Lobsterpalooza ~ Part III....

Heading back into Canada Tuesday morning, both Peb's and I felt the Golf itch getting a little stronger. It was time to play alright, we just needed to figure out where. Since we were crossing the border in New Brunswick, the first place that came to mind was in Hampton. The Hampton Golf & Country Club is famous for value, condition and oh yeah, it also features the famous sixth hole, a 688 yard par six! It's the only par 6 in Atlantic Canada and would've been a lot of fun to play. But as soon as we started driving up into the parking lot, we figured that something else was going on instead. It turns out that we picked the wrong day. The RCGA, (Royal Canadian Golf Association) was using the course to hold the Canadian Junior Girls Golf Championships that week. We needed somewhere else to play!

We found Memramcook just a little further down the road. We were at the point now, where we just wanted to get swinging the clubs to sooth the itch. To our great surprise we found an interesting layout with an Island Green and a course that would be played in a slick three hours, all with enjoyable views everywhere we looked. We seemed to have found a hidden gem of sorts. Bonus!

Now the grass was a little on the long side for my liking, but with all of the rain in the area all Summer long, it was quite understandable. The bigger issue was the wind! The Atlantic "breeze" was steadily blowing at around 30 KPH, (about 18~19 MPH) with gusts up to 65 KPH. (40 MPH) This made the relatively benign course layout, sometimes appear tougher than Augusta! Take the 184 YD, (161 for Peb's) PAR 3 second hole as an example. It looks pretty well straight away no?


It played with a strong left to right wind that was definitely 'hurting' just a touch. By the shape and angle of the trees at the back of the tee blocks, I'd say that we were there on a day when the normal prevailing wind, was blowing just about right. My normal draw, (right to left ball flight) was going to present a bit of a challenge for me on this hole! Trying to stuff it into that wind and having it hold was going to require a pretty good shot, but I figured Peb's was totally screwed with her normal fade! (left to right flight) I stuck it! In the air I thought I had my third hole in one and my first outside of my home Province! I even got two cracks at the ace, as my ball landed just short and then damn near dropped in the hole on the bounce. Then it just missed the cup on it's way back with a little too much spin.

Now to say Peb's and I are competitive on the Golf Course, is kind of like saying John Daly can hit a pretty descent drive. Peb's congratulated me on a good shot, placed her tee in the ground and took a step back to line up her shot. While she was setting up over the ball I heard her mutter, "Gonna' kick your ass."


That's me on the right, Peb's on the left.


The "Island Green" was a bit of creative license on the designers part, as it had a large land entrance to the left of the green.


Still quite pretty though, IMHO.

We wrapped up our day by driving out to Prince Edward Island.

Until you've done it, there's just no way to understand what it means to "Drive" out to PEI. Just NO way! The Confederation Bridge is a marvel of design, engineering and Man's ability to adjust to and conquer all obstacles in his way! Two lanes, two ascents, two descents and a turn in the middle, all in 13 KMS, (8 miles) of bridge across the Atlantic Ocean.




It's quite the sensation, but one that needs to be felt for yourself to be truly comprehended. So do yourself a favour, get your butt out to PEI and see for yourself.

Had our first dissapointing meal in PEI, despite the place being recommended to us by the Hotel. Maybe dissapointing is a little strong actually. Perhaps we were spoiled by all the fantastic meals from earlier on. Let's call this one, just OK.


Called the Summer Combo Platter, it came with 1/2 a Lobster,(cold) fried Haddock, Clams & Scallops and also included three types of Summer Salads as well. Simple, tasty and I don't know........ EXPENSIVE! H.O.L.Y.C.R.A.P! This simple platter was almost twice the price of the Twins served in Maine just the day before. Insane I tell you.

We had changed plans for where we were going to spend the night in PEI, while on our way there. Peb's found some information on this little Motel/Cottage type resort on the Ocean called Rustico. The price included the night's stay, breakfast for two and all the Golf you wanted to play on their 'little' course. Considering the average Hotel or B & B was going for about $100 per night, the $145 for this deal was a complete no brainer! Clean and efficient rooms, with another great Ocean view.


Ask anyone that's been to the cave and they'll tell you in no uncertain terms, I am a Birdman through and through. It's a passionate affair with me and the birds and having four of these 30 feet out the back door,


and then five of these 40 feet out the front,


was enough to make me feel like I was in my second home. As soon as we arrived and I saw all of that going on, the Golf was just going to be a small bonus.

WHAT A BONUS!

Golfers out there, try to imagine if you can. Eighteen holes and every single one of them has an Ocean view at some point. INSANELY beautiful and so picturesque, it's seriously difficult to not stop and admire the views available, every ten feet or so. Just wild!

The design is a mish mash of just about everything available in the World of Golf. From smash it, bomb it, just go ahead and grip it and rip it like Daly wide open.


To knee-knocking, 'you'd best bear down young man! This tee shot is going to take the best Golf shot you've ever hit in your life,'


kind of holes.

There was also this little surprise too.


You just don't see that many PAR 5's with an Island green now, do you! Worried about carrying the tall trees on the corner, (I hit a pretty low ball) I hit it just a touch too far and put the trees on the other side of the dogleg in play. No going for the green in two for me and well, 'nice PAR.' :(

The other feature of this course was the gardens. They have someone that must be a garden fanatic! Every TEE block and every green had some type of extravegant garden display going on.



They were around every pond,


and even in several places that you'd probably never expect to find a garden. As an example; instead if digging up dozens of stumps where trees had to be cut down for any number of reasons, you guessed it! A mini-garden!


The course lived up to everthing it said it would and honestly, I'd head back to Rustico in a heartbeat if I could. Just too beautiful for words to do the area the justice it deserves.

OK so a pretty good Frantic Friday should come out tomorrow, (you're all such pervs! :) ) and that'll mean a little break in this trip reporty thingy. But come Monday, I'll let you all know how this "EH-Lister" managed to make out at this little spot on the road!


You'd think that any place that starts out with a solid pint of the local FRYE'S LEAP IPA and a well poured shot of Glenlivet,


wouldn't have any problems at all now, would you?

Until next time, Cheers my friends.


My sincerest thanks for dropping by....

Lobsterpalooza ~ Part II....

We sat on the deck of our room in Belfast Maine, taking in the view for probably half an hour or so. The calming sounds of the gentle low tide waves, slowly making their way to shore. The not quite dense yet still quite noticeable fog, hanging in the air despite the subtle breezes attempt to dissuade it. Then a decision to make our way to the water with our drinks was made, despite the fresh cut grass and the residue of an obviously much heavier fog, from a little earlier on in the day.


I found myself amused as the mixed aromas attempted to confound my sense of smell. I thought of all the tricks used to fool a good hound on the hunt, as hints of the Salt Water, Damp Grass, A pretty good Cigar and a very good Scotch, all seemed to lurk around my nostrils at the same time. Each one incredibly unique yet blended together, they somehow made the visual scene I don't know, jump out just a little bit more. The soft & subtle clang of rigging hitting the masts on the boats moored out in the harbour, as the waves continued to roll them slowly from side to side. It was a little bit of a sensory overload in fact, but in a very good way.

When we checked in, we talked to the desk clerk for a lengthy period of time. Mostly because of the entertainment value, as humour was clearly a huge part of his repertoire. But also because he admitted to being very local. We'd hoped to gain a little advance scouting report for dinner and in my past experiences, I've found that the 'lifer' type locals will always send you in the right direction for good local food. Alan did not even come close to disappointing.

At the bottom of what could be best described as the tourist's Main Street and right at the edge of the water, was what looked like an over sized Lobster Pound. Nothing too fancy, yet properly presented for the location and fare offered to it's guests. The silly Lobster cut out just outside the front door, begging those dropping in to identify themselves as true tourists to the location. We didn't bite..... yet.
(picture withheld at the request of the cutest little Lobsterface, in the whole wide world)

We decided to start by sitting at the bar. Neither of us was anywhere near starving so the thought of a good drink as a starter, just seemed a more appropriate start to the experience. We made our way to the bar, only to find we would be the only patrons there. The tables were filled with smiling faces, all apparently eagerly awaiting something pretty special. Some with huge grins above the already appropriately placed, cheap plastic Lobster bibs. No thoughts of tacky or foolishness in their heads. Merely anticipation so deep it could be seen in their eyes and written plainly for all to see, in each and every facial expression. A waitress would stroll by with a tray of plates all steaming hot, held almost too high in the air as if to build the excitement of the reveal.

The tray was set down on the stand at the table by the window.

"Holy crap!" came from somewhere uncertain.

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooo..." seemed to come out in unison, from all directions around the room. It was then I noticed that there was another, "Holy crap!" and that it had apparently come from the same source as the first one.

It was me.

Four Lobsters that appeared to be in the 2 ~ 2 1/2 lb. weight class, all piping hot on a serving plate. The melted dipping butter spilling over the edges of four ramekin like bowls in the center. There were other items included in the presentation, clams, mussels, maybe even crab perhaps. But the neon glow of the freshly steamed and brilliant red Lobsters set up around the center, held the entire room captive for that brief amount of time. Right up until all of them were scooped up and dissected by some very savvy crustacean crunchers.

Whether one by one or as entire clumps of plates for a table came out, it mattered not. Every time the wafting steam filled the air as another dish or twelve were brought out, the room stopped and wondered with excitement, what could be on that plate there? What wonder and splendor would grace our presence long enough for a tease, only to be gulped and gobbled away by the one lucky enough to have placed the order. It became a very recurring scene.

Since we had Amanda to cater to our every wish & whim and the Manager of the place Kathlene was very happy to engage us in banter at the bar, we decided that we'd just stay there for our meal. The view of each dish making it's way to the dining room was great but even more important, having the company of a lifelong local from town was even better. We learned so much that as we left, it was like we were looking at a old friend, rather than a town we'd just set foot in hours earlier. But we hadn't left yet! We had to eat something.

"It's a shame you have to come to Maine for a really good version of that Bam." said Kathlene as she placed the plate not quite perfectly centered between Peb's and I, but mostly to 'my' side of center.

Kids I give you,


Rhode Island Calamari.

The mix of sweet and savoury blended with the light dusting of a slightly heavier than tempura batter, all combined with the softest tender Squid you can imagine, well it's just too hard to do the flavour justice in mere words.

When we couldn't decide between Lobster, Clams or Mussels, it seemed that Kathlene had gone and made the decision for us. A large sampler bowl was placed to Peb's side of center, right beside the Calamari.


With appetites, pallets and souls sated by good food, fine drink and a few new good friends, we made our way back to the Hotel for the night. At the hotel as we sat with drink in hand on our little porch with a view, we met more new friends and ended up having a few more drinks with a couple from somewhere in the Boston area. It was a pretty good way to cap off a great day.

Monday's travels found us slightly ahead of the very loosely set schedule for our trip and that could only mean one thing. Explore time! When we realized we had that little bit of 'extra' time, we took a right at the next exit and found ourselves in Bar Harbour. (totally and unequivocally pronounced best as, Bah Habah, and it shall remain that way to me for life!) Well we were not so much "in," as we went around Bah Habah. The town is on the East end of what can best be described as a clock pendulum shaped point, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. We drove on the extreme outside edges of the point, gazing in bewilderment at the size and stature of a few of the homes and properties. Apparently there has never been nore will there ever be, a recession along the shoreline of Bah Habah.

But Bah Habah did have a huge downside! It's an obvious tourist trap location and as you can see, it was basically a traffic jam like this from start to finish.


We stopped at the section of local shops offering up touristy wear and souvenirs of all sorts, only to find after the first three shops that everything would be the same in each and every one. Not our cup of tea. The fishing pier was however, as we watched the fresh caught Lobster being unloaded along the length of one side. Man there are some HUGE Lobsters out there! Well were, as it were.

Seeing the fresh stuff head into a local restaurants back door, meant we were heading over for some grub at that place.


The picture really doesn't do justice to just how much Lobster meat was present in that Lobster Roll. It was just incredible! Oh and the Sweet Potato Fries were a nice touch too! (One of Peb's favs.)

Since the Lobstah wasn't the only thing the Fisherman had brought in from the waters, a steaming hot plate of these little buggers seemed a natural pairing to complete our lunch.


Completely satisfied that we had just ate some pretty fresh seafood, we started our way up and out of Bah Habah.

Easport Maine's claim to fame is, it is the Eastern most City in the USA. "Where the Sun first sets it's sights on our great Nation" or something like that. In actual fact, Easport is a quaint working town with a select few artistic shops present at the "downtown" corners. Surrounded by the Ocean, the view from pretty much anywhere on the point can be beautiful to say the least. We caught the bottom of low tide in Eastport and that gave us an opportunity to see several interesting things. On the main pier in town there were literally hundreds and hundreds of Lobster traps piled up. The cool thing was the variety of them that there was. I think we counted seven completely different styles of trap being used. Each obviously slightly similar in that a lobster was going to be trapped inside upon entry. Yet how the trap functioned and where the Lobster would ultimately end up, were quite different in each of the styles. The funniest thing we saw however, was the Ferry port in town, where vehicles were loaded up for transport across to Canada, by way of New Brunswick's small South Easterly Islands. Tide is out is no problem for these folks. In fact, it's clearly an opportunity for the Four Wheel Drive crowd to get to the front of the line!


I don't know if you could see much of it in that last picture, but I think I've damn near found my dream home in this little beauty!


(hard to believe I know, but that is NOT a Rockwell painting! It's real)

Surrounded by cliffs and water on all sides but for the narrowest of driveways, any outside contact would be totally up to the owners discretion here. I love it!

Another reason to love it? The closest neighbour was a little spot on the water called the Chowdah House. We were again recommended to this spot by the Hotel clerk that checked us in. We thought we'd check the place out a little earlier in the afternoon, only to find ourselves once again firmly entrenched in a local establishment. This time however, we were greeted with warm and friendly hellos and waves of encouragement to "come on in."

We knew we would probably end up loving the place, when we realized it was a gambling establishment of sorts. Not Poker, PaiGow, Craps or even Slots. It was more like Roulette with your bill for the bar tab actually! At the end of the bar sat a wheel not unlike the money wheel at The IP near the Geisha Bar. On the wheel were multi-coloured tags with various ways to pay for your next drink.

They read:

1) 1/2 Price Beer or Shot (20% of the spaces)
2) 10% off (20%)
3) $1 beer or shot (20%)
4) pay full Price (39%)
5) pay double ( one little sliver, for about 1%)

Peb's coolered me bad, as full price constantly came on every spin. (HEY! I gotta' blame someone and Trish behind the bar was pouring Scotch to the top of every glass!)

When we returned later for Dinner, my cooler powers were in full effect! The staff had been seeing Whales almost every day of the week, right off the patio deck at the back of the restaurant. Natch despite watching to the point of neck spasms extraordinaire, not a single whale to be found that day. *sigh.

Oh well, the view was great and the locally brewed version of an I.P.A., was going down pretty smoothly as well.


All that energy spent staring out into the ocean helped us work up a real appetite. So much so that the food porn pics of our awesome appetizers, came after we'd already started gobbling them up!


Those first six shrimpies were YUMMY!

Our "twins" came out with the antenae(sp?) shaped into little hearts.


Nice touch.

Oh and I almost forgot! We got a chance to take a good look at this places Lobster Pound down on the pier below. They do not lie on the back of their menu!


We also had a great deal of fun with our wonderful and sexy server Mia, who obviously had something other than Lobstah on her brain at all times. Who knew oragami was such a tung twister? Somehow I liked the way she said it though.

"Orgasmi" just has that little ring to it, don't you think? ;)

I couldn't top that ending to this part of the trip in real life, so I won't pretend to be able to here either.

More later kids but until next time,

My sincerest thanks for dropping by....

Lobsterpalooza ~ Part I ....

Where the Hell to start?

Planning a trip through New York State and down on through Massachusetts into Rhode Island, can be a great and exciting challenge. Add to it the fact that your desire to see as much new and fresh scenery as possible will mean A LOT of twisty and off the beaten trail two lane blacktop and, the adventure just grows so much larger as it unfolds along the way.

85%

That's right! Eighty Five percent of our 50 hour journey, was made on two lane black top. At one point through the upper half of New Hampshire, I don't even think the road made the map! When awe inspiring scenery meets decreasing radius turns and switchbacks suitable for Formula 1 racing, the singularity of your little red car in the wilderness, can become almost palpable. That alone in the world feeling is disturbed, only at those times as seen fit by mankind. Mankind in the form of a double-bedded and fully loaded logging truck, on it's very fast and highly chaotic way out East.

But I did say "start" right? Well from the start right to the finish, Peb's and I were treated to countless hours of views just like this.


With the winding road, the nearby lakes and streams and always throughout the entire trip, the mountains all to ourselves. There was not one CD, MP3 or even Radio station turned on for the entire drive. It just wasn't needed. As nature and her landscape offered up far more interesting sights & sounds, not to mention the remarks we both made, as we gazed at the beauty of it all every single time we rounded the next bend.

Occasionally we did run across signs of human presence as we did here,


but even then, the peace and tranquility of the scene, made it hard to believe that humans were actually present at all. In a word, breathtaking is the only one that seems to do any kind of justice to the visions from this trip.

We started out on a mission to get to Rhode Island for Lunch on the Saturday. Surprisingly, that was much easier than I ever expected. We were through most of New York State on the Friday night and almost made it right into Massachusetts. It was a little eerie actually, how light the traffic was on a Friday night. The border was practically empty and despite getting pulled over for the red-rubble-racer to be ex-rayed, we were through there in no time as well.

Saturday morning into Mass. was just a breeze and we managed to hit Evelyn's Drive In at the perfect time for some Lunch. With a view of the bay and outside patio seating available, a Margarita & Sangria seemed to be in order.


Evelyn's did not disappoint in the quality of their food at all. Driving that far for a spot of lunch and a beverage, could be considered a pressure point for some. It would have to be perfection, or the trip was a total waste. Well I'm here to tell you, the whole Quahog "stuffies" and crabcakes alone, would have been worth the trip!


As we scarfed down these delicacies in a Tasmanian Devil like fashion, we wondered about and eagerly anticipated the rest of our order.

Whole Belly Clams dry dusted and fried to perfection for me.


Did I mention how big they actually were?


Well that's just one of them there!

Peb's wanted to get started on Lobsterpalooza so when she saw a salad on the menu, she figured it would be a nice light way to start things out.


Well two pounds of Lobster and some greens may be light to some, but it sure looked like one hell of a lot of food to me!

***Special request to anyone who knows!
The dressing for this salad was called Zinfandel by Saratoga. Peb's loved it and we tried to buy it everywhere we could. But two lane blacktop and serenity hardly ever come in contact with grocery stores, so if you can tell me where to get it, I'd be very much appreciative.

There were unfortunately two small downsides to Evelyn's. First off, we had a new server from an Eastern block country. Nothing wrong with her at all, just disappointing after watching two local servers mastering their craft at the other tables around us. Local knowledge of the area, the local brews and the best times to do what where, just weren't going to come from our server at all. In fact, she seemed genuinely disinterested in the view, our meals, us and just about anything else that wasn't going on in her cell phone. Not a crushing blow as I can tip accordingly, but the local talent available at the other tables, would not have been wasted on us for certain.

Then there was the price. It's Evelyn's and it's popular, I get it. The portions are huge and the food is good, I get that too. In fact, I think the price point for everything they served, was almost right on spot. But since this is a review of sorts, one should be aware that a $90 lunch is easily doable at this joint.

After a very enjoyable day on the water with my baby, we left Rhode Island behind and headed up into Mass. for our room for the night. The next day we'd cover Boston, (we thought!) and head up to New Hampshire for a Breakfast/Lunch date, with DrewFours and his lovely Mrs.

We sat on the water most of the afternoon, taking in a few drinks to go with the local scenery.


Local scenery that included warships?


Must be a Waffles thing 'cause I personally, prefer bikinis. Just sayin'.

Next to our Hotel that night, we found this little spot.


Seriously it was just like Cheers, only on steroids!

Looking for a drink or two and maybe a little something to munch on for Dinner, walking into this place was like disturbing the cosmic force that keeps all things New England alive. The buzz, the chatter, the service and every single person in that place froze. All of their attention was pointed directly at the two of us. It was clear we were being measured and it was with even more absolute certainty that I can say, we were the only non-locals in this establishment at the time. Hell! We may just have been the first in there in decades!

After grabbing two spots at the bar, the tension seemed to lift just enough to allow for a breath or two again. Subtle chatter started up and even a server or two started to go back through the motions of their trade.

"Glad you didn't sit thah." Said the bartender who's name tag read Kyle. "Walt-ah probably would have had a fit if you'da chose his chay-ah and all."

We ordered drinks and did the customary chit-chat with Kyle.

"I see what we have here is a Canadian Scotch drinker with some taste." Kyle proclaimed out loud to no one and everyone all at the same time.

With that came this moment of New England Pub clarity.


With the buzz back in the pub and a bottle in front of me that I could choose to give back or not, all was well within the New England force. It seemed that the two apparent vagabonds intruding into their inner sanctum, may just be OK after all.

Once we ordered a cup of Chowd-ah, it was like we'd been there all our lives. So much so in fact that when it came time for the local shot of Stolly-polly, (or something silly like that) mine was on Kyle and the two of us did the shot together.

The next morning I was up a little earlier than usual even for me, because I knew I was headed into Boston. Boston to me only means two things. 1) The Bruins & 2) Fenway Park. I've seen the Bruins several times but somehow, Fenway has always managed to elude me. Not this time I thought! This time, that Green Monster is my bitch and I'm gonna' get all I can out of her while she was still in my arms!

So WHO THE FUCK came up with a highway that goes under Boston? Stoopid city planning dick noses!

Made it to New Hampshire in near record time, thanks to a new and very speedy tunnel under the city of Boston! Saved all kinds of time not enjoying the view of a great and beautiful city. Concrete walls and ceiling encapsulating the asphalt road for me man! Tunnels for tourism FTW! FML. I hadn't been to The Boston area for far too long. Taking a sojourn into the bowels of the city to dig up Fenway, just wasn't going to happen. We journeyed on to New Hampshire and Peb's second D.D.&D's destination, The Red Arrow.

Occasionally as we sit back on the intertubles and meet new or familiar members of our community, a shape of sorts takes form in your head. A shape describing what you know about that friend. A shape that can lead to a presumption about that friend and give you a fairly clear picture about who they really may be, and what you could expect if you manage to come face-to-face with them as well. DrewFours was exactly the 'shape' I expected. An honest and sincere man, with no time to waste looking back or to disappointment. A strong soul, a great smile and an ability to get the most out of the time available, no matter how long or how short that time may end up being. Peb's and I truly look forward to us all getting together again Mr. & Mrs. Fours, as our time together with you for our brunch, was definitely a highlight our our trip.

OH and clearly once again Mrs. Fours is un-arguably more proof that we bloggers as a whole, continue to marry up! ;)

To say The Red Arrow was OK, is like saying Astin knows a thing or two about cooking Elk. Peb's and I walked in and got in line. With about eight tables I think and maybe 18 counter seats available, the line was the length of the Diner. I don't care what anyone else has to say, a busy spot despite that long of a wait can only mean one thing. We were about to indulge in something pretty special!

How special you ask? Well let's just say my all Black Angus Sirloin "Sloppy Moe" was just too damn good looking to actually stop and get a picture of it and as for Peb's,


She at least remembered to take a shot of her Crabcakes Eggs Benidict, before it was all gone from her plate!

Want a happy Bam-Bam? The recipe is simple. Take two parts great people turned great friends, a shot of a friendly atmosphere enjoyed with the love of my life and then just a hint of some truly amazing food to boot! Voila! Happy kid is an da' house!

Mr. & Mrs. Fours, sincerest thanks for taking the time to meet up with us. The pleasure was all ours.

We headed out of New Hampshire that afternoon. Our goal was Belfast Maine, and the Hotel that awaited us. Starting out with this foggy but still spectacular view out of the room when we got there,


was a great way to start out the night.

More on the way.

My sincerest thanks for dropping by....