This is a chapel near the wharf at New Bedford. Herman Melville worshiped here and used this in his most famous work. He added the ship’s prow pulpit to his novel, it was not here. The guests who come here were so disappointed that it was added years ago.
Travel Diary 11 /
Slow day today and that was good after two long days with thousands of steps. We went to an early traditional service for church today at the North Street Community Church. There were nine of us counting staff. It was well done and the later service has more people and lots of kids according to one of the men we chatted with after service. Plus we had communion and the building was constructed in 1806.
Extra plus, the father of the minister is/was a church planter who started over 30 churches with mostly bi-vocational leadership and created a company to employ some of the planters. Neat guy. We were headed to breakfast with him but the place he took us was so busy he could not stay, but we talked for 30/40 minutes before our table was ready and he headed out for the second service.
And we highly recommend Stars in Hingham, more in Eats!
We went to the original Talbots store and one of us was excited, but CJH went anyway. We also went to the headquarters of Talbots and sadly found out they did tours but not at 5:20 on Sunday night. Worked at a cafe for over an hour, did trailer preparation as we are leaving at 5 AM to try and get ahead of some of the traffic. Not much chance we will miss much. Early in tonight after a three mile hike at World’s End. It is an affiliate part of the Boston Harbor Islands.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
We went to church today and I know they were thrilled to have a distinguished Moose such as myself in the assembly. In part because there were so few and my melodious bass certainly made the service. Singing is one of my outstanding qualities. We then had a superior breakfast simply because a grateful parishioner directed us, not the hopeless guides I am stuck with on this trip. However, the “game is afoot” (S. Holmes). I actually heard a guide talk about how to get around Boston - that is north AND one of them also mentioned Freeport. That is MAINE. Perhaps we are finally going but I am not texting my cousins, their disappointment would be overwhelming if we changed plans yet again. And they don’t have phones. Don’t they know this is 2018? Good thing I am coming to help move them ahead. Gracious what if they still eat grass? The horror.
More Moose habitat as we near Maine
Road Barely Traveled /
We had this path to ourselves and judging from the underbrush on most of it we were one of the few to use it. Nice views of the salt marsh were the reward. Plus this nice avenue of trees.
Travel Diary 10 /
Wrong! We were the very first people on Georges Island. In fact we were there before many of the rangers. The island is basically covered with a civil war era fort that held confederate prisoners including political ones like the vice-president of the Confederacy. It was a base through WWII. Took a tour but I had a migraine partially into the tour and had to leave. One of the rangers set me up in the first aid room. After a bit of recovery we headed to Boston. Went to the Boston African American NHS. We toured a school than operated from 1835 to 1855 until Massachusetts outlawed segregation. We also went into an African American Meeting house that was used from 1806 to 1897 then sold to become a synagogue and used until 1972. It was restored in 2013. Quite simple and very elegant. We ate at Fiores - an institution on Hanover Street in the Italian North End of Boston. Wonderful meal. Followed by dessert up the street at Caffe Vittoria. CJH had a cappuccino that made me jealous I just ordered a coffee. I may have to go back. Took the catamaran back to Hingham in 40 minutes. That is the way to go.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Of course we did not go anywhere today, again - getting used to the idea, I guess. But we did go on a boat. That was excellent. I think seafaring is in my blood, in fact it is likely one of my outstanding qualities. I should, of course, be captain, not a serf, or whatever everyone else is called. I need to get a book on the lingo so I can take over this vessel. I like the fact I get a great, hooting horn that tells everyone else to back off. Sort of like antlers for the sea. Sailing is fun. Still want to get on to Maine, but the siren call of the sea is enticing. Wonder what the captain can order for lunch? I guess anything or else he makes the cook “walk the plank.” Not sure exactly what that means but it sounds ominous like it ought to go with a ruined omelette. I really need the book on sea talk.
Quiz /
Yet a third day with light in the theme. So where have you seen this lighthouse? Don’t forget to enter in the comments section, win great prizes. (Sort of great, well, maybe Ok, at least it is definitely a prize)
Travel Diary 9 /
We arrived at the visitor center at Cape Cod National Seashore just after opening at 9:00. Two days in a row we were at the park when they opened. A record we will not add to tomorrow. Anyway, it was a spectacularly splendid day. Warm enough, sunny, breezy and just delightful. Glad we did not make this trip yesterday. We did the whole park from the first trail at Fort Hill to the last spot of land at Herring Cove Beach, both visitor centers, 8 hikes and gentle strolls on beaches, cliffs, woods and marsh trails along with six lighthouses. We got back to the trailer 13 hour after we left. Oh and dinner at Captain Frosty’s Fish and Chips in Dennis and a small ice cream at the Smuggler. As the name Frosty suggests not fine dinning by the standard of how many utensils they put at your place setting but FINE as in excellent fish, large portions, cooked well and not too expensive. Go there.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Massachewshoots is a sneaky state, treacherous really. As any proud graduate of the third grade can tell you when you are at the Atlantic Ocean you are east. Not in this place. They snuck a long bicep of land out into the ocean so, once again we are going east. Ugh. The nice thing about this though we were at the beach several times and I am, as you would presume, an accomplished swimmer. I placed third in the 100m four-hoof gimbal at the YOTA (Youth of the Antlers) swim club in 09. I should have had second! The guides hiked a lot so I got good naps when we were not at the ocean. And we had fish for dinner. Finally, I was starving. And it was fried the very best way to have cod. Plus some malt vinegar and horseradish sauce. I think I need another nap.
Selfie before I hit the surf. Wish I had a waterproof camera.
Another Perspective on Light /
This is mid-morning in one of the meadows of Weir’s Farm. The fields are crisscrossed with solid stone walls. There are flowers and grasses and trees that create intimate spaces to just look and breathe in the place.
Lovely Light /
Like the Roosevelt room, a wonderful place to read and listen to music. Maybe we are missing something. This is the Weir farm main room. The whole place is atmospheric - peace, tranquil and sense awakening. Easy to see why it attracted painters and other artists.
Travel Diary 8 /
Day Eight
A mixed day. We left the ocean front intending to see both New Bedford Historical Site and then Cape Cod National Seashore. Was not to be. First we had an issue with the trailer that we needed someone to look at and make an adjustment and the someone was located in Brockton -not in either location. But we dropped the trailer and headed back to New Bedford. Next, the forecast was for partial sunshine and about 75 degrees. The actual was 63 and rain. I was dressed well for the former. We did see the few open buildings at New Bedford but skipped the Whaling Museum, we had been there two or three times in the past. Enjoyed the Bethel, a seaman’s chapel and a walk in the rain on the busy wharf where they unload scallops and fish. Lots of boats. Talked to Steve who was prepping skate for lobster bait and a mechanic who worked on the heavy fishing machinery located on each vessel. We picked up the repaired trailer and went to a state park near Hingham. Very nice park. Ate and then went to a shop for internet to catch up a bit. Tomorrow, Cape Cod - and better weather we hope.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
East, who can believe these folks. We were close enough to taste the maple syrup wafting on the breeze from Vermont and ended up along the ocean in southeast Massachusetts. Who goes east to get to Maine when you are already a mere amble to Vermont. I despair of ever seeing my cousins - not to mention ex-girlfriends. And to top off the misadventures today we spent half the time talking about whales. Worthless sea creatures who have no antlers, no hooves, an actual hole in the head and can’t play the harmonica. Well we can’t get more east, and south is the water, so North tomorrow, I think even these guides can figure that one out.
Steve getting the bait ready.
Travel Diary Seven /
Off to Connecticut. And RI and MA. We left early-ish for Weir Farm about a 60 mile drive that would take a while because of the narrow back roads. It was interesting pulling the Oliver up and around these narrow, hilly roads, rock lined lanes. Weir Farm is a National Park Service site, our 203rd! What a gorgeous place. Made even nicer by friendly and helpful rangers, Tom and Amanda in particular. It is interesting when you pull into a stone fence lined parking lot slightly wider than your trailer and find out there is only one way in and out. Thanks for your help. The farm is a gem. Stunning stone walls, red buildings, neat 18th century house, two studios and trails over the 150 or so acres. They also have an artist in residence program, go Addie! Loved this place. Then off to Roger Williams site in Providence RI. A 4.5 acre park in downtown, unit 204. Not sure how the determination is made as to what gets NPS designation. Maybe politics? No, of course not. Nice ranger at the park really knew a lot about Williams. Lunch and dinner in the trailer and settled for the night at a state park on the ocean in MA.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Finally we are moving and just when I think we are going to make progress we stop at, you guessed it, another house. Don’t tell my guides but this one was not too bad, nice fields and ponds. Reminds me of the Days of Ancient when we ruled this part of the world. Then commuters moved in - who can stand that. Anyway this house belonged to an artist and, of course, that being one of my outstanding qualities, I was delighted when the ranger practically begged my to put my name in for a slot in the Artist in Residence program. Modern Moose art is my forte it will be great. Oh, and guess where we ate for dinner, NO WHERE. I leave them alone and they go to the CIA - I travel and it is peanut butter. Drat. We must be in Maine by late morning tomorrow, I am confident.
Moosetastic Pond at Weir Farm
Doing Good Over Tea /
Mrs. Roosevelt was a tireless worker for causes she was passionate about and shrewd enough to accomplish things most could not. This is her preferred living space, a home created in an old factory on the property where she could live in the splendor of an amazing mansion on the Hudson. In this room on the two chairs barely seen behind the sofa, having tea, you could in 1960 see Mrs. R and JFK meeting for several hours as he sought her endorsement for the presidency, he needed her blessing. She withheld it until he agreed to champion civil rights. Because she won, America won.
“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:8 NLT
Vanderbilt Lawn /
That massive house is seen from halfway across the front lawn. Really. Excess. Scores of rooms that no one would want to live in, damp, musty and huge. Most of it designed to impress guests as to the wealth one has. They did not even decorate but gave an allowance to the architect who brought back “stuff” from Europe. Not family heirlooms, not family photos or paintings, nothing personal, just old, expensive, “look what I have’ stuff. So sad.
Travel Diary Six /
Day Six
The rain from Florence has arrived. It began last night and is still raining this morning so we are glad we did the grounds at Vanderbilt Mansion yesterday. We began the morning at a neat old fashioned bakery called El Deliziosa (invented the chocolate chip cannoli) It is located in a tiny spot almost under the old railroad bridge across the Hudson. Anyway, the more they kept bringing out freshly made goodies from the back room bakery the more we lost focus. Settled on some mini pastry, cookies, biscotti and CJH’s cannoli. Then off to a tour at the Vanderbilt Mansion in heavy rain. I simply do not understand how people lived in those dark places when they could live anywhere. With his money really anywhere. Then off to the CIA, the Culinary Institute of America, for another amazing lunch, this time at the Tavern. We finished our short day with a tour of the school led by a student and she was informative and enthused.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
So, I asked how far we would get today and found out we were going no where again. And seeing more moldy old houses. So I decided to stay here, get a nap and work on notes to my family that are missing me, I’m sure. Then I find out they ate at the CIA and a pastry shop. THAT was not part of the briefing this morning. So, I am going to bed and hope for a better outcome tomorrow.
Travel Diary Five /
We were able to leave the trailer at the campground and head north toward the tiny village of Kinderhook to Lindenwald, home of Martin Van Buren, our 8th president. You might know that if you recall your memorization of the presidents. Of course the list was a lot shorter when I learned them. The Federal style house had an added tower with inside stairs used by servants and Pres. Van Buren’s grandchildren who spent summers at the farm. The grounds are still actively farmed. The 200 plus acre farm was on the Albany to NYC Old Post Road - a very small unpaved portion is still extant in front of the house. Influential political guests often stopped by. The ranger, Ed, gave us an excellent tour. It was only Cindy and me, so a private tour. He made an obscure president from an era we know little about relevant and interesting. Yay, Ed. We also toured the grounds of the Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park (inside tomorrow as it is scheduled to rain) and Mrs. Roosevelt’s home, Val-Kill. Another excellent tour. Dinner at the Eveready Diner and then home.
Cindy and I split an excellent piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie from Love Apple Orchard near Kinderhook.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
The day started with such promise, we headed North. Then as I could sense the Vermont Hills in the distance, we stopped. Not for a good reason, to visit a “president’s” home. Right like there was ever a president named Van Buren. And I could not even go in as the magnificent antlers I sport were deemed too large. A bright spot is that we stopped and had a doughnut and ice cream for lunch. Of course, we had to share. Then we were off again to yet more houses. I’ll not bore you. The worst part is that we ended up where we started. How did that happen? Will I ever get to see my cousins?
The Italian garden at the Vanderbilt Mansion.
MVB /
No, not most valuable biker. This was the home of our eighth president. Those are his initials, got it yet? He founded the Democrat party. Martin Van Buren was an interesting man and the tour of his home was extremely well done.
Travel Diary Four /
We attended church today at Collective in Frederick for their first anniversary service. The service included stories of people who now are part of Collective, and the excitement of the 300 people there was really fun to be a part of on Sunday morning. Great experience.
We then made excellent time traveling toward Scranton so we stopped at Steamtown, a NP museum in a roundhouse devoted to the era of steam train travel. It was full of huge locomotives and descriptions of how they work. We especially liked the car dedicated to the U S mail service. A quick stop with our trailer in tow at an overlook along a winding road to see a portion of the Upper Delaware Scenic River proved to be more exciting than we expected as we hit upon the local hangout for hot import cars and motorcycles. They were running fast, as in VERY, up and down the very narrow highway along the cliff overlooks. Taking a photo was a bit dicey. But we did. We then ended up Sunday night at the KOA near New Paltz, NY we had planned to stay in on Monday and Tuesday. Dinner was scrambled eggs and at 8:15 tasted wonderful.
Cadillac’s Correct Viewpoint!
Even I will admit to a very good time at the church service this morning, primarily because they had divine (ahem) cupcakes after the service, in three delicious varieties. They were homemade by Tabi and her crew. I, of course, tried all of them because making choices is not something I like. And it was nearly the first decent food I have had this entire trip. The service was also good but would have been even better with a large horn section! Also, we finally started moving north again. We had an unnecessary stop at some dead train station but finally I can feel a change in the air as we entered NY. Much closer to family.
Travel Diary Three /
Day Three
Travel distance, 14 miles! We are staying overnight at the Grace Community Church in Frederick. Today is a workday. I am working on my presentation for a conference that happens in Tennessee right after we return from this trip. CJH is working on books but slowly as the internet in SC where our bookkeeping program is hosted is very slow. Not surprisingly. We are in a nice coffee shop called the Baltimore Coffee & Tea. Really nice with amazing selection of both coffee and tea and free re-fills. Not sure what will happen for dinner but I guess it will not be too much as we are eating a great sandwich and salad here at the coffee shop.
Another Viewpoint!
What is wrong with my guides for this trip? We barely moved at all today. Maine is still as far away as it was yesterday. So, we did arrive at a decent place for dinner last night after an interminable trip through yet another battlefield. However, we ordered the special. The “special” was not a filet and, of course, that is the bare minimum order for proper steak. I’m traveling with Philistines. The single bright spot so far is that I finally have WiFi and a decent latte today.
Exhausted /
So what’s one more bad pun among friends? This locomotive was just returned to the roundhouse for the night and the smoke was still rising from the cooling process. You could feel the heat radiating from six feet away. Steamtown is a must visit for those who love trains, machinery or just a neat part of history.
Quiet Street /
Don’t want a lot of crowds, try a rainy day in mid-September, at least it worked for us. A nice street scene in Harpers Ferry WV (National Historic Park). They now charge $10 to get on a bus to arrive here. Free with a “You Are Really Old” pass. Musty buildings in need of a bit of care.
Travel Diary Two /
Day Two
We have a bonus day in the trip today. Since we are at a campground and have the trailer parked, we chose to go to visit two National Parks that we have seen but both of them long before a camera, Harpers Ferry and Antietam. They are only about 20 miles apart. Harpers Ferry is a beautiful spot and has much more history than John Brown’s Raid but that event does dominate. The weather was very dark grey and rainy; it added to the musty atmosphere of many of the old stone buildings. We thought the place needed a bit of life in the shops and exhibits. Antietam was the site of the bloodiest single day battle in America’s history until June 6, 1944. The same grey day at Harpers Ferry was actually interesting at Antietam because we visited three days from the 156th anniversary of the battle which was also reported as taking place in mist, heavy atmosphere, rain, and fog. Not ideal for photography.
Another Viewpoint!
I am so bored. Cannons! I have seen cannons in 75 states. I don’t need to see another cannon but we did. Where is the buffet? Where is the lido deck? What is a lido deck? And I cannot believe they almost sent that airhead, Christmas Moose in my place. She hates to travel, does not know the difference between a Napoleon and a fruit tart and has no relatives in Maine. North Pole Moose are barely even moose. We tolerate their abhorrent eating habits but travel with her, unthinkable. I hope we find a nice place for dinner tonight.
