3) Newport (RI), Lake Region and Portsmouth (NH)

Saturday (9.4.) we picked up another rental car and drove to Newport in Rhode Island. We walked the “Cliff Walk” and saw quite some impressive mansions along the way. Although spring was on its way, and narcissi flowered, the weather was rather cold and misty. Some parts of the Cliff Walk even offered some easy climbing at the coast. We then visited Fort Adams, which was closed, unfortunately. But we walked around the fort, viewed the bay area and massive Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. Near the fort, we spotted a cute little rabbit^^. Later, we drove through Newport, seeing plenty more mansions, and stopped for a late lunch in town. We chose to pass the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge on our way back to Boston. It was impressive and worth the $5 toll. Another stop on our way back to Boston was Wrentham Village Outlet Mall, where we enjoyed quite some shopping – yet again :D

Watching the sea from Newport's Cliff Walk

Narcissi flowered along the Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk offered some easy climbing as well

Rabbit at Fort Adams

The next day (10.4.) we visited the lake region in New Hampshire. We found a great map covering hiking routes in the Belknap Mountain area. We parked on carriage road and used the blue trail to climb Belknap Mountain. The weather was sunny, yet cold and parts of the path were frozen. On Belknap Mountain, we entered the lookout tower. A friendly old man opened the upper deck for us, which was warm and offered some good views over the Mountain area. He explained us that he was looking out for fires and two he pointed out two fire spots in the distance. We used the white trail to get back to our car. That trail offered some more great views. We then drove to the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and stopped at the tiny Ellacoya State Park. The place was charming and we loved the quiet view over the lake. On our way back to Boston, we stopped in Portsmouth for some sightseeing and dinner. We first stopped at Prescott Park, where Franzi was amused because I like the bridge. From Prescott Park, we walked to North Church and down to the Old Harbour. After sunset, we enjoyed dinner at State Street Saloon – I loved their Lobster Mac&Cheese.

Icy blue trail to Belknap Mountain

Great view from the white trail 

Lake Winnipesaukee at Ellacoya State Park

Portsmouth's main church during sunset

Portsmouth's old harbor

Funny graffitti near Portsmouth's old harbor