An Island A Day

Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast of Maine and you may expect to find ocean as far as the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot the seascape. Sometimes called the calendar islands, there is rumored to be an island in the bay for every day of the year.

Stretching from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Small these islands with their rocky shores and rustic way of life define the stereotypical New England coastline. Mostly uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from everyday life. Their natural beauty and their sheer numbers create a place one could visit every day and still never have completely explored. With an island for every day of the year there is more than enough shelter from the wind to allow everything from large fishing vessels to solo kayaks to roam the bay. While sandy beaches are few and far between here, the rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can supply a continual source of enjoyment.

If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands will also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being located on the eastern most part of the country, these islands served their time during World War II as bases and look outs for German U-Boats. Great towers and forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while mostly converted to homes now, the military buildings on Great Diamond Island are hard to miss. During the war anti-submarine nets and mines were deployed at many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military purposes. In 1858 Fort Georges was constructed and armed for the Civil War, Spanish American War, and was used to store submarine mines during WWI.

Many opportunities await those looking to enjoy the islands for their less historical characteristics. Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, and one of the few with a year round population. Ferry service takes visitors from Portland or nearby Cousin’s Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome hike or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a delicious dinner or nights rest at the breath taking Chebeague Inn. Great Diamond Island also offers an exceptional dining experience at the Diamond’s Edge restaurant in Diamond’s Cove. Peaks and Long islands both present dining opportunities to their guests and their proximity to Portland makes them popular tourist attractions.

If you are looking for a little less populated destination then you have literally hundreds of choices. You can relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals bask on the rocks of French Island, or setup a picturesque camping site on one of the Gosling islands. Many of these smaller islands will require you to provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, and motor boat rentals all provide easy access.

Whether you are looking for fine dining, a historical stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay offers something for every visitor and an island for every day of the year.

Exploring The Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the world. It wasn’t until the last fifty years that there has been any appreciable exploration or study of the vast frozen continent. Now the tourist with sufficient money can actually view and set foot on this unique part of the earth.

The tourist season for Antarctica is restricted only to the months of December through February when it is the peak of summer in the southernmost part of the world. Only vessels equipped for the icy waters cruise to one of the coldest areas of the earth. Three major cruise lines offer Antarctic cruises: Celebrity Cruises, Orient Lines, and Radisson Seven Seas. Smaller specialty expedition companies also offer other trips to this destination.

Celebrity Cruises travels to Antarctica with the polar icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov, a refitted 1980’s Russian polar research vessel. This ship takes a fortunate 106 passengers to the polar region with the amenities expected from Celebrity Cruises such as pool, sauna, and gym. Accommodations are small by comparison to a cruise ship

Treasure Hunting in England

I have been interested in Metal Detecting since around 1983 when my Mum and Dad introduced me to the hobby. They had been detecting for a couple of years on beaches around the Uk only at holiday time, and it often helped get a few pounds together to help pay for the holiday spends.

On the holiday in 1983 my Mum and Dad had taken Myself and Brother on a holiday to France. Each night we'd go down the beach with 2 detectors between 4 of us and gladly pick up the days droppings. This usually went to pay for our meals and drinks later the same night. On one particular night I was getting rather bored and actually took a rest on the sand whilst the others continued detecting. Whilst sitting in the sand I started sifting with my hands and out popped a 24 carat gold necklace. I was hooked. As soon as we got back to the UK we enquired about our local club and joined straight away.

It is now over 21 years since I joined my local club and I have also been Vice Chairman and Chairman. I have made some lovely finds. These range from Celtic and Roman Coins and Brooches, Old English Silver and Gold Coind going back hundreds of years and lots of Jewellry. I will update you on some of the finds in future articles.I am also a member of the National Council of Metal Detecting and have had articles printed in the press and been on Radio.

In October 2004 I created treasurehunting.tv This website has grown from strength to strength in the six months it has been on the net. It now averages in excess of 100,000 unique hits a month. It has probably the most concise directory of over 400 Metal Detecting Websites. It also has live News Feeds in relation to Treasure Hunting. Add to this the Forum and the dozens of Metal Detecting stories the site is something I am proud of. I am also in the midst of creating a Hoard Database which will have articles and pictures of Hoards found whilst Treasure Hunting.

So next time your walking in the hills of England and you see a guy walking along with a Metal Detector pop over and have achat. It might just be me. And if you'd like to have alook at some of the finds why not visit me on my website.

Need a Place to Stay While in Maine? Try the Ever Popular Bed & Breakfast

Have a Perfect Bed & Breakfast Getaway in Maine

Situated on the shores of the Atlantic, the state of Maine is like a fairytale with colorful, sun-soaked atmosphere, beautiful views of shorelines and wonderful mountain vistas. Thoughts of coastal regions with small town allure and taste of exquisite cuisines, seaside resorts, charming villages, glacier-carved peninsulas, romantic getaways and covered bridges bring to mind only one name - Maine.

Maine is truly a paradise for travelers and nature enthusiasts with its numerous bed & breakfast inns located all over the state and around its neighborhoods that provide excellent getaway opportunities. Maine’s Bed and Breakfasts are matchless and exclusive in every way; either it’s the matter of structural design, decor, or ample space for convenient staying, or it’s about their exceptional amenities and the reliable generosity of the innkeeper.

Enjoy the Elegance of Years Gone By at Maine's B & B

Various regions like Maine highlands, the South Maine Coast, Mid-Coast, Greater Portland, Down east and around the lakes and mountains offer excellent homey B&B. Some Visitors prefer relaxing stay close to the nature, and outdoor enthusiasts prefer adventurous stay while lovebirds look for romantic getaways providing perfect seclusion.

Whatever the option you choose, Maine is sure to serve you enjoyable and comfortable leisure the best holidaying experience with its stylish Bed & Breakfasts constructed out of historical mansions and colonial houses. Each inn offers breathtaking view of sloping hills, perfectly manicured lawns with large maple trees, and antique and historic backdrops of 17th century. Thus, whatever is the idea behind holiday it’s fulfilled in this picturesque, gracious and elegant place.

Experience a never before welcoming ambience in Maine's Bed & Breakfasts.

Most of the bed & breakfasts in Maine are known for its superb tourist welcome and outstanding comfort offered. All travelers can enjoy this wonderful stay with price range starting from as low as $40 and going up to $700 per night, providing the best invitingly warm live with meticulously perfect service and exceptional hospitality.

These B&B create romance in the air for lovers by offering relaxation by the fireplace, big bath tubs or even marble Jacuzzi (some offer in-room whirlpools or out-door hot tubs) for a love filled soak, various outdoor activities like swimming, tennis, biking, golfing, canoeing are offered for outdoor activists, and beautiful gardens, lawns and meadows for nature lovers.

Room amenities like telephones with data ports, hair dryers, ironing boards, mini refrigerator, cable television etc combine to make visitor’s stay the most memorable and enjoyable. Maine's B&B are also world wide known for their wonderful mouthwatering recipes, freshly brewed coffee, granola, fresh fruit, pastries and flavored yogurt.