Tioga County, PA

Closed Bridge

OK, Brad got back yesterday, picked me up and we headed into Wellsboro to get some supplies, then back to Mansfield to pick up my bike.  Not bad $28.00 for new gear cables, now I can change gears.  We loaded up the bikes and head over to the trail by Tioga Lake.  Off we go, it is 3.5 miles to the lake and was a very nice ride.  On the way back we stopped at this little pull off and found the old bridge that headed across the creek.  It used to be an entrance into the boat area, but is now closed off.  We finish the ride and head back to camp for ribs and asparagus for dinner.  A little camp fire and then off to bed.

Friday we got up and headed back to Mansfield to return the bike rack.  It kept coming loose from the car and at 60 MPH on the highway, we can't afford that.  It looks like it will be a hitch for the car and hitch type bike rack, oh well, that's another day.   After that we headed over Lamb's Creek road to the back side of Hills Creek CG, then on to Ives Run CG.  We were looking for some information on work camping and talked with a couple at Ives Run that have been doing it for years and love it.  They gave us some information, a web site to check out and the name of the lady that runs the work camping at Ives Run.  Not a bad gig, work 3 days a week and the rest of the time is yours.  I think we are going to try it for next year when we head out west.  We stopped and got chicken for dinner and then headed over to a park, here in Nelson, to check on Wi-Fi access.  Well we got it so I am posting and doing some surfing.  Tomorrow will be busy, I am having lunch with Amy and then off to the Ochenrider camp for a visit.  Not sure when I'll be on line again, so have fun.

Diane

NY to PA



Ashokan Reservoir

OK, I think the last time I was on we were in NY.  We are now back in PA.  We arrived at the NY campground Saturday afternoon…..8 hour drive is way too long for Brad and I, we will schedule our trips a little better from here on out.  Needless to say Saturday we did nothing, and that even carried over into Sunday.  We just hung out, did laundry and enjoyed the down time.  Monday we decided to check out nearby gas stations (need it on the way out) and just see what is in the area.  We were doing a cruise in the Catskills when we ran across this beautiful lake.  It turned out to be New York City’s Water Supply reservoir.  Brad talked to a guy that was from there, and there are only row boats allowed and they must stay on site, not used anywhere else.  There was only one person on the lake, but lots and lots of boats parked along the edges.   The reservoir was huge and the more we drove the more we crossed over or drove by another part of it. 

Boats used for fishing

We got back Monday night and just had dinner at the campground again and one more load of laundry, we are headed back to PA Tuesday and I am hoping not to do any laundry there. 

 

 

 

 



Campsite at Tompkins

We got up Tuesday and no matter how hard we try, it is still 10:30 until we get on the road.  A stop for gas, water and hook-up the car, but we have started the trek.  It was a beautiful ride, skirting the Catskills a lot of the way, with lots of sun shine, much nicer that the ride into NY.  We got to PA (Tompkins CG) on Cowanesque Lake, beautiful campground, but no internet or cell service, guess you can’t have it all.  I am back to typing in word and then into town to transfer the info to the blog and add the pictures, but at least I keep posting. 

Wednesday we headed up to a camping store, we needed more sewer pipe and then into Mansfield to get a bike rack for the car.  We took as many back roads as possible and the ride actually took most of the day.  Burgers and corn on the cob for dinner and a little camp fire to finish off the evening, makes for a nice day.

Today is Thursday and Brad just got back from taking my bike to the shop, then we plan on picking it up and doing one of the trails by Tioga Lake.  It is about 6 miles, but it looks pretty nice.  I’ll let you know how it all goes. 

Maine to New York

Rising Tide
Great Food

Well I'm back.  Tuesday Lynne and Rick headed out early, they are heading up the coast to see some sites and shop at some of the quaint little town.  Brad and I stayed behind and got in another 7 mile bike ride and 2 load of laundry done.  Then cleaned up and headed out for lunch.  We found the great place on the water, a little  shack with great food, I had the crab roll and Brad had scallops roll.  After lunch we rode around for a while, found Cabela's (imagine that), a cheese shop, coffee shop and a few other stops along the way.  We had dinner at the campsite.  Brad had gotten firewood and we just did hot dogs over that.  We were still full from a late lunch, we couldn't even eat s'mores.

George H. W. Bush's Church
in Kennebunkport

Wed. it is supposed to rain all day, so we had breakfast in and decided to go out for lunch and head down the road to the Kittery Trading Post.  We did a leasurely drive down routes 9/1, stopping at a few small towns on the way, taking pictures and having lunch at the Crab Shack in Kennebunkport, not bad, but for the write ups, I expected more.  Back on the road to the Kittery Trading Post, but first we stopped at Yankee Candles for their 'conceal' candles, the coffee shop and then to the Trading Post I did end up getting a rain jacket, but nothing much purchased here.  We headed back to camp and when we got there Brad and Rick decided they were hungry.  They headed down to Ken's to get a meal or two, bringing them back so Lynne and I could do a little picking.  We really weren't hungry, and that pushed us over the edge, no s'mores or campfire pies again tonight.

Thursday, it did rain all day.  We managed to get in a 9 mile bike ride and then back at camp we had Bellini's with cheese and crackers for our lunch time snack.  Not much to do, Lynne and Rick headed back up to L.L. Beans, while I did a load of laundry and Brad went in search of a Credit Union.  He got back, picked me up, then off to look at a RV that was for sale....nothing to exciting.  We then had an early dinner at Baileys, good food, then headed back for another campfire and relaxing evening.




Spring Point Ledge Light House

Friday, our last day and big plans.  We headed up to South Portland for a bike ride to a "Bug Light House", 5.5 miles one way...not bad.  Well then off to the museum and another Light House 'Spring Point Ledge Light House'. The lady at the museum has done the same bike ride we are on, so she gave us the names of a few places to stop for lunch on our way back.  We stopped at a place called 'Docks' on our way back and once again ate too much good food (so much for the exercise).  We then headed back to the cars, and decided we are going to the Portland Head Light House.  It is famous, the most photo graphed, drawn and written about light house in the world.  Well needless to say, we were not disappointed.  It was beautiful and the cliff side that it sits on was breathtaking.  We walked around there and snapped a bunch of pictures, then Brad and I headed back to camp and Lynne and Rick headed out  for iced coffee.  We all started packing up, and just in time.  The rain set in, and continued all night.  We ended up going back to 'Ken's' for dinner and finished the week off with Lobster.  It was a great meal, but sad night, being our last night in Maine.  We all had to agree on one thing, as much as we like North Carolina, Maine does have the best seafood (sorry NC). 

Brad and I are now in NY and Lynne and Rick are back in PA.  All in all, it was a great week, with great food and friends.

Diane and Brad

https://picasaweb.google.com/115574168101787483704/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCKHcz67sv7e-pAE# 

I have tried to attach a photo album of our trip for those who are interested in viewing.  Please let me know if you can or can not view it.  Thanks, Diane



CT to MA to Maine

Did I ever fall behind.  We were in Woodstock until Thursday 8/9.  Wednesday, we did a little more site seeing, grocery shopping and generally just got ready for our move.  We pulled out of the campground about 9:30 and met up about 10:00 to hook up the car and then started our 1.5 hour trek to Massachusetts .  We stayed at The Minute Man CG in Littleton MA.  The campground was nice, and when we got there I gathered the laundry that needed done and we just hung out having steaks and baked potatoes for dinner.

Friday is a rainy day, so we just had a stay at camp day planned.  Brad ran into town for a few things we needed and I stayed back at camp and cleaned.....did that ever need done.  We just ate the left overs, cleaning out the refrig. and basically getting ready for our week in Maine with Lynne and Rick.  Brad got his grill cleaned up, so we headed to a restaurant 'Chip Shots' for dinner.   It was just outside the camp ground and the food was really not all that great.  The news was on at the restaurant posting all kinds of  severe storm and tornado warnings....we looked safe, but Lynne and Rick looked as if there were heading right into the storms.  As it was, everyone was safe and sound for the night. 

Camp all set up, with Rick sitting
precariously on a hill :-)

We got up the next morning and headed out, a little damp around the edges, but hoping to dry out when we get there.  We arrived at 'Wild Duck CG' in Scarborough, Maine about 2:00 and Lynne and Rick were only about an hour behind us.  We were pretty well set up when they got here, so we got to watch Rick get hooked up.  It didn't take long until we were all sitting around enjoying yet another damp day. 

Since we have no dinner plans, we headed out in search of a restaurant. We went into Old Orchard Beach and headed right back out, it was just a little crowded and no place to park. We headed back towards camp, planning to stop at one of the restaurants we passed on our ride. We decided that 'Ken's' looked good and we were not disappointed. It is well know by all the locals and the food was great. Brad braved it and ordered the lobster roll (which none of us knew what it was) and the rest of us order the fried platters.  Brad and Rick stood in line to place our order and then we waited for them to call our number and picked up the food. Either we were all starved or the food was that good...the talking stopped and the food frenzy began.  Back to camp, one game of cards and off to bed. 

4 Lobster Rolls, Onion Rings
and a whoopee pie

We get up Sunday and it is not really raining, but the air is thick and everything is wet.  Brad made breakfast on the grill, bacon and eggs and we plan the day.  Showers and then off to Freeport to the L.L.Bean outlets, but it is getting onto lunch time....so a 2.5 hour side trip for lunch.  We headed to a place called 'Red's Eats' to try the worlds best Lobster rolls, and here again, stand in line to order and wait for them to call your number and pick up your food.  The food was good and there was plenty for all of us, nobody left disappointed or hungry, now back  to L.L.Bean. 

We finally get to L.L.Bean about 3:00 (open 24 hours) and started our shopping.  First the L.L.Bean outlet, and yes Lynne and I both found something, then over to Yankee candle and more money spent, then off to check out the rest of the place.  There are outlet stores that go on for blocks with L.L.Bean having  3-4 different stores of their own.  We were there until about 7:00 then headed back to camp.  We decided to stop on the way home for dinner, and we all ate lite.  Back to camp, another card game, then off to bed about 11:00. 



Gritty's on the Cobblestone Street

Monday we get up, have yogurt/cereal for breakfast, then off for a 6 mile bike right.  Not long by a lot of peoples standards, but for us, plenty long enough.  Off to the showers, then head into Old Port, Portland to explore the town and see what's around.  We got there about 1:30 and stopped at DiMillo's for lunch...expensive but the food was to fabulous and we were all stuffed when we walked out.  We head out in search of, shops and things and found plenty to keep us busy.  The guys got tired of shopping so headed into a local pub for a while and called when they were ready to find us again.  There were some unusual things, like a popcorn shop with all types of strange flavors, a Christmas shop, in which Lynne got lost and then all kinds of boutiques, we had a great time.  About 6:30 we stopped at a place called 'Gritty's'.  They only have local beer, so we all had to try it....not bad.  After that we headed down towards the water front to find a place to have dinner.  The place Rick wanted to eat at was closed, so we stopped at one just down the street, and again the food was good.  It was after dark until we left Portland, so no cards tonight as Lynne and Rick have an early morning planned. 

Later,
Diane and Brad

Woodstock, CT

Woodstock, CT camp site

We arrived Sunday about 2:30, we were in no hurry on the trip so it was slow up and down all the hills.  It was a beautiful ride, great weather until about 4:00 when the weather started to change.   The dark clouds were rolling in, the thunder rumbled and the rain dumped.  Brad managed to cook burgers in between rain showers, and then we just hung out with the Olympics on.  The camp site is lovely, and with a little maintenance, the whole campground could be great.  But for a couple of days, we are happy with our little piece of the CT.



Chamberlain Lake,
wish I had a Kayak

Monday we headed out to find the Thousand Trails CG which is about 10 miles away, and with that done, we decided where we are is just fine.  From there off to Sturbridge MA, about another 10 miles from Thousand Trails.  What a great place with lots of shops, antique, junk, coffee, wine etc, the one shop we found I swear was a block long and 1/2 block deep and yes you could get lost in it.  Then we would move on and I don't know why we would get back in the car....I would just make Brad pull over down the block.  We did have a late lunch, Thai, so we shopped until about 6:30 then headed home.

Tuesday Brad finished up the military retirement papers that need submitted, so about 1:00 we head out trying to find an easy way out of here with the RV but we ended up in the Massachusetts and it was a long drive to the interstate so back to where we started and we'll try again tomorrow.  On our way out today we found this Christmas Shop that was in a barn and covered every square inch of it.  They weren't open, but left us shop on the first floor, I could have spent the whole day there if it all would have been open, as it was we were there almost an hour for one floor.  We ended up back at Sturbridge at the Feathered Friend Shop and after about a half hour, I finally bought a bird feeder I can use in the RV....my feathered friends will be happy.  We headed home about 4:00 to have chicken and zucchini on the grill....delicious.  But dinner is done, and I'll guess I'll be back tomorrow.

Diane

West Point, NY

West Point

Thursday the weather was clear, hot, but no rain so we decided to do the West Point Tour at 2:00.  We just hung out in the morning having a good breakfast and light lunch and headed on over.  We did tour the post ourselves Tuesday, but the history and tales you get from the guide were more interesting.  We did the 2 hour tour which  included the history of the cemetery and some of the people buried there. 





How's this for a keyboard?



We toured the Chapel, which was beautiful and got to see one of the largest pipe organs in the US.  While there we saw the new cadets coming back from their version of basic training.  They looked hot and tired.  They actually took in about 1200 new students this years with an average of about 75% making through the summer training. 





9ll Memorial Chopper

Friday it's another hot day and I want to go to the Vanderbilt's Mansion in Hyde Park.....well on the way we stop at the Purple Heart Hall of Honor and were there over an hour, stopped for lunch then off to the Orange County Choppers forthe next stop, needless to say, no mansion tour for me.  I did enjoy both stops, the Purple Heart Hall of Honor was impressive and the OCC was great, I was amazed at all the speciality Choppers they created. 



Deck at Billy Joe's

Saturday we  worked on some retirement papers, did some shopping, packed up the grill and things from outside the RV (leaving Sunday) and in between that got all the laundry done.  About 5:00 we headed out to dinner, headed up to Newburgh along the River area (they have recently re-established).  We ate at 'Billy Joe's Ribworks',  not bad, what made it better is that it was right on the water.  So from there we headed back to camp, slowly, still so much we didn't get to see and do, but off and running again tomorrow. 

Well Sunday we got up, cereal/yogurt for breakfast and finishing the packing for the trip.  We got on the road from the campground about 9:30 and met down the road to hook up the toad (our car).  It was 10:30 until we got all that done and headed up to Woodstock, CT. 

I think I'll end here for the night and finish the rest tomorrow....

Diane

West Point, NY

Sports fields at West Point

View from same pull off

Monday we decided to head up to the Thousand Trails Campground about an hour north of us. We got on the road about 10:00 and started up 9W, talk about some beautiful country. We weren't that far away from camp when I'm telling Brad to pull over. We could actually look down on part of West point as well as out over the valley, beautiful. I didn't realize that West Point actually sits right on the Hudson River. I know that the pictures can't due justice to the sights, but I think we pulled over 3 times in about a 5 mile drive. Finally I stopped fussing and we did manage to get up the road for about 1/2 hour, when I made Brad stop again. This time we are at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. We didn't have shoes on for hiking, but we did the short nature trail out back and studied most of the exhibits they had, all in all it really was a nice place.

We headed up the road stopped in  a little place called Kerhonkson for lunch.  It was a little dinner and the food was wonderful.  From here were are only about another 1/2 hour from the campground we were looking for.  We found it and did a tour....not a bad place, might be stopping here on the way back from Maine.  From there Brad managed to get a little turned around getting us back on the main roads, but we made it.  We took different route home, so we weren't sure where we were compared to where we wanted to be.  I'm trying to follow the NY state map, and it is so polluted with roads and town names (and none that we are on or in) that I can't figure out anything.  I hate relying on solely the GPS to get us anywhere, but this time we had to.  We ended up coming back over this same mountain that we climbed on the way up, and stopped at a pull off for some more pictures. 

You think you can see forever from here

Tuesday we didn't do much.  Hung out at the grounds, did a load of laundry and went to the Commissary, via a car tour of West Point.  The Post is a bit larger than what we both thought it would be.  We did some sight seeing and then hit the Commissary on our way out.  Hung out for the night, had a camp fire and kept an eye on the olympics. 

FDR Home

Wednesday we stopped at Barnes and Nobles and I got a book '1000 places to visit before you die' in the US and Canada and from there headed up to tour FDR Home, Library and museum.  On the way we stopped at a dinner called 'The Eveready Diner', another one from  the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives tour.  The food was good and you got lots of it, so good pick for them and being right beside the FDR tour, it made it an easy choice for lunch.


Well  I got this caught up through Wednesday, so I'll quit here, and finish the rest tomorrow.  Maybe in the morning I'll have a clearer head.

Diane