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USA: New Hampshire: Castle in the Clouds, Kancamagus Highway, Lakes Region, Mount Washington, The Flume Gorge

Lakes Region, New Hampshire, USA: Island cruising
by Prakash Bang, Editor in Chief

The Pier, Weirs Beach, Lakes Region, New Hampshire, USA

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is the mid-state region surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, Squam Lake, and Newfound Lake. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state, and is home to numerous vacation homes.

The Station, Weirs Beach, Lakes Region, New Hampshire, USA

I was on a 7-day visit to the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The prime objective was to witness the fall foliage of the New England States. Come September & October and the landscape in the region is painted in hues of crimson, yellow, whites and what have you. Boston is an ideal gateway city to explore New England.

After a 2-day stay in Boston, I hired a car from Hertz and began my journey. I left Boston at 9AM. My first destination for the fall foliage trip would be the Lakes Region. I was hosted to cruise the lakes on MS Mount Washington. As luck would have it, thunderstorm had struck the region. It would last for the next 2 days! There goes my plan to witness the colours. The strong winds & rain would certainly damage the leaves. And they did, but thankfully I did get some good views as the days passed by.

Lakes region is a 2-hour drive from Boston. I arrived at Weirs Beach at around 11AM. After parking my car, I spent the next hour or so exploring the railway station, the fun arcade and a few restaurants. It was the fag end of the season. Things were quiet, save for the small crowd waiting to board the cruise. Being a Sunday, I had opted for the 12:30PM cruise which offered a champagne brunch. From Weirs beach you have the option to enjoy an hour's joy ride on the railway that takes you around the Lake. The train leaves on the hour.

Along the Shores, Weirs Beach, Lakes Region, New Hampshire, USA

On Sundays the MS Mount Washington takes you to Alton Bay. Departing Weirs Beach the MS Mount Washington will follow the western shore until Diamond Island. Ply the waters between Sleepers Island and the mainland on the trip over to Alton Bay. You know when you have passed Little Mark Island that you are entering the 5 mile arm of the lake known as Alton Bay. Alton Bay is located at the southernmost part of the lake. Upon your departure from Alton Bay, you will pass between Sleepers Island and Rattlesnake Island. The approach to Weirs Beach will be signaled by the slowed speed of the Mount as it passes through the Eagle Island Narrows.

Since it was windy, cloudy and raining, I had limitations with my camera. I did take some pictures, but I could only imagine the beauty of the region on a sunny day. So be it.

I was ashore at 3:30PM. Time to quickly drive to my next destination - Castle in the Clouds.

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