Author Archives: J. Matlock, Director of Fantasies

About J. Matlock, Director of Fantasies

Jeanette's wanderlust started as an Air Force brat crisscrossing the US visiting almost every state. Writing has always been a part of her life. While earning a BA in Journalism from the University of Central Florida, Jeanette found photography was the perfect compliment to writing. She is always on the outlook for what she calls "Right Time, Right Place" photographs that capture a once-in-a- lifetime moment. Her adult travels have taken her to Scotland, England, France, Switzerland and all over the US and she continues to crave going to places to experience adventure, great food and lifestyles. She has written travel journals for the web site IGOUGO.com to share her experiences to guide and encourage other travelers. Her descriptive writing style makes one feel as if they are there sharing the experience. Her love of writing is based on this simple truth: "When I am writing, I know that I am doing the thing I was born to do." (Anne Sexton).

And I’m Back!!!!

To my dear followers, my sincere apologies for not posting for a very long time. I do have a good reason that is actually travel related. My life has literally gone to the dogs (and cats). I started a pet … Continue reading

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Taste of Tampa Bay – Gluten Free Can Be Delicious

In recent years, I have developed a sensativity to gluten. Sometimes I am able to eat an item made with wheat with little to no effect; other times there are painful consequences. I keep a mental list of what causes … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Time of COVID – All Good Things Must Come to an End

It is always hard to leave Acadia and Mount Desert Island when our time there comes to an end. Why is it that on that last day the weather is almost always gray and rainy as if the island is … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Time of COVID – Afternoon on the Quiet Side of MDI

After visiting Little Long Pond, I doubled back to photograph two old churches in Seal Harbor – one on Dodge Point Road (which I have been told is now a private residence) and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church. St. Judes’ holds … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Time of COVID – Little Long Pond

We got up so early that we were downstairs before other guests and before breakfast was ready to start. I went out on the back porch of the inn and settled in one of the rocking chairs to enjoy the … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Time of COVID – Another Great Day Exploring Acadia National Park, Part 2 – Duck Brook Bridge Carriage Road & Bubble Pond

After lunch at Jordan’s, I have to shop for a short sleeve shirt as the temperature had risen into the 60s; unusual for a late October day. We drive to Duck Brook Bridge wanting to walk the carriage road since … Continue reading

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9/11 Memories & How That Terrible Day That Affected Travel

All of us that were alive on 9/11/2001 have memories of that day that we will never forget. Like the day John F Kennedy was assassinated, we can recall where we were and what we were doing when we heard … Continue reading

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Traveling In the Time of COVID – Havana – Because Sometimes Certain Cuisines are Better in Your Home Town

In several visits, I have avoided dining at Havana in Bar Harbor. Why? We live near Tampa where we can have authentic Cuban/Latin/Spanish food anytime at numerous restaurants, so it makes me really picky about this cuisine. I finally made … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Time of COVID – Another Great Day Exploring Acadia National Park, Part 1 – Bar Island

Sunshine and a clear blue sky greet us this morning bringing the promise of perfect weather for today’s activities. We breakfast on rolled omelets – eggs whipped with heavy cream then poured into a sheet pan and baked. The eggs … Continue reading

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Traveling in the Tine of COVID – A Gloomy Gray Day Has Its Own Special Rewards

A lot of people freak whenever the weather isn’t perfect when they vacation in Maine and Acadia. From past experience, I know a gloomy day can have unexpected rewards for those who know how to find them. A proper attitude … Continue reading

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