Trips – Page 70 – Kevin's America

New England 2018 Day 8

October 5

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever! – Psalm 107:1

This is the day we drove through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Green Mountains of Vermont. We were probably one week early for peak color, but it is also beautiful now. God granted us a beautiful sunny clear day to enjoy the wonders of His creation!

North Conway, New Hampshire

Saco River Valley, North Conway, New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest entrance.

We drove the length of the Kancamagus Highway, famed for its fall scenes.

We saw many Moose Crossing signs all over Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. Do you think we saw any moose? Mooses?

Lily Pond.
Hmm. What’s that? Do I smell a moose?

Ahh! A moose WAS here!
But this is all we saw of a moose on our whole trip – moose scat!

This is why New Hampshire is called “The Granite State”.

Littleton, New Hampshire

Vermont

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
–Psalm 19:1

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies.
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont

Statue of Ethan Allen at the Vermont State House.
Ethan Allen was an American Patriot. He was instrumental in helping American General Benedict Arnold (before Arnold turned traitor) capture Fort Ticonderoga in the Revolutionary War. He was also one of the founders of the state of Vermont. He was also a bit of a wild character – worth a little study if you have time!

Birthplace, Home and Grave of President Calvin Coolidge, Plymouth, Vermont

President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, Plymouth, Vermont.
Coolidge is one of my favorite presidents. He was our 30th president, and was the only president to be born on the 4th of July (1872). Coolidge was faithful to the US Constitution during his term; he refused to use government intervention to “correct” a downturn in the economy, much to the displeasure of the progressives. He was a very straight arrow, no-nonsense person. He was especially known to use an economy of words. It was reported that while at a Washington social event during Coolidge’s presidency (1923-1929), a news reporter approached the president and told him that he had bet another reporter that he would be able to get the president to say more than two words, to which Coolidge replied “You lose”.

Calvin Coolidge was born here, in a back room of the General Store.

This is the actual room where Calvin Coolidge was born.

This was Calvin Coolidge’s bedroom. There are two pairs of his shoes next to the dresser on the far wall.

Although he was a Vermont native, Coolidge went to college in Massachusetts and stayed there, eventually serving as Governor. He was President Warren Harding’s Vice President from 1921-1923, until Harding died. At the time Harding died, Coolidge was visiting his father here in Plymouth. His father, a notary public, administered the presidential oath of office to his son in this room, using the Bible on the table in the center of the room.

Calvin’s father operated the Plymouth Cheese Corp. here.
His father also was involved in just about every activity in this small village, which is mostly as it was when Calvin Coolidge was growing up here.

Official portrait of President Calvin Coolidge.

The Coolidge Home in Plymouth.
The entire village of Plymouth was a tour – the general store, old school house, Coolidge home, the cheese company, and a few others. It was actually a much better tour than I expected. The self-guided tour of the Coolidge home was really neat. It is a well preserved example of the simple American rural life back in the late 1800s. There are more pictures in the Presidents page for Coolidge.

President Coolidge used to relax on this front porch.
Now, so have I!

Green Mountain Sugar House, Ludlow, Vermont
There are “sugar houses” all over Vermont selling all varieties of maple syrup and all kinds of products that use maple. We sampled different varieties (light, medium and dark) of real maple syrup. The farm supplying this store is only a mile away.

This is a Maple Creemee, and it is difficult to adequately describe how delicious this item is! Think Carl’s, with a strong maple flavor. Delicious!

Bennington, Vermont

Statue of Brigadier General John Stark, victorious commander of the Patriots in the Battle of Bennington, 1777. His famous quote to his soldiers: “There they are boys! We beat them today or Molly Stark sleeps a widow tonight!”

Statue of Colonel Seth Warner, whose Green Mountain Boys turned back the British reinforcements in August 1777 after the first group had been defeated. His actions saved the Patriot stores at Bennington, crippling British General Burgoyne’s march, and established the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The victory denied Burgoyne much-needed supplies, and was a major contributing factor to the British surrender at the Battle of Saratoga a couple months later in October 1777. It also helped convince the French to join the war to help the Patriots. This victory reverberated throughout America, convincing the Patriots that they could indeed defeat the mighty British military.

Well look here! Mary Jean finally found her moose!
I don’t know what the deal is around here, but in Vermont and central New York, they have painted animals like this all over!

Dinner in Bennington, Vermont

Dinner in the beautiful Green Mountains.

This is the view from the restaurant. The Green Mountains, and the Bennington Battle Monument.

Sunset over the Green Mountains. Dining with a view indeed!

Salad and bread, with Maple butter, of course!

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!