Newport, NH

I really appreciate my Garmin. I comprehend that it is likely making me lazy and dumber, but I have really valued the way it has made my trip less stressful.

In preparation for past road trips, I have printed out mapquest directions for each stop. They worked well and I always got to my destination without major hiccups. But... traveling in New England is a very different story. Granted, I may be escalating my perceptions due to the ease that Garmin has offered, but here is my view at this moment. While traveling through little hamlets and villages, it seems that signage is inconsistent. If in looking for a sign to a specific state highway I don't see it coming from the west, it is likely a u-turn is needed and the markers will be visible from the eastern side of the road. I am almost positive that I would be adding at least an hour a day to my travels due to such snafoos.

Not with Garmin! As I keep a periferal eye on the device, I get quick hints as to when the journey will require a swerve, turn or exit. I do know that I am more relaxed as I enter new towns and am able to enjoy the ambience to a deeper degree as I trust a computer to guide my way. Maybe not an ideal cerebral choice, but it has worked so far.

I am touting the wonders of the GPS for a certain reason this afternoon. When I departed Claremont, NH, I found that this leg of my journey will be shorter than others. I also knew that once I got to Delbert's house, I would spend little to no time on the computer. That is a great thing. But, knowing that I have several adventures I have not documented and several more yet to come, I decided I needed to find a quaint little cafe/restaurant with wi-fi service.

This is where my adoration for the Garmin comes into play. Visually hunting for such a place can be a challenge that would often lead to moving from one little town to the next without success. I was wondering aimlessly when it occured to me that my Garmin could be of assistance. I pulled off the road, directed the GPS to locate restaurants in the area, viewed mileage to be sure close was truly close and used the offered phone number to inquire about internet access. It worked like a dream. I am sitting in a Mexican restaurant in Newport, NH at the edge of their small air field recording the event as it happens. Lil' Red Baron is off the beaten path, so I never would have found it relying on my own devices.

Now I am enjoying freshly made guac and a house salad with an Emeril Lagasse pow. For $4.99 my salad has chipotle candied pecans, red/green/yellow peppers, dried cranberries and tomatoes atop a bed of lettuce. Mmmm!