Absolutely for the better, best! Today I went out on a date with a new guy that I had only emailed with for a week. Who knew…that first date would become the longest first date ever! We’re still on it!
January 30, 2015, well, January 2015, was a crazy month in the world, the weather, friends, the weather! That was the year no one went to school, work, or flew on a Monday in January in Boston! They called it snowmaggeden! ‘Nearly 95 inches of that winter’s snow fell between Jan. 24 and Feb. 22, completely burying the previous snowfall record for a 30-day period, which had been just 58.8 inches. The unprecedented month included four consecutive weeks of storms that dropped between 16 and 24 inches’.
I happened to be living with my sister’s family at that time, it was after I left Denver, before I got a place of my own in Boston. I know I’ve told you some of this story, but I’m going to tell you again, and more, maybe! My sister and her friend AT, who I knew, were talking and since everyone I knew in Boston, except for one friend from high school, were my sister’s friends, they thought…PSM and I were both single and we might get along.
Let’s see…we both love to travel, ride motorcycles, computer geeks, love movies, and skiing. Yeah, that’s about right! So… they gave us the other one’s emails and I honestly don’t know who sent the first email, but it went from there! We made simple chit chat, then our emails grew, a little longer each time. I will say the first email I sent, I waited…and wondered…and after a few emails, it was like we’d known each other for a long time, even though we were still getting to know each other!
I think I told you we started sending each other pick up lines, but not just any pick up lines, I sent him science-y pick up lines, I knew he had a background in bio-chemistry, and I think I told you…I still don’t understand some of them! ha ha, and in turn, he sent me computer-y jokes, they were hysterical! Luckily, he’s a techie, really smart and actually understood some of them! ha ha
After a few emails we decided we would get together the following week, yup, we emailed for one week and went on our first date, he came up with six ideas for a first date, what guy does that?! My fella, that’s who! We decided on an Irish pub, I had just gotten back from Ireland a few weeks prior, so that would be perfect!
He picked me up from my sister’s house, he came to the door and held my arm to get to his vehicle, made sure I didn’t fall or slip on the ice, held my door open, and away we went. We talked, laughed, got to know each other, and ended up closing the pub down, now…that’s a good first date if I do say so myself.
He took me back to my sister’s house, we were remiss to end the date, but it was late and I think one or both of us had something going on in the morning. We said goodnight with the promise to talk tomorrow. And we did, we talked, we texted, we talked, we texted. Oh! I forgot! During our first date…I told him there was a murder mystery dinner theater happening at my sister’s synagogue, which was not far from her house, and would he like to go with me? I know you know he said yes!
The murder mystery dinner was the following Saturday, he met me there and…he was wearing a suit! LOVE that!!! Oh, and get this…at one time in his life, he actually lived up the street from where my sister lives and…he used to go to the synagogue my sister’s family belongs to and where the murder mystery dinner was!
After the show, he and I went to a local pub to continue talking and getting to know each other and at some point I said…”so, when are you taking me skiing?” And his response…funny you should ask me that, I was going to see if you wanted to go next weekend?! How could I refuse such an offer?!
So…we talked and texted throughout the week and Friday came…it was Valentine’s Day weekend, and guess what was delivered…a dozen red roses, yes indeed! I was touched and felt a little spoiled! Let’s just say…when the women in the friend group found out…the guys started calling, not his fault he was making them look bad! ha ha!
He picked me up on Friday and we drove to his house in New Hampshire, I’ve told you about the ski house before. So it was PSM, his dog Mollie, and me. He did tell me not to wear black, great…everything I have under my ski gear and apres-ski…black! Mollie was a big white dog…go figure!
So…we went to New Hampshire, we skied, we apres-skied, hung out, got to know each other and we’ve been together ever since. You’ve been with us on this journey, on some of our trips, the good, the silly, the adventurous, and who knows what the future holds, but…
here it is January 30, 2025, ten years, how many trips and countries, three home states, three dogs, several motorcycles later and we are still going strong. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us, but you know I’ll be sharing it with you!
We try to wish each other happy anniversary on the 30th of every month, well, not February, of course…but I just want to say…happy anniversary PSM, I love you. Here’s to our 10th year of dating, looking forward to the next ten, and the next!
Wow, we’re coming up on the last two days of our trip! How does that happen? It feels like just yesterday we were loading up the bikes, hitting the road and meeting a rainstorm in NY. Well…here we are Day 8, if we’re talking the start of the trip in Vermont/New Hampshire, or Day 9, the day we started out, well…either way, we’re still here in Tatamagouche, well, at least for breakfast!
PSM and I were up early, go figure…so, we got dressed and decided to walk…the 800 meters into town, yes, you heard right, the 800 meters into town. I am so looking forward to getting back to the states, I can do feet and miles, I’m terrible at meters and kilometers! The only conversions I can do is 5k [3.1 miles], 10k [6.2 miles], 15k [9.1 miles], and do you know why… those are all race lengths I have participated in! After that, I’m done! ha ha
Well…PSM and I took a lovely walk into town, and along the way we did see the strangest thing…a house on stilts…yup, you heard right, a house on stilts…they were raising it up from the basement. When one of the guys saw me taking a pic, he said “yeah, never thought I’d see that ever either!” interesting…It really was a lovely little walk, started off on the cooler side and very quickly heated up, yeah, we made it to the brewery in about 5 minutes and quickly turned around and went back to the hotel!
Since it was still early, we got a cup of coffee for PSM and a chai latte for me, and an oat bar and a strawberry/rhubarb bar, y u m! We relaxed a bit, then had one last stroll around the place while we waited for everyone else to get up. I really loved this hotel, so serene and peaceful!
We loaded up the bikes, headed to the Chowder House in downtown Tatamagouche, not a very long trip to get there. The place is a favorite with locals, the food was ok, what they got right, and it was open, the best part! Our bodies were fueled, then we headed out of town, stopped at the petrol station to fuel our bikes, then we were on our way!
We had a lovely ride along some wonderful long and winding roads, stopping once in a while to look at the view. Our goal for the next big stop was the Bay of Fundy. Per Google ‘The Bay of Fundy lies between Canada’s Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provinces, and touches the U.S. state of Maine. It’s known for extremely high tides, as at spots like New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks. These eroded “flowerpot” formations stand in water or on dry land, depending on the time of day.’
When PSM and I first met, I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday weekend, he wanted to go to The Bay of Fundy…did I know what that was? Of course not! But we were going…we took the ferry from Portland, ME to Yarmouth, NS, same place we docked this time, but the last time, we went up to Hull’s Harbor, part of the Bay of Fundy, so we could see the tidal pools and walk out on the ocean floor. Ah-Mazing!!!
This time, where we stopped…the computers all went down, so we couldn’t get in. All good, almost the entire ride we were riding along the Bay of Fundy…you just had to look to your right and it was dry where it should have been wet! Stunning!
We pulled over for petrol and to use the facilities and MMH and I were wearing short sleeves and we were loving life. Somewhere on the ride, after we crossed the province line into New Brunswick, someone turned off the heat and cranked the AC! What?! We were ffffrrrreeeezing! I had goose bumps on my goose bumps! It was crazy!
I was SO very happy to see the hotel! Never so happy! That sweatshirt came out quicker than you can say bonjour! We were now in St John, New Brunswick , Bienvenu, welcome! Merci beaucoup! We checked into the hotel, a few of us decided to go to the local Harley Davidson dealership, gotta get a t-shirt after all! We were mis-informed…it wasn’t a dealership, it was a motorcycle shop that had bikes and some gear, but not a Harley place. Back to the hotel we went!
CDH and MMH went off to meet family and that left PBP, PSM, LDL, and I. I found the Pub Down Under, it was literally down under the hotel, go figure! Away we went! It was close, we didn’t have to get back on the bikes and my sweatshirt was enough!
The place was packed, bikers and non-bikers alike, those coming off the Cabot Trail, those heading towards it. We had some food and drink, talked to other bikers, made some friends, and regaled each other with fun stories, just took it easy and talked about what time to get started in the AM, we were heading back to the U S of A.
Everyone went back to their rooms, I caught up with a few people, then I came upstairs to talk to you and now friends, I am finally warming up! I am going to get into bed and pretend to sleep, it’s time to ride home tomorrow, not sure how far we’re going to get, but we’ll be home by Sunday.
Baddeck, NS was fabulous, the Cabot Trail… stunning…the Cabot Trail Motel…relaxing…but it’s time to bid all that farewell…and where are we headed to? Why Tatamagouche, NS of course! Yeah, I hadn’t heard of it either, but now…love it! Come ride with us!
One last sunrise, in Baddeck, don’t get dramatic! and one last walk to the water from the Cabot Trail Motel, that view! We loaded up the bikes and headed into Baddeck for one last meal in this town.
We went to another place on my list, the High Wheeler Cafe & Bakery, it wasn’t open early enough yesterday…resort towns, I tell ya! What a charming and tasty place to have breakfast! Good bagels, made in house, and being from NYC, I am a bit of a bagel snob, I’m ok admitting it! I had a very good chai tea latte and also ordered some of their specialty cookies, oat cakes with peanut butter, covered in chocolate…someone in the line raved about them, so of course, we needed some! We had a lovely breakfast, good conversation, route discussions, looking at photos from the day before and then…it’s time to hit the road.
We ride for a bit on the Cabot Trail and then we are on other roads. It’s a beautiful day, we’ve got some sun, warmth, cool breezes, it feels great. After a few hundred miles, we are in Tatamagouche! Ok, now it’s toasty! but we are at our destination, the Tatamagouche Brewing Company, perfect! It’s an open space, very dog friendly, they have tables made from barrels from Glenora Distillery, how cool is that. They have drinks, food, stickers, and magnets, what more do you want?! We chat with other bikers hanging at the brewery and then it’s time to get back on the bikes for the very long 3 minute trek to the hotel!
We are staying at the Train Station Inn, rooms available May through October, it was meant to be! The 5th most unique hotel in the world really is! It was built in 1887, in 1950 it was a bustling hub, in 1974 Jimmie LeFresne saved the train station from demolition, he had loved the station as a kid, worked there when he got older and bought it in 1974, in 1989 the Train Station Inn opened and it’s still running today!
This place transports you when you roll onto the property, you’re at a train station, and we get to stay here?! I would say all the little touches, and there are, but it’s the bones that make it. The 9 train cars, the lounge car, and the dining car, the greenery, the garden, the signposts, every detail!
There are nine train cars you can stay in, some sleep 2, some sleep 4, some sleep 8, the options are endless! We were in Caboose #10, we had a living room with a fold-out sofa, a kitchenette, a loft area with a table, a decent sized bathroom, and an enormous bedroom with a king sized bed, I think it was actually California King! We rolled and rolled and rolled and never touched each other! ha ha, the bed was huge! I can’t wait to sleep in it tonight!
But it’s not time to get in bed, there is exploring to do! The cafe with breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and beverages, the gift shop, the train memorabilia, the outdoor bar and seating area, play area for the kids, everywhere you look there is a trinket or treat to grab your attention!
We met in the lounge/conservatory car, chatted for a bit about the day and the hotel, and tried our peanut butter-oat cake-chocolate goodness, they had melted in the saddle bag, go figure, but I had put them in the freezer so they were a treat! We also shared them with some kids who were in the lounge with us.
We were able to go into the dining car a little earlier than our reservation, and settled in for a treat! Drinks, starters, a wonderful salad with goat cheese and edible flowers for me, dessert, and great conversation with us and then the people sitting behind us, who were celebrating their friend getting married. It’s nice to talk to someone in your same age group who’s getting married, we don’t meet that many people in that situation, it was fun!
We left the dining car, everyone else went to the bar to get some drinks while it was still open, I went to the cafe and got myself an evening chai latte, and PBP went to get his tin of Left-Right-Center, we were in for a fun evening!
LCR, I know it’s Left-Right-Center, but when you abbreviate, it seems to work better for LCR! PSM and I learned to play last year on the bike trip, we haven’t played since, it’s a lot of fun! It’s a dice game, we played with $3 for each person, you roll the dice and follow what the outcome is. L > give the person on your left $1, R > give the person on your right $1, C > put $1 in the center pot and if you get a dot…you don’t have to do anything. Now… you might have nothing left and someone rolls the die and you end up with something!
We were having a great time! PSM and I both said we’ve never won and guess what… PSM won a round and O M G! I won 4 rounds! I couldn’t believe it! It was fun, when I won one round, if someone needed the $3 to start, I gave them the $3, then each round was like that, it was so goofy and when it was over, I won the pot! We can’t say we never win anymore! Looking forward to the next time!
And now friends…it’s been a very long day and tomorrow…we say adieu to Nova Scotia, leaving one province for another, New Brunswick, here we come! So to you, my friends, I say g’night!
Today started out early…again…well, for me anyway, go figure! Another beautiful, but cold day, do you love the gator that CWB gave me?! It matches my hair perfectly, who knew! It was KSU [Kick Stands Up] at 9a, another day we don’t have to load up the bikes with more than just us! We decided to go to a place for breakfast in town that was open, these resort towns, they don’t always open early or stay open late, all good, relaxing…
We started our morning at Bean There Cafe, don’t you love the clever names of some of these places! This is a charming, unassuming, and welcoming0 cafe that offers coffee, tea, bagels, brunch, lunch, and a few other baked goods. We waited in line, ordered one by one, then took our drinks outside while we waited for our breakfast sandwiches.
As PBP and I were outside looking for a place to sit, there was a young guy who asked us if we were on the bikes down the street, yup. We’re the two guys who passed you yesterday! What?! These are the two idiots who passed us going waaayyyy tooooo fast yesterday, uphill, there are 5 of us on bikes, MMH was riding with CDH again today. They passed all 5 of us going at breakneck speed! I can tell you when we had gotten off the bikes at some point, we were talking about the two of them and how crazy they were!
Too funny! What are the odds! I had to call everyone to come outside because of these two guys, who were sitting with their family and their poor mom, she just hung her head because of what she was hearing about her sons! Not that she was too surprised! We chatted with them while we all ate breakfast, then took a photo and we went in one direction, and they went in another.
Next stop…Sydney, NS! Home to the world’s largest fiddle! Yes, you heard me, the world’s largest fiddle! I kid you not! And friends…it was HUGE! It’s called The Big Fiddle because the fiddle and bow reach 60 feet! Do you have a scope of how big that is?! Look up…now look up further…further…further…does your neck hurt? um, yeah, that might be enough…
We walked around, took pictures in front of the giant fiddle, in the giant chair, walked into some of the shops, got a magnet, of course! Did someone say lunch?
Why yes, yes they did! LDL, CDH, and MMH went to a local brewery, Breton Brewery, to check out their selection and production, and MMH got me a magnet!!! while PBP, PSM, and I went across to Governors Pub & Eatery, it was a good looking Irish Pub and they had…yup, PSM’s mother’s milk…Guinness, they even had alcohol-free or non-alcoholic Guinness, imagine that! I tasted it, I couldn’t tell the difference, it tasted just like fully loaded sludge to me! ha ha. PSM could tell the difference, but I’m not a drinker, so I couldn’t tell and PBP was happy, and that’s what matters! Non-alcoholic beverages sure have come a long way! When I was first introduced, it was O’Doul’s, now the list is endless, and here is a site I found with a list, called Proof No More!
We had good food and drink, I love a pub…I can get a pot of tea without being looked at funny! Well, funnier than usual! Kidding. We had good food, drink, and conversation, and left just in time as a few raindrops started to hit our heads, but we were not deterred.
We met everyone at a petrol station near by and then it was on to our next destination…a whiskey distillery that we would have a tour, tasting, and dinner. A triple threat, sounds like a plan! We went to Glenora Distillery, we had passed it yesterday and a few of us thought we were going to stop, you should have seen the look on PSM’s face when we passed by, but not to worry…when we got to dinner last night, MMH called and made a reservation for us.
This place, let me tell you…stun-ning! It’s not only a distillery, it’s a hotel/resort. We were all mesmerized by the grounds, perfectly manicured, the flora and fauna were beautiful, then we went inside, warm, inviting, and welcoming. I know inviting and welcoming could be the same thing, but not in this case, you wanted to be invited in and felt incredibly welcome.
We sat down to have some drinks, a pot of hot tea for me, go figure, waters all around, iced tea for LDL, a non-alcoholic beverage for PBP, harder stuff for MMH and CDH, and for PSM, what else…a flight of their own whiskey. Truth be told, he wasn’t a fan, there was one that tasted like moonshine, straight out of the bottle, the others, I couldn’t tell a difference, but you know me, I don’t care of them, but I taste everything. For him, he approached it like he does all tastings, almost scientifically, go figure, he’s a scientist…
He listened to our server who explained what each one was, the age, the barrel, the best way to try it and try them he did. There was one he liked, it was smokey, but this whiskey just wasn’t for him, and that’s ok, not every drink is to everyone’s taste, and that’s what makes the world go round!
After a bit, it was time for our distillery tour, away we went. I have been on quite a few distillery tours, I may not be a drinker, but I enjoy learning about the process. In Ireland, I went to the Jameson Distillery, in Hawai’i, we went to the Ko’Hana Rum Distillery, in Branson, MO, we went to Smith Creek Moonshine Distillery, you name it, if there’s a distillery and I’m with PSM, we’re going!
We took the tour and learned a lot about the process, the water, the this, the that, the other, I honestly don’t remember, but it was cool and the stories are fun and at the end…a tasting. I tasted…well, a sip, then someone had to finish it for me! That’s my MO…I’ll taste it, then you can get drunk! kidding!
The tour was informational and entertaining, and now it’s time for dinner! We headed back to the restaurant and had a very nice meal. I think someone in our group had poutine at every meal! It’s french fries, topped with cheese curds and gravy. Yeah, doesn’t sound that appetizing to me, but I have to tell you…I had vegan poutine in Chicago years ago, I totally get it!
Dinner was good, the conversation was entertaining, the stories were plentiful, the drinks flowed, and then it was time to go. I got my toffee sticky pudding to go and we were in the parking lot at the bikes just as it started to rain, fun! It’s hard enough putting rain gear on when you’re standing, but standing in the rain…fun!
We made it back to the motel, got into warm comfy clothes, and started to pack up our stuff, in the morning, we’re off to Tatamagouche! I know, can you believe it! First stop…breakfast…next stop…petrol…then the Tatamagouche Brewing Company… then the coolest hotel ever! But that’s for tomorrow!
So for now…our last night in Baddeck, NS…sweet dreams…vroom vroom!
Why oh why…even when we ride 500 miles the day before, and asleep between 11pm and 1am, am I up between 4 and 6 am? You are correct, there is something very wrong with me! And you know what? I’m ok with that!
So… as I said, up early, got dressed and walked across the road from the motel to the waterfront. There were almost no cars on the road at that time, easy to cross, walked down to the pier or boat ramp and just took it all in, and yes, I put my feet in the water, cold, but so worth it! I communed with nature about 30 minutes, then headed back to the room to get ready for our day. PSM was up by then, and after telling him how wonderful it was, so we took a stroll hand-in-hand to the water, we of course had to put our feet at the water, but not quite in enough to get wet, I wasn’t barefoot then, and you know my boots aren’t waterproof!
Back across the road, it was almost time to head out. Don’t the bikes look wonderful, gleaming in the sun, ready for today’s adventure!?
Of course my bare feet were in the sea! Ahhhh…
Just listen…
Just listen to the sound of the water…isn’t it divine!?
We got on the bikes, one nice thing about staying somewhere a few days, not worrying about our stuff, we unloaded last night and now, just hop on the bike and go! We headed left, please don’t ask me if it was east or west, we all know I have no idea! Left from the hotel, we were going to ride until we found a place to stop and get some coffee and breakfast fare, we had already done dinner in the hotel, let’s do something else.
We stopped at the Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery, which was decorated in, yup, you guessed it…puppies! Kidding, sorry, totally decorated in chicken stuff. It was kitschy and cute, just what the Clucking Hen should be! I even got a shirt that says ‘No Clucking Around’! I thought the best sign was the one you see in the pic ‘I dream of a better world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!’
We all ordered food and drinks, I got a chai latte with oat milk, or so I thought…turns out it was real milk, but I was lucky enough to discover it with one sip and they fixed my drink straight away. They also returned my money, which they didn’t have to, so…when I asked if they had any magnets and they didn’t, they gave me a pen, which I turned around and paid for with some of my refund! She was a very nice human being!
Everything we got was tasty and delicious, especially the thing they are famously known for, their buttertarts and oh my word, they were AHmazing!!! We had one pecan and one raisin and just wow! I don’t know how anyone eats more than one of these things! PSM and I split the two and I think raisin was my favorite, but just thinking about it, I could go for another one right now!
Aside from the service and the food, the view was spectacular. We were on a bit of a hill, overlooking a meadow, leading to the water, wouldn’t you call that spectacular?! Overall, 2 thumbs up in my book. I’d go back for another meal!
No clucking around today!
Back on the bikes and back onto the Cabot Trail, I really need to get one of those 360 cameras, they take amazing shots and videos 360 degrees, gets it all [wish list!]. We rode for a while, then went down this one road and ended up at a beach, so of course… stop and take pictures and I put my feet at the water once again, I know, I know, not in…but I had my feet at the water’s edge. I stood there, eyes closed, face up to the sky and sun, arms outstretched, taking in the sounds, the smells, the feels, I was most assuredly in my happy place.
Mother Nature, what a beauty you are!
Back on the bikes, a few hundred miles more, up mountains, down mountain roads, twists, turns, scenic lookouts, more gorgeous views, stopping for petrol, then the Cardinal Points Gift Shop, a biker friendly souvenir shop, we had to stop of course! We got t-shirts, magnets, stickers, patches, it was a lot of fun looking and picking out some fun things to bring back. Always have to remember, you’re on a motorcycle with limited space, but…I have 4 outside pockets on my bag/backpack, and one is dedicated to magnets and stickers! Nice, small things I can bring home!
Eventually, it was time to head back towards the motel, but it was also time to feed the crowd! One of the things that got established, sort of, last year on our big trip out west, I would look for places to eat, so…I always have a list now, it’s something I do for any trip, I have a list of possible restaurants and sites to see, if we go, we go, if we don’t…oh well. Tonight, it was dinner in Baddeck, at The Narrows Cafe and Bar at the Inverary Resort, about a mile from the hotel and a loverly place for dinner.
We didn’t need a reservation, we could walk in tired and looking like we did, and they welcomed us and made food and drink magically appear on the table! It was a nice vibe and atmosphere, a decent size bar, big tables and a big fireplace, which I bet is toasty and inviting in the winter. Best thing for me…a really good veggie burger!
After dinner, half of us went back to the hotel, the other half went in search of libations for the rest of the evening. We dismounted, changed out of our riding gear, settled in on the porch and watched the sun setting. What more could you want?!
What a way to end the day!
Now my friends, it’s time to say good evening, there’s more riding tomorrow, I have to go in and pretend to go to sleep and do it all again tomorrow. What a life! More, more, more!
Slept well, at least I think so, up before the alarm again, go figure. Am I just excited or is this just par for the course for me? Both? No idea!
Well, first, got the text about 630a, “LDL and PBP reporting for duty. Luggage cart is in the hallway.” It’s nice, we arrive at a hotel and someone grabs a luggage cart and we all pile our stuff on it and take it to our rooms, and most of the time our rooms are near each other, works out nicely. Then in the AM or at least the morning we’re leaving, it happens in reverse. Team work to make the dream work! 7a meet for breakfast, KSU 730am. We’re never quite on time, getting to breakfast, pretty close, KSU, mostly!
One thing that we noticed and thought was funny…a bunch of people that were on the ferry with us were at the hotel, a lot of people decided they didn’t want to go any further with the weather, even in a car, and decided to stay at that hotel, some people, it was their destination. So we got to talk to a few folks, it was fun.
First stop…petrol station next to the hotel. The pump did not take a credit card, so first, you select the amount or Fill, pump, then you go in and pay. That is some honor system! Next stop…well…last stop is going to be Baddeck, but along the way, who knows, hopefully somewhere in Nova Scotia!
Our first stop was Bubba Mcgoos & Bistro, right near Peggy’s Cove, which was our main destination here in Halifax. Did you know that Halifax is one of the largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world? I didn’t either until I looked Halifax up, isn’t that interesting?!
Well, Bubba Mcgoos looked interesting, there was a gift and fudge shop downstairs, upstairs, it was 18 and up, we’re all over 18, we went up! The only people there were the staff, but we went up again to a nice seating area with a beautiful view, I know it would have been more beautiful if it wasn’t overcast, but still beautiful. We were all pretty cold, I brought my rain gear in with me so I could warm up and then put it on.
It was beers for everyone and a very hot tea for me, you knew that, didn’t you? I also was fortunate to have a bowl of vegan chili and some delicious corn bread. For a cold day like today, that was absolutely perfect, forget that it’s JUNE people! We had a lovely lunch, good food, good conversation, lots of laughs, and as we were finishing, two other tables filled up, how nice.
Bubba Mcgoos & Bistro
When we left Bubba Mcgoos, rain gear on, we rode on to Peggy’s Cove and lighthouse. It was spectacular and somewhere along the route, Mother Nature decided to smile upon us! The sky was bright and blue, the clouds were fluffy and white, and it was just perfect!
We walked out on the rocks towards the lighthouse and the water, there were several signs “Warning: Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here. The ocean and rocks are treacherous, savour the sea from a distance.” Wise words, a little jarring, but wise. And so…of course I had to lie down next to the sign, on one of said rocks, in a fainting manor. I respect nature, Mother Nature, and the sea, no worries about me!
Peggy’s Cove
We wandered on the rocks towards the water, but never getting that close. I have to tell you, there is nothing like this, close your eyes and just hear the wind, the water crashing on the shore and the rocks, and the smell of the sea, and the feel of the wind and sun on your face, what more could you want?!
I’m sorry I didn’t take a longer video.
After Peggy’s Cove, we got back on the bikes, I took off my rain gear, I was pretty confident I would be ok without it for the rest of the ride, and I was just fine. We made it to the Cabot Trail Motel, a lovely place across the street from the water, with a wonderful view. When we got there and checked in, the check-in was in the restaurant, we were lucky enough that the restaurant was still open and could and would take us and feed us!
The food was ok, they had hot tea, I was happy. We talked through the day, talked about what the plan was for tomorrow, KSU [Kick Stands Up] at 930, we’ll get some breakfast on the road.
Now it’s time to get to our rooms, unload our bikes, for a few days, wahoo! take warm showers, put on jammies, talk to you and get some sleep! Alarm is set for 845a, just to be sure we get up and get ready, think we’ll really need it? Nope, better safe than sorry though!
I don’t know about you, but 500 miles is a good number and I think I might be tired! G’night!
Who’s alarm was set for 330a this morning? Mine was! PSM’s was! CDH’s was! Any other takers? Nope…not on your life! the bed is comfy and the covers are cozy, the room is warm, and dry, my feet are toasty, nope, you go on without me! I’ll look at your photos! ha ha
Obkb, alarm went off at 330a this morning, only bad part…I think I fell asleep about 1am, go figure! Well, the alarm went off, PSM and I were up like a shot, teeth brushed, face washed, meds taken? Don’t remember…on the bikes and met up with CDH at 347a, we were off! We got to Acadia National Park with everyone else heading up to watch the sunrise. The park ranger only wanted to see my ticket to get in, you had to reserve your spot to get into the park at that hour to watch the sunrise, but I pulled everything else out! My National Park Pass, compliments of my wonderful husband, some girls get jewelry, not me, I get national park passes and motorcycle accessories, works for me! I had pulled out my ID, ready to go! He said, you’re on a bike, as long as you have your reservation for the sunrise, you’re good. well…alrighty then.
We rode up a wonderful winding road, following a car that could have gone just a wee bit faster! I don’t know if you ride, but it’s not easy to ride slowly, 25 is tough, slower is tougher! But…we made it up the mountain, I had opera playing through my headphones, Pavarotti, it was spectacular. Imagine something classical and powerful playing in your ears as you are climbing a mountain and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds. Can you see it? Oh my.
We got to the top, parked, and walked out onto the rocks and found a place to stop, watch, and just marvel at what Mother Nature and the Earth have to offer and oh wow, did they offer! We watched as the sun started to rise, it was going to be here in no time at all!
One of the things I was most excited about, being up there, and one of the reasons I wanted to go…my baby sister, GES’, birthday is today! So…I got to make her one of my special birthday videos, but…from the top of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park! I hope she likes it!
Here’s a video I took, you can hear how the wind is whipping all around us, but wow, yeah, I don’t know what else to say! Apologies for some of the jerky movements, I zoomed in and out a few times and once I was really zoomed in! Sorry you can hear us talking a few times, hope it didn’t totally ruin the experience. But I hope you can get a feel for what we enjoyed!
I remember watching the sunrises and sunsets when we lived in Hawai’i, there were times we purposely got up to go somewhere and watch it and others, I just stood on the lanai, I was usually up anyway. This made me think of those times and made me smile, especially experiencing it with PSM.
Looking out over the water in places, it didn’t even look like water, it looked like snow patches, just the way the water was, and the light played on it. I love taking pictures of other people’s pictures, see what they’re seeing, feel what they’re feeling. This was such an amazing experience, I would do it again and again, and I would not have missed this for the world!
A little after the official sunrise and just after 5am, we rode back down the mountain, more classical music in my ears, back to the hotel. CDH went back to his room, and we went back to ours, to try to get some sleep, we were going pack up our bikes, check out of the hotel at 10:00am and head to breakfast.
After PSM attempted to sleep, he actually nodded off for a bit, I was quite pleased, I would love to say I did the same, but nope…so, we got out of bed, got dressed and headed into Bar Harbor, down by the water, where we were last night. We thought we would get some coffee and tea, maybe a pastry, it was about 7/730am and we weren’t going to be eating breakfast for a few hours and we were awake.
The town was quiet, only a handful of people were out, but it wasn’t dead, by any means. We got coffee and tea, and a pastry, at a local coffee shop, I’m not even going to mention the place, everything was awful. The coffee and tea were off, and the pastries definitely did not taste like they were made fresh, and on site, despite the claims on the wall.
While we were walking around, we got a text from KDN, he wasn’t feeling well, he started feeling ill yesterday, so he and KK were going to head out before we met for breakfast and head back to Boston, they weren’t going to join us for the Nova Scotia portion of the trip, they were always going to ride with us to Bar Harbor and then take off. Looking forward to the next trip with them! Safe travels home guys!
We sat with a nice couple and chatted, they were waiting to go on a boat tour, and we watched the people lining up to get on a whale watching tour. [I don’t know if this is the one everyone was waiting for, but at least you’ll get an idea of what’s involved!] We walked around the town, it really is charming. I haven’t been here since I was just about 16, I biked the Coast of Maine, from Bath to Bar Harbor with a group, what an experience, needless to say, it’s been a while. PSM, on the other hand, has fond memories of visiting Bar Harbor and even camping out in the parks. I would love to go back one day to stay and explore a bit.
As we were walking back to the bikes, I stopped in one of the shops to pick up my magnets and stickers for Bar Harbor, I already started in Vermont, not stopping now! We headed back to the motel, packed up our bags, loaded the bikes, and headed to the office to check out. Then we waited for everyone else to gather and we headed back into Bar Harbor to the breakfast place I had picked out and…PSM and I saw it when we rode in earlier, so we knew just where to park!
I put our names in, there was quite the wait, and hung out across the street for the 20/30 minutes until our table was ready. We talked, laughed, planned the day, talked about what was to come and I remembered….I went to Walgreens and bought some Dramamine and some cough drops. I learned a long time ago, I don’t always do well on some bigger boats, as much as I love being on the water, it’s not always a good thing! Especially if there’s bad weather! And…good thing too, we needed them!
After breakfast, we went to the local coffee place and a few folks got coffee, more specifically espressos that they were craving. Then, after a bit, we headed for the ship. We were taking The Cat ferry from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, NS. After we checked in, we sat down in the waiting area, the nice thing was we could be inside because the weather wasn’t pleasant for bikers! While we were sitting there we filled out our declaration forms, the funny thing was, they had one pen there because they had lent them to people yesterday, but didn’t get them back!
As we sat there, other bikers came in and sat in the same area, we shared the one pen we had! We talked about the trip, where we were going to be riding, the plan for when we land, and we got to know the other bikers. Eventually, it was time to board the boat, we rode on, secured our bikes and headed up to the main part of the ship. While we were down there, we realized the weather would not be conducive to us riding from Yarmouth, where we were docking to Halifax, where our hotel was. So… group decision, I found a hotel in Yarmouth, a Tru by Hilton, I called the Diamond Desk and made a reservation for 3 rooms, this was the easiest thing to do.
We headed upstairs and then I called the hotel we were booked in and cancelled the reservations. All good for everyone else, my reservation somehow was non-refundable, but I made the same reservation as everyone else. I was too tired to fight, and no one ever called me back, chalk it up to a loss. I won’t ever be staying there again!
We settled in, I realized I forgot my charger and asked the purser if I could go down to my bike and get my charger, he was kind enough to escort me down. I told him I would not have asked if we were already out of the port, but he was wonderful and I learned much about him! I got my charger, headed back upstairs, and drinks were waiting for me! I immediately took a Dramamine and handed them out to anyone who asked. I could also feel the ocean, so I asked PSM to get me some potato chips, I knew it would help. He got me sea salt & vinegar, don’t like those, but they were salty and tangy and just what I needed, along with the water and ginger ale.
The boat set sail and we were off. Some people went to the back of the ship, I stayed right where I was, facing forward. When we found our spots, I made the statement that I will compromise almost anything for someone, but I must sit facing in the direction we were traveling, just a heads up if you end up traveling with me! The waves were hitting the boat, the rain was coming down, but it wasn’t the worst I’ve been in.
The boat was nice, there were two decks below for vehicles, inside, there was a bar at one end, with some food, the other end had a cafe, no alcohol, in the middle there was another snack bar and lots of tables and chairs everywhere, and some bench seats, plenty of room. One thing they didn’t have…charging ports, glad I was able to get mine!
There were TVs in the area we were, car racing was on, but in and out as we lost signal. In the middle of the ship they were playing movies. A pretty comfortable situation overall. When we did this before, we were on the overnight ship from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, it was a 12 hour trip, there was a full dining room with sit down service and staterooms, which we had and I was so thankful for, if you know what I’m saying!
At one point, I put my hood down over my eyes and I was out like a light, just the way I like it! Ignorant of what’s happening around me! After I woke up I went in search of a rest room and on my way back, found the gift shop for a magnet and a sticker, go figure! Back to our group where everyone was starting to wake up and come back to life. Oh, I forgot, there was a guy playing guitar for most of the trip, he wasn’t great, but he kept us entertained! And my wonderful husband tipped him as he finished. Such a good egg!
When the boat docked, we headed back down to the bikes, got them unhooked and ready to ride. They have a very smooth and efficient process to get you on and off the boat, along with the tie downs, a well oiled machine, so to speak. When we were finally able to ride off the boat, we got into the line to go through border control into Canada. We had to wait a bit, they had 4 lanes, car > car > bikes > bikes. The downside…they were on strike so only a few people were working. Some people got made because they thought they were letting all the bikes go at once, nope, it was car > car > bike > bike. Now…some of us went by 2’s because we live in the same household… relax!
When we were all through passport control and assembled outside the gates, we rode the 7 miles to the hotel, checked in, got permission to park our bikes right in front of the windows, under the awning, to help keep our bikes out of the rain a little. We then went to our rooms, coordinated on food for the evening, pizza: simple and something everyone can agree on [maybe not our stomachs, but simple and tasty!] we also ordered a salad and CDH and MMH went out to get beverages.
We met down in the lobby when the food arrived, gathered, ate, talked, laughed, and watched the Celtics game, they are in the playoffs and everyone in the group, except for me are from Boston, so… Celtics fans! I’m not anti-Celtics, I have fond memories of Larry Bird!
When I finished eating, I wished everyone a good night so I could come and talk to you and everyone else stayed downstairs to watch the game, enjoy! Plan first…breakfast at 7a, KSU, Kick Stands Up, at 730a off to Baddeck in the AM! Mother Nature, please be kind tomorrow!
Good luck Celtics, I’m outta here!
Happy Birthday GES! I hope today was as fabulous and magical as you! Your big sister loves you so very much!
We got up on our own, by that I mean no alarm, love that. I actually woke up before everyone at the ungodly hour of 4am, why…why why, why Delilah? I don’t know! And I’m sorry for the ear worm! I do love that song! And I do love Tom Jones, who doesn’t?! Back to it, I woke up stupid early, so I practiced my Italian and thought about the day ahead of us.
Everyone was eventually up, we took showers, got dressed, straightened up the house, loaded up the bikes, set out for gas and breakfast, which for some…could give you gas, ha ha, sorry! We went to White Mountain Bagel Company. This was the beginning of Laconia Bike Week, the world’s oldest bike week, at 101 years old this year, imagine! That being said, as we were pulling into Lincoln, NH last night, the bikes were on their way in and this morning, even more so, and it’s going to get even more crowded as the week progresses, good time to get out!
We headed out on the road, we were going to take the Kancamagus Highway, also known as New Hampshire Route 112, it’s 56+ miles of highway that winds across the state, connecting Bath to Conway through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. Stunning scenery, and the Kancamagus is truly a fabulous road to ride. Not everyone does all of it, but apparently I did a few years ago! When I started riding in NH with PSM and friends. It’s also not the easiest road to ride, I didn’t know that, so…. of course, I looked for a shirt that says ‘I conquered the Kanc!’ can’t find one, go figure, might have to make my own!
We pulled over at one point to discuss the next leg of the trip and there was a crash, boom, crack…thunder and lightening, I suggested we get across the street under some cover at the gas station and just as we did, the sky opened up and dumped on us! The rain was coming down so hard, within seconds, you can see it rushing out of the downspout! On went the rain gear, goody!
We rode most of the way to Bar Harbor, or Bah Habah I called it yesterday, in the rain, fun. The rain finally stopped, but it was still cold and wet, my feet were ffreeezzing! I really do need waterproof/leather motorcycle boots! We made it to the Edenbrook Motel, drenched, but happy. Even riding in the rain is better because you’re riding…sort of.
We got into the rooms, there was a very, I mean very hot shower in my future! Everyone else was not too far out and once they got there, we decided to meet by the office to head down together to dinner. I have to say, I prefer a hotel, but…one of the nice things about motels is that for the ones we are staying at, when you ride a motorcycle, you can park right outside of your room, you don’t have to climb stairs carrying your stuff, bonus!
We met at the office, hugs all around, meet and greet two new people for us, hang out a bit, talk about how cold we still are, but looking forward to the evening and this trip! No Uber in Bar Harbor, so taxi it is! They could get 8 comfortably in the taxi, so I called a second taxi while we waited and they sent the taxi back for us, but our other taxi arrived a few moments later, very sweet!
We went down by the water, a five minute ride, and went to Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. It was in a prime location, looking out over the water, we were cozy at a large high-top table, had a great waiter and settled in for some food, drinks, and frivolity.
We told stories of past trips, got to know each other, and overall had a fabulous time at dinner. I think a sign of good things to come. One of the things we did discuss…who was getting up to watch the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain?
That would be me, PSM, and CDH, he’s our ride captain, he put this trip together, he’s good like that! We work really well together, he plans the rides, I figure out meals, and hotels, we do together, mostly. I say that because for this trip, he found all the hotels, last year, it was a team effort. They don’t call me Julie McCoy for nothin’!
It was such a gorgeous evening, the rain had done some magic with the sky! Isn’t it beautiful! Oh my, I do love being on the water, sigh… After dinner a few folks went in search of ice cream, and the rest of us headed back to the hotel, we had an early morning coming!
So now, dear friends, my feet are starting to warm up, but I am going to say goodnight and pretend to try to sleep, I have to be up at 330am! But I cannot wait to see the sunrise and share pics with you!
Good night! [I tried to find a Bar Harbor phrase for goodnight, but came up empty!] Night!
It’s been two weeks, why wouldn’t we go on a new adventure?! This time…open road style means…vroom vroom, motorcycle style!
This trip has been in the works for some time. Last year, while we were on the trip out west, we all started talking about next year’s trip, and we ketpt coming back to Canada. Keep talking and visualizing, and here we are!
We packed last night, yup, before we were leaving! ha ha. Since we were packed, easy to get out about 4p. PSM got home a little after 3p, I was still getting some work done, and just before 4p, took my bags out to the barn, strapped my bag to the back of my bike, Eunice, the 2022 Super Cheif Limited and we were good to go!
Paul was taking the Challenger, he calls it Challenger, sounds about right!
The big reason we wanted to leave around 4p was the weather, it rained last night, it rained this morning, and it’s going to rain this afternoon, potential, it’s going to rain this evening. It did…
We were going along, when we started out, it was 84 out, then it got up to 88. It was toasty, but…PSM routed us a great…well, route, that would take us away from a lot of highways and more importantly…away from Connecticut, which, I believe I’ve said this, it’s a lovely state, but the traffic is awful!
So…we realized he routed us for no traffic, but into the rain. If we had stuck with traffic, no rain… go figure! We got almost 100 miles and pulled into a rest stop, stretched our legs, checked the weather, and most importantly…put on our rain gear! Good thing we did, it started raining. Now, one of the guys in we ride with says…’put on the rain gear…no rain’, that didn’t quite work!
I’m just a wee bit short for this bike, I need a little bit of a heel or platform so I am flat footed when I come to a stop, unlike Charlene, my Scout, where I can wear my Converse sneakers. I found a pair at a Walmart near Sturgis, SD when we were there two years ago, I fought getting them, but I actually like them. They used to be a sandy/tan color, now…after almost 3 years of riding in them, through all sorts of weather, not so much. the real issue with these boots…rubber soles, ok, the rest…canvas. Can you guess what happened in the first few minutes of riding in the rain? Yup… I’m walking with a puddle in my shoe…fun!
We thought we would pull into a gas station, we were both at about half a tank, and get some respite from the rain. Couldn’t find a gas station and it was coming down harder, so Starbucks it is. We got some food, tried to dry off a little, as much as we could. We watched the rain come down hard, then let up, then come down hard, then let up. When it had let up enough, the sun broket hrough the clouds, really?
We decided it had cleared up enough to start riding again, but we weren’t taking off the rain gear, not taking chances, and it’s raining all over the PA/NY region. As we were riding, the sun was coming out, it was nice, but I started getting a little chilly, very glad for my rain gear, but brrr…
We ended up stopping at another rest area to check the weather one more time and take a bio break. At this point, the sky looked like it was clearning up, we were even chasing a few rainbows! I’m sorry i couldn’t take a pic whilewe were riding, they were bright and one of them had a friend, right next to it!
PSM said if we keep to a slower speed, we might be able to stay behind the rain, as well as the wetter the road, the more hazardous conditions, hydroplaning and all, which as you can imagine, would be bad!
Were we lucky? Nope, not a chance, why would we be? ha ha. I was in the lead at this point and kept it to about 55/60, if I got up to 65, I would slow it back down. When we left the rest stop it was about 8p, we had booked a hotel about an hours ride from where we were, we just needed to get there and crash for the night.
We were doing great, sky was clear, water from the road, but so far so good, and keeping that speed. Alas…the rain started again, and then it started getting dark, and darker, and darker, and now we’re riding in the rain, my windsheild, which as you may or may not know, on a motorcycle does not have wipers like a car! and why hasn’t someone figured this one out?! ha ha. I only think about this when it’s raining!
So… my windsheild is very rainy, my goggles are very rainy, and it is dark! A few times, I actually had to lean to the right to see the road! This was so much fun! lol. I’m glad I had my headphones on, that helped. Finally, I look in my mirror and see PSM has his signal on, I also saw the sign for the hotel near the exit.
We pull off the highway and ride for what seems like forever, only about a mile maybe, but…dark and rainy, great combination! We finally pull into the hotel, under the entrance, a nice guy who works for the hotel told us we could park there for the night, to avoid the on the bikes. Every little bit helps!
We got into the room and stripped everything off! Everything that was wet went on the heater, and we cranked that sucker up! We changed into shorts and sandles/slippahs, and headed down to the bar for a much needed drink! PSM had a Woodford Reserve bourbon, and I had Disorono, an amaretto, on the rocks. I have one a few times a year, when I want to pretend to be a grown-up. I have yet to finish one, but I like it because it’s a sweet liqueur.
After we closed the bar down, we headed back to the room so I could talk to you and we could crash.
Tomorrow…is the official start of our trip. That’s what PSM said, I’m good with that! So…I say bon nuit to you and sign off for the night, tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and bright and hot, I’m planning on drying off as we ride!
Was that enough? Well…there is one thing I left out, but I will tell you about that in another post, promise! Let’s start with Saturday morning first thing.
We got up, no alarm, thank you very much! Headed downstairs to grab some food, ran into Uncle A, Auntie L was still asleep, he had already had breakfast, but stayed and sat with us while we had breakfast. We chatted, caught up, it was a lot quieter this morning than it was last night at Nacho Daddy, and of course we couldn’t talk during the show! Well, some of us had nodded off, so that would pose a problem for chatting!
PSM and I were heading to the place we always look for on our travels…an Indian Motorcycle Dealership, of course! We invited Uncle A, Auntie L, and dad, they were all in. I checked with SDL and J&S, they were all going to chill at the hotel and maybe go to the pool. Sounds good. So…we called an Uber, met in the lobby, went to pick up dad at the Paris Hotel & Casino and off we went to Sin City Indian Motorcycle, a very nice dealership and showroom. We hung out for a bit, looked at bikes, bought some t-shirts and we were good to go.
Order Uber. Back to the strip. On to the next adventure! Dropped off dad at Paris, he was going to see how friendly the tables were. PSM and I got off at the same hotel, Uncle A and Auntie L went on to the Mob Museum, National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement. It’s a great museum, in an old retired courthouse. You can rent it for weddings and other events, there is a distillery, and a speakeasy! I went years ago and really enjoyed it!
After we said goodbye to everyone, PSM and I hopped in a taxi and headed to the New York New York Hotel & Casino. I may have mentioned how much I love this hotel…I’m not that interested in the casino aspect, of any of the hotels really, not my thing, but the hotel itself, how they design it, how they style it, now that…I love. The Paris Hotel & Casino have a giant Eiffel Tower growing right up through the middle of it, you can to to the top, you can have dinner way up, the casino looks like Paris of the 20s, the restaurants are themed, it’s great!
New York New York holds a special place in my heart, being from there and all! But I just love the hotel, the casino is just fine, you’ve got different aspects of NYC, a nod to the Chrysler Building, there are man hole covers, shop fronts, the skyline, what more could you want?!
New York style eateries, that’s what you could want! When you head to the eateries, you’re right there in the alleys and back streets of NYC! You are transported, I promise, the street names, the lights, the wires, the lamp posts, the store fronts, all of it!
We went to one of my favorite places I discovered years ago, Greenberg’s NY Deli, part of the NY Eateries. It’s your average good, NYC, Jewish deli. The sandwiches are huge, the prices are ok, but the food is really good, and all sandwiches come with a pickle! PSM got corned beef and I got an egg salad sandwich, it was sooo good! Oh, we also had Dr Brown’s Sodas. As the slogan says, Drink One, You’ll Understand. PSM will have different flavors, I am a Black Cherry only kind of gal, and I’m ok with it! Soda is on my no-no list, so when I treat myself, I treat myself and it’s hard for me to pass up a Dr Brown’s soda! There was also a black & white cookie, some people call them half-moons, but they will always be black & white cookies to me! I prefer the more cookie version versus the cakey version, but it’s all up to the individual. We couldn’t finish it, so we got it to go! It was nice to share this experience with PSM.
We headed back to the hotel to get ready for something…not telling at the moment, but… after the something, PSM, SDL, Miss A, S&J, and I all walked down the street from the restaurant to Freemont Street, in the evenings, it turns into the Freemont Street Experience, a giant party, great for people watching!
Freemont Street itself, is where Las Vegas began, it’s considered Old Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip is New Las Vegas, as it were. A little history: The street was first established in 1905 as the center of the fledgling city where business and pleasure came together. Fremont Street was a busy travel route, with Las Vegas’ first train station just a few steps away, so it catered to travelers looking for a place to relax and unwind.
It’s wonderful to see it during the day, less people, and you get get a sense of it, at night, with, well, it seems like everyone not on the Strip, is at Freemont Street! But.. at night, aside from the people watching, you have the signs, the bright, lit up neon signs for the hotels, the businesses, and everything! I recommend it highly, but if you don’t like people, not a great fit! Just be prepared! Oh, and hang on to your wallets, I was told there were not so nice people who might decide they need your wallet more than you!
We started to walk through and take in all the sights, Miss A was loving on the music. We walked as close together as possible, just so we didn’t lose each other! Then we found out there was a free concert tonight! Seether was going to be playing. If you’re not familiar with Seether, they are a rock band from South Africa, Fake It is a song you may know. I like Seether, they are not everyone’s cup o’ tea, as it were.
We listened to one song, then headed out towards a less crowded area so we could get an Uber back to the hotel. Along the way, we saw a Bonafede fight, this guy was hitting on this gal, the other guy didn’t like that and threw the first punch, then they were on the ground punching the crud out of each other, fun! By the time we started to look for a cop, they were already on it. Yup, exciting!
Back in an Uber, back to Planet Hollywood, drop off and say goodbye to J, they were leaving in the morning, PSM, his brother S, SDL, Miss A and I went across the street to watch the Bellagio Fountains nighttime show. Same great show, choreographed to music, but this time, set to lights. Ahhh
Gotta love some MJ!
After watching twice, S went back to him room, we said goodbye, then PSM grabbed a taxi or Uber back to the hotel and SDL, Miss A, and I went off exploring!
We walked down one end of The Strip, people watching, listening to music, walked into a few hotels, the goal on this side of the street was The Venetian Hotel. What a spectacular hotel! There are gondola rides down the grand canal, this is something I’ve always wanted to do in Las Vegas, but haven’t gotten to yet.
We saw some awesome stuff… like this electric harpist!
A first for us too!
We crossed the street and went by the Mirage, which was the home to Siegfried & Roy and their tiger show for 14 years. We walked to Caesar’s Palace, which is a city in itself! We were too late by the time we got there to go in, not to the casino, but to the shopping area, which is the fun part, I know, I know, the casino, but the shopping area, mostly because they have a circular escalator!
So… after we saw Caesar’s, we’ll go back, we found the first spot we could get an Uber and headed back to the hotel. By now…it’s about 1230am, I’m done! Miss A was done! SDL was done! What grand adventure does tomorrow hold!?
Peaches Prattlings 