Monday, October 26-27, 2009

Day 50-51

We were up before the crack of dawn and after hugs and a tearful goodbye to Mom and Dad, we were on our way by 6:15 AM.

Our first stop was in Queensbury, NY, near Lake George, to have breakfast with my brother Harold and his wife, Judy and to say farewell. Since we had decided not to go to Connecticut, we programmed the GPS for Valley Forge, PA. It was a gorgeous, sunny day for traveling and the foliage in southern NY, NJ, and PA was still stunning. We were happy to arrive at Valley Forge after a long day. Exhausted, we were asleep by 8:30 PM and still managed to sleep in. Since it was raining, we took our time leaving for VF National Historic Park. We arrived on Gulph Road, the same road that George Washington and his troops came over in 1777. We stopped at the Visitor Center to watch a film and visit the museum. On the way in, we met a family from California traveling with 5 kids that were thrilled not to be in school. Otherwise, the park was quiet with few people. From there, we went on a self-guided drive around the park. As we drove past the Artillery Park, the replicated huts that served as encampments of the Continental Army,

 the many redoubts, and the National Memorial Arch,

we had a better appreciation of the sacrifices that were made for our independence. A highlight was George Washington’s Headquarters, a striking 247 year old stone house and stable (75% of the house is original) surrounded by beautiful trees and white tail deer roaming about.

It was an amazing and surreal feeling walking up the stairs with our hands on the same banister that George Washington held. As we walked past the quarters of the Washington’s special guard and throughout the grounds of this historic site,

there was absolute stillness and it seemed like an eerie presence of the soldier’s spirits. As we left, Bob adnd I shared the same thought, each day,we should all appreciate our freedom and be thankful to all of those who sacrificed so much.

October 21-25, 2009

Days 45-49



Our “weatherman” (brother Jim) predicted sunny skies for Wednesday for our hike up Hurricane Mt. We were on our way to Elizabethtown by 11:00 AM and on the trail soon after.

The first 1.2 miles was easy going, but the last mile was straight up, over rocks and seemed like a lot longer. Fortunately, after 2 hours of hiking, we were rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the North Country.

We had a leisurely lunch before heading down. Another wonderful fall day enjoying the great outdoors and being with family.

On Friday evening, we met up with Bob’s cousin, Kevin and his wife Kathy at a local Mexican restaurant. We had a fun evening laughing about the fact that they were on the same cruise from Whittier, AK to Vancouver and did not know it. Next time that they come to Alaska, they promised to come see us.

Saturday was a special day for me. Bob and I took my Aunt Margaret, (my Godmother) to lunch to celebrate her 101st birthday. She not only looks amazing, she is sharp and witty.

Over lunch, she was telling us that at her last Doctor’s visit, he asked her what her secret was to her long, healthy life. She told him that, “every night before dinner, I have a bottle of beer. If dinner is late, I have two bottles of beer, and if dinner is god-damn late, I have three bottles of beer”. The same Doctor told her that she had very little wrong with her except a tired heart. She shook her head and quipped, “you would have a tired heart too, if you were 100 years old!”. She certainly is an inspiration. Bob and I were both struck by her positive attitude and how appreciative she was for her family and good health. She could teach us all some very simple lessons about living a good life.

Sunday was spent packing up and getting the 5th wheel ready for our next adventure. We did squeeze in a workout at the gym and a 4 mile walk with Jim and Sherry.

Since it was our last evening at “home”, we celebrated with a delicious dinner of barbequed ribs, baked beans, and Reagan’s yummy broccoli casserole. We finished the evening with raspberry wine from the Stone House winery and fresh raspberry and apple crumb pie. We appreciated being able to spend 3 weeks with our loving family and it will be hard to leave. However, we have many treasured memories to take with us.

October 13-20, 2009
Days 37-44

On Tuesday, we took the ferry across Lake Champlain to Burlington, Vermont. We met Bob’s brother Tim and his wife, Mari for lunch.

 It was good to see them and hear about how they are all doing. After lunch, my mother-in-law and I did a little shopping. Bob and his Dad started out with us, but could not keep up and went to the car.

On Friday, 14 friends and family went out to dinner at the Harmony Golf Club, the restaurant at the former Port Kent Golf Course.

It certainly has changed since we used to play there 38 years ago. The view down to Lake Champlain was lovely, especially as the light began to wane.

My oldest brother, Harold came up to see us for the weekend.

 After a 4 mile walk, we surprised him with an early 70th birthday celebration…filet mignon, lobster tails, and homemade pies! We had an enjoyable evening telling family stories, laughing, and playing cards.

On Sunday, Jim made us all an egg, lobster, steak, and homemade donuts for breakfast. Thank goodness, we went for a long hike to Long Point at Point Au Rouche to work off the extra calories.

On the way back, we stopped at Elf’s to get some homemade apple cider. The owner gave us a tour, showing us the antique cider press and his soon to be open winery. We sampled some excellent blueberry merlot and wished that we were going to be here for the opening and wine tasting. He suggested that we visit his friend's winery, a few miles away. Soon, we were on our way to the Stone House Winery in Sciota, a small hamlet out in the country.

 The owner Dave was a character and offered us as many samples as we wanted, along with cheese and crackers. He then laughed and added that he had 6 bedrooms if we needed to spend the night! I really think that he was serious.

After buying some Apple Maple wine and some Raspberry, our designated driver Bob got us back to Peru safely. In order to convince brother Harold to spend another night, we bribed him with pizza at the North Country Club. Of course, the wine helped!

On Tuesday, I received a call from one of my best friends from first grade, Julie Lattrell.

We met in Keeseville, our hometown, to go hiking. She and her boyfriend, Frank took us on a  4 mile RT hike up Rattlesnake Mt. in Willsboro.

 It was a nice moderate hike with scenic views of the Adirondacks, Willsboro Bay, Lake Champlain, and Vermont.



 
We ended the day with an early dinner at a little café that displayed historic pictures of the area.  We are hoping to share some hikes in Alaska with Julie and Frank one of these summers.

October 9-12, 2009



Days 33-36

On Friday, Jim and Sherry took us hiking at Point Au Rouche.

 There were lots of trails, some along the lake and others in the pines. It was a relaxing and invigorating 1 ½ hour hike and we were all happy that it was not up a mountain.

We were invited to a Downs’ family get-together on Saturday and enjoyed seeing all of the cousins and their families. Bob’s cousin, Bett Jean donated her kidney to her sister, Mary Lou just a few weeks ago and they both looked great and are healing well.

Sunday was spent at the Lake. We walked and watched close to 1000 geese and a few mallards, along the shore. That’s a lot of honking!

In the afternoon, my brother Jim and his wife Sherry, my niece Reagan and her new husband Jay, my nephew Ryan, Sherry’s sister, Eleanor, and Bob’s parents came down for a picnic.

Of course, we had to have the North Country favorite, “michigans”, a meat sauce spiced with chili powder that is served over hot dogs. Even though we had a fire, there was a chill in the air by 7 PM

All of the state parks are closing for the season, so we packed up and headed to Lake Placid, site of the “32 and ‘80 Olympics, and Saranac Lake where Bob went to college. The colors were brilliant in spots, especially along the Ausable River.

 We were feeling very nostalgic, relishing great memories from our youth. When we first got married almost 40 years ago and had little money, we were thrilled to find a deal on camping gear. ($50 for a tent, sleeping bags, a lantern and stove) One of our favorite camping spots was on Little Green Pond and we were determined to find it and that we did.

We hiked in the half mile and found our spot, however, we decided that it would not be a good idea to drive the 5th wheel in on the narrow trail.

After some time reminiscing, we decided to search for a place to camp on the way to Keene, NY. We found a beautiful little lake near Cascade Mountain. Even though it was day use only, we could not help being Alaskan “outlaws" and parked for the night. We were all cozy this morning in our little “nest”, when I pulled up the blinds and to my amazement saw snow!

 I guess that we should have headed south sooner.

October 4-8, 2009
Day 29-32


Sunday, we took it easy. In the afternoon, we went down to Peru, NY to see my brother Jim and sister-in-law, Sherry. It is always great to see them. We went on a 4 mile walk and talk, catching up on the events in their lives. For dinner, we drove down to our hometown of Keeseville to have pizza at the North Country Club. We have so many wonderful memories of great times spent here with family and friends. Soon after I walked in, I saw cousins my Mary and Jim King and my Aunt Margaret Earle, (my God-Mother) who will be 101 years old on October 25 and looks amazing. She asked me if I knew her secret to aging so well and then held up her bottle of beer. She has one a night and she was convincing enough that I ordered one to have with our pizza.
On Monday, we moved our 5th wheel to Cumberland Head State Park and found a site looking over Lake Champlain.With few other campers, we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

 After getting settled in, we went for a walk along the lake. There must have been 200 geese and a few mallards on the lake, along with the usual seagulls.Brother Jim, brought us some wood and we enjoyed the evening around the campfire.

Tuesday, after Chef Bob prepared us a yummy breakfast outside in the sunshine, we headed out to go hiking up Lyon Mt, with Jim and Sherry. It was 6.4 miles RT and although the switchbacks were not too bad, we were climbing over rocks, in mud and running water toward the summit. When we made it to the top, we were treated to a magnificent view of Chazy Lake, Lake Champlain, other Adirondack Mts., and Vermont.

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 It was strange seeing the windmills among the beautiful hardwoods in their full color, especially the red maples.

 After having a picnic, we headed down the mountain, much easier going but we had to watch our footing. My nephew Ryan was planning on preparing us a shrimp pasta in vodka sauce dinner at the lake, but we were late, dirty, sweaty and tired. We talked him into something easier since it was dark when we got to the campsite. After hugs to Ryan and his girlfriend Kate, we made a fire until the raindrops forced us to call it a night. We woke during the night to gale force winds coming from the lake toward our trailer that was rocking. Bob had to pull the awning in and make sure everything was secure. I was too snug and comfy to worry about it. Since the day was windy and cloudy, we thought that we should get some paperwork, laundry, and chores done for Mom and Dad. They treated us to dinner at the Butcher Block, a very nice local restaurant.
Thursday, I woke to a mostly sunny day and sat at my big window watching the geese, some crows competing with seagulls for food, and a cute little gray squirrel busily preparing for winter. After Bob got up, we both just enjoyed the quiet morning relaxing and not rushing to be anywhere. We walked the beach without a care in the world and when we returned made Taco chicken soup on the cook stove for lunch . Later in the afternoon, we helped Mom and Dad put away their lawn furniture and re-pot some plants, before coming back to the lake for dinner. Of course, we had to end the evening with another campfire. Life doesn’t get much better than these lazy days, especially when we see what the weather is in Alaska.

October 2-3, 2009



Day 27-28

Last night, we made it to Lake Erie State Park and decided not to unhitch since we were leaving early. It felt great to be back in NY State. We went for a walk along the lake enjoying the fall colors before grilling some delicious T-bones on our new Weber Baby Q. We woke to a beautiful autumn day and were excited to get on the road. I drove for about 160 miles without an incident, although I did get a mini-lecture about the tires not be rated to pass at 75! After paying another $30 for tolls, we decided that the tolls roads were the worse roads that we had been on the entire trip and that we would avoid them from now on. We arrived at Mom and Dad’s in Plattsburgh at around 6 PM, tired and thrilled to see them. Mom had her scrumptious spaghetti dinner ready for us and after visiting a few hours, we were in bed by 10 PM.

Monday-Thursday, September 28-October 1, 2009



Day 23-26

We are on our way to Plattsburgh. It has been a busy time for us the last few days. We got an early start from CO on Monday and drove 640 miles to a motel near Des Moines, IO. On Tuesday we drove the remaining 420 miles, arriving in Elkhart, IN at 1 PM. The 5th wheel was ready and waiting for us and we were able to get our "walk-through" done that afternoon. They moved it for us down to the place that installed our hitch. We unpacked the truck, ate dinner, and headed to Wal-Mart to get our groceries and supplies. I had done some shopping, dishes and kitchen stuff, in CO at the outlets but we had plenty left on our list. We did not realize that we were in another time zone and the clock said 12:15 when we finally fell into bed...our first night in our new second home. We love the 5th wheel, especially the amount of storage. The upholstery is OK but I was disappointed that they had discontinued our first pick. Our only complaint is the mattress. They have corian counter tops but a chintzy mattress- go figure! We bought a foam pad and that made a big difference. On Wednesday, we were going to go exploring and get some more shopping done, but were pleasantly surprised when they said that they could put our hitch in that PM. So we went for a walk checking out the Cracker Barrel store, a Hallmark store, and a K Mart. By 5 PM, they were done so we went to downtown Elkhart and enjoyed a river walk. It was a lovely path with many little bridges over the two rivers, a waterfall, and several parks. From there, we found a Sam's Club and bought the remainder of things on our list. In two days, we managed to help the economy of Elkhart to the tune of $29,000, $25K for the 5th wheel and $4K on the hitch and outfitting it. On Thursday, we were moving slowly since we again went to bed after 12MN. We hitched up and Bob practiced a little in the parking lot to see how it handled and then we headed to the campground. Being newbies, we took our time unhooking and setting up.

We finished up just before the rain came. It felt good to finally relax! We thought about staying another day but decided after a good night sleep (10 hours +) to hit the road. Eric called us from Venice and woke us up. They are having a wonderful time...Paris, Venice, Italy and Rome, tomorrow. We hope to make it somewhere around Buffalo, NY tonight and Plattsburgh tomorrow. It is 61 degrees and mostly sunny. The 5th wheel is towing nicely at 65 mph. Life is good and we are counting our blessings.