Last, but not least, Rhode Island

Our last stop found us in "The Ocean State," Rhode Island. I would never have thought that our smallest state would earn that title, but "www.statesymbolsusa.org" states that although the smallest, it has 400 miles of direct access to the Atlantic. It mentions that the only state to beat that mileage is Alaska. I'm assuming there is a difference between coastline and "direct access," because I'm pretty sure any of the east coast states, Hawaii and California can beat that number. Goes to show that you can't believe everything you read (unless it's written by me). Just like GPS's. George can choose to listen to those, but he's usually better off listening to me.

Regardless of it's nickname, I loved Rhode Island and want to return again and again. This stop had us meeting up with friends Tricia, Craig and Charlie, all of us converging at Meadowlark Campground.

Meadowlark earned high marks from all of us despite the fact that we were squeezed into small sights and backed up inches from our neighbors to our rear and awnings almost touched slides. Most of the people in our vicinity were seasonal campers who had been coming here for years and years. It turned out to be such fun with these friendly folks as we joked, shared food and stories.

Photo courtesy of ACR

We all converged on Tricia's and Craig's site to enjoy a meal of whatever we all had in our refrigerators. It turned out to be a great meal.

Charlie's site was right next to theirs and was eerily tucked almost on top of a small cemetery. There were less than a dozen stones that were difficult to read, but we did make out one dated 1776. I wonder who Charlie was parked on top of? I'm not sure I could have slept there and we never ended up eating dinner at his site either. 

A sandy beach was less than a mile from the campground and many interesting historical sights were within walking distance.

Right down the road was the Boyd's Wind Grist Mill. This windmill was the only "eight-vane" mill ever built and operated in New England. Sadly, it's only one of a very few surviving across the United States. I tried researching the others in the US and have come up with nary a one.  I located one in the UK and Germany, but nothing closely resembling Boyd’s here in the States. If anyone reading this knows of any of these unique pieces of history, please leave me a comment with its location.

Our nightly view from our bedroom window were the vanes illuminated by ground lighting. Quite a sight.

Steps away was Paradise School, which now houses the Historical Society and Museum.  It was closed for the Labor Day Weekend, but the exterior was a sight to see with its pale yellow wooden clapboard. A small sign noted the name and year, "1875."

Paradise School

While looking at the building I assumed the bell would have hung in the top cupola and wondered if, as in my own childhood, boys and girls entered and exited through separate doors. I was disappointed at not getting to see the inside so I I had to just imagine how it must have been for students and teacher so long ago. 

The next day found us headed to Bowman's Wharf in Newport where we spent the day strolling around, grabbing lunch and taking an afternoon Trolley Tour.

Bowman's Wharf

George had his eye on that big baby in the background. It was navy blue and white.

We found a nice place for lunch and enjoyed a great meal sitting a flight above a busy street.

Tricia and her date for the day.
Craig's fav football team was playing.

Me and my date.

Photo courtesy of ACR

After lunch we took a short walk to the Trolley station and hopped on for a one and a half hour tour of Newport. George and I believe that there is no better way to learn the history and secrets of a place than a tour upon a trolley. We were fortunate, once more, to have a very talented and witty driver/tour guide. He was an Irish bloke, a Newport native and a retired history teacher, making him a favorite in Charlie's book. This trolley, opposed to our last one in Bar Harbor, was packed full.

Our driver told us stories about his childhood as he rounded turns or passed places where he had played baseball, went to school, or told his best story, which he peppered throughout the tour, which was about Trinity Church. where Princess Diana and Prince Charles Jackie and John F. Kennedy were married. Her family was from the area and we drove past the farm she spent most of her summers. At Trinity Church, there was even a sign with their photo announcing that great event. Coincidentally, our driver's parents got married at that same church in 1951. He told us he's still trying to get a sign displayed out front in their honor.

We were all pretty excited to see a beautifully restored Crown Victoria. It clearly stood out as it inched through the heavily trafficked road. Look at those white-walls. It was a sight for sore eyes.

My name and the word "crown" go together so naturally; don't you think?

No bathing suits, thankfully, just a great "Destination Dinner."

A most enjoyable dinner on the beach.

A view of the beach and cove.

Always a friendly person offering to snap a photo

Capturing the sun setting on our new Jeep Wrangler.
Dis be MY photo.

The next day all of us, except George, hit the Newport Vineyards Winery and Brewery. My new "thing" this summer has been an interest in IPA's and locally brewed beers. Pale Ale's are so far my favorite, but I am new at this game, so my immature palate needs experience.

A line of wine enthusiasts about a mile long greeted us as we pulled up to the winery and we were worried we wouldn't get to participate in a tasting or get a table for lunch. Although that tasting never did come to fruition, we didn't have to wait long for a table and we got to taste whatever we wanted while sitting! 

Waiting on line before we realized we could just make a reservation for a table.
Photo courtesy ACR

The vines

Courtesy of ACR - my "Beer Flight"

Photo courtesy ACR -
The interesting cheeses that paired so well with the different beers. Ah-ma-zing.

At lunch, Tricia ordered a wine flight and I opted for a beer flight. We all shared a cheese board that contained five different cheeses that I've never tasted before. It had crostinies, nuts, fruits and jams as well. I've always known about wine and cheese pairings, but was astounded to discover that it works the same way with beer. And I thought beer only went with pretzels and nuts!  I began noticing distinct notes in each beer as I compared the cheeses. I can't say exactly what those notes were, but one was definitely citrus. This may be a new obsession for me. I'll keep you posted.

We all had a great last day, including George, who got to take his new bicycle out for a long test ride.

Happy for the month to be over.
She had a rough time,
but she carried on like a trooper.

Thirty-two days on the road seemed to quickly come to an end. We got to add five stickers to our map: VT, MA, ME, NH, and RI and Lucy got to add a sticker to her US map of Vet visits. We ate our way back and forth throughout New England and we were able to witness a different way of living, eating and talking. For example, "Hey, ya need more butta with that lobsta?"

Charlie, AKA ACR, also writes a blog and you can compare his notes to mine as he went into much more detail, especially with our trolley tour, sights and food. You can read his version of the day HERE!

Deep thought for the day: All good things must come to an end and all "ends" are the result of beginnings. Enjoy the beginnings, the middles and the ends. If lobster is involved at any portion, don't forget to ask for extra  'butta." ~ vc