Tues – June 23, 2009: Left early – before it got unbearably hot – and arrived home in Marietta at approximately 10:30 AM. It was a fun vacation during which we drove a total of 4432 miles – 56% by Al and 44% by Sandra. Priority task now that we are home – renew Al's expired drivers license!

Monday – June 22, 2009: Spent the day with Al's friend – Jack Monday in Ten Mile Tn. Al worked for Jack while at Beckman – so there was plenty to catch up on.

Sunday, - June 21, 2009: Arrived around noon and spent a restful day at the KOA in Sweetwater, TN. It was a scorcher – so we enjoyed a comforting dip in their swimming pool. Spent the afternoon at Tennessee's Largest Flea Market and had fun just looking at “stuff”. Ate at a local buffet for “Father's Day” and then returned back to the camper for drinks and relaxation.

Saturday – June 20, 2009: Visited with Al's friend – Loren Wolfe in Greenback Tn – and enjoyed catching up on both our lives and adventures mover the past few years.

Friday – June 19, 2009: Drove about 6 hours and spent the evening at the Rocky Top Campground in Blountville, TN. Visited the Countryside Winery, shopped some, ordered pizza, and settled in for a relaxing, quiet evening.

Thursday – June 18, 2009: Waited until the dreary, rainy, drizzle weather passed before getting a late start at about 2:00 PM and put in about 4 hours on the road. Spent the evening in a Wal-Mart in Harrisonburg, VA. Abby seemed to really enjoy sitting by the camper screen door or windows and people watching. Abby's perspective “camping is awesone”- so much to see – so little time!

Wednesday – June 17, 2009: Started the tail-end of our journey that would take us west and eventually south and back home to Marietta. The ride across the Tappen Zee Bridge in NY was a thriller – nerve wrecking to say the least! Sandra drove a total of seven hours and we spent the evening in Lickdale Campground near I-81 in Pennsylvania.

Tuesday – June 16, 2009: Spent the majority of the day at Mystic Seaport – a museum where we saw National Historic Landmark vessels, watched skilled shipyard workers use traditional tools and techniques to preserve/restore historic vessels, and walked through a re-created seafaring village complete with the sights and sounds of 19^th century maritime America. Enjoyed a delicious codfish sandwich at Sea Swirl – another great restaurant recommendation from our Marietta neighbors! Walked through the Mystic historic district and enjoyed an afternoon of window shopping. Bought some ginger beer (Jamaician style ginger ale), returned to the camper, and enjoyed an evening of Dark & Stormy, cheese and crackers.

Monday – June 15, 2009: After only a two hour drive arrived at Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, CT. Took a scenic drive through many small towns and villages – our destination being Abbots Lobster Restaurant in Mystic/Noank, CT (per recommendation from Don & Julia - our Marietta neighbors who lived in CT). We enjoyed a lobster dinner while dining out in the open along the shoreline where we watched a multitude of boats that were anchored or motoring in the harbor. Drove into and through Mystic before heading back to the camper for some wine and cheese.

Sunday – June 14, 2009: Ron & Elaine invited us to their home for a delicious breakfast. Spent a quiet / peaceful afternoon together where we just enjoyed one-another's company. Elaine and I both make jewelry and traded some beads with one another. Al and Ron enjoyed sharing sailing adventures. In the evening we made our final visit to Bill and BJ. Went to the Wharf Tavern where we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner (salmon and scrod), many tasty drinks and most importantly – good friendship.

Saturday – June 13, 2009: Spent the day with Bill & BJ. Had a scrumptious lunch along the shoreline at what they call their “biker bar restaurant”. Spent the afternoon taking a scenic drive through Tiverton to Little Compton Point – the countryside along the way was just gorgeous! That evening Bill & BJ then treated us to their specialty – a lobster fest – steamed lobster, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, grilled shrimp and grilled scallops – it was “awesome”! We contributed some pear wine from the Grandview Winery (Vermont) and a fun time was had by all. Once again – time passed all too quickly!

Friday – June 12, 2009: Spent the day with Ron & Elaine Bargantine, friends we met camping in Melbourne Florida at a Waterway Cruisers Net and the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) function. They drove us through Old Newport and we were their guests at the Newport Yacht Club. Sandra had her first “Dark & Stormy” - a drink which soon became a favorite! Ron & Elaine still own their 60 foot around-the-world race retired-sailboat and have an avid interest in these races. We were fortunate to be at the Newport Yacht Club where we saw the first OSTAR race sailboat dock after a trans-oeanic trip from England to RI. They then took us on a scenic ride to Goat Island and along the 12 mile Scenic Ocean Drive of Newport. The first homes we saw were mansions (or so we thought) until we passed estates homes of impoverished, such as Jackie Kennedy's family, etc. - it was an awesome and beautiful drive! That evening we enjoyed wonderful fish & chips and more drinks at the Elk Club. It was a truly “fun” day!

Thursday – June 11, 2009: Spent the day with Al's friends – Bill and BJ Stephens - who live in nearby Bristol, RI. We thoroughly enjoyed the driving tour they took us on - nearby parks, harbors, historic districts. Enjoyed crab cakes, clam chowder and fish-n-chips at Aiden's Pub. Returned to their house and continued catching up on old times and all that has passed since both men retired. Looking forward to seeing Bill and BJ more while we are here! After leaving them, enjoyed a pleasant dinner at the Melville Grill – fish-n-ships, crab cakes, salad. Returned to Abby – our lonesome kitty-cat!

Wednesday – June 10, 2009: Sandra is officially an accomplished “RV-rig” driver after she completed the six hour trip to Portsmouth, Rhode Island. After getting settled in the campground, we drove through the historic harbor of Newport, RI - the sailing capital of the north.

Tuesday – June 9, 2009: Got an early start on our tourist adventures and headed to Pemaquid Point – enjoyed the quaint homes and beautiful scenery, saw the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse,and enjoyed a lobster-crab omelet at the Sea Gull Shop Restaurant while sitting at a table overlooking the shoreline and ocean. Our next visit was to Damariscotta – a quaint and picturesque seaside village with shops, boats, and gorgeous scenery. Stopped at the library to check our emails and then enjoyed Maine crab cakes for lunch at the King Eiders Pub and Restaurant. Afterwards we drove through Southport Island and enjoyed the rustic and well kept homes that surely date back to the 1700 and 1800's. Returned to Boothbay for the lobster dinner special at Kalers Crab and Lobster House (only $12.99 – an incredible price). Three meals of seafood – what an absolutely scrumptious day!

Monday – June 8, 2009: Today was the beginning of Sandra's training on driving and operations of the truck and RV. After a successful hook-up she drove the three hour trip to Boothbay, Maine where we stayed at a beautiful site at the Shore Hills Campgound for two days. Spent the afternoon at the Boothbay Harbor - enjoyed seeing the boats and visiting the shops and galleries. In the evening we went to the house of a amateur radio contact on East Boothbay. Had a wonderful evening with Stephen, his wife Alice and their dog Lucy. After tea and dessert the guys got to talk “guy stuff” while the gals talked about topics that were by-far more interesting. On Stephen's recommendation we took a drive to Ocean Point after our visit – the scenery was breathtaking!

Sunday – June 7, 2009: Went to the Farmers Market this morning and purchased some wholesome goodies for treats and tomorrows breakfast. Attended the Blessing of the Fleet at the Bar Harbor Wharf. Engaged in conversation with the crew of a Coast Guard 47' motor life boat and was provided a tour of the vessel by the Engineer. Al was impressed by the two 485 HP diesel engines and the deck gun. Bought fresh scallops at a roadside Lobster Pound ($9.75 a pound) and steam cooked them in butter at the campground – they were golf-ball size, tender, and sweet – absolutely delicious! It was a peaceful and relaxing day – a suiting end to a great visit to Acadia and Bar Harbor!

Saturday – June 6, 2009: Started the day at a garage sale – bought 4 items and spent 40 cents – what fun! Enjoyed a tasting at the Atlantic Brewing Company – a facility designed with the age old beer gardens of Germany and England in mind. Then stopped at Sweet Peas Farm Winery and enjoyed a wine tasting of local wine. Enoyed a haddock sandwich, lobster bisque, and fisher”mums” chowder for lunch – taking advantage of the wi-fi to catch up on emails, etc. Returned to Bar Harbor and walked the exposed sand bar at low tide to Bar Island. Ate at Chowdahs and shared a double lobster dinner complete with baked beans and corn – all for only $26.00 – what a deal!

Friday – June 5, 2009: Spent the day touring! Our morning stop was Acadia National Park where we found soaring granite cliffs side-by-side with sand and cobblestone beaches. Glacier-carved mountains reared up from the sea, cuping deep lakes in their valleys – there were meadowlands, marshes, and dense evergreen forests. Went to the Abbe Museum (Indian heritage of island) and drove the 20-mile Park Loop Road. Enjoyed the Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Cadillac Mountain (tallest mountain peak on the Atlantic coast north of Brazil) a 1,530 foot summit that provided a 360 degree panoramic. Spent the afternoon on the “quiet/other” side of the island and visited many villages and harbors – Southwest Harbor, Seawall, Tremont, Seal Cove, and Pretty Marsh. Enjoyed lunch at Behls Harbor – lobster and seafood chowder. Ordered two cooked lobsters to go and enjoyed them around the evening campfire with drawn butter, wine, Cabot cheese, and crackers. Life is GOOD!

Thursday – June 4, 2009: Enjoyed a leisurely trip and arrived mid-afternoon in Acadia National Park located on the rock-bound Maine Island of Mount Desert. Everywhere the ocean made its presence felt – whether by sight, sound, or smell. Settled into our campsite and then went to Bar Harbor – the heart and soul of Maine's coastal heritage and the tourist section of the island. Walked the streets and experienced the charm of a small fishing village. Window shopped in the small shops and took pictures of the boats in the Frenchman Bay. Enjoyed our first lobster dinner at Gaylans – an early bird special for only $16.00 - consisted of a full lobster in it's shell, rice, grilled asparagus, and a salad. Topped this excellent meal off with some happy hour libations from the bar and we went back to the camper mellow and satiated!

Wednesday – June 3, 2009: Continued traveling east through scenic New Hampshire and into Maine. Spent the night on a beautiful river site at the Two Rivers Campground in Skowhegan, ME. Enjoyed our first campsite with electricity and charged all electrical devices, caught up on chores/ laundry/ bookeeping, and then spent the evening watching some TV.

Tuesday – June 2, 2009: Thoroughly enjoyed the majestic rolling mountain hills and ridgelines, winding rivers, hillside farms, steepled villages, and covered bridges as we drove across Vermont. Camped in Discovery State Park where we enjoyed the quiet and beautiful serenity of Vermont. Enjoyed the park hosts Karen and her husband – with whom we had a common interest – Amateur Radio! They extended an invitation to us to return as camp hosts for the season. Visited the nearby Cabot Creamery Visitors Center where we watched a video, took a tour, nibbled Cabot cheese and sampled VT specialty foods in the gift shop. Afterwards we went to a nearby winery. The Grand View Winery in Calais truly offered a “grand view” perched atop a hill with a 50 mile-radius view of the mountains and valleys of the Green Mountain State. When we walked into the winery – we were in for a pleasant surprise! The hosts and owners were Julie and Phil Tonks. Julie and I knew each other for over ten years having both worked for the Hospital Association in our respective states. After our retirements we lost touch with one another. Julie was the only person I knew in Vermont – and by divine providence we walked into her winery. She offered wine, we offered cheese and it was great to hug, talk, catch up, and just enjoy one another. (www.grandviewwinery.com). We traded – three bottles of wine for two magnetic bracelets – what a deal for both of us!

Monday – June 1, 2009: Left Rochester and headed east across NYS. It was a new experience as we traveled across New York and countryside we had not seen before. Spent the evening in Moreau Lake State Park in the foothills of the Adirondacks near Saratoga Springs and Lake George.

May 15-31, 2009: The first three weeks were spent visiting with family.

Spent the first weekend visiting Sandra's sister Cathy, Earl and nephews Stephen and Matthew in Almond, New York. The boys went through a major growth-spurt since we saw them last year and definitely take after their father when it comes to height. Both are actively involved in many sports and while there we attended a baseball game at which Matthew was the star pitcher. Matthew also spent time with Al on the ham radio and made contacts statewide.

The Memorial Day/second weekend was spent with Janice and Jeff in East Amherst, New York. Enjoyed attending a gig in which Jeff played drum with his jazz group. Celebrated Janice's birthday a few days early along with Jeff's parents Adele and Jerry. Al enjoyed the opportunity to go sailing in a J-24 with Jeff, Paul (Jeff's friend) and PJ (Paul's 10 year old son) in Lake Erie. When Al took a week to go to Canada, Sandra stayed with Janice and together spent days sorting, finalizing, scanning and labeling hundreds of family pictures. Now a CD is ready to go to each sister and the actual pictures can be shared among us. The family project is finally completed!

Al enjoyed seeing his Dad, brother Gary, and sister Linda and her family in Oakville/Milton, Ontario, Canada. Victoria just turned 13 and is quite the teenager. Her brother Christian is only10 and is solely responsible for handling the John Deere tractor and bush-hog on the farm.

The final weekend was spent with Donna, Scotty, and nieces Becky and Kim in addition to Kim's fiance in Rochester, New York. In Rochester, Al attended the Rochester Ham Fest and purchased man treasures. Sandra took her magnetic jewelry to Roberts Wesleyan College and sold jewelry to Donna's co-workers. Sandra joined Donna, Scotty and Becky one evening for a Zydeco (Creole/Cajon) performance and as a result gained an appreciation for the lively music.

Abby got to meet and get acquainted with her cousins – Matthew and Stephen's dog Sport, Becky's dog Raisin, and Janice's four cats – Mercury, Liam, Nicki, and Ma-Ma. Luckily – and luckily all the critters got along relatively well.

Sandra enjoyed going to garage sales during all three visits – picking up some nice treasures along the way. Our time with family passed by all too quickly. It was great seeing everyone and we look forward to visiting them again next year.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009: Started our travels and began our two day trek to New York State and Canada. We traveled in the 5^th wheel and spent our first two nights in the favorite campsites of many campers – the Flying-J-Truckstop and Wal-Mart.