So glad we got this 9-10 days on the road this summer. It was a bit different without Peter & Monica, almost feels as though we’re turning a page here. However… I didn’t get any older my last birthday (teehee) so I guess it’s just the kids that are growing up! We managed to keep track via some facetime and texting, so not totally “gone”!
The pattern seems changed since our visits several years ago. Instead of lots of NB, NS and Ontario vehicles south of the border, we saw lots of American, Quebec and Ontario plates on the Canadian side. Reflection of the weak dollar I guess. By no means would I call this one of our more frugal excursions. We roamed about paying a quarter more on every charge… Some things such as gas are still a deal, but accommodations and attractions feel like a hit! We hit Hamptons most nights and that adds up. That being said, we ate the majority of meals not from restaurant, but grocery store, and cut costs when we could while staying comfortable.
Thoughts regarding Mr Trump, and the upcoming election, are ever present in the media and on the tongues of friends/acquaintances we encountered. Talk radio was amusing… Lincoln’s famous recitations on a house divided still stand. The polarity is thick! I’d like to think that all will come to a reasonable conclusion, but there is a restlessness that can’t be ignored. Guess we’ll all be privy to the outcome when November rolls by!
Okay… So New Hampshire and Vermont were simply beautiful. The worn mountains of Appalachia, now covered in a mixed forest, must be a sight to behold in the autumn. I could envision one of those rugged stone walls at the camp as we drove along. To further the idea, Lake Champlain itself is a spectacle. Looking across to the Adirondack’s and the silhouette of upstate New York from Burlington is impressive. I thought about winter there… It must get knarly at the waters edge as winds sweep across that expanse. We enjoyed the vibe we met in these states… Vermont looked as though it wanted for very little, and that it quietly offers its inhabitants a comfortable quality of life.
We experienced some extremes on this trip. One was based in the heat and humidity that seemed to grip New England… And more northern areas such as Maine that can usually be relied upon for a breeze and coolness in the evening. However, it was hot throughout and air conditioning in car and room was a requirement, with sleep difficult otherwise. The contrast of waking up in Natick, just outside Boston and base for our Red Sox excursion, and going to sleep on Great Spruce Head Island was also immense. Worlds apart… But both incredibly fun to visit!
We can’t say enough about the Porter Family and the invite to once again visit Great Spruce Head. Elias and Amelia are growing up so fast! We most definitely appreciate your sharing of this special place of water, wood, home, art and tradition. Breaking bread in the porch, music in front of the fireplace, wine as we surround the wood stove, and conversation on trail, pier and water… All part of the experience. In short, many thanks. It was a privilege to walk those paths again.