Trip report

[QSHIPQ at aol.com]

Back from a couple weeks of R&R, spent 2 weeks tent camping and meandering 
the east coast roads, from CT to ME.  Camper:  '87 5ktqw Mit 17's and big 
reds...  I must say, those of you on the east coast have some of the best 
back roads...   My highlights:

*  Best twisties:  14mile  run between Neversink and Claryville, NY 
(catskills).  Chased down a couple of leather clad Ninja crotchrocket 
warriors on this road.  The looks on the faces as they let a "wagon" by was 
classic

*  Worst rush hour:  Trying to get into downtown Conway in NH.  The traffic 
backup (near Mt Washington) was over an hour.

*  Best eats:  Tie:  Whalesback Inn, Mystic CT (lobster ravioli).  Then for 
less fromal:  Abbotts Lobsters in the Rough near Mystic CT.  Great food off 
the beaten path.  The miles of suspended fishing line kept the seagulls at 
bay.  Great view of Long Island Sound too.  Hey, the lobsters are from 
Canada...  Yup and good too;)

*  Best of camp cooking:  The bi-color fresh corn of Accord NY.  300years of 
growing corn these farms, the midwest could learn a thing or two about the 
definition of "sweet corn".  We added this to many a meal, heavenly.

*  Best road to nowhere:  Route 16 from Milan NH to Rangley Lake ME.  Lots of 
Moose, great views of some great fishing spots.  Fast road, but the moose 
*are* really big.  Interesting thought of a "speed trap".

*  Best road in nowhere:  Passaconaway NH to Bartlett NH in the White 
Mountain National  Forrest.  

*  Best off-road in nowhere:  Jefferson Clinton road leading to a great view 
of Mt Washington and the Presidentials.  A bit of the locked diffs and some 
rally driving.

*  Best "irony" tour:  Full day at the Sub Base Museum in Groton CT, 
including the walking tour of the SSN 571.  Later that day, news of the 
Russian sub sinking.

*  Best touristy view:  Fanconia Notch (the "face" of NH).  I sheepishly 
admit it really was worth the hike.

*  Best campground:  Hopeville Pond State Park, Hopeville CT.  

*  Worst turnaraound:  Getting out of RI once getting in.  Those that have 
btdt know of what I speak.  

*  Biggest bummer:  Weather in White Mountains precluded any trips up the Mt 
Washington auto road.  

*  Biggest savior:  Walmart sporting goods in Conway NH, er, the tarp section.

*  Closest call:  referencing the map, driving 20mph middle of NH town, deer 
missed the car by inches.  By the time I called up the Big Reds, he was gone. 
 

*  Best gas mileage:  29
*  Worst:  14 (see best twisities;)

*  Sorry to miss:  Baxter State park ME, Watkins Glen.

Total miles logged in 2 weeks:  3200.  Lots of rain on the trip, but cleared 
up just enough times to get the good stuff in (breaking wet camp really had 
me longing for the 4runner though).  My choice of the awesome HTRZII's tires 
certainly was the right one.  A couple of times thru Crawford Notch NH, rain 
streams across the road, nary a flinch from the direction of travel.  Saw 
quite a few quattros, including a S8 lookalike scooting by in the rain at 
some subsonic speed.  

Great quattro adventure, looking forward to making this an annual event.  
Thanks to:  My Great Aunt Margie (catskill mountain top owner) for the 
hospitality & home base, plus the gift of camp for our two daughters.  My 
wife for her being a total "trooper" during all the rain camps...  Next year, 
more civilized accomodations will mingle with the outback I promise.  My 
folks, for a bit of resq early on...  Apologies to:  The ego's of a couple of 
motorcyclists, all the qhead invitations declined (friends and family too), 
many miles to "get it all in" precluded much visiting.  Maybe next year...

End of Report

Scott Justusson
'87 5ktqwRS2 -10vt