New England 'Marmite' Flydrive - Day4 - White Mountains

roonlou · 15 Sep 09, 08:15 AM

Day 3 - Witches and Light Houses

Tuesday 18th August 2009, Day 4
Eagle Mountain House, Jackson NH
Distance 80 miles
White Mountains and Cog Trains

Early wake up this morning, unfortunately around 04:30hrs, and without much chance of getting back to sleep. So after enjoying rolling around in our super king bed, we then took pleasure from the massage chair one last time, before preparing for the day ahead. It was going to be another hot day, with temperatures promised in the upper 80's. At the agreed time of 7:30am, we greeted ma and pa, and headed to the local 7-11 to pick up some hotel room breakfast fare. We all had cereals, fruit and juice before programming Tom Tom for the journey to the White Mountain area. The drive was only around 100 miles, but due to the type of roads, gonna take a least 2 hrs, if not more.

We packed up, checked out and travelled on up North and inland heading towards our next destination, only making one stop on route for a coffee and munchkins from Dunkin Donuts. Our car’s satellite radio found a fantastic sweary interview with Quinton Tarrinto to listen too – it was very funny and an hour passed quickly away. We finally arrived at the Cog railway to climb Washington Mountain at just gone 11am. With tickets purchased we waited for our boarding time of 11:45hrs. Strangest wash rooms ever at the station, the ladies was painted with trees and picket fences, with bird boxes - with birds - on the walls, all very quirky.

Unfortunately we were going to be pushed up the 37 degree slope by a bio-diesel engine, as we just missed the steam train. But our ride to the 6,288ft peak would be in the comfort of original 1900's caboose. The journey was to take 50 minutes, with an hours break at the peak, before the journey back to the base station taking another 50 minutes. We squeezed on board with another 61 visitors and started the steep climb up the mount. The Brake's man was also the tour guide on the way up and pointed different points of interest on route. We climbed higher and higher, and the outside temperatures slowly started to drop, the views were a little misty, but carried on for miles and miles. The eventual heat at the peak was a much more comfortable 59 degrees.

We finally arrived and had the chance to explore the peak and see the six surrounding States and Canada below. Unluckily not many photo opportunities at the peak due to the heavily misted views, was great fun to be blown about though. There was an original climbers retreat named the Tip Top House that had been lovingly restored to recreate and reflect the original 1900 setting when it was a popular visitors spot for the Victorians. It was very windy and busy, a popular hiking route, taking around 4hrs to climb to the top.

Rumbling tummies called, so we stopped in the café and grabbed clam chowder for three of us and chilli for Roo. The hour passed very quickly and we were soon on a different train on our way back down. This time the Brake's man was very busy stopping us free wheeling down the mountain, so no more information was provided due to his need to concentrate. We all fought heavy eyelids on the homewards route, and it was at some point on this downwards journey that Roo received a mystery bug bite, that left him with a rather swollen and itchy arm.

Back in the car and off to take in the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, a beautiful 45 mile drive carved straight through the White Mountain National Park, the road climbs up to over 3500ft given fantastic views and photo opportunities across the park. As we headed higher along the route, the outside temperature started slowly lowering, dropping 10 degrees in comparison from the base to the peak.

roonlou · 15 Sep 09, 08:18 AM

Along route we stopped at a swimming hole on the Pemigewasset River that runs through the region, to witness many locals and tourist enjoying the natural flumes and eddies of the warm river water. It looked like a wonderful experience, and it made me ponder the whole British Nanny status, no life guards, waters not tested, big slippy rocks, you could really hurt yourself – this sort of fun would never be allowed at home!

As we'd had a very light eating day, the temptation for an early dinner was calling, so we headed off to nearby North Conway in the search of somewhere to dine. We eventually selected a 99 Restaurant, as it was the busiest place that we'd driven past! There were lots of families waiting for tables, up to 25 minute wait, but we were seated immediately as we chose the option of sitting in the bar.

It was a very lively diner, and the menu was very reasonably priced. Pa and I had a Blue Moon wheat beer, and I finally got ID checked (yeah!), Roo had a very fine Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Ma enjoyed a fizzy water. We all shared a baked clam starter, then we all had combo dishes, Jen and I had Salmon baked on a cedar plank with crab cake, Roo had Salmon with grilled shrimp, and Bill went all carnivorous and had steak and ribs. The garlic mash was divine that was served along side, but the tastiest treat was the honey glazed biscuit. After filling ourselves to bursting, we jumped back into the car, and headed to our lodgings for the night.

We were staying in the pretty town of Jackson, which was accessed by crossing one of New England famous covered bridge. The historical and haunted Hotel named Eagle Mountain House was our fourth hotel of the holiday, and it was a very impressive hotel to arrive at, very tall and grand, and looking out across its own golf course to the distant mountains. We got checked in by a very friendly receptionist, whom informed us of the ghost of the “Lady in Red” who loiters on the third floor and then fortunately given rooms on the main level. The route to get to our rooms was back out onto the rocking chair laden deck and back further into the building.

This hotel was built in 1879, destroyed by a fire in 1915 and then rebuilt – which explained the obvious and quaint old fashioned sprinkler system throughout the building. The ceilings are very tall, and some of the fixtures and fittings very old – our rooms even still had the original phones on the wall. No air-con though, just large window fans to try and draw some cooling air in. Wanting to take advantage of the pretty hotel, we all headed out into the now darkening skies to try and capture a night time shot – this was achieved, along with some more bites for Roo and the folks.

Back into the hotel bar for a night cap selection on heavily poured bourbons from the chatty barman, before retiring to our squeaky floored rooms for the night.

Day 5 - Chocolate Moose

DisneyMadAng · 15 Sep 09, 03:07 PM

An amazingly long day for you. You must have been soooo tired!

So after enjoying rolling around in our super king bed, we then took pleasure from the massage chair one last time, before preparing for the day ahead.

What a fantastic day. I love your photos you all seem to be having loads of fun. Beautiful hotel.

Mickeyetta · 15 Sep 09, 05:24 PM

You two drinking Whisky... never been heard of

Another great day on the New England Tour

H

Guest · 16 Sep 09, 02:44 PM

Another great report with lovely photos.

ethanjosh · 19 Sep 09, 10:52 AM

What's the matter with you all? Climbing a mountain in a TRAIN! You'd have enjoyed it far more if you'd hiked up there

Strommie · 19 Sep 09, 11:43 AM

Brilliant photos. I love your hotel!

**BevS97** · 19 Sep 09, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by ethanjosh

What's the matter with you all? Climbing a mountain in a TRAIN! You'd have enjoyed it far more if you'd hiked up there

I was just going to post that I went to Mt Washington once, and my friends made me WALK up! It wasn't until we got to the top that I found out there was a train option! You definitely took the best option

orlandosgr8 · 28 Sep 09, 01:12 PM

Another lovely day, you are getting to see some wonderful places on this trip. The Hotel looks lovely too.

DIBBadmin · 28 Sep 09, 01:12 PM

This thread has been automatically closed as it has not been posted on in 365 days.

15 Sep 09, 08:15 AM	#1
	15 Sep 09, 08:15 AM roonlou Apprentice Imagineer
roonlou Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 07	New England 'Marmite' Flydrive - Day4 - White Mountains Day 3 - Witches and Light Houses Tuesday 18th August 2009, Day 4 Eagle Mountain House, Jackson NH Distance 80 miles White Mountains and Cog Trains Early wake up this morning, unfortunately around 04:30hrs, and without much chance of getting back to sleep. So after enjoying rolling around in our super king bed, we then took pleasure from the massage chair one last time, before preparing for the day ahead. It was going to be another hot day, with temperatures promised in the upper 80's. At the agreed time of 7:30am, we greeted ma and pa, and headed to the local 7-11 to pick up some hotel room breakfast fare. We all had cereals, fruit and juice before programming Tom Tom for the journey to the White Mountain area. The drive was only around 100 miles, but due to the type of roads, gonna take a least 2 hrs, if not more. We packed up, checked out and travelled on up North and inland heading towards our next destination, only making one stop on route for a coffee and munchkins from Dunkin Donuts. Our car’s satellite radio found a fantastic sweary interview with Quinton Tarrinto to listen too – it was very funny and an hour passed quickly away. We finally arrived at the Cog railway to climb Washington Mountain at just gone 11am. With tickets purchased we waited for our boarding time of 11:45hrs. Strangest wash rooms ever at the station, the ladies was painted with trees and picket fences, with bird boxes - with birds - on the walls, all very quirky. Unfortunately we were going to be pushed up the 37 degree slope by a bio-diesel engine, as we just missed the steam train. But our ride to the 6,288ft peak would be in the comfort of original 1900's caboose. The journey was to take 50 minutes, with an hours break at the peak, before the journey back to the base station taking another 50 minutes. We squeezed on board with another 61 visitors and started the steep climb up the mount. The Brake's man was also the tour guide on the way up and pointed different points of interest on route. We climbed higher and higher, and the outside temperatures slowly started to drop, the views were a little misty, but carried on for miles and miles. The eventual heat at the peak was a much more comfortable 59 degrees. We finally arrived and had the chance to explore the peak and see the six surrounding States and Canada below. Unluckily not many photo opportunities at the peak due to the heavily misted views, was great fun to be blown about though. There was an original climbers retreat named the Tip Top House that had been lovingly restored to recreate and reflect the original 1900 setting when it was a popular visitors spot for the Victorians. It was very windy and busy, a popular hiking route, taking around 4hrs to climb to the top. Rumbling tummies called, so we stopped in the café and grabbed clam chowder for three of us and chilli for Roo. The hour passed very quickly and we were soon on a different train on our way back down. This time the Brake's man was very busy stopping us free wheeling down the mountain, so no more information was provided due to his need to concentrate. We all fought heavy eyelids on the homewards route, and it was at some point on this downwards journey that Roo received a mystery bug bite, that left him with a rather swollen and itchy arm. Back in the car and off to take in the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, a beautiful 45 mile drive carved straight through the White Mountain National Park, the road climbs up to over 3500ft given fantastic views and photo opportunities across the park. As we headed higher along the route, the outside temperature started slowly lowering, dropping 10 degrees in comparison from the base to the peak. __________________ Roonlou's Florida Trippies Roonlou's Non-Floridian Trippies Edited at 08:52 AM.

15 Sep 09, 08:18 AM	#2
	15 Sep 09, 08:18 AM roonlou Apprentice Imagineer Thread Starter
roonlou Thread Starter Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 07	Along route we stopped at a swimming hole on the Pemigewasset River that runs through the region, to witness many locals and tourist enjoying the natural flumes and eddies of the warm river water. It looked like a wonderful experience, and it made me ponder the whole British Nanny status, no life guards, waters not tested, big slippy rocks, you could really hurt yourself – this sort of fun would never be allowed at home! As we'd had a very light eating day, the temptation for an early dinner was calling, so we headed off to nearby North Conway in the search of somewhere to dine. We eventually selected a 99 Restaurant, as it was the busiest place that we'd driven past! There were lots of families waiting for tables, up to 25 minute wait, but we were seated immediately as we chose the option of sitting in the bar. It was a very lively diner, and the menu was very reasonably priced. Pa and I had a Blue Moon wheat beer, and I finally got ID checked (yeah!), Roo had a very fine Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Ma enjoyed a fizzy water. We all shared a baked clam starter, then we all had combo dishes, Jen and I had Salmon baked on a cedar plank with crab cake, Roo had Salmon with grilled shrimp, and Bill went all carnivorous and had steak and ribs. The garlic mash was divine that was served along side, but the tastiest treat was the honey glazed biscuit. After filling ourselves to bursting, we jumped back into the car, and headed to our lodgings for the night. We were staying in the pretty town of Jackson, which was accessed by crossing one of New England famous covered bridge. The historical and haunted Hotel named Eagle Mountain House was our fourth hotel of the holiday, and it was a very impressive hotel to arrive at, very tall and grand, and looking out across its own golf course to the distant mountains. We got checked in by a very friendly receptionist, whom informed us of the ghost of the “Lady in Red” who loiters on the third floor and then fortunately given rooms on the main level. The route to get to our rooms was back out onto the rocking chair laden deck and back further into the building. This hotel was built in 1879, destroyed by a fire in 1915 and then rebuilt – which explained the obvious and quaint old fashioned sprinkler system throughout the building. The ceilings are very tall, and some of the fixtures and fittings very old – our rooms even still had the original phones on the wall. No air-con though, just large window fans to try and draw some cooling air in. Wanting to take advantage of the pretty hotel, we all headed out into the now darkening skies to try and capture a night time shot – this was achieved, along with some more bites for Roo and the folks. Back into the hotel bar for a night cap selection on heavily poured bourbons from the chatty barman, before retiring to our squeaky floored rooms for the night. Day 5 - Chocolate Moose __________________ Roonlou's Florida Trippies Roonlou's Non-Floridian Trippies Edited at 11:25 AM.

16 Sep 09, 02:44 PM	#5
	16 Sep 09, 02:44 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	Another great report with lovely photos.

28 Sep 09, 01:12 PM	#10
	28 Sep 09, 01:12 PM DIBBadmin Imagineer
DIBBadmin Imagineer Join Date: Mar 02	This thread has been automatically closed as it has not been posted on in 365 days.