Ranger Rick of the U.S. Park Service has made it official; I am a “Golden Gezer” not because I recently celebrated the 69th anniversary of my birth, but because I anted up $10 for my lifetime “America The Beautiful” National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass when entering Acadia National Park. The lifetime pass is for U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 62 years or older.

The back of the pass states: Valid at federal recreation entrance or standard amenity fee sites (leave it to the government to add excessive verbiage in the print on the wallet-size pass – even though folks my age need an extra-large magnifying glass to see that size type never mind understand it) for pass holder and occupants of single, private, non-commercial vehicle OR (their emphasis) one motorcycle; OR (their caps again) pass holder and three persons (16 and older) where person fees are charged. MAY (the government’s bold emphasis) entitle pass holder to some discounts. INQUIRE LOCALLY about Pass acceptance and discounts. MAY NOT (them, yet again) cover concession facilities or activities. NOT RESPONSIBLE (guess who) for misplaced, lost or stolen cards.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service * Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management * National Park Service * Bureau of Reclamation

Signature Required                                 VALID PHOTO ID REQUIRED
VOID IF ALTERED * NON TRANSFERABLE * NON REFUNDABLE

By the way if any member of the above mentioned government or agencies, past or present take offense with this information or delivery there of, the authors deny any knowledge of whence it came and the newspaper publisher, editors, pressmen, delivery truck drivers or hawkers et al don’t necessarily agree with this expressed opinion and besides we don’t want our new pass taken away.

Sixteen years ago when we took our first cruise, we decided to buck the norm and prove one did not have to gain seven or more pounds during a luxury sailing vacation. By not overdoing it at mealtime, taking the stairs instead of the elevators and taking daily strolls around the Norway’s decks, we actually lost a few pounds.
During the past two decades, the cruise industry has been working very hard to promote cruise travel as being healthy, safe, economical, educational and fun. Now Princess Cruises is introducing new ways for passengers to stay active on their vacation with the industry’s first in-room fitness program, yoga classes for kids and teens and an array of Lotus Spa classes.
Designed for cruisers of all ages and activity levels, these fitness choices will help passengers get moving in the privacy of their own rooms with Fitness@Sea hosted by celebrity trainer Gillian Clark; strike a pose in an interactive yoga class for junior cruisers; or test guests’ mettle with a “Tour de France” spin class in the fitness center as part of the line’s new Core/Balance/Strength program. The Fitness@Sea classes are designed as a way for passengers to start off their day with beneficial exercise with Clark’s nine different classes shown on the line’s Wellness TV Channel.
Fitness@Sea debuted on all Princess ships this month. On their ships with Movies Under the Stars, morning sessions are offered on the 300-square-foot-screens for those who want to enjoy the open air on deck and work out in a group setting.
In another industry first, Princess will introduce yoga to kids and teens ages 3-17.
The program promotes building coordination, breathing, balance and emotional strength with an element of play incorporating music, chants and singing. With yoga mats provided, kids can participate in a variety of yoga animal poses from Downward Dog to Cat and Mouse. Classes are complimentary and are currently offered in the onboard youth and teen centers. Classes range from 30 minutes to one hour and parents are welcome to participate.
The Core/Balance/Strength programs are offered in Princess’ Lotus Spa and are designed to help guests maximize their wellness potential by focusing on three fitness components, each with a series of corresponding classes. The Core component is designed to create a strong foundation on which to build, and is based primarily on the principles of Pilates and correct postural alignment. Balance focuses on centering both mind and body, and features fusion yoga classes. Strength includes a high-energy mixture of both strength and cardio classes designed to get the heart racing and the endorphins flowing.
The Tour de Spin program, the ultimate all over body workout, is set to chart topping hits. It consists of three different 45-minute classes, each featuring a ride named after various stages of the Tour de France. Each spin class offers a different profile based on the class theme: Les Alps features multi-level resistances, Time Trial offers a fast interval workout and Alp D’Huez consists of a mind/body climb. One dollar of the fee from each class series will be donated to LIVESTRONG to fight cancer, and at the conclusion of the three-ride program each participant will receive one of the foundation’s famous yellow wrist bands.
A Step to My Groove, a beginners’ step aerobics program, is offered for passengers seeking a less stressful workout.

In addition to the new programs Princess will continue to offer a selection of complimentary exercise classes, including:
• Long and Lean Stretch class: An introductory stretching class with an emphasis on postural imbalances and tight muscle groups
• Abs Workshop: An in-depth look at the perfect sit-up with an informative and results-driven workout
• Circuit City: Using resistance machines, guests will experience the ultimate full body workout and learn the best way to use exercise machines
• Aerobically Challenged: A low-impact, easy and simple aerobics class for beginners
• Chillax: Chill out and relax on the ultimate wind down
• Lotus Tai Chi: A meditative workout to promote inner peace and calm using slow rhythmic movement

All Princess ships, which have long featured Nintendo’s Wii systems onboard, also offer the Wii Fit balance games, challenging passengers of all ages to put their athletic skills to the test with active video game tournaments such as the ski jump, Hula Hoop or heading soccer balls. Family or group competitions are held onboard – including on the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside screens. Youth and teen centers are also offering younger cruisers the opportunity to participate in Wii Fit activities on their vacation cruise.
You can obtain additional information about Princess Cruises, their fitness programs or their itineraries by visiting www.princess.com or calling 1-800-PRINCESS.

We’ve just received an email from R. Alan Fox, Vacations To Go, about an outstanding last-minute deal from Windstar Cruises. A Wind Star charter departing Sept. 6 just fell through and the line must fill the entire vessel in the next 4 weeks. Almost all of their 7-night, Greece & Turkey itineraries aboard the luxury, motorized sailing vessel have been sold out for months.

They have slashed the starting price to $1299 per person, more than 70 % off. It’s the best cruising bargain seen all year in the Greek Isles. Fox expects all 74 cabins to sell quickly and urges anyone interested to call immediately. The 5-star, four-mast ship has a water-sports platform and boasts all its cabins have ocean views with upscale furnishings in an intimate and casual atmosphere, for up to 148 passengers.

The sports platform is equipped with sailboards, snorkeling gear, water skis, sailboats and kayaks more than enough to keep the most avid water-sports lover happy. There’s a swimming pool, hot tub and fitness room, too. Public spaces are light and airy, done in natural fabrics and polished woods. There’s open seating in the dining room, which is supplemented by breakfast and lunch in The Veranda, an indoor/outdoor restaurant on the top deck. The ship is just four decks high, with a small casino, piano bar and lounge for evening entertainment. Passengers are welcome to stop by the bridge to chat with officers and learn how the computer-operated sails work.

The 7 day itinerary:
 
DAY  DATE     PORT                                            ARRIVE   DEPART
Sat     Sept 6    Istanbul, Turkey                                            5 p.m.
Sun    Sept 7    At Sea  
Mon   Sept 8    Ephesus / Kusadasi, Turkey     8 a.m.        10 p.m.
Tue    Sept 9    Rhodes, Greece                           1 p.m.        11 p.m.
Wed   Sept 10  Bodrum, Turkey                         8 a.m.        7 p.m.
Thu    Sept 11  Santorini, Greece                        8 a.m.        11 p.m.
Fri      Sept 12  Mykonos, Greece                        8 a.m.        6 p.m.
Sat      Sept 13  Athens (Piraeus), Greece          7 a.m. 

Brochure prices for this trip were $4,799 per person, now Vacations To Go is offering the cruise at 73 percent savings. The $1,299 price is US dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. The price includes port charges but does not include airfare or (where applicable) fuel surcharges or airport or government taxes or fees.

Call Vacations To Go toll free at 800-338-4962 or email alanfox@vacationstogo.com; Windstar Cruises’ Web site is www.windstarcruises.com.

Princess’ news:
Ruby Princess has completed another milestone in preparation for its Nov. 8 debut, with the completion of its sea trials. The new ship set out to sea from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through its paces with a series of maneuvers to test propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. After a successful four days of trials, the ship is back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing. Ruby Princess will be ready for its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays.
Ruby Princess is a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, and will feature the same piazza-style atrium on those ships. Other ship highlights include Princess’ signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with private balconies. Check out Princess Cruises at www.princesscruises.com

It occurred to us that since we have spent more time in Rome, Italy than in our neighboring Pine Tree State of Maine, we needed to rectify that situation this summer.

We, along with our children, have rented a four bedroom camp on the shores on Great Moose Lake for the season from good friends who are elsewhere for the summer. Hartland in central Maine is a one traffic light town, and that light is a blinker. We are being safeguarded by our grand dog, Annabelle, a not so ferocious, 15-pound West Highland White Terrier, while daughters Amy, Missy and son-in-law Steve go back and forth to fulfill work obligations. Miss Annabelle takes us for long walks each day, chases us around the yard to give us some exercise, swims like a champ and inspires us to do so as well.

Since this is a good size lake of more than 3,500 acres we expected the water to be ice cold after all we are 160 miles north of Portsmouth on the NH border. To our surprise, the lake water is almost toasty and this opinion is from the couple who spend six months of each year in southwest Florida. Also to our great surprise, there are relatively few boats roaming the lake, a real bonus for us kayakers. Sure, there are a few yahoo teens or 20-somethings on jet skies trying to get airborne but luckily they are few and far between. Many of the boats are of the pontoon variety manned by fishermen or seniors that slowly meander along or small motor boats pulling young skiers or tubers.

There’s a boat launch on Great Moose Drive for public access located about a quarter of a mile from where we are staying; however, even on the weekends, there are few cars in the parking lot. An active lake association maintains water hazard and channel markers and monitors water quality.
This is a real treasure: beautiful clear, warm water, a plethora of wildlife and few people to spoil the tranquility. Loons love this lake and are not intimidated when we paddle our kayaks near them. Several floated very close to shore in front of the camp yesterday and seemed amused when Miss Annabelle tried to swim out to greet them. They did not dive underwater until she was quite close. As lovely as they are, we don’t appreciate these creatures screeching to one another in the middle of night. They can be very loud. We have crows that congregate outside our bedroom window chattering at dawn that also break the silence which we would like to eliminate. Would someone please send us a sling shot?

On the fringes of the Sebasticook Valley’s wilderness, Hartland is located at the outlet to Great Moose Lake. Athens, Harmony and St. Albans communities also surround the lake.. The lakeshore and town is attracting a growing community of year-round residents, 901 as of 2007, as more and more of the former fire lanes to lakeside camps and cottages are opened up to four-season use. Community spirit and the support of the town’s largest employer, Irving Tanning Company, helped build a new community center attached to the Hartland Consolidated School. Irving Tanning Company is a worldwide producer of fine leathers for shoes, clothing and furnishings, one of the last such companies in the state. The plant was modernized within the last 10 years with state-of-the-art equipment that reduced production time and eliminated the less-desirable elements of the tanning industry. 
There’s a small grocery store in the center of town, that is, if you can call the one intersection with the blinking light and post office, the town center. It takes care of our simple needs of milk and bread. Within 10 miles east or south are the towns of Newport and Pittsfield with a Super Wal-Mart and a small Shop ‘n’ Save as well as other conveniences where we go for major shopping needs.

The local giveaway newspaper lists various upcoming social events, church suppers, K of C breakfasts, the neighboring St. Albans Summerfest this weekend with the highlight of the weekend being a fireworks display and gospel choir recital. We will join in the fun. Being here is like stepping back in time but in a wonderful way. People are friendly, warm and caring. There are seasonal residents here but no where near the crush that invades the lakes region of New Hampshire, our former stomping ground. Much of Great Moose Lake is not accessible by paved road.

Within a 10 mile radius, we found three golf courses. We have played Palmyra Golf Course. The damage for 18 holes with cart is $36, Monday through Thursday, and a little more on the weekend. The course is well groomed and challenging. What a deal. The other two courses have similar prices. On Monday, the course in Pittsfield includes lunch for those over age 50. Yes, we are slightly over the minimum age.

The best restaurant in the area is the Sunrise Café in nearby St. Albans which opens Tuesday through Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 6:30 to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Monday is their day of rest.  A sign at the entrance states that they will also be closed on Saturday, Aug. 9, to help celebrate hostess/cashier Jessica’s wedding. How neat is that?  Last Saturday night, we had a wonderful prime rib dinner. The meat was sweet and the portion huge (it was the “small” size). The price was $14.95 for the full meal. This unassuming little place also features homemade pies and breads. The typical huge dessert is priced at $3. What did we say, about stepping back in time?

We would never in a million years have discovered Hartland and Great Moose Lake if not for our dear friends the Cranes who are in Beijing this summer assisting NBC telecast the Olympics and thus offered to rent us their little hideaway.

If you are interested in spending time at a pristine, albeit somewhat remote, unspoiled lake that will be kind on the pocketbook, think about Hartland or one of the many other nearby lakes in this beautiful unspoiled wilderness. Rentals are available and appear to be reasonable. If you do come, perhaps we’ll meet at the Sunrise. You’ll recognize us from our photo on this site. Naturally, we are younger, slimmer and better looking in person.

We have really enjoyed discovering the world of bed and breakfast inns with their old world charm and southern hospitality in St. Augustine and Amelia Island. The evening social hours at both locales gave us the opportunity to relax with our innkeeper hosts as well as fellow guests and share our day’s experiences. Sipping a glass of wine on the verandah or in the garden prior to heading out for dinner was a perfect way to end the day. Our accommodations at the St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine and Amelia Island Williams House were quite different as were the cities. Both are featured in the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America.

Amelia Island Williams House Innkeepers Deborah and Byron McCutchen were gracious hosts. Their breakfasts were a treat: Saturday’s first course was tropical fruitini’s and vanilla pound cake followed by Strawberry croissant French toast. Sunday brought Williams House Breakfast Casserole and homemade biscuits complimented with a pineapple Breakfast Dessert and vanilla ice cream. On our final day, they pampered us with Caribbean pears and whipped cream followed by a blueberry strata served with maple syrup and crispy bacon. No wonder we were so sad to say goodbye. We’ll be suffering pangs of culinary withdrawal for the next month. This antebellum mansion is one of the most historic residences on the island. Its wide verandahs with comfortable wicker chairs and an old fashioned swing add to its charm. There’s even a 550 year-old live oak tree on the pristinely manicured grounds.

Each of Amelia Island’s bed and breakfast inns has its own special character – from Florida’s oldest tourist hotel to Victorian mansions or a Nantucket shingle-style lodge. Below you will find information about some of the homes which accept guests. Details about some of the other historic homes that accept guests:

Addison House: Recently restored to its original glory and featuring a secret garden glistening with fountains for guests to enjoy, this inn was once a vacation favorite of such notables as the Carnegie family. The original 1876 house offers five guest chambers with private baths and fireplaces. The Garden House and Coulter Cottage surround the courtyard and feature nine additional guest chambers with private porches.

The Ash Street Inn: This compound of two gracious, turn-of-the-century homes is located in the heart of the historic district. The main house, constructed in 1904, contains six guest rooms and public areas. The adjacent guesthouse, built in 1880, has four guest rooms with their own distinctive décor.

Hoyt House: Built in 1905, the inn is a replica of the Rockefeller Cottage on nearby Jekyll Island. Hoyt House offers 10 spacious guest rooms, 4 gathering rooms with fireplaces, a turn-of-the-century birdcage alive with colorful finches and gently rocking porch swings.

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge: The Island’s largest inn, the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge features 25 guestrooms, pine floors, sleigh and captain’s beds, and oversized soaking tubs. Reminiscent of an 1890’s Nantucket-style lodge, the inn has a broad wraparound porch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where guests can enjoy relaxing in one of the numerous rockers.

Fairbanks House: An 1885 creation of famed architect, Robert Schuyler, the Fairbanks House is a four-story Italianate-style villa graced with dormers, bay windows, massive chimneys and balustrade balconies and porches and a 15-foot tower. Once inside, guests marvel at 12-foot ceilings with elaborate moldings, polished heart-of pine floors and the Honduran mahogany-carved staircase. The living room fireplace still features the original tiles depicting four Aesop’s fables.

Florida House Inn: The 1857 Florida House Inn is the state’s oldest continuously run tourist hotel. The 15 guest rooms, 10 with fireplaces are furnished with antiques and reproductions. The inn has hosted such famous guests as General Ulysses S. Grant, silver screen star Mary Pickford, the Rockefellers and the Carnegies.

1735 House: Named for the year James Oglethorpe claimed the island for Princess Amelia, the 1735 House is an ocean-side retreat built to capture the pleasure of the sea. With a New England-style exterior charm, the 1735 House features six bedrooms and is decorated with nautical memorabilia such as varnished pine, ships lanterns and sea trunks.

A once vibrant 19th-century seaport village, Amelia Island’s Fernandina Beach has 450 ornate Victorian structures that were built prior to 1927; it has more than 55 blocks of homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Palace Saloon, built in 1878, is the oldest saloon in Florida still remaining in the same location. It was also rumored to be the last tavern in the country to close during Prohibition and as a result, they served ice-cream drinks during those “dry” years. It was also the first hard liquor bar in Florida to sell Coca-Cola. The Palace was a favorite for socialites such as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Rockefellers.

Amelia has well earned its reputation as a getaway paradise. It was named “Queen of Summer Resorts” in an 1896 issue of American Resorts. The magazine claimed that nearly 50,000 wealthy northerners had voyaged from New York to Fernandina on the Mallory Steamship Line, making Amelia Island one of Florida’s first tourist destinations. Two endangered species, the Loggerhead turtle and Northern Right Whale, are still among the “off-islanders” who visit each year.

A worthwhile way to spend a least a half day is to visit the 1,427-acre historic Fort Clinch State Park. Construction of the brick and masonry Civil War era fort was begun in 1847, just two years after Florida became the 27th state, but never completed; however, it is considered to be one of the country’s best preserved forts. Re-enactors who portray Civil War soldiers are on hand to talk to visitors each day about garrison life. If you are lucky enough to be at the fort on the first weekend of each month, you would be able to attend a day-long re-enactment of a typical 1860s day at Fort Clinch. Both local volunteers and park rangers participate. Although no battles were fought here, it was a garrison during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars and more than a 100 troops where stationed here during World War II. Fort Clinch became one of Florida’s first parks in 1935 when the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort. The park is also home for coastal trails, long gorgeous beaches, a 1,500-foot fishing pier and the Island’s only camping facilities. Located north of the city of Fernandina Beach, off State Road A1A, admission is $5 per vehicle, $1 for individual bikers or hikers and $2 for motorcycles. The entrance to the Fort is through the museum and gift shop. It is an additional $2, well worth the small fee. Don’t miss the short film about the fort which is shown in a nearby, but poorly marked, building. For information call the ranger’s office 904-277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.

For visitor information, log on www.ameliaisland.org.