August 2 Newport Rhode Island or Bust

August 2

Arrived at Jill's after a long trek on the Minutemen Trail - between Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.  Hot, humid, and very historical.. this trail is a MUST for out door enthusiasts and history fanatics alike!  One thing I love about this state is that with every historical monument there is a colonial dude dressed and ready to make history come alive.  I've heard plenty of stories and seen reinactments!  Just by showing up.  The North Bridge in Concord is really spectacular - to see where the two sides met - causing the 'Regulars' to turn and run back to Boston because thousands of militia where ready to fight - was surreal (Similar to Gettysburg- but not as intense).  Concord is also a cradle for intellectual thinkers and writers - visited 'Author's Ridge' in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - during the daylight, of course!!! (Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Alcott) Kind of creepy even then as this ridge is in the furthest part - deep into the cemetery.  Overall, Concord is so charming.  I felt totally safe- I even went for a jog in the evening!  Couples walking around, hand in hand.  Very sweet.
Stopped for lunch in Lexington and had a lovely conversation with an older gal - tried to share my lunch, but she was content with her Starbucks.  :-).   (We hit it off right a way)

Welcome to the Ocean State!!!! I finally arrived to Jill,Joe and Ned's (cousins) around 8 pm -  Had to take a tour around Newport first!!! It looks the same - as I remember 25 years ago ( we also were here in 1998 for a quick weekend). My internal GPS worked like I never left!!!  I could give Garmin a needed break.  Ahhhh........ smell the salty Narragansett sea air...