Code and Curiosity

Curiosity, Code, and a Couple of New Side Quests

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: curiosity is a slippery slope.

You start by wondering what’s down a side road. Next thing you know, you’ve got 42 browser tabs open, a half-finished coffee, and you’re building websites at midnight because “this idea won’t leave me alone.”

So yes. That happened again and yet again.

Today I’m officially announcing two new digital projects I’ve been quietly working on. They live at the intersection of travel, curiosity, and my background in information technology. Which is a long way of saying: this is very on-brand for me,  Curious Craig.

These projects join postcardstoryco.com, which came from a simple idea. Places tell stories, and sometimes a small moment or image captures a place better than a long explanation ever could.

As it turns out, that idea didn’t stop there. It just kept wandering. Occasionally toward food. Occasionally toward great new business idea . Or just wanting to ‘play” with the latest techie stuff.  Most often C:  All of the above.

A Little Backstory (Because Of Course There Is)

I’ve always loved travel, but not just the checklist version.

I’m not chasing passport stamps for bragging rights. I’m chasing moments. The quiet coffee shop you didn’t plan on. The coastal town that smells like salt, sunscreen and fried seafood. The realization that the best part of a trip often isn’t the destination, but the little discoveries along the way.

At the same time, I come from an IT background. I like systems. I like structure. I like solving messy problems with clean solutions.

Travel, if we’re being honest, is messy.

So naturally, my brain decided this was a problem worth poking at.

Project One: Weekend Getaway Planner

Weekend Getaway PlannerLet’s start with the project born from mild frustration and one too many Google searches and doom scrolls.

WeekendGetawayPlanner.com exists for one simple reason:
planning short trips shouldn’t feel like unpaid consulting work.

You know how it goes:

  • “What should we do?”

  • “I don’t know, what do you want to do?”

  • “Did anyone book anything?”

  • “Wait, the museum is closed on Mondays?”

Weekend Getaway Planner helps take the guesswork out of short trips by curating itineraries that actually make sense. Not the “wake up at 5 a.m. and sprint between attractions” kind, but realistic, human itineraries.

The kind where:

  • things are close together

  • downtime is intentional

  • and no one ends the weekend more tired than when they started

This is where my IT brain kicks in. Flow. Structure. Patterns. What works well on Day One versus Day Two. When to plan and when to leave space for wandering.

It’s part travel guide, part decision-fatigue reducer.

And honestly, it’s built for people like me. Curious, eager to explore, but not interested in spending three nights researching blogs written in 2011.

If that sounds familiar, you’ll probably enjoy poking around here:
👉 https://weekendgetawayplanner.com

Project Two: The Lobster Trail (With a Twist)

The Lobster TrailNow let’s talk about Maine. And food. Specifically, coastal food.

Some projects start with a detailed business plan.
This one started with a question:

“Why is it so hard to find consistently great places to eat along the coast?”

That question became TheLobsterTrail.com.

At its core, The Lobster Trail helps people discover great eateries along the coast of Maine. Not just the famous spots, but the places that feel right. The kind locals mention casually. The places where the menu is short, the butter is real, and no one is trying too hard.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

Not everyone explores the same way.

Some people like wandering. Others like goals. Some folks secretly love checking boxes, earning badges, and saying things like, “Okay, but how many have you done?”

So I leaned into that.

The Lobster Trail isn’t just a list. It’s a trail you can follow.

There’s a light gaming layer built in for those who enjoy the chase. Visit places. Track progress. Unlock badges. Collect bragging rights. It’s optional, tongue-in-cheek, and designed to add fun, not pressure.

Think of it like this:

  • If you want to casually explore and eat great food, you can.

  • If you want to turn it into a coastal scavenger hunt with seafood rewards, you can also do that.

No leaderboards yelling at you. No nonsense. Just a gentle nudge for people who enjoy a little structure with their spontaneity.

This is where my IT side really shows up. Systems, tracking, progression, all layered quietly beneath something that still feels human and playful.

Yes, lobster plays a starring role. But the real point is the experience around it. The drive. The view. The conversation at the table. The “we should come back here” feeling.

You can start exploring the trail here:
👉 https://thelobstertrail.com

Why These Projects Belong Here

Curious Craig has always been about ideas, exploration, and asking “what if?”

These projects aren’t random side hustles. They’re experiments. They’re what happens when curiosity meets structure and decides to build something useful instead of just thinking about it.

They all share the same DNA:

  • a love for travel

  • a fascination with place

  • a desire to make exploration easier and more enjoyable

  • and an IT background that likes turning ideas into systems that actually work

They’re tools, yes. But they’re also invitations. To explore differently. To slow down. To follow curiosity instead of an algorithm.

What’s Next?

Honestly? I don’t know. And I’m okay with that.

There will be more writing here. More ideas. More late-night “this might be something” moments. Probably more experiments. Some will stick. Some won’t. That’s part of the fun.

For now, I’m excited to finally share these projects and let them grow out in the world.

If they help you plan a trip, discover a new place, or turn a meal into a small adventure, that’s a win.

And if nothing else, maybe they’ll save you from one more group text that starts with, “So… where should we go this weekend for a good lobster roll.?”

Stay curious.

Postcards

The Wanderlust Never Quits — It Evolves

It’s true. I haven’t been on the road as much lately. Life has a way of rerouting us sometimes, no big breakdowns, just some side trails that needed exploring. But don’t think for a second that the wanderlust has packed up and left. If anything, it’s just gotten craftier.

There’s still that constant itch to discover something new. Whether it’s a backroad  or a coffee shop nearby that I somehow never noticed. The drive to explore, to share, to connect, it’s all still there. It just looks a little different right now.

Pony Express, Postcards, and a Spark of an Idea

A while back, I launched a little something called the Pony Express Free Postcard Offer. It was a lighthearted nod to old-school mail and a fun way to connect with fellow wanderers. I figured I’d send out a few cards, spread a little joy, and maybe get some smiles in return.

What I didn’t expect? The response.

Dozens of requests came in from folks who still love the feeling of holding something real. A story you can stick to your fridge. A keepsake from someone else’s corner of the world. That simple gesture turned into something more. It reminded me why I started sharing stories in the first place.

That’s when the idea hit: What if postcards weren’t just souvenirs from travels, but stories themselves? What if they showed up regularly, without needing to leave home?

Enter: Postcard Story Co.

Not Just a Postcard—A Tiny Story You Can Hold

With Postcard Story Co., the goal is simple: send out real mail with real meaning. Each postcard is a slice of story, sometimes from the road, sometimes from memory, sometimes pure imagination. They’re short enough to read in a minute, but (hopefully) stick with you a whole lot longer.

Inspired by the idea that everyone loves getting good mail, the service is part subscription, part surprise, and all heart. No algorithms, no doom scrolling, just good old-fashioned storytelling, delivered straight to your mailbox.

As I like to think of it: not all who wander are lost, and not all travel stories require a GPS.

The  Gift That Keeps Showing Up

That got me thinking: this makes a pretty great gift.

A postcard subscription isn’t just one-and-done, it shows up month after month. It’s a thoughtful, low-tech surprise that feels personal every time. Whether it’s for a parent, a friend, or someone who could use a little mailbox joy, it’s a way to say “I’m thinking of you” over and over again—without ever needing to remember a shipping date.

Still Curious. Still Exploring.

So yeah, maybe I’ve traded in the long-haul road trips for shorter routes lately. But the spirit of adventure hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just learned to travel by postcard.

If you’re curious (and I know you are), you can check out Postcard Story Co. and sign up for a little mailbox magic. And who knows? One of those tiny stories might just spark your own next adventure.

Until then, keep wandering, ven if it’s just with your imagination.

See you in the mailbox,

Training going up mountain

Mt Washington

Mt Washington Weather

What started out as a fairly pleasant morning atop New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, a beautiful but relatively small peak, turned into a weather phenomenon that would go down in history.  Mount Washington experienced the windiest day it has ever seen … though to call it windy would be an understatement. On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory anemometer recorded an astonishing wind speed of 231 mph.  Or the equivalent of a F4 tornado!

Not only did this small observatory make history, it continues to maintain its reputation of having some of the “worst weather in the world,” according to meteorologists.

Photo by Ryan Knapp/MWOBS

Who would have thought that this little peak in New Hampshire, a place that appears so beautiful and serene to distant onlookers, would be home to the worst weather in the world?

Going Up Mt Washington

The autumns day drive up to the mountains base, however, is beautiful, with trees showing off their reds, oranges, and yellows as if they were contestants in a beauty pageant.

Mount Washington is part of the Presidential Mountain range in the White Mountains. It is a favorite for avid hikers.    But today, we opt to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway instead of hoofing the 6,000′ ascent hike,

The Climb

Cog Railway Engine

The Cog Railway, a charming, rickety train that looked like it was designed by a steampunk enthusiast. The conductor, a jolly fellow with a beard that rivaled Santa’s, assured us that the train was perfectly safe, despite its antique appearance.

Training going up mountain

As the train chugged up the mountain, the views grew more spectacular. We passed hikers who looked at us with a mix of envy and disdain. “Suckers!” I thought, as I sipped my hot cocoa and watched them huff and puff their way up the trail.  I think to myself, one day I’ll do that hike….one day.

Mt Washington in Fall

Arrival at the Observatory

Stepping off the train at the summit, I am immediately struck by the view. The sky is a brilliant blue, the kind you only see in postcards or after extensive Photoshop editing. The air is crisp and clean, with just a whiff of pine.

Mt Washington Observatory

The observatory itself looks like a futuristic fortress, perched atop the mountain like a sentinel watching over the world below. I half-expect to see Dumbledore standing at the entrance, staff in hand, welcoming weary muggles. Instead, I am greeted by a sign pronouncing the worst weather in the world along with a list of those who had died on the mountain. A somber reminder that Mother Nature don’t play.

We find a series of exhibits showcasing the harsh conditions that Mount Washington is known for. There were photos of ice-encrusted buildings, windblown scientists, and snowdrifts that could swallow a car.

The Observation Deck

After a cruise through the little gift shop,  we step out onto the observation deck, and are greeted by a view that can only be described as breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, painted in autumnal hues. The wind, while present, was more of a warm gentle caress than the usual face-slapping force. I feel like I am standing on top of the world.

Atop Mount Washington

Tippy Top

While exploring the summit, I stumble upon the Tip Top House, a rustic stone building that dates back to 1853, making it one of the oldest structures on the mountain. Originally a hotel, the Tip Top House has weathered countless storms and still stands strong, a testament to the resilience required to endure Mount Washington’s notorious weather.

Stepping inside felt like a journey back in time, with the stone walls whispering tales of adventurers who sought refuge within its rocky embrace. The Tip Top House once housed an entire herd of sheep during a particularly brutal blizzard.  As I look around, I couldn’t help but admire the blend of history and practicality, making the Tip Top House a charming highlight of the visit.  But a herd of sheep, really??

Tip Top House

 

The Descent

We board “The Cog” for the ride back down, and I marvel that the chairs flip to the opposite direction of the ascent. This is to ensure that though the train is at a steep angle, we sit comfortably level.

Mt Washington Cog Railway

As we near the base, the conductor makes a final announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed this rare treat of perfect weather on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir T-shirt that says, ‘I Survived Mount Washington’s Weather – On a Good Day!’”

Back at the base, I take a moment to reflect on the day. Visiting the weather observatory on Mount Washington during such impeccable conditions felt like winning the lottery. It was a reminder that even in a place known for its ferocity, there are moments of calm and beauty.

Puffin Stuff

Stud Puffin

For as long as I can remember,  I have been an amateur ornithologists, okay a Bird Watcher aka birder. There I admit it.

One of my greatest joys as a child was sitting in my grandmothers back yard watching various song birds visit her array of feeders and bathes.  There were always scraps of bread, fruit rinds, seeds and corn cobs in her yard each attracting a particular species of bird.

She would point to a water filled garbage can lid she had fashioned into a bath and  sing “Splish-Splash  a robin taking a  bath”.  Then later proclaim, “Look at that a blue jay with a peanut”,  “see that nuthatch”,  look over there ” a goldfinch”.

Her fountain of bird knowledge always made for a head swiveling marvel of entertainment.

This fascination she created has followed me well into adult hood.  Through my travels, I’m always on the look out for a new birding encounters. From Galveston’s Featherfest to Parrot Mountain, my camera SD cards are full of bird pictures. I always look to rekindle that joy of identifying a new bird.

Birthday Bucket List Bird

My bird sighting books and field guides, are worn from years of use. I even have high techapps to identify birds  by sight and sound.    But there is a bird that is so unique that it doesn’t require a guide to know what it is.   I have seen these on TV nature shows and they always seemed like they are located in some cold, desolate,  distant land that I’ll never have the desire or courage to visit. You know, kind of like Detroit.

It is of course the Atlantic Puffin.   With its distinctive black and white tuxedo attire and a beak that seems to have taken a dip in a rainbow, I’ve long yearned to see one of these little guys.

 

Little did I know that their main breeding ground is not in some frozen tundra, but within a few hours of my summer home in Maine.  A very creatively choreographed birthday surprise puts me on course to see these guys up close a personal.

The Puffin Journey starts from New Brunswick,  Canada. The ferry  leaves Blacks Harbour for Grand Manan.     From Grand Manan, we board a charter, Sea Watch Tours to Puffins & Machias Seal Island   to Machias Seal Island.

Machias Light House

Machias Island History

Only a few hundred feet wide, this little mile-long island in the lower Bay of Fundy is a must-visit. During the non-nesting season, the two lighthouse keepers are the only island occupants and have maintained the lighthouse for over 100 years on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Canada and the US both claim this island based on a conflicting condition and exemption in the Treaty of Paris. The lighthouse was built by the British to physically lay claim to the island, then inherited by the Canadians a few years later. The two Canadians living here are lighthouse keepers, but because the US disputes Canada’s claim, the US officially recognize them as squatters. It’s the last disputed territory between Canada and the US. None of that matters today as the island featured residents are thousands of  birds make their home here during nesting season, including the Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill Auk, and Common and Arctic Terns.

Puffin Watch

After debarking the shuttle skiff,  we are guided over some slippery seaweed-covered rocks before heading to the orientation area.  The guide equips us with  3 foot long poles, with instructions to hold over our head at all times.   These poles serve as a decoy for the dive bombing Arctic Terns that are also nesting on the island.  These terns will opt to peck at the tip of pole instead of our heads.

Arctic Tern Poles

 

In addition to these bombers, this beautiful island is home to the approximately  5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorbill auks, and 500 pairs of common murres.

Sea Watch Tours has exclusive access to Machias Seal Island, where only 15 visitors are allowed to land each day. It is a small group and we wonder through the nesting fields avoiding the nests on the ground and the sneak attacks from above.

Then we spot our home for the next hour,  one of the numerous weather worn plywood blinds placed around the island.

 

These wooden structures  will accommodate 4 people; but its’  “cozy”.   Our blind is in a perfect spot for close-up views of the birds. The charming puffins often come as close as 3  feet from the blind offering ample photography chances.   But what’s just as endearing, is hearing the little feet pattering on the roof just overhead.

Puffin on Rock

 

Puffin Encounter

The puffin struts around the blinds and rocky cliffs like it’s auditioning for a bird version of a stand-up comedy show. It’s like Mother Nature decided to combine a penguin with a clown and threw in a dash of mischievous seagull for good measure.

Puffin with Cute Pose

 

Inside the blind is a not so well coordinated ballet of shuffling from one window to the next.  Each offering a new view and the next contestant flying in for a quick show.  I would have never believed that being locked in a wooden box with 2 other nerdy birdwatching strangers  would provide any kind of joy.  Although,  I was disappointed when the knock came signaling that the hour long tour was over.

Puffin Kiss

 

Gray Seal of Approval

After the time in the blind, the  adventure is not over however. Upon departure from the island, we learn there is more in store  as we  boat by a nearby seal colony.

Seals On Machias Island

Here lying about the rocky shores are dozens of lounging gray seals,  giving one last opportunity to snap some great pics after we leave the island.

Machias Gret Seals

 

After mastering the  choppy seas, slippery rocks, and persistent dive bombs, maybe it’s time to reconsider other far away lands.  The motor city, perhaps.

Statue of Liberty face

Lady Liberty

Enlightening the World

There are several things on my bucket list while visiting the northeast;  to see some Maine Lighthouses and to visit the Statue of Liberty.  Today, I’m checking one off the list. I book a charter with Statue citycruises to tour Statue of Liberty.    They offer two cruise options: one leaving from Liberty State Park in New Jersey and the other leaving from Battery Park in Manhattan. A little apprehensive about driving and parking in Manhattan, I opt for the New Jersey cruise.

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Take a ride on the Reading

All Aboard to Steamtown

 

While summering in the Poconos, The urge to travel is reaching fever pitch. But where to go? New York and Philly are about equal distance, but fighting the COVID crazed crowds just doesn’t appeal to me.  On the heels of a newly eletect president who commonly extols the virtues of his blue collar roots in Scranton,   the northeastern Pennsylvania town of 80,000 is jumping off the map.  But, what the heck is in Scraaaaatin?  A quick search and all things point to Steamtown.  Hmmm, what the heck is Steamtown? […]