorite “walk to” is the “506 Container Village”, an outdoor plaza of shops and restaurants surrounding a stage area used for performances.

Day 3   We have an awesome Local Hop on Tour Guide, Mike, for a very interesting/historic tour of St John, the City Market and Reversing Falls.  Silly me, I thought the “reversing” was done at the same time.  I was wrong, it reverses every 6 hours with the tides, so we were only going to get to see low tide, one way, BUT, our awesome Coach Driver, Phil, offered to take us back 6 hours later so we could see the reverse high tide. When we arrived at 9:00 a.m.  there was a very thick fog cover. 

Imagine our surprise 6 hours later when we arrived with no fog!  A big old ugly pulp plant!  But, the flow was reversed.

Although, the view through the fog was more appealing at low tide (more rapid like  )  at high tide (calmer water) entertainment was provided by seals and cormorants swimming backwards catching and eating fish. It was amazing.  
Suggestion:  if you go and can only see one tide, go to high tide.  While walking the Au Du Port Passage  we walked by a wandering deer. 

 Lunch is on our own and we chose Rocky’s Sports Bar, 7 Market Square. 
Dinner was at  Lily’s Lakeside on … Lily Lake!  

Day 4   
Full day Tour … Bay of Fundy … Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!  Hopewell Rocks National Park is not in St John near the Reversing Falls.  Silly me, again!  I thought Bay of Fundy was quite a bit smaller.  Nope, in order to  “Walk on the Bottom of the Sea”  it’s a 2 1/2 – 3 hour ride from St John!  Yes, it was worth every minute of the ride.  The photos don’t do the experience justice.  Walking along the bottom of the sea through the mud, rocks and seaweed was amazing.  
The sculptured rocks must be Mother Natures ruse to keep Poseidon at “Bay”.  Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!  



Our Lunch Stop was at The Albert County Museum. A delicious buffet lunch was served in the historic County Meeting House. Then we were escorted through several of the Museum buildings.  I loved the Courthouse and “Goal” (jail)

Day 5
Border Stop … Leaving Canada is the same “ghost town” as when we arrived.  The Duty Free shop had only one employee and very little inventory.  
Next stop … Downtown Bar Harbor for 3 hours to Walk along the Ocean find lunch and shop. 

Our home away from home for the next two nights … The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel 119 Eden St Bar Harbor, Maine  Wow! Wow! Wow!  Below is the view from the balcony of our Oceanside room! 

And then the fog rolled in!  still beautiful! 

Day 6
Acadia National Park … Our hop on tour guide, Mark, did a fabulous job entertaining 40 Tourists for 3 1/2 hours touring Acadia in a fog sometimes so thick you could cut it with a knife!  We were entertained and learned a great deal of history, but a little disappointed.  
That afternoon as the fog lingered about, the rest of our travel companions chose to go on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company Lobster and Seal Watch Cruise that was part of the itinerary.  Dave and I chose to adventure out on our own and head into Acadia via the Free Island Explorer Shuttle System.  in my opinion this is the BEST way to see Acadia.  The shuttle system offers routes through Bar Harbor, Mountain Desert Island and Acadia.  We went into the park and got off at Sand Beach, then walked the 2.2 mile Ocean Path to Otter Point. If you don’t do anything else in Acadia, do not miss this.  Even with a bit of fog still around the views were breathtaking! 

Day 7
The fog has lifted, with still some cloud cover, but we could not miss the opportunity to catch the sunrise and then head for home.  Another amazing adventure! 

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

View of American Falls from Canadian side.

Canadian Horseshoe Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The butterflies were beautiful and entertaining.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A BIG Furry Alaskan Fashion statement!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summit Lake

View of Denali from the Dome Train in Talkeetna.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:30 p.m. Sail from Whittier

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

BIG, BIGGER !!

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

Tuesday Day 10  more  Glacier Cruising

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

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

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

Orca Point on Colt Island

Mendenhall Glacier …. BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST!

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

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

Authentic Clan House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traffic Jam!

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

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

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

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

Japanese Tea Garden

Fishermans Wharf

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch and shopping in downtown Honolulu

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

Pali Lookout in Oahu’s Rainforest

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 …. The days are “flying” by!

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

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

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

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

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

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

THREE sunning themselves on the beach! They are huge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop for lunch in Kihei at Foodland Farms Shopping Area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did some snorkeling. There were a few turtle spottings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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