The Maine Coastline/Stonington Peninsula

Tuesday, Sept. 27th.  It was another sunny day and we took a drive west of Bar Harbor.  The shoreline is so jagged and there's so many inlets and islands.  There's many great views and places to see...more than we could possibly do in our limited time.  But we made the most of it and had a great time seeing the Stonington peninsula and other towns along the way.  And there was one picture I just couldn't pass up.

Bar Harbor/Sandy Beach/Acadia Nat'l. Park

Monday, Sept. 26th.  We awoke to another sunny morning.  We went into town to pick up our mail that Jamie had sent to us care of General Delivery in Bar Harbor.  We then walked around town.  What a difference from the weekend crowds.  We came across an old cemetery from when Bar Harbor used to be called 'Eden'.  Coincidentally, there were many 'Roberts' in the cemetery and there were graves dating back to the early 1800's.  Also, a monument to fallen sons of Maine who perished in the Civil War.

In the afternoon we took Buster to Sandy Beach in the National Park.  As the name describes, this one beach is an anomaly to the rocky shore all along the coast.  It's a very unique spot.

Acadia National Park

Sunday, September 25th.  We woke up to a beautiful, sunny morning that seemed more like summer than fall.  We went to the National Park to see the sights.  There's a 30 mile drive to see all the beautiful vistas.  It was very crowded as if this was the last summer weekend.  But it was well worth the congestion.  There were many places to see vistas of the Maine coastline.  We also drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which gives the best views of all.  We finished the day having our first 'lobster rolls'.  This is bread that's kind of like a hot dog bun.  It is stuffed with lots of lobster meat and comes with cole slaw and chips.  It was very good.

The Drive to Bar Harbor ( Bahh Hob bahh)

Saturday, September 24th.   We left at about 10:30 for our 4 hour drive.  We drove through rain and a heavy overcast.  After we got set up at our new campground we drove into Bar Harbor.  Although not raining, it was still heavily overcast.  As we came over the hill into town, we could see the tops of the numerous islands off the coast.  There was also a cruise ship in the harbor as this is a popular cruise destination  for seeing fall colors.  The town is neat, but very touristy.  I'm sure the residents here are looking forward to getting their town back after tourist season.  We saw one truck that had a bumper sticker that said..."if it's tourist season, why can't we shoot them?"

lobster at last

After walking around town,  we went to one of the many lobster restaurants.  They call them lobster "pounds"  We had a full lobster dinner with corn on the cob and onion rings.  It's unfortunate that there's only meat in the tail and the claws.   But it's very good.

Northern New Hampshire

The Balsams Resort

a little country lane

18th Fairway

Friday, September 23rd.  We left in the morning on a tour in search of fall colors.  Although I can't see much color, Diane was oohing and aahing as we drove north.  We got to The Balsams resort.  Although the resort is closed, the golf clubhouse was open for lunch.  Great panoramic views were there for our enjoyment.  The golf course was also very nice.  I can imagine it would be difficult to keep your head down with views like this.

Screw Auger Falls

On our return to the campground we came across two waterfalls that were carved in the granite rock.  The power of moving water is amazing

Waterfalls and Train Trips

stone house

Thursday, September 22nd.  Although it didn't rain last night, we awoke to overcast skies.  After a pancake breakfast where we got to use our just purchased Vermont Maple Syrup, we got ready to drive south thru the White Mountains to take a train ride.  Conway is about 30 miles south of Gorham and it's a beautiful drive.  First, just down the street from the campground is a stone house and barn built in 1886.  I imagine that the stones were gathered from the adjacent river.  It is quite stunning.

On our way to Conway, we came across the Glen Ellis Falls, which starts with a rushing stream at the top above an 80 foot waterfall into a rushing stream below.  We've seen a lot of waterfalls on this trip and it's hard to say one is better than the rest.  I guess for me falling water is as mesmerizing as a campfire.

on the back platform

When we got to Conway, the first thing we noticed is that it's full of factory outlet stores.  But we weren't there to shop...we were there for a train excursion.  We took a 1 and 3/4 hour trip up the Saco River valley.    After we bought our tickets we found out that we could pay the conductor and additional $5.00 and then sit on the back platform of the train.  That was the best $5 we spent on this entire trip.  On the trip out of Conway, we had a great view and close-ups of the engine.  On the return we had a total 180 degree unobstructed view off the back of the train.  What a great experience.

Gorham, NH

Wednesday, September 21st.  We awoke to an overcast sky.  It had rained over the night so the grass was wet.  Did that stop Buster and I from taking our morning walk?  NO!  From the campground we walked into Randolph Center.  We went past Floyd's General Store.  Buster wanted to stop there because we had the previous morning.  But we went on by and walked around the campus of the Vermont Technical College.  The sign said this was the first 'Normal' school, established back in the 1800's.  It's not a big school by PAC 10 or Big 10 standards, but it's nicely situated in the town.

After breakfast we packed up and headed out for Gorham, NH.  As we drove, the skies got brighter and by the time we got to Gorham (3 Hours) it was blue sky and 75.

view from Mt. Washington

at the summit

After we got set up in the campground, the owner advised us to visit Mt. Washington that afternoon.  This is because clear skies are not normal for up there and it was predicted to be cloudy and rainy the next 2 days.  There's a self guided CD tour up the mountain, pointing out vistas, flora and telling the story of the mountain road.  Mt. Washington is the highest peak in New England.  Travel to the top began in the 1700's  and the first official roadway was opened in 1861.  It's an 8 mile drive to the top, where the elevation is 6288 ft.  There are no guardrails and the sides are often sheer drops.  Diane missed some of the ride because she had her eyes closed.  A rustic hotel was established in the late 1800's and a weather station was established in the early 1900's.  In 1934 the meterologists stationed at the peak recorded wind speeds of 231 mph, the highest ever recorded anywhere.  The views are spectacular and it was a nice welcome to NH and an end to our day.

By the way, Diane said we're really starting to see some fall colors.  I'm color blind and don't see them so blah blah blah.  (Marty can relate to this)

Quechee Gorge/Woodstock, VT

The Gorge

Tuesday, Sept. 20th.  We woke up to a rainy, overcast morning.  We had breakfast at the train depot in Randolph (a train came thru while we were eating).  A train conductor was there as well having breakfast.  He explained that while freight trains could go thru, passenger train passengers had  to go by bus thru this area because of the flood damage along the passenger route.

bridge survives; approach destroyed

We then headed to Quechee Gorge, about 40 miles south.  This is a deep gorge similar in size to the Ausable Chasm in New York.  It's the White River that flows thru the gorge and again it's amazing how high the river level rose on August 28th.  Damage to homes, property and roads was widespread.  There were dump trucks all over hauling debris from some locations and rock to other locations.

'typical' Woodstock heritage home

We then drove to Woodstock.  It is the most beautiful town we visited in Vermont.  It definitely fulfills Diane's vision of towns in Vermont.  Lots of old building dating to the late 1700's and early 1800's.  Classic architecture and town layout.  It was a wonderful ending to a great day.

Randolph/Bethel/Royalton/Tunbridge

Monday, Sept. 19th.  In the morning we drove about 90 miles down the road to Randolph Center.  The campground is called Lake Champagne.  It's a beautiful setting... probably an old farm turned campground 20 years ago.  We think it's the most beautiful campground we've been to so far.  After we got set up, we went south to visit the titled cities.   When thinking of Vermont, Diane had a couple of preconceived ideas.  Beautiful fall colors on the hillsides and quaint town squares in the center of the downtowns.  Well the leaves are just beginning to show signs of coloring.  Some of the towns did have squares.  OthP9190015.JPGers were a wide spot in the road and you wondered what happened to them.

This is the area of the White River and is where so much flood damage occurred.  All of these towns had FEMA centers to help displaced/impacted citizens.  Very sad and sobering to see the impact on peoples lives in just a few hours.  Folks told us that the worst flood had been in 1927...until this.  More folks were killed in that one due to improved forecasting abilities today.  But there was far greater and more widespread property damage from Irene.

We found a number of covered bridges here as well.  Some were still regularly used while others were out of the way, almost forgotten, leading to nowhere.  It was a beautiful day and we covered a lot of ground.

Ben & Jerry's/Stowe, VT/Covered Bridges/Smuggler's Notch

flavor graveyard

Sunday, Sept. 18th.  Sure enough, Sunday morning was a beauty.  Diane had a great day planned for us.  Our first stop was Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury.  It was a very informative tour with free samples at the end.  They are constantly trying new flavors so they have a graveyard for flavors that have gone by the wayside.  The Cookie Dough flavor has been and still is #1.  However, my favorite is Cherry Garcia.

From there, we went about 2 miles up the road to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.  There we watched Cider being made and got more free samples.  They also made cider doughnuts...really good.

From there, we drove about 5 miles to Stowe.  It is a beautiful, old town that has been taken over by the wealthy ski crowd.  The immediate downtown is quaint and hearkens back to time gone by.  But outside of that it's all condo's and pubs and restaurants catering to the ski crowd.  The ski facility is called Smuggler's Notch.  It's a beautiful drive up to it.  The mountain is surprisingly rugged (by west coast standards) and a popular destination even during non-ski season.

We also went on a quest to see the covered bridges in the area.  We saw several dating to the 1800's.  Like we saw in New York, the damage from Irene was everywhere.  While bridges weren't washed out in this area, the approaches to them were impacted.  Had we been there a week earlier, we wouldn't have been able to get to some of these locations.

The Drive to Vermont

Saturday, Sept. 17th.  Now that my rant is over, I can continue on with the excitement of our trip.  We left Wilmington, NY late morning and had a 1-1/2 hour drive to Colchester, VT,  just north of Burlington.  Although the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line, Lake Champlain didn't cooperate.  We had to drive around the north end of the lake and then take a bridge across to VT.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and VT was showing all its green glory.  The Best Buy/Costco fiasco took most of the afternoon so we didn't get to do much sightseeing on Saturday.  Sunday promises to be even better weather-wise.

Do Not Shop at Best Buy

Saturday, Sept. 17th.  Late on Friday we discovered that Diane's new digital camera was not showing an image on the screen.  It still took pic's, but you couldn't see what you were aimed at.  When we got to Vermont, we went to a Best Buy store, which is where we bought the camera in Traverse City on August 18.   We were told that even though the camera was less than a month old, they would have to take the camera and send it to Panasonic, who would then send us a new camera to our home.  They do it this way so they are not impacted by a reduction in inventory at the store.  Even tho we explained that we are on the road and will not be home until the end of December, they would not show any compassion, concern or interest in good customer service.  The store manager had gone home for the day (3:30 pm) and the 'floor manager' was on a lunch break so we talked to a young man who clearly couldn't wait to get rid of us.  I was very disappointed in Best Buy as we have purchased many things over the years, but will never do so again.  Costco would have replaced the camera in a minute. We then went to Costco and bought a new camera.   So please pass the word...Do NOT shop at Best Buy.

Au Sable River/Whiteface Mountain

flood level 8' above the road

Friday, Sept. 16th.  The AuSable River is the major waterway in this area of the Adirondacks.  We went east to visit the AuSable Chasm.  Much of the drive to that location was along the river.  You could see the impact that flooding from Hurricane Irene had on the area.  Many homes and businesses were destroyed. It was very sobering to see in person what we had seen on TV a couple of weeks ago.  There were many locations along the road that had just reopened after reconstruction.

The AuSable Chasm was worth the trip.  It's an amazing site testifies to the erosion power of water.

Lake Placid and lakes beyond

Ice on trees and a castle at summit

We then drove to White Face Mountain back near Wilmington.  This is the local ski resort.  Although it went down to 30 last night at the campground, there's no snow on the ground on the mountain.  We drove to the top and saw that all the trees were ice covered.  I wasn't sure what views I was looking at, but the attendant at the top said we could see Montreal and Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains in Vermont.  The more local views of Lake Placid and other Adirondack lakes was beautiful.

Up Into the Adirondacks

ski jump towers--12 stories

Thursday, Oct. 15th.  We pulled out of Henderson Harbor at about 10:00 after saying goodbye to Lake Ontario.  It was overcast with intermittent rain as we drove to Lake Placid.  Our campsite was actually in the town of Wilmington, about 15 miles east of Lake Placid.   As we drove from Lake Placid to Wilmington, we noted that the Au Sable River parallels the road for a portion of the drive.  It reminded us of Tumwater Canyon, west of Leavenworth.

After we got set up we drove back into Lake Placid.  For those who don't remember, Lake Placid was the site of the Olympics a number of years ago.  It is still the Olympic training site.  We saw the ski jump platform and landing area.  Although there wasn't any snow, you could appreciate how high the jump is.  It would be unnerving for me to be up at the top.

John Brown's tombstone

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We also visited the farm of John Brown and his gravesite along with the graves of two of his sons.  Between two wives he had 13 kids.  He left his wife to run things as he campaigned against slavery.  He was supported financially by abolitionists from New England and two of his older sons joined him in the campaign.  All 3 made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lake Placid itself is the largest town in this area of the Adirondacks.  There's lots of shops and restaurants...most of which have a skiing theme.  There's also some marginal housing which is home to all the ski bums who hang out in the area.  A colorful town.

Relaxing on Lake Ontario

Di soakin up some rays

Wednesday, September 14th.  Well the big blow ended last night, but it blew in a cold front.  It was sunny, but cool all day.  We took the day to catch up on some administrative stuff and prepare for our departure the next day.  We took Buster over the the Westcott Beach State Park.  Normally it is stuffed with people, but except for a couple eating lunch, we were the only ones there.  We enjoyed the sunshine and took a long walk thru the campground.  Buster tree'd his share of squirrels.  It was a good day.

Look What the Wind Blew In

Ocean freighter bigger than islands

classic wooden boat

Turn of century home in Clayton

Tuesday, Sept. 13th.  The wind really started blowing last night.  So bad that I got up in the middle of the night and closed all of our awnings.  The wind continued to blow all day.  We had planned on going on a boat trip around the 1000 Islands today.  But due to the wind and small craft warnings all cruises were cancelled.  We visited the town of Clayton, again a nice little town along the St. Lawrence River.  They have a very nice wooden boat museum there with lots of beautifully restored boats.  We also found a great restaurant, Bella's, on the water.  We shared a bowl of Lobster Bisque, which featured chunks of lobster.  We also shared a crab cake BLT that was very good.  It wasn't a nice day.  But at least it wasn't raining.

Henderson Harbor, NY

Monday, Sept. 12th.  We moved up the coast to Henderson.  This is near the east end of Lake Ontario and the west end of the St. Lawrence Seaway/1000 Islands.  On our drive we came through the small town of Martville.  I noted that there's no town named Jimville or Joyeville.  But sure...there's a Martville.

Sackett Harbor

The coastline is dotted by small towns.  We visited Sackett Harbor a cute little town (how many times have I said this?)  Once again there's a fort here and the site of several 1812 battles.  There's also a lot of shops and restaurants.