During my most recent trip we were collecting elderberries (Sambucus canadensis L.) within the United States. We drove along state highways until we spotted elderberries and then quickly pulled over… or not so quickly… or was it really elderberry that we saw… ahhh, for the most part we found it. On average, our collection rate was about 50 miles per plant. Why am I sharing all of this? Because that explains how we could travel to Maine and back within a few days.
There were several highlights from this trip that I would like to share:
1. Having people pull over to ask us if we were planning to make elderberry wine with the fruit we were collecting. One woman did not believe me when I said that we were collecting them for research and not wine... yah, sure… ;) ;)
2. It was my first time traveling to New England.
3. Clam chowder… awesome!
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| The Homestead Restaurant: the best clam chowder ever! |
4. Visiting my cousin and soon to be in-laws.
5. Niagara Falls… we were only 8 miles away. Wow! It truly was one of the greatest experiences of my life to stand there and witness something so beautiful, powerful and amazing. I wondered to myself… did Moroni visit here before or after he buried the plates?
a. One of the most important things that I learned at the visitor center: if you don’t want the awkward pause and feeling of guilt when the sisters ask for a referral… bring your colleague...
b. Although Niagara Falls was amazing (and I highly recommend visiting) the highlight for me was visiting the Sacred Grove and the Hill Cumorah. To walk in the vicinity of two great prophets who once walked the earth was an incredible feeling.
Four days after visiting these sites in New York, I went with a friend to Nauvoo. Once again, I was humbled. I gained a greater appreciation for Sarah Granger Kimball, Lucy Mack Smith and the Relief Society. My testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith was reaffirmed. I was deeply touched by the deep love that the prophet Joseph and these early Saints had for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
3 comments:
I love New England! Natalie and I went to Boston for a conference last May, so we spent a few extra days in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The White Mountains of NH and driving down the coast of Maine were both beautiful.
Thanks so much for the surprise visit! It was so wonderful to see you and do a quick catch up.
Brien... I loved the White Mountains. What a beautiful area. We didn't get to the coast of Maine... sounds great. Hopefully another trip.
Logan... it was great to see you guys too! I love being able to see family. I can't wait to meet Ayden... I'll try not to come during nap time. Have fun on your cruise!
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