Bitter Sweet

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Today is bitter sweet because we are leaving a lot of friends and family behind as we embark on our greatest adventure ever.  We hope to make many new friends as we explore our country.

It is our plan to coddiwomple across America and see as much as we can on this seven- to eight-month trip. I will let you google the slang term "coddiwomple" :)

Basically, we are headed West across the Northern states, then South to Colorado Springs where we hope to stay for a month or two, weather permitting. When the cold weather pushes us South, we plan to winter in the desert Southwest from Southern California through Arizona and New Mexico.  As the weather starts to warm up, we plan to cross the Gulf states and then turn North when we reach Florida. Then our plan is to coddiwomple up the East coast until we return home to New England.

Our travel plans are based on the 2.2.2. rule. Travel about 200 miles, arrive by 2:00, stay at least two days.

First stop is New York.  I will visit with a friend who served with me in Vietnam before heading further West into the unknown.

We stopped at Bowman Orchards, near Albany, the first night.  We checked out their store and bakery shop.  I kind of think that the few things we bought as being free gifts for camping with them over night. I love the Harvest Hosts program.  Looking forward to stopping in the Finger Lakes soon.

All settled in, in a big field.  Lots of room.  We were the only over-nighters.

Our second stop was Wellesley Island State Park.  I met my friend Walter Ballard, an Air Force Sentry Dog Handler from Phan Rang Air Force Base in Vietnam.  We served together in 1968 and 1969.  A few years ago, we connected on Facebook and now we finally got a chance to meet face to face. We met Walter and his wife Donna for lunch on Saturday. There was an instant bonding between both couples as though the four of us had been friends forever. On Sunday, we joined them for worship at their church.

Walter Ballard and Russell Wallace meeting for the first time since serving together 48 years ago.

Kay and I have a lot of friends and relatives around the country.  I hope that we can connect with ALL OF YOU.  If you are one of our friends or relatives, be sure to message us so that we can plan a route that allows our paths to intersect.  We are totally flexible, weather permitting.

If you are one of our friends following our blog, please leave us a comment so that we know you are there wishing us well.  We know you are there, but it helps us stay connected when we see your comments.  Just leaving everyone behind has been incredibly tough and your comments will help Kay cope.  I'm a tough guy.  Please ignore the watery eyes.  :)