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Paint Your Wagon

Where am I goin'? I don't know Where am I headin'? I ain't certain
All I know Is I am on my way
When will I be there? I don't know
When will I get there? I ain't certain
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    🇨🇦 Peggys Cove, Canada
    Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Glacial polished granite
    This church was the subject of Jill's drawing at lunchJill's drawingAnother LighthouseGranite on the shoreThe little harborThree boatsDead doryLobster trapsSleeping elephant

    Peggy’s Cove

    October 12 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Well, yesterday when we entered Nova Scotia, we stopped at the Provincial Welcome Center. The people were very helpful. Jill explained that she was trying to find a campground near Peggy’s Cove. They got us into one in Ludenburg. Last night we were looking at the map and checked drive time to Peggy’s. Cove and it is over an hour. They also recommended a route that would avoid Halifax. This morning we decided to take the main highway towards Halifax, thinking it may be a better road. And it was except for the first 20km that was being repaved. Anyway, this brought us by Peggy’s Cove before the campground. So we drove in and started looking for a place to park. It’s Sunday and the place is packed! Finally we found several long parking places by a restaurant, so we pulled in. That’s when a guy wearing an orange vest ran over and yelled at us to move, these are for buses. We hand looked for bus only signs, but there weren’t any. So we had to disconnect the Jeep to back out. We finally parked the motorhome out by the main road. We ate lunch near by and then went out to the point and parked the Jeep. We wandered around the area taking photos. The granite rocks, lighthouse, little harbor and the houses and buildings provided awesome photo ops, but the sky was lightly overcast, so light shadows but lots of people. So we move on to the campground in Ludenburg. We pulled in, but since there was no one to check us in, we had difficulty finding our site. We finally got into the correct one.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Still have fall color
    Indy loves playing fetch in the dog pake of yhe KOA.Boats at Alma high and dry. Photos this morning by Brenda or PaulDocked on samd

    Another Canadian Province, Nova Scotia

    October 11 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    We got tips on what to see in Nova Scotia from Brenda and Paul. They left the campground before we got up and headed back to Hopewell Rocks to be there for the low tide. We headed on east and into Nova Scotia. We didn’t take any photos on the way to the KOA at Truro, NS. This is just an overnight stop.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Tide coming in as Les was climbing the stairs
    High TideTide coming in at the west end of the rocks areaMany of the larger rocks have trees and other vegitaton on top.On the edgeAt the east end of the rocks areawalking amoung the rocksSome rocks no longer have vegitationJill painting the arch. Indy is sitting in the mudMuddy beachOne of the archesTrees clenging to the rocksLoosing its vegitationMost areas in the rocks are closed because of the danger of falling rocksTree on a rock pinched between bigger rocksArchBottom of the stairsAt the top of the stairs is a wash station to clean your shoes and IndyAn Angligan Church we found heading back to campBrenda and Jill at Hopewell RocksAlma, NB in the late afternoonWhen the tide goes out, these boats sit on boat stands

    On the Rocks

    October 10 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    We got up early and drove up the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The tide was out when we got there, so we took the trail and stairs down (about 100 stairs) to the shoreline to walk among the rocks on the muddy, rocky shore. Les took lots of digital photos while Jill drew a picture of an arch rock. People were everywhere. As the tide began to rise, a ranger began herding everyone toward the stairway up to the trail. The tide change here varies from 33 to 45 FEET. So at high tide you can see the rocks from the overlook platforms or kayak in among the rocks. As we were heading back to the jeep, we got a text from Brenda and Paul, friends from Lake Tahoe that have also been touring the northeast and Canada too. “We can see your Jeep!” They had driven from Nova Scotia and had reserved a campsite close to ours. We have been in contact with them for the last several weeks, wondering where we might meet up. So they visited the Hopewell Rocks at high tide. We met up for dinner at The Octopus’s Garden Cafe and Bistro in Alma NB.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Morning light on the color in the campground
    The Saint John River is very large.Lunch and a napMore color on the driveBlueberry fields?Dropping down on into Fundy National ParkSunset on the cliffs of Nova Scotia across the Bay of FundyThe town of Alma, NB across the Salmon River as seen from a vista 50' from our campsite

    A Windy Drive to Fundy National Park

    October 9 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 45 °F

    Getting up this morning, we realized we were running out of clean clothes and our next two nights were in Fundy National Park and not expected to have laundry facilities. So we delayed our departure and did a load of wash. It was sunny, but a bit windy for the drive. Just after noon, we parked by a church and cemetery to eat lunch and for Les to take a quick nap. The combination of two lane country roads and variable cross winds tires him out. We saw some interesting scenery, including what we think were blueberry fields. Our campsite at Fundy NP is very nice, but no hook-ups, so we will need to be extra frugal with our on-board resources. Although the sky clouded up by the time we arrived. The next two days should be partly sunny, so solar charging will be employed. Even with the sunshine, it is cold here.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Color on I-95
    Rainy drive northeast toward CanadaInspection, we all had to exitLooking through the jeepchocolate lab sniffer dog checked everything.The dog was also interested in IndyGreat fall color in the campgroundOrange and yellowRed and greenMore redOrange and red

    Inspection!

    October 8 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 55 °F

    Rain all day of travel. The Provincial Park on coast (which Jill thought would be fun for next night) was closed, so change of plans. We decided to go up the center of Maine on I-95. Mistake, we either look like smugglers, or the Canada border patrol was bored. We got pulled over for inspection and “ injections” ( Alice’s restaurant). We all four of us…cat too, had to leave the vehicle, they even brought in the sniffer dog. Poor guys, we have loads of nooks and crannies, all filled with baskets and bags to look through. What they were most interested in was Les’ large format cameras. They thought they were neat, and like that we both had hobbies on board.
    Entering Canada we entered “Atlantic Time Zone”, an hour earlier than Eastern Time. We got into camp by 4 pm. The fall colors here are better than in Maine.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    End of the trail.
    A church at the other end of the trail1Jill's hair cutJeep Ducking!

    We got ducked!

    October 7 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Les was expecting a UPS package with medicine that needs to be kept cold. So we stayed in town, went out to lunch, took a very short bike ride. It was marked rail to trail, but the rail was still there and the paved trail was just next to it. Went to both ends only 3 miles total. Then we went shopping and got notice that that Les package was delivered. Back to camp. Out again, Jill got her hair cut, ate dinner out, then finally both of us got ManiPedi.
    When we were at Walmart, we came back to find a pink rubber ducky, it’s a thing people do to say they like our Jeep Wrangler. Big Red is liked!    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Color along the trail on Schoodic
    Frazer PointLooking toward the Atlantic OceanLooking up Frazer CreekA Private House and dock across from Frazer PointThe Bridge over Frazer CreekA sample of WHO's work. Jill bought a greeting card.Humor at Whopaints, thinking about Indy.Fall color in near our campsite

    Biking Schoodic Peninsula

    October 6 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    We returned to the Schoodic Peninsula to ride the bike trails. On the way there, Jill found a review of the trails that mentioned the gravel was too thick for bicycles. We started along the trail and deverted to Fraser Point. Yes, the gravel is a bit too much especially in the center of the road. In addition, the grades on the trail system are much greater than the carriage roads in the main part of the park. Heading DOWN to Frazer Point was very steep and tight turns. Once we got to the parking area at Frazer Point , Jill decided that was her riding day was done. So we rode back to the trailhead using the park road. We loaded up Jill's bike and she drove to the bridge over Frazer Creek to do a sketch. Les went back to the riding the trail system and met up with Jill at the bridge. We ate bacon rapped scallions at Winter Harbor and then visited "Whopaints Gallery and Studio" of Wendilee Heath O'Brien. We met her husband who gave us a short tour.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    US Highway 1 is also a National Scenic Byway!
    At the beginning of the Byway was the location of the Waukeag Station.On the rock below the roadside rest area, fallen leaves land on the rocks.I DO NOT stage these photos, only decide how to photograph what I find.The gallery home on the bayJill's project in the classAn abandon chuch near byA dyke of dark rock at Schoodic PointPools of water both fresh and salt are found on the rocks at Schoodic PointRocks and shadowsAt the water's egeMore rocks and shadowsThe dyke of dark rock split toward the shoreA feather found on the rocks. Although this is only a cell phone photo, I plan to print this one.Jill's sunset!Les' sunsetAs we were getting ready to leave Schoodic Point Les noticed the moon to the east.

    Serendipity

    October 5 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    Started out at the LLBean outlet in Ellsworth to buy Jill a new hat. So we left with also two new shirts for Les, pair pants, and shirt for Jill. Expensive hat Les joked.

    To avoid the Sunday crowd in the park, we opted to head east on the "Down East Highway", US Highway 1 (not to be confused with California 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, PCH). Jill search Google Maps for points of interest, such as lighthouses, which are very numerous here. Unfortunatly, these are mostly on islands or otherwise not accessable. She found what looked to be an art gallery, so we headed there.
    On the way, we picked up a snack and stopped at a roadside rest to eat it. As we were about to leave, we noticed the tide was going out in the bay below and rocks had been exposed, so Les went down and shot a few picture with his cell phone.
    We found the gallery in a home overlooking the ocean. And yes, they had art to show, but the owner was just setting up a 3 hour watercolor class. Jill was invited to join in, which she did and totally enjoyed it. Les and Indy went out an did a little photography in the area.
    We bought some popcorn chicken at a store on the way back west and went to a small nature preserve to park and eat it. The parking lot was so small and secluded, it made us nervous, so we moved on. We finally wandered out to Schoodic Point, a unit of Acadia NP that is across a bay from the main part of the park. We fininsh dinner as visitors began filling up the parking lot to watch the sunset over the bay. Jill took her sketch pad and chair out to do some sketching and Les took the DSLR camera out to shoot rocks and seascapes. It was a very nice sunset.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Breakfast of pastries
    Stone Bridges are numerus on the carriage roadsMany bridges go over water features while other go over carriage roadsMost of Acadia NP is on an island, but it is big and includes mountains and lakes.A beautiful streamBicycles share the carriage roads with hikers and horse drawn carriagesThere are also guided tours for bicyclistsJill's favorite painting hat after Indy modified itThe hat has an eye hole nowLunch at Able's Lobster at Somes Sound.Boats docked belowMore boats dockedCinnamon was enjoying the view when we got backNot jus trees are changing color, sword ferns too.

    He Who Eats Hats

    October 4 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We had a dog whose Indian name was “She Who Stands on Head.” Indy earned his Indian name today. More later..

    Day started at a local bakery, sitting in the sunshine. Then we were off to ride our bikes on one of Roosevelt’s carriage trails in Acadia National Park. We were lucky and got one of the last spaces in the parking lot. It’s Saturday and it was busy. Park service had a rule, only class 1 e-bikes on the trail. Ours are class 2, and 3. Can’t understand why the limitation. Now speed limit 20 mph makes sense, Jill likes about 12 mph. We went anyway, as our RV neighbor said it was ok, they done it before.

    Afterwards we took part of the Park Loop Road. It was very busy. While we were driving the loop… we heard a crunching sound from Indy’s crate. Yep, he was busy destroying Jill straw hat. Indy’s Indian name is now “He Who Eats Hats”!

    It was too busy in the park, so we left, on way back to the RV park, found wonderful place for lunch along the inlet. Sat outside with Indy…Lobster roll for Jill!    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Wilbur the lobster at restaurant
    Three for dinnerJill's eating Lobster in Maine!Les not so sure, but there's butterSteaming pots of LobstersPicture of sign for LesFall color at RV parkTide falls over rocks...going in or Out?

    We Made it!

    Oct 3–5 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    We only had a hour and half drive this morning. Jill put in the address to Google Maps and off we went minor issue she got “Timber RV” mixed with Forest RV…we drove in to the wrong park through construction zone and traffic. Once we got to the right place the owner was very helpful. Told us of a local place to get Lobster, much cheaper than Bar Harbor Tourist prices. So this was what Jill wanted for her bucket list. Maine lobster in Maine. We shared a whole steamed Lobster. Jill had to ask the waitress how to approach it! Les wasn’t thrilled, and Jill says it is the experience.
    Anyway we made almost to the coast, close enough but far way not to pay the tourists prices for the RV park. Fall colors are around but not as prominent as Les thought it would be. Lots of locals are saying it’s because of the lack of rain…    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Not really "camping" we look small next to the other RV
    Another white church

    Quick another church

    Oct 2–3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Got on the road earlier than usual, drove most on US 2, still winding, hilly, plus a lot of small towns. Got into our overnight KOA site around 12:00, and decided just to sit, do laundry, etc. nothing to write about but did catch a picture of, you guessed it another church.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Auto Road entrance, $32 per person
    The road begins going upSome people get overly excitedThe gift shop, restroom and inside viewing areaThe VERY top of the mountain. Everyone except us got selfies (there was a line waiting)High wind story (the only interpretation I saw)One of three cog railway trains to arrive after we did.One of several structures at the topLes and Indy outside the Tip Top House, which was closed for renovationsView of Wildcat Ski Resort below. Seemed like very narrow ski runs.Passengers waiting to board the cog railway and decendFirst gear driving down the roadColor!More color!And More color!Still More color!A stream at the bottomA small dam on the drive back to campAn erosion scar up the mountainWhite Mountain Resort. I doubt we could afford to stay the night here.The view from the dinning roomChocolate Cake for dessert, very, very good

    To The Top!

    October 1 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F

    We ate a leasurely breakfast in the motorhome and did minor chores, waiting until Jill's 12:30 zoom call with her Oncologist. The time came and went, but the doctor did not come online. His office called Medicare will no longer pay for telemed zoom appointments, so the appointment was canceled. Thank you Trump!
    So we loaded up the car with us, Indy and the DSLR camera and headed off to drive the toll road to the top of Mt. Washington. That is to same mountain the cog railway goes up. Of course since Trump shutdown the government last night we didn't know if the road was going to be open. What a surprize when we arrived at the entrance station, the building has a sign that states that the road has been family owned since 1906!
    So up the hill we went in first and second gear for 8 miles. The road is paved, but very steep, narrow, no guardrails and often without a centerline. Both the driver and passengers are treated with gut renching views straight down over the edge near the top. The top of the peak is 6,283 feet above sea level. It may be the highest peak in the Apalacheans, but this is very close to the elevation of Lake Tahoe and only 600 feet higher than our home. With that being said though, this is a place to wear a coat year round, it is COLD and WINDY. The highest wind speed recorded here is 231 MPH. The 360 degree view is 80-100 miles, but there is no interpretation identifing other mountain peaks.
    Right after getting to the top, 3 cog railway cars (85 people each) arrived and off loaded their passengers. Then loaded up passengers ready to go back down. The passengers are not limited to going back on the same train, in fact some very fit people can opt to hike back down. We only spent a little while on the top before heading down. Most pull outs and parking lots have no view over 100 feet. so we drove all the way back down in first gear without stopping.
    At the bottom we stopped and Les got out to take a few fall color photos while Jill checked on the route back to camp. Since the road to the top is on the other side of the mountain from where we are camped, she decided it would be nice to continue to drive the rest of the way around the mountain. We saw a few more covered bridges, but they were not interesting to Les, so no photos.
    As 5 pm approached, Jill was not inclinded to cook so we stopped at a “small”hotel for dinner. They had $30 valet parking by the hotel, so we opted to park in a free lot and leave Indy with the back window open to guard. He barked all through dinner according to the tram driver we met after dinner. The hotel was very nice and the dinner was outstanding, especially the dessert.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Steam Cog Train
    Steam engine with the boiler angled for the climbThe Rack the cog drives onThe climbFall color on the climbSwitch moving to siding at Waumbak StationWaumbak Station, part way to the topThe rear cog on the engine and the rackJill painting a picture of the engineRoller and plate used to push the carThe fireman jumping out of the engineAdditional tools arriving from below by ATVEngin backing downEngine continues, but the car's brake is stuckBrake-man controling the brakes to ease us down off the mountain

    E Ticket Cog Railway

    September 30 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 50 °F

    We ate breakfast after dropping Indy at day care again. Then went over to Littleton Walgreens and grocery shopped at a small Walmart and Food CoOp. Returning to camp, we rested and had lunch.
    Then it was time to go to the Cog Railway on Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington is the highest mountain in the Appalachians. This cog railway was the first cog railway built in the world. Normal railroads can handle grades up to 7 percent. This railway uses a gear and rack system to climb very steep grades. This train has a grade of 36 percent. This train does not use a standard coupler, but a roller pushing a plate on the car above. On the way back down, the brake-man uses two large wheels to brake and hold the car off the engine a few inches to reduce stress on the 150 year old engine.
    We took the Fall Color steam trip to the station part way to the top. This trip turned out to be an E ticket ride. (E Ticket ride at Disneyland in the 1960’s were the more exciting and popular). We got to the part way station where we had about 20 minutes to wander around and take pictures and talk with the engineer. We re-boarded the train and started down the steepest part of the track. The brake-man was on the brakes holding us away from the engine a few inches BANG! The car came to a stop and the engine stopped about 10’ further down the track. The fireman got out and inspected the right front area of the engine and found a disconnected drive rod to one of four pistons that drive the cogs. They ended up removing the rod and isolating the piston. We started down again, but something was still an issue, likely something got bent causing vibrations in the engine. The engine started down the track again, the brake-man had trouble releasing the brake. By the time he fixed the problem, the engine was almost to the station at the bottom of the hill. Normal procedure in driving the coach “light” was to follow the engine be about 6’ in case the brakes failed. Not this time, we were totally in the hands of the brake-man. We made it back to the station about 40 minutes late, followed by about 5 diesel trains that had gone to the top of the mountain. When we stopped at the station to unload, everyone gave the brake-man a round of applause for keeping his cool and getting us safely back to the station.
    We went and picked up indy from doggy day care again.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Fall is here!
    Anyone seen BullwinkleMost of the churches are white with lovely steeplesThis one is real river rock.The front doorSide door for sinnersAnother rock churchLove stain glass

    Brake for Moose

    September 29 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F

    Short day traveling to the White Mountains in NH. We used the interstate freeway most of the time as the smaller roads are just that, narrow, twisting and hilly. Interstate are just hilly. We did do a few local roads, and started to see road signs, “Brake for Moose” no moose…just signs. I wonder if we are supposed speed up for deer. Anyway love the houses and especially the churches we see along the way.

    Our RV park sign had been blown down, so we drove right past it. There isn’t places easy to turn around. Luckily a forest service camp ground was just up the road a few miles. Talk about narrow roads! Our RV park has a pizza place and market in front of it. Good for lunch, not for finding it. Nice being after season, just couple of other rigs. Quiet and lots of fall colors.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Four AAA's Diner
    "Old Guys Rule"Packard Covered BridgeNot all covered bridges are open on the sidesFloating leaf on the Mascoma RiverCorbin Covered Bridge, Newport, NHCorbin Covered Bridge over the Sugar RiverLes was packing up the LF camera when he spotted this dead tree, had to unpack and get a last photo.He followed up with a few more digitals on the Sugar RiverCity Hall and Opera houseLove the town squares...Evening light on near by church.Sunset on the farm

    More Covered Bridges

    September 28 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    The fog was lifting on a sunny Sunday morning, so we headed out to breakfast at Four Aces Diner in West Lebanon. We forgot it was Sunday… the place was PACKED. The breakfast was big and very tasty. Next, find a covered bridge. First on the list was Packard Covered Bridge, we both got pictures of the bridge and the Mascoma River. On to bridge number two, Corbin Covered Bridge. We both took pictures, Les with both the DSLR and large format cameras while Jill did a pencil drawing of the bridge. It was about noon when we finished, so we headed back to camp. Afternoon spent relaxing. Jill played at getting her sketch bag in order. She forgot to thaw out food (that’s her excuse). So out to dinner in nearby town of Lebanon. Internet said not very busy. We drove up and everyone was pouring out of the “City Hall and Opera House.” Another packed restaurant. Food was good sitting at the bar. Talking with our neighboring diners, once a year they do a hour complication internet of cat videos at the Opera house. Here we thought it was an important local meeting and issues.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Morning light on Vermont Church
    Big Red, wonderful way to get aroundLes will publish his BW photos when we get homeHarvest Hosts 250 year farmMost often just a place next to the barnFarm is on top of HillIt's a working farmTour of Sugar shack, stars with ride model ALarge boiling equipment for raw sapEach row, bottles from finished batch. Each row a year, top four years ago..Tap tubing, over 2,000 trees tapped each yearLines through the maple trees.The loop is the tap, plugged until next year.Beside buying maple syrup, we bought eggs from free range chickens

    Tomapo Farm

    Sep 27–29 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Since we could only get one night at the last campground, we had to move to another to be able to spend more time in this area. We got two nights, off grid, at a Harvest Host’s Farm, located out of Lebenon, NH.

    Les wanted to do some large format photography this morning. Got up early, left the RV park, traveled 10 minutes to large parking in Lebanon and parked the motorhome. It was too early to check into the Harvest Host site. We left Indy and Cinnamon to stand guard and we drove the Jeep back to Woodstock (about 20 miles).

    Our route took up over the Quechee Covered Bridge, so we stopped and took some digital photos in the morning light. We continued on and parked in the town center. Les carted his large format camera over to the St. James Episcopal Church and shot three sheets of film and two dry plate photos of the beautiful stone church. While Jill tried to sketch a building (not successfully). Les returned to the Woodstock’s Middle Covered Bridge and photographed it in the morning sun.

    We returned to the motohome and went to the 250 year old Tomapo Farm. They have done more than just Maple Syrup over the years. The owner offered us a tour. She is the eigth generation of her family to run the farm. Currently, there are four generations living on the farm.

    We set up the motorhome and then took a ride in their Model A Ford down to the maple syrup processing building. The raw maple sap is boiled down through a complicated process to become maple syrup in four grades. As we drove to the farm, we notices hoses attached to and connecting most of the trees next to the road. Instead of using taps to fill individual buckets, the taps are linked to these hoses and gravity assisted by a vacuum system. The system gathers the sap at a trailer with a tank, then is moved to the processing building. Spent rest of day relaxing in our tiny home.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Quechee Covered Bridge (1970/2013)
    Ottauquechee River flowing under the Quechee Covered BridgeFall color on the riverFall color on the gravel roadTaftsville Covered Bridge(1836/2013)Woodstock Middle Covered Bridge (1969)Lincoln Covered Bridge (1877)Driving thru Lincoln BridgeStopped to shop at a real Farmer Market-lots of pumpkins and gourdsNot the Music Festaval TownSome beautiful homesSome beautiful buildingsFall comes to graveyards tooFall Color

    One Night in Vermont

    September 26 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    We made to New England! Vermont…almost missed it, stopped in Quechee, VT on the eastern edge of the state. We could only get one night at the campground. Do laundry quick and get out sightseeing.
    Big Red (the Jeep) is great for these narrow roads. Les commented on how the signing was poor, and navigator, Jill, did get us lost. Les said at least Jill hadn’t found a dirt road…next turn a gravel potholed road along Quechee River. Very pretty with fall color along the river. Les photographed four covered bridges in the area. What is neat is these bridges are still in use, with some rebuilding.
    On the way back to camp, we looked for a place to get dinner. Being Friday night in tourist towns, everything was packed. We finally found a restaurant with one empty parking place. The place was packed, very loud and dinner took about a hour, because they were short staffed. They even had a sign stating that.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Cannon by the visitor center.
    Part of the battlefield from high groundThe Hudson R. below was fortified and protected from the high groundCannon in the fieldMore battlefieldLeaves are collecting on the groundThe Hudson RiverSaratoga Springs Spa

    Saratoga

    September 25 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 68 °F

    Day two for Indy to be in Doggy Day Care. We went the the battlefield at Saratoga. The battle here was the turning point in the revolutionary war. The British walked into a well fortified American position on the Hudson River and surrendered. Before this battle, the Americans were losing battles. After the battle they were winning battles and ultimately the war for independence. We took the auto tour and listened to an audio narration on a cell phone. After about the fifth stop, the light sprinkles turned into a heavy down pour. We then headed over to Saratoga Springs Spa park for our scheduled massages. Before the massages, lunch was a protein bar in the Jeep and an apple at the spa. Afterwords we bought some pet supplies and found a very nice Mexican restaurant. We picked up Indy on the way back to camp.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Fort William Henry
    Parade GroundParade GroundReplacing the ram rod after loading the Brown BessShooting the Brown BessShooting the 6 pound cannonWeather looking hopeful at lunchThe boat tour beginsHere we go!Some of the islandsPop of color along the shore

    Lake George, a 3 Hour Tour

    September 24 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Indy is visiting another day care while we do another tourist day. We started with a visit to Fort William Henry. The fort was burned down by the French after the siege and massacre of the British soldiers in 1757. This fort was rebuilt on the same site from the original plans to attract tourists to the town of Lake George. Our tour included two very interesting interpreters in period clothing. They fired a Brown Bess and a 6 pound cannon. Although the cannon was only loaded with two pounds of black powder, it was very loud. After wandering around the fort for a while, we went to lunch overlooking Lake George. The main reason for visiting Lake George today was to take a 2 1/2 hour boat ride to see the lake. The forecast when we bought the ticket was only a light chance for rain. It was cloudy, but no rain, ….. until we started walking to board the Mohican for the tour. The rain is hard enough that we can not see across the lake. Les was glad he didn’t bring the camera with a telephoto lens. Cell phone camera will do fine. The tour reinforced how much the rich have it all. The vast majoriety of the shoreline is owned by millionares and billionares. Many of the houses removed are replaced by high dollar resorts. The State of New York parks does have two campgrounds on the shore and about 20% of the 200 islands, many of the islands have boat-in camp sites. The rain never let up during the tour.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Parade Ground
    Large cannon pointed at Lake ChamplainLarge mortarEarly barricadeBarrels of ?ShuttersUpstairs to soldier's quartersAmerican OfficerSmall mortarQuarters for soldiersMatch Lock and FlintlocksFlowersDecorative featureDefenses of the walled garden?Arched access to walled gardenFlowersDecorative gardenMount DefianceA clear shot at Fort TiconderogaLes and Indy in the cloud

    Fort Ticonderoga

    September 23 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We start the day going out for breakfast at Scrappy’s outside of Fort Ann. Even though we split an omelet, it would have fed four people. Driving to Fort Ticonderoga in the rain, the fall colors are beginning but are still dull. The fort is very interesting. It looked very defensible, except for the hill called Mount Defiance. They had an impressive display of weapons of the 17th and 18th centuries. There was also a lot of information about life in the fort. We also visited the King’s Garden and walked one of the corn mazes. Then we drove up on Mount Defiance to see the fort from above. The road up the mountain has a gate that likely controls the number of vehicles it lets enter. The road is VERY narrow and steep. Parking at the top is limited, but the view should have been great, except for the fact we were IN a cloud! We return to camp in the late afternoon along the west side of Lake George. More great scenery for Jill and challenging drive for Les.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Fall color is starting here
    Not very bright but stormy weather predictedAll by ourselvesGreat base camp, 20-40 minutes from a lot of stuffLes writing book for Indy's Daycare

    Adirondacks base.

    Sep 22–26 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Short travel day, though we did stop at a Walmart in Sarasota Springs for small shopping excursion. We really are not a fan of Walmart, but they do have the biggest parking lots. While there we made a reservation Granite Hill Lodge and RV Park, just up the highway 20 minutes or so. Of course Google wanted to take us up smaller roads. Not falling for that again.

    When we got here we had the pick of sites as no one else is here. So going to stay for four days, and see the sights of the Adirondacks, Lake George and Sarasota Spring… spent afternoon relaxing and getting reservations, including dog day care.    Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Art in entrance to the NPS visitor center
    Jill standing with notable peopleInside the churchJill at the podium were it started in 1848This plain lookinh church opened the door for women everywhere it just took another 72 yearsCampsiteApple trees loaded down and droopingIndy wht hing from the motorhome window as Les cooks a stake.

    Eastward again

    September 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

    We headed east again this morning. Driving several un-numbered roads, we finally got on to I-90 a toll road. As we approached the Seneca Falls off ramp, we saw a sign for “Women’s Right’s National Historic Park”. Jill said it is close, let’s go see it. It is a small park, just the church where the women’s movement started and the visitor center next door. It was very good. Wandering through the back roads of Seneca Falls, we finally got back to I-90. About lunch time, Les was getting tired of the bumpy highway and the cross wind, we got off the toll road at a truck stop. The only parking place was between to idling big rigs. So back onto I-90 and down the road two more off ramps. Jill had found a big mostly empty truck parking area. The problem was to get to it we had to get on and off three more highways. Finally, we got to it and found a sign saying no car parking. Les was too tired to safely drive anywhere else, so we parked snd Les napped for a half hour snd then we ate lunch. No one chased us out. Back to I-90 and eastward again. It was about another hour to the Harvest Host site we planned to camp at. Google Maps decided to take the scenic route. The roads got narrower and rougher and then the center strip disappeared. Was that banjo music we heard? We finally got back to a numbered highway (another narrow road actually). The said next turn will be a left on Fire Road. Les exclaimed “a fire road?”, envisioning a dirt two track through forest requiring 4 wheel drive. But it was not bad and we finally found Rogers Cideryard snd Orchard Family orchard. No hook-ups, just a levelish spot the parking lot. But the view is very nice, quiet and friendly. Good homemade donuts.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Muddy Waters
    Why would they name this Church St?Touring the Eastman HomeThe Elephant in the room.the East GardenGeorge EastmanLes looking at camerasAn Early 35 mm Kodak CameraLarge Format Kodak CameraA Native American Photographer took self portraits with his signs in various plavces.Jill Riding thr Erie Canal way TrailLock 26Power GenerationJill and Les celebrate their 45th anniversary

    An Important Day for Les & Jill

    September 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    Today is our 45th anniversary, so we are eating out all meals. Breakfast was at a small place called Muddy Waters next to the Erie Canal. From there we took Indy to Doggy Day Care. Next on the plan was to visit to the George Eastman Home and Museum. We learned a lot about George Eastman during the tour of his home. George never married and his mother lived with him. He spread his wealth through out the community and upon his death there was were no descendants. Mark Osterman met us in front of the museum to give Les the cold crock of dry plates emulsion, the coated dry plates and a plate holder, so he can shoot a few dry plates in this vacation. The walk through the museum was very interesting. It was a mix of cameras and prints by various mostly famous photographers. The were also solo exhibits. We found a Mexican restaurant for lunch. We went back to camp and put the crock of dry plate emulsion into the over crowded refrigerator. We headed out again to a parking lot for the Erie Canalway Trail. We road the bikes down along the canal to Lock 26. As the lock chamber is drawing down, the upstream water is diverted through a generator house. We returned to the Jeep and went to retrieve Indy. Finally, dinner was at a fancy Italian restaurant.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    Some Maples are beginning to turn
    BreakwaterBridge across a back waterLittle solar powered lihht houseLooking bake to shoreAn inviting benchSo we sat and took a few picturesConcrete path on t HT e breakwater

    A Rest Day in Camp

    September 18 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We had planned to go see the George Eastman Museum today. So we headed out to the local Staples store to pick up Jill’s delivery of medication. It was there! Yea! Then to the post office to mail a bill. Next to a pet supply for dog food. And finally to go eat lunch. We returned the camp and Les took a nap. Then we decided not the go to the museum today. Les took Indy on a long walk to see Lake Ontario. Indy was not thrilled with the little waves on the lake. We walked out the very nice breakwater and then back to camp.Read more

  • Quail Run TrippingPaint Your WagonTraveler
    The Peace Bridge back to the USA
    Buffalo skylineGood by Lake ErieThe border entry station

    Back in the U. S. A.

    September 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    We didn’t cross the Rainbow Bridge, but the Peace Bridge to re-enter the US at Buffalo, NY. Border Patrol accepted our passports and Les offered the CDC form for Indy. But the agent said he didn’t want the form. Could that be because that part of CDC that made the form necessary no longer exists? It would not surprise us. We continued east on the toll road, having missed the turn off for the non-toll road. So we might get a bill for tolls when we get home. We arrived at the Webster County Park and parked in our site. Les walked over to the tiny one room cabin tucked away in the forest that is the park office and found it padlocked. Since Jill had requested a UPS delivery of a medication to the office, she got very concerned. After about 4 hours of numerous phone calls, she finally got UPS to divert the meds to a local Staples store where we can pick them up, hopefully.Read more

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