Where I've Ben

Seattle Skyline, Seattle, WA

2010-08-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

The biggest sight on Bainbridge Island is the view back across the Puget Sound to Seattle. We could literally lay in our bed and see the skyline. Naturally I took a lot of pictures, at sunrise, at sunset, in the morning, in the afternoon, from the ferry, from the harbor, ...

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Space Needle Redux, Seattle, WA

2010-08-08T18:41:00.002-05:00

I'd been to the Space Needle before but Trish hadn't so we made reservations for Sunday brunch there. It's easy to get to (after the ferry ride) and has valet parking for only $8.

Obviously the views are spectacular and the food is just as good.

The day we were there you could see Mt. Rainer.

Their web site is here and the wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Bainbridge Harbor, Bainbridge, WA

2010-08-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Bainbridge with the emphasis on small. Our goal was to make this a relaxation trip not a shopping trip. There were plenty of shops to entertain us between reading our novels. We liked the Harbour Public House so much we ate there twice. The clam chowder was FRESH.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

A Seattle View at Rockaway Beach, Bainbridge, WA

2010-07-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

We spent a 4-day weekend on Bainbridge Island in mid-June 2010. Accommodations on the island are limited. This led me to look for alternatives. I came across Bainbridge Island Vacation Rentals. We looked at several offerings from them and chose "A Seattle View at Rockaway Beach."

The house faces due east on the southeast corner of the island directly on the Sound. Across the Sound is the Seattle skyline. It's less than 50 feet from the water. The Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry comes directly at the house before it turns north to Bainbridge harbor. Mt. Rainier is visible to the south just over the trees.

I posted a lengthy review on tripadvisor.com.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry, Seattle, WA

2010-07-18T15:40:00.002-05:00

The quickest way to get to Bainbridge Island is to take the ferry across the Puget Sound. It's about a 35 minute ride and runs about once an hour. Their schedule is here.

Interestingly on a couple of the trips we had escorts as we crossed the Sound.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Funivie Monte Bianco, Italy

2010-03-07T23:40:00.000-06:00

As we left Courmayeur headed to Chamonix, our hosts had a surprise for us. They were going to take us over the Alps in a cable car, the Funivie Monte Bianco.

Unfortunately bad weather had it shut down. I'll have to go back for that.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Video

View Larger Map

Courmayeur, Italy

2010-02-28T14:32:00.000-06:00

I remember Courmayeur as a sleepy little town just before we got to the Mont Blanc Tunnel. We stopped there for lunch on our way from Milan to Chamonix. We got there around 1:00PM and I was surprised as all the restaurants were closed for the afternoon.

My father bought a case of wine there (against the advice of our French host) and it was awful.

Their web site is here and the wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

2010-02-21T23:52:00.001-06:00

Piazza San Marco is the quintessential spot in Venice. Our water taxi dropped us nearby and our hotel was a couple of canals away. Honestly, nothing is very far away in Venice.

Reminiscent of Place du tertre in Paris, there are sidewalk restaurants all along the sides. There are nondescript openings on the north side that open into tiny sidewalks that take you deep into the maze of Venice. On the southeast is the Campanile di San Marco. To the east is St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.

Then there are the pigeons!

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Moonrise, Gloucester, MA

2010-02-14T13:31:00.001-06:00

From the Bass Rocks Ocean Inn, the moonrise was spectacular. I walked across the street to the breakers and set my camera on a hand tripod.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Bass Rocks Ocean Inn, Gloucester, MA

2010-02-07T12:29:00.001-06:00

While on Cape Ann, we stayed at the Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. It is just across a 2 lane road from the ocean. Beautiful view! We requested a first floor room that wasn't supposed to have as nice a view but our view was pretty good!

The advantage to us of the first floor was that we could walk out onto the yard and right across to the ocean.

All rooms had 2 chairs and a table outside and we spent most of the long weekend outside reading John Grisham books and sipping wine.

The Bass Rocks Ocean Inn faces east so the sun set behind us but the moonrise was awesome.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA

2010-01-31T21:13:00.000-06:00

Halibut Point State Park is just outside Rockport, MA. It was formerly a granite quarry so there is a huge man-made lake. The park has breath-taking views of the rocky coastline. The administrative building has a 60 foot observation tower.

There are numerous walking trails and we walked one out to the coastline.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA

2010-01-24T21:31:00.001-06:00

Bearskin Neck is a tiny finger of rock that protrudes into the sea from the small town of Rockport.

It is a single "street" with a small loop about half-way down it. It is full of interesting shops and eateries. Some have seating areas out back where you can go and get a gorgeous view.

Out at the very tip there were several kids flying kites. The rental kayaks in their multi-colors came by there as well.

Parking in Rockport was impossible. We parked in the town parking lot on the outskirts of town and rode the shuttle that stopped right at Bearskin Neck.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Motif #1, Rockport, MA

2010-01-17T20:23:00.001-06:00

Motif #1 is a fishing shack in Rockport known as "the most often-painted building in America."

The movie "The Proposal" used Rockport as a setting in Alaska and included scenes of Motif #1.

The wikipedia article is here. The official site is here.

The bing birdseye view is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Harbor, Gloucester, MA

2010-01-10T19:31:00.001-06:00

Gloucester is the second oldest seaport in Massachusetts. It was settled in 1623 after Plymouth in 1620, even before Boston.

The wikipedia article is here. The official web site is here.

Seafaring and fishing have taken its toll on the populace of Gloucester. In its over 350-year history, Gloucester has lost over 10,000 men to the Atlantic Ocean. These are memorialized by the "Man at the Wheel" statue at Gloucester Harbor.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA

2010-01-03T20:49:00.000-06:00

We arrived on Cape Ann on the Friday before the 4th of July. We stayed at the Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. When we asked the desk clerk for suggestions for dinner that night, we asked where they went. The reply was an instant "The Rudder on Rocky Neck." The desk clerk knew the lady who owns it and had been to a wedding reception there recently. We headed to the harbor and Rocky Neck.

Rocky Neck is an artists' colony. As we drove through the twisty windy streets the locals were scrambling for views of the planned fireworks. Unfortunately, they were canceled that night. According to one local they were canceled because "the weather is too good."

We had a wait at The Rudder but were thoroughly entertained by the locals hanging around the oyster bar at the front door. Our table was on the dock and we could watch customers come and go via boat. Here's the TripAdvisor review. I'd say we were a little more favorable.

You can see our geotagged Picasa album here. And, yes, Cape Ann is an island.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

San Marco Giardinetti Vaporetto Stop, Venice, Italy

2009-07-26T13:08:00.001-05:00

We arrived in Venice at the San Marco Giardinetti vaporetto stop. Just to the West is Harry's Bar of Hemmingway fame.

The Bird's Eye view is here.

View Larger Map

Riva del Vin, Venice, Italy

2009-07-19T12:51:00.002-05:00

We just had to eat dinner at one of the restaurants de la Riva del Vin on the Grand Canal. We certainly paid too much but the atmosphere was worth it.

We started our gondola ride from here also.

The Bird's Eye view is here.

View Larger Picture

View Larger Map

Ponte dei Sospiri, Venice, Italy

2009-07-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

Connecting the Doge's palace with adjacent prison is the Ponte dei Sospiri, commonly known as the "Bridge of Sighs." Lord Byron helped to popularize the belief that the bridge's name was inspired by the sighs of condemned prisoners as they were led through it to their execution.

The wikipedia article is here.

The Bird's Eye view is here.

View Larger Picture

View Larger Map

Ponte di Rialto, Venice, Italy

2009-05-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

Ponte di Rialto is the bridge that comes to mind when you think of Venice. Construction began in 1588 replacing previous wooden bridges.

Our gondola ride took us right under it.

We ate dinner in a sidewalk restaurant just West of the bridge.

The wikipedia article is here and there is a good website on it here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Hotel Antica Locanda al Gambero, Venice, Italy

2009-05-24T23:02:00.000-05:00

In Venice, we stayed at Hotel Antica Locanda al Gambero. Let's just say it wasn't the easiest place to find (nothing in Venice is). But it was well worth the search.

There's a nice restaurant on the ground floor. The hotel office is on the next floor. We had a second floor room. Remember, they count the floors differently in Europe. Oh, and there's no elevator. The room was the nicest we had on that trip. The walls were covered in gorgeous fabric! The bathroom was awesome. I wish we could have stayed there longer.

There's a long story of how we made our reservations there that I'll share over a glass of fine Italian wine.

Their web site is here and TripAdvisor's review is here.

View Larger Photo

View Larger Map

Noonan Shore, PEI, Canada

2009-05-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

One day while we were just riding around on PEI, I wanted to get a good view of the Confederation Bridge so I found the road closest to the bridge and followed it down to the Northumberland Strait. This road was Noonan Shore Road.

What a discovery I made at the end of the road. There was this old fishing boat tied up but the tide had gone out and left it high and dry.

The blues and reds in the boat perfectly matched the red sands and the blue water and sky. Awesome!

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

San Lorenzo Market, Florence, Italy

2009-05-10T19:49:00.001-05:00

Another destination nearby our Hotel Casci in Florence was the San Lorenzo market. If you can't find what you're looking for there, it doesn't exist. We bought leather goods there that weren't fashionable back in the States for almost 2 years.

As typical in Europe be sure to haggle with the sellers. You can always get a better price than is posted.

Here's the street view and here are some comments from TripAdvisor.

View Larger Map

Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy

2009-05-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

Just down the street from Hotel Casci is the Galleria dell'Accademia. In this museum is an entire wing full of Michelangelo's works including the iconic David.

Although there were signs all around the statue admonishing to not take photos, flashes were popping all around so I finally pulled my camera out and took a couple.

After we had seen everything in that wing, we walked through a small passageway into the rest of the museum. In that passageway was a door, like into a service closet. Except the wall around this mundane doorway was painted to look like an elaborate entrance way. I was amazed.

So I snatched out my camera and started taking pictures. Instantly a guard approached me and begin warning me to not take pictures or he would confiscate my camera! You'll see I got one anyway.

The wikipedia page is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Hotel Casci, Florence, Italy

2009-04-26T15:13:00.002-05:00

After another "exciting" drive through Florence (we saw 3 wrecks on the way), we arrived at Hotel Casci. When I asked about what to do with the car, they said we had 2 choices: 1) drive across the Arno and park in public parking or 2) they would valet park it for me. I literally threw the keys at them.

Hotel Casci is so centrally located. It's 2 minutes from the Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia (where Michelangelo's statue of David is). The Ponte Vecchio bridge is just a little further walk.

Their web site is here and the TripAdvisor article is here.

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

Porta Pinciana, Rome, Italy

2009-04-19T14:32:00.001-05:00

Leaving Rome, we rented a car and headed out to Florence. As we drove out, we went through Porta Pinciana, a gate of the Aurelian Walls.

Driving in Rome was "exciting." As we approached Porta Pinciana we observed a near miss (millimeters, not inches) between a bus and a scooter. In the effort to avoid the bus, the scooter almost ran over an elderly lady walking on the side of the street. She never flinched!

The wikipedia article is here and an interesting web page is here.

Be sure to look at the street view.

View Larger Map

Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

2009-04-12T17:46:00.002-05:00

One of my co-workers whose wife owns a travel agency suggested that we visit Piazza Navona while in Rome. I was glad I asked for his advice.

The piazza is small giving a very intimate feel. The Fountain of the Four Rivers stands in the center of it surrounded by street performers at night. Across one side is a strip of restaurants and, yes, they also serve gelato.

Here's the street view.

As we left, we took a taxi. Unlike the other traffic, our taxi driver was stopping at every red light. I asked him why, joking that he just wanted to make the meter run. He said that he wouldn't stop if I'd pay his fine. I laughed and said I would. He proceeded to run every red light all the way back to the hotel.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

St. Peter in Chains Basilica, Rome, Italy

2009-04-05T17:21:00.002-05:00

As we walked to the Colosseum, we went past St. Peter in Chains Basilica. The was a mass going on so we sat out front and had gelato before going on to the Colosseum.

On our return, we came back by St. Peter in Chains. It was well worth it.

The legend is that the chains that bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem are held here. The chains are kept under the main altar in the basilica. There's also a statue of Moses by Michelangelo.

Here is my photo of the ceiling.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Palatine Hill, Rome, Italy

2009-03-29T16:46:00.001-05:00

The Palatine Hill is near the Colosseum. The word "palace" comes from this place.

People have occupied this site since 1000 BC.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

2009-03-22T16:04:00.002-05:00

What can you say about the Colosseum? It's OLD!

We approached it on foot and as we emerged from around an apartment building, there it was. I actually got goose bumps.

The wikipedia article is here.

Arch of Constantine is just outside the Colosseum.

With street view, you can actually "walk" around the Colosseum.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy

2009-03-15T15:32:00.001-05:00

The Vatican Museum is just around the corner from St. Peter's but it's a big corner. Often the waiting lines wind back to St. Peter's. Get there early!

Our primary destination was the Sistine Chapel. As you walk through the museum, there are signs pointing out the way to the Sistine Chapel. I believe that they run you all the way through the museum. There has to be a more direct way to get there. But it's worth the walk!

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

There's a pretty neat street view here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

The Vatican, Rome, Italy

2009-03-08T22:51:00.001-05:00

One of our first stops was the Vatican. It's not on the subway route so we walked a little.

Pay attention as you wander around St. Peter's. We went down into the tombs and had to exit outside.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Welcome House, Rome, Italy

2009-03-01T22:00:00.003-06:00

We stayed in Welcome House at Via Nazionale, 230, just down the street from train station. There's even a McDonald's nearby! But we ate more gelato than Big Macs.

Their web site is here and their write-up on TripAdvisor is here. Many of the comments are in other languages. I think that gives you a feel that this is not a hotel that is routinely frequented by Americans. Remember that.

Here's the street view.

We walked back up to the train station and caught bus #110. Here's a page out of Rick Steve's Italy describing the bus route.

View Larger Map

Usk Castle, Wales

2009-02-23T23:29:00.000-06:00

Usk Castle is in the middle of the village of Usk. Certainly the smallest castle we've visited.

The original Gate House was the work of Richard "Strongbow" de Clare in about 1170.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Caldicot Castle, Wales

2009-02-16T22:23:00.001-06:00

Although smaller, Caldicot Castle reminded me somewhat of Warwick Castle in that it was so well preserved and most recently used as a residence. The remnants of the surrounding moat are still apparent.

The castle sits in a 50 acre park so bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon.

The Normans built a structure here as early as 1086 and the current structure dates from 1221.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here. There's another good web site here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Chepstow Castle, Wales

2009-02-09T22:05:00.001-06:00

Just down the (narrow, winding) road from Tintern Abbey is Chepstow Castle. PICT1453 is taken from across the River Wye from the location shown in PICT1464.

It seems like the castle is on the wrong side of the river to be in Wales but, like the roads, the river is windy there.

The wikipedia article is here. Chepstow's web site is here. There's another good web site here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Raglan Castle, Wales

2009-02-02T21:12:00.001-06:00

Raglan Castle was one of the newer castles we visited in Wales being built in the 15th century. An older castle was on this site from the 12th century.

It's neat with the moat surrounding it and the magnificent views of the plain from the top of the Great Tower.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here. There's another good web site here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Traffic Circle, University, MS

2009-01-24T19:31:00.000-06:00

On the campus of the University of Mississippi, there's a new traffic circle. It's just down the street from the baseball stadium.

View Larger Map

Traffic Circle, Ridgeland, MS

2009-01-17T14:30:00.000-06:00

Ridgeland is just north of Jackson, Mississippi. Some highway engineer down there has gotten excited about traffic circles. While I love traffic circles (no 4-way stops), I'll bet they're confusing to the guys on the tractors.

View Larger Map

Cell Tower, Ridgeland, MS

2009-01-10T23:33:00.001-06:00

We've all seen cell towers "disguised" to look like trees. Just outside of Ridgeland, MS is a cell tower "disguised" to look like the Washington Monument!

Could I make this up?

View Larger Map

Jewish Quarter, Krakow, Poland

2008-12-28T12:19:00.000-06:00

The Jewish Quarter in Krakow is one of the most moving places I've been (second to Anne Frank's house).

This map is focused on the Old Synagogue. Zoom out and scroll slightly to the North-North West and you'll see the Remuh Jewish Cemetery.

While their web site says there "has also been a reawakening in the importance of Jewish history and culture," it didn't feel like that to me. It felt like a place that had had it's soul killed, erilly still and hollow.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

2008-12-20T22:20:00.001-06:00

When we were in Florence in 2001, we stayed just down the street from the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo. That's the baptistry next to it.

Here's the wikipedia article on it.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

2008-12-13T22:03:00.003-06:00

The Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence is so unusual. It was built in 1345. On the edges of it are very classy shops, gold and jewelery. There are lookouts on it so you can see the Arno River below. Be sure and click on Google's Street View and look around.

Here's the wikipedia article on it.

I took one of my best photos from this bridge. I'll let you guess which one. These were taken with an Epson PhotoPC 650.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Trout River Pottery, PEI, Canada

2008-12-07T17:04:00.001-06:00

I don't know how my wife learned about this place! I don't know how we found this place! Any place whose directions include "turn off the paved road" is really out in the sticks. You should persist, though, because it's worth it (and remember, the car is rented).

The potter is a native of Prince Edward Island. He talked to us about how life was "before the bridge."

His pottery is some of the most beautiful and unique I've seen, and I've seen a lot over my wife's shoulder.

Plan to spend some time with Darren, and he'll show you how he works his magic.

His web site is here.

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

Brighton Beach Lighthouse, PEI

2008-12-01T23:01:00.001-06:00

The Brighton Beach lighthouse sits in a residential neighborhood at the entrance to Charlottetown Harbor.

It was built in 1890.

You can read more here and here.

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

Cape Bear Lighthouse, PEI, Canada

2008-11-26T22:42:00.001-06:00

The Cape Bear lighthouse sits on a high bank on the southeastern point of Prince Edward Island.

It was built in 1881.

You can read more here and here.

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

Point Prim Lighthouse, PEI, Canada

2008-11-21T14:58:00.001-06:00

The Point Prim lighthouse is the only round lighthouse on PEI.

The oldest lighthouse on PEI, it was built in 1846.

You can read more here and here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Seacow Head Lighthouse, PEI, Canada

2008-11-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

The Seacow Head lighthouse is one of the oldest wood frame towers standing in the Maritimes. On a clear day, you can see the Confederation Bridge from here.

It was built in 1864.

You can read more here and here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Macclesfield, UK

2008-11-10T22:58:00.001-06:00

When I was visiting Hanforth Dean for work, I took a day off and trained into London to see my friends who lived there. I drove down to Macclesfield and caught the express train.

There are 108 steps between the town hall and the railway station. You can see where they are on this map. Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

View Larger Image

View Larger Map

"The Edge," Alderley Edge, UK

2008-11-05T21:51:00.005-06:00

I drove from Handforth Dean to Macclesfield to catch the train to London. To get to Macclesfield, you drive South to Alderley Edge and turn East.

As I drove along the Macclesfield Road, I saw a sign saying "TO THE EDGE." I had no idea what "the Edge" was so I pulled over and walked down the path.

The Edge is a sandstone rock over 300 feet high. The view was awesome. Some say you can see all the way to Manchester. You can certainly see most of Cheshire County.

I took some pictures and went on. I still didn't know what I had stumbled upon.

When I returned and began documenting my pictures, I researched "the Edge." The legend is that there is a cave in which King Arthur and his knights lie sleeping.

The legend goes on that on the face of the Edge is written:

Drink of this and take thy fill, for the water falls by the wizard's will.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Belfrey Hotel, Wilmslow, UK

2008-10-30T22:41:00.004-05:00

While working in Handforth Dean, I stayed at the Belfrey Hotel in nearby Wilmslow.

They had a little reflecting pool in the garden. Let's just say it's prettier in the photo than in person. Let's just say that the pool was the nicest thing about the Belfrey.

Here's their web site.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Claudio's Restaurant, Greenport, New York

2008-10-25T20:18:00.002-05:00

For our last evening in Greenport, we walked down to the center of town. Even though it was a Friday night since it was still not "season" some of the restaurants were closed. We happened onto Claudio's. It seemed to be a local favorite as there was a wedding rehearsal dinner in progress. Our service was still good as was the food.

Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

When we left, we walked along the marina back to the Harborfront Inn.

Their web site is here.

The next morning, we returned to Mississippi.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Greenport Carousel, Greenport, New York

2008-10-20T21:28:00.001-05:00

Built in 1920, the carousel in Mitchell Park is one of the few carousels with working brass ring dispensers.

Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

We could see the carousel from our balcony at the Harborfront Inn.

There's a little more information on this web page.

View Larger Map

Stony Brook Post Office, New York

2008-10-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

In the village center of Stony Brook stands the Post Office. At the top of each hour, the eagle over the front FLAPS HIS WINGS! Don't miss it.

Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

The video below isn't mine. Don't ask why I didn't get a video.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

View Larger Video

The Paint Box, Stony Brook, New York

2008-10-10T20:23:00.001-05:00

A friend of ours lived in Smithtown, NY and ran a private school called The Paint Box nearby in Stony Brook. It's directly across the street from Stony Brook School.

Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

It's now a private residence and is being renovated.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Cliff's Elbow East, Southold, New York

2008-10-05T21:25:00.001-05:00

When we left Pindar Vineyards we needed something to eat! A friend had recommended Cliff's Elbow Room in Jamesport. I plugged that into my GPS and Cliff's Elbow East popped up nearby!

It took a GPS to get there. Let's just say it's "out of the way."

It was a little after noon when we arrived and we were the only customers there. While we were eating another group of 5 or 6 came in. The waitress said that was the lunch "crowd."

Here's Microsoft Live's Bird's eye view.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Pindar Vineyards, New York

2008-09-30T22:24:00.001-05:00

The North Fork of Long Island is dotted with vineyards. The one we chose to visit was Pindar. Pindar is Long Island's largest vineyard.

We got there in the morning and had a liquid breakfast. They gave us a coupon for a discount for a tasting at another nearby vineyard but we had to have something to eat.

The wine was excellent and we bought a case to bring home with us.

You can visit their website here.

View Larger Slideshow

View Larger Map

Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York

2008-09-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

At the far East end of Long Island is the magnificent Montauk Point Lighthouse. It's the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States and the oldest lighthouse in New York.

History is all around the lighthouse. Captain Kidd supposedly buried treasure nearby. The slave crew of Amistad saw the lighthouse and came ashore. Just a stone's throw away is Camp Hero, supposed home of the Montauk Project.

Their web site is here and the wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Tanger Outlet Mall, Riverhead, New York

2008-09-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

As we rode around the South Fork of Long Island, we came across this huge mall, Tanger Outlet Mall, with 165 shops. We spent a couple of hours there.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Old Hook Mill, East Hampton, New York

2008-09-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

As we drove through the South Fork, we came across the Old Hook Mill in East Hampton. I pulled over and took a couple of photos through the car window.

The wikipedia article is here and the East Hampton describes it here.

View Larger Map

Sag Harbor, New York

2008-09-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

The last leg of the route from the North Fork to the South Fork was the second ferry. The South Ferry lands at Sag Harbor.

The boats are bigger on the South Fork!

View Larger Map

Greenport-Shelter Island Ferry, New York

2008-09-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

One day on Long Island was our day to go from the North Fork to the South Fork. This didn't look very far and here's the Google directions for the trip. But look closer. Google shows that it's 9.2 miles but the travel time is over an hour!

The reason is that there are 2 ferry rides on the route. The first one is via North Ferry.

View Larger Map

Harborfront Inn, Greenport, New York

2008-09-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

In Greenport, we stayed at the Harborfront Inn. While there are B&Bs in town, this was the only hotel we found. There are certainly others in the area, just not in town.

It's a really nice hotel and quiet (everything in Greenport is pretty quiet!).

They had a good continental breakfast and free wired Internet service.

It's just down the street from the many fine restaurants in Greenport. We ate at the Frisky Oyster, the Chowder Pot Pub, and Claudio's.

Here's their web site.

View Larger Map

Orient Point Lighthouse, New York

2008-08-29T20:42:00.002-05:00

The New London-Orient Point Ferry went right past the Orient Point Lighthouse.

This was built in 1899 and is 64 ft. high. You can tell from my pictures why it's called "The Coffee Pot."

If you look closely at my pictures, you'll see that it looks a little crooked. That's not my fault. It's 5° off of vertical!

The wikipedia article is here and there's a good article on it here.

View Larger Map

New London-Orient Point Ferry, Connecticut

2008-08-24T21:22:00.002-05:00

After the afternoon in Mystic, we backtracked to New London and caught the ferry from there to Orient Point, New York.

It's about an hour and a half ride. The ferry is huge and even has a satellite TV room. As usual on ferry rides, I got out and walked around. Even in mid-June, it was cool and my jacket felt good.

In some of the pictures you can see a catamaran ferry passing us first in one direction and then the other. They are ferrying gamblers from New York to the Foxwoods Casino.

View Larger Map

View Larger Video

Mystic, Connecticut

2008-08-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

We picked up a rental car and drove out of Manhattan. We followed the Connecticut coast up to Mystic.

We walked around in the gift shop of Mystic Seaport for a while then drove on down to the old town. There's a neat metal drawbridge right in the middle of town. We parked nearby and shopped a while.

If you're hungry, Mystic Pizza is right there!

The wikipedia article on Mystic Seaport is here and their website is here.

The wikipedia article on the town of Mystic is here.

View Larger Map

New York Helicopter, New York

2008-08-15T20:04:00.001-05:00

After we shopped in SoHo for a while, we took a taxi down to the South Street Seaport and had an ice cream. We decided to walk down to Battery Park and go out to Liberty Island. As we walked along, we came up on New York Helicopter. We decided we could see the Statue of Liberty from the air!

View Larger Map

St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland

2008-08-07T23:03:00.001-05:00

Nearby Trinity College is a beautiful park, St. Stephen's Green.

The afternoon we were there, there was a band playing folk music in one of the gazebos. Very relaxing!

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

2008-08-03T23:24:00.002-05:00

Founded in 1592, Trinity College is right in the middle of Dublin but once you enter the grounds, the sense of the city disappears.

I had wanted to go see the Book of Kells but there was some event going on in the college and the place was packed!

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-31T23:37:00.002-05:00

There's not much castle left to Dublin Castle. The day we were there it was closed to the public for some kind of festival the next day. We could peep through the gates at the cobblestone courtyard.

The wikipedia article is here and their website is here.

View Larger Map

Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-26T21:04:00.001-05:00

Temple Bar isn't a bar in Dublin. Well, it kinda is. It really is an area on the south bank of the River Liffey. The streets are narrow and twisting and lined with bars and restaurants. There is a bar in that area that is named the Temple Bar Pub.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-22T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Ha'penny Bridge is a foot bridge across the River Liffey. It got its name for the original toll, a half penny.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Custom House, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

The Custom House in Dublin is located on the north bank of the River Liffey, between Butt Bridge and Talbot Memorial Bridge.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Map

General Post Office, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

During the Easter Rising of 1916 Dublin's General Post Office served as the headquarters of the uprising's leaders.

Just to the Northeast in front of the Post Office is the Spire of Dublin. This looks like a flag pole but it is a "sculpture."

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin was founded in 1191. Dublin is unique in having two cathedrals, St. Patrick's and Christchurch.

The wikipedia article is here. Their web site is here.

My pictures begin here.

View Larger Map

Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

2008-07-04T16:43:00.003-05:00

In Dublin, our hotel was directly across the street from Christchurch Cathedral. The cathedral was begun in 1038.

We had the most amazing view. We also had a front row seat for the bell ringing!

Download

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

Watch for the picture of the cat and the rat. The story goes that they were found mummified inside the organ when it was renovated.

View Larger Map

Sally Gap, Wicklow, Ireland

2008-06-27T22:16:00.004-05:00

On our way from Waterford to Dublin, we stopped at the Wicklow Mountains National Park visitor's center and asked them for the "senic route" to Dublin. We got what we asked for. They send us through Sally Gap. Perhaps we should have included "wide roads" in our request.

When we were stopped at the waterfall in the photos below, a British couple stopped as well. They asked us if we were heading North or South. When we replied that we were going North to Dublin they exclaimed how thick the fog was. The fog in front of us was so thick that the Brits were amazed!

At one point we met a logging truck on a road not more than 10 feet wide. We sat there and waved our arms at each other for at least 5 minutes. Finally, I gave in and started backing up. Whew!

View Larger Map

Waterford Marina, Waterford, Ireland

2008-06-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

In Waterford, we stayed at the Waterford Marina. Its name fits it well as it was directly on the water.

There were swans in the quay just outside the hotel.

There was free parking and we just walked to dinner at The Wine Vault on High Street. There are reports that it is no longer a restaurant. That's a shame because we really enjoyed it.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Waterford Crystal Factory, Waterford, Ireland

2008-06-21T22:27:00.000-05:00

When we arrived in Waterford, we went directly to the Waterford Crystal Factory. They have a nice visitor center with a shop at the end of the tour. While there isn't a real discount, there are pieces there that you can't get in the store and you save the VAT if you ship it back to the US. We did some real damage there and had it shipped home.

Their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Tomasin's Bar, Stradbally, Kerry, Ireland

2008-06-14T23:20:00.004-05:00

Annette at Shores Country House wasn't serving dinner the night we were there so we asked her for a recommendation. She sent us down the road to Tomasin's Bar in nearby Stradbally.

Tomasin's is just a little neighborhood (not much of a neighborhood by the way) pub. There weren't many people in there that evening. Except for us they were locals.

The food was great and the service was like your mother was serving you in her kitchen.

Here's their website.

View Larger Map

McDonalds, Cork, Ireland

2008-06-10T22:00:00.003-05:00

After a soggy morning at Blarney Castle, we were ready for some American hamburgers. On the way out to the castle, we had passed a McDonalds.

We spotted it on the way back and opted for burgers and fries.

If you look closely at the satellite image, you may be able to see the blue BMW going the wrong way through the drive-through. That's us.

View Larger Map

Blarney Castle, Blarney, Cork, Ireland

2008-06-06T20:05:00.003-05:00

Blarney Castle is just outside Cork. Everybody has heard the story of kissing the Blarney Stone. While most of our crowd kissed it, I passed on the opportunity choosing to take the pictures instead.

There is a fascinating legend regarding the actual Blarney Stone. A wikipedia article suggests that Robert the Bruce of Scotland gave a portion of the Stone of Scone to the king of Ireland who then put it into Blarney Castle.

Another tradition holds that, in gratitude for Irish support at the battle of Bannockburn (1314), Robert the Bruce gave a portion of the stone to Cormac McCarthy, king of Munster. Installed at McCarthy's stronghold, Blarney Castle, it became the Blarney Stone.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Drombeg Stone Circle, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-26T21:20:00.001-05:00

My daughter had been reading a series of books about time travel where the time travel was initiated by walking into a stone circle. When I saw all the stone circles near Clonakilty, I had to take her to the Drombeg Stone Circle.

As with most places in Ireland, the signage was somewhat lacking! We finally had to stop a man in a horse and buggy to ask where the stone circle was.

If you don't see the horse and buggy, the most dependable way to locate the stone circle is via its entry on the waymarking.com site. This site also has directions.

2.4 km (1 ½ ml) E of Glandore, 250 m down a path to the E of a byroad. Signposted (SN 381). One of the few stone circles in County Cork with proper signposts all the way, off the Glandor and Clonakilty Rd, it is a short walk from the sign posts with a proper car park.

Your mileage may vary.

Like Avebury, this is such a contrast to Stonehenge. As you'll see from my pictures, you can walk (and climb) all through the stones.

The wikipedia article is pretty sparse. Another reference site is here. The area's web site is here and has the following description:

On the horizon in the west there is a v-shaped hollow between two hills. At the Winter Solstice, i.e. 21st December, the sun sets into that hollow in alignment with the recumbent and portal stones of the circle.

View Larger Map

O'Donovan's Bar, Fishers Cross, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-23T21:01:00.007-05:00

After a hard afternoon at Galley Head Lighthouse, we headed over to O'Donovan's Bar to get refreshed. After all, we hadn't had any alcohol since the Jamison's for lunch. O'Donovan's Bar at Fishers Cross is a family run establishment located about a mile from Kilkern Lake. Denis O'Donovan is the second generation proprietor. Denis sponsors the local road bowling team. Here's a picture from the '70s of Denis road bowling.

Their web site is here.

My son-in-law learned a valuable lesson at O'Donovan's Bar. Never leave a €50 note on an Irish bar.

Here's a really good map of the Clonakilty area. To find Fishers Cross, find Galley Head at the bottom and look due North.

View Larger Map

Galley Head Lighthouse, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-18T21:49:00.005-05:00

Our son-in-law's cousin took us out to the Galley Head lighthouse outside Clonakilty. I have never seen a more awe inspiring sight.

Built in 1875, the lighthouse sits 130 feet above sea level overlooking St George's Channel.

Most people seem to ignore the sign warning "UNAUTHORISED ENTRY IS PROHIBITED." This picture comes from this web site.

You can even rent the keeper's house but there's a warning for potential guests:

Special Note: Guests should be aware that the station is situated on a clifftop.

Amen.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Charles Fort, Kinsale, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-14T22:21:00.004-05:00

Charles Fort is just across the harbor from Kinsale. We just drove over there on a whim and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

It even has it's own ghost.

The wikipedia article is here and here're my pictures.

View Larger Map

Desmond Castle, Kinsale, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-09T22:08:00.005-05:00

Desmond Castle, also known as the "French Prison," was built in the early 1500s. During the American Revolutionary War, it was used as a prison for captured American sailors. Now, it houses the International Museum of Wine.

The wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

St. Multose Church, Kinsale, Cork, Ireland

2008-05-03T10:07:00.008-05:00

St. Multose Church sits at the top of a hill in Kinsale. Sorry about the clouds but it is Ireland!

It was built in 1190. In 1915 the Lusitania sank just offshore from Kinsale. Many of the victims were buried at St. Multose.

There's not much information on it on the web but Kinsale's web site mentions it here.

My pictures are here.

View Larger Map

Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Cork, Ireland

2008-04-30T23:00:00.003-05:00

In Kinsale, we stayed at the Trident Hotel. The Trident is at the south end of Pier Road right on R600. It has convenient free parking.

When I made my reservations, they said that some of the Superior rooms had Sea View and some didn't. I requested Sea View but they said that the only way to guarantee that was to upgrade to the Executive room. I took my chances and stayed with Superior.

The whole story is that ALL the rooms have WATER views. Some have Sea Views but the rest have Harbour Views!

Their web site says they have "complimentary Wired Broadband Connectivity." They didn't when we were there (June 2007). However, apparently unknown to the front desk staff, the lobby's Wi-Fi was available from our room (218).

The breakfast was good and free and offered 7:30-10:30.

You can't beat the location. No other hotel in Kinsale is ON the water like the Trident.

Here's their web site and here're my pictures.

View Larger Map

Louis Mulcahy Pottery, Clogher, Kerry, Ireland

2008-04-26T22:04:00.003-05:00

When our daughter visited Dublin in 2003, she brought us a piece of pottery from Louis Mulcahy. As we planned our trip for 2007, I Googled Louis Mulcahy and realized that his shop was actually on the Dingle Peninsula.

That settled where we were going first in Ireland. After our night at Shores Country House, we headed out to Clogher over Conor Pass.

After an amazing drive, we arrived at the end of the world! And they had pottery!

Their web site is here.

View Larger Map

Dun Chaoin, Kerry, Ireland

2008-04-19T13:46:00.005-05:00

The entire drive from Dingle Town around Slea Head Drive looked like this overlook at Dun Chaoin.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here. Here are my photos:

View Larger Map

Slea Head Drive, Kerry, Ireland

2008-04-13T12:15:00.013-05:00

From Dingle Town, we followed the Slea Head Drive to the West. We didn't make very good time as we kept stopping to take photos. "Ryan's Daughter" was filmed here.

Their web site is here. Here are my photos:

View Larger Map
Zoom out a couple of clicks and you'll see the Blasket Islands.

Dingle Town, Kerry, Ireland

2008-04-09T20:51:00.005-05:00

We stopped in Dingle Town for lunch after crossing Conor Pass. Dingle is a pretty little town, very brightly colored.

The wikipedia article is here and their web site is here. My pictures are here.

View Larger Map

Conor Pass, Kerry, Ireland

2008-04-04T22:23:00.001-05:00

We left the Shores Country House at Cappatigue and headed over Conor Pass to Dingle.

From wikipedia:

The Conor Pass, which runs from Dingle on the southern end of the peninsula towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the North, is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, a tight, precarious road, weaving its way around the sharp cliff faces and past the high corrie lakes.

I can vouch for "tight, precarious road." Some of the stories I found said that the road was so narrow that your wheels hung over the edge. The road has been improved recently. There was one stretch of about 1 km that was actually a single lane including a blind corner.

The TripAdvisor review is here. You might even recognize one of the reviewers.

My pictures are here:

View Larger Map

The Shores Country House, Cappatigue, Kerry, Ireland

2008-03-29T11:42:00.004-05:00

The Shores Country House is one of the nicest places we've stayed anywhere, anytime, PERIOD. My wife shys away from bed and breakfasts but this is one she'd go back to without question. I've never had a better breakfast. Tell Annette I said "Hello."

Here's their website.

Their web site says they are "2 hours from Cork Airport." Only if an Irishman is driving!

I took a ton of pictures there so enjoy (and don't miss the cows).

Be sure to zoom out and see Brandon Bay.

View Larger Map

Blennerville Windmill, Tralee, Kerry, Ireland

2008-03-19T20:32:00.001-05:00

Further along the way from the Cliffs of Moher to our bed and breakfast on the Dingle Peninsula, we came upon the Blennerville Windmill near Tralee. It is the tallest windmill of its kind it Europe, and the only working one in Ireland according to AnIrelandAttraction.com.

The wikipedia article is here but pretty sparse.

My pictures are here.

View Larger Map

Tarbert Lighthouse, Kerry, Ireland

2008-03-15T13:04:00.004-05:00

As we arrived at the Tarbert end of the Killimer-Tarbert ferry, we saw the Tarbert Lighthouse.

Their web site is here and it is mentioned in the wikipedia article on Tarbert.

My pictures are here.

View Larger Map

Killimer-Tarbert Car Ferry, Clare, Ireland

2008-03-12T18:58:00.002-05:00

To get from the Cliffs of Moher to our bed and breakfast on the Dingle Peninsula, we had to either drive around the Shannon estuary or take the ferry across it. We went for the ferry. It goes from Killimer in County Clare to Tarbert in County Kerry in about 20 minutes.

The ferry is run by Shannon Ferries Ltd.

My pictures are here.

Zoom in a couple of clicks and look just to the West. Isn't that an old ferry grounded over there?

View Larger Map

Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland

2008-03-07T20:42:00.002-06:00

The Cliffs of Moher are over 600 feet high near O'Brien's Tower.

One million tourists a year make the trek out here. I suspect that most of those tourists make the trip in buses. Look at the roads leading there.

Their web site is here and the wikipedia article is here.

View Larger Map

Dysert O'Dea Castle, Corofin, Clare, Ireland

2008-03-01T10:08:00.001-06:00

Don't let me saying that the Dysert O'Dea Castle is at Corofin fool you. This place isn't close to anything.

We had bought a photo of a doorway at the nearby (ha!) monastery for our son-in-law. My daughter saw the doorway in a travel guide and asked if we would be near there. "Sure," I said. It actually is kinda on the way to the Cliffs of Moher.

She rode shotgun and got us to this place. It truly is one of those "turn off the paved road" places.

Here are the directions from their web site:

After 6.gkm (4 miles) take a left at a cross roads. As you travel down this road, follow the sign posts to take a right to bring you to the centre.

Not much mention of road names is there?

Even when we got to the castle, we couldn't find the monastery. We finally gave up and started to leave. On the way out we saw the sign. We still had to climb 2 fences and walk past the cow.

Here's their web site and here's the wikipedia page. Here are my pictures.

View Larger Map

Poulnabrone Tomb, Caherconnell, Clare, Ireland

2008-02-23T20:35:00.003-06:00

On the burrens near Caherconnell, County Clare, stands the Poulnabrone Tomb. It is one of those things you've just got to see. It's between 3000 and 4000 years old and is the tomb for at least 22 people.

You can see from my pictures that's it's in the middle of a field of limestone.

Here's the wikipedia article.

By the way, I wouldn't call Caherconnell much of a place!

View Larger Map