Advice: Be realistic with expectations

While I was thumbing through traveler reviews searching for a trip possibility - a working vessel traveling up the coast of Norway to the Arctic intrigued me - several testimonials popped out.

A few people complained of being bored.

In the first place, you have to understand that I have a low toleration for anyone who complains of apathy. I was brought up to seek out my own fun, and not at the expense of others either. That's why that statement annoyed me to no end. You might feel differently.

Understandably, this particular trip is like a slow boat to China which stops at small ports for short drop -offs and picks-up of supplies and mail in return. Passengers are permitted short amounts of time on shore. I can visualize photo opportunities of all sorts and engaging with locals in conversation.

However, there is much unstructured time onboard and the closest thing to no nightly entertainment is scanning the terrain at close hand. The boat hugs the coastline to provide views of the fjords.

I wonder if those restless folks truly read the day-to-day itinerary before they selected the adventure.

Bottom line: It pays to take the time to consider your personality and your expectations prior to signing on the dotted line for any trip. To me, that is as important as knowing your physical limitations.

Eyeing a lake sunset

It doesn't get any better than an early fall sunset over the water, and here is an example from Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

Viewing the world from up high

Think about the last time you were in a treehouse and you had the world for the taking. All those possibilities of far off destinations in your head, or perhaps, the natural scenery surrounding you was all you required to be totally satisfied with your place in life.

Go back to your childhood, and your own story. Dig a bit deeper. Your tree fort was handmade especially for you and your siblings, or it was inherited from the previous generation or homeowner.

Today, when I drive through the countryside I see a variety of structures in sizes and shapes from simple purchased ones to apartment-like complexes expanding across a couple trees.

As for kids, the treehouse fort/hideout/ is an ideal place for discovery as well as downtime.

Backyard playhouse and all-around get away for kids.