• Michael Hartberger
  • Michael Hartberger

Hartberger RV 2024-2025

2yr RV trip across the US and Canada Läs mer
  • FP Update 9/24 St. Martins Sea Caves & F

    24 september 2024, Kanada ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    FP Update 9/24 St. Martins Sea Caves & Fundy Trail Parkway, NB

    Today is our last day of our Canadian Exploration Tour since we head back into the USA tomorrow. It was a great day weather wise and St. Martins caves & Fundy Trail help put New Brunswick on our Province would visit again list💜 which before today, may not have made the list.

    St Martins Sea Caves, St. Martins, NB - The sandstone caves are carved by the Bay of Fundy tides. We explored the caves at our leisure, since we arrived at low tide, we were able to walk out to the caves. During high tide, the caves are completely submerged in the clear blue waters of the bay. However, at low tide, this entire landscape transforms into beautiful scenery with these magnificent caves and small streams. The caves were formed by the constantly changing tide cycle of Fundy Bay, which has the highest tides in the world. The water from all the rivers on earth that flows into all the oceans is equal to the amount of water flowing in and out of the Bay of Fundy in a single day.

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    Fundy trail parkway - The 30km coastal parkway offers stunning views of Bay of Fundy that rivals Nova Scotia's famous Cabot Trail. The parkway provides access to several trails and over 20 lookout locations along the coast. We stopped at almost all of the lookouts and were not disappointed. Our pics are great but as we have observed, being there and seeing it in person is the best way for things of true beauty to be seen 🤩. This park is the perfect place to view the natural, unspoiled beauty of the Bay of Fundy! Its shoreline cliffs and beaches are home to the world's most complete fossil record of life 300 million years ago. The coastline is indented with several coves, natural caves, forests, rocky formations and sandy beaches!
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  • FP update 9/27 Bar Harbor, ME/Arcadia Na

    27 september 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    FP update 9/27 Bar Harbor, ME/Arcadia National Park

    Back in the USA!!! Specifically, Bar harbor, ME. Can’t help but fall in 💜 with this part of the Northeast especially this time of year! If you have been here, you understand.

    Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It serves as a gateway to the mountains and cliffs of neighboring Acadia National Park. The area offers endless outdoor activities. It’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. We started our exploration of the park today by hiking the Jordon Pond Loop Trail. The Path traverses the shore of Jordan Pond, one of Acadia’s most iconic landscapes. An accelerating hike, where the terrain around the lake drastically changes as you make your way around. The east side is loose gravel and west side is large rocks and wooden planks. It’s a great hike around a beautiful pond which made for a great morning 💜🍂

    Guy in the blue jacket is Westen’s new best friend…sharing a banana.
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  • FP update 9/28 Park Loop Rd /Arcadia Nat

    28 september 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    FP update 9/28 Park Loop Rd /Arcadia National Park

    We headed back into Arcadia National Park and drove along the Park loop Road. Beautiful diversity of nature at the edge. As you drive in, the tree branches on the opposite sides come together to make an arch for your entrance 😁 This 27-mile road is the go-to scenic drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island, connecting Acadia's lakes, mountains, and shoreline.
    Acadia National Park is most famous for its rugged, breathtaking coastline. And like the Colorado Rockies, it’s known for it’s stunning fall foliage 🍂 The Park Loop Road is one of three types of major road systems on the island. Constructed between 1921 and 1958, it allows motor vehicles access to the park separate from local roads.
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  • FP update 9/29 Compass Harbor Trailhead,

    29 september 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    FP update 9/29 Compass Harbor Trailhead, Arcadia National Park & downtown Bar Harbor

    We got up early and walked a trail that took us out to Dorr Point. Michael found this little nugget and was so glad he did. Very peaceful since we had the place to ourselves (very crowded time of year here- lots of tourists) so we got to soak up Mother nature’s beauty in all its splendor 🍂

    Then it was a hop skip and a jump downtown. Main Street and the thoroughfares surrounding it are downright charming thanks to the colorful, clapboard storefronts that house local restaurants and shops. Independent shops and galleries combined with the Bar Harbor's proximity to the water and the darling city parks that dot the area make for a romantic atmosphere. The town is truly the perfect size to enjoy the afternoon soaking up Bar Harbor.
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  • FP update 9/30 Cadillac Mountain, Arcadi

    30 september 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    FP update 9/30 Cadillac Mountain, Arcadia National Park

    Back to Acadia National Park 😀🍂 Cadillac Mountain: The tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the United States. You must make reservations to get to access this section of the park which is how they regulate the # of people visiting at a time. At the summit of 1,530 ft, it offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. Also has views of the town and the bay. We just sat on the rocks and soaked it all in 🤩 It is known as the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise, although that is only true for a portion of the year. Cadillac only experiences the first sunrise from October 7 through March 6. We were a few days too early to witness.Läs mer

  • FP update 10/3 Newport, RI & Mystic, CT

    3 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    FP update 10/3 Newport, RI & Mystic, CT

    Today we had a beautiful day exploring Newport, RI. Newport is a city set on Aquidneck Island in the New England State of Rhode Island. It’s yacht-filled harbor has hosted the America’s Cup - walking/driving around, you can just smell the money 💵 💵💵💵💵. The city was founded in 1639 and during the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families flocked to the city by the sea and its surrounding areas, making the area their summertime playground. The meticulous preservation of more than a dozen of these homes gives us intimate access to the artistry. The mansions are huge and stately, and you feel like you’ve gone back in time. You need the horse and buggies to add to the true time travel feel! The city has done a great job preserving the mansions and the history and you can, we did, drive or stroll down lining Bellevue Avenue, some of which are now museums.

    Drove to Mystic, CT which is known for its quintessential New England charm. Also very special because my dear friend David & Nicole meet us for dinner 💕🥂 Great evening filled with good food and laughs! Oh yeah, and dessert too 💜
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  • FP update 10/5 Concord, MA

    5 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    FP update 10/5 Concord, MA

    Minute Man National Historical Park which is the site where our American history begins. At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as you explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775. We walked the Battle Road trail and learned tidbits like Paul Revere yelled out 📣 “the British are coming “but he was actually captured early on in his ride, so another gentleman, Samuel Prescott, finished spreading the word.Läs mer

  • FP update 10/6 Boston MA

    6 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    FP update 10/6 Boston MA

    We had the perfect Fall weather to enjoy strolling the city that had a starring role in the American Revolution. Took the afternoon to walk The Freedom Trail. The Trail takes you to 16 historical sites during the two-three-hour walk. We just followed the brick path that is laid out over 2.5 miles. Highlights for us:

    (*) Granary Burying Ground, with its massive Egyptian Revival-style gates, is the final resting place of many eminent patriots such as Samuel Adams, Peter Faneuil, Paul Revere and John Hancock.

    (*) Benjamin Franklin’s Statue and the Site of the First Public School. Notice that Ben is half-smiling and half serious. This is the first portrait statue erected in the US. -Side note- we watched the series “Franklin” on Apple TV, which highlights all Ben did behind the scenes for US independence.

    (*) USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Nicknamed “Old Ironsides” because cannonballs bounced off of her oak sides in battle during the war of 1812, the USS Constitution was undefeated in battle.

    Trail ends at Bunker Hill Monument was dedicated in 1843 commemorating the battle on the site of the main colonial fortification. Fun Fact: The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought atop Breed’s Hill and that it was technically a British victory

    Boston oozes with history😊

    Also, Westen’s first Uber ride.
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  • FP update 10/11 Philadelphia

    11 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    FP update 10/11 Philadelphia

    10/11 Fun fact - Philadelphia was once the Capital of the US. Historical importance is cemented for the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. This city has importance to us for a few reasons. Michael grew up just outside of the city and landed his first job out of college in Center City Philly. We also got engaged in the city of brotherly love 💕

    The city of soft pretzels and yes, Philly Cheesesteaks! The big Philly cheesesteak debate: Geno’s or Pat’s?? Michael is a Pat’s guy👍🏻 And he of course indulged in a Pat’s “with whiz” 😁 Also visited Jim’s Steakhouse – good steak, but not his fav. On the soft pretzel side, he want to a long standing pretzel factory and bought 4 dozen and distributed them to family/friends who use to live in the Philly area.
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  • FP update 10/13 Philadelphia

    13 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    FP update 10/13 Philadelphia

    We had another beautiful day and walked along the Schuylkill River. Watched rowers along the river as we passed Boat House Row. Made our way to the Philadelphia Art Museum with the famous steps from the Rocky Movie 🥊. And of course, took a jaunt to the Rocky Statue which was very crowded. Stallone is still very popular 😁

    Reading Terminal Market - We always make a stop when we are in Philly. It is an establishment that should not be missed. Over one hundred merchants offer fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, groceries, ice cream, flowers, grilled cheese, baked goods, smoothies, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. Basically, something for everyone 💜 It opened originally in 1893 in the train shed of the Reading Railroad Company after the city of Philadelphia advocated to move public markets from the streets into indoor facilities for both safety and sanitary reasons.
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  • FP update 10/14 Valley Forge

    14 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    FP update 10/14 Valley Forge

    Took the opportunity to visit Valley Forge, which is claimed to be the most important sites in American history - even though no battle was fought on the grounds. But still is known to be the birth of the American Army. We took a drive around the encampment as we listened to a guide that played our radio as we drove 👍🏻 We were informed with all the details of what transpired on those hallowed grounds in the winter of 1777-78, how Washington’s men persevered in the face of horrific obstacles and how Washington himself grew into the legendary leader he would be remembered for. A few of the highlights:

    (*) National Memorial Arch - This giant memorial stands to commemorate the arrival of Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

    (*) Artillery Park, King of Prussia, PA - The Artillery Park in Valley Forge played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War, serving as a key logistical and strategic hub for the Continental Army's artillery units.

    (*) Washington’s HQ – where he ran the revolution! Nestled in a picturesque corner of the park stands a handsome stone home that served as the headquarters of George Washington for much of the Valley Forge encampment.

    (*) Reproduced huts - The Muhlenberg Brigade huts in Valley Forge hold historical significance as they served as winter quarters for the brigade during the American Revolutionary War in 1777-1778. These huts, constructed by soldiers under harsh conditions, provided shelter for troops enduring the severe winter at Valley Forge.
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  • FP update 10/19 Baltimore, MD

    19 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    FP update 10/19 Baltimore, MD

    Baltimore is the most populous city in Maryland and NOT the capital of Maryland 😁. We made the mistake of visiting the city on the morning the Baltimore Marathon was happening. Oops 😬 a little challenging to find parking spots but we succeeded.

    Walking the Inner Harbor, it is hard not to revel in the spectacular waterfront views. The weather was perfect and made the walk that much better to take it all in. Inner Harbor is a sightseeing hub, home to Maryland Science Center with a planetarium.
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  • FP update 10/20 Annapolis, MD

    20 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    FP update 10/20 Annapolis, MD

    Annapolis is the actual capital of MD 😁, and the United States Naval Academy. We walked the Naval Academy Campus today, which is located along the Chesapeake Bay and truly has the collegiate feel as you tour the grounds. Some factoids: (*) Jimmy Carter graduated from the academy, (*) it's very hard to get into the United States Naval Academy (USNA) because it's one of the most selective schools in the country, and (*) prepares men and women to become professional officers in US Navy and Marine Corps.Läs mer

  • FP update 10/21 Washington, DC & Alexand

    21 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    FP update 10/21 Washington, DC & Alexandria, VA

    Decided to visit the International Spy Museum. We enjoyed it and would recommend it if you are in the DC area. Come face to face with spies and spymasters, the gadgets and engineers, stories from past and present. With three floors of interactive exhibits to tap, touch, and play – you don’t just visit the Spy Museum, you live it- INTERACTIVE! A few things we learned: (*) A few reasons why individuals volunteer to be spies are nationalistic ideals, greed and ambition, and (*) Pigeon Power!!! They were used to send secret messages America’s first spymaster was George Washington

    We walked around the cute town of Alexandria and took a tour of Gadsby Tavern. The tavern & hotel were the center of Alexandria’s economic, political, & social life in the late-18th and early-19th centuries. Notable patrons that enjoyed this hospitality included George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The most well-known event was the Birthright Ball, when Washington celebrated his birthday in 1798 and 1799.
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  • FP update 10/25 Richmond/Charlottesville

    25 oktober 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    FP update 10/25 Richmond/Charlottesville, VA

    We had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Richmond area where one of Michael’s dearest friends’ lives. Bob/Cindy were gracious enough to host and entertain us 💜

    We took a trip to The University of Virginia (UVA) where Cindy graduated. It is a public research university in Charlottesville, VA. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and contains his Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original governing Board of Visitors included three U.S. presidents: Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Jefferson designed both the original courses of study and the university's architecture.

    During her time at UVA, Cindy was a campus tour guide, and she still has it in her. Thanks to Cindy we got our private tour 😁

    The Rotunda was the main focus of our visit. The Rotunda, the centerpiece of the Academical Village, is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Rotunda was built at a cost of almost $60,000 dollars and was the last structure to be finished on the Lawn. It was still under construction when Jefferson died in 1826. We also learned it is not a “campus” but instead referred to as the “grounds” 😉 Whatever you call it, it is a beautiful place, and you can smell the history 😍

    Fall is in the air so we visited a cider mill, also known as a cidery. Since I was unfamiliar with what this was for others who might be in the same boat…. Where they crush apples into apple juice for use in making apple cider, hard cider, applejack, apple wine, pectin and other products derived from apples. 🍎 It was tasty, and the location had a spectacular view.

    In a nutshell a great day with great friends 💕
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  • FP update 11/1 Wilmington, NC

    1 november 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    FP update 11/1 Wilmington, NC

    While visiting Wilmington today we stopped by the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. We stepped aboard the most decorated US Battleship of WWII! It participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II, earning 15 battle stars. It has been authentically restored and is a National Historic Landmark that proudly serves as her State’s World War II Memorial to the 11,000+ North Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

    As we explored the nine levels, we kept commenting that the ship was its own floating city. At any time, there were 2,000 plus young men who called the showboat home. FYI- plan on about 2 hours to explore 😁

    We traveled a little south to Fort Fisher in Kure Beach. Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington. Until the last few months of the Civil War, it kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Its Importance is cemented in when Ft. Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy. Less than ten percent of the earthen fortification remains, and the Park just reopened in April. It now is a 20,000 sq ft visitor center. They have done a great job with the building and is set in a beautiful area so recommend visiting if ever in the area.
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  • FP Update 11/21 – Hofwyl-Broadfield Plan

    21 november 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We visited this beautiful plantation which represents the history and culture of Georgia’s rice coast. In the early 1800s, William Brailsford of Charleston carved a rice plantation from marshes along the Altamaha River. The plantation and its inhabitants were part of the genteel low country society that developed during the antebellum period.

    Even after the Civil War, when growing rice was challenging the family continued to grow until 1913.The enterprising siblings of the fifth generation at Hofwyl-Broadfield resolved to start a dairy rather than sell their family home as times were hard. The efforts of Gratz, Miriam and Ophelia Dent led to the preservation of their family legacy. Truly two strong independent women 💪🏻Ophelia was the last heir to the rich traditions of her ancestors, and she left the plantation to the state of Georgia in 1973.

    The plantation is lined with gorgeous Live oaks. A fun factoid, main reason they were originally planted was the ability to withstand hurricanes. A must see if you are in the area.
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  • FP Update 12/13 - Wakulla Springs Lodge,

    13 december 2024, Förenta staterna ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We are thankful for the gentlemen that shared this special place with us as we were walking along Mary’s Beach near Eastpoint Florida 💜



    Wakulla Springs is one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. It's also known for its amazing wildlife, historic lodge, and filming history.

    · Ed Bald owned the springs
    · No hunting or fishing
    · From November to March you will find Manatees here. They took over the place and we were able to get up close and a little personal with them 😝 Fun facts about Manatees:
    · Solid muscle no fat, 14-60 feet long, up to 2,000 pounds, related to elephants, and their tail is a weapon- swat it and it can kill an alligator!
    · Alligators also reside in the Springs. A few things we learned about them is there coloring is actually grey, nit green and they are nocturnal 🐊
    · On the movie filming front, in the 1940’s Tarzan films were produced at the site BUT the claim to fame is CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 🎥
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  • FP Update 1/3 – USS ALABAMA Battleship M

    3 januari 2025, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    USS ALABAMA - From its humble beginnings on February 1, 1940 as the keel was laid at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) has had a remarkable career. She began her World War II adventures in the North Atlantic in 1943, then later that year, went to the South Pacific seas. She ended up in Mobile, Alabama as a National Historic Landmark and memorial to millions.

    USS DRUM SUBMARINE - Sitting in her cradle beside Mobile Bay is the National Historic Landmark WWII submarine USS DRUM (SS-228). The DRUM is the oldest American submarine on public display, and we invite you to come and learn about her 72 member crew and her missions during the war. Be sure to ask about Stateside, the crew’s pet dog who served aboard the submarine.
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  • FP Update 1/11 – Barber Marina, Elberta,

    11 januari 2025, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Located near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama, is a fun trail of Dinosaurs in the Woods. Created by artist Mark Cline from Virginia for Alabama billionaire George Barber. Mr. Barber had him build 7 fiberglass dinosaur statues in 1991. When the initial dinosaurs were installed, Mr. Barber decided that they should have glass eyes so Mark Cline flew back and gave them new eyes. After this initial build, they became friends and ended up working together to create the Lady in the Bay and Bamahenge.

    Dinosaurs in the Woods - 7 fiberglass dinosaur statues

    Lady in the Lake Alabama - Floating in the marina is an amazing Lady in the Lake sculpture. The Lady in the Lake is back after hurricane damage was repaired.

    Bamahenge - The Alabama version of a life-size Stonehenge replica is located near the Dinosaurs in the Woods.

    Giant Spider - Randomly, there is a giant spider sculpture near the parking area for The Lady in the Lake.

    George Barber’s facilities are very familiar to Michael, especially Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. The Park, which opened in 2003, has a 17-turn, 2.38-mile (3.83 km) international road racing course, designed by Alan Wilson, viewable from several naturally wooded or grass-covered banks. The track is designed to be run clockwise. The layout is compact, with a number of elevation changes. The pit lane is to the outside of the track, parallel to the front stretch, and the pit wall is on the driver’s left. An entryway between Turns 8 and 9 provides access to the museum garages. A tunnel underneath the track at Turn 12 allows emergency and maintenance vehicles access to the infield area. This is one of the tracks that Michael raced annually for the 12 years we lived in TN.
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