Geo: 44.3875, -68.2044Today started out as another cold and drizzly morning. I did not have any real plans and decided to head to the southwest portion of Acadia and the Bass Harbor Heat Lighthouse. This lighthouse is owned by the Coast Guard and has a family living at it. This means you have to stick to the path and observe all the signs about private property. The light probably isn't something you would need to go out of your way to see, but there are other walking trails in this portion of the park. I started on the Ship Harbor walk, but the sign a little ways in said "Now entering the back country" and had no indication of how long the trail was. Being by myself, I turned around as I was not prepared for ... read more

Geo: 44.8927, -66.9327If you are in Maine, only 2 hours from the Canadian border, have a day to fill and want to see some beautiful scenery then I suggest visiting Roosevelt Campobello International Park in New Brunswick as I did today. The weather forecast was for a cloudy day, which I thought would be perfect for a drive. Getting to Campobello from Bar Harbor is easy. Head back up the 3 to Ellsworth, North on Hwy 1 to Hwy 189, East on Hwy 189 to Lubec and then over the border to Campobello. The border crossing is easy, but they don't stamp your passport, which is one of the main reasons I went. Now I will have to go to Canada at an entrance where they do. Anyway, the island itself is a small 2 miles ... read more

Geo: 44.3875, -68.2044I have thought many times about taking a trip to Acadia National Park. The descriptions of the craggy coasts, gently sloping mountains and friendly people have long appealed to me. So this year I am finally here! Today was a whole day of traveling so not much to report on other than some observations about various points in my day. Boston's Logan Airport and getting out of it is a challenge that is not for the faint of heart. Now I was here last year and I don't recall the airport itself being a problem. But this time there was construction and traffic backups. And then trying to stay on the right road to get to the interstate I wanted was like doing a logic puzzle. I wanted to go north on I-95. Apparently ... read more

Geo: 19.6452, -155.997 I don't think I've ever stayed at a resort before and pictured one as being a place with everything you could want at your fingertips. The Royal Kona is perched right on the coast at the south end of Ali'i Drive and is within walking distance to any stores or restaurants you could want. You can walk to the pier to catch the snorkeling tours or bus tours. The resort has tennis courts, a fitness center, spa, Don's Mai Tai Bar and Don's Restaurant. There is a luau on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights. They have their own private salt water lagoon and a regular pool. Parking costs $10 per day and they also charge for internet. When I checked in, the guy said he upgraded me to an ocean front room ... read more

Geo: 19.6452, -155.997Today I headed north along the Kohala Coast. First stop of the day was Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. This park preserves the coastal sections of two ahupua'a or traditional land divisions. Families fished and farmed here. There are very few facilities in this park, but lots of hiking trails. If you were to hike, you would need to bring plenty of water and something to provide some shade. I went in the entrance that is off the parking lot for the Honokohau boat harbor. Once inside the park gate there is a map and box with park brochures. There is a short walk to the coastline which comes out by a heiau or religious temple. The water here is so clear and perfect for strolling along the shore. There were some replicas of huts ... read more