Page 2 of Michelle Ray Travel Blog Posts


North America » United States » Florida » Pensacola October 30th 2022

Nearly 3 months ago, I dropped my husband Don off at a parking lot near the Seattle Airport with his friends. A quick peck kiss, a hug, and he jumped in the car and just like that he was gone and I was on my own. He has been very much involved and participating in his own journey as I have been in mine. Finally after all this time, I get to see him. With a few fibs, Google Map stocking, hours of driving, help from friends (thanks Ethan & Amanda), I drove up to Don while he was peddling down the road. I am not good at lying, so he knew something was up, but seeing me in person was certainly a surprise! He is skinny, sun bleached shaggy hair, but still my guy and ... read more
Lake Seminole
Henderson Beach, Destin, Florida
Henderson Beach, Destin, Florida

North America » United States » Florida » Jacksonville October 27th 2022

For the past few years as my traveling experiences were compiling, I purposely avoided Florida. Why? I knew years ago that we were going to be here for a long period of time (1 month). So far I have only experienced the Jacksonville area near my camp and I am so impressed. This is how winters should be spent! I am camped out at Pelican Roost Campground on the Jacksonville Navy Base. My tent door is facing the ocean, I am surrounded by palm trees with brown pelicans flying overhead, a nice gentle breeze keeps me comfortable in these mid 80 temperatures. Awwwwww. There is so much to see locally, within walking distance. It wasn't until my second day I finally took a ferry from Mayport over the St. John's River. On my list to visit ... read more
Cigar crafters
Sunrise
Sunset

North America » United States » Georgia October 21st 2022

My first week and a half of camping in warmer southern climate was South Carolina and Georgia on the Savannah River. Then I drove 3 hours to Holbrook RV Campground, a military campground, about 1/2 hour from Savannah, GA. It is great. There is a large pond, hiking trails in the woods that dangle long threads of Spanish moss from their branches. Magnolia trees, short palm bushes, scented flowers line the lawns that are covered in large pine cones. Not many fall colors here, just luscious green foliage and damp green lawns, well trimmed throughout most of my drive. Especially on military grounds. My first question at check in....what animals do I need to be on the lookout for. The receptionist said not much, just snakes, alligators, boars, mountain lions....and squirrels. Ya, one of those does ... read more
Armidillo
Pink Oleander
Sago Palm

North America » United States » Pennsylvania October 15th 2022

Leaf Peeping in the Northeast It finally happened; the leaves turned! Weeks of waiting in anxious anticipation, Mother Nature presented a beautiful gift. I noticed the leaves in their full fall glory as I was driving North in Pennsylvania to visit the Kinzua Bridge State Park. I've become excited to see a solo ash tree turn yellow or an occasional dogwood or sumac have red tips on the top of the luscious green bounty. The rustle of green, yellow, and brown leaves when the fall winds blew brought on the familiar back to school, fall, home feeling. I knew it was coming any time now. Campsites filled up, more and more RVs were on the roads, and I met many people at touristy stops stating that they to were here for leaf peeping. I had first ... read more
Kinzua Bridge State Park, Mt. Jewett, PA
Kinzua Bridge State Park, Mt. Jewett, PA
Kinzua Bridge State Park, Mt. Jewett, PA

North America » United States » Pennsylvania October 6th 2022

After a quick nights rest at West Point, NY military campground I drove straight to the heart of Dutch Country I found an adorable park to camp at. Country Acres located in Bird in Hand, PA. Yes, that is the name of the town. I had to ask the front desk lady because I was really confused. There is also the town of Intercourse, PA and Blue Ball, PA. But, the lady said they won't dance cause that's nasty. Tee he he. This area is well known for Lancaster for the Amish community and Hershey for the chocolate candy. Rain was planned for a couple of days so I created my own self guided covered bridge tour. There are so many here! It was the perfect activity for the weather. The rain and lack of sunshine ... read more
Sunrise
Buggy traffic jam
Blue Ball, PA

North America » United States » Maine September 30th 2022

I made it down to Massachusetts then realized I missed two of my stops in Maine. Since the states are so small, the furthest point I wanted to reach was only a three hour drive. With much encouragement given to me by friends and family, I decided to go back into Maine and mark everything off of my list. I did that...and MORE! Since this was my second time driving to Maine, I choose Hwy. 1 on the southern half of the state. The Hwy. runs parallel with Interstate 95, but intertwines with multiple adorable little coastal towns with many places to stop and take in the sights. First on my list of things I missed was the Wiggly Bridge in York, ME. I posted a video of me crossing the bridge on Facebook, so if ... read more
Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, ME
Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, ME
Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, ME

North America » United States » Massachusetts » Boston September 26th 2022

Okay history buffs, this trip was for you! The city, history, museums is not my favorite activity BUT I heard that accessing downtown Boston is super easy and I really wanted to get out and about today. It has been raining, windy, power outages, even Hanscom Air Force Base has been without power for four days now. Listening in on the water cooler conversations around base and researching the commute online I came up with the following plan. Drive Hwy 2, not the 95 (to avoid the morning commuters), park at Alewife Station, purchase a two-stop subway pass ($4.80), take the red line to Park St. That put me at the Boston Common off Tremont St. That was the beginning of the Freedom Trail that I followed. Approximately 2 miles long, lots of wait time at ... read more
Old North Church
Paul Revere
Granary Burying Grounds

North America » United States » New Hampshire » White Mountains September 20th 2022

Maine was really getting cold and wet, I needed a change of scenery. I decided to go back to New Hampshire to visit the White Mountain National Forest. Such a good decision. This was a location on my itinerary two weeks ago, but bee lined myself swiftly to Maine despite my premade plans. I have no excuse other than the thrill I get from making last minute decisions. NH was quiet beautiful in this area. The rolling hills of trees that are transforming into their iconic autumn colors covered the grounds as far as the eye could see. Out of the dozens of scenic view points and hiking trails, I first choose the amazing Lower Falls in Albany, by the Kancamapus Highway. Rushing waters of the Swift River, turned slight brown from picking up summer debris ... read more
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Albany Covered Bridge
Lower Falls

North America » United States » Maine September 16th 2022

I finally reached the Quoddy Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. The furthest eastern point of the US. Even that statement gets complicated in this peaceful, quiet, wooded state. Eastport and Lubec battle over who is the most eastern point. While Eastpoint is the furthest "town", Lubec is the furthest "city". Located on the most eastern point of the continental United States, West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is a stunning spot to see the first rays of sun in the country. This iconic red and white stripped pilar is located in Quoddy Head State Park, the original tower was built in 1808 under orders from President Thomas Jefferson. The lighthouse tower that stands today was built in 1858. But wait, I am getting waaay ahead of myself! The drive through Maine to get to this point is well worth ... read more
Great Pond, ME
Creativity at it's best
Great Pond, ME

North America » United States » Maine » Bar Harbor September 13th 2022

I spent 4 days and 3 nights in the Acadia National Park. I had never heard of it before but apparently is a very popular large park in this region. My first night was in the Schoodic area. I did a few hikes close to camp but was not overly impressed with this newly developed part of the park. The next morning I had reservations to drive the Cadillac Mountain top. My reservation was for 7:30 a.m. so the sun was up, a low layer of fog laid between the mountains, but the view was wide, far, and blue skies. My next two nights of camp was at Blackwood Campground. Many more driving loops, hiking trails and with that more people. I hiked to Bubble Rock, Jordan Pond, and Otter Creek. Really nice hikes, never more ... read more
Bridge crossing ANP
Bubble Rock ANP
Cadillac Mountain peak ANP




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