Washington DC -- Monuments

After a fall and winter of work and more work, we are back into travel mode. Due to pricey Florida tickets, we gave up on visiting Grammy and Florida crew this April vacation. But, I found reasonable fares and a non-stop flight from Bangor to DC. Liam had to teach, so the boys and I decided to go anyway. With the addition of Clucky, the trip was set to go.

We arrived late Saturday night and realized that the Bangor High School chorus was performing Sunday morning at the WW2 Memorial -- perfect, a chance to see my students (Cormac to see some friends) combined with a tour of the monuments.

My student, Jessica, accompanies the singers.

BHS Chorus

Going to the monuments is always moving -- all those people who have sacrificed and struggled to make our country fair and equitable and to try to help people around the world. Plus, as Declan said, "No matter how many times you see these in movies or on TV, it's not the same as really seeing it for yourself." Reason #1 to take your kids places!

Love the new MLK Memorial -- so stately and word-oriented!

African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War

Maine represented at the WW2 Memorial

WW2 Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Reason #2 to take kids places -- in my AP English class we read this great poem about the Vietnam War Memorial, and my students on the music trip told me they remembered lines from the poem when they visited the memorial. English connections out in the real world.

Here's a link to the poem http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15830

Luckily the cherry blossoms hadn't gone by completely.

We ended the day with Cailin -- window shopping in Georgetown and eating yummy Thai food (http://www.bangkokjoes.com/) and cupcakes from Baked and Wired which Emily, a student of mine, had recommended from when she was page in DC. A great first day in our nation's capital!

Giant chess game on roof-top deck of Cailin's apartment building!

Why Don't We Live Here?

Okay, I was giving lots of love to the Bay Area, but now it's time for Maine.

My family recently headed to Portland mainly to see Tegan and Sara, two sisters from Canada, who played an amazing show at the State Theater.  Beyond the fun of a rocking, live show, we packed in all the things that we love about southern Maine.

Scarborough Beach State Park

The warmest, sandiest, waviest beach in Maine (which isn't saying much since freezing water, rocks, and no surf are the norm at Maine's beaches)!  The day we were there, the surf was the wildest I've seen, so there was lots of being tumbled around by waves.

Two Lights Lobster Shack

If you have time to brave the lines (don't arrive at 6:00 on the weekend), the location cannot be beat.  Although you can buy cheaper seafood elsewhere, the combination of eating on picnic tables, watching the waves crash on the rocks, hearing the fog horn, enjoying delicious food make this place a winner in our opinion.  Also, BYOB and great with kids since you order at the window and play until the food arrives.

The line forms early and stays long!

But the view makes the wait worthwhile

Best fried clams -- just try not to eat too many!

Back Cove

Liam and I ran this flat, scenic route the morning after the concert.  Loved the salty smells, friendly runners, and 3.5 mile loop.

Scratch Baking Company

I first had one of these bagels at a friend of a friend's house after a race in Portland.  She called them "crack bagels," and let me just say she is right.  I don't even like bagels but these are sublime.  So, go early, since they sell out, but post-run, that was one amazing bagel!

We're always saying, "Why don't we live in Portland?" This mini-vacation made us love the city and area even more -- some of the best of summer in Maine!

Why People are Happier in California

Although I love living in Maine, where the laid-back lifestyle encourages simplicity and kindness, the whimsical nature of the Bay Area makes me smile more.

For example, where else besides San Francisco do people dress up their cars?

Or paint their houses in cheery colors?

As Liam's cousin Shauna explained the color of her house, when you live in the fog belt you can't really paint your house grey.

Plus, the food choices, including a gourmet ice cream cake bought at a high-end grocery store for Cormac's birthday (yes, that's a giant, chocolate curl on top)

And a rose garden with more varieties than you thought possible

Well, you get the idea -- things are more colorful in many ways in San Francisco, but maybe it's just because I'm always on vacation there.

San Francisco Aquarium

Yesterday, we visited the new Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park.  The aquarium is part of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, which is one of the oldest institutions of its kind, founded in 1853.  After earthquake damage forced a temporary closure in 2005, the new building re-opened in 2008 and impresses visitors with both its sustainable design and impressive exhibits.

Most notable is the Rainforests of the World, an exhibit that physically takes you through the parts of rainforests, as you move up ramps from the floor to the canopy.  Birds and butterflies flutter around freely, while iguanas and frogs are contained in habitats.

Best of the many frogs

and the butterflies

and the birds

One of my favorite things in this exhibit are these plant walls.  Although the boys ridiculed my plan, I think one in our home would be so cool!

Beyond this amazing exhibit, there are seemingly miles of fish tanks, including lots of different jellyfish

a giant tank of a coral reef complete with diver washing the glass

and an albino alligator

No visit would be complete without a trip to the roof!  The living roof conserves water and energy and is beautiful also.  Reading about its benefits makes me wonder why any building has a regular roof, though I'm not sure how a living roof would do in cold climates. I envision one in Maine covered with snow and ice for six months, then mud for two -- would that really benefit the environment?

Although the price tag is steep, the Natural Academy of Sciences is worth the cost!  Highly recommended for all ages and interests.

Camp Richardson at Lake Tahoe

Staying at Camp Richardson, near South Lake Tahoe, is a great choice for a large group.  There are many choices for accommodations, including the Richardson House, which sleeps 20 easily and has this great front porch to watch the passing parade along the bike route/sidewalk.

There are also cabins, campsites and a hotel as sleeping options.  Camp Richardson has its own beach, restaurant, bar, ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and general store.  Beyond all these amenities, a biking trail passes right by, while nearby Tallac Historic Site offers glimpses at early 1900s Tahoe society and Taylor Creek Visitor Center provides a gentle, one mile amble along meadows and streams.

Our visit to Taylor Creek included beautiful vistas

views of the mountain range and glimpses of Lake Tahoe 

and a chance to see flora up close (like the mountains and the lake, the flowers are bigger than back East).

Indian paint brush

a giant dandelion (not really, but looks like one)

Overall, a stay at Camp Richardson offers options for the active (biking, running, paddling) and the sedentary (beach, nature walks, historic tours), making this place a great base for vacation fun!

dinner table decorated for 4th of July by Emily

the cousins on the porch

This big, red bike means you can't miss the bike rental shop!