May God bless you,

Sue

We arrived in Plymouth with a few other buses to visit the Mayflower II. Greg was able to get us up to the drop off stop and we went to see Plymouth rock right away. Everyone was a little surprised at the size of the rock. But the monument surrounding it is fairly large!

Viewing Plymouth Rock

Then it was on to visit the Mayflower II.  It is a replica of the original Mayflower that brought the pilgrims to the United States.  We walked throughout the boat and we were all very happy that we were flying home today rather then travel on the Mayflower!  It was very interesting to see what their conditions were like.

Introduction to the Mayflower II

Interesting information about the travels on the original Mayflower. 66 days with 102 people in pretty cramped quarters!

Then we had one of our last chances for “retail therapy”.  Many found those last few items we couldn’t live without.  Also, many found ice cream or a cup of coffee.  All too soon, Greg was back to pick us up. It is a very beautiful day.

We visited the National Monument to the Forefathers which was awesome.  It’s huge and very inspiring.  It commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims and honors their ideals.  The center is the heroic figure of faith and is surrounded by Freedom, Morality, Law and Education.  We enjoyed this last stop. Many had never heard of it before.

Our Forefather's Monument

Now it was time to check out the John F. Kennedy library and Museum. Pretty impressive. We first saw a film of JFK’s life. Then we went through the exhibits. Many of us remember that history very well. Most stopped in the cafe for a quick bite to eat. Some walked down to the water, some sat outside in the sun, a couple guys helped the Forman with the cement pouring. We decided to leave a little early and everyone got the memo except John and Cheryl. Sue missed them but they were found. All was ok because they were not aware of the change!

Our last place we visited before heading home

Then we said good-bye to Greg at Boston Logan Airport. Check-in went smoothly but oh the lines for security. But we made it through. There was a hang up with fueling so we were late taking off! Before we knew it we were back in Minneapolis and even though we were late taking off, we arrived at 9:00 pm which was just a few minutes after our scheduled time. Dale met us at the airport and we headed south. After a quick stop at the Quality Inn to drop off the folks who met us there, we were on the road again. It was very windy. We left in the wind and we returned in the wind. It was midnight when we returned to 4 Seasons. Tired but happy!

This is a special day. It’s Dennis P’s birthday. We had a little celebration on the coach. We sang Happy Birthday and gave him a little gift to remember us by. Sharon had cookies for us in honor of Dennis’ Birthday. Happy Birthday Dennis.

Leah, our guide, met us at the hotel and we were “on the road” again! It took us about an hour to reach Woods Hole where our ferry is going out of. Leah shared more information about the Cape and gave us some new information about Martha’s Vineyard while we traveled to the ferry. When we arrived, we had a little down time before we headed for the meeting place so that we would all go on together. There were many people going over to Martha’s Vineyard today. Greg drove our bus on to the ferry and he will meet back up with us in Martha’s Vineyard, we hope.

It was a very enjoyable ride. It was pretty windy today and fairly chilly. Everyone found seats inside. A few did check out the outdoors for a short time. We arrived at Oak Bluffs. Once Greg was able to stop at the pier and pick us up, we were on our way to tour the island.

Our first stop was at The Wesleyan Grove also known as Martha’s Vineyard Camp meeting Association or “the Campgrounds”. It has a collection of 350 gingerbread cottages which encircle the Methodist Tabernacle. It was a high light for everyone. They look like little play houses rather than actual living cottages. We enjoyed walking around the campgrounds.

Leah continued to show us around Martha’s Vineyard and explained the way of life onthe island. She explained “half houses”, “three-quarter houses” and “whole houses”. We soon stopped in Edgartown where we were on our own for lunch and some much needed “retail therapy”. We off loaded on Church Street and were able to walk down to the wharf and return to our bus on another street making a rectangle. Everyone enjoyed a bite to eat, checked out the many unique shops and the wharf area. We continued our tour of the island and checked out Vineyard Haven.

Our last stop before going back to Oak Bluffs was at the “Field Gallery”. Did we see “very” interesting sculptures! “Oh my!” It was a quick stop but very artistic inspiring.

Back in Oak Bluffs, we had a little time to check out a few of the shops or to just wait for the ferry. All too soon we were back on the ferry heading back to Woods Hole. What a day we had! It was windy but the sun was out. We enjoyed our day at Martha’s Vineyard.

We had a short time to relax before we went to our Lobster dinner at The Paddock Restaurant. We were seated in a private lovely dining room and we were so ready to try this out. Some were very efficient and knew what they were doing. Some needed help! But boy was it good! Some of us think it’s “too” much work! The corn on the cob was good and the rolls! Dennis enjoyed his lobster for his birthday and he enjoyed Sharon’s as well. Dennis the Menace made them take the head off before they served it to him. Chicken! We were all ready for dessert. Crepes – Yum!

Tomorrow is our last day. How sad! We will miss everyone – we sure have had a lovely vacation.

Dianne and Dennis taking their "child" for a walk!?!?

Back in the bus we continued on our journey to “Oh the places you’ll go” – just like Dr. Seuss said. Sue gave us a “test” and she said that if we all passed, she’d help make apple pie for us for lunch. Everyone wanted to see that! We were invited to lunch at the Salem Cross Inn. What a lovely “old” inn and a fantastic place to stop for lunch. The entire building is full of beautiful antiques. Cindy gave us an Apple Pie demonstration and actually made our desert with us watching.  Some tried peeling the apples on the 18^th century apple peeler. Sue helped just like she said she would. She put the spices and butter on the apples and then actually rolled out the dough. Cindy finished our apple pie and put it in the oven to bake while we ate our Yankee Pot Roast or Chicken Pie!  It was all yummy! We loved the squash muffins. The pie was fantastic or was it all the “real” whipped cream on the pie.

Lunch at Salem Cross Inn

Standly tries his hand at apple peeling.

Looks great!

Cindy serving apple pie. Look at the real whipped cream!

Yes to the whipped cream!

We saw the 1700 Roasting Jack in the dining room but it wasn’t roasting meat. We had a wonderful relaxed lunch again with great new friends and we were stuffed.

Want a be driver - but not till you know how to do the luggage!

Feeling very full and sleepy, we continued on down the road. Just when we were dozing off for a little nap, Sue says it’s time for games. We’ve all been buying little gifts to use for playing lobster claw so now’s the time. Everyone picked their numbers out of the sack and we started in.  Boy did we have a variety of gifts. Chocolate was popular and lobster items. We had a good time – maybe lost a friend or too – but it’s all in the game! We did have to interrupt our game with a bathroom stop!

We were still playing the game when Greg said we were at the bridge. Oh goodness! Sue wrapped it up quickly. Boy how time flies when you are having so much fun. We were soon in Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Canal surrounds Cape Cod and there are two bridges that will take us to the Cape, the Bourne and Sagamore. We went over the Bourne. We made a quick stop at our hotel, the Holiday Inn, and picked up our step-on-guide Leah. Leah toured us around Hyannis, Hyannis Port, and the other villages that make up the Cape. We learned many interesting facts and stories about the Cape and the Kennedys.

Beautiful Cape Cod

Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis

We were soon back at the Holiday Inn to relax and have dinner.  Another good day.

Visiting Hildene

Paula greeted us and told us she likes the way we talk. We watched a short video and then headed to the house. We wouldn’t mind staying here with lots of domestic help! We loved the house and the gardens. Many walked up to the observatory and then headed back to the visitor’s center. More retail therapy! Gosh life is great.

The garden at Hildene

Something new has been added to Hildene. They now have a Pullman car on site. It’s name is Sunbeam. It is 72 feet long and has been restored to it’s wooden luxury. It was brought to Hildene because Robert Todd Lincoln was the President of the Pullman Company when Sunbeam was manufactured in 1903. It was awesome to walk through.

After our lovely visit, we continued on to the Hancock Shaker Village. Many had a quick bite to eat right away and then began their touring. The Shakers, or The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, religion is based on celibacy, communal life, and confession of sin.  Today, the Village is a recreation of the Shaker life in order to preserve the Shaker heritage.  Everyone enjoyed visiting the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn.  It was very interesting and we enjoyed our afternoon. It was time to go but we were missing Vernon. Ha seemed to be stuck in the round barn. But soon he joined us and we were on our way.

Hancock Shaker Village

Dianne and Dennis at the brick dwelling

The Round Barn

Inside the Round barn

I think it's too small Greg.

Now that's a little better. Greg is trying out a Shaker hat.

Our day continued at the Norman Rockwell Museum. What fun to see many of his beautiful paintings and the covers of the Saturday Evening Post. Sue told everyone that her favorite painting is the Winter Scene of Stockbridge. We walked out to his studio and checked out where he actually painted many of those paintings.  All too soon it was time to go “on the road” again.  We drove through Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and actually saw the model of main street that was used for his Winter Stockbridge painting.  What a day we’ve had!

On the way to the studio

Greg is entertaining us with an Ole (Marlow) and Lena (Lorraine) joke

John and Jolene returning from the studio

Upon arrival at the Hampton Inn in Springfield, Massachusetts, we were greeted by Staci and welcomed.  They had a reception of pizza, veggies, crackers and cheese, with drinks for us.  Then we all headed to our rooms to relax or find a place for dinner.  We get to sleep in tomorrow!  Yea!

The Hampton had a reception for us

Burr at the Morse Maple Sugarworks

Boy did we enjoy Burr!

Then we headed to the front of the gift shop and had sugar on snow. Yummy. We put about a quarter size drop of maple syrup on shaved ice. Then swirled it around with a stick and ate it like a popcicle. It was good. We had coffee and doughnut holes which we dipped in syrup. Good! If it got too sweet, you ate a pickle.

We are having sugar on snow! Yum!

We are taught how to make our sugar on snow

Then it was on to do a little retail therapy.  Many purchased good maple syrup to take home. Some shipped it so they don’t have to deal with it. Some picked up Burr’s book. Good winter reading. We all really enjoyed the visit.

We continued on into Montpelier where Greg drove us around the “little” capital.  We saw their capital building which was very lovely.  Morse Farm has a miniature replica of the capital building on their farm.  It didn’t take us long to visit the city and we were on the road again. The sun is shining and the colors are lovely.

We headed on to Stowe, Vermont, where we are having our lunch break. Greg dropped us on main street which we found out later, we weren’t suppose to stop there. Everyone ventured out and found a spot for lunch. Many went to the Malt Shoppe. Really good malts. Many sat outside. It’s really lovely out. There was more retail therapy but we soon found that it didn’t take us long to walk the town. We decided Greg would pick us up at the same place he dropped us and then he came to tell us he couldn’t do that. So change 3. We walked down to the post office and left Stowe. What another little village with tourism it’s most important business.

Stowe, Vermont

Then we were on to the Rock of Ages in Graniteville, Vermont.  It’s a granite quarry.  First we were told that we would do the factory tour, movie, and then the quarry. But then they changed their mind and we met John, our guide, who would give us a tour of the quarry.  It was amazing!  Some didn’t want to get too close to the fence – just in case!  John was very knowledgeable. When we returned from the quarry, we were able to go into the factory. Only one person was working but it was fun to see. Some made it to the granite bowling lane. Sharon was the pin setter and John got a split. Everyone else had already headed for the visitor’s center. We watched the movie and then it was time to depart.

Don't get too close! We're at the Quarry

Rock of Ages Quarry

It's time to go home!

John, Dennis, and Vernon are still asking questions with our guide, John.

We headed to Rutland to our Hampton Inn for the night. Of course it started raining. We hit a detour, so Greg had to turn around and we had to go out of our way to get to Rutland. We were about a half hour late. So we were tired and ready for dinner. The new route took us past much of the damage from the flooding from Hurricane Irene. It wasn’t pretty. We drove over roads that were newly repaired where they had been washed out.

Susie took us around Portland and showed us the beautiful old homes and interesting buildings.  It’s a lovely city. We visited the Portland Head Lighthouse which is the most famous lighthouse used in advertising even some that have nothing to do with lighthouses or Maine. It is really neat and we enjoyed seeing it even though it was raining, windy, and cold. We’re tough! Sue wanted to take a group picture but everyone was having a bad hair day!

Portland Head Lighthouse

Portland Head Lighthouse

We dropped Susie back at Long Wharf and headed out of town. We have a little ride to go to North Conway where we will have time to get a bite for lunch. We sat back and relaxed. We’re trying to be good to Greg today. North Conway is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s a small village with shopping being its claim to fame as well as a popular ski resort area. Greg dropped us at the train station in North Conway and everyone branched out to see what they could find for lunch and maybe some “retail therapy” as well. Still raining!

Then back on the coach to head for Lincoln. We made a quick photo stop at the Albany covered bridge. It became a very quick stop when we discovered we had come upon an emergency situation. Having a retired police officer for a husband, Sue asked us to go back to the coach so we weren’t in the way. Our prayers go out to everyone involved.

Vernon and Norma at Albany Bridge

The Albany bridge is located in the White Mountain National Forest, off the scenic Kancamagus Highway.  The bridge was built in 1858.  Then we continued on the Kancamagus Highway which we started calling it the “Kan” highway, like the natives! It is beautiful – the colors would be much more beautiful with sun shining.

We arrived at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway which is part of the Franconia Notch State Park and we rode the 80 passenger cable car to the 4,080 foot summit of the Cannon Mountain.  It was a little chilly up there, rainy, windy, and foggy! We didn’t see much but it’s an adventure. Everyone is being such good sports. Please give us sun tomorrow!

This is what we saw at the top of the summit!

Then it was time to check into the Woodward’s at Lincoln. We had a short rest time – very short, except for Paul, and we were back on the coach to go to dinner.  The best two things about vacation are food and “shopping”.  We had a group dinner at Woodward’s Resort. We had a wonderful dinner. Our choice of sirloin steak, veal parmesan, boiled scallops, stuffed chicken breast, or baked haddock with a yummy apple crisp for desert to top it off.  We had wonderful service and pleasant company and we like living like kings and queens!

Our Dinner

Breakfast was great!

We headed out for Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is known as the “witch city” because of the witch trials in 1692. We toured the House of Seven Gables which was built in Salem by a sea captain and merchant John Turner in 1668. Then it was sold to Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. The House of Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name. We toured through the home and everyone found the secret staircase from the dining room to the attic to be very interesting. Going up once was enough for some people.

House of Seven Gables in Salem

Sharon, Dennis, Phil, and Pat deep in a literary discussion we're sure.

Our home this week.

Then it was on to Ogunquit, Maine, for lunch at Barnacle Bill’s ETC for lunch. We arrived right when they opened and we were all seated in the lower dining area and Chuck had a fire going for us. Our lobster cruise was canceled so everyone had a pleasant lunch with good conversation. Seafood was the favorite choice. Everyone enjoyed the restaurant. By this time it was raining again. Some brave souls headed out for some retail therapy or walk down to the wharf.

If you are in Maine and on the ocean, you must eat Lobster! John enjoyed while Cheryl and Dianne watched.

Then it was time to head for the coach. Sue told Greg that he could take his time driving to Kennebunkport because they only allow so many buses there at a time and our scheduled time was at 3:00 pm. Little did she know that Greg wouldn’t be able to get out of the parking lot. The guys parking everyone had told him where to park and then parked other cars to block him in. We tried to find the owner but no such luck. Finally they figured out how to have Greg back out. We certainly ate up some time!

We headed north on the coast to Kennebunkport. We planned on making a quick photo stop in Kennebunk to view the “Wedding Cake House”. It is the “most photographed house in the state of Maine”. There was a detour which really messed us up and we drove right by the house. Some of our more observant people saw it but weren’t sure so didn’t say anything. We had a nice scenic ride, turned around, and went back. Neat house and we all got our pictures. Of course a couple got up close pictures even though they were advised to NOT cross the street! Wonder who that was.

The Wedding Cake House that took us two tries to see.

Kennebunkport was very busy. It’s a Saturday. We all did a little more “retail therapy”, some had Ben & Jerry’s and then we made our exodus out of the chaos.

It’s on to the Fireside Inn & Suites in Portland Maine. As we drove out of Kennebunkport, we drove past the Bush Compound at Walker’s Point. It is the summer home of President George H.W. Bush. We saw the secret service people’s vehicles but didn’t see any people. We aren’t allowed to stop so we had to take pictures through the windows.

Once we arrived at the Fireside Inn, we were greeted with a reception of punch and cookies and then back on the coach for a quick drive to LL Bean in Freeport, Maine. LL Bean’s flagship store is in Freeport. Actually LL Bean has over taken the city. Many found things they couldn’t live without and many just strolled around. We were all ready to call it a night long before we headed back to our beds. What a wonderful day we had and what an adventure. After a good night’s rest, we will be ready to go again tomorrow.

Bob and Paul enjoyed the retail therapy at LL Bean!

Boy is it early!

We were up and down for breakfast at 4:00 am! Yikes! The hotel was kind enough to provide us with a limited breakfast. We were happy for the coffee. We met the people who joined our group at the Quality Inn. We headed to the airport where Malcom met us and handled our luggage. We had one little problem with a missing suitcase but the problem was resolved quickly thanks to some very observant people. Most of us made it through security without too much pain!  Then it was just waiting for loading.

Our flight was pretty smooth for the most part. Some were able to get a little nap. Before we knew it we were landing in Boston. Jim, our Boston step-on-guide, met us in the baggage claim area. Our luggage all arrived and Greg came to pick us up and we were good to go. It was sunny and warm in Boston.

Boston Skyline

We took a poll and decided we wanted to go to lunch right away. So we headed to Quincy Market where we started out with an hour for lunch and some how it got cut to 50 minutes. What’s with that Jim? Everyone spread out and picked their favorite thing whether it was ice cream, clam chowder, a baked potato, or a sandwich. Many choices. Some people actually were able to do a little shopping.

We then did the Boston city tour and Jim kept testing Greg’s driving skills. Greg passed with flying colors. Greg probably wishes that Jim didn’t have to test him quite so often. We drove by many cemeteries and Jim told us so much history with very interesting stories. Jim sang America the Beautiful for us when we stopped in front of Park Street Congregation Church, where a children’s choir first sang it. He has a very nice voice.

We stopped at the original Cheers and got pictures.

Paul, Jeff, and Al at Cheers

We saw the mother duck and her ducklings in the Boston Commons. They are from the book “Make Way for the Ducklings”. Jim told some interesting stories about the Frog Pond and how they used the pond for punishments. Also, how the brown stone houses around the commons have doors that are painted different colors for specific reasons. Red meant hospitality, purple was because the person worked for the king, black because the family had a death and blue was because the family had a marriageable daughter. Wow!

"Ten foot" house is the gray house outside Cobbs Hill

We stopped at Copley square where we saw Trinity Church and the John Hancock building. Amazing. We saw the sculptures of the tortoise and the hare. It was cute. It was windy in the square which is pretty normal.

Copley Square

Tortoise and the Hare

Then Jim took us on the walking tour of Paul Revere’s neighborhood.  We saw his home which is the oldest house in Boston and is now a Museum.  It is actually the home where Paul Revere left on the night of his famous ride.  Then we continued on to the statute of Paul Revere in the park by the Old North Church.

Jim at Paul Revere's House

Paul Revere

Old North Church was built in 1723 and in those days you bought your pew.  We sat in the pews and heard the story again from history of the signal using lanterns for “1 by land and 2 by sea”.  It’s amazing how all that history we learned back in school came back to us.  The official name of the Old North Church is actually Christ church and is still a functioning church with worship services.

Old North Church

We finished our awesome tour at the US Constitution which was better known as “Old Ironsides”.  What a site.  Jim was able to get us there for the 4:00 tour so we actually were able to board the ship. We toured below the deck and found it all very interesting. Jim continued with more information about the naval yards and the Bunker Hill memorial.

USS Constitution

We said farewell to Our new friend Jim and then began our drive to the hotel with lots of traffic. Finally we made it and everyone settled in for dinner and a good night’s sleep.  We actually settled in for a very long dinner hour.

How long did we wait for dinner?!?!?!?!?!

Boy do they need to get their ducks in order. Another luggage issue but solved pretty quickly. Tomorrow no luggage issues! We said so.

We continued up 35 and stopped in Owatonna for a couple more.  We are about half our group.  Marty did a fine job of keeping us on the road even though it was still very windy.  We arrived at the Quality Inn around 8:00 pm and we checked to see if the rest of our group was there.   Soon everyone settled in for a short night’s sleep.