Detour to Milwaukee - Franconia Notch New Hampshire - Boston

Franconia, NH photo, Echo Lake

Bridal Veil Falls, Franconia Notch
Ok, so it's been a minute and I've driven a LOT of miles. I'm playing a bit of catch-up here, and all of these places were remarkable in their own way.

The view from the top of Artists Bluff in Franconia Notch.

Seeing friends in Chicago and Milwaukee really helped so much with isolation. I felt very loved, and was so happy to see them. Made a huge difference. After, I was able to completely enjoy the solitude of Franconia, New Hampshire. This is a photo of my friend Richard and me in Milwaukee. I hadn't originally planned to drive there, but seeing him was so worth the hours it added on to my pit stop in Buffalo, NY. 

Franconia Notch was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I did some incredible hikes - Bridal Veil Falls, Artist's Bluff, Kinman's Pond. It was by far one of my favorite hiking towns, even hikes in the rain were pretty incredible. The smell of the forests, the feeling of the soft, packed trail under my feet - I didn't care that I was drenched most of the time. To have lush forests like that, you can imagine there's going to be a lot of rain. I almost cancelled my trip to this area, thinking it was too far. I'm so glad I didn't. My friend Rob recommended it to me, saying he spent many happy summers of his childhood up there. I understand why. I would definitely go back.

Flume Gorge deserves its own paragraph. I don't have the words to describe it - I can say "spectacular, gorgeous, stunning" but they don't seem to do justice to what I saw. I went on a whim, having gotten back to my little home base cottage in Sugar Hill, NH. I was restless (surprise) and picked up the guest information booklet, saw Flume Gorge on the list of recommended places. I'm so glad I went - truly it was one of the most incredible places I've ever been to. The rain was a bonus because it was completely uncrowded, at points I had the entire Gorge to myself. If you're ever lucky enough to be in this area, go. You won't regret it. I didn't take photos because of the rain, but believe me, the way it looked, smelled, and sounded is permanently imprinted on my brain. You will have to go see for yourself. The glacial boulders, the basalt, the Conway granite - all ancient. It's mind-blowing. I truly don't have enough words. 

The view from Artists Bluff.

By the time I left New Hampshire, I was ready for a city. I very much enjoyed Boston. I went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts - so many beautiful works of art to see. I walked Boston Commons and Public Gardens. Went down to Hanover Street and wandered around, had a cannoli at Mike's Pastry. Wish I'd had some of the great Italian food I smelled along Hanover but it was way too crowded for me. I did have Regina's Pizza, which was excellent.

Photo of Public Gardens, downtown Boston

I got very restless the last two days in Boston, maybe it was the storm. I didn't like the hotel, it didn't feel right to me, and smelled of old down pillows. I know, I'm nuts, but I'm sensitive to my surroundings. I'm really working on being present in the moment, hoping it will alleviate some of the anxiety in situations like this. I forced myself to stick it out, I took a walk in the storm - crazy winds. Had a martini. Afterwards, everything was better. Below is a photo from Boston Commons.