Some pictures...

As I think that sending my photos via email might be a huge difficulty for many, I decided to post the pics here...

This first picture is a bay view from downtown of Portsmouth we took on a Tuesday (28AUG) after dinner stroll there.

Since Loobie requested for a write-up on my weekend hike for the labor day weekend hike to the White Mountains... here goes...

The day started early with breakfast at home and meeting up at 1001 Islington. The weather is expected to be clear but since we will be at higher altitude, care was taken to prepare for cold weather, we are very glad we did. The morning that we set off was chilly, the car windows were left wind up.

We took a break at the halfway point at a Hannaford supermarket along the way. The view along the highway is what you see on the right. Woods line both side of the road and believe me, many Americans come holidaying in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine just to catch the leaves turn color in Fall; which is just around the corner, around end September and October. We are surrounded by the mountains as we approach the White Mountains region. It was an exciting drive and I actually did not feel as tired as I should while driving in Malaysia. The speed limit was set at 55mph but most vehicles were going at around 65-70mph.

Not too long after turning into the Kangamangus Highway, we stopped by the road to take some pictures in the brooks nearby.

Almost every picture taken can be used as a desktop wallpaper. Look at the picture on the right, I am the only one that is in stark contrast to the picturesque scenery behind and that is only the beginning to the feast that our eyes are treated to. His handicraft is really awe-inspiring. The sky is blue, waters is clear, rocks are clearly defined by years of cutting and roughing, and the greenery adds te crisp to the whole picture. Marvellous!

Our first stop is the Lost River Gorge that costs us $12 just for the entry. It is a nice place, but we found out later that the Flume Gorge is a much better, cheaper, beautiful attraction. Along the walk, we can spot chipmunks everywhere! They are really adorable, so adorable, I wished I can catch and pet one of them! Learning that I couldn't do so, I was dissapointed and that explains the face on me... =(
We did made it to the Flume Gorge after the Lost River Gorge but that is just because the ticket that comes together with the Cannon Mountain tramway is at $20. The happy faces says it all! After the gorges and caves, we moved on to the aerial tramway to Mt.Cannon. Basically, it is a very big cable car to bring skiers and people up to Mt.Cannon.

The winds on top of Mt.Cannon is really strong and I can imagine what winter is going to be like. My hands were really numb! However, the view from the top more than makes up for the small discomfort. Looking at the expanse of land is really quite an experience! Thinking about the Might and Majesty of He who made all these in sight makes me glad in my heart!

We then proceeded to the motel that we had booked earlier. The place is clean and well maintained by some crew. It comes fully equipped and with towels and stuff. Best of all, it comes at a price of $200+ which works out to about $24 per person. A great bargain! Dinner is a short walk away, we had pizzas and some appetisers.

We then had a slow walk back to the motel and rested for the evening. The summer sky is tinted with a tinge of purple and I asked John to capture the moment for me on his camera.

Thankfully, the heater was working when we got back to the motel and we discssed plans for the hike the following day. Florence and John decided that they did not want to strain their muscles anymore and will not be joining us in the climb. We planed our route in detail and went to bed.

The next morning, we set off at about 7am in the morning for our hike up Mt.Hale. The morning air is crisp and the sky was clear, all signs of a perfect day ahead. I started the hike with a jacket and long trek pants; when we reach the Zealand Huts at mid way, I was down to my t-shirt and shorts. The cranberries and nuts trail mix was a good companion to my outdoor experience! There was absolutely no mosquitoes and leeches, though the girls were suggesting that they were bitten by some insects on their legs, I had no such problem as that.

And this picture marks the very enjoyable hiking trip that we made in the White Mountains over the Labor Day weekend. It will not be the last time we are here. Plans suggest that we will be back for the Fall and Winter period. The great outdoors of New England! =)