Enjoying A New England Smorgasburg Of Adventure As Our Time Here Winds Down

It has now been over three months since our arrival in Bethel, Maine, and we are scrambling to see more of New England before trekking southward. With our last month shaping up to be one hopefully filled with tons of leaf peeping excitement, we'd like to focus on what August brought our way.

We enjoyed a drive to and around Portsmouth with emphasis on all things nautical. While partaking in this area, there was much to be learned. One very important fact realized is that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is actually located in Kittery, Maine near Portsmouth, NH. Being new to the area (well, Kendra and Cannon being new to it, that is), this all proved to be a bit confusing at first as our daytrip took us there before venturing to Portsmouth for a walk through Prescott Park and seeing these views of the Navy Yard from across the Piscataqua River.

??????????????????????

Receiving submarine dolphins at Mare Island Naval Shipyard December 14, 1989

(Why the misplaced photos???????)

Transit through Panama Canal 1990

????????????????????????????????????????????????

🔍🔍🔍🔍🔍🔍

Although the above photographs seem out of place here, a quick look at this more modern USS Grayling image ties it all together.

We were able to see the resting place of the USS Grayling SSN 646 (Nick(y)'s 1st submarine out of Charleston, SC from 1989 - 1995).

"Memorial Bridge"
World War I Memorial Bridge crossing the Piscataqua River which includes a plaque stating "Memorial to the Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who gave their lives in the World War 1917 - 1919"

Portsmouth Naval Prison
(occupied from 1908 until 1974)

Fort Constitution Historic Site

Voted #1 in Portsmouth by this five-year-old boy was, of course, exploring the USS Albacore and accompanying museum and gift shop.

Now included at Albacore Park is the incredible vessel below.

Ghost

While rounding out our Portsmouth day of adventure, we'll move into giving you an idea of what it's like to ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the second steepest rack railway in the world with a maximum grade of 37%😲

All Aboard!!!

We've reached the summit!

6,288 feet!

What a ride!

And speaking of rides, why not board a vessel bent on seeking out whales in the Atlantic Ocean?🐳

While appreciating the pleasure of a visit with our friends Brian and Ruth (and little Teddy) as they enjoy a summer adventure camp hosting in gorgeous Cape Cod, we all boarded the Dolphin IX presented to us by Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch Company in Provincetown.

This outfit promises whale sightings, and, boy, do they hold their end of the bargain!!

Whale watching is hard to beat, but we tried as we, next, drove to Rhode Island seeking out more Atlantic Ocean beauty. No whales for us on this trip but definitely more breathtaking shoreline, lighthouses and incredible crashing waves🌊