September 14th
Happy Birthday Judy. We left Yellowstone at 8 am and drove north on route 287.We passed the Madison Canyon earthquake area(similar to Frank's slide).Maroon- colored mountains andBlack Angus cattle dotted the golden wheatfields along the Missouri River. We turned on I-15 at Helena, Montana and drove north (definitely the priaries) to the USA-Canadian border at 3:30 pm .No problem at customs. We were Alberta bound. We stopped for dinner in Claresholm, Alberta. We hit construction and had to detour at Okotoks. After a blinding sunset and deer on the road, we arrived at Quirk Creek Campground at 8:10 pm. A very long day--tired but safe and sound. Our friends Graham,Jean,Terryand Judy were there to welcome us back. We sat around a roaring campfire until midnight.
September 15th
A beautiful fall morning with all the trees turning golden. Jean made breakfast for us. Derek, Carol and Liam arrived at 2 pm. Liam looks so grown up--walking and talking in his own language. What a sweetheart!!! I think he remembers us. It is so good to see them again.
Ralph and I were invited (free) for the Quirk Creek BBQ--steak and lobsters. Great BBQ and beautiful day 25 Deg. C. We saw alot of Ralph's former co-workers. We had another campfire that night. Derek,Carol and Liam stayed the night with us.
September 16th
Liam woke up around 6am. Lovely day again. Ralph made omelets for everyone (11 of us). We enjoyed the morning and afternoon at Quirk Creek. After 3.5 months of traveling Canada and the USA we arrived Home Sweet Home at 4 pm. Our home and yard were well looked after while we were gone(thanks, Rob). Our neighbour and friend Rob greeted us. We traveled 22,000 kilometers (Ralph may apply for a job as a long haul truck driver with me as his sidekick--just kidding). What a trip!! What a experience!! So many memories!! Beautiful people and places !! Thanks to our families and friends for entertaining us,tuning into our blog,e-mailing and phoning us. It's been a special time for Ralph and I.Keep in touch. Happy Trails to you all until we meet again.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
South Dakota--Wyoming--Montana-----Sept. 10 to 13th
Sept. 1oth
Cool night and morning 2 Deg. C. Some frost and snow on the ground in am. Clear blue skies.
We traveled north out of the Black Hills of S.D. and then west on I-90 to Wyoming. Driving through Wyoming the hills were red and the prairie covered with sage brush. We saw herds of antelope,oil pumpers,open- pit coal mines and lots of cattle and horse ranches. We crossed into the Big Sky Country of Montana-rolling hills and Big Horn Mountains to the west. We stopped at Little Big Horn Battlefield Memorial(Custer's Last Stand)1 hour west of Billings. After 8 hours of driving we were ready to settle in at Billings KOA(America's first KOA)located on the Yellowstone River. Wow! what a set-up--patio and swing set,fireplace on a cement pad. Deer and peacocks wondered throughout the beautiful campground. Up to 24 Deg. C. today.
Sept 11 th
We traveled west on I-90 along the Yellowstone River through fertile valleys. The different mountain ranges were mostly brown sweetgrass dotted with shrubs and pine trees. Ranch country. Turned south at Bozeman and arrived in West Yellowstone KOA. Another deluxe campsite. Indoor pool and hot tub. After settling in we drove 6 miles to the town of West Yellowstone for groceries. It is a quaint resort town of saloons,gift shops and restaurants. 27 Deg. C.
Sept 12th
On the road at 9am to see the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park(110 miles with numerous stops). Yellowstone is primarily in Wyoming. Buffalo and elk were everywhere. Extremely scenic. Geysers,fountains,volcanoes and mud pots spouting out of the earth--colorful,boiling,steaming,bubbling,gushing and roaring--with such names as Dragons Den,Biscuit Basin,Fountain Paintpots,Prismatic Spring and of course Old Faithful. We were just in time to see 180 foot Old Faithful erupt. Impressive!! We had lunch and shopped at the huge complex.
We drove along Yellowstone Lake ,valleys,mountains and rivers. We stopped at several water falls.What a terrific day!
Another warm day.25 degrees C
Sept. 13th--Happy Birthday ,Ralph
We drove the Upper Loop of Yellowstone(98 miles)for another 7-8 hours. The roads were more winding and steeper through mountains and plateaus. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone plunges down 1000 feet. The canyon walls have beautiful colors created from hot water flowing over volcanic rock. We saw more geysers,beautiful waterfalls,the Petrified Tree,and Mammoth Hot Springs. These spectacular terraces are formed by travetime(calcium carbonate)over a thermal area with hot springs. We passed the Obsidian Cliff(volcanic glass). Lots of stopping ,walking and climbing. We saw more elk,bison and even a black bear today. We had Ralph's birthday dinner at a resturant in West Yellowstone(great prime rib and birthday cake).
Great Memories too!!
Cool night and morning 2 Deg. C. Some frost and snow on the ground in am. Clear blue skies.
We traveled north out of the Black Hills of S.D. and then west on I-90 to Wyoming. Driving through Wyoming the hills were red and the prairie covered with sage brush. We saw herds of antelope,oil pumpers,open- pit coal mines and lots of cattle and horse ranches. We crossed into the Big Sky Country of Montana-rolling hills and Big Horn Mountains to the west. We stopped at Little Big Horn Battlefield Memorial(Custer's Last Stand)1 hour west of Billings. After 8 hours of driving we were ready to settle in at Billings KOA(America's first KOA)located on the Yellowstone River. Wow! what a set-up--patio and swing set,fireplace on a cement pad. Deer and peacocks wondered throughout the beautiful campground. Up to 24 Deg. C. today.
Sept 11 th
We traveled west on I-90 along the Yellowstone River through fertile valleys. The different mountain ranges were mostly brown sweetgrass dotted with shrubs and pine trees. Ranch country. Turned south at Bozeman and arrived in West Yellowstone KOA. Another deluxe campsite. Indoor pool and hot tub. After settling in we drove 6 miles to the town of West Yellowstone for groceries. It is a quaint resort town of saloons,gift shops and restaurants. 27 Deg. C.
Sept 12th
On the road at 9am to see the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park(110 miles with numerous stops). Yellowstone is primarily in Wyoming. Buffalo and elk were everywhere. Extremely scenic. Geysers,fountains,volcanoes and mud pots spouting out of the earth--colorful,boiling,steaming,bubbling,gushing and roaring--with such names as Dragons Den,Biscuit Basin,Fountain Paintpots,Prismatic Spring and of course Old Faithful. We were just in time to see 180 foot Old Faithful erupt. Impressive!! We had lunch and shopped at the huge complex.
We drove along Yellowstone Lake ,valleys,mountains and rivers. We stopped at several water falls.What a terrific day!
Another warm day.25 degrees C
Sept. 13th--Happy Birthday ,Ralph
We drove the Upper Loop of Yellowstone(98 miles)for another 7-8 hours. The roads were more winding and steeper through mountains and plateaus. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone plunges down 1000 feet. The canyon walls have beautiful colors created from hot water flowing over volcanic rock. We saw more geysers,beautiful waterfalls,the Petrified Tree,and Mammoth Hot Springs. These spectacular terraces are formed by travetime(calcium carbonate)over a thermal area with hot springs. We passed the Obsidian Cliff(volcanic glass). Lots of stopping ,walking and climbing. We saw more elk,bison and even a black bear today. We had Ralph's birthday dinner at a resturant in West Yellowstone(great prime rib and birthday cake).
Great Memories too!!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Illinois-Iowa-South Dakota---September 6th to 9th
Sept 6th
We left Illinois,the Land of Lincoln,after 1.5 hours driving west on I-80. We crossed the great Mississippi into Davenport ,Iowa. Lots of rolling hills with cornfields,silos and grazing cattle.
The USA rest areas are large,clean and have Wi-Fi internet. Outside the city of DesMoines,Iowa is John Wayne's birth place Winterset and the Bridges of Madison County. We turned north on Route 29 outside Omaha,Nebraska and traveled north along the Missouri River. After 8 hours of driving we were happy to stop at Onawa/Blue Lake KOA. We camped right beside beautiful Blue Lake. It was hot and humid 30 Deg. C. About 7 pm we had a big rain storm with some lightning. (lasted about 1 hour).
Sept 7th
Overcast and a bit windy 19 Deg. C. We crossed the Missouri River at Sioux City into South Dakota travelling north on Rt.29. We saw paddle wheel river boats on the Missouri River. Blue skies over this prairie country. At Sioux Falls we turned west on I-90. The flat prairie fields were covered in canola,sun flower,etc. crops. Cowboy country with lots of cattle. We changed to Mountain Standard Time near the Badlands National Park(similar to Drumheller).As we approached the Black Hills of South Dakota we entered the town of Wall (literally through a granite wall). We drove through Rapid City with bronzed statues of past USA presidents at the street corners. The Black Hills are covered with Ponderosa Pines appearing black at a distance. After driving 9 hours we arrived tired at the luxurious Mount Rushmore/Hill City KOA(5400 ft elevation)with a lodge,cabins, restaurant,pub,pools,etc. We got a deluxe campsite with cable tv,paved pad,free internet and patio set. We had a nice meal at the campground Ponderosa Restaurant. 23 Deg. C. all day.
Sept 8th
We had good pancakes at the Ponderosa Resaurant before driving to the Crazy Horse Monument. The world's largest mountain carving is a work in progress started 50 years ago dedicated to the Native American People. Crazy Horse's face is 9 stories high and the horse's head will be 22 stories high. Impressive!!! We took the scenic drive through the Black Hills National Forest stopping at Mount Rushmore. We drove the 14 mile Needles Highway(needle like granite formations),the Wildlife Loop Road(meadows with herds of bison,wild turkeys,
deer,etc),Custer State Park and Iron Mountain Road with one vehicle tunnels and perilous pig-tail bridges-- 25 mph-- scary but absolutely beautiful. In the evening we took the KOA shuttle to Mount Rushmore (5mi away). We saw pronghorn sheep. We watched the awe-inspiring lighting of Mount Rushmore Memorial. Cool 16 Deg. C. today.
Sept 9th
We drove north 50 miles to Sturgis and toured the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.
Sturgis(pop 6,000)is the home to the largest motorcycle rally in August(over 500,000 bikers).
Very interesting. We went to Kevin Costner's Tatanka-Story of the Bison. Interpretive center , set for Dances with Wolves movie and life size display of bronze statues of 14 bison and 3Indian riders chasing the buffalo over a cliff. We strolled the Historic Main Street of Deadwood and took in the re-enactment of the Shooting of Wild Bill Hickok at the Old Style Saloon #10. It was like going back to the Old West.Lots of casinos and food buffets. We went to Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calmity Jane are buried. It was raining off and on all day 6 Deg.C. As we got closer to our campground the rain turned into snow(early winter in South Dakota).Congratulations, Regan's and Farmer's on new baby boy,Morgan!!
We left Illinois,the Land of Lincoln,after 1.5 hours driving west on I-80. We crossed the great Mississippi into Davenport ,Iowa. Lots of rolling hills with cornfields,silos and grazing cattle.
The USA rest areas are large,clean and have Wi-Fi internet. Outside the city of DesMoines,Iowa is John Wayne's birth place Winterset and the Bridges of Madison County. We turned north on Route 29 outside Omaha,Nebraska and traveled north along the Missouri River. After 8 hours of driving we were happy to stop at Onawa/Blue Lake KOA. We camped right beside beautiful Blue Lake. It was hot and humid 30 Deg. C. About 7 pm we had a big rain storm with some lightning. (lasted about 1 hour).
Sept 7th
Overcast and a bit windy 19 Deg. C. We crossed the Missouri River at Sioux City into South Dakota travelling north on Rt.29. We saw paddle wheel river boats on the Missouri River. Blue skies over this prairie country. At Sioux Falls we turned west on I-90. The flat prairie fields were covered in canola,sun flower,etc. crops. Cowboy country with lots of cattle. We changed to Mountain Standard Time near the Badlands National Park(similar to Drumheller).As we approached the Black Hills of South Dakota we entered the town of Wall (literally through a granite wall). We drove through Rapid City with bronzed statues of past USA presidents at the street corners. The Black Hills are covered with Ponderosa Pines appearing black at a distance. After driving 9 hours we arrived tired at the luxurious Mount Rushmore/Hill City KOA(5400 ft elevation)with a lodge,cabins, restaurant,pub,pools,etc. We got a deluxe campsite with cable tv,paved pad,free internet and patio set. We had a nice meal at the campground Ponderosa Restaurant. 23 Deg. C. all day.
Sept 8th
We had good pancakes at the Ponderosa Resaurant before driving to the Crazy Horse Monument. The world's largest mountain carving is a work in progress started 50 years ago dedicated to the Native American People. Crazy Horse's face is 9 stories high and the horse's head will be 22 stories high. Impressive!!! We took the scenic drive through the Black Hills National Forest stopping at Mount Rushmore. We drove the 14 mile Needles Highway(needle like granite formations),the Wildlife Loop Road(meadows with herds of bison,wild turkeys,
deer,etc),Custer State Park and Iron Mountain Road with one vehicle tunnels and perilous pig-tail bridges-- 25 mph-- scary but absolutely beautiful. In the evening we took the KOA shuttle to Mount Rushmore (5mi away). We saw pronghorn sheep. We watched the awe-inspiring lighting of Mount Rushmore Memorial. Cool 16 Deg. C. today.
Sept 9th
We drove north 50 miles to Sturgis and toured the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.
Sturgis(pop 6,000)is the home to the largest motorcycle rally in August(over 500,000 bikers).
Very interesting. We went to Kevin Costner's Tatanka-Story of the Bison. Interpretive center , set for Dances with Wolves movie and life size display of bronze statues of 14 bison and 3Indian riders chasing the buffalo over a cliff. We strolled the Historic Main Street of Deadwood and took in the re-enactment of the Shooting of Wild Bill Hickok at the Old Style Saloon #10. It was like going back to the Old West.Lots of casinos and food buffets. We went to Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calmity Jane are buried. It was raining off and on all day 6 Deg.C. As we got closer to our campground the rain turned into snow(early winter in South Dakota).Congratulations, Regan's and Farmer's on new baby boy,Morgan!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Pennsylvania, Ohio,Indiana,Illinios-----Sept.3th-5th
September 3rd
Did some laundry and answered e-mails and did blog in am. We were invited over to Jennifer and Steve's in the afternoon . We saw more white tail deer(they are everywhere). Beautiful day 28Deg.C. We downloaded our pictures on a CD and to our computer. They had a bar-b-que for us. It was great seeing them and we said our good byes. We packed up for a early start in the morning.
September 4th
We left the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountains(lovely area with lots of vegetation).
We continued our journey west on I-80 --This excellent interstate goes from New York to California. We crossed the state of Pennsylvania into Ohio(the Buckeye State) after 6 hours of driving. We arrived at Streetsboro/Cleveland KOA 1 hour later-- very tired. We had dinner and walked around the well kept campground( several ponds with ducks and geese). We passed many Amish farms while traveling across PE. Our camping neighbors are from Maryland. We had a nice campfire.
September 5th
Early morning again--on the road by 8 am. Drove on the Ohio Turnpike through valleys with orchards and corn fields($14.75 toll). We drove to Toledo in 3 hours and onto the Indiana Turnpike($14.75 again). It was flatter with lots of cornfields,Amish communities and RV manufacturers. Notre Dame University is in South Bend,IN. Before reaching Illinois it was Central Standard Time(gained a hour). As we passed Chicago it was 6 lanes of bumper to bumper 18 wheelers and 35 Deg.C. We traveled 1.5 hours west of Chicago and we are staying at La Salle/Peru KOA. It is a nice park surrounded by cornfields and oak trees. We are going for a dip in the pool and having a campfire. Extremely hot!!!!.
Did some laundry and answered e-mails and did blog in am. We were invited over to Jennifer and Steve's in the afternoon . We saw more white tail deer(they are everywhere). Beautiful day 28Deg.C. We downloaded our pictures on a CD and to our computer. They had a bar-b-que for us. It was great seeing them and we said our good byes. We packed up for a early start in the morning.
September 4th
We left the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountains(lovely area with lots of vegetation).
We continued our journey west on I-80 --This excellent interstate goes from New York to California. We crossed the state of Pennsylvania into Ohio(the Buckeye State) after 6 hours of driving. We arrived at Streetsboro/Cleveland KOA 1 hour later-- very tired. We had dinner and walked around the well kept campground( several ponds with ducks and geese). We passed many Amish farms while traveling across PE. Our camping neighbors are from Maryland. We had a nice campfire.
September 5th
Early morning again--on the road by 8 am. Drove on the Ohio Turnpike through valleys with orchards and corn fields($14.75 toll). We drove to Toledo in 3 hours and onto the Indiana Turnpike($14.75 again). It was flatter with lots of cornfields,Amish communities and RV manufacturers. Notre Dame University is in South Bend,IN. Before reaching Illinois it was Central Standard Time(gained a hour). As we passed Chicago it was 6 lanes of bumper to bumper 18 wheelers and 35 Deg.C. We traveled 1.5 hours west of Chicago and we are staying at La Salle/Peru KOA. It is a nice park surrounded by cornfields and oak trees. We are going for a dip in the pool and having a campfire. Extremely hot!!!!.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Pennsylvania -- August 30th to September 2nd
August 30th
Foggy and warm in the morning. Spent the day relaxing,catching up on journal and doing blog.
We went to the office to use the internet. Nice area with lots of trees,birds,chipmunks,mini golf and pool. We went for a swim in the afternoon. We went over to Jennifer's in the evening. They have a lovely place about a mile from Bushkill Falls. A mother and 3 baby white tail deer were in the meadow near their pond. Just got back in time to our campsite--a big lightning,thunder and rain storm. A skunk got into our garbage during the night.
August 31st
Happy Anniversary Jean and Graham. Cooler in the morning now but a hot afternoon 27 Deg. C. We went on the Delaware Water Gap Trolley and toured famous houses (Jackie Gleason etc.),
Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains. Afterwards we drove to Bushkill Falls. A boardwalk and many steps(500)took us to the eight waterfalls and gorge. Beautiful area. Our legs were very tired.We relaxed in the evening around a campfire.
September 1st
We had breakfast at the KOA Pavillion. We drove about 15 minutes down the road to Shawnee Waterslide and Amusement Park. Lots of people were at the Pocono Garlic Festival. We spent a couple of hours browsing around the booths with everything garlic and listening to music at the 3 band stages. Enjoyable and hot afternoon. We invited Jennifer,Steve and Aidan for dinner and had a good visit until 10 pm. After they left we had a campfire.
September 2nd
We went to the huge Pocono Flea Market. Too hot and crowded. Jennifer,Steve and Aidan picked us up at 2 pm and drove us around to see the area. We drove to Hackettstown,New Jersey to meet Steve's parents. They baby-sat Aidan while the 4 of us went to dinner at Red Lobster----great lobster,scallops and shrimp. We got back to our campsite at about 9:30pm.
Our camping neighbors from Statton Island,New York invited us for s'mores and coffee.
Foggy and warm in the morning. Spent the day relaxing,catching up on journal and doing blog.
We went to the office to use the internet. Nice area with lots of trees,birds,chipmunks,mini golf and pool. We went for a swim in the afternoon. We went over to Jennifer's in the evening. They have a lovely place about a mile from Bushkill Falls. A mother and 3 baby white tail deer were in the meadow near their pond. Just got back in time to our campsite--a big lightning,thunder and rain storm. A skunk got into our garbage during the night.
August 31st
Happy Anniversary Jean and Graham. Cooler in the morning now but a hot afternoon 27 Deg. C. We went on the Delaware Water Gap Trolley and toured famous houses (Jackie Gleason etc.),
Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains. Afterwards we drove to Bushkill Falls. A boardwalk and many steps(500)took us to the eight waterfalls and gorge. Beautiful area. Our legs were very tired.We relaxed in the evening around a campfire.
September 1st
We had breakfast at the KOA Pavillion. We drove about 15 minutes down the road to Shawnee Waterslide and Amusement Park. Lots of people were at the Pocono Garlic Festival. We spent a couple of hours browsing around the booths with everything garlic and listening to music at the 3 band stages. Enjoyable and hot afternoon. We invited Jennifer,Steve and Aidan for dinner and had a good visit until 10 pm. After they left we had a campfire.
September 2nd
We went to the huge Pocono Flea Market. Too hot and crowded. Jennifer,Steve and Aidan picked us up at 2 pm and drove us around to see the area. We drove to Hackettstown,New Jersey to meet Steve's parents. They baby-sat Aidan while the 4 of us went to dinner at Red Lobster----great lobster,scallops and shrimp. We got back to our campsite at about 9:30pm.
Our camping neighbors from Statton Island,New York invited us for s'mores and coffee.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Maine-New Hampshire-Massachusetts-Connecticut-NewYork State-Pennsylvania-- August 25th to 29thh
August 25th -- Maine
Very hot and extremely humid 28 Deg.C . Yesterday we saw a large snapping turtle on the road when we took the shuttle bus. Today we decided to drive the southwestern part of the island and the resort town of Bar Harbor. We stopped at Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Sea Wall (rugged rocky coastline)and small pretty towns in the bays. We had a lobster roll and blueberry beer at Beals Lobster Pier(large sea gulls hovered over head). We drove through Bar Harbor-extremely busy and congested. We went wine tasting at Sweet Pea Winery and did a micro -brewery tour and beer tasting at Alantic Brewery(tasty blueberry beer made here) We bought 4 cooked lobster and had them at our campsite with wild blueberries for dessert.
A campfire overlooking the water finished out our day.
August 26th
Ralph made pancakes with wild blueberries and blueberry syrup. Over 30 Deg.C again today.
We drove around the northeastern part of Mount Desert Island. We stopped at rugged coastlines,Sand Beach and quaint fishing villages. We got really wet at Thunder Hole(the Atlantic comes violently crashing into a channel in the rocks creating a geyser). We had lobster quiche and a lobster roll at beautiful Jordan Pond looking out at Bubble Mountain(looks like two boobs).
We went up a steep winding road 1800 feet to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Spectatular 360 Deg. view of Mount Desert Island,Bar Harbor,mountains,lakes and surrounding islands. A campfire and left -over lobster ended our day.
August 27th -- New Hampshire and Massachusetts
We left beautiful Bar Harbor KOA and drove 6 hours on the Maine Turnpike(lots of tolls but great highway). We went along coastal New Hampshire and stayed just inside the border of Massachusetts at Black Bear Campground (Salisbury). We are within a few miles of the seaside resorts of Salisbury,Seabrook and Hampton Beach. We drove to the beach area and saw beautiful beaches and expensive homes on the sand dunes over looking the beach. We finally found a grocery store and had steak for a change.
August 28th
After doing laundry all morning we went to Hampton Beach,N.H. Had steamed clams and lobster chowder with local beer,overlooking the beach. We sunbathed,walked the beach,shopped and swam in the ocean. Gorgeous area!!!! What more could you ask for??? Pedicure for the both of us,of course!!! Very relaxing enjoyable day. Boston is 40 minutes away.
August 29th --- Massachusetts to Pennsylvania
On our way to Pennsylvania,we traveled the I-495 Massachusetts Turnpike to I-90 and I-84 through Connecticut. All highways pass throught the busy city of Hartford--no problem Ralph's doing a great job of driving. We went through New York state and over the Hudson River passing near West Point Academy. After 6.5 hours we were in Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. We are staying at the Delaware Water Gap KOA,East Stroudsburg. The campground is 10-15 minutes from my niece Jennifer in Bushkill(we have not seen her in 10 years).
Jennifer ,Steve and 3 month old Aidan came over to visit us in the evening. Aidan is doing well after a early start (3 lbs at birth and now 8 lbs 2 oz now). Great to see them.
Very hot and extremely humid 28 Deg.C . Yesterday we saw a large snapping turtle on the road when we took the shuttle bus. Today we decided to drive the southwestern part of the island and the resort town of Bar Harbor. We stopped at Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Sea Wall (rugged rocky coastline)and small pretty towns in the bays. We had a lobster roll and blueberry beer at Beals Lobster Pier(large sea gulls hovered over head). We drove through Bar Harbor-extremely busy and congested. We went wine tasting at Sweet Pea Winery and did a micro -brewery tour and beer tasting at Alantic Brewery(tasty blueberry beer made here) We bought 4 cooked lobster and had them at our campsite with wild blueberries for dessert.
A campfire overlooking the water finished out our day.
August 26th
Ralph made pancakes with wild blueberries and blueberry syrup. Over 30 Deg.C again today.
We drove around the northeastern part of Mount Desert Island. We stopped at rugged coastlines,Sand Beach and quaint fishing villages. We got really wet at Thunder Hole(the Atlantic comes violently crashing into a channel in the rocks creating a geyser). We had lobster quiche and a lobster roll at beautiful Jordan Pond looking out at Bubble Mountain(looks like two boobs).
We went up a steep winding road 1800 feet to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Spectatular 360 Deg. view of Mount Desert Island,Bar Harbor,mountains,lakes and surrounding islands. A campfire and left -over lobster ended our day.
August 27th -- New Hampshire and Massachusetts
We left beautiful Bar Harbor KOA and drove 6 hours on the Maine Turnpike(lots of tolls but great highway). We went along coastal New Hampshire and stayed just inside the border of Massachusetts at Black Bear Campground (Salisbury). We are within a few miles of the seaside resorts of Salisbury,Seabrook and Hampton Beach. We drove to the beach area and saw beautiful beaches and expensive homes on the sand dunes over looking the beach. We finally found a grocery store and had steak for a change.
August 28th
After doing laundry all morning we went to Hampton Beach,N.H. Had steamed clams and lobster chowder with local beer,overlooking the beach. We sunbathed,walked the beach,shopped and swam in the ocean. Gorgeous area!!!! What more could you ask for??? Pedicure for the both of us,of course!!! Very relaxing enjoyable day. Boston is 40 minutes away.
August 29th --- Massachusetts to Pennsylvania
On our way to Pennsylvania,we traveled the I-495 Massachusetts Turnpike to I-90 and I-84 through Connecticut. All highways pass throught the busy city of Hartford--no problem Ralph's doing a great job of driving. We went through New York state and over the Hudson River passing near West Point Academy. After 6.5 hours we were in Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. We are staying at the Delaware Water Gap KOA,East Stroudsburg. The campground is 10-15 minutes from my niece Jennifer in Bushkill(we have not seen her in 10 years).
Jennifer ,Steve and 3 month old Aidan came over to visit us in the evening. Aidan is doing well after a early start (3 lbs at birth and now 8 lbs 2 oz now). Great to see them.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
NB to USA August 23rd and 24th
August 23rd
Yesterday was 27Deg C, today was cooler. We walked along the waterfront and the historical buildings of St. Andrews -by -the Sea. We went to the farmers market at Harbour Square. At lunch we had a beer on a deck overlooking the bay at low tide. In the evening we had a lovely dinner at Harbour View Restaurant at high tide. What a difference in water level!!!!
St.Andrews and our campground are very nice. I discovered that I forgot my jacket at Cindy's on PEI.
August 24th
We left the campground in the rain and headed for the St Stephen ,NB/Calais ,Maine border crossing. US border guards checked our 5th wheel and took a can of beef consomme. We are now on eastern standard time. The roads in Maine are very hilly and winding,with lots of maple trees (a few weeks early for the array of fall colors) .Early afternoon after 4.5 hours of driving ,we crossed the causeway to Mount Desert Island, staying at Bar Harbor Oceanfront KOA.
The resort town of Bar Harbor is situated outside Acadia National Park. There is a free shuttle service around the Island sponsored by L.L .Bean and park passes. We took the 1.5 hour loop road around the park.We have alot more of the Island to see another day (45 miles in diameter) .We went to dinner at the Gateway Lobster Pound-steamed clams,tender tasty Maine Lobster,Maine wild bluberry pie and local blueberry beer. Excellent meal and awesome scenery on the island (local live lobster 5.99 per pound).Warm evening-sat out till 11 p.m.
Yesterday was 27Deg C, today was cooler. We walked along the waterfront and the historical buildings of St. Andrews -by -the Sea. We went to the farmers market at Harbour Square. At lunch we had a beer on a deck overlooking the bay at low tide. In the evening we had a lovely dinner at Harbour View Restaurant at high tide. What a difference in water level!!!!
St.Andrews and our campground are very nice. I discovered that I forgot my jacket at Cindy's on PEI.
August 24th
We left the campground in the rain and headed for the St Stephen ,NB/Calais ,Maine border crossing. US border guards checked our 5th wheel and took a can of beef consomme. We are now on eastern standard time. The roads in Maine are very hilly and winding,with lots of maple trees (a few weeks early for the array of fall colors) .Early afternoon after 4.5 hours of driving ,we crossed the causeway to Mount Desert Island, staying at Bar Harbor Oceanfront KOA.
The resort town of Bar Harbor is situated outside Acadia National Park. There is a free shuttle service around the Island sponsored by L.L .Bean and park passes. We took the 1.5 hour loop road around the park.We have alot more of the Island to see another day (45 miles in diameter) .We went to dinner at the Gateway Lobster Pound-steamed clams,tender tasty Maine Lobster,Maine wild bluberry pie and local blueberry beer. Excellent meal and awesome scenery on the island (local live lobster 5.99 per pound).Warm evening-sat out till 11 p.m.
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