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Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Ticket to Ride

Many recognize the post title as that of a 1965 tune by the Beatles. 
It's also what we used for a NH rail trip over Labor Day weekend. 

Along with friends, Judy and Randy, we boarded the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad in Meredith, NH. This was the starting and ending point for a 2-hour round trip along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Ourselves and friends were all aboard and ready to depart
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad in Meredith and Weirs Beach, NH, and the Granite State Scenic Railway in Lincoln, NH, share 54 miles of historic railroad track that dates to 1848, the time when Zachary Taylor was President, trains were pulled by steam locomotives and steam-powered automobiles were becoming popular.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (Internet Source)
During the mid-1800’s, the track was owned by the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad. Back then, it served as one of the primary routes north through NH for summer-time tourists who traveled from cities like Boston, Hartford and New York to the pristine lakes and mountains of northern NH as well as to points further north including the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and Montreal, Canada.
Cloudy day views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the train
Has anyone ever seen one of these? It's called a foilboard and it lets the surfboard and its rider rise above the water's surface, allowing for fast speeds and increased maneuverability under a wide range of conditions — according to online sources.
Conductor Dave announced that was his last day after 31 years
Our 2-hour round trip was along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It's the largest lake in NH and is located in the Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains. The Lakes Region of NH is in the east-central part of the state, south of the White Mountains Region and extending to the Maine border, so-named due to its many lakes and up to 273 bodies of water. Lake Winnie is the largest of these, followed by Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake and Newfound Lake.
Pop's Clam Shell in Alton Bay, NH, always draws a waiting line in season
After the train excursion, we drove to Alton Bay for a first-time dining experience at Pop's Clam Shell, which fellow blogger Erika has posted about many times (sorry, we missed a meet-up this time). Pop's is a summer tradition and at the same location since 1945. It's family owned and has been operated by three generations of the Benton family featuring generous very large portions of fresh seafood, fried clams, onion rings and more. Of course, these are not the best food choices, but this was a holiday weekend and, most likely, a one-and-done stop for us (until the next time).
We shared this generous seafood platter
Pop's closes from 3 to 4 pm to restock and a line of customers starts forming right before reopening time. We arrived after 3 pm and waited with other customers. Like similar food places, Pop's opens seasonally on weekends only from May to June, opens 5 days from July through August, then returns to weekends only through September before closing for the season.
The most unusual "pickup" truck we've ever seen
Waiting for the reopening time, we walked around Alton Bay, which borders Lake Winnie, but without a downtown area. That's when we saw this unusual vehicle, a Tesla Cybertruck. Hard to believe this is classified as a pickup. The license plate was from Montana. We would have enjoyed a chat with its owner, who we never saw.
If anyone is considering a purchase, here's some info, no gas fuel is needed for this battery-only electric vehicle with a mileage range under 350 miles, towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck has a starting sticker price of $80,240 and the top of the range, the Cyberbeast, starts at $100,240. The body is made of stainless-steel and, as we noticed, seems to attract fingerprints (not ours). Imagine the damage this could cause if it were to hit another vehicle !
A holiday weekend would be incomplete (for us) if we didn't enjoy hot dogs, so we indulged at a local ice cream stand.
It was a perfect day for an ice cream treat, but then what day isn't?
Also on the weekend, we were shot, but not injured. The shots were at the local retail pharmacy for a now-annual flu vaccine and updated Covid vaccine. Perhaps, you will be doing the same in weeks to come.

29 comments:

Marie Smith said...

This excursion sounds wonderful, Dorothy. An experience of such a train is something I’d like to do with our grandchildren. Trains were important in my family’s history. This looks like a great experience.

Tom said...

...thanks for taking me along for the train ride. When a was a teen I rode the Mount Washington Cog Railway, it an experience that I still remember. You certainly live ia gorgeous area and a visit to Pop's Clam Shell looks like a must. Take care and be well.

Bijoux said...

We have a scenic RR here, but the scenery is not that good! I bet Pop’s was a fun experience. Someone in my neighborhood has a Cybertruck and it’s truly obnoxious!

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning this sounds soooo fun!! I remember Erika sharing photos of Pops food-they are very generous with their size too
You two get out and have soooo much fun-hugs

Marcia said...

We may have to check out that train trip someday. Looks like a nice day was had by all.

Barbara Rogers said...

Cool train and ride, and oh my, the seafood! What a great lot of fried deliciousness. With some kind of dipping sauce too I imagine. That Tesla would also attract my attention. Isn't is something to see a Jetsons-like vehicle on the streets in our times! Now for one that flies!

Sandra said...

This sounds like a lot of fun. And delicious food!

Rita said...

Never even heard of a foilboard! How odd.
That is one ugly, expensive truck!
Looks like a fun trip! :)

Anonymous said...

Was your food at Pop’s served on paper plates? Quite a while ago, we ate at a seafood restaurant in I believe Dover NH. It was the first time we ever ate on paper plates in a restaurant. The train ride looks like a good excursion. BTW our grilled dogs yesterday were delicious :)

photowannabe said...

I love a good train ride, especially with friends.
Yumm on all of that seafood. Looks delish.
There is a Tesla like that one in our area. It really looks like something from outer space and the price tag confirms that.
Lousy milage and I bet the battery cost is from outer space too.
You two have so much fun together..Love your photos.
Sue

Cheryl said...

I have been following your blog for a while. We are fellow New Jersians. Northwest corner. Our son and his family live in Concord so I suppose at some point we will also move to New Hampshire. I was just looking at this train ride as something to do with the kids. Thank you for the virtual tour!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Y'all always have such bright smiles and so much fun in your travels. It is very enjoyable reading.
Flu shot, yes. Covid booster, I'm not sure.
I lost the majority of my sense of smell and taste after the 2022 booster. I want to know what else I might lose before deciding.

Ginny Hartzler said...

We saw this truck about a week ago!! I had no idea what it was, and actually was going to post it. But I only got blurry shots from behind, so did not post it. The ice-cream looks so good. What a great trip, some of it reminds me of back in the 50's.

Michelle said...

The clam shell looks like the best type of place to eat. I always enjoy those small places. We have a local train line that is now a "dinner train".

MadSnapper said...

our pharmacist gave me the papers to fill out for our shots, and reminded me its time for them, we are late, we usually get them in August.
that is some kind of weird crazy truck for sure. the train looks a lot like what I used to ride as a child from Savannah to Bradenton to visit my grandmother. no driving back then, trains were the way to get here, we came twice a year

Anvilcloud said...

No doubt, Grenville was in his element. It would be fun to do a trip like that.

My name is Erika. said...

You had some yummy food this past weekend. The hubby and I went yesterday to Pop's for lunch and had the the seafood platter. I had the rest for lunch today. Did you finish yours? hugs-Erika

Linda P said...

Your train ride looks a lot of fun and I'm sure the food was delicious and filling.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

There is a local tourist train here and it seems to be well patronized. The track goes right over a trail I sometimes walk and I am quite sure the driver (is that what they are called?) blows the horn at the precise moment I am striving to hear the soft refrain of a bird deep in the undergrowth. It is nothing short of wicked! Hope you enjoyed some seafood with your batter!

Red said...

That was a great day. Great days always have to end with ice cream.

Jeanie said...

This looks like such fun -- gorgeous weather, terrific times. I'm just sorry you missed Erika at Pops!

nick said...

That's the first I've heard of foilboards - a clever invention. The Tesla pick-up is weird. As you say, it could do a lot of damage if it collided with your car.

gigi-hawaii said...

That foil board would not be able to handle the 30 foot surf in Hawaii during winter. I don't see such boards here.

David said...

Hi Beatrice, Looks like a nice train ride. Great that you were there to send off Conductor Dave...31 years in the job is notable and he'll probably miss the interactions with the passengers. Love that clam shack, love fried clams and fried shrimp. Can't find fried clams around here. The best I ever had were in Connecticut. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

tz_garden said...

A pretty fun day, the fried seafood looks amazing!!!

mimmylynn said...

Traveling by train is a good way to see the sights. It's comfortable too.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

The train along with your friends sounds like such a great time! I had to chuckle at Pat's expression of the big pile of great looking food! And you two in front of your ice cream treats........you both take the best photos together! Happy travels! Stay safe!

Rob Lenihan said...

I love train trips, so this sounds like something I'd really enjoy.

The Pop's photos are making me hungry, while the Tesla monstrosity has me rolling my eyes.

I saw one of those things just this morning near my home and it looks like a dumpster on wheels. Thanks for the flu shot reminder.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

What a fun train ride! Looks like food lines there too! haha