East Coast Trip 2015: September 2015

Monday, September 21, 2015

Wells, Maine - September 19 - 20, 2015

September 19, 2015

Today was a travel day. Perfect day for driving – 79 degrees and sunny.

The other rigs started leaving around 8:15 a.m., so of course, Bev was ready to get on the road. Stan never feels the same urgency, so we finally left about 9:45 a.m. Not the last to leave but close. Oh well, as long as we get there for dinner right?

The road they had us take was down Highway 1, which goes through a number of cute little Maine towns. We thought

Red's Eat's Line in Wiscasset, Maine

this might be the case when they said it would take five hours to go 187 miles. It was well worth the time spent, as we can see freeways anywhere, but the cute quaint little towns are once in a lifetime. We went through Bucksport, Belfast, Camden, Rockport, Rockland, and Wiscasset, where there was a line around the building to get to Red’s Eats Restaurant. Additionally, there was a line of cars heading into town as we were heading out.

When we got to the Wells Beach Resort, it was a very beautiful park with a lot of very tall trees – so much for getting Direct TV, but they did have cable to not all was lost.

As soon as we got set up, we rode into Kennebunkport, Maine, with Bert & Judy Goulart, from California. They had

Bush "Cottage" at Kennebunkport, Maine

been there previously so had a feel for the area. With it being a weekend, it was swarming with people. Our main interest was going out to get a view of George & Barbara Bush’s cottage. It is at the end of a spit out in the water, with several Secret Service houses. It was very cool.

We returned to the RV Park as there was going to be a “Hobo Stew” dinner. We had one of these on our last tour, so knew it would be good. The Wagon Masters & Tail Gunners, cooked hamburger, onions and cabbage and put it in a pot. The rest of us brought a can of vegetables. We brought diced tomatoes and black beans. The stew was delicious. They also provided bread and dessert bars. Once again we returned to the rig full. We sat out and visited with some of the others in the group.

Bev & Stan at the Bush Cottage in Kennebunkport, Maine

September 20, 2015

Today, we had a bus tour that started at 10:00 a.m. You would think we would have a bunch of time to get ready, but as usual, we were rushing to get to the bus on time. Whew – we made it and weren’t even the last ones there.

Mrs. Shapiro in character at Strawberry Bank Museum

The first stop for the bus was the Strawberry Banke Museum, which is a 10 acre living museum of original houses in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Unlike many museums, were houses are moved in to the location, this was the actual streets of the day. Each of the houses showed a particular part of the daily life back in the time, with people in costume answering questions.

From there we went into Portsmouth and had lunch and roamed the shops before getting back on the bus, for a guided City Tour given by a charming lady that was with the Chamber of Commerce. She was charming and witty and really knew the area. She told us much of the history of the area and the people of Portsmouth.

Nubble Lighthouse

Finally, we headed for Stan’s favorite thing – another lighthouse. Many of the people on the tour indulged themselves in the delicious ice cream. We resisted. Stan did go into the restaurant and had a beer, while we watched a little football.

Cottage by the Nubble Lighthouse

While at the Nubble Lighthouse, we were able to get a picture of one of the big houses – or cottages that in the area.

When Pigs Fly Bakery

The last stop before returning to the park was at the When Pigs Fly Bakery. There was bread of every flavor imaginable. It smelled fabulous. We ended up getting two loaves of bread. One was olive and peppers, the other one was spinach and garlic. Yum. Stan even liked the spinach and garlic one.

Back at the RV Park, we were able to catch the last of the Nascar race and even use the TV outdoors. A few of the other people in the group came over and joined us. It is a great way to get to know some of them better.

Bar Harbor, Maine - start of Grand East Coast Tour - September 17 - 18, 2015

Bar Harbor, Maine - Grand East Coast Tour - September 17 - 18, 2015

September 17, 2015

Today we are official again. We have started the second caravan of our trip. We started our day at 2:30 with an orientation presented by the Wagon Masters, Bob & Penny Willie, and Tail Gunners, Bill & Nancy Maack. They gave us all the information regarding the trip, then everyone introduced themselves. After that we were given Bingo Cards to get signed by each of the other travelers. We will actually play bingo later in the trip.

At 4:45, the bus picked us up to go to the Traditional Lobster Bake, which was at a Lobster Pound about a quarter of a mile from the RV Park. We had a huge meal of Clam Chowder, Lobster, Corn on the Cob, a roll and Blueberry Pie. We were all stuffed. We probably should have walked back to the park rather than ride the bus. Bev did go for a walk down by the water when we returned to the RV Park.

We joined some of the travelers for an after dinner social before turning in for the evening.

September 18, 2015

We started out the day on an Arcadia National Park Bus Tour. This was the same bus tour that we took on our last caravan, even the same driver, Heather. It is beautiful country, and hearing the information a second time was a nice refresher. We made stops at three places to get out and stretch our legs. We went up on Cadillac Mountain, viewed Thunder Hole and visited Jordan Pond House that has a gift shop and restrooms.

Then Heather took us into Bar Harbor, so we could wander around and have lunch. We went back to Paddy’s Irish Pub where we ate the last time in Bar Harbor. It was just as good as the last time.

The afternoon was spent on a Nature Cruise on a tour boat. We sat on the top level of the boat so we had a great view of million dollar “cottages” that are owned by the rich and famous and used about two weeks of the year.

We also got to see many of the birds of the area and even a couple of seals that were frolicking around. It was hard to get a picture of them since they were so quick. There were lobster boats out working the area, pull up and checking pots.

When we got back to the dock, Heather and the bus were waiting for us. Many of us in the back of the bus are convinced that she had too much caffeine or maybe spent time in the Pub, because, she talked nonstop and giggled at herself all the way back to the park. Many of us were tempted to jump out of the window. There had been an accident so we were at a stand-still for a period of time. We stopped by a yard that had chickens and pigs. She was making chicken noises. Yikes. At one point there was a note passed from the back that said “HELP”. We tried to wave it out the window at passing cars with no response. At long last we were back at the park and bid Heather goodbye.

Bar Harbor, Maine - September 13 - 16, 2015

September 13 - 16, 2015

It was like coming home when we arrived at the Too Narrows RV Park in Trenton. This is where our last caravan started, so we were familiar with the park. We have a nice pull thru next to many of the other Fantasy rigs. We have met several of the other caravan travelers already and they all are friendly. It seems like we will have as nice a group as the last caravan.

We arrived here on Sunday in time for the Seahawk football game on TV. It didn’t turn out the way we would have like, as the Seahawks lost in overtime. It was an action packed game though.

The next couple of days have been spent cleaning the coach inside and out. Stan helped with vacuuming and steaming the floors on Monday so Bev helped scrub down the outside on Tuesday. It makes both of the jobs go a lot faster.

We also made a couple of trips to the Verizon store. Stan’s phone was not charging so he is now the proud owner of an IPhone 6. They were very helpful in getting the information transferred. We had to go back the second day because Stan could not access his email. In the end, Scott walked Stan through the process. Not only that, but Scott helped Bev copy her pictures from her phone to her laptop. Kids are the greatest.

Each evening we met with a few more of the Fantasy Tour Group. We are number 21 of the 24 numbers. Our Wagon Masters and Tail Gunners had an A, B, C social on the 16, the last day before the official tour started. We all brought A (appetizer), B (beverage) & C (chair) and got to meet many more of our fellow travelers. We had a great evening.

Tomorrow the Official Tour starts – yippee.

From Port Republic, New Jersey to Bar Harbor, Maine - September 11-12, 2015

September 11, 2015

Today had to be the WORST day of driving so far. We were driving north on the Garden State Parkway, which is a beautiful road with LOTS of tolls (total today of $67.95). Unfortunately, our GPS told us on a regular basis that we had a height and weight violation. Stan took it in stride, but as usual, Bev was a mess, expecting the top of the coach to be peeled off at every bridge and overpass or to get pulled over by the police.

We did not have any of the toll booth operators tell us that we had a problem, at each toll both, there were cars that would honk their horns at us. That added to the enjoyment of the trip. Also, there were no big trucks on the Parkway either.

We finally got to Highway 87 and we have never been so excited to see big trucks – we figure if they are there than our height & weight should be okay.

We stayed at the Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut. With the high season being over and kids back to school, we were able to get a nice pull thru with 50 amp power. There were even Adirondack chairs and a propane BBQ on the patio at the site. We sure wouldn’t mind staying longer, but need to head to Bar Harbor.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Port Republic, New Jersey - August 28 - September 11, 2015

Port Republic, New Jersey – August 27 – September 11, 2015

The lake at Chestnut Lake Preserve

We arrived at another Thousand Trails RV Park in the Jersey Shore area. They are in the process of upgrading the park to be one of their elite parks. They have
improved the pool and play areas, but are still working on getting the power upgraded. It has great potential. We are enjoying ourselves.

While here we have done a lot of investigating – and shopping.

We started out by checking out Atlantic City. Boy, were we disappointed, after trips to Las Vegas. Stan was a bit put out when we were charged $20 just to go into the Trump Taj Mahal. Then, when he was playing at the bar, he was charged $8 for a beer. In Las Vegas, they are complimentary. Needless to say, the place was not very busy.

Bev was having trouble with her MiFi, so checked in with Verizon. She came away from there with both a tower and a portable MiFi. She should be in good shape now – when Bev’s happy, everyone is happy. After that, we shopped for a new printer, since the printer had a broken paper holder. So she got one of those too. Yippee.

August 31

We decided to give Atlantic City another try. This time we decided to try a different casino. We went to the Borgata. It was beautiful, only $5 to park, complimentary drinks at the bar and very busy. We stayed for about three hours. Stan had a great time at the poker machines. Bev even played for a while – even won some, then sat and read her book.

GOOD NEWS - we found the DirecTV Remote – You won’t believe where we found it ---- In the Ziploc Gallon Size Bag box. Who would guess!!!

September 2

On the recommendation of Rich& Sue Pitnotti, who used to live in New Jersey, we decided to take a road trip down to Cape May, New Jersey. Cape May is at the tip of the state on the Atlantic Ocean, south of Atlantic City and It was well worth the trip. As you will see from the pictures, there are beautiful beaches, Victorian homes, shops and lots of tourists. We are glad we didn’t miss going there. We also took a trolley ride around the city to see all of the highlights.

Cape May, New Jersey

Beach

Beach at Cape May

On the recommendation of Rich & Sue Pitnotti, who used to live in New Jersey, we decided to take a road trip down to Cape May, New Jersey. Cape May is at the tip of the state on the Atlantic Ocean, south of Atlantic City and It was well worth the trip. As you will see from the pictures, there are beautiful beaches, Victorian homes, shops and lots of tourists. We are glad we didn’t miss going there. We also took a trolley ride around the city to see all of the highlights.