In September 2022, I went on a 11-day mother-daughter trip New England, specifically Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. To give you a different perspective, mom has been kind enough to answer some questions.
1. What were your specific goals for this trip?
Joni: Nature relaxes me, and Steph’s travels are based on enjoying your surroundings.
2. What did you pack?
Joni: Hiking gear, one outfit for dinner out, comfortable clothes, camera, cell phone, etc.
3. What did you pack but didn’t use?
Joni: Too many tops/shirts
4. What do you wish you had packed but didn’t?
Joni: More hiking socks and a raincoat that had a hood! Glass wipes – many times the perfect shot is through the windshield.
5. Did you need to buy any essentials while traveling?
Joni: Bottled water, sunscreen for lips and face, and lotion
6. What were your favorite foods or meals from the trip?
Joni: New England seafood – lobster, mussels, haddock, and scallops
7. What was your favorite experience?
Joni: Waterfalls and the beautiful trails in the area
8. What is your best memory of the trip?
Joni: There were so many special moments, so I’ll answer this way:
- Lighthouses: Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse
- Waterfalls: Moxie Falls
- Gardens: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
- Hikes: Cannon Mountain
9. What was your least favorite experience?
Joni: Crowds – we went before peak fall foliage, so it was not as bad. I can answer that for any questionnaire. I enjoy coming up to nature in a quiet, calm approach especially wanting to capture it on camera.
10. Is there anything you wish you’d done?
Joni: Whale watching but due to a hurricane heading in and rough waters, it was cancelled.
11. Have you been in the area before? If so, what did you do?
Joni: When I was very young. I only remember moments like the cold, shoreline of Maine, and the water hitting the rocks. We also were there in autumn, so I remember the brilliant colors.
12. What did you miss from home?
Joni: My husband
13. What souvenirs did you buy?
Joni: A long-sleeve shirt from Acadia National Park
14. What do you like more when you travel – relaxation, new experiences, good food, shopping?
Joni: Relaxation, nature, photography, and watching my daughter enjoy nature like I do.
15. What inspires you to travel?
Joni: Seeing new places, wildlife, and hiking.
16. Where would you like to travel next?
Joni: Any of the remaining states I have yet to experience.
17. Where have you traveled in the United States?
Joni: I’ve been to every state except the following 14: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.
18. Where have you traveled internationally?
Joni: Bahamas, Botswana, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Africa, and Zimbabwe