I Did it, My Way!

Saturday, 24 October 2009

I left you on the Airbus home from New York to Heathrow.

Return of the Red-Eye

Well, thanks to a combination of an uncomfortable seat and a 4 year old that alternated between high-pitched giggling and manic crying I got virtually no sleep at all on the plane.

My flight landed about 2 and a half hours late and after passport control and baggage pick-up my Mum met me at arrivals and whisked me back to stay with my folks for a few days.

The weather was drizzly and grey, I found being driven on the left weird but I do love the British accent. It's so quaint.

Home Comforts

Much as I've loved the USA, there have been a number of things I have missed. I've already satisfied some of those including a bar of Dairy Milk, good Cheddar Cheese, my Dad's tea and home cooked food.

In a very short time I'll be enjoying one of the other things I've really missed which is sleeping under a duvet.

I'll blog further when I am less jet-lagged.

Goodnight America, wherever you are.

View Day 91 / 92 in a larger map

Stats - Day Ninety-Two

Distance travelled - 3,613 New York, NY to Dursley, Glos., UK via New York JFK and London Heathrow airports.

Final State count - 40 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106, 522, 1201, "Back".

*room switch

And More, Much More Than This...

Friday, 23 October 2009

Road Trip Day 65

Now, strictly speaking the "Road Trip" is over since I have handed back the rental, but I'll stick with the numbering as day 65 on the road as I am still setting my own schedule.

Scales

When I travelled over from England initially I had very clear set of guidelines for how many bags and of what weight and size I could take with me on the TrekAmerica journey. I managed to bend the rules a little bit, but essentially I was well below my baggage allowance for the flight.

This is no longer the case.

Over the course of 90 days I have accrued a great deal of extra junk in my luggage. This includes T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, caps, assorted Prince related magazines and posters (thanks Melissa), CDs, books, sports equipment and volcanic rock.

This collection of additional baggage weight was going to be a potential issue, but I couldn't find out how bad without the use of weighing scales.

And if I hadn't needed weighing scales I may not have got to meet Matthew the doorman at my hotel. I'll tell you about him in a moment, but for now, the long story cut short on my baggage is that by putting all the magazines and books in my "carry on" bag, the rest of my stuff came in at just about OK. Both my cases were over-weight, but the check-in guy didn't charge me so yippee.

More on the Kindness of Strangers

In many ways Matt the doorman at my hotel today is the perfect example of the kindness and warmth of the vast majority of Americans I have met on my travels. He was busy with many duties and people calling on him to check bags and so on, but he made sure to help me, weigh my bags, give advice and reassurance for repacking and all with a fantastic New York roguish charm.

We shared stories, joked around and made an instant connection at a time when I was in danger of becoming stressed and nervous over something as silly as an overstuffed bag.

During the repacking process I had to find a few ways to save weight and one item that had to go was an unopened jar of Jif Peanut Butter. I'd bought it a few weeks ago intending to make packed lunches, but a series of hotels with no refrigerators made keeping butter and other stuff impractical so it had never been opened.

Thus was born the most unique tip a doorman has ever received; five bucks and a jar of crunchy peanut butter. This gift caused no end of hilarity for reasons way to complicated to explain here, but suffice to say I'll always remember that Choosey Moms Choose Jif!

MoMa

After the time spent repacking my overflowing bags I was running late. I had already decided not to go back up the Empire State Building. I had intended to make it both the first and the last thing I did on my trip, but it was cold today and I can go up it again next time if I want to.

So, as it was getting chilly and because "Art" is my new thing, I went to the Museum of Modern Art up on 5th and 52nd. It's only a half hour walk from the hotel and was a good way to spend my last day here.

It's a huge museum so I had to choose what I could spend most time on. I chose to start with the main galleries covering 1900 to 1970 and saw some lovely pieces.

The colourful picture above is "Map" by Jasper Johns and felt very appropriate with it's depiction of the USA, delineated by states. A striking piece and one which my little photo does absolutely no justice at all.

This sculpture (or is it an installation?) is called Serial Project, 1 (ABCD) and really pressed all my symmetry and pattern recognition buttons. Though possibly blocky and still at first glance, closer inspection reveals very methodical progressions of size, shape and form. In short, I thought it was excellent and wish I'd thought of it.

A couple of works by Gino Severini also cought my eye as well as another Magritte, "The Empire of Light".

Last Stroll

So, with my fill of art, I made my weary way back to the hotel. As I may have mentioned, wandering around art galleries is very tiring and my legs felt pretty heavy on the way back to get my ride to the airport.

Here, by the way, is the last photo I took on my American Adventure.

I've Loved, I've Laughed and Cried

As I said, I really hit it off with Matt the Doorman and when I got back to the hotel we chatted and shared some frankly quite bawdy conversation. But then my ride arrived and it was time to pack my heavy bags into the van and head off to JFK airport. My new friend gave me a big hug and that's when the tears started.

At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, this big hug almost felt like America hugging me goodbye. I don't know how to express it really, but I couldn't help but cry a little.

Family Tradition

My Grandfather has a special talent. A super-power if you will. He is able to coincidentally bump into someone he knows wherever he goes. He'll be walking through a housing estate in some suburb of London when out of nowhere a voice will say "Jim?" and lo-and-behold he's met someone he went to Scouts with 70 years ago or worked with in 1967.

Today, after 3 months in America I finally managed to bump into someone I know. 3 people actually. Sandie, Leslie and Martina whom I worked with for several years and we were all in the same lottery syndicate. They had been in New York for a short break and were booked on the same shuttle van as me and are, even as I type this, on the same plane as me.

So, my skills are not as finely tuned as my Granddad, but it's nice to know I can meet people I know in the silliest places too.

Inevitable Delay

Do ALL planes leave late? Are any actually on time? Or do I just have bad luck?

We boarded an hour late then sat on the Taxiway for over an hour.

It Ain't Over

So, strictly speaking, based on New York time it is bedtime and I may get a little sleep on this flight. However, before I go, I do intend to make at least a few more entries to my blog. I've some thoughts about the USA that I haven't really crystallised. I've really enjoyed writing this and hope that it's been informative, enlightening and entertaining to read. I hope too that you'll continue to read as my adventure moves from America to back to England.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Ninety-One

Final State count - 40 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106, 522, 1201

*room switch

And Now, The End Is Near...

Thursday, 22 October 2009

Road Trip Day 64

There was a certain reluctance in my stride as I got ready to go this morning. Not that I am reluctant to come to New York, rather it's what my return here signifies.

Cross Town Traffic

So, a quick blast along Interstate 95 and I arrived on the outskirts of the most famous city in the world.

About a year ago I drove through central London, just so that I could see how hectic it was. It was exhilarating and a lot of fun once I tuned into the tempo and aggression required to survive.

Manhattan is similar, but the streets are wider and the pedestrians more suicidal. As with London, I am happy to be able to say I've driven in New York. It's one of those places where people say "Ooo, I'd never drive there". I would. I did. I survived.

As Seen on TV

When I blogged about New York at the start of my trip I mentioned some unfinished business; a TV location which I didn't find. Well, as I had the car, I thought I could make amends and made this my only stop on the way into the heart of the city.

Here's The Beast parked illegally outside Tom's Restaurant at 112th and Broadway. Tom's is the restaurant which is used as for the external shots of "Monk's" in Seinfeld and also the inspiration for Suzanne Vega's song, "Tom's Diner". You'll know the song when you hear it... here's a link to the song.

I hurriedly returned before I got a ticket and continued my drive into Midtown.

Closing the Circle

Apart from a complete failure to find a gas station in New York (and thus incurring a small charge for not returning with a full tank) I really enjoyed driving in the city. It's quite a buzz and not that difficult to navigate thanks to the grid system. Plus, the views down the canyons were cool. Here's my first view of The Empire State Building as I drove down 5th Avenue.

I arrived at my hotel, the same one I stayed in on the way into the USA and checked in, thus, metaphorically completing the circle as I returned to my starting point (I don't count landing at JFK).

Thank Goodness for Google

Today, I really felt the benefit of Google Streetview. I'd found the Dollar Rent-a-Car location last night on Google Maps then zoomed in to see exactly what I'd see when I arrived there.

View Larger Map

Without it I could easily have missed the sign.

I've Travelled Each and Every Highway

So, this was it. Goodbye to The Beast, my trusty companion for 10,466.3 incident free miles, across 24 states over 63 days. I am genuinely and unashamedly a little upset to be parted. I have owned 3 cars since learning to drive and I drove this 2008 Charger further than either of my first two cars. That overpowered, under-engineered monster was a constant in my journey and I felt a little lost without it this afternoon.

However, moved as I was, I managed not to shed a tear in the car rental office. I had to maintain my composure and display a certain degree of charm to deal with the continuing fiasco which my long term rental has been.

Again, I will spare you the details, but suffice to say my man Jay sorted it as best he could. He was great actually and I appreciate his help. The process did take an hour and a half though so my patience was tested to its full extent.

Each Careful Step Along the Byway

So, divorced from my transport (which will not be rented again and is now destined to be sold!), I was back to walking the streets of New York. It's such a great city to walk through though and I soon fell back in love with the smells, sounds and feel of the throng. It was a beautiful day today too, though the forecasters predict cooler tomorrow and vile weather Saturday... not that I will be affected by it then.

After a couple of slices of pizza I returned to the hotel to dump the bits and bobs I'd left in the car and chill a little before taking a longer stroll in the early evening. My goodness the Chrysler Building is beautiful.

I'll State my Case, of which I'm Certain

It's not just the architecture I notice when I am out and about in New York, there is also a deal of people watching. One, inescapable truth about the women of this city is their sense of style. In my admittedly minimal research, I'd have to say that there are more, better turned out, fashion conscious women here than anywhere I've been.

Today I have observed that leggings are in, but only if you have the figure for them, and so are winter dresses, short smart skirts and skyscraper heels. It's a veritable catwalk out there on the streets and very entertaining.

...And you thought all I talk about is cars and hotels.

Goodnight.

View Driving Day 64 in a larger map

Stats - Day Ninety

Distance travelled - 67 miles - Stratford, CT to New York, NY

Final State count - 40 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106, 522, 1201

*room switch

The Big Four-Oh

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Road Trip Day 63

Well, today has been one of those days when I am just covering the distance. The weather has been nice, I've been to two more states and swerved a hotel annoyance, but not really done much.

Smallest State

I'd planned my last few days to take in all of New England and soon after leaving Boston I was in the smallest state in the USA, Rhode Island. There was nothing particularly outstanding that I wanted to go see, so I kept up my tradition of visiting State Capitols. There is no prize for guessing the design...

From Providence I turned towards the coast to pass over two huge bridges across Greenwich Bay. Oddly, that meant crossing back into Massachusetts for a few miles before reaching the east side of the bay. I had intended to visit Newport in Rhode Island too, but an awkward direction from my GPS sent me over a toll bridge before I could get off into the town.

40 Is Your Total

When planning my adventure, my sketchy route took me through between 34 and 36 states depending on how well I thought I would do. Having I entered Connecticut today and racked up my 40th I can safely say I have exceeded my expectations considerably.

To my annoyance, I missed the "Welcome to Connecticut" sign. I'll admit now there have been a few occasions where I have done a U-Turn and driven out and back into a state to get the sign, but having done that already for Rhode Island earlier in the day I wasn't in the mood. Instead I made do with a picture of the Welcome Center.

Quick Break

It's only now, as I write my blog and do my nightly "fact checking" that I learn that I was in the home town of Katherine Hepburn, one of my favourite actresses. She lived in Fenwick, part of the pretty town of Old Saybrook, Connecticut right up to her death in 2003. There's a new arts centre there that I could have stopped by at.

I did at least stop at the point on the southern tip and took a photo of this rather sweet lighthouse.

Don't Got No Internet

My hotel of choice tonight was in Milford, Connecticut. I'd booked online, arrived in good time, checked in and was just turning to get my baggage out of the car when I remembered to ask for the WiFi password.

"Ah" she said, "We're not wireless and we don't have any bridge boxes left, sorry". "Sorry, what's a bridge box?" "You need one to plug in to allow you access to the internet. I only have 20 and they are all out." "Ah, that's a problem..."

Happily, she, Deven, the helpful front desk clerk, was well used to this problem and probably more frustrated by it than I was as it turns out she has to deal with this a lot. She helped me find an alternative hotel. She even had a coupon for me to use which is how I happen to be 8 miles closer to New York city in Stratford, Connecticut.

Thanks Deven.

Nearly There

I am now just 63 miles from Manhattan.

View Driving Day 63 in a larger map

visited 40 states (80%)

Create your own visited map of The United States

Stats - Day Eighty-Nine

Distance travelled - 212 miles - Boston, MA to Stratford, CT via Providence and Newport, RI and Old Saybrook, CT

States entered - Rhode Island, Connecticut

State count - 40 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106, 522

*room switch

The Revolution

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Road Trip Day 62

HBO made an award winning series "John Adams" giving an account of the events before and after the American revolution, focusing on the man who would be the second president of the fledgling country. I'm not much of a history buff, but I found the series fascinating both because it was so well done and because the events themselves are so compelling.

The knowledge and interest that series gave me made my trip today through Boston's history wonderful.

Gather Ye for the 11:30 Tour

Actually, the guide for the tour I went on wasn't too over the top with the whole "period" thing but did have the frock coat, breeches and tricorner hat. He was also an excellent raconteur with a strong knowledge and clear interest in his topic. He also didn't overly glamorise the principal players but equally didn't make the stories seem dry or plodding.

The tour he lead us on was an approximation of Boston's "Freedom Trail", a red line painted or lain in bricks across the city. It was an approximation as the first thing he announced was that the line is "for the tourists".

Yet Another Capitol

Boo-yah, I got me another Capitol Building and, inevitably, another dome. Here though, it's not just a gold statue on top, the entire dome is gold. Last time it was refurbished they used 12 pounds of gold leaf. See, I bet you didn't know that before did you?

Churches and Graveyards

Next to Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, is a typically attractive church in the style I have grown accustomed to seeing in New England.

In the graveyard of this central church are buried several of the key personnel involved in the events around the Revolution. John Hancock, of big signature fame, Paul Revere, daredevil horseback messenger and Samuel Adams, spin-doctor and galvaniser of men are all buried here.

Here's Paul Revere's grave with Steve, our guide, behind.

The Boston Massacre

Below is the Old State House, the penultimate stop on the walking tour and right next to the scene of the Boston Massacre, a tipping point in the Revolution where just five people died, but under provocative circumstances.

I returned later for a quick look around the little museum inside the Old State House.

Clam Chowdah

I couldn't come to Boston and not have Clam Chowder, so I did it in style by having a Chowder Bread Bowl at one of the stalls in Faneuil Hall Food Court. In case you have not encountered it, soup in a bread bowl is exactly that, a big chunky bread roll, hollowed out and filled with soup. You eat the soup with a spoon as usual then eat the bread bowl.

It was bloody delicious and I am happy with my choice from the bewildering array in the largest and most diverse food court I've ever seen. I am also happy with the Reeses Peanut Butter Brownie I bought and have just scoffed this evening.

The Walk

I wanted to go see the Mother Church of the Christian Science movement in the Back Bay area of Boston, about a mile or so from Boston Common where I had returned after lunch. The guy at the counter suggested the subway, but I do love to walk a city so strode off with map in hand.

As always, this is by far my preferred method of seeing a city as you get a feel for the folks, the sounds, the smells and the "vibe".

I enjoyed Boston's vibe, something which was probably enhanced by the unexpectedly good weather. The city has plenty of history, mixed with a few striking towers, most pleasing of which is the John Hancock Tower which stands like a shard of glass between the historic heart and the newer Back Bay area.

Have Faith

It was quite a long walk to the Christian Science Centre and by the time I arrived I was getting tired so I declined the opportunity to pay for entry to the neighbouring library and Mapparium. I'll go in next time

I did take a moment to look at the reflecting pool and rather like this photo I took there.

Packing

This evening I not done much except chill out and continue the tedious process of consolidating my baggage down to one newly purchased case and my big, battered holdall.

Tomorrow, I drive to Connecticut.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Eighty-Eight

Distance travelled - 0 miles - Stayed in Boston

State entered - Massachusetts

State count - 38 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106

*room switch

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Monday, 19 October 2009

Road Trip Day 61

Well, I opened the blinds of my "villa" in Kittery this morning with a little trepidation, but was greeted by a blue sky, snow free ground and chilly, clean breeze. Here's a picture of my "villa" which was warm, cozy, had perfect WiFi signal and good TV reception. No complaints from me.

Incidentally, isn't Kittery a place where you take your young cat to stay when you go on holiday?

Outdoor Museum

Yesterday the weather cut short my journey before I reached my chosen entertainment at Strawbery Banke Museum (no, these are not typos, it's the Olde English original name for the settlement now know as Portsmouth). Even if I had got there I wouldn't have enjoyed myself as it is an outdoor, living museum.

Essentially, it is a collection of restored, original buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th Centuries. Several were open to view with original features, fittings and furniture plus a couple of people "in character" as the Lady of the House and a Russian Jewish immigrant.

It's terribly well done and pretty educational, though I would have been more interested if the exhibits had included some more modern homes.

Coast

I do like to be beside the seaside. I do like to be beside the sea, which is why I just adored the stretch of coastline that I drove today in my usual efforts to avoid the Interstate Highways. I drove along a good deal of the short New Hampshire coastline and it is absolutely beautiful. The sea was whipping in today on a feisty wind giving me the impression I was in a Guinness commercial.

The houses along the coast here are as big and beautiful as the sea. I'm no realtor, but I know expensive, desirable homes when I see them.

Big City

I mentioned the other day that it's surprising to me how quiet so many American cities have appeared to me. My drive into Boston today proved the point, by being the exception to that rule. The traffic was pretty horrible, but the city is good looking and I look forward to investigating further tomorrow. In the meantime though, I did have one appointment in the city...

Take Me Out To Another Ballpark

You'll know by now how much I enjoy a good tour so I couldn't resist a guided trip around Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball Stadium and home of the Boston Red Sox.

As a good Twins fan, I didn't miss the opportunity to wear my Minnesota hat and tee-shirt. The guide picked up on this and when he asked for people to speak up with which team they back, I was not the only Twins fan there.

Baseball, being the all inclusive sport that it is, there was no issue with my allegiance, in fact the Twins and the Sox share two things at the moment. We've both just lost Divisional Series 0 and 3 and, as it was New York that beat Minnesota, we both hate the New York Yankees.

Fenway is a great looking park, dripping with history, but growing as best it can within the bounds of a small ground. Various arrays of seating have been added above the existing stands and, most interestingly, on top of the famous "Green Monster"; a 37 foot tall wall in left field.

Go The Distance

Now here's the clever part. In a call-back to my visit to Iowa, in the movie "Field of Dreams" our hero Ray (Kevin Costner) takes disillusioned writer Terrence Mann (James Earl Jones) to a game at Fenway Park. In the movie, they both see a mysterious message about an obscure player named Archie Graham (Burt Lancaster / Frank Whaley) who lived in Chisholm Minnesota... and I've been there too!

I am the QUEEN of movie locations!

Thank you and Goodnight.

View Driving Day 61 in a larger map

visited 38 states (76%)

Create your own visited map of The United States

Stats - Day Eighty-Seven

Distance travelled - 80 miles - Kittery, ME to Boston, MA via Strawbery Banke Museum, the New Hampshire / Massachusetts coast and Fenway Park.

State entered - Massachusetts

State count - 38 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108, 106

*room switch

Almost Halfway Around The Globe

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Road Trip Day 60

Well, I still felt a little under the weather this morning but a couple of pain killers and a bowl of cereal seemed to do the trick and I was on the road once more. Planning where I'd end up tonight proved to be a bit tricky as the "Closed for the Season" signs are going up all over the area. The cute looking motel I wanted to stay at didn't reply or return my message. Still, it's all part of the fun and as you can tell by reading this, I'm not sleeping in the car.

The Other Portland

OK, strictly speaking there are many, many settlements named Portland, but the Portland I visited today is in Maine. Like the other Portland in Oregon, this is also the largest in the state. Unlike the one in Oregon, the weather here was lousy... but that isn't the fault of the city pre se, more of my timing.

Given the cold, rain and wind I planned an indoor treat and visited the Portland Museum of Art. I really enjoyed strolling around the galleries and was pleased when I identified a painting as a Magritte before reading the label and also correctly spotted a couple in the "pointillist" style and was right about those too.

I growing very fond of visiting art galleries and plan to take advantage of reduced entry for out-of-work bums like me in London.

There and Back Again... 6.75 times

As I pulled away from my parking space outside the gallery in Portland my Trip Meter ticked over from 9,998.9 to 0.0. I've no idea why it missed out 9,999.9 but someone at the labs at Dodge probably does.

Anyway, let's not quibble over 1 mile, I've driven 10,000 miles since I picked the car up at LAX.

TEN THOUSAND MILES!

If I'd started from my house in Lancing on the English south cost and driven to the northern most point on the UK Mainland then back home, I would be on my way home for the seventh time with only a couple of hundred miles to go.

To put it another way... actually, let's not bother. No matter how you compare it, 10,000 is a hell of a long way in 60 days. And seeing as how I that makes an average of over 166 miles a day, I don't feel so bad for feeling a tad tired.

Kennebunkport

I drove through and around the village of Kennebunkport. Even in this horrible weather it was packed with tourists and, I suspect, at least one Texan. I didn't fully realise at the time, but I passed a big house on a spit of land which was flying the Lone Star flag of Texas alongside the Stars 'n' Stripes.

It turns out this is the Bush Compound, retreat of George HW and GW Bush and families. Had I known I would have stopped and hopped out for a photo at the convenient pull-in. George(s), if you are reading this, sorry I didn't stop by. Email me and we can set something up for next time.

Where Am I?

Driving sleet, a late start and a closed bridge all conspired to keep me from making it to my next chosen destination in Portsmouth, New Hampshire so at 3:30 this afternoon I threw in the towel and stopped at the first open motel I found.

That is how I happen to be in Kittery, Maine in a "villa". In this case, villa is used to describe a rather fetching little wooden cabin. So, I have an entire building to myself tonight.

Sometimes it Snows in October

So, I hunkered down and have planned my last three hotel nights that I needed to book and sorted some admin things like argue with the car rental company, again.

When I emerged to drive out to buy and suitcase and then on to dinner it was snowing. Not settling, but snowing heavy, soggy flakes. I got back a couple of hours ago and haven't looked out of the window since.

Please cross your fingers that the snow does not lay.

Goodnight.

View Driving Day 60 in a larger map

Stats - Day Eighty-Six

Distance travelled - 91 miles - Brunswick to Kittery, ME

State count - 37 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115, 108

*room switch

Maine Stay

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Road Trip Day 59

Where yesterday I saw the rugged interior of New England, today I saw the more famed crinkly coastline.

I still felt a bit rough when I woke, and still do now. Basically I have some kind of tummy upset which is giving me cramps and making me feel very tired. I'm improving but still feel washed out.

Model Villages

With my fatigued state in mind, I booked a hotel not very far from my start point and planned a simple route out to some of the landmark harbour towns, the first of which was the unspeakably pretty Rockport.

Beautiful clapboard buildings were the order of the day and Rockport was pleasantly quiet compared to neighbouring Camden. Apparently the two towns split in a dispute over a bridge between the two. Camden has more tourist draws, but Rockport retains tranquillity.

Long View

The weather reports show that I am surrounded by bad weather, with snow north, west and south of Maine. However, here in Vacationland (as the Maine licence plates say) it was bright, sunny and not too cold.

This meant that I got a fantastic view from the summit at Camden Hills State Park. I surprisingly hefty fee allowed me to drive up to the viewing tower at the top of the park where I found an extraordinary view of the coast and islands.

Go West

Camden in Maine will be the farthest point east that I go on my trip and from here I followed the picturesque Highway 1 along the coast through more stunning little towns.

At Rockland, I had to take a break though and pulled into a quiet side street for a safety related sleep.

A brief nap did the trick and meant I could make the final leg to my overnight stay here in Brunswick.

I hope to feel even better tomorrow and an early night will help.

Goodnight.

View Driving Day 59 in a larger map

Stats - Day Eighty-Five

Distance travelled - 138 miles - Lewiston to Brunswick, ME via pretty villages and crinkly coast.

State count - 37 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229, 115

*room switch

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Friday, 16 October 2009

Road Trip Day 58

Well, today I learned that there's more to New England than a crinkly coastline.

Another State

As the crow flies, my final destination today isn't that far from where I started but the route was far from direct. So, I got on the road reasonably early and headed east into New Hampshire. I'd planned a route along some very scenic roads with plenty of stopping opportunities including this one at the almost deserted Echo Lake Beach where the snow was a nice contrast to the Fall foliage.

Next stop was "The Basin" an almost circular pothole formed by rocks swirling in the granite bedrock.

White Mountains

Next the climb up the White Mountain Range began. There had been a little snow lower down, but a couple of inches was still lying up here. The roads were clear and dry as a bone, but it made for a pretty scene.

Also in the mountain range is Mount Washington, the highest point in the state and dominates the surrounding area.

From Mount Washington it was a short hop into Maine which is where I am tonight. So, two new states in one day... which isn't difficult in this part of the USA.

That's All Folks

Sadly, for the first time on my trip I've felt a little poorly today. Nothing serious, but I do need to stop sitting at this desk and get some sleep.

Goodnight.

View Driving Day 58 in a larger map

visited 37 states (74%)

Create your own visited map of The United States

Stats - Day Eighty-Four

Distance travelled - 217 miles - Barre, VT to Lewiston, ME via New Hampshire and the White Mountains.

States entered - New Hampshire, Maine

State count - 37 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16, 229

*room switch

Cold

Thursday, 15 October 2009

Road Trip Day 57

Last night I made a list of destinations for today. Sadly, the lateness of the season is playing against me now and both the Adirondack Scenic Railway and Lake Champlain ferry have finished for the season.

Onwards and Upwards

So, with my final chosen destinations in New York State closed, it was time to head into my next state, Vermont.

I passed through Lake Placid on the way, a town still dining out on having twice hosted the Winter Olympics. The frigid weather and snow covered Adirondack mountains only added to the winter theme of my day.

Brown Sign Moment

I had another, brief brown tourist sign moment today when I happened upon the Vergennes Falls. A pretty set of falls which attracted an industrial centre when harnessed for power in the mid 1800's. Now the industry is long gone and what's left is a town that Vergennes own website calls a "Little City on the Falls".

From Vergennes, Vermont's first city to Burlington, it's largest. I only had a quick layover for a wander and lunch, but again, a quiet and pleasant place visit.

Another Factory Visit

On my trip I've seen Tabasco, Whiskey and Airlines being made. I can now add Ice Cream to that list following my visit to Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury. The factory is Vermont's biggest tourist draw and the presentation is a suitable mix of the founder's hippy ideals and the new corporate owner's slick money-making ethic.

The tour group bought into the experience and we "Mooed" when required and laughed at the guide's closing jokes. One was reasonably good actually...

Q. What do you call a cow that's just given birth?

A. Decalfeinated!

Pretty as a Picture

Just north of Waterbury is the picture postcard village of Stowe. It was getting late by now and the sun was going down which gave one of the prettiest views of the day on my way to Stowe. The sun caught the snow covered mountain peaks between the grumpy clouds and autumn trees. Stunning view and one which made me wish I had a better camera.

Stowe itself was as lovely as my guide book had suggested with the standout building being the beautiful Meeting House with it's tall, slender spire.

The residences and shops were a lovely assortment too and my favourite amongst them was this one with an ornate upstairs balcony.

Capitol Idea

Montpelier is the smallest US State capital city, but it doesn't mean the Capitol Building itself is any less grand than the others I have seen on my trip. Yes, it's smaller than the vast affairs in Wisconsin and Minnesota but it has the pre-requisite golden dome and colonnades.

Tomorrow looks to be a very scenic one as I head through Vermont and into the wild interior of New Hampshire.

Goodnight.

View Driving Day 57 in a larger map

visited 35 states (70%)

Create your own visited map of The United States

Stats - Day Eighty-Three

Distance travelled - 169 miles - Saranac Lake, NY to Barre, VT via Burlington, Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour, Stowe and Montpelier

State entered - Vermont

State count - 35 + DC + B.C.

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118, 3, 145, 229, 111, 207, 206, 40, 605, "Cowboy", 35, 11, 18, 262, 216, 208, 430, 216, 59, 226, 115 / 110*, 309, 30, 8, 255, 428, 209, "Spare", 105, 207, 227, 126, 112, 4, 16

*room switch