Tearing Through The Country Maybrook, NY – Howe,IN (1051km or 657 miles)

Getting up early does have its advantages.  The first daylight saw us leaving Maybrook and before we knew it we had reached Lewiston, PA. We crossed the mighty Susquehanna River  and moved from I-84 to I-81 to I-80. The I-80 becomes the OHIO Turnpike and of course there are tolls to pay. These tolls may suggest that you will be riding along on a nice highway. Nope, I-80 is actually in need of repairs most places. Lots of truck traffic everywhere, in fact it almost seems that there are more trucks than passenger cars underway. Lots of construction areas as well, mostly fixing bridges. October seems to be the month of strong winds. At least we had it all day long and mostly from the front or the south.                                 Strong winds all day long                                            Susquehanna River But we made it through in a timely manner and reached the small town of Howe, IN before 7pm. In fact, the sun was just touching the horizon when we passed through the toll station.  We took in at another Super8, this time at a much lower rate than in New York, yet with the same standard but a receptionist who was very informative and helpful. It seems that Super8 has implemented a $10.00 pet fee pr. room and night for all member hotels. We do understand this as some pets can be a bother for house keeping the next day. It is much better to pay a $10.00 fee than not being allowed into the hotel at all. I always ask where to eat best and again we were lucky to be directed to a local diner in town. The Howe Diner is a typical small town USA mom-and-pop operation featuring a huge menu and home-cooked food. While I went for a “Canadian Burger” with Canadian bacon (Ham), Bea stuck to the Greek side of things and enjoyed a Greek salad. She ate Greek yesterday as well, and I really expect her to speak Greek tomorrow morning. Again we are tired, but after over 1000 clicks it can be expected. Thanks for driving along!

Looong Day On The Road (888km or 555miles)

I don’t know why I woke up a quarter to five but it sure was still dark, minus the moon still keeping an eye out. Trying to sleep again was fruitless so instead of tossing myself around I got up, made some coffee. It was the beginning of a long day. We were ready at 7:45am and the key locked the door for the last time for the next 7-8months. Sky was clear and when we headed out daylight had arrived on this nearly easternmost point of the country. In fact Lubec is the easternmost point in the U.S. So allow me to use this term for Campobello as well, even though it is not part of the U.S.                   Lubec in first light and approaching the top of the bridge                     The Narrows and (down under) morning fog Our ride down coastal Maine HWY# 1 was nothing short of gorgeous. I had problems keeping m eyes on the road as the fall colors were in their peak season with trees flashing wildly in red, orange and yellow.   South of Bangor, it soon started to change as a bank of dark clouds was moving up from the south, with us heading right into it. Most of the day stayed that way but we did have mother sol come out a few times. A few rain drops of small showers were no problem either and we swiftly made our way through Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Traffic of course……well you what I think about it. It just boggles my mind again and again. Why is everyone piling into ONE small area? We drove into New York State and it started to get darker. So Bea found a Super8 Motel in  a place called Maybrook. It is right close to I-84. But we soon realized we should’ve stayed in Danbury at the Super8. First of all the quality was much better, and secondly they were about 20bucks cheaper. But I have heard it before: Don’t stay overnight in New York State. Taxes are high and quality low. But at least we were referred to a local Diner in town which turned out to have some very good food. Bea had a Greek Pizza which she only manged to eat a part of and I had a Greek Chicken Gyro on a pita, served with fries and washed down with a beer. Good and reasonably priced is the verdict. That’s how we like it. And now……? We are done for the day. Bea slept the second she hit the pillow, while I was still doing the “duty” ……the blog.

The Crown Jewels

One last time I will launch into praising this island by just showing off the crown jewels as they appear on a beautiful sunny day like today. I just couldn’t stay on my home turf this morning.   Somehow I just had a feeling that I could be missing something by not going out and taking in the well-known sites and views which captivated us one day back in 2009.    Yes, my first destination of the day was Raccoon Beach and Liberty Point. They are part of the Roosevelt Park Natural Area and need to be seen by any visitor. A visitor who is not being taken by the magic of these spots should not even consider Campobello as a destination. No, he/she should stay in the big city and enjoy traffic jams and noise. Besides of a gentle splash originating of the waves hitting the coastal rocky shore and a gull crying loudly, there is not really any noise. At least wasn’t today, when I was standing there spell-bound. But stop….there WAS activity out there. A bunch of small fishing vessels went back and forth between the Coast of Maine and Campobello Island. What a sight! Detouring over one of the internal park roads I ended up at the main highway atop of a hill, overlooking the International Bridge, Mulholland Light and Lubec. It was then time to head back and stop at the post office to get our mail forwarded. Great service here at the local Canada Post office. After lunch we went visiting with friends and neighbours who had not been coming by yet. Welcoming smiles all around! Life is so good.   2 more crown jewels were to be visited in the afternoon. First off was a visit to the Roosevelt Park Visitor Centre, where the flower beds were still in pretty bloom. Bea bought Eleanor Roosevelt’s Cookie book, a true collection of the most delicious cookie recipes. The cookies can be tasted by anyone when attending the “Tea with Eleanor” session arranged daily at the park.     The day would not be complete without visiting another crown jewel. It’s red and white and On The Rocks - the Head Harbour Lightstation, (1829) which is the oldest lighthouse in New Brunswick.      A couple of other day visitors had gathered for the first guided lighthouse tower tour of the day. A young man from the island was the guide. Lighthouse volunteers have done an outstanding job with decorating the interior of the keepers dwelling.   Who wouldn’t want to spend a night near the ocean, waking up to a new day by looking through the tiny windows. Humpback whales are known to hang out in these waters and before you know it you’d see one breaching the surface right in the line of your view.        It is an intriguing place, which will never cease to captivate us.

Some Rain….Some Sunshine

It was just like the weather wanted to keep me in my chair to enjoy my house. But then about mid-afternoon the rain stopped and out came the sun. A little walk and then I decided to mount the roof rack for our solar panel on the van. Of course, most of my tools are in Alberta so I needed to go and borrow some.  But it all worked out. Have to do some packing and a few phone calls to make, also redirect our mail and we will be ready to hit the road on Tuesday.