Uno
Vacation, Part I
It’s hard to believe our vacation is over. Because we were having such fun, we decided to extend our vacation by a day. The good news? We had an extra day on Cape Cod. The bad news? It made for a 19-hour day in the car on Saturday and a Sunday spent unpacking and organizing, which means no time for a proper vacation recap. So, instead, you get this … part one.
We left Chicago in July, which seems like ages ago. Our departure was delayed slightly when Sweets couldn’t find some key parts to our bike rack. If we didn’t find those parts, then (a) the bikes wouldn’t be properly attached to the rack (problem!) and (b) the bikes wouldn’t be locked to the rack. An hour and too many cuss words later, the parts were located and we were able to finally hit the road.
The trip itself was mostly uneventful. There was the Amish sighting at dusk … a buggy pulled by a horse … racing through the night … only shadows apparent to us as they crossed the road over the highway … it was very eerie, in a headless horseman kind of way. Later that night (well after midnight) raging storms had us slowing down to 40 mph on the highway. Groundhog day ensued when not one, not two, but three FedEx double-long trucks raced past us in the time span of 5 minutes. We were more than thankful to pull into our destination for the night.
Day two was event-free, well, mostly. Did I mention the Check Engine light came on in Sweets’ truck? At night? In rural Maine? Dude, totally not cool. We spent the rest of the trip listening to the truck. Trying to dissect what it could be. Nothing. Well, I mean, the truck kept running, thankfully. We made it to our destination without further issue.
We only had one full day in Maine, but it was a chance for Sweets to finally see where my aunt and uncle live. On a lake. With a dock. Across the way from a camp where my cousin spent many summers as a kid and where my uncle helps to run the place. In a quiet, rural town. I knew Sweets would fall in love and he did. We are already looking forward to spending more time there in 2011.
On our way out of Maine, we drove to New Hampshire. To another lake. In another quiet, rural town. Where Sweets used to spend summers during his own childhood. His grandparents had a small home there (which is no longer standing). But, we were able to drive through town. And drive down the dirt road to see the site where the house used to stand. It was a treat for me to get to see an area I’ve heard so much about. And bittersweet for Sweets … a good trip down memory lane, though some disappointment in seeing all that has changed.
A quick stop in my hometown, where we met up with one of my childhood friends and her parents. Oh, and this gal pal of mine (whom I’ve met a number of times before!) and her ManFriend were also able to join us for dinner. It was such a fun and lively evening. Lots of laughter. Though, not nearly enough time to catch up with any of the players involved.
Another trip in the car and we finally made it to Cape Cod. Engine light still glowing. Parents’ house aglow in the midnight darkness. Funny enough, we were not the last to arrive that night. Two girlfriends from Chicago also drove to Cape Cod. And rolled in about an hour after us. Once we were all situated, the rest of our vacation could begin…
To be continued…
August 9th, 2010 at 8:17 am
It sounds wonderful! I can’t wait for the rest of the story, and the pictures (there will be pictures, right?) :)
August 9th, 2010 at 8:33 am
What Kyla said! Pictures!
August 9th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Can’t wait to hear how the rest of vacay was!! I’m still so bummed I couldn’t swing coming out to the Cape and visiting. And, yes, pictures!!
August 9th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Welcome home! I envy your vacation with the exception of a 19 hour car ride. I get super cranky when I’m in the car for super long periods of time!
August 9th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Pictures! Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!
August 9th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Welcome back! I was hoping it wasn’t too hot/humid for you up there!
Yeesh, 19 hours in a car would turn me into a bear. I will say, I don’t really ‘travel well’ in cars…
Can’t wait to hear more about it!!!! :)
August 9th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Sounds like a great start! Maine is so lovely.
August 9th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Welcome home! A 19-hour car ride is crazy, yikes! Can’t wait to hear more about your vacation!
August 9th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Welcome home to you! Can’t wait to hear about your trip and, more importantly, see you this coming weekend!
August 9th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I’m so glad you made the headless horseman joke because I was totally thinking that.
I want to go to summer camp on your aunt and uncle’s lake! :)
Looking forward to hearing the rest, and very jealous that you and Meg got to hang out. I’m sure it was a hoot!
August 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
glad to have you back!
it was so, so good to see you and sweets! and goodness, we just had such a wonderful time. emily and her parents are just such treats! now for our little recap… gotta get your seal of approval and all…. ;)
August 10th, 2010 at 7:51 am
I fully support the decision to stay an extra day and have a 19 hour car ride home. I prefer traveling in a car to flying and with the right people (pets) it can seem like a fun adventure. I laughed at the amish sighting. Anymore, its a pretty common occurence around here. =)