Time in New England - Took me away

Boston

HE SAID: It was sad to say goodbye to NYC. We had such a blast there we could have stayed another week easily. Now getting out of the area though proved to be a big challenge. First off, we only drove a few blocks from the RV park and were stopped for a marathon. Being so big, we couldn't due a U-turn or go down any narrow escapes. We had to just sit and wait. Added only an extra half hour to the trip.  We were told by our Utah RV neighbours that we had to avoid the tunnels to go north. We managed to make this happen and we even got on the upper deck of the George Washington Bridge (which we were also told to do).  The traffic was insane. At one point they had five lanes of traffic merge into one.

We weren't prepared as well for all the road tolls. We forgot to get cash in our wallets before we left. Between us we only had a 10 dollar bill.  None of the toll booths are set up for plastic...cash only or you have to have an EZ pass. Our first toll booth, they said no problem, just send the money in the mail and gave us a bill to mail. The second one (the George Washington Bridge - wanted 76 dollars. I said what??? Are you serious??? They said yes!!! I told them our situation they said...so sad too bad. We will get a bill in the mail based on our license plate number along with a fine.  Great!!  Our third toll, I told them the story again saying we only had a 10....the guy in the booth said it was my lucky day as his toll was only $5.00. Yay...one we could pay. He also told us he was the last toll on this highway.

Our first stop on our way to Canada via New England was Mystic River Connecticut. It was a large RV park, that had only just opened for the season. Even with it being a weekend, there was still plenty of room. Pat got the price really cheap, so they stuck us in a corner lot that was very poorly marked. They could have put us in a pull through as there were so many of them empty. Oh well, at least the park staff were very friendly.

We did find a chapel near by for Church the next morning, then decided that we would take a drive to Providence Rhode Island which was only 45 minutes away. We had even booked a camp ground in Rhode Island, but didn't realize it was so close to Connecticut.

Providence was a beautiful city.

I was excited to see Brown University as my first missionary companion in France had attended there and I heard all about it. 

It was a beautiful campus.

On our way back, we drove through the town of Mystic River. Pat wanted a picture of Mystic Pizza, which is used in the movie of the same name.

The next day we packed up and moved on to Brattleboro Vermont.  This RV site was just across the border.  We decided instead of going to Rhode Island we would do Vermont. I wanted to fill in our map of the USA that is on the outside of  the RV. I didn't think we would be back this way again. 

This RV park was also very empty, and we had our choice of sites. It was unseasonable warm so we had the AC going full blast. We were behind on our laundry and the only laundry place in town didn't have AC...argh!!. We got back to the RV and gave it a thorough cleaning before we put everything away. 

The next day we took a trip to the Yankee Candle flagship store.

I love these Candles and was happy to go through this store. It was an enormous store, easy to get lost. We actually made our own Yankee Candle from Scratch. They also have a Christmas section that snows every 4 minutes. We spent more then we planned, but bought lots of gifts.

Our next New England stop was Boston. This RV park only had electricity and it was only household current, so we had to have an adapter. This didn't work well with the air conditioner.  Our site was directly across from the bathrooms/showers so it was easier on our water supply.

The next day we went into Boston to take a hop on/hop off bus tour.  I was impressed how the bus got through all the narrow streets, but wasn't impressed by our tour guide. We found out at the end he was just a lunch fill in. He gave the fastest tour we have ever had. I was snapping pictures so quickly I can't even remember most of the names of the sites.   A few stuck out. The first was this cool sculpture that you see when you drive into the city.  The tour guide set the net was made of extremely durable fibre that will not break.

  Of course Boston is where Paul Revere did his famous ride. Here is the North Church tower that was used as a signal,--

"One if by land, and two if by sea."

The tickets Pat got us on groupon also included a tour of the harbour. Not a very long tour but we got some great pictures of the city skyline.

After went back to the RV and had a nap, we took a drive with the dogs to Plymouth Rock. Another item on our bucket list. You are taught from an early age this is where the pilgrims landed on the journey to America on the Mayflower.

Plymouth Rock

Where they shelter "the Rock"

We also got to see the oldest street in America here.

We had a great supper at a fish place and we were able to eat outside, which worked well with having the dogs with us. The supper was great. This was a beautiful costal town. 

Our final spot in the USA before going home to Canada was Bar Harbour Maine. On our way there we where able to stop in Bangor Maine. For those of you big Stephen King fans, this of course is his home town and sight of many of his stories. 

Not really a very private location, but I loved the way he did his fence with spider webs and bats.

We went to one of the best RV parks this trip. It was a KOA, with full service, including a full cable package, and good speed internet.   We went sight seeing the day after we arrived. Bar Harbour had fantastic scenery.  It was sad that it was really too early in the season and not much was open. Additionally it was very cool when we where there. 

 

The morning we were to leave Maine was Mothers Day. The KOA was on the ball. They organized a pancake breakfast delivered to your RV. We got ready so fast that morning, I had to go and ask for our breakfast early. They gave us three large blueberry pancakes and sausage with juice, as well as a flower for Pat.  

I'm glad we took our time going through New England. Had we planned it better we probably would have spent longer in each area, but we were anxious to get back to Canada, and not have to worry about exchange.

SHE SAID:

Just reading what John wrote makes me tired!  We did a lot and saw a lot.  Our stay in each place was 2 nights - one the night we arrived, and then a day to look around, sleep and move on in the morning. The drive between stops was fairly short, but took longer than if in a car - a 30 foot RV towing a car, with 2 Scottish Terriers tends to slow the parade moving along.  We did manage well, though with beautiful scenery along the way.  As we have moved north on this trip, it seems that we are in eternal spring, arriving in an area as the buds and blossoms are coming out.  It has been lovely, as spring is one of my favourite times of year!

It was so busy leaving NYC - traffic like I could not believe, tolls that were astronomical!  The campsites moving north have also been fairly empty, and at times finding one that is open before May 15 was a challenge, leaving a somewhat smaller choice than when we were in the south.  Amenities have been somewhat sparse.  We have been in more rural settings that some places we stayed.  Our tours were fun, and allowed us to see a lot more that had we tried to see 'everything' on our own, allowing John to enjoy scenery rather than fight traffic.

A few comments on Johns comments - Yankee Candle was not his first choice, but as it was close to where we were I was able to convince him of the merits of the 'flagship' store of this company.  It was better than expected with many different 'shops' and displays.  Steven Kings home was interesting to drive by, but John - big fan that he is - pulled in front of the house, stopped and got out.  He expected me to jump out with him.  I refused, feeling that everyone deserves their privacy.  A small discussion ensued - I agreed to take a picture of him, standing at the gate, from the RV.  I would not agree to a joint selfie :)  

Bar Harbour was chock full of lobster pounds - restaurants - I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted lobster for mothers day, so we decided to go out on Saturday evening for my 'fix'.  Well, we didn't leave until 6 - driving to the highest rated place, all of the pots that had been outside, boiling away earlier in the day were not there - the place was closed, as was every other place nearby.  It was getting late, so we found an open cafe, and we ate there.  Their claim to fame was that they grew everything that you ate - I found it distracting that there was a picture of a pig on the wall - pork bellies and pork chops were on the menu - I opted for eggplant parmesan.  I still have not had my lobster and as we get further away from the coast I will have to wait for that itch to be scratched.  

As we drove around it seemed that Barry Mannilow was the musical soundtrack running through my mind - what a beautiful part of the world!  I am glad we took the time to check it out.

The Big APPLE!!

HE SAID:
It was a nice drive from DC to our next RV stop in Jersey City. Paying numerous tolls wasn't fun but we took the easiest way there. I was nervous about taking the RV into this city which is directly across the river from NYC. We picked a good day to arrive as the traffic wasn't that bad and the RV park was not that full. This is the only place to park the RV near New York City, without being way out in the country.  Basically the park was nothing but a big parking lot divided up to allow as many units in as possible. The only services they provide is electrical and water. Mid week though, the park did come with a honey wagon and empty our holding tanks.
When we pulled up in the park, a family from Utah with a 5th wheel was setting up. They saw our Alberta plates and asked us where we were from. It turns out they have family in Lethbridge area and they were LDS as well. (related to the Gibb family) They were travelling the country (on their 2nd year) with their four kids (home schooling as they travelled).

After setting up, we decided to go into the NYC using public transit. From the RV park, we took a light rail car, followed by the PATH train that goes from Jersey into NYC, then the regular NYC subway. Unfortunately, all three methods required a separate pass. Very confusing.  Our first trip in, we actually ended up in Times Square. Like the time we first visited Paris as teenagers asking a local where the Effel Tower was, Times Square was right behind us.

The Big Apple which falls on New Years.

Times Square was amazing. So many billboards and talk about people!!! At one point we couldn't even move because we were trapped in between sidewalk construction and road barriers.

We made our way up to Broadway where we found the Eugene O'neil Theatre, showing the Book of Mormon play. I have listened to the music of this play for years and have really wanted to see the play. Pat had read that they have a draw for really cheap tickets two hours before the play. We happened to arrive at the theatre just in time for Saturday's draw. We waited for the draw, and didn't win. We went back to the theatre two more times in the week and didn't win. 

After getting a bite to eat, we made our way back to the RV. We had the dogs to let out.

The next day, a Sunday, we tried to go to Church. Actually found the location (as did our Utah RV neighbours) It was a weird chapel. Had to park in a parkade and we were kind of excited to see inside this very unique chapel. It turned out that they weren't having reqular church that day. After much looking we found out they were having stake conference at another building. .  

Somehow while driving around we ended up in Staten Island. A neat city, but it cost us quite a bit in tolls to get there. 

That afternoon we took the dogs to a Rover dog sitter. Their home for week was very close to our RV.  We knew it would be better for them, not having to wait for us every day while we where in the city. 

We later went back into the city and after another unsuccessful Book of Mormon discount ticket loss, we made an impulse decision to go see the play Chicago (it was playing across the street). 

We managed to get good seats at a not bad price. I guess not being the number one play in the city helped. We had time for some dinner, and Pat using restaurant.com found a meal at a nice Italian place. The best part was it was directly across the street from the play. It was an fantastic meal...I guess it was even more special that it was our first Carb meal in over a month.

I was not all that excited about seeing Chicago, but was glad that we went. The music was amazing as was the story. Also very funny.  Glad we didn't have the dogs tonight as we didn't get back till 11:00.

After a morning of laundry, we went back into the city to take a bus tour

This was the most unique bus tour ever. It was called the Tour. All the seats on the bus face the same way Stadium style. Our tour guide accompanied by an electronic assistant gave us a great tour of the city along with neon, flashing lights and surround sound.  Some of the sights we saw

1) Lincoln Centre

2) Dakota Hotel where John Lennon was murdered

3)  Trump International Hotel

4) Central Park

5) Rockefellar Plaza (yea 30 Rock!!)

6) Radio City Music Hall

7) New York Public Library

8) Bryant Park

9)  Apple Store Flagship - Woot Woot!!!

10  ) Empire State Building. 

11) Macy's 

The bus was so interactive...at one point they made it seem like you were on a real subway train, with all the noise and motions.  A great way to see the city without having to do so much walking!!!

After the tour we made our way to Central Park.  This park is 843 acres big and we weren't sure how we were going to be able to see it all.  We decided to bite the bullet and take a horse carriage ride. We went for the big tour and loved every minute of it. We had a fantastic driver and our horse was beautiful

What a beautiful park. It was such a nice slow visit. We were all curled up in a nice blanket. I didn't want to leave.  Got to see the fountain from the opening scene of Friends,

 and a place called Strawberry Fields. It is a special place dedicated to John Lennon. In fact when we were there, they were having a tribute. Lots of people singing Lennon's songs.

The next day we went to a taping of The View. A talk show on ABC. We had priority tickets, but we still had a long wait in line and then in the holding room.  Another show was taping at the same time and there was lots of people waiting for both. We met some nice ladies from Long Island in the line and they helped get us great seats. We were two rows from Whoopie Goldberg. 

I had never been to a taping of a show before. It was a lot of fun. They had a comic getting our energy up when they weren't filming.  Edie Falco from the Sopranos was a guest star and they had a fashion show for handicap people which was very interesting. 

For an hour show it took about 90 minutes to tape.

After some lunch we made our way to the Empire state Building. 

On the top with One World Trade centre in the backgound. 

To visit the top was a bit pricy but it was so well organized.  We kept moving very quickly as it is quite a process to get to the top.  The views were amazing. 

After having some New York Pizza for supper, we made our way back to The Book of Mormon Lottery, which as said above we didn't win. We made our way back to Jersey City. 

Wednesday April 29 was a day I won't forget for a long time.  We had to wake up at 5 to be out and on the trains/metro before 6:00. Today was the taping of Live with Kelly and Michael at the ABC studios which is across the street from Lincoln Square.  I was stoked we got tickets for this show because Josh Groan was the guest to promote his new album. Got there in plenty of time and after having our tickets checked about five times, we were allowed to inside the building. About 8:45 we were allowed to go into the studio. I wanted to sit in what I call the high 5 seats (where the guest come in and they usually high 5 people as they head to be interviewed). That didn't work, as all those seats were reserved. Managed to get the main floor though and Pat and I were sitting in the back row with no one in front of us.  I had talked about wanting to be the trivia go go dancer and I was ready to volunteer.  It was now 10 minutes to nine (they go live at 9) and they finally asked the audience who wanted to be the dancer. I immediately jumped up and down and put my hands high in the air. ( I was wearing a bright pink shirt) With no one sitting in front of me, I was hard to ignore, but the producer Michael Gelman was picking other ladies. I was finally picked and then had to go in front of the audience with all five prospect dancers and see who would have the honour. I really hammed it up, and as my son said long ago if you can't dance make it big, which I did. The audience liked me when he did the hand over the head thing for applause, but I was a close call to another girl beside me. So we had another dance off. and yup.....I won. 

I was stunned and excited. I was led off stage just as Kelly and Michael made their entrance. I thought crap....no I can't see the show. I was told to put on one of the smiley face t-shirts (there was only about 7 to choose from and only one XL). I then was fit for a mic, and gave my name for the cue card. One of the stage ladies then explained when I would go on.  I got to sit on a stool back stage watching the show on a screen. I was ready for my cue. When it was time, I took my mark in front of the grand piano and gave it my all. The music seen to go on forever, and it finally stopped. Michael Strahan was killing himself about my dancing, saying something about Weekend at Bernies and that I could work in their club they had talked about in the guest chat. It was hard to see them and hear what they were saying from where I was standing. I had to dance two more times and then was taken off stage to change. After they took my mic off, I lost my stage hand helper but when I found the right way, I got to walk right up to Josh Groban. I was in Heaven. I shook his hand and and even put my other hand over his. I didn't want to let go. He said "great dancing dude" and I said I was a big fan.  I went to take my smiley face shirt off and really wanted to see Josh being interviewed. They let me go back to my seat. It was a great interview and Josh came back after the commercial and sang "Bring him Home". The song (video) he put out the day my brother died. I was in tears. 

It was a great show, not so strict as The View. Michael and Kelly were very down to earth and talked to the audience during the breaks. We had to stay after the show taping as they had to do some promo shots. 

After getting out of the studio I was still in shock. I needed to get something to drink and we found a Starbucks. We got on the phone and talked to the kids. I was really on cloud nine. I also hit Social media hard. 

That afternoon we were supposed to go to a taping of Dr. Oz. I was so pumped and tired, I convinced Pat that we should forget about Dr. Oz and go back to the RV for a break before we where off to see The Book of Mormon play that night. 

When we got back to the RV, Heather who had recorded the show was now sharing it on the our family chat line and then it hit Facebook. 

It was really funny to watch and I was happy that my kids liked it. Over the next few days, it started to show up on You Tube. One of my son's band mates, took the clip and added it to one of their band, Century Palm, songs. It was a great video with lots of flashing lights and repeated moments. Much better then the real thing. 

It was a great way to finish the day by going to see the Book of Mormon play. 

We had great seats and I really loved the play. At times it was a bit in appropriate comparing it to Church, but overall it was done in fun. 

After another late night, we slept in. We thought we had an afternoon taping of The Chew to attend, but soon discovered we had missed it as it was at 11:00. We weren't out of bed till 9:00. 

Instead we decided to go to Ground Zero. Pat got us tickets for the 9-11 Tribute centre. We upgraded when we got there and took the walking tour. 

The new World trade centre

the exact spot on 9-11

Where the south Tower Stood

Our tour was given by two survivors that were there when it happened. What a great way to get the impact of that day. We really got the personal invovlement of how this tragedy affected so many lives. As tour guide said, all those who were killed that day just didn't die....they were murdered.

There is a really nice museum at the sight.   We did see some artifacts in the tribute building which were shocking to look at.

one of the plane windows that flew into the towers

one of the beams from the towers

Our next stop was to go to Wall Street and see the Wall Street Bull. 

Still having a bit of energy left we then moved on to see the Brooklyn Bridge. Pat had this on her bucket list.  I was glad we went. It was a long walk (and we only went half way) but we had great views. As a bonus got to see One police plaza (we are big Law and order fans). 

To finish the day, Pat got us tickets to see the Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the Rockettes. I was hesitant to go, but it was well worth it. Fortunately it wasn't a full and we could move after the show started and got really good seats. It was well done and it was a bucket list moment to see the Rockettes.

Our final day in NYC, we decided to do a session at the NYC temple. The temple is right across the street from Lincoln centre, and as it is part of another building, it is hard to believe it is one of our temples. The inside though makes up for the outside. The wood work and lighting is amazing. Glad we went.

Our last afternoon, we decided we better see the Statue of Liberty. Not sure why we left this to last, but I guess because we saw it everyday from the RV park, we weren't in hurry. But stupid us, left getting there in time to get a ferry to go to Ellis Island the Statue up close too late. We had to resort to just taking pictures from the shore.

the Butt view

I was said to see the week in NYC come to an end. We were becoming great at taking the trains and metros. Believe it or not, I loved all the people and the pace of the city. It reminded me a lot of  when I lived in Paris. If you asked if I would ever live tin NYC, my answer would be absolutely yes. I am really a city boy. 

SHE SAID:

Just reading Johns recap of what we did in NYC is exhausting!  I LOVE this city.  I am sorry that it took me so long to visit it.  What energy and so many fun things to see and do!  Getting around was pretty easy.  Our RV park was very basic, but who would guess that you could park in an RV with a view of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty out the front window.  It was fantastic!!

We tended to spend a fair of amount of time near Times Square, as we were trying to get the Lottery for the play, but wow, so much to see - especially as a people watcher.  We had the opportunity to see and avoid touching, many Grovers, Elmos, Teenage Ninja Turtles, the Naked Cowboy, the Naked Flag girls, thousands of tourists and local NYC people.  Again I found people to be very friendly and we had many people offer help when we got the dazed and confused expressions on our faces.  Certainly not what I expected from people in this city!  I am a huge Criminal Minds and Law and Order fan - you can only imagine what was running through my mind when we first started taking public transportation in New York.  I figured we'd be lucky to get out alive!  Observation of how to act on the public transportation - never look up...never give eye contact...keep your head down.  I surprised a few people by giving eye contact and smiling!  One of my favourite moments was trying to find our way home and finding the connection from the PATH to the Light Rail we were taking back to the RV Park.  We got out of the station, knew the transfer was near, but of course we started walking in the wrong way.  I saw a young fellow - early 20's, jeans, back pack, dreadlocks, walking towards us and asked him where the train was.  He was on his way there so we got a personal escort to the station - boy we were headed in the wrong way!  John was sure that we were going to be mugged, but Chris turned out to be a real help that evening and we had a very interesting conversation while we walked to the station and waited for the trains.

The 9-11 Tribute Centre is run by survivors and families of those who were directly affected by the events of that tragic day.  WOW - it was another reminder of how we can do awful things to each other.  Standing in the same spot the twin towers stood was very humbling and the stories that our guides shared was touching.  It was a husband wife team - he was a NYC police officer - first responder and she was an ambulance medic.  He now has cancer from the polluted air that he breathed in during the aftermath; she is a 5 year cancer survivor.  This is not the huge underground museum built by the city, but a much smaller, more personal group.

The shows we saw were fun!  Both the TV filming and the Broadway shows.  I think the best part of The View was meeting Theresa and Alice, from Long Island.  We hit it off and fought the crowd with gusto together.  John's dancing on Kelly and Michael was one of the highlights of his life.  I am not sure that he really remembers much of what happened the rest of the week, as he was checking his Facebook video, watching the number of view soar.  It was so funny to have members of the audience afterwards congratulate him on his dancing.

Again, John has certainly recapped all we did and saw - I won't go on much more.  I was sad to leave as there were many things that we did not do or see.  Maybe I will get back there someday.  I think that New York City needs a Trevi Fountain to up the odds!