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New England 2018 Day 7

October 4 – Happy Birthday, Annette!

Acadia National Park, Maine

So the weather did not cooperate with us today! No rain, but very overcast, and low clouds, which impacted our visit to the top of this mountain, Cadillac Mountain, as you will see below. There are a number of scenic overlooks that were fine, as you can see…

View of Cadillac Mountain near the park entrance.

O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
— Psalm 89:8-9

Sand Beach, looking out at the Atlantic Ocean.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
— Psalm 24:1-2

Bubble Rock Overlook
In the upper right side of this mountain, there is a rock named Bubble Rock.
Can you see it in this picture?
This rock was transported 40 miles during the times of glaciers here. We know this because Acadia is native pink granite, but Bubble Rock is the same bedrock material that is found 40 miles away!

How about this one?
Directly in the middle of the picture – that’s Bubble Rock.

This is a normal view at the top of Cadillac Mountain.

With fog covering the entire top of Cadillac Mountain, this was our view. The Atlantic Ocean is right out there, they tell me!

This is another normal view at the top of Cadillac Mountain.

It was 45 degrees, misty and foggy, and very windy!

Evergreens at the top of Cadillac Mountain

I think I’ll take this home for this year’s Christmas!

The aroma of firs was very noticeable in the air!

Overlooking Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Narrows.

Bangor, Maine

Stephen King’s house
Check out the gate. King is a Maine native, and he actually lives here. One of his books is *Salem’s Lot,* Mary Jean’s favorite King book. Bangor is the basis for the town Derry, Maine in *IT.*

Three-headed creature on the corner of King’s fence.

Mt. Hope Cemetery.
This cemetery was the inspiration for *Pet Sematary*, as well as the on-location filming of King’s cameo appearance in the film *Pet Sematary*.

Coincidentally, while we were at this cemetery. we turned and saw this Civil War monument honoring the 2nd Maine Regiment of Volunteers.
The message is:
“Not painlessly doth God recast and mould anew the nation”.

Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville were the last two battles for this regiment!

Across Maine to New Hampshire

A blast from the past! A real drive-in theater! This is in Bridgton, Maine. By the way, I actually saw the original Halloween movie in 1978 at the drive-in theater in Farmville!

For the grandchildren who do not know what this is: We used to go see movies at drive-ins! You drive up to the gate, pay the entrance fee, then park your car facing the screen and then take the speaker off the pole and put it in the car window and watch the movie in your car! To get popcorn and other snacks you would walk to the back of the lot where there was a concession stand, then try to find your car in the dark!

Moose Pond near West Bridgton. Maine
The ski slopes are waiting for snow!

Dinner in North Conway, New Hampshire

Cresh’s Italian Country Kitchen
Nice Italian family restaurant.

Suppli’ di Riso
(Translate the Italian!)

New England 2018 Day 6

October 3

We left Massachusetts, and headed north. Lots of driving, but also some more history and incredible beauty.

New Hampshire State House, Concord, New Hampshire

Liberty Bell replica on the grounds of the New Hampshire State House

Marker on the State House exterior wall.

Home and Grave of President Franklin Pierce, Concord, New Hampshire

The Pierce Manse
Home of Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853-1857.

The Pierce Manse
With railroad tracks in the front yard! (For you, Jason!)

McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center, Concord, New Hampshire

Entrance to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

This center is named for astronauts Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard.

Christa McAuliffe, a school teacher in Concord, was the first American civilian selected to go into space. She tragically died in the space shuttle Challenger’s explosion shortly after lift-off in 1986.

Alan Shepard, a New Hampshire native, was the first American in space when the Freedom 7 spacecraft blasted off into a sub-orbital 15 minute flight in 1961. He was one of the original seven Mercury program astronauts, which were depicted in the movie The Right Stuff.

Mercury 7 capsule. This black section of the rocket is where the astronauts were seated. This capsule would return to earth in the ocean under parachutes. It was must-see TV in the 1960s.

This chart shows the rockets NASA used for different programs.
The one on the far left is the Mercury, which is on display at this center.
The largest rocket is the Saturn V, which launched astronauts on their moon flights.
Compare that with the shuttle rocket on the far right.

New Castle, New Hampshire

Fort William and Mary in New Castle, New Hampshire was the sight of the first American victory in the Revolutionary War in 1774. The Americans, led by Captain John Langdon and Major John Sullivan, captured the fort and removed the British guns and stores.

There are many Colonial-era houses here that are right on the street! They must use the back door to come and go!

USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

So when we were planning our New England trip, Mary Jean was very excited to visit the USS Albacore Museum. This museum is a real submarine that visitors can actually walk through. We go up to buy the tickets, and Mary Jean is all “I can’t do it”, so I went in by myself. It was really neat.

The periscope – it actually works! I was able to see the cars outside!

A typical hatch between rooms. It was too small for me to get through without sitting and bending low.

Check the reading on that gauge!
Where’s Kieran?

Now, which valve am I supposed to close?

Nubble Lighthouse, York, Maine

This was such a big disappointment! I was so looking forward to seeing one of the most photographed lighthouses in the USA! And what did I see?

Nubble Lighthouse undergoing “maintenance”.

It was not a total loss, however. The Atlantic Ocean crashing into the rocks.

Lobster Lunch in Ogunquit, Maine

Within the Perkins Cove area of Ogunquit, Maine, there is…

…a lobster restaurant.
We were told that the best lobsters would be found at a place with “shack” in its name.

Last bite.
Best lobsters she has ever had.
By the way, up here they are “lobstahs”, not “Maine lobsters”.

Also, in Perkins Cove there is an old draw bridge.

A sailboat goes through the open drawbridge.

President George H. W. Bush’s Compound, Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine

Blowing Cave across from the Bush Compound.

Atlantic Ocean at Kennebunkport
Simply beautiful – the water was really blue and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks was constant.

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, built 1892, right by the ocean!

Maine State House, Augusta, Maine

Close-up of the dome, which appears black, but is actually copper.

Rear of the capitol, and the visitors entrance. Unfortunately, we were too late to tour the building.

Liberty Bell replica on the grounds of the Maine State House.

Old Fort Western, Augusta, Maine

Old Fort Western dates back to 1754, and is America’s oldest surviving wooden fort.

New England 2018 Day 5

October 2 – Happy Birthday, Jason!

Another day of rain, mist and fog. Another day of Boston traffic. Another day of the horrible terrible bumpy streets of Boston. Despite the conditions outside, we were able to have a great day in Boston. I will also say the people here (locals) were very nice. I was told to expect cold and rude.

Boston, Massachusetts

Statue of Paul Revere’s Ride.
I zoomed in to get this shot because the surrounding scenery…

Paul Revere’s House.
We toured inside this house, but unfortunately no photography is allowed inside.

Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church are located in the Little Italy section of Boston. The streets are lined with many beautiful Italian restaurants. Too bad we were there at 10 in the morning.

We were able to score a genuine cannoli at one of the Italian shops.

We were not able to see downtown Boston with any sunshine or clear skies, no no clear skyline shots; however, the low clouds make for some pretty neat pictures too.

Downtown Boston.
The small brick building with the small gold dome is the Old State House.

Lunch at Cheers, Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts

NORM!
This does NOT look like the TV show bar!
The real pub was named Bull & Finch Pub.

Massachusetts State House, Boston, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts State House in Boston is a spectacular building! The majestic exterior with the gold dome, and the interior with multiple colors of marble, and the historic portraits and statues all combine to make this building almost overwhelming to take in. I have many pictures other than what I have posted here – you can see them in the Capitols link.

Massachusetts State House (state capitol building)

Memorial to Army Nurses.
A kneeling nurse tends to an injured soldier during the Civil War.
This is for OUR Army nurse – Kayla!

Granary Burying Ground, Boston, Massachusetts

Parker House Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts

Mary Jean in front of the famed Omni Parker House Hotel.

…for genuine Boston Cream Pie!
The Parker House Hotel is known as the creator of Parker House Rolls, and Boston Cream Pie!

Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Banners for the all-time great Red Sox players

Statue of Carl Yastrzemski
I saw him play in the first major league baseball game I ever saw in person.

Statue of Ted Williams, considered by many to be the greatest hitter in baseball history.
My dad saw him play several times.

Bunker Hill Monument

Bunker Hill Monument marks the location of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. Called Battle of Bunker Hill, the hill was actually known as Breed’s Hill. On June 16, 1775, The 2,200 British soldiers overran the 1,200 Patriots, but the British lost more than half of their men, a devastating loss. The monument is open for visitors to climb the 294 steps to the top, where there are beautiful views of downtown Boston. I did not climb because the clouds were so low (and I was a little tired).

Statue of William Prescott, commander of the Patriot forces during the battle.
Colonel Prescott is known for giving the order: “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes”.

Lexington, Massachusetts

Minuteman Statue on Lexington’s Battle Green.
Farmers were dedicated to be ready to fight the British “in a minute’s notice”.

Buckman Tavern, where the Lexington Militia gathered on April 19, 1775 prior to the battle.

Lexington Battle Green, site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

Concord, Massachusetts

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.
(Concord Hymn, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, written in 1837 for the dedication of the Obelisk monument at the Old North Bridge).

Old North Bridge, site of the first shot fired to start the Revolutionary War, called
“The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”.

Site of British grave at Concord.
A little snarky!

Concord Minuteman statue at Old North Bridge.

New England 2018 Day 4

October 1

This was the worst weather day of our trip so far, chilly and wet. Mostly mist and light rain. Also, we were introduced to driving in Boston. Not good. Very slow, lots of stopping. But even worse, the streets are horrible!!

Birthplace of President George H. W. Bush, Milton, Massachusetts

Marker in Milton, Massachusetts where President George H. W. Bush was born in 1924. President Bush was our 41st president, serving from 1989-1993.

173 Adams Street, birthplace of President George H. W. Bush.
It is a private residence, not open to the public.

Home of President John Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts

This is the Old House at Peacefield at 135 Adams Street, Quincy Massachusetts

Mary Jean sitting where Abigail Adams sat.

Part of the flower garden at Peacefield. Abigail Adams loved tending her flowers.

Birthplace of President John Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts

141 Franklin Street, Quincy Massachusetts
John Adams was born here in 1735. He was our second president, serving from 1797-1801.

Birthplace of President John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts

Franklin Street, next door to his father’s birthplace. John Quincy Adams was born here in 1767. Until George W. Bush took office, John and John Quincy Adams were the only Father-Son pair to be presidents. John Quincy Adams was our 6th president. His one term was from 1825-1829. His election in 1824 was controversial, and was ultimately decided in the House of Representatives by the “Corrupt Bargain”, as Andrew Jackson labeled it.

Burial Site of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts

Quincy, Massachusetts

Statue of John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence

President John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts

President John F. Kennedy Library and Museum entrance

The actual page from JFK’s Inaugural Address containing the most memorable line:
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.

Table setting for a White House State Dinner 1962.

Flag inside the atrium.
There are many more pictures of the JFK Library in the Presidents link.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston skyline from JFK Library and Museum

Salem, Massachusetts

We had the good fortune of visiting Salem Massachusetts on the first day of October. I didn’t think about it when planning our trip, but Salem really comes alive in October, and I mean it starts the very first day of October! Traffic was a nightmare as Halloween worshipers from all over descended on the witch city. It is a big deal here – many people dress up like Halloween all month long!

The Witch House
This was the home of Witch Trial judge Jonathan Corwin. This is the only house left with direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692.

This is the exact location where 19 people (women and men) were hanged in 1692, convicted of witchcraft during a craze started by teenage girls, mainly as a prank.

Statue of author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Hawthorne was an American author who wrote during the early to mid-19th century. He is considered a key figure in the development of American literature. Some of his most notable novels include *House of the Seven Gables* and *The Scarlet Letter*.

House of Seven Gables
Interesting museum. When Hawthorne lived here this house had only three gables. Years later, the owner added features into the house to match details in Hawthorne’s novel. For example, in the book, crazy Clifford uses a secret staircase to get to different parts of the house. This staircase did not exist until the owner had it added in the late 19th or early 20th century! There are lots of interesting stories about this house. Look it up, or go see it!

Salem Witch Museum
We saw a 30-minute presentation about the Witch craze and trials of 1692. Well-worth a visit.

Back to Boston

Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge

TD Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins.

Birthplace of President John F. Kennedy, Brookline, Massachusetts

83 Beals Street, Brookline, Massachusetts
President John F. Kennedy was born here in 1917.

Dinner in Concord, Massachusetts

We stopped by this lovely inn in Concord, Massachusetts after a long hard drive in the traffic, horribly bumpy streets, rain and dark.

Chicken Pot Pie.
Flaky crust, creamy filling with nice chunks of chicken – absolutely delicious!

Yankee Pot Roast.
Tender and flavorful; – superb!

And of course, dessert: Indian Pudding.
A taste of molasses – very good!

New England 2018 Day 3

September 30

Rhode Island State Capitol, Providence, Rhode Island

Downtown Providence, Rhode Island

Providence skyline from Waterplace Park.

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Brown University Van Sickle Gate.
The main gates are opened to the inside of the campus on the first day of the school year, then closed until the last day, when they are opened to the outside, symbolizing the students entering the world. Other colleges may have similar gates and closings, but Brown is the first one I have read about.

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace, North Kingstown, Rhode Island

American artist Gilbert Stuart was born here in 1755. During his life he painted over 1000 people, including each of the first six presidents. His most famous painting was his “Unfinished Portrait” of George Washington. The picture of George Washington on the one dollar bill is Stuart’s painting.

Jamestown, Rhode Island

Narragansett Bay, and the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport Tower
Interestingly, there is some question about when this tower was built. There are those who believe it was built in the 17th century, or the 15th century, or built by aliens (conspiracy theorists)! Look up Newport Tower.

Statue of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, an American naval leader who fought in the war of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, and he also was instrumental in opening relations between the United States and Japan. He was a Newport native.

St. Mary’s Church
Jacqueline Bouvier and Senator John F. Kennedy were married in this church in 1953. Kennedy would become our 35th president and serve from 1961 until he was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas, Texas.

International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, Rhode Island

Entrance to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
(For you, Jessica!)

We go sailing on Narragansett Bay!

We sailed on the 80-foot schooner Aquidneck. Our experience sailing on the Narragansett Bay was incredible! It was so relaxing, the weather was perfect – sunny and 70 with a little breeze. The water was calm. The sailing just rocked us back and forth. Just a great two hours of relaxation and enjoying another slice of God’s vast and diverse creation!

We boarded the Aquidneck to go “sightsailing”.

This ship was in Newport as a stop on a New York-to-Newfoundland cruise.

This yacht is in the class of yacht that was winning America’s Cup races in the 1960’s.

Fort Adams. Construction started during the War of 1812, but it took so many years to complete, it was already obsolete!

Clingstone.
This house was built on a rock to withstand storms. It is currently being restored.

This boathouse was featured in The Great Gatsby movie.

This house was the home of Jacqueline Bouvier, who would go on to marry John F. Kennedy in Newport. Their wedding reception was held at this house. Later, President Kennedy used this house as his “Summer White House”.

Sunday afternoon on Narragansett Bay aboard the schooner Aquidneck.

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

In the late 19th century, the financial and social elite families of the nation had magnificent mansions built in Newport. This era of American history is referred to as the Gilded Age, due to the rapid accumulation of wealth by the top leaders of new companies that developed during the Industrial Revolution. Oil, steel and railroad companies exploded into wealth creators for those men who led them. There are hundreds of these mansions in Newport, eleven of which are open for tours.

We went to The Breakers, which was the home of Cornelius Vanderbilt and his family. It was built in the late 1880s. The opulence is insane. We have many more pictures than are posted here. We will be happy to share offline.