A memorable month in Lyndeborough culminates with Memorial Day

At times I felt like I had wandered into the 19th century, a character out of place in a Currier and Ives greeting card as I drove the rolling hills and picturesque towns of New England.

It was early May 2011, and spring in the Northeast was just starting to show itself from trees in bud to daffodils and tulips in bloom. I drove past wild lilac bushes that promised fragrant purple flowers. The scenery was everything I had imagined. My monthlong New Hampshire adventure had begun.

Earlier in the year, I had joined a website that matches people like me (wannabe travelers with a mean case of wanderlust) with people who need a temporary caretaker for their home and/or pets. Two months later, I got my first job. All I had to do was get from Texas to New Hampshire. It was time for a road trip.

After several days and 2,000 miles on the road, I was ready to unpack and stay put for a while.

The two-lane country road twisted and turned as it cut through thick New Hampshire woods, and I relaxed into a leisurely drive through the countryside. Tall pines stood like sentries along the road. I thought about New England at the holidays when these Christmas trees might be laden with snow.

Eventually, I saw a blinking caution light and the sign that announced Lyndeborough NH.

My destination.

Small town, long history

Founded in 1756, Lyndeborough has more people buried in its two cemeteries, some locals say, than the town's living population of about 2,000. A post office, library, town hall, general store, elementary school and village square make up the center of town. I barely blinked and I had passed through it.

My final turn was only a couple of miles down Highway 31. I began looking for my location markers; several mailboxes posted near a stone driveway that goes over a small hill, leading to a green Cape on the right. It couldn't be seen from the road and I loved that.

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A memorable month in Lyndeborough culminates with Memorial Day