Since Anaya-Siya are past the age of three already and my parents being there to help us with them,we decided to do a road trip this summer (yay, finally). Our first destination was Lincoln, New Hampshire from where we planned to visit different areas of the White Mountain National Forest. The day we arrived, we spotted a black mama bear with its two cubs playing in the grass near our lodge. It was a good omen for Anaya-Siya's initiatory trip!
 |
| Bump Bridge |
Thence on we went to see some of the covered bridges of New Hampshire. These wooden bridges built over flowing rivers against the backdrop of green meadows or mountains give the countryside an ancient look. Standing inside a covered bridge one can imagine how horse driven carriages must have passed over it in bitter cold sometimes laden with goods, at others with wary travelers. Northern regions are cold for most part of the year except for four or so months of summer. The bridges are sturdy and individually unique - a fine work of engineering. They are a part of New England's historical heritage.
 |
| Cog Railway |
The next day we took the Mount Washington Cog Railway which leaves from Marshfield Base Station and climbs to the Mount Washington State Park at an elevation of 6,288ft above sea level. Kids had an awesome time during this one hour train ride up the track with stunning views of the passing vale. Mount Washington is the highest peak of Northeastern USA and has a observatory at the summit due to its famously erratic weather patterns. The day was as sunny as can be providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains. The deep ravines surrounding Mt. Washington looked great with close knit forest. White Mountains has the longest running forests in the USA without any cultivated land in between. The immediate terrain surrounding the mountain above the forest tree-line however is dry and rocky, a little like the alpine regions.
 |
| View Atop The Summit Of Mt. Washington |
 |
| Old Man |
On our way back we went to visit the 'Old Man Of The Mountain' historic site. The Cannon Mountain Cliff used to show the profile of an old man carved by nature in its granite boulders for years. The boulders fell off in 2003. But due to its popularity, a profiler plaza has been created on the shore of a scenic Profile Lake from where one can see the outline of the old man's profile as before with the help of some steel profiler rods. The wonders an awe-inspiring legend can make people do! Anaya-Siya are still calling any mountain they see 'an old man' ;-)
Then we went to the Basin. This 20 feet deep granite pothole formed by the cascade brook with its water gushing in with full force is a natural basin. The kids were very happy here splashing in the cool water. The mile long trek alongside the brook to view first the Kinsman Falls and the Rocky Glenn Falls still ahead was worth every effort. Here, Yogen and me, we both realized how much we missed our hiking days. We definitely would want Anaya-Siya to take it up too, to enjoy and understand nature and it's elements.
The next day we took the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway which took us to the summit of the mountain at 4,180ft. The kids were overjoyed to see the cable car. Their questions and comments just wouldn't stop. That day, I hadn't carried the camcorder unfortunately, but wished I had, such was the excitement! The 5 minute scenic ride up was a thrill for them. The 1/4 mile steep hike up to the observation platform was done in the same euphoria. And, oh the panoramas it presented - of the distant mountains, the widespread valleys, the sprawling, dense forests inhabiting thousands of species of flora and fauna! It was a spiritually reflective moment which makes one bow before the enormity of the Universe, the diversity of nature's culture.
 |
| Panorama from the Cannon Mountain Summit |
Cannon Mountain is in Franconia Notch State Park. The other attraction we went to in this park is Flume Gorge. This beautiful natural gorge with its Conway granite walls, the waterfalls cascading through it, mellowing down on the table rock making musical sounds is a sight to behold. The droplets of water fall steadily in a rhythm through the soft green moss growing on the walls of the gorge and vanish into the gurgling stream below. A place like this is a haven for the writer within me.
The sentinel Pine covered bridge looked royal with its handsome semidark wood railings and the deep emerald pool of water below was just a treat for the eyes. The entire 2.5 mile loop trail through the woods up and downhill took us four hours with even the kids walking all the way. There were huge granite boulders from ages swept in and lodged into the forest, little three stripped squirrels scurrying around. I pointed out various ferns, mosses and mushrooms to the gals. It was superfun and a day well spent.
 |
| Sabbaday Falls |
Then the kids napped in the van and we took a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. The road provides great vistas of various mountains along the way. The Pemigewasset overlook gave a great view of Mt. Kancamagus and the surrounding mountains. At dusk, the overlapping mountain ranges looked like meditating sages beyond our reach trying to pass us a message by their calm demeanor. Strangely, it seemed as if we caught on their meaning we would gain wisdom. Short streams and creeks met us along the highway making for a pleasant journey. We walked a short way along the Sabbaday Brook up to the Sabbaday Falls which are gorgeous. There could not be a more perfect ending to our day. We returned back to the lodge watching the mountains bask in the golden glow of the setting sun.
 |
| Mt. Pemigewasset Overlook |
Day three, we devoted completely to kiddie fun. We took a steam train ride at the Clark's Trading Post. The crazy, yelling wolfman with his rusty vehicle and firing gun appearing out of the woods was curiosity piquing, even a little scary for the girls and still helps us feed them when they aren't eating or control them if they are misbehaving ;-) The Chinese acrobatic circus and the Bear show was an added entertainment. The only regret is that we didn't spot a moose though signs of 'Moose Crossing' were all over the place :-(
Coincidently, I had read 'Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins before going on this vacation and was quite taken by it. Katniss Everdeen, and her struggle for survival has been on my mind ever since and every solitary moment reminded me of her! White Mountains themselves every instant reminded me of District 12 especially because they are a part of the Appalachian region mentioned in it. The wilderness, the basic necessities of life, the peace and quiet found in the arms of Mother Nature - all so pure! And yet the persistence of Man to break free of Her, to destroy Her in ignorance, little by little and wallow senselessly in artificial, invented joys!
 |
| Flume Gorge |
White Mountains awakened the serenity in my heart making me realize the beauty of coexistence of species. White Mountains reminded me yet again the forgotten principle 'Live and Let Live', and how it would make our earth a much better place.
