With less than 1500 miles left to go before we traveled full circle, we started thinking more and more about our family & friends and the remaining part of our trip was definitely with them in mind. With that thought, what better way to travel east but to stop and visit family and friends along the way? Our first stop was in Ashland, Nebraska where we spent an amazing weekend with Claudia's Aunt, cousins and other family members. What an awesome group of people and we can't wait to see them again as we continue our travels around the country. We had lots of good times as we camped at their home and enjoyed their company and their hospitality. We took advantage of their beach since the weather was gorgeous, went fishing along the Platte River across the street and had a lot of laughs as we enjoyed a great family BBQ. For me, it was such a pleasure meeting those I hadn’t met before and getting to know those I had previously only met briefly even better. Our next stop was in Mukwonago, Wisconsin where we met up at a great little lakeside restaurant with an old Navy buddy I hadn’t seen since he headed home from the service 40 years ago. There we were able to reacquaint and catch up on old times. I recognized Joe right away and his voice and laugh haven't changed a bit. We couldn’t believe it's been 40 years. The next day we spent the day at the Wisconsin State Fair where we once again met up with Joe and his girlfriend Diane. The day was beautiful and the fair was a great way to spend our day and have a last beer together before we headed off. The following morning we headed out bright and early, at 5:30am, in order to miss the Chicago and Milwaukee traffic on our way to Granger, Indiana to meet up with more friends. There we spent 4 absolutely beautiful sunny day’s poolside along with some great social time with our friends that we met this past winter in Texas. Our last stop eastward took us to Grand Island, New York where we spent 2 days enjoying and celebrating at Niagara Falls. We spent the first day out and about along the American side of Niagara Falls. We took Stella out with us and we strolled around Goat Island where we had some great views of both Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. We spent the next day walking along the falls on both the American and Canadian sides. While on the Canadian side we stopped to celebrate the successful conclusion of our first full year on the road. We celebrated with a great lunch and drinks out on a patio overlooking both the American and Horseshoe Falls. Once again the sun was out and the temps were in the upper 70's. It was a perfect way to spend our last trip out before heading home. Then, finally, after 345 days on the road we finally arrived at my sister's house in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Here we plan to enjoy the company of family and friends with a 6 to 7 week stay. We sure do love to travel but for now, this is just what the doctor ordered. Ed and Claudia
RSS Feed