Mother's Day Rainout

This year for Mother's Day Kate wanted to go to La Festa Pizza in Dover, NH.  To justify driving all the way for Pizza I plotted a day trip out of it that would see use travel through Western Maine into New Hampshire checking out covered bridges, water falls, and more.

The forecast was predicting rain but the amount and when varied so we took a chance and just went anyway.  It didn't work out that well.

Our first stop after was the Hemlock Covered Bridge in Fryeburg, Maine.  Of all the covered bridges in Maine this is the only one that is way out in the willy-wags.  In-fact the road that it is on is gated and closed from November 1st - May 1st.

Wesley was very excited to get out of the Vanna and stretch his legs.  He walked back and forth over the bridge several times and we got some really great photos.

We continued one with out next stop being Glen Ellis Falls in Jackson, NH however the rain started coming down and prevented that from happening.  However we were able to check out the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson.

Because of the rain we decided just to take the drive to Dover and forgo other planned stops for another day.

The drive along route 16 was quite nice, and at one point when the rain let up we did stop in the village of Chocorua at a dam on the Chocorua River.  It was so gorgeous how the homes along the shore were reflecting off the calm water.

The little dam was cool as well and it did something to the water falling over the edge causing a rippling effect to it.  It was neat!

We arrived in Dover for a late lunch at La Festa Brick & Brew Pizzeria.  The place is pretty awesome and I wish we had one like it around here.  They have a huge selection of buying by the slice or you can get a whole pie.  Kate got a few various slices and I got a large New York style pepperoni, because pepperoni is my favorite.

If we ever go again I'll be more apt to get some various slices rather than pepperoni.

We stopped at a Duston's Market & Bakery after, Kate got a few baked goods including a rather delicious chocolate eclair.  I got myself over 1000 day aged Canadian Cheddar cheese that was phenomenal! Also I found some new kettle chips that i had never had before, Good's out of Adamstown, PA.

The drive home was fine until we hit some downpours in the Richmond area.

Incidentally we crossed the Saco River 8 different times.

Later Readers!

Southern Maine Exploration

Greetings!

On Monday April 25th Kate and I had a rare weekday off together and with the weather holding nice that day, why not take the time and explore a new part of the State.

Portsmouth Harbor Light, in the background Whaleback Light

Our journey actually began with a 100 plus mile to New Hampshire starting us off at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.  Originally built in 1771 the current tower was built in 1878.  Located at Fort Constitution the whole area is on the grounds of the US Coast Guard.  During certain hours you can follow a blue painted line from the parking area to the Fort.

We got lost on the way and had to double back through Portsmouth.  We were both taken back by the narrow streets and old colonial homes.  It was beautiful and a sight to be seen.  Many of the houses were marked with the year they were built and we've never seen so many 200 year old homes in the same area.

Heading back into Maine we stopped in Kittery at Fort McClary.  Kate was fascinated by the 1864 Granite Wall, she couldn't stop raving about it.  Our next stop was down the road at Fort Foster which was an active military fort during World War I & II.

From Fort Constitution, Fort McClary, & Fort Foster you could see Whaleback Light, located in waters belonging to Kittery, Maine it was first built in 1831.  The best photos and the closet view from land is at Fort Foster.

We continued down the road to York checking out the Old Burying ground and the grave of Mary Nasson the alleged Witch of York.  When she died in 1774 her husband put a stone slab down on her grave, some believe it was to keep animals from digging up her grave, others to prevent her from raising from the dead.  We found lots of change on the grave that other visitors had left.

Also located in York is the famed Cape Neddick Lighthouse.  Built in 1879 on Nubble Island about 100 yards of shore it is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in Maine.

For lunch we stopped at a place that I have wanted to go to for years but it just never worked out, Flo's Steamed Hot Dogs. Located on Route 1 in York Flo's has been serving up steamed hot dogs since 1959 and they are showing no signs of stopping.

Kate and I each had a dog dressed up "The House Special" with Flo's Relish, mayonnaise, and celery salt.  Sounds gross but it is so delicious!  I'm going to write more about out stop at Flo's on my hot dog blog.

With full bellies we headed up to the top of Mount Agamenticus and took in some pretty nice views.  They have a Learning Lodge and several trails around the summit.  On clears days you can see Mt Washington, we could not on this day.

Next stop was in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport for the blowing cave and the Wedding Cake House.  Sadly we missed the tide on Blowing Cave, similar to Thunder Hole you need to gt there as the high tide is coming in.  The Wedding Cake House in rough rough shape.

We finished the day in Cape Elizabeth at Two Lights and Portland Headlight.  The Cape Elizabeth Two Lights were built in 1874 and both remained in service until 1924 when the West Tower was deactivated while the East Tower is still in service.

Cape Elizabeth West Tower

Cape Elizabeth East Tower

Portland Headlight was built in 1791 on the behest of George Washington and is on the grounds of what is now Fort Williams Park.  From this light I was also able to grab some great photos of Ram Island Ledge Light.

It was cool but we had bright sunny weather all day.  I'd say it was quite a productive day as we were able to take in seven lighthouses, three forts, a witches grave, steamed hot dogs and more.

It was great to explore a part of the State that we hadn't hit yet, however we both agree that the driving was out least favorite part.  Lots of interstate and the majority of Route 1 that we traveled was high traffic and congested areas.  Last year on our trips in the mountains and highlands was all back roads and low traffic.

I have a few more ideas for day trips that will take us into western Maine and some New Hampshire as well.  I think I can speak for Kate when I say we look forward to more day trips this Summer.

Later Readers!