Lots of Water

I pen (?) this from the beautiful state of North Dakota! However, before I begin waxing eloquent on the beauty of this least visited state in the Union, I need to share the beauty of the trip here.

First stop, Green Lake State Park outside of Syracuse, New York. As a card-carrying, born in the City of New York Citizen, I must confess I did not know much about this region of the state. This park had two meromictic lakes. Yep, this is your trivia for Jeopardy. Meromictic means that these lakes have no mixing of top and bottom waters which means that they are really pretty! A turquoise that will make you stop in wonder. Okay, it has a more scientific meaning but you have Wikipedia access. The main reason to stop was to visit some friends, Val and Emil. Here's a helpful hint when chatting with me at a party. If you say, " you should drop by", chances are I will. The good news is I now have a traveling home so no need to ready the guest room. This is really a warning to California and Northwest friends. Next year we will be in your hood, stopping by.

Pretty, right?

 

From there we headed to the Finger Lakes. WOW!!! Waterfalls and gorges galore! And a Wine Trail. So many small vineyards and tasting rooms. Our accommodations were on Seneca Lake in a state park that once was a Naval Training Facility then an Air Force Training Facility. So in addition to beautiful walking and biking trails, we were able to visit the museum and learn a bit of history. Since we had only a few days, we selected the top tourist sites. Watkins Glen State Park is a must see. You can walk behind a waterfall!

 Seneca Lake

 

One of many incredible views at Watkins Glen

 

We also hiked Enfield Glen in Robert H. Treman State Park. This is a wild and rugged area but well worth the effort. There is also a swimming area under one of the waterfalls. Luckily, after the hike, diving into the cold water was no problem for me.



After a few days, we packed up the Jauchmobile and headed Southwest to fulfill an oft talked about destination, Fallingwater, perhaps Frank Lloyd Wrights most famous design. Because John's nickname is Mapman, he plotted a course that used back roads the entire trip. Our goal is to see as much of the USA as possible, and while the Interstates are wonderful, two lane roads through small towns can be so scenic, as was this drive.

 

Fallingwater is located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. Another WOW!!! What a beautiful area this is. An outdoor adventurers dream. Lots of hiking, biking, kayaking and white water rafting happening here. We indulged in some biking one day along a picturesque trail, but day one was all about the home Mr. Wright designed in the 1930's that hangs over a 30 foot waterfall. It did not disappoint. There are many interesting facts about the construction and design that give you insight into our famous architect. The fact that the Kaufmans', who hired Mr. Wright to design their summer home, were surprised by the location, speaks volumes about the man. 

 

A view from the site the owners thought the house should be built







 

 

You could dangle your feet in the water while drinking your morning coffee

 

 

A view from the bike path

 

After three full days, it was time to say good bye and turn the Jauchmobile towards the Northwest and the final leg of our journey.

 

Bye for now

The Adventure Continues

It is hard to believe that we are midway through September and the last weeks of our travels for this year. John and I have been feeling really blessed. The Jauchmobile has taken us through some awe inspiring scenery and reminds us that we live in a beautiful country with a variety of landscapes filled with wonderful people. Sometimes we can let perceived differences taint our beliefs about others and this trip reassures me that there are many wonderful people in this world.

So, to condense our last few weeks in Maine, we visited Campobello International Park and got to drive through the town of Lubec, ME which is the eastern most town in the United States. Just trying to help you out with some trivia next time you chose geography for $200 while playing Jeopardy. Did you catch the "International Park" reference because it is unique. The island is part of New Brunswick, Canada and is administered jointly by the Canadians and the US. I know, you are going to rock at Trivial Pursuit. Put this park on your bucket list.

View from Campobello International Park(taken from one of many hiking trails)

 

While Downeast we visited quite a few small towns and villages and loved them all. But, alas it was time to move south. We set up in the Greater Portland Casco Bay region and embarked on our mission to see as much as we could. Freeport is home to LL Bean and a lot of outlet shops. We did stop by and stroll one morning because I heard about a giant boot.

 

Brunswick is a lovely city that holds a major art show every August and we were able to enjoy the work of artists from around the country. This city boasts that it has the widest Maine Street in America (please note the spelling). It was wide and on that street we were able to enjoy the sounds of Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection. Please go to Youtube and listen to anything they play after you finish this missive. And, as an added bonus, we had maybe the greatest gelato EVER (Jessica Bryant you must visit). Harriet Beecher Stowe lived and wrote here while her husband was a professor at Bowdion University.

 

We headed to Portland on a Sunday morning and fell in love with this city. A funky downtown with unique shops and restaurants on Casco Bay. We strolled and passed a donut shop that makes their product using mashed potatoes as a base. Please note: REAL mashed potatoes not powder. I was tempted, but am normally not a fan of the donut. So, we passed it by, but, as we wandered, we saw a group of people eating the donuts. I inquired as to the level of deliciousness and we turned around and went back and each had one. John, a bacon cheddar and me a chocolate salted caramel and my, oh my, ever so wonderful! Lite and filling at the same time. Today, as I write this I am smiling as I remember this sublime experience. A second visit to Portland saw us on a ferry ride through some of the islands of Casco Bay. Glorious!

 

In his perusing of maps, John found a lovely walking trail off the beaten path, Potts Point.

 

The area of Kennebunkport was a great day trip. Cute little downtown and a beautiful drive along the water where we stopped to see St. Ann's Church.  

 

Looking out from the church is a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. There is an outdoor Service every Sunday in the warmer months.

 

The time was spent exploring beaches, small towns and hiking and biking. One of the trails we biked had this lovely rest stop.

Leaving Maine was bittersweet. So onward and downward we went to New York State, but not before seeing one last work of art.

 

 

Me and the BFI - The Big Freeport Indian (although rumor has it the locals have a different word for the letter f)

 

A New Home

As I write this, it occurs to me that on these travels John and I have the opportunity to become citizens of different states. Today I am a Mainer. Yes, indeedee, me and Jessica Fletcher have a common bond, we are Mainers. Truth be told, I am still unable to master the dialect. However, I love listening to my fellow Mainers speak. One important fact about these lovely people is that unless born here you will ALWAYS be a "not from here". Doesn't matter if you arrived here days after birth, still a "not from here".

Our last days in Rhode Island were fun. We visited Newport one more time and toured a few more summer cottages and the downtown area. Trinity Episcopal Church was established in 1698. The current building was completed in 1726. When we entered this historic church a voice called to us, "Join our tour. It is just beginning." Alas, it was not God calling to us. We joined two other people for a tour. As it happens, our guide was not really a tour guide but a parishioner and organist. Her knowledge and love of her church and the community, present and past, was evident in her tour.

Trinity Episcopal Church Newport, RI

Our last day in the Smallest State we did my favorite thing to do in the summer (and John's least favorite). Beach Day!!!!! I will say that the beach we chose was fantastic. Misquamicut State Beach is a gorgeous beach. The waves were rocking the day we went and there were some restrictions due to rip tides but all this just made it more fun. Plus, when you pay to park they hand you a receipt and a garbage bag (biodegradable). It was an incredibly clean beach. The people watching was enjoyable, but thanks to my Jersey beach pals, I knew all about the aggressive gulls hovering menacingly. But the poor dads next to us were not as prepared. They foolishly thought they only had to wrangle two four year old girls. When the giant gull grabbed a baggy filled with goldfish (edible crackers not pretend koi) the one dad went to grab it back and the bird strode away. The dad gave chase, but the bird was not about to relinquish his bounty. Lesson learned.

Next day, we headed the Jauchmobile northeast. The drive was for the most part lovely. I will say that as we drive the highways and byways of this beautiful country we encounter some interesting drivers. Massachusetts, my question is whatsupwithyou??  Have you no manners?? Rude, rude, rude drivers. And you know what happens because of rude drivers, accidents and injuries. This is my soap box for this blog, but friends, let us all drive politely. Let people merge, don't accelerate to block them from entering a roadway. And when entering a busy highway hang up the dang phone. I could go on, but you get my point. Large vehicles, like the semis and the Jauchmobile, need lots of room to stop. The end of rant. Meanwhile, back on vacation...

Our first stop in Maine was in the lovely hamlet of Holden, just outside of Bangor. Our plan was to spend time in the Downeast Region and the Maine Highlands Region. And, perhaps the best part of this trip was that the Robertsons of Brooklyn joined our merry band of adventurers. So began our exploration of Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park is quite unique. It is the first National Park on the east coast and much of the land has been donated. It is magnificent! Rugged and lush with beautiful vistas. We spent days exploring the area, on land and sea.

 

 

Jen, Doyle and I had the opportunity to take a sea kayak tour one morning. John and Olive hung out at home while we headed into Bar Harbor to meet up with our outfitter. It was a great way to enjoy the area.

 

 

A high point of the water adventure was the opportunity to see a "baby eagle" near its nest. He was a few months old and HUGE and entirely black in color. He had not gotten his white feathers yet. Creepy and eerie all at once. A few days later we got to see a full grown bald eagle fly past us in the distance. Wow! After Doyle left, we decided to take the mail boat out to Isle au Haut. Approximately half the island is part of Acadia. In retrospect we would have chosen a different way to spend the day. It was scenic enough, but we renamed it Mosquito/Biting Fly Island. These insects drew blood and nothing could stop them. Insect repellent? They scoffed at us and chomped away. John and I were grateful for Jen. They loved her best!

On the Mailboat





 

So, while in the Downeast Region we decided to check out Bangor. Because we got out of the car twice and factoring lights and work crews and detours, we spent maybe half an hour. Yeah, not much happening in Bangor. But, it was not a total waste of time.

 

Giant Paul Bunyan Statue

 That is Olive and yours truly at the base of that large piece of art(?).

 

Maine is famous for blueberries, so of course we had to head out to a farm and pick blueberries. Jen's research lead us to Nancy Place Homestead. On the web site, they suggest you call ahead. The gentleman on the phone gave us directions, that went something like this. Take a right at the market and continue on that road until you pass a conservation area and then down a steep hill you'll see a sign to pick berries and just past that pull into the drive, but go slow past our neighbor's house (his driveway)... Now, it would have helped if we had some mileage to judge this and the question arose, frequently, is this the steep hill? as there are many. And perhaps the conservation area could have a sign so as not to be confused with the many, many miles we drove past wooded, undeveloped areas. Just a suggestion. We did find the farm and what a joy it is! Definitely a high point of the trip. Lovely self sustaining farm owned by a lovely family. After picking blueberries (yummy) the two younger daughters and dad gave us a tour. We met the animals and walked through the gardens and even got to taste freshly picked tomato and green beans (double Yummy).

 

 

Picking blueberries and eating a few

 

Of course, part of the agenda involved eating lobster. Interesting fact about lobster is that back in the early years of statehood it was considered a lesser food. So much so that it was fed to inmates. Eventually, it became a food for the more financially successful. Now, it is a relatively inexpensive food here. There are literally restaurants and cafes and food trucks galore selling lobsters in a variety of preparations.

 

 

Cooking our lobsters

 

 Maine has a larger coastline than California with approximately 3,478 miles of shoreline. It is also larger than all the other New England states combined. So much to see. So much to do. So many miles to explore. I'll keep you posted.





Big fun in the Littlest State

Sunday, a day of rest. We are taking a day to enjoy the sound of rain hitting the roof accompanied by kids laughing as they ride their bikes downhill in the rain. So, this begins the countdown to our departure from Whispering Pines Campground. Wednesday is D-day (not a WWII reenactment, D as in departure).

Rhode Island has several scenic bike paths so John and I chose Blackstone River Path and away we went for 20 miles or so. It was a lovely 20ish miles along a tree lined path along the River.

 

Me and Rosie (my bike)

 

John and I thoroughly enjoyed our day, including a quick visit to a little museum along the path. It was the home of a mill owner and contained a lot of interesting information about the rise and fall of the mills in this region.

Halfway point of the ride

View along the route

 

 Our next adventure had us heading to Point Judith to board the Block Island Ferry. The ride to the Island is just under one hour. Block Island is a place I have always wanted to visit and it did not disappoint. It is not as developed and crowded as other more famous beach areas in New England.

Approaching the island

 

 Mohegan Bluffs

 

We brought our bikes and immediately headed up an incredibly steep hill to see the South Light House. From there we continued upward (into the wind) to Mohegan Bluffs. There are steps from the top of the Bluffs to the beach below, 150 of them. I, of course, had to head down. John, the smart one, stayed on top to enjoy the view. Next we headed to a conservation area for a short hike. The rest of the day was spent biking up hill into the wind (according to my Sweetheart) except for one exciting curvy downhill blast to head back towards the downtown. We had a delicious lunch at The Three Yellow Kittens, established 1876, which has a rustic outdoor area that served great food with a nice beach view.

 

How to top that you are wondering? How about a day in Newport, touring some of the "cottages" from the gilded age. We arrived into Newport early in the morning and took Ocean Drive for about ten miles. What a fabulous drive this is! Breath-taking views of the water and some lovely estates. Since it was early we continued into Middletown and along some gorgeous beaches there, then back to downtown Newport to get some tourist info.

  

Easton Beach, Newport, RI (me and my Brown Hoodie that fits perfectly, Doyle)

 

The Cliff Walk

 

The Breakers

 

View from the terrace of The Breakers

 All I can say about the mansion tour is TAKE IT! We toured three of these summer homes: The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff. Each one unique and full of history. The audio tour gives you information on everything. How the buildings came to be, who designed and decorated, stories of those who lived and worked there. 

 

Other days we explored the Hope Valley, seeing lovely towns and visiting farms and getting fresh delicious produce. The sweet corn is amazing!! WHO KNEW??? Rhode Island, for its tiny size, has a lot of wonderful things to see and do.

 

Yesterday, we left Rhode Island and headed to Mystic, CT. A little more history was in order.  

 

 

 

Mystic Seaport is a maritime museum that I went to many times as a child. My Dad LOVED this place. I remember multiple trips, always on gray rainy days, learning the history of shipping in the United States. Forty years has elapsed since last I was here and it has grown but not lost its charm. It was wonderful sharing this place with my husband. It was especially fun to do it on a bright sunny day. However, midafternoon gray clouds began rolling in and by the time we left it was raining. Probably my Dad letting me know he was pleased. 



It's Been Awhile

Hello Pals! It is hard to believe we are more than halfway through the month of July. So much has transpired since last I wrote...where to begin? Oh, I know, we are NOT in Michigan! Before I pick up where we are now, I should recap the month of June into the first part of July. To put it succinctly, it was mostly a working vacation. But still a lot of fun. Fun: Thomas and Jackie's wedding, brunch the day after the big event, Catherine's graduation party, dinner and lunches with a host of pals, a few bike rides and walks in nature, an afternoon at the beach along Lake Erie, fireworks at the Graves' home that included delicious food, a week in Chicago with Sarah and her amazing group of young men and women from St. Paul on the Lake (along with some incredible adults, Dave and Brian). That takes care of June.

Our Fabulous Team in CHI

Working hard and learning a new skill with Mr. Calcaterra

A farewell performance especially for us

 

June 30th we arrived in New York, put the Jauchmobile into storage, and spent the next two weeks with The Robertsons of Brooklyn. So much fun, so much good and healthy food, so many Olive Nubbin kisses.

Olive in her favorite environment

 

Several days were spent at Casa Clemenza helping Mara get ready to reopen the Beach House after the damage done during Super Storm Sandy. The Fourth of July was splendid. Jen and Doyle hosted a wonderful BBQ and many friends came with tasty treats. We headed up to the roof at sunset, which was magnificent, and then enjoyed the fireworks with the skyline of Manhattan as the backdrop. There was time spent at beaches and wonderful meals with friends. Then we said adios to the city that never sleeps mid-July and headed to our next destination. Hint: it is the state with the longest name yet the smallest land mass. If you said The State of Rhode Island - Providence Plantation you guessed correctly! If you are asking why Rhode Island, the answer is: why not? We are at a lovely camp ground, Whispering Pines, in the Hope Valley. The area is piney and hilly and lovely. The people who run it are obviously fans of the movie "Dirty Dancing" as the list of activities available are mind boggling. Bingo, movies, choo choo train rides for the little ones (we wave as they go past us in their engineer caps) and so much more. Tonight is the Sock Hop. We have begun exploring the state. Yesterday we spent the day in the city of Providence. 

 The Providence River

 

 Entrance to the State Capital

 

 Historic Home(one of many) along Benefit Street

 

 Plaque on home pictured above





We hit the Swan Point Cemetery where H.P. Lovecraft is buried, Rhode Island School of Design, a little bit of Brown University, Federal Hill (Providence's Little Italy, little as in teeny-tiny) in addition to the sites pictured above. Today we do our nature thing with a long bike ride and picnic. Who knows, there may be a Sock Hop in our future. Until next time...





Still in Michigan

So, we had lots of fun while visiting Western Michigan. We have learned a lot, too. For instance, Michigan State Parks have no WiFi and if you are in Ludington, no cell service. The college students who work at Ludington State Park for the summer confided that they get lots of work done as they have nothing else to distract them. And I can attest to the fact that it is one well maintained park.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Last time I wrote, we had arrived in Allendale. This was so we could visit with relatives. It was a splendid week. My Sweetheart and I had some alone time and some family time. During our alone time, we walked in the woods of our campground, and took a day trip, with our bicycles, to Grand Haven. Such a lovely area to bike. One trail takes you right out to the Lighthouse. We strolled around the downtown, cute shops and restaurants and one amazing aroma that led us to (drum roll), The Rib Festival. Now, remember this is a small town, so not surprising to us, was that there were six vendors. In Grand Haven that is a quorum to form a festival.

We spent some family time at the magnificent Frederick Meijer Botanical Gardens. WOW!!! Michigan people, run, do not walk, and spend a day in a truly lovely environment. Family time was also spent at a beach along Lake Michigan. Kirk County Park has a special area designated as a dog beach. So much fun watching the dogs and owners frolic in the lake. John and I finally got to see the movie Frozen which was followed by playing a game with the family that involved seeing who could chop off the most aristocrats' heads to earn bragging rights in the executioners locker room. John apparently gets to brag, a lot.

Then, we were off to a week alone at Ludington State Park. What a beautiful location. We had lots of hiking and biking, Lake Michigan beaches, Lost Lake and the Big Au Sable River to enjoy. Also remembered how many bugs there are in Michigan. Dousing ourselves in DEET merely had the insects scoffing at us. On one ride we learned the difficulty of riding on a path surrounded by sand dunes. Those pesky dunes have no sense of propriety. Turns out low gear helps in the sand, mostly, but persevere we did and at the end found a lovely lighthouse. Doug was so happy we wanted to see the short DVD about the Big Sable Lighthouse and hear his spiel afterward. It was wonderful. Then we climbed 112 feet up to the observation deck for an awe-inspiring view.

By now, dear friend, you are thinking, "Where are the pictures?" I hearken back to an earlier time, paragraph one, no WiFi. So, with the precious few moments I have at the library today, I chose to paint a verbal picture. That being said, I will upload some great photos at a later date. 

We left Ludington yesterday and are on the east side of the state. Brighton State Park is lovely even if it is in Howell. While here we plan on seeing some pals and catching up. We will also witness the joining of two special lives, our friends Tom and Jacqueline are to be wed on Saturday.

More to come...

Michigan Continued

Good Morning from beautiful Allendale, MI. West side of the state, near Grand Rapids. Use your goggle maps. Why Allendale? Because we started in FLINT! Just kidding. Family visits are the order of business this week. The weekend we spent in Flint was a lot of fun, not so much because of the geography, but because of the gang pictured above, the Delta Tau Delta Frat boys, class of 1964.

A word of advice to anyone contemplating a class reunion - GO! I learned things about my husband no one would believe. Oh, the shenanigans that went on during his college days! What bound these men together then was clear - beer. Lots and lots of cheap beer. And, as I learned this weekend, the ability to consume copious amounts.

The tour of "Ye Olde Stomping Grounds" began Saturday morning. Three couples piled into a car to begin the search for the house our GMI Alums rented at the end of their Senior year. Along the way to Lake Fenton, we learned that as Pledges, they thought a sign similar to the one pictured above would look better in their house. Being engineering students, they were prepared to unbolt and load it onto the roof of a car. Imagine their surprise when the Fraternity President demanded they remove it from its place of honor.

The funny thing about returning to a place after 50 years is that things change. So when we finally found Lake Fenton after hearing lots of, "should I turn here?" " No, I mean maybe, Yes" (the fact that Joni had pulled up a map and was gently trying to lead them to water had no impact on our fearless explorers) we found the lake and lots and lots of beautiful homes. Alas, not the cottage the boys rented back in the day. But we think we found the area where it once stood. (The wives just went with it because we had six adults crammed into a caddy and those of us in the middle were done).

The rest of the weekend was filled with parties and some speeches and a photo booth. By Sunday afternoon we were all ready to head off and sleep. A sure way to judge that the weekend was a success.