Ticongeroga

Since the last post we have wandered through four states and one provence. We are in Ontario headed home. We twisted and turned our way through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York stopping in the Adirondacks. The fall colors were vibrant!

While in the Adirondack Mountains we stopped at Fort Ticonderoga near the south end of Lake Champlain in northern New York. It was built by the French during the French and Indian Wars. At one time Benedict Arnold was in command.

And, wait for it……American Revolutionary General Philip Schuyler ( father of Angelica, Eliza and Peggy!) also used this fort as a staging area for the invasion of Quebec. (Shameless Hamilton the Musical reference)

Another Ticonderoga reference is to the pencil (Alan’s Jacobus’s favorite pencil the black Ticonderoga) has history here as well. The pencil’s name originates in the graphite ore mined on Lead Mountain and processed in Ticonderoga, New York, since 1815.

We passed a sign that indicated the location of John Brown’s grave. We couldn’t turn due to the narrow roads and the quick notice…..the only reason I am bringing it up is that “John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering in the grave, His soul’s marching on.” has become an ear worm for me since seeing the sign. Ugh!

We are driving from Ottawa, Canada up through North Bay, and Sudbury to the U.P. Another new area to explore.

We have seen so much as we traveled east this year. We drove primarily secondary roads and saw some wonderful and iconic scenery. Here are a few reflections.

Many roads do not have shoulders -leading to narrow roads

Signage is poor (for directions)

When pulling a trailer it is difficult/impossible to stop along the side of the road for a better look at things or to find parking

Vermont is GORGEOUS

Going through customs (multiple times) has been no problem, even with a dog in the car

Parking spaces( when you can find them, seem smaller (hard to park a truck)

Very few roadside signs (both good and bad, I sometimes it is nice to know what is coming up before we miss it)

Cell phone reception has been pretty good (except in New York)

Google maps doesn’t always direct you on the most direct route.(even though it may be the fastest…according to them)

So nice having your “home” with you instead of motels

Gas prices were low….with our average mpg at 10 so we are happy with the lower costs

Thanks to some phone apps we have been able to find RV parks quite easily along the way