Day 10: Home again!

Saturday was day 10 of the road trip and basically just the journey home. No stopping off anywhere exciting. We arrived back to PA in the late morning. Once again, I underestimated the mileage... we logged 2250 miles across 9 states: Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hamphire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and thru New Jersey on the way back to PA.

For photos of the entire journey, check out: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 9: Another beach day!

It might be a small state but Rhode Island has a lot to offer. After the previous evening's dinner in Newport, we start the day with a drive along the ocean. We stop off for a walk along the cliffs and views of the mansions that perch along the rocky coast.

The warm walk along the sun-baked cliffs was followed by a refreshing swim at Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett, RI. The smooth sand, cool waters, and ocean breeze made for a perfect day at the beach. Tonight, we rest in Connecticut before tomorrow's final stretch back home to PA.


Photos at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 8: Ssshhhaaaaaarrrrrkkk!!!

The weather continues to favor us and today we enjoy a beach day on Cape Cod. Despite 8 great white shark sightings just the week before, we venture into the cool waters for a refreshing swim. We drive along the less traveled Route 6A that winds through various small towns along the cape, including the town of Sandwich. We thought it would be hilarious to see the police cars marked Sandwich Police but there were none to be found. But we know they were close by as the smell of bacon wafted through the air. After a day on the cape, we head to Rhode Island.

Photos at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 7: Patriots and Witches

After 3 nights in Maine, we cross into New Hampshire again (albeit briefly) and then cross the state line into Massachusetts. We arrive in Boston and take a walk along the Freedom Trail highlighting various historical sites related to the Revolutionary War. We walk through the very street where the Boston Massacre took place then onto the North End to the Old North Church and the Paul Revere house. We wind our way up to Bunker Hill and eventually back down to the waterfront. The USS Constitution is docked on the harbor and we go aboard for a tour.

After a day in the city, we head to Salem for some quirky, kitchy fun on a witch tour. Part history, part lore, the tour did not disappoint as we walked the Salem streets after dark and passed along some eerie sites complete with tales of spirits that still haunt them to present day. Like all summer days that involve a lot of walking, the day ends with some refreshing homemade ice cream before turning in for a night's rest.

See photos at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 6: The elusive white whale

Today we arrived at Boothbay Harbor Maine for a whale watching adventure. The ocean waters were calm and the temperatures cool making for an overall pleasant day on the water. We saw several Finback whales (none very close) along with dolphins, seals, and plenty of sea birds. Even though we did not get too close to the whales, it was an amazing sight to see them gliding along the surface and seeing their dorsal fins as they dive down. Alas, we did not see Moby Dick.

We built up quite an appetite and headed straight for some eats when we came ashore. Dinner included some delicious clam chowda and lobsta, of course! After dinner, we strolled along in Boothbay before taking to the road once more for a night's rest in Brunswick, ME. Tomorrow... Boston!

Photos at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 5: Acadia National Park

Day 5 and another gift from Mother Nature... the clouds dispersed as we head into Acadia National Park and the views were spectacular. We drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain and along other parts of the Park Loop Road. We stopped several times for various short hikes and photo opportunities. Otter Cove offered amazing vistas from high upon the cliffs.

After a day in the park, we enjoyed some more relaxation pool side with drinks and then off to downtown Bar Harbor for dinner, a stroll, and of course, some ice cream! Another great day on the road!

More photos at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 4: Heads above the clouds

The fourth day of our journey took us to Mount Washington in New Hampshire. We rode the Cog Railway to the summit... some 6600+ feet above sea level. Not only were we above the tree line, but we were above the clouds! Once again, the weather was favorable as a cloudy morning gave way to some sun, enough to provide some awe-inspiring views atop Mount Washington.

The day's journey continued across the state of Maine. Despite the various moose crossing signs, we saw no moose  - a little disappointing. However, the day's journey ended with a relaxing dip in the hot tub at our hotel in Bar Harbor.

See more pics at: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 3: From Vermont to New Hampshire... with some adventure along the way

Today, we took the skies... well, the tree tops. Near Stowe, VT, we embarked on a zip line tour along the tree canopy. If you've never done a zip line, we highly recommend it! Even Kelly, who has a fear of heights, braved the 8 different zip line runs as well as two rappelling descents from the tree tops to the forest floor. Nick and Cece were naturals on the zip lines.



After 3 hours of zipping, we had a wonderful picnic lunch, drove thru Stowe, and stopped off in Waterbury for a tour of the Ben and Jerry's factory (with free ice cream, of course)! Then it was on the road as we left behind the Green Mountains of Vermont for the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Tomorrow we head to Mount Washington and then thru Maine to the coast in Bar Harbor.



For more photos, check out: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 2: An unexpected crossing

Today was another day featuring water. After an overnight stay in Victor, NY, we started a long journey through NY state on the way to Vermont. We drove along the Finger Lakes for some marvelous views, including a stop at Lake Geneva. From Lake Geneva, we passed thru Seneca Falls but did not see George Bailey.

After the Finger Lakes, the route turned toward the north and east as we drove along the windy scenic byways in the Adirondacks. We let the GPS guide us along some local roads and we were caught by surprise when Michelle (the voice of our GPS) told us to "make a right and take the ferry to Vermont."

Crossing Lake Champlain was not on the original road plan but what a wonderful surprise it was. The day was a beautiful one for crossing and the views were stunning. On the other side of the lake, beautiful Burlington welcomed us. Downtown provides some wonderful lake vistas as well as some Vermont Maple ice cream, perfect for a walk around town. Looking forward to some zip line activities on Saturday... oh, and a stop in Stowe for some Ben & Jerry's ice cream!


For more pictures, go to: https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553

Day 1: Niagara Falls! .... slowly I turned...

Well, it was a long haul but we made it to Niagara Falls, NY today. Weather was perfect - low humidity, temps in the 70s, and mostly blue skies. We took a ride on the Maid of the Mist, which was more like Maid of the Monsoon! Even with thy stylin' blue ponchos, we still managed to get pretty wet. The close-up view of the falls was amazing and worth the soaking. We took in some views from the observation deck as well as from the park before getting back into the car to head for a night's rest in Victor, NY. Here are some pics from today's adventures along the falls in Niagara:

https://plus.google.com/photos/107911175096996155186/albums/5904740336036181553?authkey=COjLweL557CKew

Dinner at Otto Tomato's in Victor was surprisingly good despite the silly name of the restaurant. After dinner, some relaxation in the pool/hot tub. Tomorrow... we ride along the Finger Lakes and make our way to Burlington, VT.

Route Planned for 2013 Road Trip

We have the route planned for the 2013 Great American Road Trip. This year's journey takes us on a tour of New England - we'll be stopping for some "chowda". Here's a map of the planned route showing some of the major stops.

The more detailed route is 1600-1700 miles stretching across 9 states. Plans for each day include:

• Day 1: From Bensalem PA, we head to Niagara Falls NY for a ride on the Maid of the Mist and a view of the Falls.
• Day 2: We'll drive along the Finger Lakes to Seneca Falls NY -the town that inspired Frank Capra's holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life." From Seneca Falls, it's on to the Shelburne Museum in Burlington VT.
• Day 3: We get wild with an early morning zip-line adventure and then it's on the road to Franconia NH - with a stop in Waterbury VT for a tour of Ben & Jerry's (free ice cream!).
• Day 4: We'll take the Cog Railway up to the top of Mount Washington and then it's off to Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor ME.
• Day 5: Soaking in the splendor of Acadia National Park.
• Day 6: We head down the coast to Boothbay Harbor ME and embark on a whale watch. A lobster dinner to follow?
• Day 7: From Maine, we head to Boston MA for a walk along the Freedom Trail. Night time is the right time for some fright time in Salem MA as we take in a witch tour.
• Day 8: Hopefully the weather cooperates for bike riding and some beach time in Cape Cod and then it's off to Newport RI for the night.
• Day 9: We'll tour some historic mansions and explore Newport before resting for the night in Connecticut.
• Day 10: From CT, we head home through NY & NJ back to Bensalem PA .