V is for a Very Good Trip, Maine Day 1 & 2

 Ward, Wally, Theo, and I got back yesterday from our trip to Maine. I didn't get a chance to post about it while we were gone, so I will chronicle it here. Hopefully, I haven't forgotten too much of it.

We planned the trip for April, hoping the Maine winter weather would be over, but before the black flies and other bugs returned. We were successful on both accounts. I have only one mosquito bite, and we only saw frost once. However, since we were there before it really warmed up, many attractions were not open. That was not much of a problem, as the main reason for the visit was to see family. 

We passed the time during the drive
listening to this book. 

The drive to my sister's house in Maine takes 12-14 hours from our house. We opted for the longer route, as it bypassed the major cities along the East Coast, including New York City. We decided to do it in two days, both coming and going. This trip was also a test to see how well we do with longer car trips than we were used to. 

Our first day of travel was a 10.5-hour day. Even with stops along the way and the changing of drivers, we all agreed the traveling day was too long. Our bottoms and backs were not happy, but fortunately, we were able to recover in our hotel room that night. 

We had a shorter drive the next day and arrived at my sister's house in time to have a nice afternoon and evening visit with my niece and family. They are first-time homeowners, and it was fun seeing their new house and all the things they have growing in their yard.  

Below are a few pictures from our first two days. 

On the first day, we had lunch at Jane's Diner in Binghamton, NY. Ward especially enjoyed watching the train go by behind the diner.

A scenic overlook near Brattleboro, Vermont, where we spent our first night.

The next morning, our first stop was at Fox Forest in New Hampshire.

We took a short hike and would like to return
 another time to explore more of the forest.

Cousins

Until next time...