Taking a Break from the Bucket List and Talking About a Great View!

It's been over a year since we started living our lives per the rules of Covid-19.  We are in the age of vaccination, and that is great, but we still have a way to go and it's Spring.  I decided to take a break from writing about all the exotic places that we all want to travel to, because I want to put some thoughts out there about some things that have helped me weather the pandemic.  What I want to talk about is the view.

We may not be ready to get back to shopping malls, crowded restaurants, concerts, parties, movie theaters, or flying on airplanes yet, but mother nature is roaming on and bringing us some nice weather.  During the last year or so, my life has changed as have most people's.  One of the least changed parts of my life, are my casual activities.  One of my favorite things to do is to get out and see a  great view.

One of my favorite activities is to take a drive and take a walk on a bridge.  I've found some whoppers.  The first one I would like to mention is the Rip Van Winkle Bridge across the Hudson River in New York State.  This grand old bridge hails 100 feet above the river and is pedestrian friendly.  It is a great way to enjoy the area.  

Olana Mansion and Historic Site are on the East side of the river with a great view of the bridge.  The Olana Estate was the home of Frederick Church, a noteworthy Landscape Painter from the 1800's.  The mansion is decorated as a Moroccan home, while incorporating various collectibles and a sometimes rustic atmosphere.  The grounds house sculptures and have amazing views.  Then after, go down and take a walk across the bridge and get another amazing view of the river valley from the Skyway Across the Hudson.  

Olana and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge are at the edge of the Catskill Mountains in Greenport, NY, just a bit away from the old whaling city of Hudson.

Not far from where I live is the Arrogoni Bridge in Middletown, CT.  This more than 1200 foot long bridge hangs more than 100 feet above the Connecticut River.  The parking is best on the East side of the bridge.  The view of the valley and the city is amazing, and the bridge is set up for pedestrians.  The bridge towers so high that you have to look down at the old railroad bridge crossing the river below.  

Another of the fabulous aspects of walking this bridge is that there are several state parks in the area, so you can have a great time outdoors.

One of my favorite views is from The Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY.  This repurposed railroad bridge towers 200 feet above the mighty Hudson River.  It was opened as a state park in 2009, and has become wildly popular year round.  The trail has now been extended for miles on either side of the river as a rail trail system and this part belongs to Dutchess County.  

There are so many ways to enjoy this choice.  There is a road bridge, that has a walkway as well.  These two bridges are connected by a marked trail to make a loop.  So, one trip, two bridges; amazing views of the Hudson Valley.  

I have been to this area during each and every season, and I can tell you that there is not a bad time to walk this bridge.  During the pandemic, the people who use this bridge have been extremely courteous.  They wear masks and social distance and it makes all of us feel comfortable.

If by some chance you get into the city, my all time favorite bridge walk is The Brooklyn Bridge.  This world famous behemoth has been straddling the East River since 1876 and is one of the most famous pedestrian friendly bridges anywhere.  It's a long walk for a bridge as you start well into the borough on either side, extending the walk by almost a half mile.  I like to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan, because it's some of the best views of the city in front of you the whole way.  You can also see the Stature of Liberty in the harbor either way.

Little known fact to the visitor; there are many pedestrian friendly bridges in New York City.  If you get a chance to get to the city, which is still struggling with the virus a bit, you can take your choice.  

I like a high bridge, a long bridge, or just an unusual bridge.  One of my long standing favorites is The Bridge of Flowers in Shelbourne Falls, MA.  This bridge is a veteran's memorial made out of an old trolley bridge.  It's like a walk in the garden, but over the river.

Both of the bridges in Shelbourne Falls are pedestrian friendly and have great views of the Deerfield River.  The town is a little village where you can look at the local falls, see all the quaint buildings, and even stop at some independent bookstores.  The town is right off the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) in Northern Massachusetts.

There are many ways that I have survived the pandemic without losing my mind.  I do love a good bridge walk.  I also hunt waterfalls, walk rail trails and greenways, I go on photography drives, I go kayaking and so much more.  I've always spent a lot of time outdoors.  I've actually been a bit miffed at times in the last year when the parks have been so overcrowded that I can't fit in.  But, if you find that you aren't quite ready to jump on a plane and go to a crowded resort; take a walk outside and enjoy the view.  Whether it's water, bridge, park, or anything else; getting outside can make everything seem better.  Enjoy!

https://shelburnefalls.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g41809-Shelburne_Falls_Massachusetts-Vacations.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bridge-flowers

https://www.traillink.com/trail/bridge-of-flowers/

http://www.mohawktrail.com/

https://www.nps.gov/places/mohawk-trail.htm

https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-eagle-restaurant-and-gift-shoppe-clarksburg

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/poet-s-seat-tower

https://boswellsbooks.net/

https://walkway.org/

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/178/details.aspx

https://www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/walkway-over-the-hudson/

https://hydeparkny.us/

https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

https://www.ciachef.edu/

https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/vanderbilt-mansion-national-historic-site

http://hvrailtrail.com/

https://www.hudsonvalleyrailtrails.org/

https://cityofpoughkeepsie.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g48443-Activities-Poughkeepsie_New_York.html

https://untappedcities.com/2019/05/20/28-historic-estates-to-visit-in-new-yorks-hudson-valley/

https://www.greenportvillage.com/

https://www.townofgreenport.com/

https://www.olana.org/

https://cityofhudson.org/

https://visithudsonny.com/

http://www.nysba.state.ny.us/bridgepages/RVWB/RVWBpage/NYSWeb_RVW_page_NoLogo.htm

https://www.hudsonriverskywalk.org/

https://www.townofcatskillny.gov/

https://www.villageofcatskill.net/

https://redtri.com/new-york/span-tastic-your-guide-to-walking-the-citys-magnificent-bridges/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-coolest-bridges-in-new-york-city-4685201

https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/brooklyn-bridge

https://www.nycgo.com/attractions/brooklyn-bridge/

https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/thingstodo/famous-bridges.php

https://www.budgettravel.com/article/best-pedestrian-bridges

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/gatlinburg-suspension-bridge-trnd/index.html

https://bridgewalk.com/

https://www.middletownct.gov/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33837-Activities-Middletown_Connecticut.html

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Wadsworth-Falls-State-Park

https://www.stateparks.com/wadsworth_falls_state_park_in_connecticut.html

https://www.arrigonibridgeproject.com/

https://www.portlandct.org/arrigoni-bridge

https://www.ctvisit.com/

 

Ladies, Here's Some Solid Advice for Visiting Hawaii!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, here we embark on another section of traveling to Hawaii. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world, with unrivaled gorgeous weather, great activities, great views, great food, great people, great everything. That being said, it can be really hard to plan your first trip. What on Earth are you supposed to do if you've never been there, and you aren't quite sure which thing is on what island? Will you have time to visit more than one island? Can you visit them all? How close can you get to a live volcano? Where is the best place to buy a Hawaiian shirt? What's the best luau? There are a lot of questions. Anywhere I go, I labor to find a good hotel the first time. Any time I visit a city, I have to research the best way to get around. Hawaii is that times five.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My advice is something I don't talk about too often, because I very rarely do it. Take a tour. Have a plan. Make an itinerary. Talk to an expert. This is one of those rare occasions when a plan is a good thing. This may be your one chance to hit this bucket list item. You don't want to get back home and realize that you missed the most important thing that you wanted to see. I'm still trying to get back to Russia to see Oranienbaum. Trust me, it's not a regret you wish to live with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have rarely stayed at an all inclusive resort, but Hawaii could be your spot for such accommodations. The perk is that you can use that for a base. If you like to hit the beach, go to the spa, hang at the pool, shop, and go to a luau; the resort may be the solution to your vacation. There are many resorts that will spoil you rotten right on the premises. They are expensive, but you may save money on food, drink, transportation, and guides. It's worth checking out in Hawaii. If you don't take a lengthy vacation to the islands, you probably won't be island hopping anyway. This could be the way to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another thing that resorts do for their guests is to help them take local tours to the places that they want to see. They will be happy to help schedule most activities and local tours. If you want to fly, dive, sail, or even zipline; they'll help you do what you want to do. It can be as crazy or as relaxed as you want it to be. They know the best of the best. It's what they do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you do have a lot of time, consider taking a cruise. Most major cruise lines have a cruise to Hawaii. You leave San Francisco or Los Angeles and take your time sailing to the islands on an action packed cruise ship. Lots of us have taken a cruise around the Caribbean, this is more of a crossing. There's plenty to do and plenty to do when you arrive. There are also cruises around the islands that are much shorter. You can even take a dinner cruise if you like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tours are a way of life in a place that is all about tourism. That's where the word comes from. If you play golf, like to go to cooking school, are a history buff, like to dive, or even learn to surf; Hawaii has tours for you. Travel agencies still exist whether brick and mortar or online. It's all valuable to check on before going somewhere like Hawaii. You need to make the most out of your time, however you wish to do it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you do decide to go island hopping, and who wouldn't want to, you may be looking at inter island travel. There are cruises that go from island to island and solve the whole problem for you. Once again, in a place like Hawaii, not a bad idea. But, if you decide to go out on your own, there are a few ways you can go. It's not widely used, but there are ferries between the islands. You can take a boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The way that is used most is to fly. There are several different ways to fly from island to island. You can take a large jet or a small plane. In good weather, meaning low wind, you can take a helicopter. The locals mostly fly. The prices are pretty good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, take a tour. Take a helicopter, a four wheeler, a zipline, a boat, a plane, or even take a food tour, or a waterfall tour. There are so many different kinds of tours to take, that you'll never get bored. I love to make my way around a place and stumble on things that I will never forget. However, Hawaii is so full of those things, that it may help to decide ahead of time and prioritize. Making sure that you see the biggest items on the bucket list is important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even for the most rambunctious travelers in the world, this is one of the places that you should try and relax. You could wear yourself out in a day. To me, all the luxury all inclusive resorts look like a waste of money, but that may not be the case in Hawaii. These folks not only have a ton of ways to help you relax, they have a ton of ways to help you go out and see and do things.

Take the assistance on this one. Hawaii is a big vacation. Take the help of the cruise line, the travel agent, the resort staff and the tour guide. Book it, plan it and don't waste your time. Wandering is great, but knowing that you're going to have a fabulous time is priceless. Take the time to consult with experts so that you can have the best time and enjoy!

https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/spas-Hawaii-r61/

https://www.hawaii.com/oahu/things-to-do/spa/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Hawaii-Luxury-Spa-Resorts-zfp33534.html

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https://www.hawaiiactivities.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28932-Activities-c42-Hawaii.html

https://www.hawaiitours.com/

https://www.toursbylocals.com/Hawaii-Tours?s=BA_04_069B_hawaii%20tour&utm_source=MSAC&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=04_069B&gclid=aa08b4de9d86157c35e2d4bd0593c5bd&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=aa08b4de9d86157c35e2d4bd0593c5bd&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=04G%20USA%20(USA)&utm_term=hawaii%20tour&utm_content=069B%20Hawaii%20-%20Generic&gclid=aa08b4de9d86157c35e2d4bd0593c5bd&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.hawaii.com/travel/island-hopping/

https://www.mauihawaii.org/between-island-flights/

https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/deals-and-offers/flights/interisland

https://www.oahutomaui.com/

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https://www.hawaii.com/travel/ferry-travel/

https://www.visitacity.com/en/maui/activities/all-activities?activitiesSearchByName=island%20hopping%20oahu%20tour&sbi=Island%20Hopping%20Oahu&sbn_sec=day%20tour&actid=5123P54&campaginid=141667125&adgroupid=4635400641&targetid=kwd-29628333455:aud-805820199:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Hawaii%20Auto%20Activities%20G-US-In-US&utm_term=maui%20island%20hopping%20oahu%20day%20tour&utm_content=Island%20Hopping%20Oahu%20Tour%20-%20AI:5123P54

https://www.dreamlines.com/cruise/island-hopping-in-hawaii-795248

https://www.frostandsun.com/island-hopping-in-hawaii/

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/hawaii/hawaii-interisland-cruise

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https://www.ncl.com/cruise-destinations/hawaii-cruises?cid=PS_TSI_DESTHAW_NBDDST_BIN-o_LEN_SRH_NA_hawaiian%20cruises_76828506445274_NA&gclid=a6d088877b7b1b8e2350e8e4ec69d5ed&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.aloha-hawaiian.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Hawaii-All-Inclusive-Resorts-zfp41237.html

https://www.expedia.com/lp/all-inclusive?semcid=US.UB.BING.GT-c- EN.PACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1361531958.b11284229934428294.r1.g1kwd-80264573135764:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144755.k1.f1.n1.l1o.h1b.m1&msclkid=7f267047edf6154cc36910247b393cb0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BEX%253AUSA%253AENG%253A%2525%253AGT%253AGLOB%253AALL%253AX%253AX%253AAll%257CInclusivelResorts%253A&utm_term=%252Ball%2520%252Binclusive%2520%252Bresort&utm_content=USA%253AENG%253A%2525%253AGT%253AGLOB%253AALL%253AXX%253AX%253AX%253AX%253AX%253AX%253AX%253AAll%257CInclusive%257CResorts%253A

https://www.hawaii.com/vacation-packages/all-inclusive-packages/