Boston to Bar Harbor
The gas lanterns on the streets are lovely too, much nicer than ordinary street lamps. Apparently they keep them lit all the time because it's cheaper than employing someone to light them and extinguish them every day.
Did a bit of a backtrack here too before heading on 95 North to Bar Harbor. It was a really long drive but really pretty. It took a very long time - stopped a couple of times, for lunch and then a much-needed coffee.
I had remembered to bring the map but realised I had forgotten the glasses - so I had no hope. Had to ask directions, found the New State House, now to find the Old State House, which I had seen from the Duck yesterday and wanted to take a good look at. Wandered towards the centre of town, then discovered the fabulous information/street cleaner type people. Not sure if they're particularly one or the other, but the lovely lady gave me directions and then polished a sign.
Here she is. Her top says downtown Boston ambassador. There's a big 'I' on the front.
Found the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Boston in 1776 and the site of the Boston massacre - which wasn't a real massacre but a good example of people exaggerating something small into something big to help their cause.
Next to find was Faneuil Hall. I went in the direction I thought it would be (Boston also has these great large maps all over the place) but came to the City Hall - which is an impressive building in itself. Asked a security guy what that nice looking building was that was just behind the hall. He said it was Faneuil Hall, so there we go. Went down there, it's a cute little place with stalls inside - coffee, souvenirs, information, etc.
Went through to Quincy market and got a Boston cream pie - coz that had been recommended too - though probably not for breakfast! It wasn't what I was expected but was delicious. Layer of cake, then custard with a soft chocolate coating.
Back to the inn via a roundabout route then took the time to write out the directions from Google Maps, thinking two things - it would help consolidate the directions in my head and it would save power on the iPad. Got the car, turned right, turned right, merged left and was on the road out of town - easy as pie! (Maybe it was the Boston cream...)
I could have taken the train all the way to Boston and picked up a car on the way out but I really wanted to stay on the Vineyard and come up through Plymouth rather than backtracking.
On the way to Bar Harbor was one of my absolute must-dos - the second literary stop of this trip - Orchard House in Concord - home of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. It took a bit of finding because, once again, I knew where I was meant to be going but the turnoff came and went so quickly, I missed it. So went to a petrol station ( put some petrol in while I was there, after working out how to open the petrol cap).
Anyway, got to Orchard House, parked over the road and stopped to take a photo. Camera wanted new batteries (already?? They were put in yesterday) camera started jamming, then opening without a picture and finally stopped altogether - this is not good!! Not here and now!
You have to do a tour of the house, can't wander around by yourself. I was more than happy to do this and one was just starting as I came in. The guide (Lily) said there was no photography allowed. I said that's not a problem, my camera had just stopped working. She replied, "that's good then." I said, "not really - I want it to be working."
The family never actually lived here when they were girls, like in the book, but she did write it here. It is fairly autobiographical - There were four girls - Anna (Meg), Louisa (Jo), Lizzie (Beth) and May (Amy). Lizzie did die young, May was an artist and Louisa was an author - there was no Mr Bhaer, she never married. Their parents were very admirable and well before their time for their thinking on equal rights and education and so on.
The house was very interesting. Her room was very large with a desk her father build between the two windows, where she wrote. Her publisher asked her for a book about girls for girls. She replied she had been a total tomboy and was not the person to write this. They insisted so she wrote about her sisters and their lives.
May gave some art lessons and she taught the guy who ended up sculpting the Abraham Lincoln memorial in Washington.
Was chatting to Lily and the girl in the gift shop afterwards, mentioned I was going to Bar Harbor and Lily was very excited - used to go there as a kid and loves it. She has given me some recommendations of places to eat.
Bought some postcards on the inside and a book about the family. Loved this place.
Camera just needed new batteries - note to self - don't buy el cheapo batteries.
Saw the start of - hopefully - the fall leaves...
Looked much like this...
Finally arrived in Bangor, stopped for a quick set of directions from an auto repair place, then on towards Bar Harbor - which is actually an island - didn't know that. Drove over the bridge - so pretty- and into town, finally. And that's the longest drive out of the way at the start. I could have stayed somewhere along the way and broken it up but wanted the extra day here instead.
Arrived here, at Anne's White Columns Inn (looks better than this picture indicates!) and was greeted very warmly.
Wandered down In to town for dinner and then took a stroll down to the harbour. Very cute and everything is open and bustling almost - lots of people shopping and eating ice cream and stuff. Will have a better look tomorrow.
And back to my little floral room - which again, looks better than on the website - for the premiere of the new season of Modern Family.
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