June-October 2022

Goodness...once on a role, I realized how I lost all track of time and place.. So, now I will get my ducks in a row. I didn't realize we had done so much in the second half of 2022. It was so much that I decided to remove November and December and give it its own entry.

My last blog was missing a big trip. I neglected to include "Everglades February 2022," where we met up with Charlie who was staying in another campground.  Bertha was too big to stay there, so we booked the very upscale Everglade Isle Motorcoach Resort. We were parked alongside a Prevost and a drive around the property showed more Prevost, Newmar and Tiffin coaches. The roads were laid with paving bricks and each site had pavers. Most had tiki huts and lavish landscaping. The pricing was upscale as well.

A restaurant on site allowed us three the oppotunity to enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks one evening. I had my favorite, a Lemon Drop Martini, which was superb. I keep trying to concoct the same mixture, but fail each time. Maybe it's like a take-out food...it always tastes better in the restaurant. 

Can I get one To-Go?

The weather was quite nice and we toured the Everglades on an Airboat. Our captain was very knowledgeable and we learned about mangrove trees and their role in the ecosystem. Interestingly, the Everglades is the only place where alligators and crocodiles cohabitate. We were able to spot a couple of each, but they were too far to capture in photo and I didn't desire to get any closer.

The airboat ride was fantastic. We sped down narrow openings in the mangroves that led to an open area where the boat went around in a huge circle at a high speed. Water splashed all around us. I found it exhilarating! I can't wait to do something like this again.

Top two photos: our site.
Bottom, our site from the boat, our tour guide and the canal behind our RV

Ride along in the Everglades

In June, Croton Point Park welcomed us with much-needed improvements that had been accomplished while we were gone. Trees were trimmed and the campground road was paved.

The area is full of history and beautiful views of the Hudson River
as seen from atop the old landfill.

.

Apparently, while we camped in Georgia, a tree frog jumped on board Big Bertha and we transported him to various campgrounds, across state lines and all the way to NY. The sound our specific tree frog made was similar to a duck. Froggy "quacked" at intermittent times and in different locations throughout Bertha. As hard as we tried, we could not locate him. People thought us crazy until the sound was heard by our fellow Islanders. 

Froggy finally revealed himself as I opened a lounge chair in Croton  He was probably dehydrated and starving. George placed him at the base of a tree, but I doubt he survived, God rest his soul. Stock photo of the little bastard below.

Tree Frog

We had the opportunity to celebrate another 80th birthday. Our friend, Charlie, hit that great milestone in May. In June, his children hosted a party with all of his family and friends. It was a terrific night, filled with great people, delicious food and fine wine. I'm sure the top two things that made his party happy were his kids being there and the FOOD! 

The month of June also allowed me to join in celebrating the retirement of my last principal at BMMS. I went through seven principals in less than 10 years! I retired two years after John Owens (below) was promoted to the job. My friend, Helene, was appointed to fill my position and has done a great job at re-creating and streamlining the responsibilities. Now why didn't I think of that?

Top l to r: Jonathon Brown, John Owen, me and Helene
Bottom: Me & JT, who looked confused at being invited to the party,
R - me, John and Helene - his two best secretaries!

We had reservations for the Fourth of July weekend in Northhampton/Springfield KOA in Massachusetts. It's a long story that included electricity and a run-in between the manager and George (yes, I said George) over not being allowed to use our generator. Then, for the first time in eight years as full-timers, we were kicked out of a campground! A terrible review was left in several locations. 

Of all times, we were traveling on a big holiday weekend with my nephew, Jack in tow. This was his very first RV trip! He had looked forward to camping and was extremely excited and extremely inquisitive. He became a bit worried when he heard we were booted from the KOA and then felt worse when George said that we would "just stay at a Walmart." I think Jack thought we were going to sleep INSIDE the store. We calmed his fears and drove to the nearby Walmart.  It was a quick drive through, because the parking lot was overrun with dilapidated vans, buses and cars. We needed to go with Plan B, aka "CB."

Cracker Barrel here we come! George found a very safe neighborhood and Jack was happy to see other RVs. He still had a bit of trouble falling asleep. so I sat with him until he slipped off to dreamland.

First RV Trip for Jack!

Another first! First time at a Cracker Barrel. It was a hit.

I was able to book a stay at KOA near Mystic Seaport, in Connecticut. It turned out to be a campground needing some TLC. Neither of the two pools were working. No wonder they had space for us on the holiday weekend! Regardless, the trip was terrific and memorable. We took Jack to Mystic Seaport and we all had lots of fun. Jack is a great kid. His mind is like a spinning wheel that never stops. I am thoroughly amazed by his comments, ideas and observances. Watching the whole experience through his eyes made the trip even better.

Mystic Seaport

Last night: A campfire and a BIG Mr. Softee cone.

After returning from Mystic, we had another big celebration. George's step-dad, Charlie, turned 90. A party was held at Table 9, in Cortlandt Manor. Many friends and family gathered to mark this amazing milestone. George and I missed it due to me contracting the flu and George being contaminated, so sadly, no photos.

In August, we traveled up and around northeast coastal towns to the Boston-Salem area. The first stop was Aces High Campground in East Lyme, Connecticut. This was a very nice place and would love to stay here again for a longer time.

Aces High Campground. Close to the beach and seaside towns.

We got our 1st duck at Cape Anne!

The second stop was Cape Ann Campsites in Gloucester, MA. There were so many interesting places to visit, including the Salem Witchs' Cemetery. It was sad knowing these women were innocent and that ignorance was what actually killed them.

We came out of our RV one morning and there was a little blue duck on our Jeep. It had a tag attached that claimed "we had been ducked." Links to FB and Instagram explained the creation of this new fad that was borne out of sadness during COVID. The objective was to bring a smile to a fellow Jeep-er's face. 

 

I'm officially hooked on this new Jeep fad - share a duck and give a smile. It's a "Jeep thing."    

Cape Ann Campground, Gloucester, MA

Boston

Last stop was Alpine Lake Campground in Corinth, NY. We had been here before and loved its proximity to Lake George, Saratoga and Saratoga Springs. It is also a very peaceful place to just sit back and relax.

The view from our site.

The other side of the lake.

Saratoga Springs. We ducked and got ducked again!

We headed back to Croton and dealt with everyday life until it was time for our next trip with several other Islanders. We stayed at the quaint and comfortable Fisherman's Memorial State Park on Point Judith, in the town of Narragansett, RI. We were able to get a lot of sight-seeing squeezed in and had a pleasant (chilly) time.

Beavertail Lighthouse-3rd lighthouse on the Atlantic Coast.

The "facilities" at Beavertail Lighthouse. 

I felt like this blog entry rambled on for way too long. I will complete 2022 in my next entry. Its' not over until it's over.

Deep thought for the day:  Isn't life just ducky? As I proof-read this document, I noticed the three references to "ducks." We should all live a bit more like ducks - they love being in the rain, bobbing on the water, quacking and running or swimming in a line. They always look happy! Let's all try to be more "ducky." ~ vc

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

Narragansett Bay, RI

Narragansett Bay, RI

A drive across the border on a picture-perfect day took us to Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay for a picnic lunch. Carole's idea of a "picnic lunch" was more of a three course meal. My chicken salad sandwiches and bag of chips looked paltry next to the spread she laid out. I have learned a lot from Carole.  She is a constant inspiration to me. My next picnic will be spectacular! More "Carole-like."

The day couldn't have been prettier and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon by the bay.

Life is beautiful.

After our leisurely lunch we took a ride to nearby Foxwood Casino for dinner. We dined at Hard Rock Cafe and afterward took a stroll through the outlet stores. None of us gambled, but we still had a fun evening window shopping and people watching. 

Gaming galore!

The last photo I snapped at Foxwoods was from the popular bakery, "Cake de Franck". This is significant due to the fact that on my son, Glenn's, fifth birthday I made the original baseball mitt cake design you see below. I failed to copyright my creation, but mine was just as spectacular as the version below. Hope you see this Glenn and remember "when.".

I have a photo from 1980 (currently packed away) that will prove my cake design was STOLEN. 

The drive home from the Casino had me yawning and beginning to worry about Miss Lucy. She seems to be avoiding me (the medicine man) and clinging more to her Dad (the treat man), but come bedtime, I'm hoping she will be at my feet, alert and watching out for any sign of movement, be it foe, foot or fly. It has been difficult to watch her as she slowly recuperates from an infection. She is definitely not acting like her usual self.

Night has come, Aleve has been taken, and I'm hoping for a sound and peaceful sleep, because tomorrow finds us pulling up stakes and heading to Sacco, ME. If all goes smoothly we should have  about a 3.5 hour drive. Glad to know rain is NOT in the forecast.

Look out lobsters, here I come!

An observance of the day:  Even though the obstacle of a language barrier sometimes slows us down, observing beauty (ooooh----ahhhhhh) and enjoying fine food (mmmmm---oh) is universal. Being with Carole and Serge is always beautiful and delicious. ~ vc