New Road

On awaking each day, I know that the term 'new road' will be part of my day. If you know Doug at all, you know that he loves new road, someplace he's never been before with sights he's never seen. He can hardly pass a road without wondering what is down the lane. We've been on new road most every day for the last three weeks. Now, this might seem like it would get old after awhile (unless you also crave the adventure of new roads.) Each night, at the end of a long day of exploring, we're sure that the thrill of new roads has met it's death. However, each morning, refreshed and ready to head out, the thrill of the hunt has returned. I'm amazed that I can do this day after day. It's probably because every day we've seen or done something really wonderful. Whether it's seeing a church established in 1719 and still holding services, a tree the color of neon orange, wild turkeys feasting on a golden field or just experiencing new places together, we are enjoying each and every day.

This morning dawned cold, cloudy and rainy. At breakfast we talked with a couple from Texas. He grew up in Indonesia where his parents were missionaries. It is always fun to connect with other Christians as we travel. Once refreshed with breakfast and good conversation, we were ready for those 'new roads.' The Litchfield Hills of northwest Connecticut are for the rich. It's an area of rolling hills covered with forest and farmlands. The houses are large white Colonials with immense yards covered with neatly mowed lawns, old stone walls, and red barns. There are lakes surrounded with summer homes and private docks. Quaint villages with the requisite town greens encompassed with old white churches and town halls and the occasional covered bridge just for charm. There were even some rowing crews practicing on one of the lakes. It all seems so New England. We stopped for lunch at the Wandering Moose Cafe just across the river through the covered bridge. Doug took a short hike while I picked up leaves to press and tried to identify them. More new road and then a stop in Litchfield to window shop (too expensive to actually buy anything here) and then a final stop at the bakery for hot tea and cookies.

Back at the Inn, we're relaxing in the library where there is good Internet access. Doug has fallen asleep in one of the big leather chairs. We'll stay in this evening, snack on apples and cheese and get to bed early enough to do this all over again tomorrow.