One of my newfound experiences while traveling is looking out over the woods of New Hampshire and watching the sunrise.
I am sitting in the picture window of the Airbnb owned by Will and Linda Gilmore. This home has three bedrooms, a large living room/dining/and a kitchen room with big windows inviting the morning sun. We have found it to be a fully equipped home away from home. I can see this place as a centrally located outdoor activity refuge in all four seasons. We are close to skiing, antique discoveries, sugary sweet treats (Ben&Jerry's as well as Maple syrup everything), hiking and the lakes for summer water fun.
Will and I shared sailing stories over a bottle of Oregon Pinot and a couple of meals, during which we picked his brain about the nearby places to explore.
The sun is rising on another beautiful clear sky day. We have been blessed with an Indian Summer as we explore the treats of the Northeast woodlands, looking for that perfect Sugar Maple with its bright yellow/red leaves. The locals I have met tell me, "You just missed the peak. You'll have to come again next year!".
Yesterday we drove the "Kanc". It is a 40-mile two-lane loop road known as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway through the White Mountain National Forest. The views were spectacular. We hiked up through The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park. We lunched at the top of Kancamagus Pass, the CL Graham Wangan Overlook. As you near the top of the pass, the trees change from the bright-leafed deciduous colors to an evergreen forest of fir and pine. Much of the geology is granite rock from 200 million years ago. Glaciers and storms have scoured it. The trees latch onto the rocks for survival.
This is a land of hardy survivors. At the same time, modern-day systems provide access to the Internet-connected. That is, until you venture into the forests. Then, you walk beyond Google Maps and enter a world where your memories of being a Boy Scout resurface. What did the scout leader say? If you can't see the sun, look at the trees. Moss grows on the north side of the tree.
It helps to have a compass and not have food in your pocket in the woods. The rangers reminded us that bears are in the woods. They are looking to stock up on goodies before they start their winter snooze. Leave your peanut M&M in the car, and if you see a bear or a moose, stand tall and back away.
