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