New York to Kettering

Sadly today is our last day in New York, we'll be flying home tonight but not until nearly 7pm so what to do with our last few hours in New York. Of course, shopping!!! We head for the garment district, battling the early morning shoppers until the boys spot a sports shop followed by Macy's. Now as many of you know Macy's is huge, we or rather the boys, manage one floor before admitting defeat and retiring with their purchases. Lunch is needed they declare, but not until I've dragged them into H&M for a bit of girlie retail therapy. While they look at the tiny men's section (according to Tom) I manage to find some items to buy. Now the problem starts, my card won't work, so unfortunately for Dave he has to pay..

At last I'm removed from the shop, and taken to lunch at The Houndstooth Pub. We must have had some of the most well filled sandwiches in America. I have to resort to deconstructing the sandwich to eat them. It's time for the last dash back to the apartment in time for a shower before getting a cab to the airport. Now how amazing is this the cab driver used to live in near by Bedford!!  The traffic on the way to the airport is awful, the journey takes twice as long as usual. It's a good job it's a set fee for the transfer to the airport, we're very grateful to the major of New York. All checked in, the plane takes off slightly late but with a good following wind we land early in cold, grey London.

As we're too early for our train, we opt for the healthy breakfast, a full English cooked breakfast - sometimes it's good to be home. The train journey to Kettering is a struggle we're all jet lagged and struggling to stay awake, it's a good job the train terminates at Corby otherwise we might have made Sheffield before we woke up!! Good job one of us set the alarm on their phone.

Greenwich Village and the High Line Park

After last night's celebrations we feel a walk is in order today to work off all that food. The walk to the Metro takes a matter of minutes, but getting the machine to issue 4 metro cards takes considerably longer. During the time it takes all 3 boys to get the tickets, I've had a difficult conversation/consultation with another tourist in pigeon english about what metro card he needs, I'm not sure I was a great deal of help...

The Highline Park

We've become quite good with the metro now and navigate our way to Greenwich village area. The start of our walk down Bleecker Street is interesting with lots of bars, music venues and shops to look at. The rest of the history lesson seems to be lost on the boys, even the old speakeasy and the thinnest house in New York (only 9 feet wide). We head for the Highline Park. It's a converted rail track above the street and has been converted into a high level park. The clock of bells is interesting, with a bell from a different part of the city sounding every minute..

We stop for lunch at a diner, it's a typical New York diner. we're seduced by the special of the day - forgetting the belly busting meal last night and the whole reason for our walk. It arrives, soup, followed by a huge main course then dessert of jello or rice pudding. After all that we stagger out, roll our way up to Madison Square Gardens and Penn Station, back for a sleep before the last night out in America - Bleecker Street we reckon for some live music - and the band in the Red Lion are good. They're not the rock style Dave and Rob in particular would like but their music is good to listen too. Will they be the next big hit? Who knows

Happy Anniversary

Today is our Silver Wedding Anniversary, we're going to start it with a walk in Central Park. A slow stroll  up 9th avenue brings us to the Columbus Statue and the start of Central Park, it is enormous. We meander around the park, watching the New Yorkers go about their normal day, jogging, walking their children and dogs in the park or just enjoying the October sunshine. We pause at the boathouse restaurant for coffee, fascinated by the elaborate preparations for lunch.

On our way back to the apartment we take a detour to see the Dakota Building where John Lennon was shot before making our way back to the apartment. But not before Rob and Tom have bought a huge McDonald's for lunch, Dave and I settle for a chicken donner from a street stall.

All the boys are going to meet Martin to watch the Arsenal game in a local bar. I opt to stay in the apartment chilling out and sunbathing!! After a successful game (Arsenal won 5-1) Dave decides I'm banned from future games as the last one I saw they lost!

Us at Uncle Jack's

As tonight is our anniversary we're going out for a posh meal, after a couple of drinks we set off and meander towards Central Park. We find a great New York Steakhouse, Uncle Jack's. The atmosphere of the place is great and the food even better. The dry humour of the waiter persuades all the boys to have dessert, a great decision, as I get to try them all!!

Staten Island and Brooklyn Bridge

After yesterday's long walk we've decided today to invest in a metro card, so we set off for the subway. Now, we can master the machine combinations for what we want but persuading the machine to give us 4 cards that we've paid for is another matter!! Much stress later we eventually manage it and start our New York subway adventure, first stop Whitehall and the Staten Island Ferry.

The ferry embarkation terminus is crowded but once we all get on the ferry, obviously it's a quiet time. The commute is 25 minutes with plenty of opportunities for pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhatten skyline but through dirty windows. The Staten Island terminus looms and we all disembark. My only request is to walk along the esplanade and see the 9/11 monument, the boy's agree, to humour me but when we reach the monument everyone is blown away by it. The memorial is in the form of a visual postcard from the people lost in 9/11 being sent on the wind to the site of the World Trade Centre. The personal messages attached to some of the plaques remind us that these are individuals and are so poignant.

The journey back to Manhatten is quieter on the ferry allowing more photo's, this time outside, so no dirty windows. We travel via the subway to the Brooklyn side of Brooklyn Bridge to walk across it. Now how can something so big be so difficult to find, especially as Dave and I managed to find it on Saturday!! It takes us 45 minutes to find the right entrance but our perseverance is worth it, the views of Manhatten and the Statue of Liberty are great.

For the evening we meet up with an old friend who works here now as a football coach and tour his facility. What a great place, and follow it with a great evening with him and some of his colleagues. This is our kind of evening a time spent with old friends while meeting new ones.

Broadway!!!!

We've decided today that we're going to Sunday brunch at 230 5th, so we set off to walk down Broadway to reach it. It's been one of my ambitions to say I've walked down Broadway, if only I'd known how far....I'd have limited the goal!!

Tom and Rob

We pass Times Square, Madison gardens, Empire State Building, Union Square, Grace Church and wander into Levis, American Apparel, Hollister to name a few. Shopping on the whole very enjoyable, if only they could turn the music down and the lights up in some of them it'd be fine (am I showing my age a tad...)! We reach the brunch stop, an amazing roof garden terrace with great views of the Empire State Building. The brunch was no less spectacular and the sunshine hot like a summers day.

Now I don't know who had the idea to walk to Ground Zero, it seemed a great idea at the time but we can all only say, it's a very long way. We did reach it, awed by the size of the site and the enormity of what happened here. The emerging memorial garden will surely be a great tribute to all and the world changing events, two huge square waterfalls, disappearing into the earth. We taxied back to the apartment, flopped on the sofa, footsore and exhausted, it took several hours before we were ready to set out looking for an Italian meal, we found one in Hell's Kitchen, were we the only family there tonight, quite possibly!!!

Finger Lakes to New York

It's early when we wake up, excited about the trip today and seeing our boys. We ring to check they're at the airport and they are checked in waiting at the gate, they sound as excited as us. We set of on the long drive to New York, it feels strange to think we're driving miles across country to reach JFK while the boys are flying even further heading for the same destination.

The journey is good, the temperature is gradually rising from a chilly 42 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees. The scenery is as beautiful as ever, gradually changing to a more urban view and more traffic. Even Gerties enjoying the ride, until we miss one of her directions and some how end up in central New York City! By now Gertie is in melt down, she can't find where we are, above ground, below ground, travelling north, south, east or west. Stress levels in the car are rising rapidly, Jan is threatening a panic attack and Dave feels his eyes are on stalks trying to watch all the cars that constantly cut across us. More by luck - though Dave will say supreme driving skill - we end up going the right direction over Brooklyn Bridge!! In reflection Dave says he always wanted to drive down Broadway, through Times Square and over Brooklyn Bridge. I think he's just trying to make me feel better and certainly don't wish to repeat the experience....

View from the Apartment

After that, saying goodbye to the car and meeting Rob and Tom at JFK are happy experiences. The journey back to the city in the back of a yellow taxi full of happy laughter and excited exclamations about sights. We reach the apartment block, it is huge - 35 floors - we're on the 14th floor. Tom manages to conquer the lock and we fall inside. What a view, arriving after dark all the high rise lights are on, we can see the empire state building, the river and cruise ships!!!!

Tearing ourselves away from the view we go to find a bar and something to eat. A typical Irish bar provides the beer, and Gossips restaurant bar possibly the best burger and chips I've ever eaten.

Well roll on tomorrow for some more amazing sights!!

Trails and Waterfalls

Today is the day "inbetween", between moving from Toronto and then on to New York to meet Rob and Tom. We have no great expectations of this day but it turns out to be pretty special.

Watkins Glen

A brunch at Tobes diner preceeds us finding the Watkins Glen State Park. It is a fabulous gorge area walk. We start at the bottom, only one and a half miles and 800 steps to go to the top. We follow the gorge trail as it winds up along the side of the Glen river, each twist and turn reveals yet another waterfall and view. It is totally amazing and each new view needs another picture taking. We take so many that I have to stop and change the camera battery! The weather may be grey and overcast but the trees are doing their best to brighten the day by dropping their golden leaves like confetti over the gorge. At the top the leaves form a carpet of gold in the rest area. The way back down is via the gorge rim trail walked centuries ago by the indians. The trees again form a cathedral of trunks while the leaves continue to fall like confetti.

After all this walking we set off on a drive around Seneca Lake, beautiful but wet. Even though the lake is only a few miles wide as the rain intensifies we can't see the other side! As the scenery is closing in on us we brighten the day by going for a wine tasting at one of the many Seneca Lake wineries. At their suggestion we opt to share the tasting, just as well as we sip our way through sixteen wines!!

 Tonight is our last evening on our own so we'll find a nice local restaurant and prepare ourselves for family life and the frantic pace of New York.

Seneca Lake

Toronto to Finger Lakes

An early start is required today if we are to fit everything in, so the alarm sounds horribly early at 7am. With reluctance we leave Toronto and head towards Niagara Falls, it’s a wet morning rush hour and the traffic is horrible, even worse due to a “power outage” earlier which knocked out the traffic lights. Poor Gertie is totally confused by the new road layouts and has every colour she can muster displayed on the small screen; we’ve got used to her idiosyncrasies now and muddle through together. She recalculates several times before getting us onto the right highway out of town towards Niagra.

Horseshoe \Falls

At Niagara Falls the weather is still dull and wet but Jan reckons we’re going to get wet anyway so it doesn’t make a lot of difference. We reach the walkway overlooking the Falls, awesome is the only way to describe it. We’ve decided to take the “Maid of the Mist” boat tour and soon have ourselves on board along with loads of Japanese tourists – all sporting the latest long lens camera. Dave and I feel our little point and click plus compact video recorder might be a little inadequate but as you can see the pictures are still impressive. The short journey past the American falls, the Bridal Veil and onto the Horseshoe falls is short but the power, noise and spray generated is incredible. We’re both struggling to see out of our specs, windscreen wipers on fast would be good.

After this trip the town of Niagara Falls is quite frankly a disappointment, Blackpool on a bad day! Moving swiftly on we cross the border back into the U.S. The border guard seems to think we’re suspicious; we have to swear we’re not importing anything (he doesn’t seem to believe us) and open all the windows in case we have any illegal immigrants stowed in the back. The drive to Seneca Lake is pretty even in the rain and The Savannah House an oasis after today. Pat and Brenda couldn’t be more welcoming, even Josie the cat tries to get in on the act. Apparently I’ll be left dead presents on the doormat as a welcome gift!! We are in room 8 beautifully decorated and candle lit in southern England cottage style. Pat and Brenda have even brewed some fresh coffee for us.

We’ve already managed to fit in a wine tasting at Miles Wineries, lovely friendly people great wine; we can’t wait to open the bottle. And tonight, I’m finally getting my candle lit bath (Clint Eastwood is booked for later so Dave says!!) followed by a meal at the Himrod Eagle.

Beaches

After last night's excitement and before we move on tomorrow today is going to be a day of relaxation. So, after a lazy morning of late breakfast and watching the squirrels we set off for a stroll in the local area and onto the beach. The late autumn sunshine is warm, the streets quiet. We stroll along Queens Street East what a strange mix of housing, some very run down others beautiful clapboard properties. The shoppers are the same, some so run down you wonder who would buy anything from them others just next door, chic boutiques.

We carry on through Kew park down to the beach, the squirrels are busy everywhere collecting and hiding nuts - Dave reckons there are only a dozen or so nuts they just keep finding the same ones and re burying them!! The squirrel hide n seek! The beach is beautiful again, lots of people are out running, walking, skating and just sitting in the sunshine. The beach stretches for miles and eventually becomes a park before merging with a marina.

After a picnic in the park we feel its time to return to Craven Cove to pack the cases ready for an early start tomorrow. Jan cooks the remainder of the chicken and Dave opens the wine, a lovely meal followed by a DVD from the collection from Craven Cove. Tomorrow Niagara Falls awaits.

Parks and Towers

Today is bright, sunny and clear, a good day for a walk in the park, to be more exact Rouge Park. It is apparently covers 47 square kilometers, we only plan to cover a few of them.

Now finding Rouge Park following Gertie's directions isn't too bad even if she does insist on taking us onto all the major routes. But finding the start of the trail is another thing, after several false starts we eventually find the right start point. The trail takes us up into the woods overlooking the Rouge River and along the bluffs. It circles a large meadow area - full of large pylons before returning to the start point. The walk is lovely lots of birds and butterflies around us and great views of the trees in all their glory. Dave of course has to take a couple of pictures of the pylons, he insists that National Grid's pylons are nicer! while I'm admiring the pretty colours!

Boardwalk on Balmy Beach

After all this walking we're hungry so we set off to find a beach without Gertie's help and pretty well we do too... The beach is narrow strewn with large chunks of drift wood on the silver sand and best of all totally deserted except for a few gulls hoping for some tit bits, they're out of luck!! It's hard to imagine we're actually on a lake as the water is so vast we can't see the other side. After this we slowly drive down the coast err.. should I say lakeside calling in at various beaches ending up on Balmy Beach for an iced coffee. Dave loves this beach it may have something to do with the skimpily clad female beach volleyball players not just my company as we stroll down the boardwalk hand in hand. The houses leading away from the beach up to East Queens are beautiful, it's a tree lined street with large houses with balconies, this is a beautiful area.

This evening we're going to have an evening meal in the CN Tower, so suitably scrubbed we set off on the tram for central Toronto. We get to the Tower in plenty time and get sent to the bar to wait for our table, we're on edge as we're hoping for a table next to the window ; we're not disappointed. The view from the window is amazing and the sun is just setting as we sit down. The meal is equally good, we take so long over eating and enjoying the view that we do two whole revolutions in the restaurant before we finish! We finish the evening with trips to the observation and look out floors plus experiencing the glass floor.

Feeling elated after we leave the tower we set off for Dundas Square, pity we're going the wrong way! Eventually we find it and instead of it being crowded with people it is totally deserted! But the lights are good......

Thanksgiving Day In Toronto

CN Tower dwarfed by skyscrapers

Thanksgiving day here in Toronto starts very quietly, only the squirrels seem to be up and about. We walk up to the main street and catch the 501 tram into town. This is an experience for Dave and I, there seems to be the whole of life getting on and off the tram; young people, old people, families, young mums with prams, down and outs, those with and without money. Once off the tram we head towards the CN Tower as this the one land mark we know something about, it appears in front of us before playing hide and seek behind the many sky scrapers. Once there we decide to book for a meal in the restaurant tomorrow evening, a remarkably easy process, the rest of the days our own, what to do now?

Jan heads off towards the Harbourside Dave in hot pursuit, its really lovely walking along the marinas and after meandering we arrive at St Lawrence's Market one of Toronto's City Halls. Today everything is shut, thank goodness says Dave. Our walking tour now takes us up Church Street, we can see why it's called Church street with so many churchs on it. We end up in Dundas Square, Toronto's equivalent to Times Square and with so much great shopping - sorry Dave! I can't say how many shops we went through but it was a lot, even Jan's had enough now so we take the tram back to Craven Cove for a romantic meal in. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Kingston to Toronto

After a brief stay in Kingston, today we move on to Toronto. This is almost a mini holiday within a holiday for us, a break from the frantic sightseeing of the last week. A time to draw breath and do the laundry - ah the essentials of life.

The drive to Toronto is along a motorway so although pretty in places it does lack the wow factor of yesterday's drive. By midday we're in Craven Cove, Toronto and the washing machine is doing it's thing. But, getting into the apartment was an adventure in it's self! Both of us desperate to use the bathroom, (Dave's doing a jig) but the door's have three keys which each have their own idiosyncrasies and refuse to open easily. This may in part be due to the urgency we have to get inside, but also that I'm trying desperately to break into the  wrong upstairs flat!! Oops...

Squirrel at the park near the beach

Calamity over, we investigate the apartment. It is really very nice and homely, all the things you would expect and some, including a very nice flat screen HD TV which pleases Dave. He has found a channel that is showing the Commonwealth Games that is on in Deli. We note the England are doing very well in the medals stake, more medals than Canada, we may mention this tonight when we go out to eat. Cases unpacked, washing on we set off to do some shopping as tomorrow is Thanksgiving and everything will be shut. It's not a pleasant, relaxing experience, we seem to have found the local bargain supermarket on a busy Saturday before a Bank Holiday shut down, not good. We do manage to track down the essentials and return exhausted to the apartment. It's definitely time to do something more fun, so we set off on foot to the beach.

It's hard to reconcile ourselves to the fact that in front of us is a lake and yet here is a huge boardwalk and beach area with people enjoying the sunshine , BBQing, playing beach volley ball and chatting. What a great open space, everyone happily enjoying the open air, skate boarding, walking, running and biking. We love this city, it feels like a beach holiday.

Tonight we decide to eat at one of the restaurants nearby on Queen Street East.

Westport to Kingston (Canada)

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!

We have just had the most amazing drive west across the Adirondacks to the 1000 Islands region into Canada. The day is bright and cloudless, the trees in peak autumn colour and the lakes deep blue. It was mile after mile of amazing scenery. We passed the Lake Placcid Jumping Centre, from the Olympic games. I now have even more admiration for the ski jumpers because there's no way I would go to the top of one of these ski slopes never mind down one of them.

Brunch was taken in Tupper Lake at the Lumberjack Inn, a typical American diner with plastic tables, piped music and huge plates of food. The drive afterwards was across lakes, alongside rivers and through forests, Even Gertie joined in the fun taking us on a couple of great detours, she had us worried for a while that she was lost but no she's just getting us back for putting her into time out the other day.

We hardly passed another car along the way until we reached the interstate 20 miles from the border. Crossing into Canada was really easy and the view from the 1000 Island Bridge of the St. Lawrence Seaway was spectacular. You don't realise from a map just how big this waterway is until you see big cargo container ships that look like match boxes passing under the bridge.

We easily found tonight’s hotel, our room has a great view of the marina. A short distance across the street is a bar with tables in the sun, Jan feels she needs a beer to celebrate going to another country and strangely Dave agrees!!! Then it's time to stretch the legs and do some of the Battery Park walk along the sea front.

Now, for the past two nights, following the sightings  and viewings of the covered bridges Jan has been looking forward to a bath with a nice glass of chilled white wine (the lack of a plug limited the opportunity at Westport and no bath at Whitefield!). So Dave, being the dutiful husband asks for directions to a shop selling wine, "that’ll be the liquor store sir" says the helpful check in girl. So half an hour later mission accomplished we exit the liquor store with a brown paper bag feeling like two alcoholics. But at least Jan will get her glass of wine with her bath!!! 

Suitably refreshed, Jan assisted by Dave stumbles next door to the "Lone Star" Tex Mex restaurant for an excellent fajita meal. Afterwards we settle ourselves on a couple of bar stools in a local bar, Brandees, to watch the band that are setting up. "Lovehandles" are a typical American soft rock band, very entertaining.

Adriondack Trails and sleepy towns

Dave at the top of South Boquet Mountain

The sun shining through the blinds wakes us this morning, it is a beautiful day and the view from the window of the lake and the sunrise is amazing. We’ve met a local conservationist and he’s given us directions for some good trails in the area. So after stocking up on pastries and subs at Ernie’s we set off to find the first one, up to the top of South Boquet Mountain. Now the word mountain is a bit of an exaggeration even if the path is initially steep, we climb steadily upwards through trees before emerging onto some flat rocks to stunning views over Lake Champlain.

The second walk is not far from here and is supposed to shoe beaver activity along the way; however Dave and I can’t see any. This is probably because we don’t know what we’re looking for...The walk is easy going and along one of the trails we see a woodpecker but that’s all we can identify. After the walk we drive to the coast to Essex to enjoy Ernie’s subs overlooking the Lake and find somewhere to sell us hot mulled cider. The Old Dockyard pub fits the bill; we enjoy our drink and the great views of the lake and beyond.

The area around Westport is very quiet now the season is almost at an end (most places seem to be shutting next weekend). The brochure boast of strolling to the many restaurants is just not happening, but the cafe opposite “Me & My Girls” has just opened for evening meals Fridays through to Sunday so I guess we’ll stroll over the road to there tonight. The choice is limited Steak, Flounder or meatballs good job we like all three....

Whitefield to Westport

Today is moving day we will be going to Westport on Lake Champlain travelling through Vermont on the way. The day starts very wet, but it's all good inside the Lion and the Rose as Chris has prepared another sumptuous breakfast feast, french toast stuffed with ricotta cheese and raspberries, served with a hot raspberry sauce and fresh fruit on the side. Absolutely gorgeous, breakfast will never be the same again, my usual porridge doesn't sound quite so appetising now.

 

I've decided that today we will visit some covered bridges during our drive, fortunately there are 3 quite close together in Bath. Dave patiently indulges me, driving round until all three have been found, walked over and photographed. We continue our trip towards the Vermont border and in an excellent information centre find a map of Vermont and useful information about ferries across Lake Champlain all cheerfully provided by an old man in backwoods type dress. He asks us if we're here to see how the colonies are doing, we reply they seem to be doing just fine without us!

Dave has tolerated the covered bridges viewings on the promise of a visit to the Ben and Jerry ice cream factory in Waterbury. We arrive at lunch time and our guide George proves to be an excellent and witty tour guide. We note that there are no children on this tour and that we are the youngest in the group. The tour finishes with a tasting which unfortunately for Jan is mint choc chip which she does not like: oh well I will just have to eat both samples. Jan gets her own back in the shop by demanding a chocolate indulgence all to herself. As we come out of the factory the sun has started to shine and the rest of the drive is completed in brilliant sunshine.

The drive through the Green Mountains over the Lincoln Notch is simply stunning. Bursts of sun break through the trees, lighting up the jewel like colours of the leaves. "Gertie" is having a nervous breakdown by now as she reckons we're off road and in grave danger; just as well our friendly backwoods man supplied us with better information!! We're forced to put her into time out.

Finally we cross the lake by ferry and drive to Westport to reach The Inn On The Library Lawn. It is a beautiful airy inn and our room has a double aspect and a sitting room. The rainbow and the sunset views of the lake and distant shore line viewed from the room are both stunning and amazing.

Tonight we're going to eat at The Deer's Head Inn in Elizabethtown, the Adirondack's oldest Inn.

Waterfalls and leaves

Today is all about beating the weather that’s coming in and finding a walk involving a waterfall. After a couple of false starts we eventually stumble on the Sabbathday Falls off the “Kanc”. It’s only a short walk but the falls are beautiful as promised. Strangely in the rain the leaf colours look more vivid, maybe it’s the grey skies makes them stand out more or that they have this just washed look and are shiny in the rain. The fall is definitely well under way in some areas of the White Mountains with only the pine trees left to give some colour to the landscape; but in other areas the leaves are still firmly glued onto the trees.

By a happy accident we end up driving along a deserted byway on the edge of the White Mountains in Maine, the red and yellow leaves carpet the road, while the rain and wind is causing a confetti like storm of leaves. All the while we’re driving through a cathedral like arch of trees with every colour over head from dark green, through lime green to yellow, gold, scarlet red and purple. The effect is breathtaking.

We arrive in Gorham shellshocked with the beauty of the drive we’ve just done and realise it’s way past lunch. We roll up at an Italian diner cum shop cum bakery. “Priscilla” serves us with the most typical “New Yoik Italian” accent you could wish to hear! A sumptuous meal of Italian meatballs and pasta soon emerges from the kitchen and is thoroughly enjoyed by both of us.

We arrive back at the B&B and meet the rest of the guests staying tonight chatting over a glass of wine, hosted by King Roger (he’s sitting on the throne!). Tonight there are 4 Brits and 2 Aussies, much exchanging of experiences later we stagger upstairs to enjoy a quiet night in with some red wine, beer and cheese purchased at the Italian deli, oh; did I forget to say that the diner was a speciality Italian shop as well?

Leaf peeping and covered bridges!



The Lion and Rose B&B



The Lion & the Rose is a wonderful B&B with warm and genuine hospitality but, it does remind me of the Addams family mansion. Maybe it’s the decor inside, very ornate with themed rooms or the throne in the lounge or the breakfast eaten together at a large table lit by two candelabra. Most definitely the light in our bedroom which switches it’s self on and off is adding to the atmosphere, I expect Thing or Lurch to appear soon.





View from Mount Washington



Today we’ve driven the Kancamangus highway twice (once wasn’t enough!). Dave was fed up with the stopping for photos by mid day, so as the cloud was lifting over the high mountains we decided to drive up Mount Washington’s auto road. After paying the entrance fee, we were given a CD to narrate the history on the way up and down. Now this journey was more Dave’s idea of fun, narrow steep roads, no guardrails, hairpin bends, brilliant sunshine and views and near the top clouds to go through; totally amazing, breathtaking views that stretch for miles and miles. When we get to the top, it’s shrouded in cloud, but as we watch from the observation deck it gradually parts and blows across the valleys. At 6,280 feet above sea level the temperatures cool, the sunshine strong and the 360 degree vista jaw dropingly beautiful. On the way down Dave decides to test the brakes, judging by the smell at the bottom of the descent (8 miles of it) they’re working well!!



After an expensive lunch in an exclusive location (ok, a subway in the local park) we carry on driving to find a covered bridge. I am now a truly happy woman not only have I seen one, I’ve photographed it and walked over it; Dave’s concerned we have to do the same for all the covered bridges in New England!!

Tonight we eat at Bailiwicks in Littleton. It’s got quite an adventurous menu and by 9.30pm when we leave all the lights are out in town, any other restaurants and pubs shut. People must go to bed early here. There’s not even any moose about.







Boston to Whitefield

Today we leave Boston to travel to the White Mountains; the day is gray and wet with worse weather forecast for the Cape Ann area. Reluctantly we decide not visit the coast but to head inland to the White Mountains. We didn’t regret the decision, the skies cleared the nearer to the mountains we got until under blue skies we start to glimpse the fall colours.



White Mountains



As we have plenty of time I persuade Dave to take a detour via the lakes region, I can’t say the names of the lakes never mind spell them but we walked for a while round Meredith admiring the views of the lake and the reflections of the leaf colours in the water. We have lunch sitting by the lakeside enjoying the warm autumn sunshine an unexpected result based on the weather earlier in the day when we left Boston. Further on we pass our first covered bridge, Dave thought an accident has happened as I’m squealing excitedly. The scenery gets better and better with huge vistas of autumn trees opening up on each turn. You would pay a lot of money for this kind of show, fortunately at this time of year Mother Nature provides it for free. The colours are unbelievable and difficult to put into words, but it is every bit as good as we expected and hoped for and then some. There’s a steam railway along the side of the road and a fast running river on the other side. Occasionally we come across waterfalls falling down the mountainside.

We reach the Lion and the Rose B&B in Whitefield where we’re warmly greeted by Chris and Roger. It is a beautiful home, decorated in an extravagant over the top style. Our room is the Far East room; a four poster bed dominates the middle of the room while exotic nic nacs with a far eastern feel and a huge stone fireplace complete the decor. It’s customary here to share a glass of wine with Chris, Roger and the other guests while you decide where to go to eat. Tonight we’re off to The Mountain View Grand Tavern with some of the other guests and a great evening it is, exchanging information about the area and ourselves.

A walking tour around Boston



Acorn Street, Boston



Today the plan is for a short walk around the Beacon Hill area. This proves to be very pretty and quiet taking in the affluent residences of Beacon Hill built in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. There are pumpkins and ears of corn on a lot of door steps presumably to celebrate the fall and Halloween.



After this the urgent need is to find a bar that is showing English football so Dave can watch the Chelsea v Arsenal game. We naturally head for the Italian quarter because they are most likely to have the football on. Sure enough, the caffe del sport is the place to be – at least for 15 Italian men, 1 English man and me! I’ve never seen an espresso last so long, maybe they’re making their house’s untidy. Towards the end of the game, the wives appear, they’ve been shopping and it’s time for the men to take them out for lunch! As for the result of the game, well let’s just say Dave stomped his way through the next part of the walk.



We followed the Greenway all the way to China Town. It’s a beautiful strip of green park land following a major thoroughfare, interspersed with modern interactive are and beautiful gardens. As this ends we decide to walk to the Prudential Building to go to the observation deck, quite a walk it turns out. Dave’s not happy that it includes passing through a very expensive shopping arcade (Jan’s naturally delighted). On reaching the entrance to the skyway, we find it’s closed; so much for up to date information in the guide book.





The way back to beacon street is through the streets of the Back Bay area past the Bull & Finch Pub, the location for the filming of the 80’s TV series Cheers. Aftera long rest we decude only a steak will do, so after some research we decide on Ruth's Chris steakhouse and an exellent choice it is, an atmospheric setting, good service and a superb steak.





So our stay in Boston is nearly over on to the white mountains, hopefully we'll still have acess to the blog if not see you in Westport... 





Sunset over Boston



Boston's Freedom Trail

Hurray, no rain only blue skies and sunshine. We set off early to explore Boston, starting with the Freedom Trail. The start of the trail is a stone’s throw from the apartment; we join a large group of people milling around the starting point thinking a tour is about to start. We soon realise we’re in the wrong line as this is also the site of Boston’s soup kitchen! Not a good start!! However, the park is beautiful with the trees beginning to turn yellow, people walking their dogs and squirrels darting everywhere.



North End Church



The trail takes us past the many sites and houses that mark the start of the American Revolution from the State House with its magnificent 23 carat gold dome, to The Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, the USS Constitution and finally Bunker Hill. Dave seems intent on marching the red line, I however, wanted to read the history behind it (in far too much detail for Dave!) just like the American couple we pass, as she said “don’t you want the history lesson here?” Obviously not today, we reach a compromise Dave does the David Bailey picture thing and I read the information giving him the potted version http://www.boston.world-guides.com/freedom_trail.html The guide at North End Church explains one mystery that has puzzled us since we started researching where to go and places to eat in America and New York in particular; a restaurant called “One if by land and Two if by sea”. It refers to the number of lanterns hung in the bell tower of the church to warn the patriots that the British forces are moving to attack Concord. The events of the American Revolution then start with the ride of Paul Revere to warn the patriots, this is immortalised in the poem by Longfellow.

We stumble on an American car show, I have never seen such well polished cars  both outside, inside and under the bonnet. Surely these engines have been washed and polished in the kitchen they're that shiny!!



After all that walking we needed lunch, clam chowder to be precise courtesy of one of the many Irish bars – delicious. And after that, more walking wandering, through the streets of Boston, a fascinating mix of old and modern architecture. A street performance provided a rest from walking and entertainment while a modern water fountain gave interactive entertainment for some children (and a few adults)



View from the roof deck



We returned to the apartment and took a beer to the roof deck to watch the sunset over Boston’s skyline, magic. We wander off for dinner and find an authentic Italian and get the only table left. We can’t believe the queues to buy pastries and cakes at the Italian Pastry shops out the door and along the street, they must be really good.





New York to Boston



Little green car next to our huge SUV



It’s raining; heavily....the trip to pick up the hire car is awash with spray. We collect a very funky pale green car, almost escape the control gate only for the attendant to say “Oh Oh it’s a turn back, this car has a recall on it.” Seeing Dave’s face she realises that she needs to sort something out quick, in true US style she says turn around and pick any car in the compound. So the Green funky machine is replaced by a serious Silver Hyundai Sante Fe. This will probably cost twice as much on petrol but Dave’s well pleased and with minimum of fuss all paperwork is revised and we are finally on our way. It still raining and we make only two blocks before we hit traffic.



The drive down through Long Island was slow, abandoned cars littering the sides of the road, school buses and yellow taxis crawling along with us. The Americans certainly haven’t embraced the small car culture....There again nor have we now! At first there is very little sign of the leaves turning to yellow never mind red but gradually the hues change. I feel at this point I must mention the third person on the trip, Gertie the Sat Nav; so far she’s been spot on a good travelling companion. The further we get from New York, the more rural it becomes, stalls offering pumpkins and signs for pick your own (what do you do with a boot full of pumpkins?). At the very tip of the north fork of Long Island is Orient Point, the sign helpfully says road ends in 500yards!



Jan on her cruise!



The Cross Sound Ferry is definitely a working ship not a cruise ship as Dave’s trying to sell it as. Plastic seats, a neon sign covered bar and cafe selling sandwiches and pretzels with the TV blaring over it all. An hour and a half later we enter Connecticut; the typical mid American sound of a train passing greets us. The trip up to Boston is wet but the trees are definitely beginning to wear their autumn coat.

Finally, the outskirts of Boston and Friday night traffic, awful. We crawl our way into the centre of Boston, at this point the reliable Gertie has obviously had enough and proceeds to contradict herself every second direction but Dave’s brilliant city navigation skills come to the fore, as she’s female he ignores her (wise move) and we arrive outside 21 Beacon Street.



We are greeted by the Apartment owners Peter and Jane who go over all of the essential info. The apartment is beautiful, great views over Boston Common and the State House, especially dramatic at night with the lights of the skyscrapers in the background. We are going to the Beehive tonight and after setting off in the wrong direction (I’m blaming the Jet Lag) a friendly cabbie puts us right and we reach the Beehive. A great venue with a great table on the gallery, overlooking the pretty female jazz singer on-stage. The meal is excellent, Porogies (still don’t know what they are but they taste good!), slow roasted beef and scallops. After such a full 24 hours, jet lag catches up, unable to stay awake to see the Blues band Dave opts to take me home before he has to carry me...It’s still raining so we opt for a taxi back to Beacon Street and bed. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will be good as predicted by the TV weatherman and we can start our exploration of Boston.



Kettering to New York

Finally, our adventure starts with a beautiful bright and sunny day in Kettering. The air has a real autumnal feel to it, lets hope we have more of this in the States.

We rarely travel by train so starting with a train to London seems a great way to start, and British Rail co-operated no delays, seats available even for 2 large suitcases. The most difficult part of the whole journey was walking down to the underground and getting on the correct tube, all we can say is go with the info on the front of the tube. You think when you set out in your little bubble of excitement that you're the only ones going away but, as you sit on the tube to Heathrow gradually the commuters become less and the travellers with cases become more. Towards the end of the line its only the holiday makers and airport terminal staff left.

Heathrow Terminal 5, wow, clean spacious and efficient, security friendly but very thorough. And then there's the shops and restaurants behind. Thinking to distract me from all that glitters, Dave steered a firm path to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant knowing all to well that a well cooked and presented meal would work a treat. And what a treat, superb smoked salmon, beetroot & goats cheese salad followed by sea bass, heaven!!!

It was all going a tad too well so British Airways provided the hiccup with a 2 hour delay for a faulty engine.To their credit they found another plane, moved all the luggage to it (we were all about to get on when the fault occurred, thank goodness not in mid Atlantic) and gave us vouchers for a drink before taking off two and a half hours late. The flight however was perfect, great seats together, quiet (no children) and good movies to watch.

At Last 3am British time we landed at JFK. I'm glad I first came in at night, so impressive with all the lights, streams of red tail lights and white headlights, islands of intense light from hotel and advertising hoardings, amazing.

The hotel shuttle to Days Inn, very efficient, hotel well not quite so amazing but comfortable none the less. And so to sleep only to wake very early, am on UK or US time I'm not sure, I only know its 6am here and raining hard, the news says heavy thundery rain overnight has caused chaos and flooding! We'll soon find out when we pick up the car and move on to Boston.