Mt Washington and leaves

Wednesday, 9 October

We were up and out at the crack of dawn this morning, heading for Mt Washington and the cog railway. We didn’t really know what to expect but it was a fantastic 45 minute ride, in something that looked like a toy train, up a really steep and narrow track with alarming drops on either side. The view from the top was stunning and we were lucky enough to have clear skies which allowed us to see 100 miles in all directions. The mountain is known for its fickle weather but once again we were lucky as it was a balmy 2 degrees Celsius, or minus 4 with the wind chill factor. Aren’t I glad I brought my Norway coat!

Once safely down we followed a circuit to the east of our “home”, through stunningly beautiful autumn countryside. I don’t want to keep on and on about the autumn leaves but there are LOTS and they are GORGEOUS.

Had lunch at Bart’s Deli and General Store in Bartlett. The cooks were a couple of colourful characters but made me a very tasty Reuben sandwich. We got chatting to a couple of ladies from Boston who wondered what out impression of Donald Trump was. We told them that we have been very carefully saying nothing about American politics but once they gave us their frank opinion we had a great discussion. Then they gave both of us a pine-scented candle as a memento of our trip.

We completed our road circuit late this afternoon and I had time to wander down our street and into the main street of Bethlehem. Not much happening, but a great wool shop which I might have to visit again.