What a Difference a Ferry Ride Makes!

Sister ferry to ours, crossing Lake Champlain
from Port Kent, New York, to Burlington, Vermont

We pressed on this morning, hoping to make the 10:50 ferry at Lake Champlain.  We drove up to the gate just as the last row of cars was boarding.  To our delight, they allowed us to board also.  There is nothing like an “ocean” voyage to clear the mind and to bring a smile back to David’s face!

 The ferry ride took about an hour.  When we arrived in Burlington, Vermont, we stopped by a small park to let Roxanne out to stretch her legs.

We thought about having lunch in Montpelier, but it was so crowded downtown with its noon traffic, we decided to continue driving up Route 2.  The countryside began to change.  The Adirondacks felt tightly closed in… the rolling mountains were thick forests that edged the road.  With very few overlooks, I had only taken a photo of the range from the ferry.

Adirondacks from Lake Champlain

The scenery in Vermont opened up.  The mountains were a bit taller than we had seen in New York.  There was also more farmland, so the mountain views were more stunning.

We drove into Marshfield and stumbled upon a little bakery and café called Rainbow Sweets.  We decided that they might have a good sandwich, so we stopped to have a look-see.  We were definitely in for a culinary experience!

Unbeknownst to us, Rainbow Sweets has quite a reputation in this neck of the woods.  They offer fine pastries and gourmet delicacies such as brioche, empanadas, gnocchi, baklava, tortes, and tarts.  We each chose the brioche, a filo pastry filled with chopped chicken, nuts, and cinnamon, served with a Greek salad.  It was delicious. 

The proprietor was a hoot.  He begins his monologue like a hawker, bemoaning the dire state of culinary cuisine in any direction from his front door.  If you interrupt him, he somewhat politely tells you that you can speak when he is finished.  He then launches into describing the delectable delicacies that he serves… beginning with the pastry wrap, onto its scrumptious fillings, then to the freshness of each gourmet delight. 

He explains his desserts as if they each had its own personality.  One is as delicious as “Johnny Depp on a plate” and includes a double explosion of crème brulee that is certain to please.  (He was more than right… they were exquisite… however, he was quite chagrined that we chose to share one rather than each partaking of our own!)

After our delicious brioche entrees, he began describing his decadent sweets shelf by shelf.  I interrupted again, telling him that we didn't have a refrigerator and asking about the cookies on the bottom shelf.  He immediately told me that I wasn’t a bottom shelf girl… that I needed to set my sights higher.  

Back to the top shelf we went.   He explained cakes over a half a foot tall and towers of puffed pastry drizzled in chocolate and dusted heavily in powdered sugar.  When I told him that I am allergic to chocolate, he began speaking directly to David whenever he explained a sweet covered in that gooey, delicious, black gold. 

After paying for our lunch and armed with a dessert for the evening and a delectable sweetie to share with our morning coffee, we walked out nearly $50 lighter but with a smile on our faces and our palates definitely satisfied.  If you are ever in Marshfield, Vermont, we highly recommend your stopping by for the entire Rainbow Sweets experience!

Rainbow Sweets, Marshfield, Vermont
For more info, visit their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Sweets-Bakery/118669924836893

Central Vermont on Dwellable

Catskills and Adirondaks

Since we had once lived in the vicinity, we blew through Pennsylvania and headed to new territory.  David set the Garmin for Catskill Park.  We expected it to be a state park.  When we arrived at our appointed destination, however, we discovered that there were a series of state parks in these mountains, not just one, and we had no idea where any of them were.  Unable to find tourist information and with rain settling in, we used our map to locate campgrounds.  Unfortunately, the map was far from accurate. 

We finally found a campground, only to discover that it was full.  We traveled on with a promise that we would find another in about a half hour.  To our dismay, it, too, was full.  With little help from any of the state park attendants, at dusk we finally located a private campground that charged us $30 to camp in a field.  We set camp as rain began to fall.  Within minutes, we were in a deluge.  Both of us were exhausted, so we snacked on the last of the crackers and another tin of smoked salmon before crawling into bed.

We broke camp in the rain and drove into the town of Catskill, looking for coffee.  We found the Ambrosia Diner and stopped for our first breakfast on the road.  David, of course, ordered pancakes.  It was a wonderful, authentic little diner.

From there, we drove to the Adirondack Mountains, hoping for greater luck than we had in the Catskills.  Again we were unable to find tourist information.  We drove two thirds of the range and located only one campground (which, unfortunately, was early in the drive).  With hopes of setting up camp early and letting Rox take a swim in one of the lovely lakes, we finally located a campground on Rollins Pond. 

As someone later said, New York seems to have taken the city into the country.  This entire campground was crammed with rig after rig, side by side. 

After driving through one campground, we found a second set behind it, with a tad more space between the sites and more tent campers. We pulled into the check in line.

In order to acquire a campsite, David had to sign five different documents…it appears, that at least in New York, our litigant-minded society has moved even into camping.  The first document indicated that he had read the pet regulations. The second indicated that he had read the bear warning and guidelines.  The third and fourth were campground permits.  The fifth was the credit card payment of $27.75 for a primitive site.  Finally, the park attendant gave David yet one more additional sheet explaining the recycling regulations. 

We took turns at the showers before setting up camp.  While waiting for David to clean up, I read, to my dismay, that pets were not permitted on the beach, in the water, or in picnic areas, among other restrictions.  Poor Rox would have to wait yet another day. 

Additionally, it is a law in New York that campers must recycle.  However, all recyclable containers must first be cleaned before they are deposited in recycling bins.  These recyclables cannot, however, be cleaned in camp restrooms or water stations.  

Upon reading the bear warning and guidelines, we were warned that indirect or incidental feeding of bears was a violation.  This included scattering gray water from the kitchen sink.  Needless to say, one regulation seemed quite contrary to the other.  How do you clean a recyclable and follow the bear guidelines?  

When David ditched the trash, he came back saying that it appeared that others had been caught by the catch 22 and had just thrown everything in the garbage. We are hoping there is no ID in our trash in case we missed a recyclable item and they try to track us down.

The vast majority of our travels in the west have left us feeling like welcomed guests.  Campgrounds most often have self-pay stations rather than attendants.  Their rules are short enough to be posted on a bulletin board.  The folks out west seem to trust that if they post the rules, that people will take responsibility for reading them and not require a signature. While upstate New York is a lovely area, its rules, regulations, and restrictions have left us longing for western hospitality and the freedom of the great outdoors.

So this morning, we broke camp and left New York, disappointed and disillusioned. I am sure there are some great quiet remote places in New York to camp but we have opted to move on to New England. 

Friends and Family

It was so good to see David’s sister and family in Olney, Maryland.  As an added blessing, we were able to visit with our niece and her beautiful family and held our newest grandnephew, not even three weeks old. 

We were truly thankful to have the opportunity to wash clothes (and ourselves!).  As always, Berda’s hospitality and food were wonderful.  It was great to catch up on everyone’s lives and reminisce about everything from the infamous bing cherry party to Guinea pigs, the New Orleans Jazz Fest, even on back to days on Stratford Street.  Your newest paintings are absolutely beautiful, Berda.  Thanks so much George for taking time to help us find some great places to visit in New England.

From Olney, we backtracked about an hour to Pohick Bay Regional Park near Lorton, Virginia, to spend Friday night camping with friends.  We had a great time with Maureen, Andy, Adam, and Lydie, sharing camping stories, catching up with SMRP, and watching Adam perfect his golf swing. 

We certainly learned how to camp in style!  With their big rig (complete with ice maker!), we enjoyed cold drinks and appetizers. They treated us to an amazing gourmet dinner sided with a fresh oriental salad.  The following morning, they introduced us to bagels and lox for breakfast.  Wow!  Their hospitality was endless.  Thanks so very much for sharing time with us!  It was positively delightful!   

Andy, Adam, Maureen, and Lydie

Wet and Wild Anniversary

We left Montreat late Monday morning and traveled until we were weary.  We stopped at Claytron Lake, southwest of Roanoke, Virginia, for the night.

We were shocked to pay $33 for a primitive site (with no water), including our first-ever pet fee for a campground.  The park attendant said that the high fee was accessed to prevent the park from closing.  With rates this high, however, it seemed to be driving more people away.  We were among only a handful of campers.

The next morning, we broke camp and headed to Skyline Drive.  It was our 36th wedding anniversary.  We were married in Richmond, shortly after David was transferred there for his second assignment.  During our time in Virginia, we often camped along Skyline Drive.  We felt that a return visit would be a fitting way to celebrate.

We arrived at the campground on the wings of a hard-bearing front.  As large raindrops began to fall, we popped the camper and crawled inside.  The remainder of the afternoon we spent snuggled in our new rig, listening to heavy rain drumming on the roof and claps of thunder rolling around us.  We read, played cards, and reminisced 36 years of adventures both great and small.

We have discovered on this trip that the closer that we get to Washington, D.C., the greater the number and rigidity of rules and regulations.  As the rain pelted and the wind tossed tree limbs, a SUV arrived at our campsite.  An older gentlemen lumbered to our camper door, engulfed in a bright yellow slicker suit.  He informed us that we did not have our registration sticker properly affixed to the pole.

David explained that we had neglected to post it due to the impending storm.  Undaunted, the gentleman remained at our door, insisting that the sticker must be properly displayed.  David reluctantly donned his rain jacket and entered the storm.  He then proceeded to dig through the truck to find the errant sticker while our camp host remained steadfast in the torrents of rain.

Finally, David secured the piece of yellow paper and dutifully placed it in its proper place.  Satisfied that we were not the vagrant squatters he initially assumed us to be, the camp host drove off to meet his next adversary.  I still giggle every time I think of it.  The man had a job to do, and he was definitely Johnny-on-the-spot!

Note to all those visiting Shenandoah National Park:  Do Not Forget to Affix your Sticker Properly!!!

Within the hour, the storm passed, leaving us with a brilliantly blue sky and temperatures in the 60s... the perfect anniversary gift!  We took a stroll and came back to our little abode.  Supper consisted of cans of smoked salmon and hummus on crackers, paired nicely with boxed white wine.  (Only the best for my baby!!!)  Happy anniversary, Dear!  

Joyful Reunion at Montreat

We spent three nights camping at Montreat, basking in the glow of friendship and fun.  It was great to see our dear friends and to catch up on their lives.

Eric, Bailey, and Morgan

Montreat is a beautiful, 4,500 acre Christian settlement tucked deep in North Carolina’s western mountains.  Purchased in 1897, the property was intended to be a mountain retreat.  Its name was ultimately shortened to Montreat.  The campground is nestled along side Greybeard Stream, beneath a dense canopy of wild rhododendrons, hardwoods, and mountain laurels.

The seven of us spent our time together rock hopping, finding beautiful things to photograph, catching salamanders and crawfish (and, of course, releasing them again!), hiking, making friendship bracelets, and eating great food.  After three fun-filled days, we again said goodbye to these precious friends.

Rock hopping

Rox on the rocks... also known as "dog tired"

Nighttime fun with glow sticks

To Melanie, Scott, Eric, Morgan, and Bailey... thanks for the memories!

The Journey Begins

Our last two weeks at home have been harried.  A rugged storm blew through our area, causing substantial damage to the roof, leading to its unexpected replacement.  Rather than a steady build up to our next adventure, we were neck deep in contractors and constant hammering.  Rain delays caused the work to drag on, prompting us to postpone the trip for several days.  With all the distractions and nerve-wracking hammering, who knows what we have forgotten to pack!

As we left yesterday morning, our new housesitters were snugly tucked in, secure under the new roof.  We traveled to Bienville State Park near Morton, Mississippi, and set our first camp in a remote section of this lovely campground. 

Bienville State Park

We had an added blessing… thundershowers blew through just prior to our arrival, dropping the temperatures from an uncomfortable 94 degrees down to 78 degrees.  Although it was a bit sticky with all the humidity, we slept comfortably.

We are now headed to Montreat in North Carolina where we will meet dear friends who were transferred from Texas to North Carolina two summers ago.  We can’t wait to see them!

This year’s adventure will take us into new territory again.  We plan to travel the east coast as far as we can.  After stopping to visit a few friends and family members, we hope to camp our way through the Adirondacks and Berkshires.  From there, we plan to take the marine ferry from Maine into New Brunswick and travel up through Nova Scotia and Labrador as far as roads will take us.  Our return trip will cross through Quebec, upper Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, down through North Dakota (and my wild horses!), then on to Missouri to visit David’s mother and sister.

We invite each of you to travel along with us and share our adventures.  Bon voyage!!!

Four Wheel Camper Modifications

We're less than two weeks away from our next big adventure!  Several of you have asked what we are doing to modify the new camper, so over the next few posts, we'll show you some of our more elaborate modifications.

Since we purchased a shell (Raven) model, it came with only a furnace, water tank, and 12 volt battery system.  We wanted a sink but not the cabinetry necessary to purchase Four Wheel Camper's regular, built-in model.

We decided that a collapsible sink offered the best alternative for us because it afforded easier access to the bed and also to the door for the electrical system.  We also wanted a lighter weight version than other options.

Since we were unable to locate a ready-made sink that suited our needs.  David and I put our heads together and came up with a rather unique solution.  Our new sink is made from a solar shower bag and an embroidery hoop.

David made a wooden frame for the sink.  We coated it well with a polyurethane finish.  He then attached the stationary portion of the sink to the wall of the camper.  He cut a circular hole in the center of the countertop on the collapsible portion.  The two pieces are attached with a piano hinge.

After much searching, we decided to modify a 2.5 gallon solar shower bag for the sink because it had a drain already configured into the bag.  We cut the top portion off the bag, leaving approximately 12" remaining.  We secured an 8" diameter embroidery hoop around the top edge to keep the bag rigid in the counter.  Then we anchored the embroidery hoop to the counter with cabinet glass brackets.

We installed a Whale hand pump to the permanent portion of the sink counter and attached it to the water tank's supply line.  The flexible plastic tube that came with the shower bag is used for the drain.  We slid the drain tubing through the bulk head fitting supplied on the camper. We put a grommet on the end of the sink's drain to keep it attached to the bulkhead fitting.

When camping, the drain is pulled through the bulk head fitting and dangles along the side of the truck.   When traveling, we retract the tubing and coil it inside the camper.  The external fitting is sealed with the existing cap on the bulk head.

Finally, we attached a window latch to the bottom of the sink counter so that it will latch firmly to the built-in cabinet.  Here are photos of the sink open and collapsed:

Sink up with window latch fitting on the front left side of the retractable counter top.

Sink collapsed with drain to the bulkhead visible.  The larger white tubing running along the wall is the water tank supply.

Voila!  We now have a collapsible sink.  We leave a sponge inside the sink cavity to absorb any excess water droplets remaining in the sink after use.

Because food particles in the gray water might attract bears, we will not use the sink for washing dishes.  (We don't want the side of the camper to become a lollipop for unwanted guests!)

We cook outside the vast majority of the time, so the sink inside the camper will be used mostly to fill water bottles, etc.  For unwanted liquids (such as draining the excess liquid off canned vegetables), we pour those into a plastic bag-lined coffee can.  We add about a half of a scoop of Cleanwaste Poo Powder to congeal the liquids and seal it with the coffee can lid until we can properly dispose of it.

We use a 10 litre collapsible Sea to Summit Kelty sink for washing dishes, outside, and, of course, use biodegradable soap.

For more info on our camper modifications, check out these posts:

• For info on our shower:  http://ruffingitx3.blogspot.com/2011/06/shower-power.html 
• For info on our toilet:  http://ruffingitx3.blogspot.com/2011/06/mentioning-unmentionable.html

UPDATE 2014:  We've completed our camper modifications.  For more info, click here:

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three
• Part Four