Abandoned building in Detroit.

                                                         Castle Rock, St. Ignace, MI.

                                                   Detroit across the river from Belle Isle.

Freighter Lewis J. Kuber in draw bridge.

Alpena, MI boardwalk.

Start of a River Roar race.

June 17

Southgate, Michigan is on the southern edge of Detroit. We had been parked in the back lot of Walmart in Southgate, and since we were planning to be gone most of the day, we moved the VIEW to the local VFW where it would be safe from curious eyes.

Our adventure for the day was to ride the scooter into Detroit. While riding the scooter, it was cool with the air streaming past us, when we stopped it was HOT. When we got to the Detroit city limits, we began to notice buildings which were empty and boarded up, partially demolished, burned out, or gutted. Not the best introduction to the city, but we were expecting this as we had seen several TV and radio news programing describing the conditions and challenges since the downturn in the economy and the car manufacturers having financial difficulties.

As we got into 'downtown' we could see better kept buildings, and businesses thriving with customers all over the streets. Clearly the city is contracting with some businesses and people being insulated from the difficult local economy and some being directly affected.

Our first objective was to go to Belle Isle. The island is located in the Detroit River. You cross the Douglas McArthur Bridge to the island, and can drive all the way around the 982 acre island. The island has a yacht club, beach, museum, golf facility, and a Coast Guard station. There is also a zoo, and lots of wild Canadian geese, who don't seem to be the least bit afraid of humans---at least the ones we saw weren't afraid. Many seemed to posses the human trait of liking their picture being taken. The geese just expressed their disappointment that we didn't have any food for them. An interesting, attractive, and quiet place to visit.

Our next objective was the Greek Town Casino. It isn't nearly as sophisticated as Foxwoods or the Mohegan , but the slot machines were just as willing to take our money! When we left the casino we looked for "The People Mover" a tram that travels above the streets, around the inner city.

We boarded "The People Mover" and for 75 cents we rode the mover around its entire route. There are 13 stations on this elevated tram. The shortest time between stops is 30 seconds and the longest 1 minute 30 seconds. This is a nice thing for the locals and a wonderful tourist stop.

We left the tram and went looking for a place to eat--of which there are plenty. We walked down Monroe Street, which is lined with eating establishments. There were birds flying around--attracted by the food in the open air restaurants. A small bird startled us as it flew directly between us. We decided on 'Pizza Papalis' for lunch and Joan had salad and a small pizza. James had, a salad, speghetti, and a small pizza. We each brought some pizza back to the VIEW with us. This place is proud of its Chicago style pizza but it does not, in James' opinion, rival our local pizza establishments in Harwinton and Torrington.

We headed back to the scooter, and back to Southgate. There were storms coming, and it was quite humid, so we put the scooter in the trailer and turned on the AC.

What a difference in weather! Yesterday was stifling hot, today is breezy and cool. We ate breakfast--while watching three bunnies hopping around the field next to us! We wanted to go to "American Jewelry and Pawn" store aka the "Hard Core Pawn" show from TV. We had planned on going yesterday--but it was some distance from downtown Detroit--and we were too hot.

Using our GPS 'when we pulled up stakes' we skirted the downtown, and arrived at the pawn shop. The first impression is that the neighborhood is poor but it seemed to have a vibrate nature all its own. That is what you would expect from a pawn shop, except this one is different. Firstly, there is no street entrance. The entrance into the store is from a fenced parking lot. We saw some cars with other state license plates, so they must have been 'tourists' like us. Going in, we could see the big 'bouncers', just like on TV. The merchandise was different from what I, Joan, had expected. There was a big display of stuffed wild animals, someone's hunting collection, that was roped off. There were antique stoves, a washing machine, and other large household items. Lots of video players and flat screen TVs. The item that they seemed to sell the most of were the flat screen TVs.

There was a huge display of jewelry, under glass! Joan asked the price of some items, $3,000 for a bracelet, $1,500 for earrings and rings. Certainly not items the local citizens were going to purchase. These must be for tourists. Most of the customers were lined up at the window with a sign over it stating 'LOANS' which is the bread and butter of this outfit and the pawn industry. The other items that seemed to sell were souvenirs. Glasses, mugs, shot glasses and autographed pictures. We looked at the price list and an autographed picture of the Hardcore Pawn principals was $10.00. It was $25.00 if you wanted it personalized. Not for us!

James had been looking for a computer notebook, and found one at a reasonable price. Joan was looking for something in the jewelry line that was affordable, and finally purchased a pair of diamond and sterling earrings. Expensive souvenirs!

All of the familiar faces were not to be found. James believes they were in the back plotting their next show because the high-end vehicles and motorcycles were parked in front. Also, James believes the business derives more of its income from the show than the pawn business. Unlike the Hardcore Pawn show, all the the customers both locals and tourist were exactly like you would expect anywhere. There was no rapid fire crazies coming in one after another. There was no shouting, profanity, and rudeness. American Jewelry is like thousands of other pawn shops--except it has a very entrepreeneurial family ownership.

If you look at a map, lower Michigan looks like a mitten with a thumb sticking out into Lake Heron forming Saginaw Bay. Just at the base of the thumb, the Saginaw River enters Bay City and divides the city into the 'east' and 'west' sections. There are draw bridges connecting the two sides. We spent three days in Bay City, exploring the city on the motorscooter. This weekend was their 25th Annual River Roar! It is a three-day event with a carnival, food booths, and most importantly, 'hydroplanes', a form of a speedboat, races on the river.

The boats, high-tech Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula Light boats, with powerful outboard motors, can reach speeds of over 120 mph. The outfits that bring the boats to the competitions rival those of NASCAR with trailers, motor homes, ATVs to maneuver the boats on land, a highly trained crew, and lots and lots of equipiment.

We stopped to admire a boat and speak to the crew. The driver of the boat, Tim Seebold, was gracious enough to talk to us about his career in Formula 1 Racing. Tim is a World Champion, having won competitions since he began racing in 1982. Joan commented that in NASCAR you needed tire changers, and one of the crew said they had propeller changers! The next day, we watched as Tim raced and easily beat the other 8 or 10 drivers in the heat. This type of competition is as complex and capital intensive as any sport. These guys drivers, crew, and sponsors, have a 'need for speed!'

The weather was hot and humid, and to get a break from the sun, we went to the Delta College Planetarium, which is located right in Bay City, to watch a program on colors in the our Solar system and the Universe. It began with the elementary of the three primary colors of red, green and yellow, and finished with the more complex colors of the cosmos. We wonder, do any of the readers of this blog know why our neighboring planet appears red in the night sky?

Back at Walmart, we loaded the scooter, and headed further north to the Upper Peninusula. The State of Michigan has very nice rest areas along Route 25. In our State these local rest areas are long gone. However, Michigan's are well kept, and give a beautiful view of Lake Huron. We also have noticed that the street lights at intersections are hung over the middle of the roads on wires instead of on light poles as we have back home--and most other places. This must create havoc during storms with all the wires swinging in the wind.

We stopped for a day to explore the town of Alpena. Like many of the towns around the lakes, Alpena has canals that extend into the neighborhoods with boats docked at homes along the canals. This seems to be a way of life on the Great Lakes. There are still Native Americans who go out every day to fish for their livelihood.

After leaving Alpena, we continued on to the Hiawatha National Forest. As a rule, we try to stay in the National Parks and Forest campgrounds. We were looking for Foley Campground, but it was quite elusive. Finally, Joan found on the internet that the campground is closed! We found another campground nearby, Carp River, and decided to stay there. There were no other campers, although some of the sites were reserved--mostly for the weekend. Once we parked and started to settle in, we discovered that the place was inundated with mosquitoes! No sitting by the campfire here. We also discovered that there were no hiking trails, no swimming--just fishing in the river. We had paid for two nights, but after fighting the mosquitoes, and with the lack of activities, we decided to move to the VFW in St. Ignace. We had gone into town after we first set up, and found out that there was going to be a classic car show, cruise, and entertainment for the next three days.

We explored the small town of St. Ignace. The population is around 2,500, but because it is a tourist town, there are many motels, restaurants, and gift shops. There are two Indian Museums, beaches, and lots of expensive looking boats docked at the marina. Ferry boats take tourists to Mackinac Island to wander the village there.

We spoke to a woman at the VFW. She said that all the young people are leaving town because there are no job opportunities there for them unless they want to work in the hotel industry. And, even then, when the summer ends, many of the motels and restaurants close for the season so those jobs end. There are some skiers and snowmobilers that come to the area during the winter, but not enough to keep the businesses open.

We also spoke to a young man who was working at McDonald's. We asked what the teenagers do for entertainment. He said that there are no movie theaters or dances for them. They have to go miles to the next city for a movie and that means paying a toll on the Mackinac Bridge. So no movie dates! When asked what they do, he said, "go hunting!" Not much of a date!!

Driving north of the town, you can see a very large outcrop of rock called Castle Rock. The 'rock' is about 200 feet high and has steps and a ramp to the top where you can see for miles. The literature about the rock says that this was a lookout for the Ojibway Indians--a local tribe. It was often referred to as 'Pontiac's Lookout.' Unfortunately, the steps and railings are in very poor shape and bordering on dangerous. Broken benches, loose railings, and rusting wire do not instill confidence. (The Indians would have had to climb the rock without the aid of steps and railings.)

Since it only costs $1.00 to climb the 180 or so steps, it would seem logical (to Joan) to double the fee and improve safety conditions. James doesn't believe that this lax in safety standards would be permitted in Connecticut. With this being said, it would take a very foolish person to get hurt at this local tourist attraction.

Riding the scooter a few miles further, we came to the Kewadin Casino where a classic car cruise was scheduled to start. While there, we went into the casino to play a few slots. Of course, we lost, but these machines at least will play along for a while--before taking your money. Casinos will always win-the game is to play for as long as you can. The Kewadin plays a bit longer than many. People do not realize that the programming of slot machines can be adjusted for more or less payouts.

We headed back to St. Ignace to wait for the cruise, but just before it got to us, the uncooperative weather dumped some water on us. We went back to the VIEW for supper. There was another cruise scheduled for for Friday, and on Saturday the town will be shut down and classic cars will line the street.

Joan is always wondering if she will have something to write about for the blog. Maybe we will not do anything interesting (at least to us) and then the blog just seems to take off! Hopefully at least a few of our readers find our experiences interesting. Our continuing goal is to share the magnificence of the United States and all Americans. We try!

Presque Isle State Park, Ohio

 Lighthouse on Presque Isle State Park in Ohio.

 Driftwood and stone breakwater, Presque Isle.

Sandy beach and fence, Presque Isle.

June 7

We finally got on the road after a week of 'taking care of business' which included going to the RV dealer to have a side curtain rehung and a leak in the bathroom skylight repaired. Since all it seems to do is rain, we thought that it would be prudent to have it fixed! Some times we feel it is a rain of 40 days and 40 nights!

Of course, it was raining when we left, and after a day of driving in the rain on hilly, curving roads, we called an early day when we reached Binghamton, NY, our first stop. James is feeling more and more like a trucker as we are pulling the trailer behind the VIEW.

In the morning, we ate, got some diesel fuel and headed to Bradford, PA and the Allegheny National Park. As we came to a stop, looking for our next turn we noticed the town of Painted Post--and there were lots of people lining the streets as though waiting for something. A parade? James loves a parade. So, we made a detour and asked a passerby what time the parade started. The reply, 10:30, so we had time to find, with luck, a place to park our RV and trailer and to find a place to sit.

We found a great spot, set up our chairs and in short order, there was a huge line of fire trucks. We were told that there would actually be two parades. First, a firemen's parade, then the 'Colonial Days' parade. While there were plenty of fire trucks, there were no marchers. We found this unususal, as in Connecticut, we always have marchers with each department. After a considerable wait, the next parade began, with lots of antique cars carrying Miss Colonial Day, Junior Miss Colonial Day, Mini Miss Colonial Day--well you get the idea! There were also several school bands, and of course floats. During one interval, we scooted across the street to get some hot dogs and soda. There is something obligatory about parades, hot dogs and soda don't you think?

The name "Painted Post" comes from a story about a Revelutionary War Indian chief. It seems that he was wounded and while being taken back to his tribe, died. He was burried there, and a post erected with carvings and paintings over his grave. As time went by, the post became a meeting place and travel marker. Another story is that instead of an Indian Chief, it was a soldier burried there. Either way, the post gave the town its name.

After the parade, we continued on to the Allegheny National Forest. In the town of Smethport we got a little lost, as their signage for the route we were looking for didn't exist until you get to the other side of town. It is interesting to note as we traverse our great country, states and communities do differnt things with their street signages. We are fortunate in our state and throughout all of Litchfield County, we do things just about right. James thinks it is a Yankee Doodle thing! Since it was Saturday, there were plenty of tag sales along the way. We saw the usual signs for 'tag sale', 'yard sale', 'garage sale', 'moving sale' and a new one, 'porch sale'!

We arrived at our planned campground, Red Bridge, and had the unfamiliar luxury of a complete hook-up. That is, water, electric, and sewer. The last time we were in the Allegheny's we camped at 'Morrison', That site was on the same resevoir, but we had to hike in two miles, carrying everything. We had a very private campsite that time, too, but no ammenities.

Since there are several types of camping, (which we have done all of) perhaps a little description would be helpful. There is:

Backpacking or trekking: you carry everything in and carry everything out (including trash). This is usually done in the backcountry, or wilderness. At night, if you are in an established campsite you might have a 'bear box' to put ALL of your food in and lock for the night. These are like a metal trunk or safe. They are generally found along the Appalachian Trail. If you don't have a 'bear box' handy, you have to hang your food in a tree a distance from your campsite where a bear cannot climb to get it. You don't even want to have chewing gum in your tent! All animals in the forest are not pets and need to be treated with respect and given a safe distance. In return, they all will give the gift of appreciation and wonder.

Camping or Car Camping: Generally what families do, particularly if they want to travel. They pack a tent, camp stove, table, chairs, cooler, etc. in the car and hit the road. Usually, they stop at private campgrounds like KOA or Jellystone Park, where there are lots of activities for the kids, showers, flush toilets, and often a swimming pool.

Seasonal Camping: Finding a campground you really like is often difficult. With a tent, trailer, or camper set up in one campground, there is no traveling involved, but returning to the same place makes it easy to develop friends, and not so hard on the packing and unpacking.

Traveling: What we do! Occasionally we stay in one place for a few days, but generally we stop at a Travel Center, Park and Ride, rest area, or Walmart. We don't set up camp. We go into Walmart to buy supplies and rest, read, watch a little TV or play cards and are on the road in the morning. (James uses his Sirius radio app on his smartphone to keep up with nationl news.) This is sometimes called 'Boondocking'-a mainstay of the American Vagabonds.

Well, we stayed in Red Bridge Campground in the Allegheny National Forest for two days. When we arrived, the campground Host warned us that there was a mother bear with three cubs in the area, and not to leave any food out. We should be so lucky!

Saturday afternoon we rode the scooter about 10 miles into the town of Kane for gas, and a little sightseeing. As we rode over the bridge south of the campground, we could see a high pole in the resevoir with a nest on it. In the water, an area around the pole was roped off to keep boaters away. It was either an Eagle or Osprey nest. We could see at least one bird, but from that distance counldn't tell what kind.

On Sunday, we planned a hike on the North Country Trail. The trail is over 86 miles long, but we only hiked on one small segment. We parked the scooter at the Longhouse trailhead and began our hike. The trail begins with two huge rocks that you have to squeeze between. Then it goes up, and up, and up! The ranger told us the highest elevation in that area is 2,300 feet above sea level, and we must have been been pretty close to that.

It was hot, sweaty climbing, and Joan's asthma was not helping. Along the trail, we noticed a pile of bear 'droppings' and we remembered the mother bear and her cubs. After that, we kept a watch out and made a little noise as we went so we wouldn't surprise her--but didn't see any bears. What we did see, was several old, rusting, oil rigs. We had mixed emotions seeing them. They don't belong in a natural area. If they are abandoned, they should be removed! These pumps have served their useful life!

In the morning, it was raining. James loaded the scooter and we left the Alleghenys, and headed north into New York, and then to Erie, PA. Traveling along Lake Erie on Route 5, we saw acres and acres of grape vines. According to the internet, there are fifteen companies growing, processing, and selling grapes/wine in the villages north of Erie. James often thought of the hard work of the workers in the field. We wonder how many who enjoy their glass of wine give a small thought to the workers who make this joy possible.

We stopped at Walmart. It would rain, clear, then rain again. It became very humid as we settled in for pork chops for dinner and a TV movie.

Traveling along Lake Erie, James noticed a peninsula on the map labeled Presque Isle State Park near Erie. It looked quite interesting, so we headed in that direction--and were rewarded by seeing a wonderful park with something for everyone.

At the entrance, there was an amusement park complete with water slides. There was also the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. It has 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.

The state park itself, is a 3,200 acre peninsula that includes 11 individual beaches with picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms and food concessions. There are boat launch areas, free lake excursions, a bike/running path the extends around the entire 11 miles of roads, and nature walks from 1/2 mile to 2 miles long.

At one end of Presque is a lighthouse that was built in 1872. The tower is 57 feet high and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse still provides warning to ships, but it is a private residence. At one time it was maintained by a lighthouse keeper and his family, who were isolated for months at a time. The original keeper even wrote of the loneliness of his work. As the Americans Vagabonds find over and over is the common theme that all of America throughout its history is bonded together by the efforts and sacrifices of of the American worker.

While the park has a fragile ecosystem, there are many animals that live there along with migrating birds and Monarch butterflies. We saw deer hoof prints in the sand along the beach.

Presque Isle State Park, translated to "almost an island" is free to everyone and is a beautifully maintained area that is used by hundreds of people. Well worth a day's adventure if you are in the area.

Looking through items of interest in the town of Sandusky, we decided to take a ferry ride to see Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, located on an island in Lake Erie. The memorial is a National Park to recognize Commodore Perry and the men who fought with him in the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.

We checked the map, got directions, and hopped on the scooter. According to the internet, Adults pay $14.00 round trip on the ferry. Also, bicycles are $4.00 and cars are $30.00. We figured the scooter would be about $10.00. When we got there, and paid for our tickets, we were told that the scooter would be $30.00---the same as a car! Since you can park four scooters/motorcycles in the space of one car, that meant that the scooter would cost four times that of a car. We said "no way" and got a refund for out tickets!

We went back to town a bit unhappy with the greed of American business. James wonders if these guys know anything about "the elasticity of demand."

The next morning, Saturday, after going to the gym and doing laundry, we read through a local "Weekender" newspaper. There were a few dances listed and one sounded pretty good so James called the number listed. It sounded like the dance club we have gone to in Keene, NH, so we got directions and arrived with time to change into our dance clothes.

We were right! It was very much like the Keene, NH dance club. Older folks (well, relatively speaking), like us, who love to dance and have a great time. A band that loves to play music--and entertain. We were welcomed by everyone with great friendliness. Several people came over to speak to us and ask where in Connecticut we were from. As we were leaving, we spoke to a gentleman who said he was 92 years old. He was spry and well versed in crafts. He told us about all of his projects that he makes with shells, wire, safety pins and a few other objects. As the other dancers were leaving the hall, they gave us a warm 'good-bye' and a 'safe trip'. Some invited us back if our travels bring us to the area! These guys are true "young at heart" hoofers.

Our plan is now to head north, to the Upper Peninsula--but you never know. Our plans are often changed by the whims of the American Vagabonds!

Pictures of summer 2014 first two weeks.

 Horse drawn hearse at Cole Transportation Museum

 Bass Lighthouse, Mount Desert Island, Maine

 James by moose statue, rest stop, Maine

 James at summit of Flyer Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine

 Joan at summit of Flyer Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine

 Log Ladder at beginning of trail, Flyer Mountain, Maine

 Penobscot River, Bangor, Maine

 Pumper engine, Cole Transportation Museum, Bangor, Maine

 Snow roller, Cole Transportation Museum, Bangor, Maine

 Snow plow, Cole Transportation Museum, Bangor, Maine

 Seawall Campground picnic area, Acadia National Park, Maine

Dock in Somes Sound, Acadia National Park, Maine

Summer of 2013

May 23.

We had planned to leave on May 20th, but it seemed like things just kept popping up that had to be taken care of. We finally left at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 23rd---just as it started raining. We headed east to I-84 and north on I-91--in ever increasing rain. By the time we got to the Vermont Welcome Center on I-91 at 4:00, James decided to call it a day. Driving the VIEW, and pulling a trailer with the motorcycle and motor scooter in heavy rain wasn't fun. We had a supper of pork chops, potato fries, green beans, and French bread. Ice cream cones for dessert and went to bed.

May 24.  In the morning after a breakfast of scrambled eggs and English muffins, we headed out at 7:41 AM.  The rain continued, heavy at times, going north into the White Mountains National Forest. All the rain caused a short in the wiring of the light plug for the trailer, so we had to stop at a Dodge dealership for fuse replacement. We stayed at Walmart in Berlin, NH--and the rain continued. We had chicken, mashed potatoes and beans for supper and retired after watching a little TV and a game of cribbage (Joan won).

May 25.  Bagels and coffee for breakfast, and we left Walmart at 8:00 AM.  IN THE RAIN! At 8:20 we passed the Maine state line. We were headed to Vicky and Bill Birden's in the tiny town of Strong, ME. The Birden's used to live in Harwinton, but moved to Maine in 1996. It was Bill's 70th birthday. We arrived around 10:30 and their friends started arriving at noon--in the rain. The party lasted all afternoon in a barn warmed by a wood stove. Bill’s two sisters and brother arrived from Connecticut as a special surprise. The next morning we had pancakes and sausages for breakfast, and a good-bye to Vicky and Bill, we headed out----IN THE RAIN! James thought in biblical terms for the rain-40 days and nights? 

May 26.  We headed to Bangor, stopping at a Maine welcome center, hoping to get information on the Memorial Day celebration in Bangor. Bangor is a large city, with every mall store known to man. We found Planet Fitness to exercise and shower, and then went on to find a place to stop for the night. We made note of a Park and Ride off the I-95 exit and continued on to Walmart. We saw a Park and Ride right next to the Walmart parking lot and pulled in. We had a map of Bangor and marked out where the parade was going to be. After a game of cribbage (James won) we settled down for the night.

May 27.  We were up early, and, the sun was shining, and after breakfast, unloaded the scooter and went to check out the area where the parade route. We walked around the center of town, along the Penobscot River, which was flowing very rapidly from all the rain. We spoke to some people and mingled with the marchers until it was time for the parade to start. This was a true Memorial Day Parade, with a strong military presence-- veterans from all of the wars. There was very good attendance along the route. The only thing we found missing was no mayor or city council participating in the parade. Usually a mayor will lead the parade, but a police car and then a fire truck were in the lead.  One unique feature of the Memorial Day in Bangor is the issuance of “walking sticks” to Maine veteran’s by the Cole Musuem. To date over 7000 have been handed out. James as a veteran thought this was a nice touch by the Cole Museum and the people of Bangor to honor those who have served in the greatest military in the greatest country in the world.-the good USA. 

After the parade, we went to the Cole Transportation Museum where there were ceremonies taking place. The museum has an astounding array of transportation vehicles on display, including a covered wagon, a hand-pumper fire engine, sleds, snow plows, a train, farm tractors and everything in between. It is an amazing collection. Joan even discovered a toy train engine identical to one her brother had as a child, and his daughter, Tammie still has. There are also pictures depicting the history of transportation, including military uniforms and vehicles. Scattered throughout the museum, are manikins dressed appropriately and placed in, or by, the vehicles. Outside, there are statues and war memorials.

                The Cole Land Transportation Museum has everything from clamp-on roller skates (remember those?) to a diesel locomotive. It was the dream of Galen Cole, whose father operated a trucking business. When Galen was in the Army in WWII and survived an attack by a German tank, he vowed that if he survived the war he would “..leave my community and fellow man better than I found them.” He built the museum in 1989 after 50 years if running the trucking company and saving his money to build the museum. Many of the exhibits have been donated by friends and people in the community. The museum is truly worth a visit.

                We have mentioned many of the meals we have prepared in the VIEW this week to illustrate the normalcy of living in an RV while traveling. It is truly a ‘home away from home.’

May 28--Tuesday

We left the 'Park and Ride' in Bangor, ME and headed east toward Calais. Our plans were to enter Canada there, and travel to visit Joan's friend Anne. As it turned out, we headed 'down east' to Acadia National Park.

 

Joan has had a persistent cough. She has already been to the doctor twice and had a chest x-ray, but the cough has continued, and she developed an uncomfortable, irritating rash. We were discussing what to do when we got an email from Anne, and she told us that she wasn't planning to go to Nova Scotia yet. After a few minutes of deliberation, we decided not to enter Canada, but to stay in the US in case she (Joan) needed more medicine.

 

And so, the aborted Canadian trip became an adventure in the Acadia National Park. We stopped that night at a Walmart in Ellsworth, ME.

 

It rained again the next day. It was foggy and damp. We filled up our water and propane tanks in Ellsworth as there are few services in the park campgrounds. We thought to go to a movie, but they were only open on the weekends! Ellsworth, to James, is reminiscent, of Torrington.   It is an urban center offering many of the retailers and services the people in the outlying communities depend on.  The forecast for the next few days was sounding good, so we were happy with the change of plans.

 

We entered Acadia, which is on Mount Desert Island and decided to go to the Seawall campground. A few years ago we had stayed at the other park campground, Blackwoods, and thought to have a different experience.

 

Remember, with a "senior pass" national parks, monuments, and campgrounds are at least half price. Some are free! In the time that we have had the pass, we have saved several hundred dollars to perhaps nearly a $1,000. Well worth the initial $10.00 cost and being a senior citizen!

 

After setting up the VIEW at Seawall, we unloaded the scooter, and went to explore. The island has several small villages and harbors, as well as the National Park. We stopped at an 'Antique' (more like junk) shop and Joan bought some "pretty dishes". With the dishes packed under the seat of the scooter, we continued around the island.

 

Because the island is formed like a hand, with fjords extending up into the body of the island, we could not go on a direct route. It was north, then south, then north again. No easy way to get from one side to the other.

 

We rode the scooter up Cadillac Mountain. Last time we were there, we hiked up the mountain. On the way down, Joan took videos with her cell phone. the best one is posted on 'facebook'. Instead of guardrails on the curves, they use big stones, with space enough for a scooter to slip through! Just a little disconcerting and reason to pay attention to driving!

 

In Bar Harbor, as well as the other villages, there are loads of small shops. Boutiques, pottery studios, art gallery's, sidewalk cafes, all waiting for tourist dollars. There are also shops where you can rent a bike, canoe, kayak, or a guide. The villages must be pretty quiet in the winter!

 

We stopped at one of the cafés for a genuine Maine lobster roll (well, Joan had one) and watched the people strolling by. There was a park across the road, and many people enjoying the fine weather, as well as a young man playing Frisbee with his dog.

The harbors are all beautiful, with white sailboats and small yachts drifting about. But at low tide, there is mud and rocks!

 

On Friday, after calling the doctor for an appointment, we hiked up Flyer Mountain, elevation 284 feet, which doesn't sound very high, but remember, we started out a sea level. The first portion of the trail was several log ladders. It must have taken many hours to construct them. After the ladders, we encountered lots of tree roots and rocks on the trail. How wonderful!

 

We finally reached the summit, which overlooks Somes Sound. We could see across the water to where the boat docks for the homes stretched into the water. It was low tide, and the docks were built so that when the tide was out, the ends of the docks lowered like a ladder to a dock which sat in the water. When the tide came in, the ladder and dock would rise with the water. This way the property owners could always use their boats, high or low tide. Joan has lots of pictures, and some of the docks, and maybe she will get them out this week!

 

The trail down the other side of the mountain was mostly rock steps. Again, lots of man power to create the staircase. Towards the end of the hike, we encountered another couple. They were the only ones we saw on the trail.  We had to turn left, as to the right was "Valley Cove', and straight ahead the trail was roped off because  Peregrine Falcons we nesting in the area and hikers would disturb them.

 

We started back and the trail became a fire road--so the walking was easy here. We must comment here that we did not see any litter along the entire length of the trail. No gum wrappers, cellophane, or Gatorade bottles. The area was clean and pristine. Joan hates to see litter in the forests so this was a welcome change.

James holds to his theory that the nicest people love mother nature; and mother nature loves people because of the gift of such magnificent scenery for all to enjoy.

 

We had packed some sandwiches and drink for lunch, and decided to go back to the picnic area at the campground to eat. It is a very pretty place along the shore. After a quick stop at the VIEW to change out of our hiking boots and leave the remains of lunch, we were off to find the Azalea Gardens which we had heard so much about.

 

The gardens were something of a disappointment. Not much flowering and the arrangement of pathways left much to be desired. There was an interesting Japanese Sand Garden. If you are in Connecticut and reading this, go to Elizabeth Gardens in West Hartford in June--or anytime for that matter. It is beautiful there and beats the Azalea Garden by a mile!

 

Back at the campground, we cooked steaks on the fire and played '500 Rummy' (Joan won, but don't tell James I told. He wasn't happy to lose!)

 

June 1

We left Seawall at 8:30 AM, and headed south back home. We expected a rainy day, but instead it was beautiful! We stopped at a Maine Rest Stop, and there were large statues of a caribou, moose, and three little bears. After a quick lunch, we headed out again, and arrived back in Harwinton.

 

 Joan went to the doctor's on Tuesday and got some more medicine for her cough. The surprise was that the rash was SHINGLES. We both had the shingles shot last fall so this was a real surprise. The doctor said it was a mild case--thanks to the shot. So, if YOU had Chicken Pox as a child, get the Shingles shot now! It will most likely save you a lot of discomfort and outright pain.

 

We will be here taking care of things, and then head out again. Destination unknown until July 13 when we plan to be in Minneapolis to watch Joan's great nephew's Drum Corps International competition.