Travel
Captiva Island
Instead of our usual jaunt to the Panhandle to visit my parents for Summer break this year, the family and I headed to Captiva, Florida instead. Laura was reminded of a vacation she took in her youth to Captiva and reminisced about the expansive beaches and acres of fascinating shells she collected with her family as a child - and so the decision was made. We went about renting a house at South Seas Island Resort on the north end of Captiva and eventually landed in the Beach Villas. We were excited about the vacation until we started reading reviews on TripAdvisor. I know, a little backward... reviews first, then the reservations - that's the right way. Live and learn.
However, when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by a very well appointed two-bedroom unit that had updated (albeit not the advertised) furniture and a great view of the ocean and pool. After a few calls to engineering, the family was settled in and we were ready to relax.
South Seas Resort has been updated and fully restored since the hurricane in 2004 (Charlie, I believe) and the north end complex includes a nine-hole executive golf course, a marina, two pools, a restaurant, and an arcade. The north end complex tends to get a little crowded so we rented a private cabana for our use on one of our days, set up Gavin's pack & play in the shade, and enjoyed the pampering. We primarily spent our time on the south end of the resort near our villa. The pool was rarely crowded and the south beach area had complimentary umbrellas and chairs. The beach had a large tidal pool between the main area and the ocean blown out by a previous storm - but it made a nice play space for Cole and his friends.
Restaurants were fine but sometimes crowded. We especially liked the Bubble Room, Cheeburger Cheeburger (if you eat the "pounder" you get your picture taken with a 3 foot diameter stuffed cheeseburger), and the Mucky Duck. We found that if you went at around 5:30 you didn't have to wait too long. Go at 7:00 and you would wait an hour or more. Fireworks in Sanibel rounded out our Fourth of July vacation and we are looking forward to making this a family tradition - hopefully with my parents in tow the next time around.
Disney in Spring - 2007
Surprise, surprise, the Dowling family going to Disney for Spring Break. Clutch the pearls...
Once again we headed down to Orlando to enjoy the sights and sounds of central Florida. We decided to try out a new timeshare resort this go around and settled on the Horizons by Marriott. The family focused/pirate oriented theme was perfect for Cole and Gavin - they had a ball. The resort was located a short distance from Sea World off of International Drive and had two themed pools, a water slide (Pirate Plunge), a huge water park with water cannons and 500 gallon dousing bucket, a zero entry pool with full size pirate ship. A young boys dream...
We managed to hit the parks just about every day. We went to Sea World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Universal (just Cole and I). Gavin was a real trooper - he is such a good baby - not one peep the whole time. Cole was very brave going on Misson Space, Space Mountain, and the Mummy. I couldn't get him to go on the Krakken or the Hulk (not that Laurie would have let me take him...). The weather was fantastic, although a bit cool the first few days. Disney in Spring is such a great time and it seemed less crowded than during the summer or Christmas time. With the Epcot flower festival going on at this time each year, I hope we can make this a longstanding tradition for the Dowling family.
Return to NorthStar
Laurie and I took the family back to the NorthStar Lodge for February break to catch up with the mountain scene and get Cole back up on skis. Cole had not been skiing since he was four and we went to Okemo where he learned the "french fry" and "pizza" approach to skiing in the Snow Stars program. He fell back into the swing of things within the all-day ski program offered by Killington ski school and their MiniStars program (seems all Vermont ski programs are required to have "stars" in their names...
Killington is an awesome place and they have definitely worked on their "family friendliness" since Laurie and I were there B.C. (Before Children). They have basically dedicated an entire mountain - Ramshead - to the family experience replete with giant velcro wall, inflatables, arcade, and tubing park - the Kid Zone. Needless to say Cole had a ball although the hours for the velcro wall and inflatables (apres ski) doesn't allow for you to make a day of these activities themselves, the tubing hill was well traveled during our stay and the rope tow didn't hurt.
The NorthStar Lodge which has changed a lot since Laurie and I stayed there some fifteen years ago. Like so much of our current vacationing plans - the NorthStar went timeshare. So instead of having to cram the whole family into a single room with double bed, we had a beautiful suite with full kitchen (center island with breakfast bar), a family room, and king sized bedroom complete with jacuzzi tub - just as we like it.
Hilton Head Island
February break this year was spent down in South Carolina on Hilton Head Island. My parents had never been there before, but wanted to check out the Disney Resort and Laurie and I had a free week to use from Interval - so off we went. Laurie, Cole, and I loaded up the Odyssey and drove down. It took two days of eight hour blocks, but all in all rather painless. Thank God for portable DVD and the new V.Smile Pocket - both lifesavers.
We stayed at the Marriott's Monarch at Sea Pines and had a partial ocean view after a little mix up with the front desk. We had reserved an ocean view, however, upon arrival we ended up with a garden view. The Marriott folks were more than accommodating and moved us with little to no grief. The resort itself is one of the oldest timeshare properties Marriott has on the island, but was recently updated and very comfortable. Our room was good sized and they had just installed wireless Internet access in each room so Dad's new tablet PC was connected and surfing the ether in no time.
The on site activities were great (if under attended) and Cole had fun playing bingo, shuffleboard, painting wooden fish, and hitting the hot tub all week long. We all did the requisite tourist stops including the Harbour Town Lighthouse and shops, South Beach, Golf, and the Outlet Malls. Dining was extremely pleasurable with fine restaurants like Antonio's and CQ's, along with standards like the Old Oyster Factory and The Salty Dog. I think the best meals were definitely had at Antonio's and CQ's.
Camping in Vermont
For the long Labor Day weekend this year we decided to try a camping trip to Vermont. The last time Laurie and I went camping in Vermont we got engaged. That was 1993.
We chose the campground through ReserveAmerica and ended up at a great spot in Southern Vermont - Winhall Brook. The park is an Army Corp of Engineers location and couldn't have been nicer. Campsites are situated along the forks of the Winhall River near Ball Mountain Lake with a small (and rocky) beach area for swimming. Cole loved throwing rocks into the river and chasing after the small fish near shore.
Winhall Brook is located in Jamaica, Vermont near Stratton and Bromley mountains. We went up to Bromley's Thrill Zone for the day and had a blast on the alpine slide, adrenaline zip line, trampoline thing, and miniature golf. We also took Cole horseback riding for the first time and he really seemed to enjoy riding his horse - Blaze.
Back at the campsite, Cole made friends with a little boy named Jacob who was camping next to us. It turns out that they come up here every year for Labor Day and we made plans to see them again next year. Hopefully we will be able to bring Aunt Kim and Uncle Zoli as well as Larry and the kids next year. We have the spot picked out - make your reservations early folks.
Camping on Cape Cod
For the summer trip to the Cape this year we decided to try something a bit different - camping. Instead of shelling out $250 a night for a hotel room, we decided to book a campsite at Shawme-Crowell State Forest for $25 a night. We were not disappointed.
Cole's cousins Ally and Krissy came along with Aunt Kim and we all drove out to the Cape early on Friday morning. Quick ride really - only about 3.5 hours. The campground was conveniently located at the beginning of the Cape so it was a great launching pad for our day trips. The site itself was very wooded, private, and only a few steps from the showers.
We went on a whale watch out of Hyannis on the first day and were treated to some spectacular whale activity. The feeding, rolls, and tail flips had the boat ooohing and ahhhing for hours. I had a few ghost stories for the kids at night and I think I really scared them with the story about the Skeleton Lady. I even had a prop bone that I told them was part of her skeleton and she wanted MEAT!!!
The next day we went up the Cape to Wellfleet and the Flea Market followed by lunch in Provincetown and an afternoon swim at Marconi beach. After all that we still had the energy to eat at our favorite seafood place the Lobster Shanty. Cole fell asleep at the table.
Disney in July
We went down to Florida for our annual summer visit to my parents and this time we decided to go to Walt Disney World for a few days to break up the week. My parents booked us in at Old Key West which is part of the Disney Vacation Club timeshare they own and we couldn't have been happier. The resort is nice with shuttle service anywhere you want to go in the parks. Cole especially loved the pool with a giant sand castle slide. He must have go on that thing a hundred times. We even got to see the space shuttle lift off while reclining in the pool - very cool.
The parks were packed and very hot so we tried to make the most of the days in the early morning with my mom's handi-pass. We went to the Magic Kingdom and rode the new Stitch ride - boring. The ride was so lame. They should have kept the Alien Encounter ride this replaced - at least it was scary... but Cole seemed to like it.
We where only there for a few days so we took my parents to Emeril's Tchoup Chop and had an excellent meal. I can't stress enough how great this restaurant is. The service and meals were impeccable. We also ate at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre. The food was decent and Cole really loves the theme. Next year we are planning a Disney cruise for August and are really looking forward to it. Can you say "Disney Family"?
Hammonasset State Park
The whole crew went camping this weekend at Hammonasset State Park and although very hot and humid, it was great to get outside with Cole and his cousins Ally and Krissy. They have come out to Hammonasset before with us but never spent the night. Laurie and I bought a new tent that is more like a condominium - the Columbia Cougar Flats. Kim's husband Zoli bought a new tent for them too and we had a great campsite close to everything. The beach is the main draw here, but we were able to head out to the town of Madison and get a great seafood dinner at Lenny and Joe's Fishtale.
The evening was spent telling ghost stories around the campfire and making 'Smores. The kids even regaled us with some tales of their own - Cole played the part of Lava Boy in the "show" while Ally and Krissy were Shark Girl and the Ice Princess. Too cute. We are going to try to keep the camping going this summer with trips out to Cape Cod and Vermont.
Vero Beach
April vacation this year was spent sunning and relaxing at Disney's beautiful Vero Beach Resort. My parents are Disney Vacation Club members and we decided to forego a cruise this year and stay at a Disney property outside of the parks for a change. We were not disappointed. (photos)
Everything about the resort is perfect for relaxing and having fun in the water. Cole spent every day between the pool, the slide, the pirate ship, putt-putt, and the beach. For the first time, Cole actually enjoyed swimming on his own in the water. Usually, he clings to Laurie or I and doesn't want to try and swim all that much, but the free swim vest from Eb and Flo's seemed to give him all the security he needed. After a few moments of clinging, he realized he could float on his own and he was off to the races. Then came the slide. Cole must have slid down that thing a hundred times while we were there. At first we walked him up and guided him down, but he quickly picked up the protocol and was on his own in no time.
Then off to the pirate ship. The pirate ship was only for the little ones and Cole had a ball. Before we left for vacation, Cole said he wanted to shoot me in the face with the water cannon - he wasn't disappointed.
We dined on property a few times, however the food was not all that great and the prices were steep. We went out most nights and found the area restaurants very good. The Ocean Grill was probably our favorite with great service and delicious seafood. Laurie and I went out by ourselves for a romantic Italian meal at Monte's, however it was bit odd being the youngest patrons (by about 40 years) in the restaurant.
I think that before Cole gets too much older, or when our next child is a few years old we may go back. But this time I think we will rent one of the beachside villas and bring along Laurie's side of the family.
Skiing in Vermont
The family went North this winter and for the first time we got Cole up on skis. We spent the week at our friends house on Star Lake in Belmont, Vermont not far from Okemo. As Laurie is no longer teaching, we were able to travel outside of a regular school vacation week, and as such the typical ski crowds were nonexistent.
Our week started off at the Ludlow "Winter Carnival" with a parade of Mardi Gras themed floats (and snow plows) down Main Street. Everyone followed the parade down to a nearby park for a bonfire, marshmallow roast, and fireworks extravaganza. We spent the rest of the week between the mountain and hibernation just relishing in the relaxing atmosphere that Vermont always brings to us.
We chose to put Cole into the Okemo Snowstars program for two half days and their Penguin Playground daycare for the balance. The Okemo programs are top notch and Cole had a ball! He wanted to go skiing with us of course, but we were afraid to take him to the top of the mountain just yet. Maybe next year.
Camping in Hammonasset State Park
To finish off the summer, my family and I decided to rough it down at the shore camping at Hammonasset State Park. We broke out the tent, camping gear, and new kites and loaded up the Odyssey for a weekend of fun. We were hoping to camp with my sister-in-law Kim and Cole's cousins Krissy and Ally but unfortunately they were only able to join us for Sunday at the beach - a fun time nonetheless.
Cole was so excited to roast marshmallows and help Daddy with the fire he didn't even eat one of the smores we made. He only wanted to roast the marshmallow not eat it. He is so darn cute.
The kite flying on Sunday was over too quickly for my liking but we were able to get the foil and the large box kite up to much fanfare. Both of these kites are very striking in the sky and drew a lot of attention.
Although this is the last bit of camping we will get in this year, now that we know Cole enjoys it we might be a little more adventerous next year - Vermont maybe or the Cape...
Beachin' it on Cape Cod
My family and I took our annual pilgramage to Cape Cod this weekend. A much needed break from the hectic travel pace of neverending Dead shows and a segway back to work for my wife.
We stayed at the Four Points in Eastham and went whale watching in Provincetown - boy was it rough... Cole didn't seem to mind though.
It never ceases to amaze me how cathartic a trip to the Cape can be. Even with the traffic getting home, it all seems worth it. Maybe Laurie and I will open up a Bed & Breakfast out there so we never have to come home...
Summer with The Dead
My wife and I, accompanied by her good friend Kristi, spent a good portion of the summer on tour with the band formerly known as The Grateful Dead - The Dead. My wife, being the artist that she is, hand painted all of our mail order envelopes resulting in excellent tickets for each of the eight shows we were to see. Ruby at the Grateful Dead Ticket Sales TOO even gave her her own page on their "Fabulous Envelopes" web site.
The journey started in Boston at Great Woods 2, then SPAC, Hartford, Camden 2, and finally Jones Beach 2. All were excellent shows but the highlights were definitely second night Camden, Hartford and first night Jones Beach - Phil and Warren sang Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters". It was definitely s surreal experience seeing Phil trying out his James Hetfield impression. As it turns out, Phil's son Grahame is big Metallica fan and asked his dad to play it. Very cool.
The most enjoyable city/venue combination was probably Camden as we stayed in nearby Philadelphia and took the ferry to the show - no car. Taking a boat to a show is definitely a once a tour experience, but the City of Philadelphia is an historic treasure that would takes weeks to explore, however, we tried to cram it in in one day. 
Starting with Sunday Brunch at the Four Seasons followed by a walk toward the Museum of Art
we ended up at the Rodin Museum and were greeted by The Thinker. A great way to get psyched up for a show.
Emeril's Tchoup Chop
Can't say enough about Emeril's Tchoup Chop restaurant. Unbelievable food, service, atmosphere, location. It doesn't get any better than this.
Laura got the Chef's tour and I got the filet mignon. The meal started with Crispy Shrimp Noodles with dipping sauce to wet the appetite. I ordered an appetizer of Tchoup Chop Crunchy Shrimp served with Butter Lettuce Leaves and Hot & Sour Chili Glaze followed by a Warm Spinach Salad with Homemade Croutons, Goat Cheese, Toasted Pecans, Cherry Tomatoes and Chorizo Vinaigrette - spectacular. My entree was a Pan Roasted Filet Mignon with Red Bliss Potatoes, Char Sui, Port Wine-Anise Reduction Sauce, Melting Brie Cheese and Sweet Onion Crisps - equally delectible. Laurie's chef's tour started with an Ahi Tuna Salad followed by a Spicy Scallops dish. Her entree was a Filet atop a Blue Cheese Pancake with Spicy Sauce. And for dessert, I opted for the Pecan Pie with Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream while Laurie received the Triple Chocolate Cheese Cake. I topped off the meal with an Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story cigar.
Sheer dining perfection.
Back to Orlando
We are all heading down to Florida again for our yearly Summer pilgrimage to bring Cole to see Grandma & Grandpa. Last year we dropped him off and spent a few days in St. Augustine at the World Golf Hall of Fame. But this year we had an offer from Marriott to stay at the Marriott Grande Vista Resort in one of their timeshare units. We naturally took the offer and after all was said and done with the free theme park tickets to Universal Studios, the whole shebang ended up costing us about $25 a night - what a bargain...
We are playing Disney Golf as usual down there. Love the courses. We are going to play the Magnolia Course again, but are going to try Osprey Ridge this time around for a change of pace.
Disney in Spring
My family and I just returned from a well needed vacation in Walt Disney World. Frequent readers might say, "Disney?!? You were just there for Christmas?!?" - and you would be right. We can't get enough of the old House of Mouse. My son Cole is beginning to warm up to the characters (after his third visit to the Magic Kingdom) and I am a sucker for anything that makes him smile.
This trip was interesting though as we did not play golf, but instead went to the parks nearly every day. We decided to mix up the routine a little from last time we went as to avoid the crowd scenes and went to the parks in this order - Sea World, Typhoon Lagoon, MGM Studios, Magic Kindom, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, and finally EPCOT.
We also had dinner at the parks nearly every night. All told the best dining experience was tied between the Sci-Fi Dine-In and 'Ohana. The first offering your very own retro car to hang out in while you watched a drive-in style movie and the later offering huge skewers of beef, pork and shrimp to gorge yourself on - the bread was awesome too.
I offer the following menus to whet your appetite and as a sampling of what was offered - Whispering Canyon, Sci-Fi Dine-In, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana, Margaritaville, and Garden Grill.
But Greg - NO GOLF!!! I know, I know...My wife and I are heading back to Orlando in July and we are planning on playing the Disney Palm and Marriott's Grande Pines courses. Can't wait...
Sedona Redux
If you haven't been, I highly recommend a trip to Sedona, Arizona and the Grand Canyon. The natural beauty of this area is unparalleled. I spent quite a bit of time out West, mostly in Montana, Wyoming, and Utah, and I have to say that the splendor of the Red Rocks of Sedona is not to be missed.
I have prepared some desktop images of photos taken while we were out there. A more complete low-res digest can be found in the Photos section.
Desktops:
Control-click (or right-click) and choose "Save link as" or "Download link" or whatever your browser equivalent happens to be. Enjoy!
Sedona
The family is headed to Sedona, AZ for the week. We are leaving tomorrow and, unfortunately, have a 6:45 AM flight out and I am not looking forward to the early morning shlep to the airport. Can you say "groggy". Nothing a cup or twelve of coffee can't fix I imagine. Should make for some fun conversation though.
We are meeting my parents out there and will be staying at the Club Sunterra at Sedona Summit. It is going to be awesome and we are really looking forward to it. Laurie is an avid photographer and will definitely be in her element out there. She will probably eat through ten rolls of film if I know her. Look for the trip photos in the Photos section when we return. I will try to make some hi-res desktop images as well and post them here.
We have a full itinerary planned for sure. Laurie and I will be hitting the links twice while we are out there. Once at the Sedona Golf Resort and another at Oakcreek Country Club. Oak Creek looks beautiful and should be challenging. 
We have also booked train passage to the Grand Canyon aboard the Canyon Train and a Vortex Jeep tour with Pink Jeep Tours.
I am really interested in seeing the geology of the area first hand and have purchased a few field guides to the area in hopes of being able to show off my geologic prowess. Haven't had much use for the knowledge gained by a BS in Geology lately and am afraid I'm getting a bit rusty. Not much use for strike, dip and stratigraphic sequence in the web design world. Last time I had the chance was at Geology field camp in Wyoming. Those were the days...
Anyhow, until I return, webDowling will be on a short sabbatical.
