Bonjour all from Canadian Quebec. It’s our second day in the north and we have arrived in super cool Montreal. I made Mr Fogg amble around the old town this afternoon. It signals the half way point of the trip.

Tonight we plan to start exploring the underground city and keep Mr Fogg as far away from the Apple shop as possible.

Our hotel has a lovelly feel to it, reminiscent of the Brighton Hotel in Kyoto. For now though it’s time to eat at The Keg in the middle of the old town.

Well this our second day in the White Mountains stopping at the Gale River motel with the fantastic, fun and lively host Kevin.

Today the Mrs took me to Franconia Notch state park (after uber super pancakes at Polly’s in Sugar Hill). We walked up to see the Flume waterfall which is fantastic. The picture is me, the tour guide trying to creep up on me and over in the background is a covered bridge on the flume trail.

This afternoon we ventured to Meredith (dull and lifeless) and now we are in Woodstock, the home of free love in the 60’s (ok I know that was in California not New Hampshire, but I liked it and it was a very dull title without it).

And now grub at the Woodstock Inn Brewery with it’s own micro-brewery onsite. Oh me oh my a 22oz T-bone on the bone steak, fantastic.

Me might get a little tipsy and stuffed tonight.

Tomorrow crossing the border to Canada for a few days.

Yup the Mrs and me have ticked another off our “To Do before you snuff it list”, the American institution that is/ was the Drive in movie theatre.

Sit in your car, watch a movie on a 60 foot screen and tune your radio to a set frequency to hear the sound, fantastic. Bridgton is home to a dual screen movie theatre showin not one but 4 movies back to back. You choose the two films you want to see (in this case Iron Man 2 and Shutter Island), for the extremely reasonable price (Britain take note) of $3.25 per film per person (that is actually £2.19 in today’s monopoly money). So we really pushed the boat out, a gallon of popcorn, litre of tea and coffee for, are you ready for this $7 (£4.71). Can anyone tell me why we get royally shafted in the UK?

The screen was perfect, the sound excellent, Iron Man 2 was brilliant, the company as ever was fantastic and the best bit, no annoying people to disturb you with loud conversation or mobile phones.

What a top night, again all part of the meticulous planning by my Tour Guide.

Bridgton Drive in Movie theatre you rock!

So last night we stayed with Bob and Marcel at the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast in Salem. What can I say but fab fab fab!

It’s such a shame we were only staying one night but this b&b is a must do in New England (Mum, you gotta stay here!). Not only was the decor and attention to detail fantastic but our hosts were welcoming and charming with so much personalised touches that so many places lack. From the moment we arrived our first names were remembered, time was spent sharing details about Salem and attention was on providing a true service (which felt very genuine) we met another couple at breakfast (practicing pagans no less, complete with capes!). Bob shared his icebreaker trick for those quiet breakfasts by telling us how he gets peole talking about their pets and clearly loves to see his guests relax, chill out and enjoy their stay. Everything just felt right staying here.

On then to a review of Salem itself, ok, it’s gone witch mad, has a quirky feel but is charming in itself. There is limited real historical parts left, but a wander around reveals wonderful old buildings and some funky Wicca shops that you just wouldn’t see anywhere else.

Overall, fun location to visit, I’d have stayed longer just for the accomodation.

So onwards north towards Portland on the US-1 (in torrential rain and thunderstorms). It’s a long trek through normal American townships interspersed with large retail outlets and walmarts. We just had to try the states biggest success- Dunkin Donuts, so stopped for a bite on the way. Hmmm, sugar rush anyone?? Not a habit we will be repeating again soon.

So here we are for a spell in Salem (didn’t see that pun coming did you).

We arrived at the Morning Glory B&B to a very warm welcome and an absolutely fantastic property. Arriving mid afternoon gave us chance to amble the Red tourist trail around Salem. It’s ok if you like witchy stuff and very tacky gift shops selling all Wicca accessories, oh, and a Harry Potter wand and broomstick if you want one.

Cool place, not much here but very friendly and some cool old properties mixed in with modern buildings.