Home Sweet Home!

We could hardly sleep the last night in Vermont, excited that the next would be spent in our own home!! We packed up and drove to New Hampshire. The license plates that we once cheered for along the road were now surrounding us! Every few minutes the children would exclaim that they recognized a landmark or rest area! The weather was gray, but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm- we missed home.

We drove in the driveway to find that there were decorations to welcome us. Soon after, Nancy-Jane's parents arrived to welcome us home with lobster rolls and strawberry rhubarb pie for lunch!

We were greeted with signs and balloons.

It was great to be home!

Wonderful artwork!

Our map of the United States!

The View gets a well-deserved rest!!

Fort Ticonderoga, NY to Vermont

We said goodbye to our Swiss friends in Canada and began the last leg of our journey with mixed feelings. We were all excited to be closer to home, missing our family, friends, and it's comforts- yet it was difficult to imagine this grand adventure coming to a close.

We had mixed feelings as we returned to the US.

 We chose a route through New York along the west side of Lake Champlain. It was a gorgeous summer day and we enjoyed views of the Adirondacks to our right and the lake to our left. We paid a visit to Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic outpost first for French troops, then British, and critical to Americans during the Revolutionary War. Ethan Allen  and his Green Mountain boys captured the fort from the British. The fort's cannons were sent to Boston to aid in driving the British from the city.

What had been a strategic military vantage point between Lake Champlain and narrow waterways to Lake George, NY proved to be a scenic setting for visitors!

A visit to the famous strategic fort.

Good thing the cannons no longer work.

Beautiful view of Lake Champlain.

The soldiers have a visit with the kids outside the barracks.

Our GPS was set for Vermont and a visit to Richard's mother, Barbara. As we wound along the country roads connecting New York to Vermont our excitement increased!! We were anticipating a warm welcome, Barbara's great cooking, her pool, and a comfortable bed.

The Wanderluffs arrive in Vermont!!!

We enjoyed a swim in BaBa's pool.

Hooray- in Vermont!

A swim to rejuvenate us after a long 6 months.

The fabulous meal!

 The next day was gray and drizzling, not what we had wanted for a planned trip to the nearby swimming hole. We chose instead to use the time to reflect, relax, and catch up on our trip journals (and blog)!

The most relaxing couch.

Caroline catches up on her drawing.

A Fond Farewell in Montreal

We had seen all the National Parks and historic sites that we wanted. We had visited cities. We had driven almost 17,000 miles since leaving on Christmas Day. Our last goal was to catch up with our Swiss friends in Montreal before their return to Switzerland. We had first met back in Texas and several times again along the road. Now would be our final farewell.

Eddy and Aline had arrived in Canada a year ago and bought their camper. They had traveled around Canada, the US, and Mexico. Their two daughters Jenny and Cindy had learned English along the way and taught our children French! It was time to pack their things and sell the camper.

Along Lake Ontario at Darlington Provincial Park.

The weather was cooperating for an outdoor picnic.

We were glad to be together again sharing stories of different adventures.

Peter and Eddy model Sagamore shirts.

Sad to see the "for sale" sign on Mako!

 We spent the day exploring Chateauguay outside of Montreal and the huge park area.

The kids practiced English and French once again.

Caroline got a little "girl power" from Jenny and Cindy!

The trees in the park were perfect for climbing!

The men rode bikes back to the campground. Nice bike Eddy.

 We made our preparations for the last barbecue of the trip. We needed to perfect their  S'more technique before sending them on their way.

Rich and Eddy always working.

Marshmallow toast!

Eddy with more Sagamore apparel.

It was a fine evening for such a special occasion.

The last "good-bye" for now.

Until we meet again!

Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, Ontario Canada

Look who else has the Stanley Cup !!!

Our route took us east through Indiana to Port Huron, Michigan for the night. It was a busy campground and full of action for the start of summer and the Father's Day weekend. We spent the evening around our neighbor's campfire learning about Michigan. The kids enjoyed the street hockey court both for evening and morning.

Richard had only one wish for Father's Day- to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto. We had defied all logic in driving the Winnebago to the downtown of other major cities. Fresh off the championship victory of the Bruins there was nothing to stop us! We hit the Blue Water Bridge from Port Huron, Mi. over the St. Clair River to Ontario, Canada.We arrived at a parking lot next to the Air Canada Center and paid a mere $5 to park the View for the afternoon. We walked two blocks to the hallowed halls of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Toronto's CN Tower.

Air Canada Center where the Maple Leafs play.

Hockey Hall of Fame.

Hockey's most revered building.

At the inside entrance.

A GIANT Ken Dryden.

Bobby Orr's skates in bronze.

The famous #4 shirt!!!

The original Stanley Cup.

Hall of famer, Bobby Orr.

Another NHL goalie?

Net minder.

Father's Day wish come true!!

In the locker room with the "Greats".

The famous shirts.