Our Travels

Home Sweet Home

It is a bit surreal to be back at home. We are all thrilled to be back in our own beds, although Michela did say her room seemed really big and lonely by herself. It is definitely a bit of a let down to be back to our mundane, normal life after a summer of having a new adventure every single day. There is no way to sum up the entire summer in any one meaningful recap of favorites, best, or even worst list. We had such an amazing variety of cool, different, random experiences that it is hard to capture it all in pictures or words. I did, however, track a few things along the way – so here are some trip stats:

* 12,000 miles
* $2,164 for gas
* Gone for 68 days, camped 22 nites, stayed with friends/family 38 nites, hotels for 8 nites
* 14 National Parks
* 2 Theme Parks
* Stayed in 12 different houses
* Toured 10 major cities
* 19 states and 2 countries
* All 3 time zones
* Swam in 10 pools, 8 lakes, 5 rivers and the Pacific Ocean
* Conquered 11 hot tubs
* Received 1 parking ticket, no speeding tickets & only retained at one international border crossing

We all learned a lot and laughed a lot – and surprisingly did not really fight or complain about anything. The kids gained some valuable new life skills like learning to play poker and black jack, to swim and jump off rocks into rivers, to camp and to read maps. Eli also learned how to blow bubbles with bubble gum.

Overall, it was an incredible adventure. A big thanks to all of you – Toni, Steve, Anne, Jayme, Ro-ro, John, Judy, Sandy, Bob, Johnny B, Jane Anna, Ben, Zack, Jenny, Lisa, Charles, Sidney, Karen, John, Ellie, Sophie, John, Rachel, Brian, Justin, Molly, Morgen, Courtney, Brian, Amy, Sam, Anna, Joe, Jacquline, Andrew, Sally, Chris, Gus, Michael, Herb, Cathy, Chris, Carol, Peter, Jimmy, Julieanne, Derek, Peter, Anne, Braden, Jessica, Bill, Marg, Lori, Ryan and the Bros --- who hosted us, fed us, and took us and our dirty clothes in. Our guest room is available and we are anxiously waiting for you to visit. And, if you need a vehicle, the Phat Ride is for sale. (see posting at http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/car/202506251.html)

Safe and sound. 19 states, 68 days, 12,000 miles.

Closing thoughts to come soon. Enjoying our own beds again.

Our 11 hour drive from Toronto included a stop at this "Chip Truck"





In upstate New York we passed this high-tech security device. Hopefully they've adopted this kind of forward thinking security "posture" at airports worldwide. It seems terribly effective at keeping the bad guys out...



Outside Rome, NY they had a sign for Da Big E.

 

 

 

This puzzle just about killed me. NEVER attempt a 3-d puzzle in bad lighting. It'll drive you to behave like a Canadian -- you'll put ketchup on everything you eat and say "eh" a lot.



The poker bug bit so hard that the kids played all the time. Note the morning coffee present for this game.

 

Ryan and Braden in the chase boat



It was a bad week for the Red Sox, but a great week for us!


The whole gang!

Big Air!



 

Aqua Gliding was a big hit!


As was beading with the master, Lori



The boys built a dock (eat your heart out Scott!)

 

 

The kids decided to cook dinner for all the parents. The idea hatched at about one inf hte afternoon, which meant that the excitement level rose quickly and dinner was served at 4:00.

A glimpse into the kitchen:


Eli attends to one of his guests


Michela made chocolate sauce from scratch for the ice cream dessert


Le Menu

 

Soaking up the sun


Soaking IN the tub




Lookin' for lunkers!

 

 

We had a 3 hour drive north of Toronto to get to Kawagama Lake. Twinkies were the main food group on the way...


The 15 minute boat ride over to the Dales' island was very exciting


A secret tree fort awaited the kid son the island



Bill and Marg Dale, our hosts for the week at their lake cottage