Day 5, Day 6, and Day 7

 Day 5: Cooperstown, NY

Nolan's team had opening ceremonies at the Cooperstown Dreams park followed by skills tests, but then no game until 7p. So, wine tour? Don't mind if I do...

The night game was rained out, after 4 innings played in the rain and being up by 10 going into the 5th. Frustrating. 

Found a Kaia!

Today's Lessons:

1. Wine slushies are a thing. A good thing. A dangerously good thing.

2. Do not try to make any life decisions after having wine slushies.

3. Cooperstown is interesting. Kids stay in the barracks with the coaches, they all eat together, etc. Very team-oriented, less family-oriented. Kids seem to be enjoying it, despite the rain.

4. When they say opening ceremonies start at 9:30am they really mean 11am but come at 9:30 so you can just sit really closely together and sweat while you wait. 

Today's Miles: 35

Day 6: Headed to Bar Harbor…

We got up to go watch Nolan's team finish their rainout from the night before (WIN), and then watch the next game (not a win). 

After saying our goodbye's we packed up and hit the road to go to Bar Harbor. A long drive ahead of us today turned into a longer drive when the battery light came on.

So this happened.

And then this.

But, Dan put a new alternator in the truck and we were on our way. Always an adventure...

Worth the trouble when this is my view at the end of the day:

YAY Hayden!!

Today's Lessons:

1. Signs that say passenger cars only do not include passenger cars that are towing a Scamp.

2. A car issue was bound to happen sometime on one of these trips - so very fortunate to have Dan so he could put in a new alternator in less than 2 hrs.

3. Let me tell you about the cost of an alternator from the store... ouch.

Today's Miles: 545

Day 7: HAYDEN! And Acadia!

We were able to meet Hayden for breakfast before he had to work... and he paid! Mr $$.

Because it was a beautiful day, we decided to go exploring on the other side of the park. We started at Ship Harbor...and then wandered via the coastline over to another trail: Wonderland. Tidepooling finds:

Dan's amazing find!

We then stopped by the lighthouse for a photo op:

And headed to Jordan Pond House so Hayden could make us dinner. Delicious!!

A fat porcupine on the road when we headed out.

We met Hayden after work for snacks and then Dan and I wandered around downtown Bar Harbor for a bit before heading to Sandy Beach to try and stargaze. 

It didn't quite go as planned, but it was still very relaxing. And then very cold. 

Today's Lessons:

1. When wandering with Dan, bring water. 

2. And sunscreen.

3. So glad I got to see my kid in his element today! Very proud of him 🥰

Today's Miles: 125 - just around the park!

🎈

Day 3 and Day 4

 Day 3: Lake Huron

Woke up to this view:

Dan resolved the issues with the camper lights after...several trips to the store this morning. Then we hit the road to Niagara Falls, Canada side. It was about an 8 hr drive with stops. At the border we were asked a lot of questions, but even with the scamp we got through with no issues. However, because of the several trips to the store, we were a bit behind schedule and likely going to be cutting it close for our dinner reservations. 

We arrived at the Fallsview Inn about 30 minutes before our dinner time, I took the fastest shower of my life, and we walked to our fancy dinner at Massimo's Italian Restaurant at the Sheraton (me with wet hair still). 

Worth the rush. We got the window view.

Fancy.

And the food? Amazing. So was the wine.

We then ventured down to the bridge to see the falls up close for a bit.

And now having been to both sides? Canada for the view. No question.

Then jumped on the Skywheel before heading back to the hotel for the night. 

This was our room view.

Today's Lessons:

1. Am I comfortable with not driving on this road trip or itching to get behind the wheel? I haven't decided yet. 

2. Most places will list Canadian and American prices for items, and you are given the option on a device when paying with a card.

3. One of my cards did not like that I was in Canada.

4. AT&T had a plan that I added to both of our phones for $12/day to get unlimited data/service. It worked great on my phone, Dan's, not as great. His was hit or miss, and did better when he was hooked up to the wifi at the hotel. 

5. Maps changed on Dan's phone (even with no service) from miles to km, mine stayed in miles. 

Total miles: 490

Day 4: Niagara, Fort Niagara, and Cooperstown

We got up for an early breakfast and headed down to the boats to go into the falls. Great experience!

Also - for a free basic breakfast - must say the potato side was really good!

After some deliberation we decided to pack up and head out. I looked up some places to go on Lake Ontario, and Fort Niagara came up, stateside, so we thought we would check it out. Easy entry back into the country. Great find! We ended up spending quite a bit of time there looking for sea glass on the beach and then exploring the fort. Today’s finds:

If you squint really hard you can see Toronto.

Lake Ontario

Sea glass and stuff

Fort Niagara

This does not look like it is from 1862.

The alleged well where a decapitated ghost comes out looking for its head. According to Dan, I think every place is haunted. This one is likely though!

Neither myself or the chapel burst into flames when I walked in.

We then make the trek to Cooperstown Dreams Park where Nolan (Dan’s youngest) will be playing this week. Our campground ended up being about 5 minutes from the park, which is great for those of us who struggle with time management.

Found a great local pizza place, ate WELL, then headed back to the campground for the night.

Today's Lessons:

1. Even in Canada, Dan will run into someone he knows.

2. Take the early boat! We hardly had a crowd on the top deck for the tour.

3. When I said Patty, they heard Cathy?

4. Anytime I leave, there is an issue at home, and this time there have been a few. I am so grateful for the Nicholson's, Roberto, and Stacy for holding down the fort while we are traveling. 

5. When you leave the Scamp light on before you go out to eat, expect bugs to go to the light. Through the screens. Into the camper. 🦟

Total miles: 310

Up next: baseball, and maybe some wine slushees? We are actually staying in the same place for 2 nights!

🎈