Conway New Hampshire to Ogunquit Maine

We woke early, ate breakfast, and headed east from Conway, New Hampshire on US 302. The skies were overcast and we drove through the pretty thick fog on the way to Maine which was about 10 miles away from where we started. As we passed over the state line into Maine, Russ & I celebrated; it was our 50th state to visit!

 There were several lakes and LOTS of boats as we drove toward Portland, Maine

 We arrived in the harbor area of Portland and boarded this boat for a tour off the coast.

There were lots of boats in the harbor.

 We saw a few lighthouses, this one was called the "little bug"

 The guide told us that this is one of the few beaches with sand.

 Yet another lighthouse. This one was one of the last one to become automated since the caretaker lived in the beautiful house next to it. People were happy to have that job!

 This lighthouse was one of the first to be automated as it was completely isolated, had an outhouse at the end of the structure next to it and very primitive living quarters. Many storms would completely wash it over with waves. No one wanted to man it!

  There were forts built to defend the area during the civil war and the world wars.

 The Portland, Maine skyline.

Another shot of Portland

We ate lunch at Dimillo's right on the water. We had clam chowder and shared a crab sandwich.

 Our next stop was Kennebunkport

 It's a very rocky coastline

 We saw the Bush's Kennebunkport compound.

 We spent some time in the bustling little town of Kennebunkport,

full of shops, restaurants and galleries.

 Our next stop was our hotel, Anchorage by the Sea in Ogunquit, Maine.

 It's a beautiful resort on the coast,

 the grounds and landscaping were amazing, the mums were huge!

After arrival we walked down to the shoreline.

 The waves were amazing!

 Tonight our group went to celebrate our final night together at Fosters with a lobster and clam bake

 A young guy explained to us how they steamed the clams, lobsters, potatoes,

onions, and corn on the cob in a large steam box with hot coals beneath it.

 He took the steam box apart,

and packed the food in Styrofoam coolers until they were ready to serve us.

 It was a fun night and a delicious dinner!

Our bus tour comes to an end tomorrow as we head back to Boston in the morning. We've had a wonderful week, enjoyed the places we've visited as well as the beauty and brilliance of God's creation. We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to travel.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Stratton Mountain Vermont to North Conway New Hampshire

We were up to see the sun rise today to clear skies, crisp air and the most beautiful colored trees on the mountain. After packing and eating breakfast, we were off at 8 am. The resort was really lovely, our condo was on the 4th floor with a balcony.

 Our room was the 3rd story from this angle in the far building, first balcony.

 On the way to breakfast we saw a bear!

 Our restaurant for last night's dinner and breakfast this morning.

 The view from our balcony, notice the ski runs on the mountain.

 Another view from the balcony.

Our first stop was at the Vermont Country Store. It was a HUGE store with all kinds of things, they had a lot of samples to taste to lure you to buy things as well. It was a fun stop.

 Along the way we marveled at the beauty. The pictures really do not do justice to the colors we see. This lake was like glass with a perfect reflection of the mountains.

 Our next stop was the Museum and birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge near Plymouth, Vermont

 The hills were ablaze with color behind the museum.

 The home where Calvin Coolidge was born and lived from 1872 to 1876.

The room where Calvin Coolidge, the vice president, took the oath of office as president after president Warren G. Harding died. His father, a justice of the peace, swore him in.

 The church he and his family attended

 His boyhood home (across the street from the birthplace) where they moved in 1876

It was a very interesting place to visit. I didn't know much about Calvin Coolidge but now I know he is the only president to be born on July 4.

Next we went to Woodstock, Vermont. It has been voted the most beautiful small town in America. I'm not sure who voted, but it was a pretty little town. We ate some lunch there, visited the covered bridge and admired the fall colors.

 The trees were gorgeous!

We drove to the Quechee Gorge in Vermont.

 There was a very high bridge over the river.

 Along the way in the bus I tried to snap some pictures to get some of the color.

 Since it was a bright, sunny, cloudless sky, the colors were brilliant and vivid.

 Our tour guide and the driver said they have never seen it so beautiful and such perfect weather.

 We drove on into New Hampshire and stopped at a place to see "The Basin" and "The Flume".

 We went on a little hike, it was beautiful.

We drove on through the beautiful White Mountains.

 We stopped at another covered bridge in New Hampshire

 This bridge was very long 

 The river so peaceful and pretty.

We arrived at the North Conway Grand Hotel about 5:30 pm. We were weary from a day of travel but overwhelmed by the beauty we saw today. It's difficult to find enough adjectives to describe the brilliant and vivid colors we have seen. The Lord is good and we feel so blessed!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains --

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip--

he who watches over you will not slumber

Psalm 121:1-3