tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61115587553527702732023-11-16T03:45:55.233-08:00Kely's TravelsTraveling with your child as a single parent.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111558755352770273.post-1136935920291087802007-01-22T21:00:00.000-08:002007-03-07T09:43:24.758-08:00Maine - Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Trip Details</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Where: </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"># of Days:</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"> 5<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who: </span>Me and my almost 4 year-old daughter<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Travel Booking: </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Internet<br /></span><br />After leaving Camden we drove up the coast to Bar Harbor and checked into the <a href="http://www.acadiahotel.com/index.htm">Acadia Hotel</a>, which is located right downtown. This is a modest hotel but location and price were more important to me than <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">luxury</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodations</span>. There is a natural food store right next door and Cafe This Way is a great <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">breakfast</span>/lunch place just down the alley. When you're traveling with a 4 year-old, being able to find food fast is important.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Bar Harbor</span><br />In Bar Harbor itself, there is a Town Square which offers live music every Wednesday night during the summer. Down by the water's edge there's a park with a nice large lawn and huge cannons which the kids love to climb on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTk7Gb5swTsUhRKiuCGknqhASRIPF1ngs0MBLB1P1NWHziETrNOW6gUdui_CExn9DB7Aws_a2xTMjIsasu8Pio_rI6qId70gtpRaZ9A3d2LWW7qJk0PQeG9lfcTW2BNb6Xq7vnDi1ojlJ/s1600-h/Maine2006_131_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTk7Gb5swTsUhRKiuCGknqhASRIPF1ngs0MBLB1P1NWHziETrNOW6gUdui_CExn9DB7Aws_a2xTMjIsasu8Pio_rI6qId70gtpRaZ9A3d2LWW7qJk0PQeG9lfcTW2BNb6Xq7vnDi1ojlJ/s200/Maine2006_131_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023097578542999442" border="0" /></a>As for tours, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kei</span></span></span> and I both enjoyed the boat tour which included an <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">on board</span> touch tank, a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">demonstration</span> of lobstering and crabbing. A marine biologist spoke about the Maine waters, the history of the area and explained lobster fishing in detail. As the boat went out towards an abandoned light house we saw seals both in the water and on the rocks. Then the boat's captain pulled up lobster cages and the kids were encouraged to come see what was inside. Near the end of the trip the captain threw a fish out over the side and a bald eagle came down from on the the offshore islands and lifted it out of the water. Very exciting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ice Cream.</span> Okay, I just can't write about Bar Harbor and not mention the ice cream. I don't know what they make their ice cream with up in Maine, but it's the most creamy mass of frozen heaven on earth. We tried almost all the ice cream <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">parlors</span></span> around the downtown and all were great.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Acadia National Park</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00b-m9guC67BSqyBNrMND3qTGPPm1Md-7vRN0WxTmpSMZv-_3-TXJpZ5GNO6CXHfDMoEekpiq7EMHrvabfL1apl5LW4BkexBH_bZrP1wptTFGVZrkuiJHhShnk_w-WR9Qhfv3Vor0aFjb/s1600-h/acadia-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00b-m9guC67BSqyBNrMND3qTGPPm1Md-7vRN0WxTmpSMZv-_3-TXJpZ5GNO6CXHfDMoEekpiq7EMHrvabfL1apl5LW4BkexBH_bZrP1wptTFGVZrkuiJHhShnk_w-WR9Qhfv3Vor0aFjb/s200/acadia-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023106838492489634" border="0" /></a>The first day in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/acad/">Acadia National Park</a> we took the 2. 5 hour carriage ride. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kei</span></span></span> was <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fascinated</span> by the huge horses. All-in-all, she did well, but at some points she was bored. I thought it was a good way to see the inside of the park. There are miles of <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">carriage</span> trail <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cris</span></span></span>-crossing the park that are only open to hikers and bicycles making this a great place to go with a family who loves to ride bicycles.<br /><br />On two very warm days we <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">visited</span> Sand Beach within the park. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip: </span>If you want to get</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHsUAS38Mz6lAQqPgqF8jsCNGRJjF-8ulQyqAq2vY1hP4m9V8iTbrPYRblqetzhQV3UCD4RcOi47T8uxLbovZd3k0RkagCK0-dxU0R8BQX4Hejs_4zfkJzpseiCGJQNTMpSmcrH2D5AMY/s1600-h/keisandbeach-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHsUAS38Mz6lAQqPgqF8jsCNGRJjF-8ulQyqAq2vY1hP4m9V8iTbrPYRblqetzhQV3UCD4RcOi47T8uxLbovZd3k0RkagCK0-dxU0R8BQX4Hejs_4zfkJzpseiCGJQNTMpSmcrH2D5AMY/s200/keisandbeach-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023107542867126194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> good parking space get there early (9:30 AM or so)</span>, otherwise you and your child will be walking a long way. By the way the beautiful blue water just looks warm, but it's not; my feet couldn't stay in more than 10 minutes. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip:</span> Buy a weekly park pass for $20.00</span>, rather than paying each time you enter the park. Or, if you're planning to visit more than one National Park in one year, it pays to buy a National Parks Pass for $50 As of January 2007 the annual pass is good at all USDA Forest Service and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BLM</span></span></span> parks, which is a big bonus for those who like to go camping.<br /><br />Another good outing is a hike (walk?) around Jordan Pond. It's a flat trail winding its way around a large and beautiful pond. Since <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kei</span></span></span> isn't the most <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">enthusiastic</span> hiker, I promised her lunch at the <a href="http://www.jordanpond.com/">Jordan Pond House</a> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">restaurant</span> if she walked for two hours. We got less than half way around, however, she was stopping to play in the water a lot. The Jordan Pond House serves the most <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">fantastic</span> popovers with strawberry jam. For lunch <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kei</span></span></span> had the lobster bisque which was good, but my lobster roll was just okay. People love have tea or lunch out on the patio, however, the day we were there it was threatening rain and we opted for an inside table. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip: </span>In the future I'd just do tea and/or desert as the food was nothing to rave about.<br /><br />One day I hired a babysitter for 4 hours so that I could hike. I chose the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gorham</span></span> Mountain trail, which wound through pine forests that opened to great views of the coast and surrounding <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">mountains</span>. The trail was surprisingly rocky and steep in some locations. I think the top elevation is only 6<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">oo</span></span> ft. or so. The views were incredible.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line: </span>I think Acadia and Bar Harbor is perhaps better for older children, especially those who active. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Families</span> who love to hike, kayak, ride bikes would have a great vacation here. I still had a great time and will go back when <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kei</span> is older.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111558755352770273.post-41560363067785092842007-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:002007-01-22T22:34:28.297-08:00Windjammer Schooner, Maine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ_9DHIhCzTJOL-esp2_CYFXfqmHgNE2G10UiHKGEXuF5jC1IEoB4_ct1lb17fU9Ice1tQhAkRR4X8JYmxHRvMIfWt3J0ywfQmfaYRDlcXJv5tXLduXunaS5idqQM3yOqI5KmNmJYRGKI/s1600-h/Maine2_2006_011_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ_9DHIhCzTJOL-esp2_CYFXfqmHgNE2G10UiHKGEXuF5jC1IEoB4_ct1lb17fU9Ice1tQhAkRR4X8JYmxHRvMIfWt3J0ywfQmfaYRDlcXJv5tXLduXunaS5idqQM3yOqI5KmNmJYRGKI/s200/Maine2_2006_011_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020303123634992898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Trip Details</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: </span><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">The <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Timberwind</span></span></span> Schooner, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rockport</span></span></span></span>, Maine<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#of Days:</span> 5<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span>August, 2006<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who: </span>Me and my almost 4 year-old daughter<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booked Through: </span>Me and Captain <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tassi</span></span></span><br /><br />Many of my friends here in California are either from Maine, or love to vacation there. Each year, they kept saying, "You'd LOVE Maine." Finally, I decided to go. I also love to sail, and had heard about the Maine Windjammer sailing ships. The trick though was to find one who would take me and my almost 4 year-old daughter. So I sent a message out to the association and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Captain</span> Robert <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tassi</span></span></span></span> of the <a href="http://www.schoonertimberwind.com/"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Timberwind</span></span></span></span></a> got back to me almost immediately. He and his wife Dawn, have raised two children on their ship (although they do have a house for between sailings and the winters of course). He thought <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kei</span></span></span></span> would do fine being that she has some experience sailing here in the San Francisco Bay.<br /><br />I flew from Oakland to Portland, Maine and spent the night in Portland. Then the next day we drove up to <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rockport</span></span></span></span> Harbor, taking our time on our way. Before I left, I purchased a <a href="http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi360/"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Garmin</span></span></span></span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nuvi</span></span></span></span> GPS</a> system and I'm glad that I did. It was really helpful in finding the highways, but also <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">restaurants</span> and other services.<br /><br />Once we arrived, we we greeted by the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Captain's</span></span> wife, Dawn <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tassi</span></span></span></span>, who is nicest, most accomplished woman I've ever met. (She's a nurse in the off-season and also cooks all the meals on a wood burning stove in a tiny galley. Amazing!) She showed us to our quarters. These are not luxury <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">accommodations</span>, think tent camping but on a boat. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip:</span> Don't bring a lot of luggage - it won't fit. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Duffel bags</span> work best. </span>The next morning we set sail with a crew of 4 young, burly men who did all the really hard work. We <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">passengers</span> helped when we could, like raising and lowering the sails, and washing our dishes, but overall we didn't do too much. There were other kids on the trip, ages ranging from 4 to 9. Plus, the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tassi</span></span></span></span> kids, Emily (6) and Will (9). All the kids played together really well and seemed to enjoy themselves completely. Even though the waters in Maine are freezing cold, the kids went swimming anyway. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">If your kids have the wet-suit type bathing suits</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">bring them. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">They will be able to stay in the water longer.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzXzsk0PcKtWSiE5JPDU0Ws6x_z-SQejtzGXQnfuNGfoEhIcJv7d7su9MEv3BsoBZkRf14u6ocvSSP4zN8wlOL9naMS36Ft4P9J09Ckeu9ptChPTSBUCULpa2p-cy48RhTnaVIMH_l6rR/s1600-h/lobsterfeed-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzXzsk0PcKtWSiE5JPDU0Ws6x_z-SQejtzGXQnfuNGfoEhIcJv7d7su9MEv3BsoBZkRf14u6ocvSSP4zN8wlOL9naMS36Ft4P9J09Ckeu9ptChPTSBUCULpa2p-cy48RhTnaVIMH_l6rR/s200/lobsterfeed-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023110119847503810" border="0" /></a><br />One evening we were ferried to a small island, where the crew set-up a lobster feed. The kids circumnavigated the island several times, collecting flowers while the food was cooking. The lobster was great, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">in fact</span> the whole meal was incredible. Everyone had fun and it was <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">definitely</span> the highlight of the whole sail.<br /><br />We sailed <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">around <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Penobscot</span></span></span></span> Bay and each night anchored in a different harbor or inlet. One very foggy day, the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Captain</span> ferried us to <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Stonington</span></span></span></span>, a quaint, little Maine town. It was nice to get off the ship and walk around, especially since I felt my shorts getting tighter and tighter after eating all of Dawn's wonderful food.<br /><br />Showers...well, they have a tall canvas bag they set up on the deck if you ask. You zip it up and use hot water that is piped up from the galley. I did not try it, and preferred to just wash my hair on deck.<br /><br />After the trip, we stayed one night in Camden at the <a href="http://www.blackberryinn.com/rooms.html">Black Berry Inn</a>. It was lovely and wished I had booked two nights. We then continued on the Bar Harbor for the rest of our Maine vacation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What to Bring:</span> Waterproof jacket (<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gortex</span></span></span></span> etc...), <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">fle</span><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ece</span> jacket, hat, jeans, shorts, tee-shirts, a book, mosquito repellent, <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Teva</span></span> or other water-proof <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">sandals</span>, and a life jacket for younger children. (For women, cropped pants work well because the deck is often wet.) I brought my sailing jacket and I'm glad I did. Bring small toys, books and small games for the kids. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip:</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Vaseline</span> is used to grease the sail rings that go up the mast. If you get this <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">gooey</span> stuff on your clothes it stains. So <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't bring any "designer" clothes</span> if you're crawling around the ship chasing kids...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqMZ7ZrDI_UlxwxXX31kfdJdstUu03vbug_nZdZjoabUgf7UgHEAF0PHmMqS3zd-GNCtlMpYkkl1Tx8n8A8MDxCd69xSlZee5PKWBuqLzgzuxxOPfVpBRuIXosjAjegG_vvm9FbA178t_/s1600-h/Maine2006_210_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqMZ7ZrDI_UlxwxXX31kfdJdstUu03vbug_nZdZjoabUgf7UgHEAF0PHmMqS3zd-GNCtlMpYkkl1Tx8n8A8MDxCd69xSlZee5PKWBuqLzgzuxxOPfVpBRuIXosjAjegG_vvm9FbA178t_/s200/Maine2006_210_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022988151366231890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span> I'd <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">definitely</span> sail on the <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Timberwind</span></span></span> again, but only if there were other kids on the ship too. I'd consider the Fall Colors trip; Maine in the fall must be gorgeous.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111558755352770273.post-18915281152691398802007-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:002007-03-07T10:19:48.462-08:00Cancun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyVT9bD1dLV483XGdDHrdqSAxNY8PQDCcYfQjwS3uQocHzxEx-8pk-i-gtV5r5TN1fe0FtfmHj48Mvorrl6cjwhzhIxYwAdCmG1zwBwK9xOBwvjLMHlA2XXQwFL2FicYIlBBWoSUoa8y3/s1600-h/IMG_6850_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyVT9bD1dLV483XGdDHrdqSAxNY8PQDCcYfQjwS3uQocHzxEx-8pk-i-gtV5r5TN1fe0FtfmHj48Mvorrl6cjwhzhIxYwAdCmG1zwBwK9xOBwvjLMHlA2XXQwFL2FicYIlBBWoSUoa8y3/s200/IMG_6850_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020269674429691618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >Trip Details:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: </span>Cancun, Mexico<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"># of Nights: </span>5<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span>January 2007<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who: </span>Me and my 4.5 year-old daughter<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booked through: </span>AAA Travel/Pleasant Holidays<br /><br />Our <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">latest</span> trip was to Cancun for 5 days. We arrived at the <a href="http://www.palaceresorts.com/Resorts/MoonPalace/Index.asp">Moon Palace Resort</a> on New Year's Eve. Since I'd been up since 3:30 AM PST, I'll admit to falling asleep long before the New Year was rung in. This was a completely <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">spontaneous</span> trip. Three days earlier, I called AAA Travel and asked where I could go that was warm and sandy. Hawaii was completely sold out, so the agent suggested Mexico. We have our passports so that was not a problem. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Tip: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get your children passports.</span> It has been very useful to me when navigating through airport security, even <span style="font-style: italic;">domestic </span>security. I also carry my husband's death certificate so that I can prove I have sole custody. Starting January 23rd, 2007 passports will be required for non-domestic travel. See the <a href="http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html">State Department's</a> site for more info.<br /><br />When we got to the airport in Mexico I wasn't able to find my <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">itinerary</span>. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Opps</span></span></span>...I think it fell out of the backpack on the plane. The man with the Pleasant Holiday's sign said he'd charge $20.00 per person to take us to the Moon Palace. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmmm</span></span></span>...I smell "rip-off" but at that point I was so tired and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kei</span></span></span> was so hungry, I said okay. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Tip:</span> Always carry another copy of y</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">our <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">itinerary</span>. </span>Once we got to the resort they had my reservation so there were no problems. The first room I was assigned to was on the 2<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span></span></span> floor. I could just imagine hearing every footstep above me, so I asked for a 3rd floor room. There was one available and since it was on the end, there was no one to the side or above us. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Tip:</span> Always ask if th</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ere's a better room available. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">There usually is.</span> All the rooms at the Moon Palace have jacuzzi tubs in them. We had a wonderful view of the ocean from floor to ceiling windows. Each room has a large flat panel TV, which we <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hardly</span> watched. The pools at the resorts are amazing and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kei</span></span></span> had a blast. Though, the beach is not really that nice. There is tons of sea grass that washes up on the beach and rather ruins the experience. I brought <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kei's</span> swimming life jacket so she was able to float all around the pool. She discovered the "swim-up" bars and took to ordering a "Miami Vice" which is a drink of half strawberry/half coconut smoothies.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUzMJowFQvlEl7z6KI036Jq0ykHKGjbWXn1WsNS2E1xr_DNPnY4AGO6s1tIIs4bWZgRZ_PiOsPXrodS_ZTpoYtzZN8Rwg_5so5rHJyPgFw_8oSW9nJ7ESmHGIKGWpaEGiMLPbGZvV4z-e/s1600-h/cancun_pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUzMJowFQvlEl7z6KI036Jq0ykHKGjbWXn1WsNS2E1xr_DNPnY4AGO6s1tIIs4bWZgRZ_PiOsPXrodS_ZTpoYtzZN8Rwg_5so5rHJyPgFw_8oSW9nJ7ESmHGIKGWpaEGiMLPbGZvV4z-e/s200/cancun_pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022989714734327666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The resort was wonderful. The last time I stayed in an "all inclusive" was my my honeymoon 17 years ago. I'll admit it was really nice not to have to figure out where to eat breakfast or lunch. Dinner took a bit more planning even there because the "nicer" speciality <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">restaurants</span> fill-up very quickly. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Tip:</span> Eat on the earlier side 6:00 to 7:00 PM, otherwise you'll be waiting a long time for a table. </span><br /><br />I did several spa treatments while <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kei</span></span></span> spent time in the Kids Club. I'll admit though, she didn't like all of the kid's club activities and apparently spent some time crying. It seemed that they should have split some of the activities to be more age appropriate. Two evening during the week they offered a puppet show in the lobby and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kei</span></span></span> loved it!<br /><br />We did a one day trip to <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Xcaret</span></span></span> </span>which is a Mexican, outdoor water park. It is hard to describe. There are recreations of Mexican villages, plus real Mayan ruins, a lagoon where they provide <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">inter-tubes</span> to float on, beaches, swimming with dolphins and snorkeling trips. However, this place is still expensive and I didn't bring enough money for all the things <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kei</span></span> </span>wanted to do. For example: the towel rentals (2) and one locker was $18.00 (in U.S.) and you get about $8.00 back in only pesos. (Even though they've go a ton of American dollars in their cash drawer.) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tip:</span> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bring your own towel, water and snacks. </span>The food on the beach was $6.00 for <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">hotdogs</span></span></span> and hamburgers and $2.00 for water. At night there's a musical/dance show covering the history of Mexico. The <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">reenactment</span> of the Mayan fire ball hockey game was <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">definitely</span> cool. <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Xcaret</span> is an all day trip; we left at 9:00 am and didn't get back until after 10:00 PM.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">More Travel Tips</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kyledesigns.com/product/WS7-WORLD-GLOBE"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaart21DH4gXb6kuCvUqL7AvnoTh_i9P65IP_2zxoOKGSGWaZHaIqGB9KwQnHuG0eM16TZjCauy1kY1vIejQnPTB5Br7kFtA0LPtywGEiRd5_ewIT3-6jxS6NpWxwBgodiIPvVX0gwnd-9/s200/world_case-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039243559317390658" border="0" /></a><br />Instead of a purse, I carry a <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">CatalinaTravel</span></span> backpack I purchased from <a href="http://www.ebags.com/ellington_leather_goods/catalina_travel_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=70026">E-Bags</a>. For my wallet I use a metal one because it's tough and easy to find in my bag. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kyledesigns.com/category/13_unique_gifts.cigarette_cases_wallets/">Kyle Design</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span> I'd go again to an all inclusive when I'm ready for a true "vacation" but I'd research which resort has the best Kid's Club so <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Kei</span></span></span> has a good time too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0