Cloudy Skies

Day 7

I just woke up from being asleep in Eleanor's bed and really want to crawl right into bed so this may be short!

Our first full day in Maine was very nice, albeit a bit foggy.  We didn't have any rain today, but it was still cloudy, hampering some of the views.  Now, it's still definitely beautiful, but we can tell it would be breathtaking with sunny skies.  Right now, the forecast is calling for isolated storms the next two days, too, so we are trying not be be discouraged.  It would be awfully disappointing to come all this way and not have the views we know are there behind the clouds.  If there's one thing we know about living in Chicago, though, is how quickly the weather can change.  Also, that the weatherman is often wrong!  Lets hope so.  Doug said it is never foggy like this until late August and September....highly unusual.  Super.

So, after an okay night (Eleanor slept alone all night but fell out once and needed the bathrooms a couple of times), and one in which we both stayed up far too late, we were a bit tired in the morning.  Once we were all up, we headed out for our first family adventure.  We stopped at some shoreline, first, and the kids had a blast climbing all over the rocky shore.  It was low tide, so many of the rocks were covered in seaweed, etc.  It was a bit nerve-wracking for us parents, as we worried that the kids would fall, but they loved it.  The air was thick with salt, and the waves crashing over the rocks was a sight.  

Next, we ventured over to a relatively short trail.  Will convinced me we did not need the backpack for Eleanor, but less than halfway in, I regretted not taking it.  The hike was not steep, but it was pretty long.  At the mid-point, we were on another piece of shoreline, and Eleanor fell.  After that, she only wanted to be held.  And guess who she wanted to be held by?  Will was quick to admit that we should have taken the carrier.  I told  him maybe he could owe me a back rub, but I've yet to see it.  :)  Ethan was in love with the hike and all about getting through "obstacles."  He ran ahead the whole time, super excited.  I got a lot of great pictures, including a better M for my last name picture collage, but so many landscape pictures are not as majestic as we know they could be.  Fingers crossed for sunny skies.  

Following the hike, we took a quick look at a lighthouse before arriving back at the cottage for lunch.  Lunch was followed by some rest time (read: attempt to nap for mommy and daddy...think daddy succeeded).  Doug stopped by in the afternoon with a trail map for us and stayed to show us some good ones for families.  He's an interesting character and not at all what Will and I expected. Deeply tanned and looking like a total hippy, you just know this man has some great stories to tell.  

We left the cottage again at 3 or so, thinking we would go to the Acadia welcome center, but we stopped by echo lake beach to check it out.  Once the kids saw the sand, that was it, and we were all too happy to lay out a blanket and let them play.  Sand toys were in the car.  The water here is swimable, though  not for me on this cooler day.  Ethan was content in the sand, but Eleanor was eventually wet in her clothes, and we found a mismatched bathing suit for her to put on.  Like only a kid can, she ran right into the water completely unfazed but the temperature.  We simply enjoyed watching them frolic (literally) with jagged tree lined cliffs on either side and sailboats in the distance.  Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.  

When we got home, it was definitely shower time.  Then, I made a quick pasta e olio dinner with veggies, and we ate then the kids and I made a fire, or attempted to, while Will cleaned up and watched the Tour de France.  The wood was still damp, and with very little kindling, I didn't quite get the fire I was hoping for.  I did put in my best effort, though, and the kids got their s'mores and made memories nonetheless.  

Tomorrow will hopefully bring some sunny skies and more hiking.  We will also likely hit a lobster pound or another island restaurant for dinner.  Hoping to expose the kids to new kinds of seafood. Hoping...

Haiku of the day:

Rocky shores, trails galore

Cloudy skies we hope will clear

More s'mores on the way

We made it!

Day 6

Leaving Gorham at 9:30. Great hotel with pretty views, and a good value, too! Will got to sleep in a regular bed, and Ethan got to flop around all he wanted.  

Within 15 minutes, we are in Maine! The top of New Hampshire is pretty small across. :). This part of the drive was probably our most unpleasant, at least for me.  It was rough road, and extremely curvy, and this mommy was getting bit green.  It didn't help that Eleanor wanted me to read her a few stories.  Ugh.  The kids seemed fine, though, and I was fine once we got to the major highway.

And might I take a second to brag about how awesome the kids did with all our driving?  Each day, which start to finish was always at least 6-8 hours, they only watched an hour of cartoons, and the typically didn't even start watching until the last part of our trip, with a couple of hours to go.  They might ask early on, but we always said no and they didn't really pursue it.  They kept busy with drawing, tanagrams (thanks, mom!), books on CD, playing with superhero figures, and just pretending and talking.  They had their moments, but, overall, it was definitely Will and I that were more travel weary.  Granted, they were total animals in the hotels and so hyper, but that's to be expected with so much time cooped up, I suppose. 

Anyway, so we finally got to the major highway that would take us to Bangor.  We stopped for sandwiches at a travel stop and then drove through Bangor and on to Ellsworth, right before the island.  The drive itself took longer than expected given what we were told, or maybe we were just so anxious.  In Ellsworth, we hit a grocery store to load up on things for the week and then drove on to the island. We found our place easily and were immediately impressed.  

The man we are renting from, Doug Beal, is fifth generation on the island. His grandfather started Beals lobster pound, which is one of two major lobster pounds on the island and featured in guidebooks.  His brother is a fisherman.  He mentioned if I want any lobster to cook here, if I give him a hours notice, he will get me some for 5 dollars a pound. I've never cooked my own lobster and have only really had a whole one once, but he told me exactly how to do it.  We will see.  Not sure Will will eat one, and the kids might be traumatized if the watch me kill our meal!  Anyway, Doug and his wife Vicki live in a house about 30 yards away (it's beautiful) and there's another cottage like ours just a stone's throw from ours.  I will post a link to the pictures of the cabin. Doug build his own house, these two cottages, and another house (now his neighbor).  Clearly, he's handy.  

The grounds are very pretty, and we have an outdoor fireplace with adirondack chairs, a picnic table, and a grill in the back with views of the bay.  Foggy today, but still pretty. Will and I will sleep in the loft, which faces four large windows that face the water, too.  The cabin is new and all wood.  Very tasteful and comfortable.  And, I have to laugh because I brought my own knives, thinking there would just be crappy old ones here.  Well, he has the same knives as I do, as well as really nice stainless pots and pans, and all kinds of other nice  kitchen things.  I am pleasantly surprised! 

The kids have claimed a cave-like half closet in the loft  as their bat cave.  It blends right into the wood  but there's a small knob to open it. They think its the coolest and have pushed all my clothes to one side, meaning I will have to crawl in to get them.  But at least they are entertained.  Oh,and we already had two deer sightings in the yard.  The second time it was a mom and a fawn.  So cute! Nabbed a picture before they went off to eat Vicki's garden.  

The one negative we have so far is that we've noticed some large ants.  I've killed several and Will has saved a few.  They are carpenter ants and some are pretty big!  We will talk to Doug about it tomorrow, and he will hopefully have some answers.  We expect bugs and moths and such where we are at, but these ants are not cool. 

Right now, we are enjoying some peace and quiet in the living room, watching cable, and loving the fact that we can watch tv or read after the kids are asleep because we have our own space.  Hooray! No sure what our plans are for tomorrow. Probably do at least part of the park loop, some short hikes (Doug gave us the names of some easy ones for the kids), and check out the beach at Echo Lake near our place.  

Here's the link to where we are staying:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3498716

Haiku:

Twenty hour drive

We rocked this road trip to Maine

So glad to arrive

I heart Vermont

Day 5

Today was our shortest day of mileage, but we also took the longest to get from point A to point B.  That being said, it was also maybe my favorite day of traveling.  And here is why...I looooooooooove Vermont.  Like, I want to live there.  For real.  It's so beautiful. But let's back up.

We left Lake Placid in rain at 9am.  For breakfast, since our craptastic hotel didn't serve any, the kids ate some of the popcorn we'd gotten the night before at a cute popcorn shop.  We drove a ways then found someplace with donuts and juice.  Breakfast of champions.  It took us about an hour to get to Lake Champlain, where we were taking a ferry into Burlington, VT.  We had to wait about 25 minutes for the ferry.  Then the ferry ride, on a double decker, was about an hour.  We imagine it would have been beautiful, had it not been rainy and cool.  But the kids still thought it was neat that we got to drive our van on to a big boat.  We sat outside on the top deck under an awning for a bit but then sat inside for most of it.  There was a little snack bar and gift shop.  

As we got closer to Burlington, you could see some of the mountains through the fog, and, despite the weather, it was picturesque.  We ate lunch at a hipster, Whole Foods-esque co-op grocery then headed on our way.  The weather cleared up, and thus began my love affair with Vermont.  Seriously...it was so freaking pretty.

We had decided to try to take a tour of the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory on our way, which was not too far away from Burlington and on our way to NH.  We stopped, but since we were going to have to wait 30 minutes for a tour that was another30 minutes, we opted to skip the tour and just eat some ice cream.  Ethan got strawberry, Eleanor got cherry Garcia, and I got Chunky Monkey.  You can all likely guess what Will got.  It was all yummy!  

Back on the road, and I was so glad Will did all the driving.  I would have surely driven off the road looking around.  It was different from being in the Adirondacks because it was not as claustrophobic.   We were still driving through mountains but with space and so much green.  Contrasted with the red of well kept farm buildings, it was all one big post card.  I've been to a lot of beautiful places, but I honestly think this was the prettiest drive I've ever been on.  I'm excited to see how Maine will compare because I think it will. 

My favorite part of the day was having the windows open and driving with the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack on in the background.  Pure heaven.  And I even got to see a couple of covered bridges.  If we don't come back from Maine, check Vermont.  

Or New Hampshire, which so far seems just as lovely.  After several emergency potty breaks for Eleanor, we made it to our final hotel before Maine.  It's pretty great - two bedrooms and a small living area for less than our terrible Lake Placid hotel.  There is a heated outdoor pool (hopefully try it out in the morning) a little jumpy house, and gorgeous views of Mount Madison from our outdoor patio.  We ordered take out from a restaurant in town and the kids had a date in the room while Will and I ate outside facing the mountain.  Not a bad way to end the day.

We are looking forward to getting to our actual vacation destination tomorrow.  Laundry will be a first priority, as will unpacking for more than a night.  Stay tuned.

Wills quote of the day, after Eleanor yelled," So...shut up!" Will then said to me, "Anytime she gets sent to the principal, I will believe the principal."  She's going to be a slippery one, no doubt.

Haiku:

Foggy ferry ride

Vermont will be our new home

Syrup everywhere

Lake Placid

Day 4

On the road at 9:45

We stopped in Utica for a few supplies and then headed for the adirondacks.  The scenery on the drive was pretty incredible.  We saw a couple of deer crossing the road, which Ethan loved.  Our lunch stop today was in Old Forge, super cute, quaint and touristy town.  We set up our picnic on a huge lake with beautiful mountain views.  By far, our best picnic stop yet.  The kids played at a neat pirate ship park while I looked at some of the shops on Main Street.  I bought the kids a black and white cookie for the next leg in the car.

After the cookie and some winding roads, Ethan started to feel a bit car sick.  It didn't last too long, though , and we opened the windows and breathed in the fresh mountain air.  We stopped at a little parking area about 45 minutes from Lake Placid.  The kids picked wild flowers while I took a lot of pictures.  A state trooper (very McMountainman) then pulled in, and we were a little worried, until we realized he s just bored.  He and Will talked a while (Will was full of questions...). We made it to Lake Placid around 4.

Our hotel, as the reviews had warned, was in dire need of a face lift, but the location was pretty awesome.  We walked to the public beach so the kids could have a quick swim.  The water was surprisingly warm, though with cooler weather due to a storm rolling in, I decided just to play photographer.  It was later that Will learned that the kids were not actually in Lake Placid but Mirror Lake, which is weird because we were on Main Street in Lake Placid.  But, apparently the actual Lake Placid is all private and there is no public beach on it.  Bottom line: we stayed in Lake Placid but never actually laid eyes on it.  A storm at night that continued with heavy rain in the morning prevented us even from going back to the beach.  Oh well.  

After a quick shower, we headed back out to Main Street to find a place for dinner.  We settled on a small pizza/Italian place.  It was forgettable but fine.  Bedtime was a bit rough with one overtired little girl, and both Will and I were feeling the effects of a long day of travel.  But, all in all, we are having a good time, making memories, and not killing each other...all pluses.  

Ethan's quote of the day: "Hugs are way better than kisses.  Because they are bigger.  A hug is like a thousand kisses."

Haiku of the day:

Adirondack bound

Great mountain views-winding roads

Lake Placid...guess not

Syracuse

Day 3

Left Cleveland, after multiple hug sessions, around 9:30.  We will be back through on our way home, thankfully.  What great hosts we had! Ethan asked as we pulled away, "are we going to be staying in that hotel on our way home from Maine?" Yes, yes we are, whether they like it or not...though we are fairly sure they like it.  :) 

10:40 We crossed into PA! Just passing through the northwest corner of the state before hitting New York.  Plan to wave to Erie in honor my my good friend Emma's hometown.  

11:20 New York! Very pretty drive so far.  Hilly, lots of vineyards. 

Stopped at a cool travel stop near buffalo for a potty break and lunch.  Covered walkway over the road to get to everything.  Will taught Ethan how to get truckers to honk their horns.  Great.  Unfortunately, there was no picnic area for our lunch so we are driving a bit further to try and find a good picnic stop. 

Lunch in a dilapidated park...Eleanor pooped on her portable potty twice, likely to the delight of the summer campers there.  Not to the delight of Will, who is responsible for the disposal/clean up.  We definitely are glad we brought that thing, though.  

We arrived at our hotel right around 4 o'clock and went swimming at the pool.  Ethan "chillaxed" a bit in the hot tub, and then we got dressed to head to Ethan's Embassy Suites birthday party.  They have a nighty reception in the atrium with free drinks and hors devours, so the kids and I went to that for a bit while daddy showered.  They feasted on cheese, crackers, pickles, and kiddy cocktails.  

Then we took restaurant recommendations from a nicotine addicted waitress and headed out with directions to this presumably close restaurant.  45 minutes and one wrong turn later, we arrived at Friendly's.  Friendly, yes, but not the best food.  Fine for kids, I guess, and your typical greasy fare.  Ethan, who downed his chocolate milk in 10 seconds, didn't even want the sliders he ordered, and ate the apples that came with the meal instead.  We even headed out before the kids got their ice cream that came with their meal.  We will try to find a nicer place tonight that will bring him some cake. Not that he really cared.  Between Marj and Carolyn's and his kids birthday party, he's been celebrated enough.  Plus, we brought some presents into the restaurant with us, so he was happy.  

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was well past bedtime.  Eleanor hung on until 9:45 before finally giving in.  I had plans to work out in the fitness center after they were in bed.  But after dozing in bed while I waited for Eleanor to stop telling stories and drift off to dreamland, that was definitely not happening.  It was bedtime for us all...

Haiku of the day:

Birthday in the car

Chillaxing in the hot tub

Lost in Syracuse

Day 2

Day 2

After a rough night with Eleanor, who we now discovered caught Ethan's summer cold, we were welcomed with a delicious quiche and bacon breakfast, among many other goodies.  Chef Carolyn really spoiled us the whole time.  

The big star of the morning, though, was the deer Ethan  spotted in the woods during breakfast.  He, Eleanor, and I promptly went out to try and get close to it.  I got a great picture of Ethan watching the deer through his binoculars (and he was quite close) and the deer looking right at him, though the deer did not have binoculars.  That would have been an even cooler picture.  

Later in the morning, we went to a really cool park Marj and Carolyn had scoped out for us.  It was huge and set up like a little town with buildings like banks, a fire house, a school, and, for Will, a gym.  We didn't stay too long since it was pretty warm and all the slides were a bit too hot to slide on.  But the kids had a great time running around and exploring.

Next, we headed to downtown Shaker, a really adorable place, and had lunch t a cute diner called Yours Truly.  The kids, because it was so warm, decided chicken noodle soup was an appropriate meal.  Fortunately we were in air conditioning, and the soup was very good and full of thick noodles.  

With the afternoon came a decent amount of rain, but that was a nice excuse to watch cartoons and rest.  And the rain let up for some dodge ball fun after dinner for the kids.  Then, it was an early and relatively painless bedtime before an incredibly delicious salmon dinner for the adults.  I'm leaving cleveland with a lot of recipe ideas, that's for sure!

Ethan's quote of the day: after an afternoon of rain, he spotted a deer in the woods in the yard.  He ran inside and announced, "I know why the deer was out now....because it's a reindeer!" The funny thing is, he didn't understand why we all laughed so hard.  Homonyms are a lesson for another day.

Eleanor's last words before succumbing to sleep: "one time, I saw a honey bear, and it kicked me, and then it said..." Easiest it's been to get her to sleep in weeks, thanks to an earlier start to the day, a decent cold, a busy day, and some Benadryl. 

Haiku:

Cool park then diner

Rain will not spoil our fun-no!

Dreams of salmon-YUM

Maine Road Trip Day 1

Day 1 - June 24

Leaving LaGrange 7:25 am...almost an hour later than planned...

10:45 (time changed hour ahead) first stop somewhere in IN.  Made it out in 20 minutes...a new record.  

Kids have entertained themselves with busy bags, snacks, coloring, ropes and superheroes...doing great.

12:40 Stopping for lunch at a travel plaza in OH...picnic packed. Back on the road at 1:25- another new record.  Lunch stop in less than an hour! Ate in the shade at a table.

  

Stopped about 2:30 for gas because Eleanor had to pee.  She went.  Five minutes back on the interstate and she started yelling that she had to go again.  This is what she does.  It's like she really doesn't want to get there.  Ugh. 

Made it to Euclid and it's beautiful! Kids were in absolute heaven in Marj and Carolyn's backyard.  Woods go on forever, tons of cool birds hang out by the multiple feeders, and there's even a dry creek bed (Ethan can't remember the word creek and keeps calling it a curd) to explore.  We had a great Chinese dinner on the screened in porch, had a little baseball practice, and even had an ice cream birthday cake for Ethan...a couple days early. Kids went to bed and Will and I stayed up to watch the Hawks win the cup, very thankful they did it in regulation too! A great first day.

Haiku of the day:

Uneventful drive

Stellar backyard fun for all

Thank you M and C