August 17th, 2013
On Saturday, August 13 a group of 11 Miatas participated in a drive to Moultonborough, NH to visit the Castle in the Clouds. The day was perfect, with dry air, temps in the 70’s, and blue sky!
After initial stops for gas and Dunkin Donuts in Nashua, the members met at the EZ Pass Plaza off Rte 3. Lillian Orchard and Joe Bryant had prepared a great drive for us, so after a brief driver’s meeting, we left Nashua and headed north along some nice New Hampshire roads, to our first pitstop in Hillsboro, NH.
We then continued north to Moultonborough, NH. More scenic, curvy roads were driven, as Lil did her best to keep us out of Lakes Region summer traffic. Upon our arrival at Castle in the Clouds, we drove up a one-lane, twisty road to our parking spot.
As a brief history, Tom and Olive Plant’s mountain-top estate “Lucknow” was built in 1941 high atop the Ossipee Mountain Range. Known as Castle in the Clouds since its opening to the public in 1959, the house is a unique example of Arts & Crafts Architecture in New England.
After a brief wait in line at the Carriage House Cafe, folks ate lunch. We were seated under umbrellas, outdoors on a large stone patio, with a “big view” of Lake Winnipesaukee. A beautiful spot for a welcome lunch!
After lunch, most folks took a narrated, trolley tour of the Castle. After gathering again, the group followed Lil and Joe south alongside Lake Winnipesaukee, then towards Manchester and Rte 3 to points south.
Thanks to Lil and Joe (and don’t forget the tail cars), for a great summer drive.
Respectfully submitted by Sue & Bill Conrad
