North Central Railroad Trail...Where Have You Been All My Life?

I, like many Baltimore/Harford Countians, have driven by the cute little Chakra Bikes /Hunt Valley Village sign on Paper Mill Road that marks the spot where the NCR Trail begins and meanders for FORTY MILES to York, PA. I to have said numerous times that I wanted to try biking that route one day...soon.

Well, that day never came...until today.

We, nine family members & friends, started at about 945am at the Paper Mill/Ashland entrance to the trail and off we went. The weather was gorgeous - like mostly sunny & 82...BUT the bikes, which were borrowed - they were another story: mine was waaaayy too short, my daughter's wouldn't get out of first gear so she was peddling her heart out and going nowhere, my middle son's bike was way too tall, my youngest son's tires were dry-rot, our summer vet-med students seat was a little too uncomfortable, and my best friend's daughter's chain kept popping...crazy!

Despite the problems, we made it to the Monkton store around the 8 mile mark and had a little one-hour picnic. (btw that store is fantastic - all organic, including the incredible ice cream! ) We then had to venture back the 8 miles we came from...which actually went a wee bit faster, even after a huge double-digit-point-buck (in velvet!) casually strolled across the path less than three feet in front of my best friend and I - who were so engaged in a conversation that we almost ran smack into the deer.

This was such an inspiring day that we vowed to get our own bikes and made a goal to travel the entire length of the trail. No commitment date set - I will keep you posted...

A Ferrying We Will Go...

Wanted to do something a little different with the kids on this last day at the beach and decided to take the ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May, New Jersey.

After we loaded our vehicle onto the ferry we then proceeded to wander about, enjoying all the little nuances on the ship. These boats are awesome - cafes, bathrooms, video arcades, gift shops, flat screen televisions, full bar! My family chose to sit on the outside deck - reading, relaxing, taking in the scenery.

After arriving on Cape May we were thankful we didn't leave the vehicle in Lewes and take only the bikes...the route is not very child friendly for sure. We continued to the beach area and decide to tour the historic district before eating lunch at an outdoor cafe on

Washington Square, the pedestrian mall.

After which we ventured to Sunset Beach, which is famous for a WWI shipwreck (The SS Atlantus), as well as rose quartz sand (we looked very hard but never did find those little 'Cape May Diamonds' ?)

We then had only about an hour before the last ferry back to Delaware, which wouldn't allow enough time to visit the lighthouse, so we decided to do a wine tasting at Turdo Vineyards, a small family owned Italian style vineyard just minutes from the ferry dock. The hostess was very gracious and accommodating even though we arrived 15 minutes before closing. She never rushed us, let us taste the entire available vintages and even offered my under-aged children a treat.

Once back in Lewes, we decided to stick around for a light dinner and some more wine before strolling the quaint streets and then heading back to the Maryland coast.

It was really a great day...the ferry ride, the historic towns, the lighthouses, the wine, the school of dolphins that the captain killed the engines for and pointed out to the passengers - what more could one want. We will definitely be back again someday...hopefully an overnight trip next time.

"I pulled in to Nazareth..."

Decided to make the short trip from Bethlehem to Nazareth. (Ha ha ...that just sounds hilarious!) We were excited to tour the CF Martin Guitar Museum & Factory. http://www.mguitar.com/ This was so cool! Real factory workers act as tour guides on their days 'off' - and what a tour you get..

...up close & personal (not like some of those factory tours where you are behind bullet proof, soundproof , one-way glass...NO, not here! Here you are right in the mix - with all the sights, sounds, smells - every step along the way. From the choosing & cutting of the exotic woods to the inlay of embellishments and jewels, such as the intricate mother-of-pearl on this $50,000 beauty!

My middle son, being the only musician in the family, was in awe. They even have a 'pickin room' filled with unique models for musicians to try. This is a real treat for musicians...one of whom, Mike from Connecticut, we met in there and found out that he may be playing on one of the side stages at Bonnaroo 2009 http://www.bonnaroo.com/ Look for him there... http://www.mikemorello.net/live.html

Not only is the CF Martin tour & museum totally FREE...you even get a small souvenir at the end. Truly a great afternoon spent.