October 6-12                 Rhode Island and New Hampshire

 

Shannon was delighted to keep Pretzel again.  They had bonded well during our absence last year when we went to Europe.  David reluctantly handed over Pretzel with all sorts of instructions for her care.  He was already having separation anxiety.

Jerry had made all the plans and reservations for our trip.  He was also the chauffer and guide.  He expertly drove his new Alfa-Romeo from our meeting point near Boston through the small, historic Massachusetts towns to the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.

Our first sight of our hotel below Mount Washington and the surrounding mountain range was even more impressive than the photographs.  Opened in 1902 and presently owned by Omni Hotels, it has regained much of its past grandeur by extensive renovations which carefully maintained traditional features and many original structures.  Elaborate chandeliers and Tiffany designed glass windows and doors complimented the décor.  Our room was enormous and we enjoyed the great view of the mountains and foliage from our large windows.

One day was spent driving the famous Kancamagus Highway, a scenic route through much of the skiing and hiking areas.  The next day, we attempted to drive to the summit of Mount Washington but were allowed to ascend only part way due to ice on the road.  Despite the sunny, pleasant weather below, the peaks were covered in light snow.  The views were awesome and the foliage was spectacular throughout the area with wide expanses of reds, golds and oranges.

In North Conway, we stopped at The Christmas Loft, a large and very impressive Christmas store.  To my delight, I found a special nativity that will be adored by our great-grandchildren.  Now my challenge is to find room to display another one!

We enjoyed a memorable dinner at The Notchland Inn, a wonderful example of the arts and crafts architecture style, designed by Gustav Stickley, one of the founders of that movement.  Remotely located, the lovely1901 structure is surrounded by trees and gardens.  The interior is authentic with furniture, paneling, fireplaces and accessories of the period.  There are no television sets and guests are encouraged to play card or table games.  Dinner was a set menu and very good.  Mia, a Burmese Mountain dog, is allowed to come into the dining room and receive the adulation and petting of the guests.  Jerry and Jill were eager to see her again and had brought treats!

On Saturday, we enjoyed a delightful and scenic drive past numerous small farms with impressive large red barns in the Connecticut River Valley to Hanover, the home of Dartmouth College.  Despite the virus, students were everywhere enjoying the exceptionally warm and beautiful day.  With the beautiful fall colors filling the many surrounding trees, the red-bricked campus was quintessential New England.  Dinner and lodging were at the historic (but recently renovated) Hanover Inn where we could enjoy views of the campus green and activities.  Our journey back to Rhode Island was brightened by the sudden appearance during our absence of beautiful colors in the trees. 

Packing has begun and the boat is being readied for our departure tomorrow for Fort Worth.  It is always a bittersweet time but we are optimistically hoping we will return next May when the virus pandemic has been eliminated and normal nautical life and experiences can be resumed.  Once again, we had a delightful summer on The Bottom Line.