Well, having slept really well last night after 24 hours travelling and no sleep for about 34 hours I feel human enough to rejoin the world.
We had a truly, truly amazing trip - we saw so many incredible things and learnt a great deal too - it was quite an educational trip - I can finally say I am glad to be home, glad to be unpacked, all washing is done (we did a mess of laundry whilst away so there was not a great deal to do) , almost everything out away (I bought a few too many scrapping supplies and so am struggling to find room for quite everything) and my wonderful fur babies back home and settled and it feels good. There is the matter of some 9000 photos (quite a lot will be deleted as I tend to take more than one of things so I get a good one) to look at (I can't wait to start looking at them all) and some serious scrapping to be done, but what an amazing time we had.
Thos of you who come here purely for scrapping stuff may need to look hard for a while as there will be trip reports most days. I will pepper them with photos so at least there might be pretty things to look at, but you may want to skip the reports if you are not interested in travel. Thank you to all of you who have said, in the past, that you enjoy my resumes of our epic road trips. I hope this year does not disappoint and you enjoy the journey travelling along with Nigel and I. And Barb - next year includes your home town too!!!
so here goes the first report ... and it is just an introduction and the first few hours of the trip really. It will get better - I promise.
Fabulous Fall Tour 2018
Tuesday 16th October
The One where we set off and arrived
We always give our holidays a name and opted for Fabulous Fall this year .... as it happened a name with many meanings.
This was, at the same time, the worst and the most civilised starts to a holiday ever. Perhaps I need to set this in context a little. The holiday was booked ... well, the flights anyway ... the day after we returned home from our last holiday ... the Gone with the Wind tour. We use our air miles for flights so need to nab them quickly. There followed months of planning, sorting routes, stop overs, sights to see and also, one of my favourite pastimes, booking hotels. Oh my do I love booking hotels and I love when we modify plans and I get to cancel and book another. I was still making tweaks into September. We spent hours researching, plotting mileage, doing maps, sourcing attractions and food and so on. Part of the fun of the holiday for us is preparing. And this one was a long-awaited trip. Nigel had promised me fall as soon as I retired. We managed a couple of other things first, but fall it was.
I feel we were possibly more prepared, and certainly more ready, than we had ever been. Or so we thought. We had a few waves of panic... or least a couple of broken ribs that were stubborn healing, but eventually, we were just a few weeks away and ready.
Or so we thought.
In the early hours of the morning on Friday 5th October, just ten days before t day, we had a call from Poole Hospital to say they had Elfin, Nigel's mom there. She had walked almost a mile and a half, fallen and broken her hip. Initial thoughts were we would have to cancel.
Nigel headed to the hospital and was surprised and pleased when they said they would replace the hip later that day. We were not sure she would survive surgery but she did and seemed to be recovering well. There followed an anxious couple of days where we were not sure if we could go and where we knew we had to go because Nigel desperately needed the respite from caring. Then we had the devastating news on Thursday 11th that they would send her home with a care package. We were In utter despair and this was clearly not a workable option for her or for us. We cried, we begged, we spoke to the brothers. We accepted we would have to cancel. However, on Friday 12th social services agreed to a temporary placement and Nigel broke down. It showed the stress he was under. There was still a lot to sort but Elfin would be well cared for, safe and secure. We visited the care home, which was lovely, and we attended the assessment and finally, when it looked like we would not be going, going we were. Nigel’s middle. Rather who lives in the US and is always so incredibly supportive of all Nigel does and so keen to offer genuine help and support was coming over for two weeks whilst we were away and he would settle her into her new home.
We hadn’t started packing so Monday was frantic. Cats in, packing done and we were set.
Tim, so reliable and lovely, was with us before 10 and we had a trouble-free journey, checking in at the Upper-class wing at 11.45. We save and save and save our air miles to be able to cash them in for free tickets with Virgin. There is no way we could do this without our air miles and I am sorry, but there is no way I would not fly Upper Class to the USA now as it makes a long tedious journey very enjoyable and comfortable. After a splurge In Duty-free... well it is part of the holiday and I did find the watch I had been looking for (Nigel had bought me a Seconda Watch on the ferry to Calais 5 years ago ... it had only been cheap but I loved it and it was finally past its sell-by date scratched and starting to discolour. I had looked at a lot of watches and hadn't liked any and so I was so thrilled to find the very same seconda watch in duty-free... with a free bracelet and necklace which I will never ever wear... for the princely sum of £39. I was a happy girl) ... we hit the Clubhouse and champagne was drunk. We had a lovely lunch of veggie burger, pizza and the most delicious chocolate fondant with ice cream. I love the clubhouse ... the only way to travel. I’d happily forgo holidays to do it this way. Thank goodness we managed to get it for free with careful planning.
Nigel even managed a shot of our plane
We boarded in good time and they had extra big loos ... fab. Another champagne and we were on our way to a new adventure.
A few wines ... gorgeous Chardonnay ... and a melt in the mouth fillet steak and a lush chocolatey thing went down well whilst watching Woman who walks Ahead .... excellent film ... very sad ... then a bit of shut-eye but there was terrible turbulence so I managed about half an hour. However even a little sleep does seem to re-set the body clock a little and besides that, jet lag works in our favour on the way over. Our holidays are the sort of holiday where you want to be up at the crack of dawn, make the most fo the daylight, and crash again at about 8.30 pm.
A little afternoon tea and a bit of tv and reading. We were a little late arriving, but the journey through the airport was mega. Almost no walk to immigration and very quick through with the kiosks and our ESTAs. The bus to the rental centre was a bit grim, but we skipped the line, straight to the car ... a choice of three ... and we selected the burgundy dodge. We love a Dodge Grand Caravan. We both agreed Boston airport was one of the best entries into the USA ever ... and we have done a few. Less than an hour after touchdown we were on the road. We drove an hour, through some terribly scary roundabouts ... picking up a car in the dark and then dealing with backwards roundabouts was pretty intense. We missed the exit on the first big one and Nigel questioned it and said he had counted three exits, had I? I said I had my eyes closed as I was scared so wasn’t sure!
A very quick stop at Walmart for trip essentials and too full of Virgin food to try a Ruby Tuesday, we checked in at 10 pm, just a mere 18 hours after leaving home, sorted the cases for the road ahead and collapsed into bed for the four hours sleep we managed. Our road trip would truly begin in the morning. We had a Florida case that didn’t need to be opened for 12 days, we had our electrical and miscellaneous hand luggage, our toiletries and pjs case and then clothes sorted with all underwear sets ziplock bagged and ready and yes ... I am as anal in my packing as in my scrapping, but boy does it make road trips a breeze.
And, because they proved very popular last year and because if I have to keep a daily journal I don't see why he shouldn't have to ... Nigel's reports will follow as well.
Here is his Day 1 - he writes way better than I do.
After a year of planning it’s finally here and we are packed and ready as Tim arrives, bang on time as always, to take us to Heathrow.
The journey time passes quickly as ever whilst we chat heartily in the van all the way swapping stories about health and ageing etc. All of a sudden we are heading down the tunnel as I realise I haven’t even begun to talk to Tim about one of our favourite subjects, NASA and space travel, having been meaning to tell him that we went to see ‘first man’ and that we liked it.
Our Virgin experience was as good and smooth as ever and all the more thankful having been forced to fly Delta this time last year.
I did make an important discovery, however. I now fully understand what causes aircraft turbulence, something I have pondered for years. It appears it is ME that is responsible. Having spent the first two hours or so in smooth cruising comfort and grazed my way through the crisps, bread, fillet steak and apple pie I had allowed myself to become tired and ready for a mmid-flightnap.
I had not realised the degree of responsibility with which I was endowed, for within a few moments of reclining my seat to a flat bed and settling down the incessant trembling, shaking, rattling and bobbing up and down began. I remember now this happened on my last trip... so it MUST be my fault.
Of course, within moments of me giving up entirely after about an hour and a half of bumping around, the flight became wonderfully smooth again. Grrrrr!
Mercifully, on arrival ,I have to say the whole Boston Logan experience was amazingly good, and probably the best arrival process we have ever enjoyed in all our years of USA travel.
We taxied up to gate just about 10mins late after delays getting airborne from London. As luck would have it we were the closest gate to the arrivals hall and within just a few steps we joined the line for the automated passport machines.
The line moved so quick you were walking forwards practically the whole time and within minutes we were at a free console.
The process worked easy and quick and we were off to stage two immediately.
This was another line for the agent inspection.
Although slower this line also moved consistently forward and we were never standing longer than a few seconds.
Despite only having three officers on duty the process was fast with almost no questioning and we were through to baggage claim.
Bags were already on the carousel and by the time Karen had procured a trolley Nigel had spotted the bags, all three, approaching.
The longest walk seemed to be from the carousel to the exit!
Once outside it was easy to see the buses for car rental which seemed to come around within two to three minute intervals.
Our terminal must have been the final pick up as space was at a premium but without having our cheeks pressed into the windows, just, we were on board the first one.
It gets better yet. Dropped off at the door to the rental centre and, with only a minor wrestling match between three suitcases that were reluctant to be wheeled and Nigel, we made it to the upper garage level. Our skip the line voucher worked like a dream and we were able to choose a vehicle without breaking our step from the bus.
The Dodge Grand Caravan in Burgundy was our choice and we duly loaded up in an orderly fashion and went on our way. We even remembered ALL of our bags!
The final bonus came as we left and were handed a toll pass transponder. “Is this only good in Massachusetts”, asks Karen.
“Oh no,” replies the agent .. “this will work anywhere.. even in Miami!”
RESULT!!
Having done dummy runs on Google street view, we make a faultless exit from the airport despite it being dark. We survive roundabouts and scary-ass on ramps to make it to Portsmouth in one piece, and our first night ends with a shopping spree akin to supermarket sweep at Walmart before checking in to a comfortable night at Howard Johnson’s ... whoever he is?
Our Fab Fall trip has begun. We thought at times leading up to it that it may never become a reality, especially when Nigel’s Mum fell and broke her hip just days before our scheduled departure.
It’s been a rollercoaster week of arrangements and fears, negotiations and tears, but we got here in the end and, with Mum fully sorted and a future solution for her in place, we pondered the true meaning of our trip title, ‘Fabulous Fall’. Yes ,it’s true, the Lord works in mysterious ways!
Fabulous Fall Tour 2018
Wednesday 17th October
The one where we travelled at Dawn to Nubble Lighthouse and Ogunquit
I guess jet lag pays off when you want an early start. Doesn’t work on the way home so we like to maximise it on the way out. We set the alarm for 5.30, but we’re both awake before then anyway. We were up, showered, loaded and off just after 6am. Most of the hotels we stayed at this trip offered breakfast but this one, the Howard Johnson, didn't. We were not unduly worried as we had sourced a place for breakfast before we left home. First stop was the adjacent Roundabout Diner. It looked good on the internet but oh my, it really did not disappoint .
It was still dark, but as we entered it took our breath away. It was like stepping back in time. There was 50s music playing and it was like being on the set of Grease or Back to the Future. A really beautiful retro traditional diner. We couldn’t stop smiling and taking pictures. It was gorgeous ... and so was the food. Nigel had a monte Cristo having not had one in 20 years and I hit the most gorgeous french toast. Such a great find and we will be back ... we really will, hopefully next year.
Imaculately clean, beautiful decor and such a 50's vibe
The old map was from the 1950's ... no interstates in New Hampshire then
dawn breaking as we left
By the time we came out, dawn was breaking and we headed to our first stop at Nubble lighthouse.
The first thing we did was travel across the bridge into Maine ... goodness we were on our third state already having manded in massachussettes, slept in New Hampshire and travelled into Maine!
Flossie .... yes of course our sat Nav has a name ... took us a very odd way down an un paved residential street but we got to see some great houses.
Eventually, we ended up at Nubble Point in the early light of day. It was cold and windy and ... well I guess we English would say bracing ... but lovely to be there and know it was just the first stop of many of this trip. It was a shame the lighthouse was covered in scaffolding, but it was still beautiful and the light the other side of the bay was breathtaking.
We were there for a while as the sun slowly rose and loved the changing light and tones around us.
And I introduce our 2018 tour bus. We went for a Dodge Grand Caravan again because we need a 7 seater!!! Seriously it works perfectly for our road trips. It has just the right little cubby holes and storage places, the back row of seats folds down and takes the luggage perfectly with blacked out windows which afford a little security as we have to have our stuff with us wherever we go when we are travelling and yet we still have back seats for coats and ice bags etc. Once again she was a great great car and served us well for the trip. We had a choice of four when we picked her out but went for the more unusual colour. She was still clean here ... within another 24 hours, she was filthy thanks to the weather!
We then took the scenic route to Ogunquit and boy was it scenic. There were great views of the coast but it was the houses that took our breath away. Really typical New England and very beautiful. We couldn’t get enough and loved that so many were decorated for Halloween. You just don’t see that in the UK.
It wasn't until I looked at these pictures this morning I noticed the little boy - chilling!!
On to Ogunquit beach and it was another of those special morning visits, filled with great light and almost no one else around. It was cold and bright, out of season and early ... the recipe for a place we had almost to ourselves. I had always wanted to visit Ogunquit because the name was just so magical. It didn’t disappoint. There are two separate parts - the estuarya nd the beach. The light was just peerfect and we saw our first real fall colours - the whole reason we took this trip at this time of year. But oh my it was cold. Still, cold and early meant we had it to ourselves pretty much.
This is the estuary side
and this is the beach side
Oh and more pumpkins .... they are going to be a feature.
and Nigel's report on the first part of the day
A 5.30 alarm call isn’t particularly inviting but taking jet lag into consideration it’s probably more like 10.30 to our bodies so I can’t complain, even if bedtime want until 11pm local, last night.
Maybe it’s the jet lag, I don’t know, but apparently, according to Karen, Nigel has turned into a snail this morning!
Our target departure of 6.00am has been missed by 7 minutes and as a consequence, it will be raining for the rest of the day! (Apparently).
We consider skipping breakfast, but as it is still profoundly dark outside we agree that we WILL go to the much anticipated Roundabout Diner which is literally across the road.
Good thing we do, as we both gasp when we enter. It’s a moment, we both agree, that is akin to the day we went into the Rim Rock Cafe at Torray, it’s simply awesome inside.
Our trip has suddenly come to life as we step into this iconic old time diner that seems to have been plucked straight out of the 1950s!
With a soundtrack of ‘Blue Moon’ playing its as if we have walked onto the set of ‘Back to the Future’. Karen says, “All that’s missing is Marty McFly!
We take a mass of pictures and shamelessly stroll around taking it all in. All the details including a wall freeze created by enlarging the regional road map of 1957!
The food is a treat too. Karen orders French Toast and me, A Monte Cristo Sandwich. Suddenly, in one sitting, everything we love about Road Trips comes to pass. The research and the constant uncovering of little nuggets of USA gold.
As the sun rises we pause for some final exterior shots of our first “moment” and jump aboard our tour bus with the whole of our three and a bit week vacation ahead of us. It’s another of those highlights we will always treasure.
The sun is low and affords a colourful vista on the horizon as we head North and quickly acquire a new state for our collection, Karen even managing to snap the state sign as we pass into Maine for the first time.
Our first destination is Nubble Lighthouse. It’s almost silhouetted against the rising sun and makes for some atmospheric photos. There is a contrast as we turn about to focus on the adjacent coast which is being floodlit by the warm glow.
In the early morning, we enjoy the luxury of having few people around as we explore our new surroundings, like so many times before.
From Nubble, we head further North to Ogunquit. Here we enjoy the beach and ambience of an out of season resort that seems as though it has closed For the winter now, with only the more adventurous tourists or regular dog walkers taking the cool air.
Today I am thankful for
- safe travels
- our cats returned to us in good health, beautifully groomed and happy
- being home
- wonderful wonderful memories
I've looked forward to reading about your trip. So here I go, on the "blog road trip" :-) It amazes me that you and Nigel have traveled to so many fascinating places in the U.S. --and visited almost every single one of the 50-- and yet, I, a U.S. citizen, have not! I always appreciate your stories of your travels. May you and Nigel have many, many more adventures and travels to enjoy :-)
P.S. I always enjoy those old 50's diners--wherever they may be. Seems their food is top-notch in all cases. Maybe it's the grease the items are cooked in ;-)
Posted by: Barb inAK | November 13, 2018 at 06:25 AM