Highway vs. back roads??  This is a question which RV’ers and motorcyclists consider when touring.  Sometimes the interstate highway is smooth and gets you to your destination the quickest and easiest, and you can get some wide open views.  Other times, it is the journey, and not the destination that provides a savory and memorable experience.  The drive from Brewster MA to Middletown, RI is only 2 hours by the fastest route, and 3 hours by the shortest mileage following local roads.  A hybrid approach was the winner, part highway, part backroads at the mercy of a GPS algorithm while towing a 6,000 pound camper.  Route 6 is a quick path to get off of the Cape. While following the canal back on the main land, we let the GPS find the shortest route,…  Before long, we are blindly following the GPS guiding the trip outside of state routes, and there, is a RR crossing ahead, gulp,… these are a road challenge which is feared by RV’ers. Our Microlite 25BDS has a height of 11’ at the highest point, there is the underpass, low bridge 11’6”.  I am going ahead, slowly, I know the whip antenna is higher, I hear no scrape, the rig squeezes underneath, no problem, Linda says, “6 inches to spare”.  The drive following is actually smooth and scenic back roads with minimal stops.  The journey was rewarding today. 

   Our next campground is Meadowlark, in Middletown, RI.  It is located adjacent to Paradise Park.  The location is more suburban-rural than I expected, but the campers are jammed close together as I expected.  This location is within a few miles of in town Newport RI, and only 1 mile to some fabulous Rhode Island Beaches.  Cotton tail rabbits abound at the camp and at the adjacent town park.  The birds are also plentiful, and many varieties, hence the name Meadowlark…  It is spring and the animals are actively building relationships (oh those rabbits…), nests and raising offspring.  The coyotes have taken notice, and have found some tasty rabbit.  The adjacent Paradise Park has a relocated and restored 8 vane windmill.  This was a working grist mill for grinding corn and grain in the early 1800’s, and at one time was the sole mill for all the grains in Rhode Island.

     On a long detour to the grocery store, we explored a bit of the shore line and in-town Newport.  The beaches are large and great for summer crowds.  Kite surfers are in the waves today with good steady winds, so much fun to watch.  Ocean Drive at the south end of Newport follows a fantastic rocky shore, lined with gorgeous homes.  Put this short drive on your list.    

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• 2021 Spring