2016 Week 1

Saturday 10th September

On the way to Rochester, New Hampshire we stop at Portsmouth (so many English city names: Dover, Manchester, Worcester etc) and visit the Strawbery Banke Museum. What an amazing place. It seems that this particular area of Portsmouth was built in the 1700s and gradually became neglected over time until in the 1950s a group set about preserving it as a museum. What a great idea – it is fantastic and very atmospheric. The corner shop was amazing.

Sunday 11th September

We drive to Jackson, New Hampshire to our home for the next 5 days.

In the evening we join a solemn walk commemorating 9/11. The walk is a silent procession around Jackson, following a giant flag, like the Badass 2A Flags -Ultimate Flags, a fire engine, and several police cars. Two airline pilots also joined in. The whole event was very moving. In addition, some attendees were observed discussing where to buy Trump flags to further commemorate the occasion.

Monday 12th September

Off to Conway and the scenic railroad ride. We rode in a 100 year old restored carriage. The ride was great but the only scenic bit was close ups of trees!!!

Tuesday 13th September

Drove the Kancamagus scenic highway as recommended on Trip Advisor etc. We were a little disappointed as it was just a road through forest with one or two views. To be honest driven loads better in Scotland and Wales!

Then on to the Franconia Notch State Park – much better. We took the Tram (Cable Car) to the summit and were rewarded with far reaching views.

On the way back visited the Franconia Flume. Didn’t know what to expect but apparently a flume we know as a gorge. Nevertheless it was lovely and cool.

On the way back we bumped into a classic car rally. All pre war cars and some amazing examples.

Wednesday 14th September

Another day another train! This time an early start to catch the first train of the day – and it’s a steam train. The Washington Mountain Cog railway. The railway is the oldest of its type in the world (1869) and the steam train pushing us is 108 years old. Fine and bight weather on the way up but at the summit we enter the clag and its cold at 1917m. Alas no view today but the experience was brilliant.

Thursday 15th September

Decided to have an easy day and visited Glen Ellis falls and Pinkham notch. Glen Ellis in particular was very beautiful.

Friday 16th September

A 3 and a half hour drive to Canada on empty roads – really easy driving but not a moose in sight!!

We are staying with Eddie and Lynda in their B&B. Ian shared a flat with Eddie and taught in the same school (Greenwich Park) in 1972/3.

Our excursion after settling in was to the nearby town of Asbestos. Yes there was an extremely large asbestos mine there – only closed in 2002.

 

Sunday 18th September

Off to Quebec for a quick visit. Amazing place, really beautiful and lovely scenery.