We were somewhat disappointed with our time in both New Hampshire and Vermont, but it wasn’t the states’ fault.  A low pressure system decided to visit about the same time we did, and other than a little sun at the beginning, it was mostly rain, fog and general cuck the entire time we were there.

Our first visit to New Hampshire actually occurred when we passed through the twenty-ish mile strip of the state that sits along the coast between Massachusetts and Maine.  We stopped for breakfast at The Airport Cafe in North Hampton, which as you would guess, is a cafe at a small airport.  One of the highlights there is a track attached to the ceiling that carries a parade of model aircraft around the restaurant, much like you would see a train running in some place.  It was very clever, and from what little I know about conveyor systems, appeared to be very well designed.  If you ever go there, I recommend the Cinnamon Streusel French Toast.  Sugar coma on a plate! 🙂

After all of the lighthouses on the coast, it was nice to see something different: COVERED BRIDGES! We had identified a number of them along our drive from Asticou to North Conway, where we had arranged to spend a couple of nights.  We visited bridges in or near the towns of Ossipee and Conway (Conway has at least three!).

The highlight of our New Hampshire visit was a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway, to the top of Mount Washington.  When we woke up that morning, it was about 40 degrees and starting to rain.  When we got to the parking area for the railway base station, it was 35 degrees and raining harder.  We brought everything we could bring to try and keep warm, and it was just barely doing the job.

As we approached the top of the mountain, the rain was turning to snow and sleet, and at the top it was about 31 degrees in fog and a wintry mix with a 40-50 mph wind.  Everything was covered in ice, including the ground, railings and walkways.  Yikes!

We first went into the visitor center to get our bearings, then decided to try and find the actual summit.  We went out on to an “observation deck” where the only thing you could observe were the ice-covered viewing machines!  Finallly, through the fog we could see people climbing up some rocks about 20 yards from us and realized that must be the summit.  So carefully made our way up, slipping and sliding as we went.  The cool part was that everyone was helping each other, lending a hand or a boost when necessary.  A couple in front of us was taking turns taking each others’ photo with their phone, and when I offered to take a photo of the two of them, they readily accepted.  I then handed my camera to them and they shot a few of us.  I was a little nervous handing my camera over in those slippery conditions, but it turned out fine.  Other than getting a little wet from the snow and feeling like we were getting blown off the mountain, it was truly a memorable experience!

After returning to our car, we then explored the area, looking for photographs in the fog and rain.  We then drove a portion the fabled Kancamagus Highway, but of course couldn’t see the views that make it so famous!  That night, tired and chilled after an eventful day, we opted to have dinner in our motel room, stopping at a grocery store for meat, cheese, olives and wine. 🙂

The following day we headed toward Vermont, taking the “long way” through Laconia and Belmont before crossing the state line at Norwich, Vermont.