Saturday, June 2

After an early morning run in the cool mountain air for Marc, we all teamed up to pack away our wet camping tents and tarps, and went back to Lincoln for breakfast at FlapJack’s, where we were regaled with delicious French Toast (though the New Hampshire maple syrup was watery and disappointing). We then set out on our drive across the state, making a short stop along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith to enjoy the sun and look at the “historic” site of a linen mill along side a picturesque little cascade, now converted to a collection of artsy shops.

We arrived in Portland for a late lunch of clam chowder (yum!) at Gilbert’s Chowder House, which is apparently known for that. Shuwen and Edna also shared a lobster roll. We then walked through the Old Port District, checking out the Exchange Street stores, and looking at the impressive “Whaling Wall” near the ferry terminal. The artist apparently visited all 50 states in a span of 50 days and painted one such wall in each one. We are not entirely sure that that is possible, given the size of the walls (our picture to be posted soon only captures a small portion of the wall). We then got back in the car and drove along the sea coast and up past historic buildings to the “historic” site of the Portland public market, which now only hosts special fairs and events. The day we were there had a distinctly international flavor, with a number of small stalls for fundraising for overseas groups and projects, as well as help for disadvantaged foreigners newly settled in the US. We finally found salt and pepper shakers, made by a local potter!

We finished the day with a drive to our hotel in Freeport, and everyone (save Marc) prepared for outlet shopping the next day.