LONDON – A QUICK TOUR OF OUR DOINGS – 25, 26 and 27 October

Posted on October 27, 2012 by Ray Boas

I am starting to write this on Saturday, 27 October (yes I have had that little available time to write) and not sure when I will be able to post.  Yesterday (Friday) I could connect through the hotel, but last night at 11PM none of us could connect.  Worst that happens is I post my tales from my first B&B on Monday.

So, let me relate Thursday and Friday on this post (and as I am getting back to this will include today, Saturday).  Thursday, Lisa and Alex and I arrived at the British Museum (a short walk from our hotel) at 10:30 and before we knew it, it was 1:30 and David and Mari called to meet us.  We started off with the mummies and Egyptian history. Then took in

Hands-on Coin experience

the Japan exhibit with the samurai accoutrements, the Etruscan room, and then saw the coin room and were fascinated by the clock exhibit.  In the coin room there was a hands-on lecture volunteer explaining and letting people touch actual museum pieces.  Lisa and I saw that on the first floor there were a number of such hands-on experiences and we took Alex there where a very knowledgeable woman shared almost a million years of history with us starting with a fascinating stone implement.

I had to see the Rosetta Stone

Meeting Mari and David outside we grabbed some lunch and got on the tube. David, Alex and I exited at Covent Gardens and the ladies continued to go to Bond Street shopping and then to Harrods.  David and I had both been to the London Transport Museum before, but there had been many changes recently including lots of children’s activities (from what I have learned, most of the museums here now have become more child friendly for learning), and the plan was to spend time there.  Too much to absorb in one visit, and my ticket is good for a year, so I will be back.

In the London Transport Museum

This fascinating museum traces the development of the tube and suburbs through peace and war. Make the trip there for sure!

David had a meeting at 5PM so we parted and Alex and I travelled to Harrods.  If you ever plan to make cell calls in Harrods do so before getting there.  I could not reach Mari at all,

Downstairs at Harrods

and Alex and I waited in the ladies shoe department (where she said she was going) while I called and called.  Finally I reached her, but she thinks it is because she was under a skylight.  David later in the evening found he could not make calls inside Harrods.  But we met then in the fabulous toy department, attended an animated book reading, and played our way across the floor.  I cannot wait to get back to Harrods (my first visit was when Cathy and I were dating in 1993 and I bought a little gift there to bring back for

Two London Icons

her). Next visit I will need to spend at least a half a day there with at least each lunch, and possibly dinner too.  David called us and it ends up that three of his Japanese colleagues and one from the UK had journeyed with him to a Lebanese restaurant nearby.  He came and got us and a fabulous evening followed at MAUOUSH 1 (www.maroush.com).  We got back to the hotel close to midnight – now that is running hard – 13 ½ hours on the go – and with two kids!!!)

Friday – Mari was free until about 3PM. She had seen the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace at an age in between that of Lisa and Mari, and it was an “even day” with the event on at 11:30.  We arrived in time to join the massive crowd.  It is one of those things you can say, “been there, done that!”  As you know, I am

Typical Changing of the Guard view

not a crowd person, and really there is no decent vantage point for the Changing of the Guard.  We then walked back to Westminster Cathedral, but opted out of going in due to the queue and cost (I did visit over 20 years ago with no crowds, as had Mari).  A couple of bus rides later with the kids enjoying riding on the top level at the front window, we arrived back at the hotel.  From 3:30 to 4:30 I scoped out where David’s opening keynote address was to be held, and met a firm guard who said, “you are not getting in the building without passes!”  There is a reason why I am relied upon, and check things out early.  So, off I headed to the conference registration area, found David’s secretary, Stacey, and said “help!”  Problem solved, badges in hand for the three of us!

We arrived shortly before David’s address.   Mari saw us and showed us to our seats she had saved.  For an hour all I can say is proud Dad wanted to cry with his son’s brilliance.  This was the opening of the Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference for the society of the same name which David has been instrumental with organizing (check out www.fnirs.org).

Son, David with the opening address

Their work is with imaging the brain to look at issues such as pain functions and epilepsy (about all I understood of his talk).  Mari later told me that his research in this field represents about a quarter of what he is involved with.  If you have a chance just google “David Boas” (proud Papa again).  Afterwards we attended the reception for the conference and the kids and I were then seated at our own table at a private dinner.  Arrival time back at the hotel – 10:30 – an eleven plus hour day!

What does that bring us to?  Oh yes, today, Saturday – just the kids and I, and the plan was for Tower Bridge and The Tower of London.  We took a circuitous bus ride (starting at

Not your typical Tower Bridge view

the first stop – top of the bus front seats) and arrived at Tower Bridge, built in 1894, shortly after 11.  WOW – the views, the restoration, a visit to the bridge is a MUST DO!  We then continued across to The Tower of London area, but first had a bite to eat, entering the Tower then about 1:30 spending almost 3 hours.  The Crown Jewels collection is a must, and the set-up has been changed since my last visit in 1993 (I asked, and they did in fact revamp the layout in 1994).  But overall I think The Tower of London is overhyped for the cost and crowds.  It is another “been there, done that,” and I have now done it twice.

Did you know I am fascinated with steam engines?

By 5:40 we were back at the hotel, and rested a tad before heading to a typical English Pub just off the campus for a private gathering for the conference.  Lisa, Alex and I stayed just a short time (for appetizers and two glasses of wine) before coming back to the hotel.  I have no idea when David and Mari will make it back, but that is why I am here – they don’t have to worry about getting back.

The kids want to sleep in tomorrow even though we are setting the clocks back an hour (what is wrong with youth?).  Once they are alert, possibilities are the science museum or natural history museum, or Madame Tussard’s or a combination.  So, if I cannot get this posted tonight I will in the morning while they are still out cold, and I will next report to you from my B&B in Stratford on Avon (been there too, anxious to get back).  Goodnight, and God Bless, as always, yours,

Kids with the head executioner – Alex promised to be good!

 

My images have not been my usual creativity – sorry

 

Posted in 2012-g - LONDON 2012 | 4 Comments

LONDON — A CITY I LIKE – October 2012

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Ray Boas

You should figure out from the images below that I am in London, and I am with David, Mari, Lisa and Alex.  I am here to tour the kids around London while David and Mari are involved with a conference.  I did not realize that they will be busiest on Saturday and Sunday since I thought their time was filled with the conference Thursday through Monday when they head home.  But today was an open day, and tomorrow afternoon David has some free time and on Friday when David officially opens the conference giving the keynote address Mari will have some time.

We left Boston Tuesday evening  (the 23rd) arriving at Heathrow at 9 Wednesday morning (4 AM back on the East Coast).  We got our Oyster Cards and got onto the Piccadilly Line exiting at Russell Square near our hotel and into our rooms at about 11:30.  I unpacked and was ready to run hard, but David decided to nap for an hour, and I actually put my head down for 45 minutes.  By1 PM we were all out and did not arrive back until past 8:30 – 7 and ½ hours running, and amazing with a very tired 7 year old.  I realize that I may not get to show the kids as much as I hoped, but we will see a great deal.

Covent Gardens

Today was a big bonus.  We took the tube back to Covent Gardens and walked around watching a number of the street performers.  From there we walked down to the Thames River and crossed the footbridge to the south side of the river to the London Eye.  I had read about horrible waits, but this was an off time and misty – we went and I am glad that we did. We then walked over the Westminster Bridge past Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral before heading back up through Chinatown to get dinner at Leicester Square.

Street Performer at St. Pauls in Covent Gardens

Similar picture to the one of David and I from 2010 but with Alex

It was a full day, running hard, especially for a day of arrival after a night flight and with Alex.

Thursday the 25th was such a full day I could not even post this, and my connection was bad.  But, it was even a fuller day and we did not get back to the hotel until 11PM.  I will work on those images and a quick tale, but I am waiting for the kids to get up, take them to breakfast, and off we go again.  In 2010 before my travel blog I had sent email to family and some friends of my adventures, and my 2010 emails from Iceland and London I recently post here.  Go to the menu and hover over ABOUT – and you will get a drop down link to that adventure.

London Eye (with some glare on glass) looking East

Kids on London Eye – Big Ben in background

I reviewed them in preparation for this excursion, and now cannot wait for even the next trips here to London.  BC (before Cathy)  I would find British Airways packages and fly over for 3-4 days for theater, etc.  I have to find some deals like that in 2013. So, I will catch you when I can, just wanted to give some update, yours, RAY

An iconic spot – and yes that is the moon too

Posted in 2012-g - LONDON 2012 | 4 Comments

NOSTALGIA TRIP BACK FROM QM2 via WILTON and NEW PRESTON, CT

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Ray Boas

Well, I am home from my eleven days on the Queen Mary 2.  I was in my car by 9AM for the direct 4 ½ hour drive back home, but my plan was to travel through my home town in Wilton, CT and then traverse the back roads up to my previous shop and home with Cathy in New Preston.  I arrived home by 6:30 completing the 4 ½ hour drive in about 9 ½ hours – true shunpiking!

Of course the first thing I did arriving home was to go on-line and try to figure out why I could not insert images into my blog posts.  One item I found while googling was to clear cookies.  I did that and all my WordPress functions returned, but shortly vanished after checking emails again.  Some more experimentation, and then I remembered that just before this problem came up on QM2 I was surprised that Comcast changed the home page for webmail.  So, some more experimentation, and I ascertained that the Comcast cookie is the problem.  But, only solved with a work around – I have to delete cookies each time to gain all my WordPress functionality.  No problem, I have found with my various computers that as they age there are more hiccups and incompatibilities with all the various software and interfaces with different websites.  So, I inserted the pictures for the Saint John and Halifax post and will get to Quebec City.

But, on my trip home I had a grand time.  I have said that I do my blogs for my own pleasure, so you need not go further, but following is a look at some of my past life.  Tears try to roll down my cheeks as I travel sometimes, and it becomes mind-boggling when you are somewhere and start thinking, “50 (or 60) years ago I did this here.”  I find it really hard to look back, and I usually avoid my past, but it is good to reflect back.  You can’t go back, but at least the memories are there.  So, here goes. (you can stop here – the rest is just for my memories)

I had no problem leaving Brooklyn and worked my way over to the Merritt Parkway (one of the first limited access roads in the US) and exited at the original US 7 Norwalk exit (now there is a new US 7 bypass exit) turning north to my hometown of Wilton, Connecticut.  “Ray, why don’t you stop and see Leland,” I said to Ray.  Every time I pass through town I usually stop and see my high school friend, and it had been over 7 or 8 years since I last saw him.  Stopping at his office, Michelle called him at home, and soon we were visiting in his office.  Continuing driving up US 7 (as you know once leaving Kent, CT this is my favorite road in the US, especially along the Housatonic River in Cornwall, CT – then there is Stockbridge, MA and the Red Lion Inn – not to mention travelling in Vermont on US 7).  I then turned left onto Route 33 to enter Wilton Center.  From here I will share some images with you along with commentary on my reminiscences.

This is the former Center School where I spent Kindergarten through 4thgrade.  My

Former Center School

mother was the secretary here, and then followed me to my next school for grades 5 and 6 (yes I had to be good, but I did get sent to the principal once when I argued with Jerry R. that my stamp collection was better than his – I died from my mother’s stare).  The whole center of town has expanded exponentially, and my school (I even remember Bus No. 1 built in the 1930s with holes in the floor – no OSHA then) became commercial spaces.  My Kindergarten room is on the left front, and the next picture is the actual room except with walls changed with the entrance going right into the

My Kindergarten Room

office instead of the original hallway.

This bank building was the library, but sadly the original front part, which looked like Monticello, was removed (Center School is to the rear right).  Here was my introduction to books, and starting in 7thgrade (I had to turn down being on the basketball team to do so) I shelved books two afternoons a week making $1.25 for an hour and a half of pleasurable work.  Ms. Olivia Johnson, the librarian (probably over 60 years of age at the time – 53 years ago), was good to me – obviously since I remember her name,

Back half of the former Wilton Library

something I have a hard time doing.  After “work” I would walk down the street and sit on this stone wall in front of the former Village Market waiting for my Dad to pick me up on his way home. Usually I would first go to the drug store/soda fountain and buy two rolls of life savers for 5 cents each.  I would get butterscotch and cinnamon, and have one of each at once – oh, I can still taste them, but it has been many, many decades!

A favorite sitting spot waiting for my Dad

Continuing up Route 33 I entered Hillside Cemetery to visit my Dad, and reading his stone I had forgotten it has been 9 years since he moved here.  This image shows the Boas plot with my grandparents.  My Dad’s grave is marked with the flag from the American Legion.  For the Memorial Day parades I would ride my decorated balloon tire bike 5 miles to the village center to join the parade.  My Dad would march with the legion for the

Hillside Cemetery – Boas Plot

ceremonies at the flag pole just adjacent to his grave.  One year I badly wanted a shell casing, and on the last volley (he was on the firing squad) he did not eject the shell to save it for me.  I remember another child going up to him saying, “Mister, eject your shell so I can have it!”  My Dad did not – I got it instead.

Leaving the cemetery I turned left on Route 33 until my right turn onto Nod Hill Road towards the family properties.  In the mid 1920s my grandfather was the youngest Chief of Staff at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.  Many people were getting summer homes in the country (nothing is new), and they found an old farmhouse built in 1875 with a barn across the street – the price was $3,000 for the buildings and over 200 acres. 

Boas Homestead – Nod Hill Road, Wilton, CT

“But I don’t want the 200 acres, only the house and barn,” my grandfather told the farmer, “what will you sell me just the house and barn for?”  “You don’t understand,” said the farmer, “the price is $3,000 for the house and barn, I am giving you the 200 acres.”  If you know Wilton, you are aware the tens of millions that land is worth today – my grandmother started selling it off in the early 60s.”  You know my timing by now.  I arrived at the old farmhouse after driving down Teapot Road developed by my grandmother, and there was construction at the house in earnest.  I parked and in a light rain got out with my camera.  The young lady at the doorway saw me, and came over to me.  “Would you like to know about your house?” I asked.  Laura was young and delightful.  Even with her baby in the car she immediately took me on a tour.  They had owned our homestead for 7 years, and today was a rip-out day for a total restoration.  We walked though the first floor my camera snapping away – what an absolute thrill – and the memories of my grandmother, holidays, etc.

Barn Site – and almost my death site

This image shows the open space where the barn was located, but moved by my grandmother through the woods to the end of Boas Lane which she built to open up our land at the end of Partrick Lane.  The well house has always been there as well as the trees you see.  When I was about two my aunt was learning to drive.  As she was pulling down the drive my Dad jumped into the car yelling to her to stop.  I had been run over and was under the car – cars where higher off the ground then.  Obviously I survived after exercising my vocal chords while regurgitating gravel.

Going another two tenths of a mile (I had a speedometer on my English bike) I turned right onto Partrick Lane to see number 15 which my Dad built in 1948 and we moved into, I believe, in January 1949 – my home until graduation from high school.  The house sold in November 2011 for $842,000   but in 2007 it sold for 1.1 million (my Dad would be shocked). But first opposite my house is the Weinberg’s old barn/garage.  The Whites

Real Genesis of BLACK BEAUTY

bought from the Weinbergs, and in the early 1960s Mr. White bought TR3As for each of his sons – one black and one white.  The cars were parked in this structure, and often I got a ride.  Yes, this was the seed that finally lead (over 50 years later) to the quest that brought Black Beauty into my life.

This is my childhood home, but what my Dad built is on the left, and the original two car garage (expanded to 8 by my Dad for his car hobby) is on the right, but joined over the years by new owner’s various additions. 

15 Partrick Lane, Wilton, Connecticut

The rocks you see (below) in a field were originally on the edge of woods and provided many enjoyable hours of play for me as my fort built and rebuilt over many years.

 

Site of my many FORTS

 

BOAS LANE – Wilton, Connecticut

At the end of Partrick Lane is Boas Lane which opened up our back land to sell off building lots.  My Dad and Uncle bought from the Weinbergs 50 or more acres that were eventually sold to the town for the Town Forest which eventually included the old Boy Scout property – now 188 acres.  Even though it was raining I wanted to find the old “Indian Rock House” as I called it, a rock ledge overhang that I used to play at, but had not seen in well over 53 years.  Not sure if I found it, I did see many rock formations, but they were so small as compared to what I remembered – ha, ha.

I continued north on Nod Hill Road past the Weir Farm National Historic Site   (where I used to play and fish – caught my finger one day instead of a sunfish) and down the hill to Branchville to pick up US 7 to Danbury.  US 7 runs into I-84 for awhile (I rode in a 1931 Model A Two Door Phaeton with my Dad for the opening ceremonies for this stretch of interstate in the early 1960s) before US 7 bears off to the left.   I headed through New Milford picking up US 202 to New Preston where Cathy and I lived from 1995 until our move to New Hampshire in 2002.  The first image shows my office (off the porch) overhanging the waterfall, and the second image the former home of my bookshop. 

The Waterfall – New Preston, Connecticut

 

6 Church Street, New Preston, CT — Former Home of Ray Boas, Bookseller

 

Thank you (if you made it this far) for listening to my memories.  Tearfully, yours, RAY

 

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

QUEEN MARY 2 Continued up the Coast to Quebec City – 27 and 28 September 2012

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Ray Boas

And, transiting back to NYC on 29 and 30 September – Posted 1 October 2012

Welcome back on board Queen Mary 2 with me. Sorry this is long, but it covers 5 days with no pictures. First of all, my apologies for no images with these last posts. At least I can convey my words, but for some reason the drop-down menus I need are not working on the WordPress site. I really believe it is something with the satellite connection instead of a software problem even though I was able to post images early on this trip. I was able to find googling that others have had similar problems, and it may be a browser related problem with “forwarded masked domains” but not quickly finding any straightforward “fixes” this will become a research project at home if not solved when ridding myself of the satellite connection. I have also realized that, at least for me, Queen Mary 2 is more pleasurable making a “crossing” rather than “daily” port visits lasting but a few hours with the masses. My image inserting problem has frustrated and limited my postings, so this will be my last post with a review (for my memory sake) of the last four plus days.

Thursday, 27 September (an at sea day) I did attend two lectures, one by the founder of the Disney Channel titled “It all Started with a Mouse” about Walt Disney, and great, and the second by a retired Army Colonel who was a White House social aide for years – alright, simply full of anecdotes. The rest of the day I spent preparing for what I wanted to see in Quebec City by reading AN HISTORICAL GUIDE TO QUEBEC that I brought with me published by Societe Historique de Quebec — history from the Canadian point of view. I am finally starting to get it (and retain in my mind) – this 18th century history of the New World that is – and understand the struggle for North America between the French and English and reasons for the Seven Years War, with the British gaining the upper hand after the battles in 1759. And then reading about the American Revolution and War of 1812 (again from the Canadian perspective) and aftermath, it all ties in with my explorations in Canada in August, and I cannot now wait to revisit Lake Champlain forts and battle sites. In the evening the majority of our table went to the Lotus special diner venue (for an extra surcharge of $10 – except for the Diamond and Platinum level World Club Members – I am a lowly Silver). Each course of the Asian diner was explained in detail and presented with a great deal of flair.

I was out on deck Friday morning before 8 AM to watch our approach to Quebec City and was extremely disappointed when we continued sailing upriver past the piers at the foot of the old town. There already were four cruise ships tied up within walking distance. I soon learned why so many ships are in each port. It is a combination of leaf peeping and escaping hurricane season. But you know I am flexible. My plan was to run off the ship at the docks in town and head up past the Hotel Frontenac to the Plains of Abraham and the Citadel, and now I am passing them, “but wait, is that a staircase up the cliff?” I said to myself, “Forget the shuttle bus back to town, I am already past where I want to be, just 300 feet below where I want to be.”

Out on the pier I quickly walked past the queue to board the buses and exiting the docks headed back towards town to find the stairs I saw through the trees. I found them (pictures someday to follow), and due to the height of the risers, a 300 foot ascent equals about 500 steps. Once on the Plains of Abraham (named for the farmer Abraham Martin who owned part of the area in 1759 when Wolfe defeated Montcalm winning Quebec from France for England) I explored the area and found the Discovery Pavilion about the history of the plains and the battles. I did not know of this museum. A school group was in the museum so I had to return at noon which I did after touring part of the city walls in the area. After an educational1 ½ hours I then headed over to the Citadel built in the 1830s for protection from possible invasion from the infant and aggressive United States, and since about 1917 the home of the 22nd Regiment of the Royal Infantry.

You can only tour the Citadel and its museums on a guided tour, and I entered with only having to wait five minutes for the next English tour (obviously this was another day to not waste on eating). Next on my list was to descend the Governor’s Staircase built in 1960 from the Plains to the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk, which has been open since 1838, in front of the Hotel Frontenac. I recommend the staircase as another “must do” to enjoy this perspective of the town and Saint Lawrence River. On my 2008 visit to QC and during my Christmas 2010 holiday much of the boardwalk was torn up as Parks Canada was conducting an archaeological survey of the earlier forts built on this highpoint of land. The work was completed and I was intrigued to see three observation glass enclosures cut into the new boardwalk showing what had been discovered below (I thought they were going to cover over the area once documenting what was there). There was a guide near a staircase leading below the boardwalk, but sadly she was talking to some people and I did not stop to ask her how to enter.

I next mailed two postcards to the UK for one of my tablemates and made my usual visit to the Visitor Information center to collect more information. It was getting near the end of the day but I headed into the Musee du Fort but could not recall if I had seen the exhibit on the 1759 battles or not (the gift shop yes). The next show in English was at 5 PM, so to help solidify my understanding of this time period I paid my admission and took a seat. Afterwards I headed down the “Breakneck Stairs” to the lower town and toured the streets and shops prior to boarding the shuttle bus arriving back on the ship at 6:30 – nine hours on my feet. Was I ever disappointed to see on the gangway a sign indicating “Sailing at Noon tomorrow – be back on board by 11AM.” In making my plans weeks ago for shore adventures I had called Cunard and was told sailing was at 2PM from Quebec City, thus almost a full touring day – I was upset at the shortchanging of time. Well, back to the Commodore Club to reread my history of Quebec City to hopefully ingrain in my mind what history I had learned and just seen.

Turning in Friday night I thought I would just stay on board Saturday and read, a couple hour visit did not make sense, but, you are right in your supposition because upon getting up I slapped myself around and said, “Ray! Hit the beach!” It was cold and damp with an occasional fine drizzle, the only such poor weather experienced on this trip, but I enjoyed walking around the lower town (again checking out the spot where Benedict Arnold’s invasion was stopped on New Year’s Eve 1775), and then headed up to the Hotel Frontenac for another obligatory tour of the lobby. Remembering the archaeological tour under the boardwalk (Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site) I waited at the entrance for the 10AM opening, but no one showed up until quarter after, at which time I was directed to a kiosk next to the Funicular where Parks Canada had a new office for tour tickets. But they were even later in getting ready not starting to sell tickets until 10:20 and I could no longer risk the time and “miss the boat.” Parks Canada has revamped what is available to see and do in Quebec City from my last brochure collecting, so I now have the basis for another trip there.

Planting myself comfortably in the library one deck below my favorite Commodore Club I watched as we cast off and began sailing down the Saint Lawrence. At 2PM I took in RADA’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, and then joined Kevin at the special wine tasting event. The show that evening was a group called THE HORIZONS with Motown music – always fun.

Sunday became an enjoyable day of reading. On the last voyage I had seen MURDER ON THE QE2 by Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote) in the bookstore, but did not buy it, but this time I did. I reclaimed my territory in the Commodore Club this overcast day. Earlier at about 6 AM Sunday morning an announcement came over the PA system – Code Alpha – in the crew area. A crew member suffered a heart attack, and needed to be evacuated. We slowed and came within two miles of shore for a Canadian Coast Guard launch to rendezvous and pick up the crew member. At 1:15 my tablemates all meet at Todd English for a special luncheon there. This renowned restaurant is on board as is Canyon Ranch Spa. Both have extra fees, of course, and my luncheon was outstanding (my Diamond and Platinum tablemates get a lunch there as a perk). Back then to read, and finish my book, until our last formal dinner night after which as a group we headed to the Royal Court Theatre for the evening show.

As I am finishing this up it is Monday, the last day aboard as we continue back to NYC. Originally the crew member’s evacuation was not going to delay our 6:30 AM arrival in Brooklyn tomorrow but we have not been able to make up the time as planned since the weather was bad last evening and we currently still have a 30 knot headwind. With the noon report from the bridge the Captain just advised that we should be entering the New York harbor at 7 AM, passing the Statue of Liberty at 7:20 and be pierside at 9:30.

So what did I learn on this trip? For me, touring with short stops with large groups is not what I want to do. My impression is that with this schedule the on-board activities are not as exciting as they are on a crossing (others told me that it is harder to get talent for the short legs). But the main thing is that I really prefer to explore on my own, away from the “maddening crowd”. I am glad that I was exposed to Bar Harbor and Halifax, albeit briefly, and know what I want to do upon return to those locations and again to Quebec City. I have enjoyed the small Road Scholar groups when I have attended historical programs (or the digital photography course) and will try those again. And, I will make additional crossings on the Queen Mary 2 because it is a relaxing gentile way of life. But if group travel is needed to experience a new and exotic location I will opt for the small group venues such as Overseas Adventure Travel (and their parent Gold Circle, or is it Grand Circle?) which hold things to a manageable 12 to 14 souls. The adventures will continue. Bye, and thanks, as always, yours, RAY

PS – my copy/paste did not even keep my paragraphs separate, and I cannot do a preview (that does not work) so hopefully I found all my paragraph breaks and inserted.

Posted in 2012-f NYC TO NYC VIA QC ON QM2 SEP ‘12 | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

SAINT JOHN, NB and HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA – 25 and 26 September 2012

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Ray Boas

So sorry, for the past 8 hours the satelitte link has not allowed me to insert the images I uploaded. Not to disppoint you (I know you want to know what is happening) I am posting without the 7 planned images.  I will add them when possible.  I hope this does not happen the rest of the time away.

Tuesday 25 September I got to experience Saint John, NB (the first Loyalist City in 1783 when the pro-British left the new United States), and it was an enjoyable day.  Located on the Bay of Fundy this is a small city of 70-80,000 people with 120,000 including the suburbs. Originally a shipbuilding and trade port, the only industry remaining is the Irving Oil Company.  This is the company’s home, and where it started from a single gas station.  I did not even know all those Irving stations in New Hampshire and Vermont are headquartered in Saint John which refines and exports a great amount of gas from here to the states.  My plan was to experience the town on the “Big Pink Hop on Hop off Bus” which has two routes.  I first took the route out of town to see the Reversing Falls Rapids where the bay and river meet, and then got on the All About Town bus getting a great overview passing the majority of the town including Rockwood Park which is three times the size of New York’s Central Park and also designed by Frederick Law Olmstead – it even has a campground. A fire in 1877 took most of the city, and in rebuilding the new law required buildings of brick or stone resulting in a great collection of late 19th century architecture frozen in time.

Bandstand in Kings Square

On my second “go-around” I decided to get off at the top of the town to walk back through town. I exited the bus at King’s Square and immediately entered the gorgeous 100 year old Imperial Theatre.  Leaving the theatre I crossed into the park to see the two story Victorian bandstand which is a fountain at the ground level, and for musicians to use the second floor a ladder has to be brought in.  Leaving the park I started down King Street which is the main street in town and 3 blocks long and the shortest, widest and steepest main street in Canada.  You know I love old marketplaces so I first entered the original City Market where I got a grilled veggie pita.  Walking down the hill I entered Market Square to see the New Brunswick Museum hoping to learn some history, but I was a tad disappointed because that is not what was there.  The exhibits on industrial history are well done, but I breezed through the decorative arts and skipped natural history (remember I am on compressed cruise time).   Because of the

City Market in Saint John, NB

slope of the main street you can exit Market Square, which is on the water front, via an elevated walkway, enter a newer mall and then enter a tunnel to the City Market – fascinating. At the bottom of the street about 50 years ago the town moved an original country store from the countryside to serve as a visitor center and greeting place, and again with my affinity for 19th general stores you know I went in.  Formally a waterfront and industrial town Saint John has worked hard, and done very well in attracting and catering to the cruise industry.  There are many, many tours offered (as compared to Halifax), but I would say you do not have to make a special trip to Saint John, but if you are nearby it is worth an afternoon visit.

Barbours General Store

Barbours General Store

Now, as I am watching us leave Nova Scotia on Wednesday from the Commodore Club I will tell you that I cannot wait to get back here, and it will be Via Rail Canada for 2-3 day stay (remember that train trek was “on-the list” so I could complete coast to coast by train in Canada – now it is a definite).    We docked shortly before 10 and I was first in line to debark (yes! first of thousands – you know I am a hard-runner, I had to get started). Timing, weather, everything was on my side today, and I walked right onto the first of three double-decker buses I would take, each with a different route through this historic city of about 300,000.  Nova Scotia is a perfect port resulting it its use as a Royal Navy port for centuries including defeating the French in the New World, staging during the War of 1812, and as the stopping point for convoys in WWI and WWII, not to mention a key “rescue” point following the sinking of the Titanic, and the scene of the Halifax Explosion in December of 1917 (I’ll let you google that one). 

The first route was “All About Town” then “Boardwalk/Waterfront Route, and finally “Changing of the Guard”.  I had to wait in the queue for a very short time for the B route, but exited that bus to immediately board the C route bus in time to arrive at the Halifax

Firing of the Noon cannon

Citadel for the firing of the noon cannon.  For over 200 years the cannon has been fired daily (except on Christmas) to signify noon to all Halidonians.  Once done I saw a 15 minute video on the history of the fort and then watched a 45 minute presentation called the Tides of History covering all of Halifax’s maritime history.  Samuel Cunard, in fact was born here, and was the one who replaced sail with steam establishing Cunard Lines of which Queen Mary 2 is the latest ship.  I figured I really could not tour the fort because of “cruise-time” again (not that you have seen one, you have seen them all), but I am pretty familiar with fort history, so I walked outside the gate and the “hop-on hop-off” bus was just leaving but stopped for me as I called out, “one more please.” Timing! 

In town I walked over to the Via Rail station, its eastern most terminus, and then walked

Via Rail at the end of the line – I’m ready

through the original rail hotel which is now a Westin Hotel.  Next I boarded the B bus and rode a few stops down the waterfront to walk back from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (I did peek in, however).  I accomplished a great deal because I realized this was not a day to “waste” eating lunch.  I re-boarded Queen Mary 2 shortly before our witching hour of 4 PM. Oh, you may know that I cannot collect enough travel booklets and brochures for future planning – I did very, very well accumulating a two inch thick collection from Nova Scotia.

Halifax, Nova Scotia harbor

Tomorrow is, finally, a full day at sea which will give me time to rest up to hit Quebec City hard – I have lots of history things I still have to see and do there.  So I should have time to explore this grand ship some more, and find some images to share with you, and entice you to experience this elegant way of life (e.g. not a glitzy party-ship).  I printed out my posts from May, so I know what I showed you before, so I may put together a “slide-show” of images for a short post tomorrow.  Because of the slow satellite connection I do not think I will try uploading any videos however.  Tomorrow’s program of events has arrived and I have 3 lectures that interest me one or two shows, and I will join one of my tablemates for the Wine Tasting Seminar.  Because of their “Cunard World Club” status it is free for he and his wife, but she prefers not to go, so at dinner he kindly invited me.  Most of our table tomorrow night also decided to attend as a group one of the “special” dinners instead of the “normal” formal dining room.  Such is life!  So, a day at sea, then down the St. Lawrence to Quebec City and a hard day and a half running.  You will get an update.  Thanks for reading, as always, RAY

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BAR HARBOR, MAINE – 24 September 2012

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Ray Boas

I will try to be short (who, me?) because uploading my posts via satellite is hard due to the two way delay, and as you may have seen from yesterday’s post I could not position images creatively as a result and when I found a duplicate image this morning and tried to edit the post it ended up wrong.  Hey, there are more important things in life – for example sitting in the Commodore Club (very few people know how lovely it is), a glass of wine, my own appetizers, and views across the bow as we set sail from Bar Harbor at now 6 PM as I begin writing.

This morning (Monday ??) I was almost the first on a tender ashore arriving before 9AM.  My “Grand Tour of Bar Harbor” with lobster lunch began at 10:30, but not wanting to lose any time I left the ship before the tour was supposed to meet (I had told the tour office I was doing that).  For whatever reason I was too busy to really plan my shore excursions on this voyage properly, so I selected this guided bus tour to gain the maximum overview, but I now realize I could have done better (time and cost wise), but an overriding factor was not wanting to miss the last tender back by any miscalculations – so worth the trade-off.

I headed up Main Street of this lovely Victorian Village.  A disastrous fire in 1947 almost devoured the town too, but the winds changed in time, thus the downtown survives, but three grand hotels and over 60 millionaire summer homes were lost forever.  I traversed a few side streets came down to West Street with its mansions, and walked down Bridge

Bar Harbor Bar with Bar Island in background

Street to the water. Named Bridge Street, I would guess, because at low tide the Bar Harbor Bar is revealed allowing you to walk across the bottom of the ocean to Bar Island for an enjoyable hike – but watch the tides so you don’t get stranded.  It was then time to join the ship arranged 6 hour tour, which knowing what I know now I would not have done.  It included a one hour lobster bake that lasted two hours due to the inefficiency of the lobster bake house.  I had a whole lobster on Star Island earlier in the month, and now that I have wrestled a second I don’t think it worth the effort.  Lobster in other dishes is fine – but whole lobster (sorry) is not my thing.

The history of the development of Acadia National Park, one of the ten top most visited in

QM2 and Bar Harbor from Cadillac Mountain

the US with over 3 million visitors annually, is exceptional and due to the insight of wealthy landholding lovers of Mt Desert Island and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.  Prior to lunch we bussed to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point for the wonderful views of the Maine Coast, and after lunch we worked the loop road seeing Sieur de Monts, Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond.  Our guide on the bus was a retired Park Ranger with 30 years at Acadia, and thus very informative. For example, only 1 % of the Maine coast is accessible to the public, and 25% of that is at Acadia National Park

The tour was a good introduction to the area.  At  first I thought I need not return here, but as I thought about the day I would like to visit again.  To see the area I would recommend one of Oli’s Trolley Tours for an overview ($29), or the free Acadia Shuttle Service that has many different routes, and the perfect way to see the park getting on and off.  Accommodations are plentiful, and the guide said the best times to avoid are 4th of July and August.  June is not busy, but weather can be iffy.  There really is a great deal to do in the park, particularly for hiking, I was just not prepared and there was not enough time – days should be allocated with a good start at the main visitor center which I did not get to visit.  There are extensive programs in the park, including evening lectures by the rangers (hint Scott and Betty).  And then there is the coast and ocean with many kayaking opportunities.

The Maine Coast in Acadia

Again, I have no idea where today went, but I learned a lot for a future journey to the area.  What I may do is come visit here and then take a ferry to Nova Scotia. But, I also want to go to Nova Scotia by train so I can say I have travelled coast to coast in Canada by train – oh, the decisions I have to face. 

Tomorrow is Saint John, NB, next day Halifax, and I will give you an update once I have visited both.  This really is a “If it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium” but without the packing, unpacking every day. Thanks for reading, as always, yours, RAY

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NYC TO NYC VIA QC ON QM2 SEP ‘12

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Ray Boas

State House and scene of Boston Massacre

Which means: New York City to New York City via Quebec City on the Queen Mary 2 from 20 September 2012 to 2 October 2012.  Yes, for those of you who don’t already know this, I am back on the Queen Mary 2 for 11 days.  A couple months ago I got an email from Cunard with a sale (for a sail) that I could not pass up for this voyage that includes port calls in Newport, RI; Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME, Saint John, NB; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and 1 ½ days in Quebec City (what a shame).  I felt I had plenty of time to pack, but put it off until the end probably because getting ready to travel is really a breeze with all the lists I have recording what I packed for each trip. And, this trip was easier since it involves no commercial travel. On Thursday night I drove to Danbury, CT to position myself closer to the city on Friday in case of traffic or car problems. I found that using booking.com I can get a last minute room for half price, and in fact I called La Quinta direct to check and got a price double what booking.com quoted.  My plan was for an easy 1 ½ hour drive on Friday and park at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal after dropping my bag off.  I left Danbury at 9 AM, arrived at the terminal, parked, checked in, and was in the waiting area by 11 AM with boarding starting at Noon.

Jersey City and Manhattan Skylines

It was like a comfortable pair of shoes getting back on board QM2, but I still am finding new spaces and finding myself “lost” on occasion (it was easier on a Guided Missile Destroyer with logical Frame Numbers and Compartment Numbers – you always knew where you were in relation to where you wanted to be – but Starboard is still odd, and Port even numbers for cabin numbers).  I found myself falling right back into the routine, wondering where the time goes.  This trip, unlike my Atlantic Crossing, is punctuated with the port visits, and as a result there is not the full onboard schedule of lectures and shows, etc. to fill up the days – only during full sea days which will come later.  Of course I “know” Newport and Boston, but decided I would play tourist at both; I still have lists of things I want to do in Quebec City even after the 5 days I spent there during Christmas 2010, and Bar Harbor, Saint John and Halifax will be totally new for me – and I am treating these “quick” stops as an introduction for future excursions. 

The Bridge cleared the bridge again

We sailed at 5PM Friday, and the New York City skyline was amazing, but what shocked me this time is how the Jersey City skyline has sprouted up from nowhere, even rivaling Manhattan.  Again the QM2 squeaked under the Verazanno Narrows Bridge and it was out to open seas.  In the Hudson I was experimenting with the new telephoto lens I purchased for my Nikon D3100 (and am happy with), and for the first time I used the continuous shutter, to capture the right moment under the bridge (amazing how quick 28 images can be taken).

Well “crossing tablemates”, I have nice group again, not topping you of course.  At my dinner table of 8 I am joined by a couple from the Cornwall Land’s End region, a lady from Manchester (not NH) whose husband is home, another lady from the Manchester area who flew over for the voyage and two other ladies from the states, NJ and California, and a vacant mystery seat.  A lively well travelled group, so I should learn a lot. 

Arrival in Newport Friday morning found an overcast misty sky and I was in no rush to catch a tender ashore, but by 10 said, “better do it, Ray.”  Having a good knowledge of Newport, I had no real plan, but wanted to visit the Newport Historical Society exhibit and walk the historic areas.  Heading up Touro Street I was impressed with the continued high degree of preservation and restoration.  Not remembering having before visited the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, chartered in 1747 and the oldest lending library in the

Reflections of an 1883 Shingle Style Porch

US, I stopped in – worth the stop.  I then continued down Bellevue Avenue (mansion row) to take in the Isaac Bell House constructed in 1882 and one of the best surviving examples of shingle style architecture. It was only recently purchased by the Preservation Society in 1996 and restored thus I have never had a chance to see it before. Unlike my usual good timing I had just missed a tour, and waiting for the next would be tight, so I continued walking down a backstreet towards the bay ending up on Lower Thames Street for the first time.   Turning right I headed back towards downtown only to chance upon the Whitehorne House restored by Doris Duke opening in 1974 housing her collection of Newport and Rhode Island furniture www.newportrestoration.org  In the 1960s as early colonial structures were falling victim to destruction Doris Duke systematically rescued over eighty 18th and 19th century buildings.  Not totally appreciated at the time, she is now credited with Newport being what it now is architecturally.  Having specialized in furniture books and probably having owned more out-of-print copies of Michael Moses’ MASTER CRAFTSMEN OF NEWPORT, the work of the Townsends and Goddards is very familiar to me and I found it an exceptional treat to see this collection and loan exhibition of three highboys.  Even if colonial Newport furniture is not your thing, you should stop for the $6 which is a bargain compared to $28 at the Hunter House owned by the Preservation Society which displays similar furniture.  I have one of the limited editions of this book on-hand, and when sold that is another QM2 trip!!  The first formal dinner was last evening, and before I knew it the day was over – a tad over 24 hours gone – seemed like weeks or months. Below is the ship with the Newport/Jamestown Bridge in the background as I returned to the ship.

This morning, Sunday, I got out on deck to take in the islands in Boston Harbor for the first time, as we sailed in, and also get an appreciation for the “lay of the land.”  Somewhat knowing Boston and the area I did not sign up for any tours, but instead caught the shuttle

where 19th century Boston literary history was made.  It is now a Mexican Grille, and as I passed I said to myself, “you need to eat, what better place, and probably not even one tenth of one percent of the people who walk by know how important the firm of Ticknor and Fields, located there, was.  You don’t have to be as fanatic as me, but what an appropriate stop for a history and book buff.  Going back to the marketplace I got my ticket for the 2PM tour heading north on the Freedom Trail and had time to go upstairs to the Great Hall to enjoy that lecture.  The next hour included heading to the North End and Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church.  Originally thinking I was going to do a walking tour of the Freedom Trail by myself, the discovery of what the Park Service provides for free is fantastic, and I am sure they are better history and detail wise than the commercial tours, and I discovered there (and immediately got from the App Store) one of the best tour apps I have ever seen – so go get nps boston).

Faneuil Hall

I decided a tad after 4 to head back to the ship get my laptop and notes and head to the Commodore Club to write, sip chardonnay, and watch the sun settle over Boston.  Shortly after 7 we leave port and I will watch.  Dinner is 8:30, I may take in the show (ended up passing), but I still need to prepare myself for Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park tomorrow, and also post this tale when there is not as much satellite traffic from onboard.  Thanks for reading, and stay tuned, yours, RAY

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A THREE HOUR TOUR – But, No Skipper, Professor, or MaryAnn

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Ray Boas

This weekend was the big “British Invasion” car show in Stowe, VT, but I again opted out. I always enjoyed car shows growing up with my Dad (he was a well-known car buff),

The Fort’s tower and fenced area

but somehow “old cars” to me are 1930 and older – the newer stuff does not really grab me, but I love driving Black Beauty (Triumph TR3A) and Blue Belle (MGA).  Cruising down back roads instead of parked in a field, now that is a different story.  This weekend I have been working at home in the shop and on my laptop, but planned to head up to the Fort at No. 4 in Charlestown for the Revolutionary War Encampment.  Cathy and I used to be members there, and enjoyed many a visit including Thanksgiving Dinners by candlelight in front of a fire.  I would love to be involved as a re-enactor in some way, well maybe someday, but I still enjoy visiting with those that do.

I arrived in time to tour the American and British encampments and the sutler’s

Encampment Outside the Fort

area prior to the armies assembling for war.  Somehow a modern PA system was transported into the fort’s 18th century tower, and there was a good history talk prior to the commencement of the mock war on the field along the Connecticut River.  A perfect day with over 400 re-enactors taking part, and a good size crowd, probably the largest I have seen in ten years of visits.  But the Americans lost today, but will have another chance next year.

Preparing for War

Somehow I can never go straight home, and have trained Blue Belle and Black Beauty accordingly, so off we scooted over the old bridge into Vermont and headed to Springfield where I wanted to pick up a back road up through the country side to Brockway Mills, Vermont.  I always enjoy stopping and grazing at the Vermont Country Store, which I did, even when it is crowded with all the out of towners making Vermont greener.  A fun place to visit, and often I head there just for a quick turn-around drive.  Back home in three hours, I just felt like writing again and sharing.

The British winning today

My main computer thrust this weekend has been to continue learning the WordPress software, and late yesterday I got the idea to start a website for The Walpole Players.  Last year when I talked about our production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL on “Shunpiking with Ray” I noticed that I had a good number of search hits looking for “Walpole New Hampshire Christmas Carol” so it made sense to establish a separate presence so our audience and contributions to the local food shelves continue to grow.  Please visit and “sign-up” to keep abreast of the players’ doings.  And I am getting so competent that I will next take over and improve our website for THE WALPOLE CLARION.  When will it ever stop?  I hope never.  Which reminds me, it is time to do some more research for the next adventure, so goodbye, and thank you, RAY

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MAINE POSTSCRIPT – Shunpiking at its Best – 11 September 2012

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Ray Boas

I sat at breakfast on Tuesday with my map of the coast of Maine from Portland back to Kittery and the tourism booklets I had collected for each town along the way.  As I mentioned, the plan was to work my way down the coast to York and then head back up to Alfred to pick up US Route 202 (202 used to adjoin my property and waterfall in Connecticut).  As the day evolved I only achieved about half of what I planned, and even had to skip lunch to accomplish that – perfect shunpiking day.  “The journey is the destination” not the destination as you may have heard, and I stop whenever intrigued – I have no need to “get somewhere.”  In reading the booklets I saw the ad for the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport – forgot it was there.  Back in 7th grade I became fascinated with travel by trolley, read what I could, and learned of this museum – I wanted to go there over 50 years ago.  Ray said, “Ray, I am going by, so now is the time to stop,” – and I ended spending over 3 ½ hours.

My first stop heading down Route 9 was Ocean Park, the Chautauqua-by-the-Sea now in

The “Temple” at Ocean Park, Maine – seats 800 plus

its 132nd year.  You know my affinity for the early summer resorts, church camp meeting grounds and Chautauquas which are all part of the development of the American summer experience.  Ocean Park for me was a must see with its original buildings, cottages, and 100 year old ice cream parlour and store.  From there (trust you have your maps out) I explored Camp Ellis, the sea side community part of Saco at the mouth of the Saco River, prior to looping back up the river to Saco itself.

Saco – WOW – the largest collection of bricks I have ever seen all assembled into the largest cotton mill complex in the country dating from the early 19th century, and an interesting (all brick) downtown.  Many of the stores were vacant, but nicely did not appear that way. And the Palace Diner I found on a back street (actually the city is in Biddeford) is Maine’s oldest diner

Palace Diner – Biddeford, Maine

(another fascination of mine – in 5thgrade I wanted to own I diner when I grew up – who knows, have not grown up yet, there still may be time).  There are extensive restoration,

Save me please

and rehabilitation plans which I hope include this clock tower that had been brought down from one of the mill buildings years ago.  Leaving the city and diner behind I continued down Route 9 looking for the backroad cut-off (yes backroads have backroad cutoffs) to get me over to the Trolley museum.

Arriving shortly before 11:30 I was in time for my first trolley ride during my 3 ½ hour visit.  The Seashore Trolley Museum was established in 1939 when a group wanted to save a Biddeford and Saco car built in 1900.  It was acquired and the start of a collection of now over 250 trolleys and buses from around the world.  The museum was able to acquire the right of way of a bankrupt rail line to run the trolleys on, and I was able to ride a car from Texas and one from New Zealand.  I walked the grounds, viewed the restoration

Seaside Trolley Museum

barn, and several exhibition barns.  With over 60 images and a movie riding the trolley I think as I start to expand my travel blog I will have to add a photo gallery that you can browse. Give me time.  I highly recommend you spend some time here, it is off the beaten path (but close) and not marked on the main roads for a turn – you have to know it is there.  Scott and Betty, on your next visit we are going there – for $60 you get an hour to drive the trolley yourself —  now that will match dog sledding anyday.

Continuing on the unmarked back road to US Route 1 located on the corner was the Arundel Antique center.  Well, it is close to 4, I am not going to make it to York, so I went in.  Found a few books that once sold we cover most of my cost of the inn in Old Orchard Beach.  After a few more shops heading down US 1 ending in Wells it was after 5 PM, and I decided to end the trip south at that time.  Ogunquit and York are close to Portsmouth, and Portsmouth is “on the list” to visit again soon.

I picked up Route 109 to Route 4 to Alfred where I found there is nothing. Then started West on US 202 to Sanford to get something to eat.  The choice of dining in the city itself was McD, which is not a choice so I continued on bypassing Rochester, NH, filing a mental note that I have now been on this route and do not need to repeat.  In Northwood I picked up US Route 4 heading to Concord to then jog home, but everytime I am on US 4 through “antique alley” I think of the wonderful place Cathy and I had a dinner when we over-nighted at an 18th century B&B in the Epsom area.  It has been 7 or 8 years, but I was sure I knew the intersection, and turned left on what is NH 107 towards Deerfield.  The road goes and goes, I was sure I was correct but was about to turn around and give up when around the next bend (of course) there was the Lazy Lion Café  just as I remembered it from that night.  I was thinking about chicken and selected the Rosemary Lemon Crusted Chicken.  I savored it, and told my server and chef that it was outstanding and perfection.  As I left I checked the time and mileage via NH 101 home – just under two hours and 92 miles —  probably worth the trip back for dinner.  Bye for now, as always, yours, RAY

PS – remember you can “click” on the images to see the full size I uploaded

Lazy Lion Cafe – A wonderful fond memory

 

Video added on 18 September 2012

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BACK ON THE MAIN(E) LAND – 9 and 10 September 2012

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Ray Boas

Time to get your maps out and follow along.  Sadly leaving Star Island we docked in Portsmouth about 4:30 Sunday, and shortly I was crossing the bridge into Maine on I-95 quickly exiting to shunpike along Maine 103 close to the coast.  On my War of 1812 IPhone app I had learned that Fort McClary  was on that route, and I carefully reconnoitered it as we sailed back up the river. It is now a beautifully maintained state park with nice signage in the blockhouse of the history of the fort from pre-Revolutionary War days through its use as a civilian

Fort McClary – Kittery Point, Maine

defense point during World War II.  Just minutes from Portsmouth it is well worth a side-trip.

 

 

 

Top of the Blockhouse reflected from inside the 1864 Caponier

 

Continuing up Route 103 from Kittery Point is remote and picturesque with impeccably maintained homes and estates.  I jogged over to that dreaded interstate, however, at Yorkville since it was getting late, and I wanted to arrive at my circa 1730 Inn in Old Orchard Beach by 7 PM.  Old Orchard Beach has changed from my collection of early 1900s postcards showing it as a quaint seaside resort and amusement center.  It still retains the same family amusement theme with expansive beaches, but thanks to those old dreaded fires with wooden buildings the current architectural style reminds me of 1970s seaside New Jersey.  But even without the fires I am afraid the grand 19th century architecture would not have remained.  I enjoyed walking through town to experience it, but sadly the 1898 amusement pier was closed, and I was just glad I was seeing all without the crowds that probably choke the streets and sidewalks during the summer season.  That is “not my thing” as you know.

My plan, without having planned the details, was to journey to Portland today.  On a peninsula, Portland too was devastated by fire in 1866 and rebuilt at that time in brick and stone, most of which remains today particularly in the Old Port section.  A clean and easy

Portland Architecture

to grasp “city,” Portland has distinct sections which also include the arts district, waterfront, government and downtown.  I arrived at 9:30 via the old route through South Portsmouth (no surprise there that I came in on the old back road) and drove along the waterfront looking for the tourist bureau.  A Celebrity Cruise Line ship was docked at the east end of Commercial Street near the tourist bureau, but I parked and walked over and loaded up with a bonanza of Maine literature, as well as enough detail to tackle Portland without having had time for previously planning.  Then I drove through the various districts and parked to walk the Old Port district enjoying the architecture.

More Portland Architecture

I then decided to take in the Maine Historical Society Museum to immerse myself in history of the area.  It adjoins the Wadsworth Longfellow house that I thought I would pass on (I don’t need to spend time at another restored home thought Ray), but the package admission price for the museum and home made it worthwhile.  I am glad that I did, because I soon found out that instead of extensive permanent history exhibits the museum only had one temporary exhibit on the electrification of Maine.  Fascinating, but I had hoped for rooms and rooms of Maine history.  Well, docent Howard came through the exhibit calling us for his 2PM tour of the house, and this made up for my disappointment.  The Wadsworth-Longfellow house  was willed to the state in 1902 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s sister Ann, with 95% of the furnishings original to the family and the house. It was Ann’s mission, when she took over the house in 1851, to keep it as it was for three generations in the family to honor her family and brother Henry who spent the first 18 years of his life there, wrote his first poem there, and visited every year of his life thereafter.  Many of his works reflect family life and tragedies, and I learned so much about Longfellow’s accomplishments that I now will have to read more.  The museum’s bookshop was a delight to my bibliographic eyes putting the icing “on the house.”

Over the years I have had a number of books on the Maine Two-Footers, and when I saw on the map the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum I thought it worth the visit.    In the US, standard gauge trains run on tracks that are 4 feet 8 ½ inches, but in Maine there were a number of lines that operated on track two feet wide.  As a result the

A Two-Footer Coach

engines and cars were much smaller and the lower cost of laying tracks and building bridges enabled access to the remote Maine areas connecting them to the major lines to get goods to market and manufactured goods and vacationers into the remote “Vacationlands.”  I paid my $2 admission and viewed several restored and original cars as well as a 1925 Model T Ford that had been converted to ride the rails and was still in it original condition.

Leaving the museum at about 3:30 I drove along the Eastern Promenade overlooking the bay and picked up US Route 1 towards Freeport and L.L. Bean – just figured I had to see it.  Taking US 1 is shunpiking from I-295, but I also shunpiked US 1 when I followed picturesque Route 88 through Falmouth Foreside which I recommend.  On US 1 at I-295 Exit 17 is the absolute best Maine Tourist Office with loads of literature – I recommend a stop if you are travelling up that way. But what I do not recommend is a visit to Freeport, Maine.  Yes, I now can say I was at L.L. Bean, and they had a few small displays I enjoyed for their 100th anniversary this year, and I am thrilled that it was not a high season day, but otherwise the other shops in town gave the appearance of another “has-been” outlet town.  Remember how wonderful Manchester, Vermont was in the 1960s and 70s before the outlets arrived?  And now how empty and depressing it is with the vacant stores?  The fact that I am not a shopper and neither need or want to buy anything material is not jading me on this fact, just use the L.L. Bean catalogue and free shipping and save the time.

With darkness at hand making scenery hard to see I picked up I-295 back to Portland and then I-95 back to Old Orchard Beach.  I will now plan my route along the coast heading south from here to see the old church camp meeting town of Ocean Park in its original state from the 1870s, Biddeford (following Route 9), Kennebunkport, Wells, and the resorts of Ogunquit and York Beach.  Then I will backtrack west to US Route 202 and follow the front of the car meandering back to and across New Hampshire.  That’s it for this adventure – but there is more to come.  Bye and thanks for travelling with me, yours, RAY

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