Tuesday September 21, The Drive

We awoke at 7am to pack the car. By 7:30 we were on our way. After only bathroom and food breaks we arrived home in CT at 7pm.

I think I did pretty damn good at driving.

Buying gas sucks

and

It’s frustrating how many ways there are from NJ to CT through NYC. How do you know which one to pick?

Monday September 20, Raft Day

Raft day, raft day. We awoke early, had a yummy breakfast, after some more debating rented a jacket, and it was debriefing time. We signed are life away, Vinnie was the safety check girl, and it was put in time right at the release of the dam into a class III. The most impressive thing besides the dam was a man in his sixties who was paralyzed in both legs rafting in our group, crazy.

Raft time, raft time, raft time. White water rafting is a dangerous sport and the guides really are the lowest paid professional athletes. Not only are they steering and commanding, but reading the water as well. I would not want the responsibility of being a guide, nor the pay. With that being said I was stoked to be with the 2009 Gauley Raft Guide of the year on such a dangerous river and with such big men in the raft. Not anyone could have handled it. Our raft did pretty damn good through the class IV and V rapids and when the water calmed a bit we had some more fun. I can now say I have flipped a raft while white water rafting. Although not the goal, and our guide cannot admit it, we think it happened on purpose. Good thing we could all swim.

After a great raft trip, which ended much sooner than I thought, we had some down time. Showers were taken, drinks made, and the video watched. I was not feeling well from a cold and could have slept but it didn’t seem to be an option. It was too early and there would be a band later that night.

After some more debating and a little boredom we went to be social. Monday night on the Gauley is like Friday night for everyone else. They don’t have to guide Tuesday’s so they can have a good time. If I was feeling better it would have been a great time to mingle with some colorful characters all within the safety of our rafting community campus. However, I did the best I could. I met some nice people, some fun people, part of the Minnesota National Guard, got some West Virginia moonshine, and finally a smore. All in a day’s work of a gypsy, which is what I was called. And when talking to the captain his response to my life is that he felt like he was watching a movie. I took that as a compliment.

Sunday September 19, huh

At 11:30pm we left for our 12 hour drive to West Virginia. At 2:30am it was time for a quick rest. At 5:30, with a sore throat, I was ready to drive again. In the afternoon we stopped at Greenbrier, Americas Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. We were unfortunately were not allowed to leave our car for lack of proper attire. It was still neat to see the outside so I can only imagine the inside.

Our next stop was the Coal Mine Exhibition in Beckley. Our tour guide was the stereotype of a West Virginia coal miner and he played into it. There were several times I had no idea what he was talking about and many couldn’t understand him because of his accent. They had a nice little set up there and it was very informative. They also had many replica houses from mining in the early days, as well as a transplant pre mining town on the grounds.

We left the coal place to head to the raft place. Before we got there we had to cross the tallest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. We entered the Visitor Center, saw the bridge and I had my subway dinner.

A little after five in the afternoon we arrived at the Riverman Class IV rafting campus. Checked in, hung around a little bit, built a fire and debated what to do. Not feeling so well and wanting to be rested for rafting I decided to head to bed early.

Saturday September 18, The Vineyard

We awoke to a gorgeous sunrise, a surprise engagement for our new friend, and seeing one of the world’s only rising train bridge on the ground. AWESOME.

As the other girls headed off to breakfast and their day of orientation I headed to Martha’s Vineyard. I thought I could get away with three dollar parking in Woods Hole but luckily chose to play it safe. I rode the ferry than began my day of wandering. I was extremely hopeful to see all of the Island and use the public bus system. I was able to see three towns but none of the farther out places. I was blown away by the size of the Island. I do not think I would like to have a car but a private tour would be really good. Next time. I was able to walk around aimlessly in Oaks Bluff, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven. All of which are very different in the architecture, people, and general feel. Since I do not like to shop it was a rather long day. I was happy to see the Island and look forward to when I can see the rest of it. It would be cool to live out there as long as you did not have to pay the crazy car ferry fee every time you wanted to leave.

I raced off the ferry, hoped on the shuttle, tried to get out of the scary parking lot, and headed back to MMA to pick up my friend who had been waiting awhile. We rode home together, had a few hours down time than headed off on our next adventure.

Friday September 17, The Cape

We were off to the Cape. The car was filled with gas, our tummies with a not so healthy but yummy breakfast, and the day ours.

Our first stop was at the campus of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy where my friend will be receiving her master’s degree. After a quick stop we then made our way to take the free tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company. Although small I found it informative and important to see. Not to mention there was a gift shop and free samples.

We had some time to kill so drove around looking for a brewery we heard about but could not find. I wanted to ask a man with bullets on top of his car door locks for directions but was denied that opportunity. It made for a good laugh, but no brewery. We then headed to our cranberry bog tour but on our way it hit me. I had made the reservation for Saturday.

Big oops, and I felt rather silly. Instead we headed to the small town of Woods Hole and visited the free aquarium run by NOAA. The small aquarium had great displays, behind the scenes stuff, and a nice little pier to walk on. We then drove on a pretty back road to see the Nobska Lighthouse. Not too shabby to be that keeper.

We headed back to Buzzards Bay, had a snack at Flip Flops, and rested in the beautiful Inn. Thanks to Vanessa’s previous job as a mermaid we stayed in a great location and ate an amazing dinner. I met a new friend, saw a beautiful sunset, took a nice night walk, and watched my friend roll in the grass for the first time without the fear of extra PT or something.

Middle of September

I have now been home for several weeks and I am ready to head back on the road. Being home was very nice and much longer than I thought it would be. While here I did much less planning than I thought I would but nonetheless I was able to make a few decisions, still need to make many more, and have some good times.

I experienced my very first polo game in style in Newport, Rhode Island where I spent Labor Day weekend. Newport is one of my favorite places to visit and it helps I have such a good friend there. It’s a different life there than what I am used to and it’s great to see. Polo is such a unique sport and is really helps to know a player.

I have visited many local farmers markets, some new restaurants, and of course a ton of shops. I was also able to go to new places in CT like Woodstock. In the quite corner of the state you can visit the only house in CT operated by the New England Historical Society, many orchards, antiques and wineries. In the opposite direction hides my favorite small town and lake in the state. Lake Waramaug is right outside of New Preston a little past Bantam.

While home I did a little city life, but not much, by going to the Harriet Beacher Stowe House and a few bars. I tended to stick to my home and the country side. CT may not be the most exciting state but it definitely is beautiful and has a lot to offer if you look.

August 26, Break Time

I am now home being pampered and taking a small break from planning the road trip. Posts will resume shortly.

August 25, 2010, Where is the road trip luck?

Yesterday in Maryland didn’t work out so well in terms of tour times so I thought I would try my luck in New Jersey.

The day did not begin well. At the visitor center outside of Atlantic City I was informed the annual air show was being held. This would not have been a bad thing except that parking which was usually 5 dollars or ten dollars was around 25. After half an hour of driving the strip looking for parking I was going to give up when I saw it, the beautiful side street with a few parking meters. For only a few quarters I was able to walk on the boardwalk, go to a small museum, and see a few planes. The place was crowded and people watching great. Such a diverse place. It was also nice to see all the retired service people out for the show.

My next stop was the “Historic Towne of Smithville.” Smithville is not in my GPS and after awhile of playing in a parking lot I made a phone call and was on my way. It was nice to be on back roads in NJ. There doesn’t seem to be much going on and I was surprised by all the protected land. Who knew there was more to New Jersey then the cities.

So Smithville isn’t a real town. It’s a great shopping and eating area and really beautiful but I didn’t exactly get it. Is it historic?

Traveling on more back roads in New Jersey I made my way to Historic Whitesbog Village. This farm and village had something to do with blueberry farming in either New Jersey or the United States. Unfortunately the store was not open because it was not the weekend so I could not learn anything. All of their roads were open and you could explore and go offroading. With no map I didn’t venture too far but it was fun and random.

After more back roads I was on the highway headed to Northlandz to see some trains. I chose not to stop and the Grounds for Sculpture and by the time I arrived to Northlandz it was too late. The place closes at 4 and that’s when I got there. It takes about two hours to see 8 miles of toy train tracks and trains so it will have to be saved for another day. Big, big, bummer of a day.

The day ended very well. I made it through New Jersey and New York without too much traffic or missing any turns (thanks to another traveler) and arrived home in great time. I received a very nice welcome from mom and dad and had a yummy dinner. YAYYYYYY

Thoughts from the day:

So weird having someone pump your gas for you. Are you supposed to tip them?

New Jersey LOVES Dunkin Doughnuts. They are everywhere.

Why are there so many helicopters in New Jersey? I mean lots and lots, and it’s a small state. Very strange.

Random resort / golf course in Egg Harbor called Seaview. That was pretty.

I haven’t seen anyone have one leg rolled up on their sweatpants in awhile.

I am sorry I make fun of the Midwest and West for their God billboards. I saw one in CT on my way home.

People in CT drive WAY TOO FAST on 84 between Waterbury and Hartford, like unsafe.