Islands – Bora Bora – Main Island

2014.3.17It’s our last day at French Polynesia. The typhoon was finally moved away. We were struggling between the Shark and Ray feeding tour around the lagoon and going to the main island, eventually we figured it’s possible to do both in one day.

We booked the Shark and Ray feeding tour in the morning. It’s a half-day tour, which doesn’t include lunch at motu. The cost is 11,500 XPF ($125) per person. The tour started at 9am. There were two other couples on the boat. Our guides are from a family. Once the boat left the resort and reached the middle of the lagoon, two young guide started playing local instruments and singing local songs.

Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora

The boat circled the main island in clockwise direction. At the southern end of the island, we made the first stop to swim with sharks. The water is shallow here. Sharks were easily visible.

Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Swimming with sharks, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Swimming with sharks, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Tartoos on a local tour guide, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Tartoos on a local tour guide, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora

Sailing for another quarter of a circle, the second stop was snorkeling over the coral garden. The water color contrasts clearly in this part of the lagoon.

Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
The largest overwater bungalows, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
The largest overwater bungalows, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora

The last stop we made is the most interesting one, to feed rays. The water is so shallow that one can stand in the water. The guide held small fishes to attract rays to come around him, then he guided them to us. These rays knew there were easy food waiting for them. They were so eager and felt we were on their way so sometimes they were like trying to push us away from the behind. Occasional I could touch their mouth as they swam to me, it felt like they were biting my fingers gently.

Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora

Between these stops, two young guides kept singing and talking jokes to make sure we were entertained. They also pointed to us the luxury resorts on the motu and attractions on the main island from time to time.

A dock on Bora Bora's main island, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
A dock on Bora Bora’s main island, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Old hotels on Bora Bora's main island, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora
Old hotels on Bora Bora’s main island, Shark and Ray feeding tour, Bora Bora

We returned to the resort at about 12:20pm. The next boat shuttle to Vaitape would leave at 1pm. We had 40 minutes to take shower, pack our stuff and check out. The shuttle’s round trip charge was about 2500 XPF ($28) per person. Vaitape is on the other side of the island. The boat ride is about 35 minutes.

Vaitape is the capital city of Bora Bora. The boat dropped us at the port and confirmed with everyone on the pick-up time. The port is the center of this small town. A flee market is next to the port. Mostly selling local textile and small wood or stone sculptures. At the north side, there is a grocery store on the other side of the road.

Aloe Cafe, Vaitape, Bora Bora
We had lunch at Aloe Cafe. It tasted pretty good. Vaitape, Bora Bora
Fruit cart in Viatape, Bora Bora
Fruit cart in Vaitape, Bora Bora

There are about 20 stores spreading around the port. Most of them are pearl shops and souvenir stores. My wife bought a bracelet at Bora Home. We like their selections of arts and jewelry.

Pearl and souvenir shops in Viatape, Bora Bora
Pearl and souvenir shops in Vaitape, Bora Bora
Cats at Viatape, Bora Bora
Cats at Vaitape, Bora Bora

It’s sunny for the whole afternoon. The boat picked us up at 4:30pm. When we returned to the resort, the boat that would transfer us to the airport were already waiting for us. Although the weather was not cooperating, our experience in Bora Bora was pleasant. Le Méridien’s service was very good too. Whenever a ride was needed, especially in the rainy days, we just called the front desk and they would send a cart to get us right away. Of course, it’s also an expensive experience. The boat transfer between the resort and the airport was 8500 XPF ($94) per person.

Bora Bora Airport
Bora Bora Airport

Our flight to the Easter Island was at 2am. We waited for 6 hours at Tahiti’s airport. Luckily, a cafe right next to the airport entrance opens 24 hours a day. We met an elder couple who were on our flight from Moorea to Bora Bora two days ago. They were on their way returning to the States. There were surprised that we were going to the Easter Island, “Is it somewhere people normal go?”. No, it’s not. That’s why we were going.

After 12am, we were allowed to check in and enter the departure hall. Compared to the simplicity of outside, the departure hall is more modern and comfortable. There are many couches.

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Islands – Bora Bora – Le Méridien

2014.3.16The storm calmed down in the morning, but the heavy cloud was still hanging low. This is a long exposure shot taken from Le Méridien’s beach.

View of Mount Otemanu and overwater bungalows of Le Méridien Bora Bora
View of Mount Otemanu and overwater bungalows of Le Méridien

Breakfast buffet was held Le Tipanie restaurant. Rain started suddenly during the breakfast. Guests by the water had to move their tables hurriedly. Bora Bora are always connected with blue sky, white beach and palm trees, but this is what we saw in Bora Bora.

Breakfast at Le Méridien Bora Bora
Breakfast at Le Méridien Bora Bora

Le Méridien was renovated in 2011. Directly facing Mount Otemanu, the resort has the best view in the island to view Bora Bora’s signature shaped mountain and the lagoon from the beach or from your private patio. The interior is modern and the overwater bungalow has bigger size glass floor than Pearl Resort in Moorea.

Inside the overwater bungalow in Le Méridien Bora Bora
Inside the overwater bungalow of Le Méridien
Inside the overwater bungalow in Le Méridien Bora Bora
Inside the overwater bungalow of Le Méridien

The resort is actively involved in sea turtle protection effort. Bora Bora’s turtle center is located in the resort’s private lagoon. From one side of the pool, you can walk down a couple of stairs and watch the turtles at water level. There were about 15 turtles in the pool. Some of them flew around freely, but others stayed at the corner without making any move for hours.

The Turtle Sanctuary in Le Méridien Bora Bora
The Turtle Sanctuary in Le Méridien

At noon time, it seemed the tropical cyclone finally moved out of the region. The cloud was lighter. It’s soon getting hot with flushes of sunlight started breaking through. We had no plan in the afternoon. On the TV, CNN was reporting repeatedly on the disappearance of MH370 and the progress of Crimea’s referendum; the resort’s channel played Bruno Mars’ “Marry You” endlessly. Besides lying in the room, we also swam in Le Méridien’s inner lagoon.

Lunch at Le Méridien Bora Bora
Lunch at Le Méridien Bora Bora
View of Mount Otemanu from Le Méridien Bora Bora
View of Mount Otemanu from Le Méridien Bora Bora

Night starts to fall. I took some pictures with long exposure to smooth out the sea. Even the sky was covered by the cloud, the contrast between the gray sky and turquoise lagoon was still very striking.

Overwater bungalows of Le Méridien Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows of Le Méridien

More pictures after night fully settled in. Bora Bora was more like the paradise at the time.

Night view of overwater bungalows of Le Méridien Bora Bora again Mount Otemanu
Night view of overwater bungalows of Le Méridien again Mount Otemanu
Night view of overwater bungalows of Le Méridien Bora Bora
Night view of overwater bungalows of Le Méridien
Night view of Le Méridien Bora Bora
Night view of Le Méridien Bora Bora

The dinner served buffet on Sunday. It’s about $100 per person.

Dinner buffet at Le Méridien Bora Bora
Dinner buffet at Le Méridien Bora Bora
Dinner buffet at Le Méridien Bora Bora
Dinner buffet at Le Méridien Bora Bora
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Islands – From Moorea to Bora Bora

2014.3.15We are supposed to leave Moorea at 11:45am to Bora Bora. In the morning, we were worried if we could leave the island on that day, especially after seeing this during breakfast.

Rain stopped after the breakfast. We were told the flight had not been cancelled. At 9:30, a shuttle bus sent us to the airport. Moorea’s airport is small. There were about 30 to 40 passengers on the flight. All of us waited at the airport hall.

Moorea Airport
Moorea Airport

The rain was still on and off but not heavy. At 11am, we were told the flight would be delayed for an hour. Everyone got a coupon for a free drink.

A cat at Moorea Airport
A cat at Moorea Airport

At 12pm, the plane finally arrived. It’s flight from Tahiti. We watched the passenger getting off the plane and walking through the gate. They all looked fine. After all, it’s a only 10-minute flight from Tahiti to Moorea. It would take 45 minutes to get to Bora Bora. We all preyed that the weather wouldn’t become worse in the next hour.

Passengers anxiously waiting for the plane at Moorea Airport
Passengers anxiously waiting for the plane at Moorea Airport

The flight was smooth, only a little bumpy at the end. You should try to take the seat at the left side to be able to overlook the view of iconic overwater bungalows stretching into the turquoise lagoon like tentacles as the plane descending to the Bora Bora Airport.

Overlook Bora Bora's lagoon from the airplane
Overlook Bora Bora’s lagoon from the airplane

Bora Bora Airport is built on a Motu. It seemed even smaller than Moorea’s airport. We were the last ones got off the plane. We let our hotel, Le Meridien, know our arriving date and flight in advance. As we walked out of the gate, the staff from the hotel were waiting for us. They put flower leis on both of us and led us to the boat. There maybe only a few planes leave and land here everyday, but people work very efficiently. We identified our bags and got on the boat. In less than 20 minutes, boats from different hotels all took their guests and gone. (There are free boats to take guests to the town on the island as well.)

Boats welcome guests at Bora Bora Airport
Boats welcome guests at Bora Bora Airport

This is it, Bora Bora, the ultimate fantasy and wonderland. As Polynesian music played on the boat and weather was at its best in a few days, we even saw some sunsine, everyone’s spirit got lit up.

It took about half an hour boat ride to get to the hotel. We got our room after checking in. It’s over water but not far from the beach. Look out from our deck, what a view! Bora Bora definitely lives up to the reputation. It would be perfect if only the sky was not that cloudy.

Panoramic view of Mount Otemanu and Le Méridien Bora Bora
Panoramic view of Mount Otemanu and Le Méridien Bora Bora
The signature view of Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora
The signature view of Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora

After settled in the room, we returned to the lobby to look for something to eat. As we were walking around the central area, the storm hit again. Miki Miki Bar and Restaurant Le Te Ava both face the lagoon and Mount Otemanu by the beach. They were literally damped by the rain and wind. We were really lucky to have this two-hour window of relatively good weather to get here.

Stormy weather at Bora Bora
Stormy weather at Bora Bora

The storm lasted about 20 minutes. The rain lightened but never really stopped. The staff had to put everything messed up by the storm together. We had a simple lunch at the bar. After that, we caught up with our emails and played a couple of sets of pool games. Hotels on Bora Bora’s Motu are not connected by road. Not many places you could go in this weather.

Garden of Le Meridien Bora Bora
Garden of Le Meridien Bora Bora

We had our dinner at Le Meridien’s Le Tipanie restaurant. Le Te Ava, normally open for dinner, was closed due to the weather. The food is delicious, looked elegant and expensive, $100 per person is normal.

Dinner at Le Meridien Bora Bora
Dinner at Le Meridien Bora Bora
Dinner at Le Meridien Bora Bora
Dinner at Le Meridien Bora Bora

The storm got severer at night. The overwater bungalows are supported by 4 poles. Every time a big wave hit them, I felt the room was shaking. I really worried that the bungalow could be toppled by the wave. It later turned out my worry was not baseless. Some bungalows in another area of Bora Bora were indeed damaged by the storm at that night.

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Islands – Moorea – Circle the Island

2014.3.14Our schedule for the second day was to go to the lagoon excursion tour. Many operators offer the similar programs, which typically visit two bays, feed sharks and rays, snorkel and picnic on a Motu.

We booked the tour through Hiro’s Tours in advance. However, it’s raining heavily in the morning. The front desk told us there was a typhoon passing nearby and it would be with us for another 2 or 3 days!! The tour owner called us and let us know that the tour had to be cancelled. Although the operator associated with our hotel didn’t cancel their tour, we thought it might not worth going so we decided to rent a car to circle around the island.

Car rental with Avis can be arranged at hotel’s concierge desk. The rate is 7000 XPF for 8 hours. The car has to be returned before 5pm, so we actually only had about 6 hours left for the day. Avis’ office is near the ferry station. They sent a van to pick us up.

It’s a steady light rain as we got the car. Our first stop is Sofitel Hotel. Sofitel is known for having the longest beach on the island, but the best place to appreciate the view is to overlook the hotel at the vista point by the main road. Lines of over water bungalows floating over the crystal blue water, even the bad weather couldn’t conceal its beauty.

Panoramic view of Sofitel Moorea Resort
Panoramic view of Sofitel Moorea Resort

Our hotel, Pearl Resort, is in the walking distance of village Maharepa. We first stopped at a souvenir store and had some ice cream too. Passing the hotel, there is a small shopping center. There is a market, several bank ATMs, restaurants and souvenir stores, but the number of shops that are selling island specialty, black pearls, exceeds other kinds of business.

The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea
The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea
The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea
The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea
The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea
The Market near Pearl Resort, Moorea

Located between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, Hilton Moorea Resort is not close to any shops or market, but in terms of service and snorkeling site, it’s deemed as the best hotel in the island. We found their garden was lovely.

Garden of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Garden of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Garden of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Garden of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

It’s drizzling all the time. Here was spot near on top of Opunohu Bay. It would be very nice if weather had been good.

Near Opunohu Bay, Moorea
Near Opunohu Bay, Moorea

InterContinental is the biggest resort in Moorea. We almost walked around the entire resort to look for the Dolphin Center and Turtle Sanctuary. Both of them are at the east side of the resort. Dolphine Center was closed at the moment. We saw at least 3 dolphins crusting around the pool.

Inter-Continental Resort & Spa, Moorea
InterContinental Resort & Spa, Moorea
Inter-Continental Resort & Spa, Moorea
InterContinental Resort & Spa, Moorea

Across a bridge in a small private lagoon, it’s InterContinental’s Turtle Sanctuary. It’s actually a sea turtles clinic. While we were visiting, a staff was feeding an old green turtle who barely wanted to eat and a small hawkbill turtle who is active and full of curiosity.

Turtle Sanctuary, Inter-Continental Resort & Spa, Moorea
Turtle Sanctuary, Inter-Continental Resort & Spa, Moorea

It’s almost 3pm when we decided to sit down and have the lunch. Both the guide book and the staff in our hotel recommended Snack Mahana. It’s located about half a mile east to InterContinental Hotel just by the main road. The setup is at its basic and space is small, but the Polynesian food they offer is very tasty and delicious. Their back yard is next to the lagoon, but as it’s raining we had to sit next to the hut under the shield. Interestingly, The couple together with us on the ATV tour the earlier day was also having lunch there. The just came back a private lagoon tour.

Snack Mahana, Moorea
Snack Mahana, Moorea

It’s already 1 hour to 5pm after we finished the lunch. We kept on driving to the west side of the island a little bit, but as the rain was getting heavier, we decided to turn back. The storm was on full blast on our way back. The rain was pouring sometimes. We just made it to Avis Car Rental before 5pm.

Overwater bungalow in the heavy cloudy day, Moorea Pearl Resort
Overwater bungalow in the heavy cloudy day, Moorea Pearl Resort
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Islands – Moorea – ATV Tour

2014.3.13Moorea was settled by Polynesians about 1000 years ago. Although possessing stunning natural beauty and easy-accessibility to Tahati, it’s still relatively less known compared to Bora Bora. Only 20 minutes on the ferry, we were approaching Moorea island.

Near Moorea ferry port
Near Moorea ferry port

It’s before 7am. We didn’t see any bus service after we got off the ferry. Bus service runs in sync with ferry’s schedule, but it’s said it only starts at 8am. We hailed a taxi after waited for 20 minutes. The driver asked for 2500 XPF ($28), not cheap but acceptable. It took us about half an hour to get to Pearl Resort. The driver pointed us several places and the market we could visit along the way.

We were welcomed with flowers and drinks at the resort’s lobby. It’s 8:30am, it took a while for us to get a room.

The lobby, Moorea Pearl Resort
The lobby, Moorea Pearl Resort
Infinity Pool, Moorea Pearl Resort
Infinity Pool, Moorea Pearl Resort

What we booked was a Premium Overwater Bungalow. The overwater bungalow of Pearl Resort is very close to the beach. The premium ones are at the sea side over deeper and clearer water. The inside is roomy.

Inner-view of the overwater bungalow, Moorea Pearl Resort
Inner-view of the overwater bungalow, Moorea Pearl Resort

The stairs on one side of the balcony lead to the lower deck, which has stairs directly into the lagoon. Both of us got down to the water. We saw many small fishes. Some of them were very colorful.

Overwater bungalow, Moorea Pearl Resort
Overwater bungalow, Moorea Pearl Resort

Snorkeling and kayak facilities are free to use. I did some Kayaking around the bungalows before leaving for the ATV tour.

We booked the ATV tour through ATV Moorea Tours. The rate is 21,000 XPF ($240) a bike for the Adventure Raid, and we got 15% discount as we paid in advance using Paypal. The lady from the office came to pick us up at 1pm. She is from France and had been living in Moorea for a couple of years. She told us that she liked Moorea over Bora Bora because Moorea still retained the country-side life style, while Bora Bora had been totally commercialized. One our way to the office, we picked up another young couple from Canada. They were here for their honeymoon.

At the office, everyone was given a helmet. We all looked a bit of funny now. The guide gave us a 5-minute instruction on how to operate the vehicle, and that’s it, we were on our way.

Moorea ATV Tour office
Moorea ATV Tour office

There were only our two couples on the tour. We drove back along the main road for several miles and turned off-road at the bottom of the Opunohu Bay to the inner island.

Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour

We first looped around a plantation of pineapples, coconuts and other tropical fruits. The guide was humorous and never forgot to explain all kinds of vegetation to us and stop for photo opportunities.

The guide explains vegetations, Moorea ATV Tour
The guide explains vegetation, Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour

We made a stop at Agricultural College at Opunohu. It’s basically a hovel selling fruit products. We did some tasting of their fresh jams and icecream.

Agricultural College at Opunohu, Moorea ATV Tour
Agricultural College at Opunohu, Moorea ATV Tour

We kept driving up to the mountain. At the end of road, it’s Belvedere Lookout. It’s good place to overlook Moorea’s two almost symmetrical bays, Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay, at the same time.

Mt. Mouaroa, Moorea
Mt. Mouaroa, the Sharktooth, Moorea
Overlooking Opunohu Valley, Mt Rotui and Cook and Opunohu Bays from Belvedere Lookout, Moorea
Overlooking Opunohu Valley, Mt Rotui and Cook and Opunohu Bays from Belvedere Lookout, Moorea

The discover tour would stop here, but we’d continue on. We drove through streams and mud puddles and jumped over slopes. You don’t want to wear shirt in light color, ’cause they’d be covered by splashing mud. We stopped at another high land, where we could see clearly the surrounding mountains. They are the Moorea’s crater wall.

Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea's volcanic crater and plantations, Moorea ATV Tour
Moorea’s volcanic crater and plantations, Moorea ATV Tour

The last leg was to climb the “Magic Mountain”. I’d say that it’s a little scary and probably won’t be allowed in America. We drove the car up and down along a narrow lane on the steep slope without any protection but trees by the road side. The summit offers 360° panoramic view of Moorea’s northern shore. The view is supposedly to be wonderful, but it was a cloudy day and it’s dripping on top of the mountain. At least we could see the island is totally enclosed by the coral reef and lagoons. In fact, it’s almost the best weather we had in French Polynesia. We were lucky to book the ATV tour on our first day of arrival.

Overlook Opunohu Bay at Magic Mountain
Overlook Opunohu Bay at Magic Mountain. The broken reef line is caused by flushing freshwater from the river.

The same lady took us back to the hotel. I randomly took some pictures in the car.

Pao Pao at the bottom of Cook's Bay, Moorea
Pao Pao at the bottom of Cook’s Bay, Moorea
Cook's Bay, Moorea
Cook’s Bay, Moorea

We had dinner at Le Sud. Very plain setting and the food was unimaginative. Mosquitoes were quite active. You should consider wearing long pants or apply DEET if you don’t want to get bitten all over.

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Islands – Tahiti

2014.3.13Our flight landed at Tahiti’s Fa’a’ā International Airport at 5am in the morning. It’s a small airport. We walked down the stairs and were welcomed by local music and dancing once we stepped into the airport.

Girls from various hotels standing at the airport exit with flower garlands welcoming their guests. We didn’t have this treatment as we were not going to stay at the island. It’s an open hallway outside of the airport. Shops were not opened yet, but there was a cafe serving food and beverage 24-hour a day. There was a bank ATM at each side of the exit. We got some cash, had some rest, then we headed to the ferry station.

Hallway of Fa'a'ā International Airport, Tahiti
Open hallway of Fa’a’ā International Airport, Tahiti

Taxi fare was 2000 XPF ($23). It took about 20 minutes from the airport to Aremiti Ferry Station. The light got brighter and the sky was rendered with the rosy color.

Aremiti Ferry Station in the early morning, Papeete, Tahiti
Aremiti Ferry Station in the early morning, Papeete, Tahiti

The ferry station is a two-level structure, very close to the center of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The ticket office is at the first floor. The cost of one way ferry is about $18. The second floor is the waiting room. We bought two tickets for Aremiti 5. It’s 6am, the next boat was just about to leave.

Overlook Mont Orohena from ferry station, Papeete, Tahiti
Overlook Mont Orohena from ferry station, Papeete, Tahiti

The bottom level of the ferry is for cars. The mid-level is for passengers. There are enough space for several hundreds of people. A small cafe in the middle serving snacks and drinks. It was the first ferry of the day. There were not many passengers. The top level is the open deck. The view is nice but it’s windy. Aremiti 5 is a large ferry. There should be no worry to get seasick on board. For only 20 minutes, mountains on Moorea were already clear in our sight.

Look back at the port from the ferry, Papeete, Tahiti
Look back at the port from the ferry, Papeete, Tahiti
Approaching Moorea
Approaching Moorea
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Eastern Canada and Maine – Acadia

2013.10.1~3We left Quebec City in the morning. We’d take Quebec Autoroute 73/173 and then Maine Route 201 to Acadia National Park. We chose this time of the year and included Maine in our itinerary with the expectation to see the famous New England’s fall color. From Toronto to Quebec City, we hadn’t seen any obvious color change by the highway. It could be still a couple days too early, we had thought.

In fact, our timing was perfect. I had lived in East Coast for two years in the past and I had been to White Mountain in New Hampshire. I still had those vivid memory of the trees in burning red and multicolored hillsides, but I was literally astonished by how nature revealed herself, turn by turn, while driving at this section of the highway. Millions of trees in brilliant yellow, orange, red and golden color filled the entire region and extended as far as eye could see. It’s like an endless and seamless carpet covering the low hills along the road. The scale was incomparable, and the view was so intense that I doubted if I would watch other fall color displays with any feeling.

Indeed I didn’t expect this. I should have planned one more day to explore the area. We couldn’t find a good place to make a stop either, so no pictures. After about one and half hours, hightway 73 ends in the Beauce region. We turned to Route 173 which runs along the Chaudière River. For another one and half hours, we reached Canada and US border near Jackman, Maine.

Canada–United States border crossing, Route 201
Canada–United States border crossing, Route 201

The highway became Maine Route 201. The roadside view continued to be good, but especially wonderful around Wood Pond area. This is a small town. We had our picnic by the lake.

Wood Pond by Route 201, Maine
Wood Pond by Route 201, Maine

Route 201 run across Maine. We had lunch at Skowhegan, then we turned to I95 North and later Rd. 1A toward Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island. At around 5:30pm, we arrived at Holiday Inn Bar Harbor. The main building of the hotel had probably been renovated, it’s also called Bar Harbor Regency. Facing Frenchman’s Bay, the hotel offers beautify ocean view. With the open building arrangement, spacious room, nice restaurant and garden and over 1000-feet ocean front, it’s the most comfortable stay during our trip, the cheapest too.

Frenchman Bay at sunset, Acadia National Park, Maine
Frenchman Bay at sunset, Acadia National Park, Maine

The hotel is 10-minute drive from the town. We had the dinner at a Chinese restaurant, China Joy, on the main street. Their crab dish was quite good. My in-laws finally had some comfort food after several days. Bar Harbor is a small town. Most shops are along the main street. There are several restaurants by the bay serving famous Maine lobsters.

Bar Harbor at night, Acadia National Park, Maine
Bar Harbor at night, Acadia National Park, Maine
A store at Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
A store at Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine

After we returned to the I hotel, I asked with the front desk what is the best way to get to Cadillac Mountain the next morning. I was told that the government shutdown had just taken effect on the day. We had been on the road without following the news. It did happen. I later learnt that many visitors came from foreign countries to see America’s National Parks got so disappointed because all the parks were closed. Compared to them, we were still lucky.

I got up at 5am the next day morning. Much of Mt. Desert Island belongs to Acadia National Park, the rest is the private land. The roads that lead into the park were blocked, but visitors could still hike or bike into the park. It’s said that the summit of Cadillac Mountain sees the first sunrise of America, but there is another even more popular subject for photography in the park, Bass Harbor Lighthouse.

It took almost half an hour to reach the east side of the park. Before got into Seawall Rd. loop, I noticed a small Harbor on my left. Fishing boats dotted the tranquil harbor. Their reflections on the water contrasted perfectly against the backdrop of the horizon whose color had started getting warm. I got off the car and took some pictures.

Sunrise, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
Sunrise, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine

About 100 feet forward, two fellow photographers were also anxiously waiting for the sunrise and busy with their gears. I joined them for another set of pictures. We were blessed with wonderful settings, no cloud on the horizon but just enough cloud in the sky. In terms of pure sunrise in the good weather condition, this is the best I’ve every seen.

Sunrise, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
Sunrise, Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine

I walked to lighthouse and checked around the area, then I returned to the Seawall Rd. and took some pictures by the coastline. Covered by the seaweed, the rocks are very slippy.

Seawall, Acadia National Park, Maine
Seawall, Acadia National Park, Maine

I made several stops at Echo Lake by Maine 102. There was absolutely no wind. The lake surface was like a mirror. No wonder it’s called Echo Lake.

Echo Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine
Echo Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine

After breakfast, I took my wife and in-laws into the park. We almost followed the same route as my morning excursion, but only diverted to Maine 198 South to the Upper and Lower Hadlock Pond. Unfortunately, it’s breezy when I brought them to the same spot at Echo Lake. It didn’t seem attractive any more.

Upper Hadlock Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine
Upper Hadlock Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine
Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Acadia National Park, Maine
Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Acadia National Park, Maine

Compared to Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor is much less crowded. There are only a handful business here. We had lunch at Little Notch Bakery.

Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine

We tried to get to Seal Cove area but got lost. On our way back, we stopped at the north shore of Somes Sound. Acadia National Park is famous for the broken coastline. Somes Sound carves deep into the island. It’s the only fjord on the US Atlantic Coast.

Somes Sound, Acadia National Park, Maine
Somes Sound, Acadia National Park, Maine

Got some rest in the afternoon. We went to Bar Harbor again in the early evening. There is an interesting place at the end of Bridge Street. A gravel pass is exposed at low tide for a couple hours, so people can walk from here to Bar Island. We had walk half way to the island. It’s breezy, warm and relaxed.

Pass from Bar Harbor to Bar Island during low tide, Acadia National Park, Maine
Pass from Bar Harbor to Bar Island during low tide, Acadia National Park, Maine

The third day morning, I still got up early, but considering we’d drive to Boston, I decided not to shot the lighthouse in sunrise. Instead, I only went to the seashore near Bar Harbor and took some pictures of Acadia’s signature rocky coastline.

Sunrise, Near Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine
Sunrise, Near Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Maine

We checked out the hotel at 9am and were on our way to Boston. The fall color on I-95 were wonderful. I later learnt what we experienced was the best fall weather in 15 years.

Fall color on I-95, Maine
Fall color on I-95, Maine

Our flight back to California was at late afternoon. We briefly stopped at Augusta, the state capital of Maine. It’s one of the smallest capital cities in America.

Maine State House, Augusta, Maine
Maine State House, Augusta, Maine

We also made a break at Portsmouth. We had some coffee and did some shopping too. I had been here in 1997, 16 years ago, on the last day of the White Mountain trip with my classmates. Supposedly, I should have some sense of nostalgia, but I really had no memory of what the city had looked like.

North Church of Portsmouth, New Hampshire
North Church of Portsmouth, New Hampshire

As expected, the street to Boston was crowed and messy, but we managed to end our trip smoothly and leave us a lot of beautiful memory to recollect.

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Eastern Canada and Maine – Old Quebec

2013.9.30Early morning is always a good time to explore Old Quebec, or maybe any city. The reflection of early sun glow illustrated the quiet street. Even the most popular Petit Champlain saw no single person, no store opened either. Occasionally, there were other visitors or early runners enjoying the morning, we smiled, said “bonjour” and passed by. It’s a beautiful feeling.

Rue Sainte-Anne in the morning, Quebec City
Rue Sainte-Anne in the morning, Old Quebec

Old Quebec consists of the Upper Town on high land, Cap Diamant, and Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River. They are connected by Côte de la Montagne street.

Côte de la Montagne street, Quebec City
Empty Côte de la Montagne street in the morning, Old Quebec

The Lower Town features some most popular attractions of Quebec City, including Petit Champlain, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, Fresque des Québécois and countless small shops and restaurants. It’s very crowded in daytime, but now I was almost all alone by myself.

Petit Champlain in the early morning, Quebec City
Petit Champlain in the early morning, Old Quebec
View Château Frontenac from Rue Sous le Fort, Quebec City
Postcard view of Château Frontenac from Rue Sous le Fort, Old Quebec
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires and Fresque des Québécois, Quebec City
Fresque des Québécois and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church in Place Royale, Old Quebec

Our morning activities were focused on the Upper Town. Old Quebec is surrounded by the fortified walls. We walked through Porte St. Louis. It’s one of the oldest gates of the ramparts. It had been rebuilt and replaced for several times in its 300 years of history.

Porte St. Louis, part of the Ramparts of Quebec City
Porte St. Louis, part of the Ramparts of Quebec City

The parliament of Quebec City is in a square shape. The main building has a central clock tower stands 52 meter (171 feet) high.

Parliament Building, Quebec City
Parliament Building, Quebec City

The Citadelle of Quebec is a fortress built in the early 19th century to protect the city against possible American attack. The fort is in the star-shape, which evolved from the round-shape fortification and provide better defense against cannons. To get to the core, you have to walk around inner walls. We also circled around the fortress along the external premises. I have to say that we were not very impressed, not much to see.

Near the Ramparts of Quebec City
Near the Citadelle of Quebec

We had lunch at Savini Resto-Bar at 680 Rue Grande-Allée East. These are a couple of street blocks with restaurants and hotels outside of Old Quebec wall. Savini offers a fun dining environment, but the food was so so.

We spent the afternoon in Old Quebec, mostly in the Lower Town.

Quebec City
A yogurt store, Old Quebec
Notre-Dame de Québec, Quebec City
Notre-Dame de Québec, Old Quebec
Petit Champlain, Quebec City
A restaurant in Petit Champlain, Old Quebec
Petit Champlain, Quebec City
Petit Champlain, Old Quebec
Petit Champlain, Quebec City
Petit Champlain, Old Quebec

Besides Côte de la Montagne, an easier option to commute between Upper Town and Lower Town is by the cable car connects Cap Diamant and Petit Champlain. We were only a few minutes too late to catch the last car so we had to climb by ourselves. At the back of Château Frontenac, there is a long promenade known as Terrasse Dufferin. Along the riverfront, the boardwalk is 60 meters above the water. It’s a perfect place for a stroll in sunset and overlook the St. Lawrence River.

Overlook St. Lawrence River from Montmorency Park National Historic Site, Quebec City
Overlook St. Lawrence River from Montmorency Park National Historic Site, Old Quebec
Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec City
Terrasse Dufferin, Old Quebec

We had the dinner at Chez Boulay on Saint-Jean Street. The food is inspired by the nordic cuisine. It’s colorful, creative and delicious.

Dinner at Chez Boulay, Quebec City
Dinner at Chez Boulay, a restaurant featuring Nordic cuisine, Old Quebec
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Eastern Canada and Maine – Ottawa and Montreal

2013.9.29Sheraton Hotel is only 3 blocks way from the Parliament. I had my usual walk in the morning, to take pictures before visitors coming and to understand what places worth visiting and how much time we’d need.

As I was walking in the square of the Parliament Buildings, I understand why it’s the most popular attractions of the city. Open settings, grand architecture, dignified buildings, but the most beautiful place was the section between the Main Block and East Block. The trees’ color has started turning. Immersed in the morning fog, it’s quite and peaceful, very different feeling compared to the rigid buildings steps away.

Parliament of Canada, Ottawa
East Block of the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
Parliament of Canada, Ottawa
Southeast corner of the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
By the Ottawa River, Ottawa
Overlook Ottawa River at the back of Centre Block of the Parliament Hill, Ottawa

From the back of the Centre Block, I walked down from the Parliament Hill, By the bridge of Wellington St., steps led me down to the Rideau Canal. The Canal was built at the beginning of 19th century as a preventive measure in case of Americans invasion. It connects Ottawa River and Lake Ontario at Kingston, where we stopped for coffee the earlier night, with 200 km in length. It’s still operated today for leisure use.

Locks on Rideau Canal and the Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River, Ottawa
Locks on Rideau Canal and the Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River, Ottawa
Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Every lock on Rideau Canal is numbered. The lock is strong enough for people walking over it. The canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reflection of the Parliament Hill in Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Reflection of the Parliament Hill in Rideau Canal, Ottawa

Château Laurier is a grand hotel with 100 year of history. It’s located right next to the Rideau Canal. I walked along the canal underneath the bridge and climbed up from the other side. I walked over the Confederation Square and returned to the hotel.

Steps by the Plaza Bridge, Ottawa
Steps by the Plaza Bridge, Ottawa
National War Memorial and Fairmont Chateau Laurier in background, Ottawa
National War Memorial and Fairmont Chateau Laurier in background, Ottawa

I returned to Parliament Hill with my wife and in-laws 1 hour later. Centennial Flame was lit on. It happened to be the Canadian Police And Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, which is on the last Sunday of September of every year since 1998. We have a chance to view the memorial service in front of the Police Memorium by the Summer Gazebo and watched the parade on the front lawn of Parliament Hill.

Canadian Police And Peace Officer's Memorial, Ottawa
Canadian Police And Peace Officer’s Memorial in front of the Police Memorium by the Summer Gazebo, Ottawa
Parade of Canadian Police And Peace Officer's Memorial in front of Parliament of Canada, Ottawa
Canadian Police And Peace Officer’s Memorial parade under the Peace Tower of the Centre Block, Ottawa
Canadian Police And Peace Officer's Memorial, Ottawa
Canadian Police And Peace Officer’s Memorial, Ottawa

We took the same route that I walked earlier in the morning. We had some breakfast at BridgeHead Coffee, then we had a quick tour around Ottawa‘s Lower Town without leaving our car, partly because of the safety concern but mostly because we’d have another city to visit.

Leaving Ottawa, we soon enter Quebec province. It’s well known that the official language of Quebec is French, but we were still surprised that English just disappeared from all signs. My father-in-law had done researches in France for a couple of years. He could read and speak French, which was very helpful. At one time, we stopped at a visitor center and asked for maps. The lady at the help desk helped us but just like she helped any other visitor; then my father-in-law started talking with her in French – the lady become enthusiastic almost right away. She brought more maps and brochures and told us other attractions worth visiting.

At 2pm, we arrived at Montreal, the largest city in Quebec. Montreal had been the commercial center of Canada until 70’s and remained to be a diversified and active city for commerce, technology and world affairs. However, we only planned to be here for several hour and the only area we’d visit was the Old Montreal.

Old Montreal is a historic area by the waterfront of St. Lawrence River. There are enough parking space by Rue Saint-Antoine behind the city hall. The center of the Old Montreal is the Place Jacques-Cartier square. We walked to the Old Port and Rue Saint-Amable, then we had lunch at one of many restaurants at the square. It started getting dark when we walked to Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica. We didn’t get a chance to get in.

Montreal City Hall, Old Montreal
Montreal City Hall, Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Walking street, Rue Saint-Amable, Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Place Jacques-Cartier square, Old Montreal

We drove to the Mount Royal Park. The very top of the hill was closed to vehicles, so we were not able to view Montreal’s skyline from the top. On the waist of the mountain, there is an vista point. We could overlook the northern part of the city with the Olympic Stadium in sight.

Overlook Montreal from Mount Royal Park, Montreal
Overlook North Montreal from Mount Royal Park, Montreal
A pair of raccoons at Mount Royal Park, Montreal
A pair of raccoons at the vista point. They were very affectionate. Montreal

Our schedule was like group tour that could only taste the city in a very superficial way. We left Montreal at 5:30pm. It’d be a two and half hour drive to reach Quebec city. There were not a lot of car on the highway. We almost passed by Quebec City without noticing the sign. Luckily, we were able to charge the cell phone in the car and load the map.

We located Boulevard Laurier, which led us straightly into the Old Quebec. The street became tree-lined and then the buildings along the street appeared to be more elegant. After we went through a stone arch, the street suddenly became very narrow. Navigating through the European-style maze-like city grid, we checked into our hotel, Hôtel Champlain Vieux Québec. From the window, we had a view of grand Château Frontenac.

Château Frontenac, Quebec City
Night view of Château Frontenac from Hôtel Champlain Vieux Québec, Quebec City

We went out to see if there was any food to eat, but it’s too late and most restaurants were closing. We returned to the hotel, had some nice tea at the lobby. With the hot water, we were able to make our reserved instant noodles as dinner.

Night scene of Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
Night scene of Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
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