That picture is from KC's Ribshack in Manchester, New Hampshire, where we stopped for a delicious barbecue lunch along the way to our home base on the Vermont-New Hampshire border. While we were in Manchester, we also visited Amoskeag Fishways.
The free nature center there was a hit, as were a set of windows looking in on a fish ladder. We were late in the season for most species but did see quite a few eels wiggling their way up the ladder.
Oliver sympathized with the salmon.
When we eventually reached our hotel, we were amazed to discover that Madeline knows what a hardwired phone is.
Oliver was just giddy with excitement at the new experience.
The next morning, we were up well before the Montshire Museum opened at 10, so we made a side visit to Quechee Gorge.
Oliver was not sure about crossing the gorge.
But the kiddos both enjoyed our brief excursion down along the gorge's edge.
The excursion was brief because we were ready to visit the museum as soon as it opened. We wanted to see the visiting exhibit -- a full cast of Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex. The exhibit did not disappoint.
We also found plenty of other fun exhibits to keep us busy -- like this one, on air dynamics.
At one point, though, Sue threatened to eat Oliver.
Madeline learned that a single Apatosaurus bone can be quite big!
Outside, we whispered to each other across great distances.
And we took advantage of the museum's grounds for a modest hike that lulled Oliver to sleep.
On the hike, Madeline spotted a cool millipede (see it in the foreground?).
And after the hike, she played in the water a bit.
The museum has an observation tower five floors up.
All in all, everyone really enjoyed it.
After the museum, we visited Hanover, ate a fantastic dinner at Murphy's on the Green, and made a brief appearance on Dartmouth's campus.
Then it was back to the hotel for bedtime.
Stay tuned for Vacation II!
