Memorable Road Trip~Part 3: "A White-Knuckle Ride to the Top of Mt.Washington(6288ft.)"

Another Road Trip! My husband and I would open the big "Rand McNally Road Atlas"(map book) to New Hampshire,close our eyes and point to a spot on the map.Wherever it landed,that's where we'd go with a picnic basket full of goodies and a big thermos of Tea_we were good to go most weekends. We pre-planned our trips with a "To Do~To See List".This trip was a two-day adventure....so let's get started!

Day 1
We're headed to the highest point in New Hampshire_Mt Washington(6288ft.) in the White Mountain National Forest! I-93 North takes us to our first stop_

WOW!!!"The Old Man of the Mountain", nicknamed the Great Stone Face or Profile, was located in Franconia Notch State Park. Discovered in 1805, the rocks that made up the profile collapsed on May 3, 2003.The Profile was a natural rock formation that was formed by a series of geologic happenings that began an estimated 200 million years ago. It hovered majestically 1,200 feet above Profile Lake. The Old Man was made of five separate granite ledges arranged horizontally to form a man’s profile. From chin to forehead, the Profile measured about 40 feet and was 25 feet wide.On May 3, 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed during the night hours....:-(!

Link:   http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/flume-gorge.aspx

Kangamangus Highway_that's a cool name,is the main traffic mover & there was alot of traffic.Franconia Notch State Park allows you to travel through dense wooded areas. I kept looking for the "Last of the Mohican's".I can see why early Landscape Painters chose this area as well..beautiful!

Entering the Landing area for the drive to Mt.Washington_I'm thinking_we need to change drivers! I was NOT about to drive to 6228 ft.!!!Glad we bought jackets because little did we Texans know that it was gonna be cold at the top plus breathing would be a little difficult.Anyway,the Ranger gave us the cassette to listen to for the drive up_AND told us to be sure to rest your Brakes at each stop point!I'm like ,what the what is he talking about!  Here's the Entry Point_

That's the mountain top behind us....After coming to the first Brake Rest_I looked up at Mt.Washington..the cars headed that way looked like tiny toy cars! That's when the "White-Knuckle Syndrome" set in.Time for John to drive_big mistake_he had a little to much fun with his Texas Cowboy antics_saying getty-up,yee-haw,etc.as we drive up a road big enough for one small toy car!He said,"I've never,ever seen you speechless"..I really wanted to hurt him!

You will notice,John has a jacket +cap on now.This is where it became difficult to breath.

That's the "Cog Train" bringing in a new group of visitors! This train has alot of smoke & the Engine pushes the train (from behind) to the 6228ft destination!Now,I love a train ride but_I'll pass on this one!

Check this record out_as you can see I've put another sweater on,a jacket,I even had my gloves_the Sun was shining bright_but it was cold! 231 miles per hour wind (1934) and I think they have broken the record since 2000 when we visited.

This lady and I struck up a conversation_we found out that we shared May 17th as our birthday!Awesome at the Top!

You could see Boston,parts of  NH & Maine...Hell the World!John's all buttoned up_I'm being brave for the photo.We visited the Museum inside the Visitors Center,did a little shopping,stood at the top of the area designated as "The Summit"_then headed back down...Amazing! I love this postcard of the "Resident Cat" in Winter_

Link with a Web Cam_real time here: http://mountwashington.org/


Next stop,The Flume.So,John wants to take the Tram to get a better view...I was like NO!!! I'll shop,check out the Museum at the Flume and get my "Sensibilities "back after "The Drive".He took the Tram_

..he was so excited about the view! Don't know if I could have survived another "White-Knuckle Moment"separated by only a couple hours! I took on the "Visitors Center"_

The Van took us to our next location_"The Flume".WOW,we were in for an adventure...never heard of a flume,never saw one,etc.We crossed the bridge and I'm checking out the Emergency Exits_a habit from being on many flights!

The Walk-About of a lifetime begins_here's a couple of pictures but the video will blow you away.The vision of that walk,the peace,the serenity,picking up the tiniest pine cones I'd ever seen,the mist,the magic_is a memory that lingers today in my mind and soul!

                             I captured this picture while walking through this magical place.

                           This video dated 10/2010 captures the sound very good.
We called it a day...headed to the hotel...what a day!

Day 2
Headed South_stopped in N.Conway briefly to shop at the Outlet Mall,continuing on to Center Conway,taking Hwy 113 to Chocorua,West Ossipee and Tamworth. Around one curb,we had a WOW Moment_a cottage home flying the Texas Lone Star Flag.We stopped at a Nursery & picked up loose White Birch Bark for a Craft Project.

Time to stop in Tamworth to visit Dr.Remick's Farm and Museum which sits in a valley_so you're able to get a good view of The Ossipee Mountains.Dr.Remick's Farm was great to explore_seeing some of the early instruments used for surgery & office visits_trust me_"we've come along way,baby"!Loved all the Antiques_even a drum from the American Revolutionary War was on display.

Here's a link: http://www.remickmuseum.org/
Afterwards,we drove through White Lake State Park_a very secluded park,met a couple walking their dogs_surreal moment.

Heading out,we took Hwy 109 to Lake Winnipesaukee,aka "The Lakes "areas.First stop was The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonboro.Fell in love with this place_especially the fellow that greeted you at the entrance.

And the Goodies...

And the museum.. http://nhcountrystore.com/

Traveled next to Center Harbour and Holderness.We were in search of the place they filmed "On Golden Pond"(1981).When visiting Holderness,NH one can take a boat tour of Squam Lake and view the filming sites from the movie.There is also a restaurant called "Walter's Basin," which is named after the trout called "Walter" that Billy catches with Norman.

Squam lake was a very serene area_but,it was time to head back.We were so close to "Castle In the Clouds"...maybe next time!

                                                http://www.castleintheclouds.org/ 


Yet,another great "Memorable Road Trip"....there's more to come in August.Until next time..

~Here's Travelin' with You~
                        The Sage Book Whisperer

This Week's ~"ErMahgerd Moments"~

ErMG!...My Phone rings_
Voice on other end says:Hey,Girl...this is your BFF_ Joan! Wanted to see if you'd be interested in joining us for Cocktails after we wrap today's shoot? Peggy,Betty & of course Don Draper will be there! We're not getting to fancy..although Mr.Sterling said we might go to the "Mad Men Supper Club".Can you make it? I know it's short notice.
ErMG!...Betty,Joan and Peggy_looking good_Emerald Green on my BFF!

 Joan says:So,we may change our outfits but just dress Classy,Girl! Smooches,see you in about an hour!

Yes,I can!Yes,I can,Joanie..what to wear?.This Classy LBD.....OR

This one,no maybe..

This "Hot" number...what to wear? what to wear??

ErMG!...The Closing of the Olympics 2012 :-( !

ErMG!...The Spice Girls &

Queen Video..."We Will Rock You"..LOVED!

Mr.Bean..I loved your"Chariots of Fire" Opening Ceremony piece,I Will Love You,Fa-Ever!

ErMG!...This "Ryan Gosling Coloring Book" is just cool...

Go here QUICK,they are selling fast:   http://www.ilovemel.me/j17/index.php/cmg-ryan-gosling

ErMG!...Talk about "Impeccable Style & Sensibilities"

Check out Anna here:  http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com/2012/08/guess-what-lauren-conrad-news.html

ErMG!...My Sorority colors_"Zeta Phi Beta"_Cobalt Blue

 
Bags! I shall have them all...Coach Cobalt Blue Collection!!!

ErMG!..
An interesting,very"historical"book I'm reading....

And,this one can't be found _"Sold Out WorldWide"!...

I purchased 500 million copies for myself and friends! I Love Bacon_but_only eat it twice a year (St.Pat's & Christmas). As,I'm Addicted to Bacon! 50 Plates of Bacon...I got this!

ErMG!...~This is truly a Zen Damn Moment~

                      Sierra Nevada Sequoia National Park California

...with a glass of "Wine With A Cause"...this will work!

Penfolds, one of Australia's oldest and most iconic wineries, contributes a portion of proceeds on its Thomas Hyland and Koonunga Hill wines to the Global Fund to help Fight AIDS,Malaria and  Tuberculosis in Africa.Very Good Wine....Very Good Cause!


ErMG!...My Obsession with Vintage White Dishes...I think food has a look of "Perfection" on white dishes! Since I love to give Dinner Parties_I'm always looking...

                                Saw this display at an Antique Store online

This was my Christmas 2011 display..

Recently,purchased this White Ironstone at an Estate Sale...

And this Week's ErMG! Trophy goes to....

...The Makings of a Little Fashionista!

....See you next Friday for my "ErMG Moments" from the week! Until next time...~The SageBook Whisperer~

Memorable Road Trip~Part 2:July 4th Cape Cod Adventure (2001)

Dear Diary,
Day 1
We're headed out for Cape Cod this morning for a couple of days at the cottage of John's Aunt & Uncle in Dennisport,Cape Cod,Ma.They've had this family place for some 30 years.Excited because we've never been ,understand it's a nice scenic drive with lots of things to see & do! Gassed the truck up & cleared out the back_because you never know what collectibles you'll come across. It was a beautiful day for driving! I was in awe as we approached the Sagamore Bridge.

Here's an aerial _I really would have been scared if I'd seen this aerial view,Geez's!!But,we made it across with all the 50 million people headed to the Cape for the July 4th festivities! Return trip we came across the sister bridge_ Bourne Bridge.

They both look the same to me.The bridges were constructed beginning in 1933 by the Public Works Administration for the United States Army Corps of Engineers,which operates both the bridges and the canal. Both bridges carry four lanes of traffic over a 616-foot (188 m) main span, with a 135-foot (41 m) ship clearance, and opened on June 22, 1935...a far cry from the "drawbridge" that was in place in 1912.I would have had second thoughts about crossing at that time!

Anyway,we arrived safe & sound in Dennisport,Cape Cod,Ma. in due time.What a nice drive. Seems the cottage_aka_"The Lazy H"_ is only a block & a half from the Atlantic Ocean...so I strolled down to take it all in.I sooooo love any body of water..it's a peaceful time,a Zen Damn Moment! This photo is not too clear,but I needed a sweater because it was chilly on July 4th_WTH?,I'm from Texas _I don't go outside around July 4th as it's 300 degrees in the shade!

Afterwards,Aunt Charlotte said let's go for a ride...so we're off...let the games begin.First stop_

Hyannisport,Ma.I popped in for a look-about in this Grocery store directly across the street from the "KENNEDY COMPOUND"_totally bricked in,with no chance of a sighting of any KENNEDY_EVER! We drove downtown_crowded to the Nines_made plans _which by the way we didn't get a chance to do_to take the Ferry to Martha's Vineyard & or Nantucket,did a scenic drive through some of the EXCLUSIVE neighborhoods, and visited an Artist's Home & Shoppe & Garden_beautiful...and he was a nice Fella that Aunt Charlotte knew! On the way back,visited the "Cape Cod Summer Playhouse Village" in Dennis,Cape Cod,Ma. So,we called it a day after all of the day's journey's.

Day 2
Over breakfast,I made the comment that the "Watermelon Rind Jelly" was delicious! So,Aunt Charlotte knew of my love of Museums_so she had the "PERFECT DAY" planned!First stop_

..the place where the jelly and other products are created_The "Green Briar Jam Kitchen" of the Thornton W. Burgess Society". Now,you may know of Burgess from this childhood character writings_

We popped in,took the tour and then headed off to his home in Sandwich,Ma.

The "Thornton W.Burgess Museum",4 Water Street,Sandwich,Ma.What a treat for a Museum-aholic like me! Of course,I got a couple of favors from the visit_

"Lightfoot The Deer (1921) & Bowser The Hound (1920)_book, a Cobalt Blue tea cup holder and Tea Towel from Sandwich Museum. Next stop,Sandwich Glass Museum_

On the tour,we were taken to see  the Glass Blowing Center.We watched as the Glassblowers did their jobs...fascinating! I purchased a Tea Towel & the tiny cobalt blue tea cup shown above.At this point,I'm having difficulty keeping my mouth closed as I'm again in_AWE_ of the glassblowing process!

The Glass ART was amazing to observe.After all this knowledge,it was time for Tea _so we popped in the Dunbar Tea Room....

What a nice way to relax...even the guys where happy to have a seat and enjoy a "cuppa" tea and some tasty treats!Then,we headed back to the cottage after a most wonderful day!

Day 3
Harwich,Ma._time to shop for Antiques_we left the boys at home! We went to Aunt Charlotte's favorite shop_

...Downtown Harwich. WOW!!!! I think I lost my MIND at this point.You DO NOT TAKE AN ANTIQUE-AHOLIC to a place like this. I was cool though.After a lesson in how to spot Heisey china signature by Aunt Charlotte_I settled on these items...

      ...a "Victorian Water Pitcher and Teacup & Saucer"....all old SILVER.

We stopped by the "Devon Tea Room"_for a "cuppa" tea,cute place!

Then I found a "Vintage Maple Candy Mold" after Tea of course....next door at an Antique Shoppe!

I'm good to go,right about now,I'm a Happy Camper.We popped in  this wonderful place about a block from the "Lazy H Cottage"_and I  said ..."Forget About The Diet"_

"The Sundae School Ice Cream Parlour"_man I had a treat out -of-this world!The insides were so neat!Take a look...

Day 4
Time for Provincetown...we got an early start_because they wanted to show us the family's yester-years_"Higgins General Store"_ that is considered a State Historical Landmark w/a plate to show it as a cornerstone of Eastham,Ma.,NICE! John's ancestors settled in this area after arriving from Ireland.

So off we go to Chatham,Orleans,Brewster,Yarmouth,Truro and Provincetown.Uncle Billy 's road speed was like "a bat outta hell"..had white knuckles afterwards from the ride! I was in awe _again of the "Day's Cottages "in Truro,Ma. along the way_

....some were painted brilliant colors,pink.orange,blue,etc.

WOW!!!
Headed into Provincetown,Ma.Let me just say this_if you don't have an open mind "Do Not Visit" this town_because there are all different kinds of people_home to a large Gay & Lesbian population_has always been that way_so if you gonna past judgement_Don't Go!

Pilgrim's Monument Museum

Off to Pilgrim's Monument Museum_purchased Cranberry Tea(Delicious),Tea Towel & Postcards,We did NOT venture into the tall and I mean very tall Tower_

But,we visited a nearby beach_

That's John,Aunt Charlotte & Uncle Billy looking at rocks & shells....Love,Love the beaches!!!
Headed back to the cottage_toooooooooooooooo pooped to even talk. Next day_back to Nashua,NH. What a "Grand Time" had by all!

                           ~"Life is a Journey,Enjoy it"~