All a Little Looney

 We are always looking to see if the baby loon chicks are around after hearing that they have hatched.  

Chicks follow close to Mom as she starts to teach them about life.

Even Moms needs a little snack once in a while

Dad comes by with some lunch

A perfect day on the Lake

enjoy,

k

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