AUGUST 28, 2015
WE’RE NOW IN NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. It’s distinctly different here than in the southern part of the state. It’s cooler. It’s mountainous. Alpine-like. We’re staying in a tiny village called Twin Mountain. It’s surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. Stunning mountain vistas, vintage trains, majestic waterfalls, trout streams hissing along country roads, scenic crags…it’s an absolutely beautiful area.
I’ll bet not more than a couple hundred folks call Twin Mountain home. But they’re all friendly. When we checked in to the RV park where we’re staying, the owner welcomed us as if we were long lost friends. And at the nearby diner she recommended, we were treated the same way. We’re enjoying our time here. As well as the people we’re meeting.
THE LOCAL DINER
Americana at Munroe’s Family Restaurant in Twin Mountain, New Hampshire.
ON THE MENU: SOMETHING SPECIAL.
You guys know how I like to read menus…especially the ones at the little mom and pop diners we enjoy so much. So when our waitress at Munroe’s had taken our order and asked for our menus, I asked if I could keep mine for a few minutes to read it some more. “Why, of course.” Here’s a message that appears on this little restaurant’s menu. It typifies small-town America and the folks we so enjoy meeting on our Great American Adventure.
“We earnestly desire that your visit to our restaurant will not be just another ‘chow-down’ stop. Rather, our genuine purpose is that it be remembered as an uncommonly pleasant experience. We recognize, of course, that you may be just passing through our community. Still, we are mindful of the fact that we’re more than just passing through life. Therefore, how we live and how we are to each other becomes more meaningful.”
“We, the Munroe family, want you to feel at home in our establishment. We strive to provide food that will compare to the best home cooking…so much like home that your time here will be spent in equally enjoyable conversation with each other. God’s word has shown us that pleasing others pleases Him. We trust that we will prove faithful to that responsibility. God bless you. Enjoy your stay and do come again.”
What a nice sentiment. And the food was good, too. Just as promised. In fact, it was so good we returned for lunch again the very next day!
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST. Billed as the most beautiful wilderness area in the state, the White 
Mountains are home to an abundance of wildlife, including a large population of moose. These giant animals are shy, but we’re told they can be seen at dawn or dusk lumbering back and forth from their feeding grounds or standing in a swampy pond. And, the locals say there are some black bears in the woods. I’ll believe it when I see it. I often think the local Chambers of Commerce tout bears, elk and moose just to attract visitors to the area. We’ll see. I guess I’m getting a little jaded, but remember how long it took me to find an alligator when we were in Alabama last Spring? And they were supposed to be everywhere! Oh well, I’ll make an effort to find some Moose while we’re here. I know you’re on the edge of your seat just waiting for me to post a good Moose snapshot!
AND FINALLY: ABOUT THE KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY…
Often said to be the most scenic road in New Hampshire, this stretch of Highway 112 runs through the National Forest between Conway and Lincoln, a distance of about 34 miles. The drive took us back in time as we passed through an area that offers no comforts of the modern day world. No gas stations, no restaurants, no hotels, in fact not any businesses at all mar this unspoiled forest. We found a great spot for a picnic. Others we discovered would be good for just leaning against a tree and watching the river rush down the mountain. Oh, and we came across another covered bridge to “add to our collection.” A gal we met along the way described the drive this way, “The Kancamagus Highway is one of those idealized drives that you imagine you grandparents taking ‘back in the day.’ It’s a feast for the eyes, a hug for your soul, and just all around breath-taking!” That about says it all.
I took this photo from a turn-out on the highway. New Hampshire is well known for alpine sports. You can see a ski run on the mountain in the distance. Wilderness backpacking in the National Forest is also popular. I’ve always thought unnecessarily walking long distances (hiking) is highly over-rated as a leisure-time activity. Ha!
The mountains in New Hampshire seem to go on forever.
The National Forest Service has done a terrific job of showcasing the countryside along this scenic byway. This is a typical turnout along the Kancamagus Highway.
It’s easy to find a spot like this and “make it your own.” Can you picture how it will look in a couple of months when the Fall colors arrive?
Somebody with a sense of humor must have found this spot before we did.
New Hampshire’s 120 foot Albany covered bridge. Constructed in 1858 at a cost of $1,300. Some of the covered bridges we’ve found have been closed. But this one was open and we drove right across it. Pretty amazing when you think about it…these bridges are really old!
Another covered bridge along the way. There are lots of theories, but nobody’s really certain why they were built this way.
This foot path runs along the river below the covered bridge. You could spend an entire day just walking around here enjoying the scenery and finding a spot to spend a couple hours with a good book. Or dropping a fishing line into the river. Every time we see a Cabela’s store I still threaten to buy all that fly fishing gear I had in my cart last year. Remember that story?
A footbridge crosses the creek along the Kancamagus Highway.
A path this tempting almost even makes a guy like me want to go on a hike!
“THANKS FOR JOINING US. SEE YOU NEXT TIME.” OUR ADVENTURE CONTINUES.
