Stonington, Maine to Lake Placid, N.Y. (Day 20) September 11, 2019

Long drive today from Stonington to Lake Placid. We left at 8:20 a.m. and did not arrive until 6:00 p.m. It was a long slog. We were in 4 states today: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York

381 miles + 4648 = 5029 total miles

We enjoyed being on smaller roads – blue highways. There was very little traffic. Low stress driving.

I saw Moose signs all over Maine. I want to see one. I don't want to hit one. 

We followed Google maps through who knows where. I don't mind giving up control to Google Maps. I trust Google Maps more than my own ability to follow a conventional map. Beth likes to drive with a conventional map in her lap so she can "know where she is". The problem with that is, she might know where we are on a map, but she misses the scenery with her head buried in a map.

We drove thru countless picturesque small towns, off the beaten track. Maine back roads. We really felt like we were out in the country. I should have gotten more pictures. Too busy driving.

We stopped for a pretty good lunch at Riley‘s Fish Shack in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. I successfully operated the automatic soap dispenser. Nothing on the floor.

The highlight of the day was the car ferry from Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY - across Lake Champlain. Nice views and a needed break from driving.

We arrived in Lake Placid and  dropped our suitcases at Uncle Favor Smith and Diane's. They are graciously putting us up for a few days. The big Smith family reunion party will be here Saturday night. Favor has a house in the woods on Bear Cub Road. Near the old family farm.

Aunt Sue and Barry cooked us a delicious Cioppino for dinner. We stopped to see Gail and Carol and family very briefly. Back to Favor's. Off to bed.

I feel like Lassie. People are giving us a lot of kindness on our journey.

Love,

bear and Beth