Maine faded in the rear-view mirror as we rambled into New Hampshire for a few days. I found the state motto, “Live Free or Die,” refreshing in this time where the motto of an increasing number of Americans appears to be “Live for Free then Die.” On this Memorial Day, let us all take a moment to remember those that have answered the call of their country and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free and pursue happiness.
We stayed only a couple of days in New Hampshire, enjoying the scenery at Crown Point Campground in Strafford. A push to complete the kids coursework and prepare for exams occupied us, but we did find time to relax and hang.
Moving through the lush green mountains, we made our way to a KOA near Brattleboro, Vt.
More studying and more exams followed, but also a special treat. Nana and Papa flew up to join us on our journey to Niagara Falls!
Before heading to New York, we all checked out Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Unbeknownst to my unrefined self, Augustus Saint-Gaudens made a name for himself as a sculptor during the late 19th century. He established a home, workshop, and gardens in Cornish, NH. A thriving art community developed in the area. The buildings were closed, but we enjoyed touring the grounds around his house and studio.
The Ravine trail offered a shady trek along Blow Me Up Creek.
From Vermont, we cruised to Cooperstown, NY, to spend the holiday weekend soaking up Americana in the “birthplace of baseball.” We settled at Hartwick Highlands Campground, just outside of Cooperstown. Cooperstown is a quaint village nestled in the central hills of New York.
It is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and countless baseball-themed establishments.
The Hall of Fame did not disappoint. We spent hours looking at the exhibits. I especially enjoyed reliving a part of my childhood looking at memorabilia from the 70’s and 80’s.
Remember these RC cans? I still have a box of them stashed somewhere.
What a pleasure it was to watch these Hall of Famers for so many years.
The kids got a kick out of imitating sculptures.
Another type of ball occupied an entire Saturday afternoon. Me, M3, L, and Papa sauntered down to Grand Slam Paintball, donned protective clothing, chose our weapons, and prepared to do battle on a speed ball course and a woods course.
Adrenaline flowed as we worked to mow down our competition in elimination matches and snatch flags in capture the flag games. L proved deadly. M3 and Papa were both steady, formidable foes. I lumbered around presenting a very large target. 1800 rounds later, we dropped in exhaustion and shuffled home to nurse our wounds. Even the thought of taking a post-firefight picture proved too taxing to contemplate.
Niagara nears…
Paintball – that leaves bruises!
Yes, yes it does!