Acadia National Park

We have arrived now at the Acadia National Park. It's labour day weekend (labour day is an important, nationwide day off) and it's high time for tourism. The national park is a big recreation area and now full of weekender's who want to spend some valuable time with their family and friends. We are staying in a cabin because its cheaper as a motel and we don't have any camping gear.

Yesterday we have been already at the sea side and enjoyed the fresh breeze. Close to the camp ground is a light house and the island has also many hiking trails we want to discover. The area is also very famous for lobster. The cages can be seen all over in the sea by their buoys. Seems I'm getting hungry now...

From Vermont To New Hampshire

After the nice days in Stowe it was time to get on the road again. The destination in mind: Mount Washington - The highest peak in New Hampshire.

We have followed a scenery route with special historical landmarks aside - covered bridges. Vermont is well known for many preserved covered bridges. We have made some pictures of some great bridges in many different places. Hours later at the late afternoon we have arrived at the Mt. Washington national park. The entrance fee covered also a welcome package with an instruction CD how to drive a car in the mountains. It was full of advise and other stuff that sound odd if you live in a mountainous country and are used to drive a car in the mountains.
Reaching the peak was great. It's high over the surrounding valleys and other mountains and we had a great, scenic view. The road to the summit was built well over 100 years ago for tourism purposes!

After all the nature we've got hungry and we decided to go for something new: KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was a greasy and fun experience because he staff was very funny shouting with each other.

Next stop will be probably at the coast and from there down back to Boston to have a full circle through New Hampshire.

Vermont - Stowe

After all the flooded streets we wanted to reach higher and decided to hike up Mt. Greylock, the last big adventure in Massachusetts. The initial idea was to drive up the mountain and enjoy the great view. Unfortunately the park was still closed because of the hurricane and we had to hike up over 10 miles to get to the top. That was quite challenging but nice.

The next day was just driving around heading north. Sounds easy but was very difficult. We have experienced road blocks and detours all the time. We changed our destination all the time and finally arrived in Stowe - a well known ski resort. The tourist information recommended us to stay at the hotel Innsbruck - A "kind" of Austrian hotel but it has a sauna, swimming pool and other facilities.

Today on Thursday we had two exciting activities: The first one was canoeing down a river for several hours. That was great fun and the paddling wasn't too bad either. After returning back to the hotel we prepared for the next sensation - the visit of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory!  B&J's are originally from Vermont and the factory offers tours. It was also great to be there and have a few cups rich ice cream.

Tomorrow we have some new options in mind what to do. Depending on the weather we could do some mountain biking or head to Mt. Washington for the next stop. As we are very, very flexible we'll find out tomorrow what it will be.

Berkshire

Yesterday was a busy day. After a traditional breakfast with pancakes, jam and juice we went on the road again. The weather was great and the signs from the hurricane got less and less. Some parts have experienced a power cut and lower parts in the valleys have been flooded. But nothing to serious here. Our first destination has been the Bash Bish Falls. They are located in a stated park between New York and Massachusetts. It was 3/4 miles decent hike and a extra little hike to the top of the falls. unfortunatly we couldn't get close but still it was very relaxing there. After that we've decided to reach Pittsfield to stay there over night. It was a great drive through a scenery mountain area on a narrow road before we've reached the highway again.

We made several stops to Pittsfield and we also stopped at a picturesque farm: The windy hill farm. They grow plants and flowers and also have self picking apples and blueberries. We ate a lot and continued later our journey. Our stay in Pittsfield is a pink motel from where we soon start for a next day full of action.

From Massachutas To Cinnecticut

It was a good idea to avoid the coast and drive into the country. We started early in the morning and ended up in Canaan, CT. Driving was ok and fast because almost no cars have been on the road. We found a nice bed and breakfast to stay and soon we will enjoy a good American breakfast.

Today, Monday, the weather is now great! No wind, blue sky and sunshine. We soon will explore Berkshire and head north.

Waiting For The Storm

After the long flight we arrived tired in Boston. Immigration was as usual fun again. I have this time an official media visa but still I had to fill out a paper form with exactly the same details as on the electronic visa. The next stop was at the car rental. We've rented a car (some kind of mini SUV KIA) and headed to a little city called Worcester to be away from the storm.

Today, Sunday, we plan to drive to Berkshire after breakfast. It should be a great area to hike around and be in touch with mother nature.

...more tk!

Back To America: Boston

I'm obviously not the only one who wants to hit the USA by storm - Irene is already trying to reach Boston before I do. Irene is a hurricane originating in the Caribbean and moving along the east coast of the United States. Because tropical storms are seasonal very common scientists are specialised to track the storms and classify them. The public has also options to get good and reliable information about these extremities with the hurricane tracker!

I will report a bit on the blog when I'm there. I've my medium travel photography equipment with me so expect some nice pictures. My travel will be this time for three weeks around the greater area of Boston and Boston central. Part of the travel is reserved for an assignment and the other time will be dedicated for MBA related issues.