We were out of a family camping trip and decided to make the best of the rainy day and go for a drive to see the “World Traveler Signpost” in Lynchville, Maine.
This directional sign shows the milage to these well-known places:
Norway
Denmark
Paris
Naples
Sweden
Poland
Mexico
Peru
China
However, these are not the places you think they are. These are small towns located in Maine. To the average visitor though it may seem quite confusing.
Most of these town names were given in the late 1700’s and 1800’s to honor people from all places. The sign is a fun stop, there are a couple of pull off along the road. At the sign there is a good spot to get a picture.
Near the sign there are a bunch of interesting lawn sculptures. One cool one even had a sasquatch, and his house constructed. This stop was not as interesting to everyone in our group so only three of us got out to get a pic.
It was a rainy Sunday morning after a fun filled week long vacation. I was feeling pretty lazy. I didn’t think I would get many steps in until a friend asked if I was interested in a hike up Temple Mountain.
I arrived at the parking lot for Temple Mountain around 2pm. It was lightly raining at this point. I had a raincoat in my bag but decided to use a $1 poncho I bought instead. This is much cooler than my raincoat. I had an extra, so I gave one to my friend.
Spooky foggy trail
We started up the Beebe Trail. I knew this was going to be a soggy trail with all the rain and it was. The trail is flat at the beginning and then starts to climb gradually.
There are a few shot steep sections but nothing to bad. We had to pay attention to any rocky areas because they were slick.
First big cairn on our route
Once we got to the ridge, we checked out the old ski lift base by the radio tour. Usually there is a nice view of Pack Monadnock but not today. Just a thick gray in the distance.
From here the trail flattens on the ridge where we joined the Wapack Trail. There are several well-constructed cairns along our route. The trail is rich and green, full of ferns, grasses and bushes. The rain is starting to pick up and we are getting wet from brushing up against all the bushes and trees.
Cairn Chairs of all shapes and sizesMore chairs of stone
We came across the “pointy” cairn that marked the junction to the “rock chairs” or “cairn chairs”. This is an area off the main trail where a number of rocks are stacked like chairs, couches, love seats, and chase lunge chairs. All with rocks. It’s a nice place to view meteor showers.
It was raining and wet, so we did not stay long. We continued up along the Wapack headed up to Holt Peak. This is the high point on this section of trail.
“Chicken of the Woods” Laetiporus Mushroom
After about shot while we arrived at Hold Peak. We stopped and took a few pics. We also saw a good amount of “chicken of the Forest” mushroom growing off a tree.
From here we started back to the parking lot. There were a few slippery and steep spots on the way down but it was a pretty easy walk back. We decided to follow the Wapack all the way down so we had a little bit of a loop after the Beebe Trail junction.
Even with the rain this was a fun hike. The trail is beautiful and the landscape changes quite a bit. There is a lot to look and enjoy even if there are not any “vista” views.
Our campsite and tired dog – Site 8 Dummer State Park, VT
Date:
7/26/2024 – 7/28/24
Location:
Guilford, VT
Price:
$30
Site Number:
T8
Toilets:
Flush/Shower
Max People:
8
Parking:
2 cars per site
Dogs/Pets:
Yes
Hammock:
Yes
We have a new tent and have only taken it out once so far this year. So Steph, Liberty and myself decided to go on a camping trip to one of Vermont’s State Parks. We have visited three so far and they have all been nice.
First night fire is always the best fire
The weekend is supposed to be beautiful so many of the parks were already full. We noticed Ft. Dummer was right near Brattleboro VT. This was ideal since we would be setting out about 5:30 PM. Fort Dummer is about a 2-hour drive from out home in New Hampshire.
We ended up arriving about 8:15 PM. It was still a little light, so we pulled the tent out right away and set it up. The tent takes about 15-20 minutes to set up. We had out camp put together within an hour and were enjoying dinner and a fire by 9:15 PM.
Tent glowing at night
Our site was T8. It was very spacious with lots of options for the placement of our tent. The site was gravel and very level. We had a fire ring with grill bars attached. There was a picnic table. There was also a stump for chopping wood, but we did not have an ax.
The sites are nicely spaced out however this particular site did have a big opening that was right near our neighbor’s fire ring. Other than that, it was perfect.
Most of the campsite is in wooded areas. Our site was a quick walk to the clean bathrooms, with showers (paid), sinks and flush toilets.
Early morning quite time and coffee
There are three short hiking trails in the park. The Broad Brook Trail, Sunrise Trail and Sunset Trail. The Broad Brook trail leads to a local swimming hole, so we decided to do that one first.
This trail starts on the south end of the campground and drops down quick and steep to the brook below. I’d say it goes down about 300’ feet or so. It is also very steep is some spots.
Steep drop down to the swimming hole
When we got to the stream it was busy with people and dogs. So we just found a spot and let Liberty play in the water. The water was about knee deep and pretty refreshing on a warm Saturday afternoon.
After we had our fill, we started the climb back up. The trail was again steep, so we took our time and enjoyed some of the unique features like the bridge toward the bottom.
All smiles on the way down
After that we went back to camp and hung out for the evening. The next morning Liberty and I were up early and decided to go check out the Sunrise Trail.
This trail is a one-mile loop with some gradual hills here and there as it weaves through the forest. Toward the hight of land there is a small lookout with a bench and picnic table that looks out over the Connecticut River and where the old Fort Dummer once stood before they flooded the valley. We continued till we got back to the loop sign and decided to go check out the Sunset Trail down the road as well.
Liberty Playing in the water
The Sunset Trail starts at the back of the field area. There is a large open field with volleyball net, disc golf chains, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and fire rings. Liberty and I started down the trail which was about three feet wide cut through some thick wild weeds and flowers.
Views from the Sunrise Trail
It gradually went downhill towed the road then turns back up and gradually climbs back up to a look out facing west. There is a fence and picnic table there as well. We took some pictures and continued. We were not far from the field where we started. These are both fun little trails and Liberty enjoyed being out on an adventure.
After that we had some brunch and started packing everything up. Once we were all packed, we took a drive and looked at all the campsites and made notes of what site looked good to us if we return. Those are 10, 18, 20, 21, 9, 36, 37, 39, 43. Of course all the site were good these are just ones that suited us well.
Views from the Sunset trail
On our way out I wanted to check out the old mining quarry by the entrance. I could see the entrance when we got to the park, and it is carved right into the mountain. Steph stayed in the car while Liberty and I set out.
This trail is only about 200 feet long. As I was taking pictures, I heard a splash and turned my head and saw Liberty in the mucky smelly water and mud. Well, at least she looked like she was having a good time, but I knew it would be a long 2-hour drive home.
Short trail to the quarry
I loved the park. It was very easy to get to and all the rangers and staff were very friendly. Wood is available at the ranger station. The dumpsters and recycling are conveniently located along with sewer dumping if you have a camper. There are also a lot of lean-tos available for renting. I’d like to try one of those sometime.
And most of all, Vermont State Parks are super dog friendly. Liberty always has a great time.
The quarry and the mucky water Liberty jumped into right before we left.
Out for a rainy day drive. Decided to visit the Swiftwater Covered Bridge in Bath, NH. This is one of the oldest covered bridges in NH. It is also one of a just a few 19th century covered bridges in NH.
The bridge spans 173 feet over the Wild Ammonoosuc River. This single span bridge is a great example of the Paddleford truss design.
19 Century Paddleford truss design
While we were there the water was flowing and rain was falling. I’ll have to come back on a better day to get some pictures of the bridge and the falls.
This is actually the forth bridge on this site built in 1849. The first one was built in 1810 and others were washed away in floods.
This was our second time staying at this campground. This time we rented two tent sites and a cabin for a family camping trip. All the sites were next to each other which made it nice when we had fires.
Our tent site was 49 and had water and electric hooks ups. The site was large and flat so we had options to set our tent up. All of the sites in this section are wooded and have multiple places to hang hammocks. Our site also had a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill bar connected to it.
Our tent, all set up
My mom and aunt stayed in the cabin 46. This was right next our sites as well. The cabin was a nice for them because their sleeping in a tent days may be behind them.
My sister and family had site 53 right next to us. There site was also flat and had picnic table and a cool fire place. This fire pit was crated out of large rocks. Plenty of room for tents and cars.
The cabin offers a set of bunk beds and queen site bed. There is electricity and a bathroom with a shower. The front of the cabin has a porch and a small table. There is also a picnic table and a fire ring.
The bathrooms were just beyond the cabin. Every time I went in there it was very clean and well stocked. On the side of the bathrooms is a dish washing station. Washing dishes is not allowed at the campsites.
View of the campsite
This campground had a lot of amenities and a lot of different camping options. It is also a hostel for Application Trail Thru-Hikers. There are also a lot of trails around their property. We explored one that took us to a nice swimming hole. I wish the temps were a little warmer and I would have jumped in.
There is also a pool, store and laundry available. For younger kids there was a bouncy house for them to play in and some yard games up by the front.
White Mountain National Forest Covered Bridge (Albany Bridge)
Date:
6-19-2024
Location:
Albany, NH
Water Body:
Swift River
Year Built:
1858
Bridge Length:
120′
Truss Type:
Paddleford Truss with added arches
Parking
20+ Cars
NH Bridge Number
49
On our way home from the Alpine Garden we decided to avoid the highway and we meandered backroads. We ended up along westside road in route to the Kancamagus Highway. This takes you along north side of the Kancamagus and into the town of Albany.
The sign hanging over the bridge ” White Mountain National Forest Bridge Constructed by the Town of Albany 1858. Renoveated 1970″
There are signs for the Covered Bridge Campground and then the covered bridge itself. There is a large parking lot on the south side of the bridge. Large enough for busses and there may be some bathrooms too. We parked and headed out to get some photos of the bridge.
Paddleford truss with added arches
The Albany Bridge is also called the “White Mountain National Forest Bridge”. It was built in 1857 then was distroyed by a windstorm and rebuilt in 1858. by the town of Albany. The bridge was built in the Paddleford truss style with added arches. The bridge is 120’ long and stretches over the Swift River.
