20 miles west of Williamsburg, VA

A short drive today brought us to the shores of Chickahominy River (or Chickahominy Lake according to some maps) – roughly 20 miles west of Williamsburg, VA. The only difficulties encountered today were: a) finding a source of diesel fuel and b) the campground. Both were short-lived due.

The exit sign on I-95 said there were three stations selling diesel. But the sign failed to mention that half the free world was driving on the cross road (US 17). Yes, it was lunch hour but where did they all come from? A quick scan of the first station on the right showed that even if we managed to get into / out of the station, we’d still need to head away from the interstate and find a place for a U-turn. A station on the other side of US 17 looked like a better bet (needing only a right-turn with a break in traffic to access the highway and the interstate). But we still needed a U-turn to get to it.

For those of you (most of you?) who have never piloted a 36-foot vehicle towing an automobile, making a U-turn, particularly in traffic, is no small feat. Anyway, at the next traffic light we spotted a gas station (not selling diesel) that was commodious and managed the maneuver that returned us to the diesel station (and the correct side of US 17 to get back on I-95). After we were finished and leaving, we noticed a traffic light that, with a judicious left-turn earlier, would have put us in the station without the need for “maneuvers”. Such is life of the RV-er.

The remaining difficulty was my fault – mea culpa! After exiting I-64 and onto US 60 heading East, I thought it was a short jaunt to the campground exit. Well, we drove and drove – no campground in sight. Finally we stopped to figure out what was wrong. As it happened I pulled up to a hot-dog stand. I don’t like asking local for directions because they are frequently as lost as I (plus many don’t speak English). Anyway, this hot-dog stand had a sign in the window, “NOTARY PUBLIC”; it was a small town. He had actually heard of the campground and said, “Seven miles down the road.”

Sure enough, there was a sign. After exiting US 60 and traveling the requisite 1 ½ miles (per my computer), there was a sign for the campground. But it didn’t say, ENTER HERE, or TURN HERE. Instead it looked like a welcome sign for a town. So instead of turning, we kept on. In about two miles, we decided we had erred (again?), pulled into a church parking lot, unhooked, and came back. Once in the campground we had to find site #340. When I made the reservations yesterday, the lady said they didn’t staff the campground on weekends(?) but to pull into site #340.

Well, anyway, here we are. There is a lot of water to the west (either a lake or the river).A “do” is planned for the weekend, white tents are popping up and a stage is decorated. They are expecting a crowd. The weather is toasty, hot and humid. Oh, to be back in Vermont. Both air conditioners are running full-tilt and we are cozy.

On a political note: looks like Congress shot themselves (and most Americans) in the foot today. Wonder what tomorrow (on the national scope) will bring? For us, tomorrow we’ll head into Williamsburg and points east. Thursday is Margaret’s appointment. Friday we’ll head south.

No photo ops today. But we did see some “interesting” signs, strange and wonderful signs. You wonder what were they thinking. For example: “Chili Dogs and Night Crawlers”; Antiques: New and Used; and the town of Goldvein, VA, with the requisite museum of mining; flying circus airport (small print).

Today's photo is beneath US 15 at Point of Rocks, MD. The bridge is across the Potomac - one of the few crossing this river. Part of the bridge (concrete pieces) were flaking off. But they just repainted the steel so I guess all is ok?

Sunday evening – last day in N. Virginia

Although we weren’t able to accomplish all intended / planned activities, it was a full day. The heavy rains last night prevented the planned fox hunt. When we heard, we thought it might be because the ground would be too wet and treacherous – dangerous for horse and rider. But after chatting with Kathy we learned that the wet ground could be seriously damaged (dug up) by the horses and the riders didn’t want to inflict this on the property owners. (The hunt is on property owned by consenting owners.)

Instead we had brunch in a beautiful restaurant constructed of reconstructed Pennsylvania farmhouses – disassembled and moved to northern Virginia. The first photo is representative of the fox-hunting atmosphere in this part of the country. Although every room was designed in a different motif, our attention was captured by the giant grasshopper over the bar. An omen of sights to come.

After breakfast, Gary and Kathy drove us to a ferry-crossing north of Leesburg. This ferry is guided / restrained crossing of the Potomac – Virginia to Maryland. Motive power is by a small diesel-powered boat attached to the side of the barge. Sounds kind of hokey, but apparently has been in operation for many years. More impressively, it is a key route for commuters on their way from Maryland into the D.C. area – DAILY. The only time it doesn’t operate is at flood stage or when there is too much ice in the river. The two photos show this “contraption” in operation.

We stopped at several points along the Potomac where folks can fish, put boats / canoes / kayaks in the water, and generally enjoy a day at the waterside. One of the most impressive stops was the Chesapeake & Ohio aqueduct / canal crossing the Monocacy river in Maryland. Build in 1833 and used until 1934 to carry barge traffic. Today it is a bike path / hiking path. Hurricane Agnes almost destroyed it in 1972, but it has been restored to it’s present state.

Following our tour along the Potomac, we said good-bye to Gary and Kathy and returned to the motor-home to welcome Jay and Carla. This was a first-time in a motor-home for both. Considering they are both over six-foot, four inches, it was a tight squeeze. Actually they could both stand erect inside. Jay had to duck to avoid light fixtures and air conditioning vents. But this didn’t deter from our enjoyment of the White Star champagne. After our appetizers and catching up on our various life-experiences, we headed off to the Bonefish Grill in Gainesville (that’s Virginia, not Florida, not Georgia).

While showing Jay and Carla around the motor-home, we found this praying mantis laying eggs on the electrical outlet post next to the motor-home. Wonder if they’ll hatch.

The final photo is of Jay and Carla in front of the unit.

A great week in northern Virginia. Tomorrow we head south towards Williamsburg / Norfolk for a few more days before heading to Florida. Next Sunday this time we should be back in our house - hopefully one that all repairs are completed.

Virginia - Day 6

The rains let up so we took the opportunity to find a Trader Joe’s and stock up -- after stopping at Micky D’s for an egg sandwich. No yellow arches here, simple architecture and lots of windows, and a steady stream of customers. All three cash registers were operating and the drive-up window line snaked around the building.

The Trader Joe’s Two-Buck-Chuck wine is $3.49 / bottle, but it’s still a good deal. It’s fun to watch the clerk react when I roll up to the register and casually order 10 cases of wine. That order had to be repeated between clerks three times, as if in disbelief. I can’t think we’re the only ones who order in cases vs. bottles. Other staffers remarked about coming to our place for the party. Great fun. Other chats about hurricanes (they needed the rain and were grateful) and travel.

Then back to the motor-home and rearrange all the underneath compartments to make room. Ah, the challenges of RV living in a rolling wine cellar.

Tomorrow promises to be another fun day. We start early (8:00) for the classic northern Virginia Fox hunt – courtesy of Kathy and Gary – followed by a buffet lunch. No, I don’t think we’ll be having fox.

In the afternoon, Jay and Carla are driving out from their home in Alexandria to see first-hand the wonders of RV living; the experience enhanced by a bottle of Moet-Chandon White Star champagne, the favorite of all four of us. Then off to one of Leesburg’s finest restaurants – The Lightfoot. We hear it’s situated in an old bank building. Should be fun; hopefully, delicious.

Then Monday we head south. Our plan is to camp just west of Williamsburg, VA. Margaret has an appointment on Thursday. So, will take Tuesday and Wednesday to visit Williamsburg, possibly Virginia Beach as well. Friday we will head south and hope to be home by Sunday (October 4). Wonder if our house repairs will be finished? All they had to do was paint two rooms. We are ever hopeful.

As we were heading out this morning, the local cows (Greenville Farm) were dining by the roadside so we stopped for this photo op. A couple backed away from the trough, others ignored the interruption, and a couple looked up to assess the danger.

While we were having dinner this evening, the owner / farmer decided to start shooting. We could never figure out what he was shooting at (or why). He was too far away to see what he was using, but it was not a hand-gun, and the barrel was pointing in the air. I hope it was a small-gauge shotgun and he was shooting at crows or the ilk. The area is too congested for him to be shooting a rifle, the projectile of which can carry a long way.

Friday – Virginia Day 5

W: Although Mother Nature wanted to interfere with our plans, we went ahead. Ahead being a trip to Chesapeake Beach, MD – the western shore of Chesapeake Bay – with Kathy and Gary to visit their boat. We had initially planned to go sailing but the various tropical storms / low pressure areas made that unadvisable.

The drive was through a variety of cloudy skies, light mizzle and drist, and heavy down-pour to reach the Chesapeake Bay.

Checking out their boat – a 34 foot catamaran sail-boat – convinced us we had made the right choice to forgo boating for RV-ing. Climbing aboard the boat – even while in its slip, was a challenge – but easy for the young(?).

We then moved to a local dining establishment where Margaret had the local crab cake and crab soup.

The photos today are from the day. Although the “storm” is still south of us, the wind was enough to keep the gulls grounded. Not too many boats were seen on the Chesapeake. Although as you can see, the gulls were grounded.

Virginia - Day 4

W: Today was a good day despite the threat of rain. Although cloudy, temperatures were mild and the rain held off until afternoon when we were snuggled down in the RV.

We tried to visit several Virginia wineries but were frustrated at every opportunity. The first didn’t open until 11:00 – we were there at 10:30. The second and third ones were only open by appointment. The last was only open on Sat and Sun. So we quit trying and enjoyed the drive.

Our first stop was in Aldie, VA. Almost everything was closed (antique stores, museum, and county stores); only open on Sat. & Sun. Guess it must be a seasonal thing. But we walked around the Aldie Mill (see photos). According to the info signs, the road (US 50) was a link between had been macadamized (paved) at the time of the civil war and the site of one of the earliest battles between Union and Confederate forces occurred on that road in Aldie – June 17-21, 1863. Although it’s usually difficult to imagine what it was like because there are so many changes, the fact that the road was paved at the time, the mills was operating, and the many stone farm houses and stores were as we saw them today, made it was easy to visualize cavalry and troops fighting along this throughway.

The mill itself was built in 1807 by Charles Mercer and is the last standing gristmill in Virginia with tandem overshot waterwheels. It uses water from the Little River. Located on the Little River Turnpike (US 50), the road connected Aldie with the port of Alexandria, VA, to transport flour from the wheat fields of the area to the east coast of the USA and overseas.

As an aside, Margaret and I were discussing how the USA has changed. We are in the middle of what was the heart of the industrial revolution (albeit in the early 1800’s). Harpers Ferry was manufacturing guns with machinery, railroads and canals were revolutionizing transportation, Aldie mill was transporting flour overseas, etc. Today, industrial giants and centers of capitalism are in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, etc., while the once bustling central and northern Virginia hills are home to gentlemen farmers and horse ranches. We wonder if the Civil War had not occurred, how different our geography and history be.

Leaving Aldie we headed west along US 50 to the town of Middleburg, VA. Boy, did we feel out of place! Almost every shop was oriented to horses, hounds, and fox hunting. Margaret ventured into a high-end antique shop she didn’t feel welcome. Across the street was a “liquor” store. Since we had been unsuccessful at visiting wineries, I thought I’d check out the wines. This “liquor” store didn’t have many; mostly “hard” liquors. When I asked where to buy wine, I was sent to Safeway or, if I wanted “gourmet” wine, to a wine cellar around the corner. Then the three guys continued talking horses and hounds.

There were several photo ops. One of the fun stores was a dog treats store. The owner, a retired carpenter, had a great sense of humor. Check out the store front with its BOWSER BEER, the BEAGLES (rock group), and HAIRY’S BARK AND GRILL: PAWS DOWN, THE BEST WHINE IN TOWN.

After the time on the parking meter and our interest in Middleburg had expired, we headed north into the back country. By this time we were both hungry. Miss Priss, our faithful GPS companion, had nothing to report in the way of food stuff within 20 miles. As we rounded a corner (lots of them on back roads), we found the community Philomont – and the local general store. When I say, General store, it really was. They had a General Delivery window for mail, all manner of sundries, and fresh sandwiches. They were also quite cordial.

So we ordered Texas pulled pork BBQ, topped with coleslaw; a side of potato chips, drinks, a Belgian “sweet” beer (she promised me it was great even though I couldn’t drink it on their premises), and a Chardonnay from her vineyard / winery. We sat on the front porch and enjoyed our lunch and talking to the local residents who came and went. We enjoyed the sandwiches immensely; Margaret said the BBQ was as good as any she’d had.

While we were sitting on the front porch, a gentleman arrived (for his mail?), and was leaving when he spotted the Univ of Florida license plate on the Saturn. He did a double take, came back and we were engaged in a friendly conversation. He had lived in Florida and had a son at the U of F (another at Auburn – which made for spirited family reunions). He and his wife are headed to Amelia Island for Thanksgiving this year. He said it was easier to get the family together in Florida than in Virginia. And perhaps we’ll see him on Centre Street for the morning after Thanksgiving sale – where one must be wearing pajamas to get the discount.

As we were leaving, the local volunteer Fire Department siren went off. Since we were sitting right beside the station, the siren was quite loud. We thought it was a test, but then one of the fire engines roared out with its siren and horn blaring. The blasts from the siren alert the community volunteer firemen that there is a fire and they are needed immediately -- lot of excitement at an American cross-road. The firemen in Wagon 8 waved as they went by.

Northern Virginia - day 3

W: Tuesday was another one of those errand and busy-ness days. Started the morning with a prescription run to Wal-Mart. After filling out the on-line forms and picking a store in Manassas, off we went. Only one problem, it was the wrong store. But a short drive later we were at the right store and medications picked up.

A quick trip to the Costco for foodstuffs, it was back to the RV and company. Kathy and Gary came for dinner last night – salmon on the Barby – along with a couple of bottles of Virginia wine. A nice evening.

Wednesday, Kathy and Gary drove us to Harpers Ferry, VA. I have to admit my deficiency in American history and the events of the Civil War in northern Virginia. Harpers Ferry is a fascinating place, even without historical events. The Shenandoah and Potomac rivers join – the Potomac then flows eastward to Washington, D.C. and the Chesapeake Bay.

Reading the history of Harpers Ferry is like a who’s-who of American history. Among the notables visiting here: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, Robert E Lee, J.E.B. Stuart, Gen. Stonewall Jackson, George Custer, Gen Philip Sheridan, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. DuBois (helped start the NAACP). Of course the most famous “visitor” was John Brown who tried to capture the arms and ammunitions at the arsenal in his fight to abolish slavery. He was hanged in Harpers Ferry.

The Chesapeake & Ohio transportation company built a shipping canal along the banks of the Potomac. Lock #33 (across the Potomac from Harpers Ferry) seemed so small in comparison to the Champlain Lock we visited just a few weeks ago. The tow-path beside the canal is now a bike / hiking path.

Today’s photos (of 157 taken!). Our first stop was a local farmer’s market with a beautiful display of pumpkins and a bundle of corn stalks.

The in street / shop photo is High Street in Harpers Ferry. The church over-looking the Potomac is of St. Peters Roman Catholic. The last is of the C&O rail bridge across the Potomac to West Virginia. There is also a pedestrian walkway across the river which we took.

Lots of photo ops. Hard to pick a few, so I’ll probably include some more in the coming days.

Thursday morning – it is supposed to rain (and storm?) today and tomorrow – the front of the system (currently off the coast of NC) is about 100 miles south-east of us and moving this way. So we’ll try to do some sight-seeing this morning in a little “antique” town close by and hunker down this evening.

Greenville Farm Family Campground

W: We’re back in Virginia – smack in the middle of a working farm – about 20 miles south of Leesburg and 30 miles due west of D.C. This farm – with a corner set up as a campground – appears to be mostly cattle (confirmed by last night’s aroma) with some crops. The area, however, is pretty much dedicated to the equine field: riding stables, equine doctors and science, polo, and fox hunting.

We had dinner last night with Kathy and Gary, our friends from childhood. Kathy and Gary visited us in Fernandina Beach last month. They live in Leesburg.

The drive down yesterday was uneventful with the bonus of reasonably smooth roads. We had been concerned about wasting a lot of time searching for a propane source, but luck was with us – the third exit after getting on I-78 was home to a rather large RV dealer. So after some difficulties get getting them into action, we drove on with 30 gallons of propane – exactly the size of the tank!

M. Before saying farewell to the rolling fields of central PA, we stopped a meat market down the road which offered an amazing display of fresh meats from beef to wild fowl, from pork to sausages, sweet breads to tripe to rocky mountain oysters, lamb to goat to veal, etc. Event inch of the hog was smoked/ cured/etc. from snout to spiral tail.

A table displayed smoked products ranging from the entire hog’s head to a football-shaped bologna to scale with cross stitching on the hide. The kids could play with lunch, and then eat it – and the samples were delicious. One could buy pheasant, capon, quail, duck, hens (even chicken feet), goose, and the everyday market eggs, chicken, bacons, turkey, etc. Nothing was wasted, and what was considered inedible, was available as dog treats.

The two photos, while similar, show the variety of products available. (double-click on the photo for a larger view)

More than you wanted to know? Yeah, well. That morning we had stopped for breakfast, as Wayne said earlier, and the specials of the day read: shepherd’s pie, chicken and dumplings, and pig stomach. My favorite soup of childhood was peppery pot, which I loved until I found out what was in it (diced tripe).

There were racks of pickled vegetables, salads, eggs, unknown things, and horseradish -- all home processed. A jar of pickled beets, of course, for me and a slice of shoo fly pie which was fresh and delicious! We cooked out our last evening in PA, the meat we had bought, vegetables wrapped in foil (as we had no gas), wine, and shoo fly pie under a pink and gold sunset. It was a fitting end to PA.

And Wayne just figured out how to swivel the front seats! Looks like a living room. It’s only been two years in the unit!

W: In addition to the aromatic morning, there was the sound of jets heading west out of Dulles airport.

Day 2 in Kutztown, PA

M: Again, this part of the country tugs at us not to leave. ‘Tis another glorious day, after the- not- so-cold night that had been forecasted. The sun is hot, the breeze cool and very pleasant. Suki is outside, ever alert for an approaching canine, luxuriating in the cool grass, eating some which he promptly throws up.

Last night we ran out of propane which meant no heat or stove. We drive into Emmaus to dine at a wonderful Italian restaurant, Italiano Delite – mobbed. We sat outside in the covered patio, eating (eggplant parmesan for me and crab stuffed veal and seafood pasta for Wayne) too much and people watching. Vow of the day: go for lunch or split a dish, there is just too much food one a plate for one person. We brought home food enough for another two or three meals – leftovers!

On returning to the unit, we discovered our neighbors were having a luau complete with lanterns, leis and grass skirts – the bodies were broader than the grass panels could cover, so the theme was only Hawaiian from the front. Thankfully, normal clothes concealed the rear.

Odd things we saw: pork and kraut dinner on Oct. 4 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Krumsville, and a spaghetti suppers at the Moravian Church in Emmaus; fund raising fairs all around. The unit next to us houses a bird and a dog.

W: After a more normal-sized breakfast (we passed on returning to Letterman’s Diner), we tooled around the local country-side looking for a potential propane seller – didn’t find one. But we did find - Ta-Da! Another cemetery! Who’d a thunk it? Lots of old, eroding markers, and a unused church. But the cemetery is still active. I even found the out-house for the cemetery!

We found another covered bridge, this one across Maiden Creek near Lenhartsville, PA. As roaming the back-roads, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but round a corner and there are 2 or 3 homes; some quite nice, others old and need of repair. But all wonderful secluded nooks for getting away from the big city grind.

More beautiful hills and farm land. Most of the corn is turning yellow now, but the farmers are letting it stand. From my limited experience on my uncle’s farm in my youth, I believe this corn is allowed to dry out. Then it is shucked and shelled for feed. The corn plant itself is cut down and ground up, again for cattle feed.

So we didn’t make it to D.C. today. Nor did we find propane. As long as we have electricity, we have a functional refrigerator, microwave, hot water, and TV. Last night we used a combination of a small electric space-heater and an electric blanket. As Margaret said above, it wasn’t as cold as they had predicted. We were toasty warm. Tonight should be even warmer. Tomorrow’s high is supposed to be close to 80.

A beautiful afternoon to sit by the RV and bask in sun and cool breezes (and slave over a hot computer writing and editing photos).

Saturday – Sep 20 – Kutztown, PA

Following our exhausting drive yesterday, we elected to lay low today. This decision was an easy one given our experience after breakfast. We thought we’d head over to Allentown / Emmaus. We had just started the trip on a beautiful, limited-access, divided highway, when it ended; went to one lane; and traffic stopped as far as the eye could see. So as soon as we could, we came back to the RV, me for a nap.

Although not as cold as Vermont last night, the heater ran frequently and was nippy this morning. It was supposed to get to 69 degrees today, but the breeze is cool. It was clear, blue sky with scattered clouds all day. The verdant green is gone fading into gold and brown.

Breakfast this morning was a repeat visit to Letterman’s Diner in Kutztown. At about 10:00 a.m. the place was packed. Every stool and every table was filled with folks waiting outside. As we may have mentioned from our last experience, the food is good with huge quantity. Most of the folks seated at the counter were “substantial” in size. Margaret tried to capture the effect with today’s first photo. We imagined what it would look like in the dead of winter with everyone bundled up, squeezing in to fit. We really needed a wide-angle lens, but I think you’ll get the idea.

I’ve included a shot of the menu specials of the day. I can’t imagine what the New Orleans omelet would taste like (or how I would digest it!). Being a weekend, there were three waitresses – all from the local Kutztown Univ. They looked too young to be working, but that happens as you age.

Following breakfast and our ill-fated attempt to go for a drive, we stopped in at a local cemetery (surprise!). Most of the stone were so old they were illegible. To avoid sitting in the car this time and because it was such a beautiful day, I took camera in hand and took some photos. The church – Lutheran – was new, pretty, and in a lovely, leafy, hilltop setting.

We have noticed that the green hills and corn of three weeks ago (early September) is gone, and browns and yellows are now the prominent colors. But the trees have not yet begun to change as they had in Vermont / New Hampshire.

You see many things in campgrounds these days. I just saw a lady wearing a grass skirt and leis. Guess they must be having a luau at their site.

Friday – Sep 19 – Kutztown, PA

Yes, we’re back in Pine Hill RV park, just north of Kutztown, PA. To paraphrase the old saying, “The best laid plans of mice and men…”. As I reported yesterday, we consulted the Auto Club (and our local computer) for the best route from Littleton, MA to Washington, DC. As it turned out, while traveling through Hartford,CT, we realized we were in the midst of the Friday exodus. After a quick glance at the map, I did a quick mid-course adjustment (always questionable), and we headed back to the north via I-84, over to the New York Thruway.

So here we are tonight, just north of Kutztown, PA, in the RV park we stayed in earlier this month. We asked for, and received, the same site – nice view of the hills and I-78. It is somewhat isolated and Margaret feels good about letting Suki out to roam.

Although our “normal” mileage is 200 miles per day, and today I had thought we’d do maybe 150 (so as to split the trip into 3 equal days), we ended up driving almost 330 miles. Yes, it was all Interstate, but parts of it (usually when Margaret was driving) were rough.

We will likely stay two nights – maybe three – before heading south to D.C.

A benefit of the “detour” was I-84 from Waterbury, CT over to the New York Thruway. The Hudson River Valley (going through Newburgh, NY) is beautiful. Margaret was busy reading about the local NY wineries. We may have to stop here next year. But then there are lots of places we’d like to stop next year. Fortunately, those are all next year’s decisions.

We arrived at 5:00 p.m. and after a few adult beverages, we’re both feeling somewhat normal. Tomorrow we plan to hit Letterman’s Diner in Kutztown and revisit the Italian restaurant in Emmaus (both visited early this month).

Photos tonight are from Gloucester (remember I promised (threatened?)). The first is from the harbor / marina, the next two are main street- downtown. The last brought to mind the biblical saying, don’t build your house on sand. These folks heeded that saying and built “on a rock – big time.”

Thursday night – Sep 18 – near Boston

W: After driving all day Tuesday and much of yesterday, we decided to not drive so far. We were able to visit a local Auto Club to get some maps and advice on how to get from here to Washington, DC without driving through NY, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. They were very helpful and understanding, plus they pointed out that several possibilities were off-limits to RV’s due to the no-propane rule (in tunnels). So we will end up back on some of the roads we came up on, but there aren’t that many options.

After visiting the Auto Club offices, we headed down to a Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription refill for me. On the way we checked out a potential restaurant for tonight. We’re meeting our friends, Jane and Tom. They lived on Amelia Island for several years. I met Tom while we were both singing in the Amelia Island Singers. Margaret met Jane through her work with the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival.

There were reports of frost tonight, but I just checked the local forecast and they’re saying 42 degrees. Not too bad; warmer than last week in Vermont.

Not sure where we’ll stay tomorrow night. I can’t find a campground along our chosen route – at least not north of New York environs. And I refuse to tackle the New York thruway northbound on Friday night in an RV! So we may end up in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Stay tuned.

I don’t know if I mentioned it, but Margaret and I took over 177 photos yesterday during our visit to Cape Anne and Goucester. So we have several to use when there are days we don’t photograph.

All three shots were taken in Gloucester. The old house with vines on the entry gate was pretty. One of the church spires (one of many) was fun. And the entry door for the Live Lobsters to enter tickled our funny bones. Of course only lobsters name Capt Vince could enter.

Wednesday – Sep 17 – Gloucester, MA

W: No, the above photos are not from Littleton; nor are they from Boston. They are from Gloucester / Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Like many things in life, experience is what happens when you were expecting or planning something else.

It was our intention (yesterday’s thoughts) to take the subway and venture in to downtown Boston. According to the campground brochure, the nearest subway stations were 45 minutes away. Although not sure of the transit times for the subway into town, we figured it must be at least another 45 – 60 minutes. Thus we were looking at almost two hours each way.

So instead, we opted for a trip to Gloucester, Cape Ann, and the Atlantic Ocean. (Yes, it was a one-hour+ drive, but it seemed easier.)

Anyway, we prowled Gloucester and had a late lunch. I had a “LOBSTER ROLL” and fries; Margaret had roasted eggplant salad. I wasn’t sure what a lobster roll was, but saw it advertised on several local restaurants. Since I knew I had to have at least one serving of lobster while in New England, I ordered it. (Photo above.) The restaurant (Sugar Magnolia) called it lobster salad served on a roll. I’m not sure what went into it except lobster chunks; large chunks – the size of your thumb, and fresh, including a piece of cartilage in the first bite! The lobster was mixed with some kind of remoulade or Russian dressing sauce, but nothing else. It was ok, but I probably won’t order it again (and yes, it was expensive – at least for a sandwich).

Gloucester itself was similar to Fernandina Beach –touristy shops, antique shops, with stuff to buy you don’t need. Several restaurants at the waterfront and on Main Street. After doing downtown, we drove out to the end of the North American continent (at least in this area – not counting Cape Cod). Beautiful homes, whether palatial or not, nestles among boulders and trees. The tide was out but the homes and hotels on the coast were still spectacular. I’d love to see it when there is a storm (or icy) – but I’ll leave that experience to someone else.

We did discover a wonderful little beach / cove – called Good Harbor Beach. Several of the photos are from this idyllic spot. Being probably the last warm days of summer, folks were really enjoying it.

There was one potentially troublesome event. A young boy was learning to paddle a kayak but had trouble understanding his parent’s directions from the shore (right vs left hand). As a result, the river / tide was rapidly carrying him towards the ocean. After floating under the boardwalk, he managed to get close enough to the shore for his parents to grab the kayak. M. I was standing at the steps of the boardwalk when dad went by on the rescue mission. I said, “Looks like you’ll be getting wet yet.” He grinned and hurried on.

The watercolor painters were out in force. I bet this house on the hill is one of the most painted houses in this neck of the woods – sort of like the Bailey House in Fernandina Beach. It was certainly a spot I could return to with a camera over and over in all kinds of weather, different times of day, and various seasons of the year. Today’s photos don’t really do it justice.

Littleton, MA Tuesday

To quote the famous bard, “On the road again.” So tonight we are in Massachusetts – Littleton – about 28 miles from downtown Boston as the crow flies. But knowing the traffic and drivers in Boston, the crow didn’t fly, he took the subway. Which is what we plan to do tomorrow.

Our Boston friends, Jane and Tom, are busy tomorrow (he’s out of town and she has a new granddaughter to look after!). So we extended our stay here for an extra night and plan to have dinner with them Thursday.

Margaret got a call from the Red Cross last night asking about her availability. After several back and forth telephone calls (ah, the wonder of cell phones), they decided they had it covered – for now. She might get a call tomorrow or next month; you never know. Folks on assignment may suddenly leave due to personal emergencies. But they know where Margaret is and how to reach her, so we’ll play it by ear for the moment.

Today’s photo was from our lunch rest stop in New Hampshire. Margaret took a short snooze and I was sitting there looking at the facilities. I thought, this seems incongruous – a state liquor store and a state safety rest area – side by side. Maybe it’s just me, who knows.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we plan to venture into Boston and be plain tourists. The campground folks gave us maps and subway schedules, so we’ll see how it goes. Tune in tomorrow.

Weather today, although cool in the morning and looking like rain or snow all day, turned out fairly mild. They are forecasting warmer weather for the rest of the week with no rain. So we’re in good shape.

The drive down today (a short day by our standards, about 190 miles) was through the Green Mountains of Vermont along the Connecticut River and through the hills of southwestern New Hampshire. Pretty country. It reminds me of parts of the Northwest USA; lots of evergreens, lakes and ponds, and driving along feeling like you’re on top of the world. By that I mean, the clouds seem low in the sky. You feel like you’re driving in them and could reach out and touch them.

Our fellow campers at Lazy Lions in Barre, VT, came out to see us off this morning and wish us a bon voyage. Nice folks. Surprisingly, most of them were from Vermont. One couple across the way is from Lake Wales, FL. We compared notes on routes from Florida to Vermont, avoiding the bad roads and traffic!

We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s sightseeing. Lots to report then.

Monday night Sep 15

Today is our last day in Vermont. Tomorrow we’ll head south. Depending on developments, it is our plan to stay for a couple of days just northwest of Boston. With luck, we’ll get see our friends Jane and Tom. Also I intend to visit the repair shop and pick up my laptop (which has been there 5 times). I hope it’s fixed and I get a chance to “beat” up the repair guy (just kidding – sort of).

Today’s weather has been mixed. About once an hour it looks like it’s going to rain, then the clouds race away and it’s sunny. But it is about 10 degrees cooler than yesterday afternoon. On the way back from seeing Burlington (and the nude), the car’s thermometer read 78 degrees – in mid-September!

Margaret has been doing domestic chores today. Catching up on laundry, ironing, and running errands in town.

Although I didn’t take any photos, there were a number of interesting signs spotted in the last few weeks.
1. A state yellow road sign located on curves that is usually spelled “HIDDEN DRIVES AHEAD” was spelled “HDDEN DRIVES AHEAD”. Spell checker didn’t catch it?
2. An American Red Cross sign was posted in downtown Barre this afternoon. It said, “BLOOD DRAWING TODAY”. I thought about stopping to put my name in the pot to see if I could win some blood.
3. The QUACKERS Diner had two large ducks mounted on the roof. Not sure what they were made of, but it was cute.

M: Other odds and ends:

1. They have bears here! One that visits the park, and a mom with twins down the road.
2. Suki “disappeared” last night, turning up at last, but made us wonder – he’s snack size for some of these creatures
3. Still no moose.

The photos tonight are a local Montpelier phenom - scrap bicycles made into "art". Some are clever; others are "mmmmm......" An acquired taste?

An aside: note to Shell; something you could do withe unused bikes?