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Rosendale Street Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:06:00 +0000

I snapped the photo of the deer early this morning on my way to snap a photo of the flag sculpture that hangs off of the railroad trestle near RT 213. It only flies for one reason the Rosendale Street Festival, a lively event. The street are filled with people enjoying music and food, better yet each other.

Blogging for the Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:41:00 +0000

I set up the office on the deck today and am simultaneously working on a few pieces at a time. I have never done that before but it seems to work. The day was fading and the birds headed to the feeder, I headed for my camera. I am still working out using a digital SLR but sure am having fun with it!

Eastport's Artist in Residence, Art for Art's Sake

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Kingston, N.Y. is a scant 6 miles down the road from home; it is what we in Cottekill call the,”big city”. It was also voted in the top five artists communities in some magazine I do not remember the name of, but it was a national. I love meeting artists when I travel and I met a great one recently in Eastport, Maine. Jim Levendosky spends a few months there every year in a rented store front, making and selling his art. It is also his temp home and studio. Lil and I spent some time with Jim and his friend on a foggy evening recently with a big smile and his NPR tee shirt; I knew I would like him straight away. One of Jim’s latest works was a scrimshaw motorcycle gas tank, it was just incredible. One of Jim’s ambitions is to be Jay Leno’s Artist in Residence, Jay would indeed be a lucky man.

Ulster County a Bit Like Tuscany, The New York Post and I Agree

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:16:00 +0000

I went to a great dinner party last night, a fantastic night sitting on the bluestone patio behind an 18th century stone farmhouse. As the sunlight faded the conversation turned from the world’s problems to how lucky we all were to live in such a beautiful area. I was asked what places I have visited most resembled Ulster County , NY . I though awhile and answered Tuscany.

I was surprised when reading the NY Post Magazine this morning that new weekend resident and fashion designer Edoardo Mantelli, stated the same thing in his interview. From the pictures I knew just the house he bought, another 18th century Dutch stone house down the road. I only wish I could have expressed my love for the area as well as he did. As I headed to a couple of local farm stands to get fresh corn, flowers and some wine it occurred to me that shopping for dinner here in Ulster County was again very similar to Tuscany. Welcome to the neighborhood Edoardo, you fit in just perfectly!

MaMaison Hotels, My Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:43:00 +0000

At a dinner party I was asked about hotels, I love checking them out. I had the chance recently to try out two hotels from MaMaison Hotels and was very impressed. The MaMaison Andrassy Hotel in Budapest and MaMaison Le Regina Hotel in Warsaw went far beyond my expectations. Both were done up in fantastic design and layout with fantastic service. They have other properties such as one in Prague that I have checked online. If you are heading to the Central or Eastern Europe MaMaison would be my choice.

Naming a Lobster Boat in Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:51:00 +0000

I enjoyed my very early breakfasts with the lobstermen of Maine but it took a bit before I could get them to open up. After a few nods I got some, “mornings”. Soon I could ask questions and one was where the names of their boats come from. Names like Endurance and Wind and Spirit seemed to convey a message. Sure enough the recurring answer was the names reflect the qualities needed to do the job. I soon return for a bit more cancer removal from my face so the names and answers resonated with me. Many boats are also named for the wives of lobster men such as Betty Lou and Sally. I asked one guy why there was a boat named Double Trouble in the harbor. Seems the captain had more than just a wife, hence the double part. With fuel becoming an added problem for these guys, expect those ugly but delicious creatures to rise in price. Perhaps I will name my Jeep, Gas Guzzler.

Whoppers from Eastport, Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:32:00 +0000

We had every intention of continuing up the coast of New Brunswick and further till we caught a glimpse of Eastport, Maine from the boat. The town looked very appealing and I happened to remember that the only motel in town happened to also have a cottage next door for rent, pre- trip research pays. I called and the place was available for a great price. Lil and I crossed back to the US side to see what I got us into. We had a cozy waterfront cottage within a short walk of the downtown. It turned into the perfect place to see what a real lobster village in Maine is all about. At night I would walk short ways to Norton’s Pier and buy my daily lobsters. In the evening we would put on sweaters and watch the fog roll across the water till we were enveloped in the thick mist.

Dinners were perfect by candle light and the sound of the water a tonic after a busy spring travel schedule. I had forgotten that traveling isn’t just packing in as much as possible, meeting artists, lobstermen and locals filled the days. Eastport is pretty in a way that other better know towns in Maine are, but real. Cracks of a glorious past as a sardine capital and business center showed through. It was however a town that is trying to rebuild itself, attractive in its own way. There is a table at the WaCo Diner just down the street from our place where a liar’s table is reserved, just for fishermen and women. They tend to tell whoppers. I now have some whoppers of my own about Eastport, I swear they are true. Just ask anyone from Eastport, they will back me up.

Whales off St. Andrew, Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:54:00 +0000

I have often wondered why it is called whale watching, whale hunting fits better. Lily and I awoke early to catch the boat and head out on the Bay of Fundy. Billons of gallons of sea water flows in and out of the bay twice daily and it has one of the world’s biggest tidal changes. In the summer it also is temp home to whales seeking food and plankton. The charming town of St. Andrew, Canada was still and quiet and lucky for us only nine passengers boarded for the hunt. With a success rate of 95% we knew we would see something and we did. Minke Whales danced around our boat snorting as they rose from the depths. A thrill to behold!

St Andrew, NB, Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:43:00 +0000

St. Andrew, Canada is just across the bay from Maine and was built by Loyalists from the Revolution, not wanting to become Americans. Many houses were dismantled and taken to St. Andrew to be rebuilt in the grid that is today's town.

Bar Harbor Fog

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:33:00 +0000

It was a foggy morning here in Bar Harbor. The powerful engines of lobster boats out on the water could be heard but not seen. A steaming cup of coffee was a delight as I watched the fog swirl the coast. Today we head on back roads through Washington County and Down East Maine. At Calias we will cross the border to Canada and the town of St. Andrews.

Bar Harbor

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:32:00 +0000

After a great weekend with family in Canaan Maine we headed up the coast to Bar Harbor. The Bar Harbor Inn is a wonderful place to sit and chill. It is right on the water and the view fantastic.

Portland, a Bang Up July 4th in 1866

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:28:00 +0000

First stop on the coast was the city of Portland, Maine. I wanted to see how it changed since I wrote a piece for GN. I had to call in to Around the World Travel Radio anyway. While structurally the same, a bit of umph seems missing. Could be the economy or perhaps it is just me. I did learn a little something new that pertains to July 4th also. Love the little facts. On July 4 1866, Portland had a great fire that burned 1500 buildings down. The fire was started when a little boy threw a firecracker on a pile of wood shavings. At the time poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said the remains of the city reminded him of the ruins of Pompeii. Hope a better fourth for everyone.

Coastal Bound, Points Unknown

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:40:00 +0000

A Corporate Type

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:06:00 +0000

It has been a long four years since the passing of my Dad but today much has been put to rest; I have become part of a corporation. More importantly I do not have to go to NYC again for fifteen days. In anticipation of leaving for Prince Edward Island I made a stop at a camera shop and bought a new telephoto lens for my Canon, since plans include several whale cruises and lighthouse visits. It was the first time in a long time that price wasn’t a concern. I am ready for jeans and tee shirts and a worn sweatshirt at night when the evening fog rolls to shore. Instead of huge glam hotels we will be looking for cozy weathered inns and lobsters in the rough. I am looking forward to the huge tidal changes of the Bay of Fundy and getting dirty and wet in the tidal pools. After a few months of difficult situations I really want to see my wife’s smiling face and share some laughs on a deck and over dinner, the night air punctuated with fog horn blasts. I might not be the typical corporate type, and for that I am truly grateful.

"Travel and Bargain" Splitting Company

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:41:00 +0000

The dollar is about to drop in value again against the euro. Those ten buck coffees that bummed me out this spring could soon be fifteen. Due to the rising inflation rate in Europe, the European Central Bank is planning on hiking a key interest rate this week. As one not versed in economics, I have to go by my cost of a cup of coffee meter. By far Warsaw, Poland gave me the best bang for a cup of joe. I got an email from good friend Nora Brossard who handles the European Travel Commission for Spring O’Brien with the Commission’s bulletin with tips for alternative art cities that are a bit cheaper. For example Linz, Esztergom and Ghent have art treasures well worth seeing. Let’s face it, it looks like the words “travel and bargain” will be splitting company for a while. I have gone so far as to rent a hybrid car for my trip up the coast of Maine and into Atlantic Canada, a chance to save some green while going green. Even the Loon is easily pacing the almighty (once) dollar. Check out Tim Leffel's blogs and books for other travel ideas.

Willing

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:08:00 +0000

A few years ago I got some work done on the house. The contractor poised a very important question, “Do you want the shingling to be 15, 20 or 30 year guaranteed?” I had to think for a minute. Let’s see; in 30 years I will be eighty-one. To cut costs I really considered opting for the 20 year shingles. It seemed a safer bet. Better sense prevailed and I got the best quality.

I recently was asked about my will; I didn’t have one. The lawyer was incredulous. How could I not have one with so many different ramifications? He then rattled off all of the horrible possibilities. Who wants the state dictating what goes to whom and getting a big cut itself? We postponed our trip for a bit to PEI and I shuttled back and forth to NYC over the last couple of days. Whether or not I last as long as the shingles, I sure will sleep better.

Good Travel, New Issue

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:52:00 +0000

I read the new travel issue of GOOD magazine yesterday and it had a far different take on travel than most travel reads. They had a piece about 37 places you never knew you wanted to go. Some of the choices were Berkeley Pit in Butte Montana and the Apex Landfill in Clark County, Nevada. While I doubt either will become must see on any ones list, the tongue in cheek piece sure brings lifestyle changes into play.

Another piece was dispatches from places you didn’t think had tourists. Places such as Pakistan and Kosovo were covered there. It basically was reports from writers living in the areas with an opening from Tony Wheeler. Kenya was also covered and I think freelancer Emily Meehan was spot on. I basically had the same opinion on my segment on Around the World Travel Radio. No problem if you travel with your wits, that applies to just about anywhere.

My Favorite Traveling Partner

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:33:00 +0000

The best time of the year is fast approaching, Lil gets done with school . We are going to head up the coast of Maine and then through New Brunswick. Ultimate goal Prince Edward Island, never been there. We have no predetermined stops or reservations, not even a definite time frame. We are traveling for the sake of travel alone, time to share stories of the past year that slipped by. Books waiting to be read will be savored and time to reflect and think.

Pops on the Prairie, Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:39:00 +0000

It is the OKMozart festival time here in Bartlesville and his tunes take precedent, but last night was Pops in Woolaroc. After a BBQ dinner at Dink’s we headed out into the prairie to Frank Phillip’s oilman outpost. The magnificent grounds were filled with families packing cooler dinners and beverages sitting in fold up chairs, reminiscent of a fourth of July from a western. The prairie sky deepened as the orchestra tuned up, French horn pecking from the back of the pack. Soon opera, show and movie tunes filled the night air, friendly claps punctuated between tunes. It was Americana that still has deep roots here in Oklahoma’s northeast. As the medley of western movie music ended the concert, there was hope for more. As the theme for Superman played, magnificent fireworks lit up the sky reflected in the lake below. For just a bit my problems and my countries seemed minimal, pride filled the prairie. Unfortunately dreamy nights and punchy tunes do not last forever, but they do help.

Woolaroc and Frank Phillips, Oilman and His Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:21:00 +0000

After learning the sad story of E.W. Marland is was a different twist visiting the homes of Frank Phillips of Phillips 66 fame, he survived the ups and downs of life as an oilman. While “Uncle Frank’s” home in Bartlesville is grand it is his place 12 miles away named Woolaroc that really stands out. Frank built a combination of western log manor and wildlife preserve. He collected western and Native American art and made mixing business and pleasure a tool in his building Phillips Oil. In the card room Frank once put up an oil rig against owner, Barnum’s circus. (Barnum and Bailey’s) Barnum lost but won the circus back later in the weekend. One can almost hear Will Rodgers witty stories told around the poker table. Frank claimed that if he could get a man to visit Woolaroc, he could close a deal. I think he just might have been right.

Backbiting in the Black Gold Fields of Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:55:00 +0000

The oil business here in Oklahoma has a fascinating history, story of wildcatters, huge losses and bigger gains. We went today to the mansion of E. W. Marland who at one time held as much power as Saudi Arabia currently has today in the oil markets. After losing his first million in Penn. E.W. came here and again built a massive fortune. While not well know outside of Oklahoma here he is a considered a saint, donations aplenty for workers and folks living here. His mansion is an amazing look at the wealth built on black gold. The company Marland Oil eventually became Conoco due to some shady moves by J.P. Morgan. Moves that would have had J.P. jailed today, E.W exacted some revenge by becoming congressman and loved governor of this state and vigorously promoting anti- trust laws. His story and that of his family would be a fantastic movie as indeed it just might be soon. The spice in the twisting tale is E.W. marrying his adopted daughter after the death of his first wife. Today we explore the world of Frank Phillips of Phillips 66 fame.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Skyscrapper

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:51:00 +0000

Bartlesville, Oklahoma home of the only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper in the world, it also happens to be my hotel. The building was originally designed for NYC but due to the stock crash of 1929 it ended up being built here. The Price Family contacted Wright in 1952 on the advice of local architect Bruce Goff. The family wanted to build headquarters for their oil pipeline company. Tonight it is my hotel! It is amazing in its design and style and a testament to the power of oil in this part of the state. The next few days will take me to derricks and pioneer beginnings. They are down home and comfy in this neck of the woods, the mayor shared an after dinner drink with me and filled me in on some local politics. Best part is his job in non- salaried as is all the committeemen, what local politicians not on a payroll? I am going to like it here.

Travel Press and Commitment

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:22:00 +0000

It has been a very rough couple of days and I had a tough decision to make today, one that I really struggled with. I have a family member that is under going medical treatment though things look good. I committed myself to a press trip to Oklahoma leaving in the morning. I was ready to pull the plug on it but was convinced not to. It wasn’t easy to f eel the choice was right and in fact often I think about all the things I have missed over the years. Family events, birthdays and a host of just plain day to day things that I love when home. That is the one and only downside to travel writing, forget about busy airports and crowded planes.

I am well aware of all the hard work and planning that goes into setting up press visits and though my thoughts will be somewhat occupied this time, I will do what I should. I will learn about the destination and gather the information needed, I will in other words live up to my commitment. I think it was a lesson from my dad that took years to sink in, it’s funny how the important ones get more important as you get older. Decisions aren’t always easy to make, knowing if you made the right one is often a gut call. To bad it isn’t an exact science.

Silence is Golden

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:43:00 +0000

Finnegan Golf Classic

noreply@blogger.com (Kent E St. John) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:34:00 +0000

It was a great day at the Finnegan Golf Classic yesterday to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Course, food and people were all fantastic and the weather superb. An added bonus was our EVK Inc winning the Division II net. While Dillon, Frank and I had flashes of brilliance (Luck) Captain Twiggy was amazing, long straight shots. Best of all though was the amazing amount of volunteer work, great job!