Up Mt Washington on the Cog

One of the many adventures we had while here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire was taking the cog up to the top of Mount Washington.

If you don't know what a cog is... It's a train of sorts.  It's on a track but the engine pushed the car up the side of the mountain and gravity and brakes is what brings it back down.  The amount Washington Cog has two different types you can ride... The steam engine which only runs once a day and for a shorter season and the diesel/electric train.  We got to ride up on the steam engine with ash in the air and all.  We even got to stop part way up to fill with water.  

Quite fun.  Then you spend about an hour up top and come back down.

Here are some of the many pictures I took that morning.

That's what it looks like... Remeber the engine pushes the car not pulls.

Yes, I cheated but that is the tip top of Mount Washington.

A hiker on the trail as we pass.  The AT goes right by here also.

On the way up it is this steep that Michelle is standing straight up in this picture.

Beautiful views.

On our way up.

On our way down

It was a beautiful morning.  Michelle and I got to go with our friend John!  Thanks John!!

5 Things You Need To Know When Visiting A Seasonal Rural Area

I have worked in small rural towns for the last few years as I travel around the country.  This list are the things I see the most working with tourists of these areas.  Hopefully this will help when traveling thru rural areas for less agrivation and stress during vacation.

1. Bring Cash: Businesses have a charge for every swipe of a credit or debit card. If they are a seasonal business they have a small timeframe to make money for the year and the rates are not any better for those only open seasonally.  That is why most places are cash only or have a minimum to use your card.

Not only bring cash but bring small bills.  These small seasonal businesses are not a bank.  If the last bank you saw was 30 miles ago that means the business has to drive 60 miles round trip for change and other banking needs.  So don't expect to break your $100 bill with a candy bar.  

2. Top Off Your Gas Tank: In rural areas there isn't gas at every corner. There isn't gas in every town.  I have been to places where it is 150 miles to the next gas station.  Don't assume.  Top off if you are leaving a larger town.  It won't hurt to be prepared and you will be thankful when your scenic drive isn't ruined by the worries of running out of gas.

3. Bring An Atlas: A basic atlas should be in every vehicle.  GPS is a nice convienence but it is not reliable.  GPS on your phone is even less reliable.  In rural areas the cell phone coverage can be spotty at best which means the GPS on your phone will be spotty at best.  Bring an atlas and have a basic idea of where you are going.  Pay attention when you drive, the signs will give you a lot of information if you know the basic route.

4. Be Aware Of Waste: In rural areas there will not be a trash can every time you stop.  Rural areas are also not the place to clean out the last 3 weeks of Starbucks cups from the back seat of your car.  A lot of rural areas do not have trash pickup and each business has to bring their trash to the dump themselves.  If there is trash pickup it may only be once a week and can be pricey.  Be courteous and don't make as much waste as you do at home.  Conserve and reuse as much as possible.  Don't expect to be able to throw things away at your convienence. 

5. Bring The Medical Supplies You Need: Remeber in rural areas there will not be a Walgreen/CVS on every corner.  The nearest Walmart or big box store may be 60 plus miles away.  Even a local pharmacy may be in the next town or two towns over.  Be prepared by bringing anything you think you may need from bandaids, pain relievers, medication and other medical needs. 

The moral of the story is to be prepared.  Don't assume there will be any convienences of the city.  Also, don't be upset when there isn't what you need in these areas.  They are seasonal and helping you visit their area for a short time. They do their best with limited resources.

Hiking Adventures

I'm not much of a hiker... I keep saying I'll become a hiker but I'm not into the hike just to hike... I want a view of some sort... 

Michelle and I have done two hikes since being here in New Hampshire.  We wanted to hike once a week but there is a lot to do so it is hard to have time to do so.

We did a short wander with Michelle's family to The Basin.  It really isn't a hike and I don't count it as one of the two we have done but thought I would share a picture anyways. :)

Our first real hike was Arethusa Falls.  It is a mile down the road, about a 3 mile round trip hike to the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.  

Yoska and Michelle went over all the rocks to the waterfall.

Our second hike was to Mt Willard.  A little shorter of a hike than Arethusa, not a very interesting hike but the view was Awesome!  We hiked to the top and had a quick lunch we brought with us and hiked back down.

Michelle showing off. :)

There are a ton of hikes in this area.  The AT is only 3 miles from where we are staying.  There are 52 hikes with a view and 48 hikes that go to the top of the 4000 ft mountains in New Hampshire... Then there are hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes also.  We would never have to hike the same trail twice.  It's a bit hot for me now so we have been kayaking instead... Maybe some more hikes when it cools in the fall.