An unplanned day

 Always up early, we were determined to get an earlier start than normal, gas up the coach, return the rental car, and head to a historic attraction then on to meet a group of our friends from PGA who have all gathered in NC near Cashiers and friends Cori and Bill who own a vacation home there. Along with provisions to stock the larders, we had hit a wine and liquor store and had fun selecting several different varieties to share, and were anticipating some fun  with all of them. 

I can tell you guys are getting ready to leave, sigh! I’ll just hang here until we hit the road, then I’ll find my riding nook. 

I started the engine, released the parking brake, and the dashboard lit up with the hazard lights!  NO! Ok, maybe just an anomaly, and they’ll go off. Engine on  and off, gassed up, and lights still on. A ride around the area, and they were still on. Clem was talking to people in the office and making calls when I got back, and informed me that the mobile techs didn’t work on engines, and two Mercedes dealers couldn’t even look at it until August! I was beginning to think we could just leave it there and get another rental and let the owners take over! Clem said maybe a rental car and hotels!

Ben was a nice young man in addition to a knowledgeable technician, and we enjoyed chatting with him while waiting to see if they had a part.

We finally found a dealer who could at least diagnose it, though repairs would have to wait until next week.  We figured knowing was better than not, and it could be faulty sensors, so we headed an hour in the wrong direction to see what they could tell us. The first repairs included a sensor replacement for anti lock braking on the  left rear wheel, and now it seems the right rear wheel sensor failed!  That set off the engine light, because as the tech said, it’s German engineering!  It had bucked badly when we headed there, and dropped into low gear, which I admit scared me , and I pulled off the road. My tension increased as I could not see a safe place big enough to stop, until I spotted a 16 wheeler in a lot, and pulled in.  The tech said that could happen, and I may need to shift manually, but it would be safe to drive as long as I didn’t stand on the brakes, as then they could lock up. They didn’t have the part, of course! 

We made the decision to drive on,  but to head for home. Enough is enough. I wasn’t sure I trusted it in the mountains anyway, but now I was sure we didn’t need any more trouble, especially at three thousand feet in the middle of nowhere!  So we sadly told our friends we were headed home and would not be there, and finally got going at 1pm, having lost half of the day. 

There was so much traffic and construction delays, and around Hartford such awful backups that we sought alternate routes. Well, we toured all the little towns of Connecticut that I remember from our days living there, stopping at lights, and finally getting back on the highway to more traffic jams!  Clem finally found a campground with space for the night, and we pulled off at half past seven, having only gained under three hundred miles for the day!  The good news is Loki has regained his travel legs, and did very well, so didn’t add to the stress of the day. 

Pretty building for a rest stop! Beautiful day and bright blue sky, warm temps and no humidity. Lovely. 

Could you get my water flowing while you stretch your legs please? 

We are in a big field at this campground which is used for so called rallys, where RV clubs gather for weekend outings together. It’s quiet and dark, and was 66degrees when we got in last night and a very chilly 50 this morning!! While we were cold and reluctant to get out of bed, I’m  trying to enjoy it and remember where we are headed! It will be a while before cooler temps set in there. 

Plenty of privacy here! Basic water and electric hookups, but that’s just fine. I thought we might be boondocking at a Walmart when all the campgrounds seemed to be full! 

Ok Mom....we’re cuddled up and ready to sleep, come join us! 

Last Day in MA

 Getting ready to leave, we had some packing up to do, and wanted to do a bit of shopping where we know the stores before heading out.  Clem and I finished our tasks  and I set out for a walk while he wrapped up and went to take a shower in the campground wash room. He hates the little shower in our coach! 

Walking  my accustomed route past a farm stand and field of corn on a rural road, I heard some rustling and looked up to see a corn stalk being bent, and wondered if maybe a neighbor was helping themselves to a few ears! Well, maybe a worker in the field. The rustling continued, and I kept my eyes peeled to see what was happening, when suddenly out of the field came a very large female deer!  She was maybe 100 yards in front of me, and I stopped and watched her, as she seemed to check the road before darting across and into the woods on the other side. She was so pretty and I was so stunned, I didn’t even get a photo.   

Something to be said for front porches.  We should bring them back! 

I always imagine the farmers hiding behind these walls while the redcoats marched down the roads!

I walked on admiring the houses and stone walls, remnants of early settlers who marked the boundaries of their farmland.  I had stopped at the farm stand a few days before and admired the beautiful produce and skillfully merchandised gifts, and sampled some of the homemade baked goods, so I brought some cash along on my walk in order to make a quick stop on the way back for a few goodies to take on the road. We could really use some farm stands in Florida! Back to camp for a shower before heading to Acton Arboretum for a nice walk in the woods with Cindy and David! We have had lots of fun with them this trip, and I’ll miss our nearly daily relaxed outings! 

The old stone walls are everywhere.

 

All the flowers were pretty, but I love the Bee Balm. 

The kids planned a special dinner to celebrate Clem’s birthday, and we headed out to Gibbetts Hill, a farm to table restaurant at an actual farm, and in a barn!  Marcia had reserved the silo, which seated just the six of us, and it was a very special final evening with all of them! We have had a great time with them, and were missing them already as we said goodbye. 

It was raining, so not good for photos, but this was taken from the silo windows on second floor. Cows are on the hillside. 

Looking down from silo onto bar. 

A lovely afternoon for some Golf

 The day started out rainy, so it seemed like a good day to get the laundry done.  Our coach had a washer and dryer, but  that chore now requires the  campground laundry room and plenty of quarters, but also affords me the opportunity to meet and chat with fellow campers, which can be entertaining. One gregarious woman chatted away, and told me she had 5 grandchildren staying with them! I’m picturing five little ones cooped up in a coach of some sort on a rainy day, when she tells me the 3 girls slept in a  tent , and the boys slept in the trailer, but were headed out early to play golf. They are all in their 20s!  

The sky cleared in time for our afternoon tee time, and it turned out a beautiful afternoon to play nine holes. The course was hilly and pretty, with trees and flowers, and tees required hitting up hill or down to the greens. Very fun, actually!  

After golf, we had a glass of wine at Dave and Cindy’s condo, then basically walked across the street to an Italian restaurant for an early dinner. Living downtown  is a pretty neat experience!  

Boston Seaport

 

A beautiful day for a stroll exploring the new Boston Seaport area. We had set out to meet David and Cindy to drive into town, but this trip being what it is, our car was dead!  Not used to the car, I had apparently left the headlights in the on position!  

I’m still amazed somebody didn’t come knock on our door and alert us! Luckily we had a jump start battery charger on board, but every time we tried to turn it on, the car horn blew!  I’m sure we woke anyone still sleeping , but again, no one to the rescue! A call to the office brought the owner with his charger, but same results. He finally discovered it was because we had not unlocked the door with the key fob, but used the key, and the system was operating like it was still locked. Once that was corrected, we were finally on our way.

Pier 4 as it appears now with ultramodern buildings. 

The seaport is completely changed, with pier 4 and the famous Anthony’s restaurant completely gone, replaced by multimillion dollar high rise condos, restaurants and shops. I have always loved the juxtaposition of the old and new in Boston, and this creates a division, actually marked in the walkway, of the old and new piers. We encountered a woman walking her King Charles puppy, and struck up a conversation and she said it’s like an adult playground living there! She shared some local insights and we set off for a walk and a recommended restaurant for lunch. 

Neat sculptures showed what the sailing vessels looked like at the time coming into port. 

The barking Crab was quintessential fish shack on the water, with great seafood.  

We didn’t go farther , though I would love to on another day when we have more time and it’s less warm, but returned along the same path, stopping into the Glass fronted Contemporary Art Museum to check out the gift shop. Even if we had the time to explore, Clem would not appreciate it! 

Coming out, I saw some young men enjoying swiveling chairs and photographing each other, and since they were leaving, I decided I had to try them.  I didn’t realize one  of them had hung behind, and apparently amused by the white haired lady spinning, encouraged me to keep going while he recorded me!  

I spotted these guys through the museum window  having a ball on these chairs. 

It only spins with the help of outstretched appendages! 

Window washers preparing this new building for occupancy. 

We headed back to the coach for a bit of rest and to feed Loki before heading to Pub 99 in Westford, where we met the family and Emma in her first job as waitress served us! I’m slipping! I did not take a photo!!  We Enjoyed a leisurely meal, with her visiting when not busy with other tables. A whole group of her friends came in and took up two booths in her section as we were heading out.  A fun and full day, we headed back and were lulled to sleep by the sound of rain on the metal roof. 

A Day with Great Friends

 Cindy and David met us in downtown Concord, and we had a delightful lunch sitting under an umbrella outside before Cindy and I proceeded to the stores. Once full of great local boutiques, including my store, I might add, I was stunned to see so many empty storefronts!  COVID has wreaked havoc especially on small independent stores, and I would imagine more so in these high rent districts. I chatted with one of the shop owners who always remembers me , and she shared stories of sad times, though her shop luckily continues to do well, and she remarked her customers are always happy and she enjoys being there and seeing them.  Small town charms.

 One of the lovely steepled churches that are so indicative of New England and this area in particular. 

While taking a photo of the church, I noticed it was getting hazy, and a sniff of the air confirmed it was smoke ...from the wild fires on the west coast.  Amazing that it has traveled across the country  

The boys, having each other to visit with, are always so patient with us, but I sensed they had reached their limit, so we headed out to Dave and Cindy’s new condo in Lexington. These are the towns of the American Revolution and “the shots heard round the world.”  We pass the Louisa May Alcott house, Wrights Tavern, the Battle fields, and many other historic sites, all of which we have visited and marveled at. Funny how I hated history while in school, but love visiting now.  While we have visited Authors Ridge and saw his grave, I have yet to see Longfellow’s house in Cambridge, but I’m afraid it’s still closed due to COVID, and will have to wait for another time. 

Back at their condo, we played a couple of hands of canasta, then had a nice dinner, and returned back to our campsite, where I was anxious to check on Loki.  We had left him extra food, but I was till nervous about the long  day.  We found him  sacked out on the bed, seemingly having done well, though grateful for some extra attention. 

It’s about time you guys got home! I could use some lovin’! 

Family and fun!

 A delayed graduation party for Emma, who spent the bulk of her senior year in COVID lockdown, brought many of the east coast family to help celebrate! So great to all be together, we enjoyed catching up in addition to playing badminton and ladder ball, dips in the pool, and of course celebrating Emma! 

Emma cuts her graduation cake. 

The little kids playing ladder ball before we big kids took it over! 

Sunday morning we all met at Kimball’s Farm despite a light rain, had brunch, and then hit the arcade. Kimball’s was basically an ice cream stand, which has now morphed into a quasi amusement park, and it’s always on our list of things to do when we visit the kids. It was fun to see the new generation enjoying it so much! We had a blast shooting baskets and playing games, giving our winnings to the little ones for prizes. 

When it cleared, we headed  to the bunper boats, where we just happened to fill all the boats, so were the only ones on the water, and zipped around trying to bump into each other, often getting splashed a bit!

Next on the agenda were the bunper cars, and again, we filled the field!  The smallest, 5 year old Morgan, proved herself an able opponent, holding her arms up high as she spun in a circle!  We all took a second spin! 

Grace and Emma decided to tag team the stuffed dolls! I’m pretty sure that may be considered cheating, but it was for a good cause! 😂

It would not be complete without ice cream, so we all made our selection from the many tempting flavors, and gathered around picnic tables under the tent before those who were traveling had to leave.  We bid them safe journeys with promises to try to do it again soon. We will be staying on for the rest of the week, so after a bit more of a visit, we headed back to our campsite and to bed early after a very full and fun weekend. 

We have touch down!

 Finally made it to Massachusetts, and it felt like coming home pulling into Minuteman Campground! We have been here so many times over the years, and it is truly one of the nicest places we have stayed. Lots of trees and not crowded, it’s like having a cabin in the woods. It feels so good after the last several days to know we are setting up to be here for a while.  

Now we just need some firewood! 

Beautiful drive today with hills and valleys and green everywhere. We always love coming onto the roads that have been cut through the hills, exposing  the layers of rock soaring high above.   Of course, the northeast also affords its share of traffic jams, and what seems like endless road work, and our journey was slowed several  times, but nothing major. 

It’s about time you stopped driving! Now come get me some dinner will you? 

Here for a week, we look forward to visits with kids and friends and of course some exploring! 

Finally back on the road!

 Up early, we readied the coach to close it up and get the repairs done, and I set off for a long walk on a country road perpendicular to the main thoroughfare we were on. Luckily the traffic had quieted the night before and we had a good nights rest.  Waiting in the office we got to meet the owners young daughters, who were covering for Stephanie’s vacation, and their three  dogs, who greeted us happily, pushing their way in to get their fair share of attention. We were also charmed by the father of a customer who drove his big rig in for check up before setting out. When we commented on the coach, the son was seemingly hesitant to chat, but his dad was more than happy to, and we heard all about their family all heading up to Cape Cod for a celebration.  He and his wife will be making the trip in a jeep, and avoiding 95, as after all, it wasn’t even there when he met her, and he sees no need for all that traffic and congestion now!  With twinkling blue eyes and a sweet smile, I can see how as a young Air Force cadet he won her over some 63 years ago, as with that same smile he regaled us, then bid us good luck and farewell.   

The three friendly shop dogs greeted me with much enthusiasm!  The little cocker spaniel is there, hidden behind  the dog on right, having been squeezed out. 

Aw, come on, don’t stop petting me! 

So we were well entertained until Scott, the mechanic,  came in and said we were set to go. He said again how he just hated to give people bad news, and would rather say you’re all set and enjoy your journey, which he now finally was able to do with an accompanied handshake a even a hug!  Nice people, and we have enjoyed them and appreciated  their willingness to help us as best they could. As I said, lots of good people in this world, but it seems the bad ones tend to make the most noise! 

Finally moving again, we crossed over into the rolling hills of  West Virginia, with beautiful farmlands, but a dense haze. We wondered if it was the smoke from the massive fires on the west coast, and at times  it smelled like smoke. Much later we saw a sign for an ozone alert.  Into Virginia , then Pennsylvania, where my navigator decided we should stop, as the next best place was another 100 miles and the day was waning. We don’t drive after dark, and would rather set out early, so we pulled into Western Village, and found our site on Earp  Drive!  So fitting, since he was a childhood hero, and an adult fascination!  Brave, courageous and bold, as the song goes!  

Pulling in, a man offered a directional hand, and struck up a conversation , and it turned out he was from my home town! I never meet anybody from home, and it was fun talking about all the local haunts.  He even knew my Dad’s place of business, describing its location when I gave him the name.  He gave me a big thumbs up for my driving skills, and told his wife I did pretty good, and even better than he did sometimes! I do get a kick out of the men’s surprise that I can handle and back up a coach. I didn’t tell him this one is a piece of cake after that the 40 footer we owned. 

I couldn’t resist this childhood game of  putting the whirligig on my nose! 

This mini golf looks like fun!  Too bad office was closed and we couldn’t get equipment. 

This man found unique campground transport!  He posed the dogs when I asked if I could take a photo. 

After dinner, we walked around the wooded campground, visiting briefly with some  of the folks,  who are usually friendly and ready to chat a bit and share stories of the road or home.  The air is so pleasant, with not a hint of humidity, and the night turned a quite chilly 62, which I discovered when I woke up cold at 3am! We will be hitting the road early to make it to MA today. We need to make frequent stops for Loki, and to fill the ridiculously small gas tank, which is barely a quarter of the size of the 100 gallon one on our big rig. At 13 miles to the gallon, 20 some gallons doesn’t really get you very far!