Where Do I Start?

I had every intention of blogging while on vacation, but our days were so filled with fun and our internet connection often spotty, that it didn't happen. I'm now left with an overwhelming amount of both photos and memories to share. The most significant thing about the trip, is that I lived my dream. I've always wanted to see New England in the fall, and to travel and camp and in my van, not alone, but with someone special. When I talked to Megan about our plans for the trip , and then again when I spoke to here from our campsite one evening, she excitedly reminded me, "Mom, You're living your dream!" When she said that, and even as I write it, I'm overwhelmed by emotion, and my eyes fill with tears, becasue I never thought it would happen. Our trip was wonderous, more so than I could have imagined. Not only did we do touristy things, like a nature cruise and a sunset sailing trip in Bar Harbor, but becasue Victor lived in New England most of his life, I got to meet his friends and family, and experince local gems, like Reins New York Deli, which Victor and told me about multiple times, and where I had a delicious bagel with cream cheese, nova, onion capers and tomato, and Perry's Nuthouse, famous for its terrible taxidermy and fudge. Maine, where we spent most of our time, exceeded any expectaion that I had, its coastal beauty is unsurpassed, and the local people, contrary to what I've always heard about New Englanders, are friendly and gracious. It was the trip of my dreams.

Our trip started with a drive from N.C, to Westchester, NY, where we had dinner and spent the night with Victors oldest sister, Maria, and her family. You learn alot from watching family interact, and it was easy to see that Victor is a beloved baby brother and uncle. The following morning we visited Sleepy Hollow Cemetary, followed by, at my request, a stop by the house Victor grew up in. We then meandered over to Vermont, I now understand why so many Hallmark movies take place there, its so pretty, with its autumn colored trees and historic architecture. We spent the afternoon at Fire Arts, visiting with some of Victors glass blowing friends. I enjoyed watching Randi blow, every artist has such different technique and stlye. From there we drove to Concord, New Hampshire, where and had dinner, then onto Portsmouth, spending the night at The Rye Motor Inn, a renovated 1950's motel, that truly was a gem. Its was also across the road from the beach, which we took full advantage of, taking a moonlit walk and an early morning stroll.

















Portland was our next stop, where I had my first ever lobster roll. I have heard so many people sing the praises of the lobster roll, but I found it disappointing, especially at $32 (Later in our trip I had one at a little diner and it was absolutely delicious...and priced at a reasonable $15.) Three cruise ships had just arrived in port and the city was filled with thousands of tourists, so we found a local park on the water and napped in the van. In the evening we strolled downtown, restaurant hopping; having appetizers and drinks, then moving on to another place for more appetizers and drinks...its become one of my favorite things to do.











The view from our van nap.





















...to be continued.