Yesterday we went on a hike along the Pemiwagasset River, and today we went on a scenic drive to northern New Hampshire. The pictures are of the incredible fall foliage, and we have it on the authority of two natives we ran into today that this isn't even 'peak'. We had lunch on top of a mountain today with a firetower on top of it. We walked up 5 flights of stairs, and we got a birdseye view of the White Mountains. The pictures are so amazing. We just drove along a few rural roads, and almost every mile was a panorama of color. As Drake said today, "It's like looking at fireworks!" I've seen trees in colors that are so bright and vivid that they look fake.
I didn't expect the peace and rural nature of the White Mountains to affect me so strongly. II've always takedn some pride in being the original 'concrete queen'. It's so hilarious that in some ways, I've enjoyed this visit more than I did New York. There's a peace and contentment up here that is difficult to convey in words. The first thing I do every morning is 'check the mountains' Some days it's clouds and rain. Other days brilliant sunshine, or like today, fog in the valley, and clear above. It's a wonderful way to start the day. I look forward to the sunset each day knowing that it isn't the result of pollution (like it was in Arizona). Ironically, we haven't made any friends here - I don't know why. Well, actually, I do. I've been feeling secluded here, and distant. I haven't wanted to make any connections. However, I guess I can't keep my true nature down. I have been making friends with two ladies - I'm helping them learn to use their new laptops. I won't embarrass them by telling their ages, but let's just say that they are 'mature'. I got two jars of jam in payment - blackberry and raspberry from berries they picked themselves - braving the bears.
We came here for the fall foliage, and so far, it hasn't disappointed. You be the judge:
https://picasaweb.google.com/jalyss1/2011NewHampshireAutumn?authkey=Gv1sRgCNPh3qbp4bqgowE#
