Days 1 and 2

Day 1-Wednesday, April 21

 We left our home in East Sandwich at 8 AM, picked up some sandwiches at Café Chew, and crossed the Bourne Bridge around 8:40 AM.  Our first stop of the day was Glastonbury, Connecticut, where we had lunch with grandson Jack and daughter-in-law,  Chetty.  Unfortunately, Nick had to work!  Jack kept us thoroughly entertained; he’s growing up so fast and expanding his verbal skills every week.  Eventhough we FaceTime with him every week.  Seeing him in person is so much better.  

Leaving Nick & Chetty’s at 1:00 PM, our next stop was Pleasantville, NY, where we were spending the night with our friends Bill & Rosemary.  We arrived at their home at 3 PM.  Traffic-wise, it was an easy drive until the last 20 miles when we encountered a driving rain storm that slowed us down to 30 mph on the Sawmill River Parkway.

 

We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with B&R who we had not seen since October.  Wine, cheese and a blog-photo worthy dinner of flank state, pan roasted potatoes, and asparagus capped off a great day.

 

Day 2-Thursday, April 22

After a delicious breakfast of homemade scones and coffee we were on the road by 8:30 AM, heading to Gettysburg where we arrived around 2 PM.  Traffic across the Bronx and over the George Washington was very heavy, but it wasn’t any worse than I expected.  

 

We spent the next three hours taking the auto tour of the National Military Park.  This was our 5^th trip since the summer of 2016, but we never seem to tire of either the history or the scenery in this hallowed ground.  Prior to arriving in Gettysburg, we listened to some podcasts that I had downloaded, reminding us of complexities of the battle.  

 We had dinner at Food 101, another favorite restaurant of our’s where we’ve dined during almost all our previous visits.   We actually build our travel calendar around this restaurant, making sure that it’s always open when we’re in town.  Our meal did not disappoint:  tempura fried cauliflower, bistro steak with fries, and salad.  Yum.

 

Leaving Gettysburg, we headed 30 miles north to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  This campground is located at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail.  We’ve stayed here before, and yes, we’ve even stayed in the same campsite.  Without question this is one of the best campgrounds we’ve ever been too.  Spacious sites with lots of privacy, and spotless bathrooms and showers that are heated.  When we wake up tomorrow and it’s only 34° F those heated facilities will be most welcome.