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Abnmarine · 07-06-2010, 07:43 PM

We departed on 19 June with our RV & toad along with a couple of good friends and their RV/toad. Temps in Virginia were 95+ degrees so we all wanted to go somewhere cooler. We chose all of the New England states as our destination.

All ready to go

In a previous post I mentioned how I was one to plan out a vacation by making reservations. Not so in depth as to maintain a schedule but at least be locked in at various campsites. This time we winged it and I will say I will always do this in the future.

Me in my favorite seat

Crossing into PA

We departed Stafford, Virginia and headed north through Pennsylvania. Our goal was to not remain totally on the interstate highways for the whole trip and to cross into New York before 7 pm. We actually were able to make it about 120 miles into NY.

First stop was at a small KOA in New York. We fired up the grill, drank a couple of beers and enjoyed the evening. Met a nice couple from England that owns a Class C. They put it into storage when returning home but use it 2-3 times a year in the United States.

Departed in the morning and headed to Lake Champagne, Vermont.

Entering Vermont

This was the view at the entrance to the Apple Island RV Resort in Vermont

Got settled at the campsite and relaxed for the evening.

The next morning my wife and I drove the toad to Montreal.

Returning to the US

We spent 3 days in Vermont and then headed east. We took Route 2 and wasn't aware of the many construction areas. Often we drove on dirt paths due to the work being done.

Prior to leaving Vermont we visited the Ben & Jerry's factory

Yes we had to do this

This is the only moose we saw

We stopped for the night in New Hampshire. Ironically it was 10 miles from Mount Washington so we intended to go to the top in the morning.

Elevation is 6,288 feet

Abnmarine · 07-06-2010, 07:43 PM

Entering Maine

We stayed at the Mount Desert Narrows near Bar Harbor, Maine. We toured the island, ate some lobster, took a 3 1/2 boat ride to see several lighthouses, and kayaked in the bay, seeing the sunset over the water.

Me & my Wife

After 4 days we departed Maine and headed to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

We stayed in another KOA in the middle of Boston and Cape Cod for three days. This reduced our driving time when visiting the areas. The first night we drove on Cape Cod all the way to Providence town.

The second day we visited Boston. We toured the city and ate lunch at Cheers.

Spent a day at Plymouth to learn about the landings

Plymouth Rock

Third Day we visited Salem to learn about the witch hunts

We departed west to avoid New Jersey and NYC.

Decided to make a quick run out to Indiana to be with my mother on her birthday. Ended up bringing her back with us to Virginia.

Stayed in another KOA overnight to let everyone unwind. Departed again in the morning.

Started south on 77 and had a rear tire blow out. This is the second in the last month. They were Goodyear G159's that I just learned last week about them being recalled for RV use. Had them inspected prior to this trip and was told they would be fine for another year or two. The remaining one's are getting replaced this Saturday.

Damaged the exhaust. This will now be the second time I've had to replace it from a blowout.

It took 3 1/2 hours for our roadside service to arrive. Luckily I was off of the highway onto a turnoff. Genny started, AC on, so I took a nap.

Tire changed and we are back on the road.

Back to our home state

We were gone for 14 days. Drove 3,865 miles, drove through 14 states and visited Canada. Minus the tire, we had zero problems which was more than my friends RV fared. Gas mileage in the mountains averaged 7-8 mph and 9 mpg on the flats. I drove at a steady 61 mph for the majority of the trip.

Maine was the best. I didn't care a lot of Massachusetts and Vermont was also worth the visit.

Hope you enjoyed the pics taken by my wife.

denochs · 07-06-2010, 08:04 PM

Nice pics. Thanks for sharing them. Did you make it into Maine? We're planning an early October trip. Any suggestions or tips?

Dave

gallopn'go4r · 07-06-2010, 08:17 PM

Nice photos. We will be traveling that route next month for our N.E. venture, from Florida through Virginia into Maine and back down.

Abnmarine · 07-06-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denochs

Nice pics. Thanks for sharing them. Did you make it into Maine? We're planning an early October trip. Any suggestions or tips?

Dave

From what I've heard, a lot of campsites close down after September. Bar Harbor is a bit touristy but that is what we like. It wasn't too crowded though. Our site at Mount Desert Narrows provided us a water view of the bay. Can't go wrong with waking up to that.