Blue Lollipop Road

September 16, 2011 In Funny signs, Honda, North Carolina, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos, Virginia

day 14: nags head, to stumpy point bay, to columbia, to fairfield, to swan quarter, nc to richmond, va

Yes, that many places in one day and then some. This is where I will ask you to get out a map to follow this story.

No really, go grab a NC map- you are going to need it!

During yesterday, day 13 around OBX and after hearing there were going to be issues with getting to Cape Hatteras with road closures, rearranged ferry’s and ferry schedules, I started asking and calling and calling and asking. Yep, the 800 numbers, locals, staff at various business and visitors centers, even police officers- you name it, I asked and tried and tried and asked, determined to make it to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. As you will hear in the following videos and see in the photos- I didn’t make it, but I did meet some southern sweeties and had quite the drive through the back roads of NC.

I was told/given several stories before I began my attempt to make it on a ferry. Everyone had good intention and really thought they were giving me the right information, but turns out no one really knew what was going on and I didn’t find out the actual deal until I went allllll the way to the end of the line to learn Cape Hatteras was not in my cards this go around. What a wild good chase!

(Ok, now unfold that NC map.)

I left from Nags Head and drove through Manns Harbor to Stumpy Point Bay to catch the ferry I’d been advised to try. (For all of you who are not familiar, normal practice to get to Hatteras is to simply drive from Nags Head on route 12. That route is currently closed, so the reason this fun debacle began.) I was met by a police officer in Stumpy Point Bay next to a “road closed” sign. The officer broke the news that only locals and supplies could be sent on that ferry. He advised me to go to Swan Quarter, so back up the road I went to Manns Harbor, then to Columbia. I headed south from Columbia, through the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge to Fairfield:

…then into Swan Quarter:

…where I pulled over to park and learn after all that calling, asking, and driving, my plan was not going to work:

The good thing is, met and ended up spending the next 2 hours with incredibly warm and funny Swan Quarter Ferry staff:

Mitchell, Wayne, and Glenda fed me coffee, encouraged me to sit and stay as long as I wanted, gave me a desk so I could charge my camera battery (no WIFI at that little building) and treated me like I was part of the family. From my videos it’s plain to see that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these fine folks. Here I am with Ferry Station Manager Mitchell:

What a trip it was to hang out with these people, what a run around, and what a bummer in the end that I wasn’t able to make it to Cape Hatteras. Then again, it’s the journey- not the destination, right?

A huge thanks to All the staff at Swan Quarter Ferry. I am so coming back to see you all!

North I headed, deciding to take back roads on my way to I-95. (Why not keep going with the theme of the day right?) I passed cotton fields:

…and roads that really felt like they just my stop at the end of the earth, so I thought it was funny that I passed this sign:

By the time I reached VA, I needed a big ol’ shower and sleep and that’s just what I did.

Now? Off to Philly with my gifted tickets to the Honda Civic Tour concert this weekend (Thanks Honda!)- and to wrap up the last couple days of this trip.

Making it to all three of the top voted spots from the Honda Facebook page? Sigh. Well, I made it to Kitty Hawk, tried very hard but obviously didn’t quite make it to Cape Hatteras, but I’m determined to make it to the top-voted Statue of Liberty before returning my awesome loaned Civic Hybrid on Monday, so stay tuned!

Here’s to being reminded we it’s impossible to compete with Mother Natures plan, expecting the unexpected, and getting a big fat “E” for effort!

***Total miles driven today, day 14: 244

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 2,329

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 21

September 16, 2011 In Funny signs, Honda, North Carolina, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos

day 13: kitty hawk, kill devil hills, and nags head, nc

I had to start day #13 at the place where I wrote my first blog post ever; Front Porch Cafe’ in Kill Devil Hills nearly 3 years ago to the day:

It was cool to revisit the Front Porch Cafe’ and see the same chair (broken or not) that I sat in long ago, dreaming of what would become of this new idea I had for a thing called Blue Lollipop Road. To think of all the incredible things that have happened since these chairs:

After I got some laptop work time, I had to check out a reader suggestion; Duck Donuts:

For some reason, recently I have become a huge fan of fresh cinnamon and sugar doughnuts. (I am usually chocolate obsessed only when it comes to treats, so I’m still trying to figure out where this new craving has come from!) Add one more to the list of spots that get my yummy stamp of approval on the doughnut front:

It was hot off the press, melt in my mouth:

Mmmm…thanks for the suggestion reader Ginny!

Off to the Wright Brother’s National Memorial I went:

…where I met Darius:

I rolled up to the window to pay the entrance fee and Darius asked: “Do you sell lollipops?!” I laughed and told him no, (then gave him one of course.) Darius and I, two grown-ups having a moment of fun over a special blue lollipop. You’ve gotta love the never fail smiles these little candy sticks bring. Darius and I chatted for a few minutes. I asked him about details on transport, etc. to get to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as I had just been informed there would be some issues because of road closures after the hurricane. (I would later find out that Darius was the first of manyÂ people who gave their best efforts to help me get there…)

Great to meet you Darius, and thanks for all your help!

I explored the grounds and was schooled in all things flight:

Inside the Visitor Center:

Outside near the actual flight path:

I took a drive around the loop:

…and a walk to the top of the hill. It was a beautiful day to be outside:

I am so thankful the readers from the Honda Facebook poll sent me to Kitty Hawk! To walk around this property (especially as a traveler) and see first hand how flight was born was very cool. I overheard conversations and watched groups of older men (clearly pilots and flight junkies) walking the flight path, calculating and analyzing how it was all done, and discussing details with each other with an overtone of nostalgia that was adorable. It always makes me smile when I see people truly enjoying their passions and hobbies.

The day was hot and I needed to get my daily dose of movement in (to work off all those doughnuts!) Off I went for a long run on the beach. (Running barefoot on the beach is such a bonus way for me to get some miles in.) The best way to end a hot and sweaty beach run is to take a dip in the salty warm ocean of course! Â I took a moment to stretch rest as the sun started to set:

I saw Jennette’s PierÂ to my right so decided to go there to catch the full sunset:

Who did I meet there? More nice people of course! Meet Ron and Rita: Husband and wife from Pittsburg:

Ron played videographer for me so I could say hi in my full glory of beach after run grubby. I have to admit I love this end of day chill and dirty, sandy, salty summer kid feeling.

Ron, Rita and I talked and talked until it got dark. We shared travel stories, talked about our favorite cities, and they told me about their son and grandson. Once again, sweet people- complete strangers I could have spent several more hours with. If there were only more hours in a day to meet, talk to, and learn from all the interesting people out there…

Thanks for your video help Ron and Rita! It was nice to meet you.

Next up is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse!

***Total miles driven today, day 13: 125

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 2,085

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 21

September 16, 2011 In Honda, Pennsylvania, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure

what are you doing on saturday night?

This is what I am doing!

Yippee!

Thanks to Honda, it’s about to be Philly or bust for me and a guest to hit the Honda Civic Tour with Blink 182 and My Chemical Romance. I can’t wait to rock out to the good music! (I’ll be that girl in the front jumping around and dancing all night 🙂

Hope I’ll see ya there…

Thank you Honda!

September 14, 2011 In News & Updates

plan? what plan?

In my opinion traveling is the best way to do a lot of things, but mostly to learn how to be flexible, resourceful, and roll with the punches while making a party and fun along the way.

Yeah. That’s pretty much the story of my life and I actually really like it. Is it bad that I like a good curveball?

In case you need an Alaska refresher, read THIS. I just read/watched this all myself for the first time in a year and I am cracking myself up at my level of dork 🙂

How will I make it to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as promised when there’s currently no other way than to swim? Well, I’ve got this really cute bathing suit…

September 14, 2011 In News & Updates

you’ve got questions?

I’ve got answers!

I’ve had a lot of questions pour in recently about my travels and Blue Lollipop Road in general. Keep them coming! I will be posting an FAQ spot soon. No questions are off limits, so bring them on!

September 14, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, North Carolina, People, Photos, Restaurants, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos

day 12: virginia to obx, nc

BEACH OR BUST!

As I mentioned in my last post, it was clear a few days ago that the Honda Facebook poll and all of you readers here had voted in the winning place for me to visit by a landslide (Statue of Liberty.) I looked at the two runners up (Kitty Hawk, NC and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse) and thought- why not go to all three? So North Carolina or bust!

Just rolling in, I am one Happy girl:

(Great face I have right where YouTube froze me in this video, right? If you can’t laugh at yourself…)

Kitty Hawk welcomes me and the loaned BLR-Mobile!

(Have I mentioned how much I love this Hybrid Civic and the fact I am getting on average 42.9 mpg? You know I love saving $ on gas and being thrifty in general. This car rules on saving me and helping me afford this trip! I can’t believe I only have 5 days left on the road. Tear…)

I went straight to Jockey’s Ridge State Park:

…to hang out on the sand dunes for a while:

The endless dunes don’t even look like they could be real! From the top you can see the ocean and the sound- which feels surreal:

See those long skinny white things on the bottom-left of the photo? Yep, those are forÂ hang gliding lessons that are available to take on the dunes. How cool and fun does that sound?

I sat and stared at the ocean and the sound for a while just taking it all in. The sun started to set:

…and got more and more pink:

Jockey’s Ridge is a must do and the sunset in person is so much better than any photo or video could be! Next time you plan a beach vacation put OBX, NC on your list of to-go-to’s if you haven’t been here before. This undoubtedly my favorite beach area in USA. There’s something to be said for how clean it is, the fact that it hasn’t been taken over by a million neon lights, and that there’s mile after magnificent mile of uninterrupted sandy space for relaxing and playing. I heart OBX forever!

After sunset, I finished my day at the Outer Banks Brewing Station:

…with a pint of their Olsch:

…and a fresh veggie press sandwich on homemade bread. (Oops! I gobbled it up and forgot to take a photo. I guess you’ll just have to trust me that is was delicious. So delicious that I forgot about my camera.)

WIFI, microbrew, and eats recommended by a local was the perfect night office Â I needed so I could get some of my work done. (Thanks Steph!)

Tomorrow it’s more beach exploring: Kitty hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and making my way to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The weather is supposed to be even more warm and sunny than usual in September here so perfect timing…

Thanks for all the votes to send me here!

***Total miles driven today, day 12: 215

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,960

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 20

September 13, 2011 In Funny signs, Honda, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos, Virginia

day 11: around virginia

Announcements all around! Guess where I am headed?!

Surprise! I know that the winner by a landslide on the Honda Facebook poll page is the Statue of Liberty (so I will round out the trip and go there on my last day- next Monday) but I also thought; How fun would it be to go to all three voted on spots?! This is how I roll on my road trips. Why not?

So I made my way through Virginia today, snapping photos of random stuff, and mostly on back country roads:

I love how there are always chairs outside convenient stores in the country so regulars can sit and shoot the sh*t. Nightcrawlers for sale inside too. Score!

I found the Center of the Universe; Ashland, VA:

…and was reminded that Virginia is for Lovers:

I have love, Virginia has love, I love Honda, I’m loving life- it was a love-fest around the state today. Tomorrow it’s off to hit the beach. Coastal Carolina here I come!

***Total miles driven today, day 11: 142

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,745

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 20

September 13, 2011 In De-lish, Food, Honda, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos, Virginia

day 10: chantilly, va to reston, va

To the Great Grapes, Wine, Art, and Food Festival I went today. Always interested in how people make a living and how new products are born, this giant sandwich busÂ The Yellow Submarine Sandwich Corp.Â caught my eye:

…so of course I asked Owner Clay if I could video tape him and ask a few questions:

I love his hat. What a total character Admiral Clay was. So genuine, that in itself made me want to buy sandwiches from him. (Which we did and they were fresh and delicious!) My favorite thing Clay said after the camera stopped rolling was that when people asked him why in the world he wanted to do what he does, he answers: “Where else can you look out and see five or six thousand smiling face?”

Amen to that and thanks Clay! It was nice to meet you and I will indeed look your daughter up in Chicago.

How fun would it be to have an old school bus as a food “truck”?

Meet Michael (left) and Max (right), the sandwich makers:

…of course fully Beatles branded to complete the Yellow Submarine package:

I continued to wander with the festival crowd:

…had a sip of apple dessert wine:

…and some rose’:

Erik (above left) was wandering and offered me a glass so I accepted. This was after I was already talking to Ken (left) about his fancy shirt he had on. (Robert Graham I learned.) Why not bring two strangers together with me to take a picture?Â (They happened to know common people by the way because turns out they were both Army guys) Good times with random strangers once again.

I met these friendly sisters of Ms. Lillian’s Original Sauce too:

Debbie, Mary and Pat have been in business about a year, making the secret recipe bbq sauce their Mom (Ms. Lillian of course) used to make:

These sisters were sweet and I could tell love working together. It made me miss my sister!

Who else was at this festival? The Whoopsies ladies! Meet Partners Berkeley and Marcia:

These two are the definition of sassy and fun, and oh what delicious whoopie pies. (The three of us might have an exciting announcement soon- so stay tuned for the love of chocolate!)

I enjoyed my time at the festival, but also had other things on my mind all day being it was September 11, so I wanted to wrap the day with an important message here:

Here’s to living the life you want to live and never being afraid to say I love you because you just never know…

***Total miles driven today, day 10: 41

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,603

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 16

September 13, 2011 In Honda, Maine, Million Mile Joe, News & Updates, People, Photos, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos

day 9: scarborough, me to norway, me to chantilly, va

After months of looking forward to meeting the fellow-Honda loving Million Mile Joe- today was the day!

Joe and I made no absolutely no schedule or plans other than to meet at a local coffee shop and go from there. I got there early and anxiously awaited his arrival:

Joe came and we chatted for a long while. Even though it was a first time meeting, we talked and talked and laughed like old friends. We then decided to go explore a bit and check out each others cars, so we were off:

Joe turned out to be quite the tour guide! The first place he wanted to show me was Lake Pennesseewasee. (Called Lake Norway by locals.):

A gorgeous back drop for where older meets new Honda:

Joe’s quite the jokester. He pretends his car needs a push:

After the lake stop, it was a must to go to this well-known sign with all the countries (towns) in Maine:

Off we went to Joe’s house. Check out this fun sign Sharon (Joe’s wife) made to welcome me:

How sweet was that? (Thanks Sharon!)

I had to get a photo of Joe’s bumper, twin to mine with his URL:

…and one of the man and the car; uninterrupted:

Does that look like one happy guy or what?

First thing was first. A gift exchange!

Hours flew by as we shared stories and information about our lives in Honda. I jumped in Joe’s rig to give a thumbs up:

…and then thought I was funny to pretend I was cooly cruising down the road:

(Yes, I was in full geek-out mode!) I zoomed in on that odometer that’s so close to a million:

…and of course added a the blue lollipop:

I was very excited to see that Joe uses paper maps too:

Joe showed me the engine and parts that keep on trucking’:

…and showed me a few of the parts and pieces he’s used over the years:

Who’s Powered by Honda?

Joe is! There’s that famous hat. Who else is Powered by Honda?

I am! Yep- Joe let me borrow his hat for a few minutes. I need to get myself one of those…

After a whole bunch of car talk, Joe suggested we go explore a couple of local spots, so in the car we went buzzing down the back roads of Maine:

I like the sight of this; The special blue lollipop right in the mix of Joe’s console collection:

First stop what we though was going to be a Deer Farm that actually turned out to be an Elk Farm:

(This was a blast and as you heard in the video extra special for me in that I love when I visit people and it turns into an excuse for them to do something in their own town they haven’t done yet!)

After the Elk Farm, Joe took me to Snow Falls:

Here we are together!

…and the falls were that green New England nature that’s so nice and relaxing to breathe in:

Back to Joe’s house we went so he could show me his log books of all the miles he’s driven:

Quite the collection.

It was time for some last words for the day and bits of advice from the Pro Joe:

Do you love that Joe’s favorite are Snow Caps? Joe and I already got along famously, but when I learned his vice was chocolate just like me, our bond was certainly kicked up 100 notches! (Great minds think alike:)

Perhaps my favorite photo of the day, I had to get one with Joe and the blue Lollipop:

This picture really makes me smile.

What a blast of a day! So many great unexpected surprises for me. Joe and I spent way more hours together than I thought we would (and I was happy about that!) We had to practically force ourselves to step away because we could have talked forever, but I needed to get on the road to knock out some serious mileage. Like the sweet Dad he is (Joe has daughters my age)- he was sort of shooing me to go so I wouldn’t be driving too late. (My Parents will appreciate reading that. Thanks from my Mom before she even reads this Joe.)

I collected so much from the day, it’d take me forever to list here. The biggest thoughts from the day though, are that Joe and I might look different, but we are very much the same. We love our families, we’re regular people, hard workers, we have have cars that have been our partners in crime, that transportation that’s been reliable everyday that we never worry about, and we find joy in small things in life. No matter where I am on the road, I continue to meet people like Joe that I connect with that I never might expect to. This is always a welcomed surprise and one of the reasons I stay excited about getting up in the morning. Did I ever think I’d connect with a complete stranger in Maine because of the love I have for my Honda’s that’ve taken me to so many amazing places over the years? No. Am I happy that I have, and do I think I probably have a new friend for a very long to come that “gets” me in my quirky Honda loyalty because he has the same? Absolutely. That is awesome.

Even though I rolled out of Joe’s driveway much later than expected and was facing a long 10 hour drive, I felt like I was on a high as if I’d just finished a marathon. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It’s always a such a treat for me to be able to spend time with someone I can laugh with and that shares a similar passion to mine. I am quite confident Joe and I will see each other again, and I am looking forward to it!

Thank you so much for a great day Joe. I appreciate you letting me jump into your world and being able to share some of mine too. Let’s get together for some Snow Caps and whoopie pies soon? Until then, here’s to never giving up on a dream, and hitting that million miles. You deserve all the best and I can’t wait to watch you reach your big goal!

I am now that good exhausted after such a fantastic day and a drive until 4am all the way from Central Maine to Virginia. I’ve been invited to the Great Grapes, Wine, Art & Food Festival tomorrow, so off I go…

***Total miles driven today, day 9: 694

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 1,562

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 13

September 12, 2011 In Honda, Maine, Million Mile Joe, News & Updates, People, September 2011 BLR Honda Adventure, Videos