Great American Road Trip: Part 7

Well, the day has finally come that we had to pack up and head back across the country, leaving our beautiful summer in Cape Cod behind. It's always a bittersweet day, and this year was no exception. We had another fantastic summer with our family, but are ready to get home to our own, year-round beds. The only thing that stands in our way is 3000+ miles of American highways, and nine long days of driving. We are looking forward to an adventure on the road, and thus far, we have driven 5319.8 miles since we left in June. Whew!

7:10 a.m., 68 degrees, Sunny

We waved goodbye and wiped away tears. It's always sad to go...

7:16 a.m.

We pulled over to look for Owens Nintendo DS. Did he re-pack it, after unpacking it, after I packed it? Final verdict, yes.

7:32 a.m.

After a brief stop into the market for breakfast and Starbucks we officially "hit the road." On Route 6 we pass a large RV called the "Road Cruiser" and Ben asks, "How come we don't have one of those?" and Matt replies, "Because that's not how we roll..." I think this is hilarious...perhaps I'm still asleep?

7:38 a.m.

A slow moving pickup truck hauling a "water toy" merges into our lane. Immediately after cursing him for slowing us down, we hear the all-too familiar snap of rock against glass and marvel at the new, huge chip on our windshield. "Wow, WOW, WOOOOOOOOWWWWW!" is all Matt can say for about 5 minutes. Finally he chuckles and adds, "Welcome back to the road."

7:57 a.m.

Goodbye Cape Cod--crossing Sagamore Bridge

10:00 a.m., 76 degrees, Sunny

We're heading out on I91N after Matt accidentally pulled into the "Fast Pass" lane and was waved through...MA we owe you $2.10. Whoops! Brattleboro, VT 49 miles.



10:32 a.m., 73 Degrees, Sunny

Welcome to Vermont! Owen reads to us about the state of Vermont from his Everything Kids States Book.

10:55 a.m.

We exit at the most beautiful rest stop ever. I think that Vermont could quite possibly be the most lovely state I have ever seen....shhh...don't tell Mass.

11:05 a.m.

We drive into picturesque and artsy Brattleboro and realize that New Hampshire is just across the Connecticut River and across a bridge. We cannot pass up the opportunity to enter another state...so, of course, we did.



12:18 p.m., 79 Degrees, Sun and Clouds

We enjoyed a fantastic vegetarian lunch at the Brattleboro Farmer's market by the red Creamery Bridge (bridges of Madison County anyone?) and a babbling brook. You know I am a sucker for farmers' markets, and so when we realized one was being held today, of course we had to stop. What I didn't know is that this particular FM is magical and wonderful and completely lovely. I literally teared up at the sight of it, and was so moved, I couldn't speak for some time. I will do a complete report later...maybe tonight.

Vista from the scenic Molly Starke Byway on the way out of Brattleboro. It's easy to see why VT is called the Green Mountain State. There are winding rivers and spectacular vistas all around.

Favorite VT road sign: Moose crossing next 4 miles.

Favorite VT restaurant sign (on a burger joint off the road): We welcome your business and relish your buns!

1:18p.m.

We're leaving the MS Byway and come upon these moose sculptures in Bennington, VT. They remind of the Whale Trail sculptures in Cape Cod a few years back...

1:28 p.m. , 80 Degrees, Sunny

I'm so surprised that we've entered NY that I don't have my camera ready...this is the best picture I've got of a NY sign (at least on this trip).

3:33 p.m., 86 Degrees, Partly Sunny

Apparently we are in the Eerie Canal Historic Zone or somesuch, as we are driving along (and crossing over) the Eerie Canal....

4:06 p.m. I am driving and completely tickled when Matt, who is reading The Princess Bride aloud with great expression says (in a thick Spanish accent a la Inigo Montoya): "My mind is like a fine wine...it travels badly." MINE TOO!

6:20 p.m. 83 Degrees, Sunny

We've arrive in Batavia, NY, which is apparently just a town on the way to Niagara Falls. It is a dead, run-down, pathetic little place, and the quality of this motel is a reflection of that. However, it has a POOL, which we make quick use of, the moment we unload the bag with the suits. YIPEE! Not sure where we will eat...and really don't care. We've got our scotch, and a pool...do we really need more?

Favorite NY road sign: Use flashers under 40 miles per hour.