Manchester, NH (USA)

There was snow forecasted for the White Mountains so I decided to head south so I could take advantage of some better weather there.  I was on the road early (0715) and stopped to do some shopping at Shaws (done at 0750).  I then drove to White River Junction so I could complete my (delayed) workout at UVAC.  I was there from 0800 to 0930 and was able to do some rowing, biking, weights and lap swimming.  Afterwards (0945), I headed south on I-89 until I reached the end on the edge of Concord.  I used NH-3A to get to Hooksett and then took Main Street and US-3 to reach the Apple Cinemas near I-93.  When they opened at 1130, I bought a ticket for "Top Gun: Maverick" and watched the movie for a few hours (it was pretty good).  This was my first movie in a theater since before COVID-19.  On my way out, I encountered an older gentleman who told me he was a Gold Star Father and we talked briefly about his family's sacrifice.  I drove from there to the Mall of New Hampshire, where I had several free items coming to me (due to my recent birthday).  The first one I got was a free burger (with fries) from Red Robin (1450).  From there, I walked to Bertucci's and got some lunch (with a free slice of birthday cake).  It was a great meal (rolls with a bowl of Italian sausage soup).  Next, I went back to the car and, noticing the time, decided I would try to squeeze in some Mass attendance.  I drove across the Merrimack River until I found Sacred Heart Parish on South Main Street.  The timing was perfect (1600) and the service was over at about 1645.  Having some time to kill before the Fisher Cats game, I decided to find the only nearby Friendly's so I could get my free birthday sundae.  This required driving south on NH-101 and then getting on NH-101A until I found the restaurant on the northwestern edge of Nashua (1710).  I continued east on NH-101A until I was on US-3 (Everett Turnpike).  Google knows that I don't like tolls so it exited me about 100 yards before the toll booth (near Raymond Wieczorek Drive) and then brought me all the way back onto US-3 just 100 yards after the toll - I was surprised this was possible.    I ended up on I-293 and it took me all the way to the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (exited onto Granite Street).  Without too much trouble, I found a place to park (1740) and then got a ticket (1750).  Just then, it started to rain...  Since I had to wait go inside the stadium until around 1815, I used up some time in the gift shop (got a hat) and then in the Brewhouse (in the outfield), where I got a huge (32oz) beer (Sam Adams Wicked Easy) at 1810.  After that, I explored the stadium and found my seat (Section 114, B13).  I was right next to the first base line and there were a LOT of kids there who wanted baseballs and autographs from the players.  The rain got steadier but the game started at 1905.  It was an entertaining affair and I really enjoyed watching the players.  This was my first baseball game since before COVID-19.  By the end of the third inning, it was wet enough that I moved under cover, where I watched almost two more innings.  I met some interesting people in each place I stood.  By then, it was approaching 2045 so I left the game (reluctantly) with the Fisher Cats down by one run.  I was on I-293 again by 2100 and made my way back to Hanover via I-293, I-93, NH-3A and I-89.  The rain was still constant and there was a lot of wind - this made driving a bit harder than normal.  When my cruise control went out after about an hour (grrr), things got even worse.  However, I safely made it to Lebanon and was at my condo by 2215.  What a great day of exploring in central NH!