October 8, 2004 (Fri) Gorham, NH (49 miles) - Nearly 50 miles and we're right back where we started. We had some email that needed to go out and some supplies to pick up so we took off in search of a good phone signal and a grocery store after the breakfast chores were done. We were able to take care of the groceries in Gorham (north on US16) but we couldn't find a good signal until we were almost back in North Conway (south on US16). We were a little perturbed with ourselves for not taking care of these chores yesterday but the ride was worth it. The trees are all in full color - reds, yellows, oranges, and all shades of green. The mountains between Gorham and North Conway are spectacular! The observatory on the top of Mt. Washington was clearly visible, as it was yesterday. Since they say the mountain is cloud covered 365 days a year, that must make this year at least 368 days long!
When we got back we donned shorts and summer shirts and sat under our awning enjoying a beautiful Indian summer afternoon. It's hard to believe that it's October in the New Hampshire mountains. We should be worrying about snow, not sun burn!
October 9, 2004 (Sat) Gorham, NH - Sponge baths this morning as our fresh water supply is getting low (We should have topped off at the KOA!) and the rest rooms have no showers or hot water. There is no easy way to get water into the tank. The only spigots that we can find in the campground that will accept a hose connection are in the restrooms. Even if we had the nerve to park in the road near them our hose would never reach. This has been a study in poor planning.
After breakfast we donned our hiking cloths and headed for the Great Gulf Trail. It is one of several that goes to the top of Mt. Washington - 8 miles from where it started in the campground - crossing the Appalachian Trail along the way. We went part way and called it exercise enough especially since we'd walked to the trail head from our campsite. We spent the afternoon reading, napping, knitting and people watching - the campground has really filled up for the weekend! There's a loud birthday party going on somewhere close. Hope it doesn't go on too late!
Q007052 White Mountains National Forest, Dolly Copp Campground #27 dry $9.00g B (x2)
October 10, 2004 (Sun) Gorham, NH to Tamworth, NH (88 miles) - We ran out of water this morning, before we could get the breakfast dishes washed - and the monitor indicates we have half a tank! Mark looked for the problem and found that the bottom two probes are below the output to the pump and still under what water is left. So the system thinks the tank is 1/2 full.
Other than that it's been a pretty good day. It's somewhat cooler (53° at 9:00) but under a beautiful blue sky. As we drove down US16 toward North Conway - again! - the clouds were drifting across the mountain tops looking a lot like a wind tunnel test. (We couldn't see the top of Mt Washington, E&K) The colors were, if possible, even more vibrant than they have been. "They" predicted an outstanding year for fall foliage. They certainly got it right!
We passed a young woman jogging down US16 in short shorts, sport bra and mittens. OOOKAAY. In North Conway we stopped at the L.L.Bean outlet again and while there we picked up our email, made several phone calls, and checked our answering machine at home. Keepsake Quilting was almost on the way so, of course we had to make the detour.
This campground, although we were greeted by a fat little, short legged goat standing in the middle of the road blocking our way (escapee from the petting zoo, we think) we probably will avoid coming back. The mouse turds on the backs of the chairs in the rec/laundry room tipped the balance against! We're sitting here in Q waiting for the laundry to finish listening to the latest noise the young call music wafting across the road at us. We look forward to and hope for solitude in our wooded campsite.
Except for house keeping neglect, it's not a bad campground. The winding road through the trees could be a little tight for big rigs but doable. Gunshots in the distance are a little troubling but it's quiet.
Q007140 Tamworth Camping Area #21 w/e $10.00p C-
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