Fall is Here!

We couldn't have asked for better weather this weekend. We spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful fall foliage. We went on a few hikes this weekend, and took some time to look at the color patterns in the leaves. My children even noticed that leaves have some similarities to snowflakes. No two are exactly the same and they too float down to the ground. Hoping the weather holds out for next weekend, we have some more local places that we want to explore. I would love to get up to the White Mountains, especially the Flume or Lost River, but I am not sure if that is going to happen before the foliage peak is over. If my family has weekend that isn't filled with sports activities, you know where we will be going! Until then we will use the smaller amounts of down time to enjoy what is right around us.

NH Polar Caves

We took a ride up to the White Mountains here in NH to go explore the Polar Caves. We had a blast. We hadn't been there in about 5 years, and I wish we had gone sooner. The sights were amazing and climbing through the caves and learning about the different minerals in the rocks was very interesting. We also visited the Maple Sugar Museum that was on their property. The old tools and machines they used to make maple syrup were amazing. I was nice to not only have a fun family outing, but I also had the opportunity to teach my children about history and geology. We read the signs that described what the minerals were in the rocks and how the caves were formed by glaciers. It was again a place that is in my own state that I had taken for granted and forgotten about. I encourage everyone to explore what is right around you. You will probably be surprised at what you will discover.

The Grass is always Greener

It's funny how we think we have to travel great distances to see amazing sites. We often forget what is right in our own back yard or state. I was able to take in so many beautiful sights in NH during a day trips to the White Mountains. Even thought they are located only a few hours away from me by car, I had almost forgot about them until I discovered photography. I am so happy that I rediscovered them and all their beauty. I am looking forward getting a little more off the beaten trail and doing some hiking this summer to gain more of an appreciation of them.

My first time to the top of Mt. Washington, and I have only live here for 30+ years! I'm glad that when I finally did go to the top, I was able to appreciate everything I was seeing through my new appreciation for what is around me. This is the Cog Rail that will take you to the top. We did the auto road, which I don't recommend for anyone who is afraid of heights, but it certainly is an unforgettable experience for those who are courageous enough. Especially when you slowly pass the tree line. My kids couldn't get over the fact that trees stop growing at a certain altitude. From the bottom the mountains it looks like they have trees all the way to the top. Talk about hands on learning!

This is the end of the Cog Rail at the top of the mountain. Notice the chains on the building. They actually go completely over the building to hold it down in the 200 mph winds they get at the top! Glad it was a clear, calm day when we went!

This is a small waterfall at the Lost River. Another great place I recommend to take in the beauty of the mountains. There are so many places I have yet to discover. I am mapping out my game plan for this summer already!