Notes from the border

The barrier for tighter security

Mementos of an active time

Years ago, I used to bring Francois and Stephanie to the country to visit Cornelia and they loved to go outside and play in the bushes. In those days it was wide open, not gated like in the picture. They would go beyond the bushes and when I would ask them where they were, they would yell back, "I'm in Vermont!" or "I'm nowhere!" .... if they were in the no-mans land between the borders.

Today, of course, with all that has happened security is tighter and one stays put on this side of the border. No more poking around or Homeland Security might show up. It is a lovely misty/rainy day in Quebec. A day designed for the road weary to do nothing but loll around and read and take a long soak in the tub.

Jay Peak in the distance with snow on the trails

When Stephanie (7-11 mos.) and Francois (almost 3) were very little we rented a house in the country near Jay Peak and went every weekend to ski. Every Friday I would pack up everyone, including a pre-made dinner for when we got there - a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic and weather. One time we got caught in a storm and had to walk the last mile, going back a forth with a sled to bring the children and the food.

This trip to date has surpassed my expectations, and I am forever grateful that I took this time to fulfill what began as a day dream, and then became a "bucket list" item. To those who questioned the sanity of doing this alone, it has been a great experience and confirmed my belief that being over sixty, actually pushing seventy, and on one's own, should no be a limiting factor.

Arriving at the Mount

Today, I got to drive, in the misty rain, through Virginia, Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If it had not been for Liam, I would still be trying to figure out how to get through the nation’s capital. Liam has certainly solidified his worth on this trip by helping me navigate the maze of freeways, underpasses, overpasses and HOV lanes.
I was very grateful that I went through DC on a Sunday, because, even then, the traffic was heavy. I can only imagine how long and arduous it would have been on a week day.
My route took me right past the monuments and I could see the dome in the mist.

I chose to take the toll roads, because it took an hour and a half off of the travel time to New Jersey from Richmond. Toll roads took me through a tunnel under the river at Baltimore, over gigantic bridges and onto the New Jersey Parkway where I encountered the worse traffic since I left the Bay Area, going 5 – 20 miles an hour for over an hour and paying for the privilege.

It was all worth it, when I finally arrived safely at the Mount in Watchung the welcome mat was out, tea was waiting and “my nuns” were as hospitable as ever. After unpacking, Sr. Marlene and I went out or a nice quiet dinner and got to reconnect. It will be early to be and late to rise tomorrow then off shopping and lunching with a few wonderful women.

Zoe, is holding up very well, but has a small booboo. Now that I am safely on the other side of the continent, I can reveal that on my very first day, just after I got on Highway 5 a truck threw a stone into my window and cracked it. That night I found a PepBoys and got a resin epoxy, or something, and sealed the crack so that it would not grow any more. It worked and I was very proud of my self for fixing it. Just did not want the Stepher to worry. I have been faithfully checking the engine, the oil and water levels and Lil Car is great.

Day 1

As planned, I was out the door at 7:58 and on the road two minutes later, headed South on 101, and an hour later, I hit 5 and headed south.

This state is big and varied and it took me eight hours to hit the AZ border. Somewhere, between Bakersfield and Barstow, I found myself on a one lane highway and had to pay attention, so could not change the CD, boredom set in and I decided to name my car and GPS, ..... so now I am travelling with Zoe - the car and Liam-the GPS with an Irish accent.

It started because I took a break, and Liam kept nagging that I make a U-turn and get back on the highway. The thing about Liam is he does not listen, just gives orders, and point out my mistakes. He is however, very helpful in getting me where I need to go.

I did not succumb to the temptation of pushing on, and stopped in Kingman, AZ as planned. It was an nine hour day with appropriate breaks.
It was an easy day, however, it was sobering to see a sign as I turned on to Highway 40 that said, Willmington, NC - 2554 miles.

Time for a long soak in the tub.....