I am turning a corner, and in the last days have booked two overnights in the near future. But, in time you will read of those. But on this page is a compilation of three adventures “on the road” 6, 9 and 15 October. The focus here will be sharing New Hampshire and Vermont fall foliage, the likes of which I do not remember this early and spectacular. And, tied in I will share some history articles I have written for my newspaper, THE WALPOLE CLARION, so here goes.

Struggling with where to overnight on the other side of the state (as I did do in March of this year) while scouting for books and other “treasures on the list,” I gave up, and decided on a day trip instead 6 October, but I did tour an 18th century inn in Durham for the future. My new tree (remember Only theTrees are Different) was popping out

Giving equal coverage to be fair, here is the rear of “44” looking to “Camp 44” My maple on the left is never this early or this colorful – normally it is last and bland. This tree was but a few inches in diameter, and a few feet tall, growing out of an old stump when Cathy and I purchased “44” in 2002 – twenty years ago.

RAY equals BACK ROADS – and it was over NH Route 123 through Alstead, Marlow and Stoddard to get to the main road to Concord. Below is Marlow at 9 AM that morning, 6 October.

It was a day of good book buying, and some new backroads from Bedford to Wilton through New Boston and Mont Vernon – Destination – dinner at the Birchwood Inn in Temple.

Sunday, 9 October, it was off to enjoyable Dummerston, Vermont, for the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival. Begun in the 1970s, but not held since 2019 due to Covid. I enjoy exploring West Dummerston, Dummerston Center and East Dummerston. And, you should remember that in Dummerston is Kipling’s Naulakha, and the Scott Farm, not to mention the Dutton Farmhouse. And, there is also the campground where LADYRABIII will attend the vintage shows in May and September next year (you will want to attend the Merry May Vintage Camper Show show May 19-21 – I am already working on decorations). Below arriving up the hill from the east into Dummerston Center.

The size of the pies was overwhelming, but the pancake breakfast I could handle. This is how they do it in small town northern New England.

After enjoying everyone enjoying themselves, I drove off on a favorite route heading north from the center intersection. Here is a sampling of what I saw. (remember you can click images to enlarge).

On the 12th I needed to find a cemetery in Westmoreland to find the tomb Capt. Abraham Roblin of New York City, was, in 1820, interred. Yes, I was working on my November history article – subject – HORATIO THE ELEPHANT feel free to click and read the story. Curious right? I found Pratt Cemetery on Route 63, but wondered why I have never seen it in the last 20 years passing by. Remember when in Guilford on 2 October we learned that early graveyards were built on hills and slopes that could not be used for farming or grazing? Well, the land that Rev. Pratt gave for a cemetery is a slope that drops sharply off from the road, below the stone wall, and you really have to be looking for it. I found it, and the Pratt tomb is the brick structure where Roblin was interred.

On the radio yesterday I heard Connie Sellecca (John Tesh’s wife) talking about a reading study and health. I have heard him give tips on his radio show, but first time I have heard her do so. WELL – the study she shared – reading books can add two years to your life, and just what I have always said, the mental stimulation. You will be stuck with me for awhile, this month I have purchased three books on graveyard history alone to dig (joke intended) into.

And, on the way home yesterday, 16 October, from my third COVID booster and flu shot, I needed to stop and explore behind the Hooper Institute in town for what I was just told could be remains of Walpole’s Town Pound. My October history article was on Town Pounds (click on this link for that story, which I hope you will enjoy) and I had to do some traipsing through the woods. But to get there, I went on a little known seasonal dirt road in Town – Meeting House Road – that goes through the golf course. And, here are some leafy views going up the hill.

The 1963 town history says the pound’s stones were used in the foundation of the Hooper Institute, but much of that is concrete. So for the mystery, here are the stones in the woods that could have been part of Walpole’s Town Pound. These could have been foundation stones that have worked their way up, and shifted, the “good” stones being appropriated for use elsewhere in the 1920s.

Trust you see the “history threads” through my life and need to learn. So, the next project —

wonder if they will sell to me? Only right, don’t you think?

above, an early traffic sign for the center of an intersection – BUT, flanked by season red, and red barn.

Thank you for looking and reading this far, I hope you enjoyed the views, and maybe took a look at the “history lessons.” Stay safe and well, luv, RAY