I'm Enchanted With Vermont

Day 27 – June 23, 2014

Concord, NH – Middlebury Vermont

175 miles/4 ½ hours

We took another circuitous route through New Hampshire back roads, to get to southern Vermont.  We were headed to Manchester, so we drove through the Green Mountains – and it was beautiful.  We were officially off the grid for a while, as well.  No cell service.

Manchester, Vermont is precious.  Oh, be-still my heart.  Think of every movie set in a small New England town – and Manchester is it, come to life.  I fell in love and this is it, call the realtor!  The grass is plush, manicured and the color of emeralds.  The mountain views took my breath away.  The New England architecture conjured up memories of my childhood.  I don’t believe I’ve ever seen houses painted a crisper, brighter white.  The glossy black and green shutters sparkled on the alabaster dwellings.  There were vibrant red and purple flowers everywhere.  Main Street is lined with shops and cafes.  I didn’t see any structures that were worn down and there wasn’t any litter or graffiti.  I could smell the clean mountain air and the fresh grass – it was exhilarating.  I’m telling you, I felt like I was home.

We visited the Lincoln family home, Hildene.  As you can see from the pictures, it is very grand and beautiful.  The house was built by Robert Todd Lincoln in 1905, for his family.  RTL was President Lincoln’s oldest son, a lawyer, our Secretary of War under President Arthur and a Pullman Railway executive.  The house, the gardens and the views are amazing.  Of all the historic homes that we’ve toured, this is my favorite. 

With a heavy heart, I pointed the car northward, to Middlebury, VT.  As we were traveling we passed a Maple Museum and on impulse, I stopped.  The Maple Museum was okay.  I think you really have to be interested in the history and manufacturing of maple syrup to fully enjoy it.  The ladies who ran the facility were wonderful and we bought a big (and expensive) jug of authentic Vermont Maple Syrup.

Middlebury is a charming little town (home of Middlebury College) and it’s almost, but not quite, as charming as Manchester.  We did some pool time and then visited the village.  Unfortunately, almost all the businesses closed at 5:30 p.m., so we couldn’t explore any of the bookstores or gift shops.  We had dinner at a Middlebury staple (according to the hotel’s restaurant guide), Fire & Ice, and it was fine.  For my Naples peeps, to was very reminiscent of the Pewter Mug (although I haven’t been there since it reopened).  Loved the décor, but the menu didn’t appeal to me – although to be fair, I’m getting sick of restaurants!

Funny story from the restaurant.  A child fell off his chair and started crying at the table next to ours.  Camden growled a little and said, “Two things mom.  One, it’s crying.  Two, I don’t think we’re going to have a quiet dinner.”  I was shocked by how indignant he was.  Insert the proverbial pot and kettle here.  Then, when the mother picked up the crying child and took him out of the dining room, Camden continued with hopeful curiosity, “Um, unless they’re leaving?”

Back in the room we once again vegged out to Full House.  It's become a road trip ritual.  I think by the time we get home, we’ll have watched the whole series!

Back Country Roads, the White Mountains and a Train Ride - oh my!

Day 26 – June 22, 2014

Augusta, ME/(Portland Jetport)/North Conway, NH/Concord, NH

220 miles – 5 ½ hours!  Lots of slow back roads!

We were up early and on the road so we could get Daddy to the airport in Portland, which was about an hour drive.  It was so sad to say goodbye to him.  I know he really wanted to stay (and seriously considered the possibility), but it just wasn’t feasible with work and the house.  God bless him.

Bye Daddy:(! 

 The kids and I were on a tight schedule, because we had a train to catch.  According to my navigation, we had sixty miles to go and two hours to do it.  It shouldn’t have been a problem, but it was.  Oh, my patience was tested over and over again.  We traveled on some pretty country roads that were very congested on this beautiful Sunday.  There were quite a few lakes in the area and I often found myself behind trucks that were towing boats, while moving 25 miles per hours.  Grrrr.  We also had a Camden bathroom emergency that ended in a debacle.  Decorum prevents me from sharing more.

We missed the 11 a.m. train, so I bought passage for the 1:30.  Out of curiosity, I asked how we could possibly get to the mountains in just an hour round trip.  Well…that would be because we weren’t going to the mountains, just traveling through the valley.  Damn - I messed up.  Apparently there’s a cog train about ninety minutes north of North Conway.  According to the ticket agent, the cog train up Mt. Washington is a three hour roundtrip.  There was no way we’d make it to that train, ride it for three hours and get back to Concord (where our hotel was located) at a decent hour.  Do you remember when I mentioned on my blog, back in May, that I was worried I hadn’t done enough planning for this year’s road trip?  This is a perfect example.  Kind of a rookie mistake.

The kids and I walked around the village and had lunch.  It was very, very crowded, but I loved it!  I took the kids to an old fashioned five and dime store and gave them each a dollar.  They had a blast.  I got to witness in action, the economic theories I’ve formulated for each of the children.  Audrey left that store without a penny to her name.  Hunter had fifty cents left, which he tucked away in his wallet.  Barrett gave his dollar to Hunter and Cammy ran around asking the clerks “What can I buy with this?”  He thought he had his dollar spent (fuzzy math), only to get 51 cents back, which his sister promptly attempted “to borrow.”

We took our train ride and it was lame.  I was stewing a bit on the train as we observed trees, with a few mountains in the back ground, in a first class car that didn’t even have a bar to help me wash down the regret I felt over the small fortune I’d spent for this “journey.”  Seriously, I would have seen more driving in the car!

The kids in "first class."

Our view, those are the White Mountains, in the distance.

Then we drove to Concord, and I seriously fell in love with New Hampshire.  The ride was so beautiful and the towns are so cute and the people so nice (we stopped for a gas/backroom break).  This was the closest I’ve come in five road trips to calling a realtor.  I am not kidding.  I could be happy here.  Although, I guess I better come back during the winter months before I make any major purchase decisions.

Next stop, the Pierce Manse – home of the 14^th President of the United States.  Guess what?  It was closed on Sundays.  And Mondays, which means we won’t be touring it.  Another planning fail.

We checked in at the hotel so Hunter could watch his NASCAR race.  As a result, dinner was late.  I took the front desk attendant’s recommendation and ate at the Common Man restaurant.  By far, it was my favorite meal of the road trip!!!!!  Fantastic.  Authentic New England through-and-through and the freshest vegetables I’ve eaten in twenty-six days.

After dinner, we cruised by the Capitol (although we toured it two years ago), for the heck of it.  I owed the kids some pool time, so we did that when we got back from dinner.  Our day did not officially end until 9:15 p.m.  Stick a fork in me!

Back to the Good Ole USA!

Day 25 – June 21, 2014

Moncton, NB – Augusta, ME

385 Miles – 5 hours

We were up early and ready to go.  Although we certainly enjoyed our Canadian adventure, we were all anxious to get back to the US.  It was freezing when we left.

We had a long and uneventful drive to the capitol of Maine.  I will admit that I felt a bit apprehensive about our destination, after our less than impressive drive through the city earlier in the week.  My attempts to change our plans and find hotel in Portland on short notice failed, so Augusta bound we were.

Reading side bar.  During the drive I read Rob Lowe’s second memoir, Love Life, and loved it.  I laughed and cried and highly recommend it.  I heart him.

We did stop in Bangor for lunch.  We weren’t there long enough for me to give you an Allie opinion, but I can say we were there.  We got to our hotel around 3 p.m., which gave the kids a decent amount of pool time.  I skipped out on most of it so I could wrap R.’s birthday presents.  Poor guy, we’re always celebrating his birthday in some hotel room.

We went out for an early dinner and our options were limited.  I toasted my guy at Texas Roadhouse (in Maine).  He enjoyed his meal, I did not.  I owe him a dinner at Cabernet!

That was it.  I kind of hated ending Dad’s portion of the road trip with such a bland and unexciting day, but perhaps it will make going home easier for him.

The kids and I wearing our road trip shirts.  Doesn't Bar look thrilled?

I Swam in the Gulf of St. Lawrence!

Day 24 – June 21, 2014

Moncton, NB/Cavendish, PE/Amherst, NS

200 miles/3 ½ hours

It was chilly went we departed the hotel this morning.  Chilly.  It was an hour and a half drive to Prince Edward Island, but it was a pretty drive.  My excitement as we crossed the miles long bridge to the island was tempered, because of the anxiety I felt about the cold water.  You see, I had promised R. that as a first I’d join him in his polar bear plunge into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Whenever we travel to a frigid destination, R. has to swim in the water.  Don’t ask me why.  In a weak moment, I consented (“I Dare Allie”) – and he was like a dog with a bone.  There was no way he was going let me back out.

So, we drove to the Prince Edward Island National Park, which encompassed their National Seashore, on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Damn, it was so cold.  And it was gross.  The ocean’s surface was crunchy and slimy, like gooey mud.  My feet just sunk right in, with every step.  I walked in to my mid-thigh and got nervous about really sinking in.  I had no intention of putting my head under – brain freeze.  R. suggested I drop to my knees.  I did.  The water went up to mid-boob.  Done.

 

Freaking freezing!

The kids loved the cool beach (we were the only ones there – in JUNE!), but after my “swim,” I couldn’t handle the harsh breezes.  Time to move on.

Next stop, the Anne of Green Gables House.  It was not an easy find.  There are a number of “Anne” sights and even with my thorough recon, I couldn’t nail down an address for the house.  Eventually we were pointed in the right direction, but when we finally got there, no one would go with me (the rain had started).  So I explored Green Gables on my own, while the rest of my family sat in the car watching Home Alone 2.

Then, I drove to Nova Scotia.  It was pouring and freezing.  I feel so sorry for the people who live here.  I just couldn’t do it.  Anyway, our main purpose for the Nova Scotia jaunt was just to say we’d been.  I traveled to Nova Scotia many, many years ago with my family.  My maternal Great Grandmother was from Halifax.  I wanted to take the ferry over, but the journey was too long and too expensive, and time constraints prevented us from driving to Halifax or Yarmouth.  Amherst, just over the border, would have to do.  It was a drive-by!

Back at the hotel, I was still cold – chilled to the bone.  Yet I had one more promise to fulfill.  I had to go down the water slide, which meant back into the swimsuit and more cold water.  One trip down the slide and I was back in the room for a hot shower.  And some wine.

We ordered pizza and tried to find something to watch on Canadian television.  I went to bed at 9 p.m.  I’m looking forward to returning to the motherland tomorrow.  Barbie, if you’re reading this, I swear that wasn’t a bash.  I had a much better Canadian experience this trip, just too cold!

Canada, Get Ready, Here We Come!

Day 23 – June 19, 2014

Bar Harbor, ME – Moncton, NB

285 miles/5 hours

Oh, we woke up to a splendid day!  Why do we have to leave????  As when we departed Cape Cod, we were teased this morning with the bluest sky and the temperature at a pleasant 73 degrees.  Alas, our time was up and we had a very long drive in front of us. 

Our drive was mostly through back country roads that were extremely rough on my car.  The snow has done a number on the surfaces, ouch.  I don’t think we saw another car for an hour and a half, it was that desolate.  I believe I would’ve been a bit freaked out if the skies weren’t so bright and the foliage so stunning.  The water we passed was a deep sapphire blue that was a beautiful contrast to the emerald grass and the forest green hues of the pine tries.  Then, every ten miles or so, we’d be blessed with a burst of purple wildflowers.  Honestly, the countryside looked like a painting.

We were hoping to get money, gas and wine before we crossed the border into Canada, but began to think that wasn’t going to be an option, as we were literally in the middle of nowhere.  Just south of the border, we came upon the small town, Calais, ME – ah, civilization!  We were able to feed the kids good ole American McDonald’s, fill up the tank and hit an ATM.  Just before the border patrol station, we pulled into the Duty Free Shop for some wine.  Canada, here we come.

We drove through some more beautiful countryside.  Hundreds of miles (or kilometers) of lakes, grasslands and trees.  Does anybody live in New Brunswick?

Finally we reached a city – St. John, on the Bay of Fundy.  It looked like a clean city, but we didn’t have time to explore.  Although we did stop at another McDonald’s, so R. could check his email (free Wi-Fi), because we shut off our phones after we crossed the border.  It was funny, Verizon dinged both our phones with alarm messages – caution, data fees will accumulate.

We had another hour and a half to go, before arriving in Moncton.  The children were antsy and obnoxious.  Tensions were rising.  Then the skies opened up and it started raining.  When we got to the hotel, we discovered – wait for it – that it was in an industrial park.  Uh-oh.

Lesson of the day – don’t judge a hotel by its location.  Wooza, we hit the jackpot.  Out hotel is one year old and immaculate.  Very cool décor and we scored a king suite connected to a room for the children.  The front desk attendants were very nice and helpful, bless them for the upgrade.  Everyone was happy and momma-the-travel-agent was back in their good graces, except for one disgruntled family member.

When the kids got to the room and turned on the television, they discovered that they didn’t have “kid channels.”  Stop the presses!  Mutiny in the ranks.  Camden looked at me with one of the most pitiful looks I’ve ever seen, bottom lip shaking and on the verge of tears, “Mommy, I can’t believe you picked a hotel that doesn’t have kid channels.”  Seems I can’t stay on the pedestal for too long.

R. took the kids to the pool, while I logged in to check my email before joining them.  The pool has a massive water slide and the children were over-joyed.  I was in, again.  Audrey made the statement, “Who knew Canada would be so cool.”  Then Hunter gave the quote of the day, “Yeah, from no kid channels to an epic water slide!”

It was during our time in the pool that I started to suspect we were in a different time zone.  The pool clock was an hour ahead of my watch.  I asked the front desk what time zone we were in and was told “Eastern.”  Huh, wonder why my watch was off by an hour?  Back in the room, the clocks displayed a different time from my watch and R.’s computer.  The kid’s tablet registered that same hour as the clock.  We had dinner reservations and were very confused.  R. logged into his work computer and verified the time in Kentucky.  If the clocks were right, we were not in the Easter Time Zone.  On our way out, I asked another person at the front desk if perhaps New Brunswick didn’t recognize daylight savings.  She didn’t quite understand my question.  Then a guest in the lobby stopped me and said Moncton was in the Atlantic Time Zone.  Mystery solved, I think.  At the restaurant I asked the hostess what time zone we were in.  Bless her heart, she looked so confused.  Then she replied, as if she were asking me, “Pacific?”  I am not kidding.

Another great meal, although after receiving the check, we had trouble digesting it.  Here in New Brunswick, they add 13% tax!  So with tax and gratuity our bill had a 33% surcharge!  Cha-ching.  Pizza tomorrow night.

Bar Harbor is Da Bomb!

Day 22 – June 18, 2014

Bar Harbor, ME

Oh Lordy, there was a wicked thunderstorm last night that woke me at 4 in the morning.  The rain was unreal and filled me with anxiety about our day to come – in Acadia National Park.  When we awoke for real the rain had stopped, but it was grey and cold.  No matter, we had a park to explore.

There were so many amazing vistas that I am humbled to even attempt to describe them.  By the time we got to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the skies had cleared and we were lucky enough to really experience the majesty of the area.  Below are just a few of the hundreds of pictures that we took.

Sand Beach

Thunder Hole

The actual hole.

The summit of Cadillac Mountain.

I will share with you a very embarrassing blonde moment that I experienced – the blonde being meL.  When we got to Thunder Hole, which is a lookout point in the park that takes you out over some rocks where the ocean crashes in and travels into a hole in the rock, which makes a very loud sound – like thunder.  At this point in the day, the grey skies were starting to break up, but it still looked very stormy over the open sea.  Audrey, Hunter and Rich were climbing out over the rocks and I made the comment that they may want to come in soon, because I heard thunder and I didn’t think we should hang out for too long.  It only took a few seconds for me to process what I said, but by then it was too late.   People were staring at me and Audrey and her dad were all over it.  I will not live this one down for a long time.

Our public humiliation was not limited to me.  Bear decided once again to urinate at the beach.  I froze, in complete shock.   What the hell is up with this?  Thank goodness for Hunter - who came to the rescue and got him to face the woods and stood behind him, before we publicly flogged.

After the park, we headed to the boat dock for a tour of the bay.  It was cool to see Bar Harbor and all the boats from the vantage point of being in the water.  Our guide filled us in on the history of the town that is rich with Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Pulitzers and Astors.  There was a horrible fire in 1947 that basically wiped out the town.  Many of the families who couldn’t rebuild with the same opulence they had before the Great Depression and WWII donated their land to Acadia National Park.  The boat took us around the coast to see the new homes that have been built since that time, many of them owned by today’s titans of Wall Street and Hollywood celebrities.  Oh, and he told quite a story about Martha Stewart, who is not loved by locals.  It was a good one, too!  She’s not nice.

We ventured out to Egg Rock and saw a bald eagle try to snap a baby seagull from its mother and all seagull hell broke loose.  Oh momma, don’t be messing with their babies.  We also saw many seals, which the kids loved.  We had so much fun on the boat – all of us.  I snapped many great family pictures.

A bald eagle.

Egg Rock

They loved watching the seals!

We weren’t done yet.  We returned to Bar Harbor to eat on the water for the last time of our road trip (unless we find something in Canada).  Another great dinner followed by a quick stroll through the local bookstore to look for a good book on the history of this town.  I’m smitten.

After that we had ice cream and played miniature golf.  It was an awesome day – one for the memory book, for sure.

I’m going off the grid for a couple days, as we explore the Atlantic provinces of Canada.  The phone will be off, with means no Instagram posts.  I think I’ll still be able to use the internet at the hotel, without taking out a second mortgage, so updates should continue.

I’m missing my friends!  I feel very out of touch with everyone.  It’s been hard to even make phone calls, because of the kids.  Some of them have developed big ears and no phone call – whether it be in the car or the hotel room, is private.  I’ve also been bad about email – because honestly, I’m wiped out at the end of the day and can barely muster the effort for my travel log and downloading pictures.  Still, you are all on my mind and I can’t wait to catch up on what’s happening in all your lives.  I hope everyone is having a good summer. 

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 [rs1]