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North America » United States » Connecticut » Groton October 17th 2016

Geo: 41.3547, -71.9709The US Navy submarine school (and Coastguard Academy) is located nearby at New London, on the Thames River. The first US nuclear submarine forms the centre-piece of the adjacent Submarine Force Library and Museum, along with many other interesting exhibits.A little further over is the Mystic River, with the Mystic Seaport maritime museum on its banks. Not the same Mystic River as in the Sean Penn/Tim Robbins movie of that name, which is in Boston.In the evening we had drinks and dinner at home with Caron and Mark. Tomorrow we head off with them to visit Newport, Rhode Island.... read more

Niantic River, Waterford CT

North America » United States » Connecticut » Waterford October 16th 2016

Cape Neddick Nubble, MA

selclark

Geo: 41.3651, -72.189Today's notable event was the long wait to pick up a hire car after being dropped back in Boston. We were charged a $500 relocation fee when we last hired a car in Miami and dropped it off in NYC, so we were wary this time. Luckily Expedia provided an easy and affordable Budget (now Avis) Boston to NYC option this time, but the pick-up processing took ages.It was an easy 100min drive down to Waterford, with cheap road tolls of $1.25 and $2.45. Mark and Caron built their beautiful house of the bank of the Niantic River three years ago, and it is a lovely wooded area with large house blocks (and houses).After hellos and a cup of tea we drove 10min to the Niantic Boardwalk and went for a walk along the ... read more

Shakers and Maine lobster

North America » United States » Maine » York October 15th 2016

Tower Spa

selclark

Geo: 43.2206, -70.5778Another great presentation from a naturalist this morning, followed by a pretty drive to Canterbury Village, NH - one of 16 "Shaker" locations in the US. Temperature was a chilly -6 deg which put the icing on the foliage colours.Along the way we disembarked to walk a short hiking trail to "The Basin", an unusual rock feature in a stream bed. And went past the "Old Man of the Mountain" a New Hampshire treasure, until he met his demise.Then on to The Cliff House, our final hotel at Ogunquit on the coast of Maine. They've saved the best for last, including farewell cocktails and a sumptuous lobster dinner.The tour has been terrific and I was very pleased with the fall colours. Off now to Waterford CT to stay with a couple we met briefly ... read more

Touring

North America » United States » New Hampshire » Whitefield October 14th 2016

Billings Farm

selclark

Geo: 44.3979, -71.589Today we started with a lecture on New England history that was interesting and very well delivered. Then a tour at a local farm followed by a visit to the town of Woodstock, NH (nothing to do with the music festival). After a few brief stops in the afternoon we drove to the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, at the foot of New Hampshire's White Mountains.... read more

Art and films

North America » United States » New Hampshire » Cornish October 13th 2016

Augustus St-Gaudens, 1848-1907

selclark

Geo: 43.5005, -72.3712A cloudy day that started off with a fascinating tour of a sculptor's memorial centre - Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in New Hampshire. After lunch we had a tour of the studio of a documentary film maker. Then some shopping and food tasting at a notable local store. On return to our hotel we went for a 45min guided nature walk in the woods. A good day.... read more

Vermont

North America » United States » Vermont October 12th 2016

Sam Clemens, 1835-1910

selclark

Geo: 43.4996, -72.7151Visited Hartford's Mark Twain House and Museum, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe visitor centre next door in Nook Farm. Couldn't touch anything or take any inside photos at the Twain house (really?). HBS talk was interesting. I hadn't understood the influence of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" on the abolition of slavery.Then drove north to the historic town of Deerfield for lunch. On into Vermont to visit a maple syrup factory (very interesting), then checked in to our hotel for the next two nights, near Plymouth, VT.Had a wine and beer tasting followed by a presentation on local raptors before another fine dinner. "Sound of Music's" von Trapp family have a lodge in the nearby town of Stowe, and their micro-brewery produces a wide variety of beers.... read more

Mapping Concord

North America » United States » Massachusetts » Concord October 11th 2016

selclark

Geo: 42.4585, -71.3548... read more

Fenway Park, battlefields

North America » United States » Connecticut » Hartford October 11th 2016

Fenway Park

selclark

Geo: 41.7638, -72.6696After a third great hotel breakfast, where Robyn has been teaching Australianisms to one of the boisterous wait staff, we boarded the coach at 9am. A 2017 model with very swish seating and amenities.First stop a tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. They lost last night to Cleveland and their finals campaign is ended, so there were some long faces. Then on to the towns of Lexington and Concord for more details on the Revolutionary War.In the afternoon a 90min drive SW on the Mass. Pike to Hartford, Connecticut where we stayed the night. Hartford (pop 122,000) is known as the insurance capital of America.... read more

City tour

North America » United States » Massachusetts » Boston October 10th 2016

Boston Brownstones

selclark

Geo: 42.3663, -71.0544Driving around with a tour commentary this morning. Added on a "Foodie Tour" in the Beacon Hill district and walked back to the hotel along the historical "Freedom Trail".'Bawston' is a great city. They have capitalised on their geography, long pedigree and mix of cultures to produce a varied and exciting place. USA bucket-list material!... read more

Rainy Boston

North America » United States » Massachusetts » Boston October 9th 2016

Boston Tea Party Museum

selclark

Geo: 42.3521, -71.0513I think we are experiencing the peripheral effects of Hurricane Matthew here today. We had planned an adventurous walk around North End but the rain drove us to several Uber rides instead. Uber now has a 'ride sharing' option that further reduces costs, but also time predictability.First to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and then to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.This evening we had a tour introductory drinks and dinner. There are 26 people on the tour, including three Aussie couples. The conversation flowed freely (along with the drinks) and it was a convivial start.... read more

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