Climbing to the top of the Azores

Dear travel diary;

Today I find myself to the top of the Azores.  It's a beautiful volcanic island of the coast of Portugal.  After a beer or two, we took the long trek up the side of the mountain to the monument at the top.  From up here you have a great view of the coast line and harbour below.

Now for the long trek down the mountain.  I should have brought more beer.

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

A drive through Algonquin park

Dear travel diary;

Today I find myself driving through Algonquin park.  A beautiful drive through many small towns along Hwy 60.  But make sure you have a full tank of gas.  There isn't any gas stations once you hit the entrance of the park.

If you keep a keen eye on the road, you'll find all kinds of things.  Everything from a monument of the Avro Arrow, careless bears who'll sit on you, to even mouse nibbling on the grass next to the road!

  Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Retirement

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm feeling my age.  After a hard climb up the Whiteface mountain, I've decided to retire.  I needed a little "repair", but after the glue dried, I was back in the garden.  After a long but great journey, it's time to pass on the torch and spend my remaining days enjoying the simple life in the garden.

But don't worry my loyal fans...the journey is not over yet.  My son "the Doctor" is ready to stretch his legs.

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

A deadly climb up Whiteface Mountain

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm made it up Whiteface mountain!  It's 4867 feet up was a gruelling climb for such a little Gnome.  I started up the winding Veteran's Memorial Highway, all the way to the top of the mountain.  It wasn't easy.  I even had a little accident and barely was able to make it to the top.

But don't worry about me...After a little glue, I'll be just fine.

 Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

North pole in New York

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm finding it a little chilly here in New York.  It must because I've found the North Pole!  It's full of man made snow, elves and oddly, Christmas music.

I don't think this is the "real" North Pole.

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

A hamlet

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm visiting the smallest place on the map.  The busy hamlet of Jay sits quietly in the state of New York.

Don't blink, you'll miss it.  I almost did.

 Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

 

A stroll through the streets of Quebec City

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm strolling through the streets of Quebec City, QC.  This is just a beautiful city.  Full of rich history and hidden gems.  A walk around the Citadelle and you can find evidence of wars long forgotten.

One of the coolest things I've seen today is a cannon ball swallowed by a tree!

 Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Zombies in the Arctic

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm flying in the high Arctic, in Canada.  In the summer, this area is full of little lakes and nothing else.  A beautiful environment, but danger is always just a step away.  Today I'm flying in a twin otter, call sign "Vampire 4".  A Canadian Air force search and rescue plane.

This a light but very powerful plane.  It is a great pick to be a "Zombie Response Vehicle"!

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Searched for by the RCMP K9 Unit

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm working with the RCMP K9 unit in Inuvik, NWT.  This beautiful Sheppard has a keen eye and a sharp nose.  But don't let his cuddly look fool you.  This pup is all business.  Mainly used for tracking and search and rescue, but he can also take down any suspect.

He can be one scary dog for a small gnome.  And he drools!

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Flying around Inuvit, NWT

Dear travel diary;

Today I'm in a chopper, flying around the northern city of Inuvik, NWT, Canada.  With the doors open and flying low, just above the trees, it is an exhilarating ride!

From this height, you get a very unique view of this wonderful country.  Kind of makes me wish I was a little taller!

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Lake Placid

Dear travel diary;

Today I find myself checking out the famous Lake Placid, NY.  It's a beautiful little town perched on the edge of a lake.  If you ever saw the movie "Lake Placid" then you'll understand why I was so uneasy to go near the water.  Thankfully I didn't see any giant gnome eating alligators.  But I did see a giant lobster.

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Citadelle in Quebec City

Dear travel diary;

Today I find myself exploring the Citadelle in Quebec City.  This old fort was built in the 17th century by French.  In 1820 the British continued to add to the Citadelle to protect the area from the Americans.  The complex is also the Governor General of Canada's official residence.

This is a historic trip to the past through various museums and a fantastic view of old Quebec City.  A must see!

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome

Deschambault, Quebec

Dear travel diary;

Today I find myself exploring the back roads of Quebec.  After a beautiful and scenic drive up the coast of the St Laurence river I find a little town of Deschambault, Quebec.

This is a lovely little spot to stop and stretch your gnomey legs after a long drive.  It's full of scenic views of the river, covered bridges and old school house museums.

Sincerely Nestor the Gnome