World Trip – Stage 59, New London, New Hampshire

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9-13 August

This stage involved us staying with friends, a first on this trip. We met John and Mary on a ship in Antarctica five years ago, had joined them for a vacation on the Hurtigruten ferry up and down the scenic coast of Norway, and they had visited us at La Coste. Covid had scuppered us getting together since. 

They have a summer house on the shore of Little Lake Sunapee in a typical New England town, very pretty, complete with Baptist church and an Inn dating back to 1792.

Chris and Becca left before lunch the following day, but not before they had been able to have a late afternoon swim in the lake. They also picked blueberries from bushes overhanging the lake, before breakfast, and then enjoyed John’s freshly made delicious buttermilk blueberry pancakes.

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As for us, we managed some great walks – three miles around Kezar Lake, up the steep, rocky path to the top of Mount Kearsarge at 2937ft, 895m. It had magnificent views across New Hampshire to the Presidential Mountains to the North and Boston to the South. 

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Finally, on the boardwalk around the Philbrick-Cricenti Bog, just across the road and which used to be a lake. The bog is over 3m, 10ft deep – as seen when John pulled out a long pole!

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We ran half way round Little Lake Sunapee in glorious sunny weather, and kayaked with John, Mary and their Westie dog on the lake. Lynne swam in the lake and we explored half of it, together with John and Mary in their small motorboat, drink in hand and waving to people ashore and on other craft. 

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There are strict regulations on what and who can use the lake, so overall the result is a tranquil, lovely spot, enlivened by our political discussions and watching some of the women’s football World Cup!

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We met friends of our hosts when out walking and relatives who popped by when they happened to be in the area. We even went to the local theatre, The Barn Playhouse, to see a performance of The Wedding Singer, by the summer group of drama school students from across the country, together with some professionals. Such energy and talent on show, and what fun!

We had a washing machine and outside washing line at our disposal and yes, we did make full use of them. It was also great that decisions about our meal options were taken for us, which was liberating. We enjoyed our food there, without garlic and especially the fresh eggs from John and Mary’s son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Sofia’s chickens. 

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Our stay with John and Mary provided a fantastic interlude in our journey, allowing us to experience life lived in that part of New England. We will be back!