New Hampshire

The weatherman was not on our side today. Despite cheery outlooks we were dashed at every turn when we tried to enjoy the great outdoors of New Hampshire.

We left Keene NH in the rain and drove eastward toward Concord then north to Center Harbor where my pretty patient husband left me to wander in the Keepsake Quilters - the biggest and best of quilt shops and known far and wide - they come from everywhere and I can see why. Everything was displayed like a picture and lit with track lighting. I'll not bore you with details, but if you're interested - talk to me later.

It was one of those days when the sky is white with rain and you have to wear your sunglasses to compensate for the glare. We pressed onward (up I93) through what we imagine is beautiful foliage country taking turns viewing through the rain or the fog. Going to Mount Washington to ride the Cog Railroad didn't seem an option so as we ate sandwiches in the car we formulated "Plan B" , which was to press on to Franconia and visit the farm of Robert Frost, tucked up in the hills. He had a wonderful view from his porch and I can see why he felt inspired to write poetry from that vantage. My husband bought me a book of poetry (after nearly 42 years!) and promised he'd read to me tonight. (smile)

We left Frost Place and decided to stop in Littleton at an old grist mill (formerly in disrepair but brought back to working order). It was interesting to look at the old "equipment" and especially for Big Tom, the bread man. We bought some stone ground goodies that were milled on the property. Unfortunately, Irene (again) had taken its toll on the water wheel and they didn't have it operating, but we were able to go down on the level of the gears and imagine the wheel turning just outside. A lovely covered bridge is close by that we think is only for pedestrians.

We got back in the car and came down 302 to North Conway, though not before we stopped for ice cream at Bishop's. Mmmm........We tried green tea and Indian Pudding flavors, but settled on coconut and rum raisin. Since he had the alcohol, I drove. This route took us sooo.... close to Mount Washington, but we still couldn't see it, so we think that riding to the top of the mountain would not have afforded us a view from there either. Maybe we'll work on a train ride elsewhere. The ride was pretty - the leaves were turned or turning and as we came through some gorges we saw tumbling waterfalls. We thought there might have been a break in the clouds where a sliver of sky came through, but it was so brief that I think it was a fig newton of our imaginations.

We're at the Isaac Merrill House (Inn)in North Conway (or Kearsarge?). This is the first B&B experience for us and at least as far as the Captain is concerned - it may be the last. Our room was on the third floor, quite a trek up the old steep stairs , but we asked about switching and they changed us to the second floor while we are out for dinner at a local spot.
We downsized our luggage and brought in what we only absolutely needed for overnight. Now in a corner room on the second floor and thought it is early (8:00) we're not showing our faces again till breakfast - yum I hope.
Tomorrow we head toward Portland ME and Bar harbor by nightfall with high hopes of better weather (this system wouldn't be following us, would it?) I don't want to know. Nighty-night!