Massachusetts

After leaving Ogunquit, we travelled a whole 29 miles after stopping for lunch shortly after leaving. Shopped for groceries, and Al made some phone calls regarding getting DISH receiver in our RV for TV reception. So, we stayed in Lowe's parking lot at Seabrook, NH.
Then, next day after our usual 11:30 am departure, we went all the way to Saugus/Melrose, Massachusetts, (about another 40 miles, I think), just north of Boston. We are parked in an Elks Club lot once again. Have had 15amp hook-up, and could get water at the lodge. The DISH guy came next morning and determined the new receiver would not work to run both our TV's on different stations (I like ABC, Al likes news channel) with our current satelite, so we opted to pass. So we are at the mercy of the few stations we sometimes pick up unless we are connected to cable in a park.

We did laundry and visited the visitors bureau and found how to take the Subway (T) into Boston from Melrose. So, next day, Wednesday, we took the T and made it to Prudential Center in Boston. Took a tour on a Duck Amphibious vehicle through town and then into the river. Al got to steer the boat for awhile in the river. Was a really rainy day, and the plastic sides were down on the Duck, so visibility wasn't great, but the conDuctor was great, and told us a lot of what we were looking at. Then we had lunch at "5 Napkin Burger", where Al had this yummy burger. I had a wonderful green salad with a beef patty (it had to be 10 oz of beef!). Then we managed to make our way back to our car via the subway again. We had to park about 10 blocks away, and it was wet, but we had fun. Along our walk I took this pic of the fallen leaves. Al thought I was nuts, but I think they are pretty. (He admitted later that they were).

Next day, we took the T again, and went into the downtown to walk the Freedom Trail. It is a 2.5 -3 mile walking trail (marked by red line of bricks from site to site....we only lost the path a couple times!) through many historical sites in downtown Boston, including Bunker Hill monument, State House (built in 1795), Parkstreet church, Kings Chapel, Franklin Statue, Old State House (built in 1713), Quincy Market, etc., etc., and the tour of the USS Constitution. (can't take pocket knives inside the Navy base, so Al had to ditch his in a planter outside before we went in. The guard outside kindly told us that Al would be arrested when going through security if he had it in his possession...really grateful for his heads up!!!)
The tour of the USS Constitution was really interesting. It is still an active Naval ship and they have a crew aboard at all times. It actually goes out to sea 6 times a year (we had just missed it by a couple days). The Seaman aboard talked as if it were still in the 1800's and explained what it was like for the men on the ship. The lower deck was only 5'5" ceiling height, and full of hammocks right next together where the 400 men slept in 4 hour shifts. They were each given 1 gallon of water a day which they could drink, wash with or do laundry. Most drank it, so the stench must have been incredible!! They were also forced to drink 2 cups of "grog" a day which was rum, mixed with something, and lemon juice. The lemons were to keep them from getting scurvy, which caused more death than the war. The men were not allowed to save up their grog, but had to stand and consume it in front of the marine guards .
Yesterday, Sunday, we went to see a play called "Buddy Cop 2". Got front row seats. Interesting play, not really exciting, with a surprise ending. Then after the show, the actors (all but one) sat on the stage and discussed the meaning and outcome of the play. that was a first for us. Nice theater! Used to be a vaudeville stage, and also a cinema.
Then, last night, we went to a halloween party and dance. Outrageous costumes, good food and fun. About 10pm, people started coming in with snowflakes on their coats and heads, so we looked out and there was about 2" of snow and still coming down. We decided to head back for the RV while we could. This morning, it had warmed up and was melting, and tonight it is nearly gone. supposed to be warmer and nice for a few days. It had snowed about the same amount a couple nights before. I think we are twice warned! We are heading towards Plymouth, MA in the morning, then probably towards Rhode Island, but we are definitely keeping an eye on the weather. Heard there are 3 million people without power in the Eastern US today, and one place got 14.5" of snow!!! TIME TO HEAD SOUTH!

It is now Tuesday, Nov 1, and we are at Plymouth, MA. Weather still good. Drove in car to CapeCod, leaving the RV at the Elks lodge in Plymouth :-). Not much to see as most places are closed sometime in October. Then we decided to drive to Hyannis to see the JFK Museum, Memorial and Libray, but they were closed, too. Only open Thurs-Sat. So, we walked around and had a great lunch at a cute, different place called "Common Ground", run by a culture called 12 somethings. They give up all their possessions, etc., and take care of each other. Strange, but good healthy food! We especially liked their "Not Cocoa" made from Carob and sweetened with honey! Will have to search out getting some carob powder!

Tomorrow, we will check out Plymouth Rock, Mayflower 2 (a replica), and Plimouth Plantation
(a living museum) and anything else we can find to do here. Weather is supposed to be sunny and 53, with low of 35 tonight.

That's all for now, folks!

The Maine Beaches Region

From Augusta, we went to Portland, ME and stayed in another Elks parking lot. Went to the Harbor and walked around looking at all the yachts and shopped in a few stores. the streets here were cobblestone.
Stayed 3 nights at Portland, cuz Al crawled under the RV to lube it and found out the cause of a rattle....one of our front shocks had broken off! Camping World where we got it couldn't fix for 3 weeks, so took it to Freightliner and they had it done while we waited after getting the part Fed-Exed . Then on down the coast of Maine where we found York. Accidentally found this area cuz we needed to settle long enough to get our mail forwarded. Picked a town down the coast where there was a live theater performance of "Miss Saigon", at Ogunquit, ME and decided we'd go there for a few days. Proceeding that way we found Freeport( home of L.L.Bean and many other outlet stores), Kennebunk and Orunquit (both which are having Octoberfests this weekend) and York. But.... no RV parks are open!! the season ends Oct. 12 around here and the parks close...city ordinance, I guess. Finally called the Visitor Info center who told me one park was staying open due to the festivals. So, called and found a space @ $38.50/night. We usually try to stay under $30 or free, (wal-marts, Elks, etc). This park closes after Monday, and have their water pipes blown out for winter on Tuesday. wonder what we will find as we venture further south?

We checked into the York Camper Park and met Diane, owner, who has known our friend Bill Wilson for 20 years! She directed us to all the cool places to visit like a tour guide, and this peaceful park is 1 block from the ocean! We walked to the beach this morning, (Can you believe the beaches here are non-smoking!!!!) wandered the shops (many are now closed for the season), then drove to "When Pigs Fly Bakery", (had to get some bread and a couple huge cookies...they gave us samples and we couldn't resisit!) Old Ft. McNary, Kittery Point, Nubble LighthouseOld Jail, etc. The sun was out most of the day and we really enjoyed it. Had wonderful "chowda" in a bread bowl with ocean view. (Diane didn't lead us wrong here!)

Last night we had a little excitement. Were having a peaceful game of dominoes (I creamed Al !) when a beeping alarm started chirping. Al investigated and it was the Carbon Monoxide Detector! We had been baking in a new dish that is micro-oven-freezer, etc. proof, so wondered if that were it. Opened all the windows and turned on the fans, and it continued to beep. We finally had to accept it must be faulty, left some windows open and decided if we woke up, we'd get a new alarm! Well, that was it! Didn't realize the alarms (not just the batteries) have a 5-6 year shelf life! So we now have a new one installed.

We have tickets to "Miss Saigon" for Sunday afternoon. Al was going to take me for surprise for my 50th birthday in Portland, but my Dad died suddenly 2 days prior. So, we have been gonna see it ever since. Am excited. The Orgunquit Playhouse is pretty well known, and they bring in tour busses to see their productions!

We HAD to take a picture of this sign over isle in grocery store! Never knew there was that big of a demand for warm beer! Al says that's what they only got in Vietnam when he was there, but I never did crave it warm.

We may have had our credit card compromised this week-end, so had to cancel it, which is why we need to wait for mail! What a pain! I think I accidentally hit accept twice on an update to an app on my phone, so think it was just that, but had to cancel the card to be sure. The bank called us same day to inform us, which is lucky. Our God is good and watching over us!

There is a zoo and wild animal park next door to us here. It is closed for the season, but Diane told us we might hear the lion roar until they fed him in the morning. Either we slept through it, or they fed him early today, but we didn't hear it. Wonder what the kitties will think if they do? Tomorrow and Sunday, we will go see the festivities in Kennebunk and Ogunquit...parades, bed races, high heel races, public market, etc. Should be a fun day. More later!

Ok. It is now Sunday night. Yesterday, Al washed the RV, we took the kitties out for a long walk, then into town of Orgunquit (5 miles north) for their festivities. There was a car show with about 50 classic carsa craft and art show, then wandered theshops and looked at Halloween dec. A High Heel Dash was scheduled, so we asked where and were told how to get there. We thought the lady said 1/4 mile or so! We WALKED and WALKED and WALKED. Finally got there (about 2 miles?) and got good spot to watch until people just moved in right in front of us. I couldn't see a thing but feet, and Al saw little more. But, it was a hoot! Men, Men(?) in Drag, women and young girls all in various types of heels raced up towards the beach and back (on pavement). Prizes were for highest heels, most outrageous costumes, and first back. Tall long-legged man (?) in heels won by a landslide. then we WALKED and WALKED and WALKED back to the car, perused an antique store and headed "home". Fun day. People really get into the decorations for the Halloween here!

Today, we went back into Orgunquit for an 11:30 am costume parade. We got there at 11 and it was over! Said it didn't take long? So then we headed for the scheduled Bed Race. That was a riot. 4 teams of 5 had designed and decorated beds to push and they raced up the street 2 at a time.

From there, we went to the Orgunquit Playhouse to see "Miss Saigon". What a performance! the theater is 79 years old, and non-profit. Seats about 600 and it was nearly full. Neither of us knew the story, so it was pretty heavy at parts, especially for Al, but we really enjoyed it.

Then on to dinner at Maine Diner. Wonderful dinner in a fun place. I had Vegetarian Lasagne (brought 1/2 home), and Al had sirloin steak. From there to a meeting, where Al was asked to share his journey, as one speaker had not shown up. He did a nice talk especially spur of the moment.

If our mail arrives, we will head south across the tip of New Hampshire into Massachusetts tomorrow. Weather has been cold and crisp. Rain is in the forecast again, though, but at least not snow, yet.

In Maine, there is a state law against any commercial fishing on Sundays Memorial Day through labor Day! Isn't this during the time of year when the fishing would be safer?

Augusta, ME

We left the North Pole RV Park after 2 nights and headed North on Hwy 9 towards Lake Placid. We were following the Ausable River, and had heard of the Ausable Chasm, but didn't realize we would cross it! It was magnificent, and we were able to find a spot to pull over so we could take photos and see it better. (one drawback to having an RV pulling a car, is you just can't pull over anywhere!)Along Hwy 9 the horrible devastation of Hurricane Irene was evident everywhere. Piles of ruins, high water marks, etc. Really sad. We headed south on Hwy 118, and not finding a place to stop, we ended up parking in a wide spot along the road where we spent a quiet night in the beautiful forest near Lowell, VT. Al took advantage of the chance to change the oil in the RV since most RV parks do not allow it, and it was nearly 6000 miles since we left and it was time. He took care to put down cardboard and collect the oil into containers to later take to a recycle center. From there, we drove to Jefferson, NH where we parked overnight in a large parking lot at Santa's Village (which was closed). We were suprised to be almost to Maine! The 6 states making up New England could all be put into state of South Dakota with much room to spare! Neither of us remember much of our geography or history of the area, but it is really beautiful country!

We toured Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory (no one was working it that day), and they gave us a mini sample (about 2 T) of the flavor of the day. Sold pints at $4.75, which we passed on. Kinda like our TCCA Cheese Factory... much cheaper to buy at the groc store, and we didn't need it anyway!

Stopped at Farmington, ME Elks for a couple nights and drove into the mountains to search the higher grounds for color and moose. Not much color, and no moose. It was to get down to 20 degrees that night, which should start the color change. Evidently the freeze followed by sun is what does it.
From there, we went to Hermon, Me (Near Bangor...pronounced Bangore, and they are quick to correct you if you call it like Bangor, WA ...Banger'). We stayed at a lovely, friendly RV park named Pumpkin Patch. We took a day trip to Bucksport and just got there when the park called us to say a big wind had come up and we needed to put in our awning. They were kind enough to have us tell them where the key was and they put it in for us. Most parks wouldn't give it much thought, and we were GRATEFUL!!! At Bucksport, we went up in the Penobscot Observatory overlooking the river and town of Bucksport. Quite a view from the 432' tower! Also walked around Fort Knox, since the admission was included in price of going up into the tower ($4 each)See the top of the tower? Way up there!

From Bucksport, we drove to Bar Harbor (Baa Ha Baa as the locals pronouce it!) and walk the historic street of the wealthy people's summer "cottages" , shopped in the shops, then had a

WONDERFUL Maine Lobster dinner overlooking the water.
The day before Bucksport, we had driven to Bar Harbor and taken the road up to the top of Cadilac Mt where we hiked and absorbed some more of the beauty!!!

Next morning, we headed north up Hwy 2A , stayed at Houlton Wal-Mart then to the northernmost peak of Maine, across Hwy 1
and down Hwy 11 where we pulled over into a rest stop hoping they wouldn't make us move. Had a gorgeous view of Eagle Lake and a quiet night. Next morning, yesterday, headed on and the road got quite rough! Changed to Hwy 6 and continued south. Beautiful country, and more color changes here than most. No Moose, yet! Stayed at an old Oil Company (had permission this time) and on to Augusta, Maine. We are parked at their Elks lodge, and have one of the prettiest spots, yet. Over looks the trees and huge green lawn of the lodge. Saw 4 BIG wild turkeys about 100 feet from the RV. Rained REALLY hard yesterday afternoon just after we got settled in. THANKFUL that Al has gotten the leak fixed!!! Then the winds came up! About 35-40 mph, I heard. We are staying for a couple nights here while the storm blows over. Watched an outdoor wedding in the yard here. They were lucky enough to have sun for the ceremony. The ring bearer and flower girl drove up the "aisle" in a kiddy car! Really cute.
Guess the wind kept the ceremony to a minimum, as it didn't last more than 5 minutes!

Checked the internet and haven't found much exciting here to do, but went to a meeting this morning, and may again tonight. Watched an old movie last night, "My Boss's Daughter". Cute and silly!

Guess that's about all for now. Oh, a couple things we have observed: In Ohio, there are Buroughs and townships every couple miles, all with different names. Kind of like driving up the coast. We are impressed by how MANY people have the US flag flying outside their homes, many on actual flag poles. And this month, Halloween decorations on the majority of homes, and many are really creative! Wish we could stop and take pics of some, but not possible in the RV. A Beautiful time of year. Weather has warmed up again at night, even if the wind and rains are setting in. We will head south before the snow flies ( we hope). Another thing very evident are all the homes with snow plow blades on their pick-up trucks!!!