Starting the Trip Home
Our first leg of the trip home is on Via Rail. It is a substantially different experience to Amtrak. Going to have to take a cross country trip sometime and check out the differences in sleeping accommodations.
Cruises
Our cruise experiences and adventures
Wednesday: Deer, and Photography, And Deer, and Beer, and Deer....and Glass...
Did I mention the 10 deer he photographed this morning in Rockwood Park? While Russ is an engaging guide, his focus on photography detracts from the historical insights that could enrich a tour. Our group had a more rewarding experience with Cher, who provided a well-rounded look at St. John’s history and landmarks.
Asticou Terraces: A Don't Miss Addition to Acadia National Park
The Asticou Terraces, crafted by Landscape Architect Joseph Henry Curtis, are a hidden gem that transform the rainy day into a photographer's paradise. With vibrant flowers and lush greenery, I experimented with light and angles to capture the beauty that unfolded before me. Our tour guide, Carli, added to the experience with her wealth of knowledge about the island's history, making this stop truly memorable.
Tuesday: Bar Harbor
On a rainy fall day in Acadia National Park, the waterfalls come alive, cascading down the granite due to the park's unique topography. Despite the lack of vibrant autumn colors, the rain brings its own beauty, transforming the landscape into a dynamic display of nature's power. And under the trees along the trails, the pace of a genrle rainfall on the leaves.
I went to Green Gables...
I went to Green Gables and all I did was take pictures of trees!
Oldest Catholic Church on PEI
St. Augustine Church, as the sign says, oldest on the island.
Oddly enough...
There hasn't been a lot of opportunity for sarcasm during this trip. So I may be a bit rusty... An interesting place to put a juicer....(Port of Charlottetown, PEI)
The most photographed lighthouse in North America
According to the legend, anyway.
Lunch on a Small Group Tour in Halifax
Our tour operator set us up with a lunch reservation at McElvies...it was a great pick!
Monday: Portland, ME
Tuscan Table exceeded my expectations, blending a homey, eclectic vibe with delicious food. The lobster bisque was a revelation—thick, rich, and brimming with lobster chunks. My server, Jennifer, was incredibly patient as I navigated my limited appetite post-surgery, allowing me to savor each course at my own pace. The grilled chicken Caesar salad was intriguingly sweet, providing a delightful twist on a classic. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return for more …
Sunday: Time to Catch Up on the Trip to Date
The Latitudes version of the behind-the-scenes tour offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the ship, focusing on the main galley and laundry areas. Starting at 8:00 am, the tour showcased the processes behind meal preparation and sheet folding. Watching the crew orchestrate their tasks seamlessly is a reminder of how vital each department is to the overall cruise experience.
Your Bus Tour Probably Didn't Stop Here
One of the advantages of a small group vs. sticking with the cruise lines. The relationships you build with the local operators and your tour group are pretty cool. And sometimes you get an extra stop....