Traveling Through America

Travel today is made so much easier for us than it was for the generation before mine or maybe even yours. One great friend of mine who has since passed was a WWII Veteran, like my dad. Yes, he was part of that wonderful generation that laid the groundwork for that historic group of men and women who we often refer to as the “Greatest Generation,” whom I am proud to say I am an offspring of.

I am on another summer adventure and have traveled from Chicago to the Green Mountains of Vermont. I actually flew up to Chicago before jumping into Janet’s car and started motoring eastbound for her nephew's wedding.

I had told her years ago that although I had traveled extensively across the country and internationally, I had never seen Niagara Falls. She made that happen for me this last week, and I was not disappointed. As I did on our earlier trip this summer to Scandinavia, I found myself utilizing the word “spectacular” to describe the experience. I can’t thank her enough for the experience and opportunity to see the Falls and take in their beauty.

I will admit we did view them from the Canadian side, which has often been recommended to me and others. My hat goes off to the Canadian officials and their wonderful efforts to ensure the visit to the Falls and the transit through the border crossing were flawless.

Over the years working in the Northeast, I did travel across I-90 from Albany to Buffalo on numerous occasions to visit with dealers in the Hudson Valley, as well as the Syracuse area, Rochester, and Buffalo, before moving to the Southeast in 1990. I have to admit I had forgotten how long that ride was, and I tip my cap to those that still take it. 

Crossing over the Hudson River, though, never disappoints. It is a magnificent view down that beautiful waterway. Another great friend who sold apparatus for us and retired to Florida a few years ago purchased a motorhome, and he and his wife now travel north for the summer. In doing so, they escape some of our warmer summer temperatures while enjoying their views along the river, which he still refers to as home, as do so many others who make the same travels back to their former home states.

While in the Hudson Valley, if you are interested in aviation, I encourage you to stop in Rhinebeck, New York, and visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The collection of antique aircraft is great, and was a thrill for Janet to visit because of her aviation background. I will caution you that it’s not fancy but does display aircraft from over the years, and prearranged flights can be made in antique biplanes from an early era of aviation.

Over the years, I’ve traveled many of the back roads that wind up through the Hudson Valley and eventually take you into Connecticut and Massachusetts onto Route 7. This route is well known for its great assortment of numerous antique shops and offerings, as well as some of the most beautiful old colonial churches. 

Route 7 continues north into Vermont and intersects in Bennington with Vermont Route 9, which took us east across Hog Back Mountain. At the crest of the mountain, you are treated to a panoramic view of the Berkshire Mountains. I was pleased to see that the restaurant on the north side of the road had finally reopened under new management, allowing travelers an opportunity to enjoy that view and take a break from the winding road before descending into Brattleboro and onto Keene, New Hampshire, for the evening.

It's always special to cross the bridge into New Hampshire. I guess it’s a feeling of familiarity with your surroundings and the ability to look forward to the fresh seafood we are known for, especially the fried clams, which are my favorite. Not to be left out, Janet reminded me that I promised her a lobster roll, if not two, during our stay here.

Looking forward to more adventures on our trip and reporting back on our adventure as time allows.