Getting ready for the big trip!

We are heading out tomorrow on our long journey, so today is filled with chores and packing!

We have a new bear-proof 7 day cooler and a black stone griddle, which I am super excited about. (See the photo below of me giving the griddle a test run.)

The van has a new timing belt, spark plugs and power steering overhaul, and the camper has brand new tires (blew one on the highway on the last trip, so wanted to start the 3000 mile journey with fresh tires), a new battery, reflective covers for the bunk ends, and some modifications inside to make it the most efficient use of our space for this long journey. We also have a hand crank washing machine, which will be a great family activity to keep our laundry clean along the way! ;)

We are all excited (and maybe a bit stressed), the emotions are running high around here, and I am repeating the mantra in my head “and all will be well, and all will be well”.  Thanks for your prayers as we finish up the final preparation details and head out on this JM Family adventure tomorrow!  We’ll try to do our best to post as we go!

Harold Parker State Forest by Seb

After leaving Acadia at 9:30 AM, we arrived early at Lorraine campground at 4:00 PM. Mom didn't even realize our campsite was across from a basketball court and all of us kids + dad love basketball as you can see here. In our 2 days and 2 nights there we played a lot of basketball. After that we collected caught and abandoned bobbers/hooks then went to sleep. The next morning we went to Boston. Then the next morning we left. Here are some photos:

Boston by Maya

      this is Bobby Orr after he scored his famous goal.

 

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS.WE MADE A SCRIPT ON A PRINTING PRESS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Paul Revere - we walked part of the freedom trail and went to Paul Revere's house.  

                               Cannoli... yum!!!

Look at all the boats !                                                 

 it's beautiful!

League of Underwater Superheroes

The first thing i touched was a sea cucumber. It was very slimy, but who cares. Diver Ed used sea cucumber slime to spike a boy's hair. it was really funny--everyone laughed.

hello sea star

                         

 

look how big Diver Ed is!

 Don`t eat it Diver Ed! it's a sea cucumber.

there where dogs on the boat also. of course we got to pet the dogs

  

Acadia National Park part 2

Our first day at Acadia National Park we went to otter cove - there was a lot of rockweed and barnacles but no otters ☹️. After venturing to otter cove we went into town (Bar Harbor)  and looked around then got ice cream. The next day we did diver Ed. We got to pet many different kinds of sea life. After that we went to the sand bar and had a short stay cause high tide came quick. On Monday we drove up mt. Cadillac. Also I tripped

and got a bad cut. Also I recommend you read the next post Harold Parker State Forest.

Seb 

 

Acadia National Park part 1

Coming to Acadia National Park I wasn’t sure if I was going to have fun.But my mind changed pretty quick; Acadia is so much fun. You can go to tide pools or go to otter cove, otter point, seal cove and many more places. The drive there was five and a half hours plus stops from VT, so we went really far. Maine itself is beautiful, but Acadia just makes it more beautiful. We arrived at around 9:30 pm, oops a little late. So us kids got to bed late. If you want to learn more about our trip to Acadia National Park, read upcoming part 2. Before I say bye, here are a few pictures. -Seb 

More photos from VT!

First stop: Woodford State Park, VT

What a refreshing and invigorating view to wake up to! This is what we saw each morning at Woodford State Park in VT... just outside our pop us was a large reservoir surrounded by hemlock, beech and birch trees that reached for the sky. It was a very welcome view after we arrived in the pitch black dark of the night and pouring down rain to set up camp on the first night of our trip!

The kids had a blast exploring the surroundings. Maya caught a salamander for the first time and also completed the VT State Park Junior Ranger program, achieving the “Salamander” level. The boys found lots of bobbers and other fishing tackle in the reservoir to add to their collection.

We managed to get in a round of s’mores our last night and see stars beyond stars in the crystal clear sky.

We visited the Bennington Battle Monument, which is the tallest structure in VT and the 6th highest monument in the USA at just over 300 feet. The Washington monument has it beat by about 250 feet! The views from the lookout near the top allowed us to see for miles!

We are learning as we go... the parents keep looking for ways to improv our efficiencies as we set up and break down camp and finding ways to engage the kiddos - of all ages - in the process!

Off we go to our next locations!

Camping 2019

Our pop up debut!

As you can see here our family loves camping. And I'm in 4th grade this year, and there is an exciting thing that the national parks have created for 4th graders called Every Kid in a Park, and the whole family gets in free!!! I just finished 4th grade - the pass is good from September thru August of your 4th grade year. Because of this pass, my family and I will be going on many summer adventures in our pop up camper. I invite you to follow along on our journey!
- Seb