Maine

As we pulled away from the island, we got a look at the resident seals.

Then we headed for the main land and to Lubec for lunch.  This is the easternmost point in the US.  Then to one of the most famous lighthouses in Maine.

From there we were off to Hamilton Cove, a lovely little place with round pebbles.

Then off to see Art & Megan's construction site for their new home.  The view out their front window is breath taking!

Lupines were in bloom everywhere!

After spending a night in a wonderful apartment by the sea on Main St Eastport, it was time to contemplate returning to "Away".  A delicious breakfast, a few photos of Downeast Massage and we were back on the road!  A truly spectacular weekend!!!

THANK YOU Art & Megan!!!!!

Enjoy!

John and Cheri 

Puffins and Razorbills!!!

As Captain Andy talked about puffins and the inhabitants of Machias Seal Island, he was keeping a keen eye on the sea.  Before we knew it, he was saying, "OK, let's load the skiffs, but I still can't guarantee we can land!"  So we got on board and landed!

we had a quick briefing and then they took us to bird hides that allowed us to experience the birds from arms length!! WOW!!!

What a privilege to share an hour with these cute critters!

Enjoy!
Cheri & John

Visiting Art & Megan Lindemanis - Eastport, Maine and beyond

We had been planning this specific trip for the past six months, but in truth we had been eyeing a trip to Machias Seal Island for many years.  Art and Megan has moved to Down East Maine and we had promised to visit.

As we headed north in a rain storm on a Friday night, we were praying the weather really would clear as promised on Saturday.  We arrived at the Riverside B&B around 10 PM to be greeted by Art and Megan!  It had been months since we had seen each other so we started to catch up with a glass of wine and the next thing we knew, it was 11:30.  The alarm was set for 5:10 AM and bed was calling!

We awoke to a brilliant, cloudless, sunny blue sky!  Yeah - for once the weather forecasters got it right!  After a yummy breakfast we were off to the docks in Cutler.  Machias Seal Island is 10 miles off the coast of Maine in very tricky seas.  The tide is often 14-15 feet and changes four times a day!  We loaded onto the boat in great anticipation of seeing Puffins!

We passed a light house at the edge of Cutler Harbor.

Before we knew it, we were approaching Machias Seal Island.  Unfortunately a low swell had started to be a problem.  the storm system from the previous day was now affecting the sea where we were trying to land a small skiff onto the island.  For a while it was looking like we would make due with watching the comedic puffins from the big boat.

After having seen only 20 birds in Scotland, we were truly amazed to see 100s of puffins, razorbills and other sea birds!

Killington - March 9 & 10, 2013

WOW!!  What a weekend!  It was a 10.  Blue ski and sun!!!

Check out our bump skiing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KlvEClfkug&feature=share&list=UUKTJ3LZJ5tpMsfaCVVhfwOA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVkwAWS7_ns&feature=share&list=UUKTJ3LZJ5tpMsfaCVVhfwOA

Fun in the sun!!

Enjoy!
Cheri & John

Utah - Day 5 - March 1, 2013

Well we awoke and the fog was down to the base.  So we had a choice.  We could hang out and hope the fog lifted or we could say - great trip - let's head to Antelope Island,..... so knowing us....what do you think?

Yep - Antelope Island!!  $31 car and let's go!!

On the way, we stopped at our favorite diner - The Village Inn and had lunch and a slice of pie!!

Then on to the adventure!

Enjoy!
Cheri & John

Utah - Day 4 - Feb 28, 2013

Another great day!!!   Great skiing, great snow!!!

After skiing, we went to the Mexican place and enjoyed the live music, drank a few beers and ate tamales!!  It made me really remember what fun is all about!!

Enjoy!
Cheri & John

Utah - Day 3 - Feb 27, 2013

After all these years of waiting to helicopter skiing, we finally were going to track up fresh pow pow only we were going to do it with a snow cat!!

This specially designed groomer's only mission is to provide fresh, soft turns for these happy looking skiiers.  We were lucky to be out with 7 other like minded people for this adventure along with two wonderful ski patrolers; Seth Orkin and Jono Greene.

The day begins with a fantastic breakfast at the Forklift.  Then you take the 8:30 tram up, which is 30 minutes before the public.  Two runs are had - one on groomed track and one in powder.  Then, it is back to the ski patrol shack for avalanche training.  Each person is given a transponder and taught how to search for others with it.  Sign the release and away you go!

We are all outfitted...we've been tested to be sure we are working by Seth and then it's onto the Path to Paradise and ultimately the Bookends Traverse...about a mile of traversing and hiking up.

Once we traverse to the edge of the ski area boundary at Bookends, we pop through a closed gate and we are into the back country!

The first chute is called High Alter and boy was I praying!!  The first few turns are tough and then it opens into a gorgeous untracked area surrounded by trees. 

Exhilarating!!!!!  At the bottom we are on a cat track made just for us and then we are down at the cat for the first ride up!!!

The next run was in  Lookout Chute.  Then the next run was one they had not done previously so they asked us to name it,  Our Group was led by Jono and Seth and our the skiiers were JP, JF, Seth, Scott, J&C Warren and Charlie. so I suggested, the The J'S have it, to commenerate all the J and S names in our group!
 
After that we did two in the Lion's Den.  The group was so great and everyone took turns going first and enjoying each other!

The final run was in Lower Pagon and what a run it was!!  Long and exciting.  John and Cheri got to go first.  John stopped by a cliff to watch Cheri make the final series of turns.  At the bottom, Cheri was hanging with Jono and all the sudden we looked up at John and all we saw were his skis straight up in the air!  Ut oh!  Was his head buried in snow?  Jono yelled to Charlie who skiied down to him......no - he was OK!!!!  The snow doesn't compact near cliffs and so his left ski began to collapse, he put his pole down to steady himself and next thing he knew, he was upside down!!  Charlie gave him a hand an pulled him right out of the rabbit hole!!!!

Enjoy!!