Weekend in New England

It felt like our "weekend in New England" was accomplished in one day as we left Newport, close to the Canadian border, made our way south across the state of Vermont and part of New Hampshire and into Massachusetts and the Atlantic Ocean. Our final stop: Boston.

Well, technically, Cambridge, Mass.. More on that in a bit.

Our morning started late as we slept in past 8. Ha. We did the lakefront water walk and checked out the pretty scenery in Newport. Even got my picture with a  lighthouse. Sort of. A small one, built just for me, I believe.

From Newport, we headed southeast and crossed through the little state of Vermont and across part of the equally small state of New Hampshire. That was my first time there. Of course, I miss the welcome sign but I know the state motto is "Live Free or Die." Saw that on every license plate!

The one thing that surprised us about New Hampshire is that the White Mountains were even more impressive than Vermont's Green Mountain chain. Really cool. Took lots of pictures out the car window, traveling 65 mph on the interstate. I think some turned out. It only took me 10 tries to get a Moose Crossing sign in focus. I need more practice!

We also went by the New Hampshire speedway in Concord and realized the NASCAR race is there this Sunday. Our plans may have to change! You never know!

Jim's cousin was unable to get together with us today so we headed straight into Boston. We're actually staying on the north side in Cambridge, home of Harvard. Saw what we believe were the Harvard "kids" out practicing their sailing on the Charles River (which makes its way into Boston Harbor) outside our hotel window. I braved the balcony on the 12 floor and took some pictures. I just looked out, not down!

After we got settled in, we took a cab over to downtown Boston. After driving 4-lanes-wide into town, we weren't in the mood to even attempt it any further. So we cabbed it over to the north side and walked a tour of historic sites -- everything from Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church (where they hung the lanterns) to the Massachusetts State House and Cheers bar.

C'mon, that has to count!

We had dinner at the Bull & Finch, which was the inspiration for the television program, then shopped in the gift shop. I got a shirt and earlier, we already found Carter his gifts (hint: Boston Celtics). We still need to find something for Jim (besides cemetery pictures).

We cabbed it back to hotel and now we're just chilling out, enjoying the view of the cityline lights on the water. Gorgeous day all around. We got lucky.

Hope it continues!