Phase XLI : Connecticut

We headed towards the very northwest corner of Connecticut, because we had intentions on hiking Mt Frissell in the morning (tallest point in Connecticut).  When we arrived that evening, camping/parking was not clear and there were "No Parking" signs.  Also, the trail appeared to be flooded out.  We were on such a remote road, we opted to head back to MA.  Just across the border, we stayed in Mt. Everett State Preservation area.  This would be the first time (and only time) where we would not sleep over in a state.

It was raining pretty good next morning, so we skipped the hiking and started discussing our plan of action for the day.  We headed towards New Haven area, so we could hit up some beverages and food.  The drive south from Northwest CT is hilly and quaint.  It was great to see this part of the state and recommend anyone make this drive.

We enjoyed some tasty beverages at New England BC.  Then we hit up Voracious BC.  Their barrel aged beers were also very tasty!  By now, we were working up quite an appetite, so we headed to a local Italian eatery just down the road.  The food and service was exceptional.

In retrospect, I wish we would have hit Mystic, CT prior to heading to MA.  It would have been a short drive from RI.  I've heard many good things about Mystic.  Next time (there will be a next time, ha)  Our visit in CT was brief and really limited to some quality beverages and amazing Italian.  Our goal was to stay in NJ that evening, via Middleton, NY.  Wanted to hit Equilibrium BC, which turned out they only sold beer to go.  We were cool with this, because it would put us in NJ at a decent hour.

Phase XL : Vermont 2

Our redemption trip to Vermont first took us through New Hampshire.  We stopped for dinner that evening at Elm City BC.  Believe it or not, we were there for the food, but we tend to gravitate towards brewpubs if they exist.  It's a win-win scenario.  They had a limited appetizer on the menu that evening, which were the likes of pierogies, but deep fried with cream cheese in the middle and topped with bourbon glazed syrup.  They were to-die-for!

We then crossed the border into southern Vermont that evening.  The goal was to find some free camping in the Green Mountain National Forest.  We did find a free spot that evening in the national forest area, but I would not say it was forest like.  Most of the area has been domesticated.  The next morning, we headed towards White Rock National Recreational Area.  This is where Mer would attempt her first hiking since Adirondacks.  We ascended several hundred feet in attempt to meet up with Appalachian Trail (AT).  Then we did another small hike, which provided a clear view of the mountain we just attempted.  The mountain's face revealed why the area was called white rock.  All-in-all, Mer was a champ!

One of the motivating factors for returning to Vermont was to purchase some maple syrup and cheese.  We wanted to do our part to support the local community.  Our intentions were to stop by the Vermont Country Store, which was highlighted in the Rand McNally atlas.  This entire adventure was never about shopping, but this was the only time we went out of our way to do so, ha!  The samples were plentiful!  Cheese, sauce, and syrup samples were abound.  We truly relished in the moment.  We also stopped at the Christmas store, where they specialized in ornaments.  Each tree was decorated in different themes.  It was fascinating, and really made you rethink how you should be decorating a tree.

While our stay in Vermont was < 24 hours, I would say we redeemed it.  Hopefully we will return soon, but probably not soon enough.  

Phase XXXIX : Massachusetts

That evening, we stayed at another hotel in Sturbridge, MA.  This was our third night in a row for a hotel, but necessary to ensure Mer continues to fully recover.  I'll be honest, by now, we only have two weeks remaining to finish visiting the lower 48.  Our ambition for roughing it in the van, forgoing showers, and cooking over a Coleman stove have fallen to the wayside.  It's dark by 6:00, and camping is sparse, so another hotel, that's too bad :)

We only had one purpose for being in Sturbridge - Treehouse BC.  I had once visited in 2015 and scored some Julius (IPA), but did not acquire any Green (IPA).  Time has not really permitted any 12 hour beer runs to MA since then.  Over the last couple years, Green has become my most coveted beer, so was really hoping to score some!  This visit had me walking through pastures of Green (figuratively); I finally scored some Green and Haze and Julius and Typhoon and ...  Mer was astonished by the case of beer I brought back to the van.  I was in heaven:

As I finished my breakfast stout (Double Shot, Sweet Espresso), I admitted to Mer that I did not have anything else on the agenda for that day.  My visionary skills to plan and execute beyond this moment were clouded with haze :)  We had the option to visit Cape Cod or she could redeem Vermont.  The weather forecast for Cape Cod was iffy and had us journeying through the outskirts of Boston traffic.  Vermont offered serenity, hiking, nature and maple syrup.  The latter was appealing to both of us, so we headed north.

Before crossing into NH and VT, I wanted to tackle some hiking in MA.  We stopped at Tully Dam, Recreational Area.  Mer wanted to conserve energy for tomorrow, so I hiked the 4.5 mile perimeter loop around the lake.  It was muggy and hot, but fortunately I was sheltered by the surrounding trees.  I enjoyed the solitude on this scarcely traveled path, or so it may seem.

Following our visit to NH/VT (see Vermont 2), we passed through Massachusetts again.  By now, Mer is nearly 100% back to health and is ready for flight...of beer.  We stopped at Fort Hill BC, which is located outside Easthampton.  They specialized in both European and American style craft.  We then hit Northampton BC for dinner.  There we had dinner and a tasty beverage.  The nachos alone could feed an army, and the wings weren't bad either!

    

Phase XXXVIII : Rhode Island

The Revival!  Recognizing the best path to recovery was another good nights rest, we checked into a Motel 6 in Newport.  Mer's appetite was coming back, so I headed to the "Wharf Pub" in downtown Newport to get takeout.  I loved this pub, and the food was phenomenal (shrimp po'boy wrap, clam chowder, & mac n' cheese).  While waiting for the order, I relished in a local brew and caught up on some football.  Downtown Newport generated a level of excitement I had not experienced in awhile.  The harbor was filled with energy!

The next morning Mer was feeling better and the spirit was willing!  Unfortunately, it was raining hard, so we had to find some indoor activity.  We were going to visit the local art museum, but then Mer suggested we visit The Breakers (One of many mansions built off the sea).  Before heading in that direction, we stopped at Newport Creamery where we consumed waffle shaped, grilled cheese sandwiches.  Dessert was awful awfuls.  What's an awful awful?  It's a $5 shake...milk and ice cream :)  But it's a mammoth of a shake, and we both went with mocha flavor.  Don't pass them up!

Outside National Parks, Lifetime published a magazine of 100 places to see in America.  This book really inspired some of the must-see destinations along our trip, and it so happens the Breakers was one of them.  Built in the 1700s, owned by the Vanderbilts, the mansion reeks of the luxurious lifestyle during that time period; accented with an abundant French decor.

It was still raining hard, so we passed the time driving around the Newport peninsula and admiring the mansions by the sea.  We pulled over at Ft. Adams State Park for additional rest, which faced southwest into the sea.  Visibility was minimal, but had the sun been out, we could have seen Long Island.  Mer briefly napped and upon waking, she was ready to embrace the remainder of this leg.

I will always remember this as a turning point, the revival.  She was even ready to try some local brew.  We planned to visit Tilted Barn or Proclamation, but both were closed.  We ended up at Revival BC.  Coincidence?  I think not.  We had the best experience and the bartender (Kevin) contributed to much of that.  We talked beer, and he shared it!  Before leaving the state, we stopped at a local Mexican restaurant, where I had a chipotle chicken burrito and Mer had a mole chicken dish.  To say it was amazing would be an understatement.  Despite the rain, this would be one of my favorite days of this leg; the day Mer was ready to adventure.

Phase XXXVII : Maine

Mer and I are no strangers to Maine.  Several years back, we found common ground on the beer trail, and our outdoor experiences in Acadia will never be forgotten.  In reflection, perhaps we were destined for this adventure of trails and ales and that trip simply gave birth to.  But as we enter Maine, questions remain:  What new excursions await us?  Will Meredith be able to join?  Will we have to return home?  There was a lot of uncertainty.

As we headed into Maine that evening, lobster was on the mind!  Mer pinpointed a local restaurant in Showhegan, Ken's Family Restaurant.  Mer had a lobster salad, which dominated the landscape.  Truly, the portion of lobster was perhaps greater than the greens.  My fish and chips was also satisfying.  We then headed towards Shady Campground, where our host was awaiting us.  It was the easiest check-in and most-welcoming of all campgrounds (and they had showers!).

Mer and her mom are big Stephen King fans, so I thought it would be cool to play paparazzi and photograph his abode.  Mer even told her mom that we would be stopping in Bangor to visit Stephen King's house, to which she replied "Do you know him?"  Of course we do, haha, and so he shall be dubbed Uncle Stevey.  Allegedly, Uncle Stevey no longer lives there, probably because of people like us.  The house did not disappoint:

Following the saddest of tourist expeditions, we then had a decision to make.  I had always wanted to visit Baxter State Park, the home of the great Mt. Khatadin or head back to Acadia.  Mer would not be participating, so I chose the remote woods of the north.  If anything, this visit would allow me to recon Mt. Khatadin and perhaps even see a moose.  The remoteness of this park was alluring, and the dirt roads added to it's appeal.  I was able to summit Mt. Sentinel via 6 mile loop.  The views from atop showed the vastness of the range leading up to Khatadin.  Our trip to the park was complete, when we crossed paths with a moose which rivaled in size of our daily commuter (We exchanged knucks).  Unfortunately, the elusiveness of our wild encountering was quicker than the draws of the camera.

The weather forecast in Maine called for temperatures in the 30's that evening.  The cold weather would simply inhibit any traction Mer would gain on her recovery, so we reserved another hotel that evening.  We scored some calzones outside the University of the Maine before checking-in.  The next day, we headed towards Portland, but not without completing the trifecta of photo-shooting Paul Bunyan (CA, MN, ME)  The drive south offered a different flavor of Maine which I had not seen before; caged goats in one's front yard; three toilets facing a mid-century television (art at its finest), etc.  In retrospect, why didn't I take a picture!

Our visit to Maine would not be complete without lobster rolls.  We stopped in downtown Portland at High Rollers to get some lobster rolls to go.  Holy crap, these were amazing!  We feasted on the generous and overflowing portions of this crustacean.  We then stopped at Foundation BC, where I grabbed a quick flight.  Our visit to Portland was brief, but fulfilling.  As we headed south to Rhode Island that evening, I told Mer that tomorrow would be a decisive moment for what comes next.  If she is not feeling well, then we would be heading home.

Phase XXXVI : Vermont 1 + New Hampshire

Inquiry Time - What is your favorite state east of the Mississippi?  For me, it is Vermont.  Vermont has it all.  They have the green mountains, Lake Champlain, and plenty of hiking.  They have coffee, ice cream (Ben & Jerry's), cheese (more than just Cabot), maple syrup, and of course beer!  Last time I was here, I also bought a pair of their "darn tough" socks, and they will hold their own on any Colorado fourteen thousand foot peak.  I was excited to be back in Vermont, but the visit was truly bitter sweet.

As we entered Vermont late afternoon, Meredith was not feeling well, the weather forecast was calling for rain, so the outlook was not promising.  As we rolled into Burlington, I made a quick stop to Burlington Beer Co.  Mer was not feeling it, so I quickly imbibed in a flight of heaven.  It tasted as such - very impressed with this brewing company.  For dinner, Mer insisted on more spicy food to help with the coughing and congestion, so we opted for some Chinese.  We grabbed some take-out near the airport and headed towards our campsite that evening.  The van was enveloped in the trees and we were tucked away from reality.  Pleasant dreams.

The next day, we headed for Ben & Jerry's.  This is one of the few times that we would repeat past adventures, but when you are in Waterbury, one should always take time to partake and indulge.  We both selected Chocolate Shake-It (Mer got a combo, and you can see that joy and sickness have learned to temporarily coexist).  Mer opted for nap time, so I stopped by Alchemist Welcome Center in Stowe.  The Alchemist is renowned for Heady Topper!  This place was awesome - brand spread throughout and free tastings.  I caved and left with a few 4-packs.  We then headed towards northeast Vermont to hit Hill Farmstead BC.  Vermont turned into a beer run, but it was empty satisfaction without my BFF.

Mer lobbied for a motel that evening, so she could get a good nights rest.  Our best option was in Littleton, New Hampshire.  The room was quaint and cozy, and reminisced of a home.  That evening, we regrouped and rested.  In the morning we embarked onto this little town (no pun intended).  The main street was playing host to what appeared to be a farmers market, but art seemed to be the dominating agenda.  The locals complimented us on our van (which never gets old!).  As we drove through, one restaurant had prided itself on the best pancakes in the New England area.  It doesn't get any more compelling than that.  They were tasty, but Mer's hash casserole stole the show.

We headed towards Franconia State Park, which offered plenty of hiking trails.  It would take months to conquer all.  I opted for Flume Gorge and Mer opted for more rest :(  I was bummed to be hiking alone, and thoughts of retreat and heading home started to linger.  Another day or two would be the deciding factor.  Nevertheless, I enjoyed the flume and did my best to describe the hike to Mer upon my return.  The boardwalk into the gorge was impressive.  Sheer walls of rock on both sides, and ever-flowing water beneath.  The trail also offered additional gorges and overlooks.  And there was also wolf's den, in which you could climb through.  The trail finished in a rock garden, where I took the ring of doom into the fires of Mordor...  Well, at least it felt like I was a member of the fellowship.

Before leaving New Hampshire, we stopped at Schilling/Resilience BC.  Schilling specializing in European style beers, and Resilience specializing in American style beers.  Really, it's just the same brew company.  Mer joined, but did not partake.  Historically, New Hampshire has only produced strife and struggle with my traveling companion, but we left on the most amicable of terms on this journey.  There is hope yet!