If you’ve been along with me on my tour of New Hampshire for any length of time, you are probably not surprised you haven’t heard from me much lately. Winter is not my favorite time of year, by any stretch! Last year, I even fled winter by escaping to Arizona with my dad for 8 weeks. I’ve pretty much been holed up in my house for the last several weeks. In truth, pretty much since I got back from Florida in early February.
As far as winters go, it has been VERY mild this year, with a distinct lack of snow. While I’ve been singing the praises of above average temperatures, the short days and lack of snow have left me in a funk. As much as I try, I just can’t seem to get motivated for “stick season” I know there is beauty out there, I just have to get out!!
What got me going yesterday was a chat with the campground I will be staying at during my annual 2 weeks away. This year, I have decided to stay in Bethlehem, NH at Apple Hill Campground. Steve and I decided to take a ride north yesterday to preview the area. It was a balmy 34° F with lots of wonderful sunshine! A perfect day for a road trip. According to our GPS, if we stayed off the highway, it would take us over 4 hours to get there. Hmm! The highway it is!
Our drive up interstate 93 took us through Franconia Notch State Park. The Old Man of the Mountain, our iconic state emblem, was here until its collapse in 2003. If you’ve read the page “Why tour NH” you know the fact I never took a picture of the Old Man was a major influence in starting this blog. But….there are still many, many reasons to visit the notch!
Here is a preview of Franconia and Franconia Notch…
Steve getting his shots too!
The Pemigewasset River
Amazing granite faces – loved by rock climbers
The Basin
Frothing waters and ice baubles on the way to the Basin
Cannon Mountain Ski area as seen from Franconia
With just a slight turn of my body, this was the view…
So…there is winter beauty, if I can get myself out there! I hope you’ve enjoyed my preview of Franconia and the Notch. I’ll be headed to Bethlehem over Memorial Day weekend. With spring like temps expected this week, I promise to get out again before then!
Have you ever been through the notch?
Do you have any great memories of the Old Man?
Touring NH 
Winter is hard on me too. It is a challenge to get out and take photos when it is freezing. I like the photo the basin.
There isn’t much snow on that shot of the ski resort. You may be getting an early spring and be back exploring soon.
We’ve had very little snow this year. Hard on the ski areas and snowmobilers. I’m not even sure if the ground ever froze truly solid. It’s supposed to be in the 60’s Wednesday, hard to believe for mid-March.
So glad to see you were out and about! There is beauty out there especially when the sun is shining. You got some really nice shots, Laura.
Thank you. It was a really great day to be out.
I honeymooned in that area years ago and did everything and saw everything, including the old man.
It’s a good thing it’s been such a mild winter. They get some big snow up there!
I’m glad you found some beauty. It’s everywhere, all the time.
I know there is, I just can’t always motivate myself to get out there. Glad you have good memories of the notch.
Good to see you out there again. It looks like a great place to set up camp.
I can’t wait for May!
It can be difficult to motivate oneself to get out in the winter months. this area looks amazing and i very much look forward to seeing more of it when you return. I especially liked the photos of the ice formation. Nature has a way of creating it’s own art in any season. 🙂
Too bad those ice formations couldn’t form when it was warmer out! I’m really looking forward to this part of NH.
I’m not much of a fan of cold either. I agree ice without the frigid bit. 🙂
Great photos! Love Franconia Notch. You should check out Arethusa Falls in the winter. One of the best winter hikes we’ve done in NH.
Thank you. I’m really looking forward to heading to that area for a few weeks this spring.
Laura, we can always count on you to find the beauty in every season – even if it isn’t your favorite. 🙂 The basin is my fave, too.
BTW, you may have noticed that things have been quiet at Gallivance. Our travels have been (temporarily) suspended because I blew out my knee and recently had to have total knee replacement surgery. Not fun, but I’m working hard on recovery. We haven’t forgotten about our friends and want things to get back to normal. James and I are looking forward to catching up with you and finding out what you’ve been up to. In the meantime, thanks for continuing to follow along.
All the best, Terri