Raining Day Driving

This picture has nothing whatsoever to do with anything we did today. It's just a photo that Doug thought you would enjoy seeing. Rainy days are for reading books in front of the fireplace or baking cookies and watching sappy movies. Rainy days are not for driving on unfamiliar roads, especially when it's my turn to drive. We left Norfolk about 9:30 under cloudy skies but no rain. Doug was navigating as we worked on finding our way on country roads from Connecticut to New York and then on to Pennsylvania. Somewhere along the way it began to rain. Just a bit a first but eventually it was a downpour. The roads were good and traffic was light. That was the good part. After lunch, Doug took over the driving. The bad part of the day was that on the Pennsylvania turnpike there was an accident. The type of accident that brings the entire freeway to a halt. We spent two hours crawling along, being detoured through a teeny tiny town (causing people to stand on the sidewalks to watch the traffic,) often coming to a complete stop, and eventually being rerouted back onto the turnpike. We never did see what had caused the problem.

Anyway, we did make it to New Oxford outside of Gettysburg and our B&B, Chestnut Hall, is really something. It's an old Victorian that has been beautifully restored and decorated. Our room is really sumptuous and this is one of the least expensive places we've stayed. The Inn keepers are delightful, warm and welcoming. I already wish we had more that two nights here. We walked to a pizza place for dinner and are now sitting in the living room of the B&B and watching a playoff game. The rain has stopped.

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.

BEYOND CATEGORY

Fans of the Tour de France are familiar with the term 'beyond category.' It refers to climbs that are so steep and difficult they are beyond category. If there was a scale to categorize foliage drives in New England yesterday's drive was 'beyond category.' Not difficult or steep, but incredibly beautiful. We ran out of words to describe what we were seeing so we coined our own phrase, 'Beyond Words.' Maybe not too original but it's all we could come up with.

Sunday night it began to rain and was still raining when we woke up on Monday morning. We wondered if we should chance the drive along the Green Mountains or just go to town and shop. We decided to shop first but as we neared Woodstock the line of cars going into town was so long we turned around and headed for the hills. Literally!! Are we glad that was our choice. This was the day I had pictured when we first began planning this trip.

The clouds hung on the top of the mountains sending fingers of fog streaming down over the tree tops. The rain had stopped and left the roads and tree trunks dark with the wet. The day was cold and damp. Fall had arrived in full force in the Green Mountains. Yellow, gold, oranges and red covered the hillsides. Every view, every turn in the road, was breathtaking. We were beyond words to describe the beauty of the forests and roadways.

We stopped in a little village for lunch at the general store. Eating outside on the front porch we eventually got a little cold but inside was full and it made the hot cider taste all the better. Then back in the car and more driving. Covered bridges, white-steepled churches, village greens, quaint shops, waterfalls and more colorful trees than we have ever seen. Amazing. All we imagined for our trip to New England and more.

Today we drove to Connecticut and were surprised to see that fall has arrived here as well. Although the color isn't as concentrated as it was in Vermont, it is still beautiful. We'll explore the Litchfield Hills area tomorrow.

Maine to New Hampshire to Vermont

Although you have not heard from us for a few days, all is well. We’ve just been in places where the internet connection was so poor as to make writing to the blog too difficult. So I will try to catch you up on the travels of Doug and Judi.

Heading west from Maine on last Thursday morning we drove across the state to New Hampshire. We’ve come to believe that every drive in New England is a scenic drive. It was a beautiful drive filled with colorful forests and quaint towns. Jackson NH, where we stayed, is a ski resort town. Nothing like Mammoth or Vail, just a one mile loop with a couple of restaurants, stores and lodgings set in the White Mountains. The Inn is very nice and comfortable.

Friday morning we decided to drive along the White Mountain scenic drive and look for waterfalls as there are numerous ones in the area. We found a 3-mile hike, leading to the Arethusa Falls, described as moderate to difficult. That means that it’s moderate for Doug and difficult for Judi. There was a lot of uphill over boulders and up log steps which meant a lot of slippery downhill over boulders and log steps on the way back. The end result of the hike was a sparkling clear waterfall tumbling down a rock cliff and it was worth the trip. The forest was spectacular, colorful and peaceful. The trail was covered in fallen leaves. It really was a great way to spend the majority of the day. Not taking any food along, we were very hungry once we returned to the car and ended up at a roadside eatery for a late lunch of hot dogs. Expecting to wake up on Saturday unable to move, it was nice to feel no negative effects from our hike.Here we are resting on one of the log steps on our way back down the mountain.

Saturday morning we walked around Jackson and then drove off in search of covered bridges. The day was a little more relaxed. Once back at the Inn in the middle of the afternoon it was time for Judi to have down time and for Doug to go on the hunt for the perfect picture. It began to rain which made Judi's down time under the comforter on the bed perfect and Doug’s time out taking photographs more interesting. It rained all night but Sunday dawned clear.

Classic New Hampshire church with fall color.

On to Vermont Sunday morning, driving along the Kancamagus highway, definitely one of the most scenic we’ve seen. The foliage was truly beautiful with trees ranging from the typical green through yellow, orange, red and scarlet. Even though we’re not seeing ‘peak’ foliage, we are seeing what is called ‘high’ foliage color. It is spectacular. The only negative part of the drive was the number of people enjoying it with us. Some of the turnouts were so crowded we could not find parking and had to keep driving. Still it was well worth the time spent enjoying the drive.

Yesterday was also Doug’s birthday. Yes, he is now 57 years old and none the worse for wear. We celebrated with dinner out at a nice restuarant in Woodstock Vermont.

Today in Vermont was spectacular but I'll tell you about that later. The internet connection here is iffy and I'm going to close for tonight. Tomorrow we're heading for Connecticut and hopefully the B&B there will have a decent internet connection so I can add more to the blog and post more of Doug's pictures.

Fog, Lobster and Blueberry Pie

We woke this morning to fog, lots of fog. The kind of fog that completely blankets the world making it soft and quiet. Doug hiked through fog shrouded forests in the early morning taking pictures and enjoying the quiet and peace of Acadia. I was already having breakfast when Doug returned for his and then we drove to Northeast Harbor. Standing by the wharf we watched boats appear out of the fog bringing in their catch of lobster. The fog stayed all day and before the day ended, we also had some rain. It feels like fall.

Doug was up at 5:00 a.m. to hike one of the trails in Acadia National Park. Of course, it was also, or maybe mostly, a photo hike. The camera and tripod go everywhere Doug goes so that a good picture never goes untaken. This afternoon we went to take a hike but never made it to one of the trails. Instead we ended up on a carriage road and walked for a couple of miles through the forests. Except for a couple of cyclists, we saw no one and heard no one. It was peaceful, the air was cool and the leaves were falling around us like rain.

After returning to the B&B, Doug took a nap and I walked around the town of Southwest Harbor to do some shopping. Although I didn't buy anything it was fun to see the town on foot. There was just one thing more that we had to do before leaving Maine. Lobster! As yet, Doug had not had his lobster. Dinner tonight was lobster for Doug and scallops and shrimp for Judi. The place was local, small and down-home. The food was wonderful! To finish a really good Maine seafood dinner we needed to experience Maine's other local food, the blueberry. Blueberry pie 'a la mode was the quintessential ending. Why come all the way to Maine and not sample their local specialities. Tomorrow, New Hampshire.

Mt. Desert Island, Maine

This evening we watched the sun set over Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Although I hate using the word again, it was BEAUTIFUL!!

Today was great. We are staying at a B&B so the day began with an amazing and huge breakfast. I love having someone fix me an elegant and wonderful breakfast. It is one of my favorite meals of the day but one which I never spend time on myself. So, it was a treat to have a special breakfast to begin the day. Then we were off to explore Acadia National Park.

This is truly one of the most beautiful and spectacular places to see. Every turn in the road brought more exclamations of 'Isn't this beautiful!' The weather was perfect, just about 60 degrees, a bit overcast which is perfect for picture taking, with incredible scenery. The trees here are beginning to turn colors more than anywhere we've been to date. Rocky coastline, blue ocean dotted with small islands, colorful trees, quaint houses, and plenty of time to enjoy it all. We spent about 6 hours in the park taking the loop road and most of the turnouts to enjoy the scenery. There was time to walk along the shore or along the cliff trails, take pictures and occasionally just stand and enjoy the magnificent views. God's creation is amazing.

After leaving the park, we headed to Bar Harbor for a late lunch and actually sat outside to eat. Then Doug needed to do a taste test to see if New England has good chocolate chip ice cream. Although it might take a few more tests to be sure, the early verdict is that the ice cream is good. After walking around town, which is a bit too touristy, we headed back to Southwest Harbor.

Southwest Harbor is on the quieter side of the island and it is where our B&B is located. We're glad to be staying out of the main tourist area. It's a beautiful harbor and much less crowded. There were two ocean liners docked at Bar Harbor and all the passengers were in town or in the park. So leaving Bar Harbor and heading to the other end of the island and the light house to wach the sun set was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Travel Observations

• It is a long way from La Habra, California to Mt. Desert Island, Maine.


• The word 'beautiful' can be overused, as can the phrase 'Look at that!'


• We grow a lot of corn in America.


• White is the only color of house paint sold in New England, or at least mostly white.


• Sight seeing all day on foot makes for sore feet and tired limbs but great memories.


• The Eastern side of the United States is filled with forest, sometimes blocking the view.


• New England clam chowder tastes even better when eaten in a fishing village on the East coast.


• Chocolate chip ice cream is also very good on the East coast.


• There are not any Dodger or Angel fans here that we've discovered.


• Just because a trip is planned to New England in the fall doesn't mean the leaves will turn color on schedule.


• It is possible to spend 24/7 with your spouse and still be in love.


• Bringing along your own pillow is a good idea.


• Bringing along too many clothes makes your suitcase heavy.


• Gas prices are about the same all the way across the country.


• There is road work being done on every highway in America.


• This is a beautiful country and well worth the time and effort required to see it the slow way, by driving.