At the end of August we took a whale watching boat tour out of New Hampshire. First time for both of us seeing whales in person. So amazing! We saw both humpback and minke whales, with some babies alongside their moms. We got some really good photos of their tails, which is how they monitor whales and their movements. We even went to the website and looked up some, to see where they travel to during the different seasons. In New Hampshire we stayed at a Thousand Trails called Pine Acres. We DID NOT enjoy all the pine sap from the trees. Do you know how hard that is to get off your truck and rig?
Before moving on to Northern Maine, we spent a few weeks at one or our favorite Thousand Trails, which is Moody Beach in Wells, Maine. This was our second time here and just can’t get enough of that area: Wells, Maine and Ogunquit, Maine. We also love the Portland area and Kennebunkport.
In September of 2023 Garland and I visited one of our “New” favorite National Parks, Acadia in Maine. Like our Head-Out-Program at the Rose Bowl Parade (at the end of 2022), we took another tour with Escapees in Trenton, Maine. It was called “Leaves and Lobsta!” And wow – was it worth it! Plus, we got to catch up with friends from the road – always a PLUS. We took a boat tour of the “unbridged” islands in Maine, including Little Cranberry Island, where everything is brought in by boat. During low tide is the only time you can reach Cranberry from Baker Island, other than that even the mail is brought by boat. Not many people could live that isolated lifestyle, but it is gorgeous. It’s a conscious choice to live in a small community cut off from the mainland, where the pace of life slows in the winter and there is time to create, reflect and enjoy the natural world. When we pulled up to the dock they were decorating for a wedding at the restaurant there. The small church on the island has stained glass made from sea glass.
On the boat tour, we saw Bear Island and Baker Island Lighthouses. We watched a bald eagle in the trees and then it took flight, in the Somes Sound in Acadia.
I definitely want to spend more time at Cadillac Mountain, the next time we go to Acadia. Just an awesome sight and the huge boulders feel almost sacred with such sweeping views. We visited the Wild Gardens of Acadia and were treated to some beautiful Fall colors. Thunder Hole was an impressive sight with the loud sea sounds sounding like thunder!
Our whale watching boat tour with the group was cancelled due to fog, so this is something we have to look forward to next time! And we will definitely go back to this area!
Then for the opposite of all the wonderful nature, we spent some time eating, shopping and exploring Bar Harbor. One night Escapees treated us to a Lobster dinner and we learned the best way to enjoy lobster is with using “kitchen” shears. So much easier than cracking the shells the hard way. And we learned the smaller lobsters, around 1lb of weight are sweeter than the larger ones. Garland really didn’t like lobster that much until this trip – now he’s a fan!
After Maine, we stayed in PA and VA, making our way to NC to spend Thanksgiving with G’s family. This was the first time all 4 of the Johnston kids were together since their Mom passed in 2021. And we visited with the extended family also – great time! While in the Greenville area, we visited Tryon Palace, which was a treat for me since I had never been there. The whole area around Washington, NC was so pretty being decorated for Christmas.
We then spent some time in the Raleigh, NC area visiting our extended family or as we call each other, “Framily”. Got to attend Nathan’s last high school football banquet and our “Framily” Christmas party and of course celebrate G and GE’s December Birthdays! For the end of December, we were in the Charlotte area to visit old friends and my family. We also got to ride through McAdenville, NC (Christmas Town USA), which was always a tradition in my family.
The last couple days of the year, we made our way to Florida – next stop Miramar Beach, FL for the first time.