Scouting NH - The Trip (Manchester, Concord: to rent, hotels, home)

[WannaComeHome]

Hey, CaptJob!

oh you are having a glorious time ! You must be getting up at 6am to fit all that in in a day! Glad things are meeting/exceeding your hopes, - even the black flies (and peole think we're kidding about them).

BTW, about St J, VT: just to let you know because of the concept this forum tends to have about VT in general, St J is in what is called the 'Northeast Kingdom' of VT and has a completely different feel and attitude from the rest of liberal VT. My mother grew up there (after they left Portsmouth) and I visited my grandparents regularly. Hubby would love to move up to that area - but I remember the winters all to well and I don't like cold or snow quite that much

If you'd like an amusing peek into old Northeast Kingdom attitudes, accents and humor, check out http://www.benningtonmuseum.org/podc...is_colburn.mp3
which is one of Francis Colburn's 'speeches'. It's a hoot!

[Valerie C]

Captjob, I am thoroughly enjoying "seeing" my state through your eyes! Do keep in mind what fishnfool said regarding traffic and tourists. You make it Route 16 through North Conway's a breeze. In reality, come summer months from the time the Kanc. joins up to 16, it's a slow go all the way through town. If another trip through North Conway is in the plan, try to look for West Side Road, and check out Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Bath. Also, do try to head east to check out the coast. NH has the shortest coastline in the nation (somewhere between 13 and 20 miles, depending on the source) but it surely is beautiful!

Thanks for sharing your observations with us

[Snarfy]

CaptJob, both your posts were right on target! The White Mountains is my favorite place to vacation, having spent my summers up there on Partridge Lake in Littleton as a kid. My family helped settle Lisbon and when Mr. Snarfy and I were up there for 8 days during May of 2007, we visited the Salmon Hole Cemetery, which is where many of my "people" are buried. I'm the first generation in my family to be raised outside of the area.

When we were up, we stayed at the Spruce Moose lodge in North Conway. The innkeepers, Nellie and Leon are top notch and incredibly kind, helpful and friendly folks.

I love the way the small towns and villages dot the landscape up there. It's rustic, peaceful and, for me, the most beautiful place on earth. There isn't a dull season in the White Mountains - always something to inspire awe.

The Kanc should be the 8th wonder of the world. It is the most breathtaking drive, and like you, we encountered wild turkeys on our drive to Franconia. We also encountered a bear crossing the road as we headed down into Lincoln. He came up from the river bank on one side of the highway and ambled across the road right in front of us and up into the forest.

My only disappointment was the number of dead moose we saw. Granted it was a small number (3) but to see one of those majestic creatures lying dead next to the highway was heartbreaking. They're hard to see in the evening, and at night, since their eyes don't reflect light. They will also just wander out into the road, and since they blend so well, drivers who are going a little too fast and not looking out for them don't stand a chance. A car-moose collision will probably kill the moose, but it will probably also total your car and in many cases, seriously hurt or kill the vehicle's occupants.

I think New Hampshire has done a marvelous job of preserving it's natural beauty. It's pretty evident the White Mountains is slammed with tourists during the fall, but most other times of the year, it's quiet, peaceful and in most places, remote. It's a great place to just go and "be."

I'm always happy when I hear people rave about NH. It's a fabulous state and if Mr. Snarfy and I could find work up there in the White Mountains, we'd move there, bone-wrecking cold winters and all!

[Snarfy]

Diana's Baths! Truly a wonderful place to be - we spent half a day up there wandering around and sunning on rocks. The water is sooo cold, and last may it was unseasonably warm, so we took our boots and sox off and froze our toes! CaptJob, Valerie's right - if you get a chance, you should go. It's about a 1/2 mile hike (walk) in to them, but the trail is easy and shady. Also, if you're staying in Franconia, take the time to see The Basin. NH has done such a wonderful job of creating trails to these natural wonders and the "hike" to the basin is pleasant and beautiful. Also, Dutch Treat in Franconia has excellent breakfast. I ate there as a kid - wow, more than 30 years ago! Maybe it was the nostalgia, but Mr. Snarfy, who'd never been there, and who is a waffle and pancake snob, acclaimed his breakfast a gastronomical success! I miss the maple link sausage - it's hard to find down here.

[WannaComeHome]

Yes, Snarfy: the Basin!! that's my absolute favorite spot (the Flume is way too much for me - and besides, it costs) any time I'm taking friends around the mountains, I always take them there. I remember when the highway used to pass right beside the Basin, and if traffic was light you could go slow and look out your window to it. And the hiking trails up to the Cascades are gorgeous! I have a number of pics of the Basin blown up as posters in my office.

Definately, CaptJob - if you can get a chance.. stop in at the Basin. How often can you find a 40ft standing pothole?!

[DareToDream]

Hi Captjob! I was away when you were checking out Littleton - that's why you didn't see the purple-haired gal with the tinfoil hat

You told me something I didn't know! It's been so long since I was in WalMart, I didn't even know they were remodeling! Did you check out the bookstore? I think that's my favorite place in town - I love it there. I've been able to find all kinds of things for the grandkids and myself - if they don't have something you're specifically looking for, they will get it for you, which is nice.

Alburritos is one of our favorite places, as well - we love the owner, John. If I had known you were going to go there I would have told you to tell him "Dave, the guy with the big mustache says hi!" <g>. Our neighbor's first name is also Dave and a couple of weeks ago, they were both in there for some take out - "my" Dave walked in, said hi to the other Dave and John looked at them and said, "You 2 know each other?" They all got talking and found out a few other people they all knew If you had gone in and said the "Dave with the big mustache says hi" he would have REALLY been spinning! Hehehehe.

Again, I wish I had been here - The Dutch Treat in Franconia used to have an open mic every Thursday night. If it still does, it would have given you a "taste" of the local talent in the area, some of which is quite good.

Main Street is going to be undergoing some major renevations - I'm not sure when it's supposed to start. They will be upgrading a number of things and re-doing the road, so I'm glad you got to experience it before it gets torn up and the re-routing headaches start!

[~Boo~]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

Yes, Snarfy: the Basin!! that's my absolute favorite spot (the Flume is way too much for me - and besides, it costs) any time I'm taking friends around the mountains, I always take them there. I remember when the highway used to pass right beside the Basin, and if traffic was light you could go slow and look out your window to it. And the hiking trails up to the Cascades are gorgeous! I have a number of pics of the Basin blown up as posters in my office.

Definately, CaptJob - if you can get a chance.. stop in at the Basin. How often can you find a 40ft standing pothole?!

Yes I agree The Basin!! I called it the Gorge in my earlier post! Shhh, don't tell anyone! LOL... The Flume is the Gorge right? Or is the Gorge in my imagination?

Anyway, the Basin is wonderful...and what my son calls the big swirly tub of water. In the summertime when you come out through the underpass everything is full and green and there is a sweetness in the air that is amazing. The yellow butterflies float above in the breeze to welcome you. We always stop to admire the Basin...then head up nature's steps. The roots hold the dirt & moss in place and each step rises up above the last along the well worn path from many hikers. The Swift River flows down the mountain along the smooth rocks. Great to sit in the middle where the rock rises above the water. The sun warms the rocks & you breathe in the freshest air you've ever experienced. <<<sigh>>> ...sit next to the black & white butterflies and appreciate New Hampshire.

Captjob, Hope you are enjoying your trip!! Good to know Black Flies tastes like chicken, LOL. Hope you were able to see a Moose...or two. I'd really love to be in North Conway right now. I agree with the others about more traffic/tourist especially leef peepers. Still I don't think it compares to Southern California traffic. Yet, still something to consider....because it comes in waves throughout the year.

[Suzet2262]

Originally Posted by BooShutterBugg

Yes I agree The Basin!! I called it the Gorge in my earlier post! Shhh, don't tell anyone! LOL... The Flume is the Gorge right? Or is the Gorge in my imagination?

Anyway, the Basin is wonderful...and what my son calls the big swirly tub of water. In the summertime when you come out through the underpass everything is full and green and there is a sweetness in the air that is amazing. The yellow butterflies float above in the breeze to welcome you. We always stop to admire the Basin...then head up nature's steps. The roots hold the dirt & moss in place and each step rises up above the last along the well worn path from many hikers. The Swift River flows down the mountain along the smooth rocks. Great to sit in the middle where the rock rises above the water. The sun warms the rocks & you breathe in the freshest air you've ever experienced. <<<sigh>>> ...sit next to the black & white butterflies and appreciate New Hampshire.

Captjob, Hope you are enjoying your trip!! Good to know Black Flies tastes like chicken, LOL. Hope you were able to see a Moose...or two. I'd really love to be in North Conway right now. I agree with the others about more traffic/tourist especially leef peepers. Still I don't think it compares to Southern California traffic. Yet, still something to consider....because it comes in waves throughout the year.

I was reading your post and picturing me right there. I felt cool and at peace for a moment. Lol. I would love to be able to breathe in some really fresh air. I have seen pictures of The Flume, it looks gorgeous. Another place I have on my list of things to see when I get there.

Captjob, I am jealous!!
You sound like you are having a wonderful time. I am looking forward to all the pictures I know you will post...lol.

[countrylv22]

WOW! WOW! WOW!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPORTS!!


You have covered soooo much, in a very short period of time, it is truly

impressive!! And after reading your reports, I feel like if I were there with

you! I have really enjoyed reading them all!Please keep them

coming! I am looking forward to the pictures as well!


Thank you so much!

I hope that you continue to enjoy your trip

GOOD LUCK WITH IT ALL!!

Take care,

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Countrylv22

Originally Posted by Captjob

Scouting NH

I decided to move this to a new thread to make it easier to follow.

Day One:

Hello All,

For those following my exploration of New Hampshire, here is how day one went. After arriving late last night (Monday) and getting some needed rest, I started out early today.

Heading out from Fraconia, my first stop, Polly’s Pancake House in Sugar Hill! Great food, great ambiance and the staff were friendly and very helpful. After my fill and picking up a little information, I headed out to Lisbon to look around a bit and then headed into Littleton. After passing the Lowe’s and Home Depot, my first stop was Wal-Mart. I know your probably thinking why Wal-Mart? I have always found Wal-Mart to be a good cross-sectional view of the demographics of a community and you can learn much from just walking around. This place did not disappoint. Nice people, overly friendly in my opinion, no lines, no crowds and this is a change and not what I am used to.

One gentleman on his way out of the store saw me approaching and actually stopped me to tell me they were remodeling the store and tried to explain where they moved everything. I didn’t have the heart to tell him this was my first day on this new planet called New Hampshire and cheerfully took his advice.

After leaving I headed onto main street Littleton. After a little walking around, I found my way to Teddy’s Barber Shop and sat with the locals and enjoyed some conversation and the company of the chocolate lab that keeps you company before its your turn.

Littleton is a quaint little town that has all you could need in services and supplies. You could be 10 minutes outside of town and have that remote feel; however, a short drive and your in town. This could be a consideration especially in the winter.

After Littleton, I headed west across 302 and found myself in Crawford Notch. I stopped for a while and hiked around silver cascade. Very nice peaceful place. It seems like every turn there is something to see, do or look at so my progress seemed slow at this point. No hurry however. I then passed Mt Washington Resort and will make it a point to return later this week.

On my way across I passed through many small towns that were very nice. I arrived in North Conway and was stopped by the Conway Scenic Train as it passed in front of me. Just listening to the train whistle echo through the valley as it carried people on their exploration made me want to hop aboard. Next time.

The train passed and I found myself crossing my first wooden bridge. OMG these things are narrow. One sneeze and your into the wall or the oncoming car! After surviving the first bridge, I stopped at Banners in North Conway for lunch and took in more local conversation. It’s amazing what you can learn by listening.

After Banners it was off to Jackson, passing the closed Story Town on the way and then a quick stop at a local real estate office. I received some good info, community tax schedules and a long list of properties for sale. Heading back into North Conway I stopped at the largest Christmas store I have ever seen. I can’t remember the name but it is right along the main drag. Nice place and I was suddenly in the Christmas spirit again.

Getting later in the day now so I decide to experience the Kanc on my way back to Franconia. Words cannot do this drive justice. I am sure during the fall this place must be packed with cars and people; however, today it was all mine. Nobody around and I mean nobody. I stopped at the Swift River, running adjacent to the Kanc and climbed on the rocks and just basked in the 76-degree sunny weather for a while. I threw some rocks in the river, took some pictures, breathed in the clean fresh air of the hardwoods and tried teasing the black flies with a free meal. (No luck) After the river I headed of to the lookouts at the top. All alone again, I marveled at the topography and the changes in the forest along the way. From hardwoods to sub-alpine forest and back again, the kanc rivals any drive we have in the west, including Yosemite. Oh yeah, watch out for the wild turkeys, they are everywhere up here.

After taking in the kanc, I headed back to Littleton for a pizza (Gold House) and another look around. Most of the town had shut down by now so I enjoyed the sunset over the mountains before heading in for the night.

I covered almost 250 miles today and stopped in so many small towns I could not keep count. Bethlehem, Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, Sugar Hill, N Conway, Conway, Littleton, and on and on.

My first experience with New Hampshire was impressive. I answered many of the questions I had and found this to be more my kind of place that I thought.

I have to resize my pictures so I will get them up latter.

Today is the lakes region and “Hart’s” stay tuned.

Captjob

[WannaComeHome]

I knew I had a pic of the Basin somewhere! My dad took this (I think) long ago when my folks took my nephew up there. It still looks funny to me without the bridge across that used to be there!
[IMG][/IMG]

Boo, sometimes the Flume is called the Gorge - the Basin is usually just called the Basin (ancient history in my memory says it was originally 'the Devil's Washbasin' but was shortened).

Swift River? It's the Pemigewasset that's flowing through there. And so tasty! we used to bring jugs and fill up on spring water. and since it's coming off the mountain (and not through any pastures or towns at that point) it may still be safe. I know I usually chance at least a few handfuls.

have you been through Lost River over in Woodstock (Kinsman Notch)? it's a gorge, maybe that's the one you mean? I think it's the Moosilauke runs through there. It's pretty cool: a long wooden walkway climbing down through the gorge - through and around a llot of boulder jumble (you can crawl through the jumble or walk around it). Long, steep walk back up though