Living My Boat Life...

Wait, wait, wait...let us rewind to see how we got here. So, in 1999, I started at LSU crosstown with Southern University on a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship. There is where I met Dave Hoover and why I know so many excellent people that let me visit them in cool spots!

Why wold anyone assume that we would actually stop in New York? Now you know, we have friends in Connecticut so LET'S DO THIS! First, there must be slime purchased in The Bronx because, well there's no real reason that should ever be a thing but you don't know what you'll get with The Human Bear.

Before we hit the road again, in the opposite direction of home, we needed a recovery day so we stayed local and had some clean eats at Olivia's Cafe in Yonkers.

Stop Sixty-One: Olivia's Cafe - 643 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10705

Right across the street from Olivia's Cafe, there was a memorial for the residents of Yonkers that lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Bears getting their journaling done!

Rise and shine super early so we can check another state off of the list today! At only two days old, LovElla is ready to join the road trippin' crew. This car is getting awfully full.

Loving your Welcome Center Darien, CT. Thanks for having us.

Stop Sixty-Two: Darien, CT Welcome Center - I-95 northbound, Darien, CT 06820

They don't have the signs like they do down south; however, instead of humid outdoor bathrooms, they have several "service plazas" along the interstate with restaurants, stores, clean bathrooms, markets and gas pumps...uhm, yes please!

We were on pace to make it SUPER early to the Hoovers so I hit the attractions search on the GPS because even Marines don't want someone in their home before 9 am.

East Wharf Beach popped up and we thought, hmmm what's a beach in CT like...well here you go!

Stop Sixty-Three: East Wharf Beach - 122 Middle Beach Rd, Madison, CT 06443

We have brought the rain with us everywhere we've gone so far but it was still a beautiful morning!

We have had our toes in the sand and water from coast to coast now and the gulf. What more could one ask for?

We made it to the Hoover house and they are training their two new puppies!

Stop Sixty-Four: Hoover House - Clinton, CT

Apparently we are not the ONLY ones with bears. Did ever person on the planet have a stuffed bear as a child? Beast Mode was so happy to be with some other bears and getting a break from watching the newbie.

The things I do for my husband...look at this love I'm giving this puppy!

The Human Bear wants to love puppies so much but she panics a bit when she isn't in control. It was all a dramatic process but by the end everyone got along.

We were sold on heading to Mystic, CT to see some cool spots and we started with lunch at a restaurant on the water and surrounding by boats we can't afford!

Stop Sixty-Five: Red 36 - 2 Washington St, Mystic, CT 06355

This was a really cool bridge we walked across to get into the town.

Of course the toy store was a must and we also stopped to get her a boating shirt because our Louisiana skin was not used to cool and rainy places.

Stop Sixty-Six: Mystical Toys - 4 E Main St, Mystic, CT 06355

And the award for most original name goes to: Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. An ice cream shop in Mystic, CT right beside the drawbridge. haha

Stop Sixty-Seven: Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream - 2 W Main St, Mystic, CT 06355

More other fun stops were had but at this point I stopped documenting where we were. Of course we had to get this shot for Paw Paw Sam.

Back to the Hoover's for puppy feeding time!

The Human Bear saw a rabbit in the backyard and took off to chase it.

I thought we may need to get on the road because the next day already had some plans so we don't want to be out too late...and then I was told we could walk to a vineyard from their house. Prove it!

Stop Sixty-Eight: Chamard Vineyards - 115 Cow Hill Rd, Clinton, CT 06413

I thought this would be just a little tasting room and a few rows of vines but this was a HUGE place.

We had a great afternoon catching up with friends and building lego house floor plans.

FINALLY, the sun came out while we were having some food so we walked it off throughout the vineyard.

Beast Mode refused to miss out on a glass of wine.

Oh, Hey Hoover!

This was a great day all around and we were totally spoiled by these two:)

Truth or Dare has been the Human Bears favorite game to play lately and there may be pictures of these two doing cartwheels around the vineyard. We capped off the night with each of them eating some kind of dog treat...don't worry, I read the ingredients and it's the same as most of the processed foods people eat on a regular basis. They should be fine!

What will we have in store next?