VH1 used to have this “news” show where they would try to determine who was having the “Best Week Ever,” and I feel like I could have been on that show and won for best day ever in New Hampshire.
Then, I was on a mission to see waterfalls. Here’s what I learned about New Hampshire: the mountains are bigger than the Appalachians I gave previously experienced. There’s more exposed rock, more views about tree line... they’re awesome. And the rivers here are like rivers in the Pacific Northwest- waterfalls for days, perfectly clear water, and most of them have places were you’d want to swim. Oh, and that’s another great thing about New Hampshire- these places are FREE (even the state parks) and they don’t have a million restrictions. I could swim or rappel if I wanted, unlike most places out east. I guess New Hampshire was trying to live up to what’s on their license plates- Live Free or Die! By the end of the day, I decided that, if I ever want to leave Utah, I will move to New Hampshire.
(Apparently it’s also a good fishing spot)
I was at Polly’s Pancake Parlor eating gingerbread pancakes by 7 a.m. (It gets light at 4:50 a.m. here, which means I’m up early, and I actually really like that!) I think this place is kind of famous, and it’s well-deserved.
Then, I was on a mission to see waterfalls. Here’s what I learned about New Hampshire: the mountains are bigger than the Appalachians I gave previously experienced. There’s more exposed rock, more views about tree line... they’re awesome. And the rivers here are like rivers in the Pacific Northwest- waterfalls for days, perfectly clear water, and most of them have places were you’d want to swim. Oh, and that’s another great thing about New Hampshire- these places are FREE (even the state parks) and they don’t have a million restrictions. I could swim or rappel if I wanted, unlike most places out east. I guess New Hampshire was trying to live up to what’s on their license plates- Live Free or Die! By the end of the day, I decided that, if I ever want to leave Utah, I will move to New Hampshire.
Anyway... waterfalls!
Waterfalls 1 & 2: Pearl and Beecher Cascades
Waterfall 3: Arethusa Falls
This was my longest and most difficult hike of the day. It wasn’t that difficult (800 feet of elevation in a mile and a half) but most of the people on the trail weren’t hardcore hikers and they all felt like they’d been tricked by whoever recommended this hike to them. It reminded me of that time my friends and I did a canyon that we didn’t know had an R- rating, and we met some other guys at the campground who had done the same one the day before, and one guy was like, “Yeah, that was some bullshit!” So indignantly. Like someone had played a trick on him and he didn’t appreciate it. That was the mood on this trail. But then, most people’s reaction was, “WOW,” when they saw the falls, so I’m guessing they were glad they did it.
On the return hike, I chatted with a couple from Boston. (I just love the accents out here!) This lady said to me, “I’m 61 years old and just started climbing mountains! Can you believe it!” I said, “Hell yeah!” and told her I was so excited for her. I love stories of people getting out of their comfort zones and trying new things. We also talked a lot about the similarities between Boston and Chicago (I feel like the Red Sox and Cubs have a lot in common, and they agreed) and convinced them that they could visit Chicago without getting shot.
Waterfall 4: Glen Ellis Falls
I wanted to rappel this waterfall and then swim in the pool underneath it. This was another one where people said, “WOW!” when they saw it for the first time.
Waterfall 5: Diana’s Baths
This wasn’t so much a waterfall as it was a natural water park. This is the kind of place I would bring my kids to play. It reminded me of my favorite “kick it” spots on the Umpqua River in Oregon.
Waterfall 6: Lower Falls
Also not much of a waterfall, but a cool hang-out spot right off the road.
(Apparently it’s also a good fishing spot)
Waterfall 7: Sabbaday Falls
My favorite!! And I got there in the evening, so I had the place to myself. It looked like a ride at a water park: a few drops to rappel, pools to swim in, and a flume. If it hadn’t been so chilly, I would have gone for a swim.
I drove back to camp just as it was getting dark and about to rain.
Some other observations about New England:
Every town has a Dunkin Donuts, even towns that are too small for a McDonald’s.
There are a lot of smokers here.
The roads are very confusing. I literally find myself driving in circles and it takes me forever to get anywhere.
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