The Journal
This is the journal I kept while Claudia and I were traveling. Lots of photos follow the journal.10-06-98 8:45 a.m.
The Inn at Portland Motel,
Portland, Maine
Well, we’re here, and having adventures already!
Claudia and I spent Sunday night at the Host Airport Hotel at Sacramento airport. We got up at 4:30 to make sure we made the 6:40 flight on time, not knowing how long (or short) a time it took the other to get ready of a morning, we thought we’d be safe. As it turns out, we both get up-and-at-‘em fairly quickly, so we had plenty of time.
We had coffee and a sweet roll at the airport, then went up to the gate only to discover that the flight to Chicago was delayed due to bad weather. Our flight finally left at 9:30! We arrived in Chicago and dashed for the plane to Portland. The distance couldn’t have been worse if we’d planned it that way. We came in at the very end of “B” concourse, and the plane to Portland left at the gate at the very end of “C” concourse! Good thing we dashed, because we got there just as they were boarding.
So, we made the connection. Our luggage, unfortunately, did not. We had to sleep in our clothes and go the airport first thing in the morning to collect our bags. Ah, well. Just part of the fun!
We stayed this first night at the “Inn at Portland,” a weird place if ever there was one. One practically had to walk through the alley to get to the room, but the room itself is okay. Not the nicest place I’ve ever stayed, but not the worst either.
Had a lovely dinner last night after we finally arrived at the motel. Clam chowder, swordfish, baked potato, and pecan pie for dessert. If I keep this up, I’m going to weigh ten thousand pounds by the time vacation is over! Ah, what the heck, it’s vacation!
Maine is beautiful, as always. The trees are starting to turn here in Portland. The sky is clear, its a tad windy, and CRISP! Of course, crisp is a relative term…we’ve seen people here wearing shorts!
Claudia is out of the shower, so I’ll stop for now and take mine. Then, North!
10-06-98 9:15 p.m
Ocean House Hotel
Port Clyde, Maine
Well, its been a very full day!
Claudia and I checked out of the motel and headed north on Route 1. The trees are starting to turn and the drive up was just beautiful. Rumor has it that the “peak” will be this week and next, so apparently we got here just at the right time.
We stumbled across a Wal-Mart in Falmouth and, of course, had to stop. Had Claudia take my picture under the “pharmacy” sign. Too funny…. Also, I needed some sore throat drops. My throat has been kind of sore since we started. Hope I’m not getting another sinus infection. I refuse to get sick!
While we were checking out, we asked the cashier for a good place to eat lunch. Well, she didn’t know - she’d just transferred in from Texas! Luckily, the fellow who was behind us in line told us about a place called the Sea Dog Brewery and Pub.
I took a wrong turn and had to ask directions again from a very nice young man who said, in his perfect “Down East” accent, “You can’t get theyah from heyah.” I just love this accent!
Well, the Sea Dog turned out to be just great. I had the most marvelous lobster stew that was just roll-your-eyes-in-ecstasy wonderful! Haven’t had anything this good since the roasted garlic soup at the River City Bar and Grill in Redding. Mmmm-mmmm good!
Went to Pemaquid Point and photographed the lighthouse there. This lighthouse is probably one of the most photographed lighthouses around, and I can see why. It is truly a spectacular sight. There were some professional photographers down on the rocks below taking pictures, so I thought, what the heck, if they can do it, so can I. So I clambered down the rocks and took a few myself. Hopefully they’ll come out all right.
Arrived at the Ocean House Hotel just before dark. We are avoiding the main roads and taking the scenic routes whenever possible, so its taking us much longer to get anywhere, but by golly, we’re seeing some pretty country!
Bud, the proprietor here, is going to let us leave the car here instead of us paying the $8.00 to park in the lot while we’re one Monhegan Island. Nice guy!
Went to dinner at Farmer’s Restaurant and had some pretty good scallops.
Am writing this in front of the fire place. The Ocean House Inn is an older home built at the top of the hill from the harbor. The rooms are upstairs (some very steep stairs, I might add), while the kitchen and entertaining area is downstairs. Our room looks out over the town and harbor. The house is old, so has settled. Our room slants! Our beds are tall (especially for those of us who are vertically challenged!), with lovely white bedspreads. The bathroom has an old, free-standing, claw-foot tub, with the shower curtain that goes all the way around. Just too darling for words.
It’s very quiet here. It’s the end of the season, for one, and many places have already closed up until Spring. Bud says that this is the kind of place where nobody bothers to lock their doors, and most people leave their keys in the car in case a neighbor needs to move it. Crime is pretty much nonexistent. They took a community vote at the last town meeting and voted down the idea of having a part time rent-a-cop as being not necessary. My kind of place!
Tomorrow, we’re off to Monhegan Island.
10-07-98 9:30 p.m.
The Island Inn
Monhegan Island, Maine
It’s been a long, full day, but kind of relaxing, too.
We got up at 7:00, showered, dressed and went down for breakfast. Had a nice breakfast of bacon and eggs, then walked down to the ferry. We each just took an overnight bag, and left the rest of our gear in the trunk.
Claudia gets seasick easily, so she stayed seated downstairs (or is that “below decks?”) while I went up on deck. It was exhilarating! The wind on my face, blowing through my hair, and the scenery was just fantastic. Passed Port Clyde Lighthouse, and took a picture, but I think I was too far away for it to come out well.
Out on the sea like this, I felt very close to Daddy. I wonder how many times he stood at the rail of his ship, awestruck by the magnificence of God’s creation?
The crossing was smooth and we arrived at the island in about an hour. Poor Claudia was first off the ship. Even though the sea was so smooth, she couldn’t wait to get off that boat!
The Island Inn sits atop a hill overlooking the harbor. It’s a stately old summer hotel and dominates the island. Definitely seasonal; in fact, they’ll be closing up right after Columbus Day until Spring.
Our room, upstairs of course (this is getting to be too much of a joke….everything is upstairs!), overlooks the harbor and has two beds, two chairs, a dresser and a TINY shower. White everything, as befits a summer hotel. No heat, as this is a summer place, and I predict we’ll both be frozen little popsicles in the morning!
Claudia and I went exploring. The day was fine, if a tad chilly, and we only have one day here. This is the end of the season, so the village was fairly quiet. Only the locals are allowed to have vehicles here, and the ones that do seem to own pickup trucks. The houses that aren’t boarded up are in the process of being winterized. Monhegan Island is ½ mile wide, and 1 & ½ miles long, I believe, with miles and miles of trails, most of which are best taken if one is part mountain goat!
Talked to one fellow who said he goes through about 100 gallons of propane every month during the winter. Could get expensive!
Had lunch at the Periwinkle Café’, then walked up to the lighthouse. What a spectacular view!!! Got some good shots of the lighthouse, which has a boat along side, just for photographers I imagine, since the lighthouse is on top of a hill and nowhere near the sea.
The cemetery was disappointing. Strictly names-and-dates; no frills.
While we were walking up the hill to the cemetery, I wondered aloud if there were any snakes on the island. Well, not two minutes later, Claudia stops and says, “snake!” I would have missed it completely. It was about a foot long, thin as a pencil, with a pretty yellow band encircling its head. Claudia tossed a stone in its general direction and it slithered away quietly.
All that walking was a bit tiring, so we went back to the room (upstairs!) for a tiny nap, then down to dinner. Claudia had lobster; I had pork loin. Very good. Should be for the amount they charged! Captive audience, you know.
Wrote my postcards in the little “office/library” downstairs and started Suzanne’s baby blanket. And now, to bed. It’s back to the mainland tomorrow.
10-09-98 7:30 a.m.
Navigator Motor Inn
Rockland, Maine
Yesterday morning we awoke to a wretched day - raining, windy, and the sea was more than a little rough looking. Surprisingly, we had not frozen to death during the night, but it looked as though we might crossing back to the mainland.
The view from our hotel room window showed a gray sky and an even grayer sea, boats bobbing about in the water like so many corks gone mad. How is Claudia going to manage this with her seasickness? I’m glad I got her those sea-bands. Those plus the prescription pills should help, I hope.
We got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. I had every intention of just crocheting until the 12:30 boat, but I saw some people headed for the dock with their baggage and discovered there was a cargo boat at 8:30! Great, thinks I, the later we wait the worse it will be, so let’s go NOW.
The crossing wasn’t as bad as I feared, at least not for me. The wind was at our backs and we were running with the tide. The up-and-down swells weren’t too bad, but the side-to-side ones were a little dicey. It was certainly rougher than our crossing yesterday. I stayed inside myself this time. Poor Claudia almost tossed her cookies, but managed to hold on, brave girl.
Once on good old terra firma, we said thanks to Bud for watching the car and then drove leisurely up the peninsula, stopping occasionally to take pictures.
Stopped at Owl’s Head Lighthouse. This was a lonely, desolate spot last time I was here, but there are more houses around now. The fog horn was blowing because of the rain, and we couldn’t get too close or the pressure from the horn would blow out our eardrums. I got as close as I could for a photo straight up the stairs.
We stopped for lunch as soon as we got into Rockland at a little sandwich shop. Pretty decent hoagie, but the meat was sliced a little too thick for a “real” hoagie. Tasted okay, though, so can’t complain.
Checked into the Navigator Motor Inn. Nice basic motel room, (downstairs!), but nothing to write home about. Still raining.
Explored a little. Went to the Wyeth and Farnsworth museums. They had an exhibition of Jamie Wyeth’s paintings. Such dark and brooding stuff. Not my cup of tea at all.
We then drove into Camden to a walk-in clinic. I do indeed seem to have my sinus infection back again, so I got a prescription for some Keflex. Hopefully that will do the job. Kind of congested, sore throat, post-nasal drip, the whole enchilada. I don’t feel particularly bad, but I’d just as soon head this one off at the pass. Got my script filled at the Rockland Wal-Mart, of course! Had Claudia take my picture under the pharmacy sign. These should be cute when I get home. The funny thing is, we certainly don’t have to hunt for anything - everything is basically in the same place as the Wally’s back home.
Had dinner at the Waterworks Pub. Had ribs, spicy but good. Pepcid, here I come.
Early to bed….. Such wild women we are!
10-09-98 8:15 p.m.
Higgins Holiday Motel
Bar Harbor, Maine
Got up about 7:30. Had breakfast at Miss Plums Restaurant, a cute little place about half-way between Rockland and Camden. Then checked out of the motel and did a little shopping in Rockland.
I am SO jazzed! I got a FIRST EDITION Edna St. Vincent Millay “Conversation at Midnight” at an antique store for only $20!!! What a find!!!
While shopping, a woman breezed in wearing the most beautiful red Victorian cape I’ve ever seen. I have wanted a cape just like that, fresh out of Dickens, for as long as I can remember. So, I had to stop and tell her what a beautiful cape she owned, and where did you get it? Unfortunately, she had gotten her cape at a craft show some months back, and didn’t know where I could get one. Turns out she’s a lobster fisherman, and this is one of the few times she gets to show her feminine side and wear this cape. I confess, I broke the Tenth Commandment today, because I coveted that woman’s cape…big time!!!
We then drove to Kelmscott Farm in Lincolnville. Along the way we passed some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen in my life. The trees are ablaze with reds and yellows, orange and gold. Just breathtaking. I do wish the weather were more cooperative, though. It’s hard to get a good picture in the rain.
Kelmscott Farm was very interesting. They specialize in rare breeds of sheep, mostly, and we walked around looking at the animals, rain, mud and all.
Then, off to Bar Harbor. This being a holiday weekend, the traffic has been horrendous, and the rain doesn’t help. It looks like w e might get a break in the weather tomorrow, though. At least I hope so.
Bar Harbor is a cute little town, at least what we can see of it in the rain. This is the last weekend of the season, so naturally everybody is having big sales to get rid of their stock before they close for the winter. Too bad for them; good for us! Haven’t really done too much shopping yet. Been keeping my eye out for a key for Mori, but so far no luck. How difficult can it be to find antique keys? But so far none of the antique stores have had any keys at all. I’ll keep looking, though!
Had dinner at the Fish House Grill. An entire lobster, chowder, baked potato, corn on the cob, and chocolate mousse, all for $17.95! What a deal!! Claudia and I are both stuffed. Decided that the whole lobster is more trouble that its worth. I think I’ll just stick with the tail from now on. I mean, who cares about the tiny snippet of meat in the claws? Too much work for too little good stuff.
So now, we’re all settled in our room, early birds that we are. We’ve been hitting the hay early, usually in our jammies by 8:00 and asleep by 9:00 or 9:30. We hope to get on the road early tomorrow, which is a major driving day. Holiday weekend and the traffic will be awful, so I need my rest. Did I mention that I’m the only one driving? Budget would have charged us an extra $5.00 a day for the extra driver, so I’m doing all the driving. Works out just as well, though, as I’m a terrible passenger anyway.
Nitey-nite…
10-10-98 9:45 p.m.
Lavender Flower Inn
Conway, New Hampshire
Had oatmeal and toast at Jordan’s Restaurant, and was on the road by 9:30.
Rain. Lots and lots of rain. Not much fun driving in this muck, but beautiful all the same. Even the rain can’t damper the beauty of the Autumn leaves.
Pulled into the Lavender Flower Inn about 4:30. Our room is, where else? Upstairs. Decorated very nicely. Noreen, the owner, has only six rooms. Now, that would be something even I could manage, I think. I’m getting all sorts of ideas for my own house. Wait ‘til I get home! Chipper is going to love these ideas!
Dinner at Burger King, of all places. Then back to the Inn, crocheted a little, had some hot tea, and then to bed.
Noreen has one of the those colored balls on a pedestal we’ve been seeing. We’ve been wondering what they are, so will try and remember to ask her in the morning.
Weather channel says more rain tomorrow. Bummer.
10-11-98 9:30 p.m.
Lavender Flower Inn
Conway, New Hampshire
Okay, that colored ball on the pedestal is a “bird ball.” Apparently it works like a scare crow to keep the birds out of the garden. Who woulda thunk it?
Poor Noreen has just been having a terrible time. She sprung a leak and lost her water pressure, (so we discovered when we tried to take a shower), so she’s going nuts trying to get a plumber. She’s just not had an easy time of anything lately. Her husband passed away in June and she’s trying to keep this place up by herself. Plus her one dog died, and now the other is old and ill. We spent quite a bit of time discussing our dogs, and how terribly difficult it is to lose them. I can’t help thinking how much Mitzi would have loved this trip. Even though she got nervous traveling, she did love to go and explore new places. Sure do miss that little girl….
Anyhow, Noreen put out a little continental breakfast in the morning, and after eating, Claudia and I went to church. The Lutherans hold services in the 7th Day Adventist Church, a typical New England church, white with a tall spire, surrounded by the brilliance of the Fall colors. I was surprised at how similar this service was to my own at home.
Had a bite of lunch at Jonathan’s Seafood Restaurant, where we both had fish-and-chips.
Then, laundry. I know, how boring can you get, but clothes get dirty even on vacation. I think I brought too much stuff! I may box some up and send home some stuff I haven’t been using. I don’t want to have to cart this stuff around for another two weeks if I can avoid it.
Battled the traffic to North Conway - literally bumper-to-bumper with leaf-peepers like ourselves. We did take a serendipitous wrong turn and ended up at a covered bridge I didn’t know was there. Absolutely stunning view! Took lots of photos! Still cloudy, so I hope they come out.
Did a little shopping at the local crafters mall and picked up some cute little presents for folks at work.
Dinner at KFC, then back to the Inn before dark. Had some tea and discussed our plans for the morrow. Watched Touched By An Angel, and the weather before bed. Looks like it may clear up some for the next couple of days. Hooray!
I have been so overwhelmed with the brilliance of the colors. And I am struck anew at God’s glorious beauty. I think if I lived back here, I’d never get used to it, I’d just enjoy every single day of these gorgeous colors.
Early to bed. Hope to get on the road early tomorrow. I’m a little disappointed, though. I had hoped to take the very scenic Kancamangus Highway through the White Mountains and Crawford’s Notch, but the road is being repaired and the news says to expect many delays, so we will go south instead. Probably means we won’t get much of Vermont. I’m not sure how long it will take us to get wherever we’re going to stop for the night. We have a couple days before we have to check in at Baldwin Hills Farms, so our time is our own for a while.
10-12-98 8:52 p.m.
Cozy Corner Motel
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Left the Lavender Flower Inn about 7:30. Didn’t stay for the continental breakfast, as Claudia and I both needed something a little more substantial. Knocked on the door to say goodbye to Noreen, but I guess she was busy as we got no response. I’ll have to send her a little postcard later to tell her how much we enjoyed staying with her.
Detoured to North Conway to take some pictures, then headed south and west.
Ate lunch in Wolfsborough, the place where I had considered relocating. Still a pretty town, but on further reflection, if I ever moved it would be to the ocean. The mountains are nice, but kind of claustrophobic feeling.
We weren’t sure how far we’d get, since the map is kind of deceiving, but here we are, through Vermont with barely a “howdy,” and into Massachusetts.
Cloudy, but no rain, thanks be to God.
Checked into the motel (downstairs!) and had a bite at a near-by restaurant, then drove to the Berkshire Mall, about half an hour away. I needed a night gown. The Berkshire Mall is just too funny. It’s located, no joke, in from the road, with a two-mile long entrance!
It was too dark to take any pictures, but we passed a place that we’ll return to tomorrow.
Early to bed. Tired girl!!
10-13-98 8:00 p.m.
Quality Inn
Lenox, Massachusetts
I haven’t been sleeping very well, so last night I took a trazadone and slept like a log. Finally woke up at 8:00! Claudia said she was concerned that I was sick, but no, just catching up on some Zs. The sinus infection is going away, and its getting difficult to remember to take the antibiotics, but I’m managing at least three a day, even if I don’t remember to take all four.
Had to backtrack a tad to take some photographs, then went into Williamstown to explore. What a great place! A college town, with a beautiful gray stone gothic church. Beautiful stained glass windows. Took one photo, but I don’t think it will come out very well.
Did a little shopping and I got a really different spoon made from shells for Shirley, who collects spoons. Also found a couple of unique shell boxes at a little antique store called The Library. Susan and Pat both collect shells, so this will be perfect for them. Still no keys for Mori, though.
Then, lunch at Friendly’s Restaurant - these restaurants are all over the place back here. Friendly’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are just everywhere. Good food, good service, cheap prices, great ice cream.
Checked into the Quality Inn, then dashed out to find the Shaker Museum. Too late to tour today, but will go first thing in the morning.
Had a wonderful Italian dinner at Sweet Basil Restaurant. Really good food, and lots of it. But, wow, will Claudia and I pay for it tonight! Pepcid, here we come!
Backtracking just a touch - this morning before we left we talked with a lady, (and her dog) who, upon hearing we were from California, asked, “Do you know Santa Barbara?” Well, as both Claudia and I are from SB, we said, “Sure!” Small world, but not so small that we knew her friends!
Stopped at a little Christmas shop and found the cutest little box for Paloma. And the Lindt chocolate shop for truffles for Chipper. I do love all this shopping!
So tonight, wild women that we are, we are in our jammies at 8:00, writing in our journals, and making ready for a full day tomorrow!
10-14-98 Evening of Claudia’s birthday!
Baldwin Hill Farm
Great Barrington, (near Stockbridge), Mass.
The day started out with rain, of course, so we decided to postpone the Shaker Village until tomorrow. Hopefully we’ll have better weather.
Had some in-room coffee, checked out, and we were on our way.
Drove to Stockbridge, the town immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s “Main Street.” And yes, it does look like that, only a bit more modern now. Pretty little town. Lots of traffic through the main parts.
Found a place to park, (no mean feat in itself) and went for breakfast. Then a bit of shopping, well, window-shopping anyway. Most stuff was way out of this little girl’s price range, but Claudia found some Betty Boop items for someone on her gift list. Stopped into a sweater shop, and walked right back out again. $500 for one sweater???? I don’t think so!
Still cloudy, but at least the rain has stopped.
Then, to the Rockwell Museum. What amazing talent and eye for detail. I could spend hours just looking at the detail in Rockwell’s paintings. One was a drawing done on paper in charcoal that was so detailed and beautiful that it took my breath away. How could he get so many different shades out of a stick of charcoal? Fantastic.
Beautiful grounds as well. If only the weather had been better, I’d have gotten some photos. Of course, they don’t let you take pictures inside the museum, so I left my camera in the car. Next time, I’ll take the camera and at least get pictures of the grounds.
Also toured Chesterwood, the home of the man who designed the Lincoln Memorial. Lovely home, statuary everywhere of course, with some marvelous pieces in the workshop. No photos allowed. Darn.
Had a half a sandwich for lunch in West Stockbridge. Strange little town. Not very friendly, and had a very New Agey, witchy feel to it. Didn’t stay long, but Claudia did want a picture of a business called “Hotchkiss Mobiles.” We went into the shop, and the mobiles were true pieces of art. Billy would have loved them. But, out of my price range.
We’ve been noticing that a lot of the homes have statuary in the yards, and all decked out for Autumn or Hallowe’en.
Then on to Great Barrington, and Baldwin Hill Farm, our hosts being Richard and Patricia Burdsall, Quakers. Located high on a hill, you can see three states from their property, Massachusetts (where they are located), Connecticut and New York. The views are tremendous and our hosts are delightful. Our rooms are upstairs, adjoining with the bathroom in mine. Decorated in bright, pretty colors and wonderful warm comforters on the beds.
The house and land has been in the Burdsall’s family for a couple of generations. I believe they may be cousins somewhere down the line in Chip’s side of the family. Chip’s mother’s maiden name was Burdsall, and they’re from the same neck of the woods in Pennsylvania.
Drove down the hill to a little Italian place for dinner, then back to our rooms to read a little before bed. I just love burrowing under heavy comforters on a chilly night. What must it have been like to grow up on this farm?
10-15-98 Evening
Baldwin Hill Farm
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
An interesting and full day. Breakfast with the Burdsall’s is quite an experience. We got an ear full of growing up on the farm, shoveling coal into the furnace in the winter, and their decision to move back to the family farmstead after Richard’s father passed away. Richard had been a teacher in New Jersey, I believe, and decided to come back and open the farm as a B&B. They are both friendly and personable folk, and a delight to be around.
Since we are so close, we decided to go to Austerlitz, New York, to try and find Edna St. Vincent Millay’s house, Steepletop. A lovely drive, with Fall doing its best to impress us with how many shades of color She could provide.
We found Austerlitz, a tiny hamlet hidden in the mountains. There is a sign at the post office that marks this road as Millay’s, so we asked directions of the post mistress. She seemed reluctant to give us directions, and told us we couldn’t go in, but it was okay to look, so up we went. The one-lane road to Steepletop is dirt, meandering, and full of potholes amid a riot of colorful trees.
After many peaks and valleys, going about five miles an hour, (must be hell in winter!), we finally found what looked like the place. We stopped and asked a resident across the “street” who said yes, that’s it, but you can’t go in. There are “artists in residence” who don’t wish to be disturbed. We get the feeling these locals are VERY protective of the place, and I can see where they might not want a cartload of tourists traveling this road. So, even though I couldn’t go in, I settled for the photo of the house through the trees and the knowledge that I was this close to my favorite poets old home, and that I had driven the same road she had, and seen the same trees change color. That will have to suffice.
Then off to Hancock Shaker Village. Whomever told us it would only take an hour was definitely wrong - it took us FOUR hours to go through the village. Very interesting. We had a great time poking about the village, and visiting the various buildings. I was especially interested in the kitchen, and got to try out a double-barreled rolling pin that really did make it easier to roll out dough. I’m going to have to order me one of those!
I also bought a book on basketmaking, and a basket kit. I’ve always wanted to learn how, so now’s my chance.
Then we checked out the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. We arrived just after the male seahorse had given birth and was busy mating again. Voyeurs that we were, we just had to watch! I just wish we’d gotten there in time to see him give birth. That would have been very interesting to watch.
Dinner at the Barrington Brewery and Pub. (For two women who don’t drink, we certainly seem to eat in Pubs a lot!) Had some really good Cheddar Ale soup. Not quite roll-your-eyes-in-ecstasy good as the lobster stew at the Sea Dog, but dang good all the same.
Back to the Burdsall’s; read for a while, then early to bed. Wild women!
10-16-98 8:00 p.m.
Econo Lodge
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Had a lovely breakfast with the Burdsall’s. Gosh, by the time we left, we felt like family!
Too early to hit the antique shops, so just drove. Got turned around in Springfield, but managed to find our way pretty easily. Getting lost is just part of the fun!
Neither Claudia nor I can remember the place we had lunch, which is too bad. Eavesdropping on the conversations in the place was worth the price of admission in itself. Ordinary food, but a colorful bunch of patrons.
Did a little antique shopping in Brimfield. Claudia got a great candlestick for her mom, and I got an interesting jewel box and book of Greek orations, edited by William Jennings Bryan. Quite a find.
Found the motel just coming into town. The room is fine, downstairs for a change, and a bit away from the road. Dinner at Friendly’s. We both got a couple of cardboard boxes to mail stuff home. Plus, I’ve had to buy a new suitcase as well! Sheesh…. Chipper is going to kill me.
Will write some postcards after I’m done with the journal, then to bed. Will try and go to the Shrine of St. Anne’s and Old Sturbridge tomorrow. After that, who knows? We have no plans and noplace to be, so may head back towards the coast and check out more lighthouses.
10-17-98 6:30 p.m.
Econo Lodge
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Poor Claudia - she’s just tuckered out, poor girl. I don’t think she feels very well. We’ve had a very full day, and she hit the hay about 5:00 and I expect she’s gone for the night.
Got up and had breakfast at Friendly’s about 9:00, then straight to Old Sturbridge Village. I especially liked the pottery. The potter makes items that are actually used in the village, and sold in the gift shop. Got one for Patricia; I think she’ll like it. Anyhow, watching this fellow make the pottery has encouraged me to take a pottery class when I get home. Looks like fun!
The interpreters are dressed in costume, and the time period is the early 1800s. While they don’t speak in the time period of the day, they do explain how things were done. The lady at the general store was quite a character. Told one lady who was wearing pants that nobody would every marry her if she insisted on dressing like her brother, and besides, she’d freeze during the winter dressed like that. Hmmmm…maybe I should start wearing twelve petticoats under my jumpers!
We did have a tiny nibble in the middle of our touring, but not really enough. Claudia was starting to look a bit peaked then.
OSV took about 4 ½ - 5 hours. Bought some lovely gifts in the gift shop, including a pewter bell for me.
Then to the antique store. Ye gods!! Spent a fortune!!! Finally found some keys for Mori, and while I was purchasing those, the proprietor showed me a very unique lock and key. Expensive, but I think Mori will like it. and he did say to keep my eyes open for something like this. I got it, and if Mori doesn’t want it, I’m sure I can sell it for more than I bought it for. This padlock is cast iron, heavy, and the top comes completely off, with a key that is very unusual.
Had an early dinner at Friendly’s, but by then poor Claudia was just about done in. Took her back to the room where she crashed.
I decided to give her some space, so I went up the Shrine of St. Anne. Peaceful place, pretty. Next to the statue of St. Anne (Mary’s mother) was all kinds of stuff, crutches, braces, breathing devices, photographs, rosaries, crosses. I’m not much into that stuff; smacks too much of idolatry for my liking, but who am I to question how God chooses to work?
The stations of the cross are beautifully done, and culminate in a huge statue of the crucified Christ. Very impressive. While I was there, two women were making a pilgrimage up the steps to the foot of the cross. They would kneel and pray on each step, take another step up, kneel and pray. There are probably 100 stairs. At the end they came back down, and both lit a cigarette. Go figure.
Back to the room, and poor Claudia sick as a dog. Just all worn out, I think. I think we definitely need a day of rest tomorrow.
Kind of late to bed - 10:00.
10-19-98 7:00 p.m.
Governor Bradford Motor Inn
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Claudia still sick, we went to church alone at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Southbridge. 8:00 service, no singing, but nice enough. Had a real “day of rest,” except that we managed to do our laundry.
Sunday night Claudia was feeling a little better, so we stopped by the This and That antique store where I bought two Courier and Ives plates, a tea cup and saucer for Susan, and a paperweight for Candace.
Then to dinner at Charlie’s Restaurant. Pretty good ribs.
Watched the first part of “A Will of Their Own” on t.v. Good show.
Today, Claudia sick again. Her blood sugar is all out of whack. She felt a little better when we got up, but got progressively worse as the day drew on.
Drove down into Connecticut and Rhode Island (terrible roads and even worse for direction signs!), and finally arrive in Plymouth early afternoon. Claudia went immediately to bed, so I went out and walked around a little. I really enjoy Plymouth. It has the feel of a place where real people live. So much of New England is so beautiful, all the houses look so tidy and the landscaping even out in the toolies is neat as a pin. Not that Plymouth isn’t tidy, it certainly is, but it just has a great open feel to it.
Of course, part of that may be that its by the sea. I don’t think I could live in the mountains, pretty as that is. I do miss the ocean, though. The weather is gorgeous again; there’s a nip in the air, and the sky looks as if its been washed clean. Yep, I could live here….
Walked down to see Plymouth Rock. Who knows if the Pilgrims really stepped on it? But its tradition. Plymouth Rock itself has been protected by a columned and roofed pavilion, but is still open to the tides of the sea. The Mayflower II is moored nearby, and Plimoth Plantation is just up the road. Hopefully Claudia will be well enough tomorrow to visit. It will be one of the many highlights of our trip if she is.
Claudia felt good enough this afternoon and evening to get up and walk around in town and have some dinner, so things are looking up.
Watched the second half of the tv show, then to bed.
10-20-98 8:30 p.m.
Governor Bradford Motor Inn
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Seems like we’ve been gone forever. Still having a good time, especially now that Claudia is better, but I’ll be glad to get home, too. I kind of miss the hubby and the doggies, and ye gods! Even work!!!
It’s just been too funny. Practically every time we see a Wal-Mart, we’ve stopped to take my picture in front of the Pharmacy sign. Too cute. One of the pharmacies actually has a walk-up window, outside!
Claudia feeling much better, but her energy level is still kind of low. Blood sugar back more to normal. I think she’s getting homesick. She’s not used to being away from home like I am, so I think she’s probably getting ready to head back. Me too, if truth be known.
Had breakfast at the Court Street Café and then visited Plimoth Plantation. I could probably have spent the entire day there, just listening to the interpreters. The time period is 1627, and the interpreters stay in costume and in character. They talk to you in 17th century dialect, and they are busy doing things that were actually done back then.
Two men were building a house and getting ready to thatch the roof. A woman was tending to her garden, and another woman busy cooking the mid-day meal. Really gave one a feel for how things might have been back then. I think if I lived around here, I would come here often.
Had lunch at some terrible little restaurant where they ignored us most of the time. Couldn’t decide if the waitress was rude or if she didn’t feel well. Decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it wasn’t the best dining experience we’ve had this trip.
Right across the street from the restaurant was a Victorian clothing store. I’m still looking for that wonderful red Victorian cape that I’ve been wanting for years, but the darn store was closed. I will have to order from the catalog when I get home.
Walked around the town and did a little shopping. Ate at the Ming Dynasty Restaurant. We ordered an appetizer and one meal to split, and there was still enough food for 12 people! Good stuff, but way too much food.
Then to Independence Mall. I must be all shopped out, because all I found was some stress and sleep cream at the Body Shop.
Back to the motel and in our jammies by 8:30. Watched a program on lighthouses and now to bed.
10-22-98 9:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites
Portland, Maine
Yesterday we drove the scenic route down to Provincetown, at the end of Cape Cod. Stopped and took pictures at every opportunity.
Visited the Nauset Lighthouse, but couldn’t find the Two Sisters. Then visited the Cape Cod Light, (aka the Highland Light). Now, that was an interesting experience. For one thing, this light was actually open to the public, so we could go up into the light itself. Three bucks apiece, so we pays our money and up we go. 69 steps. Well, I’m not much for heights, so I figure I’ll just look straight ahead. These steps go in a steep spiral up the inner core of the lighthouse. Claudia goes ahead of me, and I start counting to myself. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10, only 59 more to go. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-20, only 49 more to go. Well, when I got to thirty, I said it out loud, and poor Claudia just lost it. She froze and couldn’t go any further. Had to turn around and come back. Probably just as well. If I’d actually gone all the way to the top, I’d probably still be there!
Anyhow, went out to the point and took some photos, which will do us just fine. We both discovered we can love lighthouses from a distance, but we don’t have to love then “up close and personal!”
Provincetown is a very strange place. Has a really odd feel to it. If I thought that other place was New Agey, then Provincetown was even more so. Also, I don’t think I’ve seen such an concentrated population of gays and lesbians in one place since San Francisco. Guys in drag all over the place. And none of them looked happy.
We stayed at the Surfside Inn, fourth floor (elevator, thank goodness!), ocean view. End of the season, so not too expensive. Clean, comfortable, basic motel room.
Had a pretty good lunch at Michael Shay’s restaurant, and dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Then ate at Michael Shay’s again for breakfast in the morning.
Decided to go home early, so this morning we headed north, mostly taking the interstate. Driving through Boston was nerve-wracking. Construction. Traffic. Traffic. More traffic. But, I persevered, and got through just fine. So long as I didn’t have to get off, I was okay.
We stopped at the Lighthouse Depot in Wells. A gift shop that is devoted to nothing but lighthouse stuff. If you want a small lighthouse for your yard, I’m sure they would ship any of the lighthouses in the front yard to you…for a fee. Got a super lighthouse jacket. I’m having them ship it as I don’t think I can stuff one more item in my bags!
Arrived at Portland airport, struggled with our gazillion bags to the Budget counter and turned in the car. Called Embassy Suites to come pick us up. While we were waiting we struck up a conversation with a woman who was also waiting to be picked up. I indicated my three suitcases and three large shopping bags, and explained that I had to condense everything into the 3 suitcases. She took a long look, and drawled, “Honey, you ain’t never gonna make it!”
Embassy Suites are lovely, of course. It’s our last night here, so we’re splurging. We have a little living room, a kitchenette with fridge and microwave, and bedroom. Quite nice!
Had a lovely dinner downstairs. Since its our last night, we splurged on dinner, too. Claudia had rack of lamb; I had sirloin steak with garlic mashed potatoes. Then upstairs for a little creative packing. I did indeed manage to fit all my stuff into my three suitcases, two of which I will check, and carry the small carry-on. The only thing we’ll have to leave behind are the paper goods we’ve bought along the way, cups and stuff. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.
And now that we’ve finished our “chores,” we can have our one last fling. I’ve just called down for room service. We are both having something called a Chocolate Portabella Mushroom, and Claudia is having a drambuie on the rocks, while I’m sticking with tea. Then, early to bed, and home tomorrow.
All in all, its been a lovely vacation!
posted by Phoenix MaryGrace Hocking @ 10:51 AM
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