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Wooden model loon
This is one of the model loons used in the movie "On Golden Pond." The wings, bill, head and feel were motorized to move. June 18-20: After leaving Gilmanton, I drove around Lake Winnipesaukee to see the northern part of it. One if the special places I wanted to visit was the Loon Center. I've been rather fascinated with those birds since I saw the movie “On Golden Pond” several years ago. Since I didn't get to see any at Crystal Lake, I was hoping to see them at their “sanctuary”. Unfortunately, they were nesting and all the nests were too far off the sanctuary path to be able to see anything. I had to be content with models of them in the museum.
I learned some interesting facts, however, about these unique birds. They come into the areas of clear lakes to feed, nest and raise their young in the spring and summer. In the fall they go back to the ocean areas, where the water doesn't freeze. They are the only birds that carry their young on their backs. I also learned that all the “birds” in the movie were actually specially made wooden models. No live birds were filmed at all. Loons are well protected by many laws.
I spent the next two days exploring the White Mountains of New
Loon Quilt
This gorgeous quilt was on display at the Loon Museum. Hampshire. One of the most famous landmarks of the area no longer exists. The “Old Man of the Mountains” collapsed from the mountainside in May 2003. This phenomenal “face” had been the White Mountain emblem for more than 100 years before erosion factors finally sent it crashing. It is estimated to have been at least 10,000 years old. I visited the old viewing site and took a picture of where it had been. They are making a state park at the site now.
State Highway 112 runs east/west through the center of the White Mountains. It is named after one of the Native American chiefs of the area—the Kancamagus Highway passes through some of the most scenic parts of the mountains. Lots of waterfalls, passes etc. It is a good road, but only two lane with lots of sharp curves, drop offs and narrow shoulders. I drove the route that circles the major part of the mountains and saw what is called the “Presidential Range” where several mountains are named for US presidents.
Mt. Washington is the highest mountain in N.H. at 6288 ft. The people who work there at the observatory and weather station say it has
Momma and Baby
I had to take a picture of a picture, but this is how the baby loons are carried when very young. the “worst weather in the world”. It holds the world record for the highest winds—clocked at 231mph. The temperature has never been above 72 degrees and has been as low as -50 degrees. The snowfall averages 311 inches a year. I didn't get to go up there as the road is not recommended for Rvs.
I stopped at a national forest campground to check to price to stay overnight and decided it was too expensive for just a dry-camp place and proceeded on to an RV park for some electricity to run the AC. It was really hot. Apparently I had left the driver's window down a little too far while I talked to the forest ranger. When I got to the park, I discovered I was missing one cat. I called the ranger station, described Bootsie, and asked them to keep a look out for him. I stayed an extra day, but didn't hear anything, so tearfully started packing things up to move on. At 10:30 pm, the ranger called. My wandering cat had shown up at the garbage dump by the camp host trailer. I drove back over the Kancamagus Highway in the dark to pick up
White Mountains in New Hampshire
They are called white due to the predominate white stone. my errant “child”. Since it was about midnight when I got there the camp host insisted I stay the night at the campground. I was glad. I did not want to drive back across those mountains again in the dark! Oh, Bootsie! What a mess you are!
Bootsie: Well—I just spent about the scariest night of my life. When we stopped at this really interesting place, I jumped out the window because Marty is so stingy about letting me go outside. I just wanted to explore. Well—wouldn't you know she just left me there. I don't know where she went, but when I went back to the RV it wasn't there! [i[At first I thought it was fun. Boy there was a lot of things to see- I chased some mice and some other critters, but then I hid because I saw some things that were bigger than me. I missed my supper, too! I finally found this big old thing that smelled like it had food in it and jumped on top, but I couldn't get into it. I hollered, too. Finally somebody came over that knew my name, so I went to him. Would you
Glen Ellis Falls
One of the lovely falls in the White Mountains. believe, he put me in a little cage and there were dogs all around barking at me? I hissed and hollered, but they wouldn't shut up. I was there for years before Marty came! Boy I was mad. She tried to cuddle me, but I let her know I didn't appreciate her leaving me like that! I ignored her for a long time before I let her pet me!
June 21: Well, things being back to normal, I drove further north to Franconia, to see the lupines that area boasts. I just missed the actual festival and the lupines were a little past their prime, but still beautiful. I also stopped at well know general store known for it's great cheeses. I bought several kinds before getting back onto the highway to head to my next stop at a friend's place near Lebanon.
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Melanie Neer
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Glad to hear from you again!
I'm SO glad to hear from you here....it's been awhile since I heard anything from you and was getting worried. Yes I heard about “Old Man of the Mountains” and it's collapse :-( Are you over at Facebook by any chance? I'm over there