Working my way west

One of the biggest dangers I run into as your intrepid adventurer is that I lose track of time. It has happened again and now I haven’t posted in a while. To make matters worse, I have also failed to take adequate photos to entertain you. Alas. Thank goodness this is all free so you cannot claim you are not getting your money's worth for the content. 

When I last updated this blog with my tracking of Big Foot, et. al., I was in Virginia. From there I headed to Tennessee. I checked out eastern central Tennessee in my never-ending quest for the discoverable. I stopped by a limited number of breweries based upon the time of the week I was there plus the nearby state park was so pretty and had multiple hiking trails that I had to explore. There was no evidence of Big Foot on the trails (and why would there be as there has been no evidence of Big Foot on hiking trails) but I still had a lovely time enjoying the scenery.

Center Hill Lake. I have dozens of pictures but none capture how pretty this is. The trails were also excellent and gave me an inspiration for a tattoo if I decide to get another one.

I did have a nice visit to Red Silo Brewing in Cookeville. The beer was excellent, and I grabbed a growler of their brown ale for a later time when I knew it would come in handy. There was a pizza skoolie out front and I had a slice of the daily special. What was neat is that there was no charge for the pizza. Just pay for what you can afford and think it is worth, and I found it to be quite delicious. 

A nitro ale. The flyer was from a Rotary fundraiser. Amy was a Rotarian and those service clubs are the backbone of communities. 

I then made a slight detour to Kentucky which was not part of my original plan, but what are plans for but to be changed. I met one of the people I worked with in the remote DOD facility for wine and music. B brought along her friend J and it was nice to hang our with B again and to meet J. Unfortunately, B’s husband C didn’t make it, but it was a lovely day and he needed to go mountain biking. In any event, there are no photos which is fine since Big Foot was also not there. B was kind enough to bring along snacks, so J and I had a lovely time sharing a bottle of wine and having some munchies. 

I next spent a few days in western Tennessee at a campground that had their own disc golf course. I have seen people play this from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula down to Texas and I figured it’s been over 30 years; I should play it again. Apparently, the game has advanced since the olden days and they now have special weighted discs. Since I was completely clueless, I borrowed a couple from the club house and hit the course. The best thing I can say about my game is that I got better as time went on. To be clear, I was never good. I was rarely mediocre. I occasionally was awful but that was on my better holes. Despite what could have been one of the worst rounds of disc golf ever played, I had a great time. I can definitely see Big Foot playing this game and I will need to be more diligent when I am out to check other courses. I might even buy my own disc, but it will need to be reinforced to be able to take a good hit from a tree. 

My next stop was near Mountain Home, Arkansas. I met up with S&S who I had adventured with last winter in Texas and last summer in North Dakota. I can say that I was incredibly diligent at hunting Big Foot with them. Unfortunately, there was no success and not even a lot of pictures. I was a little distracted as I had a designated driver which is not something that comes along very often. I will do my best to share the names of the breweries. It is a little fuzzy but I think I am pretty close. I also shared the aforementioned growler plus the last of my Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. I should also mention that we did a nice hike and also went to a local cavern for a tour. But pictures of a cavern are never as satisfying as actually being there. 

We stopped at Norfolk Brewing and played scrabble and dominos and possibly had a beer or two,  The photo of S&S was at Gravity BrewWorks which was celebrating some anniversary. I don't recall which one but I am sure you can search for that online. This is a blog and not an encyclopedia. . We also stopped by Rapp's Barren Brewing Company several times for beer and dinner. The food was incredible and far above most places. Plus we were able to hang out upstairs on the leather couches and eat and drink. What more can you ask for? We also stopped at a local speakeasy bar. You need to know the passcode to get in, Without it, no entry. I assume this makes it a private club or something to stay within liquor laws, no clue. Stories Whisky Bar had incredible classic drinks prepared expertly. I would not say it was inexpensive, but since I wasn't driving, I didn't care. I would not miss this place if I was in town again.

View from my campsite. Yes, it was that pretty

S&S enjoying a beverage.

After that visit I went onto Branson, Missouri or as one local calls it – “Ned Flanders’ version of Las Vegas”. I found some nice places to hang out and some excellent hiking trails. There are a number of breweries in town and up towards Springfield. I will be here all month (more or less) and will be exploring as best as I can. No evidence of Big Foot yet, but one must be patient. 

Turkey Creek Brewery - decent beer and wood oven fired pizza made right there at the bar.

Vintage Paris coffee shop. Delightful coffees and teas. Relaxing place to hang out and spend some time after a hike. Didn't see Big Foot, but I will be back again.

I did have one detour already from my Branson stay. I went up to northern Iowa for a few days to get the slide mechanism addressed. It is all good now and the trailer got a clean bill of health from the dealership. I could have had someone closer work on it, but I have complete confidence in this family-owned dealership and their mechanics. There is value in trust and as this is currently my home, I felt it best to safe rather than sorry. Of course, that was a bit of a drive and after 1100 miles in 4 days and I am a little tired. Luckily, I had headwinds headed north one day (which means cold winds from the north while in Iowa) and headwinds on the way south (which means hot in Branson). This did nothing to help my gas mileage, but I am sure the oil companies appreciate the extra money. The important thing is that the trailer is back to good and is ready for a long life. 

That long life will probably not be with me owning it though. I am likely going to part with this trailer in the spring (or the third phase of winter for my Wisconsin friends – meaning March). I have my eye on several options. I am not ready to share what my leading option is but be rest assured, I will have thought long and hard before I make any decision. If someone is interested in a quality trailer let me know and I will give you a great deal. There is nothing wrong with the trailer, it just doesn't align with my future plans and having excessive gear is something I strive to avoid.

Until next time, 

Thor 

Braxwood.com

Mid Atlantic region - ish

As I last left off, I started this next adventure in New Jersey in my endless quest for the mysterious unknown. I was able to see the skyline of Manhattan while towing an RV. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and mean ONCE.

I stayed at a farm one night in the more rural part of New Jersey. The "farm" was really not much of a farm and more of a large mansion in a Tuscany style with a pool and tennis courts in the back. I was able to stay in my RV in the front with the farm animals which allows this property to be classified as a farm for what I can only assume is tax purposes. In any event, there was no Big Foot or Jersey Devil to be found so I moved on.

Typical farm animals, llamas. Or alpacas. I am not sure of the difference nor do I actually care. 

My next spot was Delaware. Delaware was the last state (other than Alaska) that I have not slept in, so it was nice to cross it off my list. Delaware was quite lovely and outside of the city, very rural. Pretty much the same could be said for every state (including New Jersey) but what still amazes me is that after having hundreds of years of large-scale occupation, it is still pretty much the same as it was in 1500 (obviously paved roads not withstanding). It’s not like the east coast was full, so people headed west, people headed west because they wanted to see what was there or to have their own space. I totally get and respect that feeling.

Delaware can be quite pretty.

I checked out a local brewery while there. Mispillion River Brewing was awesome. One of the owners and a bartender were getting their hair cut as they have a stylist that makes house calls. Got to say, it was a good idea as it saves on rent and is really convenient for the recipient of the haircut. I was tempted to get my hair cut, but I just got it cut in August in Kentucky and no need to rush these things. Oh, beer was spot on and delicious. Bar seating and the brewery behind. Excellent time, but no Big Foot.

Lovely tasting beer and a front row seat to the brewing

My next stop was Maryland. I have not spent a night in Maryland since my eldest brother JA lived there so it had to be like 1990 or so. Frankly it’s immaterial as I was back. I knew quickly that Big Foot would not be found anywhere around here. Apparently, the state of Maryland has decided to no longer issue driver’s licenses and allows basically anyone to drive. In fact, it seems the more levelheaded and reasonable of a driver you are, the less likely you are to get issued a license. To be clear, I have been around and driven in nearly all of the states. Take the most obnoxious of those drivers and put them all in Maryland and they would be average there. You basically see a major moving violation every minute or so and that is when there is no traffic. During congested times that skyrockets. There is no way Big Foot would want to be around these drivers as it is patently unsafe, and we all know that while Big Foot enjoys a beer or cocktail it is always responsible as getting home safe and alive is the most important thing.

Nevertheless, I still persevered and checked out a number of local breweries in Washington D.C. and Virginia. Most importantly I was able to see family. My brother JC was celebrating a BIG birthday and I got to hang out with JC&M again (recall the Ireland trip). Also, both of their kids and families live there, and they have new babies that I got to see (grandnieces). S&N have a beautiful daughter, O, and K&B have an equally beautiful daughter, R. It was nice to see babies again, but I certainly am happy I am well passed those years as it is a ton of work. People think dogs are like babies. They are not. As soon as it is considered acceptable to lock a toddler in a cage for a day then they are closer to equal but still not quite. You also need to take large quantities of money and burn it at the same time. Also stop sleeping all night long.

N with O

B with R

First stop was at Dacha with JC&M and S&N+O in D.C. where there was a special on some of the beer so the pricing was not ridiculous. There was also a plethora of Alumni groups meeting so the age in the brewery trended a bit younger than most breweries which range in age from 25 to 75. I know that they were all of legal drinking age as apparently stupidity in Washington extends to the bars as even I was checked for my age despite not looking a day younger than 30 (ok, 40. Fine - 50). It is one of my pet peeves to require proof of age for people clearly older than 25. I know some will defend these rules/policies/laws and let me assure you; you are wrong, and it is stupid. 

Ok. We stopped a number of places and they sort of blurred together. This was taken at one of the breweries.

We sampled the wares at a number of establishments including Port City Brewing, Fair Winds Brewing, and Aslin Beer. 

Yet another brewery picture. Blah Blah Blah. Does anyone actually read the captions?

JC&M along with Ozzy and Lucy checked out Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home on the Potomac. George loved dogs so they were allowed to wander the grounds and get attention from many random strangers. The house is pretty and there are some impressive features (including a key to the Bastille), plus George had an awesome office. The grounds were pretty and it is definitely worth a visit.

JC&M enjoying a beer in a non staged pose.

All things come to end as did my visit with everyone. We were able to have a nice birthday celebration for JC since he hit a MASSIVE milestone birthday. As a side note, being the youngest carries some burdens. Chief among those is to remind my older brothers that they are in fact, older.

Our next visit was Shenandoah National Park for a weeklong stay. Obviously Big Foot would not be found here as there are no breweries in the park, but there are breweries outside of the park, so I had to do my duty and explore. Elton Brewing was delightful. A perfect mix of seating options, great beer, and a fun vibe. There was no sight of Big Foot on my first visit so to be safe I had to make a second visit.

Enjoyed a beverage on the patio

I also had a beverage inside. I'll leave it to you on the quantity between my two visits but let me assure you, I was still better than those Maryland drivers.

I also checked out Brewhaha Brewing and had a really nice schwarzbier and Cave Hill Farms Brewery. This was an actual working farm and also an actual working brewery. Kind of neat. Housed in a pole barn that had old farm equipment as a sort of museum, it was an interesting place.

Brewhaha. Very small, but cool place and still managed to have multiple seating options. 

Cave Hills Farm: farm equipment and saddles in the sitting space. Really different. 

I got a chuckle out of this. 

While in the park, it seemed reasonable to take a hike on the Appalachian trail which is right nearby. I went with and without the hounds as Lucy insisted on being carried for the hike and that does get tiring. Oddly the cell signal was better on the trail likely due to being on the other side of Loft Mountain. The campsite had no electric or water, was partially shaded and in a no generator section. I was able to deploy all 4 ground based solar panels in addition to my roof panels. This was enough to keep my Jackery going to power my Starlink internet and the battery for my trailer as long as there was sun in the day.

Appalachian trail post. Thought I would include this for the haters out there.

 

Pretty view.

Some poor hiker falling off the edge of the cliff screaming for help. Alas, but at least he had good taste in beer based upon his hat.

I was able to enjoy the fall colors in the park. I have a video of the drive through the park but I am not particularly in love with the time-lapse feature of my dash cam. It looks a little nauseating based upon the playback speed. I could post it anyhow but that seems to be below the standard of excellence I show with the quality of this blog. Oh, Big Foot was still not found despite reports to the contrary. While there have been sightings of wild Big Feet, I am searching for the more sophisticated creature with a discerning taste. 

Finally, I ran into an issue with the trailer in Maryland. Apparently the slide cables (which move half of the trailer in and out to provide extra living space) had a malfunction. I was able to correct the issue and move the slide back in otherwise the trailer would be trapped in Maryland. I had a mobile RV tech check out my work and he noticed a problem with the other side of the slide where the cables were incorrectly routed and were rubbing and grinding. I noticed the noise earlier, but I have no idea what a cable slide sounds like as this was my first so I assumed it was normal. It was not. Most importantly my work was done correctly. I have decided to get this cable issue addressed when I am stationary for a longer period. I plan on spending a month at a spot in Missouri in November and should get it addressed then. Until then, I am hopeful the cables do not fail and the slide and half of my trailer doesn’t fall off while driving down the road. I am headed west again and will be going through Tennessee and onto Arkansas so you might want to avoid that area in case there is an issue.

 

Until next time,

 

Thor

Braxwood.com

Connecticut

It was an exciting and productive hunt for Big Foot in Connecticut albeit a bit rainy. In fact, it seemed to rain nearly every day, but I am sure that would be nearly impossible to believe. The fall colors started to kick in which was part of the reason for the visit, but it was far from peak color. You still have time to go.

I was joined on the hunt for Big Foot primarily with my brother J. Since the supercomputer that comes up with random letters seems to constantly come up with a J for every one of my brothers, I have decided to reprogram the system to produce a two-letter identifier for my brothers. Hopefully this reduces confusion as I unable to get the highly evolved processing unit to properly randomize with just one letter their names. Therefore, this brother after regeneration is now JM. His wife K was able to join in on a few of our explorations but alas, some people need to work and cannot spend as much time hunting Big Foot as I. Despite not finding Big Foot in Connecticut, it was a nice visit with JM&K along with my nephew, J, and his girlfriend M. 

JM and I visited a series of likely Big Foot hangouts throughout the southern New England region. I would say greater Hartford, but we even extended our search one day to Massachusetts. To be fair, these are all small states, and a two-hour drive would put you in southern New Hampshire. I know this as we made a side quest to look at alternative Big Foot hunting equipment for me but more on that later.

This will end up being a photo dump and some discussion of each establishment as far as I recall. It turns out Big Foot hunting is thirsty work and I tend to forget where I’ve been on a given day – especially when it never stops raining. I try to utilize my credit card receipts to remind me, but JM&K often treated which was awesome and yet exposes a disturbing lack of preparedness on my part for this blog. It is almost like I sit down with an adult beverage and just start writing as a stream of consciousness.

In any event, here we go and in a semi random order.

JM at Urban Lodge Brewing Company in the basement. Tasty but it did rain this day.

I have chosen to not include a picture of one of the places we went. Let me just say a few words and you can draw your own conclusions. Hooker. I had two and was quite satisfied. JM paid and was impressed with my stamina. And it did rain that day so one could say it was moist.

Connecticut Valley Brewing. Actually quite delicious and seriously overpriced. Since it was raining, we didn't have much choice.

2nd Bridge Brewing Company. This was a really cool place and it would be an awesome hangout. Lower level of an old mill and it felt very comfortable. Beer was excellent but no Big Foot. And yes, it rained that day.

East Hartford Brewing. Awesome beer. Seriously drinkable and I got some to go. They had a clever event for dogs where the dogs would do some paining without getting messy. I can share details if one is interested. It was raining so hard that the flooding make it impossible to enter through the normal door and we had to go through a side door. 

Paddle Creek Beer Company. Not the best of neighborhoods but really good beer. A home brewer that grew to run a part time brewery. These kinds of places are amongst my favorites as I admire the passion and dedication. 

We planned on another night that didn't happen to have rain to go to Hops On the Hill with JM&K. Unfortunately it was packed and we knew Big Foot detests crowds so we went to Elicit Brewing. As luck would have it there was a fundraiser for youth soccer that night and it was packed. Since there was no Big Foot at least we could have something to drink and a bite to eat. It was a big beer hall and packed with people but overall not a bad place. I would generally not hang out there with those large crowds but at least I know parents will drink to support their children. 

JM&K also took me to Willimantic Brewing Company. Good food and good beer. A bit of a drive from Hartford, but that doesn't mean much. Speaking of a drive, I mentioned JM and I went to New Hampshire. On the way back we stopped at the Tap Brewing Company. If you should ever find yourself in Massachusetts, I would recommend checking this place out. Great food and awesome beer.

On the last few days we prepped the pool for closing for the season since the rain finally relented. We headed one more time to Hops on the Hill. Turns out the parking was packed again but we braved it anyhow and it was great. Beer was awesome and there was enough space to spread outside (since the monsoon was finally over) and we were able to find some seats.

Good beer but again really expensive. I mean $9 for a pint is ridiculous since that same pint is only $6 elsewhere. Of course since the beer was good and the place was packed, who cares.

As I previously mentioned, I went with JM to look at Big Foot hunting equipment. I am looking at alternatives like a truck camper and JM&K are exploring getting into Big Foot hunting and would need equipment too. They have more space needs than I which is not surprising since they have a larger dog (Rosie) than both of mine combined and then doubled. No decisions have been made and won’t likely be made until I decide on procuring a base of operations. That was my original plan, but I got distracted along the way. Once I decide on if I need a base of operations, and where that base would be located, then I could decide on what changes need to be made to my Big Foot hunting equipment if any.

More adventures await as I head to New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland for my next installment. I am actually in New Jersey as I write this and I never thought I would be towing a camper and able to see the skyline of Manhattan at the same time. Or was it I never thought it would be a good idea? In any event, I am still alive and hunting.

Until next time,

Thor

braxwood.com

Maine plus....

Maine was excellent place to visit but alas, there is no evidence of Big Foot in Maine as the costs are too high and my research has shown that Big Foot is quite frugal. That being said, it was a beautiful area and I had a very good time. I was able to enjoy tropical weather along with lobster and that was not something most people who visit Maine in September get to say. 

My first visit was to the Lobster Lady for their renowned lobster roll. Since it was before the hurricane and after Labor Day, it was not very busy. The lobster roll was excellent and really one of the best ones I have ever had. Thankfully it was also one of the most expensive.   

Not busy at all, The threat of a hurricane apparently scared off tourists. Not my first hurricane on this adventure so I was not deterred. 

The campground was right on the coast so we took a walk down to the beach everyday. I really lucked out as there were also a lot of cancellations at the campground due to the threat of a hurricane. This was clearly a mistake as RVs are well built and can handle hurricane force winds as that is what happens when we drive down the road. Mobile homes on the other hand are not really mobile and they taunt the winds which is why they are always at risk. Plus we were on non wet side of the hurricane winds so every knows dry winds aren't as bad as wet winds (think fart vs shart).

View of a tropical storm nee hurricane. Technically the winds were coming from a different direction and the pictures in that direction are smeared with rain.

As it turns out, I didn't die in the storm. Most of the worst of went north of us and it was just a quiet but shaking day in the trailer. I was able to convince the dogs to actually go outside to do their business despite the rain and wind. 

The next day I headed into Ellsworth after going to take a hike. I needed to wash the truck at the same time so it was a two-fer visit. Fogtown Brewing Company was really nice and had outdoor drinking and an outdoor pizza oven. I didn't have any pizza but I may have sampled a beer. If you are concerned about the risk of drinking and driving, it was $9.00 for a single beer which means that there was no way that I would have more than one. I acknowledge that it was better than most quarter tappers from my college days but it was no better than the $5 or $6 craft beers that I can get elsewhere in this country. This is yet another sign that Big Foot would not be here - beer costs too much.

Pretty tap room and cool place to visit. Not really worth the money but hey - you do you.

Since I was in the area, I also decided to check out Acadia National Park. It was as beautiful as advertised and pictures cannot do it justice. I took a few pictures but imagine something more incredible than these photos and it won't even be close. I would say this was definitely better than work.

The ocean lapping the shore. The road is right near here so it was a quick walk to enjoy the view. 

Panoramic view from the top of Cadillac summit.

To celebrate visiting the park, I decided to stop at one of the roadside lobster stands. I successfully picked a hole in the wall place and had a delightful lobster. It was also tragically overpriced but at least I did my part to support an over played out tourist thing - eating lobster in Maine.

The lobster tasted good but I would not rank it as the best lobster ever. It was the last of the lobster on the visit so it is note worthy on that account. And yes there is a beer in that red solo cup from a local brewery. I don't recall the name but it was a dark ale of some sort (red or brown). 

I continued the adventures and I was able to convince the dogs to eventually go down to the beach.. Ozzy was prepared to attack everything and rule his kingdom but alas, it was not to be.

On the beach. I took pictures of both dogs but only Ozzy was kind enough to pose.

I found a good hiking spot which went through the wetlands and woods to the oceanfront. It was an awesome walk and I was able to find a great piece of land to settle on. The neighbors were quiet and the view would be relaxing. I am not sure it is for sale but really it had a lot going for it. I will have to investigate this further.

Nice place to put my yurt. Getting to it might get a little wet.

As we finished up our Maine visit, we reflected on what we discovered. A wonderful state that Big Foot would never hang out in for long but may visit for short periods. The sunsets were fantastic from the campground and I cannot begin to describe the colors as it was stunning. I even saw a double rainbow but of course I didn't take a picture as I didn't want to make y'all jealous of my life.

Sunset. Can't say anything beyond that.

After we enjoyed Maine, we headed south on our tour of the east coast. Next stop on the adventure was Massachusetts. We stayed at a lovely Harvest Host - the American Heritage Museum. This was actually a surprise as I had extremely low expectations and only visited it out of a sense of obligation to the host. The museum has artifacts from various wars from the revolutionary war on. The WW1 exhibit was incredible as they had a trench as part of it so you could get the experience of how crappy that war actually was. In addition they had a lot of tanks including a fully restored German Panther from WW2. These pieces of equipment are huge and I could not imagine climbing into one much less facing one in combat.

German Panther. This was recovered from a river in Poland and completely restored including the coating to prevent magnetic mines.

This is a German Sonderkraftfahrzeug. That apparently means special motor vehicle. The foot wells are shoulder height so better have good knees to get up there. This particular vehicle was seen in the movie The Dirty Dozen driven by Lee Marvin.  

As much fun as Massachusetts was, it was time to move onto Rhode Island. It was a quick visit as it is a tiny state but it still counted. I had another Harvest Host stay, this time at a Harley dealership. Neither I nor Big Foot ride motorcycles, but it was still an enjoyable visit. There was tons of green space and the place cleared out at 5pm so it was a quiet night. I did pick up a jacket for my bottled beer in case it was warm as I didn't have one. I also priced a new Harley in case I wanted a different platform for my adventures. At $36k, it is highly unlikely I will be buying a new bike in Rhode Island but it is an intriguing idea.

Interestingly, my nephew, J, used to go to a summer camp not far from here. Of course nothing is far from anything in RI as it really is a small state. No, seriously, it is tiny - like Lucy. 

As I wrapped up RI and headed to Connecticut to visit my my brother and his wife (J&K). I also completed staying in my 33rd state as part of this adventure. It is obviously an unsustainable rate as that is a lot of movement plus there are only 48 easily RV-able states and of the two left only 1 is RV-able  with my RV. I have now slept in 47 states and on this east coast trip I will stay in two more that I have never slept in. That would leave Alaska as the last frontier. I have not decided how or when that adventure will happen, but it will happen.

Until next time,

Thor

braxwood.com

Headed to Maine

As we last communicated I indicated I was headed to Maine. I have arrived and I'm looking forward to searching for Bigfoot in this area as there are many breweries and small eateries. 

My first stop on the trip from Kentucky was just outside of Cincinnati. I had a Harvest Host site (recall that this is a service where one stays for free and in return you support the business). This was actually a church and I had the parking lot all to myself but it was a touch warm that night. As such the dogs and I headed to a potential Big Foot location. Coincidently B&L were in town to watch a professional pickleball tournament. I didn't think were such things but I guess people will believe in anything. Anyhow, Big Foot was not at Third Eye Brewing but the beer and tacos were delicious and the dogs were able to hang out with us and get treats from the brewery. 

Cool logo and great beer. No Big Foot.

Before I leave Ohio behind, I should mention that the Cincinnati area looks like an awesome place. Plenty of breweries and things to do. I hate to say nice things about Ohio despite having lived there, but I am impressed. I will have to return for a longer stay.

Next stop was Pennsylvania. We hit a KOA for a night so we could cool down with Air Conditioning as the hunting hounds were a touch hot. We then stayed at another Harvest Host, but this time a winery - Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. I was able to get a flight of dry reds which were seriously good as was the Amish cheeses they had. Dinner was therefore eaten on the patio as the rains started but at least I was dry. 

Actually much more expensive than a campground when you factor in the 4 bottles of wine I bought.

As there was no sign of Big Foot yet, it was time to head to New York. I tried out a local brewery - Beer Tree. They had mostly IPAs of one type of another and while I was not in the mood for yet another IPA, I had one and it was tasty. Of course it was since there are few bad craft beers, but there are some that are average and some that amazing. This was fine. There was seating at the bar, but too many people for my taste as that has a tendency to scare off Big Foot. 

YAI. Yet another IPA.

So as to increase my odds of catching the elusive prey, I tried a new cidery that was in the area - New Leaf Cider.. I tried several ciders and was really impressed so I bought some for later in case the need arose (like in case of a hurricane). I did try their graf which is a blend of beer and cider. Unfortunately the beer chosen was incorrect for the cider, the season, and the name they gave to it. They did offer to swap it out but I have learned my lesson from a certain brewery and their smoked wheat beer (gratzer) that one needs to drink a full glass before one makes up their mind. Turns out I was right, it wasn't good. Alas.

Great ciders and seating at the bar. Can't complain.

After New York and not finding Big Foot at a winery, cidery, or brewery it was time to try Vermont. Thankfully just like the last time we were in Vermont (with Amy, B and C), it rained almost nonstop. I was able to enjoy a delicious streak at Black Rock Steakhouse which was cooked perfectly. I generally do not eat steak nor do I have someone else cook it for me but this was a nice treat.  The next day I checked out the local coffee shop and had a lovely latte made with oat milk. While I am not lactose intolerant, milk (and ice cream) are avoided as I do not enjoy stomach cramps. Thankfully cheese is still good as I also shopped at the local food co-op which had a lot of local products including some nice Vermont cheeses. I thought I found Big Foot but it turns out to have just been a local resident who has avoided regular grooming. I should have known better as the Big Foot I am seeking bathes regularly.

Next stop was New Hampshire. As you get the sense, this has been a whirlwind tour. Partially that is due to my desire to get to Maine quickly, my lack of interest in hanging out in certain areas, and my shock at the cost of the campgrounds in New England. To be really fair, I need to spend a season in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine so I can try searching for Big Foot in more places and possibly experience a sunny day.

New Hampshire was as beautiful as I recalled and I think we drove on the same roads the last time we were there. I didn't go to any breweries but I did buy a selection of local beers (brown ales and a rye ale) just in case I had a need for a stockpile of beverages. I did check out Vintage Baking Company and enjoyed a croissant and coffee on the deck in the rain.  

I also bought a loaf of bread and some scones. Oddly no Big Foot as a bakery is an ideal place to find one. 

I finally made it to Maine and it is lovely here. I am right by the water and have a lovely view with plenty of places to walk the dogs. There aren't many people here as apparently the forecasted hurricane has dissuaded people from camping. That just makes it better as that means it will be peaceful this weekend other than the rain and winds.  It looks like the worst of it will go north of here so it should be all fine.

Finally the sun!

Ozzy ready to go to the beach

Lucy not quite as ready and really suggesting we should turn back. I will leave it to your imagination on what we did.

Until next time when we wrap up our Maine exploration...

Thor

braxwood.com

Summer wrap of Kentucky

I’m back. After my extensive training at the remote Department of Defense facility in Kentucky, I am prepared for additional adventures in hunting the elusive Big Foot and other cryptozoological entities. It wasn’t all just work though as I also had several visitors over the summer, and we explored the area together. And yes, we did hit the bourbon trail for those curious about such things, and I was able to buy a nice bottle of gin.

I should first mention some of the details of this training. I have been convinced for quite some time that I am super close to catching Big Foot as my methodology is soundly based upon extensive research. I know Big Foot is hanging out in its desire habitats of breweries, distilleries, wineries, coffee shops, small cafes, etc. My failure to locate the creature means that I must continue searching and more importantly, pay closer attention. To train this skill, I was given a technical assignment to locate tiny objects mixed in various materials. To make it additionally challenging, I also had to locate larger objects in the same mixed materials in order to ensure that a thorough search was performed. This require the use of a special device which tested hand-eye coordination all while being in the natural glow of the heat and humidity of Kentucky. I would also be required to identify who was staying in the area using sophisticated tracking tools. I would also engage in covert missions to determine the nature of the visitors.

Allow me to rephrase that if that was too technical. My undercover assignment was as a camp host/gate attendant. While searching through a camp site, I would locate and pick up small cigarette butts along with occasional water bottle caps, twist ties, and wrappers from Capri Sun juice pouches. In addition, I would need to search the fire pits and pick up the larger items which usually consisted of beer cans, melted plastic bottles, and of course more cigarette butts. I would hang tags using clothes pins onto a post and these would have the dates of the stay on them written in marker. Finally, I would answer questions and engage in polite conversation with the various guests.

One may wonder how this will help locate Big Foot, and it is rather obvious. I have now honed my search techniques to a fine level. In addition, my hand eye coordination has improved thanks to the use of the special grappling device (sometimes referred to as “trash pickers”), and I have sharpened my interpersonal communication skills so I can gather further information when trying to locate Big Foot. Truly I am a finely tuned hunting machine.

All in all, it was a fun summer and so much better than work. I met many wonderful people including fellow volunteers B&C, S, and even J (but not really J). The biggest complaint isn’t the excessive heat and humidity (and it was excessive), but rather the lack of decent laundry facilities less than an hour’s drive away. There is a real need for better laundry options in rural (and I am sure also in cities in economically challenged areas) but what is offered instead is overpriced and filthy machines if there are any working at all. Sad.

Now the adventures from the summer and smattering of photos. Again, as with prior photo dumps, I will note the image with a caption and generally avoid the longer stories around it. But you are thinking, “Thor, we love your stories, tell us more”, but alas not today. Perchance when I see you I can share more.  Despite several trips back to Wisconsin, I was not able to see as many people as I would have liked to as I busy relocating my remaining personal items to a climate controlled storage unit. Man plans, God laughs.

 

One morning at the campground while taking the hunting hounds on a training mission. You may call it a walk to go potty. Potato, potato.

Heron or crane? Who cares, still pretty. A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.

Another foggy morning. Humidity 98%, thankfully it was in the mid 70s since it was before 7 am.

Another gratuitous image of the water. Couldn't be helped, as it was pretty.

Last image of my site on the morning of my last day.

 

Flywheel Brewery in Elizabethtown (E-town). Good beer and friendly people. Critically it had all three types of seating (bar, tables, couches). I was here with P,M, B&L and I might have visited on my own once or twice.

Clever flag for the independent brewers of Kentucky.

This was a T-Shirt that I thought of buying. I chose not to as I didn't want anyone looking at me long enough to read it, but I agree with the message. 

Ah, the Bourbon Trail. Actually there was no trail, but rather a series of distillers over an area. Thankfully we didn't have on our hiking shoes on as that would have been disappointing. Having closed toed shoes would have come in handy with M and P when touring the barrel plant. A quick trip to several stores later and we were set. Side note, if you are looking for used and horribly worn out shoes, a certain Goodwill is selling them for $10,.

Bourbon flight at one of the places. They blended after a while and I wasn't driving. M drove and if you have ever driven with M you know the value of having had a couple as it takes the edge off.

The aforementioned M and P. We are lounging on the roof top of a cool facility. Museum quality exhibit on the history of bourbon in Kentucky. Smart way to connect with your customers and educate. If only I could remember the name. Too much bourbon.

Yet another distillery. Pretty building that M is walking in front of. P is ahead and just on the edge of the frame. I am taking the photo.

Picture of me "working" inside the booth. A tough life. 

View from trail at Mammoth Cave. Pretty area. I have other photos from the trail with B&L's dog Ernie but I have chosen to not include them. Why? Because I had to walk that huge dog in the heat and it was a bundle of energy until it pooped out. It then drank all of my cooled water and I was forced to drink from my emergency water I carry in the truck. He was so tired out that he crashed back at the trailer on my bed in the air conditioning. All of that was too cute to share so you just had to be there.

All in all, I had visits from B&L (and Ernie), M and P, and my brother and sister in law, J&M. I was able to get back north and see C along with D&S, and S&M. I did get back for Father's Day for those of you tracking that so I am not a complete loser.

I am onto my next adventure. I am headed towards Maine and working my way with at least one day stay in every state between here and there. Then we will be working our way down the east coast until we hit Virginia and then head west. What happens next is unknown at this point as that is how I am planning on rolling for a while. Nothing definitive at this time other than a total eclipse in April. 

As always,

Thor