Day 22 (Aug. 23) - Moncton, New Brunswick to Franconia, New Hampshire

We woke at 7am. Rob said he felt like he was constantly waking up in the night from fever. He ate two apples for breakfast and declared that he felt better. 

We were out the door at 8am and had 170 miles to the U.S. border crossing at Houlton, Maine on I95.  There wasn't a lot of scenery and it took awhile for traffic to pick up.

We arrived at the Houlton border crossing at 10am eastern time and our wait was 10-15 minutes with about six cars ahead of us. Rob chose this crossing because it has a historically short wait time. There were many devices in the lane, perhaps cameras, sniffing machines, infrared cameras (to be sure nobody was hiding in the trunk, Rob said). We got through our interview quickly and without issue, letting the officer know of a few items we purchased when asked. 

 

Michele wondered if the border officers often wish for something exciting to happen as it seems so mundane asking people the same questions all day. 

We scoped out a lunch spot for takeout at a popular family restaurant at the intersection of I95 and US 2. As we ate in the car, we enjoyed the sunny blue skies. Rob said he wanted this weather the whole time while in Newfoundland. Michele said we wouldn’t have experienced the true Newfoundland if so. Rob sarcastically said that she was right, he loved the fog that obscured the entire view. 

 

During lunch we talked about what surprised each of us most about Newfoundland. Rob said he liked the culture and people with so much Irish influence. He wonders if Labrador is similar? He also said the sunsets were amazing. Michele was surprised by Tablelands and the geology. We had no idea of the significance of the island and the current prevailing theory of plate tectonics. What we learned in school about plate tectonics was a newer theory at the time and completely changed the former theory that the continents were static. Rob said he was looking forward to hiking in Cape Breton Highlands, feeling a bit disappointed we could not go. We’ll plan a trip back there. 

 

After lunch we continued south on I95, then picked up US Highway 2 making our way west over to Highway 93. 

We stayed on that route for the rest of the day, passing through rural areas, mountains and towns. Some houses had distinctive architecture. 

These two fluffy pups needed a much larger car!

The landscape featured mountains and ski resorts.

We passed into New Hampshire with about 45 minutes to go. At 5:15pm we arrived at our hotel. We quickly unloaded our bags, then headed 9 miles north on the highway to Littleton for dinner. The restaurant we chose said they were so busy they could not accommodate takeout. So we went to a pizza place and ordered takeout there. Littleton looks like a destination town with a nice river walk, small waterfall, shops and restaurants. 

On the way back, we stopped at Walgreens and a local grocery store for a few items.  

Today we were on the road for eight hours and drove 510 miles. Tonight Rob said, “ Just three days ago we were in Newfoundland. We drove the Avalon peninsula southern coastline, sailed across the Cabot Straight, crossed the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, plus a state and an half. Now we’re in New Hampshire.” It’s been a bit of a culture shock in a short timeframe! 

Today was also our niece Annabelle's first day of school at her new school. Her sister Amelia starts on Monday. We are so proud of them!