Well Rosemary and I both wanted to see the "Fall" colours and there was promise of some trains and Whale watching so off we went on a "Great Railway Journeys" trip, was very enjoyable but more of a "Great Coach Journey"!
We flew into Boston and transferred to Falmouth arriving late evening, overcast in the morning but went for a walk down to the front round the harbour and into town, a very nice spot.
Our digs, family run and very comfortable
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17026.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17026)
One of the local houses
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16957.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16957)
And the Church
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17021.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17021)
We found several good eateries and watering holes in town, some lovely fish and one of my favourites Clam Chowder! An Irish bar had a good selection of beers
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16958.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16958)
And a range of Irish whisky
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16959.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16959)
A great place to stay
We went across to Martha's Vineyard from there, holiday home for the rich and famous
And in Edgartown Dr Daniel Fisher's house, reputedly the richest man on the island in his day 1840, now a popular wedding venue.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16960.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16960)
A much more important building Restaurant & bar! Which as well as serving good craft beers provide a superb Lobster roll at a very reasonable $12 a real meal.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16961.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16961)
And on to Oak Bluffs, part of the harbour with on the right a restaurant that Obama uses, the island apparently goes into a virtual lockdown when he's there.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16962.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16962)
A couple of the "Gingerbread Houses" home to early settlers.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16963.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16963)
A picturesque back street
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16964.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16964)
And then back to Falmouth ready to move on more of which later. All coach and boat travel so far!
Cheers :beers: David
Lovely pics, David :thumbsup:
I recall Boston goes berserk on St.Patrick's Day, too.
Sorry to be pedantic but the Irish spell 'whiskey' with an 'e' :telloff: ;)
Great pics, David... keep 'em coming! :thumbsup:
George
Thanks for the pics.
I like seeing a few pictures of other people's trips.
I'm envious!
thanks for the pics, I really miss the fall in Nova Scotia since I left, and New England is very similar, If I had my way I'd spend a few months in the fall in the North East every year! Post more pics when you can ! :)
Cheers
Graham
So on the coach to Boston we stopped at Plymouth to view the "Mayflower" replica
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16965.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16965)
And the "rock"
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17017.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17017)
The rock monument and Mayflower
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16966.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16966)
And continuing to Boston our first taste of the fall
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16967.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16967)
Reflections on the lake
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16969.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16969)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16970.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16970)
And finally a train! The "Downeaster" which was to take us to Portland
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16947.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16947)
An announcement by the Amtrak conductor told us that "the Café car was at the rear of the train which was at the opposite end to the direction of travel"! you couldn't make it up. When I stopped laughing I went down there and was rewarded with brewed in Portland
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16948.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16948)
Portland to North Conway by coach where we stayed in a modern hotel attached to a retail park! However in the morning we set off for the White Mountains and the Mount Washington Cog Railway
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16971.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16971)
Our Brakeman (he earns his corn on the way down) and the track
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16973.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16973)
In parts the track is 1 in 3 so the loco has to work hard
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16974.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16974)
The Cog driving system
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16975.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16975)
The view from the top, you can see the track crossing the top right corner of the sign
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16976.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16976)
Another view from the top showing the Mt Washington resort hotel, nice golf course!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16977.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16977)
The Brakeman at work, he uses those 2 wheels to brake the front and rear axles, it requires regular adjustments to maintain the distance to the engine over the varying gradients and it is NOISY.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16978.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16978)
The original loco
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16979.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16979)
The railway workers used this for a quick way down 3.5 miles ¾ hour by train just over 3 minutes on this!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16980.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16980)
In use!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16981.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16981)
The Mt Washington resort at ground level
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16982.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16982)
Well that's enough excitement for one day, cheers for now :beers: David
:greatpicturessign:
Keep 'em coming, David
Great pictures of what looks like a great trip.
Any more pictures ? Please
Love it! Keep 'em coming David. Wouldn't want to catch that trolley home from the pub! :thumbsup:
Very nice photos. Keep 'em coming!
Fall foliage colors are at their absolute peak in NE Pennsylvania where I am this weekend. Our place is at about 1800ft elevation which means fall comes a few weeks earlier than at the coast on Cape Cod, even though the Cape is about the same latitude as here.
Sounds like you live up in the Gods like me mate in NZ.
You require oxygen in winter then. :D
George
Quote from: Bealman on October 10, 2014, 11:50:18 PM
Sounds like you live up in the Gods like me mate in NZ.
You require oxygen in winter then. :D
George
Come on George, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are just little bumps! We were out in Colorado at 9900ft in August - the Aspens were starting to change color way back then!!!
Mike I knew that :-[
Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing. Gorgeous.
Quote from: scottmitchell74 on October 11, 2014, 12:51:21 AM
Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing. Gorgeous.
Don't call me Gorgeous. :-[ :laugh:
Travelling on we stopped in North Woodstock, the Harley D crowd were having a Sunday run out and the bikes were everywhere and I haven't got a single pic! A river runs through the town you can just spot it behind the trees, more colours.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16951.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16951)
We had beer and a lovely fish sandwich in the "Truants Taverne" with the H-D crowd, haven't got a pic of that either! But do have a pic of the important part of the bar!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16953.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16953)
Stopped at another picturesque spot
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16983.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16983)
And passed a covered bridge
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16984.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16984)
Then back to the hotel where this pizza tried to eat Rosemary!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16954.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16954)
The following day it was off to the North Conway Scenic Railway, to be greeted by
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16986.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16986)
Even a steamer fan like me was impressed and in the yard we found
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16987.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16987)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16988.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16988)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16989.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16989)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16991.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16991)
Impressive coaches
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16990.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16990)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16955.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16955)
And a beautifully restored station
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16992.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16992)
The booking hall
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16993.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16993)
Leaving the station we passed
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16994.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16994)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16995.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16995)
And got some lovely views
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16996.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16996)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17020.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17020)
Our train at Crawford Notch , end of the line for us
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16997.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16997)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16998.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16998)
And then we were off to Boston more of which later,
Cheers for now David
Great pictures, without doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world and with the best railway system.
Wonderful photographs David. Reminds me of my visit to Vermont.
Looking forward to next episode!
George
Impressive equipment, fantastic scenery - And that's just the line of beer taps :beers:
Not too many English brews on show, but I can see Long Trail Ale amongst them and that is one of my favorites!
Looks like you are having a great time, keep the photos coming!
No Fosters either, thank goodness! :sick2:
You lucky bleepybleep!!!
The Conway scenic and trip through the Crawford notch is top of my list of trips to do in the US!! :D :D. I've got a couple of books about the MEC and Maine Central that I drool over regularly
Thanks so much for the pics. Keep em coming :)
Graham
Thank you for taking and posting the pictures of the locos :thumbsup:
cheers John.
And then we were off to Boston, passing this lovely spot
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17022.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17022)
And stopping at Salem which is Witch country
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17002.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17002)
Also features a historic dock area, the sail loft
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17000.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17000)
And the Salem replica, apparently we nicked the original when it was sailing past during some early unpleasantness
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16999.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16999)
On board, as you can see it was unfortunately raining all the time we were there
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17001.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17001)
We did however find a nice bar where I was able to have another Clam Chowder!
And so to Boston, night view from our hotel featuring the Hancock insurance company tower
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17003.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17003)
This tower was built on an area of reclaimed land and unsurprisingly started to settle causing the windows to pop out! Hancocks sued the glazing company, the case was dropped when they found out that they were underwriting the glazier's insurance company!
Part of old Boston's "Knob Hill"
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17004.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17004)
In a side street, the little house at the end is where Paul Revere of civil war raiders fame lived
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17005.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17005)
Went on a harbour trip stopping off at the old navy dockyard, showing WW2 Cassin Young which was the last ship to face a Kamikaze attack and the masts of the Constitution.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17006.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17006)
The Constitution also known as "Old Ironsides" its 24" oak hull bouncing off English cannonballs
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17007.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17007)
The gun deck
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17008.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17008)
Anyone fancy a kip
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17009.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17009)
Man the pumps
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17010.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17010)
The capstan
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17011.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17011)
The oven
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17012.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17012)
A side view
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17013.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17013)
And a shapely derriere
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17016.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17016)
On the Cassin Young, torpedo launcher, looks like Ned Kelly's helmet
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17014.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17014)
The shoreline showing in the middle the white church spire from which signals were sent to warn of Brittish approaches
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_17015.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=17015)
And to finish off the bar of the "Rock Bottom" restaurant and brewery where I had several enjoyable beers liked their "Rocktoberfest" good burgers and steaks!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/39/thumb_16956.JPG) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=16956)
Nice little bar round the corner, more good beer and sliders (3 small burger buns) we chose the lobster ones, very tasty.
Well that's it folks, thanks for letting me share my hols with you, now it's time to get on with the layout.
Cheers (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink009.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) David
Looks and sounds like you're having a great time, David. Keep 'em coming :thumbsup:
Wonderful, David. Reminds me of me visit to HMS Victory in Portsmouth (Plymouth?).... plaque on floor.... the boss fell here - not suprised! I fell over it too! ;D
Lovely, mate. Keep 'em coming.
George