Favorite places?

[bamamick]

I have posted here before that my wife and I go to Maine every Autumn on a vacation. We have stayed in Southwest Harbor at one point or another for something like the last eight years.

I do not really know why, but I have the feeling that it's time to try somewhere else. My thought was to spend some time in Lunenburg. My wife would rather (I think) spend our fall vacation in a warmer climate.

No offense to Alaska or Hawaii, but what are your favorite places in North America, excluding those two destinations? Time and travel constraints make Hawaii a difficulty, and we are going to Alaska for our 25th Anniversary in two years.

If you could go anywhere in North America, where would you go? Basic information: just the two of us, we like to hike (easy to moderate), read, be on the water when possible, we like it quiet. As I mentioned, Lunenburg is one possibility. Blaine, Washington is another. The Oregon or northern California coast?

Any ideas?

Mickey Lake

[Bayboat]

I'd charter a liveaboard boat (or take my own if already in the Great Lakes)and sail around the North Channel (North end of Lake Huron) and Georgian Bay. Gorgeous country, mostly sheltered waters, and many nice anchorages.

[JimConlin]

Martha's Vineyard

In September, seawater temps are near maximimum and the tourists are half gone.

Lovely time of year.

[Nicholas Carey]

Favorite places? I've got a couple …

but if I told you, I'd have to kill you.

Seriously, though…

For starters,

There used to be a beautiful little inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway, somewhere in Virginia. It had a covered porch overlooking a gorge with a waterfall. The best place ever to sit on a rainy afternoon with the mist floating in and out, occluding the view. I wonder if it's still there.

Another great place: sitting in one of the embrasures for the 16-inch coastal defense guns at Battery Townley in Fort Cronkite, up in the Marin Headlands, watching the sea breeze hit the mountainside, rising, turning into fog, cresting the ridge and pouring over it, down into the San Francisco basin.

My other favorite places are secret :D

[Ron Williamson]

I second Bayboat's opinion,but add that the weather can get a bit dicey at that time of year.
It will be quiet.
Charters are available from CYC in Gore Bay.
R

[joejapan]

Bammamick, I'm originally from Gulfport; I'm a "leaf peeper" too.

My vacation time was usually scheduled around autumn. Most years,I went up to Bath,ME and drove the loop around to Montpelier, to W. Adams, to Cape Cod and back to Boston to fly out. I really loved the autumn foliage. I've been lucky to be able to travel a bit and see some nice places.

I thought the fjiords in Norway were beautiful, the boat up Milford Sound was nice, Alaska was nice but kinda' rainy in early autumn, really liked the Lake District in England and loved the highlands in Scotland. The canals in France were fun, the Greek Is. were picturesque, and Palau had the most beautiful diving I've ever seen.

BUT ....I went to Friday Harbor, WA, just across the way from Blaine, and fell in love with the place. I moved to Bellingham and lived and worked there 15 years. Never regretted it !

If you'll look up the WA State Ferry system and DOT, they have live video cams where you can look at the places.

In September or very early October it's probably the most beautiful place I've ever sailed, hiked, driven or kayaked !

Just incredibly beautiful !

But, be sure and get out before the rain sets in 'cause, after that, you won't see any blue skies for a while.

I've enjoyed about as much of Japan as I can stand!
When I finally do make up my mind to pack it in, though Gulfport is still in the back of my mind, I'm thinking I might just go back up there to settle down.

[Bruce Hooke]

I have family in Maine so I'm up there fairly regularly, and it sure is nice. Most of my vacations end up being trips home to see family. That said, if I was not going to Maine, right now the place in the lower 48 that I most want to get to is SW Utah. I've been to SE Utah -- Arches, Canyonlands, LaSalle Mountains. San Rafael Swell. I'd like to get deeper into this sort of territory and explore the area down around Bryce, Zion, and Capital Reef. I love the desert landscape and the slot canyons. However, that may be a bit more active than what you are looking for, and their sure ain't much water around -- but that makes you appreciate what is there even more!

The Adirondaks in New York are a great place to sit back and relax, as well as do some hiking (not to mention canoeing). The Green Mountains in Vermont are also a great place to relax but also do some hiking. The White Mountains are nice too, but in my experience it is easier to feel like you are IN the Green Mounains while staying at a nice Inn than it is in the Whites. In the Whites you tend to be looking at the Moutains from the "outside" because the towns are around the edges, whereas in Vermont the towns are tucked right up into the mountains.

[Venchka]

http://www.morainelake.com/photo_gallery/img_moraine_lake_f.jpg

Canadian Rockies. First two weeks of October. Things start closing in Jasper N.P. after Candadian Thanksgiving, usually the second weekend in October. Becker's Chalets is closing October 10 this year.

We have stayed at the following and enjoyed every minute:

Deer Lodge & Emerald Lake Lodge (http://www.crmr.com/)

Becker's Roaring River Chalets (http://www.beckerschalets.com/)

Jasper Park Lodge & Banff Springs Hotel (http://www.fairmont.com/jasper/)

Icefield Chalet (http://www.brewster.ca/Columbia_Icefield/Chalet.asp)

My all time favorite place on the planet:

http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/high_country/parks/mtrobson.jpg

Mt. Robson P.P. (http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/high_country/parks/robson.htm)

When we go, we fly to Calgary, rent a car, drive into the 4 national park complex. If you've never been to the Canadian Rockies, go! The scenery is spectacular (an understatement), the hiking is great, several large lakes with boats and/or canoes and the food is awesome! The natives are friendly too! Eh! :D

Edit to add: If Canada is too far, Yellowstone and the Tetons are my second favorite places. you have to go earlier. They start closing between Labor Day and mid-September.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 05-17-2005, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[rbgarr]

Basic information: just the two of us, we like to hike (easy to moderate), read, be on the water when possible, we like it quiet. Lake Powell? Grand Canyon? I've never been to either one, but they might be a different experience with nice possibilities.

[bheys]

Let me second Wayne's Yellowstone recommendation. More specifically, after seeing the obligatory frontcountry sites, set the bulk of your itinary for the backcountry (you'll need a permit). There are several lifetimes worth of travel opportunities in the backcountry. However, among our favorites are the Southeast Arm and South Arm of Lake Yellowstone. We enjoy the critter watching, the wildflowers, the cutthroat fishing - the general wildness and primordal nature of the area. Even the crazy storms are a treat (at least when they have passed). However, a big caution: don't venture into the backcountry without adequate preparation.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid76/p74443f42db3f41ca1900fd398b9d91be/fb4615a7.jpg

This pic shows the Yellowstone River delta. The fire in the background is one of the ever-present features you have to deal with.

[bamamick]

Thank you, folks. Lot's of great ideas here.

We visited Yellowstone and the GTNP a couple of years ago. I have been lucky enough to have been in the Rockies many times, but not up in Calgary. Always wanted to go to Glacier National Park, but mid-October is probably too late for that.

The Vermont thing sounds cool, but I think that I would miss the coast. I have wanted to vist the Montauk Mountain lodge for some time, and we may do that one day in the next few years.

I do not think that I am a desert kind of person. I don't mind sand, but I want to hear gulls overhead when I'm standing in it. I have been to places somewhat like that, and it might not be my thing.

The Washington thing sounds good. I am thinking about it. Right now it's Blaine, Lunenburg, and good ol' Southwest Harbor. I really appreciate you guys' input. My wife and I have found over the years that it really does our marriage a lot of good to get away from here for a few days every so often. We take a lot of weekend trips, and at least once a year we try to get on a plane together. Keeps us sane.

Joe, if you get back to Gulfport let me know. Oh, by the way, it's getting hot now. Won't be long before it's too dang hot, if you know what I mean.

Mickey Lake

[Carl Simmons]

Besides Maine in August, I would have to go with
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Upper Minnesota.
http://www.geocities.com/simmonscarl98/BWCA/BWCA004a.jpg

[FG]

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

[Wild Wassa]

The grandeur of North America looks incredible, it looks full of bears. I hope it is.

Warren.

[ 05-18-2005, 02:19 PM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[rbgarr]

If you're thinking of Nova Scotia and want hiking, water views and solitude, try Grand Manan : http://www.grandmanannb.com/

[Venchka]

Originally posted by bamamick:
...I have been lucky enough to have been in the Rockies many times, but not up in Calgary. Always wanted to go to Glacier National Park, but mid-October is probably too late for that.

Mickey LakeYup. June is too early for Glacier. September is too late. Snow can occur on any day, especially up high. That leaves July and August. Pretty much the same applies to the Canadian Rockies, although September might be just right. The last time we were there it snowed on us 3 times between July 4th and July 15th. Kinda neat actually. In between snow showers the weather was spectacular.

Put Glacier-Waterton Lakes-Banff-Yoho-Kootenay-Jasper-Mt. Robson parks on your "must-do" list. I am very fortunate to have been to all of them. The Candadian parks are tops on my "WOW!" list. Glacier-Yellowstone-Grand Tetons are a very close second. Heck, they are all great. Start at Jackson, WY and head north. You can't go wrong.

Hmmmm...that would make a great bicycle trip. ;)

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 05-18-2005, 02:18 PM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[Venchka]

Originally posted by rbgarr:
If you're thinking of Nova Scotia and want hiking, water views and solitude, try Grand Manan : http://www.grandmanannb.com/Stop by and say, "Hello" to John Anderson in St. Andrews on your way to the Grand Manan ferry. If you twist his arm, he might take you to Wood Island in his skiff. smile.gif

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[PaulC]

Wild Wassa, we do have bears! And sometimes they hit cars, or take too much interest in peoples screened in porches, etc. They are still infrequent enough around us that they are still fun to see!

[Ed Harrow]

Why Harrow Lake, of course (with Little Harrow Lake a very close second). Both located in that wonderful state of Maine.

[J. Dillon]

The Grand Canyon. When you first see it, It's
un believable ! :D

JD

[Elcoholic]

MOOREA. It's enough to make you call your lawyer, have him sell everything and mail you a check.

[Tristan]

Find a quiet place down around Matecumbe Key, spend your time snorkling and fishing in the mornings, maybe do some snorkling out at Alligator Reef. Come in and eat lunch at the "Hungry Tarpon" on Lower Matecumbe, then feed the tarpon (up to 200+ pounds) off the dock at Robbies Fish Camp, drive up to the "Wide World of Sports" on Tavernier Key and drool over all the fishing tackle, etc. Take a nap, Find a good restaurant where you can get a huge Margarita before dinner. If you get a good sea breeze to keep the mosquitoes off, sit out on the dock and watch the lighthouse lights flash. Go to bed and prepare to do the same things the next day. Sorry, I love the Keys. Just be careful of the traffic on US 1.

[paladin]

Cooks Bay, Moorea...40 years ago...well maybe 25 or 30.......too damn much of tourist trap now....

[PaulC]

Wild Wassa,
Here is a web page from the Michigan DNR regarding our bears. Obviously, the further one gets from the urban areas, the more prevalent they are. We live in a town of about 14,000 and they are "around". I thought I had saved a few of the local newspaper articles showing them, but I guess we must have finally recycled them.

Anyway, thought you might find it interesting.

web page (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/preventing_bear_problems_in_MI_111110_7.pdf)

[ 05-23-2005, 08:57 PM: Message edited by: PaulC ]

[Canoeyawl]

You could rent a houseboat and a couple of kayaks and visit The Sacramento River Delta (http://www.californiadelta.org/) ; 500 square miles of waterways, everything from laid back farmland to waterskiing and night clubs...
We do at least one weeklong cruise (http://www.nps.gov/safr/local/odyssey.html) here every year (then go to Maine!) If you are curious, e-mail me for details

[Wild Wassa]

Originally posted by J. Dillon:
The Grand Canyon. When you first see it, It's
un believable !

It could have been a Rainbow Serpent they do things like that.

Paul C, it would be awesome to see a creature as powerful as a bear up close and eyeballing, best left to you guys to handle. I get excited just looking at Koala Bears. They can drop on people.

Thankyou for the site, bears are a world away and very easy to like from here.

Warren.

[ 05-24-2005, 03:30 AM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[wyndham]

Salt Pond Block Island. Sail in around dinner time, drop the hook spend a couple lazy days. Swim, fish, read, snooze. Row the dink into public dock walk into town. Go to ballards for big dinner, go Mannises for a nice dinner.

[nedL]

Cuttyhunk. Like Block Island & the Vinyard, but better IMO. :D
http://www.cuttyhunk.com/images/cuttyariel-291x225.jpg

[David W Pratt]

The Gulf of Maine. Very few humans, lots of birds and marine mammals. Clear, cold, beautiful water.

[bamamick]

I have really enjoyed the responses. Thanks everyone.

After all of this thinking about a destination, fate or whatever you call it has raised it's head in this matter. Since I didn't really have a spot picked I finally decided to go to a Finn regatta on Tybee Island, Georgia during the vacation. My wife is game, so we'll drive over, she'll sunbathe and read, and I'll get more knots on my head.

Over a three week period we'll sail Finns in Savannah, Fairhope, AL, and Clearwater. So that's my fall vacation. Maybe next year I'll be missing Maine so badly that I'll book early. That's what happened the last time we skipped a year. Missed it so much that we went twice the next year (1600 miles in a VW Beetle the first time! lolol).

[Kermit]

I'd avoid Washington. Rains all the time, locals are surly and not to be trusted, and the beer's bad. Try San Diego or Orlando. :D

[Venchka]

Kermit, have you been spending time with Meerkat, eh? :eek:

I know better. I was there 48 hours once and not a drop of rain or snowflake. Everything else you said is right on target. ;)

Wayne
In the Swamp :D

[joejapan]

Yeah Venchka, but you just lucked out and hit their summer;that 48 hours was the longest one they'd had in 20 years !

[Venchka]

Actually, it was March 1-2-3, a Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The mountain was out the whole time. I camped Saturday at the campground just inside the entrance at the SW corner of the park. Drove up to the ski area. So bright I had to wear to shades. :D I didn't get close to the Sound, but I'm sure the conditions were stunningly perfect. A magic weekend except that the "locals are surly and not to be trusted, and the beer's bad.."

I have had the same luck at Mt. Robson in B.C. twice. Folks talk about whole years when that massive peak is hidden. The locals were friendly and the beer was great. I guess I'm lucky sometimes.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 05-31-2005, 12:51 AM: Message edited by: Venchka ]