May 2-6, 2021
Today is already Day #55 of our wonderful adventure and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get this blog launched! Several of the campgrounds we’ve stayed in had little to no reception for days at a time. It’s been frustrating, but HOPEFULLY I’m on track now! I won’t bore you with the almost 1000 photos I’ve taken 😳, but I have some really nice ones. I’ve been taking notes along the way, too.
My current plan is to do a summary of each area we’ve already visited and then add on as we move along. I doubt I’ll be able to post on a regular basis because of the reception issues, but I’m going to try!
First of all, thank you for wanting to be included in my “Where’s Wendy?” roadtrip adventures. To all of you that reached out to me because you thought I was MIA, thank you! We’re currently camping 30 miles away from Charleston, SC!
My planned departure date of April 3rd failed miserably, but that’s ok. Maddie (my 13.5 year young pup) and I are on the road now and it’s already been a wonderful experience. My goal is to relax and have fun and that’s definitely happening!
Without going into all the details, a majority of the delay was caused by car issues. The car needed new tires and I had to wait a week for the appointment. Then I decided to get a roof rack and cargo box. I’m really happy with it, but it was another week delay. The major problem was getting the alternator replaced. That was unexpected and the garage struggled with it. I lost most of 3 days getting it done. At least it happened BEFORE we left home.
We finally headed out on Sunday, May 2nd. Our first stop was for lunch with my sister, Carla and her husband, Joe and their almost 30 baby goats, plus sheep at Timberdoodle Farm in Connecticut!
It was a nice, but very quick visit because our next stop was Manhattan later that day! After holding my breath driving through the city, I met up with my childhood friend Louis and his wife, Carolyn. They live practically on Broadway! We sat in a pretty park to enjoy our coffee and NY style bagels with cream cheese and lox, before heading out for a 2 mile walk around their beautiful neighborhood. Of course, we had to walk by Tom’s Restaurant, made famous by the restaurant in the tv show, Seinfeld. Maddie was really well behaved on the walk, especially since she’s never been in a big city before. I’m still amazed that I drove in and out of Manhattan, but I’m glad I did it! It was wonderful to see Louis and Carolyn. 💕
The next day was a washout with heavy rain, but it gave me a chance to rest and plan ahead. A friend suggested that I eat at a traditional smorgasbord before leaving the area. The food at Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl, PA was amazing and I can’t believe it was all-you-can-eat for less than $12.00, including tax! It was definitely NOT a sugar-free, low calorie, fat free, cholesterol free breakfast!
Ok, that’s more than enough for now! This was only up through May 6th, so there’s a lot more to come! I HOPE to add some more photos here as soon as I figure it out!
Hugs from South Carolina 🤗
Wendy & Maddie 💕
Where's Wendy? Livin' in the Edge! 
I love Shady Maple..been there twice and never been disappointed! Love hearing from you and keep posting when you can!!❤️
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Hi Valerie! I almost didn’t get to go to Shady Maple, but the stars all aligned! Traveling with Maddie, especially in the heat, makes it almost impossible to go inside anywhere, if I have to leave her in the car. That morning started out cool & overcast, so she was fine. I wasn’t hungry again all day! Yummy!
I forgot to mention their gift shop! That’s one of the biggest gift shops I’ve ever been in! Luckily, Maddie was waiting & I don’t have the space to add any trinkets. I settled for postcards, a bag of candy & a quick exit! More soon! ❤
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so happy to hear and see your adventures Wendy. You are living the dream. Wishing you joy in your adventures.
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Hi Patti! Thanks for checking in! I miss you & Helen! ❤
Actually, I miss (almost) everyone, but I’m so incredibly grateful for this journey! Today was Day #59 already & the time has been flying by. Maddie has been an AMAZING companion & she makes me feel much safer, too.
The blog is only up to week #2, so there’s a lot more to come! Stay cool!!!
Hugs, Wendy & Maddie 🤗
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Glad the pony experience was as great as you had hoped. I drove thru there once but was unable to stop because I had 2 mandrill monk in the back of a van. We were heading back to Boston from the Virginia Zoo. Keep up the stories and the amaze photos. Stay happy!
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Thanks, Jeannine! It was honestly a childhood dream come true. If you ever get a chance to go back, make your reservations early! The Virginia side allows dogs & probably cats. I’m sure monks are always welcome. I’m not sure they allow monkeys… 😉
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
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They edit my comments funny. I wrote monkeys
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😂 Jeanine, I knew what you meant, but that’s one of the funniest autocorrects I’ve seen recently! 🦧
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When you eat a bagel in NY it isn’t “New York Style”, it is actually a New York Bagel. Or, as we call them in NY- a bagel 🙂
Glad you are having fun!
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Hey Steve, 🤦♀️
That is a very good point! 🤓 To clarify, if I eat a bagel with lox in MA, then it’s a NY style bagel, right? 🤔
Thanks for checking in with me! I saw the photos on FB of the delicious breakfast that you & Anitchka prepared for the residents. I was wondering if you deliver to SC… I hope everything is going well with you. Stay cool!
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Wendy, you are incredible! In addition to planning and undertaking this fabulous adventure, your photos and narrative are excellent! Enjoying your blog tremendously!
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Good morning, Jane & thank you very much! 😊 I’m having a fabulous time! I’ve always loved to travel, take photos & write, so a blog is perfect for me. We left MA on 5/2, so today is already Day #62. It’s flying by. Maddie has been AMAZING, so I’m thrilled about that. I’ve been waking up every morning expecting that I dreamed all of this, but we’re really here! I’ve been saying that I have an even greater appreciation of America the Beautiful this 4th of July weekend. 🇺🇲
I hope you & your family have a wonderful & safe 4th of July. Stay cool! 🤗
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