The Road to Maine

So much to see. So little time.

It's obvious this blog has not received the attention it needs to keep up with our travels since leaving Deer Park in September. As we now have come to realize, we've tried to do too much in too short a period of time.

One of the biggest things that dictates how one travels around about the nation is weather. So avoiding old man winter's harshest conditions is at the top of the priority list. Because we "summer" in Washington, our travel season goes from the end of September to mid-May. Roughly 7 months of travel time.

Beginning this years trip in Maine forced us to keep moving south at a pretty quick pace. Even the usually mild golf coast was hit hard by freezing rains and well below average temperatures. We even experienced some snow and ice removal for the first time.

We had too many places and things on our list to see this year and not nearly enough time budgeted. What we learned? Spend more time at fewer spots. Leave some for next time. : )

Setting out, our goal was to reach Portland, Maine in time for the fall color change in October.

There are always plenty of rest stops on the road...

 ***
 

 One of our first short stops (2-3 days) was Sheridan, Wyoming. It really was a wide open little western town.  With the new attached "garage" we also now carry two bicycles and found an excellent bike trail (actually one of the better ones we've ever been on) A paved winding trail thru Sheridan. (This was also the infamous dog attack location) Sheila was literally jumped by a pit bull, and took a pretty good bite to the stomach.

Rumor has it that most National Park campgrounds across the nation are limited to accommodating trailers/campers under 32' in length. We've had some pretty good luck, and have yet to be turned away...even at 40'. This one in Albert Lee, MN was a real find. Nicely secluded, quiet with excellent hiking and biking trails. We spent three days just relaxing in the campground : )

 

 ***

 
Of course there will always be the obligatory stop for a Reds game in Cincy. (yes, even if we are nowhere close to Ohio, we WILL be stopping there). We camped this year in Waynesville, OH. Nice campground with good proximity to Great American Ballpark. It was also Buckeye season! They were everywhere. I lived in Ohio for the first 12 years of my life and never noticed how beautiful buckeyes are. The "wood texture" is fascinating.

 

We have over the years (many of them) tried every seating section at Great American. For the price (about $25) you can't get a better view. Specifically, you need to be on the home side (first to get the shade in the summer) and the 240-245 "view seats sections". Great views of the Ohio river, the scoreboard and the field.

We lost this one...hence the rally cap. But this place will always have a special place in my heart.


 ***

As you can imagine there were many short stops on along the 2900 miles of roads to Portland, Maine. Like this one in New York...which allowed wood fires (becoming more rare in campgrounds these days)

 and this one in Pennsylvania

The final few hundred miles reminded us of the reason for the trip. We were beginning to see the fall colors and traveled through many small New England towns. We decided to stay off the interstates and ventured the secondary highways...

...our first evening in Maine, and I couldn't wait to for the nearest seafood stop.
 Three Maine Lobster for 20 bucks...can't beat it.

This is where I end this one...I've got half a dozen more waiting around the corner.

Thanks for reading!