Wednesday, 23 September 2009

Thursday 3rd September, 2009.

We've got a long drive ahead of us today. About 100 miles or so. Not very far, you might think. But, remember, it's all on the wrong side of the road! And the roads are so slow. Either 35, 45, 55 or, on the Interstate, 65mph. It makes driving even more tiring. Anyway, we need a hearty breakfast and so we head for Red's in the heart of Salem. It's not particulary healthy, but it is very atmospheric inside. Kind of like a diner in a New England weatherboard setting. People sat on stools at the counter, that sort of thing. Just the job.
Our route takes us up the 1A to Rowley, where we join the Interstate 95, and head for Portsmouth. This photo was taken as we cruised through Ipswich. Note the double yellow lines. That's the beauty of New England roads. There's no overtaking. Makes it much more simple for simple folks like us new to the country. Just to the west of Portsmouth we join Route 16. The roads thus far have been quiet-ish but the surfaces are shocking. 'Why don't Americans pay their taxes and fix their roads', David cries to Vicky for the umpteenth time, as the Prius judders over yet another pot hole. The 16 takes us directly north and eventually becomes a single carriageway.
We follow Route 16 and take in our first views of the White Mountains, as we make our way to North Conway.

We find our hotel fairly easily and, guess what? That's right, it's time for a kip. It's all this driving, see?
Late afternoon arrives and we venture into town. It's very busy with tourists arriving for the Labor Day Bank Holiday. We have a meal and then take a stroll around town. Parents are encouraging their kids to play something they call 'football'. It doesn't look much like football to us. Fools.



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