Augusta ME to Conway NH
Breakfast was good quality even if the buffet area was a bit cramped. We were treated to the stereotypical loud Americans, in particular one lady. The booth next to us had three people whom you could not hear at all, so not all Yanks are loud.
I was sorry I had opted to stay in Augusta and not a second night in nearby Brunswick. The Senator Inn in Augusta is a bit shook, though the bathroom was clean, apart from the bit of peeling and black mould over the shower.
We headed west towards NH.
I had found a website with all the covered bridges mapped out and there was one near Fryeburg where we were crossing the state line. We detoured off the main road along a side road that very soon became a dirt track. This was exactly how the Buck & Doe Road adventure had started. Ignoring the principle of VLL, we ploughed on. Eventually we came upon the bridge. Out of the car, we soon came upon the mosquitoes. After crossing the bridge on foot we dashed back to the car. I opened the boot to get my glasses and in my haste to get back inside the car, I left the boot open. We drove across the bridge with the intention of turning and retracing our steps back to the main road.
My travelling companion (MTC) noticed the open boot and jumped out to close to it and get the insect repellent. Leaving the car door open. Inviting mosquitos in. We spent an engaging hour attacking the guests, eliminating them all. MTC got a few bites, at the bridge, one particularly bad one.
Arriving in Conway, we did a quick rece of the mall to stretch our legs. No purchasing, just research.
We drove to Bartlett to search for another covered bridge. At the Joshua Bartlett school, a lady told us there wasn't one, so we went to Jackson where there was.
Then back to North Conway to see the town, station etc. This is a skiing resort in winter and camping/hiking in summer.
Then dinner at the Muddy Moose. Really enjoyable. Clam Chowder, Buffalo ( the animal, not the sauce) burger, seafood fettuccini and Moose Tracks ice cream. All delicious.
We and many other diners thought our meals were going to be ruined when a family sat at a table in the middle of the restaurant. Lengthy negotiations ensued led my Mommy at the top of her voice trying to arrange seating. Darling Josh wasn't having any it. Tears and Lamentations. And on it went. They even called in the waitress to arbitrate. No good. Musical chairs and crying ensued.
I took immediate action, should have done so sooner.
Off to the men's room. I could hear Josh clearly in the distance. Then he seemed to be getting closer.......then silence.
When I got back to the table, they were all gone. Though apparently Josh didn't want to leave and let his views be known to all. Peace reigned to relieved glances from our fellow diners. I reminded MTC of a very dissimilar experience in Fontainebleau, twenty seven years ago.
Tummies full, we repaired to the hotel, from the balcony of which, as I look out on the mountains of New Hampshire, I regale you, dear reader, with my day's adventures.Read more
Brilliant! An entertaining start to my commute!
What's VLL?
Valuable lesson learned