Friday, October 22, 2010

Fall Foliage New England tour Oct 22, 2010

Today had me once again back on a Gray Line tour bus - this time heading north of Boston and into southern New Hampshire - after being shuttle from my hotel to the load point at the Transportation center - for a fall foliage tour. Once again we had a native Bostonian for a driver and at times he was more funny than some on the Comedy Network - the bus was near full as this trip will only be offered until this weekend.

We followed mostly rural roads out of Boston until our first stop at Waldo Pond - named after Ralph Waldo Emerson who grew up in the area - then it was pass a field of different looking cows - the driver described them as OREO Cows - they do look much like the cookie of the same name. Then it was time for a restroom, coffee or ice cream break before heading into Willard Brook State Forest at Ashby Ma which has a small covered bridge and nice stream flowing through it.








Then we headed for an old church and cemetery with lots of fall colors before passing into New Hampshire - my first time in that state - - then it was a lunch stop in Rindge NH - it was a pre-ordered meal and not included in the ticket price - I choose a chicken breast done in a brandy sauce - it was the most popular item chosen - perhaps having some brandy in it had something to do with it - I shared a table with a couple from Cairns, Australia who I found out are on the same cruise as I.









After lunch we made a couple more stops at some scenic lakes - chance to stretch our legs - the weather which started sunny, windy and cool was ever changing including a few snow flakes - yes snow flakes - near where this lake was located - the driver explained that we are in the snow belt north of Boston. Our next to final stop was a shopping mall with a restroom break - also a nice stream and colorful foliage along its banks . Then a stop at a working farm for a chance to look over a pumpkin patch and corn maze and some farm animals.











Then it was back to Boston - the traffic and the layout of the roads in the City means lots of extra time to get everyone back to there originating hotel - in my case almost 7PM - not the driver's fault just the way traffic is in Boston.

Tomorrow a bit of repacking - I picked up a 12 pack of pop - need to put that in one of my bags - if all goes as planned I will share a cab ride with a couple from Idaho who are staying at this hotel and who I have been talking too on line.

Cheers

D

No comments: