2024 Fall Foliage Trip to New York - 2024/10/01

Fall is here and there's a chill in there air! At least that's what we hear. We're from Florida and it's still 85F and obnoxious humidity. So if we're going to get that "fall feeling" we're definitely going to need to head North! 

Theresa really been looking forward to fall foliage this year, along with all the things that go along with it. Apple orchards, picking apples, tasty snacks, and a few other surprises along the way. And we've got a friend coming along too! Jacob is joining us on our big fall adventure! 

On a late Tuesday night, we parked near the Orlando airport and took a shuttle to the terminal. 

Goodbye Orlando! 

And hello Philadelphia! 

We were a little late getting out of Orlando due to thunderstorms and lightning near the airport, but eventually took off for our 2 hour flight north. 

And it's already noticeably cooler here than where we just left. It's starting to get late though. Let's get our rental car and start driving! 

Meet Rogue! He'll be coming along as part of our crazy few days of fall adventures. It's a little bit of a tight squeeze with Jacob and me up front, then the two kids and Theresa sharing the middle row, with all the luggage in the back, but I think we can manage. 

Or... maybe not. Meet Pacifica! SHE will be taking us all around New York on our fall adventures. 

Shortly after leaving the rental car lot, when we got onto the interstate and started moving at speed, Rogue was making grinding noises whenever we'd hit a bump. We decided to return to the rental counter, but not before crossing a bridge to New Jersey and then having to pay a toll to get out of New Jersey a couple minutes later. Apparently the bottom skid plate of the car had ripped off with a previous renter and would drag on the ground when we went over a bump. 

But back to Pacifica! Because of the issue with the first car, we got upgraded to a van with 3 rows and bucket seats for everyone plus room for luggage in the back! Now everyone will be a lot more comfortable! 

It was a short 30 minute drive from there to our overnight hotel. 

Arriving a little before midnight (picture from the next day), we checked in and got our rooms. T and I walked into our room and did an immediate 180. Someone has been smoking weed in here and hasn't even tried to cover it up. Back to the front desk for another room. Hauling our stuff to the second room, we open the door and it reeks of cigarette smoke. Seriously? Back to the desk for a third time and we get yet another room. It still smells like cigarettes, but less so than the other. Gross. It wasn't a pleasant night. Theresa recalls rolling over in her sleep and being woken multiple times by the smell of cigarettes in the pillows and blankets. 

The kids didn't enjoy it much either. And what's that loud noise that started early this morning and woke us up? 

Oh, right. Tree trimming. 

And a wood chipper, working right outside our window. Lovely. Between the car and the hotel, this fall vacation isn't exactly starting off on the right foot. 

Let's get out of Jersey and hope our situation starts to improve. We've got 4 hours of road to go until we're at our next stop. 

But as we're moving along, we're starting to see signs of hillsides changing colors. This is what we're here for! 

It's starting to get closer! 

Here we go! Now we're getting into some vibrant oranges and yellows! Let's keep going further north! 

Stopping at a rest stop to get pictures. 

Checking out the various New York made items. 

Alli - I thought it was fudge. (it was soap)

It's really starting to look good now, and we're not even to the best of it! It's going to be a fun rest of our trip! 

Before we stop at the hotel, we're going to visit an Apple Orchard! And it's one we've been to before during our first year of RVing! Bowman Orchards! 

Ian - Didn't I get Watermelon fudge from there last time? 

(who could forget?)

We'll pick up from there next time!