Friday, July 29, 2022

A 6 State Week!

Our adventures this week brought back yet another childhood memory that had been locked in the vault that is my mind for years. I don’t know what it is, but memories long forgotten have been flooding back lately. This memory involved hot, humid summer days. When we were growing up we did not have an air conditioner on our part of the house. My mom and dad had it in their wing but the rest of us, not so much.

I still remember going to bed with window fan blowing hot humid air into our bedroom (I shared a bedroom with 1 or 2 of my brothers depending on the year). Hey, at least it was air movement, and we were happy for that. Other times we would have our beds right next to the window and get our faces as close to the screen as possible hoping, just hoping, for the slightest cool breeze to cross our faces. The other thing I remember about this era in my life was listening to the Minnesota Twins on my 9-volt transistor radio tuned into WCCO radio. I would have to hide the radio under my pillow so my mom did not know I was listening when I was supposed to be sleeping. Harmen Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew… I had some of their posters on my wall. Mom had to know I was listening to the radio because at least once a week I would be frantically searching for a 9-volt battery because I fell asleep with the radio on again.

The scene that brought back these memories was when I rolled over in bed and saw Barb laying kinda sideways in bed with her face pressed up against the screen trying to get some cool night air. On the other side, I was doing the same thing. But there was none. The air was as still and as quiet as it could be. Just plain hot, humid and miserable. And it was not even that hot. Our highs were in the mid 80’s and it was miserable trying to sleep. I could not even imagine 90’s or higher and humid. No thanks!

After two nights of this Barb made it her mission to find someplace cooler for us to sleep. We really did not have an agenda for this leg of our adventure. Just work our way south from Maine to Pennsylvania by the 23rd where we will be meeting our daughter and family for a few days of camping before going back to their place.

The other thing we wanted to do was cross off a few states that we had never visited. Pretty easy to do up in this area without really going out of our way. We were able to cross off Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.  I will tell you, that these states have beauty that will rival anyplace else we have been. The wooded mountains and valleys across these states is incredible. You can see for miles and miles on top of some of them. This then transitions into the rolling farmland in Pennsylvania with a beautiful mixture of farm fields and woods. Amish buggies along the side of the roads make driving a little challenging sometimes. They must have some very well-trained horses not to spook at all the cars that go zooming by them. There is a tiny (very tiny) bit of jealousy as you see the simple lifestyle the Amish lead out here. One cannot help but wonder what it is like to live that lifestyle.

Our favorite place was Wildgus State Park in Vermont. Very pretty, right on the Connecticut River. I was sick for two days, so we just hung out here and chilled. Well, I chilled as I could not get warm even with a blanket and 88-degree weather.  Barb did not chill, but she read her book. I broke out the hammock Jessica gave us as a gift a few years ago and Zoey kept me company as I read, slept and let my body repair itself.

Two days later I was raring and ready to go again. Barb had spent that time researching different areas, different routes and the temperatures in each of these areas. Her first spot was only a few hours away, but it was up in the mountains at some free National Forest land. It had a ½ dozen remote campsites with a 14-day stay limit. But when we got there, they were all take by people who had obviously been there well over 14 days. Most of the sites were well maintained but a couple of them were going to need some major clean up if and when the current tenants ever leave.

She thought this might happen, so she had a plan B location a few miles further down the road and we found a nice quiet, shaded spot where the temps only reached the mid 70’s during the day.

The next day found us again traveling south in search of a cooler temps the comforts of a shady retreat. We found it in the Catskill State Park. I was a little leery following the woman-in-the-box as she provided directions to more and more remote roads. When she finally said “You have reached your destination” we found ourselves on a one lane gravel road deep in the Catskills.

There was said to be 5 campsites in the area, but we did not see them. All we had seen so far was “No camping” signs. So, we carried cautiously optimistic. We came across a single lane bridge with a sign that stated it had a 5-ton weight limit. “How much do we weigh?” I asked Barb. “I have no idea”, she responded. My next words are ones that Barb will wonder about for the rest of her life; “Why don’t you get out and I’ll meet you on the other side”. She gave me a puzzled look and asked, “Are you concerned for my safety or do you think I am fat?”. I just smiled and told her I’d met her on the other side.

She looks a little sketchy!

Once I was across the bridge there was an open spot with a nice rock fire ring. I did not see a “No Camping” that accompanied many of the other spots, so I pulled in. That is when I noticed a little round sign on a tree. I got out to take a closer look.

Perfect!

This will do, this will do just fine. We spent the afternoon in the shade, letting the dogs play in the creek and reading. Another relaxing afternoon.

The next day we continued south towards our Harvest Host destination for the day. Along the way we stopped by Glen Ricketts State Park where they were said to have an awesome waterfall hike that had not, one, not two, but 22 waterfalls along the trail.

We were not to check into to our Harvest Host until 3:00 so we had time to kill, and it looked like a beautiful hike. And it was. However, the creek was more like a trickle and the waterfalls were merely water spilling over rocks.

Regardless, it was nice and cool in the trees and the girls got to play and the water to keep their body temperatures down.

By the time we got back to the truck, the girls were dry, and it was baking outside. Time to get in the truck, turn on the A.C. and carry on to our destination; Groveland Winery in Wyalusing, PA. 

It was hot, stupid hot, and we were parked in an asphalt frying pan. Luckily, the tasting room of the winery was nice and cool and dog friendly!

We each sampled 5 different varieties of wines and a charcuterie platter while the dogs laid on the nice cool, tile floor. This is a very nice winery with good, food, employees and atmosphere. A definite recommendation if you are in the area. Unfortunately, the two wines I liked were “Wine Club Exclusive” and you had to sign up and commit to several cases over the year to buy them. Barb did find a Blackberry Sangria she liked and added to our collection. 

That night was the first of our, what would be two, miserable nights. Way too hot! The girls opted for the cooler floor of the camper while Barb and I pressed our faces to our respective windows. We were finally able to fall asleep. 

The previous day had worked out so well for us we decided to try it all over again and found another State Park on our route to spend the day at. The nice thing about Pennsylvania State Parks (at least the ones we went to), is that they are free. As we drove into each, I kept expecting to see signs with a Day Use Fee listed but never did. Whipple Dam State Park was not as nice as Glen Rickertt but it had water and shade; two things we were looking for.

The water was brown and mucky, but the girls did not seem to mind. Nor did the hundreds of other people just down the shore at the public beach. Again, we let the girls swim then we read and had lunch while they dried off.

Soon it was time to head to our next Harvest Host; The Spy Glass winery. As far as wineries go this was a lot better than the one we went to in Lunenburg but nowhere near as nice as Groveland. The atmosphere and wines were subpar. I did not find any that I liked but Barb once again found something. A Hard Grape drink that she got a growler of.

We then went and got set up right on the edge of their vineyard on top of a hill. It was hot but had a nice breeze which helped keep it bearable.

Luckily for us, they had a brewery too! So, when they opened up at 5:00 we went there for supper. What the winery lacked; the brewery made up for! They opened the doors at 5:00 with about a dozen people waiting to get in. We took a seat at the bar and ordered a calamari appetizer and a pizza. Soon the place was packed with a line of people still waiting outside. Very good food and a good selection of beer to try.

Saturday was the day we were waiting for as we made the final leg of this week to Raystown Lake. We first stopped in Huntington to get some groceries and a haircut. After 3 months on the road, it was time for me to get a trim. This would be the first time in 9 years that I paid for a haircut. I went in and they were able to take me right away. She asked me how I wanted it cut and I told her, “A #3 on top and tapered shorter on the sides. Well, she just basically shaved my whole head and said, “There you go!”. Oh well, it will grow back and will be a lot cooler!

We then drove our remaining 20 minutes to 7 Points Campground on Raytown Lake. We are parked in site #191 on a ridge above the water and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Jessica, Shane, Dylan and Kendall tomorrow afternoon. Until then, it is time for a little shuteye! 

42 comments:

  1. Lots of great info as usual. We need to go smaller on our next camper. I get the heat issues we had that in the west on one of our trips to Alaska, no a.c,kept going north until it got cooler, last trip without an a.c.

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    1. Having done both, we love the freedom of the small camper. We have gone to places we would never have thought of going with our 40'er. That said, I don't think we could fulltime in it however.

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  2. You really did find some nice spots to try to stay cool. It certainly has been a hot summer. That is the main reason we like the mountains out west in the summer. You can just go up in elevation and get the temperature you want. It sure seems like you have the right rig for the NE. I had to tell Kim the story about the bridge. She asked if the swelling has gone down yet?

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    1. We usually are up in Canada most of the summer but we've always wanted to do this trip.

      The Rocky's would definitely be the place to be right now!

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  3. It sounds like you are doing well in the heat but I don’t imagine it feels like that when you are in the grips of it. Enjoy time with the family!

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    1. It is fine until you try to go to sleep and it is 91 in the camper with absolutely no air movement.

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  4. We have two Opolar USB rechargeable fans that have 3 speeds. On nights like that we put them by a window bringing fresh air into the motorhome. And on low you can't even hear them.

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    1. That sounds like the ticket, we will have to look into those!

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  5. If you have a Ceiling Fan that runs off 120 Volts you can have the wires moved in the panel and replace the Fan with a 12 Volt. With the Batteries being charged as you drive or if you have a Solar Panel you'll be happy.
    Be Safe and continue Enjoying the adventure.

    It's about time.

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    1. I will have to look into that. We have that small 12-volt fan but it does not really push much air.

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  6. You're hardier folk than us, I can't imagine being in this PA heat and humidity without AC. Although little, those waterfalls are so pretty. The pups look like they're making the best of it all.

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    1. I am not sure "Hardy" is the right word but we certainly are something!

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  7. I could get use to sleeping/reading in a hammock. Those wineries sure looked very pleasant to visit! I don't usually associate wineries with that part of the country but I guess if you can grow grapes, you can have a winery :) Barb and you have found some great places to hike and discover on your trip!

    betty

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    1. We have been to several wineries that didn't use grapes at all. Rhubarb, watermelon, berries. So many different ways they can make wine!

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  8. Another fine example of booze traveling. It's kind of nice to travel without a plan. You get to see some very nice places that normally you might just drive on by. Harbor Freight sells a cordless fan. Something you may want to consider since you like to stay off the grid hiding from G men. We enjoy living through your lives.

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    1. I will have to look into those fans. If only I knew someone who worked there.....

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  9. At least when it’s cold you can dress for it but when it’s hot and humid you can only get so naked. We’ve been going thru a heat wave ourselves. Those waterfalls would be awesome during spring I bet. Safe travels!
    Colibaba’s

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    1. I was just reading a book that talked about the same thing. A lot more people die from overheating than freezing to death for that very same reason!

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  10. Looking at that last photo, it looks like you joined the Marines!

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    1. I know a few marines who might take exception to that! I also know a few others that would totally agree!

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  11. I too am not much for the heat. It seems to be warmer there than I thought. The parrot loves it ... I'm a cheek to the screen person too. Where's your little 12 volt fan? Anything to move the air. Gorgeous country. I do love all the "green". And I do remember not being charged for many camping spots. Maybe a little more wine and beer would make the warm night go by faster!

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    1. The 12-volt ceiling fan works but it does not seem to push any noticeable air. It does serve as white noise to cover up Dakota's panting so there is that!

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  12. What fun you guys are having. I also can't tolerate the heat. I bought one of those portable a/c units that are rechargeable with a USB. It's really a mini swamp cooler. It mists and blows air through the mist. From Amazon

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    1. We tried one of those mini swamp coolers and it turned the camper into an 86 degree sauna. I am not sure if we did something wrong or what but we ended up returning it.

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  13. I am so loving this trip and all that you are seeing! The heat, not so much. Harvest Hosts definitely seems like a good investment, will have to check into them. :) 7 points looks beautiful! Family time, how wonderful!

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    1. We end up spending more at the Harvest Hosts than we would at a campground but we rationalize it with the fact we are getting food and drinks in return.

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  14. Nice stops. I sure don’t miss the humidity! Fans! I can’t believe you don’t have fans! You’ve got solar, right? Love the haircut. Nice and cool. Steve says if you have to ask (how much you weigh), drive over it real fast!

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    1. We've got one small solar panel to charge the batteries. Our problem is that we do not have an inverter or anyplace to plug in a 12-volt. Sounds like the rechargeable is the way to go and then some kind of inverter in the future.

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  15. i was comparing your picture in the hammock, and the one in the winery, night and day!! hehehehe i have enjoyed your humor "the asphalt frying pan" and "stupid hot", those were good ones!!

    the waterfalls are beautiful!! i can not live without air conditioning or my pool, sad to say but it is really true!!

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    1. I almost did not include the one at the winery but what the heck.

      If you were am RV'er you would be known as a 50 amp princess. Any there is nothing wrong with that, some people just don't like being without certain amenities.

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    1. We have not broken that bottle back out yet. We'll have to wait for a special occasion.

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  17. As above being suggested, there are 12V fans available and we had them in our previous boats. They did help tremendously when there was no breeze in hot areas. Look at marine stores for them. And thanks for the tour, we enjoy reading about your trip!

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    1. Thanks for the suggestion, I never thought of a marine store!

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  18. I guess it was the heat and the humidity that made you put your foot in your mouth!! We had to pause our show because I was laughing so hard. I ask John if he read what Jim said to Barb about going over the bridge. That's something John would say and think he was funny. Oh, Jim!! Cute puppy photos. Love the one where Dakota is looking up at you. Hope the heat and humidity move on. Enjoy family time.

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    1. I am glad I can bring a little laughter to your life. I have to admit, I was a little worried about getting back over that bridge and was relieved when we crossed back over it the next day without incident!

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  19. These are lovely photos and nice to see someone from another country enjoying the scenery and travelling around...love the lab.

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    1. It is always interesting to see scenery from different areas isn't it? Sometimes it is exactly how you picture it in your mind, other times it's not even close.

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  20. It is fun following along with you and Barb and your sweet pups. Great scenic shots too. Thanks for sharing them and also thanks for stopping by.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it. It was always good to hear from others out there in the blogger world!

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  21. Hopefully you are nice and cool. There is no way that I could have slept in your unit with the heat. As to you haircut, In Mexico you have to be VERY careful when getting a hair cut. If you show them an inch or two with your fingers as to the amount hat you want cut off you often end up with just that much left on your head.

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  22. No, no, we are unfortunately not nice and cool but we are making the best of it. We are having fun visiting Jess and her family though!

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