New Hampshire to Vermont

that a British soldier in the 1700's was called a lobsterback because of his red coat during the American Revolution?

Today's adventures may be the trip's highlight. The vista views and surrounding scenery at times left me speechless and that does not happen often :) The photos just can't quite capture the vibrant colors of the day.

The Castle in the Clouds is the mountaintop home of Tom and Olive Plant that was built in 1913 high in the Ossipee Mountain range. From the house are breathtaking vista views of Lake Wiunnipesaukee and the hills and mountains beyond. These photos are views approaching the estate.

View from the back of the house

The entire estate  is  6,300 acres. The story of Tom Plant's rise to stardom epitomizes " the American dream." He was born of poor immigrants from Quebec. He ended his formal education in the 8th grade and became a well educated millionaire.  At the age of 13 after a variety of jobs, his apprentice work as a shoe laster (workman whose business it is to shape boots or shoes) began his career. In the space of 11 years he rose from being a laborer to owning his own company, the Thomas G. Plant Shoe Company, that he established in 1891. The period house has been meticulously restored by a conservation trust. 
This poem was written by Thomas Plant and displayed in one of the rooms of the house.

But is was the stop at the gorge that left the group practically speechless with its stunning beauty.

       

Our last stop of the day was Dartmouth College at Hanover, NH. Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world's greatest academic institutions. And Hanover is the home of King Arthur Flour Company. 

We made a short visit to Hopkins Museum of the Arts known as Hops.

As if the day couldn't get any better we spent a night at Okemo Mountain Resort, Jackson Gore Inn in Ludlow Vt.  The inn is a premier ski resort set against the Okemo Mountain with spectacular scenery. 

Anything blueberry is a favorite in this region. 

This recipe from Midwest Living is going to be top of my list when I return home. 

Blueberry Almond Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 12 - ounce package white baking pieces (2 cups), divided
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2-1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup blueberry jam
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Directions

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup of the baking pieces (do not stir). Set aside.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Add butter mixture to egg mixture; stir just until combined. Stir in almond extract.
• In a small bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add flour mixture to egg mixture; stir just until combined. Spread half of the batter into a greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 325 degrees oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt jam over low heat, stirring occasionally. Spread melted jam evenly over warm crust. Stir the remaining 1 cup of baking pieces into the remaining batter. Drop the batter in small mounds onto the jam filling. Sprinkle with almonds.
• Bake about 25 minutes more or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and top is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.