The Worst Weather in the World

10-8-10

We woke up to beautiful sunny skies in our beautiful Mt. Washington Hotel.  Our first item on the agenda was a ride on the cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington.  Okay, let me say here that I had no idea what the top of Mt. Washington was like.  In my mind, I had visions of alpine meadow.   After all Mt. Washington is only about 6000 ft - compare that to Mt. Rainier at 14,000 ft.  Well it didn't take me long to find out.

At the top of Mt. Washington is a weather station because it is known to have the WORST weather in the world.  And it definitely proved to be true - it was 10º F with winds gusting to 70 miles an hour!  Visibility was maybe 20 feet.  It was there I learned about "rime" ice and I've included some pictures. 

Brrr!  Fortunately, we only had to stay there 1 hour and then we could ride the next train down.

The rest of the day was quite an improvement.  We drove on beautiful highway 2 across Vermont and stopped in at Ben and Jerrys.  We enjoyed the factory tour.

Kancamagus Highway Leaf Peeping

10-7-10

 We're ready to see the leaves!  So we have found a scenic highway (Could someone please tell me how to say the name of this highway?) and our cameras are at the ready to go "leaf peeping".  We did have a bit more rain today, but not quite as bad as yesterday.  I'm hoping the weather will improve more.

As you can see, it is beautiful.  And photos can only touch on it!  We ended up at the Mt. Washington Hotel at the top of Mt. Washington, NH.  This hotel was built in 1902 and is absolutely gorgeous.  Thanks to Matt for the recommendation.

'Tis a Gift to be Simple

10-6-10

Happy Birthday, Mike and Willow!

In spite of a very rainy day, we had a wonderful visit to the Canterbury Shaker Village.  Tamra had recommended it to us and it was incredible.  We felt especially lucky because our tour guide, Darryl, was raised from the age of 2 in this Shaker settlement.  He was not a Shaker, but his father worked for them.  As of now, there are only 3 Shakers left in the world.  Darryl showed us everything, from the subtle dots on the floor of the meeting house (which helped them position themselves for their religious dances), to the laundry facilities.   We also spoke with a broom maker who showed us how a broom would be made in the 1850's.  I think the most touching thing we saw was a video of an elderly woman who had been raised by the Canterbury Shakers in the late 1920s and 30s, after her mother died.  She felt so safe and loved and she felt that she owed them everything.   The Shakers were very innovative people and totally embraced the technology of the day.  They were the first in this community to have running water, toilets, electricity and even cars.  But, of course, what the Shakers are known for is their functional, yet absolutely beautiful, furniture and tools. 

Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming!

10-5-10

Well, we are in Maine - lobsters are everywhere.  We spent the night in Portland.  Today we drove out to Kennebunkport.  Carroll just kept hoping he would run into the Bush family.  He had some things he wanted to discuss.  As you see, he was able to get a few things off his chest but I'm not sure George was listening.

Bewitched

10-4-10

We made our way to Salem, Massachusetts.  Of course, I had to see the witch museum.  I really enjoyed the beautiful old, old houses.  Also, we walked over to the House of the Seven Gables - sorry I couldn't get all seven gables into one shot but you will see about five.  Salem has a lot of people who practice the Wicken religion.  They do wear robes and or capes and we saw several.  One of the pictures shows you how yards are decorated for Halloween.  I guess they get into it there!

After Salem, we began driving.  We found Carter's ice cream.  My friend, Jane, had recommended it to us.  I kid you not - this was some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted.  Both Carroll and I are trying to figure the best way to back track to get some more.  And then, finally, it was lobster for dinner at Brown's Seabrook Lobster Pound.  I had a lobster roll and Carroll dug into his first whole lobster.  Thanks to Matt and Liz for the recommendation!

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

10-3-10

 As you can see, our next stop was Boston.  These shots are all from the Freedom Trail and include Paul Revere's home and his gravestone.  I also tried to show the true height of the steeple of the Old North Church.  As you can see, it was an excellent choice for the placing of the lanterns on that fateful night - you could see if from everywhere at that time.

We took a trolley tour of the city to get our bearings and then we walked the Freedom Trail.  We saw the room (in the old State House) where the Boston tea party was decided.  An interesting detail comes from July 4, 1976.  On the bicentennial, President Ford read the declaration of independence from the balcony of that same building - as was done 200 years before.  But this time, standing at his side, was Queen Elizabeth.  At the end of the reading, he surprised her with a check for the tea!

Carroll's favorite part of the tour was the tour of the U.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides).  I imagine you can tell from the picture it was NOT standing in line at Mike's Pastry -- but even he will agree the cannelloni was so worth it!  Thanks Tamra, for the recommendation.

"Good Morrow. Fare Thee Well."

10-2-10

On to Plimouth Plantation.  What an incredible experience!  I had never been to a living history museum before so I was completely amazed by this museum.  Actors and actresses (including children) took on the role of pilgrims in 1627.  They never stepped out of character and were there to answer any questions you might have as well as explain the time.  We saw this era through the eyes of Wampanoag Native Americans and  English settlers.  What a wonderful way to bring history alive.  I only wish that we had something like this closer to our area so more children and adults could experience this.

Our next stop was to see the pilgrim's transportation, the Mayflower.  Once again, the ship was manned by actors in complete costume and persona of 1627.   This ship was actually the Mayflower II, an exact reproduction, of the original.  It has even made from England to Plymouth in 1957.