Sailing off the coast of Maine

Maine Tourism Association
Maine Windjammer Association

We decided to sail with the Lewis R. French, a windjammer out of Camden, Maine. The French sails on 3,4 and 6 day cruises from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

The vessel sails under the guidance of Captain Dan & Kathy Pease among the many scenic islands of Penobscot, Blue Hill, and Frenchman Bays for sightings of various sea birds, seals, and whales. Sailing is the highlight of each day and a quiet cove, fishing village, or remote island highlights each evening. Every cruise is topped off with a lobster bake.

Launched into Christmas Cove, Maine, on April 28, 1871, the Lewis R. French is the sole survivor of the thousands of coasting schooners built in Maine during the 19th century. The French is the oldest documented vessel in the windjammer fleet and has continuously worked for her living along the coast of Maine. The Lewis R. French began her life as a freighter, carrying cargoes such as lumber, firewood, bricks, granite, lime, and even Chrismas trees.

In 1992 the Lewis R. French was recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is also listed on the National Historic Register as the only surviving Maine Coasting Schooner built in the 1800s. The Lewis R. French was re-christened at 125 years of age on April 28, 1996, as she slid down the ways at Wayfarer Marine in Camden, Maine. Freshly painted and rigged up for her 126th sailing season, the Lewis R. French looked forward to many more good years

New Zealand

Because of the amazing outdoor adventures available on the South Island, it looks like that is where we will spend most of our time.  The big city on the south island is Christchurch.  We hope to do some sea kayaking on the northern part of the island, and some hiking in the Fiordland Region.  This is where the Milford Trek is located, said to be one of the best hikes in the world.  Maybe we'll get to swim with the dolphins and whale watch off of Kaikoura, but you probably won't catch either of us bungy-jumping in Queenstown.
 

Phil Greenspun's travel journal through New Zealand - a great description of his trip, as well as some beautiful photographs (such as the ones shown here)
New Zealand Handbook - an online travel guide
Active New Zealand
Serious Fun New Zealand
Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
Travel ideas for the Fiordland region
New Zealand Dept. of Conservation's information on the Milford Trek