Day 119 with Ruby and Rocket

As I was packing up to leave the KOA in Hayward Bill called and had been thinking about these bear candle holders we saw in the woodsy store yesterday. He said for me to go ahead and buy them as they would look cool in Guerneville. Well I was planning to do some grocery shopping in Hayward before leaving and the store was near the bear store so fun! I also stopped back in to the bakery to buy Bill a couple more cinnamon rolls as they were to die for. So I bought the bear candle holders then went in to the market and what do I find there but my Elephant Tracks chocolate ice cream. Yep bought that too! All in all a successful shopping day and I haven’t even left town yet!

I finally was on my way to Amery, WI and I have to tell you that driving in Wisconsin has been the most pleasant of any state I’ve driven in so far. Their roads and scenery have been the best!

We’re staying at the Port Valhalla campground in Amery, WI that’s located on a lake and it seems several people are full timers.  Everyone seems friendly and there are couple kids that drive around in their parents golf carts for entertainment.  So Duncan and I are sitting outside and I hear this crunching on the gravel and here comes these two little kids in this little miniature golf cart (mother walking beside them) and I  had to get their picture. I figure Audrey and William are future golf cart drivers!  Very cute - we are so not cool without a golf cart!

We only have about 30 miles to go today and have a rest day tomorrow. Bill is definitely looking forward to that as his legs are hurting a bit to say the least.

Off to New Richmond, WI and the Rivers Edge Campground.

Take care -

Day 117 and 118 with Ruby and Rocket

I’ve had a couple days of pretty scenery driving through Wisconsin and the Land-o-Lakes. At first I thought, OH – butter! Then as I drove the light went on and thought Lakes!! There’s lots of lakes!

Yesterday I left Mercer, a little town, and drove to Hayward which is larger with a really quaint downtown area. They’re gearing up for Lumberjack weekend which is a lumberjack competition. The KOA is hopping!

The weather has cleared up nicely but it’s very buggy. I killed 5 mosquitoes the night before last. Yesterday I was at Walgreens and they had those fly strips so I bought some to hang in Ruby. I always read a little in bed at night and wait for them to come toward my light. Last night I had my bug strip nearby but I didn’t get any customers which was a little disappointing.

As I mentioned before, I’ve had this craving for Chinese food so Bill and I launched Rocket and drove the 3 miles to town. We walked around Main Street and did a little wine tasting at the local winery. Sonoma is still safe but they did have this really delicious Sangria which we bought. I also found more bear lights in this really cool store featuring woodsy stuff. We left there and went to the local Chinese restaurant to order food to go. Well this ain’t no Flo’s and far from it! I did get to enjoy my champagne though. The KOA has ice cream at 7 PM every night so Bill found that and came back with a fabulous chocolate and I mean fabulous. I don’t usually eat ice cream as it doesn’t agree with me but I made him go back and get me some. I ate the whole thing and never got a pain. Must have been the champagne combo! I’ll need to try that more often or find this ice cream.  Really, really good.

So this morning we’re off to Amery, WI which will be our last night in Wisconsin. Yeah – headed West!

Take care,

Day 115 and 116 with Ruby and Rocket

We camped on Lake Michigan again in the city park of Gladstone. This was a pretty park and had a few little beach areas with a bicycle strand.  We had a pretty view from Ruby which was nice as it was very windy. Great temperature as it required no AC and good sleeping weather.

Tuesday morning I left Gladstone and arrived in Iron River, MI which was a pretty drive past potato farms and lots of trees. Saw logging trucks again! 

This was a little glitch in the plan. I had made reservations at Top of the Morn campground as Bill had instructed. So I go to enter the address in Gabby and it says its 200 miles. I question Bill to see if he’s planning to ride 200 miles and he looks a little panicked! He then gets on the computer and realizes there’s an Iron River, Wisconsin and that’s where Top of the Morn is located. So we quickly revised our plan and found the Iron River Campground in Michigan. Luckily they weren’t full and it’s a pretty little city park as well.

It’s raining this morning and Bill is stalling hoping it will clear up but I think we’re going to get showers all day. Ruby needs a bath anyway!

Nothing else too exciting going on but we do head to Wisconsin today. We’ll be in Mercer and I’m dying for some Chinese food and champagne (great combination if you haven’t tried it). Maybe we’ll get lucky.

Take care – off to Mercer, Wisconsin! Another State!!!!

Day 114 with Ruby and Rocket

I made it across the bridge!!! They post a speed limit for trucks and RV’s at 20 MPH which made me feel good as I didn’t have to keep up with traffic. It didn’t seem too windy but my leg was still shaking. Glad that is behind me!

Beginning of the Mackinaw Bridge. It goes a lot higher!

I had a pretty drive on highway 2 all around Lake Michigan and arrived at Driftwood Shores just after passing through Manistique. I stopped at this wonderful market, Jacks (kind of like AJs), and went in for 3 things and came out with a lot more. Shopping is my social time!!

Anyway we’re camped on the lake and have a beautiful view. We were able to open all the windows and have a nice cool breeze. Left the windows open and had to snuggle under the comforter. It was cold!!

Driftwood Shores, Lake Michigan

I’m sitting here this morning typing looking out my front window and not wanting to leave.

BUT, since we are heading west I’m off to Gladstone, MI which is not very far.

Take care

Day 112 and 113 with Ruby and Rocket

So I haven’t crossed the bridge yet and it’s been two days! I guess I wasn’t paying attention to the schedule or my geography is lacking. We’ve been in Mackinaw City for 2 days and will cross the bridge today as I drive to our next location. I’ve seen it in the distance several times and it’s a long one but I can do it!

I arrived at the TeePee camp ground which is on Lake Michigan. It’s nice here, however we need to do laundry and they have no facilities for that which is unusual. We launched Rocket and did some site seeing in the City which was just a mile down the road. This one store we went in had beautiful furniture and unique items. I found a Bear light that would match my classy bear lights in Guerneville. I may have to order it from them.

Potential Bear light for Guerneville - I know this is thrilling!

We had a nice dinner not too far away at the Blue Water Grill. It was OK but I think Bill was disappointed.

I’ve been a little down lately as we had to go so far north and I wasn’t expecting that but now I can see why Bill wanted to see the upper- peninsula. We took a ferry over to Mackinaw Island yesterday and were taken back in time. The island allows no motorized vehicles so there are bicycles (lots and lots) and horse drawn carriages. We did a carriage tour of the island and it’s just beautiful and the history was really interesting. There are beautiful homes (pricey), bed and breakfast places, shops selling fudge which we bought, restaurants and tons of bicycles. It was cool to see the horse drawn taxis, trash collector, luggage delivery, etc.   Some of the views were breathtaking.

 Approaching Mackinaw Island from ferry

 No cars - just bikes and horses

 The road is below with bikers

Beautiful views

We headed back to Mackinaw City on the ferry and out to dinner. Bill needed some pasta!

It was great having a rest day as we both needed it. Today I think we’re truly headed west to Thomas, MI.

Take care -

Day 110 and 111 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I’m now in Bay Harbor, MI which is near Petoskey at the beautiful Motorcoach Resort.

I thought yesterday in Traverse City was uptown but I think this has it beat. Traverse Bay RV Park was near a Trevino Golf Resort and the RV’s there were high class. We were once again a Chevy! It was pretty hot yesterday so I had both air conditioners running since we had the amps for it.

I went to the fitness center this morning (quite a shock) and seemed to work the machines OK. Then I cleaned house and left for Bay Harbor. It was a pretty drive and not terribly far.

This place is next to an equestrian park and across from Lake Michigan although we can’t see the lake. I do have a pretty little view of a pond. Ponds must be big here as we had a view of a pond in Traverse City. There’s a fancy club house, pool, spa, tennis, etc. We’ll probably be in a dump tomorrow! You just never know. We have had TV for the last 2 days and I feel like I’m part of the real world. It’s a little cooler here than yesterday so hopefully going north is a good thing.

 Our clubhouse for the day!

 Our view for the day!

This is in the yard of the model. I think it would be good in Guerneville.

Tomorrow is the big drive to Mackinaw Island but I’m not worried. Well maybe just a little but I’ll live. Let’s all pray for no wind!!!!

Mackinaw Bridge here I come!

Take care -

Day 109 with Ruby and Rocket

Still going north but I think I did head west a little today. I was on the interstate 131 for most of the day. It seemed like a long drive and Bill confirmed with his mileage – 130 miles for him. He was pretty beat when he got in. This campground was voted best in 2006 and 2007 – I can kind of see why that was the end of their reign! It’s a ways off our route so therefore the extra mileage. We head up to Traverse City today and back to civilization.

I took a picture of our neighbor. It looks like it’s been parked there since the reign in 2006. Ron doesn’t this remind you of the Nugget? The picture makes it look good.

It seems a little cooler here and as we go north I’m sure it will get better. I talked to my neighbor at the Double RR Ranch and she’s driven on the Mackinaw Bridge and said I’d have no trouble. It’s in the winter that it can be scary. It’s a 5 mile suspension bridge – I think the 3^rd or 4^th largest in the world. Great! That’s in a couple of days so I’ll probably start dreaming about it. I haven’t wrecked anything lately so I’m probably due!

Off to Traverse City, MI today.

Take care -

Days 107 and 108 with Ruby and Rocket

As I left Indian Lakes Campground I continued through Amish country. These were beautiful farms and farmhouses that were very well taken care of. I passed an Amish family in their buggy probably coming back from church. I felt like I was in a different country.

I arrived at Cold Brook County Park near Battle Creek which was a small park and very wooded. I found a spot with lots of trees as you might know we are experiencing another heat wave. We pretty much stayed inside as the humidity was also high and uncomfortable.

Monday I left Cold Brook and travelled on north to the Double RR Ranch near Belding. I’m a little disappointed that we are going north instead of west. I guess we have to experience the Mackinaw Bridge. Lucky me! More on that later. The Double RR is a big deal with a golf course, river rafting, horseback riding, pool and not sure what else. After driving on a 5 mile dirt road I find the place and, of course it was hotter than blazes when I arrived but its wooded and everyone seems friendly.

Bill left early this morning (Tuesday) as it’s a long day for him. As he left he tells me the power just went out. Great! Well it’s still out as is the whole area. Not sure how long this will last but not a good morning coffee. Hopefully I can get the slides in on the battery.

We’re off to Irons, MI and the Enchanted Acres Park. It better be enchanting as I could use some of that!

Take care -

Day 106 with Ruby and Rocket

I left Shepherd’s Pasture and drove past miles and miles of farmland on small, straight, flat roads. I crossed in to Indiana out in the middle of nowhere. I was then on a more travelled road as I neared my destination. Right before I crossed over a bridge near a large lake I saw my first Amish in his horse and buggy. It was pretty amazing him travelling on the other side of the road as I just zipped by. I was near Indian Lake where we were camping and Gabby had me turn off the main road on to some country roads. I passed some beautiful farms and noticed no cars, trucks, tractors but they did have these buggys and such. I had to stop and take a picture.

 Somewhere in Ohio

 Another State!

 Stopped at a light - a pretty corner in a little town in Indiana

A farm down the road from our Campground in Indiana - these aren't for show!

Soon after, I arrived at our campground and man this is a hoppin place. It’s on Messick Lake and within the campground there are 6 piers with boats docked. You can see houses and other docks in the distance. The campground has all kinds of entertainment for mostly the kids but Bill did take advantage of the chocolate brownie offer. Apparently this is chocolate weekend! They had a chocolate slippy slide! There is a large group camped next to us with several families and many of them Amish.

It’s warming up now and we’re expecting a little hotter weather so I’m glad we were able to get our 2^nd air conditioner replaced. I still haven’t figured out why the TV converter isn’t giving us any channels but maybe today I’ll do that. I made some more reservations for next month as I’d kind of put that off thinking we wouldn’t be on schedule but never fear those legs just keep pedaling!

We cross in to Michigan today and are staying at the Cold Brook County Park.  Another state! I'm dizzy!

Take care -

Day 104 and 105 with Ruby and Rocket

Thursday - I was up bright and early this morning heading to Clyde, Ohio and the Town and Country RV Center. No problem finding and was on the Ohio Turnpike for most of the way. Of course when I got there at the time they told me to be there, they said so – you’re dropping it off? We had a little miscommunication which was quickly remedied and he understood what the deal was and got me in immediately. So Duncan and I walk down the street to the McDonald’s for a coffee and wait for the status call. It wasn’t but an hour and he called saying that we needed a new unit (I already knew that!) and should he replace it whether the extended warranty authorized it or not? I said yes. So another hour went by and Duncan and I had walked back to the dealership and were sitting outside when he called again. Good news – it was fixed and the extended warranty covered it and we only had to pay the tax!!  Yippee!! They also fixed the bedroom TV cabinet which was a little loose.

I was off down the road to Lindsey, Ohio which wasn’t very far and got set up at the Wood Acres Campground. The countryside sure has changed. It's now flat and lots and lots of farmland and corn. Before the corn was maybe up to my knees but now its as tall as I am. It very beautiful but different from what we've seen so far.  The campground is quiet with no train and no traffic and the water is good. The water yesterday was horrible and smelled like sulfur (probably why the lady had no teeth!). This place is very country but quiet.

Bill got in early and we both had naps because we didn’t sleep so well last night. We’re busy making a few changes to our schedule due to reservation issues.

Friday – I had to get on the road early again today as I had another appointment for Ruby to get her oil changed, etc. I drove the 20 miles to Amos Auto and RV Center in Bradner, OH. There was also a bar, a laundromat, the beauty shop and Amos’. That’s about all there was to this town but Amos’ has been in business for 55 years and it was very efficient.  I also found out why my antennae didn’t work since our Driect TV is suspended which I should have figured out before. My TV is analog and all the TV stations are now digital which happened quite some time ago. So I went to Walmart and purchased the converter and we installed it this afternoon. All the signs indicate it works but we’re now in Defiance, OH at Sherpherd’s Pasture (no lie) and a whole lot of trees so no reception.  This is another colorful campground! I think if we had a golf cart, people would be more friendly!

Anyway tomorrow we go to Wolcottville, IN and a really cool RV park (I hope). Maybe we can try our TV again as I don’t think they have cable. Oh the joys of camping! 2 ½ months to go!

Take care -

Day 103 with Ruby and Rocket

So here I sit looking out the window at the freeway and trucks going by and then to my right is the train going by! Oh this is going to be a great night!!

I drove from Conneaut on I90 toward Cleveland and lots of construction. Oh joy! After several miles I reach Cleveland and manage to follow my route Gabby tells me through Cleveland and more construction. I get past Cleveland and then not too far to our Campground, Crystal Springs. Why anyone would want to stay here is beyond me! I don’t see an office or the manager but do see the maintenance guy. So I ask him about things and he’s very nice and we walk to the manager’s trailer. He knocks and she comes to the door (mind you I’ve called her several times today and have gotten voice mail). He says they must be napping but business is business! She answers the door and they figure out where to put me and she tells me they’ll be down later to collect! She doesn’t have her teeth in! Pitty.

Anyway, the maintenance guy tells me where to park and gives me directions to the nearest market so I do a little shopping and return to get set up. I see the interstate immediately but it was a little surprise when the first train rolled through.  I’ve had the windows open all day as it’s really nice out but tonight we’ll have to close up or we’ll never get any sleep.

I made a few reservations for the end of July and August that I had not done thinking we might have changes in our schedule. Bill had a rough day and didn’t get in until 6ish. I have to get up and going early tomorrow as I have my appt for the AC to be replaced and I have to drive about an hour to get there by 9.  No relaxing in bed drinking coffee. Bummer!

Anyway off to Lindsay, OH tomorrow. Manager still hasn’t come to collect!

Take care -

Day 102 with Ruby and Rocket

My drive to Conneaut, OH was pretty much on the I90 the whole way. The Evergreen Lake Campground isn’t too far off the highway but you don’t hear it which is nice. I had done a little research on this location as its wine country. I had scoped out 4 wineries to visits that were relatively close to our campground. This area is very close to Lake Erie.

Bill arrived early so we launched Rocket. Well the first 2 wineries were closed when they advertised open but apparently there were family issues. On the drive to see them, we were very close to Lake Erie and the homes were interesting along the way. The third winery we visited, Taristano also has a restaurant but its only open on the weekend. We did taste wine but it really wasn’t up to our standards! We went to the 4^th winery, Markko, and were pleasantly surprised. He had some great Cabernet which we bought. This winemaker and his wife have been growing and bottling wine here for 45 years. Think about that! He was pretty funny and really interesting.

Markko Winery - good Cab

Kelly at Taristano also recommended a place for dinner in Conneaut. Biscotti's was a great place and we ordered a bottle of the Markko cab. I had salmon with this horseradish and bread crumb topping that I'm going to have to figure out as it was pretty darn tasty. The owner did give me the ingredients so will have to experiment. 

We drive to Rocky River, Ohio today. I need to call and confirm our reservation so hopefully no surprises there. Tomorrow I have an appointment to take Ruby in for a new bedroom air conditioner and a couple other minor issues. The next day is an oil change so a little added excitement for my days.

Take care – off to Rocky River!!! Going WEST

Day 101 with Ruby and Rocket

Thank you for your comments on my possible new career, however, I think I’ll stay with the wine serving! I love hearing from everyone.

I left Niagara Falls yesterday and drove south through Buffalo. Luckily I was on a highway and didn’t have to venture in to downtown. I was driving by the water and passed a lot industry including the Gold Medal Flour plant. Then I drove west to Sheridan, NY where we spent the night in the Sheridan Bay Campground.  It advertises to be on Lake Erie so you kind of have a good thought about that but this place is a little sketch.  Our power was out yesterday as the day was heating up but thankfully the neighbor found the fuse box and fixed it. The owner or whatever he is was at work. His work not being here! Fortunately this place is only $16 a night. Duncan and I sat down by the Lake for an hour or so while I threw the ball in to the lake for him. He loves to chase it but the waves scare him some.

Bill didn’t get in until about 5 pm so I was getting a little worried about him. In places like this I always like it when he arrives so people know I’m not alone. It can get a little unnerving at times. Anyway he arrived safely and we BBQd.

Bill's pouting - his hamburger fell apart. He's a little cranky! 

 Lake Erie

This morning I’m having breakfast alfresco, as well as blogging as I’m in the process of fogging Ruby. Fruit flies have arrived! We had this problem earlier in the trip and had to fog then. It’s warmed up considerably so that’s probably the cause. I do have a pretty view of the lake and it’s cool out.

We head through Pennsylvania and on to Ohio today. We’re in Conneaut, OH tonight. Heading WEST for real!!!!

Take care -

Day 99 and 100 with Ruby and Rocket

I arrived at the KOA in Niagara Falls early afternoon (Saturday) after a long drive on the interstate passing beautiful NY farms. It was a pretty drive and thankful for the mindless drive on an interstate.

Our good friends from Scottsdale, Kim and Lindy, came soon after I got all set up. It was so good to see them and they came bearing gifts. (Appetizers, gifts and fabulous Canadian wine – thank you so much) It was great seeing them and hearing all the news from home. It was a great afternoon for sitting outside and soon Bill arrived after 100+ miles. We BBQ’d steaks and drank the fab wine and just had some good laughs.

Next morning (Sunday) Kim and Lindy picked us up to go to breakfast. (this was exciting and a first!) We drove around Historic Lewiston and Youngstown and tried this Hotel but it was a little weird. A boy of about 12/13 greeted us but we didn’t stay there, however, he did recommend Tommy George’s in town for breakfast. This was a small café owned by Tommy George (think Mafia) and I have to tell you it was the best mixed eggs I have ever had in my life. His recipe was from his father and this guy has had this café for 40 years. He also had the best pancakes and a little different - recipe also from his father. He did something special with potatoes and then you can add the ingredients of your choice. Well I had ham, cheese, eggs and onion. Oh my gosh – the best! I may have to figures this out!

 Lake Niagara

This was a statue depicting the underground slave transport from the US in to Canada for freedom. Lindy says the artist has her work in Scottsdale. It was very impressive.

After breakfast Kim and Lindy headed out to see their mums in Canada. It was really great seeing them.

It was laundry day and guess what?  I bought the dog trimming kit and I’ve watch the video so Duncan is going to have a spa day. He’s so excited! So first you have to brush them all over, then give them a bath and dry their hair. Drying took a while as he has lots and it’s very thick. Then we got down to business. It was lots of fun as you could see results immediately! I gave this a little thought as to my new career but think I’ll stick with the wine tasting room. I don’t want any yappy dogs biting me! You have to visit Bill’s blog as he posted before and after pictures. He looks so cute!

We had a fire last night and visited with our neighbor a little.

This morning we’re on the road again heading for Sheridan, NY on Lake Erie. Yesterday was Day 100 – only 90 to go! My main prayer is to keep us safe and don’t let me wreck anything!

Take care

Day 98 with Ruby and Rocket

I had to find my own way to Canandaigua KOA Park as Gabby wasn’t having the address.  Things went pretty well – only had to stop once to check the map and that just happened to be by the Erie Canal. So I was sitting at a pullover by the road and up rides Bill. It’s weird how you have no idea where you are and this person you know rides up! Of course I had to hear the Erie Canal song again last night. I think he sang it for Casey on the telephone. This is what I live with!

Anyway, I found my way and got set up and in rides Bill. We quickly get going on Rocket as this is wine country and we like to investigate. We went to two wine centers and just let me tell you Sonoma and Napa are safe! We did buy one bottle as it was pretty OK but they do like their sweet wines. One of the wine centers was the New York Culinary School and Wine Center. This was a beautiful facility and you could observe the classes going on. I wanted to join!

It was pizza and movie night. We sat outside for a while waiting for our pizza. This is a busy place with lots of things to do for the kids. So different from yesterday when no one was around us. Every day is an adventure!

Bill left early this morning as he has about 110 miles to go and we’re having company today. Our good friends, Kim and Lindy, from Scottsdale are visiting family in Canada and are coming down for the day to see us. We’re so excited to see them and catch up on news. I’m busy cleaning our little nest which should take about 15 minutes at the most. There is something to say about small houses!

Take care – we’re off to the KOA in Niagara Falls

Day 97 with Ruby and Rocket

We had a burger last night at the local Pub in Boonville. I thought for sure we were in Guerneville at one of the dive bars! Oh well it was good and I didn’t have to cook it!

Duncan and I went for a little walk this morning and explored the rest of the campground. It is huge with 75 campsites. I guess it used to be a cattle farm with this big brown barn. They now do events such as weddings and parties.

The Big Brown Barn

My drive to Fulton was through farming country and not the darn Adirondacks so glad to be off the roller coaster. I passed the sign for exit – Phoenix/Mexico. I had heart palpitations thinking I was back in AZ. Silly me!

It really says Phoenix - Mexico - I was driving!

We’re at a park on the lake kind of by ourselves. Our campsite is interesting as the water is on one campsite and the power is on the opposite one. I asked how to park and the lady just said anywhere as we’re the only ones in this section. Well so I did just that and after moving a picnic table we’re all settled and just fine. Bill just tells me that the lake we’re on is called Neatahawanta. I kid you not! It sounds to me like Neita ah want ta go home!! Get it!!

Neita ah want ta go home!

So wishful thinking but since I’m not going home I’ll have to settle for Rochester, NY. I’ve been trying to find a mobile dog groomer but without luck. I think I’m going to buy a kit and try it myself. Duncan really needs a trim. Maybe Bill can take a video and we’ll win a prize!

Take care – off to Rochester!

Day 95 and 96 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I’m still on the roller coaster going through the Adirondacks. Yesterday I drove through beautiful country past several lakes and boating communities. Brant Lake and Loon Lake were especially beautiful. Sure did want to stop and play! I crossed the Hudson River and there were lots of opportunities to go rafting. Then I arrived at Golden Beach State Park. We had a great view of the lake. Only bad part was no power, water or sewer but we persevered. Had a fire last night as it was beautiful out and didn’t seem like a lot of mosquitoes.

 Raquette Lake

This morning I was back on the roller coaster but it seems to be winding down. I passed more lakes and am now in Boonville, NY. I think it’s really Hicksville but whatever! Bill’s gone to check to see if they have showers. It’s called Styishs Brown Barn Campground and as you can imagine there’s a big brown barn! The good part is that it has full hook-ups.

We may venture in to the little town tonight for a little dinner. I’m tired of my cooking. Oh well that might be a redo as a storm is coming up and OH YEAH - it's a soaker with thunder and lightening! Glad we're in our little humble abode!

We’re off to Fulton, NY tomorrow. I'm thinking we might be out of the Adirondacks so maybe I'll be off the roller coaster! 

Day 94 with Ruby and Rocket

Hope you all had a fun filled 4^th of July.

Correction from yesterday. The gorge I crossed in Vermont is the Quechee Gorge. Check it out on Google.

Anyway, we had a fun day yesterday and did some exploring. There is a beautiful park in the middle of Ticonderoga with a waterfall. I guess the history goes back to water rights and the manufacturing plants that were located on either side of the river. 

Then we headed out to Fort Ticonderoga. Lots of history back before the Revolutionary War. It’s a beautiful setting on Lake Champlain. We had lunch at the little café but were disappointed that they didn’t serve popovers. The Fort has been restored and the old hotel on the grounds has plans for its restoration. The King’s Gardens around the hotel were just beautiful with all kinds of flowers. Bill has plans for our yard in Guerneville!

We left there and did a little grocery shopping and stopped by this wonderful ice cream place on the way back to Ruby.  It was a hoppin place!

We hung out the rest of the day and waited for fireworks. It doesn’t get dark back here till late! We watched them on TV and then had them out our living room window. Missed my family and friends but it was a good day.

Bill rides along the Erie Canal today so he kept thinking about that song and couldn’t remember the words. I told him to look on the internet so he found and had to play it a few times last night and sing along. I guess you had to have been there but I tried to capture the moment. He’s such a country bumkin!

Lake Raquette today – take care

Day 92 and 93 with Ruby and Rocket

Happy 4^th of July!!!!

Hokie smokes – I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster for the past 2 days. This country is absolutely beautiful but hills and turns like crazy!

Driving to Hanover was an adventure – the roads are ok but you sure have to pay attention. Storrs Pond campground was very pretty. We had a BBQ and then saw fireworks from our little path. Duncan didn’t like the fireworks. He was shaking like crazy.

The next morning I got busy and rearranged some of our storage bins and then did cleaning. Of course by the time I was finished it started to rain which is always a mess. Dang it! Left Storrs Pond in the rain and continued on another roller coaster ride to Ticonderoga, NY. Went through some really cute towns and crossed over the Qesee gorge.

I had done a little mapping the night before and decided to go a different way from what Gabby wanted. I was trying to avoid a ferry ride across Lake Champlain. So I take off and she finally sees the way I’m going and everyone is happy. Well I know I’m supposed to take 22 after driving on Route 4 for several miles and we’re all in agreement. However she tricked me in to taking 22A and YES I end up at the ferry crossing. Of course I’m a pro after the Outerbanks and it was a short little ride on a very little ferry.

Approaching the ferry - very little!

Getting off the ferry without hitting anything!

It did get me right in to Ticonderoga so I didn’t have far to the Brookside RV Park. It’s really pretty here and we’ll be here until tomorrow.  Bill needs the rest! A former co-worker of Bill’s, Kim and her husband, Steve, live about an hour away and they joined us for dinner and a campfire. It was a beautiful night and fun to see them. They lived in AZ for a time so we knew them from there. They brought the most wonderful cookies I’ve ever tasted and some Vermont wine which was pretty darn good too.

This morning is beautiful and we’ll probably go exploring in Ticonderoga. Right now I’m in bed typing this and was just served a Bloody Mary. Should be a good day!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday and appreciate our beautiful country!

Take care and be safe – we’ll be leaving here tomorrow for Lake Raquette, NY.

Day 90 and 91 with Ruby and Rocket

My drive to Thomas Point was fairly uneventful and no surprises as we stayed here on our way up north. It’s a pretty campground but kind of spooky as not very many campers around. It has a big beach area and Duncan and I had a nice walk through the campground. When we were here previously it was raining so we didn’t do any exploring. Our neighbor Lenny was still camped next to us from before.

Friday I took off for North Conway, NH (finally for sure going west)! It was unknown territory but a beautiful drive. I check Gabby’s route with the map now so hopefully no surprises. Those little black lines on the map are little roads!

We’re here at the Saco River Campground that is really full and ready for the 4^th of July weekend. The river that runs next to it is very similar to our river in Guerneville so lots of families and lots of kids with tubes.  There is a narrow gauge railroad you hear in the distance that does scenic tours. Thankfully this is a daytime railroad!

Friday was a rough day for Bill as it was 100+ miles and lots of steep hills. He was wasted when he got in to camp. I served up his standard margarita which he sometimes feels the need to inhale. It does seem to help him recover a bit! The weather has been great lately with temps in the 80’s and cooling off at night(sorry Phoenix). We had a nice campfire and did a BBQ.

Saturday – we’re off to Hanover, NH today. It’s a fairly short day for me but Bill has a big mountain to climb and his back is hurting. I hope he took enough drugs!

Anyway take care -