Cooking in Canaan, Maine

I am taking a break from thinking about a fall ocean rental today to do some good labor, there are tons of beans and other garden treasures to pick and I am on chef duty tonight. The chance to pick things for the table tonight is a rare opportunity to cook from scratch a real delight. The eggs for breakfast came from the coop and the high bush blueberries will figure in some way. I have a touch of country boy in me as living in Cottekill, New York shows, but here on P&E’s 68 acres in Canaan Maine there is room to really plant and Ed’s green thumb gets a workout. A few glasses of vino while prepping is a chef’s reward.

Swimming on Land in Maine

Time passes slowly in center Maine and the weather the last two days heavy and humid. There is a saying here that if you do not like the weather just wait a few minutes. Not happening this trip to visit P&E and the others. Time to blow out the rain, drop the humidity and move on.

The Coast of Maine, Looking to Find the Next Rental to Spread the Word

There is far little better than the New England coast and I traveled up it today. In my quest to find the perfect place to spend some time in between my two South American trips this fall, I intend to spend a perfect week or so doing what I did last year, post season on the water. Last year I was invited to return to Cozy Cove a place I had written about. All to well it appeared as I couldn’t re book it the next summer. The owner John was grateful and gave me a week last Oct. to spend in bliss. On my way up today I stopped at the town of York Harbor in my quest to find the perfect spot. I will search far and wide this week for another perfect rental. If you got one you think would fit please leave contact info!

I am a Verizon WiFi 2200 Hot Spot

My addiction to staying connected took a big leap today as I signed on to being a mobile WiFi zone; I am now signed on to the Verizon MiFi 2200. With this little contraption I and four others can sit around and be connected. The devise is about the size of 5 credit cards stacked up and weights in at 2 ounces. I may just reach my peak of acceptance in airports everywhere, “will take a beer in exchange for hook up”. This device has yet to be tested on the road but will be soon. If it works you will know, I will be able to post about it!

Kent E St John has a Face for Radio, Syndicated in Australia

I occasionally Google (Kent E St John) myself to see where I pop up or my articles do anyway. Frequently there are links to GN or pieces that run elsewhere. I also am reminded just where I am read or heard. Totally forgot that I am syndicated by Ison Live Radio in Australia. From there my segments sometimes end up in places like New Zealand, Europe and Asia. I can only laugh how my accent must sound to the good people of OZ much less an audience in Cambodia. In the morning I will do two segments on China with Kevin McCarthy on the Travel Planners that is based in St Louis but from there spreads out ending up even in Belgium. It is a small world after all.

Insanity and Hotel Rooms

In the last five or six months I have not been home for more than a week straight, this week is the first. It is somewhat amazing in that I still hear the world calling and am gathering up a few fall destinations, Chile and Argentina beckon in two big adventures. Still I came across these photos that prove insanity travels with you. Max and I used to joke how we set up an office where ever we go. These were in NYC at a temp GN office, hope things do not change, insanity and hotel rooms go hand in hand.

Frank McCourt's Parting Wishes

Frank McCourt had some last words before passing on last Sunday; he expressed his wish to have his ashes scattered on the Shannon River in Ireland. The river flows past his childhood hometown, Limerick. This is the place that his book Angela’s Ashes describes in vivid strokes; it is a fine and fitting goodbye. The Shannon is as complex as the writer was, slow/fast, gentle/dangerous, but always fascinating. Farewell Frank.

Mao and his Life

It is stiff competition amongst the worst humans to walk the earth but I have another prime contender, the Chairman. While reading Jung Chang’s book The Unknown Story of Mao I learned a lot about his life and most of it led to the mega loss of human life. Starvation was responsible for much of it but being a friend of Mao’s was also a dicey proposition much like attending the drunken late night revelries that Stalin threw for his friends. There had to be a breathe of relief when Mao passed on, hopefully to the same place Hitler ended up in. Still when traveling through China his face is on display yet sometimes in a paradoxical way. History takes time to reveal the truth and may it reveal the truth about Mao.

This Guy and a Girl's Getaway in East Hampton

It is one of the biggest trends in travel now, girl getaways. Though I do not fit the gender I got a glimpse this weekend with two of the best femmes in the world, also two of my oldest friends. Since 7th grade Lisa and Laurie have popped up through the years and this weekend we all popped up at Lisa’s fantastic house in East Hampton. The beautiful manse is a testament to her toils and high profile in the production world.

After a great ride down to East Hampton with Laurie we bunkered down to enjoy a weekend with just us and the fantastic surroundings of my favorite Hampton village. Biking, beaching and lounging is always a great thing but the added pleasure of time spent with these two was a mini Big Chill memory I will always remember. Passage of time and events in our lives all got prime time in our delightful talks. Dinners in relaxed moods and casual settings were sprinkled with light banter and heavy thoughts, a perfect mix. If this is what a girl’s getaway is all about, I want in!

Farewell Frank McCourt, Thank you

I heard some sad news today about one of my favorite authors, Frank McCourt. He apparently is under the care of Hospice and not going to last on this earth for much longer. His book Angela’s Ashes was a great read for me and many others. Frank’s story telling is legendary. The illness he has is meningitis and skin cancer something I have had to deal with twice myself now. If anyone has overcome some major hard times it is McCourt. I wish for some peace for this wonderful writer and thanks for wonderful hours reading his stories.

A Summer Day

Honorable Pierre Vimont Coming to theHudson River Valley

After several visits recently to France I am glad that the Hudson River Valley is getting a visit from a VIP Frenchman, the Ambassador himself. The Honorable, Pierre Vimont will be in good hands as he will be shown around by long time congressman and good guy Mo Hinchey. I fully plan on joining in on this great occasion and spread the news joyously. The French Tourism people have been ever so good to me and my fellow GoNOMAD writers. Below is part of the email I got about the day.

We are delighted to invite you to join Rep. Maurice Hinchey and Rep. Nita Lowey in welcoming The Honorable Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France to the United States, who will visit and tour the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area on Saturday, July 25, 2009.

The Ambassador will participate in a number of public events to celebrate the passage earlier this year of federal legislation that formally designated the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The "W3R" Trail traces and commemorates the 600-mile route from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia taken in 1781 and 1782 by the armies of General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau of France.Call (845) 344-3211 for info.

Ulster County Development and China

On the front page of the Kingston Daily Freeman today the headline was Opportunity knocks with China. It was all about the Ulster County Development Corp’s recent two week trip through China searching for opportunities for local businesses in China. One opportunity for example is in the solar energy industry, god knows that getting China to use greener energy could only help our planet. In fact there are already some Ulster County companies supplying Chinese manufacturers with specialized components.

I had lunch with Ward Todd, Ulster County Chamber of Commerce President before the trip. In his quest for pre-trip info he wanted to discuss my recent foray to China. I saw the busy and ambitious itinerary that the group had set up. I salute all involved for going out into the world to build a better future here in Ulster County.

NWA, Please Send My Bag Home

It has been an amazing run of far flung destinations over the last few months and tonight I am home, a rare thing. I have always been known for itchy feet but a hot bath due to a wee to much riding in Alberta is soothing. A day getting the yard in shape while limping isn’t easy! In all the traveling recently I have done these past few months my trusty bags have always turned up, not this time. Northwest Airlines left them, well one anyway in MSP. Not really sure why one bag made it but the other didn’t, the flight was delayed by a few hours.

NWA is now a part of Delta and I got to say that the actual flights except for the one delay were pleasant and the flight attendants pretty nice. Certainly a trip to Calgary for the Stampede is worth a little trouble, but I have been waiting all day to hear about my bag, bring it home.

Going to Miss Alberta, Canada

Long but fabulous day here in Alberta, riding in the morning then a great car ride up to the Canadian Rockies. Now back at my luxury cabin at the Rocking R Guest Ranch and a hot tub for sore body parts done. The vista before me changes as the wind moves clouds across the prairie. I can only think what a week here.

Thunder storms and thundering horses, Stampede and horses calling, Alberta beef and friendly folks, it all has been grand. The west in me is stirred again, lived in AZ for 12 years. I now understand why Clapton sang, “Alberta, Alberta, Where you been so long”? Alberta now lives in a piece of my heart.

The Rocking R Guest Ranch, Alberta

I can get skeptical when reading reviews on Trip Advisor, but the 100% approval of the Rocking R Guest Ranch in Strathmore, Alberta is 100% right on. This place is magic and so perfect. The cabin (much more) has everything you need to relax and revive. The grounds stunning and the feeling is one of being a rich rancher, if nearby do yourself a favor and stay!

Crossing the Open Plains of Alberta

I flipped on the trail today due to storms, headed out into the plains instead of the mountains here in Alberta. Dark clouds passed like curtains and patches of rain fell in sheets. I did get to the Badlands and Dino ville, and then criss-crossed on back roads.
Scenic vistas out every window, stirring the soul, Wheatland Alberta, till I ended up at the Rocking R Guest Ranch in Strathmore. The Bunk House is superb, rolling lake views and Navajo rugs, the neighing horses just out back. Banff in the morning but back to the Rocking R for my last night.

Big Day and Night at the Calgary Stampede

What a day it was in Calgary yesterday, from barns and mud to splendor and a massive stage show unparalleled in slick stage presence. Started the day checking out the barns where the horses for the chuck wagon races are kept. Chuck Wagon racing is not as it sounds, it is fast and thrilling and fraught with danger and outriders. Skill and knowledge is needed to do the course and get to the finish.

Last evening I dinned at Ranahans, the premium private venue located in the Grandstand of the Stampede. Western dress and great food in a beautiful space is heaven. Then I got up close and at the rail for the actual races to shoot hundreds of photos of the harried and hectic chuck wagon heats.

Ended the night with a show that blew me away, stage spectacles and fireworks mixed in with talent made it an extravaganza. This was one memorable day and just day three of the http://calgarystampede.com/
, seven more to go. Packing up and headed to a little road trip to Banff and then my base for the next two nights at the Rocking R Ranch. Time to saddle up!

Last Night at the Calgary Stampede

A great day at the Stampede and sadly my last, tonight though is the chuck wagon race and dinner at Ranahans an exclusive private club in the grandstand of the Stampede, like a private box at the Super Bowl. By all accounts this should be a night to remember, rodeo, fine food ending with fireworks, Yeeehaa!

The Calgary Stampede, The US 4th of July

It was so nice of the Calgary Stampede people to have played the US national anthem at the opening of the rodeo today as well as their own, a class act. I am rarely away during the 4th of July so it was gratifying and I salute the Stampede. Some of the top riders are American and in fact 10% of Calgary is US expats.

To be in the chutes as the bronco horses were let out was also an amazing experience, better in the chute than on the back of one. One gains a respect for those brave or crazy enough to climb on and ride. All in all I have become a rodeo fan, especially of the world’s biggest outdoor show, the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Tower, a Beacon

It is the last thing I saw from my huge and wonderful bed at the Calgary Marriott last night and the first thing I saw this morning, the Calgary Tower. The structure rises 626 ft into the sky and is a landmark here in Calgary. At one time it was the tallest structure here but petrol dollars brought skyscrapers. Still it is the skyline star.

Stephen Ave. Walk Calgary

Got my boots, check, hat, jeans and cowboy shirt, check, check and check, now ready for Calgary. I walked Stephen Ave. after checking into the Marriott and enjoyed watching the excitement build for the start of the Calgary Stampede. Calgary has already impressed me with its vibe it buzzes. It is a young city the average age is 30 and I can tell that it rocks. The cowboy hats are out in full force and the streets are lively, let the games begin!

A Nominator for National Geographic Traveler

I love unique hotels; they do not have to be fancy or big bucks to be great. I was honored with an email from Beth Lizardo from National Geographic Traveler, to see if I would be interested in being a part of a panel of nominators for hotels in the British Isles and Ireland. Indeed my recent trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland provided a few that fit the bill.

The criteria for possible inclusion in the April 2010 issue are:

As a travel professional, you are in a unique position to nominate one or more hotels (with 6 or more rooms) within the British Isles and Ireland that enhance a traveler's "sense of place" experience. And by "sense of place" we mean hotels that wholeheartedly reflect the spirit of their locations both in practice and aesthetic. When thinking about which hotels to nominate, useful questions to ask yourself are: Does the architecture reflect its location? Does it engage in eco-sustainable practices? Serve local food? And most important, does it offer guests good service and a unique experience as opposed to one that could be had anywhere in the world?