Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Today, I explored the British Virgin Island of Tortola. In the morning, we packed a van cab full of cast members and headed toward Brewer Bay. The ride was an adventure all on its own as we winded up one side of the mountain and maneuvered hair pin turns down the other - all done on the "wrong" side of the road!!! As we pulled into the beach, we passed by this lazy brown cow and his friend (not pictured). After spending the last 6 months in territory inhabited by Mainers, hardy Canadians, and people of the Viking persuasion, I experienced a little piece of paradise as I floated aimlessly in the bay and re-introduced my skin to the concept of sun -leaving the water only to drink pineapple juice or play the ukulele. Sweet friends in the north, layering jogging suits under your Halloween costumes, I don't say this to make you jealous, I swear...

After the beach, we headed back over the mountain into town. I met a gentleman standing in the shade of a tree with his donkey, “Master William”, whom he adorned with flowers. I learned that the donkey was 40 years old and that it would cost $2 to get a picture with him. I felt very fortunate to meet them.

Getting a decent picture of this hen and her chicks was the most difficult thing I did today. I was a shameless tourist - trotting after them with out-stretched arms and a pink camera - but cute baby animals are always worth it.

The plate of food is ox tail stew with rice and beans and is from the restaurant called “Pussers”. This is an old British pub known for selling the same kind of rum given to sailors in the Royal Navy for the last few hundred years. - so strong that my friend couldn’t get through half of her drink.

I ended the day on the bow of the ship, watching the British Virgin Islands fade away into the sunset. Tonight, the world’s a little bigger, I’m a little smaller, God’s creation is a little grander - and what vigor this brings to my heart.

Halifax Public Gardens

I visited the Halifax Public Gardens in the middle of September. Looking at these dahlias took every word right out of my head.

Quebec City Favorites

Bonjour! Here are a few snapshots from Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that were taken over the last 6 months. Being a regular port of call, I was privileged to witness this charming city as it changed through three seasons. I saw the crocus bloom in May and kicked up crispy brown leaves just last week.

The spring visits involved lots of cool rain, but exploring was still fun - ducking in and out of cafes, art galleries, and cathedrals. I found the best spot to eat Chocolatines (chocolate croissants) and drink Lady Grey tea - "Baguette et Cie" while sparrows darted in for crumbs through the open wall of windows. I listened to "Les Violons du Roy", a wonderful chamber orchestra, perform a concert on one of our overnights.

I stopped by the farmers market whenever I could to see flowers, smell basil, or ask the vendors why this apple was better than that one. I took a tour of the city's highlights and saw the citadel, built to protect the new French colony from enemies. I learned that my country was a primary enemy, and that we fought and lost here in an attempt to convince the French they should join us in the fight for independence. I was dazzled by the chandelier in the lobby of the Chateau Frontenac - the palatial looking building with the green roof.

I fell in love (as you can see) with the city's infatuation with window boxes. I walked the cobblestone streets of "Old Quebec" under a bridge of love letters hanging on strings like socks flapping on a clothes line. And on my last visit, I caught this rainbow over the Saint Lawrence River as I rode the "Funiculaire". Goodbye Quebec City - and if I may borrow your motto, "Je me souviens"!!!!!

Acadia National Park

Today, yes this very day, was spent on Mount Desert Island with the fabulous Miss Elise Dwenger, and my favorite Mainers, Clay and Karen Kirby. After picking up sandwiches from Morning Glory, we drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. The clear skies and sun allowed us the best possible views from the top of the 1530 foot summit. Rumor has it that you will be the first person on US soil to see the sun come up if you stand where we stood today. While atop the mountain, we crossed paths with a “woolly-bear” caterpillar (see picture). Clay, an entomologist, explained that it would become a moth by the name of “Isabella” (that’s all I can remember from the scientific name) and that according to farmer’s almanac lore, we would have a long winter because this little guy had a wide band of brown fuzz instead of a narrow. The furry fortune-teller was thanked by being transported from the middle of the path to some nearby government protected shrubbery. My favorite thing on the mountain was this limey-green/mossy/licheney stuff that grew on the granite boulders.

Next, we visited glacier-made Jordan Pond where we picnicked on sunny boulders and watched minnows dart around our feet. What a day off the ship! Thanks Kirbys!!!!