Meredith, NH May 22-29, 2006

From Maine, we headed back to New Hampshire. This time we decided to stay in the Lakes Region. The largest lake is called Lake Winnipesaukee. Our RV park was located between Meredith and Weirs Beach. This area is definitely a vacation destination for locals and tourist alike. We found it interesting that most of the accommodations are quaint inns, bed and breakfasts and small one room cottages along the lake. Lake Winnipesaukee is connected to Squam Lake so there is plenty of lake front homes. Most of the homes we saw were very high end. Due to the hard winters in this area, quite a few of these homes are seasonal. This is a beautiful place and the lake provides for lots of boating and water sports.

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, May 27, 2006

We wanted to view Lake Winnipesaukee from a different perspective so we opted for the scenic train ride. We saw some beautiful summer homes and wonderful scenery from the train. We were glad we took the train ride.

Holden, ME May 15-21, 2006

We left Salisbury Beach, MA hastily and headed north towards Bangor, Maine. We stayed at an RV park in Holden, ME which was approximately 35 miles west of Bay Harbor and about 20 miles east of Bangor. The weather was much nicer in this part of Maine. From Holden, we were able to visit Bangor, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We had a great time here.

Astiou Azalea Garden, NE Harbor, ME May, 2006

While in Bar Harbor, the locals suggested we visit the Astiou Azalea Gardens. They claimed the gardens were beautiful this time of year. The Azalea Garden is styled after a Japanese stroll garden with many traditional Janpanese design features adapted for the natural setting of coastal Maine. Charles K Savage, a long time resident of Northeast Harbor, designed and built the gardens in 1956. The garden was very peaceful and tranquil.

Acadia National Park, Desert Island, ME May, 2006

On Desert Island is Acadia National Park. We had been told that this national park was a must see. They were right! It was a beautiful park with plenty of hiking trails. The park had several beaches and view points to enjoy its beauty.

Bar Harbor, ME May 17, 2006

Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island. We had heard a lot about this area and we were anxious to see it. Bar Harbor is a great little town. It is famous for its shops and seafood; and of course, lobster which can be bought right off the lobster boats. Tony was excited to eat as much lobster as he could get his hands on. He loves LOBSTER and he, especially, liked the fact that he only had to pay about $8 a pound!

Salisbury Beach, MA May 12 - 14, 2006

We arrived in Salisbury Beach which is located at the stateline of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The area reminded us a lot of the Oregon Coast. Unfortunately, we arrived just in time to experience 75 year record rain falls. We endured 12.4 inches of rain in a little over a 48 hour period. Extreme flooding was occuring all around us. We didn't have any opportunities to see much of the area. After being confined in our RV for 2 1/2 days straight, we just wanted to get the heck out of the area. With all the road closures and bridge closures, we found an opening at 5 am on 5-14-06 and we managed to get out. It was one of the worst storms that Northern Massachusetts, Southern New Hamshire and parts of Maine have experienced in over 75 years. All in all, they received close to 20 inches of rain in less than one week.

Niagra Falls, Ont May 9, 2006

From New Jersey, we headed to Niagra Falls, NY. We signed up for a tour to visit the falls. Everyone we spoke to advised us that the Canadian side was prettier than the US side. They defenitely were correct. Canada has created a park that follows the Niagra River and the Falls. They have developed the area with all types of interests for tourists. The US, unfortunately, hasn't done the same. We enjoyed our trip to the Falls. They are absolutely spectacular. Pictures will not do justice but we will try and give you some idea of what we saw.

Niagra Falls, Ont May 9, 2006

We took a tour to view all the sites related to the falls. Ontario has a great park and public areas that run along the falls and the Niagra River. There is a portion of the river that is called the whirlpool where the waters from the falls gather and then dump into the Niagra River. The power of the waters form a whirlpool which swirls counterclockwise during the day and clockwise in the evening. A tram travels across the whirlpool.

Niagra Falls,Ont May 9, 2006

While visiting the falls, we took a cruise on the Maid of the Mist. We highly recommend you take this cruise. We get so close to the falls that the cruise line provides raingear to keep you somewhat dry. It was an awesome view of the falls.

Niagra Falls, Ont May 9, 2006

The Flower Clock is one of the many tourist's spots you will find while visiting Niagra Falls, Ontario. The flowers are changed frequently so the clock will never look the same from visit to visit.

Atlantic City, NJ May 5, 2006

From Virginia, we headed for New Jersey to visit some friends who live in Rockaway. They suggested we take a ride to Atlantic City and walk along the boardwalk. It turned out to be a great suggestion. The boardwalk is long and wide with casinos, shops, restaurants and other activities and entertainment. This is a great place to people watch. Of course, Tony had to play poker at Trump's Taj Mahal Casino.

Natural Bridge, VA May 3, 2006

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Natural Bridge and Nature Park of Virginia. The Natural Bridge is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. We hiked along the paths and enjoyed some of the other features of the park such as the Saltpeter Cave, a Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls.

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA May 1, 2006

We left our friends in North Carolina and headed north. We opted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a scenic highway that extends between The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The highway winds through spectacular mountain meadows. There are many places to stop and view distant mountains and neighboring valleys. We stopped and visited Mabry Mill which is a century old gristmill. The mill is one of the most photographed sites in the national park system.