VIRGINIA, CONNECTICUT AND BOSTON

Well, 2,000 miles later and we've made it from Dallas, Texas to Hartford, Connecticut. The good news was we were able to fold the Banana Split & fit it in the back of the Jeep Liberty we were taking to Hartford.Then all our bags, suitcases, backpacks and tucker bags filled up the back seat.
We were delighted to catch up with Len Edwards, a mate from Dubbo, and his mate John (whom I'd met in Dubbo). Len is involved in Golden Years ministry where he ministers to people in nursing homes, retirement villas and such. Back in Dubbo I used to have a coffee with Len and a bunch of other Christian blokes every Monday morning. So it was great to fellowship with Len and John briefly in Dallas before we left.
On our way to Connecticut (CT), we called on one of Army's sons, Michael. He and Theresa and daughter Alexis looked after us in beautiful Norfolk, Virginia. As a high ranking officer in the US Army, Theresa got us onto a huge aircraft carrier. They have wharves for something like 100+ vessels here at Norfolk, whereas in Oz, I think maybe half a dozen big ships would be the most we can handle. (Correct me if I'm wrong.) We also managed a 30 mile bike ride with Michael. Theresa loves cycling too, but she was on duty...Alexis duty. What a gorgeous little one - a very happy little kid. I played "gramps"! Getting some practice in Deb/Bren.
After leaving Norfolk, we called into a small church - Miracle Deliverance Tabernacle! Wish I'd taken the camera in! It was a lovely warm place to worship & Denise (our welcomer) looked after us admirably. They were nearly all black people and the coloured clothing they wore just added to the day's excitement - HE IS RISEN! Man do they know how to sing!
It was beautiful travelling along backroads and staying off interstate highways for much of the trip. I was able to collect some license plates (or tags as some folks call them). I picked up Alabama, Georgia, South & North Carolina and West Virginia. Still need Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and District of Columbia. So... nearly there!
The Jeep did the trick OK. We have to visit a few folk round here near Hartford and then collect a Camry and head to Chicago. We might go via Canada. Then we'll train to Milwaukee and collect a Ford van which is due to be taken to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It'll sure be great catching up with Bryan and Marcia in Newton. It's great here in Glastonbury staying with Lisa, Wayne, Noah, Adam and Nadine. They are new to Servas, but are excellent hosts. Once again... we don't really want to leave!
Anything to see between here and Chicago? (1,000 miles). Or Milwaukee to Cedar Rapids? (Not too far.)
Pictures above are: Lisa and Wayne trialling the Banana Split, a huge aircraft carrier, Fay and I checking the ships out, 8 mnth old Alexis and getting a South Carolina license plate from James. You work out which is which. Thanks Wayne!!!