Today we traveled through mid New York state along RT 20 from Syracuse through Albany, Pittsfield MA, Springfield MA and finally to Colchester, CT. 

It appears that the folks around here knew that we were headed home.  Every little village along the way had lined their main streets with flags and some were holding festivals as well.  It might have been the warm up to the 4^th of July, but it was still a nice homecoming. 

Today’s off the beaten path adventure consisted of scenic drives through the Berkshire mountains on little roads along streams.  Mid-state New York and Western Massachusetts have some of the prettiest, greenest, tree lined country roads we have seen in the last month.  The scenic routes through the Berkshires may lack the lofty vistas of the Rocky mountains, but are no less beautiful.  I used to think that my belief that New England was the prettiest place in America was due to my not having seen much of the rest.  I did see some beautiful country in every state we visited, but I still find myself wanting to repeat the chant recited by Dorothy at the end of the Wizard of Oz.

Toward the end of the trip we hooked up with Buffalo Bob and his lovely wife, Anne.  Over coffee we finally managed to give him the buffalo we found in Sheridan, Wyoming.  I think the little critter suites him well.

Expect a few postings to wind up the cross country trip before we start phase two, blogging day trips and overnight excursions in New England. I expect to see quite a few of you at the big family and friends 4th of July celebration in Putnam.  To the rest, check in later, after I have unpacked and scraped 5,500 miles of bugs out of the grill of the Outback.

Thanks for journeying with us.

David & Gloria