Not two weeks ago I told you how my explorations in Chesterfield, NH, came about from a 1976 booklet. Today’s four plus hour exploration came about from a TV news piece. But the genesis came earlier, and I will explain later on below. Today’s destination – Goshen, New Hampshire – population 800.

Look at your NH maps — all back roads (throw me in that “briar patch”) – and I decided to head to Alstead then 123A to the turn up the hill to Acworth. I need to again spend time relaxing at Vilas Pool, but I knew the recent rains again were not kind to the area.

the spillway and bridge again held, but immediately downstream, not so good – remember you can “click my galleries” for larger views.

Route 123A had many side washouts with pylons marking temporary repairs. I turned left to climb the hill to Acworth Common, only to find my planned route “Road Closed.” So, took the adjoining route – well, was in general direction I desired. Ended up traversing the southern shore of Crescent Lake in Acworth and Unity. Here is the lake – many nice possible views on the south road.

I never was a Boy Scout, but know usually where the sun’s location is a help, so guessing the correct turns, and ended up in Unity – don’t think I had been there before. Perfect Meeting House.

You may realize (and should) that in the last almost year I have become fascinated with “Blow Molds” and have acquired a few special ones. Well, fortunately when turning around to capture the above image I saw a small snow-mobile shop. I have posted this image on the Facebook page “Blow Mold Nation” and expect it to go viral.

Finally I ended up at an intersection with Route 10 in Goshen (never have been totally lost), which is a tad south of Newport (New Hampshire not Rhode Island). Another perfect meeting house, and mill river spot — yes Route 10 here is known as Mill Village Road.

And, my destination – The Old Man’s Junk – and in the parking lot an Airstream. I sent the Airstream image immediately to Scott and Betty suggesting a NH retirement plan.

Now THE BACKSTORY to today’s outing. A couple weeks ago my 11 year old grandson visited with my daughter on their way back to NJ. Chatting on the porch, only an 11 year old would ask what I am hiding in a chest. No one has ever asked before – maybe fortunately. If the truth were known there could be incarceration.

Well, a week later my grandson received a package with a body part – I will stop there. He was thrilled. Then, earlier this week a news brief on WMUR said Goshen would be profiled. I usually never watch those pieces, but did this time, and The Old Man’s Junk was mentioned. Checking their Facebook site there was an image of a “crock” devouring a body. I sent that image to my grandson, but had to visit to see “for real.” Here is “for real.”

But, I “flipped out” in the back building. You know the last couple years thanks to COVID, I have pursued vintage “canned ham” camping trailers, and collected the appropriate accessories – strangely all RED. There it was – a vintage RED portable RCA Victor TV – price $55. The shop owner was nearby and I asked him about it. He said, “how about $40?” — HE MADE ME BUY IT. But I asked him to load it into BLUE BELLE.

Fortunately a friend “begged off” on joining in on this adventure. Good for her, because she would have had to walk home.

Getting home the research began, and I now own a 1957 RCA Victor Model 14-S 7070 portable TV. Paid a good price, a wide range, but could be yours for a six-hundred dollar bill. I have found working models for around $1500, and will see if I can get this checked out and working. Another thought is to pull out and save the “guts” and install a screen to feed video into. You see, I am giving up on living with a vintage “canned ham” (LADYRAB III Currently is for sale), but planning a vintage 1950s decor (and mostly red) addition to the bookshop. Below some of my “vintage retro red pieces” for your enjoyment, and my new “prize”.

I love doing these short posts to share – a four hour trip, and four hours reliving in writing and illustrating – “too much fun.” But I owe you posts on longer trips, and just do not get to them due to the number of images and experiences. One of my “RAYISMS” – “IF I CREATED THE PRESSURE I CAN ELIMINATE IT.” So, I have to stop beating myself up not completing:

July 2023 – St. Lawrence Seaway stops and locks
2019 – trip by ship from Chicago to NYC – still owe you Hudson River and on
2019 – left you hanging on returning on Amtrak from the west coast
a great time in Pittsburgh
and, possibly more – I have files of notes to share.

Thank you so much for “hanging in there with me,” I truly hope you enjoy what I share, and possibly plan your own adventures as a result. Stay safe and well, luv, RAY