Overland travels, outdoor adventures, and visiting wine country have been part of our life for a long time. Summer 2020, the summer of the pandemic, saw many escaping to the countryside and remote areas to get away from urban environments. Given our love of overland travels and camping we managed to plan a fall 2020 escape for 6-8 weeks. This prompted us to make plans for a cross country road trip in 2021. We purchased a van and had it converted at Sportsmobile in Austin. Our original plan was to leave the west coast journey east on US Highway 2 (US 2) across the US, and enter Canada, returning across Canada, from its east coast to west coast, and then back into the US. We realized that was not possible and so late Spring 2021 we crossed the US mostly on I-80 to the east coast, and returned via Great Northern Route, US 2, as much as possible, staying on the US side because of the Canadian travel restrictions during Summer of 2021.
Our Great Northern Road Trip is an adventure that we will never forget. As I noted some travelers start in the state of Washington and follow mostly US 2 for the majority of the journey to Maine. Instead we took I-80 across to the east coast to travel west on the Great Northern Adventure. Along the way, we drove through cities, passed over mountains, and discovered lakes and valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border into Canada.
Off to Maine with Stops Along the Way
Reno, Nevada to Salt Lake City, Utah, May 20, 2021
We left bright and early in the morning of May 20, 2021. Our first day on the road while long was a pleasant trip. Our first night on the road we stayed at a state park, just east of Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City to Cheyenne, Wyoming May 21, 2021
The second night we stayed at roadside rest, at Pine Hill, just east of Cheyenne
Cheyenne to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, May 22, 2021
By this time we were starting to settle into van life.
One of our Many Stops Gas Station Stops © Spaswinefood
We would later arrive in Nebraska.
We were excited to meet up with Karla & Gary at Fort Kearney. Over the years we have done many road trips together. 2009-2010 we traveled overland from Dead Horse, Alaska to Ushuia, Argentina. 2015 we did a 45 day overland safari from Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa, and later we drove the lap around Australia.
Next day we toured the park a little before leaving.
Fort Kearney to Indianola, Iowa May 23 (Sunday), 2021
We arrived at La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola, Iowa where we did a tasting and stayed overnight at this Harvest Host site.
Check out the above link to my earlier post about our La Vida Loca Winery visit.
Iowa © Spaswinefood
Iowa to Indiana, May 24, 2021
We left Iowa, traveled through Indiana, and skirting Illinois (passing by Chicago, just to the North) along I 80 then onto I -94.
We did a morning walk, cooked meals, relaxed etc. during our day off the road.
Indiana to Ohio, May 26, 2021
Finger Lakes, New York, May 27-31, 2021
We arrived in the Finger Lakes just in advance of Memorial Day Weekend. I was happy to return to the Finger Lakes Wine Country. We spent Thursday through Monday exploring the region and did some winery visits. Here ia an overview of my wine country travels in the Finger Lakes:
New York State's Finger Lakes Wine Country
Finger Lakes to Connecticut, May 31, 2021
After an exciting and restful stopover visiting Finger Lakes wineries off we went to Connecticut. We spent a night at Rose’s Berry Farm, South Glastonberry, Connecticut (Harvest Host).
As we headed onwards I could not but notice CT 2 sign.
From Connecticut off we went until we exited later to Cape Town.
We wanted to visit the Cape before heading north to Maine. We also planned to stopover and visit a #winelover friend in Boston.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, June 1-3, 2021
Since Cape Cod is the place one hears about it was a must see for us. Prices for camping here are on the high side, although it was well worth it to camp right on the cape and beachside.
We camped inland about 30 minutes from the tip of the Cape and took a day to explore the area.
We had lunch in Provincetown. It was quite a pleasant, inviting experience.
For lunch we began with some bubbles!
It was awesome sitting outside in late spring.
Further along we would take an exit to Boston.
We were excited to stop in Boston.
Boston, MA, June 3 (Thursday), 2021
We stayed at Fairfield Inn, Dedman. Xino loved hanging out at the hotel. It was a nice change of pace.
Our host were beyond amazing in sharing so many wines with us that evening. In fact Brad even sent us away with old Bordeaux wines to open later.
From Boston we traveled onto Maine.
Maine, June 4-17, 2021
Our goal was to reach Maine where we would begin our Route US 2 Travels. Compared to our travels across the country to the East Coast our speed slowed down upon reaching the Atlantic Coast at Maine. We delighted in arriving at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the kickoff point for travelers on the Great Northern, US 2.
We explored Maine for two weeks (see post -- to be added) before heading back west on Great Northern Route (US 2). From Maine we would take the US 2, which passes through the hardwood forests of Vermont’s Green Mountains and the rugged granite peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, two very different ranges, though only 50 mi (81 km) apart.
This is first in a series that I will write about our summer of 2021 overland travels. I would like to thank all those who participated making our adventure a success. Our journey east to begin our Great Northern Road Trip is an overland adventure that we will never forget. Along the way (both I-80 east and US 2 west), we discovered beautiful cities, passed over mountains, passed by numerous lakes, and through many valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border with Canada. The best time of year for the Great Northern Road Trip (US 2), sometimes referred to as Route 2, is spring, summer, or fall. I invite you to join me in my the sharing of these overland travels, and adventures elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Sharon
Memories of a Great Northern Adventure
May-June 2021
© Spaswinefood
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