Having never been to the northeast area of this country, many surprises were lurking out there as we explored the region.
Maine and Acadia National Park did not disappoint. Such amazing coastal villages and really wonderful food - - learned to say, spell and eat 'lobstah'!! Speaking of eating, I've never seen such a wide variety of Moon Pie flavors! Every flavor you can imagine and all baked fresh every day in every bakery around. Mighty tasty! Pumpkin and lemon tied for the top spots for me. Still trying to work off the effects of these gastronomic wonders though; back to counting those calories . . . Ugh!
As we moved from Maine into New Hampshire, Vermont and on into western Mass and Connecticut, I couldn't help but be amazed by the fact that every tiny village and town was founded in the 1600's and 1700's! My school history lessons (at least those that I can still recall) emphasized all the early major events in places like Boston, but there was obviously a lot more going on all through the region! (I'm thinking I was napping when all this was discussed - - I seem to remember having history class right after lunch, which could explain my lack of knowledge about all this.) It was exciting to see houses and other buildings still standing from this era.
One disappointment about visiting New England was that 'Ma' Nature was late and we were early for the annual, and very popular, leaf peeping season. We saw the very beginnings of the fall color, but due to a very warm fall, the locals told us not to expect the usual. They were right!
While we were waiting for the new engine to arrive, we looked around to see if we could find an alternate tow vehicle for our trailer, and found this one - - all we could really afford after all that . . . ha!
On to Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park - - once again, our first real visit. In a word, SPECTACULAR! We were lucky enough to take in some real early American roots music and even saw 'Mayberry' up close and personal. For those old enough to remember, Mt. Arie, NC (where Andy Griffith was raised) was the town that was used as a model for his show - - - can you say 'many' years ago? Floyd's Garage, Aunt Bea's restaurant, the iconic sheriff's office and Opie's candy store are among the things that tourists come to see in Mt. Arie.
When we got to the Smokies, the fall color was finally in full swing as were soooo many visitors! In spite of being among all those who make this the most visited of our national parks, it was really amazing and gave me a chance to give my 'ol camera a good workout.
I even tried my luck at a positive version of a 'drive-by shooting' - - had fun with that one . . .
We're now officially back in the 'south' - - I know that because as we entered Georgia, the first street sign I saw was "Hog Liver Lane"! True - - can't make this stuff up!!! Soon we'll be heading further south to spend the winter months along Alligator Alley and other famous locations in Florida, while hoping that the expected El Nino doesn't spoil the good weather we're looking for. (You can probably guess how excited I am to spend months with all the talked-about 'critters' in Florida . . . one word . . . YEEK!)
I hope everyone has a wonderful, joyous and safe holiday season. When I found this image, I could only think how it fit the upcoming season.
