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    Great Northern Expedition

    Posted by Jeff on Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 05:30 AM  

    To be brief, we are hoping to make a trip northward this year around the beginning to middle of Fall time frame. The general plan is to head up as far as Vermont but other than that, the details are very sketchy at the moment. I've never been further north than New Jersey and I've been here for over 11 years now so it's long overdue. We have friends with family up in Vermont (thus the reason for the our destination), but other than that we're completely open to ideas on what and where to visit along the way. This is where the rest of you come into play.

    I'm looking for any good ideas or recommendations for things to do or places to visit along the way (both there and back). With the cell card coverage, a laptop and camera, we hope to be able to document our trip as we go along, adding both blog entries as well as uploading photographs cataloging the events that transpire. I personally think this is going to be a blast!

    Some things to keep in mind...

    1. We will be traveling with Kadie as well as friends (although they don't have kids)
    2. We're taking the FJ and our friends will be in a Jeep. We would like to see some places that are a little more out of the way so mild to medium-off-roading is an extra bonus.
    3. We're not interested in big balls of yarn. Big Grin

    With that in mind, please feel free to make any recommendations based on where to go, who to visit, what to pack (essentials vs luxury items), places to stay overnight, etc.

    We are now officially... all ears..............

    1
    Reply by Grateful on June 04, 2008 @ 08:23 AM

    Who plugs in TEN keywords? Confused I have never been up north, so I am not going to be much help. Sorry. Wanna travel with one more parent and two more kids? Really, it would FUN! Heehee...God I would have to get out of the fj and have you run me over...twice.


    2
    Reply by Jeff on June 04, 2008 @ 08:32 AM
    (A reply to comment #1)

    Unlike some of you, I actually USE the systems I build. Sad

    FYI, if you don't want to see keywords, there's an option in your account settings to hide them by default.

    You're more than welcome to tag along. The more the merrier. You might want to start the cross-country trek now though. That way you can get good and acclimated to being stuck in a vehicle with two kids for hours and hours and hours and hours at a time. Besides, we may need someone to get out and de-mud the tires after we get stuck. Big Grin


    3
    Reply by Dave on June 04, 2008 @ 01:30 PM

    All of New England, especially Vermont and New Hampshire can be spectacular at the height of the fall foliage. Your trip may be just a little early, but they can predict the peak each year, so if you have the flexibility, you can adjust by a week or two. New hampshire has lake Winnepesaukee (sp?) and Franconia Notch, but for both N.H. and Vermont, I'd suggest just get off the main drag and wander the countryside. Massachusetts has Boston (I don't generally like cities, but Boston was a large exception) and tons of historical stuff. Geographically, see the Cape (Cod), Plymouth rock (anti-climactic) Nantuckett, or Martha's Vineyard. Maine has Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park (don't try to swim there without a heated wet suit) and Mt. Washington. If you are looking for Revolutionary War stuff or pretty pastoral settings, you're in the right place. If you're expecting savage wilderness vistas, save your gas. Have fun!

    Dave


    4
    Reply by Grateful on June 04, 2008 @ 03:35 PM
    (A reply to comment #2)

    After riding in the care for hours with kids, kicking mud off of the tires would be a welcome break...could I make arrangements to have you leave me on the side of the road, and pick me up on the way back?


    5
    Reply by Jeff on June 04, 2008 @ 05:16 PM
    (A reply to comment #4)

    As much as it may go against my chromosomes, we plan to stop often. This particular trip isn't necessarily about getting to the destination. It's focus is actually on seeing things along the way. If we had more time, I'd probably consider heading up into Canada and driving westward but I think it might be a bit tight on time as it is. I'm hoping that we can do the trip in less than 9 days but that may not even be realistic so I may shoot for two weeks instead.

    You are seriously more than welcome to come out and participate. We do have an issue with space in the vehicle so you'd either have to drive out here or fly out and rent a car when you got here. Either way, I'm sure we could accommodate you. And with the kids here, Kadie would have someone to play with as well. Seriously, when WAS the last time you visited us anyway? Hmmm... recollection says... before Kadie was born. That would make it almost five years then, eh? Winking

    I've actually been putting together a mental list of the various things that I want to take along. Among the high priority items will be those used to entertain Kadie along the way, like movies and games. Having the mobile broadband will also allow us to plan somewhat on-the-fly too. If we need a place to stay or are looking for something interesting in the local area to visit, we can simply go online and do some research.

    It's a bit off topic, but how many of you out there currently use some sort of satellite navigation in your vehicles? On the boat perhaps? If so, are there any popular votes for a particular brand and if so, why? Just curious. I've been looking at them now for almost two years but have yet to actually purchase one. Also, what about tent and sleeping bag gear? Any recommendations on manufacturers for a product that is a) truly water-proof and b) will last a long time without mildewing or otherwise self-destructing?

    Thanks for the tips, Dave! That's exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for. The trip northward during the Fall is supposed to be a beautiful scene, plus it's usually cooling off a bit by then which means camping out is always an option too. To be honest, I've heard conflicting opinions on Boston, but if we have time, I would still like to visit since I've never been.

    I hope to get some good photographs on the trip (well as good as one can get with no skill whatsoever and a P&S camera). SLR models are just way too bulky and really expensive. And since we're already going to be short on space, smaller is probably better.

    Speaking of photos, Dad uploaded a bunch of photos from their trip out here to Maryland a few weeks ago. Just thought I'd mention it in case no one knew they were there. Anyone else had a chance to try out the new photo uploader and organizer?

    Well, tomorrow's another early day so I better haul it in for the night. Thanks again for current and future feedback!


    6
    Reply by Peggy on June 05, 2008 @ 08:55 AM
    (A reply to comment #5)

    Sounds like a fun trip - one I've dreamed of taking, but I don't think I can convince your dad to DRIVE/FLY back East again- at least not this soon.

    I'm happy you will be able to see this part of the country.
    But sad to know that there won't be any vacation time in December. Broken Heart



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