_______________________________________
Shoes inside of shoes inside of shoes....etc Packing is always a combination of practicality, good intentions, denial and magic. The problem arises when the packer economizes on space consumed but fails to determine the increasing weight with each additional item. We fell victim to this yet again and as has historically been true for us: A large box of goods will eventually be sent home by post.
After stopping for new tires in Moncton, New Brunswick at Bourque's (THE best place for your tire needs) , we made our way to the border in St Stephens, New Brunswick. Our trip was to include six border crossing and this crossing into Maine was the first. A somewhat rigorous questioning transpired and after warning me about bringing any Cuban cigars across (...they keep information for quite some time but that's another story) we proceeded to our first overnight of the trip.
The Greystone B & B in Calais, Maine http://www.greystonecalaisme.com/. Candace, co-owner with her husband Alan , listened to our lament about missing the Lilacs on our property at home in Halifax and had put freshly cut Lilacs in our room (which also had wallpaper with Lilacs in the print). This is the care given to all guests we are sure! After passing through the grilling at the border, we found our way to The Greystone and settled in on the second floor.
Mary starts moving gear into our room
Lilacs both inside and just outside our bedroom window.
It's only day one and Bob's already beat!
Mary toasting our May 28th fourth Wedding Anniversary
Livingroom at The Greystone
Thanks to Candace, a gourmet breakfast awaits us in the morning of
May 29th.
Leaving for Portland on May 29. This was a wonderful stay. We recommend this Bed and Breakfast oasis very highly. Come and discover Calais!
Candace joins us during our departure
Below is part of our Portland, Maine visit on May 29 to June 1. Bob and Mary with Bob's mom Annie Margaret.
We stayed with Bob's brother David and his wife Cynthia. As always, a wonderful time and lots of laughs.
As we leave Portland on June 1st, we stop by and have breakfast with Bob's brother Dale at his cottage in Ogunquit
From Dale's we rode westward to Upstate New York and Balston Spa to visit with our friend and Salty Fog Motorcycle Rally Alumni member Paul B. He was presented with an official Salty Fog rally shirt.
Later that evening we all went for Italian food.
The next morning (June 2) we made our way to The White House for a fine breakfast.
Our friend Chris came up from Pennsylvania to join us and then guide us down through NY and Pennsylvania to his home in Lehman.
We had the wonderful opportunity to be included in the birthday for Chis' mom which they had planned. What an amazing cake! Lots of laughs and conversation with this very hospitable family.
Chris captures a picture of us sitting on a stone wall on his family's vast property in Lehman, Penn. Our visit with Chris and his family was very appreciated and will remain one of our fondest memories of the trip.
Chris escorted us through the beautiful back roads of Upstate New York and southward through to Lehman, Pennsylvania. Here we arrive in Millersburg, PA for the ferry across the Susquehanna River (one mile wide at this point). http://www.millersburg.com/attractions/ferry.html
Our one and only camp night. Shortly after this it was all sent packing home! When motels are almost as cheap as campgrounds it makes sense. As well, after a long day a motel is easier and more comfortable.
Tight quarters for trying to update a blog.
A healthy breakfast is important. The remaining fermented juice goes great with pizza.
Note the cross.
Power nap then good for a few more hours
Today (June 4) we departed Bristol, Virginia at 7 am. Actually, the motel was on the outskirts of the city. Suffice to say that this place needed many things. A return visit is not likely.
Although we had about two hours of little traffic, the roads again filled with the constant rush of 22 wheelers (30 wheeler is double trailer!). In some ways it felt like 'running with the bulls. Hot. 87 degrees F with very high humidity.
Today (June 5) we are in a motel in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It remains very hot with high humidity. Tomorrow we arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana for a two day stay.
