Autumn was in full throttle by the time I got to New England in late September.
Exchanging sauna-like weather for crisp, l-can-see-my-breath mornings and evenings was refreshing. Briefly. That thrill wore off quickly for this Florida convert.
Although Mother Nature didn’t entirely cooperate with my plan to provide you with the leaf-peeping extravaganza I had envisioned, I managed to capture some fairly decent land and seascapes, and many things autumnal.
Despite the setback, I deemed my journey to be a success. In two short weeks, I spent time with my son and grandson, all four of my childhood BFFs, several close acquaintances and cohorts, and an ex-husband. I visited three states and made some new friends.
I even celebrated my 60th birthday (again) with a dozen, or so, fellow sexagenarians of Millbury High School’s Class of 1977. Go Woolies!
L-R: Debbie, Sharon, (me), and Karen, who became my best friend when I moved to Millbury in the 3rd grade. Debbie enlisted in the Army with me in our senior year. It’s a long story- neither one of us served.
L-R: Debbie, Gigi, Dana, Sue, Susan, and me.
In search of colorful foliage, I said goodbye to my former classmates and left the craggy shorelines of Boston. Headed north on I-495 towards New Hampshire, my first destination was Portsmouth.
My oldest friend, in terms of length of friendship, is Monique. We were best friends from age 5 to 8, when we lived across the street from each other. Though we touched base briefly in our late teens, we had not seen one another for over 40 years.
After seeing a great play Friday evening, we looked forward to a weekend spent catching up. We started with the Farmers’ Market…
There were the usual fruits, veggies and flowers…
And a few things you may not see at your local Florida Farmer’s Market.
The fur hats and scarves were truly beautiful.
Sheepskins and woolen socks. It appears winter in New England is on its way.
Dog parking only. All others will be towed…
Next, we embarked on a walking tour of Portsmouth, and Monique showed me her lovely town.
Warm sunshine and gentle breezes- the weather could not have been more perfect.
This interesting sentiment was taped to a glass storm door. I knew Adlai Stevenson was a politician, but nothing of his iconic pop culture legacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adlai_Stevenson_II
The whole-life, healthy environment of this sheerly walkable small city was captivating.
A working shipyard, Portsmouth Navy Yard is actually in Kittery, Maine, just across the Piscataqua River.
Facing the waterfront, Prescott Park was filled with flowers and a bubbling fountain on this delightful day.
Kobe looks both ways before crossing as we head toward the Memorial Bridge.
This is a tide gauge on the side of the brick building next to the river. I had a blond moment before realizing the needle would not need to be changed manually, but with the undulation of the water.
One of three bridges spanning the Piscataqua River, this is the only one providing for bicyclists and pedestrians.
OUCH! Obviously we had a problem here at some point?
And just like that, I walked to Maine. Welcome to Badger’s Island, Kittery, Maine.
Kittery was not much different from Portsmouth, although it felt a bit older. Here’s a fun map.
Fueled with fresh coffee and a delectable apple cider cruller, Monique, Kobe and I headed back to New Hampshire.
The first houseboat is nearly identical to one I lived on earlier this summer, in North Carolina . (See “This House Rocks”)
This is a vertical lift bridge, so it is simply raised and lowered to accommodate larger vessels.
Back in New Hampshire, Monique encourages me to visit Byrne and Carlson Chocolatier on State St.
Oh my goodness…Truly amazing! Check it out.
This is such a people- and pet-friendly city!
Heading out of town the next day, the foot traffic is heavy and some streets are blocked due to a Maritime Festival.
For a relatively small area, there’s always something going on! Theater, pubs, dining, shopping, etc…
Brick buildings and brick-paved streets are prevalent in this area, lending warmth and charm.
As I head for I-95 North and the 6-lane Piscataqua Bridge, I am already considering my next destination. But I know I will come back to Portsmouth at the first opportunity. Stay tuned for upcoming Maine attractions.
Thanks for sharing, miss the trees in the Fall.
Growing up in New England has given us such a unique perspective. The landscape is truly spectacular. The building are old. They stood the test of time. I still want a brick home here in FL 🙂
Fantastic photos. So picturesque. You are so blessed to be able to travel and experience all this treasure – people, places, history. Revivals for the Lord have started in New England. They can happen again!
Love and shalom, w
Amazing pictures Marie! Of beautiful quaint New England. I too miss the fall colors (ours in Pennsylvania) but definitely not the snow and ice! Thank you so much for sharing your travels. Your pics are so good I can almost feel myself walking down the street with you. Places I may never see this side of the coming new earth. Just think how beautiful that will be! ♥️Maria
Beautiful pictures and what a fabulous time with family and friends. Eagerly awaiting your pictures from Israel and who the Lord has you in encounter. Love and blessings