Early morning(7AM) flight to Seattle, but it was a non-stop and we are in the front cabin so it was a pleasant trip. Very good breakfast and a blanket to keep us warm while we napped.

I forgot to mention earlier that Alaska airlines are now using hand-held devices as entertainment centers; you “rent” them in economy and they are free in first class. The devices are loaded with movies, music, etc and my guess is that these devices will be replacing the seat-back entertainment centers on airplanes, as the devices are certainly cheaper, probably reduce airplane weight (and capital cost) and gives the airlines another revenue source.

We arrived in Seattle in a bit over 5 hours and managed to be home in two hours after landing, even though we had to get our luggage, retrieve our car, catch a ferry across Puget Sound and drive the short distance to Miller Bay, where it was sunny and clear. We even managed to stay up until 10PM.

Overall the trip was a good one; the weather was decent, we finally got to experience the fall colors of New England and everyone agreed we were there for peak color. Note to those wanting to visit:  historically the time around Columbus Day marks the time for peak color in Vermont and upper state New Hampshire.

The fall colors were not as dramatic as I had expected; tons of color, yes, but mostly yellows, and without the striking contrast to green fir trees like we have in the Pacific Northwest. Also there were not as many red leaves that I had anticipating seeing.

I was surprised at how sparsely populated the area was. It is a land of rolling hills( mountains?) and forests with occasional small towns. Speaking of small towns I did not see many of those idyllic small towns you always see in the calendars of the area. Are there only a few or were we in the wrong spot? We did see some covered bridges that are always touted in advertisements for the area.

Parting quote:

“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jamie Lyn Beatty