AUGUST 17, 2015
CONTOOCOOK. Have you ever heard of Contoocook, New Hampshire? We sure hadn’t. And there’s a reason. It’s just a postage-stamp-size village in the woods, about 20 miles from Concord. You’d never know it was there unless you were specifically looking for it. But it’s home to an Encore RV Park called Sandy Beach, and that’s where we’re staying for the next 10 days.
SANDY BEACH CAMPGROUND
This is a beautiful campground. But just look at that forest behind the sign. I had to drive our bus through all of those trees to get to our site. I made it without a scratch, but I was a nervous wreck by the time we stopped.
Other than the beach and the lake, the entire campground is heavily wooded. During the week, the campground has been almost deserted and we’ve had the beach to ourselves.
As you can see, there’s not a lot of wiggle-room here.
Taken from our bedroom window. See what I mean about us being parked in the woods? I’ve read that 80% of the entire state of New Hampshire is forested.
LAKE SUNAPEE REGION
Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by pristine ponds and lakes, the southern part of New Hampshire where we’re staying is a special place. It’s country…the area offers a relaxed lifestyle and a number of charming New England villages. Small farms address country roads and historic covered bridges. And small cemeteries alongside back roads pay tribute to the past and those who lived in the area.
This is the beach near the marina at Lake Sunapee.
We had a picnic lunch right by the lake.
COUNTRY ROADS IN NEW ENGLAND
We enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of rural New England. The scenic byways, curvy country roads and off the beaten pathways are made for memories. Whenever possible, we forget the Interstate, pick a line on the map between towns and and see what adventure awaits.
Country roads border small farms in New Hampshire.
Typical landscape in southern New Hampshire.
Old red barns dot the landscape in southern New Hampshire. Local farm-stands supply produce and dairy products to the folks who live here.
COVERED BRIDGES
Covered bridges are an integral part of the landscape. Their distinctive shapes form a signature for New Hampshire. Why the first covered bridges were built has been obscured by time. Some say that horses were more comfortable crossing an enclosed span than an open trestle. Others suggest that a bridge lasts longer if its heavy timbers are protected. For whatever reason, they provide us with a “back-in-time” experience each time we pass over one of them.
This one is a foot bridge. It’s just outside of the town of New London…one of the many little villages in the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire.
This one is large enough for cars to pass. I guess it’s safe…hope so!
NEW ENGLAND CEMETERIES
We’ve become “Tombstone Tourists.” We enjoy visiting little cemeteries we see when driving down country roads in New England. Art, history, nature and serenity are all on display in these garden-style rural cemeteries. They’re part of a landscape style made popular during the nineteenth century by combining “final resting place” with a “place of natural beauty.” We often learn interesting facts about local communities and people who lived there by reading the gravestones, some of which include quite a narrative of the deceased’s life.
Small cemeteries by village churches or along country roads are common in New England. We’ve seen lots of headstones that pre-date the Revolutionary War.
THERE’S LOTS MORE TO SEE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. JOIN US AGAIN SOON. OUR ADVENTURE CONTINUES.
