Rhode Island is certainly one of my favorite states now. This time of year is perfect. The weather is mild (although in the 90's by afternoon), but it's a feel-good warmth. I'm still a sweaty mess whenever I reach my destination each day, but that's everyday. No escaping that.
I slept surprisingly well last night at The Americas Best Inn in North Kingston. The bed was very nice, but it was the pillow I loved. It fit me just right. I slept in a little longer than usual, as the campground would prefer you not check in before 1:00, so I plan on enjoying my day, getting there leisurely as well. When I left the motel, John was not up and going, as he had gotten in around 1:30 am due to the long miles yesterday and still not feeling well. More on that later, as I will dedicate a blog posting to that topic later today.
I had a good feeling about today. The road was smooth with plenty of room for me. I came upon many people on the shoulder either running or walking. I spoke with several, and one lady in particular stopped her run to visit. She had many questions, which I happily answered, and then asked my destination for the day. I told her Burlingame State Park, and she explained it was quite a ways away. Yes, I explain we do that each day. She begin to tell me since it's Sunday, it's Beach Day, and Route 1 will be very busy and to be extra careful. Will do, I say! And off I go with a good warning of what to expect. Route 1 did not disappoint. It was as she said. Around Warwick, I saw an option to take Route 1A Scenic. I think I'll try it, and so glad I did. It was calm, had lots of drink and food opportunities, and was quaint. Along that portion, I picked up a subway sandwich, and two glasses of unsweet tea from McDonald's. Comfort items. While in McDonald's, a retired gentleman by the name of Ken was eyeballing my cart. Then me, then back at my cart. He begin figuring out I was really going to Florida. Well, he and Bev are from Florida, you know. After telling me I look like a "greyhound", they invited me to stay at their place when I make it down there. They would be back home September 19th. They gave me all their pertinent information freely, and would await to hear from me later on. They are like sweet grandparents you just can't say 'no' to. Loving and caring spirits. They beep beep'd when they drove by me in their car with Florida plates.
I cruise down 1AScenic and enjoy the beautiful houses and area. It was an upscale neighborhood with lush, green landscaping. This pretty route put me back on Route 1 eventually, which was good, too as it has an ample shoulder to relax on. It's also vacant of supplies, because it has entrance and exit ramps to be mindful of each and every time I come upon one. They are the roads that take you to the different beaches, and that's where all the convenience stores are. It is Beach Day, I hear. Overall, it was good 30 miles. I'm feeling good, and able to enjoy the surroundings around me. I made it into Charlestown, and found some supplies before I head to the campground. I'm at a local restaurant eating just now. Then one more mile down is the State Park. I was fortunate to have about 70% shade today, on the shoulder, as the tall trees blocked much of the sun. I'll get to the park after awhile, no real hurry, and I'm so close.
I look forward to sleeping outdoors tonight. I think the weather will be perfect for it.
Happy Sunday to you!
Cyndi
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Day 19 - Lots to see
The road today offered me many different opportunities. I started out with fabulous smells, sweet sounds of the morning birds and quiet. Traffic was unusually lite for a Saturday, but would I really know? It just seemed quiet anyway. I started off relaxed and taking my time. There were sidewalks and plenty of offerings for food/drink. I was enjoying myself. I made my way to Pawtucket, knowing Route 1 would join with I95, therefore detours would be needed. I really liked Pawtucket, and made all the appropriate turns to miss the interstate. I kept moving and started making my way into Providence. I absolutely loved it! All the old buildings, the churches with their church bells ringing, the beautiful Wales and Johnson University campus. Oh my, I'm heading straight downtown to bypass where Route 1 joins the interstate. This is great! I'm going to see all of the city itself, and not the bypass version. This was certainly a treat. Such fascinating buildings, trendy shops and restaurants and bricked pathways. I stopped to eat, and had a fabulous chicken taco meal. Yes, I ordered a quesadilla (not on the menu) and got the soft chicken tacos delivered to my table. They were so fresh and yummy. I took my time in Providence, taking pictures and looking around. Life was good. And then it happened. Somehow I crossed that invisible barrier of greatness into "oh dear where am I"? I saw the bus station, The Salvation Army and the Homeless Shelter all within a block or two. As were MANY homeless people who live in this Homeless Land downtown. I didn't think I fit in, but maybe I did after all. I was pushing a cart. I was sweaty and dirty. My hair was a hot mess. The only thing that was a blaring difference was I didn't have a cigarette in my hand. I received several comments throughout this never ending area of town. Hey Girl! Or, She look good. I know they were talking about my cart. It is nice. I literally kept moving, smiling when I felt it was necessary, head nodding when it seemed appropriate, and trying not to look anyone in the eye, all while trying not to look uncomfortable. But this area just kept going. And just then when I thought I was moving past it, it flared up again. I needed to stop and potty so bad. No! Keep going. But I'm thirsty. Nope. It wasn't until South Elmwood did it seem to simmer down. And my shoulders started to relax.
Then, it just got more and more upscale again. Time to soak this beauty in, and look around again. My favorite 6-7 miles were at the end of my walk/run portion of my day as I was moving by Greenwich Bay. For miles. Gorgeous is a understatement. Fabulous. Amazing. I loved every minute of those miles! And then, my motel was coming up. I saw a Sack and Save and decided to go in for just a couple of quick grocery items. Yep, you guessed it, peanut butter and bananas.
I checked in the Americas Best motel. I was extra ready to get to the motel and shower. And that's just what I did. I checked on laundry facilities. Nope. I called the campground I'm going to tomorrow and asked them the same thing.....any laundry facilities? Nope. So, while I showered, I washed my clothes. That works just as well.
John will be in later tonight. He just hasn't been feeling well. He doesn't give out many details, just "doesn't feel good". I nod, and try to help in whatever way I can. Set the route, make camp/motel reservations. We make a good team with the same goal in mind. Even though we go our own pace during the day, I can rely on us being at the same place at night/mornings. It's important to me to have someone out here, esp as a female, and having a contact for assistance (if needed) is priceless.
Time to hang up my wet/damp clothes. I called the office to ask for more towels (to wrap and absorb the wetness from my clothes). The owner of the motel said no. "You have two of each type of towel already ". Okay then. I was going to push that issue. But really, I'll figure it out, thanks, were my thoughts instead.
All's well. The weather looks promising, esp since tomorrow is a camp night. We will be heading to Burlingame State Park in Charlestown. I'm ready, and see a picnic table bed in my future.
It was an interesting Saturday, and very entertaining. Hope you had a great one!
See you tomorrow,
Cyndi
Day 19 - Next? Rhode Island
Seriously, I walked out of my motel room this morning, to a parking lot full of cars. I notice on the office door the paper, hand written, no vacancy sign that he has put out. This place is full! I will say he does have the corner on the market. He is very inexpensive, as there are a couple of other hotels around that are quite high. I do notice that across the street they are building a regular, big hotel. I wonder how that will affect him? I think there's always people who are willing to pay a low price for a motel like this. Like me. I slept well, as the days do you wear me out. Last evening, I had a knock on the door from the motel owner's "boy". That's what he calls him anyway. He is obviously not related to the motel owner, but works for him. It turns out this young man is about to go do his laundry, and wanted to see if I had any that needed to be done as well. They don't have public laundry facilities there, but he said he would throw my laundry in with his, as I notice he's holding a laundry basket full of his dirty clothes. I declined nicely, and thanked him profusely. That was really nice of him to think about the fact I might need laundry done. He was all of maybe 20 years old, and obviously lived at the motel. As did a number of people, I noticed.
Even though I have a long day ahead of me, I appear to be a no apparent hurry. I have a little breakfast (peanut butter and banana, of course), and head down the road to a McDonald's to get two refills of unsweetened tea in my cups. I also indulged and a cup of coffee while I'm there. I move down the road, alongside the stadium area. Patriot Place is on my left (shopping center), the stadium on my right. Parking lot after parking lot of emptiness is there waiting for the next big event. The air is wet and the ground is damp from the rains last night. The temperature is in the 70s, and looks to be a clear sunny day. I'll need to make sure I drink a lot today, as the humidity is high. I will move down the road in a timely fashion, but in no hurry. I want to absorb all that is around me today, as I have never been to this area before. And many more turns will happen today, as I go through Providence, as Route 1 joins the interstate. Detours are a big part of this trip.
As I continue to move down Route 1, I smell everything. The trees, the water and all that's in the air. It's so fresh and clean. I hear the hawks calling overhead, finding breakfast. I think about David and Lauren. I look at the Barn Cam to check out the happenings in the barn. I hear and see Belle (one of our sweet lambs) calling out baaaaa. It hurts my heart to know I can't be there to love on all our farm animals. I'll be back, I promise. I know that David and Lauren are both traveling (from opposite directions) to Amarillo today. They are meeting there to exchange Lauren 's Australian Shepherd puppy, Tula, over to David. Tula is scheduled to start obedience dog training later this month with our favorite dog trainer, Jamie McRee in Lucas. She will keep and train Tula for 2-4 weeks depending on her progress. She has trained two other (big) dogs of ours previously. She magically trains and assists puppies to become the good dog they can, and want to be. So David and Lauren will make the puppy trade later today, spend the night in Amarillo, and head back home on Sunday. Be safe! Last weekend, Lauren hit a deer. She's okay, thank goodness! Her car is not. It's drivable, but will need multiple repairs. Living in Colorado lends to this, as does many states. So I do worry about them both driving alone for so many miles. I know that's odd of me to say that as I live on the road. But I still worry.
Enjoy your Saturday!
More later, Cyndi
Even though I have a long day ahead of me, I appear to be a no apparent hurry. I have a little breakfast (peanut butter and banana, of course), and head down the road to a McDonald's to get two refills of unsweetened tea in my cups. I also indulged and a cup of coffee while I'm there. I move down the road, alongside the stadium area. Patriot Place is on my left (shopping center), the stadium on my right. Parking lot after parking lot of emptiness is there waiting for the next big event. The air is wet and the ground is damp from the rains last night. The temperature is in the 70s, and looks to be a clear sunny day. I'll need to make sure I drink a lot today, as the humidity is high. I will move down the road in a timely fashion, but in no hurry. I want to absorb all that is around me today, as I have never been to this area before. And many more turns will happen today, as I go through Providence, as Route 1 joins the interstate. Detours are a big part of this trip.
As I continue to move down Route 1, I smell everything. The trees, the water and all that's in the air. It's so fresh and clean. I hear the hawks calling overhead, finding breakfast. I think about David and Lauren. I look at the Barn Cam to check out the happenings in the barn. I hear and see Belle (one of our sweet lambs) calling out baaaaa. It hurts my heart to know I can't be there to love on all our farm animals. I'll be back, I promise. I know that David and Lauren are both traveling (from opposite directions) to Amarillo today. They are meeting there to exchange Lauren 's Australian Shepherd puppy, Tula, over to David. Tula is scheduled to start obedience dog training later this month with our favorite dog trainer, Jamie McRee in Lucas. She will keep and train Tula for 2-4 weeks depending on her progress. She has trained two other (big) dogs of ours previously. She magically trains and assists puppies to become the good dog they can, and want to be. So David and Lauren will make the puppy trade later today, spend the night in Amarillo, and head back home on Sunday. Be safe! Last weekend, Lauren hit a deer. She's okay, thank goodness! Her car is not. It's drivable, but will need multiple repairs. Living in Colorado lends to this, as does many states. So I do worry about them both driving alone for so many miles. I know that's odd of me to say that as I live on the road. But I still worry.
Enjoy your Saturday!
More later, Cyndi
Friday, August 18, 2017
Day 18 - Boston and beyond
As I left the Econo Lodge this morning, I wanted to get a early start to 1) miss traffic, 2) miss the the people who loiter in the area, and 3) run from the rain. Mission accomplished. I studied my route I would take, the night before, as if I was studying for a test. I could not go on Route 1 for multiple reasons (merges with an interstate, and bridge-crossing access was uncertain). Highway 99 would be my magic key to assist in crossing Boston. As I started down 99, it was dawn, and the streets were empty. It was quiet, and I watched my phone for any turn upcoming. Having my phone accessible during the rain is tough, and I really need it today. The turns began after about 5 miles, guiding me to Boston's great trail system. I was on the (cement) trails, as were MANY others morning runners were. The temperature was mild, and no rain yet, as it was predicted for later in the morning. I'm moving along nicely and easily. I continue on a series of trails, some of which ran beside a street my route had picked out for me. Other times the trail ran parallel to their subway/rail system. I could hear the noises of it's clackity clack, taking people to work. All the while, I'm watching the Maps "walking" option guide me through Boston. I stop mid morning for an egg sandwich - on a croissant today, please. I keep moving, and start getting across town. Unfortunately, my Maps app does not have feelings - or awareness - to know which part of town is good or bad. So it did route me through the not-so-great-so-keep-moving part of Boston. And I did keep moving. After being on highway 99, misc streets and trails, I was spit out into Washington St. This is one long street, with miles and miles of sidewalks. It was awesome! And then finally, I started getting to some cute suburbs like Dedham and Wentworth. I began to relax and realize I made it through. I still had a ways to go, with a few more turns here and there, but I was across Boston. I really enjoyed seeing the harbor, the bridges, the city, the old buildings, and all that Boston offers. If I was in a car, I would have seen completely different areas of towns and sites. That's the thing about being on-foot. It's a different way of seeing any city. And I'm able to soak it all in as I'm moving at a slow enough pace to look and enjoy. Thanks for a great day, Boston!! I certainly ate well, and saw places of Boston previously unseen by me. I've been here multiple times (Boston marathon), but that's a different trip in itself.
So now it's time to see about getting back to Route 1. The Gaard Motel is off Route 1, so I'll get there eventually. I travel mostly down 1A - and it wasn't A for Awful today. It was A for Awesome! I had sidewalks along most all of it, too. Safety is not an accident, and being on a sidewalk is always a plus.
After 836 turns today, I arrive in front of the Gaard Motel. It's in the Walpole/Foxboro area. Have you seen it? It doesn't look like what you see when you google it. Oh no, it looks like there's more mattresses and appliances outside it, than inside it. How bad can it be, Cyndi? It's so bad, I'm going to go ahead and nominate it for "Worst Motel" on the trip. And it's only Day 18. But I'm that confident that it will win. Because if I stay somewhere worse, it's because I'm being held against my will. Next time, I will keep going, and find a church porch to sleep on. I even called a motel down the highway and almost left here, and paid again somewhere else. But instead, I calmed myself, and made an agreement with myself that I will get up and leave earlier than usual, and go sit in the McDonalds down the way for coffee, then go from there. I'm not unpacking anything from my cart. I did shower, and it was the nicest part of it all. It did feel good.
These things will happen. It's not going to be roses and sunflowers each time. The guy who runs it is super nice, and probably convinced, in his mind, it's perfectly fine here. Good news? My door does lock. And John will be in later on, hopefully next door to me. It's not a big place.
On a happier note, we will go about 40 miles tomorrow to North Kingston, which is getting into Rhode Island. Already? Where did Massachusetts go?!? We'll go through Providence, which I'm excited about seeing. I've never been to Rhode Island. The plan is to get to the Americas Best Inn motel in North Kingston tomorrow night. I'm going to take it easy tomorrow, and enjoy getting there. And then to give you a little more data, I made a reservation at the Burlingame State Park for camping Sunday night, which is fairly close to the Connecticut line. I always look forward to seeing those states I've never seen before. Each is distinct in their own way.
I'll leave my little room now, to go in search of dinner. There's options around here, and the neighborhood is safe. Did you know I'll go right by the Gillette Stadium in the morning, down Route 1? Some team by the name of the New England Patriots play there, so I hear. I'll look for them.....they should be practicing I bet. Or at least they are airing up their footballs to the appropriate pressure, I'm sure.
Have a great Friday evening,
Cyndi
So now it's time to see about getting back to Route 1. The Gaard Motel is off Route 1, so I'll get there eventually. I travel mostly down 1A - and it wasn't A for Awful today. It was A for Awesome! I had sidewalks along most all of it, too. Safety is not an accident, and being on a sidewalk is always a plus.
After 836 turns today, I arrive in front of the Gaard Motel. It's in the Walpole/Foxboro area. Have you seen it? It doesn't look like what you see when you google it. Oh no, it looks like there's more mattresses and appliances outside it, than inside it. How bad can it be, Cyndi? It's so bad, I'm going to go ahead and nominate it for "Worst Motel" on the trip. And it's only Day 18. But I'm that confident that it will win. Because if I stay somewhere worse, it's because I'm being held against my will. Next time, I will keep going, and find a church porch to sleep on. I even called a motel down the highway and almost left here, and paid again somewhere else. But instead, I calmed myself, and made an agreement with myself that I will get up and leave earlier than usual, and go sit in the McDonalds down the way for coffee, then go from there. I'm not unpacking anything from my cart. I did shower, and it was the nicest part of it all. It did feel good.
These things will happen. It's not going to be roses and sunflowers each time. The guy who runs it is super nice, and probably convinced, in his mind, it's perfectly fine here. Good news? My door does lock. And John will be in later on, hopefully next door to me. It's not a big place.
On a happier note, we will go about 40 miles tomorrow to North Kingston, which is getting into Rhode Island. Already? Where did Massachusetts go?!? We'll go through Providence, which I'm excited about seeing. I've never been to Rhode Island. The plan is to get to the Americas Best Inn motel in North Kingston tomorrow night. I'm going to take it easy tomorrow, and enjoy getting there. And then to give you a little more data, I made a reservation at the Burlingame State Park for camping Sunday night, which is fairly close to the Connecticut line. I always look forward to seeing those states I've never seen before. Each is distinct in their own way.
I'll leave my little room now, to go in search of dinner. There's options around here, and the neighborhood is safe. Did you know I'll go right by the Gillette Stadium in the morning, down Route 1? Some team by the name of the New England Patriots play there, so I hear. I'll look for them.....they should be practicing I bet. Or at least they are airing up their footballs to the appropriate pressure, I'm sure.
Have a great Friday evening,
Cyndi
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Day/Night 17 - North of Boston
Wow, Route 1 went from my little highway to a three lane (each side) highway that resembles an interstate. The cars are flying by, and I'm being very watchful. Interestingly, it has a huge shoulder and a sorta-sidewalk beside it. I stay on that as much as possible. It's quite a feat trying to navigate other 'real' highways that intersect with this new-to-me Route 1. Up and then back down exit ramps, taking side streets, and since there's so many entrances and exits, it presents a challenge to cross them and stay vigilant. I took my time, and made sure I looked, and then looked again before crossing any road way. It's not just difficult for me, but for drivers trying to navigate their way to the side businesses. It doesn't seem to have a good flow to it all. Example? Don. Turns out Don and his wife Susan have seen me on Route 1 since I was in Maine. Susan works for Costco, and travels Route 1 back and forth, to cover her territory for each Costco as part of her job. Then, there I am, toodling by the Costco today, north of Boston. Don and Susan live here, and Susan taxed Don with bringing me money and saying hello (she had to go in the Costco - I just passed - to work). Some of my details on all that Costco/Susan may be off just a bit, but you get the idea. What I am trying to get out though, is Don is trying to get to me via his car. It's just not that easy on this crazy section of Route 1. I'm walking, then running, then walking, etc. so he's trying to gage where to stop to get out of his car and tell his story. After a turn around or two, he's waiting for me at a upcoming corner, standing and smiling as I approach. His first response is, "I don't mean to be that creepy guy, but my wife and I have seen you since Maine, and want you to have this". He pushes $10.00 towards me. When people want to share their money with you, they have made up their mind already. I explain I'm on vacation, but he still requests I take it and is now putting it in my hand. I explain I'm not doing this for a charity , but for pleasure. He lets me know Susan wanted him to give it to me irregardless. He had many questions, (the age question was not asked) but since they had seen me for so many miles, it seemed more real to him that I was really going down Route 1. Not just running away from home or something. He took a few pictures for proof, and was happy he could go give answers to Susan's questions. The things husbands do for their wives! He was just a super nice guy. I felt bad taking his money, but not taking it wasn't an option. I promised him a would use it for dinner that night, and think of them, and their kindness. And how much I appreciated him stopping and visiting with me. This kind of support fills my soul. Thank you, Susan and Don! A little bit down the highway, I came across a Chipotle (and it was on my side of the highway, thank goodness). Jackpot!!! My second quesadilla of my trip, and at one of my favorite places to splurge. I had a special meal thanks to this special couple. It was all meant to be. I was comforted beyond belief while eating there. Which I did. I sat down like a real person and ate my food there and enjoyed every bite. It was around that time that David was tracking me and knew I would have to circle around a entrance/exit ramp to get to another highway. Yes, I will be exiting Route 1 while I get across Boston. I'll be going down 99 (of which Don agreed with that plan, as I can cross the bridge on 99. They live here and he was able to confirm what I was thinking). Also, we had planned a motel stay (Econo Lodge) off 99 to help steer us in the correct direction.
David gave me wonderful instructions on how to maneuver the tedious highway change, mainly because I'm going against traffic, and can't just exit to 99 because I'm on the wrong side of the highway to do that. So thank you, David!! You saved me time, and extra miles, to get me transferred over with ease.
I'm now getting close to my motel, and I'm feeling like it was a odd day. Almost like it was three days in one day. Different terrain, different highway configurations, and challengeing maneuvers just to keep going in the right direction. And if I think that was interesting, tomorrow will be even more so. I'm heading across Boston.....in the rain. My goal will be to get to the Gaard Motel in Walpole over by the stadium. I'd like to enjoy Boston, the sites, the food and the day.
Tomorrow morning will start out with a bang, because I'm high-tailing it out of here. It's a bad area of town, as the motel attendant has a glass window for patrons to check-in through. The convenience store across the street has bars on the windows, and if-y people lingering about. This north side of Boston will not be somewhere I site-see. Instead, I stayed in my motel room and did some 'maintenance '. Filed my nails, trimmed my toe nails, and just things like that that I've not taken the time to do. It was quite nice to take the time to do those things.
We are going to be 25% done tomorrow! Total mileage in Massachusetts (if we stayed on Route 1 the whole time) would be 86 miles. Rhode Island? 57 miles, and Connecticut with 117 miles. Then New York with a grand total of 21 miles.
Thanks for listening to all my words.
I wish you a fabulous Friday,
Cyndi
David gave me wonderful instructions on how to maneuver the tedious highway change, mainly because I'm going against traffic, and can't just exit to 99 because I'm on the wrong side of the highway to do that. So thank you, David!! You saved me time, and extra miles, to get me transferred over with ease.
I'm now getting close to my motel, and I'm feeling like it was a odd day. Almost like it was three days in one day. Different terrain, different highway configurations, and challengeing maneuvers just to keep going in the right direction. And if I think that was interesting, tomorrow will be even more so. I'm heading across Boston.....in the rain. My goal will be to get to the Gaard Motel in Walpole over by the stadium. I'd like to enjoy Boston, the sites, the food and the day.
Tomorrow morning will start out with a bang, because I'm high-tailing it out of here. It's a bad area of town, as the motel attendant has a glass window for patrons to check-in through. The convenience store across the street has bars on the windows, and if-y people lingering about. This north side of Boston will not be somewhere I site-see. Instead, I stayed in my motel room and did some 'maintenance '. Filed my nails, trimmed my toe nails, and just things like that that I've not taken the time to do. It was quite nice to take the time to do those things.
We are going to be 25% done tomorrow! Total mileage in Massachusetts (if we stayed on Route 1 the whole time) would be 86 miles. Rhode Island? 57 miles, and Connecticut with 117 miles. Then New York with a grand total of 21 miles.
Thanks for listening to all my words.
I wish you a fabulous Friday,
Cyndi
Night 16/Day 17 - Heading toward Boston
At the Rusnik Campground, my quarter shower was a quarter well spent. Ironically, in the shower was a Victoria's Secret body and scrub available for anyones use. So, before I put the quarter in the shower slot, I put the scrub on - all over - then put my quarter in, to start the water to rinse off. The problem was, it took the first half of my quarter for the water to heat up. The quarter would give you five minutes of water, and half of that time was cold water. No biggie, as I was able to rinse off with a touch of warm water and was successful with my quarter shower. I could have put another quarter in, but somehow seemed proud to only have used one quarter. I thought I had done well, until John informed me that he had not only showered for a quarter, but got his clothes washed in the shower at the same time. He won that one. Somehow, when I told David of this quarter shower phenomenon, he told me it was probably time to reassess myself. "Is this what your life has gotten to?", he said, like that's a bad thing. Okay, I'll re-access, I agreed, knowing he's just trying to put things in some kind of perspective. Life is simple out here, for the most part. But I'll re-access to see how far off the beaten path I've gone. I really don't want to know. So I'll put my head back down in the sand.
I'm moving through Massachusetts toward Boston proper. Malden is the stopping point today. A motel is in my future later on. I enjoy the campground life, but sometimes sleeping on a picnic table gets old. It wasn't bad last night really, but the big dog at the tent site next to mine kept barking all night long. There's lots of noises it heard, and barked at all of them. Did I mention a motel in my future today?
As the day has progressed, there's been multiple terrain changes. Small two lane road, to a bit of hill/mountain work, then now to a 4 lane divided "real" highway, with the feel of an interstate. I95 is a stones throw from here, but they are very similar in looks. Except Route 1 is legal for me to be on. And this is when it happens.....cars going too fast to realize what I'm doing, and call the police to say they are concerned about me, and maybe the baby in my cart. Sure enough, a policeman turns his lights on and pulls me over. He immediately sees what I'm doing, and just says someone called that was "concerned " about me, and he wanted to check on me. He did not ask for my license, but simply asked about my route and duration of my trip. All's well, and I'm on my way again. Wow, that's a thick accent he had.
The ups and downs will slow me a bit today, but I'm listening to an audiobook, I Am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes. It's a Thriller, and I'm enjoying it. Keeps me engaged. I finished The Great Courses on Conflict Management, and found it very useful for personal and work situations. I like how they reiterate "it's not Conflict Resolution, it's Conflict Management " because conflict is often not ever resolved, it's only managed. My takeaway? To relearn and practice new techniques, as we generally learn our conflict management skills as a child from our surroundings. And those are not always worthwhile methods as an adult. As I continue to listen while I walk/run, I can certainly work on myself to be the best "me". Which is just like yoga, a lifelong journey.
Back to the road, and my book,
Cyndi
I'm moving through Massachusetts toward Boston proper. Malden is the stopping point today. A motel is in my future later on. I enjoy the campground life, but sometimes sleeping on a picnic table gets old. It wasn't bad last night really, but the big dog at the tent site next to mine kept barking all night long. There's lots of noises it heard, and barked at all of them. Did I mention a motel in my future today?
As the day has progressed, there's been multiple terrain changes. Small two lane road, to a bit of hill/mountain work, then now to a 4 lane divided "real" highway, with the feel of an interstate. I95 is a stones throw from here, but they are very similar in looks. Except Route 1 is legal for me to be on. And this is when it happens.....cars going too fast to realize what I'm doing, and call the police to say they are concerned about me, and maybe the baby in my cart. Sure enough, a policeman turns his lights on and pulls me over. He immediately sees what I'm doing, and just says someone called that was "concerned " about me, and he wanted to check on me. He did not ask for my license, but simply asked about my route and duration of my trip. All's well, and I'm on my way again. Wow, that's a thick accent he had.
The ups and downs will slow me a bit today, but I'm listening to an audiobook, I Am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes. It's a Thriller, and I'm enjoying it. Keeps me engaged. I finished The Great Courses on Conflict Management, and found it very useful for personal and work situations. I like how they reiterate "it's not Conflict Resolution, it's Conflict Management " because conflict is often not ever resolved, it's only managed. My takeaway? To relearn and practice new techniques, as we generally learn our conflict management skills as a child from our surroundings. And those are not always worthwhile methods as an adult. As I continue to listen while I walk/run, I can certainly work on myself to be the best "me". Which is just like yoga, a lifelong journey.
Back to the road, and my book,
Cyndi
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Day/Night 16 - Easy going
After leaving Kittery, Maine this morning and moving down Route 1, I knew the 20 miles would probably be considered an 'easy' day. And that's exactly how it turned out. I'm always hesitant to know For Sure, because just when you think everything's okay.....it's not. But today was a day full of people with good energy, kind faces and inquisitive questions. I was taking my time moving today. No hurry, and I was giving my body a much needed break. Along the way, I feel in love with Portsmouth. What a great town! People are out and about, as it's a very active community from what I saw. I had a perfect cup of coffee at Breaking New Grounds, and continued to move into New Hampshire seamlessly. The shoulder was wonderful, and when there was no shoulder, there was a sidewalk. Thank you, New Hampshire! I cruised into North Hampton, then to Hampton. How nice is that?! I stopped to eat (I forgot the name of it), but they make all their breads homemade, and hand cut donuts. Although I'm not really sure what that meant. It sounded fancy. I got an egg sandwich with my waitress's pick of the bread. I figured she'd know which one would be really good. And she did. It was super tasty, like an egg sandwich super-sized. Their unsweet tea was stronger than my coffee I had earlier, and life was good. Throughout my day, many people asked the usual question, "Are you really going to Key West?". It says so on the front of my cart, but they are just not sure, and have many questions to make sure I'm just not crazy. I noticed one guy could have asked question after question, as one led to another. Then another guy in a Wrangler Jerp pulled over in a parking lot I was going by, to stop me. He's a cyclist, and was trying to figure it all out, too. The one thing in common with several people today is one particular question: How old are you? That question comes up more and more often. After I tell them, 53, they ask how my knees are, etc. Yes, my friends, my knees are sore sometimes, and quite frankly, I have many aches and pains as we all do as we get older. I'm not exempt. I just keep going anyway.....and ibuprofen helps. A lot of ibuprofen.
I was on the phone with my daughter, Lauren the other day, when someone stopped me to inquire about my situation. And they also asked the age question. She could hear them ask me and Lauren was a little surprised at this turn of events. "Why are people asking you that, Mom?", she asked in such a way that made me feel like maybe I shouldn't be telling people my age. I really don't know, but people ask many unusual questions, and I just try to answer as if what I'm doing is a normal thing. I like to fly under the radar. I'm always happy to talk to others, and it often opens people's minds to places they haven't gone before. Thoughts they have not considered in their life. I hope they leave me thinking 'maybe I can do fill-in-the-blank'. Because really, anything is possible.
After Hampton, shortly came Seabrook. Now, that's my kind of town. It had every known store and restaurant that every "regular " city has. It was a city of everything from Hobby Lobby to Chili's restaurant to Dick's Sporting Goods to Big Lots - all along one strip of the highway. Any store you wanted to go to? They had it. I'm fascinated by it because I only get a glimmer of offerings of stores along Route 1. And Seabrook had it all. Still fascinated.
Then, there it was, Rusnik Family Campground. Tucked away just slightly off Route 1, and would be my haven for the rest of the day. Swimming pool, putt putt golf, game room, volleyball, and more. I did dip my feet and legs in the water. Don't forget the showers (quarter for every 5 minutes, and the spider in the shower with you is no charge), laundry facilities and a bathroom not far from my camp site A8. Water, electricity and the ever-famous bed of mine, picnic table. Sweet!
I settle in. Shower, and even wash my clothes. I mean, why not!? Now it's time for dinner. Decisions decisions. Should I eat food out of my cart or there's a pizza place close by. Stay tuned for that choice, as I've still not made that final decision just yet. I'm going to do a little yoga first, on my mat, and mull that over.
I do know one thing for sure. I went from Maine to New Hampshire to Massachusetts today. And I'm thrilled to have seen it all. I'll continue in Massachusetts on Route 1 toward Boston tomorrow, just stopping short of that great city. But I'll get there, as The Econo Lodge beckons me tomorrow night. Then Friday, on a predicted rain day, I'll move across Boston. There's so much to look forward to, and so many great memories I have thus far.
See you tomorrow!
Cyndi
I was on the phone with my daughter, Lauren the other day, when someone stopped me to inquire about my situation. And they also asked the age question. She could hear them ask me and Lauren was a little surprised at this turn of events. "Why are people asking you that, Mom?", she asked in such a way that made me feel like maybe I shouldn't be telling people my age. I really don't know, but people ask many unusual questions, and I just try to answer as if what I'm doing is a normal thing. I like to fly under the radar. I'm always happy to talk to others, and it often opens people's minds to places they haven't gone before. Thoughts they have not considered in their life. I hope they leave me thinking 'maybe I can do fill-in-the-blank'. Because really, anything is possible.
After Hampton, shortly came Seabrook. Now, that's my kind of town. It had every known store and restaurant that every "regular " city has. It was a city of everything from Hobby Lobby to Chili's restaurant to Dick's Sporting Goods to Big Lots - all along one strip of the highway. Any store you wanted to go to? They had it. I'm fascinated by it because I only get a glimmer of offerings of stores along Route 1. And Seabrook had it all. Still fascinated.
Then, there it was, Rusnik Family Campground. Tucked away just slightly off Route 1, and would be my haven for the rest of the day. Swimming pool, putt putt golf, game room, volleyball, and more. I did dip my feet and legs in the water. Don't forget the showers (quarter for every 5 minutes, and the spider in the shower with you is no charge), laundry facilities and a bathroom not far from my camp site A8. Water, electricity and the ever-famous bed of mine, picnic table. Sweet!
I settle in. Shower, and even wash my clothes. I mean, why not!? Now it's time for dinner. Decisions decisions. Should I eat food out of my cart or there's a pizza place close by. Stay tuned for that choice, as I've still not made that final decision just yet. I'm going to do a little yoga first, on my mat, and mull that over.
I do know one thing for sure. I went from Maine to New Hampshire to Massachusetts today. And I'm thrilled to have seen it all. I'll continue in Massachusetts on Route 1 toward Boston tomorrow, just stopping short of that great city. But I'll get there, as The Econo Lodge beckons me tomorrow night. Then Friday, on a predicted rain day, I'll move across Boston. There's so much to look forward to, and so many great memories I have thus far.
See you tomorrow!
Cyndi
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