Mt Washington Valley Vibe - Fall 2023

25 EDITION #

Side x Sides

Located 30-minutes north of North Conway in Gorham, NH.

Grab a 2022 Polaris 2- or 4-seater, sideby-side and explore over 1,000 miles of connected trails, featuring wind turbines, breathtaking views, lakes, and waterfalls!

Snowmobiles

Trail side locations, park and ride hassle free! Scenic, groomed trails and groomed terrain. Two locations, in northern Valley (Gorham) and the Mount Washington Valley (Fryeburg/Conway)

Slingshots

This Polaris on-road vehicle will turn heads riding through Gorham, North Conway or perhaps up the Mount Washington Auto Road for the ride of your life. Available at our Gorham, NH location

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER/CREATIVE

Dan Houde dan@wiseguycreative.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Cam Mirisola-Bynum

SALES MANAGER

Chris Pacheco ads@mwvvibe.com

DISTRIBUTION / CIRCULATION

Mt Washington Valley Vibe is published four times annually and is available for pick-up, free of charge, in over 300 locations throughout the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire and into the communities of Western Maine.

MWV Vibe is also available at many New Hampshire Welcome Centers throughout the state.

MWV Vibe can also be found in select retail shops, dining establishments, lodging properties, and grocery stores throughout the same area. If your business, or one you know, would like to make MWV Vibe available to its customers, please contact us.

©2023 Wiseguy Creative Media. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced or copied in any form, in part or in whole, without explicit permission. The views and opinions presented here are those of their respective authors and may not reflect the views of the MWV Vibe or its staff.

ADVERTISING

For advertising, feedback, and subscriptions, call (603) 986-5761 or email info@mwvvibe.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Four editions annually - $40 www.mwvvibe.com/subscribe

Twenty-five. This is the 25th edition of Mt Washington Valley Vibe. Our first edition came during the summer of 2017. At the time, the opportunity to produce a high-quality, content-focused publication for the region had been just a dream for many years. Earlier that winter, life had taken a few sudden turns and it became a make-or-break career situation. The time seemed right, but ... “print is dead,” I was told. “The Valley can’t support another publication”, I heard. “You’ll run out of content,” was another.

Fortunately, print has become increasingly popular, especially within the tourism industry. As for content, this Valley has seemingly endless content, rich in history, plentiful with creative and inspiring people, and nonstop activities and recreation.

In the spring of 2017, as we prepared the very first edition, I wrote that my inspiration was the late Steve Eastman and The Mountain Ear. Founders Steve Eastman and Jane Golden, along with Steve’s brother Tom and wife Sarah, were

dedicated to identifying all that made the Mt. Washington Valley unique. The result was a publication that was appealing to both residents and visitors alike.

In the years since, I’ve never stopped thinking about how valuable “The Ear” truly was to the Valley. No matter how daunting, yet rewarding, producing 25 editions of Mt Washington Valley Vibe has been (and there have been some tough ones), there has always been a subtle, yet indisputable, push to continue. The push to continue where The Mountain Ear left off has always been present.

So here we are almost seven years later, and while some editions have been more challenging than others, each one has been a valuable learning experience— and hopefully, an added resource for the Valley. Support from locals, second homeowners, and visitors has been strong for our crew and advertising businesses. Our Valley has a reputation for its strong collaborative efforts, and we’re honored to play a role in continuing to ensure those efforts are represented in the countless ways we see it played out in our pages.

Please feel free to drop a line and share your thoughts. This region is full of inspiration for limitless content, stories, and human interest. If you have a story to share or hope to read about something specific in a future edition, do let us know. We are grateful to be part of this unique and inspiring community, and are honored to continue representing this amazing Valley’s vibe. You truly are what motivates us and keeps us looking for the next great story. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing the next 25 editions of MWV Vibe with you.

Dan Houde dan@wiseguycreative.com

“So here we are almost seven years later, and while some editions have been more challenging than others, each one has been a valuable learning experience—and hopefully, an added resource for the Valley.”

Camp Waukeela is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty where girls come to disconnect from electronics and discover their true selves. We offer a wide range of activities from arts and crafts, lake swimming, boating, tennis, horse-back riding, ropes, drama, and more!

2024 DATES & SESSIONS

For girls completing 1st – 10th grade (Ages 7-15)

3 ½ WEEK SESSIONS

Session 1: 6/22 – 7/16

Session 2: 7/19 – 8/11

2-WEEK SESSIONS

(first-time campers only)

Session A: 6/22 – 7/6

Session B: 7/19 – 8/2

FULL SUMMER – 7 WEEKS 6/22 – 8/11

For rates and dates, plus camp videos and transportation, scan with your phone’s camera > (603)

North Conway’s Very Own Overnight Summer Camp

Located on beautiful Crystal Lake in Eaton, NH!

Hartman

Christine Thompson

Vibe

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lily Hartman, Seabrook, NH

Lily loves to write about health and outdoor recreation. Before making her way back to New Hampshire, she studied publishing and journalism at Emerson College. She often thinks of story ideas while exploring trails in the White Mountains. In 2021, she discovered Hiking Buddies NH 48, a 501(c)(3) organization, where she met lifelong friends who helped her finish the NH 48.

Bernadette Donohue, Fryeburg, ME

Known as the Dream Home Matchmaker, Bernie’s love of adventure, nature, and people started her real estate career 37 years ago. Bernie’s passion is also to facilitate caring connections and community. She is co-chair of local REALTORS® Community Service Committee, Creator of MWV Photo Contest, Calendars for Charities and Hands of Hope, cancer survivor banner.

Mike Cherim, North Conway, NH

Mike is a hiker and skier, and a WMNF volunteer, lending some of his time to search and rescue and to trail maintenance. When Mike isn’t busy with those volunteer pursuits, his guide/outfitter company, Redline Guiding, keeps him and his merry band of guides pretty busy, offering guests plenty to do in all seasons.

Ian Dowling, Bethlehem, NH

Ian is the Head Brewer and co-owner, with his wife Marlaina, of Rek’-lis Brewing in Bethlehem. He’s been on the board and the trail committee of The Bethlehem Trails Association for five years.

Christine Thompson, Jackson, NH

Christine Thompson is an educator, a writer, and an outdoor enthusiast. When she’s not working, you can find her sipping coffee, hiking, running, or acting at her second home, M & D Playhouse. She loves learning people’s stories and sharing them with you in this beautiful publication.

Ashley MacPherson, Conway, NH

Ashley is a local writer, passionate about telling stories about our shared human experience. Currently living in Conway with her husband and their rescue pup, she is a lover of film, food, wine, and travel. The outdoors is her happy place—on any given day you can find Ashley cycling, running, hiking, skiing, and generally enjoying all the Valley has to offer.

Dave Greenslit, Conway, NH

Dave is a retired newspaper reporter and editor who moved to the Mt. Washington Valley to be close to the hiking, skiing and mountain biking the area has to offer. He has section hiked the Appalachian, Long and Cohos trails and completed New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers.

Ed Warren, Bethlehem NH

Ed Warren is the managing director of Uphill New England. He enjoys ski mountaineering, off-grid cabin building, and entrepreneurship. He is an Air Force veteran and has an MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Andrew Schuyler, Conway, NH

Andrew Schuyler splits his time between Conway, NH and Melrose, MA. He serves on the boards of the White Mountains Interpretive Association and Massachusetts Conservation Voters and has a background in journalism, clean tech, government affairs, and parenting. Andrew is currently completing a master’s degree in sustainability leadership at Arizona State University. When he’s not hiking or skiing, he can be found swimming in the Saco River, often in pursuit of his canoe.

Additional contributers

Dr. Trish Murray, content

Lily Hartman, photography

Josh Laskin, photography

Malcolm Thomas, photography

Todd Horn, photography

Frances Strayer, photography

Kurt Erikson, photography

Jamal Hicks, photography

Sam Marshall, photography

Meghan Greeley, photography

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR VIBE TEAM?

If you reside locally or have ties to the Valley and would like to offer your creative talents, please contact us at info@mwvvibe.com.

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NORTH COUNTRY FAIR JEWELERS

The businesses below are members of White Mountain Independents! Learn more at www.whitemountainindependents.com.

North Country Fair Jewelers has been serving North Conway in jewelry repair and retail for 54 years. It’s a family business, and they work hard to meet customers’ needs through custom creations, jewelry repairs, and replacing watch batteries. The shop also carries a wide variety of antique and estate gold and silver jewelry, along with coins for everyone’s collection.

North Country Fair Jewelers is known for its long-lasting relationships with its customers. Some customers have been loyal since its opening in 1969, for repairs, holiday shopping, and annual anniversary gifts.

From diamonds, rubies, tourmaline, Citizen watches, and collectible coins to emeralds, sapphires, and its blinding bridal room, North Country Fair is a welcoming jewelry store embracing diversity and individuality. You are invited to stop in and meet the family and find a unique piece of jewelry to match your lifestyle!

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; located at 2448 White Mountain Highway.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Handmade, locally created jewelry

• Great prices/unique gifts

• Certified gemologist

• Jewelry appraisals

For more information, call (603) 356-5819, or visit www.NorthCountryFairJewelers.com.

DESIGNED GARDENS FLOWER STUDIO

Designed Gardens Flower Studio brings fresh-cut floral designs to the Valley for every thoughtful occasion, or perhaps, no occasion at all. This incredibly picturesque shop is nestled in the middle of the North Conway hustle and bustle. Located across from Eastern Slope Inn, you can’t miss the porch adorned in seasonal blooms and decorations. It is absolutely a must-stop spot.

Jordon Hewson and her team craft thoughtfully curated floral designs for daily deliveries, holidays, weddings, and life celebrations in a signature garden style. Imagine heading out to a flower-filled garden and scooping up an armful of blooms to put in a vase. That is the exact organic, nature-inspired style that Jordon and her team use to create every arrangement. You can’t help but smile when your flowers arrive.

The studio is also filled with truly unique home finds, gifts, gardening accessories, and a relaxed shopping experience. You’ll feel the good vibes as soon as you set foot in the door. The more you look, the more you see, with something new and beautiful to discover with each visit.

NorthCountryFairJeweler Designedgardensflowerstudio

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Unique garden-style floral arrangements

• Gorgeous plants and everything needed to help them thrive

• Thoughtfully curated gifts & home goods

• Gorgeous things & good vibes

Bernadette Donohue

The Mountains Are Calling

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

John Muir’s quote from his 1894 book The Mountains of California paints vibrant and poetic imagery, which to me, could have been written about the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Hiking in the National Forest with family or friends, I too, feel the peace of mind and joy that he so eloquently described. Truth be known, my hiking goals were always more about the breathtaking views and being surrounded by nature, than bagging a peak along the way.

Not just a privilege for the privileged, here in the beautiful mountain and lakes regions of New Hampshire and Maine, we are very fortunate to have an abundance of opportunities to enjoy gorgeous scenic vistas—often right from the comfort of home. If not our home, then perhaps from a friend’s home. Recently, I sat enjoying a glass of wine and charcuterie overlooking western mountain views in Fryeburg. As the evening drew in the pastels of sunset, we talked about how lucky we all feel to be living in a Northeastern climate and amongst the backdrop of the White Mountains, where there are so many opportunities for people to reside and recreate while connecting to nature’s best.

Having sold many properties over the 37 years as a REALTOR®, it is still very much an honor to be selected as the trusted real estate advisor and Dream Home Matchmaker, especially when magnificent mountains are part of the picture. This fall, I represented two very fine luxury listings,

from Bartlett, NH to Bridgton, ME. After spending several hours soaking in the Presidential Range from two entirely different perspectives, it dawned on me that many people don’t even know where to find such incredible awe-inspiring views. I can personally attest that having a real estate license in both states is a necessity to be able to—literally—open more doors of opportunities to panoramic views.

I am perpetually reminded how very special our mountains are. Years ago, I represented a well-regarded couple who owned three homes: one on the Atlantic coast, one in Hawaii, and one in the mountains of Maine. This was a unique two-story decagon house that he designed and had built on the side of a hill where he labored with love for its landscape. He had constructed (by hand) a fortress of incredible stonewalls surrounding their many acres that overlooked what he described as an “ocean of mountain views.” Being in his 80s and needing to move somewhere with less maintenance, he admitted to me that his favorite place on earth was this home in Sweden (ME).

The fact is, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the glorious mountain views we are all surrounded by. There are condos and single-family homes for sale (as well as apartments and houses to rent), in many different price ranges that boast of views. Even if owning (or renting) a view property isn’t in the cards, locals and visitors get to enjoy their magnificence every day. There are even a handful of local restaurants where you can enjoy great food with great views! For a list of these restaurants, visit www.facebook.com/NHandMERealEstate.

Some of the most spectacular views are easily enjoyed just by driving around.

Take the NH notches, for instance. My favorite driving loops are through Evans Notch, with a stop at the Stow Corner Store before heading to the Basin on your way to Shelburne’s birches. In Gorham, Route 16 south will take you past the Mt. Washington Auto Road through Pinkham Notch to Jackson. Another day drive is the internationally famous Kancamagus Highway from Conway to Lincoln, stopping along the way at the vista view pull offs. Route 93 north takes you through a stunning Franconia Notch before crossing over to Route 302, past the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, where the hotel and grounds are always worth stopping (even if it’s just for a hot cocoa).

To add in some exercise with a BIG VIEW, hike Mount Willard, on your way down through Crawford Notch. Or, for those who prefer a leisurely stroll, stop by Saco Lake, where the Saco River begins, a lovely place to photograph the scenery before heading to Bartlett. Once back in the Valley, be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at one of your favorite Valley Original Restaurants, which you will find by looking for the bright yellow flag.

Living and/or playing in the White Mountains, you are always in very good company. And just as John Muir’s other famous quote declares, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

Bernadette Donohue

REALTOR & Certified Residential Specialist, CRS. Serving the real estate needs of NH and ME, since 1985. Contact Bernie at Badger Peabody & Smith Realty: BernieD@BadgerPeabody-Smith.com (603) 356-5757 x 310 Mobile: (207) 542-9967

Giving a Voice to Children in the Mt. Washington Valley

In the Mt. Washington Valley and across New Hampshire, vulnerable children who have experienced abuse and neglect are waiting. Waiting to know if or when they can return home; if they have to change schools or foster homes (again); if they will find a caring adult who will focus on their needs alone.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire is working to make sure these children are heard, by providing them with someone who will get to know them, along with the important people in their lives, in order to advocate for their best interests so they can find a safe, permanent home. That special someone is a CASA volunteer.

About CASA of NH

CASA of NH recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to serve as advocates in court for New Hampshire children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Volunteers make qualified, unbiased recommendations to a judge deciding a child’s future. In addition to speaking regularly with parents, relatives, foster parents, social workers, teachers, and medical professionals, they write court reports, attend court hearings, and speak to the judge about the child’s progress. Volunteers spend about 10 to 15 hours a month on their case, with more time spent in the first 90 days of the case assignment. They stay with the case until the child is in a safe, permanent home, or until another permanent solution is in place. Since CASA of NH was founded

in 1989, its volunteers have served almost 12,000 children.

Who Are CASAs?

While some CASA volunteers have backgrounds in social work, teaching, or nursing, many do not have related experience. CASA volunteers include IT professionals, engineers, consultants, and retirees from a wide variety of industries.

“The CASA training you go through truly prepares you for this work,” says Kaitlin Deyo, who works as a nonprofit project manager. “I’ve felt completely supported for the entirety of my time as a CASA by my program manager and the CASA legal team. You do not need to have a background in law or social work to be qualified for this job.”

The common thread? All CASAs are people who want to help kids and make a direct, tangible difference in their communities.

“I was looking for something more hands-on, more meaningful to me—something where I felt I could see more of a direct impact on a child,” says Jennifer Chames, when asked why she is a CASA. “I believe that with proper intervention at an early age, the chance of improving a child’s life is more significant. I had great desire to be the voice for those who I don’t believe have a voice,” she explains.

A Growing Need

Too often, abuse and neglect are painted as a problem found only in the state’s larger cities. The reality is there are children experiencing abuse and neglect in rural areas and small towns, too.

“There are children up here who suffer just as much from abuse as the ones in Manchester, Nashua, Keene, and Rochester,” says Thomas Monahan, a lifelong resident of Northern New

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire

Hampshire and a CASA volunteer. “If I can be a poster child, then that would be a great joy to me. I’m not looking for anything for myself, but these children deserve an advocate.”

Currently, there are not enough CASA volunteers to meet the need. The number of cases has climbed post-COVID, and the length and severity of cases have also increased. Last fiscal year, CASA of NH saw an 18% increase in requests to take cases. “Your voice is an integral part of a child’s life in the court process, and vulnerable children need our support,” says volunteer Paul Gagnon. “Anyone can become a CASA.”

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work

For many CASA volunteers, this challenging work has come to hold a special place for them, with some describing it as the most meaningful and rewarding work they have experienced in their lives.

“The tragic details of a case when they first take it on may break their hearts, but if they commit to the children for the life of the case, they may be responsible for giving a child a new direction in life,” says CASA volunteer Tom Goulette. “Seeing the children in your case either reunited with the family or adopted into a new loving family is the greatest reward that I can think of for a CASA.”

How to Get Involved

Attending a virtual information session is a good place to start for people interested in becoming a CASA volunteer. Staff and current CASA volunteers discuss what being a volunteer is like and answer questions. Info sessions are held twice a month.

To become a volunteer, you must submit an application and complete an interview. All volunteers receive 40 hours of comprehensive pre-service training, which can be completed virtually or in person. Once training is complete, you are ready to take your first case, with CASA staff supporting you every step of the way.

For more information or to sign up for an info session, visit www.casanh.org/infosessions.

By Andrew Schuyler

From product labels and advertisements to media stories and financial disclosures, sustainability has become more than just a term used to define a mindset—it has become a business model that embodies a larger philosophy of stewardship. And while it means different things to different people, the nonprofit Granite Outdoor Alliance recently launched GO: Sustainable, a monthly report focusing on how businesses and organizations are reducing their environmental impact and contributing to society, all the while using innovation, strategy, and policy to attract a diverse and robust customer and employee base.

Like many folks and organizations in the Valley, Granite Outdoor recognizes that sustainability is at the core of New Hampshire’s long-term prosperity. To raise awareness, share ideas, and generally provide a forum for sustainability, the GO: Sustainable report strives to be easily digested as it tackles these critical issues.

GO: SUSTAINABLE Tuckerman: Brewing for the Future

As one of the largest breweries in the Granite State, Tuckerman Brewing understands the responsibility it shares in contributing to the regional economy. The Conway-based company is also demonstrating the importance it places on the people and resources that are essential for its operations.

“Sustainability is more than just a responsible choice,” says Tuckerman founder and co-owner Kirsten Neves. “It fuels business growth, preserves the environment, and nurtures a community built on shared values.”

Founded in 1998, Tuckerman produces approximately 8,500 barrels of beer a year and employs more than 30 workers. Compared to the major brewers in the U.S., who make upwards of 30,000

barrels each day, Tuckerman is a minor player. And yet the company recognizes that it uses significant amounts of water, agricultural inputs, and other materials.

To that end, Tuckerman is—in sustainability-speak—moving from the traditional “take, make, waste” business model to a “borrow, use, return” ethos. For instance, the company has identified a mutually beneficial way to address

it may sound almost quaint to think of cows happily munching on the residuals from the Rockpile IPA you recently enjoyed.

However, when considering that thousands of pounds of post-milled waste per week are being donated as feed, it becomes evident that this circularity not only reduces disposal liabilities but helps Naughtaveel Farm put less

waste by sending spent grains a few miles up the road to Naughtaveel Farm for its dairy operations. On the surface,

stress on the more extensive agricultural system—saving time, money, and energy. Neves notes the company’s mission

To that end, Tuckerman is—in sustainability-speak— moving from the traditional “take, make, waste” business model to a “borrow, use, return” ethos.

GO: SUSTAINABLE TIP

Ask your employees about what they perceive to be your organization’s strengths and weaknesses related to sustainability. Conversely, if you are an employee, initiate a similar conversation with your leadership team.

The tendency may be to focus solely on the areas for improvement. However, your identified successes can be a springboard for new initiatives, so consider doubling down on what you are doing well, as this can be infectious to your stakeholders, particularly employees and customers.

is rooted in celebration of the Mt. Washington Valley: “We are fueled by a passion for making quality beer and the desire to live the White Mountain lifestyle to its fullest; taking advantage of—but never taking for granted—the spectacular area we call home.”

Some sustainable investments can incur significant expense, yet pay dividends in the long term, both from a financial and environmental perspective. For example, Tuckerman buried a rainwater retention system (think giant rain barrels) under the outdoor beer garden. By installing 5,000 gallons of holding capacity, the brewery eliminates runoff and reallocates that water for growing hops and landscaping. Moreover, the

company is gearing up for a significant solar-powered system that will dramatically decrease its energy bills and carbon profile.

Recent renovations to the taproom and main entrance include repurposed barn boards and exterior siding made from recycled rice hulls. Adjacent to this, the outdoor pouring station is a refurbished shipping container that was likely headed to the junkyard.

Tuckerman is also aware of its supply chain inputs. It sources many of its pizza toppings from local farm, Davis Natural Produce, and its malt from a company that does not use fossil fuels in its agricultural processes.

Moving forward, Tuckerman is investigating several other sustainable

initiatives, including reducing plastic cup use and capturing CO2 from its brewing process.

It’s been said that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Well, the world is now taking a much keener interest in the environmental and social aspects of

Tuckerman is also aware of its supply chain inputs. It sources many of its pizza toppings from local farm, Davis Natural Produce, and its malt from a company that does not use fossil fuels in its agricultural processes.

businesses, and Tuckerman Brewing is quietly implementing solutions that lead to better outcomes for people, profits, and the planet.

To learn more and read the inaugural report featuring Dover-based NEMO Equipment, go to www.graniteoutdooralliance.org.

Granite Outdoor Alliance is a non-profit business alliance that supports New Hampshire’s outdoor industry, including brands, retailers, nonprofits, and individuals. With over 120 business members, Granite Outdoor promotes outdoor recreation as a critical anchor to integrate rural and urban economic policies, communities, and industry to enhance quality of life in New Hampshire.

Uphill New England Gains Momentum

By Ed Warren

Hopes Remain High for Enthusiasts

“Is uphilling something that we want to encourage?” That is a question that is being debated by ski resorts across New England right now, and it is motivating the mission of Uphill New England, a new non-profit founded by uphilling enthusiasts who are working hard to ensure the answer will be, “Yes.”

Uphilling—the use of alpine touring equipment for uphill travel at ski resorts—exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and shows no signs of slowing down. Uphill skiers continue to flock to ski resorts for a quick workout or for safe and reliable snowpack. But this new category of skiing brings new challenges around parking, revenue, safety, and administration.

Despite the challenges, the vast majority of ski resorts have

will be a multi-mountain uphill pass that streamlines access for uphillers while making uphilling more worthwhile for ski resorts.

Evidence of the growth of uphilling is easy to find. Uphillers, once a rarity at ski resorts, are now a common sight across the region. In 2020, Snowsports Industries America (SIA) estimated there were 82,000 uphillers in New England, and the Facebook group “Backcountry Touring in the Northeast” has over 30,000 members.

This is exciting growth, but it has not happened on its own. Groups such as Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA), Catamount Trails Association (CTA), Western Mass Backcountry Alliance, and Splitboard VT have worked hard to create local backcountry zones and lower the barriers to entry. Ragged Mountain Equipment of Intervale was one of the first to bring alpine touring equipment to the region, while Ski The Whites, Stan and Dan Sports, and REI have invested in uphill travel rental fleets.

Evidence of the growth of uphilling is easy to find. Uphillers, once a rarity at ski resorts, are now a common sight across the region. In 2020, Snowsports Industries America (SIA) estimated there were 82,000 uphillers in New England, and the Facebook group “Backcountry Touring in the Northeast” has over 30,000 members.

accommodated uphilling in one way or another, but whether or not they will fully embrace it is still to be determined. That is Uphill New England’s mission: to create a vibrant, responsible, and sustainable culture of uphilling at ski resorts in New England. This will require some out-of-the box thinking, significant coordination, and a multi-year process, but we are excited to be part of the solution. Our flagship initiative of the 2023/24 season

These groups, and many more, have made the backcountry more accessible, but the backcountry is still the backcountry, and it cannot be consistently relied on in New England for safe and skiable conditions. This drives many alpine touring enthusiasts to ski resorts. In addition, fitness-oriented uphillers have emerged as a new sub-category in the sport. These folks are primarily interested in convenient winter workouts—and ski

Skiers enjoy an early-morning skin up to the summit King Pine last winter. Photo by WiseguyCreative.com.

resorts are one of the most effective places to do that.

Given this trend, what is the status of the relationship between ski resorts and uphilling? In a word: angsty. We have spoken with over 40 ski resorts and learned a lot about how they approach this question.

The majority of ski resorts grant some form of uphill access. The sport has grown so much that the staff of these resorts are often uphillers themselves, so internal advocates are often leading the charge. This is a wonderful development for the sport. However, uphill access faces an uphill climb with business-minded resort operators. Why, they ask themselves, should they dole out limited parking spaces to a user base that spends a fraction of the money that a downhill pass-holder does? And on top of that, when they are so busy with the challenges of ski resort operations, why should they spend the time to create new rules, signage, and waivers for this low-revenue customer type? One might conclude that it is better simply to limit access.

Making it worse is the problem of inconsistency between resorts. Some resorts only allow daytime operations. Some only allow nighttime operations. Some allow free access. Some require a full-priced lift ticket. Some require a liability waiver. Some look the other way. Some require guests to check in at the ticket office. Some don’t. Some require you to call a pre-recorded line to check uphill status. Some post it on a webpage. This variation almost certainly contributes to non-compliance issues, which only exacerbates ski resort angst.

It is this angst that Uphill New England is working to solve. We take the view, perhaps surprisingly, that ski resort concerns are justified. Ski resorts invest heavily in snowmaking operations and convenient guest experiences. These are services that uphillers actively seek out, and parking is often limited, meaning resorts have to make calculated business choices.

But the answer is not to shut down uphilling. It is to bring it more fully into the guest experience of ski resort operations so that resorts can better manage it and get more value out of it, while also coordinating best practices across the region.

Uphill New England seeks to facilitate that process. Our primary initiative of the 2023/24 season will be to offer uphillers a streamlined multi-mountain uphill-specific pass; and, in doing so, make the uphill customer more attractive to ski resorts. By purchasing a pass from Uphill New England’s website, uphillers will gain access to over 10 participating resorts. It will be a one-stop shop for payment, waivers, and armbands. Additionally, uphillers will get a mobile app with a digital check-in tool and daily uphill route status for each participating resort. Ski resorts will be able to communicate with uphillers through the app and offer them promotions for additional services. Passes will go on sale at the beginning of October.

The goal of the multi-mountain uphill pass is to reduce the headaches of uphilling administration while enhancing its value. If we are successful, we believe ski resorts will begin to see uphillers—not as a separate user category to be tolerated—but as valued guests to be fully welcomed. Help us show ski resorts the value of the uphilling opportunity. Join our community at www.uphillnewengland.com. Follow our Instagram account @UphillNewEngland for more updates.

The Missing Link to Aging Gracefully

By Trish Murray, DO

AND THE KEY TO ACTIVELY ENJOYING LIFE FOR YEARS TO COME

Remember when you were a kid and had lots of energy? Whatever you did, your body would recover in no time. If you hurt yourself, the injury would heal quickly. As you entered adulthood and got busy with your career or other responsibilities, exercise may have become less of a priority. In your 30s, you might not have noticed the effect yet, but then you hit your 40s and one day something happens: you’re shocked to discover that your body is not as flexible and agile as it used to be. Suddenly you wonder, “What’s going on?” You start to have aches and pains and you don’t understand why. Or, you get injured and you notice that your body doesn’t repair itself quite as well—or nearly as quickly—as it did in your youth.

Whether you like exercise or not, you have to keep moving to be healthy, especially as you get older. “Move it or lose it!” as the saying goes. We all know that exercise is important. It helps with sleep, cardiovascular health, weight loss, and overall well-being. Did you also know that there is a holistic three-dimensional

system of the body that you must understand AND actively maintain to optimize your health, move fluidly as you age, and avoid injury? It is your fascial system! Want to know more? Read on to find the missing link to aging gracefully so you can keep actively enjoying life for years to come.

The fascial system is the connective tissue, also known as the fabric of life, which surrounds every blood vessel, organ, muscle, and nerve. Just like any fabric, the fascia has threads that run through it and, therefore, it looks like a matrix or a spider web on a microscopic level. The spaces between the threads are filled with a ground substance that is a gelatinous material that biochemically sucks up water—to the extent that 90 percent of this gelatinous ground substance is water. The fascia is alive! The tendrils, or threads, of the fascial fabric move when they are well hydrated. If they become dehydrated or stiff from lack of movement, they will start to stick together and restrict muscle and joint movement, as well as blood flow and neurological communication. Healthy fascia

The fascial system is the connective tissue, also known as the fabric of life, which surrounds every blood vessel, organ, muscle, and nerve.

is the key to healthy aging in so many ways!

A research study presented in the International Journal of Molecular Science in June 2022 discussed how getting stiffer is a natural part of the aging process. It is unclear whether our aging muscle fibers or the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds and intertwines our muscle fibers causes this stiffening as we age. In the study, they compared tissue samples from young (18-year-old) and older (80-year-old) people. Researchers measured what happened with passive stretch to muscle fibers alone, versus passive stretch to a muscle bundle that included both muscle fibers and the fascia around and within the bundle. They found that there was no difference between the young and old samples of muscle fiber alone in their response to passive stretching. The tissue bundles that included both muscle fiber and fascia responded differently. The older muscle bundles were statistically stiffer than the younger muscle bundles! Researchers also noted that there was 2.5 times more collagen in older tissue than younger tissue. This study concluded that the build-up of collagen, which increases the density of our fascia as we age, is the cause of our stiffening.

So, what can we do? How do we prevent this stiffness? It is important to keep your fascia healthy, especially as you get older. In today’s world, our lives have become sedentary. Most people sit in the car and drive to work, where they sit behind a

computer the whole day, then get back in the car and sit on the couch the rest of the evening. Research shows that non-stop sitting increases the risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It also decreases life expectancy by seven years, even if you exercise an hour a day. A simple solution is to stand up every 15 minutes and move

neurological communication, and can be the root cause of pain as well as other diseases. This is how many of my patients end up in my office needing osteopathic treatment to correct chronic imbalances and dysfunctional movement patterns.

your body. You could also get an exercise ball to sit on, or an adjustable desk so you can work standing and vary your body position, rather than just sitting still. If you want your bones to move fluidly and have your systems function optimally, you must care for your fascia by moving!

As in cooking, variety is the spice of life when it comes to maintaining your physical health. Repetitive movements, or lack of movement, create imbalanced patterns in the fascia that become set throughout the body. For example, most people are likely to stand on one foot more than on the other, which shifts your pelvis out of alignment, resulting in an imbalance in your posture. One shoulder may be higher than the other and your torso may become twisted. These imbalanced patterns or distortions in your fascial fabric cause abnormal patterns that the body thinks are normal. Over time, this causes chronic dysfunction in movement, blood flow and

Over time, with age, the fascia becomes denser, which causes it to stiffen. In other words, as your fascia ages, it starts to degenerate, dry up, tighten, and develop kinks. All of this leads to further and faster degeneration and a tightening of our tissues to the point that they become fibrotic rather than fluid. As this happens gradually and progresses slowly over time, it’s often not visible until you’re in your 40s or 50s and begin to notice symptoms. You may begin feeling aches and pains or get injured and not recover so quickly. When the fascia loses its flexibility, it creates problems in your ability to move, your blood flow through your vessels will not be optimal, and the function of your organs will also be affected.

Regardless of your current age, taking care of your fascia is essential to optimal well-being and healthy aging. It’s never too late to start! Here in the Mt. Washington Valley, we are surrounded by amazing opportunities to hike, walk, bike, swim, row, paddle, ski, and snowshoe our way to health. How lucky are we? It’s not enough, however, to be a weekend warrior. Especially as you age, it is important to maintain your fascial system on a regular basis so that you can play how you want for as long as you want!

Daily stretching, hydration, a healthy diet, adequate rest, and regular movement is the key to healthy aging. Personally, I love taking advantage of all the outdoor activities this valley has to offer—and I want to

be able to do so for many years to come. To continue to perform my physically demanding job and engage in the recreational activities I love as I age, I know I need to be proactive. I engage in a daily stretching routine each morning and carve out time each week to participate in movement classes at Discover Health Functional Medicine Center, including self-myofascial release, movement for longevity, and discover yoga. We’re all aging, and although we can’t avoid the slow degenerative process of time, we CAN mitigate the effects! I choose to be proactive and to take steps to age gracefully—join me!

ABOUT DR. TRISH MURRAY D.O.

Dr. Trish Murray is a physician and a leading expert on the fascia (connective tissue). She’s an author, health catalyst speaker, and well-respected authority in the osteopathic community, where she has taught physicians for over a decade to optimize their skills in using their hands to treat patients, bringing balance back into the spine and fascia. She has helped thousands of patients optimize their quality of life with her holistic health and movement programs, including the Discover Health Movement Membership, a revolutionary program of live and online, instructor-led classes designed to help you unlock the keys to healthy aging. To transform your health, contact Dr. Murray at www.discoverhealthfmc.com.

The tendrils, or threads, of the fascial fabric move when they are well hydrated. If they become dehydrated or stiff from lack of movement, they will start to stick together and restrict muscle and joint movement, as well as blood flow and neurological communication.

Regardless of your current age, taking care of your fascia is essential to optimal well-being and healthy aging.

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OLDER MEN OF THE MOUNTAINS

At the Peak of Fitness with Friends

By Dave Greenslit

It’s been just over 20 years since the Old Man of the Mountain fell from the flanks of Cannon Mountain, but that doesn’t mean there are no old men on the high peaks of the Whites.

Van Adriance, Georg Feichtinger, both 82, and Leon Tokatlian, 78, have been hiking them for decades, and they’re still knocking off a 4,000-footer most weeks.

“Those guys are a trip. They’re hiding the fountain of youth somewhere out there,” said Rick Wehrhan, 69, of Wakefield, who has led Appalachian Mountain Club hikes with Tokatlian, and hikes often with the three men.

It’s well known that athletic performance declines with age because of loss of muscle mass, decreased flexibility, and reduced cardiovascular fitness. But it’s also well established that exercise— including hiking—into old age brings all kinds of benefits. Among them, are improved strength and stamina; healthier muscles, joints, and bones; control of swelling and the pain of arthritis; reduced risk of developing heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes; and improved sense of well-being and mood.

Keeping fit is undoubtedly one reason that Adriance is still hiking. It enables him to work around his home, the central part of which was built in 1786, in Center Sandwich. Chores include stacking wood, moving it to the basement, and loading it into a wood furnace. But other factors keep him on the trails and peaks, as well.

“I love the outdoors. I love being on top of a mountain and looking out at the vista,” Adriance said. “There are the lists, such as New Hampshire 4,000-footers, Grid, 100 Highest, Terrifying 25, that need to be filled in. And then there are the wonderful friendships I have gained.”

Adriance moved to New Hampshire in 1972 after college, a stint in the Navy, and four years as an underwriter on Wall Street. He worked as a carpenter until retiring at 68. Adriance climbed the mountains on the list of New Hampshire 4,000-footers with his wife, Betsy. The couple also did some hiking overseas, trekking in Nepal (Everest base camp region), Tanzania (Mount Kilimanjaro), and Europe (the English coast, Camino de Santiago, a partial tour of Mont Blanc and Crete).

Many hikers love their lists, and Adriance has checked off an impressive number of them: two grids (hiking each of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers in each month of the year), including a grid after turning 75; a round of the 4,000-footers in winter over age 80; New Hampshire’s 52 With a View and the Terrifying 25; and the 4,000-footers after ages 79, 80, and 81. He’s working on another round of the 48 after age 82 and New

Todd Horn, Van Adriance and Georg Feichtinger en route to Mt. Lafayette after a light snowfall. Photo by Todd Horn.

England’s 100 Highest mountains.

Adriance is the proud patriarch of three generations of his family to complete the 4,000-footers: he and Betsy; their daughters Molly and Emily; and their grandchildren Lilly, Gus, Liesl, and Mae. (Molly’s husband, Scott Whitcomb, has also done the 48.) The license plate on his Chevy pickup is NH4K3GN.

Adriance and Feichtinger are friendly rivals. Feichtinger was the first of them to do the Grid after turning 75, while Adriance was the first to complete the 4,000-footers in winter after turning 80.

Feichtinger began hiking with his parents in his native Austria, where he lived in proximity to the Dolomites, Alps, and grassy mountains where cattle grazed. “I grew up in the mountains. It was natural,” he said.

He met his wife Katy while working in an American Express office in Innsbruck and came to the U.S. in 1966. He was a ski instructor at Gunstock, attended New England College in Henniker, and taught at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden for 32 years. He lives in Plainfield.

Feichtinger quickly learned that hiking in the White Mountains, relatively small as they are, is no walk in the woods. His father-in-law introduced him to the Whites by taking him up Huntington Ravine, a steep, difficult ascent on the east side of Mount Washington.

“We scrambled up there and I said, ‘This is a trail?’” he recalled. As can often happen in the Presidentials, the weather quickly turned bad as a thunderstorm brought wind, rain, and hail. The pair made their way to the Auto Road, took shelter in the old summit house, and eventually hiked down via Tuckerman Ravine, which is no picnic.

“I learned everything I needed to know in one day,” Feichtinger said with a laugh. Like Adriance, he hikes once a week. And, like Adriance, he burns wood for heat. But during an interview, when both were present, Feichtinger needled his fellow octogenarian by pointing out that he not only stacks his wood but cuts and splits it, as well. “That’s too easy,” he said, getting firewood cut, split, and delivered.

Feichtinger has done many traverses of the sub-ranges and ridges of the White Mountains and, of course, he has his lists, which keep him focused. His first was 52 With a View, followed by the Terrifying 25 and the Grid. He’s on his third grid, each of which involves 576 summits, and hopes to finish that in a year.

At 78, Leon Tokatlian is the relative kid of the group. He began hiking seriously 25 years ago after leaving his prepress color separation company in Nashua. He’s not a list guy, but he has hiked and climbed all over the world, summiting big peaks in the western U.S., Canada, Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America.

Despite the possible risks of climbing high peaks overseas, Tokatlian says his worst hiking experience came when he was leading an Appalachian Mountain Club hike with Helen Gingras to Mount Jefferson in August 2003. As the

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group neared the summit in the early afternoon, Tokatlian and three others pulled ahead of Gingras and the five hikers with her, although they kept within sight. It was then that the rain started, followed by 50-mile-per-hour wind and hail.

Tokatlian’s group huddled together on the ground to maintain body heat “like Alaskan huskies.” Visibility was near zero, and he worried about the group behind them, hoping they had found cover. As the wind and hail intensified, “I was confessing my sins to the Almighty. She responded with big thunder and lightning,” he said. After 15 minutes or so, Tokatlian’s group took advantage of a window of visibility and descended about 200 feet to where Gingras’ group had found shelter among the rocks. They then made a dash for the safety of the tree line, regrouped, and very slowly made their way back down the Six Husbands and Great Gulf trails. They arrived in the parking area around 9:30 p.m., exhausted but safe.

Tokatlian has been leading hikes for the AMC for 25 years, mainly in the northern Presidentials. He has climbed Mount Jefferson, the third highest in the Whites, more than 90 times and plans to have his ashes spread there, despite that close call 20 years ago. First, of course, there’s a lot more hiking to do.

He and Adriance lead a weekly hike year round, usually to a 4,000-footer, because someone in their group is always working on a list. Adriance usually figures out the logistics—car spotting, for example—and he provides the post-lunch cookies. Tokatlian is usually out front on most of the ascents.

You’d never guess the ages of Adriance, Feightinger, or Tokatlian from watching them hike, whether it’s Tokatlian setting a solid pace uphill, Adriance scrambling up a rock face or rock hopping a stream, or Feichtinger enjoying the challenge of staying with—or ahead of—hikers decades younger.

“All three are incredible humans, trudging up and down these mountains where even much younger folks fear to tread,” Wehrhan said. “On occasion, we sense admiration when this group of older folks passes by younger hikers on the trails. One

of the running jokes is telling other hikers that the group has escaped from the old folks’ home, in case they see guys in white coats following.”

“Van, Leon, and Georg keep it fresh,” said Todd Horn, 68, of Center Sandwich, who regularly hikes with them. “They embrace each day—each hike, old friends, and new acquaintances—with enthusiasm.”

Horn especially likes the good-natured back-and-forth between Adriance, with his “Yankee pragmatism,” and Tokatlian, with his “passion for the moment.” The pair remind him of playwright Neil Simon’s Odd Couple.

Frances Strayer, 73, of Sandwich, another regular with the hiking group, says the older hikers are “blessed with a body type and good health that allow them to continue following their passion at a time in life when many have had to give up the mountains.” She and others are grateful for the leadership and mentoring they have provided.

Hiking in old age does come with some concessions, however, including hiking less often, hiking more slowly, and—usually—taking longer to recover from injuries. However, Tokatlian had knee surgery this summer and Adriance had a hip replaced … and both are back on the trails.

Adriance conceded on a winter hike to the Kinsmans that he “needs chemical help” to get up the mountains these days. By that he meant consuming an energy gel and an electrolyte drink.

Feightinger says he plans to continue hiking because, “I love the mountains, I love to hike, just to stay fit.”

Regarding the lists and other goals that he and others continue to pursue, he notes that a friend likes to say that the journey is for the soul and the finish is for the ego.

“But when you finish, it feels good!”

Leon Tokatlian and Van Adriance on Franconia Ridge.

Photo by Frances Strayer.

Single-Speed Mountain Biking

One Rider’s Ode to an Old Friend

By Ian Dowling

This is a story about single-speed mountain biking, a form of mountain biking that is different in every way from regular old-geared mountain biking. This form of mountain biking transcends sport and fun and fitness. It’s as if mountain biking became self-actualized.

About 15 years ago, my friend Ben finally convinced me to try riding his single-speed mountain bike. I had been riding mountain bikes for about 10 years and never saw the point—but, he finally talked me into it. So, with reluctance and doubt firmly entrenched, I got on his belt-driven “Spot.” To my shock, I was immediately proven wrong, and I was in love by the third pedal stroke. So simple, so personal, and so intimate was the experience that I knew single-speeding was going to be my next obsession.

That night, I went home and started ordering all the parts to build my own single-speed. After several weeks, I finally put it on the trail, and we instantly became one. We, my bike and I—I call it Flash—spent that first summer developing a lifelong friendship. We went everywhere together. I learned how to get the most out of Flash, and Flash improved my biking skills, such as balance, in-air control, and most importantly, ground pressure (I’ll get back to these in a moment). This is a good time to mention that if you ever want to become a really great mountain biker, riding a single-speed will get you there. Over the years, I’ve upgraded some components and I feel that I’ve now built the perfect bike.

I think I understand the hesitation that most geared mountain bikers have about single-speeding: that you don’t feel you’re strong enough. Well, I’m here to tell you that you probably are; but even if you’re not, it won’t take long to become so. The feeling that is derived from riding a single-speed is well

“I think I understand the hesitation that most geared mountain bikers have about single-speeding: that you don’t feel you’re strong enough. Well, I’m here to tell you that you probably are; but even if you’re not, it won’t take long to become so.”

worth the discomfort of getting into single-speed shape. In fact, you probably won’t even notice.

Here’s the thing about riding a single-speed—you can feel the trail, literally feel it. To the point that you can make a stronger connection to nature. This is probably partially because single-speeds are hard-tails,

a single-speed is that it will make your whole body strong. On a geared bike, your legs do most of the work and they generally move in a single plane. Single-speeding is a completely different style of riding, as you’re standing 95 percent of the time; which sounds like a lot, but it is a totally natural position. In

and after shedding the rear shock and the drivetrain, they are much lighter—and quieter—than most geared bikes. The experience of mountain biking changed for me after I started riding Flash. I’ve always loved mountain biking, but it got so much better. Every time I take Flash out for a ride, it’s like getting together with an old friend who knows you better than you know yourself.

Another cool thing about riding

this position, you use your arms, abs, back, shoulders, and legs to manipulate the bike—and you’re in a position of much more control than sitting. You can “flick” yourself around sharp corners and through tight trees. Your bike becomes an extension of your brain. You can more easily control front and back wheel lifts, bunny hops, and track stands. Your pedal strokes start in your hands and get stronger as they

“The feeling that is derived from riding a single-speed is well worth the discomfort of getting into single-speed shape.”

Ian Dowling photo

travel through your arms and torso. All the power generated from your body is translated directly to the dirt. By the time the power is applied to the rubber on the ground, you’ve created a massive amount of torque. This, in turn, will propel you up hills you never thought possible on a single-speed. All this torque,

Single-speed Riding

however, forces you to learn about rear-wheel ground pressure very quickly, which when properly applied, will prevent the rear wheel from spinning out—and this will prevent you from painfully driving your knee into the headset. Ground pressure is a difficult skill to learn and comes from body position and abdominal strength. After single-speeding for a while, you start developing lots of new skills and making moves that you never had before.

Of the many benefits of single-speeding, the best one is the simplicity. Here’s what another single-speeder, Kurt Erikson of Intervale, has to say about this: “The bike that brings me the purest joy to ride is my steel single-speed. The simplicity is beautiful. One gear driven by my own power to ride whatever terrain comes my way. No shifting, no derailleur to fiddle with, and almost no noise except the tires on the trail. Is it challenging? Yup. Is it fast? Hell, yeah; because it requires you to keep your momentum up, which means hammering up inclines instead of dumping your speed by downshifting. Sure, I still enjoy riding my other bikes on certain terrain, but my single-speed is definitely my overall favorite rig.”

“Of the many benefits of single-speeding, the best one is the simplicity.”

Kurt Erikson photo

“The bike that brings me

joy to ride is my steel single-speed. The simplicity is beautiful. One gear driven by my own power to ride whatever terrain comes my way. No shifting, no derailleur to fiddle with, and almost no noise except the tires on the trail. Is it challenging? Yup. Is it fast? Hell, yeah; because it requires you to keep your momentum up, which means hammering up inclines instead of dumping your speed by downshifting.”

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Over the years, I’ve added a dropper post to Flash and some wicked good Shimano XT brakes. It has indestructible Stans tubeless wheels, and a Styrofoam insert in the rear wheel—for those really big hits—and a nice cushy Lyric fork to help with those rugged descents. Nothing ever goes wrong. Sure, I still have a full-suspension Enduro and a hard-tail Chromag, but Flash is by far my favorite, and only makes me a better rider when I’m on my other bikes.

The last thing of note to mention about single-speeding is that it has its own culture. Single-speeders are not “normal” people. They tend to be a bit masochistic, and independent, i.e., hard-headed. Almost no words need to be spoken between two single-speeders who meet for the first time, as they already know everything of importance that they need to know about each other. And they all drink beer, lots of beer.

There’s really no easy way to “try” single-speeding. Your single-speed bike is your single-speed bike. It won’t really fit anyone else … like that pair of 501 jeans you had in high school. You really have to bite the bullet and build your own, then ride it for a while and modify it until it’s perfect. But, if you’re as obsessed with biking as I am, and you want to experience another great aspect of the sport, then I would absolutely encourage you to start single-speed mountain biking. It will change your perspective of the sport, and of life.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR FOOD AND OUR COMMUNITY

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Kurt Erikson of Intervale, NH

Apple & Cider Season Arrives in the Valley!

By Ashley MacPherson

You’ll Be Hard-Pressed to Find Anything More Sublime

As the first hint of color pops up in the trees and the autumn air rolls in, it’s officially apple season! This tasty fruit can be seen popping up at farmstands, on the homemade signs of local orchards, and in the libations of apple cider, hard cider, apple spirits, and apple wine across the Valley.

The apple harvesting season in New Hampshire typically runs from August through October, where apples are picked at varying times depending on the variety, weather, and type. Apples can be picked by hand in orchards, sold at stores and farmer’s markets, or pressed to be made into cider. For hard cider, and apple spirits and wines, the pressed apples are fermented into alcohol, but the nature of how and when are specific to the intention and craft of the maker.

In our search for all things apple in the Mt. Washington Valley area, we were introduced to innovating, inspiring, and welcoming local businesses growing apples and creating delicious beverages for the community to enjoy from this fall fruit, all year round.

Josh Laskin photo

HARD CIDER Alpine Garden Winery

From the moment you meet natural wine grower Ryan Classen, you can feel his passion and reverence for the beautiful environment we call home and the community that lives within it. Since opening the winery in 2021, Alpine Garden Winery has been crafting champagne-style ciders by way of wild fermentation, as a natural expression of the land and the climate of the Valley. Their goal is to interfere with the process as little as possible— nothing added, nothing taken away.

Today, the winery’s menu includes eight ciders and two wines! Ryan and his team picked most of the apples they’ve produced for cider in the past at Pulsifer Orchard in Cornish, ME. This year, they plan to buy fruit from North Country

the frozen apples and began fermentation. The result was a crowd-pleasing “Frozen Bushels Sparkling Ice Cider Pét Nat” that quickly became a customer favorite. The true spirit of these wise words had been realized.

Keeping to their desire to let the land speak for itself, Alpine Garden Winery has produced over 25 labels, never making the same cider twice. Ryan often lets grape skins rest on the cider, a nod to his curiosity and creativity in the cider and wine-making processes. This fall, Alpine Garden Winery is also “calling for all ugly apples,” living its community values and asking the public to donate their crab apples that Ryan and his team would pick at ripeness, for creation into cider the community can enjoy. Alpine Garden Winery cider can be purchased at the winery, Vista Bev & Market and The Penguin Gallery, Beer & Wine Nation, Warner Public Market, and Discount Beverage. To taste

Orchard in Whitefield, NH—many of which will be foraged wild seedling apples that landowners allow them to pick. It is all about the wild fruit in 2023, as a frost on May 18th took out a large percentage of NH apples.

While learning about viticulture in Australia, Ryan came upon a quote from the late, famous permaculture founder Bill Mollison who many people admire, “The problem is the solution.” This never rang truer than the first harvest of apples in 2019, when a limited production time window forced Alpine Garden to leave cases of apples outside all winter. In the spring, when the snow melted off the frozen apples, Ryan pressed

Alpine Winery cider at local restaurants, visit The Thompson House Eatery, Flatbread Pizza, and The White Mountain Cider Company.

Having planted 14-year-old grape vines at Lady Blanche Vineyard in 2009 under Humphrey’s Ledge in North Conway, Alpine Garden Winery just released its first red wine in early September. Ryan and his team planted another 2,000 vines across 200 acres this year, continuing his mission of pioneering the Mt. Washington Valley and the broader state of New Hampshire as a wine-growing region. To learn more about Alpine Garden Winery, visit www.alpinegardenwinery.com.

This fall, Alpine Garden Winery is also “calling for all ugly apples,” living its community values and asking the public to donate their crab apples that Ryan and his team would pick at ripeness, for creation into cider the community can enjoy.

Josh Laskin photo

Chase Hill Farm

Nestled atop Chase Hill Road in Albany, Chase Hill Farm is a hidden gem and natural wonderland. With 200 acres of wild farmland, the apple orchard has over 150 trees at 900 feet in elevation, and is framed by views of the Presidentials—a breathtaking sight that stirs awe for the natural beauty of the Valley.

Since the 1890s, the Chase Family has farmed and raised horses. Beth (Chase) Thomas and Malcolm Thomas, who own and operate the farm as stewards, planted their first apple trees in the 90s, starting with British and French cider-specific trees and continuing to plant each year from there, now showcasing over 40 varieties of trees. Their first harvest inspired them to create a hard cider, a full-orchard blend that represented the uniqueness of their land, from the mineral soil to the cold New England winters. The result was a dry, full-bodied, well-rounded, and unfiltered cider they enjoyed with family and friends.

As their harvest continued to blossom, and their love for making cider as a hobby grew, they decided to create Chase Hill Cider in 2019, to share their passion for making cider with the community. Today, Beth and Malcolm use holistic and organic practices, keeping a desire to work with the natural land and seasons as a core principle, with the goal of expressing the identity and vitality of the farm in their cider.

From the growing of the apples to the bottling of the final product, all stages of the cider-making process are done on the farm. They use a closed-system process, harvesting more than 18 varieties of apples from their orchard late in the season, pressing and fermenting the cider in their barn with champagne yeast until the spring, and using the compost from the apples to support the farm. They produce, ship, and deliver from the farm they also call home and have centered Chase Hill Cider around the principles of being

Malcolm Thomas photo

local, sustainable, and delicious.

The refreshing, lightly sparkled, 7% ABV Chase Hill Cider can be found on the shelves of The Local Grocer, Vista Bev & Market, or Venos in Conway, or you can enjoy it at Max’s Snow Village Inn

and small-batch spirits. Currently, Tamworth Distilling showcases a few different vintages of New Hampshire apple brandy, including the Tamworth Garden V.S.O.P. Apple Brandy, which is also used as a base in several of their flavored products.

The process to craft this brandy begins with the apples: heirloom Cortland apples grown in Concord, NH at Carter Hill Apple Orchard, one of the oldest active orchards in the United States. It is then double distilled in a traditional alembic still, in the style of French Calvados, ensuring that the barrels are packed with New Hampshire apple flavor. The resulting spirit is barreled in new oak at no more than 125 proof, before aging for at least four years in their bonded barrelhouse.

in Eaton. For more information about Chase Hill Farm, including options to purchase their hard cider shipped directly to you or picked up at the farm, visit www.chasehillcider.com.

Whippletree Winery

Whether you’re sampling their wines in their cozy tasting room, or on their backyard patio surrounded by the greenery of nature, Whippletree Winery in Tamworth, affectionately known as “the winery in the woods,” makes guests feel right at home. The creative winery offers more than 40 types of wines, all created on the property using grapes from all over the world. For their apple wines, the winery uses local juices. This fall, Whippletree is offering both a Green Apple Riesling with a fruit-forward profile and an Apple Cider Doughnut wine that showcases notes of cinnamon and caramel. For more information on their winery and apple wines, visit www.whippletreewinery.com

Tamworth Distilling

With a focus on innovative, scratch-made, locally sourced products, Tamworth Distilling uses local herbs, botanicals, fruits and vegetables, as well as White Mountain water, to craft their unique

This fall’s release includes their newest apple-based product—a hot, spiced brandy cordial, styled after a fire cider. Head down the street to visit the Tamworth Lyceum to learn more about their ethos at one of their events or workshops, or to peruse the shelves for bottles and bar supplies for sale. Learn more at www.tamworthdistilling.com.

Tuckerman Brewing

Along with its well-known beers, beloved by many in the area, Tuckerman Brewing in Conway offers a hard cider, Core Shot, on their menu. The already-pressed cider comes from orchards in the Pacific Northwest and goes directly into the steel tank, where it is fermented into cider. Once this process is complete, it yields a cider that is naturally gluten-free with a semi-dry flavor profile, showcasing the apple’s flavor and aromas. For more information on Tuckerman Brewing, visit www.tuckermanbrewing.com

TRADITIONAL APPLE CIDER

For a taste of pure apple cider without alcohol, head to White Mountain Cidery in Glen, where they sell cider from a variety of local farms, as well as cider donuts, and baked apple goods in their market. Inside their restaurant, their menu also features a variety of hard ciders from New Hampshire cideries. For more information, visit www.ciderconh.com

Today, Beth and Malcolm of Chase Hill use holistic and organic practices, keeping a desire to work with the natural land and seasons as a core principle, with the goal of expressing the identity and vitality of the farm in their cider.

Malcolm Thomas photo Malcolm Thomas photo

APPLE PICKING & CIDER DONUTS

A great way to spend an afternoon in the fall outdoors with the family is to visit one of the many local farms that offer PYO (pick your own) apples, as well as apples, freshly made cider, and cider donuts for purchase. For more information on these farms, visit www.mwveg.com

Hatches Orchard (Center Conway): PYO apples. Open for the season starting Saturday, September 2; Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including Labor Day and Columbus Day). Call to make appointments during the week at (603) 447-5687. Cash or check only.

Devylder Farm (Wolfeboro):

PYO apples, apple cider, apple cider donuts, pies, and other baked goods. Farmstand is open September through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PYO apples are open September through October. The orchard is open Saturdays, Sundays, and the Labor Day and Columbus Day holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Farmstand (Chocorua):

Apples and cider for sale through November (no PYO).

Weston’s Farm (Conway and Fryeburg Markets): Apples and cider for sale through the fall (no PYO).

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS IN THE REGION

Five Fields Farm, Bridgton, ME Apple Acres Farm, Hiram, ME Pietree Orchard, Waterford, ME

Whether you’re sipping thoughtfully crafted hard cider with friends or enjoying the fruits of a day of apple picking with family, we hope you enjoy the delightful creations and experiences that represent the nature and community we love.

WiseguyCreative.com photo

VIBE’S 25 FALL FAVORITES

To celebrate our 25th edition, we are sharing our favorite fall activities for 2023 with you!

By Ashley MacPherson

As many folks in the Northeast can attest, the change of seasons often acts as an internal clock, ringing in the passage of time. As summer winds down, the Valley trades dips in the Saco River and ice cream outings for crisp fall days that call us toward colorful foliage hikes, festivals, and cozy sweaters.

In honor of Vibe celebrating its 25th edition, we’ve put together a list of 25 activities to do in the Valley this fall, broken down into five areas that you typically see in Vibe: exploring the local arts and history, sampling the culinary scene, enjoying the beauty around us, immersing yourself in movement, and shopping.

We hope that you learn about something new and exciting in the Valley to explore or that the list brings back fond memories of how you’ve enjoyed the fruits of this wonderful region. We recommend calling ahead to be sure of dates and weather-related updates for these activities.

Take in the Beauty of Fall

Fall is a uniquely special time in the Mt. Washington Valley. With unmatched foliage and gorgeous weather, it’s no wonder people travel from far and wide to spend time here. In this edition, we’ve compiled a list of some tried and true, and perhaps some newto-you, ways to take it all in this year.

1. FAVORITE FALL DRIVES

Driving by car offers convenience and flexibility in planning your day visiting a wide range of spots showcasing the vibrant autumn scenery in the area. Find a colorful drive like no other on the highest peak in the Northeast! Drive yourself up the 8-mile Auto Road (Route 16, Pinkham Notch), or sit back and leave the driving to one of the expert tour guides. The summit is often crowded, so consider making stops along the way to experience all the drive has to offer. Another popular and breathtaking route is the Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5-mile passage of twists and turns on the National Scenic Byway, bringing you to 2,855 feet in elevation for a grand view of the White Mountains.

2. HIRE A GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST VIEWS

Consider local companies like Redline Guiding (www.redlineguiding.com), staffed with expert guides who can provide custom, safe, and unique perspectives to local hiking trails.

3. ENJOY A FALL RAILWAY ADVENTURE

On the Conway Scenic Railroad, embark on a stunning journey

Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway, NH

aboard an old-fashioned railroad through the Conways, Sawyer River, or Crawford Notch. All trains depart from a historic 1874 train station in North Conway Village. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through the Sawyer River area and spectacular Crawford Notch. Or get whisked away up Mount Washington on The Mount Washington Cog Railway, which offers three-hour round-trip journeys with an hour layover at the top of Mount Washington aboard a biodiesel or coal-fired steam engine train. With an average grade of 25 percent, you enjoy all the beautiful views of fall during this trip.

4. SOAK IN THE VIEWS ON TWO WHEELS

Though spring and summer are typically considered cycling seasons, fall riding has a special essence to it. Whether road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding, or touring on an e-bike, taking in the foliage views on two wheels is a truly unique experience. Visit Great Glen Trails in Gorham (www.greatglentrails.com) or Ski The Whites in Jackson (www.skithewhites.com) to rent touring bikes that are perfect for paved and dirt roads. At each shop, they can recommend local routes to help you get the most out of your ride.

5. RENT AN ATV

Travel directly through northern fall colors on over 1,000 miles of connected ATV trails. Rent an ATV for self-guided fall fun, or let a guide show you the way at Northeast Snowmobile. More information is available at www.northeastsnowmobile.com.

VIBE TIP: Many of these offerings fill fast daily, especially during holidays. Visit their websites to book ahead and skip the lines!

Great Glen Trails, Gorham, NH

Immerse Yourself in Movement and Nature

Of all the ways to enjoy the fall this year, this group takes a top spot! The Valley is bursting with exciting, active ways to immerse yourself in nature. Get out there and enjoy the fresh fall air with these five ways to move your body.

6. LIVE IN THE SPECTACULAR OUTDOORS

Truly surround yourself with the red, yellow, and orange leaves of the season by camping or glamping this fall. Visit Frost Mountain Yurts (www.frostmountainyurts.com), open year round on 57 acres of the backwoods of western Maine. Frost Mountain offers yurts to rent and provides the perfect basecamp to access a variety of wilderness activities, including Evans Notch and the lakes and rivers of western Maine.

7. RUN WITH THE LOCALS

Autumn offers phenomenal running weather, and our community has no shortage of fantastic running roads and trails, such as Whitaker Woods. For a community feel, take part as a runner or volunteer at one of the many running events in the Valley, spanning distances and terrains such as the White Mountain Milers Half Marathon & 5K (www.raceentry.com/ white-mountain-milers-half-marathon-and-5k/race-information) or Bubba’s Backyard Ultra (www.skithewhites.com).

8. NINE UNIQUE GOLF COURSES

If you’ve ever considered playing golf, the foliage season is certainly a good time to give it a try. The Valley’s nine golf courses span from Bretton Woods to the west and Gorham to the north, and Bridgton in the east and Ossipee in the south. Each course offers a completely different experience while surrounded by professionally manicured landscapes and breathtaking color. Add in backdrops of historic grand hotels, ski areas, covered bridges, vintage rail lines, lakes, brooks, and rivers, and you have a recipe for a perfect autumn day.

9. PEEP THE FOLIAGE ON FOOT

Need we say that an easy and enjoyable way to stay active and immersed in the vibrant foliage splendor is to head to one of the many phenomenal walking and hiking spots the Valley is dotted with? The MWV Trails Association has just completed its $2.3 million, 3-mile rec path through tall forests, wetland areas, and sandy scrub pines, with glimpses of the Green Hills and the White Mountains throughout the path. Visit www. mwvrecpath.org for a comprehensive list of multiple-use trails for the whole family to enjoy. For an easy hike, try local favorite Jockey Cap in Fryeburg, ME and for moderate hikes, Black Cap Trail and Boulder Loop Trail are popular options. A visit to www.alltrails.com will get you going safely.

10. GET LOST IN A CORN MAZE

Rated one of the best corn mazes in New England, The Maize at Sherman Farms offers 12 acres of maze with three phases, designed to confuse with twists and turns, as well as riddles and a treasure hunt. The whole family will be entertained for hours with the maze, pumpkin patch, petting area, and more. The maze is open from September 23 through October 29. More information can be found here: www.shermanfarmnh. com/corn-maize.

Frost Mountain Yurts, Brownfield, ME

North Conway Country Club

Bubba’s Backyard Ultra (ultra-marathon running race)

Searchable online version

where to find moose

200+ fun activities

Beautiful scenic drives

activity KEY

Towns KEY

Berlin – Gorham

Colebrook – Pittsburg

Groveton – Stark

Lancaster – Jefferson

Littleton – Bethlehem

Milan – Errol

Twin Mountain –

Bretton Woods

Scenic Drives

Great North Woods Loop

Moose Path Trail

Woodland Heritage Loop

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Pinkham Notch

Shopping, Fall Festivals, and Fairs

Autumn in the Mt. Washington Valley brings seasonal events such as craft fairs, festivals, agricultural fairs, and unique seasonal products to local shops.

11. VISIT WHITE MOUNTAIN INDEPENDENTS

Experience the charm of the 25-plus locally owned, independent shops in Conway, North Conway, Intervale, and Jackson. Represented by blue flags, these stores offer a variety of distinctive products, some of which are made onsite—along with outstanding service that only locals can provide. From pet products at Four Your Paws Only, to sweet treats at the Bavarian Chocolate Haus, these shops have a variety of goods to explore. For a full list of stores, visit www.whitemountainindependents.com or see their ad on the following page.

VIBE TIP: Mark your calendar for the White Mountain Independents semi-annual 30% off gift-certificate sale on November 4th!

12. GEAR UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Shop tax-free for essentials at dog-friendly Settlers Green in North Conway. With well-known names such Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, and Columbia Factory Store, the 30-year-old outdoor shopping mecca also includes many dining options and plenty of seasonal events. Not in the shopping mood? Check out the well-marked 1-mile sidewalk loop online at www.settlersgreen.com/walking-route.

13. LOTS OF FAIRS TO EXPLORE

Take a casual stroll through rows of stands featuring locally made goods this fall. The Leaf Peeper’s Craft Fair on Saturday, and Sunday, October 14 and 15 at 10 a.m. in Schouler Park showcases arts and crafts from over 100 exhibitors displaying a wide arrange of arts and crafts, including wood carvings, cedar wood furniture, handpainted glassware, local maple syrups, pottery, wrought iron creations, leather jewelry, home decor, watercolor and acrylic paintings, face paintings, wooden decor, and so much more. Vendors are under tents, so rain or shine. Visit www.joycescraftshows.com for additional information.

Every fair has its own traditions, and the ones in the White Mountain region are certainly no different. While each fair has a particular flavor, what you’re certain to find is a unique mix of farm, food, and fun. And who doesn’t like fair food! Local fairs include the Fryeburg Fair, October 1 through 8, and the Sandwich Fair, October 7 through 9. Visit them online for updates, operational hours, and a schedule of events at www.fryeburgfair.org or www.thesandwichfair.com.

14. VISIT THE VILLAGE SHOPS

Explore the downtown areas within the Valley where the town’s businesses offer unique nostalgia for many residents and visitors. Treat yourself to everything maple this season, from the iconic candy counter at Zeb’s in North Conway to the many gifts and collectibles at Flossie’s General Store in Jackson. From Fryeburg to Tamworth to Freedom, these town centers have shops perfect for perusing during a fall stroll and offer locally produced items hard to find anywhere else.

Freedom Village Store, Freedom, NH

Leaf Peeper’s Craft Fair, North Conway Village

Setters Green, North Conway

Experience the Theater Scene, Art Galleries, and Local History

You can find more unique ways to celebrate sweater weather around the Valley through exploring the artistic creations of the community and taking a peek inside the area’s history.

15. VISIT AN ART GALLERY

Visit a gallery or studio to view beautiful art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, and more, that express the Valley in creative and breathtaking ways. With a variety of talented artisans and mediums of art in the area, we’ve listed a few to get you started: Jackson Art Studio and Gallery, Valley Artisans and Vintage Market in Conway, Art Works Gallery & Fine Crafts of Chocorua, Gallery 302 of Bridgton, and League of NH Craftsmen of North Conway/MWV Arts. To see a full list of galleries and studios, visit www.mwvvibe.com/art-in-the-valley.

16. CATCH A SHOW

Whether you’re in the mood to laugh or play detective to solve a mystery, the local theater scene has you covered! Catch a show at M&D Playhouse in North Conway, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, ME, or the Barnstormer Theater in Tamworth (the oldest summer theater in the country), and let the talented actors whisk you away to another world.

17. LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

In addition to the wonderful art and theater performances, there is no shortage of talented and inspired live music in the Valley. Stop into a local brewery to grab a beer and listen to a live band, feel the Friday night jazzy beats of the Majestic Café in Conway, or experience the traditional seisiún at May Kelly’s on a Sunday. Either way, music in the area is sure to have you dancing (or at least tapping along!).

18. PERUSE THE PUMPKIN PEOPLE

It wouldn’t be fall in the Valley without the return of the pumpkin people in Jackson! This family-friendly foliage tradition in the Mt. Washington Valley marks its 38th year this season. Take the self-guided tour around town and throughout the Valley from October 1 to 31 to see the pumpkins created by local business owners and residents.

VIBE TIP: To plan your Pumpkin People adventure, visit www.jacksonnh.com for a map of locations. The physical maps include a ballot for voting. Maps can also be found at participating businesses and brochure racks in Jackson.

19. LEARN SOME VALLEY HISTORY

As the fall weather comes in, consider learning something new about where you live. Get prepared for ski season by exploring the rich skiing history at the New England Ski Museum in North Conway or learn about the heritage of the White Mountain region at the Conway Historical Society during one of their public programs, on the second Tuesday of every month. Take a drive up to Castle in the Clouds to tour the grounds and learn the history of the castle and 6,300 acres in Moultonborough.

League of NH Craftsmen of North Conway

Tuckerman’s Brewery, Conway, NH

Pumpkin People, Jackson area

Savor the Culinary & Libations Scene

Our region is home to a variety of delicious styles and flavors, perfect for a post-hike stop or an evening out to savor the last nights of patio weather. From the iconic, yellow-flagged Valley Originals to innovative wineries and breweries, there are countless spots to enjoy delightful food and drinks right in our backyard.

20. DINE AT A VALLEY ORIGINAL!

These 25 locally owned restaurants focus on preserving the essence of local eateries and giving back to the community—contributing over $350,000 to local charities, organizations, and activities each year. From breakfast at Priscilla’s in North Conway to barbeque at 302 Smokehouse in Fryeburg, these restaurants offer a variety of styles and flavors from the Valley. For a full list of members, visit www.thevalleyoriginals.com/members.

21.

REFUEL AT LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS

Nothing says fall like a warm cup of coffee in your hands on a chilly fall morning! Whether you’re relaxing on the benches at Frontside Roasters with a Pumpkin Spice Latte or sipping a cappuccino and indulging in a sweet treat at Cafe Italia, visiting a coffee shop in town offers a relaxing way to take part in local Valley life.

22. ENJOY LOCALLY GROWN FOODS ... & PIZZA!

Farm stands continue to supply delicious produce, baked goods, dairy, and more through October. For a full list of farm stands, farms, and markets and their hours, visit MWV Vibe online at www.mwvvibe.com/vibe-online. Craving brick-oven pizza made with farmfresh veggies? Look no further than White Gate Farm on Saturday nights. Pre-order your pizza online, then head over to the farm with your favorite drink and enjoy the live music.

23. VISIT OUR VALLEY’S WINERIES

Visit White Mountain Winery in downtown North Conway for a wine tasting and say hello to the friendly winery dogs. Head on over to Alpine Garden Winery in Bartlett, where natural wine and cider are made from local fruit using holistic farming techniques. Across the Valley in Tamworth, Whippletree Winery showcases their “winery in the woods.”

24. HOP ON OVER TO A BREWERY

The many local breweries in the area are a welcomed respite after spending the day outside enjoying the fall weather. From Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg to Tuckerman’s Brewery in Conway, these breweries bring together folks in the local community with satisfying beer, live music, and events like trivia nights! For a full list of breweries in the area, visit the online summer 2023 edition of MWV Vibe: www.mwvvibe.com/vibe-online.

25. TOUR A LOCAL DISTILLERY

Get in the spirit with a stop at the local distilleries. Enjoy a tasting in the bar or take a tour of Cathedral Ledge Distillery in North Conway to see how their spirits, including whiskies, vodkas, gins, and liqueurs, are made. Nestled in the quaint downtown of Tamworth, visit the Tamworth Lyceum for tastings, shopping, and events by Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile, featuring small-batch craft spirits.

With all the Valley has to offer, leaving it at just 25 isn’t easy! We hope you enjoy these suggestions for discovery and exploration this fall. Reach out and share what you thought of these fall favorites—and let us know if you uncover new delights we should know about!

Valley Originals - Almost There, Conway, NH

Frontside Roasters, North Conway Village, NH

Cathedral Ledge Distillery, North Conway, NH

★ The Valley Originals is a 501 (c)3 Non-Profit Organization ★

★ ALMOST THERE (603) 447-2325

★ BARLEY & SALT (603) 307-1037

★ BLACK CAP GRILLE (603) 356-2225

★ CHEF’S BISTRO (603) 356-4747

★ CHRISTMAS FARM INN (603) 383-4313

★ DEACON STREET (603) 356-9231

★ DELANEY’S HOLE IN THE WALL (603) 356-7776

★ FORTY AT THORN HILL (603) 383-4242

★ HORSEFEATHERS RESTAURANT (603) 356-2687

★ JOSEPH’S SPAGHETTI SHED (603) 383-6680

★ J-TOWN DELI & COUNTRY STORE (603) 383-8064

★ MAX’S AT SNOWVILLAGE INN (603) 447-2818

★ MERLINO’S STEAK HOUSE (603) 356-6006

★ MOAT MOUNTAIN SMOKE HOUSE (603) 356-6381

★ THE NOTCHLAND INN (603) 374-6131

★ THE OXFORD HOUSE INN (207) 935-3442

★ PRISCILLA’S (603) 356-0401

★ RED PARKA STEAKHOUSE & PUB (603) 383-4344

★ SHALIMAR OF INDIA (603) 356-0123

★ THE SHANNON DOOR PUB (603) 383-4211

★ SHOVEL HANDLE PUB (603) 383-8916

★ THOMPSON HOUSE EATERY (603) 383-9341

★ WHITE MOUNTAIN CIDER CO.(603) 383-9061

★ WILDCAT INN & TAVERN (603) 383-4245

★ 302 WEST SMOKEHOUSE & TAVERN (207) 935-3021

You won’t find us any where else!

FINDING THE WILDERNESS

By Mike Cherim

The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is small compared to other national parks and forests. Smaller still are the wilderness areas within its confines. They’re there, though. Six of them! And they are, likewise, small.

Of the 107 million acres of designated wilderness across the country—the bulk of which are, logically, located in untamed Alaska—only about 153,052 acres are located within the WMNF. We’re not complaining, though. By New England standards, that’s a big chunk of land, and we’re happy to have it.

What Is a Wilderness?

Before delving into some specifics about these areas, what exactly is a wilderness? Designated by the United States Congress, a wilderness, which is part of the National Wilderness PreservationSystem, is defined as follows:

A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain … retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable … has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation; is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in

an unimpaired condition; and may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. — The Wilderness Act 1964

Wild in the Whites

In the WMNF, these areas are shaded on the area hiking maps. On trail, visitors are greeted with a sign on most trails at the first point of entry. Upon entry, other changes occur (some will be more noticeable than others). For example, a regular WMNF hiking trail corridor is—by design, albeit not in reality—4 feet by 8 feet with a 24-inch treadway. This designed corridor shrinks to 3×6 feet in the wilderness areas, with an 18-inch treadway.

Another change is that sign mileage is no longer available (use your map) and that colored paint “blazes” are no longer seen—except in newer areas where some old blazes may remain. The idea is to allow for a more natural, less-impact feel. You’ll also

A hiker pauses on a Southern Presidential Traverse to glance over the Great Gulf Wilderness from Mount Adams during rare calm winds. Photo by Lily Hartman

White Mountain National Forest Wilderness Areas

A high-resolution copy of this map can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whitemountain/specialplaces.

find that common trail structures such as bridges exist only to facilitate safety, and appear with less regularity. Additional changes are regulatory and pertain to use, such as group size (10 or fewer), backcountry hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, use of equipment, logging, mining, etc.

WMNF Wilderness Specifics

Let’s get into the individual WMNF Wilderness areas.

The Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness

Size: 14,000 acres

Designated: 1990 Maine Wilderness Act.

Feel: Being that this wilderness is located wholly in Maine makes it “out there” in terms of WMNF regions, in the eyes of many. This is reflected in the condition of the trails. Even on trails to the more popular peaks like Caribou and Speckled Mountain, you’ll find less erosion and a more duff-littered [read: soft] treadway. It’s an easy wilderness to find yourself alone in. Getting lost might be less of a problem since some blazing still exists from the ‘90s. The blazes are so old, though, as are the bog bridges, signage, and other relics, that the feeling of wilderness remains intact.

The Great Gulf Wilderness

Size: 5,552 acres

Designated: 1964 Wilderness Act.

Feel: Three adjectives come to mind when the topic of the Great Gulf comes up. The first is wild. The West Branch of the Peabody River always seems to rage through (it’s actually bridged by a very bouncy footbridge), which lends a sort of rugged uncontrollability to this area. Adding to the wild feeling is that it always seems dark in the heart of the Great Gulf (once called the Gulf of Mexico). It’s been a while since it’s been logged and is teeming with tall, dense trees. One could say it’s downright prehistoric, but then some summer afternoon you hear it: the noisy traffic from the Auto Road. It seems like such a shame, but one needs to realize the Auto Road existed long before the wilderness was designated and that it’s now part of the area’s history.

The Pemigewasset Wilderness

Size: 45,000 acres

Designated: 1984 New Hampshire Wilderness Act.

Feel: Being the largest of the WMNF Wilderness areas, one might think it’d be the easiest to get away from people in. But it’s not necessarily true. At least not if you stick to the regular hiking trails. That said, the eastern trails (e.g., Shoal Pond, Thoreau Falls, Wilderness, and Desolation trails) are prettier and less traveled. The “Pemi,” as it’s known, is probably the number one wilderness destination in the WMNF, so expect to see a lot of activity there. If you’re willing to bushwhack deeper into it, however, the wildest bits, you’ll realize, are still there waiting to be “discovered.”

The Presidential Range Dry River Wilderness

Size: 29,000 acres

Designated: 1975 Eastern Wilderness Act, then expanded in the 1984 by the New Hampshire Wilderness Act.

Feel: Personally speaking, aside from hiking to Mount Isolation

and traversing the Montalban Ridge, the author explored the trails in the heart of this particular area right after it re-opened. This was after being closed for years due to massive damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The feeling of exploration was strong. The first journey, a multi-day trip, started in heavy rains—making it a dark, lonely, even foreboding place (note to the unwary: the river is anything but dry). A subsequent visit in sunshine was anything but dark and foreboding, but the loneliness remained, as did the feeling of exploration.

The Sandwich Range Wilderness

Size: 35,000 acres

Designated: 1984 New Hampshire Wilderness Act and further by the 2006 New England Wilderness Act.

Feel: The Sandwich Range Wilderness is the one most people drive by on their way to the mountains, ignoring it for such destinations as Franconia Notch in the west or the Mt. Washington Valley in the east—their loss. Many will agree that this vast east-west strip of wild is largely ignored by many, except where the trails to its 4,000-footers or 52-With-A-View peaks penetrate. This range seems underdeveloped in some ways when compared to the other regions, and that’s because it is. It is perhaps the least accommodating to folks seeking accommodations.

The Wild River Wilderness

Size: 23,700 acres

Designated: 2006 New England Wilderness Act.

Feel: Like Maine, to put it in simple terms. Otherwise, think of a cross between the Sandwich Range, the Pemi, and the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness areas for a sense of the Wild River. The name of the area itself and that of its namesake river really help define this acreage. And the river is, indeed, wild. Thanks to a lack of bridges, acts as a moat, of sorts, barring thoughts of easy entry. This helps keep the Wild River area wild. Moreover, all the really popular destinations are accessed from north and south. Thus, it’s easy to expect lonely hikes here.

The White Mountain National Forest is an amazing place, full of wonder. And for many, discovery. There was a day when these forests were logged to capacity, and signs of this activity remain even to this day (if one knows where to look), but with the help of citizens and concerned people in government, these six areas in the core of this National Forest remain as a very special resource.

The Seventh Wilderness

We’re referring to the alpine zone. It’s not actually a federally designated wilderness area, but the alpine zone is a rare and special place worthy of protection. There are, all told, just over 13 square miles of this environment east of the Mississippi River, with the biggest single section being a mere 8.3 square miles atop the Presidential Range. The rest can be found on Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire, in Baxter State Park in Maine, on Mount Mansfield in Vermont, with the remaining bits scattered here and there in those same three states.

Needless to say, this type of area really needs to be protected and preserved no differently than our wilderness areas. Fortunately, there are organizations devoted to this local cause of alpine preservation, such as Protect Mount Washington and others.

Two Wilderness Contenders

When talking about wilderness areas in the WMNF, after the six Uncle Sam designated—plus one with our nod to the alpine zone—it’d be a shame to miss out on mentioning the Mahoosuc Range and the Kilkenny Forest (Pilot and Pliny ranges). Neither of these areas is a designated wilderness area, but those who know, know it doesn’t get much wilder in the state of New Hampshire. Especially the Kilkenny for a straight-up wilderness-esque experience without setting foot on recognized acreage.

There are other undesignated wild places in the region; certainly much of the state of Maine has that wilderness feel, and within New Hampshire itself, especially up north, you can find plenty of wild spaces, albeit smaller and more fragmented: Nash Stream, Umbagog, and Pittsburg, to name three. Want to explore these wild places? Redline Guiding can show you around if you like.

Let’s go wild!

Mike Cherim, an NH S.A.R. volunteer, is the founder and owner of Redline Guiding located in Intervale. His company offers myriad activities from hiking and snowshoeing—the core activities they passionately began with—to more extreme offerings, such as mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and rock and ice climbing. Redline Guiding also offers several educational offerings, such as wilderness navigation, and Mike, being a NH JP, also officiates mountain weddings. To learn more, visit www.RedlineGuiding.com.

Hikers pass Star Lake near Madison Spring Hut after descending Mount Adams via Star Lake Trail.

Photo by Lily Hartman

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Below is a summary of established education messages, following the principles of “Leave No Trace,” and generalized for all Wilderness zones.

• Visitors should plan ahead and be well prepared for a range of recreation opportunities with varying levels of challenge and degrees of risk. Self-reliance and proficient navigation skills will make for a safer and more enjoyable visit, especially when winter conditions are present and trails may be more difficult to follow.

• Group number should be kept to a minimum, never exceeding 10, while hiking or camping. Multiple unassociated parties may simultaneously occupy a site, designated or otherwise, as long as their total numbers do not exceed 10.

• Travel should be limited to durable surfaces such as trail treadway, rock, sand, or non-vegetated duff, whenever possible. Avoid fragile areas such as those that are soft, wet, or lightly vegetated. When going off trail, members of a group should spread out to disperse the impact and avoid the creation of lasting trails.

• Where possible, only designated campsites or established campsites should be selected for use. Avoid lightly impacted campsites and the perimeters of existing sites. Established sites should be, and often must be, at least 200 feet away from trails, water sources, and any other campsites, as well as ¼-mile from any tent platforms or designated campsites. Additional restrictions may be utilized in specific Forest Protection Areas. Always minimize impacts, alterations, and number of nights spent in one location.

• When no established campsites are present, only campsites showing no former human impacts should be selected for use. Sites should be at least 200 feet from trails and water sources. Always practice low-impact techniques (no lasting alterations, well-planned layout, located in a naturally well-drained area, etc.) Never occupy a pristine site for more than two nights. Upon departure, visitors should naturalize the site as best as possible.

• Always pack out all litter. Human waste should be disposed of in a responsible manner (i.e., catholes more than 200 feet from water sources or in outhouses, where available).

• Leave all natural and cultural artifacts as they were found. Take away a picture and a lasting memory but leave nature’s treasures for others to enjoy. Humans have also had a hand in shaping the landscape, and human history is inseparably linked to White Mountain Wilderness. Even pieces of logging refuse more than 50-years-old are relics that are best interpreted in context and not after being removed.

• Campfires are strongly discouraged and in many areas (e.g., Great Gulf Wilderness, alpine zone) prohibited. Use of a camp stove is preferable. If fires are built use only dead and down fuel and practice low-impact technique (i.e., mound, sheet, pan fires). Use existing fire rings where available. Always make sure fires are out cold before leaving and never burn trash.

• Respect wildlife and maintain adequate distance as not to disturb their natural behaviors. Proper storage of food and packing out of all food waste is vital.

• Show consideration for other visitors and their pursuit of solitude by maintaining distance when selecting sites for rest, camp, etc. Devices such as cellular phones, radios, etc. should be used with discretion, if at all, to avoid encroachment on others’ experience.

A complete copy of the Wilderness Management Plan can be found by visiting www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whitemountain/specialplaces.

From people who have done what they teach

Courses include Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Wilderness EMT, Advanced EMT, Wilderness Medicine Bridge Course, Wilderness First Aid, and more.

ALL THAT’S MISSING IS YOU! Bring drinking water, sleeping bags and a cooler full of food.

“Everyone has this sense of service and this desire to serve, give back, and to take care of the community they’re from,” says York. “We wanted to give back to the trails that gave us so much.”

Run to Home Base hike, 2020. This program has raised about $21,000 in the past three years.

A group of veterans on Mount Eisenhower

Flags on the 48 Mount Madison, 2021

Flags on the 48 Mount Tecumseh, 2022

Supporting Those Who Have Served

Lily Hartman

In September 2017, United States Marine Corps veteran Michael York and his dad went on a mission to summit Mount Washington. During quiet moments on the hike, York found himself focusing on the negative aspects of his service that he carried with him when he got out, which was taking away from the positivity of being outdoors with his dad. Once the two of them reached the sum-

In 2019, York started Veterans on the 48 (VOT48), a group that is committed to getting more veterans outdoors in order to support their mental and physical health.

mit, York felt an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, self-worth, and pride.

“On the way down, I didn’t have any of those negative feelings anymore,” he says. The hiking community reminded him of the military—goal-oriented, mission-based, and everyone being in it together. He quickly fell in love with the outdoors and bonding with the hiking community. This environment was doing something transformative for him and he felt inspired to help other veterans experience the same feeling.

Run to Home Base, Fenway Park, 2023

A group of veterans at Galehead Hut

“I think one of the biggest things veterans deal with when they get out of the military is kind of a sense that they’ve lost their community,” he says.

In 2019, York started Veterans on the 48 (VOT48), a group that is committed to getting more veterans outdoors in order to support their mental and physical health. York began by connecting with veterans online, which eventually led to their first group hike on North Twin for Flags on the 48 in 2019, which is

not only changed his life, but also saved it.

“You [may] think we’re just getting somebody a backpack, but there’s so much more behind it,” says York.

One of the veterans on the first VOT48 group hike was Navy veteran, Yuma Haidara, who was the first woman to ever hike with them and is now an outreach coordinator for the group. Her favorite part about the group is the genuine love and support everyone has for one another.

an annual memorial hike that honors those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Since that day, 116 veterans have hiked with the group.

As of August 2023, 69 veterans have received a VOT48 finishers patch, which York created for veterans who finish hiking all the 4,000 footers. In 2021, VOT48 became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further support veterans by providing donated gear and offering Wilderness First Aid courses. One time during a raffle, a member of the group won a hiking backpack that Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) donated to the group. The member wore the backpack for a thru-hike that he dreamed of completing. He later mentioned that getting that backpack

“You just talk about stuff that might have been buried or even forgotten about, and it’s very therapeutic,” says Navy veteran Jessica Bryant, who was the second woman to attend a hike with the group and is also an outreach coordinator. “You don’t realize it until you’re [hiking with the group], but you’re like, ‘Oh, I needed that.’”

Many veterans are hesitant at first to attend a group hike due to their fear of hiking too slow, but Haidara explains how the group moves at a comfortable pace so they’re able to hold conversations, get to know one another, and feel good on the way up.

“The biggest thing we hear after hikes is, ‘I wish I joined sooner,’” says Haidara.

Flags on the 48. In less-than-ideal weather this past September, Veterans on the 48 had the honor of raising the American Flag on the summit of Mount Monroe in memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001. This was the fifth year participating in the event, and this particular team consisted of 15 veterans representing the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Forty-seven other teams ensured the Stars and Stripes were flown on each of the 48 4,000 foot peaks in New Hampshire to honor and remember the lives lost and to ensure we #NEVERFORGET. RIGHT: The women of VOT48 are shown together here on Mount Pierce, via the Crawford Path, for a winter hike last year.

Whether a veteran chooses to hike with the group all the time, just once, or get involved in other ways, each veteran is still an important member of the community whom the group cares about. Members often check in on one another to let each other know that they have unconditional support.

Support for Veterans

You can support VOT48 by making a tax-deductible donation that helps them purchase gear for veterans and send them to Wilderness First Aid classes. Send a donation by visiting www. paypal.com/paypalme/veteransonthe48.

In 2022, VOT48 started purchasing Hike Safe Cards every January for veterans. The cards are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The profits support New Hampshire Fish and Game search and rescue efforts.

For information on other ways to donate, how to receive a VOT48 finishers patch, or to find out if a Hike Safe Card is available, email info@veteransonthe48.org.

CENTER:

Haidara and Bryant, who met through the group and call each other “soul sisters,” both lead women’s hikes, which became this safe space where women feel comfortable being vulnerable and leaning on one another. Haidara says that they’ll even do other activities together, such as going to the movies or rock climbing.

York’s favorite part about VOT48 is when group members get together and hang out off the trail. “Even if they never come

the trail crew is a different, yet fun way to get veterans outside.

“Everyone has this sense of service and this desire to serve, give back, and to take care of the community they’re from,” says York. “We wanted to give back to the trails that gave us so much.”

This year, VOT48 participated in Flags on the 48 for the fifth time, on Mount Monroe. York says that this is usually their biggest group hike event of the year. During the event and every

hike with us again, they have now found somebody that they can turn to, and lean on, and do things with,” he says.

If a veteran has no interest in or is unable to hike, there are other ways they can get involved with the group and help veterans. For the second year in a row, VOT48 is participating in the DAV 5K at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island, which takes place on Veteran’s Day in Boston. The race honors veterans and raises awareness for what they go through.

VOT48 also runs in a race for Home Base, which is a national nonprofit that is committed to helping veterans heal their inner wounds. “Over the last three years, we’ve raised about $21,000 for the Home Base program and their PTSD research and treatment,” says York.

With help from the United States Forest Service (USFS), VOT48 trained 29 veterans in level-one trail maintenance in 2021. They performed 21 miles of trail maintenance on 10 different trails in summer and fall. In 2022, VOT48 adopted the Mount Tecumseh Trail from Tripoli Road, which they now maintain consistently. Led by Greg York, who is York’s dad and the group’s trail crew coordinator, the crew will go out to the trail a couple of times per year and clear it out. York says that

other group hike, they follow a “no man left behind” mentality, meaning the group will always summit together.

Whether a veteran chooses to hike with the group all the time, just once, or get involved in other ways, each veteran is still an important member of the community whom the group cares about. Members often check in on one another to let each other know that they have unconditional support.

“They’re a part of a community that is there for them,” says York. “I never wanted it to end at the trailhead.”

Veterans on the 48 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to getting more veterans outside and onto the trails to promote healthy lifestyles both physically and mentally.

WHERE TO FIND VETERANS ON THE 48:

www.instagram.com/veteransonthe48

www.facebook.com/Veteransonthe48

www.veteransonthe48.org/home

With help from the United States Forest Service (USFS), VOT48 trained 29 veterans in level-one trail maintenance in 2021. They performed 21 miles of trail maintenance on 10 different trails in summer and fall.

LEFT: VOT48 members participate in a Wilderness First Aid course. The class was hosted by @redlineguiding and instructed by @solowildernessmedicine.

One of the veterans on the first VOT48 group hike was Navy veteran, Yuma Haidara, who was the first woman to ever hike with them and is now an outreach coordinator for the group. Her favorite part about the group is the genuine love and support everyone has for one another. RIGHT: In 2019, USMC Veteran Michael York started Veterans on the 48, committed to getting more veterans outdoors in order to support their mental and physical health. York began by connecting with veterans online, which eventually led to their first group hike on North Twin for Flags on the 48 in 2019.

Cairn Etiquette While Exploring Above Treeline

By Lily Hartman

A well-built cairn with quartz topper, which is ideal for seeing it from a distance.

Photo by Cristin Bailey.

As we make our way through the dense forest of lady ferns, tall grass, and spruce and fir trees that surround Caps Ridge Trail, it doesn’t take long for us to pop up above treeline. Even though Mount Jefferson is the third highest summit in New Hampshire, it only takes about 2.6 miles to get there from Caps Ridge Trailhead, which is “the highest elevation trailhead on a public road in the White Mountains,” writes the United States Forest Service (USFS). This means that most of the trail is exposed, and therefore, must be followed by cairns over trail markings for most of the way.

On this trail, you gain elevation quickly—about 2,690 feet in total. The clouds are heavy today. We watch as we make our way into their mist—making it harder to see more than 20 feet in front of us. As we move toward the cone of Mount Jefferson, the only way we know where the trail is, is by following the sturdy cairns that camouflage with the alpine rocks, yet stand out just enough for us to stay on trail.

Building rock structures for guidance is a practice that has been used for centuries around the world, according to Bill Kane, founder and director of The Kane Schools, Wild & Rescue Medicine. In the Northeast, it’s been used since the 1800s to mark trails and guide hikers in the right direction above treeline and in other barren sections, writes the Leave No Trace Center.

“This was almost a spiritual and smart thing to do,” says Kane. “It gave adventurers confidence that we knew the way—we could go back and forth.”

In the White Mountains, cairns are built by professional trail crews with alpine rocks to protect people and nature, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Cairns are a pile of rocks—usually 3 to 5 feet tall—that look man-made, says Mike Cherim, owner of Redline Guiding. They guide hikers in alpine and subalpine areas safely, while simultaneously preventing footsteps from crushing fragile mountain plants.

When there’s dense fog or whiteout conditions, especially in the winter, you may not be able to see the next cairn. In these situations, Cherim recommends navigating with a paracord by tying a piece of it to the cairn you’re currently at to stay in contact with it, then to go and find the next one. Once you find it, you can communicate to other hiker(s) at the first cairn by tugging or shaking the paracord with a communication system since you most likely won’t be able to see or hear them. Redline Guiding teaches this in their Wilderness Navigation course above treeline.

“The last thing you want to do is leave a cairn, not

find the new one, and not be able to find where you were,” says Cherim. “Now you’re lost.”

Another way to stay on trail—when cairns aren’t visible—is by using a map and compass and orienting your compass to north before leaving the trailhead, which can make all the difference in whiteout conditions, according to Kane.

Navigational Cairns vs. Unauthorized Cairns

Around 2014 or 2015, rock stacking started to become popular as an international art form due to trends on social media, according to Lonely Planet. Cherim says that these rock piles are typically small, artistic, and aren’t navigational cairns. In fact, he says these types of cairns can create a “navigational nightmare” for hikers who believe that they are there as a trail marker.

“There is a tradition in places that if you see a cairn, it’s good luck to put a rock on it,” says Cristin Bailey, trails manager of the USFS Saco Ranger District. “That becomes a problem concerning trail finding and safety, and it’s all over social media.”

When someone places a rock on the top of a cairn, this prevents air and water from getting through it easily and therefore blocks the cairn from drainage. Water can then build up, freeze in cold conditions, and eventually burst—forcing trail crew members to have to rebuild it come spring.

Unauthorized cairns are often built by streams and rivers, as well as on edges of cliffs, which can take away from the experience of being in nature. Bailey says, “… if we see them, we knock them down [once people leave]. It’s part of our job to maintain the trail in a way that people will use it or not get lost.”

Hikers following cairns in low visibility heading up Mount Madison.

Photo by Jamal Hicks

THE NATURE OF CAIRNS AND THEIR CONSTRUCTION

The graphics and text below were paraphrased from the AMC Trail Adopter Handbook—White Mountain Adopt-A-Trail Program.

The handbook was designed as a guide for AMC trail adopters, and provides essential information about how to maintain trails and available resources. The following is just a small sample of the information provided.

Cairns are rock structures used to mark trails in treeless areas. They are an important safety feature above treeline where the trail may not be visible in fog or storms. They are effective year round because of their visibility even under snow and ice conditions of winter. They also protect the environment in alpine areas by keeping hikers on the trail.

On trails that are fairly straight, cairns are typically spaced about 100 to 200 feet apart, and less in areas subject to heavy fog. For trails that are not straight, cairns are placed at turns or bends in the trail to keep hikers on the trail. Cairns are usually placed in conspicuous locations, such as knolls or ledges, and those placed in optimal locations against the skyline can be visible for a mile or more.

HORIZONTAL VIEW

Building cairns is time consuming and, like much rock work, as much an art as a science. Large, flat rocks are favored in cairn construction, and therefore locating and carrying suitable rocks can take as long as building the cairn. Each layer is sloped slightly to the center so that gravity will stabilize the cairn. The center of cairns are filled with rubble, usually bigger stones as smaller ones can condense together allowing the cairn to collapse in on itself. Successive layers are built and joints are bridged by additional stones. Each stone typically has at least three points of contact with underlying stones for stability.

Cairn builders are discouraged from using small stones to fill cracks as shifting produced by wind and frost action will eventually cause these small pieces to come out and the cairn to collapse. Finally, a white rock should be placed on top of the cairn for additional visibility.

Explore trail maintenance opportunities with AMC. Additional information can be found by visiting: www.outdoors.org/get-involved/trail-maintenance.

Open Daily at 11am (603) 733-5550

Open Daily at 11am (603) 733-5550

1464 White Mountain Highway

6 Mountain Valley Blvd, No Conway

In July, Yosemite National Park rangers told hikers to knock down rock piles when spotted, since they go against leave no trace principles and can disturb ecosystems. In this area, Cherim says that it’s okay to knock down an unauthorized cairn if hikers are certain it’s not a navigational one. Otherwise, “If they don’t know the difference, they shouldn’t be touching them,” he says.

Protecting Fragile Ecosystems

Hikers who build rock piles are putting fragile mountain plants at risk by impacting soil and potentially leading other hikers into protected areas. According to Bailey, the White Mountains have the most diverse alpine communities east

to place cairns in a way that keeps foot traffic away from fragile alpine gardens.

What it Takes to Build a Cairn

USFS partner trail crews are responsible for maintaining existing structures in the White Mountains, including cairns, according to Bailey—whether that’s a staff crew, weekend or week-long volunteer group, or team of an adopted trail program. Trail crew members are provided drawings by the USFS and AMC that instruct them on how to build a cairn.

Building cairns is different than other kinds of trail work. There are different safety precautions to follow, but it’s a much more rewarding experience. Large, heavy rocks can be difficult

“By design, trails are supposed to concentrate the impacts of recreation,” says Bailey. Hikers should only step on the treadway in rocky terrain, which is why trail crews are advised to place cairns in a way that keeps foot traffic away from fragile alpine gardens.

of the Rockies. There are several species that exist nowhere else in the world besides above-treeline areas in the White Mountains, such as the dwarf cinquefoil and White Mountain Fritillary butterfly, which is why it’s considered a special place to protect in the forest.

“By design, trails are supposed to concentrate the impacts of recreation,” says Bailey. Hikers should only step on the treadway in rocky terrain, which is why trail crews are advised

to carry, and there’s a certain technique to doing so. When putting rock on rock, it’s very easy to pinch a finger, Bailey says.

After hours of hiking to the subalpine or alpine areas that need a new or updated cairn, trail maintainers get to work. To begin, the crew selects rocks that aren’t holding back soil in order to keep those areas protected. For each tier, and especially the base layer, crew members use large, flat rocks and angle them towards the center to increase gravity. Each stone needs

The above illustration shows details of Thunderstorm Junction, located a third of a mile from the summit of Mount Adams, where the Gulfside Trail (AT), Great Gully Trail, and Lowe’s Path converge. In 2022, the Randolph Mountain Club trail crew redesigned the intersection and clearly defined each trail with new trail signs, rock cairns, and scree walls. NEXT PAGE: Writer, Lily Hartman, follows cairns to Mount Isolation. Photo by Meghan Greeley.

Sam Marshall photos

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

“We need more volunteers and people just being aware and supporting trails however they can—everybody’s got time, talent, or treasure.” - Cristin Bailey, trails manager of the United States Forest Service Saco Ranger Station.

The USFS provides training, year-round opportunities, and the ability set your own schedule for stewardship More info: www.fs.usda.gov/main/whitemountain/ workingtogether/volunteering

Adopt-a-Trail opportunities: www.naturegroupie org/ services/adopt-trail-opportunities

AMC: Explore trail maintenance opportunities with AMC. Every year, AMC staff works alongside thousands of volunteers to maintain and build trails. By joining a trail crews, you can combine your passions of being outdoors and contributing to the protection of the environment. More info: www.outdoors.org/get-involved/trail-maintenance

CAIRNS VS ROCK STACKING

How to SPOT the Difference

Navigational cairn

• 3–5 feet tall

• 50- to 100-foot distance between each

• Usually placed near ledges or mounds

• Looks like other cairns

• Wide at the base as they are high

Unauthorized rock stacking

• Smaller in size

• More artistic

• May be grouped together

• Often spotted near streams and rivers

• Rocks are often stacked right on top of one another

three points of contact to stabilize the cairn and eliminate wiggle. Small rocks are also used to backfill the cairn to further strengthen it. They’re built 50 to 100 feet apart on easy-to-spot ledges or mounds and a light-colored rock is also often placed on top for greater visibility.

“The cairns are established—they need to be structurally sound, but you also need to have a rock available, which is not always the case—ironically,” says Bailey. “Just for the summit cone of Mount Washington, we had to fly rock to use.”

Respect Nature

From a navigational cairn made by a professional trail crew to someone creating art for mindfulness, the tradition of building cairns doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. According to Cherim, knowing the difference between each motive is important when spending time in nature.

“Have fun, play by the river—that’s fantastic,” says Bailey. “We want you to do that, but please knock down the cairn you built before you go.”

CAIRNS & Leave No Trace

We are fortunate to have diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, many of which are in sensitive environments such as areas near or above treeline. Cairns are prominent features in many of these alpine areas. Special care should be taken to both enjoy these areas responsibly and to ensure that cairns are left as they are found.

Cairns are intentionally constructed stacks of rocks that mark trails and guide hikers in the mountains above treeline, and in other barren areas. These route markers have been in use in the Northeastern U.S. since the 1800s. Cairns are very important guides for hikers during periods of low visibility (dense fog and whiteout) and in winter when snow covers the trail.

By adhering to the following guidelines, you can minimize impact on cairns, and ensure that cairns continue to serve as a critical route-finding tool for trail users and resource protection tool for the alpine landscape.

• Do not build unauthorized cairns. When visitors create unauthorized routes or cairns, they often greatly expand trampling impacts and misdirect visitors from established routes to more fragile or dangerous areas. This is especially important in the winter when trails are hidden by snow. Thus, visitor-created or “bootleg” cairns can be very misleading to hikers and should not be built.

• Do not tamper with cairns. Authorized cairns are designed and built for specific purposes. Tampering with or altering cairns minimizes their route marking effectiveness. Leave all cairns as they are found.

• Do not add stones to existing cairns. Cairns are designed to be free draining. Adding stones to cairns chinks the crevices, allowing snow to accumulate. Snow turns to ice, and the subsequent freeze/thaw cycle can reduce the cairn to a rock pile.

• Do not move rocks. Extracting and moving rocks make mountain soils more prone to erosion in an environment where new soil creation requires thousands of years. It also disturbs adjacent fragile alpine vegetation.

• Stay on trails. Protect fragile mountain vegetation by following cairns or paint blazes in order to stay on designated trails.

To learn more about Leave No Trace practices for the Northeast mountains, please visit www.LNT.org  or call 1.800.332.4100.

GREAT RAIL ADVENTURES on mount washington all

year long!

The Big 5-0 for Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub!

In a world full of chain restaurants and fast food, finding original, locally owned restaurants is becoming a rarity. We are fortunate to have a few of these gems in the Mt. Washington Valley (many are members of the Valley Originals), and one of the longest-standing and respected of those is the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub in Glen. Referred to by locals as the “Parka,” it is in the midst of celebrating its 50th year in business. Known for its

By Christine Thompson

“Good Food & Good Times,” you’d have a challenge trying to find a Valley native who has not spent time eating, dancing, or enjoying drinks with friends at the Red Parka Pub.

We recently sat down with Valley icon and Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub co-owner, Terry O’Brien, to find out how it all began.

Terry recounts that she first came to the Valley in the early 70s when she was

18, with her parents, Jean and Dewey Mark. They rented a camp with friends, Lois and Al Nelson, in Fryeburg, Maine. They loved coming to the Mt. Washington Valley, enjoying the outdoor life and nightlife, and dreamt of relocating here. While at the camp, the friends got to talking and said, “Wouldn’t it be great to buy a restaurant up here and run it together?” What began as a pie-in-thesky idea turned into a reality when the

friends found a business to lease in 1972: The Red Parka Pub, aptly named after the red parkas that ski patrollers and instructors wore at the time.

The business had been run by the Rodericks, but after just a few years, they were ready to move on. In 1972, after the Rodericks moved away, the Grants (of Grants Supermarket) leased the building and business to Jean and Dewey Mark and Al and Lois Nelson. Then, in 1973, Irvin Grant suggested buying the building to Dewey. And the rest, as they say, is history. Eventually, the Marks would partner with Tony Ferruolo to purchase the Nelson’s share. From the very beginning, the Red Parka Pub was an “all-hands-on-deck” business, as many of the Marks family members and friends worked there. Even Terry’s boyfriend at the time, Bob Wentworth, moved up to the Valley and replaced Dewey Mark as the cook. He also eventu-

The après-ski scene has always been a favorite at the Parka attracting guests from Attitash, Black Mounatin, and Wildcat.

The Red Parka Challenge Cup would later move to Attitash, attracting competitors of all ages.

The first Red Parka Challenge Cup Race at Tyrol in 1973—the race has raised over $300,000 for ESSC Jr Ski Program.

ally became her husband. Fast forward to 1977, and Terry and Bob welcomed twin girls into the world. It was a busy and exciting time for Terry and her young family. They were running a very successful, thriving restaurant and raising young children.

There have been several changes and challenges to navigate over the five decades, but the Parka, time and again, proves it’s a model of grit and resilience. Sadly, Terry’s beloved father Dewey Mark passed away in 2009 at the age of 78. Tony Ferruolo remembered his friend and business partner as “a goodwill guy and a great ambassador who just loved to have fun.” Though his passing was the end of an era, and he is still deeply missed by his family, his legacy lives on. Society itself has changed a lot since the early ‘70s, and the Parka has had to change with it. Mt. Washington Valley in the ‘70s was becoming a busy ski town. The nightlife was bustling and vibrant. “Bar hopping” was common, and many businesses focused on keeping the nightlife exciting and fun. The après-ski scene has changed considerably over the years. People don’t stay out as late as they used to, and more often, cook and entertain at home or in vacation rentals. As a result, the Valley has become much more family centered. The Red Parka Pub has worked hard to adapt and, as a result, has become a model for family-friendly establishments. The

The Parka music scene has almost a cult following of patrons. Patrons like locals Ivette and Ross Emery shared that they discovered the music scene at the Red Parka Pub in 2003 when they moved to Intervale. For the past 20 years, they have enjoyed dancing to and listening to innumerable fantastic bands. Ivette added, “The joy the Red Parka Pub has brought us has undoubtedly added years to our lives.”

menu has grown considerably from the early days, and it is always being updated and consistently delicious.

As was the case with so many businesses, navigating COVID was also a big hurdle. The Parka closed for a couple of months but was able to re-open because of key staff, and Terry’s husband, retired police officer George O’Brien (they married in 2002), worked hard to make it work. They have an incredibly loyal staff. Bartender extraordinaire, Carl Farnum, has been at the Parka for 40 years, and Sue Crouse, has been with them for 21 years. That being said, finding help since the pandemic has become a huge challenge. Terry puts in split shifts six days weekly to keep things running smoothly. What keeps her going are the customers: seeing the regulars come back, the summer people, the people who love the fact that they can always count on a good time.

The pub’s high-quality entertainment continues to draw people in. George O’Brien books top-notch live bands every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m., and Blues Sundays twice a month from 4 to 7 p.m. The Parka music scene has almost a cult following of patrons. Patrons like locals Ivette and Ross Emery shared that they discovered the music scene at the Red Parka Pub in 2003 when they moved to Intervale. For the past 20 years, they have enjoyed dancing

The Red Parka would host many races over the years, both in summer and winter, giving back to the community along the way.

Blue Sunday with James Montgomery & Bruce Marshall.

From après to nightlife, the Parka has always been bustling and vibrant.

Scenes from the Don’t Drop Your Taco in the Saco River Triathlon.

The Parka competed in the National Rib Cookoff in Cleveland in the 1980s.

The live music scene at the Parka has kept customers returning throughout the years. Tim Theriault, seen here in 2018, has been one of the many favorites.

Before the Red Parka Pub ...

Did you know that the Parka wasn’t always a pub and restaurant? In 1952, Fred Hanscom built a new store in Glen, which would later be sold to his nephew Ervin Grant. Ervin lived on the property with his wife and daughter Nancy (who originally shared much of this information).

The Grants ran the general store, which had everything from groceries, paint, grain, and clothes, until they built a new store closer to the Route 16/302 intersection in 1965 (eventually becoming what is now Grant’s Shop n’ Save). The Grants, in turn, rented the original store to Dottie and Rick Roderick, who reopened it as the Red Parka Pub.

In 1972, after the Rodericks moved away, the Grants leased the building and business to Jean and Dewey Mark and Al and Lois Nelson. Eventually the Marks would partner with Tony Ferruolo to purchase the Nelson’s share, and along with the help of daughter, Terry O’Brien, the Red Parka Pub legacy would begin. Recently, Terry and her mom Jean became sole owners of the pub. The next time you visit the pub, be sure to look for the original F.E. Hanscom sign—seen in the photo above—hanging over the bar!

This information was recounted by Nancy Grant via Bartlett Historical Society. Support their latest museum project by visiting www.bartletthistory.org and consider supporting their goals. Your help is greatly appreciated.

to and listening to innumerable fantastic bands. Ivette added, “The joy the Red Parka Pub has brought us has undoubtedly added years to our lives.”

Through it all, the owners, management, and staff of the Parka have stayed true to their mission of “providing their guests with hospitable service and great food prepared with genuine caring for their satisfaction.” That mission also makes it evident that giving back to the community is of utmost importance to the Parka, and they have proven this many times over the years.

Their biggest fundraiser of the year is the Red Parka Challenge Cup, which started in 1973. They donate all the proceeds from that event to the Eastern Slope Ski Club (ESSC) Junior Ski Program. The Junior Ski Program ensures that each valley student in grades 1 to 6, has the opportunity to learn to ski, regardless of their ability to pay. The program has taught literally thousands of Valley residents to ski over the years (the writer of this article being one of them). This year, the Red Parka Pub Challenge raised $22,000 to support this phenomenal program.

The Parka’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the Red Parka Challenge Cup, with all proceeds going to the Eastern Slope Ski Club (ESSC) Junior Ski Program.

ESSC board member and avid skier Stefan Karnopp pointed out, “For decades, the Red Parka Challenge Cup has given ESSC the proceeds raised from their race. To say this exceeded expectations would be an understatement. Long ago, the

at the North Conway Community Center. The local kids have benefited greatly from this exciting and long-standing dual slalom race.”

The Parka has hosted countless other charity events over the years, but the one

affected by the massive flooding damage from Hurricane Irene. “It was a very gratifying experience; it was truly neighbor helping neighbor,” notes O’Brien.

In 2018, Terry and her mom Jean bought out Ferruolo and became sole

proceeds from this race surpassed what had been the ESSC’s biggest fundraiser, the annual ski sale held each November

that stands out as being near and dear to Terry’s heart was when they raised money to provide relief for Bartlett residents

owners of the pub. Five years later, they are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Terry would like to travel

When asked to reflect on what The Parka has meant to her, O’Brien emphasized that she has been “blessed with locals who decided right after that first winter in 1973 that we were here to stay, and they truly kept us alive. Word of mouth is how we became well known. It meant so much to all of us and we are so grateful to all the locals for keeping us in business all these years.”

The Red Parka Pub “Grown-Up Prom,” themed differently each year, gave locals the opportunity to dress up, relive some memories, and enjoy a night of dancing, drinks, and festivities ... Parka style!

more and spend more time with her grandchildren, though unsurprisingly, one of her grandchildren, Lucas, currently works with her. But Terry and Jean won’t compromise. They are waiting to sell it to the right person who will carry on the mission and continue to provide “Good Food & Good Times” to many more generations of locals and tourists.

When asked to reflect on what the Parka has meant to her, O’Brien emphasized that she has been “blessed with locals who decided right after that first winter in 1973 that we were here to stay, and they truly kept us alive. Word of mouth is how we became well known. It meant so much to all of us and we are so grateful to all the locals for keeping us in business all these years.”

It is clear that the Parka is a staple for tourists and locals alike. For so many, the Parka is an integral part of their lives. It is a place that holds precious memories, nostalgic moments, and a special place in their hearts.

For more information about their menu and entertainment schedule, check out www.redparkapub.com.

The Kennett Middle School ski team takes a moment to pose after a Red Parka Jr. Challenge Cup Race at Attitash.

The Red Parka Pub Downhill Tricycle race, another fundraiser created to raise money for the local Dewey Mark Scholarship Found.

Know of an interesting story, past or present, pertaining to the Valley? See something here that may not be accurate? Send suggestions or corrections to info@mwvvibe.com.

After the death of her husband, Joseph Stickney (builder of the Mount Washington Hotel) in 1903, Carolyn Stickney married French royal Prince Jean Baptiste Marie de Faucigny Lucinge. She became known as “the Princess,” and spent her summers at the hotel. Carolyn held lavish parties in her private dining room, known as the “Princess Lounge,” and had her own private suite. Following her death in 1936, hotel workers reported sightings of the Princess descending the stairs for dinner or switching lights on and off. Guests who stay in her suite, room 314, report the lights turning on and off and someone sitting on the bed combing her hair. (www.omnihotels.com)

The Conway Lumber Company built what became known as New England’s largest sawmill in 1907. There were a number of buildings on the property, which totaled 20,000 square feet, and a state-of-the-art steelframed main building and steam-heated ponds. They created a system that used the waste wood as fuel for the boilers—an early 20th-century recycling program. The company saw a very profitable WWI era, with the capacity of sawing 125,000 board feet per day. But by 1920, the large mill closed, and the property was sold. A smaller sawmill remained operational until c.1960.

New Hampshire was home to a number of small towns that were once thriving communities—over time, abandoned or simply vanished. One community in modern-day Bethlehem, NH was known as the Gale River Settlement. Built along the Gale River, many businesses harnessed the power of the river. There were a number of saw and grist mills, beginning in 1844. Other businesses began to spring up: a cider mill, a potato starch factory, provender (animal feed) mill, chair factory, carriage shop, and carding (wool) mill. The settlement did not make it to the 20th century, and the last building collapsed in 1906.

In the 1870s, Fred Eaton, carriage maker by trade, came to Conway Village looking to start his own trade. He began work at Leroy Merrill’s carriage factory, but suddenly his business ideas shifted. By 1872, Conway’s colonial cemetery had been displaced for the second time because of the Portsmouth, Great Falls, and Conway Railroad lines coming through town. Eaton saw his chance to start a coffin and casket business, located across the canal from the cemetery. After his carriage business petered out during WWI, Eaton started an undertaking business in the old carriage shop and donated the coffin and casket building to the town for a park space.

Italian artisans and workers who built the Mount Washington Hotel were very superstitious, so they varied the number of stairs of the two grand staircases to the second floor in order to confuse ghosts; 33 from the registration area and 31 to the South Tower.

Crawford Notch was discovered in 1771; plans to build a road soon followed. It was called the White Mountain Notch, or Western Notch. With increased travel to the area in 1806, the 10th New Hampshire Turnpike opened, making it possible for merchants and farmers to trade from Vermont to Portland, Maine.

In 1878, the Kearsarge Peg Mill moved to Bartlett, NH in search of a more reliable wood source. They manufactured wooden pegs that were placed in the soles of shoes. It suffered a fire in February 2016, razing the main buildings to the ground. It was the only peg mill of its kind left in the world.

On a cold day in March of 1851, a few local farmers and merchants got together to showcase their animals and wares to the community of Fryeburg, Maine. It quickly became an attraction in the White Mountains, growing from four days to the current eight. Today, the Fryeburg Fair boasts as Maine’s largest agricultural fair.

The Kancamagus (pronounced “cainkah-MAW-gus”) Highway, or “the Fearless One,” runs from Conway, NH to Lincoln, NH. Kancamagus was the nephew of Wonalancet and Passaconway and the third sagamore (chief) of the Penacook Confederacy of Native American tribes. He ruled present-day southern New Hampshire, until he moved to what is now Quebec, Canada in 1691.

whitemountainhistory.org photo

whitemountainhistory.org photo

whitemountainhistory.org photo

whitemountainhistory.org photo