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Sunday Brunch on the MS Mount Washington
| Date: | 07-2-2023 |
| Location: | Alton Bay, NH |
| Cost: | $70 |
| Total Time: | 2 hr 30 min |
| Parking: | On Street/Free |
We decided to be tourists in our own state. So, we booked a couple of tickets to take a ride on the MS Mount Washington. Steph never cruised on Mt. Washington ship, and it has been a long time since I have been on it.
The Sunday Brunch cruise travels between Alton Bay and Weir’s Beach. Tickets were about $70 per person and the overall trip takes about 2 and a half hours.
The weather was rainy when we left our house and did not let up all day. We arrived at the Alton Bay Port a bit early, so we waited in the car for a bit while it rained. The ship arrived right on time, and everyone made their way down to the dock.
When we got on to the ship, we were greeted by friendly staff who welcomed us abord. The ship has three levels. And much of the open-air portions of the ship were covered so we really didn’t have to worry about the rain. Although our raincoats did come in handy.
As we entered the smell of bacon, eggs, waffles, and syrup filled the air. The buffet brunch is in the center of the ship as you enter. Seating is first come first serve so we found a table and then and got in the brunch line.
Everything I had tasted wonderful. The eggs were cooked perfectly, bacon was crispy, and the coffee did not taste watered down. When we sat back down the ship had already left the port and we were on our way.
After we finished brunch, we explored the ship a bit and then when up to the top deck to get some open-air views. As we got closer to Weir’s Beach, we made our way down to the bow of the boat so we could watch the ship dock and take some photos.
We were not docked long. Just enough time to let some people off the boat and let some others on. We decided to move back inside to check out the gift shoppe and have a little dessert and coffee.
Both the ride out and the ride back were smooth. The rain seemed to keep most people off the water. Although there were a few boats and jet skis, the lake was quiet for a holiday weekend.
Both Steph and I had a good time and would like to do another cruise on the MS Mount Washington again. Perhaps a fireworks cruise? We’ll see.
A Full Day at Sea with Eastman’s Fishing
| Date: | 07-1-2023 |
| Location: | Seabrook, NH |
| Cost: | $87 plus $10 for pole rental |
| Total Time: | 8 hr 30 min |
| Parking: | Free |
A few buddies and I took a deep-sea fishing trip Eastman’s out of Seabrook, New Hampshire. We had planned a trip like this last September, but weather forced the trip to cancel.
We were up bright and early. The boat leaves at 7am and they advise you to be there about an hour before. So that meant a 4am wake up for me. A few of us met up at 5:30am to carpool to the boat dock.
We got there about 6:15am and the boat was already half full of people but our other buddy had got us a good spot port side near the stern. We dropped our coolers there and a couple of us had to rent rods, so we went and secured them, and we were ready to go.
We took off promptly at 7am. It was about a 2-hour ride out to our first line drop. Right before we got to the first stop crew from Eastman’s gave out bait buckets with small squid chopped up for us to bait the hooks.
One buddy got a fish right away. Largest one of the day for our group. It was a 5lb+ Pollock. Everyone in our group caught fish, 10 in all with 2 Haddock and 8 Pollock. We fished for about 4 or 5 hours moving around from time to time before making the 2-hour ride back to the dock.
The Eastman’s staff was fantastic! On a larger boat with a lot of people lines get caught up quite a bit and they are great at getting everyone untangled. They also helped getting some of the larger fish on the boat and are top notch at filleting fish. In fact, that is what they did the whole way back.
That evening I got home and had to try the fresh fish. I decided to keep it simple and baked the Pollock and Haddock fillet with a Ritz Cracker and butter stuffing on top. A little lemon juice and salt and pepper.
Goodrich Rock – Waterville Valley
| Date: | 06-11-2023 |
| Location: | Waterville Valley, NH |
| Distance: | 4.5 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 754′ |
| Total Time: | 5 hr 2 min |
| Parking: | 10+ cars |
Goodrich Rock is a large rock/ledge that sticks out from the side of a mountain in Waterville Valley that is listed in two well-known hiking lists in New Hampshire; The Terrifying 25 and 25 Rocks that Rock.
For this adventure Liberty and I met up with some friends and furry friends as well. 6 people and three dogs.
The hike starts out in Waterville Valley right of Tripoli Road at the Livermore parking lot. There is a $5 parking fee if you do not have a white mountain parking pass. There is also a pit toilet available at this parking lot. There is ample parking, but you should note that this lot is the start for a lot of popular trails and does fill up at times.
The weather was nice out. Temperatures were in the high 60’s and sunny when we started from the lot down Livermore Road toward our trail. We came to open area with several xc trails, none of which were ours. We continued a little way to bridge where we got on the Greeley Pond trail.
This trail is long and flat and would be a great xc ski sometime in the winter. After about .9 miles on this trail, we arrived at the Goodrich Rock Trail. The sign said that Davis Boulders were .5 away and that Goodrich Rock was .8 miles away.
Once on the Goodrich Rock trail we started to gain some elevation at a moderate pace. We were soon greeted by some large boulders along the trail. These were fun to walk around and through in some cases.
We continued and came to some even larger rocks with caves. At one point we had to crawl on our hands and knees through a cave. Then a little further up there were some enormous rocks with caves to explore. This is a very cool trail to explore. This series of large rocks must be the Davis Boulders, I guess.
We moved on until we got to Goodrich Rock. You know when you are there because first you must climb down and around this massive ledge. The trail ends almost at the top of the rock where you are greeted by a huge ladder you must climb to summit the rock. I’d say the ladder is about 15-20 high. It looked sturdy so I made my way up after a few other friends tested it out.
On top of Goodrich Rock are some views of Mt. Tecumseh, Waterville Valley, and some of the Sandwich Range in-between the trees and leaves. This and the Scaur would be great places to see in the fall when the leaves are changing color.
After a quick break and many photo ops, we made our way back down the trail. As always going back down seems much quicker due to not taking as many breaks.
Overall the Goodrich Rock trail was in excellent condition. Water bars were all cleaned, no branches to clear or walkaround. Footing was very sturdy. I really liked this trail for all the fun and different geological features too. This would be a great cloudy or drizzly day hike.
When we made it to the Greely Pond trail the sun was shining and it was starting to get a bit warm. We took a quick break by the stream to cool off and then marched off back to the car.
Throughout the trip we only saw a few other hikers. I’m guessing because it was a nice day people were going for higher peaks. It’s always nice to have a trail to yourself so you can take your time and enjoy the journey.
Crawford Notch Campground – Site 49
| Date: | 9/25/20 – 9/27/20 |
| Location: | Pembroke, NH |
| Price: | $25 per night |
| Site Number: | Site 49 |
| Toilets | Flush Toilet – Porty Potty |
| Max People Per Site | 6 |
| Parking: | 2 cars |
| Dog/Pets: | Yes |
| Hammock: | Yes |
It was Memorial Day weekend and we decided to see if there were any campgrounds with availability. After several inquiries, we found out that Crawford Notch Campground had a few open sites. We knew that they would not be the best sites, but we went for it anyway.
So we booked Site 49 for three nights. Site seemed ok on the map. Pictures looked pretty level, and not far from water and short walk to river and chemical toilet.
We got a later start and traffic was very heavy at times. The trip took a little longer than intended but we were in no rush. We arrived at the campground and checked in. While we were there, we got some fire wood. The bundles were $10 each. NOTE: We would go through about 4 bundles per evening.
When we arrived at the site, it was much larger than we thought it would be and the other sites were not close at all. Plenty of level ground so lots of options to pitch our tent.
Once we got the tent all set up and dinner going, we started a fire and just enjoyed the rest of the evening.
The first night was cold. Got down to below 40 degrees. Luckily we had some down quilts to hold the heat in.
The next morning, I got up early and made some coffee, got the fire going and started some bacon on the cast iron over the fire. I love the morning time when everyone else is still sleeping.
After breakfast we just hung around the campsite for a while and waited for some family that was coming up to visit. When they arrived, we had some lunch and then went off for a little excursion to explore some sites in Crawford Notch.
Our first stop was just south of the notch. The Livermore Ghost Town. I had explored this site a few months ago with a friend and still had the maps from our trip. So I showed my family around and explained what the different foundations were and gave a little history of the town.
Next stop was the Nancy Barton Grave site and the Notchland Inn. This too was a short and easy hike to the gravesite. So, my mom was excited to join on this adventure too. BONUS: Along the path there were lots of Lady Slipper flowers in bloom too.
Our Third and final stop was Elephant Head Rock at the Gate Way to Crawford Notch. This was a short hike but is a bit more rugged, so my Wife, Mom and Nephew stayed at the car. We had them take pictures of us on Elephant Head Rock while we were up there.
After these adventures everyone was ready to head back to the campsite. When we got there, we started up a fire and cooked some burgers and dogs for everyone. After dinner we all sat and talked for a bit before they headed back home.
Steph, Liberty and I all enjoy the nighttime with the crackling fire and a breeze blowing through the leaves and the trees. The cool weather also made for some good sleeping.
On Sunday, we decided to just hang around the campsite for the day. We always go out exploring but it was nice out and we decided to just explore the campground. As we walked around, we noticed that most of the sites were pretty well spaced out and none of them seemed to be on top of each other.
There were several sites that are right on the river that seemed a little close but what a view. There were also a couple of group sites available if you have a large party and all want to camp together.
As we walked around, we found a site with a great view of the river and the notch. This was site 105. Not much room for a large tent due to rocky, rooty surface. There are a few trees where a hammock might work well or a small 1–2-person tent. But if the weather is right the views are awesome!
Once we got back to camp it was time to start heating up the coals for the Dutch Oven. Pulled pork and corn on the cob was on the menu. The pork takes about three hours to cook so this must be started early and takes up most of the afternoon. Everything came out perfectly. We enjoyed out last night under the stars.
On our last day I got up early again and made coffee and started a fire. I just sat around for a while and enjoyed the morning before we had to breakdown.
The breakdown went smoothly and is easy now that we use a utility trailer for all our camping stuff. It also allows us to bring bikes and kayaks if we choose.
Overall, we really liked this campground. Everything was well cared for, and the people were all friendly. There are flush toilets and showers that were clean and well maintained. They also offer cabins and Yurts if you book well in advance.
One drawback is that the gate does lock at 10pm and will not open until 8am so if you are off on a night hike or doing some night photography this may not be the place. But if you are looking to enjoy some nature, sit around a campfire and enjoy each other’s company this place is perfect!
