Chasing Winter (Part 2)

WHEN: May 10th (7 days, way too short of a visit)

WHERE: White Mountains, New Hampshire

WHY: Chasing Winter

SHELTER: Random Resort in North Conway

PERKS: All the Perks!

If you read Chasing Winter (Part 1) then you know we wandered to the top of Mt Washington in New Hampshire's White Mountains. We know the summit was hard to beat, but New Hampshire is full of equally spectacular spaces. Not to sound repetitive, but we are going to have to go back for a longer stay. We wandered the same three roads the entire time we were there. Yes, we spent most of our time in the car just taking in the beauty...and it even warmed up enough so we could go topless. #jeephairdontcare

We did a lot, SO stay with me while I sort out all these photos and moments.

1. Wildlife

2. Covered Bridges

3. Diane's Bath

4. The Basin

(see more later on Chasing Winter Part 3)

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Wildlife: Upon entering the area we saw multiple warning signs about moose. We spent all week driving and yet saw no moose or other quadra peds. Firstly, we didn't know that moose were such a hazard in this part of America. Secondly, being that we traveled on the edge where winter and spring meet the odds of seeing wildlife is iffy. Soooo, on our last night when we didn't think we had any more adventures left in us. Bob asked me if there was anything I wanted to do that we didn't and of course I responded with heavy complaints about not having a moose encounter. Bob hopped on the line and found where the moose tours take their guests and he mapped us out an evening trip toward Canada which should guarantee a sighting. Why not take a tour? We were there out of season and also figured if the chances are so high that the highway department needs signs then why pay for it.

So off we went, I packed our snacks, water, maps, passports, and blankets and mentally prepared for being up all night. Before we knew it, we saw the camouflaged beast! Just an hour up Route 16 just outside of Milan, NH. Having complete satisfaction with our moose moment we returned to North Conway for a good night's sleep.

Covered Bridges: Now I don't know why there aren't warning signs for the abundance of covered bridges. We saw so many covered bridges, that we almost lost interest and took very few photos. I figured no photo I could take of these examples of historical technology could ever compare to the professional images already out there. We did enjoy those moments and somehow controlled the urge to join a covered bridge scavenger hunt. But here is the link if you want to go hunt all 70 of them. And I know you were wondering why the bridges are covered...Bob and I thought it was to give "vehicles" some place to rest from the weather but the internet says it was to protect the structure of the wooden bridges from the elements.

Diana's Bath (accessible, $5): We almost missed this popular spot in the White Mountain U.S. National Forest. As for our general concerns about my mobility, we figured this was going to be one of those spaces I wouldn't be able to get to visit. Then we had a random moment where we thought we should at least go check it out and we are so glad that we did. I chose to walk the 1-mile round trip trail after reading about other's experiences on AllTrails. I was able to reach most of the falls with ease and had I chosen to use my mobility scooter it would have easily made the trip. Click here to learn more about the history of Diana's Bath and click here to learn about backcountry camping nearby.

The Basin (accessible, free -$4):

We had heard great things about The Basin at Franconia State Park on TripAdvisor and AllTrails. Most importantly, we heard that it has accessible trails and is popular with local moms for stroller walks. PERFECT! That is often the key. Most of the path is paved and relatively flat.

The 2.5-mile round-trip path to the falls is just as groovy as the basin. The water smelled so clean and inviting and was full of small cascades. Again, our photos do not do justice to the space, but this guy made a helpful walk-through video if you want to see more!

Oh my goodness! It is time for a puzzle break. We have so much more to share about our week in New Hampshire but you are just going to have to wait. Who knew that White Mountain Puzzles is actually located in the White Mountains? Well I knew, and they happen to be one of my favorite puzzle companies. I was on top of the mountain with my 10 puzzles we snagged at 50% off from their scratch and dent shelf. And if anyone is keeping track, currently, I have connected 36,000 puzzle pieces in 2024 and have yet to lose interest.

Stay Posted for round three of Chasing Winter!!!