July 12th Quick trip down to Portsmouth NH today

It was a pretty day, and it being Sunday, we had a "date" today-  Originally thought we would go to the Friendly Toast for lunch, in downtown Portsmouth, but there was a half hour wait, so we opted instead for what turned out to be a free meal at Subway, courtesy of our daughter Tina's gift card-  thanks Tina!  

While we were at lunch, I noticed one of the Whalen Whale Murals, this one has a sad story behind it, the owner of the building, Cabot House Furniture, has no interest in restoring the mural-  and since it is on private property, there is nothing that can be done-  The mural is rapidly loosing its appeal and status, and getting bad pockmarks as well.

Also saw a marker at 18 Congress street, right downtown:

We then walked the street a bit, but did no serious shopping, then over to the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, 

Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is a 40-room clapboard house which was built as the home, offices and working farm of colonial Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. It is located on the water at 375 Little Harbor Road, about two miles southeast of the center of Portsmouth. It is one of the few royal governors' residences to survive almost unchanged. The site is a New Hampshire state park, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1968. Today, the New Hampshire Bureau of Historic Sites manages the site with the assistance of the Wentworth-Coolidge Commission, a group of volunteer civic and business leaders appointed by the Governor

Then, we headed on over to Fort Constitution, well formerly Fort William and Mary, which dates back to pre Revolutionary war days.  There, we were able to go on a Lighthouse tour of the Portland Harbor Light, as well as getting stamps for 2 other lights, Whaleback and Isle of Shoals.  Actually got 5 stamps, since they had 2 old ones as well!  Also got a Portsmouth Harbor Pin 

Isles of Shoals light-  I'll be visiting there later 

Portsmouth Harbor Light

Another view of the Whaleback-  I'll be going by here again on the Isle of Shoals boat ride as well!

On the grounds of the Coast Guard Station, there was a big dory and an old fog bell- 

Also saw 2 new markers, which I've turned into the database-  One at the old Fort, and one about the raids from the fort:

Fun, inexpensive day!

Saw these plates today as well:

Not sure about tomorrow-  we've also changed plans a bit- our friend Wendy is having a slower recovery from her surgery, so we've marked off going to Moosehead Lake to visit to help her recover.  We'll probably head up to Acadia 4 days early, from Cape Cod-  Hope she gets to feeling better!