Day 9 through 11 The Cold Rainy Coast of Maine

Day 9-11

It's lonely lovely at the top.  We made it to Mt Desert, Maine today after a long 10 hour day.  We left our friends in New Hampshire around 7a. We rode the coast, route 1, ALL THE WAY here and it was spectacular.  It took us a long time to get here (we pulled into our site at 5:30p) but it was definitely worth it. We made two stops at the beach along the way and each time reminded me why I love the water so much... it is absolutely gorgeous.

Our view driving along the coast from NH to ME

The strangely beautiful rocky beach

An up close view of the rocky beach

Look how small we are against the vast ocean and sky

 We visited the Portland Headlight lighthouse in Portland, ME. The area was very beautiful. The small "museum" left something to be desired but they certainly get an "E" for effort.  I don't regret the $4 donation we gave to get in. The trail right outside the lighthouse that lined the coast was worth the trip. After the lighthouse we set out for our long journey into the Bar Harbor area of Maine.

Portland Headlight, Portland ME

A view from the light house trail

My adventurous babies

I loved driving through all the small towns and villages.  There were so many places I wanted to stop and explore along the way. There a so many, probably to many, little antique shops along the route coupled with just as many motels. It was an interesting combination. When we finally made it to our campground we were exhausted and frustrated. To top it off our rig sprung two leaks and we were really missing our friends and loved ones. We all agreed that that drive was the last leg of our trip but looking back I am sure it was our frustrations talking.

Once we were up and exploring the area we were glad that we were there. We explored the town of Bar Harbor (pronounced baa-haa-baa). We were really impressed that such a small town cared about and considered its RV traveling visitors and offered a place to park. 

Sign says "RV Parking Only"

We explored, shopped, ate, and walked our way through town for hours. After we were worn out from town we headed back to the RV and decided to explore Acadia National Park. We didn't make the entire 27 mile loop because of my fears of driving Honey around the sharp curves and steepness of the mountain. We did enjoy a nice drive and got some great shots. 

In Bar Harbor (Baa-Haa-Baa)

Along the Loop... Nay's not happy because I just made him apologize for hitting his sister

Me enjoying the views and taking a break from gripping the steering wheel of the RV as we travel through the twisty, steep and narrow roads of the Acadia Mountain Loop

A beautiful (and somewhat spooky) pond along the Loop

We slept in until 9a this morning. We decided that today was chore day and we stayed around the campground. The kids worked on school work, which was just them completing their Junior Ranger booklet we got yesterday, while I checked all of Honey's fluids and made sure everything worked properly and is ready for the road. I came in and fixed breakfast and we enjoyed our  pot of cream of wheat outside at the picnic table.  Right after breakfast we started our chores, which consisted of getting the dishes washed and washing clothes in our bucket. All three kids helped wash clothes and actually found it fun.  We swept and mopped the RV and took out all of the trash. Once we were finished with chores we decided to go for a walk down to the water. What they call the "beach" is about a quarter mile from camp down a very steep hill (we regretted having to walk back up the hill when we were done at the beach). The kids had a great time collected crab and lobster remains that had washed up on the shore. I called the place the sea life cemetery as I have never seen so many crab and lobster remains on a shore before. I joked that the kids did in fact get a science lesson in today... marine biology.

He found lobster parts

She found crab shells

We made it back to our camp and decided to get our fire started. We were trying to beat the rain, which we barely did. After five fire started and a lot of dryer lint later we got a really good fire. The fire turned out to be the best we've had so far. We followed all of the rules and did the triangle with the wood and mixed the really dry wood we got from our friend in Shenandoah with the split logs we got from our friend in Gettysburg and it turned out great. The rain put our fire out for us and we are all now huddled on the bed (yes, all four of us huddled on the same bed... which is why I know I don't need a bigger RV because where I go my kids will find a way to squeeze in) reading and playing games. I sit here listening to the kids laugh and joke and read to each other and it is wonderful. 

We head to New Brunswick, Canada tomorrow, the final stop (I think) on this northern adventure before we start working our way back down the coast. I love for once in my life not having a plan and just going where opportunity presents itself. I have met some amazing people and gotten many encouraging words. All in all the consensus seems to be to not be afraid to try new things and follow my dreams... and that's exactly what I'm going to continue to do!

Until next time, life your life to the fullest and worry about the rest later!

Day 7 and 8 New Hampshire

Day 7 and 8

Yesterday was day 7 for us. One whole week since we got on the road and it has been an amazing journey so far. 

The four days spent with our friends in their farm were so great that it was hard for me to leave. I could see us enjoying a New England life until winter (at which time we would have to get back to the south as quick as possible).  The kids enjoyed going to classes with their friends (they are still talking about the lamb they got to see be born) and playing outside and chatting with one another inside. I enjoyed the peace and quietness of the area. I thought I would miss the hustle and bustle of the city but I don't one bit. I look forward to coming back to stay a little while longer on our return from Cananda. The kids and I plan to make this our annual pilgrimage. 

We left ours friend's farm yesterday and met them in New Hampshire at their family's house (where we are at the very moment). 

On the way we stopped in Concord, Mass and visited the site of "the shot heard round the world"... The start of the revolutionary war. Concord was an interesting place. It is very historic but nothing like Williamsburg. Contemporary housing is mixed in with revolutionary period houses and structures with no clear distinction between the two. The town is cute but it see like it could capilatize on its history a bit more. 

In front of the British soldiers grave in Concord, Mass

The Joshua Brooks House from 1727... of course we had to visit!

Averie showing us the biggest dandelion we have ever seen

The evening was great. Each family has three kids and all nine played wonderfully together. The adults sat in the kitchen while the kids ran around us and we chatted over four bottles of wine. Their stories of growing up in the area were great. Their accents were wonderful. Their kindness was immeasurable.  I really enjoyed their company. The kids and I headed to Honey, who was parked in the back hard, around 945p and snuggled in and watched a movie. We were all asleep by 11p (even me... The wine had kicked in by this time!). 

Today was wonderful. We ventured to Rye beach with our friends. What I learned is that New England beaches are vastly different from southern beaches... the beaches are rocky here. Rye beach was gorgeous! After the beach we visited Portsmouth, a village type town here in New Hampshire.  I fell in LOVE with that town. If it wasn't for the snow that they get here I would be looking for real estate here :-D

The "moms" at Rye beach

The kids at the beach

The youngest girls

 

One of the items on Joshua's bucket list was to eat fresh lobster from the coast... today he crossed that off of his list.

at the Gas Light where Joshua ate his first lobster... The food was amazing

Some amazing "wall art"

More amazing "wall art"

And more

The bridge to Maine

Day 4 We Made it to Massachusetts (Great to See Our Friends)

Day 4 We Made it to Massachusetts!!!!

So I broke the cardinal rule and drove 488 miles yesterday. I’ve been told and have read many times that RVers should not drive more than 300 to 350 miles a day. I believe it is to avoid fatigue and to be able to enjoy the journey. However, the thought of staying another night in a campground and having to unpack and repack was just not appealing. The drive was not bad. We broke down camp the day before so around 7a I finished packing up and securing the RV and dumped the tanks and then we were off. I drove about 200 miles before stopping at Walmart in Allentown PA. We took our time getting through the store and $100 later as we walked across the parking lot we made the final decision to push on toward our friends instead of stopping for the night in Accord NY.  The drive wasn’t bad at all except for one small care. Taking the exit to get on route 202 the RV locked up on me and would not turn.  I was going, what I thought, was relatively slow at 35mph. The curve must have been to sharp for my big ole Honey and she refused to turn that wheel.  We plowed straight through the barrier before coming to a stop on the grassy area between the two on/off ramps.  Talk about shaken up! I sat there for several minutes trying to compose myself and so thankful no one was hurt. Fortunately, the next 25 miles where through the Poconos’ mountains and not on the highway.  I was able to just cruise at a very slow speed and regain confidence in my ability to drive my 25ft motorhome.

The next three hours were pretty uneventful. We drove into New York, then into Connecticut where we passed through Bridgeport and Hartford (I really liked the feel of Hartford and will add it to my list of places to explore) before entering Massachusetts. We made our way through Springfield and continued North into the mountains. The scenery was absolutely stunning. The rolling hills of the North are beautiful. We raced the sun up the mountain, it was 7:00p and I was determined to be at our destination and parked before it got dark. We made the terrifying journey up the very narrow, windy road up  the mountain VERY slowly and in the middle of the street. After my incident earlier I was very afraid of taking a turn too sharp and this time plummeting off the mountain. It was worth it though… our friends home is wonderful.  It is a two 200 year old farm house that sits on about 40 acres, high on the mountain, with views that people pay for. It is stunning.  It is so quiet and calm and peaceful. 

It was so great seeing everyone.  I can’t believe how much all the kids have grown.  It was wonderful to catch up with my friend and her family. 

  

The kids played and explored until it got dark then we all headed in to shower and get ready for bed.  The big kids slept in the room with their friends and Nay and I snuggled up in Honey.  The big kids got up early this morning and went to farm class with their friends while Nay and I slept in. 

 

I don’t know how long we’ll stay… it’s so wonderful up here that they may be kicking us off their land before we volunteer to leave it :-D. 

Our plan is to head to the beach in New Hampshire with our friends when we leave here. So the prospect of sitting by the ocean may be the only thing to entice me to leave this mountain! Until then peace, love, and travel and much love to the one I’m missing back at home.

Day 2 and 3 Gettysburg, PA

Day 2

Today was just as great as yesterday.  We decided to pack up and leave Shenandoah early so that we could get here to Gettysburg and settle in. We got here around lunch time and spent the first hour setting up. We managed to set up the tent and it took all four us. I may eventually have to look into getting the awning fixed. After we were set up the kids rode their bikes while I finished a few last minute things and then we headed off to explore the “resort”.  It is a nice place… there are plenty of amenities such as a pool (that’s not open yet), and a great playground, walking distance to civil war memorials. Wifi is about four dollars a night so that is a negative (fortunately I have mifi on my phone and use it as a hotspot). Also the sites a really close together. I feels like I can reach out and touch my neighbor. I can’t imagine if I had a slide.

The kids had a blast playing at the playground. The playground is really nice and was full of kids. They played hard for a couple of hours until I just couldn’t sit there anymore, thank goodness it started raining. Nay and I headed “home” totally and completely against his will and the two older kids stayed and played. Once I was able to find some tasks for Nay to help me with he was less pouty and winy about not getting to stay at the playground. He helped me cook dinner and wash dishes. I made beanie weans for the kids and minestrone soup with sautéed  spinach, kale and fresh garlic. Yum! I’m so glad that I am able to still cook like I would in a traditional kitchen. I do have to be creative at times but overall it appears that I will be able to concoct some great creations. Nay and I ate (the big kids were still at the playground) and enjoyed a movie together before packing up our bath bag and heading to the showers. I can see it getting old using the bathhouses all the time but until I overcome my fear of blowing us all up using propane that is what we will do (although we could do cold showers in our rig but made a vow to the kids that we would not have to take anymore cold showers after three months of it in Jamaica).

Leaving VA heading to PA

Scenery traveling through VA to PA

Yay! We made it to PA after a couple of wrong turns and missed exits

Day 3

Today was wonderful. I woke up earlier then I wanted at the sound of water owing through my busted pipe. I had assumed that since it was near the city water connection that I just could use the city water but apparently I can’t fill the tank either. I will have to get that replaced sooner than later. Since the holding tank was full I needed to empty it but I didn’t want to waste all of the water so I decided to wash a load of clothes. I filled the industrial bucket in the tub and hand washed our clothes from the last two days.  Then I used the rest of the water to rinse. I ran the clothes through the wringer attached to the mop and then headed to the laundromat, on site, to dry.  I was shocked to see washing and drying a load cost $5. Wow! That could really add up.  There is no way I can wash like I’m used to at those prices. I used the dryer and was NOT happy when the buzzer sounded that they were done and I opened the dryer to find my clothes still soaking wet. I called the site manager and he brought be down change to try another dryer.  The second the clothes were still damp so I’m thinking the dryers were just terrible (and not broken). I hung the wettest clothes on the line I had strung across our tent.  It looked tacky but I really had to have those clothes dry since we pull out tomorrow. By the time I finished hanging my laundry, Heather, a sales manager was pulling onto our site. We went on an early morning tour of the RV park with the sales person (going on the tour was why we got to stay her free for three days and two night). The tour was nice and they fed us lunch (the even had vegan burgers). 

After the tour we decided to catch the trolly into downtown Gettysburg. We toured all of downtown and saw as many sites as we could that didn’t cost :-) This was a trip on a budget. 

The kids standing with Lincoln and David Mills

One of many old churches turned civil war hospitals

Random face on the wall!

You can see it is simply a face coming out of the wall of an alley

Instead of $10 admissions into museums we spent our money on ice cream and letting the kids try bacon soda (yes, you read that right) and cheese flavored bug larva (we have pictures to prove it lol). It was really random but right at that moment watching my kids reactions to gross stuff they put in their mouths, in downtown Gettysburg, I couldn’t think of any other place or with any other people I would rather be.

My brave children pre- tasting these horrible things

Averie decided she wanted to go on a ghost tour since Gettysburg is supposed to be haunted. She took so many pictures, mostly of the civil war era buildings.  We think she might have something… tell us what you think.  These pictures were taken minutes apart. Look in the window above the doors... zoom in if you have too. The building is an old church that was used as a hospital for severe cases during the civil war… and was closed for the day and we saw no one moving about while we were standing there.

Do you see it? In the window? Hmmm

Enjoying ice cream at the Lincoln diner

Enjoying the "cherry on top" at the Lincoln diner

Random garage art (photo courtesy of Averie)

We didn't have time to visit the battlefield this time (we did pass it and got to see its vastness from the trolley on the way downtown). That gives us more reason to come back and we will definitely be back. Tomorrow we head to Accord, New York. When I told the sales rep that we didn’t have a reservation and planned to try sleeping at a Walmart they called one of their sister resorts and got us a free night stay.  I am so appreciative of that.  Instead of spending my day searching for a place to stay I got to spend it with my babies. We’ve already started breaking down camp which wasn’t too bad. I couldn’t pack all of the firewood on the hitch carrier so we ended up with an impromptu fire and s'mores.  While I continued to pack (trying to beat the sun) and the kids roasted marshmallows our new neighbor walked over and introduced herself.  It turns out she is from NC too, not to far from Charlotte. She camps with her grandchildren ever week during the summer, just rotating out grandchildren each week. She invited us over to her rig to meet her cats. Those were the biggest kittens I have ever seen.  She said they will get to about 30 pounds. I believe she called them mancoons?!?!

After we excused ourselves from her we came back and finished packing what we could in the moonlight before giving up and heading inside. Averie and I are snuggled up next to each other as I sit here and write this and my boys are a sleep. I’m about to join them as I mentally prepare for this long drive tomorrow. Until the next post peace, love, and travel!

Day 1 Verona, VA

Day 1 has been amazing so far. I was up at 5:20a with the goal of being out of the door by 6a.  I wanted to avoid Charlotte's rush hour and be able to get downtown to say goodbye to my mom. Getting out of the house was hard... saying goodbye to my dog and my vegetable garden (lol) was tough. I kept adding more and more to the RV too, with the excuse that I know I will need "this" on the road. We did make it out of the door pretty much on time (6:04a). It was smooth sailing from the time we hit the road. We were able to find an apartment parking lot to park in while we went to give mama hugs and kisses

The drive to the Shenandoah area was great. I drove about 100 miles before stoping for gas and to stretch my legs. The second half (132 miles) was just as easy (thank you cruise control). The kids slept, I turned up my radio and stretch out my leg (I'm amazed at how roomy the driver side leg area is in my old RV) and rolled down the highway.

Driving 232 miles today felt good and I think I will leave it at that for now. When we got here I wasn't exhausted and I don't dread having to drive tomorrow.  There's no rush for us. Actually for the first time since I can remember I actually own my time.  I don't have anywhere to be at any particular time and this is the most freeing feeling. It doesn't matter what time we arrived, or how long it took us to get here or I could definitely get used to this.  

The campground we are staying at, Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona VA, is nice.  It is full of amenities including a pool, hot tub, two playgrounds, free cable, free wifi, our site backs up to the river, we can walk around the corner to see a waterfall, and they have scheduled activities. It is a little of that beaten path (in my opinion) but it is pretty crowded here so maybe not to far off that path. The people that we have talked to so far come here regularly.  One lady said she even comes one a week and she lives a couple hours away. The staff is friendly and the facilities are clean so all in all we are very happy with the site we chose on the first day of our adventure. We would come back to this site for sure.

The Day After Tomorrow

The day after tomorrow it all begins. The RV is home from the shop and in great shape. The radio has been installed. I was able to put the carrier on the back tow hitch so I can take the kid's bikes. And most importantly the RV is full packed and ready to go.

It took me 3 days to clean and pack that thing but I managed to get all of the stuff that we need to survive on it (OK, I'm sure we could probably survive with a third of what I packed). I'll spend the rest of today piddling around it making sure all is well. Tomorrow I will fill the fresh water tank and pack our perishable food.

I'm mixed with feelings of terror and supreme excitement. As we get closer the excitement increases and the terror diminishes.  This is going to be an amazing trip and one that my kids may always remember.  That is my motivation, like Jamaica, this trip is for them. To create memories, to instill a sense of adventure and exploration in them, and to teach them about the diverse and wonderful world we live in.

My next post will be from the road and I will start adding pictures so stay tuned :-D