Sea Cruse to the Isles of Shoals

We joined out buddies Porter and Bill for a wonderful cruise on the Thomas  Leighton to the Isles of Shoals, which is a series of  islands off the coast of Portsmouth NH, that are shared with the State of Maine.   Been settled since way back in the 1700's.   

We had a perfect day for sailing-  and spent the day learning about Portsmouth Harbor and the Islands. 

I had taken this tour with the grandsons back in either 2008 or 2010, can't remember. 

Along the way, we went by three lighthouses- 

Whale Back Light

Isle of Shoals Light

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

 

At the end of the cruise, we went downtown and had a wonderful breakfast/dinner at The Friendly Toast on Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth, a neat place with wonderful food! 

 



This was our "last supper" with our pals, as we will not see them until January when they visit in St Augustine-  safe travels, you two!  Love you, mean it. 

Fun time and visit at the Williamsons

Had a great "annual" visit with the Williamsons for a couple of days-  they had several of the family here, plus we got to see Spike again, and some other visitors as well- the house was slam full! 

Got to meet Mitch for the first time-

Never get tired of this view!!!

A new deck has been added since last year, plus lots of other upgrades and improvements

The house was resided, new window mullions were put it, and a new roof, the house is grand now!!!

Thursday July 25th - Nice quick visit with the Williamsons, on to the Coles tomorrow

Plan on leaving about 7 in the morning for a 275 mile trek up to Moosehead Lake Maine to see the Coles for a rest and relax!  Opted to take the "long way" to keep from small back roads and hills.  Looking forward to a week of rest and catching up. 

Friday July 24th Slowly, Slowly over to Meridith to see the Williamsons

Only 65 miles today, but it took almost two hours with the silly 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 mph speed limits and twisty back roads today, left at 1000 and arrived here at Hack Ma Tack campground at around noon. 

We got one of the three pull thrus in back, nice enough but overpriced, as everything here at the Lake is-  but cheapest of all the parks -  50 amp, full hook up, in the back, with nice TV reception, so its all good.  The back of the site drops off dramatically, but we fit in and are nice and level. 

We had a quick sandwich for lunch, and soon will head on over to the Williamsons, just a few miles away. 

Be a couple of days here, then Friday morning, we head up to Moosehead Lake for a week of relaxing at the Coles. Nothing on the schedule.

Tuesday July 23rd Real change of scenery today

Our trip today was basically four segments, parts of which we had been to before, some of it new- 

First part:  East Syracuse NY to Rome NY, so I could get to Park #269, Fort Stanwix. 

We parked right outside the Visitors Center for Fort Stanwix, illegally actually, and I was able to get in and get the stamps- and a medallion for the North County Trail-  they didn't have a site pin! 

Next segment was Rome to Saratoga Springs-  we stopped for fuel at a Valero, and fueled up- 
then headed right through downtown Saratoga Springs-  Some of that leg was on I-90 the Thruway, some on back roads- 

Then, Saratoga Springs to Poultney Vt, on very much back roads, with 40-45 mph speed limits- 

 

This was really on back roads, with a small section on I-87 

Last segment was from Poultney to West Lebanon NH where we are for the night-  We've stayed here before- 

Totally on narrow back roads, with 45 speed limits mostly-  but pretty scenery lots of the Green Mountains. 

While I was here, I squeezed in a run down to Saint Gaudens National Historic Site so I could pick up some Civil War Trading Cards for my Roanoke Pals. 

Hopefully, a good nights sleep tonight, then a short 60 miles or so on over to Laconia NH for a two day stay for a visit with the Williamson family at their home in Meredith.   Looking forward to that.