PLYMOUTH to CAPE COD

Aboard Mayflower II

Can't imagine these living conditions

 WEDNESDAY - PLYMOUTH, MA    

At this point in our trip we went into Plymouth Massachusetts and explored.  Our first stop was the Mayflower II.  We went on board and it was hard to believe that approximately 130 people lived on that ship for a trip across the Atlantic.  Not Me...no way!!

Mayflower II

Next stop for the day was Plymouth Rock.  Not exactly awe inspiring, but hey we saw it.  It's been broken, moved and chiseled on so I'm sure it's much different than when the Pilgrims landed.

We then went to the Mayflower Society Center so David could do a little research.  His family has always claimed to be descendants of Mayflower passengers.  Who knows he may be able to find out.

THURSDAY - WOODS HOLE, MA

Thursday morning started off interesting.  Margaret had a terrible toothache, so we needed to find a dentist or endodontist.  Located one in community of Sandwich, MA.  Made an appointment and off we went.  Got her to the endodontist, she filled out paperwork and low and behold...root canal. Well David and I went exploring while we waited to hear from her.  Finally all back together we headed on down to Woods Hole, MA.  David has always wanted to go to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and this was his opportunity.  Also went out to the Nobska Lighthouse while we were in Woods Hole.  You know David and his lighthouses :)

David in mock-up of the ALVIN

Novska Lighthouse - Woods Hole, MA

FRIDAY - CAPE COD - PROVINCETOWN, MA

Final day in this area, CAPE COD.   Drove out this morning, down Hwy 6A.  Traffic was a little heavy but not too bad.  We stopped and found one Geocache along the way.  Stopped at Cape Cod Light in Truro, MA on the way out to Provincetown.  In 1797, George Washington ordered the construction of the Cape's first lighthouse because the area was known as the "Graveyard of Ships". Then on out to Provincetown to explored.  Very crowded there.  Went to Pilgrim Monument, a 252' granite monument commemorating the Pilgrims landing in 1620.  Walked out to harbor also.  Went as far out on the Cape as we could without doing sand driving or walking over a mile out to another lighthouse.  

Cape Cod Light - Truro, MA

Harbor at Provincetown, MA

Pilgrim Monument

EARLY DAYS OF EAST COAST TRIP

Started out our trip like we usually do by taking a picture with our trailer (Margaret, David, Felicia) and also getting together with our family.  We had a nice barbecue at my son, Adam's, house.  Even David's 97 year old mother, Wynona, was there.  Had the trailer packed and ready.  We go us at 4:30, finished up and hit the road.

One of our first major stops was around the Philadelphia area.  We camped in a nice campground called French Creek State Park.  It was a good distance for all our travels.

First stop was Valley Forge.  Did not realize that it was such a large area that Washington used to spend the winter.  

Monument to the hero's 

Can't imagine spending a winter in these buildings

After visiting Valley Forge our next stop was Amish Country.  We explored the beautiful countryside looking at the Amish farms.  We also did some shopping at all the shops that are available for us tourist.  It was a delightful day.

Then on to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.  The drive in was an experience.  Narrow lanes and drivers that didn't realize what the speed limit was.  So glad we had GPS map on my IPad to help navigate our way there.  Had to find an outdoor parking lot because our truck is way too tall to fit in the parking garages there.  Then we explored...

Liberty Bell

Had to go through security check point to get to see Liberty Bell...I guess that's going to be the norm from now on.  The same for going into Independence Hall.

Last stop was Gettysburg.  Margaret arranged for us to have a private tour guide.  He drove our truck and took us all over the battlegrounds.  He was very knowledgeable.  He said he had 54 years experience giving tours at Gettysburg.  We were supposed to have a 2 hour tour that turned into a 3-1/2 hour tour.  Sooo much history was shared.  I think my brain overloaded.  

Monument to Texans that fought at
Gettysburg

Site of one of  the battles