Adventures for Anyone

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Wiesn. What's that? Oktoberfest! Thanks Jen!

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the biggest festivals in the world. I bring it up today, because not only did my friend Jen put it directly on the bucket list, but it starts for the year in three days! Post pandemic, no restrictions...Oktoberfest is back! In reality, there are Oktoberfests all over the world. America loves them and almost every city has one. Everyone loves to get together, listen to polka music, eat schnitzel, wear Liederhosen and of course, drink beer. That's the point, right?

Well, as usual, and particularly in old world Europe, Oktoberfest has an amazing history.

On October 12th, 1810 there was a wedding between King Ludwig I and Princess Teresa of Sassonia-Hildburghausen. They wanted to share their happiness and invited everyone in Munich to the party. The fields around the city have been called Theresienwiese or Teresa's Meadows, ever since. That was eventually shortened to Wies'n. The crowning glory of events at that celebration was a horse race, and that was the event that they decided to repeat every year. So, Oktoberfest was born.

Now, don't forget, that beer as we know it; I mean the basic formula, was set down by the Bavarians. Beer is their history.

A lot has changed over the years. The horse race ended in the 1960's. Rides were added pretty early on and have grown into a world class midway. In 1885 electricity came along for the first time allowing the festivities to go on into the night. Some of the largest tents in the world, 17 of them at last count, house the festival of beer. Millions of people attend the festival. There are 15 million people living in Munich to start with. Then add tourists. The numbers can become staggering.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the festivities were cancelled and restricted and are just finally returning to normal. It takes more than that to stop one of the most famous festivals in the world.

So, why is it that this is the 187th Oktoberfest if it's been going on since 1810? Shouldn't that be the 212th? Well, life gets in the way once in a while. There's been wars with Prussia, WWI and WWII, and more recently a pandemic. Once in a while the festival has been cancelled, occasionally for years; but it never ceases to exist.

Munich is that wonderful combination of productivity and have a good time. Munich is a big industry town with BMW leading the pack on that note with beer close behind. But somewhere between going to work to make cars and beer, and celebrating fall comes that time when you see average citizens wandering around town in their Liederhosen. Bringing history to life and celebrating the harvest. It's a beautiful thing.

Once the festival got into full swing, they did move the dates up to September because the weather is just better. The festival has been called the Harvest Festival and the Autumn Festival at times over the years, but in the modern era Oktoberfest stuck and stuck hard.

I must say, if you don't drink beer, don't eat sausage or pretzels; you might not enjoy the tents at this festival. If that's the case, there's so much more to the festival. There's rides, other food, dancing, and events of all kinds. If you don't like the festivities in the tents, just go to another part. Drinking isn't all that goes on at Oktoberfest.

That being said, there's also more to do in Munich!

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, which encompasses the black forest and the foothills of the Alps. It's beautiful. It's the land of fairy tales and Neuschwanstein Castle isn't far from Munich. One of the most famous castles in the world and beautiful beyond comparison. It's a must see if you're as close as Munich.

Munich is old. It's one of those European cities that has an old town and a new town that's not much newer than the old town. They've been through Holy Roman Emperors and the Reformation. They survived WWI and WWII. Bavaria, and Munich as its capital remained part of West Germany during the Communist years with Soviets all around them.

Munich has eons of various architecture both of buildings and churches. There are several tours you can take both self guided and guided to see the buildings of this marvelous city. But, don't limit yourself. Munich continues to build cutting edge architecture, so you may want to look into a modern tour as well. As you get out of the old center of the city, amazing structures from far more recent times emerge.

There's so much to see and do in Munich. There are a plethora of museums, including a Holocaust Museum. They have a cutting edge football stadium, so sports are a plenty. There's manufacturing. There's many different kinds of shopping from A list expensive areas to outdoor markets. Their Christmas Market is one of the more famous ones in Europe. They have one of the largest inner city parks in the world, rivaling Central Park in New York. The park is full of activities, sights, hiking, gardens and more. There are amazing things to see all around town.

Note to anyone who loves something a little different. Switzerland several years back started something called river surfing. If you're wondering what that is, it's exactly what it sounds like. You get a surfboard and surf on a raging river. Munich is another one of those cities that partakes in this sport. It happens right in the middle of town on the Eisbach River.

Eating is something you'll want to spend some time with during a visit to Munich. Yes, they have sausage, pretzels and beer. However, Munich is quite the foodie destination. They have restaurants offering a myriad of different food stylings and there are restaurants ranging from ancient to modern, from on the ground to high in the air. The delights abound and should not be ignored. Remember, one of the best things about travel is the trying of new foods.

Getting around the city can always be tricky, or it can be easy. With 15 million people running around, public transportation is the way to go. There are trams, buses, subways or Ubahn, and rentals like bikes and Uber. There are even pedicabs to help you get around the city. Check into the local transportation cards before you go. It can make your visit far more delightful.

Munich is a place where you can enjoy the theater, go shopping on your own terms, surf on a river, experience art, culture and history dating back over a thousand years, enjoy beauty and food, and attend one of the largest festivals in the world.

Just remember, one of the best things about visiting a historic venue is learning some of that history before you go. It enriches your experience and gives you a truly meaningful encounter. After all, you wouldn't want to go all the way to the most beautiful part of Germany and come home with nothing but a hangover, would you?

Take the time to experience Munich and all it has to offer. But get with it, Oktoberfest 2022 starts in just three days. Enjoy!

https://www.visitacity.com/en/munich/activities/all-activities?activitiesSearchByName=Oktoberfest&campaginid=418300277&adgroupid=1280931430284851&targetid=kwd-80058432921013:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Munich%20ActivitiesM21X%20G-US-In-EUR&utm_term=oktoberfest%20tour%20munich&utm_content=Oktoberfest

https://www.booking.com/landmark/de/oktoberfest.en.html?msclkid=b5b05408ae4317373ec737281a8edbe5&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=8XSGq0VWfqzac1PZdf4VcA&aid=2119645&label=msn-8XSGq0VWfqzac1PZdf4VcA-80676780889164%3Atikwd-80676900788534%3Aloc-190%3Aneo%3Amtb%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqsmunich+germany+and+the+history+of+oktoberfest&utm_campaign=Germany&utm_source=bing

https://www.oktoberfest.net/history-oktoberfest/

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/tradition/the-history-of-oktoberfest

https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/oktoberfest/history.html

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/germany?c3api=bing,1307319562581963,81707615776024&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81707563531401_k_81707615776024_w_kwd-81707615776024:loc-4086_g_1307319562581963_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_116766_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=o5DGdWmd-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81707563531401%7Cpkw%7Coktoberfest%20munich%20germany%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1307319562581963%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81707615776024:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Germany-Jul%202020&utm_term=oktoberfest%20munich%20germany&utm_content=o5DGdWmd-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81707563531401%7Cpkw%7Coktoberfest%20munich%20germany%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1307319562581963%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81707615776024:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1307319562581963&ptaid=kwd-81707615776024:loc-4086&msclkid=8290c4c8c96f1e511733a7e87faa5993

https://www.viator.com/tours/Munich/Private-Oktoberfest-and-Sightseeing-Tour-in-Comfort-Van-plus-1-Transfer-At-Night/d487-173111P7?m=33953&supag=1233652208695784&supsc=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&supai=77103347463768&supdv=c&supnt=nt:o&suplp=44736&supli=116766&supti=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&tsem=true&supci=dat-2328903066664826:loc-190&supkw=munich%20germany%20and%20oktoberfest&msclkid=e5e2db108ba61edf6d5fb8303d636743

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en

https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-munich/

https://www.introducingmunich.com/oktoberfest

https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/3-days-in-munich-during-oktoberfest-things-to-do/

https://www.goaheadtours.com/tours/europe-tours?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US_Search_Europe_BMM&utm_group=Europe_Tour&utm_term=european+tour&utm_content=o&mt=p&utm_device=c&invsrc=b.1403&msclkid=f278ade7a6d719567816cec7116d3cad&gclid=f278ade7a6d719567816cec7116d3cad&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/search?endDate=9%2F27%2F2022&langid=1033&location=Munich%20%28and%20vicinity%29%2C%20Bavaria%2C%20Germany&msclkid=8ab90fe3923417692e866cc3258e40c0&regionId=2452&rid=179896&semcid=US.MULTILOBLX.BING.DL-c-EN.LX&semdtl=a1268773038.b11293025836098222.r1.g1kwd-80814224836301%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1116766.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=9%2F13%2F2022&swp=on&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%5D%3ADL%3AEMEA%3AX%3AM%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%5D%3ADT%3AEMEA%3ADEU%3AXX%3AGermany%3A64%3AMunich%3A2452%3AM%3ANC%3Aactivity%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=%2Bmunich%20%2Bactivities

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187309-d8820318-Reviews-Oktoberfest-Munich_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html

https://www.bier-und-oktoberfestmuseum.de/en/

https://www.munich.travel/en/categories/plan/attractions

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/munich

https://www.europetravel.com/?source=bing&nlp=i&cn=tours&ag=europetours&msclkid=9b59ee9366b411b212118db3dee48afb

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/munich-germany

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/an-introduction-to-munichs-nazi-museum/

https://www.kayak.com/horizon/sem/flights/destination/c14057?lang=en&utm_campaign=Destination+-+DE+-+Munich+-+City%2314057&utm_content=City+-+to+munich+-+T%3Dnone+-+P%3Dnone+-+D%3DCity%2314057&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=to+munich&skipapp=true

https://architectureofcities.com/munich

https://www.e-architect.com/munich/munich-architecture

https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/97472/architectural-buildings

https://www.frommers.com/destinations/munich/in-depth/art--architecture

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/germany/

https://www.muenchen.de/int/en.html

https://de.usembassy.gov/location/munich/

https://www.priceline.com/flights?query=munich%20germany%20flights&match=be&kw=munich%20germany%20flights&refid=PLMSN&refclickid=D%3AcFlight16294499090o73598780607291370066004kwd-73598726228984%3Aloc-190&msclkid=83b73d617eb413cc223b5e41c552e7e2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DEST%7CMobile%7CD%3ACity%7CGM%7CGERMANY%7CMunich%7C3000035919&utm_term=munich%20germany%20flights&utm_content=DEST%7CMobile%7CD%3ACity%7CGM%7CGERMANY%7CMunich%7C3000035919%7CExact&slingshot=1989&vrid=bc2d76e510091222869d4ffab0482a3c

https://www.cheapflights.com/flights-to-munich/

https://www.skyscanner.com/routes/muc/de/munich-to-germany.html

https://www.travelocity.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Munich.d179896.Travel-Guide-Flights

https://www.eurowings.com/us/booking/offers/flights-from/DE/MUC/to/DE.html

https://www.raileurope.com/en-us/destinations/stations/munchen-hauptbahnhof

https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-to-use-munich-trains-3149961

https://www.thefork.com/restaurants/munich-c368455

https://www.timeout.com/munich/restaurants/best-restaurants-in-munich

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l26/?cmp=bing&cmp=bing&campaign_id=377863936&adgroup_id=1254543364187963&target_id=kwd-78409295764713%3Aloc-190&match_type=e&ad_id=78409107828319&msclkid=805bce2c2b601ed93ed3ad0c96508072&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=munich%20germany%20what%20to%20do&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=dc%3D27%3Ade%7Clc%3D26%3Amunich%7Cct%3Dcore%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=munich%20germany%20what%20to%20do&gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_content=lc%3D26%3Amunich%7Cfn%3Df3%7Cci%3D937%3Athings%20to%20do

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-munich-germany/

https://ittworld.com/tours/luther-reformation-oberammergau-germany/

https://bestbeerfestivals.com/munich-oktoberfest

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Road Trips Can Lead to Great Things That You Never Had Time to Notice!

Half my life has been spent in some form traveling from New England to the Midwest or vice versa. Anyone who's made that trip knows that there's a place where I-84 goes down a giant hill and crosses the Delaware River in a small town. Doesn't matter what direction you're going; it happens that way. This is a mundane happening on your way from point A to point B. Doesn't matter which way you're going. You've probably stopped at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center to go to the bathroom. You may have stopped to eat in the area.

The Delaware River divides that area between Metamoras, PA; Port Jervis, NY; and whatever is going on around Carpenter's Point in New Jersey. Seems calm. There's a Walmart. But, what you don't know is that it's one of the coolest areas around.

Exit #1 on the east side of the river goes to High Point State Park and the monument that sits up there. The monument is for veterans. The view of the valley is amazing. Not to be missed.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an amazing place for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are several different kinds of activities you can do in the river. There's camping all over the place and of all kinds. This is a tourist area, a travelers area, and all summer long, it's busy with lots of options.

Most of the activity is in Pennsylvania, as that's where the national recreation area is technically located. All along Route 209 you'll find things to do and places to stay.

As you travel down the highway, you'll first stop at Raymondskill Falls. This is the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. That's a point of distinction, since there are hundreds of waterfalls in the state. There's a short trail to the falls and there are a few sections to the falls, so make sure you walk around and see it all. If you're lucky, like I was a couple times, you might see some crazy kayakers going down the falls. It's not uncommon and very entertaining.

Next, you'll come to Dingman's Ferry and Dingman's Falls. Here there's a rickety bridge across the river. That's not for the feint of heart. On the other side of the road just past the intersection, is the drive to the trailhead and the visitor's center at Dingman's Falls.

I have to add a story here. The first time I ever visited Dingman's Falls was on February 5th of some year or other. It was winter, and I was feeling a bit of cabin fever. I'd never heard of any of the area, except that I drove through there a lot on I-84. I went and hiked up the drive, which was closed for the winter, and along the trail to the falls in deep snow. It was amazing, and I've been going back ever since. Albeit, in warmer weather.

At any rate, there's a lovely visitor's center there, and the trail is largely a boardwalk. This makes the whole place wheelchair accessible and a very nice option for mobility challenged folks.

The boardwalk goes by Silver Thread falls, which is a lovely drizzle and then on the main event at Dingman's. The view is stunning. If you like, you can hike up and down the side of the falls. The views are great anywhere in there, and well worth the short walk. The only downside is that you have to watch the weather. If there's been a lot of rain, the trail may be closed. It does flood.

And last, but not least, there's Bushkill Falls. There are seven miles of walking you can do on a loop through the boardwalks, bridges, and trails in Bushkill. There are eight waterfalls in the park, and the views are amazing. It does charge a fee, as it's privately owned. Also, if you bring a little one, put them in a backpack carrier. It's a challenging walk on a good day.

The cool part of Bushkill is that there's a resort right there, activities, food, and shopping. Bushkill is also in that area of the Poconos well known for honeymoons and romance. There are several resorts in the area that are adults only and even a casino or two is available. So, if bringing children, make sure you book the correct lodging.

Good that we've covered all that. But, here's the part that I never knew. Along Route 209 on your way to all those cool waterfalls is a town called Milford. I've been through Milford many times. It's cute, showing off its heritage and history. I love to drive through it, and it has some cute places to eat as well. I've spent so much time looking at waterfalls, that I missed something, and I got to see that recently.

We go to visit my son a lot, and we take two days for the drive just because it's long. So, we now have some time to stop along the way and check some things out. This last time, we were in the Metamoras area and decided to stop at Grey Towers in Milford. Wow.

Grey Towers was the estate of Gifford Pinchot. So what, you say? I thought that too. You may have heard of Pinchot State Park or Pinchot National Forest? That's all about him. He was the very first head of the United States Forestry Service. He was also the Governor of Pennsylvania twice. He brought forestry into the spotlight for our government the way Teddy Roosevelt highlighted the wild areas that became national parks. He was key in designing a way to use our forested areas while preserving them for future generations. No small feat.

Yes, he was a rich man, but those were the people who originally dedicated their later years to bettering the world for others. Grey Towers was the location of research and education as well as his home. President John F. Kennedy officially accepted the donation of the house and grounds into the National Forestry Service and it is the only estate operated by that agency. The Pinchot Family also founded Pinchot University and created the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. The institute has offices right at Grey Towers to this day, as well as in Washington DC.

The Pinchot's were forward thinking people. The estate is beautiful and you can walk the entire grounds, save a garden off to the side. Admission to the grounds is free. There are no tours of the inside of the house going on at the moment, but there are rangers there who will take you inside if you ask. There's a small building that was once used as a library and research center where you can watch a video about the founding of the American Forestry Service. It's fascinating and hiding in Milford, Pennsylvania.

I don't know about anyone else, but I've spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania, whether I want to or not. I've often wondered about its unique lifestyle. There are a lot of places in the state that have baffled me over the years. Somehow, learning that the Pinchot's had such an impact on an already unique state, put some of my questions to rest. I now understand the entire region known as the Wilds of Pennsylvania. I get it. Conservation at its finest. Welcome to Pennsylvania.

Road trips have become extremely popular since Covid, and I'm one that's done a lot of roadtripping in that time. What can I say? I've had lots of questions about things I have seen in Pennsylvania for decades. What did I find out on a roadtrip? All I had to do was turn right instead of left in Milford. All I had to do was visit Grey Towers instead of always running to the waterfalls.

I took that right turn last time, and I'm glad I did. I learned some fascinating history. I learned about a man driven to do the right thing for future generations. I also got to see a beautiful estate. It was a nice stop on the way to see my son. Don't be afraid that you'll get off your schedule by stopping along the way. It's worth it. I promise.

So, while driving along, stop and see some sites. You might just have a wonderful adventure. Remember, there are tourists and travelers. Be a traveler. You may notice that I almost always put a link for Atlas Obscura, All Trails, and World of Waterfalls in my blogs. It helps you discover amazing things. It helps you learn to wander. It makes you a traveler to stop along the way and wander a bit. It's a great thing and helps you learn and feel a part of your journey so you can enjoy!

https://www.booking.com/city/us/milford-pennsylvania.en.html?utm_term=pbpg67MowFx1TpfYqZK*6A&utm_campaign=PA%3A+Pennsylvania&label=msn-pbpg67MowFx1TpfYqZK*6A-80470520638716%3Atikwd-17273444264%3Aloc-4086%3Aneo%3Amte%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqsmilford+pa&msclkid=08e2734576a41074a3e7104adc8fca65&aid=346685&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing

https://www.expedia.com/Milford-Hotels.d133247.Travel-Guide-Hotels?semcid=US.UB.BING.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1392718846.b11328211160192686.r1.g1dat-2334812941616371:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k14120.f1.n1.l1o.h1b.m1&msclkid=28c7164f0ef31666b73e7540a4d8ceee&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BEX%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3AUSA%3APA%3A240%3AMCY%3AAllentown%3A602976%3A%3A%3A&utm_term=MECE_GAIA%3A602976&utm_content=BEX%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3AUSA%3APA%3APennsylvania%3A240%3AAllentown%3A602976%3A%3A

https://www.hotels.com/de1425268/hotels-milford-pennsylvania/?rffrid=sem.hcom.US.bing.003.00.04.s.kwrd=c.82051288387585.1312817708642352.369301619.0.dat-2333850868930893:loc-4086.44736.4120.Feeder_US-en%20DOM.msclkid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&semcid=HCOM-US.UB.BING.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1369301619.b11312817708642352.g1dat-2333850868930893:loc-4086.l1.e1c.m1f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76.r1.c1.j144736.k14120.d182051288387585.h1b.i1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&msclkid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&gclid=f06433a57fb11772484350aad59aee76&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://milfordpa.us/

https://www.milfordboro.org/

https://www.visitpa.com/region/pocono-mountains/milford

https://vacationidea.com/ideas/best-things-to-do-in-milford-pa.html

https://www.luxuryhotelsguides.com/?subufi=57701&msclkid=b788f0cc59431e6c38e793c3f2e85643

https://www.poconomountains.com/plan-your-vacation/explore-our-area/milford/

https://greytowers.org/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/GiffordPinchotStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/

https://milfordpa.us/about-milford/conservation-movement/

https://www.njskylands.com/hs_greytowers_104

https://foresthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Miller_AllFamily.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW4-dtef93k

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/greytowers/aboutgreytowers

https://www.poconomountains.com/plan-your-vacation/explore-our-area/milford/things-to-do/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g53188-Activities-Milford_Pocono_Mountains_Region_Pennsylvania.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g48432-Activities-Port_Jervis_New_York.html

https://uncoveringnewyork.com/things-to-do-in-port-jervis-new-york/

https://www.njskylands.com/dirshop

https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6R7T_The_Memorial_Obelisk_High_Point_State_Park_Sussex_County_NJ

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-hawks-nest

https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/raymondskill-creek-trail.htm

https://pabucketlist.com/exploring-raymondskill-falls-in-pike-county/

https://poconogo.com/waterfall/dingmans-falls/

https://www.discovernepa.com/thing-to-do/dingmans-falls-visitor-center/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/dingmans-falls-via-dingmans-creek-trail

https://scenicwilddelawareriver.com/entries/dingmans-ferry-pa-river-access/0514c260-e88e-4ab2-9488-aeba8f53fbd2

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

https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/delaware-water-gap-national-recreation-area

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2663

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258706

https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/camp.htm

https://www.delawaretownshippa.gov/parks-and-recreation/lodging

https://www.watergapadventure.com/river-trips

https://www.poconomountains.com/plan-your-vacation/explore-our-area/delaware-water-gap/

https://delawareriveradventures.com/

https://delawarerivertubing.com/

https://www.visitbushkillfalls.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60788-d126682-Reviews-Bushkill_Falls-Bushkill_Pocono_Mountains_Region_Pennsylvania.html

https://www.poconomountains.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/waterfalls/bushkill-falls/

https://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/nature/waterfalls.htm

https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/delaware-water-gap-national-recreation-area/waterfall

https://thenatureseeker.com/10-awesome-things-to-do-at-delaware-water-gap/

https://uncoveringpa.com/hiking-tumbling-waters-trail-delaware-water-gap

https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/?s=delaware+water+gap+pennsylvania

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Is It a Real Place or Somewhere Made up For a Novel...Greenville is Real!

Once in a while, I post about something that I wrote. This is one of those times. I must say, I've written about Greenville, Maine and it's one of my favorite places on Earth. It's quirky, the people are lovely, the scenery is gorgeous, the things to see and do are unique. That being said, I took it to a new level in my life and elevated it to a setting for my latest novel.

The north woods of Maine and Moosehead Lake are astoundingly beautiful. There's no two ways about that. There aren't many people as they warn you upon arrival in the satellite town of Kokadjo. The nature is beautiful. The landscapes are beautiful. The lakes are beautiful. The people are beautiful. Even the Moose are beautiful.

As a writer, I love to take the places that I love and write something unforgettable with those places as the settings. This was the case when I wrote "Greenville (Dynasty of the North Woods) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9F1XPJV and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92NT5MW on Kindle and Amazon.

This is a murder mystery turned manhunt turned family drama that begins in Las Vegas and quickly travels to the tiny town of Greenville, Maine. It is nonstop action with a lot of planes, boats and moose. It's a one of a kind story in a one of a kind location.

The synopsis of the story reads:

Edwoena Carrington, of the Las Vegas Carringtons, is a vice cop, thrown into the case of a lifetime when a mysterious man, known as Mark Twain by the prostitutes he hires, begins killing the girls. Is he a modern day Jack the Ripper? Where does he come from?

Almost immediately, Eddie establishes the man's true identity; Mark Swain III. The game begins with her traveling to Maine, where she discovers her mother was born. She meets her relatives while in town to extradite Swain to Las Vegas for questioning, and the secrets continue to unfold.

Greenville, Maine is the quirky town she must learn to navigate. It's run by timber barons, it's full of moose, and there are Swain family secrets galore. Eddie soon discovers, not only is she from out of town, but she's part of the most powerful family in Northwestern, Maine.

Enacting an arrest warrant becomes virtually impossible as the murders continue, as wealth, mileage from the Canadian Border, and other interdepartmental complications hold up what should have been a simple arrest.

As Eddie Carrington deciphers more and more about the crimes and the man who commits them, her world turns upside down, leaving her the only one to deal with the now life and death situation created by the timber magnate in the north woods of Maine in a bizarre little town called Greenville.

The only reason that I'm bothering to talk about this book on my blog is because it's seems to be taking off like nothing I've ever written. It's only available for free on Kindle for the rest of today, 8/20/22. I want everyone who wants to check it out to be able to get a Kindle copy for free.

As far as Greenville goes, it's the most wonderful place to visit that I've ever been. I've been going there for 12 years and counting. I would live there if I could figure out how to support myself. I've been there in every season and seen festivals, all kinds of weather, and done all kinds of activities. This is the place that me and my husband escaped to during the great lockdown of 2020. It was the perfect place to go, because there were very few people. That also meant that Piscataquis County had no cases of Covid at the time.

If you do choose to read my latest novel, you will wonder if the things I talk about concerning Greenville and the surrounding areas of Moosehead Lake are real. Well, most of them are. They do have a tourist attraction that's a crashed B-52 Airplane. They do have a diner called Auntie M's. McDonald's didn't succeed there. There are more moose than people. All true. But, if you decide to travel there, please meet the people who live there. They are some of the most friendly, accommodating, inclusive, fun loving people you will ever meet. And the general sense of humor of the locals is out of this world. It's truly a place that I love to be.

I hope to continue to write about the characters I created in the north woods of Maine. I hope that this book goes over well enough for me to do that. I would really like that. I love to write. I'm having a lot of success right now. As for Maine, the coast is nice, but the woods is fantastic. In the summer the lake is full of planes. In the winter there are more snow machines than vehicles of any other kind. This is the one place where you can see cars race on a lake. It has a massive festival with a sea plane fly in. It's different. It's unusual. It's magnificent.

But, no matter what you're doing, Greenville is a hoot. It's fun, it scenic, it has something for everyone. You can even ski in the winter if you like. You can do all forms of outdoor activities in the summer. It's the home of landlocked Salmon, if you've ever heard of that. We spent some time kayaking on more than one lake. It's just an awesome place, whether you're getting a bag lunch to go at Auntie M's or broasted chicken at Flatlanders. There's no end to the moose hunting, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors in one of my favorite locations, now the location of my latest novel, Greenville, Maine. Enjoy!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9F1XPJV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92NT5MW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D6B3BYR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CRY7RW9

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FH93JJX

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F7S594Y

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6SF62F

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1077907125

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLJRPPQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1720806748

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y17BJP8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520990944