To the Fjords we Go

Flight from BOS to BGO - I never really sleep on overnight flights to Europe.  But I think I'm just so excited to "get there" that the jet lag doesn't have a chance to set in.  Whenever I arrive at a new place in Europe I like to hit the ground walking.  Bergen was a lovely city to do just that.  We were staying at the Home Hotel Bryggen and it felt just like that ~ "home".   

Walking through the 13th Rosenkrantz Tower saying "hi" to King Mugnusson.  Taking in the beauty of a city that have aged so well through the centuries.  

Of course had to stop and join these fine folks for a beer!  

Bergen is such a walkable city.  We took the Floibanen cable car up to see the full expanse of the city.  

The goats were quite friendly and hospitable in welcoming us.  

Why not have another beer on the patio, we're on holiday!

While planning this trip I opted to take advantage of the wonderful train and ferry transportation in Norway.  It was by far a great decision.  We loved the comfort and convenience provided by both.  

A few stops along the route from our train trek from Bergen to Flam.  I can imagine this would take on a different feel during their busy summer months. But in May we never felt crowded.  

The skies were blue and the views....  spectacular! 

Arriving into Flam was pristine.

Aurlandsvangen, our home for the next few days.  A small village located on the fjord.  We stayed at the Hotel Aurlandsfjord.   

Marianne's Bakerie "velkomen" -ed us several times during our stay. 

Our hotel's outside patio was a favorite place to relax after a day of adventuring.  

 

Always a view from our hikes.  This one was up to the Dagsturhytta - a lovely hut built on the hillside with comfy seating inside and plenty of deck space outside to absorb the fjords and all their majesty.  

I've got to say we loved the hikes - but the view from our balcony wasn't  too shabby either! 

Morning walks along Aurlandsfjord made me take pause many a time

       ...breathing in the calm.

Quite a drive up to the Stegastein Lookout sitting 650 meters above the fjord.  The snow covered fjords impressive from each and every vantage point.  

Joanie and Bernie taking in the view

Stress-free travel ~~ waiting for our ferry to arrive from Flam.  

Aurland to Balestrand ferry is just over an hour.

With a quick stop to feel the Fysseneset Waterfall.

...can't help but feel!

Balestrand, another small village along the Sognefjord.  They don't allow cruise ships into port here so it's a quiet place that stays cozy and welcomes visitors with a smile.  

Days filled with hikes 

being treated with spectacular views around each bend.  

Even a few picnic tables scattered about for your dining enjoyment! 

Wood carvings in the Kviknes Hotel - showing off her hospitality traditions dating back to 1752.  

St Olaf's Church -This church built in 1897 as a legacy to Margaret Sophia Green (Kviknes) by her husband Knut Kviknes.  Green had a dream of building an English church in Balestrand and her husband honored that dream.    

Afternoons on our deck along Balestrand's harbor.  This airbnb accommodation was so perfect for us!

Apple trees during their Spring bloom.  

Just me feeling at home...

Morning walks....

afternoon hikes....

Evening dinner with celebrations of Norway's Constitution Day!   

Day trip on a ferry to Fjaerlandsfjord 

On the deck patio of the Fjaerland Fjordstove Inn 

... a lovely afternoon of cocktails and chocolate bombs.  Amazing on all counts!

Our final ferry ride will take us from Balestrand back to Bergen.  A leisurely 4 hour high speed ferry.

We sat outside and took in the sights and fresh air.  Feeling refreshed from all our travels.

Arrival back in Bergen felt again like coming home.  

Traveling opens up your heart and your mind.  I love going to explore new places.

This is one of those trips that truly exceeded my expectations.  It helped that we had the most perfect weather during our entire stay.  I would say it comes from the Norwegian hospitality combined with our willingness to explore and experience life along with them.  

enjoy,

k

The Sunshine State - of mind

 Nothing changes your "state" of mind than traveling from NH to Florida in February.  Leaving the snow behind for warm salty breezes is a beautiful thing.  

Morning walks along the beach at Lauderdale by the Sea.  

I took a photo of this guy one morning.  Showed it to some friends that were staying at our hotel and was told it was a Man o' War.  Pretty to look at but ...Yikes!! 

Our stay at the High Noon Beach Resort was absolutely lovely.  Walking right out to the beach or swimming in the pool.  Tough choices I know...

Most of my time is spent walking the beach.  It's calming, soothing and just feels good...

After all the relaxation it was time for some thrills.  

    Off to the Florida Everglades we go.

Coopertown Airboat Tours  took us out into the Florida everglades.  Miles and miles of pristine landscape

with a power slide or two thrown in for thrills! 

Wildlife just doing their thing

Our guide Mike doing his thing - kind of like Crocodile Dundee.  But in these parts it's more likely alligators.  They like that "fresh" water.   

"keep your hands in the boat, please" 

...you betcha! 

Next part of our journey was down into the Florida Keys.  Little Torch Key was our landing spot for a few days.  

  

Quiet and refreshing breezes kept us cool, calm and sun kissed.

We rode bikes and explored Big Torch and Middle Torch Keys.  Over to Big Pine Key to check out the Blue Hole then over the Wooden Bridge to No Name Key.  Easy peasy bike riding for a day full of sunshine. 

Final stop on our Florida Keys adventure was a visit with our friends Bill and Lisa.  They spend their winters in these parts on their boat the "Sweet Life".  Our gracious hosts showed us the area via their mode of transportation - via the water.  Best way to take in the Florida Keys I might say.  Driving the highway down just didn't have the same feel...

Cheers!

Had the best time visiting some of their hangouts - dropping an anchor here or there for a swim to cool off.

 

Watching the Super Bowl on the top deck of "Sweet Life" .... pretty sweet! 

good night moon

peace and calm

enjoy,

k

Up to the White Mountains

Work detail up at the Omni Mount Washington in December.  Decided to add another night so that we could go skiing or hiking depending on which way the weather was leaning.  

Snow was a little lean so we ended up doing a small hike and later that evening ventured into the town of Bethlehem.  A quaint town just outside of Twin Mountain.

 They were having their Christmas in Bethlehem weekend which included music, bonfire, greetings from Santa then topped off with a fireworks display.  We joined the festivities and felt the Christmas spirit come alive.  

Next day off to the Omni Mount Washington.  The Grand Dame of the North Country.   

There is a beautiful stillness in being outdoors in the winter...  something we truly enjoy.  

And how could this guy not make you smile while eating your breakfast sandwich!

Even got a little snow to go out and play in.   

Same job coming up again this year - and I'd say we'll be adding another night and go have us some fun! 

Always find time to play....

enjoy,

k

City Slickers for a Day

 Heading into the city for Boston's Snowport.  A day of fun and food along the water.  

Laughed a lot... ate good food    Got a bit of Christmas Spirit

As though we hadn't had enough - made a pit stop in Somerville for a visit to Mike's Pastry so we could bring more home with us!  

Oh Canada

A trip over the border to the lovely town of Old Bromont.  We stayed at the Auberge Nuits St Georges rich in history dating back to 1881 and located in the heart of the village.  

 Traveling on the Montreal we found the Boulangerie Patisserie Canal just outside of Bromine village.  Quick stop for some provisions and made our way towards the city.  Our picnic stop at Fort Chambly was a wonderful choice.  Watching the geese fly in V-formation and joining hundreds of their fine feathered friends along the river while enjoying our tomato tarte was perfect.  

Afterwards a walk around the Fort...   had to work off some of that lunch!

then to the City of Montreal we go.  

The main purpose of this trip was to see Bruce Springsteen "the Boss"  at the Bell Centre.  

What an amazing show! If he comes back again to Montreal we will be there.  

Traveling towards home had us stopping in Magog for one last night to enjoy our Canadian neighbors' hospitality. A short walk from our room put us in a downpour.  Turned in to Alessa Trattoria .  Little wine and a little food and all was well.  The food - the service - the atmosphere ~~ the Rain God did us good! 

Saint Benoit du Lac includes an abbey, cheese making and a glimpse into Monastic life.  

We walked the halls and listened to the rhythmic chants. 

Learned a bit about cheese making and of course had to sample and bring some home with us.

enjoy,

k

40 Years - How can That be?

 Happy Anniversary to "US"  youngsters! 

We celebrated our 40th anniversary with an overnight to The Tides Beach Club on Goose Rocks Beach in Maine.  A lovely oceanfront hotel with a casual elegance that feels like "home".  Weren't thinking a "beach" location for our anniversary -being October 20th-  but they were having an anniversary special on our anniversary therefore making a perfect combination.  

Mother Nature joined the party and gave us 80 degree weather for two days in Maine late October. 

Could not have planned that getaway any better if we had tried! 

enjoy,

k

The Cape - Off Season

 I've always loved the idea of heading down to the "Cape".  But being someone who doesn't like crowds so much when I travel it always seemed to get put on the back burner.  

Well, the secret I've found is....

                                                        ....go just after Labor Day.  Who'da thought!

The weather is still perfect - the crowds were gone.  Literally the photo above was a busy day at the beach!  We brought our bikes and stayed in Wellfleet area.  Everything was close by and easy to get to.

The bike path there is wonderful.  If you find yourself up to the northern end of the Cape Cod Rail Trail be sure to stop in PB Boulangerie for a sweet treat.  Always a waiting line.... but in this case so worth the wait.  

We took a trek over to Lieutenant Island to watch the sunset.  It was a beautiful night but the icing on the cake was seeing a few folks walking back over the bridge with some back just-hatched Diamondback Terrapin turtles.  They have a Protection Program and these three needed a little leg up on their journey.  They'll be returned to a suitable, safe area to give them a better chance of survival.  Good luck guys!  

September days bring a quick decline in temperature as the sun begins to go down...

but the solitude and colors of September bring their own special charm.  

The kids were able to join us for the weekend.

    Brought them to what we felt were our "private" beaches. 

Rode to the Three Sisters Lighthouses 

and the Chatham Fish Pier.  Seals were having a nice snack when the fisherman came in.  

These two always bring their sense of fun!

I'm thinking when we can make a little September getaway happen - this will be put on the front burner from now on.

enjoy,

k