Road Trip -- Massachusetts in March!

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the last place I would want to go in this winter-to-end-all-winters would be Massachusetts, which has had as much snow as we have in Michigan. But it was trade show time -- and the trip would be bound to have its charms -- time with Rick's brother and sister-in-law, a visit with friends on the way home and some beautiful scenery. (Olivia's Overlook, near Tanglewood).

I love Western Massachusetts with its rolling Berkshire hills, its lively arts focus and its deep-rooted American history. I'd just like it a little better in the spring! This Church on the Hill (Lenox) was built in 1806 but the fellowship was formed in 1769.

But face it -- you can't deny beauty. Even in the snow! (Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield MA)

The trip didn't start off too well. We left in frigid conditions and throughout the journey we were faced with white-out conditions. This is not a sight you want to see on the highway -- it means someone up ahead has had a very bad day.

And they did. This accident was the "easy" one, I think -- although who can tell. It stopped traffic for over an hour and by the time we got there, all that was left were a few semis.

But the accident we saw on the other side of the 402 in Ontario had 37 cars and trucks involved and two deaths. If you have ever driven in a white out you will know that one minute it may look like smooth sailing and in a heartbeat you are facing a wall of white and can't see much beyond the hood of your car. Or the lanes of traffic. If you aren't paying attention, you'll be slamming into someone -- or they will slam into you. The chain reaction is fast and furious. We passed that one moments after that happened and could see them closing the highway.

Needless to say, it was a white knuckle trip -- made ever so much better by the arrival at Randy and Elaine's -- and by the equally warm greeting of Daisy...

...and Pickles (who would have come home with me in a heartbeat, had he and his humans been so inclined!)

We were headed this way for Rick's trade show in Marlborough, MA. He was giving a presentation,, followed by two days of working the floor.

Long days were made easier by good dinners -- including one at the Tandoori Grill.

After dinner, the owner invited us into the kitchen to watch them make the wonderful Naan bread in their tandoori oven. It was delicious!

When the show was over, the fun began! While Rick and Randy were skiing, Elaine took me on a road trip around the area -- some of the most beautiful countryside ever. We passed by small, very old cemeteries...

...and the legendary Tanglewood where every summer the great musicians of the world join the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a season of magnificent music.

Elaine was great, patiently waiting at photo stops and taking me wonderful places! One of the nicest things about the trip was getting to know her better. And if she minded when I was hanging out the open window with my camera, she didn't complain!

There were wonderful dinners out, like "Rainbow" in Pittsfield, where I had the best macaroni and cheese ever (think gorgonzola and caramelized onions)...

... and a beer stop at Mission, also in Pittsfield.

At night it was lovely!

We also went to the Hancock Shaker Village, but that will be another post!

There wasn't enough time -- but we'll be back in the good weather! Meanwhile, we headed back home with a stop at Niagara Falls, the day before it froze! (That's for another post, too!)

And a welcome overnight with my longtime friend Suzanne and here husband, Jim, in London, Ontario. We'll be back there, too!

In all, a wonderful few days -- weather notwithstanding! After all, if you combine beautiful scenery with warm hospitality from wonderful family and friends, what's a little snow?