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! 

Spending another night!

Started out for a walk to get some exercise and explore the other side of this very large park. Clem made it about three tenths of a mile, questioning me continuously about where exactly it was and how far, and I suggested he go back and I would see him later! 

While the other side has RVs , it also had a section of prefab little houses, which were quite charming. 

One of the many permanently set up trailers, with  an especially pretty outdoor living area. 

 

More gnome and fairy gardens! 

This cute little house, one of many, has a great  Lake view. 

I thought instead of  sitting around waiting for the call that the parts were in, we might play mini golf or shuffle board, and Clem agreed to the latter. Though he was soon complaining about that as well!  This game is as dumb as golf! Ahhhh.....you admit golf is dumb! It was getting warm in the sun, so we ended our game and  sat in the shade enjoying the cool breezes off the lake, and an ice cream from the trading post. 

We were just heading back to the coach when we got the call and rushed off to the repair shop. Two hours later the mechanic said they were nearly finished , but he had bad news. Very bad news. He found a leak in the fuel line,  so we would be spending the night here while he got more parts.  It took a minute to understand that here meant the garage!  They were good to send someone off to get the part tonight so repairs could be made in the morning, rather than wait for delivery.  Luckily they were able to plug us in and run a hose, so except for the location, we are comfortable. 

View from feting window is into the garage! 

That’s us on the right, slide pushed out and set up for th night. 

I had the rest of Clem’s birthday lasagna in the freezer, so that and a glass of wine seemed a fitting treat after the bad news. 

Lasagna always make him smile! 

Ironically, we should be in Littleton, MA tonight, but we are in Littleton, NC, with one stop sign, a piggly wiggly, 2 dollar stores, and a Hardy’s.  There is a paranormal museum I had discovered while planning our trip, but figured we would never make it to Littleton, NC!  Roanoke Rapids is 13 miles away and Stephanie, the amusing young woman who keeps things running smoothly at the shop, as well as amusing us  with her tales while we waited,  informed us it has restaurants and even a movie theatre that runs one movie at a time.  She has a thick southern accent, and a turn of phrase that is so unique, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her talk.  She is quite delightful in addition to being an asset to the business, in spite of the fact that she says the only thing she knows about cars is they need rubber wheels and fuel to run!  She has been kind and helpful, and she left a loaner car should we care to go out for dinner and explore, but we’re content to keep Loki company after the stress of his day.  

Waiting for repairs

 Problem finally diagnosed, and parts ordered, we were allowed to return to the coach, and poor Loki, but  we were advised to wait there until the nearby campground was ready for us to check in to one of the few sites available. We were soon  hungry, and I didn’t want to start the generator to use the microwave to thaw the bread, so I pulled out the marshmallow forks and toasted it!  We opted not to bring a toaster along with limited space, but turns out we can have it if we want it.

It was a rainy day like you don’t get in Florida, with a steady fall and chilled air, and seemed like a good day to cuddle up with a good book. We finally pulled into the campground and our first view of the huge lake, even shrouded in fog, was breathtaking!  Heavily treed with tall pines, it was so welcome and pleasant,  I felt like this was our silver lining.  When the rain stopped and it cleared, I enjoyed a few walks around by myself,  dodging puddles and taking photos, but later when the sun came out even convinced Clem to join me. 

The very large and lovely Lake Gaston in NC. 
 

 Funny to realize this is where Judy and Bob’s son Mike owned a lake house until recently, we look across at the houses and wonder which it is.  We could have paid a call! 

I always enjoy the woods and it’s hidden treasures. We spotted what I think was a pheasant running across the road as we drove in. 

 

Gnome City Limits was central to a very large triangular intersection full of creative little arrangements of gnomes!  I saw little gardens of them throughout the park as I walked. Obviously a theme. 

We are hoping for early delivery of parts and repairs to be completed so we can get on the road.  Plans were to arrive in Boston today, which is obviously not happening. 

An exciting Sunday in Roanoke Rapids!

 

All attempts to get our engine problem resolved were met with “closed until Monday.” The one exception was a mobile truck repair who could diagnose the problem, and may be able to correct any simple issues, and arrived with his computerized diagnostic equipment. The problem is, he couldn’t  get his equipment to function! And driving to another tech to perhaps borrow his, found that his was not operational either!

One like we owned on the left, compared to our rental on the right. Fun to have the side by side comparison! 

So the highlight of our day was the great shower, getting the laundry done, and playing some canasta, with several walks around the RV park.  So much for 24/7 roadside repair.  I could walk a mile  and a half to Walmart for excitement, but not even any hiking trails around.  Oh well….at least we have shelter, ac, food, and a bed to sleep, and it’s not like it was an accident or something serious. And we now have another good story to tell! 

7 am Monday, and we’re back on the phone, hoping to get this resolved and get back on the road. 

Waiting at Gaston Lake Auto and RV repair

The repair shop assured us it was safe to drive to them, so we await news! 

,

Travel Day

Since we stayed longer in Savannah, and are skipping Beaufort, we will play it by ear until we reach Massachusetts, still a long way off.   We thought we might make it to Richmond, but traffic was very heavy, at times coming to a complete stop for no apparent reason before starting to move again. Although the last big backup of the day was due to an 18 wheeler  broken down in the left lane. Not off the road, mind you, but squarely in the middle of the lane!  Where in my mind, he should not have been in the first place!

I think it was during that slow down, Clem started looking for campgrounds, and found one short of the days goal. 

I was tickled to see each site had a beautiful crepe myrtle!  The roadways are full of them grouped together or in lines, and they are stunning. 

We were moving along again and I was still complaining about the truck driver not being in the right lane, and pulling over at the first sign of trouble, when the RV bucked and lurched a bit, and I got a hazard light! Great!  I started pulling off to the shoulder, but soon realized it was still operational, and I recognized from my car that the ABS had something to do with the locking of brakes, which were working, so pulled off at the next exit, where it would be safer to explore our problem.  The manual assured us regular brakes were still functional and it was safe to drive, though some other systems would also be disabled. Since they had to do with skidding on  icy roads, I didn’t feel we were in any danger in July in South Carolina, so we got back on the highway.  It apparently disabled the cruise control, though, so I drove the old fashioned way to our campground. 

We supposedly have 24/7 roadside assistance, but that proved a major challenge, as in they never showed up, and here we are on Sunday, figuring we may be spending another night! 

I’m stopped…..I might as well document this traffic….even worse on the other side! 

Clem preferred the game, rather than the water, so we enjoyed shooting some pool  while waiting for return phone  calls that never came! At least we were safely parked and entertained! 

Although Clem has,  I have never availed myself of the campground facilities,  but I am finding this bathroom and shower a bit tight, and with this being a very nice campground, a long luxurious shower in  spacious surroundings was a nice treat. Maybe I’ll do some laundry while we’re stuck here. 

I admit I am spoiled by my big coach with a wide full bathroom complete with washer and dryer, and I miss it.