Mt Washington Valley Vibe - Summer 2022 by Wiseguy Creative Media

Summer 2022 | Volume 6: Issue 20

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A Choice of Heritage and Scenic Train Rides! • Take a step back in time and experience classic train travel on our Valley Trains or enjoy a scenic journey aboard the Mountaineer.

All Aboard!

• Excursions daily from the end of May until mid-November. Choose from our scenic Mountaineer, or classic train rides to Conway or Sawyer River.

n offers a heritage railroad journey

Our 12:30 pm Sawyer River excursio

Call or Book online - ConwayScenic.com • (603) 356-5251

38 Norcross Circle | North Conway, NH 2

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Call 1-800-458-1838 www.northeastsnowmobile.com CHOOSE YOUR RIDE, CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!

Side by Sides Located 30-minutes north of North Conway in Gorham, NH. Grab a 2022 Polaris 2- or 4-seater, side-by-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

E-bikes Gearing on this SONDORS Electric Bike is set up so that you can pedal along comfortably with a powerassisted electric motor. Take a ride through the town or explore local area trails! Available at our Gorham, NH location

Summer 2022

THOUGHTS FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

Welcome to the 20th edition of MWV Vibe! A few have asked if a special edition was in the works to commemorate the occasion. The truth is—as cliché as it may sound—that each and every edition has been special in its own right. In addition to the thousands of hours it takes to put an edition together (okay we’re exaggerating a smidge, but it honestly seems that way), how could we possibly make this one “better” than the last? Since our very first edition—collaboration, education, and support of local organizations and products—have been our focus. Thumbing through the previous 19 editions, picking one as more special over another would be nearly impossible. Perhaps we’ll feel differently for the 25th edition and choose a theme we haven’t covered. If you have any ideas, we would love to hear them! Speaking of themes, many past editions have had them—some purposely, and some, just by chance. With the explosion in popularity of outdoor recreation in the Whites, it seems logical for us to continue bringing you tales of adventure around our rivers and mountains. But for every story of adventure told, there needs to be two emphasizing safety, preparedness, and just general common sense. How boring is that? Nah. There’s nothing boring about knowing how to read the weather before an adventure or how to pack for it … just in case. We find those stories fascinating … and that’s why we’ll continue to bring them to you. Now, about those overcrowded trails and weather-related rescues … read on! Happy trails ... and be well! Dan Houde, dan@wiseguycreative.com

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.

Spring 2019 | Volume 2: Issue 8

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Summer 2020 | Volume 4: Issue 13

Spring 2021 | Volume 4: Issue 15

Winter 2020/21 | Volume 4: Issue 14

WISEGUY CREATIVE MEDIA 126 Allens Siding Road, North Conway, NH 03860 ADVERTISING For advertising, feedback, and subscriptions, call (603) 986-5761 or email info@mwvvibe.com

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WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS 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.

Heather Corrigan, North Conway, NH Originally a flatlander, Heather has called the White Mountains home for a decade now. She enjoys snowboarding down mountains and hiking up them, and exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. When she’s not rooting for the “wrong” baseball team, she enjoys reading, music, and taking too many pictures of her cat.

Joe Russo, Jackson, NH Joe is currently a brewer at the Moat Mountain Brewing Company in North Conway, and has worked for the SAP House Meadery, Hobbs Brewery & Tavern, as well as a former cask Brewer at Sea Dog Brewing Company in North Conway. As an artisan brewer, he is working on his dream to open his own brewery in the Valley.

Chris Broughton-Bossong, Conway, NH Chris grew up in Washington, D.C. and moved to the Mt. Washington Valley in 2013 to work as an instructor for SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine. He works in the Valley as a paramedic and volunteers for several local search and rescue teams. He spends his free time, hiking, paddling, and cooking.

Brian Fitzgerald, North Conway Brian is the director of science and education for Mount Washington Observatory. As a former weather observer for MWOBS and naturalist for AMC, he can be found marveling at mountains and clouds in his free time. Brian, his wife Stephanie, and their son Cameron live in North Conway.

Wendy Scribner, Dover, NH Wendy grew up hiking and skiing in the Mt. Washington Valley. She shares her home with her husband Steve, daughter Shannon, and three adopted cats.

Clem McAuliffe, Bartlett, NH As owner of Vista Bev & Market in Intervale, Clem loves beer. He loves talking about beer, reading about beer, writing about beer, and of course, drinking beer. All who enter the store quickly understand the benefit of asking, “Clem, what am I drinking today?”

Matt Maloney, Jackson, NH Matt is a teacher naturalist at Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, New Hampshire. Formerly the Adirondack Mountain Club’s coordinator for interpretive programs, he has a degree in Environmental Education from Antioch in Keene, NH.

Virginia Moore, Albany, NH Virginia Moore is a member of The Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association Board of Directors. She has lived in the Mt. Washington Valley since 1983. She is retired and spends much of her time painting and doing other art projects. Virginia lives in Albany, NH with her partner and two dogs and two cats. Ryan Smith, Bartlett, NH Ryan splits his time between North Conway and Massachusetts’ North Shore. Ryan’s passion for outdoor recreation and conservation is evident in the work he has done throughout the Valley as a creative professional and a steward of the environment.

Dave Greenslit, Conway, NH Dave is a retired newspaper reporter and editor who moved to the Mt. Washington Valley with his wife Paula Brown to be close to the skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and paddling they love. He has hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail and, most recently, the Cohos Trail. His future adventures will be on a brand-new hip. Jim Chaput, Chocorua, NH Jim is the founder of SimplyBetter Movement Therapy in Conway Village. Obsessed with movement and problem-solving, he loves doing everything he can to help people move and feel better. Jim loves to hike, paddleboard, and snowshoe with his wife, Trish and their Siberian Husky, Roli.

Mark Dindorf, Bartlett, NH Mark is the interim executive director of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust and chairs the Board of Selectmen in Hart’s Location and the Saco & Swift Rivers Local Advisory Committee. Mark can often be found hiking, skiing, biking, and paddling, and enjoying a local craft brew afterwards. Catherine Dufault, Sandwich, NH As manager of the Carroll County Conservation District, Catherine brings her love of trees to the region with a focus on heirloom apple preservation and teaching environmental literacy through tree identification. When she’s not working, she can be found exploring trails throughout the region or tending to her historic home with her partner, cat, and chickens. Max DesMarais, Lakes Region, NH Max is a New Hampshire native that grew up in the Lakes Region where he developed a passion for the great outdoors. Max is the founder of hikingandfishing.com, where you might expect he combines his two favorite hobbies of hiking, and fly fishing.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE 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. Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022 • CONTENTS 26 - ART IN THE VALLEY

54 - NH’S COHOS TRAIL

Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association

Dave Greenslit photo

82 - EASTERN COYOTES

Fern Hill Originals photography

FEATURES 8

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHTS:

26 50 YEARS OF ART IN THE PARK

42 CULINARY ARTISTS OF THE VALLEY

68 HIKING PACK PREP FOR SUMMER

32 HEALTH & FITNESS: MOVE IT & USE IT

48 MEASURING WEATHER IN THE WHITES

72 HIGH ELEVATION TRAIL TENDING

20 UNWELCOME VALLEY INVADERS

34 WHITE MOUNTAIN BREWS & NEWS

54 HIKING NH’S COHOS TRAIL

82 EASTERN COYOTES OF THE WHITES

20 LOCAL FARMS & MARKETS

38 COMMUNITY BONDS OVER BREWS

64 LEAVING NO TRACE IN THE WHITES

90 GRAND HOTELS OF THE WHITES

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI ) 12 Who’s Who in Conservation 16 New Life for Fryeburg’s Historic Jockey Cap

By Wendy Scribner

By MWVEG

By Virginia Moore

By Jim Chaput

By Clem McAuliffe

By Joe Russo

REGULAR FEATURES 5 8 10-18 24 26 32 34

VIBE CONTRIBUTORS SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHTS LOCAL FARMS LISTINGS ART NEWS & GALLERY LISTINGS HEALTH/FITNESS BREWS & NEWS

By Chris Broughton-Bossong

By Brian Fitzgerald

By Dave Greenslit

By Max DesMarais

By Mike Cherim

By Ryan Smith

By Matt Maloney

By Heather Corrigan

ON THE COVER Looking southwest, a hiker takes in the view of the Crawford Path as it skirts the summits of mounts Eisenhower and Pierce before ending in Crawford Notch. Chris Whiton photo White Mountain Images

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Over 80 different Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. Non-GMO, gluten free, and no preservatives or added sugar.

Visit us in North Conway Village or Settlers Green next to the White Mountain Cupcakery!

FIND SOME FASCINATING OLIVE OIL FACTS AND OUR RECIPE COLLECTION AT WWW.NCOLIVEOIL.COM

(603) 307-1066 • www.ncoliveoil.com Two Stores! At Settlers Green and at 2730 White Mountain Highway, No. Conway, NH

Summer 2022

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Tell us about your unique Valley business at info@mwvvibe.com.

A LIFE AWAKENING A Life Awakening provides a holistic (mind/ body/spirit) approach to personal growth and development. People from all walks of life can achieve positive change and growth, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges. Damon Farnum is the person behind A Life Awakening. He has pursued this work for 30 years, first for his own development, and then to help others. He is a healing arts professional who addresses issues on all levels, including psychological/ mental/emotional, physical, and spiritual. He is a trained and experienced nondual healer in Kabbalah and shamanism, energy/reiki worker, pathworker, intuitive, and more. He draws on whatever resources are most helpful at a given time. Any area of life can be met and worked with: personal relationships, work, emotional/psychological health—including depression and anxiety—trauma, physical health, spirituality, life transitions, and more. Damon creates a safe and flexible space, bringing whatever is present into greater clarity and relational wholeness. Expect radical acceptance, understanding, and kindness, even with the most difficult challenges. Damon has helped professionals, holistic leaders, therapists, artists, retirees, spiritual seekers, parents, among his many clients. Working with Damon means you’ll have a trusted guide who personally knows this landscape. He also knows there is nothing more fulfilling than lasting life changes.

/alifeawakening HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Holistic (mental/emotional/physical/spiritual) growth • Nondual classes and meditation practices • Sessions available in-person and virtually • Currently accepting new clients

For more information, call (508) 479-8748 or visit www.damonfarnum.com.

BEST LIFE CANINE REHAB

Rehab for dogs has been around for over 15 years, but it wasn’t on veterinarian Cheryl Cullion’s radar until she broke her own shoulder. During her recovery, she had an ah-ha moment: if rehab works for human patients like herself, why not her canine patients? On the cusp of retiring from clinical medicine, Dr. Cullion realized that rehab, the treatment of injured canines adapting techniques employed by physical therapists, was not only a perfect fit, but a perfect complement to her acupuncture practice. After completing a rigorous certification program, Dr. Cullion opened Best Life Canine Rehab in 2021. Canine rehab and acupuncture can address a number of challenges experienced by dogs, including recovery from surgery, neurological conditions, soft tissue injuries, and pain. It can also be therapeutic to dogs that have orthopedic issues, such as hip dysplasia, torn cruciates, or luxating patellas, when surgery is not an option. Geriatric dogs struggling with common age-related afflictions, such as osteoarthritis and muscle weakness, can also benefit from rehab. Dr. Cullion practices rehab at Telling Tails in Fryeburg. She is passionate about canine rehab and wants to help your dog live their “best life.”

/Best-Life-Canine-Rehab-and-Acupuncture HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Canine rehab • Acupuncture • Musculoskeletal and neurological conditions • Osteoarthritis and muscle weakness

For more information, call (603) 986-3768 or visit www.bestlifek9rehab.com. 8

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

VALLEY ARTISANS & VINTAGE MARKET

Rita Roy and Janice Brotherton opened Valley Artisans & Vintage Market in Conway in July of 2018. Before that, Janice had operated The Design Bungalow for 12 years, and Rita covered Saturdays for her.

Rita was painting and restyling furniture out of her home in Tamworth with her husband Paul when Janice asked her if she wanted to join her in moving and expanding the shop. And so, The Design Bungalow exploded into Valley Artisans & Vintage Market with 4,000 square feet and two floors of home décor, painted furniture, jewelry, artwork, vintage pieces, and more. Rita and Janice do everything from custom-painting their clients’ favorite pieces of furniture to giving their kitchen cabinets new life. Steve Brotherton, Janice’s husband, upholsters furniture at their home workshop in Bartlett. They also fabricate window treatments and install cell shades and Roman shades. With their talents at restoring and repurposing furniture combined with their wonderfully eclectic store offerings, Valley Artisans & Vintage Market is sure to become your favorite shop! 328 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH

ValleyArtisansAndVintageMarket HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Two floors of home décor, and more • Custom-painted furniture • Chalk paint supplies for DIY projects • Window treatments and furniture upholstery

For more information, call (603) 662-0452 or visit www.vavm.shop.

FOUR YOUR PAWS ONLY LLC

Four Your Paws Only is an award-winning, family-owned pet gift and supply store, and pet bakery, which has been providing outstanding customer service, high-quality pet foods, and pet needs in the Valley since 1994.

Pets are welcome to shop with their owners to peruse up and down the aisles stocked full of a wide variety of treats, chews, and toys. They can also check out the self-serve Biscuit Bar and watch as bakers make a tasty assortment of hand-decorated cookies and gourmet biscuits from scratch in their on-site Pet Bakery. They even make their own frozen dog treats! Four Your Paws Only carries a huge selection of Lupine collars, backpacks, lifejackets, and pet travel needs, as well as cat and small-animal supplies. High-quality pet foods and supplements are a staple at Four Your Paws Only—they only carry the best for your pets. Pet lovers will find a great variety of breed-specific gifts, Puppie Love teeshirts, home décor items, and lots of other enjoyable pet novelty gifts. Four Your Paws Only is not your typical pet supply store because they offer everything your pets need—from food to fun. They even have a new Doggie Selfie Station!

/fouryourpawsonly HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Pets are welcome • Gifts for pets and pet lovers • On-site Pet Bakery • Full line of high-quality pet food and supplies

1821 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH

For more information, call (603) 356-7297 or visit www.fouryourpawsonly.com. Summer 2022

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT MWV Learning Region of OLLI at Granite State College Learning, Friendship, and Fun

ABOVE: OLLI members enjoying a Senior Pub Crawl at the Cathedral Ledge Distillery. We learned about making spirits and enjoyed some samples and each other’s company. ABOVE RIGHT: Barb Slader provides Corinne Rocco assistance as she makes a Williamsburg basket.

Older adults in the Valley have many opportunities to continue an active lifestyle and learn new skills. Does learning to make bagels at Bagels Plus, enjoying a Senior Pub Crawl, or meeting the artists of Jackson Art Studio and Gallery sound like how you want to experience your retirement? Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI at Granite State College) is a membership program designed specifically for engaged adults age 50+ with a passion for learning. Cost-effective, accessible, non-credit courses in a wide variety of topic areas, both inside and outside of the classroom are OLLI’s hallmark. OLLI has been part of the Mt. Washington Valley for almost 15 years, offering courses and activities that frequently occur in nature with hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing among the favorites. OLLI comprises four learning regions in New Hampshire: Mt. Washington Valley (MWV), Capital Region, Greater Manchester, and the Seacoast. Each region sponsors courses and social events that are open to members throughout the state in two terms—spring and fall. The fall semester, which begins on Au-

they will give, and members as well as potential members have the opportunity to meet and socialize. The fall semester in MWV this year will feature 23 singleand multiple-session courses in history, performing arts, natural science, creative arts, political science, and others held in classrooms at White Mountain Community College, the Gibson Center, regional libraries, and local venues.

gust 22, will be previewed at a gathering on July 20 at 10 a.m. in the Valley. Presenters provide brief descriptions of the courses

access to courses offered by all learning regions from the comfort of their homes. All courses range from single sessions to a

A sampling of fall courses includes 250 Years of Sandwich History; Honeybee Basics; How Fishing Built the Colonies 1605-162; Moose & Bear: The Largest Animals in the Northeast; Oscar’s Musical Memories; Reflections on Living Under Three Dictators; Natural Wine Growing (and Tasting) in the Granite State; Jackson Art Studio & Gallery: Meet the Artists; Weaving an Herb Basket; Crypto Curious?; and The Morning Weather Show.

In addition to this variety of in-person courses, OLLI will offer some 60 courses on the Zoom platform, allowing members

While education is the primary focus of OLLI, two other components are deeply ingrained in the OLLI profile: social connection and volunteerism. Numerous scientific studies conclude that keys to healthy aging include keeping one’s mind active, social engagement, and being an active member of your community.

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five-session course, generally at two hours per session. No homework, no tests, no prerequisites, but a lot of learning— all for the fun of it. While education is the primary focus of OLLI, two other components are deeply ingrained in the OLLI profile: social connection and volunteerism. Numerous scientific studies conclude that keys to healthy aging include keeping one’s mind active, social engagement, and being an active member of your community. Bernard Osher, OLLI’s founder who is

The fall semester, which begins on August 22, will be previewed at a gathering on July 20 at 10 a.m. in the Valley. Presenters provide brief descriptions of the courses they will give, and members as well as potential members have the opportunity to meet and socialize.

originally from Biddeford, ME, made those three attributes a requirement for obtaining grants and endowments to support and create OLLIs across the entire United States. OLLI at Granite State College has been a part of healthy aging for thousands of New Hampshire seniors since its inception in 2004, thanks, in large part, to Mr. Osher’s philanthropy. There are currently 126 active OLLI chapters throughout the United States. If you are a visitor to the Valley, it’s likely there is an OLLI near your home. In OLLI, social engagement takes on various forms, depending on members’ interests. Sometimes it’s the quiet collegial activity of planning a program or editing a catalog, a small group getting together for coffee and talking about the most interesting souvenir they collected while traveling, or even meeting face to face over a Mah Jongg game. OLLI members affiliated with the MWV region have enjoyed outings to the Ledge Brewery and a tour of Tarbin Gardens with afternoon tea, gone birdwatching, identified wildflowers on a tour of the Rocks Estate, and learned about herbal remedies at the Remick Museum. Reactivation of special interest groups (SIGs) may include a social hour and a walking group. And for the party-loving crowd, MWV has been known to throw a party or two. Volunteer activities fulfill the third key element of healthy aging and of the OLLI program. A volunteer-driven program of Granite State College, OLLI has an extensive statewide and regional volunteer leadership committee structure. Although OLLI is affiliated with Granite State College, the courses are developed and instructors are recruited by volunteer committees, not by the college. “Learning for the fun of it” is OLLI’s motto and the curriculum committees ensure there is the variety and quality of courses critical to both the learning and the fun. Moreover, all the presenters are volunteers. Members with skills to share find an appreciative audience in OLLI, whether those skills are project management, spreadsheets, photography, hospitality, fundraising, teaching, writing, and others. Information about OLLI, its courses, and membership can be found on the OLLI website: olli.granite.edu or by calling the OLLI office at (603) 513-1377. Summer 2022

Personal Growth & Transformation

Achieve positive change and growth, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.

A LIFE AWAKENING Damon Farnum, Nondual Healer (508) 479-8748 www.damonfarnum.com Individual sessions - Classes - Meditation Practices Accepting New Clients - Free Consultation

Western Maine & New Hampshire Lakes & Mountains Carol Chaffee, REALTOR® www.carolchaffee.com (207) 240-1641 • (800) 450-7784 11

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

WiseguyCreative.com photo

By Catherine Dufault District Manager, Carroll County Conservation District

Who’s Who in Conservation in the Mt. Washington Valley

he natural beauty of the Mt. Washington Valley has captured the human imagination for millennia. From traditional indigenous sites to modern ecotourist attractions, the importance of these living spaces has always been at the forefront of culture in the Valley. As such, there are dozens of organizations dedicated to environmental conservation that are based around Mount Washington. Read ahead to learn about the differences in what these institutions offer and how they function. NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Land Trusts Land trusts serve a variety of purposes beyond conserving natural resources through property acquisition and easements. Many also work as educational organizations, provide environmental services to their communities, and conduct scientific research, among countless other endeavors. One such land trust, The Society for the Protection of New Hamp-

shire Forests, founded in 1901, is largely responsible for the preservation of the White Mountain National Forest as we know it today. Other trusts that serve the Mt. Washington Valley are listed after this article. Land Banks Similar to land trusts, land banks are formed as public entities or private interest groups with the aim of acquiring (either through purchase or donation) and “banking” land. In a conservation context, land banks will then transfer the property to an organization, such as a land trust or government agency for management. This transfer may take the form of a sale or a gift. Indigenous Peoples Before colonists took control of the Mount Washington (K8daakwaj, which means “Hidden Mountain Always in the Clouds” in the Abenaki language) Valley, various tribes within the Abenaki Nation stewarded the woods, waters, and wildlife

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of this area. Reconnecting with, supporting, and learning from the surviving members of these tribes is one of the best ways to preserve land today. Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative is a great place to start. www.indigenousnh.com GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS United States Department of Agriculture Under the umbrella of the USDA, there are two smaller agencies committed to conservation in the Valley: the United States Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS, housed in the Peg Mill Building in Center Conway, has a mission “to provide leadership and administer programs to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural

Extension provides invaluable (and often free!) technical expertise in a variety of fields, from agriculture and gardening to wildlife, wetland, and woodland conservation. They are also at the forefront of agricultural and forestland research. UNH Cooperative Extension Carroll County Office P.O. Box 1480, Conway, NH 03818 (603) 447-3834 • ce.carroll@unh.edu New Hampshire Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (NH DNCR) NH DNCR is a state agency that oversees New Hampshire’s state parks, forests, and lands. Employees of the DNCR oversee the management, health, and protection of state-owned properties, in addition to providing educational and recreational

While there are many state organizations that support conservation efforts, the only state agency that does so with an office in the Valley is the UNH Cooperative Extension. resources and environment.”1 They do this by offering technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners, with a focus on farm and forest lands. The Forest Service oversees administration of the recreational, timber harvesting, conservation, and scientific programs in the White Mountain National Forest, with a goal of sustaining “the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”2 Their Mt. Washington Valley headquarters is just up the Kancamagus Highway from the lights on Route 16.

opportunities on those lands. While the iconic Crawford Notch and Echo Lake State parks are mainstays of the Mt. Washington Valley, interested parties can find a complete list of state lands, along with some hidden gems, on the NH DNCR website. NH Department of Natural & Cultural Resources 172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2411 • www.dncr.nh.gov

United States Forest Service Saco Ranger District 33 Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH 03818 • (603) 447-5448

New Hampshire Fish & Game New Hampshire’s Fish & Game (NHF&G) department does more than just issue hunting and fishing licenses. They work tirelessly in endangered species preservation, scientific research, outreach, and conserve nearly 60,000 acres of New Hampshire lands and waters through their Wildlife Management Area program. Notably, NHF&G has partnered with Carroll County Conservation District to restore native fish habitat—increasing both water quality and the fisherman’s likelihood of landing a brookie in the Mt. Washington Valley.

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension While there are many state organizations that support conservation efforts, the only state agency that does so with an office in the Valley is the UNH Cooperative Extension. The Cooperative

NH Fish & Game Region 2 Headquarters PO Box 417, New Hampton, NH 03256 (603) 744-5470 • www.wildlife.state.nh.us

Natural Resources Conservation Service Conway Service Center The Grindle Center - 73 Main Street Conway, NH 03818 • (603) 447-2771 x4

Summer 2022

County Conservation Districts County conservation districts were established as a federal effort to increase awareness surrounding soil and water conservation after the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Today, conservation districts have expanded their goals to provide financial, technical, and informational resources to landowners and landusers, thereby empowering them to conserve the quality of their land and water. Carroll County Conservation District 73 Main Street, Office #3 Conway, NH 03818 • contact@carrollccd.org Town Conservation Commissions While all conservation commissions differ in the execution of their aims and objectives towards conservation, these localized volunteer associations are united by a purpose of “ensuring the thoughtful and appropriate use of NH’s natural resources.”3 Information about the specific projects undertaken by each conservation commission can usually be found on the town websites. Without the passion and dedication of conservation organizations, the Mt. Washington Valley would not be a premier outdoor recreation destination that draws thousands of residents and millions of visitors year after year, nor would it have maintained its rural character and productive agricultural land. Land preservation is integral to life in the Valley—whether wildlife, quality of human life, or the natural environment that surrounds its charming villages and towns, and these groups often work cooperatively to find the medium between the needs of nature and the public. Readers can collaborate, too, by serving on a volunteer committee, attending fundraisers, or helping at a planned workday. For more information, visit organizational websites or refer to a volunteer directory, such as www.naturegroupie.org. LAND TRUST DIRECTORY Local Trusts Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust: Franconia - (603) 823-7777 - www.act-nh.org Appalachian Mountain Club: Statewide - www.outdoors.org Chocorua Lake Conservancy: Tamworth - (603) 323-6252 - www.chocorualake.org Greater Lovell Land Trust: Lovell, ME - (207) 925-1056 - www.gllt.org Green Mountain Conservation Group: Effingham - (603) 539-1859 - www.gmcg.org Lakes Region Conservation Trust: Center Harbor - (603) 253-3301 - www.lrct.org Mahoosuc Land Trust: Bethel, ME - (207) 824-3806 - www.mahoosuc.org Society for the Protection of NH Forests: Statewide - (603) 224-9945 - www.forestsociety.org Tin Mountain Conservation Center: Albany - (603) 447-6991 - www.tinmountain.org Upper Saco Valley Land Trust: Conway - (603) 662-0008 - www.usvlt.org

Joe Klementovich photo

Regional and National Trusts Serving the Valley Appalachian Trail Conservancy: (304) 535-6331 - www.appalachiantrail.org Audubon Society of NH: (603) 224-9909 - www.nhaudubon.org The Nature Conservancy: (603) 224-5853 - www.nature.org New England Forestry Foundation: (978) 952-6856 - www.newenglandforestry.org Native Plant Trust: (508) 877-7630 - www.nativeplanttrust.org NH Preservation Alliance: (603) 224-2281 - www.nhpreservation.org Northeast Wilderness Trust: (802) 224-1000 - www.newildernesstrust.org The Trust for Public Land: (802) 223-1373 - www.tpl.org Catherine Dufault joined the Carroll County Conservation District as their district manager in 2021. Hailing from a New England farming community, Catherine got her start in conservation through the nationwide Forest Inventory and Analysis program and AmeriCorps with the National Park Service. She brings her love of trees to the district, with a focus on heirloom apple preservation and teaching environmental literacy through tree identification.

Works Cited 1. New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions. “What Do Conservation Commissions Do?” NHACC, 2022, https://www.nhacc.org/. Accessed 11 May 2022. 2. United States Department of Agriculture. “About Us | NRCS New Hampshire.” Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2022, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ main/nh/about/. Accessed 11 May 2022. 3. United States Department of Agriculture. “This is Who We Are.” Our Mission, no. FS-1124a, January 2019. Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs_media/ fs_document/usfs_vpr_pocketbook_webpdf.pdf.

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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT By Mark Dindorf & Abby King, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust

New Life on Its Way for Fryeburg’s Historic Jockey Cap

unique collaboration is taking shape to protect the iconic Jockey Cap property in Fryeburg Maine. Jockey Cap has been a favorite destination of locals and visitors for generations. The combination of its in-town location, easy accessibility, stunning views, rare pitch pine habitat, rock climbing, and bouldering routes ranging from beginner to expert, and rich history contribute to its ongoing allure.

RICH HISTORY

The beloved 15.6-acre Jockey Cap property features an enormous granite outcropping located in the outskirts of Fryeburg Village. While a long ridge trailing away to the north creates a natural ramp and a beginner-friendly hike to its rounded openledge summit, the steeper faces are coveted by rock climbers for their top-rope sport climbing and bouldering below. Its central location also enables its use as an outdoor classroom by students and teachers at the abutting public elementary and middle school campus and nearby Fryeburg Academy. The property contains about six acres of rare pitch pine woodlands as well as 16

scrub oak and early succession mixed hardwood forest. The Jockey Cap property has pre- and post-Colonial historical significance. Molly Ockett, likely the last member of the Pequawket Tribe (western Wabanaki confederacy) to live locally, is rumored to have resided onsite in a namesake boulder cave. And the open summit sports a granite pedestal and bronze rangefinder erected in memory of arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary, a spot overlooking the Great Bend of the Saco and the ancient portage cutting off 30 miles of river. Jockey Cap was also home to Maine’s first rope tow for skiing, which was in operation from 1936 to 1938. The open slope was a quarter of a mile long, 300 feet wide, and the tow was 500 feet long. Additional information can be found at www.nelsap.org/me/jockeycap.html.

PROTECTING FOR FUTURE USE

Sometimes, it takes a village to enact meaningful change. The partnership between the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) and the Town of Fryeburg to permanently protect and steward

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Community collaboration and various local partnerships are in progress to protect this beloved and historic Fryeburg property. Your help is needed!

the Jockey Cap property for future generations is emblematic of this effort. Due mostly to a problematic ownership structure, the property has suffered from years of neglect. Currently, the town is only a 50 percent owner of the land at Jockey Cap, a dynamic preventing either party from investing in infrastructure or properly managing its extensive public use.

USVLT’s approach to this challenge has three steps, already in progress: • Step 1: USVLT purchased the other 50 percent ownership interest in the property from the private landowner. • Step 2: USVLT is fundraising for Fryeburg so the town can acquire this 50 percent ownership interest and become the sole landowner. • Step 3: The Town of Fryeburg will grant a conservation easement to USVLT to preserve and improve public access for low-impact recreation and protect the rare natural features onsite. Summer 2022

Funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program, the Maine Land & Water Conservation Fund, the Kendall C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation, and the Clarence E. Mulford Trust has already been awarded. Additional monies are still needed to complete the purchase and seed a stewardship fund for ongoing trail and other management projects.

LOCAL FUNDING

Enter Mason Irish, owner and brewmaster at The Saco River Brewing Company, located across Route 302 from Jockey Cap in Fryeburg. Mason has recently joined forces with the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust to help support this important project. Saco River Brewing will be debuting a special edition Jockey Cap Pale Ale later this summer, with net proceeds pledged to help the fundraising effort. A Jockey Cap Pale Ale rollout party is planned for early September at the brewery, and a ribbon-cutting celebration at project close could be hosted there as early as next year. 17

STEWARDSHIP NEEDS

Fundraising, acquisition, and conservation are just the first phase of this project. Once conserved, the important work of stewardship can begin in earnest, especially improving the eroding myriad hiking trails and access routes to climbing areas. Queued up to help are the national-level Access Fund and the local Friends of the Ledges organizations, each dedicated to protecting and maintaining access to popular rock-climbing areas. Working alongside USVLT and the Town of Fryeburg, these groups have pledged to help improve the trail network, and also relocate the current trailhead and build an expanded parking area down the road to the east of the present location.

HOW TO HELP

Since you’re reading this article, then you, too, are a future beneficiary of this collaborative effort to protect, conserve, and improve Jockey Cap for future generations. Please consider supporting this effort by donating to the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust at www.usvlt.org. There is a Donate Now button on the website with donations earmarked for the Jockey Cap Project. Thanks for joining us in this undertaking to conserve this remarkable landmark in the heart of Fryeburg. It truly takes a village, and we’re proud to be a part of this one.

WiseguyCreative.com photo

Of the many highlights found on Jockey Cap is this granite pedestal monument, which is not only decorative and symbolic, but quite functional. Around the ring is a series of mountain profiles that line up with the actual mountains, allowing the viewer to identify local landscape features. In the center of the monument is a bronze plaque which reads, “From the original profile survey made by Robert Edwin Peary, discoverer of the North Pole, made during his residence in Fryeburg (1878 to 1879), erected to his memory by the Peary family in 1938, at the suggestion of his boyhood friend, Alfred E. Burton.”

The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our motto is “Preserving Land for Community Benefit.” USVLT has completed more than 80 conservation projects since 2001, totaling 13,000 acres throughout the towns of Hart’s Location, Bartlett, Jackson, Albany, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, and Madison in New Hampshire, and Brownfield, Denmark, and Fryeburg in Maine. Learn more about the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust by calling (603) 662-0008 or visiting www.usvlt.org. Mark Dindorf is interim executive director and Abby King is conservation director at the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust. Mark chairs the Board of Selectman in Hart’s Location and the Saco & Swift Rivers Local Advisory Committee. Abby is an accomplished wilderness guide and environmental advocate and resides in Fryeburg. 18

Photo courtesy of the Fryeburg Historical Society

Jockey Cap was also home to Maine’s first rope tow for skiing, which was in operation from 1936 to 1938. The open slope was a quarter of a mile long, 300 feet wide, and the tow was 500 feet long. Snow trains ran from Portland to Fryeburg and some of the young owners would ride the trains and hand out leaflets advertising the “Jockey Cap Rope Tow.” Local farmers often met the trains and transported the skiers from the railroad station to the slope in their hay racks. Skiing on Jockey Cap, the land then owned by Miss Harriet Pike and Clayton Pike, flourished until Harvey Gibson arrived in North Conway and the Cranmore Mountain Skimobile was built during the 1938/39 season. MWVvibe.com

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Unwelcome Invaders to the valley

A Closer Look at the Localized Damage Caused by a Familiar Pest with a New Name

Wendy Scribner, UNH Cooperative Extension

There is little shade to be found. The gentle sound of rainfall on a sunny day is another inconsistency that is noticeable during these outbreaks. While the sound is pleasant enough, once you recognize it is caterpillar droppings falling down on you, it can really spoil the mood. Beyond the caterpillar droppings, there are real questions about how these insects will affect our trees. Tree health and survival are closely related to how healthy your trees are at the start of the infestation. Plant species also influence when and how severely your trees may be defoliated.

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n 2021, as we emerged from the COVID lockdown here in the Mt. Washington Valley, we saw the revival of an old nemesis with a new name. The gypsy moth caterpillar (Lymantria dispar dispar) returned in force, defoliating nearly 37,000 acres in NH, with the heaviest defoliation in the Madison, Conway, and Bartlett areas. This insect has recently been renamed the “spongy moth” by the Entomological Society of America. “Spongy” refers to the buff-colored egg masses that can be seen attached to trees, rocks, stumps, buildings, and cars during infestations.

A Little History

Spongy moths were accidentally introduced to the United States in 1869 when they were brought to Massachusetts in an effort to produce silk. Since then, they have expanded across the Northeast. According to the US Forest Service, spongy moth outbreaks typically occur every eight to 12 years, and may persist for one to three years. The typical outbreak cycle includes one light year of defoliation, followed by two heavier years. During outbreaks, caterpillar density can be so high that many trees can be completely stripped of leaves by mid-summer. The latest infestation brings back memories of the infestations in the 1980s and 1990s. What strikes me most about these infestations is walking in the forest on a beautiful summer day and recognizing the contradiction of being in a forest that is usually shaded, but instead, finding myself walking in full sun.

Preferred Species—the Best Tasting Plants

Throughout the spring and early summer, the caterpillars feed on a variety of tree and shrub species. While gypsy moth caterpillars can feed on hundreds of different species, they have preferences. Tree species are grouped into three categories: susceptible, resistant, and immune. “Susceptible” species are readily eaten by caterpillars throughout their development and include oak, apple, crabapple, aspen, and gray and white birch. The leaves of “resistant” tree species are eaten when preferred foliage is not available and/or when the caterpillars are larger. Resistant species include beech, yellow birch, black cherry, red, sugar and Norway maples, hickory, hemlock, pines, and spruces. Lastly, “immune” species are rarely fed upon, and include ash, balsam and Fraser fir, sycamore, horse chestnut, viburnums,

and rhododendrons. Oak trees appear to be their favorites, and are often defoliated early in the infestation. In past infestations, people wrapped their trees with various materials in effort to stop the movement of caterpillars as they crawled up and down trees searching for food and places to rest. While it feels good to take some action against these

ticed. Caterpillars continue to feed for six to eight weeks and are usually full grown (approximately 2 to 2.5 inches) by late June or early July, when they begin to pupate in dark brown casings. It is really the feeding of the larger caterpillars that causes the most defoliation. After pupating for a couple of weeks, the adult moths emerge. The adults are active anywhere from one to seven days. Females do not fly, but release a pheromone that attracts the male moths. Males are often seen flying during the day and are quite noticeable in heavy infestation years. After

munching marauders, these actions have limited benefits. The caterpillars use a technique called “ballooning,” where they hang from long silken threads waiting for the wind to carry them to new food sources. This behavior allows them to move into new areas and makes it difficult to control an infestation in your yard trees using tree bands.

Life Cycle

mating, female moths each lay one buff-colored egg mass that contains hundreds of eggs. In New Hampshire, outbreaks occur on average every seven to 10 years. Large infestations are usually present for three years, with the population crashing the third year, as natural predators and diseases combine to kill the insects.

Spring 2022 Summer 2022

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Caterpillar Movement

In New Hampshire, outbreaks occur on average every seven to 10 years. Large infestations are usually present for three years, with the population crashing the third year, as natural predators and diseases combine to kill the insects.

Spongy moth eggs typically hatch in May, around the same time that tree buds are breaking open and leaves are emerging. The caterpillars are tiny, and often, their early feeding goes unno-

Biological Control

A variety of wildlife will feed on the spongy moth at different points in its life cycle. Wildlife species including mice, chipmunks, skunks, and raccoons will feed on the caterpillars and

usually withstand two or three years of heavy defoliation. Heavily defoliated hardwood trees will typically re-foliate before fall. However, the regrowth comes at a cost: the trees deplete their food reserves to regrow their leaves, making them more vulnerable to other stressors. Healthy hardwood trees have large, robust crowns and good access to sunlight. Trees that are overtopped, very crowded, or facing other stresses (such as root and stem damage) are less resilient in the face of spongy moth defoliation. Red oak, in addition to being a valuable timber species, is also an important wildlife food source. Acorns are an important food source for deer, bear, and turkey, along with other wildlife species. Acorn production will be reduced in years of defoliation as well as for at least one year after defoliation events. However, increased sunlight reaching the forest floor may result in additional growth of trees and shrubs in the understory, which may benefit some wildlife species. Pine, hemlock, and spruce trees in stands mixed with oaks and other hardwoods often experience defoliation in outbreak years. These tree species, if more than 50 percent defoliated, are less likely to survive.

Tree Growth Impacts Comic by @zoegroe_art

pupae, along with blue jays, and yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoos. Black-capped chickadees will feed on the eggs. Ground beetles and spiders also eat the caterpillars, and there are wasps that parasitize the eggs. When spongy moth populations get really high, a virus and a fungus can cause significant mortality, resulting in a collapse of the population. The nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) is always present in the spongy moth population. As spongy moth populations build, and competition for food and space increases, caterpillars become more vulnerable to NPV. The NPV disease is an important factor in the collapse of spongy moth outbreaks. The Entomophaga maimaiga is a fungus from Japan that was introduced here in an attempt to control spongy moth caterpillars. The fungal spores are in the soil and can infect young caterpillars early in the summer. The fungus kills the caterpillars, and the dead caterpillar bodies release more fungal spores that can infect older caterpillars.

Weather Influences

Weather conditions also influence gypsy moth populations. Wet conditions in early spring enhance the ability of the Entomophaga maimaiga fungus to control spongy moth populations. Unfortunately, here in the Mt. Washington Valley, we have experienced relatively dry conditions the past few springs, which has limited the effectiveness of the fungus. In addition, extended cold temperatures (-26°F) can kill most of the egg masses. Again, we have not been seeing the temperatures needed to significantly reduce spongy moth numbers.

Will My Trees Recover?

The big question in many people’s minds is, “Will my trees recover?” The good news is that healthy hardwood trees can 22

Even if forest trees survive defoliation, they will likely experience reduced growth during spongy moth outbreaks. Healthy trees may take several years to return to normal growth rates, while trees under more stress may take up to 10 years to recover. As forest trees die from accumulated stresses, gaps in the canopy are created, which allow in more light. Preferential feeding on oak can give non-preferred tree species (such as red maple) a competitive advantage. Also, with less acorn production, there will be less oak regeneration, potentially influencing future forest composition.

What Can I Do to Protect My Trees?

Keeping your trees healthy will help them withstand repeated defoliation. Adding mulch around the base of your trees (1 to 2 inches deep) can help to hold moisture in the soil, as well as provide added nutrients and organic matter to your soil. Normally, you do not need to provide water to well-established shade trees. However, trees stressed by drought are more likely to be negatively impacted by spongy moth defoliation. Periodic deep watering during dry periods can help maintain tree health and vigor, allowing trees to better respond to defoliation from spongy moth caterpillars. Use care with pesticides to allow our natural predators such as mice, chipmunks, spiders, ground beetles, and birds to flourish and help control your local spongy moth populations. Chemical control of spongy moths is not practical in our forests, but it can be used to protect important shade trees around your home. Pesticides using the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (BtK) can be used early in the spring (just after the eggs hatch) to control spongy moth. Evaluate the number of new egg masses around your property this fall. If the numbers are high and you are concerned about your trees surviving another year of defoliation, you may want to consider making arrangements with a pesticide applicator to treat the trees that are important to you. To be effective, BtK has to be applied in the early spring when the caterpillars are small. Evaluate the pros and cons of using this pesticide in your specific situation and follow all of the label instructions

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HOW WILL THE SPONGY MOTH OUTBREAK AFFECT OUR FALL FOLIAGE? At the time of writing, it is too early to tell how the outbreak will affect our fall foliage. Anecdotally, defoliation is predicted to exceed 100,000 acres in NH this year; however, most of those trees will likely grow new foliage throughout the summer. As I travel through Carroll County, I am seeing heavy pockets of defoliation in some areas, while other areas are minimally affected. Much of the forest in the White Mountains is comprised of northern hardwoods: primarily beech, birch, and maple, with our red and sugar maples contributing significantly to the brilliant fall colors. As noted earlier, maples fall in the resistant category when it comes to spongy moth feeding. Where populations are high, the gypsy moths will feed on the maples, but in other areas, they will feed on their more preferred species. Across the landscape, I would expect there to be areas where foliage will be minimally influenced by the spongy moth. Our fall foliage season is very much influenced by the weather conditions we have in late September and early October. Wind and heavy rains can knock down the leaves as they begin to shut down in preparation for winter, resulting in a less vibrant season, while crisp, clear sunny days can enhance the colors.

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Closing Thoughts

A well-managed woodlot is resilient to spongy moth and other insect infestations. Do not wait for an insect outbreak—start caring for your woodlot today by contacting your local county natural resources field specialist. Visit www.extension.unh.edu/natural-resources/forests-trees for a list. UNH Cooperative Extension natural resources field specialists help people learn about and care for New Hampshire’s forests, trees, wildlife, and habitats. We visit properties, free of charge and help you achieve your woodlot objectives—including forestry, recreation, wildlife habitat, water resources, scenic beauty, and income. Wendy Scribner is a natural resources field specialist with UNH Cooperative Extension. She provides research-based forestry and wildlife assistance to people in Carroll County. Wendy is a licensed forester in both NH and Maine and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in forestry from the University of New Hampshire.

Summer 2022

MWV Farms, CSAs, and markets

The Mt. Washington Valley Eaters & Growers (MWVEG) guide can help you find local farms, what they B offer, summer and winter CSAs ... and so much more. The MWVEG is an organization made up of farmers and local food advocates who are working together on local food issues and aim to provide a voice for farmers on farm-related topics and resources to community members. Visit www.mwveg.com for an interactive version of the map below, including a searchable database of farms and local food information in the region.

A Bridgton Farmers’ Market

C Lovell Farmers’ Market

E Tamworth Farmers’ Market

B Gorham Farmers’ Market

D MWV Farmers’ Market

F Wolfeboro Farmers’ Market

Every Sat 8-Noon, May-October 151 Main Street, Bridgton, ME www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket Every Thurs 3-6pm, June 9-October 6 69 Main Street, Gorham, NH (603) 466-2101 • www.gorhamnh.org

Every Sat, 10am-3pm, yearround 993 Main Street in Center Lovell, ME www.mwveg.com/markets

FA DR

C HW

FOOTHILL FARM B ALLIANCE WINTER CSA PROGRAM

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Every Thursday, 12:30-4:30pm, May-October 10 Trotting Track Rd, Route 28, Wolfeboro, NH www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com

Every Tues 4-7pm, June 21-October 11 78 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH www.mwvfarmersmarket.org

Community supported A agriculture

Every Sat 9am-Noon, May 14-October 29 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, NH www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

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Visit www.mwveg.com for a searchable database for farms and local food in the Mt. Washington Valley region. A New Day Farm* Conway, NH Abundant Blessings Brookfield, NH Apple Acres Farm Hiram, ME Avella Farm* Hiram, ME Again & Again Farmstead Tamworth, NH Athena’s Bees Apiary Ossipee, NH Berry Knoll Eaton, NH Bly Farm Wolfeboro, NH Boys Fresh Catch Brookfield, NH Brown’s Ridge Family Farm Wolfeboro, NH Davis Natural Produce* Eaton, NH Densmore Orchard Conway, NH DeVylder Farm Wolfeboro, NH Earle Family Farm** Conway, NH Fly Away Farm* Stow, ME Full Moon Farm Wolfeboro, NH Good Buddy Farm & Flower* Hiram, ME Goshen Corner Farm Conway, NH Grand View Farm* Conway, NH Hatches’ Orchard Conway, NH Highwater Farm* Bartlett, NH Hosac Farm*, ** Cornish, ME Howlin’ Winds Farm Fryeburg, ME Lily Hill Farm Tamworth, NH Loon’s Point Honey Bees Madison, NH Meadowfall Farm & Forage Porter, ME Merrybrook Farm Tamworth, NH MiVida Gardens Madison, NH Moonset Farm & Floral* Porter, ME Mountain Breeze Farm Sandwich, NH Mountain Flower Farm Intervale, NH Mountain Heartbeet Farm* Effingham, NH Mountain Laurel Farm Sanbornville, NH NH Mushroom Company Tamworth, NH Old Wells Farm*, ** Limington, ME Patch Farm* Denmark, ME Pork Hill Farm*, ** Ossipee, NH Red Gables Farm Tamworth, NH Remick Museum & Farm* Tamworth, NH Sap Hound Maple Company Brownfield, ME Schartner Farm North Conway, NH Sherman Farm* Conway, NH Snow Brook Farm Eaton, NH Sumner Brook Fish Farm Ossipee, NH The S.o.L Farm No. Conway, NH Spider Web Gardens Tuftonboro, NH The Farmstand Tamworth, NH Thompson House Farm Stand Jackson, NH The Farm by the River Effingham, NH Top of the Hill Farm Wolfeboro, NH Tumbledown Farms Brookfield, NH Uphill Farm Whitefield, NH Waxing Moon Gardens* No. Sandwich, NH Weston’s Farm* Fryeburg, ME White Gates Farm Tamworth, NH Whispering Pines Farm Effingham Falls, NH Zero Mile Farm South Tamworth, NH

Open Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 5pm for dining & takeout. Photography by Heath Robbins, Ken Goodman, & Cait Bourgault Fitzgerald

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CSA SUMMER* CSA WINTER** Summer 2022

North Conway’s Art in the Park Celebrates 50 Years

Words by Virginia Moore, photography obtained thanks to The Mountain Ear archives

he history of artists coming from all over the country to paint the majestic mountains of Mt. Washington Valley is well known to many. In the 1850s, North Conway had become the first artist colony in the U.S. Names like Thomas Cole, Benjamin Shapleigh, Frank Champney, and many more traveled east to paint the mountains, lakes, rivers, and landscapes of the region before setting off to paint other locations in New England and then on to California. Current board of directors and members of The Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association (MWVAA) have been scouring libraries, newspapers, and websites to find when Art in the Park truly began—and this year is considered the 50th year. This

that brought together artists to express the beauty of the Valley and its surrounding mountains. The first show under a tent was organized by Joan Sherman, with help from the North Conway Chamber of Commerce on the grounds of the Eastern Slope Inn Resort, and it was open to professional artists only. That collection included Marge Kendrick, Nan White, David Baker, and Sally Beal, among other names familiar to folks who lived in the Valley during those years. The actual organization known as The Mt. Washington Arts Association was formed in 1972. That date marked the beginning of displaying artistic works under small tents in Schouler Park in North Conway Village. Although the show has

article could go on and on about the White Mountain Artists of old, but we need to move ahead to the 1960s to get the answer to the question: when was the first Art in the Park? To be clear, it was 1972, but let’s have a look at how this non-profit organization came to celebrate its anniversary in 2022. In the 1960s, a small group of artists took action to support their beliefs that a vibrant art community was integral to the well-being of the Mt. Washington Valley. They acknowledged the historical importance of the White Mountain School of Art

moved a few times to locations in Settlers Green and Cranmore Mountain, it always returned to Schouler Park. MWVAA joined together with Arts Jubilee in 1982, adding an array of musical talent to the stage, and a sea of blankets and lawn chairs that filled Schouler Park with music lovers on summer evenings. In 1983, Cindy Russell, who organized the musical side of MWVAA, decided to separate the music from the fine arts, and concerts are still presented under the stars at Mt. Cranmore. MWVAA continued their one-day event every August on the first

The actual organization, known as The Mt. Washington Arts Association, was formed in 1972. That date marked the beginning of displaying artistic works under small tents in Schouler Park in North Conway Village.

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(ABOVE LEFT) This photo provided by The Mountain Ear archives shows a scene from the 8th annual North Conway Art Festival, which moved back to Schouler Park after a two-year stay at Mt. Cranmore. Over 100 artists turned out for the 1980 event. (TOP) Honorable mention winner Jayme Proctor of North Conway is shown displaying her work, while Ellsworth Pickering is shown in the second photo at the 5th annual Art Festival.

Summer 2022

Photo provided by The Mountain Ear archives

A field of 50 took to the 11th annual Arts Festival in Schouler Park in 1983. In this photo provided by The Mountain Ear archives, North Conway’s Bob Grant (left) discusses some of his photography work with Arts Jubilee director Cindy Derse and Bob Murphy, president of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Gallery & Fine Crafts

Saturday of the month. Artists were set up under small pop-up tents. Organized by artists Ernie Brown, Myke Morton, Nan White, and other well-known Valley artists, Art in the Park was a juried show and remained so until recent years. Since its inception, MWVAA has grown throughout the years to keep that initial idea alive. The biggest obstacle has been finding affordable, visible real estate to showcase the many talented local,

the space. The artwork is the key visual when visitors come into the space, and both professional and non-juried artists are encouraged to be members, and many members are not artists. Anyone is welcome to be a member of MWVAA. The current board of directors organizes the Art in the Park, now a twoday event that is held the first weekend of August every year in Schouler Park. After much research, it seems Art in the

as well as regional, New England artists. Currently, MWVAA is cooperatively run by volunteers, and the artists’ works are showcased in the Main Street Art Gallery, given that name, as there was at one time an Art Showcase organization located on Main Street. The gallery moved often and most recently has settled in a space in Norcross Circle behind the Met Coffee House. Board members and volunteers just finished an affordable upgrade with new paint and some new material to decorate

Park switched from pop-up tents to big tents sometime in the early 1990s. The decision was made to do so after a few rainstorms ransacked artwork and popup tents alike. Art in the Park 2022 marks the year 50, and expectations are that there will be many artists registered and many visitors to enjoy the 50th anniversary of Art in the Park on August 6 and 7, 2022. Food vendors, music, and a radio remote with WMWV will also be on the grounds to add to the festivities. New this year

This year’s 50th anniversary event will be on August 6 and 7, at Schouler Park, beginning at 10 a.m. on both days, G A L L E RY • C L A S S E S • E V E N T S Works by 35 artists to delight the eye! Summer & Fall Workshops Summer Art Show & Sale, July 29-31 CCAC / ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts www.ChocoruaArtworks.com

132 White Mtn. Hwy., Chocorua, NH • (603) 323-8041 SUMMER HOURS: Open 10 am - 5 pm daily, closed Tuesdays. FIRST FRIDAYS: Open 12 - 7 pm with Featured Artist Reception from 5 - 7 pm.

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Photo provided by The Mountain Ear archives

Professional Summer Theatre in Tamworth, NH

2022 Season

In 1983, 10 area businesses provided purchase prizes, including Story Land, Hamel Real Estate, Yield House, Badger Realty, Conway Furniture, Carroll Reed’s, North Conway Bank, A.D. Davis Insurance, Indian Head Bank North, and White Mountain National Bank. Co-winner of the $500 Valley Sign Entry Contest was Carolyn Ric,e seen here with selection committee chairman Gene Chandler, looking on.

will be a judge’s tent. Each year, artists view the piece to be judged for prizes. In the past, it has been a challenge for the judges to visit every artist’s booth and then sit down to try to choose from 60 pieces of art, also trying to remember which piece will win in the various categories. One of the esteemed judges met with the board of directors and suggested the artist pick the piece of artwork they want to be judged and bring it to the tent Saturday morning. The judges will then be able to see all the art together, and this will make it much easier for them to make their decisions. And to think, it only took us 50 years to come up with such a brilliant idea. Actually, it is an example of how much the event has grown over the years. In spite of a few hurdles like COVID and hurricanes, art will live on for many years to come in Schouler Park on the first Saturday and Sunday of August, as well as in the Main Street Art Gallery—thanks to the donors, grants, board members, and the many volunteers who work hard to keep the event and MWVAA going and growing. Summer 2022

Into the Woods Stephen Sondheim James Lapine June 30 – July 9 The Legend of Georgia McBride Matthew Lopez July 14 – 23 Black Coffee Agatha Christie July 28 – August 6

Season sponsored by the Haynes Family Foundation

Silent Sky Lauren Gunderson August 11 – 20 Lucky Stiff Lynn Ahren Stephen Flaherty August 25 – Sept. 3

603-323-8500

barnstormerstheatre.org

MWV ARTISTS & GALLERIES

Please report corrections and additions to info@mwvvibe.com.

Artworks* 132 White Mountain Highway, Chocorua, NH (603) 323-8041 www.chocoruaartworks.com Bill Fein Gallery 106 Fein Lane, Center Conway, NH (603) 356-7943 Cassidy Gallery* 28 Main Street (Majestic Theatre Building) Conway Village, NH (603) 662-2074 www.cassidygallery.com Cook Memorial Library 93 Main Street, Tamworth, NH (603) 323-8510 www.tamworthlibrary.org Edge of Maine Art & Framing 182 Main Street, Brownfield, ME (207) 935-2817 www.edgeofmaine.com Erik Koeppel Fine Art PO Box 325, Jackson, NH (603) 383-7062 www.erikkoeppel.com Fryeburg Harbor Antiques and Fine Art Gallery 506 Harbor Road, Fryeburg, ME (207) 925-2848 www.fryeburgharbor.com

Roger C. Williams Fine Art 125 Main Street, Lovell, ME (207) 925-3380 www.rogerwilliamsfineart.com

Jackson Art Studio & Gallery* 155 Ridge Road, Jackson, NH (603) 387-3463 www.jacksonartnh.com

Skyforest Gallery 407 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH (760) 770-3777

Jesse Mixer Metalsmith North Conway, NH www.jessemixer.com

Surroundings Art Gallery 12 Main Street, Sandwich, NH (603) 284-6888 www.surroundingsart.com

Karen Eisenberg Designs North Conway, NH • (603) 662-9887 www.kareneisenberg.com League of NH Craftsmen North Conway* 2526 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-2441 www.northconway.nhcrafts.org Louise Perry of Vintage Frameworks 28 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-7711 www.vintageframeworks.com Main Street Gallery/MWVArts 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-2787 • www.mwvarts.org Nathan Macomber Glass Studio 480 Eaton Road, Conway, NH (603) 447-1825 www.macomberglass.com

Gallery 302 112 Main Street, Bridgton, ME (207) 647-2787 www.gallery302.com

Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery 69 Maple Street, Center Sandwich, NH (603) 284-7728 www.patricialaddcarega.com

Gateway Gallery & Gifts 32 Exchange Street, Gorham, NH (603) 466-9900 www.gatewaygallery.biz

Robert Gordon Gallery Kancamagus Highway, Conway, NH (603) 356-7943

The 50th annual ART IN THE PARK Schouler Park in North Conway Village

Harvest Gold Gallery 1082 Main Street, Center Lovell, ME (207) 925-6502 www.harvestgoldgallery.com

Stained Glass Shack Studio 63 West Main Street, Conway, NH (603) 447-4949 www.stainedglassshack.com St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts 155 Emery Street, Berlin, NH (603) 752-1028 www.stkieranarts.org Virginia Moore Pet Portraits & Fine Art 83 Crossover Road, Albany, NH (603) 520-8230 www.vmooreportraits.com White Mountain Artisans Gallery 3358 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-6546 www.whitemountainartisansgallery.com White Mountain Photography 95 Main Street, located inside Snowflake Inn Jackson, NH • (603) 374-6050 www.whitemountainphoto.com With These Hands Pottery* 397 Tasker Hill Road Conway, NH (207) 256-2522 www.withthesehandspottery.com * These supporters help to make MWV Vibe possible!

Saturday, August 6 & Sunday, August 7, 2022 Saturday: 10am to 5pm • Sunday: 10am to 4pm This two-day art show is the signature event of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association. Fine artists and craftspeople are invited to sign up at www.mwvarts.org.

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JACKSON

PAINTING CLASSES!

studio & gallery

ART GALLERY & SHOWS!

CONTEMPORARY ART FROM OUTSTANDING LOCAL & NATIONAL ARTISTS OPEN- Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10AM-6PM - Monday-Thurs by appt or chance! EVERY SAT NIGHT THIS SUMMER -WINE/CHEESE & MEET THE ARTISTS 5-8PM

SANDRA DESANO PEZZULLO / OIL

MARGARET DRIES / ACRYLIC

MELANIE BARASH LEVITT/OIL

GEORGE VAN HOOK/ OIL

HANNA LUCY COLORED PENCIL & INK LINDA MCDERMOTT/OIL

CONNIE DEFLITCH WATERCOLOR

JANET GILL/ PASTEL

JANET GILL / PASTEL MICHAEL GRAVES/ OIL

ERIC JACOBSEN / OIL

CHRIS MUZERALL / OIL

JACKSON ART STUDIO & GALLERY (603) 387-3463 WWW.JACKSONARTNH.COM Summer 2022

FITNESS/HEALTH

By Jim Chaput, SimplyBetter Movement Therapy

Move It ... Then Use It

Hiking-biking-running-canoeing-kayaking season is upon us! Are you ready? Have you tuned up your equipment and dusted off your summer gear? What about your body? Have you been working on the slide and glide of your connective tissues? Have you flossed your nerves?

hen embarking on outdoor adventures, it’s always a good idea to ensure your gear is in good working order. This includes the most important equipment of all … your own body! You can’t hit the trails or water without it, so take good care of it and keep it in top shape. Whether you are a serious athlete or a weekend warrior, it can be frustrating when pain keeps you from making the most of all the great outdoors has to offer. Depending on your preferred hobby or sport, you may already be accustomed to stretching, weight training, and conditioning to prepare at the start of each season. You may even have found some specific exercises that work best for you. Myofascial release and nerve flossing are simple, yet amazingly effective, techniques you can add to your repertoire to keep your body in top physical condition for years to come. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and all the organs of your body are surrounded by a layer of tissues called fascia. Fascia is like a sponge. When well hydrated, it is soft, supple, and pliable. When it is dried up, it is stiff and brittle. This causes restrictions, which can lead to pain and dysfunction. To keep yourself moving well, drink adequate water and move frequently. Daily exercise allows fluid to move in and out of the tissue, keeping the muscles 32

and connective tissues well lubricated. This enables them to slide and glide on each other, rather than tug and tear.

Self-Myofascial Release Once you’re well-hydrated, a little extra TLC will go a long way to keeping your connective tissues happy. Give your fascia some extra love with self-myofascial release. This is a therapeutic approach you can do in the comfort of your own home. Gentle pressure is applied using your fingers, different-sized rubber balls, a foam roller, or a handheld rod that works like a rolling pin on your tissues. It is a fantastic technique that can help hydrate the tissue, alleviate tight spots, improve mobility, and reduce pain over time.

Nerve Flossing While we typically think of flossing in terms of good dental hygiene, the concept of sliding and gliding also pertains to our nerves. If you’ve ever experienced a pinched or compressed nerve, you know how painful it can be. Ever jab your funny bone and get that tingling, uncomfortable sensation? That’s your nervous system hitting the panic button. Ouch! When the fascia is too tight, it can become compressed and sticky, preventing nerves from moving freely and creating discomfort or pain. When this happens, you may have prolonged episodes of that uncomfortable

nerve sensation, numbness, or tingling in your arms, legs, hands, fingers, or feet. Nerve flossing–also called nerve gliding or nerve mobilization–is a gentle exercise typically done without any equipment. It can help reduce nerve tension and compression by enabling the nerves to move freely. This improves range of motion and can reduce sensitivity and pain. Both self-myofascial release (SMR) and nerve flossing should be done with a “less is more” approach. Pushing too far or doing too much will only cause the body to tense up and exacerbate the issues with tight tissues. Lisa Buerk, SMR instructor for the Discover Health Movement Membership, reminds her students, “You’re not trying to force your tissues into submission but rather to gently coax them. You shouldn’t feel numbness, tingling, or any sharp, shooting, or stabbing sensations. If you feel pain, back off and always listen to your body.” If you have numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, or tightness, a qualified practitioner such as a trained self-myofascial release practitioner or a movement therapist can help assess your specific situation and find the best techniques for you. These techniques can be useful for addressing particular problem areas as well as for general health and maintenance to keep you living your active life to the fullest. MWVvibe.com

Self-Myofascial Release Technique: Roll Your Feet This exercise uses a tennis ball or other small rubber ball. You can either sit or stand. If balance is an issue, use a wall or a piece of furniture for balance.

1. Place the tennis ball underneath the ball of your right foot. 2. Using very gentle pressure, relax your toes and allow the flesh of your foot to relax around the tennis ball for 10-15 seconds. 3. Slowly roll the tennis ball back and forth across the foot from side to side. Keep the toes relaxed and adjust the pressure as needed. Be gentle. Back off if you feel any tension in your toes or in other parts of your body. Make sure you are breathing normally. 4. Slowly roll the tennis ball along the length of your foot, drawing a line from your big toe to your heel with the tennis ball. Pick your foot up and repeat this motion starting at each toe, then between each toe. Ensure the pressure is gentle enough to keep your toes relaxed. 5. Place the tennis ball underneath your heel with your toes planted on the floor and allow gentle pressure. Let the tissue relax around the tennis ball for

10-15 seconds. 6. Slowly roll the tennis ball back and forth across the heel from side to side. Keep the toes relaxed and adjust the pressure as needed. 7. Remove the tennis ball and stand or sit with both feet flat on the floor, noticing any differing sensations in your feet. 8. Repeat on the left foot. Nerve Flossing Technique: Tension Relief for the Common Fibular Nerve Flossing your common fibular nerve can relieve tension in your lower leg. Summer 2022

The most important thing to remember is that you should go slowly and gently. Keep tension low and never move into pain. If you get any tingling sensation, reduce the tension slightly.

In addition to alleviating tension in the leg, this exercise may also provide relief to the opposite arm. In cases where there is high neural tension and sensitivity in the ulnar nerve (near the funny bone), flossing the common fibular nerve (indirectly affecting the ulnar nerve) may be the best option. 1. Lie down on your back and raise your left leg 6-8 inches. 2. Point your toes and internally rotate your raised left leg so that your toes are facing towards your right foot. 3. Move your raised left leg so that it is hovering above your right foot. 4. As you lower your leg back to the starting position, raise your head off the floor. 5. Lower your head back down to neutral as you raise your leg again and repeat the movement in steps 1-3. 6. Complete 3 to 5 repetitions per leg. (A little goes a long way! SimplyBetter Movement Therapy

Jim Chaput is a master practitioner of applied movement neurology, a therapy system that uses functional neurology, complex movement, and muscle testing to assess and treat movement dysfunction, balance issues, and pain. Jim sees clients individually in his practice, SimplyBetter Movement Therapy. He is also the Movement for Longevity class instructor for the Discover Health Movement Membership. For additional information, call (603) 409-5366 or visit www.simplybettercoaching.com.

Healing Dimensions Massage Therapy “Bridging the Mind and Body through Touch”

Julie Sargent, LMT- NH Lic. # 3358 Member AMTA, Nationally Certified www.juliesargentmassage.com (603) 502-5326 24 Pleasant St. Conway, NH

Optimize Your Health & Performance Today!

We are all about root cause resolution ... digging deep into what causes pain and disease. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.

(603) 447-3112 DiscoverHealthFMC.com 33

By Clem McAuliffe

MUNCHING LUNCH, DINNER, AND DRINKS!

elcome to the summer of 2022! Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to speak up so you can hear me over the cacophony of crunching and munching from the catastrophic caterpillar community. Besides the baring of the trees, they’ve created a carpet of caterpillar confetti covering the trails and forest floors. I bet you’re thinking, “Clem, where the heck are you going with this?” or, “What does this infestation have to do with local beer, restaurants, and tap rooms?” Well, whilst I was walking amidst those noisy hairy monsters bent on consuming everything in their path, I began to feel something familiar, even comforting being surrounded by

the din of dining. And then it hit me: I don’t go out enough! These ‘pillers are my kinda critters! My mission this summer is to make mincemeat outta the Moat, Ravage rek’•lis, tie one on at the Tuckerman Taproom … you get the picture. So, straight to Saco River Brewing I go! With Hurricane Mountain Road open during the summer months, it’s a veritable roller-coaster ride to Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg, Maine for this guy. Careful through those dips and turns and keep your eyes open for wildlife-like Pete Ostroski. The local legend mountain biker is the subject of the Hopstroski IPA. The NEIPA is a collaboration between Saco

River Brewing and rek’•lis, who are donating funds towards NoCo, Bethlehem Trails Association, and White Mountain NEMBA. Saco will also be letting loose their deadly Murder Hornet’s Nest Imperial IPA. This dank 9% IPA does double damage, so be sure to wear protective headgear while handling these pesty pints. I wonder if murder hornets eat caterpillars? More importantly, with 15 beers and seltzer on tap, there’s plenty to pick from that don’t sting as smartly. The Moat Mountain Brewery and Smokehouse keeps putting out great foods and brews. Right now, I could madly munch me some Moat Mountain BBQ

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meatloaf while I make haste to lay waste to a couple of Boneshaker Browns. That’s my go-to, but if it’s not for you, try the new Lemongrass Ginger Wit, Ooh La La, with their Thai chicken salad, or the new Jimosa, a citrusy Brut IPA with champagne yeast—sublime all on its own. Taking their place later this summer is the next batch of Flavah of the Day, a soft New England-style IPA with changes to the hops each round. Flavah makes for a fun fling every visit. This will be a retro batch of their original recipe with Azacca, Idaho 7, and Citra hops giving way to ripe fruit and melon. The bourbon barrel beer blitz begins bouncing our way with Chocorua Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter and Old Man of the Mountain Barrel-Aged Belgian Tripel. The old man leaves hints of bourbon, vanilla, plum and dark cherry on your lips. But don’t worry, his old lady don’t mind. Lastly, look out for 22 in 22 DIPA. This brew commemorates their 22nd anniversary and the 22 years of riding the 24 hours of Great Glen. Brewed with some awesome New Zealand hops, Southern Cross, and Green Bullet, 22 commemorates your tongue with big tropical fruit flavors and a touch of pine. Last but not least is the spot-on seasonal, Hoff-

Summer 2022

man Weiss. A beautiful Bavarian-style hefeweizen that’s light, aromatic, and everything nice—then finishes with a whimsical whisper of banana and spice. I can smell the sauerbraten and hear the oom-pah band toasting zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi! No introduction is needed for Tuckerman Brewing Summer Pils. So, ignore that I just introduced it! This summer’s favorite is a 4.15% single-hopped Pilsner-style beer brewed with Citra hops and orange peel. This easy drinker does everything right except jump into my mouth itself. Get to work on that, guys! Tuckerman tasting room, in Center Conway, has brewery specials coming out the ying-yang. (I don’t know what a ying-yang is, so ignore that too!) Let’s start with the limited release of Lime After Lime, brewed with fresh limes, this 4.9% clean, crisp lager begins with a bright citrus aroma, and finishes with lingering lime rind spice flavor. Welcome the return of Granite State Cider, a 6.4% bubbly dry hard cider made from ingredients sourced in New Hampshire. Small-batch draft brews will be marching out all summer long, available only at the brewery. Expansion is ongoing and the brick oven pizzas are going on right now! They will partner with Davis Natural Produce

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July 28th-31st Just 45 minutes from North Conway

americana, roots bluegrass, world music and camping Food trucks | yoga local Beer| dances | 17 and under get in free!

Including Ukrainian Artists Dhaka Brahka & Maine Artisan Showcase on Sunday July 31st!

www.ossipeevalley.com

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FOR OUR DAILY SPECIALS

Where Life is Good!

OPEN DAILY FROM 11:30AM

Almost There Sports Tavern & Restaurant (603) 447-2325 • 1287 Route 16, Albany, NH Just south of the Kancamagus Highway

to offer farm-to-table special pizza nights. These are the freshest ingredients they can offer. The farm is literally just one mile from the brewery in the Albany Town Forest. Visit their website for their live music lineup. Hop over to Hobbs Tap Room in Ossipee from 4 to 7 p.m. for their Friday night market, featuring fresh produce, local meat, NH artisans, and more. More, in this case, means beer like Hold My Juice Box, an 8.5% hazy DIPA loaded with a mountain of the juiciest hops they can get their hands on. Tropical and delicious, but no straw included. If you want to hold the haze, but not the

All our local breweries are special in their own way, but the one thing in common is their generosity. flavor, go Pitch-a-Tent, not literally. Pitch-a Tent is a big, balanced 8% DIPA that looks crystal clear, but bursts with candied citrus and tropic hoppiness. When Woodstock Inn & Brewery, Woodstock, NH, began serving 40 years ago, I didn’t know a Pig’s Ear from my elbow. Now we all do. Constantly adding new brews, rooms, and bars, Woodstock always has some new tricks up their raveled sleeve. Four limited releases commemorating their anniversary will be doled out over the summer. First is an Imperial Red Ale, “Gnosh”, and second, Hopily Every After Pale Ale, dry-hopped with Galaxy. Third, Get a Room Passion Fruit Wit, and last, a Destination German Chocolate Porter. With all that going on, they still had time to turn out the Lost River Light. After 40 years of brewing and cooking, a light beer sounds like a bright idea to me and my fluffy belly. Wheth-

Come by to say hi to BOOMER!

• Over 500 Craft Beers • Make Your Own 6-Pack • Just South of Storyland

Visit our brewery in Conway, NH Indoor Tasting Room & Outdoor Beer Garden

TUCKERMAN BREWING CONWAY, NH

Over 13 beers on draft, light food & beer to go Find us on draft & in stores in NH, ME & MA 66 Hobbs St, Conway, NH

36 36

Scan for our location, hours, website & more tuckermanbrewing.com

779 ROUTE 16, GLEN, NH (603) 383-4800 MWVvibe.com MWVvibe.com

er you drive or fly your Sopwith Camel to Woodstock, there is always ample room and fare for all. Bethlehem’s rek’•lis brewing has a casual rustic charm that is so authentic you have to feel it for yourself. Even my masterful worldly imagery can’t paint the full picture, but let me show you a few pieces of the puzzle. Indoor and outdoor dining, multiple bars, and a bevy of brews awaits you. Honorable mention to their best sellers, Pretentious Hopper, a hazy, juicy 7% NEIPA and Clouded Judgement, a soft and easy 5.3% NEIPA. The brewers at rek’•lis know hoppy doesn’t make everyone happy, so there are plenty of lighter lagers, malty browns, porters, and stouts, plus sweeter Belgian styles. Ian and Marlaina will make you feel at home, but please remember you’re not at home and keep your clothes on. The Valley beer scene just got a big boost in a big way with the opening of Big Day Brewing in Gorham, NH. Like all of our local brewers, they are very community and event-based, but that’s all I’m going to tell you right now. A fellow member of the Vibe writing staff, Rousing Joe Russo, has an excellent article on the next few pages of this very edition on Big Day—so check it out!

I hope the model railroad enthusiasts don’t vilify me on social media for admitting to visiting Ledge Brewery more times in a year than Hartmann Model Railroad M& Toy Museum in 10 years. And I have three kids! Partly, because Ledge has something new every time I’m there, but mostly because they have beer and plenty of it. Clang, clang, clang! I’m on my way and, choo choo, so should you! Note: some of the displays from the Hartmann museum can still be admired at the North Conway Model Railroad Club. They are located in the rail yard of the Conway Scenic railroad. Say hi to Wally while you are there! All our local breweries are special in their own way, but the one thing in common is their generosity. This summer, Seadog Brewing is raising money for the Jim Liberty Cabin. Their house brewer, Nick, has created Liberty Pale Ale, of which 25% of sales will be donated. Woof! That’s a nice chunk of change—and they deserve a treat for being a good dog. Thanks again to the men and women brewing, serving, and entertaining the Valley. Your hard work makes our time not at work WAY better. Cheers! Clem

Clem McAuliffe, owner of Vista Bev & Market, loves beer. He loves talking about beer, reading about beer, writing about beer and, of course, drinking beer. All who enter the store quickly understand the benefit of asking, “Clem, what am I drinking today?”

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(603) 356-5084 • Intervale

COPPER PIG BREWERY

SCHILLING BEER

REK’•LIS BREWING IRON FURNACE BREWING

BIG DAY BREWING

WHITE MOUNTAIN BREWERIES LEDGE BREWINGLEDGE BREWING

COMPANY

WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY ONE LOVE BREWERY

MOAT MOUNTAIN BREWING SEA DOG BREWING TUCKERMAN BREWING

HOBBS TAVERN & BREWING

Summer Summer 2022 2022

VISIT OUR FRYEBURG TASTING ROOM!

SACO RIVER BREWING

Offering a variety of styles focused on high-quality, local brew!

Enjoy a pint or a flight, and be sure to take some beer to go in growlers or cans!

(207) 256-3028 www.SacoRiverBrewing.com 10 Jockey Cap Lane, Fryeburg, ME 37 37

Joe Klementovich photo

COMMUNITY BONDING OVER BREWS Celebrating Any Day at Big Day Brewing By Joe Russo

et’s say you just finished hiking your last 4,000-footer, or made it to the end of the Presidential Rail Trail. Well, you and your entourage should consider reliving your Big Day with a nice ice-cold, hand-crafted beer and a bite to eat. If that’s you, then your options just got one brewery bigger. Gorham, New Hampshire just opened a new brewery that has it all. So, join me in welcoming Big Day Brewing Company to the upper Mt. Washington Valley. Located right off Route 16 in Gorham,

experienced brewer from the Valley was joining forces with the proprietor of Hub North (“glamping” anyone?), and the owner a cycle shop. I heard they all were somehow associated with the Coös Cycling Club too. One day while snowboarding at Sunday River, my older sister Denise said to me, “Remember my snowboarding friend Don? Well, he is opening a brewery in Gorham.” At this point, all the bits and pieces started coming together. The more I looked into the brewery, the more excited I was that

Big Day Brewing Company opened its doors in April of 2022 and has been providing an incredible experience to its customers. I have made a few visits to the brewery, and I am excited to tell you all about it. Let’s back up a bit to a little over a year ago when I heard the rumors of a brewery in its planning stages in the Gorham and/or Berlin area. Around the first of the year, I was driving up Route 16 North and saw a familiar building being gutted and rebuilt just before the railroad tracks at the Gorham Common. I wondered if this could possibly be the brewery. My fellow peers in the brewing industry mentioned that a well-known and very

the rumors were true. I found and liked their Facebook page and followed the progress as they made their dream come true. It is like the familiar story of, “I know a guy that knows this other guy, and they are friends with this guy … !” So, who are these guys that opened an amazing brewery? Let us start with Jason Hunter. Jason owns Hub North—Unique Accommodations in Gorham, NH, runs the Coös Cycling Club, and is an owner/manager of Big Day Brewery. He said about five years ago he had an idea to open a brewery, and with his like-minded friends, took the plunge about a year-and-a-half ago. The point where an idea turned into reality came to pass in December

The Big Day Brewing Company’s community atmosphere is the third piece that completes the trifecta of a brewery’s success: beer, food, and community. From the staff to the customers, it brings together outdoor-minded people to form a stronger community.

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Joe Klementovich photo

2020 when the building was acquired. Once the ball got rolling things “happened very quickly.” It was very reassuring that he had the whole community get behind the project. One of his like-minded friends, Don Seib, was also on board. Don owns Barker Mountain Bikes in Bethel, and is also an owner and manager of the brewery. What is a brewery without a head brewer? Stew Mason has over 25 years of experience brewing beer. He brings to the table a ton of knowledge, experience, and the drive to create amazing beers. (Side note: I can attest to that, as I loved every beer I tried.) Stew has an assistant brewer, Zach Eurgese, who wears many hats. He is president of the Coös Cycling Club, an excellent bartender, and can be seen buzzing around the brewery. Brent Ervin is the executive chef; the man behind the creative foods served up at Big Day. He is supported by his sous chef, Pat Harris. When you see the menu options, you can be assured that they put their heart and soul into every aspect of their delicious food items. They, and the rest of staff, make quite the team that drives the success of Big Day Brewing Company. While interviewing the team, it appeared that everybody knows each other—mostly through activities shared, such as skiing, hiking, and biking. They can count their friendship in years; sometimes 20-plus years. This team is more like a family, and is the epitome of friends working with friends. As a fellow brewer in the Valley, I can tell you that there is something a little different about this brewery. For me, it is all about the beer that is handcrafted onsite. If I can geek out for a moment, I was very impressed with the 10-barrel brewhouse that is visible to the customers. It is not hidden behind a glass wall or tucked away in the back room. You can see and smell Summer 2022

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the beer being produced. There is a row of 20 barrel fermenters that has a capacity of over 100 barrels of fermentation. Stew and his team can rack the beer into their brite tanks with over 80 barrels of space. This is very impressive to see. Right next to the brewing equipment is the bar area that features 12 taps ready to go with every style beer you could want. If you find a beer or three that you love, why not take them home? You can buy a growler, or a four-pack. As of the writing of this article, they had seven excellent beers on tap, with three of them freshly canned and ready to be taken home for enjoyment later. Secret-7 IPA is juicy with mango and peach aromas. Demo Party Pale Ale is dank with citrus flavors and

on the food. Brent and Pat’s open-concept kitchen has a very social feel, as the team is serving up magic from quite an innovative menu. We are talking small plate, tapas-style shareable options such as sliders, tacos, rice bowls, and really killer fries. Many of the items are sourced from the local farmer’s market in the Gorham Common, and others are sourced from the area’s local farms. Keep your eye out for their super-secret menu, as they change daily and with the season. Everything is handmade, and nothing is frozen. Their open-concept dining area has an “industrial chic” vibe. (From the geometric wall art and design to the larger-than-life metal beams that cross the ceiling, to the hand-hewn logs suspend-

has a pungent aroma you will certainly enjoy. The third beer in cans is Gravity Quest NEIPA; a hazy and very aromatic beer with tropical aromas, featuring one of my favorite hops … Azacca! The expanding beer list features lagers, sours, stouts, and a dunkleweizen. In response to the question, “What are you brewing next?” Jason said Stew has plans to switch things up. The list will continue to grow, as they already plan for five more flavors, as well as collaborative brew sessions with the other local breweries in the Valley. I hope I am on their list and look forward to brewing with them. I can see the team producing amazing barrel-aged imperial stouts, porters, Kolsch, and even a barleywine. Big Day also offers their customer other alcoholic beverages, such as wine, ciders, and canned cocktails, with a full list of non-alcoholic beverages too. Are you hungry? With all the activities in the area, how could you not be? Big Day has also dedicated this kind of focus

ed from the ceiling.) There are plenty of windows to let in the natural light. The space features a bar, some long table options to have large groups, as well as plenty of small table options. Get up and walk around to see your friends, or you can go outside to their beer garden and take in the rays with your beverage of choice in one hand and a slider in the other. Look for local musicians to entertain you and your recreation posse. Big Day has table service as well as the option to use the QR code menu to order another round of sliders and those killer fries. Want a different beer? Just snap the QR code to order online, and it will arrive at your table before you know it. The Big Day Brewing Company’s community atmosphere is the third piece that completes the trifecta of a brewery’s success: beer, food, and community. From the staff to the customers, it brings together outdoor-minded people to form a stronger community. There are seemingly endless recreational activities in, and

The brewery plans on hosting local meetups and larger events. Big Day is part of the summer’s NEMBA week-long mountain biking event “Flow 2 Fest” on August 3rd. The team plans on organizing and hosting group rides and other social gatherings.

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Joe Klementovich photo

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THE WHITE MOUNTAIN INDEPENDENTS Big Day photo

around, the Mt. Washington Valley. The staff of 20-plus has an active culture and a “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” lifestyle. Brent, the executive chef, has completed the 48-4,000-footers … twice. Every one of the team rides, hikes, skis, boards, and runs on the land that surrounds the brewery. The brewery is literally located at the Coös trailhead, and there is a double-track through the middle of their parking lot connecting to the trailhead. When they built the brewery, they put in the future utilities needed to provide for a future cycle station, with bathrooms planned for the center of the parking lot. There is even talk of making a pump track next to the beer garden. The brewery plans on hosting local meetups and larger events. Big Day is part of the summer’s NEMBA week-long mountain biking event “Flow 2 Fest” on August 3rd. The team plans on organizing and hosting group rides and other social gatherings. Community is not only focused on recreating in the White Mountains. Community is the other breweries in the Valley that share the same passions for outdoors. At some point during the interview, it was pointed out that Stew, the head brewer at Big Day, is a longtime friend of Mason at Saco River Brewing, as well as Ian and Marlaina at rek’•lis brewing. They all go riding together, as well as help each other out in the brewing business. Whether you find yourself finishing up your hike of Mount Madison, or at the end of a satisfying day on the Coös bike trail, stop into Big Day Brewing Company, grab a hand-crafted beer, a slider or three, and celebrate the big day. You earned it. Heck, you may even run into a local club that shares your same passion and gain a new group of outdoor-minded friends. Big Day Brewing Company 20 Glen Road, Gorham, NH (603) 915-9006 • www.bigdaybrewing.com Summer 2022

• Assets Jean Co. • Bavarian Chocolate Haus • Cannell’s Country Store • Cathedral Ledge Distillery • The Christmas Loft • Designed Gardens Studio • Discount Beverage • Fields of Ambrosia • Flossie’s General Store • Four Your Paws Only • The Handcrafter’s Barn • It’s My Girlfriend’s Consignment Boutique • Jewelry by Tim & Friends • The Local Grocer • North Conway Olive Oil Co. • North Country Fair Jewelers • The Penguin Gallery • Ragged Mountain Equipment • RavenWood Curio Shoppe • The Root Cellar • The Rugged Mill • Soyfire Candle Bath & Body • Spruce Hurricane • Valley Artisans & Vintage Market • Veno’s Specialty Foods & Meats • White Birch Books • White Mountain Winery

Visit us or shop online! Gift-giving made easy! Gift certificates can be redeemed at any of our 20+ member retailers!

Purchase certificates in increments of $25 online!

WHITE MOUNTAIN INDEPENDENTS WhiteMountainIndependents.com 41

Super Nova sandwich, by Autumn Nomad Rodeo & Co. Photography photo

Four culinary creatives from local eateries share their story and

CULINARY ARTISTS VALLEY of the

By Chris Broughton-Bossong

signature recipes.

From menu mainstays to family favorites, the chefs of the Mt. Washington Valley have no shortage of delectable dishes up their sleeves. We tapped into four local culinary tastemakers for their signature recipes to teach our readers how to whip up a restaurant-inspired meal at home.

AUTUMN NOMAD

Owners Jaime Melfi and Keith Wurster • Simplicity and creativity in a relaxed rustic setting Perched right off of Jackson’s main drag sits the artistic and undeniably charming Autumn Nomad Cakes + Cafe. The cafe boasts an array of ornate baked goods, savory sandwiches, catered events, and cocktail pairings. Coowned and operated by New Jersey natives Jaime Melfi and Keith Wurster, Melfi being the driving force behind both their baked goods and artistic front, and Wurster the savory creator—often found plying his trade on their line. Melfi began to hone her artistic drive creating jewelry and traveling while Wurster grew up working for his father in a fish market and butcher shop, spending his free time playing bass. Realizing that they shared a love for art and cre-

not grow up baking, but watching cooking shows with her grandma, and recalls being exposed to an exciting variety of foods and deserts as a kid when visiting NYC with her parents. Loving the array of colors, flavors, and plating of dishes, she began to appreciate a way to use food as a conduit for her artistic drive, creating “edible artwork.” In addition to creating baked goods, Melfi will even travel and stage elaborate photo shoots to showcase her artwork and to inspire the creative side in others when designing their own weddings or social events. On the savory end, Wurster relates the creation of a meal to the strumming of tune. “You can make a dish or play a tune and it is never going to come out the same way twice. You’re experimenting the whole time.” His cooking style is far less anchored in recipe adherence than in seeing where the flavors and his palate take him. He reflected that making a good dish is just the successful result of a series of “happy little accidents.” He draws on the influences around him, whether it be his love of jazz fest inspiring a cajun dish or remembering his favorite lox breakfast sandwich from

ativity, whether it be in craft form or music, they transplanted their creative collaboration to a rural mountain setting and opened their cafe, which reflects each of their artistic outlets, with one wall displaying a series of well-loved guitars and another, Melfi’s intricately decorated wedding cake samples. Contrary to what one might assume when they see fanciful mastery of Melfi’s cakes and baked goods, she did

Panzio’s Diner in NJ. Their specials rarely start with a predetermined recipe, but rather a glance at what is on hand and how it may be combined into something new that day. Whether you are stopping in just for a cup of coffee, one of their amazing sandwich options, or because you have an event in mind that you want a hand planning and designing the dining and cocktails for, the Autumn Nomad has you covered.

The cafe boasts an array of ornate baked goods, savory sandwiches, catered events, and cocktail pairings.

Super Nova, serves 1-2

Ingredients 2 Tbsp cream cheese 1 Tbsp capers 2 pinches of fresh dill 4 slices English cucumber 4-5 slices of smoked salmon Arugula 2-3 slices of tomato Pickled onion 1 bagel

Directions Whip cream cheese and fold in capers and fresh dill. Smear that onto a toasted bagel; place thinly sliced English cucumber, smoked salmon, greens, sliced tomato, and pickled onion. Deconstructed, it is like a Nova platter, but this way it is combined all together to make the “Super Nova” sandwich.

AUTUMN NOMAD CAKES + CAFE

18 Black Mountain Road, Jackson, NH • (603) 383-8227 • www.autumnnomad.com

CHRISTMAS FARM INN

Owner, Gary Plourde and Chef, Ed Stinchcomb • Decadent cuisine with casual farmhouse comfort Off the beaten path in Jackson, Christmas Farm Inn has a long history as a farm, inn, and at one point, a Christmas gift, hence its name. Since its construction in the later part of the 18th century, it Photos by Christmas Farm Inn has had a number of proprietors, but when Gary Plourde took the helm over a decade ago, he has taken great strides to maintain the warmth

Jackson, NH with his family. He likes to provide his guests with a relaxed and indulgent experience. “We like to be comfort oriented. The food we make here, we take time to prepare. We want to make sure that what we do we do well, without the stuffiness of fine dining.” Whether you’re enjoying their wild mushroom bruschetta with the “Bay of Fundy Salmon” in the main dining room or a signature cocktail like their grapefruit vesper with friends in the tavern, the inn fosters a congenial social setting. “We want our guests to enjoy the personality of our team,” says Plourde. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Ed Stinchcomb, a Northeast native and self-proclaimed fisherman at heart, who actually enjoyed his own honeymoon at Christmas Farm Inn. Stinchcomb seeks out seasonally fresh ingredients to help guide the development of his menu, keeping it evolving throughout the year. Overseeing tavern operations

and comfort of a true New England farm and inn. Whether you choose to dine in the cottage-style dining room or the intimate, yet relaxed, tavern, you’ll appreciate the inn’s air of laid back, and indulgent comforts. Plourde has an extensive background in hospitality and travel, having worked in South Africa, Croatia, London, and now having settled into

is restaurant manager Josh Davis who readily lights up at the opportunity to share a story and have a laugh with the guests, and delights at the challenge of helping pair an exciting signature cocktail with your meal. The staff at the inn seem to have a sense of humble pride in bringing warmth and joy to the patrons of their inn.

Whether you choose to dine in the cottage-style dining room or the intimate, yet relaxed, tavern, you’ll appreciate the inn’s air of laid back, and indulgent comforts.

Grilled Surf N’ Turf, serves 2 An easy summer grilled dish anyone can make! Grilled NY strip steak with mushroom sauce and grilled Maine lobster with lobster butter sauce, mashed potato, and grilled asparagus Ingredients for mashed potato Large potato Butter Milk Salt and pepper

Directions Peel, cut, and boil potato until cooked; mash with butter, milk, and season to taste

Ingredients for asparagus Bundle of fresh asparagus Olive oil Salt

Directions Brush asparagus with olive oil; grill until cooked, and season to taste Ingredients for lobster butter sauce Shells from 1 cooked lobster 1 cup heavy cream 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 oz. brandy 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

CHRISTMAS FARM INN

3 Blitzen Way, Jackson, NH • (603) 383-4313 • www.christmasfarminn.com

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Directions Boil 1 whole Maine lobster; shell, and put lobster shells in pot. Add heavy cream, tomato paste and brandy. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Strain and put liquid back into the pot. Whisk in cold, unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time until mixed. Hold warm. Ingredients for mushroom steak sauce 2 cups of beef broth ½ cup red wine ½ cup diced mushrooms 2 tsp corn starch mixed with 1 Tbsp water to make a slurry

Directions Gradually mix in corn starch slurry to liquid; cook until volume is reduced by ½ Ingredients for “Turf” 2 x 12 oz. NY strip steak Olive oil Salt and pepper

Directions Season steak with olive oil and salt and pepper; grill to your liking Ingredients for “Surf” 1 boiled Maine lobster (shelled) Olive oil Salt and pepper

Directions Cut lobster tail in half lengthways, brush ½ lobster with olive oil, season to taste; grill until hot

Over 20 locally owned & operated restaurants Almost There

Merlino’s Steakhouse

Barley & Salt

N. Conway • 603-356-1037

Moat Mountain Smokehouse

N. Conway • 603-356-2225

Notchland Inn

Albany • 603-447-2325

Black Cap Grille Cafe Noche

Conway • 603-447-5050

Chef’s Bistro

N. Conway • 603-356-4747

Christmas Farm Inn Jackson • 603-383-4313

Deacon Street

N. Conway • 603-356-9231

Delaney’s Hole In The Wall

N. Conway • 603-356-6006

N. Conway • 603-356-6381 Hart’s Location • 603-374-6131

Oxford House Inn Fryeburg • 207-935-3442

Priscilla’s

North Conway • 603-356-0401

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub Glen • 603-383-4344

Shalimar Of India

North Conway • 603-356-0123

N. Conway • 603-356-7776

Shannon Door Pub

N. Conway • 603-356-6862

The Shovel Handle Pub

Horsefeathers

Joseph’s Spaghetti Shed Glen • 603-383-6680

Jackson • 603-383-4211

Jackson • 800-677-5737

Thompson House Eatery Jackson • 603-383-9341

J-Town Deli & Country Store

White Mountain Cider Co.

Max’s Restaurant & Pub at Snowvillage Inn

Jackson • 603-383-4245

Glen • 603-383-9061

Jackson • 603-383-8064

Wildcat Tavern

Eaton • 603-447-2818

302 West Smokehouse & Tavern Fryeburg • 207-935-3021

Final preparation Plate grilled NY strip steak and ½ Maine lobster, with mashed potato, grilled asparagus on dish, drizzle mushroom sauce on steak and lobster sauce on lobster, contrasting dark and white sauces, and serve hot

In addition, the VO also donates over $13K in member gift certificates to over 180 Organizations/ Charities in the MWV

area, each year! We also strive to work with local farmers and local producers of high quality products whenever possible.

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

Summer 2022

CHEF’S BISTRO

Owner, Josh Brault and Chef, Ron Valeri • A relaxed intimate setting with international variety Located in the heart of North Conway, just a block north of the historic train station, Chef’s Bistro offers an eclectic menu with a refined palette in a setting that is both intimate and comfortable. Proprietor Josh Brault comes from a culinary family, as he puts it, growing up with a love for exploring food and appreciating it as the source of

chicken wings that include mango rum and spicy Thai peanut as sauce options. Brault excites over kitchen dilemmas like whether to hammer out a new recipe for pork belly tacos or an udon noodle dish for the menu. “We don’t want to simply offer your fried mozzarella and wings menu. We want to offer more of a dining adventure than just pub food.” He explains that although he loves the challenge of tracking down hard-to-find ingredients, it is equally important to utilize locally sourced seasonal foods as the key to a successful dish. Chef Valeri grew up learning to hone his craft under the tutelage of his late father, Chef Joseph “Jumbo” Veleri, who had been the head chef at Bellini’s Italian restaurant. Valeri,

adventure it can be. So, despite a formal education in film, Brault found himself in restaurant management honing his skills—jack of all trades and master of none—and five years ago decided to strike out on his own, taking over the reins at the Chef’s Bistro. Chef’s Bistro maintains more of a niche menu that is the result of a collaboration between Brault and Head Chef Ron Valeri’s mutual appreciation for incorporating a varied array of international flavors and ingredients into a menu of perennial favorites. Offering appetizers that range from their Korean beef lettuce wraps with cilantro aioli to classic

the younger, learned to appreciate the reward of creating new dishes and getting to see the reaction of the guest enjoying his craft. “I like to look at a recipe, take the foundation, and then see how I can really make it pop.” He shared with me his family recipe for meatballs and sauce, but added some of his own revisions, giving a family classic his own touch. Chef Valeri and Brault have spent the past two months reinventing the menu of food and cocktail offerings of Chef’s Bistro. Pop in for lunch, dinner, or simply to enjoy a cocktail in a modern rustic setting, The new menu at Chef’s Bistro is certainly worth exploring.

Chef’s Bistro maintains more of a niche menu that is the result of a collaboration between Brault and Head Chef Ron Valeri’s mutual appreciation for incorporating a varied array of international flavors and ingredients into a menu of perennial favorites.

Meatballs & Sauce, serves 2-3 Ingredients

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs 2/3 cup whole milk 1 lb ground beef 20/80 1/4 cup diced yellow onion 2 cloves fresh garlic diced 1 egg

Directions In a large mixing bowl, add Italian breadcrumbs and milk. Mix and allow to set for at least 5 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, parmesan, and parsley to a mixing bowl, and using your hands, mix roughly without pressing beef too hard to squeeze fat out of the

CHEF’S BISTRO

meat. Do not over mix. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Make approximately 2 oz. balls by weight, and place on a baking sheet with parchment. Bake until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees, or about 15 minutes. Add your grandma’s red sauce to the bottom of a dish, place meatballs in dish. Top with your choice of cheese—this recipe was prepared with a black truffle infused pecorino, topped with some chiffonade basil. Serve with a side of toasted garlic bread topped with parmesan. You can make a melted compound butter consisting of minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.

2724 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-4747 • www.chefsbistronh.com

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TAMWORTH DISTILLERY & MERCANTILE

Head Distiller, Jamie Oaks • Spirits and setting that embrace the historic agrarian North Country Founded by author Steve Grasse, once dubbed “the punk rock prince of small batch spirits” by journalist Alex Halberstadt, Tamworth Distilling prides themselves on their embrace of local history and nature when developing their spirits. About 20 minutes south of the bustling strip of Conway’s commercial district, the distillery serves as a centerpiece to the charming, antiquated aesthetic of Tamworth’s Main Street. The ambiance, both in the tasting room and their outdoor seating along the Swift River, provides a delightful sense of fanciful antiquity. Jamie Oaks, a Philadelphia native and one of the head distillers, explained that the goal was to build a place where patrons could enjoy a bucolic setting while enjoying

their spirits that may otherwise be easily overlooked. “We really have to work to bring out the subtle notes in a vodka and to tone down what could be the overpowering ones in a whiskey,” he says. Citing the reasoning behind regional differences in spirits throughout the U.S. and abroad, being in large part, due to the ingredients available, he appreciates that at Tamworth Distilling they really strive not to limit themselves to exclusively local ingredients, but rather to experiment with how local ingredients can be introduced in what are often non-traditional ways. For examples of this, try their House of Tamworth Deerslayer Venison Whiskey or Bird of Courage Roasted Turkey Whiskey. “I love to see people stretch their palettes and realize they enjoy what they wouldn’t expect,” says Jamie, with an almost guilty but excited tone. In addition to their tasting room, the distillery hosts a number of dining, music, and cocktail events just down the block at their Lyceum. Their upcoming events this season range from summer opening night dinners for Barnstormers Theatre to private cocktail classes and even a Sip and

their varied offerings. In this, they have absolutely succeeded. Coming from a cafe background in Philly, Jamie had developed an appreciation for craft coffee roasting that has since blossomed into his passion for developing artisanal small batch craft spirits. Jamie explains that he has learned to really enjoy the honing of subtle flavors in

Script night of spirit sampling and calligraphy lessons. Whether you are a fan of history, the serenity of a country landscape, a unique social event, or simply an appreciator of craft spirits, Tamworth Distilling will offer a unique outing that you won’t want to miss.

The ambiance, both in the tasting room and their outdoor seating along the Swift River, provides a delightful sense of fanciful antiquity.

Summer Thyme

The Summer Thyme was created from a commitment towards making as little waste as possible, as well as utilizing the freshest ingredients we have within reach. Ingredients 1.5 oz White Mountain Vodka or White Mountain Gin (both can be found at NH Liquor + Wine Outlets, as well as at Tamworth Distilling) .75 oz thyme simple syrup 4 oz fresh lemonade

Served neat in a coupe or on the rocks

Thyme Simple Syrup Ingredients 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Fresh handful of thyme from the garden

Directions Put all ingredients in a pot and bring just to a boil. Keep at a low boil and stir only until sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and cool to room temperature. Strain thyme. Can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

TAMWORTH DISTILLING AND MERCANTILE

15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH • (603) 323-7196 • www.tamworthdistilling.com

Summer 2022

Mount Washington Observatory photo

The Auto Road Vertical Profile 5,300 station is located along the Mt. Washington Auto Road. An RM Young Heavy-Duty Wind Monitor-HD-Alpine anemometer is installed at this station in summer only, due to heavy rime ice accumulations and high winds in the colder months.

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MEASURING THE WEATHER ... IN THE WHITES By Brian Fitzgerald, Mount Washington Observatory

What does it take to monitor the weather in the Whites? Where every type of frozen precipitation and a wide variety of weather phenomena ranging from extra-tropical cyclones (nor’easters, clippers, low-pressure systems), blizzards, heavy snows, upslope precipitation, snow squalls, ice storms, extreme riming and glazing conditions, white-out conditions, extreme winds, severe thunderstorms, inland flooding, and extreme heat and cold are experienced with some frequency, and particularly in the colder months of the year: The Mount Washington Regional Mesonet.

ount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) is more than the summit weather station at 6,288 feet. A significant portion of the nonprofit organization’s work involves operating remote weather monitoring stations throughout the White Mountains. Known as the Mount Washington Regional Mesonet (mesonet), the network of 18 remote stations, including the Auto Road Vertical Profile (ARVP), measures temperature and relative humidity, with additional variables at many locations. Data are transmitted continuously via radio links and available to the public at www.mountwashington.org. (Specifically: www.mountwashington.org/experience-the-weather/mount-washington-regional-mesonet.aspx) All stations need to withstand the frequent combination of intense cold, high precipitation amounts, icing, and super-hurricane-force winds in a mountain environment. Due to these challenges, the mesonet employs rugged instrumentation, an innovative radio communications relay approach, and carefully selected sites that balance ideal measuring environments with station survivability. Data collected from the mesonet are used by forecasters, including MWOBS staff to validate weather model guidance, recreationists accessing conditions in the Summer 2022

backcountry, additional groups operating on the mountain (Mount Washington State Park, Cog Railway, and Auto Road), and search and rescue groups conducting missions in the region. The mountain environment is not a uniform landscape, and interactions between the atmosphere and terrain can cause a wide variety of conditions across time, space, and elevation. A network of remote stations at varying elevations allows many different types of data users to understand just how much the weather varies from place to place across the mountain range, where conditions on higher peaks can be drastically and dangerously different. The White Mountains, and particularly Mount Washington, are well known for extreme weather. Every type of frozen precipitation and a wide variety of weather phenomena ranging from extra-tropical cyclones (nor’easters, clippers, low-pressure systems), blizzards, heavy snows, upslope precipitation, snow squalls, ice storms, extreme riming and glazing conditions, white-out conditions, extreme winds, severe thunderstorms, inland flooding, and extreme heat and cold, are experienced with some frequency, and particularly in the colder months of the year. On the summit of Mount Washington (6,288 feet), where MWOBS has continu-

ously operated a mountaintop weather station with records dating back to 1932, extreme weather conditions are routinely recorded. Most notably, the highest gust ever recorded by a staffed weather station was recorded on Mount Washington at 231 miles per hour in April of 1934. Mount Washington experiences frozen precipitation every month of the year. From December to March, the summit receives an average 41.4 inches of frozen precipitation per month, with a maximum monthly recording in February 1969 of 172.8 inches. Aside from the MWOBS summit weather station, only four Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) stations are established around the White Mountains Region. These stations at Fryeburg, ME; Whitefield, NH; Berlin, NH; and Plymouth, NH are all at surface level presently. National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Stations (COOP) are present at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at the eastern base of Mount Washington, and in North Conway Village. Located in the western White Mountains, the US Forest Service Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest has been monitoring meteorological conditions dating back to 1955. The location and elevation of most of these sites leave fairly large measurement gaps, making for an insufficient 49

•4,500’ •2,992’

•2,310’

•5,030’ •1,926’ •4,003’

•3,990’

•3,799’ •4,078’

•2,671’ •2,274’

•538’ •1,670’

•1,670’

number of ground stations to adequately cover the complex terrain and diverse microclimates of the mountain region. The region, including the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), is a recreation and tourist hub throughout the year, with millions of people visiting annually. The changing seasons offer foliage

with unforgiving weather conditions, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, US Forest Service, and local volunteer rescue teams carry out 200-plus search and rescue missions annually for victims that include hikers, climbers, OHRV operators, and other backcountry visitors (New Hampshire Fish and Game, 2022).

Washington was previously limited prior to establishing mesonet in 2003. Prior to 2003, steps were underway at MWOBS to apply for a significant NOAA grant for a major “Research Instrumentation and Infrastructure Upgrade” (RIU) to replace and expand instrumentation and infrastructure, both at the summit weather

While multiple backcountry forecasts for the higher terrain of the White Mountains are available, including those produced by MWOBS, knowledge of actual conditions at elevations between ASOS stations and the summit of Mount Washington was previously limited prior to establishing mesonet in 2003. color change during autumn, snow sports in winter, alpine foliage and flowering during spring, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and other backcountry ventures throughout the year. Due, in part, to the area’s use and nature of usage, combined

station and at two administrative/research sites in the Mt. Washington Valley. The motivation for the mesonet system was initially born out of conversations with regional National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) officials

MWVvibe.com

•4,091’ •1,617’

•4,403’ •3,307’ •5,302’ •2,310’

•4,003’

•3,990’

LEFT: This map shows the Mount Washington Regional Mesonet station layout with approximate locations; includes data from New Hampshire’s Statewide GIS Clearinghouse, GRANIT. Not all ARVP sites are visible. ABOVE: Six stations along the Auto Road make up the ARVP (Mount Washington summit station not pictured). TUCK and W ILD sites add two additional observing stations to the east of Mount Washington.

in early 2003, based specifically on what would best help them advance their mission of weather forecasting for the region. Recommendations from this meeting included establishing “air temperature measurement stations with real-time data transmission at several elevations along one or more routes from the base of Mt. Washington to the summit,” with intervals ideally every 500 or 1,000 feet to provide better definition and confirmation of predicted freezing levels during precipitation events (Pszenny 2003). Additionally, NWS officials recommended establishing a wind measurement network on other nearby mountain summits. Finally, they noted a general interest in acquiring surface observation data from almost anywhere in the Mount Washington/White Moun-

Summer 2022

tains Region. Upon MWOBS’ successful NOAA RIU grant, funds were used to first install the six ARVP stations along the Mt. Washington Auto Road in 2003, followed by an additional 14 stations over the span of several years. As of early 2022, the mesonet records meteorological data, around the clock, from 18 automated stations—in addition to the fully staffed MWOBS summit weather station and National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station located in North Conway Village, New Hampshire. Stations comprising the MWRN were laid out by MWOBS staff across multiple installation campaigns. The ARVP, along with the summit of Wildcat Ski Area to the east of Mount Washington, were installed first, starting in 2003, followed by most of the current stations

MEASURING WEATHER AND CLIMATE ON MOUNT EVEREST

Arbindra Khadka/National Geographic photo

Kami Temba Sherpa and Tenzing Gyalzen Sherpa finalize the construction of the weather station at Bishop Rock during the May 2022 expedition of Mount Everest, supported by National Geographic and Rolex through their Perpetual Planet Expeditions.

Two new MWOBS wind sensors are now collecting data on the world’s highest weather monitoring stations. Designed, custom-built, and tested on Mount Washington last winter by MWOBS director of technology Keith Garrett, our pitot static tube anemometers were installed near the summit of Mount Everest in May. The Observatory was asked to work on the project by climate scientists Dr. Baker Perry of Appalachian State University and Dr. Tom Matthews of King’s College London. “Holding vast quantities of snow and ice, [the Himalayas] act as water towers to over a billion people downstream,” Perry said. “Yet we know little about how they are responding to climate warming because they are so hard to monitor.” by 2008. The most recent station installed was in 2015 (NCON). At its widest, the network stretches from Cannon Mountain in the west to Cranmore Mountain in the east, at a distance of roughly 30.8 miles, and 18.8 miles from the southern-most point, Cranmore Mountain, to the northern-most point, the 4,000’ ARVP site. The network has the highest density of sites (13, not including the MWOBS summit weather station) clustered around Mount Washington and neighboring peaks, ravines, and valleys across an area of 18.6 square miles, with an average of 1.4 miles between sites. 52

The vast majority of stations reside on private property and are owned by a variety of stakeholders, including ski areas, backcountry, and roadside facilities operated by the nonprofit Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Agreements at these locations provide free data access and current conditions information to landowners and their patrons. Additionally, MWOBS provides communication, real-time weather data services, or webcam access in trade at some stations. The mesonet measures a variety of near-surface variables at different

elevations with a limited number of stations recording surface and subsurface temperature. Regardless of location, each mesonet station was designed to provide the most accurate data possible with the least amount of data interruptions. To this end, design solutions were needed to overcome the challenges associated with bitter cold, high winds, heavy snow, and frequent icing in mountainous terrain. Rigid, small footprint stations were erected, rugged sensors were selected, and an innovative power management system was designed. In rare cases of a total power failure, a direct in-person connection may be MWVvibe.com

WiseguyCreative.com photo

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The term mesonet (pronounced meh-zoh-net) is derived from the words “mesoscale” and “network.” In meteorology, a mesonet is typically a network of automated weather stations that are installed close enough to each other—and report data frequently enough—to measure, record, track, and communicate mesoscale meteorological phenomena. Mesoscale refers to an area larger than microscale, like a town or city’s environment, but smaller than synoptic scale, a large country or continent. Mesoscale, typically between tens of kilometers to several hundreds of kilometers, essentially refers to an area large enough to encapsulate storm-scale systems, such as cyclones, extra-tropical cyclones, frontal systems, and squall lines.

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Mount Washington Observatory photos

ABOVE: Heavy rime and glaze ice accumulations, high wind exposure, and limited power generation at some stations, particularly AR53, limit the amount of equipment that can be operated with limited power. ABOVE RIGHT: Rime and glaze ice accumulated during prolonged periods of fog likely impact temperature and humidity readings even after fog events end.

required to retrieve data. Each site is equipped with either a radio connection or antenna, including a unidirectional antenna, pointing at the nearest receiver, and an omnidirectional antenna, which

(DSL, fiber-optic, cable, point-to-point, point-to-multipoint microwave) and are polled directly by the summit weather station on Mount Washington. There, data are ingested, processed by multiple

ment sensors, represent another area of interest, with the hope of making stronger connections between monitoring the physical and natural world. MWOBS has begun to regularly par-

Summit staff regularly incorporate mesonet data as a key tool for the higher summits forecast, produced twice daily by MWOBS. See www.mountwashington.org for daily forecasts. allows for alternative connections to be obtained should the primary connection be disabled. Radio links are used across the mesonet due to limited cellular connectivity throughout the mountains, while also taking advantage of excellent line of sight from prominent mountains such as Mount Washington. Data transmission may not always be possible if prolonged inclement weather (long-lived fog, rime ice on solar panels, snow-buried panels) has prevented sufficient power generation. When available power does not meet the consumption requirements of a specific station, a power-saving protocol is enacted that powers off communication services at a station-specific value. Once the power level rises above another station-specific value, communication and webcam services are restored in order to preserve the recording of data during low power output. All mesonet data are communicated through a variety of internet connections 54

physical and virtual servers, and replicated to servers at both the MWOBS administrative offices in North Conway and in the cloud, creating near-real-time access to the data via the internet. Data are additionally backed up offsite in multiple locations. Summit weather station weather observers maintain a 24/7/365 operations schedule that provides around-the-clock monitoring of data services. Summit staff regularly incorporate mesonet data as a key tool for the higher summits forecast, produced twice daily by MWOBS. Financial support for the long-term operation of the mesonet remains a priority for the continued success of the network. Additional opportunities to potentially add meteorological monitoring capabilities such as barometric pressure, precipitation, wind speed, and direction at existing sites (where operationally possible) are one area of interest. Adding additional ecological monitoring equipment, such as soil temperature and moisture probes, and air quality measure-

ticipate in professional working groups of mesonet operators through the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) and the National Mesonet Program (NMP). Engaging with these groups and mesonet operators has been particularly valuable in learning from others in the community about shared challenges and solutions.

MWOBS director of technology Keith Garrett and weather observer/meteorologist Jay Broccolo contributed to this article. Mount Washington Observatory is a private, non-profit, member-supported institution dating back to 1932 with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, and conducting innovative science education programs. MWVvibe.com

Summer 2022

HIKING NORTHERN NH’S COHOS TRAIL By Dave Greenslit

170 MILES OF YOUNG, RUGGED, AND WILD

ou’re slogging through wet, kneehigh weeds and bushes, feet soaked from puddles and mud, asking yourself if you’re really on a trail. Your spirits brighten briefly as you meet a hiker coming the other way and you take a few minutes to commiserate about the miserable conditions and swap

you step out on a ledge and take in stunning views of distant mountains and a lake below. If you’re really lucky, toward dusk you might see a moose or end the day with some magic from a trail angel, a gift of food, or perhaps a ride for a wellearned night off trail. Welcome to the Cohos Trail, a 170-

trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Vermont’s Long Trail, the Cohos is a work in progress, evolving and improving, a place where a hiker will likely experience blissful highs, morale-sapping lows, and everything in between. My good friend Dana Perry (who goes by the trail name Pilot) and I learned that

information about water sources, tent sites, and what else to expect up ahead. Then you continue trudging through the drenched vegetation—the car wash, as hikers call it—perhaps with rain now falling on you. After soldiering on a few more miles, as the rain relents and the clouds break,

mile patchwork of hiking paths, logging roads, ATV and snowmobile trails, and paved roads that starts just south of Crawford Notch and winds its way to the Canadian border, north of the Connecticut Lakes and the headwaters of the Connecticut River. Still in its infancy compared to long

for ourselves when we hiked the Cohos. Our planned thru-hike ended 30 miles and a few days short of Canada when my arthritic right hip, which had served me well through more than two dozen marathons and on section hikes of the Appalachian and Long trails, finally said, “No mas.” Two months later, we re-

Still in its infancy compared to long trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Vermont’s Long Trail, the Cohos is a work in progress, evolving and improving, a place where a hiker will likely experience blissful highs, morale-sapping lows, and everything in between.

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LENGTH 170 miles LOCATION Coös County in Northern New Hampshire and White Mountain National Forest TRAIL TYPE Point to point ESTIMATED TIME 6-10 days SCENERY Remote lakes, lush forests, and dramatic alpine views TERRAIN Ranges from easy to difficult. Expect rolling hills combined with steep, rocky climbs along single-track trail, snowmobile trail, and some road. Cartography by Larry Garland Copyright 2020 The Cohos Trail Association

turned—and Dana hiked, while I hobbled, those final miles in day-hikes. Kim Nilsen of Spofford, NH, formerly of Dalton, had the idea of the Cohos. “The concept of the trail has its beginnings in a disaster, the Nash Bog Dam failure that drained the 223-acre Nash Bog Pond in 1969,” Nilsen said. “That disaster led in the 70s to conversations with the late Arthur Muise, a Fish and Game officer, and the late Ralph Rowden, the man who was tending to the dam just minutes before it failed. Their stories prompted me to explore the devastated Nash Stream valley, the old dam site, and the beautiful peaks and forests of what is now the Nash Stream Forest.” From there, Nilsen envisioned a long-distance trail, one stretching the length of Coös County. New Hampshire’s long-distance trail became a reality 24 years ago, with lots of help from government agencies, paper and timber compaSummer 2022

nies, and a host of outdoor organizations and individuals. In the informative and entertaining Cohos Trail Guide, Nilsen notes that most of the route already existed. The pieces just needed to be linked. The guide

appropriately emphasizes the challenge: “It has been designed to be a rugged, no-nonsense wilderness experience, the likes of which the eastern U.S. doesn’t offer much anymore.” Indeed.

Photo by www.cohostrail.org Kristin McLane

Photo by Dave Greenslit

ABOVE: The southern terminus of the Cohos Trail begins in the White Mountain National Forest. It takes at least two days of hiking to transit the route from southern Crawford Notch at Notchland to the Mt. Washington Hotel. In between are some of the tallest peaks in the Northeast, including 6,288-foot Mount Washington. Crossing near the headwaters of the Saco River, the trail reaches four waterfalls, and approaches Dry River Shelter and the AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds Hut. ABOVE RIGHT: The Balsams and Lake Glorietta, seen through the mist from the dizzying height of Table Rock above Dixville Notch.

We spotted Pilot’s car in Pittsburg, not far from the northern end of the trail, then drove south in my car, with plans to backpack north to the border over two weeks. But with the remnants of Hurricane Henri threatening to drench the area, we decided to start early and day-hike to put miles in the bank. Pilot and I did the first 40-plus miles of the trail, from the Davis Path to Jefferson Village, as day trips, spotting cars and returning to my home in South Conway at night. We hiked the southernmost 17.5 miles in a single, oppressively hot and humid day that quickly turned into a slog. The route included parts (or all) of the Davis Path, Isolation Trail, Dry River Trail, Eisenhower Trail, Crawford Path, and Edmands Path. We finished the day in the dark, wearing headlamps. In all,

species of birds have been identified in the refuge, which the trail guide describes as one of the most critical wildlife habitats in New England. The views in the refuge are not too shabby, either. Sitting on a bench during lunch along the shore of Cherry Pond, Pilot and I had a stellar view across the water to Mount Washington and the northern Presidentials. After three day-hikes, we spent a comfortable night at the Jefferson Inn, where we left my car. In the morning, we shouldered our loads and backpacked north. Knowing we had a long, hard day ahead—more than 15 miles, including two 4,000-footers: Waumbek and Cabot mountains—we hit the trail early. As soon as I slung on my 30-pound pack, my hip let me know this was not going to end well.

we hiked for about 13 hours, with 6,000 feet of elevation gain. It was exhausting. The rest of the route to Jefferson was far easier, but involved miles of road walking and an incongruous stroll behind the hotel and through the golf course of the Omni Mount Washington Resort. It seemed strange to be walking to Canada while well-dressed golfers rode to their next shot in electric carts. The crown jewel on the way to Jefferson and the Kilkenny Range is the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. More than 200

On the descent from Mount Weeks, I slipped on a wet root and gashed my elbow on a rock. Weirdly, about an hour later we walked through an area that had a cell signal, and I got a robocall from the Red Cross, seeking a blood donation. “Sorry,” I would have told a live person, “I just gave at the office.” At Route 110, we hitchhiked to the Stark Village Inn, which was built in 1850 on the banks of the Upper Ammonoosuc River, next to the town’s iconic covered bridge. Inn owner Nancy Spaulding serves hearty breakfasts and

The crown jewel on the way to Jefferson and the Kilkenny Range is the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. More than 200 species of birds have been identified in the refuge, which the trail guide describes as one of the most critical wildlife habitats in New England.

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Mark Jenkins, Explorer & Author shuttles hikers to restaurants, markets and, when necessary, to urgent care centers for medical treatment. A nurse practitioner at the urgent care center in Littleton examined my elbow and determined there was no sign of infection and that stitches were not needed. Summer 2022

He said Pilot had done an admirable job treating the cut, and sent me on my way with gauze, bandages, and tape, enough to get me through the rest of the trip. After two nights and a zero day—a day off, in hiker parlance—we left the comforts of the inn, hoisted packs heavy

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ABOVE: Swimmers cool off on the ledges of Upper Falls on the Ammonoosuc River. ABOVE RIGHT: A trailside view of the northern Presidentials from Cherry Pond in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge.

with resupplied food, and hit the trail for a 14-mile hike to Old Hermit Shelter in the Nash Stream Forest. The highlight of the day was North Percy Peak, which was worth every step up the half-mile spur trail to get there. Its ledgy summit has splendid views in all directions, but especially of the rounded and somewhat smaller South Percy Peak. The section from the Baldhead Shelter to Coleman State Park, where we had rented a cabin, was a microcosm of a long day on the Cohos. Pilot and I hiked more than 16 exhausting miles. It was another day of slogging through rain, bogs, and mind-numbing walking on rough, overgrown logging roads and snowmobile routes. It was pretty miserable. And then we popped out onto Table Rock, a narrow, vertigo-inducing outcropping high above Dixville Notch. The dramatic view from the cliffs almost made us forget what we went through to get there. Almost. At Coleman, we settled into our cabin, did laundry, and spoke with High Octane, a section hiker I originally spotted

to pitch our tents under a canopy right on the shore. Just when I thought the day could not have gotten any better, seasonal resident, Mary Smith, drove up in a golf cart and asked if we wanted cookies, chips, soda, or beer. She then fetched chips and a Pepsi for Pilot and chips and two Budweisers for me—no charge. Mary, who has been coming to Rudy’s since 1963, does this because she likes to help hikers. A true trail angel. The next day, a few miles into our next leg of the trip, my ailing hip forced me to quit. I was limping badly and experiencing spasms of pain. We were on Cedar Stream Road, and I decided that continuing into the woods, where I might need to be carried out on a litter if I could no longer walk, would be irresponsible. So Pilot hustled along the shore of Lake Francis to Young’s Store in Pittsburg, then bummed a ride to his car, which we had spotted several miles to the north. Back home, I spent long days on the pity pot before pulling up my big boy pants and seeing an orthopedic specialist. An x-ray confirmed the hip needed to be replaced, and surgery was

cowboy camping—lying in his sleeping bag in the open. A board member of the American Long Distance Hiking Association, he gave the young and developing Cohos a lot of slack, comparing it to the Appalachian Trail of the 50s. Our next stop, after a pleasant 11-mile road walk, was Rudy’s Cabins and Campground on Clarksville Pond. Kathleen Domanico, the daughter of founder Rudolph Shatney, allowed us

scheduled, but three long months away. In the meantime, I got the idea to return to the trail and finish by doing short dayhikes with light packs. The northernmost miles of the Cohos are relatively flat, skirting the Connecticut Lakes as they lead to the boundary with Canada. Once there, the trail loops around tiny Fourth Connecticut Lake. We closed the loop, fist bumped, and

For us, the highlight of the section was seeing three moose—a big bull and two cows—where the Cohos overlaps the Middle Black Cat Trail. While it was a thrill, we know moose can be unpredictable, especially during mating season, and kept our distance.

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finished what we started more than two months earlier. For us, the highlight of the section was seeing three moose—a big bull and two cows—where the Cohos overlaps the Middle Black Cat Trail. While it was a thrill, we know moose can be Summer 2022

unpredictable, especially during mating season, and kept our distance. After a few moments, the bull decided we had no designs on his females and were not otherwise a threat … and they trotted off. Nilsen does not have figures on the number of Cohos thru-hikers, but says

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Photo by Dave Greenslit

Photo by www.cohostrail.org Kristin McLane

ABOVE LEFT: Dana “Pilot” Perry crosses a multi-section bog bridge near Kilback Pond, on the Kilkenny Ridge Trail. ABOVE: Moose prints and mud were plentiful on long, wet stretches of the Cohos. You know you’re in bear country when you see prints like this. ABOVE RIGHT: The Cohos Trail ends at the Canadian border, but its Quebec-based sister organization, the Sentiers Frontaliers, maintains more than 70 miles of dynamic trail on the rim of the boundary peaks that separate the watersheds of the Connecticut and St. Lawrence Rivers.

social media posts indicate their numbers are increasing. Most people hike the Cohos in day trips or backpack it in sections. The Cohos Trail Association is looking into building a headquarters and hostel as the hub of the trail and working to move more of the trail off road, according to Nilsen. All of which points to a promising future for New Hampshire’s fledgling long trail. For more information about the Cohos Trail, visit www.cohostrail.org or the Friends of the Cohos Trail Facebook page.

The Cohos Trail is a system of pathways and spur trails. If hiked without investigating some of the spur trails, the CT is nearly 165 miles long. However, most hikers take in a number of the spurs, such as summiting North Percy Peak, Mount Isolation, Mount Eisenhower, Sugarloaf, Deer Mountain, and so on. Most trekkers tend to average 170 to 175 miles. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE THE COHOS TRAIL? Most hikers manage the Cohos Trail in 12 to 14 days. More than a few have completed the hike in nine or 10 days. Most do not complete the trail all at once, but walk it in stages or sections. Check out blogs and posts on Facebook (Friends of the Cohos Trail Facebook Group) as they can give you a good idea of the distances folks have hiked in their trips.

IS THE TRAIL DIFFICULT? The Cohos Trail can be an arduous trek in some areas, but on average, the long pathway is not terribly difficult, terrain-wise. The real difficulty lies in resupplying along the route. There are very few stores and towns along the way, so shipping caches ahead or dropping caches at critical points is a must. Between Jefferson Village and Happy Corner in Pittsburg, a distance of nearly 90 miles, there is no store within three miles of the route. Also, during very dry summers, it can be tough to find adequate water on the high ridges in the Kilkenny and between Gadwah Notch and Dixville Notch.

Writer, Dave Greenslit has hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail and, most recently, the Cohos Trail. His future adventures will be on a brand-new hip.

IS THERE CELL PHONE SERVICE ON THE TRAIL? Yes and no. In recent years, new towers have been erected in the region, so cell phone service is better than ever from Dixville Notch south to Crawford Notch. However, there are dead spots in the mountains, and there are great stretches of limited or no service at all north of Coleman State Park in Stewartstown. Questions and answers like these can be found on www.cohostrail.org/f-a-q

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The 2020 edition Cohos Trail Map is available online at www.cohostrail.org, and in many outdoor retail stores in the north country. Digital copies are also available from the AvenzaMaps store for use with the AvenzaMaps app. www.avenzamaps.com.

Summer 2022

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LEAVING NO TRACE IN THE WHITES Loving the Surroundings As They Are By Max DesMarais

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Leave No Trace principles have never been more important. With increased visitation into our wilderness areas, state and national parks and forests, it is more essential than ever that we all do our part to protect these spaces.

eave No Trace (LNT) is a set of guidelines to help us minimize our impact on the environment when we’re enjoying the outdoors. It’s important and worthy of discussion— particularly in New Hampshire. Sharing it here will inform you on how you can help spread the word about these principles.

Increased Visitation in The White Mountains In the summer of 2021, New Hampshire had 4.4 million visitors. This helped lead to an increase in visitor spending of 39 percent over last year, and an 8.5 percent increase over the previous alltime spending high for visitors to New Hampshire in 2019. The data from the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development tells a clear and compelling story of growth in visitation to the entire state, particularly to the White Mountains and Mt. Washington Valley. While this increase in tourism also creates a great increase in revenue for New Hampshire’s businesses, it also puts greater stress on the environment. The record-breaking tourism in New Hampshire only makes it more important for locals and visitors to adhere to environmental best practices—particularly, Leave No Trace principles. In addition to state funding, and recreation-based funding for conservation in the Whites, it is essential that New Hampshire representatives are taking advantage of nationwide 64

funding opportunities that are recently available. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is currently accepting applications for a grant program known as “America the Beautiful Challenge” that will provide financial support for important conservation and recreational projects in the United States. This represents a great opportunity for New Hampshire officials to secure a piece of the expected 85 million dollars of funding towards conservation and restoration projects. You can read more about the requests for proposals and the program here: www.nfwf.org/ programs/america-beautiful-challenge/america-beautiful-challenge-2022-request-proposals. The more that locals and state officials push for this type of funding, and other conservation efforts, the greater the potential for high-quality conservation efforts. In addition to spreading the word of these initiatives, recreationists should know and participate in Leave No Trace best practices. Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles Taking the time to ensure that you fully understand these principles will help minimize your own impact, and preserve the environment for future generations, as well as help enhance the experience for current visitors.

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LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE This principle is all about being prepared before you even leave for your trip. Make sure you know the area you’ll be visiting and what the conditions will be like. This includes everything from the weather to your own fitness level and skillset. Once you have a good understanding of the area, plan your route and itinerary accordingly. This will help avoid any unnecessary impact on the environment. Some important elements for the White Mountains: Weather changes rapidly; be sure to check the weather the morning of, and be prepared for worse conditions than the forecast predicts. Bring a paper map, as on many hikes and areas, service can be limited, and paper maps are helpful. At a minimum, be sure to download maps on your mobile device so they can work offline. The White Mountains are commonly underestimated. That’s why rescues happen every single year. Make sure you know your ability levels, and are picking hikes that are within your means, and that you have “turnaround times” established before you begin. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES When you’re out on your hike, stick to established trails as much as possible. If you do need to venture off the trail, try to stay on durable surfaces like rocks or sand. This will help prevent any damage to delicate vegetation. In the Whites, you may find existing trails with signage that asks users to avoid traveling on for restoration purposes. Please be aware of these signs, and follow the directions. The Whites also have rules for camping along hiking trails where campers are asked to stay far enough away from trails, tent sites, and AMC huts. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY This one is pretty self-explanatory. When you’re finished with your snacks or drinks, make sure to pack out all your trash. If you’re camping, properly dispose of all human waste. This includes burying solid waste and packing out used toilet paper. Bringing along human waste bags for this purpose is something all campers should do. LNT dictates that there is nothing that should ever be left behind except your footprints. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND This principle asks that you respect the natural world. Leave rocks, flowers, and other natural objects where you find them. Don’t pick them or move them just for the sake of it. Let everyone else enjoy them as well. One particularly common damaging practice in the White Mountains is creating cairns, also known as stacking rocks, near trails or in rivers. This has a negative impact, and even though it may seem inconsequential, this type of alteration can damage habitats of aquatic life, and insects, and disrupt waterflow. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS If you do choose to have a campfire, only use dead and downed wood. Don’t cut live trees for firewood. Be sure to fully extinguish your fire before you leave the area. Use water and stir until the ashes are cold to the touch. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations of the area you are recreating in. The East Coast doesn’t have nearly as many fire bans as areas in the west do, but this is still something all campers should be aware of, and strict adherence to all fire bans is essential. RESPECT WILDLIFE This principle’s purpose is to give wildlife the space they need. Observe them from a distance and don’t approach or touch them. If you’re camping, store your food properly so that you don’t attract any unwanted visitors. Following these guidelines will help keep both you and the wildlife safe. It’s thrilling as a visitor to New Hampshire and the Mt. Washington Valley to see bear and moose in their natural habitat. Remember, you are in their home. Use proper best practices for storing food to avoid bear encounters, and don’t follow moose. Keep your distance, and let the animals move about the environment naturally. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS Courtesy rules the day on this one: be respectful of others who are also enjoying the outdoors. Keep your voice down, don’t blast music, and be aware of how your actions might impact those around you. If you’re out there, it’s to be immersed in the beauty of nature, so let’s work together to keep it that way.

Summer 2022

Photo by Max DesMarais

HIKE FINDER

Looking for your next awesome hike in New Hampshire? Check out the hike finder tool to filter hikes by distance, difficulty, elevation gain, and other features! www.hikingandfishing.com/hike-picker

Following these Leave No Trace principles will help ensure that we can all enjoy the outdoors for years to come. With the increase in popularity of outdoor activities, it’s more important than ever that we do our part to take care of our environment. Next time you head out, keep these principles in mind.

The Importance and Uniqueness of the White Mountains There are not many places in the world that create recreational experiences like the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We have some of the greatest outdoor activities in the east. Hikers and backpackers put their endurance to the test on strenuous trips, yet there are hundreds of easily accessible, and more beginner-friendly hikes available as well. The Whites have dispersed mountain huts, world-class mountain biking, incredible local food, lodging in town, rivers, ponds, and lakes to relax at, and they have all this in mountains that only sit a couple of hours away from the ocean. The climbing scene in New Hampshire is responsible for cutting the teeth of some of the most well-known and influential climbers in the United States. The rivers and lakes offer kayaking, canoeing, and incredible fishing opportunities. Four distinct seasons allow recreators to experience entirely different and contrasting worlds. It’s easy to keep boredom at bay with the incredible fall foliage, rugged and stunning winter landscapes above treeline, and lazy or exciting days on the water. The Valley offers a host of activities in the shoulder seasons, too. It’s not uncommon to experience a beautiful multi-sports day, enjoy a drive, perhaps, and top it off with a great meal and a cold beverage at a local eatery. Now, that’s a well-rounded adventure. More than Recreation The White Mountain National Forest offers more than just 66

recreation opportunities, as it is home to a variety of animals and plant species. They include: • Many federally listed threatened and endangered plants and animals • Moose, white tail deer, grouse, pine martens, bobcats, and hundreds of incredibly stunning other species • Nearly 200 species of birds For habitat management, partnerships with natural resource organizations and conservation and sportsmen groups are critical. With over 1,200 miles of hiking trails, 400-plus miles of snowmobile trails, dozens of campgrounds, ski resorts, climbing destinations, incredible rivers, and more, the White Mountains need to be protected—not just by conservation agencies, and not just by local individuals—but by everyone who visits. At a time when more people are recreating in New Hampshire than ever before, it has never been more important to Leave. No. Trace.

Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com, a resource to provide valuable knowledge to those seeking information on hiking, fishing, or anything in the great outdoors. Hikingandfishing.com has partnerships with hiking guides, fishing guides, and outdoor professionals to help provide the most accurate knowledge, advice, and guides to recreators. Max is an avid outdoorsman that grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where he finished the NH 48 and developed his love for the outdoors—and a passion for protecting it, and helping others access it.

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Summer 2022

Prepping the

SUMMER HIKING PACK

They’re Called the 13 Essentials for Good Reason Words and photos by Mike Cherim

uring the middle of the spring season and through most of the fall—meaning the time of year when the vast majority of hikers are hitting the trails—a “three-season” or “summer” hiking pack will be used. This said, we’re reluctant to use the term “three-season” because a true “three-season” pack needs to include winter hiking essentials, such as heavy layers, traction devices (like MICROspikes), and more for a good part of the spring and the fall. So, to prevent any confusion whatsoever, we will use the term “summer hiking pack” and it will be appropriate any time there is zero chance of encountering actual winter-like weather and/or winter-like trail conditions. The summer hiking pack, if your kit is up to par, will see you through everything else. So let’s look at what’s in it (we will be digging into Redline guide Mike Cherim’s actual summer pack). But before we start our exploration, let’s look at his objectives first.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE KIT

Carrying the 13 hiking essentials is first and foremost helping ensure (a) all the necessary items are present. The quality or rating of these items should be based on the typical “worst-case scenario” in terms of weather. In other words, it’ll be overkill and go unused on most days. When this gear is needed, (b) your survival is key. The number of items in the pack should be (c) sufficient for 24 hours, even though actually being on the mountain that long is unlikely (but it is possible); we call this the “24-hour pack concept.” To make this possible, the contents of the pack must be able to (d) remain dry and usable, since weather in the mountains over that long a period must always be suspect. Some of the contents must be (e) useful in an emergency, supporting a proper backcountry medical response. And lastly, a final objective: the pack should (f) not be oversized or overweight. For the sake of balance, if nothing else (though comfort does matter), pack weight needs to be manageable. The good news is that it can be, while still meeting all of the objectives listed. For Mike’s kit, the weight with full food and water on board, along with his cellphone, is just under 22 pounds (9.9 kg). That’s not too bad, is it? Let’s take a closer look.

CONTENTS OF THE SUMMER KIT EXAMINED

Please note: the hiker’s 13 Essentials are numbered and will appear bold in the text and captions in this article. Some may note redundancies, as qualifying like-essentials are carried with backups. This is intentional and in the interest of safety.

Photo by Gossamer Gear

The Pack, Pad, and Waterproofing

For a couple of seasons, the pack of choice in the warmer months, when carrying a smaller sized pack is possible, has been a Gossamer Gear pack called the Lonestar 30 (first as a prototype, then as a production model). As the name implies, it was designed in Texas (“Born in Austin”) and has a 30-liter capacity. It’s an ideal size, and this pack’s other features—such as its brain, inner pocket, shoulder strap pockets, optional hip belt pockets (which may be substituted or removed if wearing a climbing harness), and external hydration pocket make it an ideal choice. It is a climbing pack by design and fairly streamlined (see inset photo), but serves very nicely as a hiking pack, and seems to just swallow up gear. We love it. We first insert (1) a foam sleeping pad, cut down in size to accommodate only typical shoulder widths and just enough length to protect the patient from head to butt (beyond that is unnecessary). The pad is coiled loosely and placed inside the pack, giving it shape, which helps out when adding other items later. Once installed in the pack, a super tough trash compactor bag is added. This will serve as a waterproof liner. It totally works.

Items Attached to the Pack or Personally Carried

We prefer keeping most items inside the pack, when possible, but that’s not always the case. Anyway, some smaller items can be indispensable. Navigational items such as a (2) map and compass are best carried on your person or in a very accessible pocket. These tools are only useful if they are put someplace MWVvibe.com

which encourages and facilitates their use. We also have personal items readily available, (3) sun protection being an important one nowadays. Also handy are a (4) whistle in case you need to get someone’s attention and a (5) small knife … probably just used for lunch.

also reside here, including a bag within a bag where smaller items are kept. This includes a couple of super handy (6) first aid items, toe warmers, (3) Dermatone, a ball cap, a permanent marker, various lengths and diameters of light (8) cordage, and even some (7) spare batteries.

A (4) whistle, a (5) small knife, magnetic north-indicating (2) compass, and a dog deterrent are all ready to deploy.

Clockwise from the upper left: notebook with medical info and a pencil, primarily (7) headlamp, hand sanitizer, animal tracking card, (5) screwdriver, (7) flashlight, toilet paper, bug net, miscellany, and a ball cap (makeshift cervical collar).

[Don’t] Stay Thirsty, My Friends

The appropriate waterproof (2) map, a Suunto A-30 (2) compass, and sometimes a printed (2) map detail.

In the hip belt are personal items such as chewing gum with refuse bag, (3) sun protection, and hygiene items; helpful stuff life a (5) multitool, and life-saving emergency (6) first aid items like a CPR mask, aspirin, and Benadryl.

Gear on [in] the Brain

Many packs feature a brain or lid on top of the pack. It’s a convenient place to secure those small, ever-useful “kitchen junk drawer” type items. Some of the essentials are covered here as well, such as a small (5) screwdriver and a small (7) flashlight. These are generally attached to the handy key clip also located in the brain. Several other items Summer 2022

Electrolyte tablets are carried with the chewing gum shown above. The minerals and salts are important to help ensure proper hydration and uptake of (9) water. Another thing that also helps is having cold water on a hot day. It encourages one to drink and it feels more satisfying. Since a hydration system can leak or fail, adding a soft bottle full of frozen water to the main bladder serve two purposes: first it acts as an easy-to-melt (if needed) (9) backup; second, it keeps your water cold for hours. Inside the mylar sleeve shown, the water can stay cold all day.

A Platypus hydration system with thermal mylar shell and (9) spare water/ice pack soft bottle.

Starting at the Bottom

The first items to actually go inside the trash compactor bag within the main trunk of the pack will be, by default, the least-likely-to-be-used items; items only slated for an involuntary period of time on the mountain or unanticipated overnight stranding. This gear, along with the (1) foam sleeping pad, can spell the

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difference between comfort or discomfort or, more importantly, the difference between life and death. Items include (10) extra layers like a puffy jacket, (11) shelter like a bivy, rain fly, or tarp, and even some (10) spare socks (with two hospital-grade vomit bags to protect against wet boots—and because grandma’s bread bags always leak).

Clockwise from upper left: Bag for kit; repair items (buckles, wire items, clips, zip ties, Velcro straps, pulls, and foil); (9) iodine tablets; spare (7) headlamp; (5) knife; (12) fire starters, ration heaters, and (8) cordage.

Layering Like an Onion Starting from upper left: (10) parka, (10) spare socks, (11) rain fly, and (11) bivy.

Then Working Our Way Up

Next in the column is Mike’s primary homegrown (6) first aid kit along with a secondary massive trauma kit, only used under certain circumstances or when guiding in trauma-likely terrain. Also present on this level is an emergency/repair kit, also containing many of the 13 Essentials. Items include a larger second (5) knife, a large hank of strong larger diameter (8) cord—useful for improvising a litter, hanging a bear bag, and more—a backup (7) headlamp, and a (12) fire-starting kit with several items such as cotton balls with petroleum jelly, a ferro rod (used with the large knife), even some fat wood to use as tinder. Also present in this kit are two flameless ration heaters (FRH) used in lieu of a stove to heat military “meals, ready-to-eat” (MREs), and some water purification tablets (a Sawyer Mini filter is sometimes used instead) to accommodate for added (9) water.

The small (6) first aid kit is always present. The larger one in special cases.

Thermoregulating your body temperature is an important concern while hiking, making the carry of (10) extra layers a prerequisite. Depending on the person, this will probably mean a number of upper-body layers and protection for the extremities (even in summer). Lower body layering, for many people, is easier to manage. One of a hiker’s biggest challenges is to manage their sweating. Even with purpose-built clothing capable of wicking away sweat, too much sweat is bad.

A set of base layers (especially important if heading out with gym shorts instead of convertible pants), plus gloves (wool is a terrific summer choice), and a second Buff or hat all add to the (10) extra layers.

Will Hike for Food

Up there, in the cool, thin air, everything tastes great. That is, in part, the result of being famished after all the effort put forth getting up there. Moreover, the cooler breezes at higher elevations require more calories be given to staying warm when stopping (yes, even in the summer). Food is your friend. And as one of the 13 Essentials, having not just water, but also carrying and consuming (9) extra food, is like putting gas in the tank during a long trip. It’s necessary for staying on the move.

Staying Out of the Rain

In the discussion about layering, we men70

tioned managing sweat. Sweat cools us through evaporation and conduction. Too much sweat can overwhelm our layers and make us feel cold, regardless of fabrics. Another way we can get wet is from rain, clouds, and wet foliage (plus river crossings, but that is a whole other subject). To protect ourselves from getting wet, (13) wind and rain gear, top and bottom, is essential. This may include a poncho, umbrella, or traditional hardshell pants and jacket. These items should also be “breathable” to help us control sweat when wearing them, but do note breathability of these fabric lacks considerably.

Miscellaneous

Thirteen essential items may look like a lot more once you’re done with all the redundancies (i.e., Mike has about seven items capable of contributing to the (7) creation of light—two headlamps, batteries, cell phone, two flashlights, and the ability of make fire), but yet, there is still more we may want to bring. Comfort items like a foam pad to sit on during breaks, in some cases, or really important safety items such as trekking poles. Poles aren’t required, per se, but for river crossings, windy days, etc., they can be super helpful. They serve other purposes, too, but that is outside the scope of this particular article. Also of importance is, perhaps, a dedicated waterproof camera so you can leave your fully charged phone safely in your pack (in airplane mode if hiking in an area without service). Mike goes one step further in that he uses a watch that communicates with his phone. The watch reveals the time, elevation, and so much more. Other dedicated items to consider using instead of your phone might be a “Spot” or “InReach” type device, even an actual GPS with topographical map overlays.

A few more items: butt pad, poles (with 3’ of Gorilla Tape affixed to each for repairs, hot-spot protection, and more), phone charger, reading glasses (important for Mike, and he also keeps one pair in his (6) first aid kit), and sunglasses which are really part of (3) sun protection, and a case to carry both glasses in.

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FOR COMPLETENESS: THE MISSING ELEMENTS In case anything seems like it was forgotten, let’s check out these last few items. None are carried, per se, other than on our person. These items include our basic hiking clothing, not the extra layers, and our ever-important footwear.

Clothes for Hiking

These are the layers worn. Everything shown is either wool (the socks) or polypropylene (everything else). These materials are tough and capable of dealing with sweat each in their own way. Not all items shown will be used on the same trip. Convertible pants or gym shorts will typically be worn, carrying both isn’t needed, providing the (10) extra layers and (13) rain gear described above (e.g., baselayers, rain pants) are carried as well.

Proper Footwear

Mike prefers good quality and very grippy “approach boots,” opting for a mid-height design to offer physical ankle protection. The midheight design might not prevent the rolling of ankles very well, but does offer protection against trauma and abrasions. The boots shown are “waterproof” and feature a Gore-Tex (GTX) lining. Added to this are short summer gaiters to keep debris out of the boots. This is really quite necessary if wearing shorts.

GEARING UP ONLY BEGINS HERE …

Winter conditions, mountaineering, rock or ice climbing, backpacking, backcountry skiing, fishing and hunting, and water-related activities all required specialized gear. Crocs, for example, are very helpful for river crossings and during overnight backpacks. This specialized gear is carried in addition to or upgraded from the summer pack contents listed above. It starts here with these essential items. If you’re an outdoors person, don’t leave home without them. The items shown on this page are not overkill, they’re essential when things don’t go as planned. Since we only have limited control over these circumstances, it’s wise to be prepared for the worst. It’s not like it’s unexpected, after all. If you’re even out there a little bit, you should know. Mike Cherim 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.

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From valley-based footpaths and mountain bike networks to high-elevation trails in the alpine zone, the White Mountains are seeing more traffic than ever. With trail clubs reeling to plug holes in a system that is falling apart faster than ever, we take a closer look at recent trail-building techniques employed above treeline in the Presidentials.

HIGH ELEVATION TRAIL TENDING By Ryan Smith

hen I was young, I’d watch my parents prepare their garden every spring for the growing season. They’d till the soil, install the irrigation, and set up fencing. I’d watch them build up the rows of the garden, a washboard of raised tunnels laid out in our otherwise grassy half-acre backyard. My favorite activity was to race up and down the narrow rows trying to outmaneuver the sprinkler. Sometimes, I’d stumble and careen onto the beds of herbs and vegetables, leaving behind an incriminating set of footprints for all to see. I’d try to cover up my tracks, but often, my parents would catch me in the act and make me pull weeds as punishment. A couple days would pass, and I’d sneak back into the garden to do it all over again. Those memories stuck with me as I grew older and took jobs in high school, 72

Sam Marshall photo

landscaping and gardening. After college, I joined a trail crew in the White Mountains where I left behind the sweet soils of southern New England to tend the trails of the north. A lot of the projects I worked on were in the dense boreal forest with a canopy that was so thick, light struggled to penetrate to the forest floor. I preferred to work on projects that were above treeline, where the views were awe-inspiring when the summits weren’t shrouded in clouds, which was a common occurrence. High above in this alpine ecosystem, the weather is unpredictable. A warm, sunny day could switch to driving wind and hail in an instant. In this harsh growing environment, there are many rare species of flowers, shrubs, and wildlife eking out a living. There are no gardeners here packing up fresh bags of soil and fertilizer

to replenish depleted resources. Strong winds and cold temperatures impair the flowers’ ability to grow tall, so they grow in thick patches, usually no higher than our ankles, to retain heat. In a rare ecosystem such as this, it’s us humans, not the weather, who are the biggest threat. These plants, including diapensia, mountain sandwort, and the formally federally endangered dwarf cinquefoil, have adapted over thousands of years to live in an area that some consider having the world’s worst weather—they haven’t adapted to being stepped on. To protect the flowers and other hardy plants, trail crews build scree walls on either side of the trail to clearly define the treadway and keep people from straying off. This work I did in the alpine zone harkened back to my childhood days running through my parents’ garden.

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Sam Marshall photo

The rows of raised soil I ran between were like the walls I was building to keep hikers from venturing off trail. Unfortunately, most don’t realize how fragile the garden is that the trail winds through. Almost daily, I’d watch people step over the walls to take a picture, or—what really irked me— have a picnic on a bed

ing the rocks to build scree walls and other stone structures. Although Mount Washington is nicknamed The Rockpile, the right rocks for the job aren’t always where you want them to be. To remedy this issue, crews set up large tripods connected by cables to transport rocks in the air from a quarry site to the project

efficient and not as physically demanding as it is to heft one rock at a time through an obstacle course of micro-sized plants. Last summer, a trail crew of six from the Randolph Mountain Club (RMC), led by field supervisor Sam Marshall, employed these rigging techniques to build 1,000 linear feet of scree walls on a

of vegetation. I’d walk over and gently tell them what they were sitting or standing on and usually that was enough to make an educational impression that lasted. In addition to the inclement weather, trail crews face other challenges when working above treeline, including sourc-

site. Employing this method of high lines makes it much easier to move large, heavy objects over a distance without damaging the sensitive habitat below. It’s a technique that takes a lot of time and skill to set up and run, but when the system is working correctly, it’s much more

section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) that has seen a lot of degradation. Located a third of a mile from the summit of Mount Adams, the Gulfside Trail (AT), Great Gully Trail, and Lowe’s Path converge at Thunderstorm Junction. Boasting a jaw-dropping view of Mount Washing-

Although Mount Washington is nicknamed The Rockpile, the right rocks for the job aren’t always where you want them to be. To remedy this issue, crews set up large tripods connected by cables to transport rocks in the air from a quarry site to the project site.

Summer 2022

Sam Marshall photos

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. RMC trail crew redesigned the intersection and clearly defined each trail with new trail signs, rock cairns, and scree walls. The crew also widened part of the Gulfside Trail to make it easier for hikers to pass each other and prevent them from stepping off trail to get out of the way.

ton towering above the Great Gulf, it’s a popular place to pause for a photo and a snack. As more people congregate in this area, they tend to sprawl off trail and onto the vegetation. To alter this unintentional behavior, the trail crew redesigned the intersection and clearly defined each trail with new trail signs, rock cairns, and scree walls. The crew also widened part of the Gulfside Trail to make it easier for

tem. With it so easy to get off trail, more hikers were creating their own trails, thus adding to the confusion of staying on the official footpath. “Hiking above treeline is like hiking through an exotic circus of amazing plants that are so intricate and interesting to look at when you get on your knees to study them,” Drescher remarks. With more people hiking in the White Mountains than ever, Drescher says

Forest Service biologist advised the crew as to where the best rock quarry sites are in relation to their project site in order to reduce their impact on the environment. For Drescher, this project was one of the highlights of his career. “It took more than 10 years of planning with my trails co-chair Ben Lieberson, but the stars finally aligned, and we were able to go all in last year,” he says. “A lot of the credit

hikers to pass each other and prevent them from stepping off trail to get out of the way. “Roads that were built in the 30s and 40s were not sufficient for the 60s and 70s,” says Bob Drescher, volunteer co-chair of the RMC’s trails. “This same thing is playing out on our trails right now. A footpath that was originally built to be 2-feet wide can no longer handle the load of hikers we see today.” The terrain around the junction is flat, which Drescher says works against the ecosys-

the need to conduct work like this can’t wait. “What I find so remarkable about the alpine zone, is there are only a few other places in New Hampshire where these rare and sometimes endangered plants exist,” he says. “It’s a blessing and a curse that these plants live on Mount Washington where everyone can get to see them; but at the same time, they are very susceptible to being stepped on.” To ensure the trail crew wasn’t doing more harm than good on this project, a US

goes to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the US Forest Service for their robust project development and support as this took shape.” The project was funded by a grant from the ATC, who is responsible for securing and administering National Park Service (NPS) money to 30 affiliated Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs. The Forest Service and the RMC provided additional funding. To upgrade the tools the crew already owned for a major project like this, NPS

With more people hiking in the White Mountains than ever, Drescher says the need to conduct work like this can’t wait. “A lot of the credit goes to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the US Forest Service for their robust project development and support as this took shape.”

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loaned the RMC more specialized, lighter, and safer rigging gear, including a 200foot amsteel synthetic cable, pulleys, and a cordless rotary hammer. Weighing a mere 8 pounds, the amsteel cable is far lighter than the 70-plus-pound 100-foot steel cable the crew was using. In addition to being able to ship rocks further, the amsteel cable is also safer to work around. If a load of rocks comes loose from the high line, steel cables tend to violently snap upward while amsteel cables release tension with much less force. The new pul-

places that weren’t previously possible. To advance the crew’s understanding of this new equipment, the RMC hired Jed Talbot, owner of OBP Trailworks, who spent two days on the project teaching them new skills. Based in Maine, Talbot has led more than 100 workshops on trail-building techniques for volunteer, municipal, federal, private, public, and nonprofit crews around the country and beyond. “Jed’s expertise, energy, and enthusiasm really motivated the crew to do top-notch work safely and efficiently,”

timistic this behavior will continue in the future, but he’s prepared to take further action, if necessary. “Going forward, it’s not just a question of you build a scree wall and we’re all set. I think [the RMC] understands that,” he notes. “We might need some sort of educational component—perhaps signs or alpine stewards will be needed. You can’t fault someone for stepping over a wall to get a better view, but if the measures we’re employing fail, we can’t let this rare ecosystem degrade without doing something more.”

leys are also much lighter than the crew’s rigging blocks—2 pounds each compared to 12 pounds—and they are compatible with the amsteel cable; the blocks are not. Anchoring the large tripods in the alpine zone is also a challenge. Having a cordless hammer drill on site allowed the crew to anchor the tripods to ledge and boulders instead of finding the right sized rocks to anchor the tripods to with slings. This allowed the crew to set up the high line in

Drescher notes. “He instilled a lot of confidence in a crew that did not have a lot of alpine high line experience. He’s a great teacher, and the way he teaches proves to you that you can do complex things that you haven’t done before.” With the first phase of the project complete, Drescher is already hearing reports that hikers are wandering less and staying on trail around the junction. As the pressure on the ridge grows, he’s op-

It’s not just this section of the Appalachian Trail that has been impacted the most. Many segments have seen unsustainable overuse, especially during the pandemic, leaving trail clubs reeling to plug holes in a trail system that is falling apart faster than they can fix it. In 2018 and 2019, the White Mountain Trail Collective, working with more than 20 partners, conducted extensive work on the Crawford Path (AT) repairing drain-

To ensure the trail crew wasn’t doing more harm than good on this project, a US Forest Service biologist advised the crew as to where the best rock quarry sites are in relation to their project site in order to reduce their impact on the environment.

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FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK HIKER SHUTTLE Sometimes the hardest part of a hike is not the hike itself— it’s finding parking. That’s because trailheads in the White Mountains are filling up faster and earlier in the day than ever before, thanks to a surge in the popularity of hiking. When lots are full, hikers should be prepared to alter plans on the fly or choose to come back another day. Parking became such an issue in Franconia Notch that New Hampshire State Parks implemented a hiker shuttle that runs on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Originating at the Peabody Big Lot at Cannon Mountain, four shuttle vans make stops at popular trailheads in the notch, including Old Bridle Path, Liberty Springs, and The Basin, between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Since the pilot program began in 2018 and then expanded in 2019 to include more shuttles, the shuttle system has greatly reduced the number of people from illegally parking on or walking beside Interstate 93. The cost for a roundtrip ticket is $5, and currently, only cash is accepted. For more information, call (603) 823-8800 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or (603) 823-9513 (4 – 8 p.m.).

DID YOU KNOW?

If you’re hiking in New Hampshire, you have the ability to purchase a Hike Safe Card, www.hikesafe.com. This card is similar to carrying rescue insurance, if you will, in that you may avoid being fined, even if somewhat negligent by lacking some the appropriate gear or making some other oversight (though gross negligence isn’t tolerated). That said, please realize that this type of insurance, while certainly recommended, will NOT save your life. It is NOT a get-out-of-jail-free card. Be careful out there, because ultimately, it’s on you—you may pay dearly no matter who gets the bill. Summer 2022

david@fishstreetdesign.com (207) 697-2277 • Fish St., Fryeburg, ME

www.FishStreetDesign.com 77

TRAIL TENDER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS Without the efforts of volunteer trail organizations, trails in the White Mountains would not be in the condition they are today. Most organizations hold a couple of trails close to their hearts because of their history, construction, and scenic features. On this page is an abbreviated list of trails maintained by these clubs. For more information, refer to the White Mountain Guide, 31st edition (AMC Books).

AMC Grafton Loop Trail

Appalachian Mountain Club - AMC • Grafton Loop Trail [strenuous] • Osseo Trail [strenuous] • Lost Pond Trail [easy] • Hancock Loop [moderate] Chatham Trails Association - CTA • Bicknell Ridge Trail [hard] • Deer Hills Trail [moderate] • Stone House Trail [moderate] Chocorua Mountain Club - CMC • Hammond Trail [moderate] • Brook Trail [strenuous] Dartmouth Outing Club - DOC • Gorge Brook Trail [strenuous] • Lambert Ridge Trail [hard] White Mountains NEMBA - WMNEMBA • Marshal Property Trails [moderate] • Parking Lot Smoothie [hard]

AMC Osseo Trail

Randolph Mountain Club - RMC • Kelton Trail [moderate] • Gulfside Trail (partial) [moderate] • Spur Trail [strenuous] Shelburne Trails Club - STC • Scudder Trail [moderate] Squam Lakes Association - SLA • Wentworth Trail [moderate] United States Forest Service - USFS • Westside Trail [moderate] • Crawford Path [strenuous] • Edmands Path [hard]

WV AIA

Waterville Valley Athletic Improvement Association - WVAIA • Welch-Dickey Loop Trail [moderate] Wonalancet Out Door Club - WODC • Dicey’s Mill Trail [hard] • Kate Sleeper Trail [moderate]

DOC Gorge Brook Trail WVAIA Welch-Dickey Loop DOC Lambert Ridge Trail MWVvibe.com

STC Scudder Trail

RMC Kelton Trail RMC Spur Trail RMC Gulfside Trail USFS Westside Trail

USFS Edmands Path

AMC Lost Pond Trail USFS Crawford Path

AMC Hancock Loop

CTA Stone House Trail

CTA Bicknell Ridge Trail

CTA Deer Hills Trail

WMNEMBA Parking Lot Smoothie

WMNEMBA Marshal Property Trails

WODC Kate Sleeper Trail

WODC Dicey’s Mill Trail SLA Summer 2022 Wentworth Trail

CMC Brook Trail CMC Hammond Trail

For a complete list of trails, to volunteer, or for additional information, pick up a copy of the White Mountain Guide, 31st edition (AMC Books). This edition is expected to be available in mid to late 2022.

Sam Marshall photo

Joe Klementovich photo

ABOVE: A scree wall is shown here between T-storm junction and Israel Ridge path, looking south along the Gulfside Trail. An RMC trail crew of eight plans to build at least 500 linear feet of scree walls leading from Thunderstorm Junction to Edmands Col during the summer of 2022.

ages, removing tree blow downs, and installing rock water bars, bog bridges, and rock steps. In 2020 and 2021, the Collective combined forces with companies Tulip Trails, Tyrol Trail, IdeRide, and volunteers from Ride NoCo on various large mountain bike trail projects around Cranmore, Black Cap, and Hurricane mountains. Additional hiking-trail-focused projects in the Mt. Washington Valley included Whitehorse Ledge, Iron Mountain, Glen Ellis Falls, Cathedral Ledge, and Hurricane Mountain. This year, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), under the direction of the US Forest Service, is gearing up to put $1.1 million of newly allocated federal money to work on the Franconia Ridge Trail Loop, which can see up to 1,000 hikers a day in the height of the summer. The loop coincides with the Appalachian Trail in the sensitive alpine zone where it traverses Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, North Lincoln, and Little Haystack

building practices for sustainability did not exist. A lot more forethought goes into trail construction these days than it did in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as the project is anticipated to take five years from the planning stage to execution. Back on the Northern Presidentials, an RMC trail crew of eight plans to build at least 500 linear feet of scree walls leading from Thunderstorm Junction to Edmands Col this summer. Drescher is excited, and he says the crew isn’t taking this opportunity to work on a historic trail above treeline lightly either. “This [project] has some real substance and significance to it. It’s a once-ina-lifetime experience for the crew and the RMC, too, and it’s not likely that we’re going to go back up there any time soon to do any other major work,” he says. For decades, Dresher has read extensively about alpine flora and fauna and explored the alpine zone to great lengths. He knows this opportunity to leave behind

Mountain. Hikers are walking off trail so much in this segment that the AMC is planning to install fiberglass string fencing in some areas to keep people on the footpath. Below treeline, AMC will also build trail bridges over water crossings that have been notoriously tricky for hikers in the past, and relocate parts of the trail in areas that have become heavily eroded. What works against these trails, and hundreds of other trails in the region, is they were designed at a time when the proper knowledge and

a legacy extends far beyond him and the RMC. “The alpine zone is extraordinary, and I think it deserves so much more attention than we give it,” he says. “For many, it blends in with all the other parts of the White Mountains—the 4,000-footers, the waterfalls—but the more you read and learn about this environment, the more you realize that it’s one of a kind and it needs more protection. We need to do everything we can to make sure that it’s there for everyone to enjoy in the future.”

This year, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), under the direction of the US Forest Service, is gearing up to put $1.1 million of newly allocated federal money to work on the Franconia Ridge Trail Loop, which can see up to 1,000 hikers a day in the height of the summer.

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By Matt Maloney, Tin Mountain Conservation Center

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The dominant canine of the region is an adaptable predator, well suited to both our mountain forests and the populated edges of the Whites.

nyone who ventures out in the snowy woods of winter will, probably sooner than later, stumble upon wild dog tracks. Many, if not most, of these tracks are made by the eastern coyote. If we forward the season to summer, the snow is now long gone, leaving the forest without that impressionable sheet of white that serves as the canvass betraying the coyote’s presence. But the coyote is still here with us throughout the year, of course—an apex or top-of-the-food-chain predator, a creature of great stamina that travels long distances in pursuit of prey and other sustenance The eastern coyote is approximately two times as large as the western coyote, weighing between 30 to 50 pounds and measuring 48 to 60 inches long. Coyotes have long prowled the open prairies and plains of the vast western states, but have only more recently migrated into the eastern states. There wasn’t even a verified account of an eastern coyote in New Hampshire until 1944 in Grafton County. The coyotes that live in this area have a fascinating story. Aspects of this story involve wolves, extirpation, migration, and a bit of interbreeding. All these facets are behind the presence today of the eastern coyote in the Mt. Washington Valley and White Mountain Region. A coyote may expose its

all of these features can help identify the coyote, although it should be mentioned that all wild dogs (as opposed to more playful and curious domestic dogs) tend to move with a directness that affirms their continual pursuit of prey scents to follow. The original alpha canine of the White Mountains and New Hampshire was the wolf. Wolves lived throughout the United States, with different subspecies in different regions of the country that developed from years of breeding pools within these regions. Eastern wolves are now recognized as distinct subspecies, and these are the wolves that have contributed some DNA to the eastern coyote over time. Coyotes moved into the east to replace wolves after they were extirpated from eastern states due to hunting and persecution. The current eastern wolf subspecies probably gets most of its DNA from the red wolf. Red wolves can mate with coyotes, forming “coywolves,” which have developed into our larger subspecies of eastern coyotes. Red wolves, as a subspecies of wolves, are identified as being distinct from other wolves in that they have coyote DNA in their genetics. (NY Times, Carl Zimmer, 6-27-2016). A small percentage of coyote DNA sometimes contains some domestic dog genetics as well. Though the vast majority of coyote DNA is

presence to you through a quick glimpse in the glow of car headlights at night or even be seen with a quick and fortunate glance at midday. However, for all of their abundance in these woods and valleys of our region, for the most part, coyotes stay well hidden from the eyes of humans. One of this author’s best looks at a coyote in full daylight was while in trail-less woods atop a small ledge. Looking down from my perch, an unsuspecting coyote, moving with great directness sauntered underneath my gaze, perhaps on the subtle scent of potential prey. The first thing that caught my attention, and a great distinguishing feature of coyotes in general, is the big bushy, black-tipped tail. Along with a pointy nose, and direct and purposeful movement,

contributed from other coyotes, the larger size of eastern coyotes is probably due, in part, to the small percentage of wolf DNA found in eastern coyotes that had ancestors who mated with wolves in Canada as they migrated east to replace the extirpated wolfs. If one is used to seeing the smaller coyotes that roam the large open expanses of the west, a sighting of one of our local coyotes can make one think they are seeing a wolf. To this author, having seen coyotes in South Dakota before, it does seem our eastern coyotes are quite broad and stout in comparison to the smaller western coyotes. Like wolves, coyotes are social creatures and will often travel with, or associate with, packs. Perhaps the most fascinating

The coyotes that live in this area have a fascinating story. Aspects of this story involve wolves, extirpation, migration, and a bit of interbreeding. All these facets are behind the presence today of the eastern coyote in the Mt. Washington Valley and White Mountain Region.

Fern Hill Originals photography

way to experience firsthand this social interaction is through the communal howling that coyotes will engage in—and that can eerily fill the air during a night of camping in the White Mountain National Forest, or anywhere for that matter, within

dead silence at my tent site only for the still air to suddenly be pierced with the nearby howl of a coyote, where before, I never would have guessed the creature was so close to me. Humans need not fear coyotes though, as they don’t see us as prey. So

the wilder areas of the Mt. Washington Valley. Most sides of a mountain or areas along creek drainage have a resident coyote territory nearby, and on certain nights, often with a bright full moon above, coyote howling will fill the air for short intervals. The howls come suddenly and unexpectedly and usually start with one coyote yipping or yapping before breaking into a full guttural howl. Soon another coyote joins, and then another … until the whole pack of coyotes is wailing and howling, a wild sound if ever there was one! I have often heard coyotes while camping in the area and have some specific recollections of times when there has been

one can enjoy their sounds and appreciate the wildness it represents without fear. Another source of the coyote howling in unison is a kill site. Many a time I’ve come upon the carcass of a deer that has been killed by coyotes. Carcasses become the source of a communal meal, with howls and rabid appetites sated. Wild creatures live by both their instincts and physical prowess, and the social cohesiveness of coyotes is yet another way of surviving and defending territory from other coyotes and predators. If you see a bone-picked carcass of a deer or other creature in the forest, coyotes are often behind it.

I have often heard coyotes while camping in the area and have some specific recollections of times when there has been dead silence at my tent site only for the still air to suddenly be pierced with the nearby howl of a coyote, where before, I never would have guessed the creature was so close to me.

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COYOTE DISTRIBUTION Canis latrans At least 19 subspecies of coyote roam North and Central America, from California to Newfoundland and Alaska to Panama, occupying a broad range of habitats. Coyotes play an important ecological role helping to maintain healthy ecosystems and species diversity. As the top carnivore in some ecosystems, coyotes provide a number of benefits, including regulating the number of mesocarnivores (such as skunks, raccoons, and foxes), which in turn, helps to boost biodiversity. A map of the distribution of the 19 known subspecies of Canis latrans plus Canis latrans “var,” the eastern coyote, a hybrid between the coyote and wolf.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Mexican coyote (Canis latrans cagottis) San Pedro Martir coyote (Canis latrans clepticus) El Salvador coyote (Canis latrans dickeyi) Southeastern coyote (Canis latrans frustor) Belize Coyote (Canis latrans goldmani) Honduran Coyote (Canis latrans hondurensis) Durango coyote (Canis latrans impavidus) Northern coyote (Canis latrans incolatus) Tiburon Island coyote (Canis latrans jamesi) Plains coyote (Canis latrans latrans) Mountain coyote (Canis latrans lestes) Mearns coyote (Canis latrans mearnsi) Lower Rio Grande coyote (Canis latrans microdon) California Valley coyote (Canis latrans ochropus) Peninsula coyote (Canis latrans peninsulae) Texas Plains coyote (Canis latrans texensis) Northeastern coyote (Canis latrans thamnos) Northwest Coast coyote (Canis latrans umpquensis) Colima coyote (Canis latrans vigilis) Eastern coyote (Canis latrans “var”) Source: projectcoyote.org

Summer 2022

Fern Hill Originals photography

Coyotes will eat just about anything, though, from mice, rabbits, birds, frogs, snakes, fruits, nuts, human foods, right up to deer. Here in New England, I once talked with a long-time animal tracker who told of following coyote tracks in the winter to the sight of a frozen water snake on the snow surface, apparently dug out from its hibernating place! They’re also known to prey on rattlesnakes in extreme western Vermont, something I saw for myself in Florida once when I saw a road-killed coyote with a large rattlesnake still in its jaws. There are no rattlesnakes here in the White Mountains, but coyotes clearly are adaptable in what they can eat, and thus, the

By the 1940s and 50s, coyotes gradually filled in a missing niche in our local ecosystem, taking on the role of a large predator, an efficient hunter at the top of the food chain, helping keep wildlife populations from deer to rabbits in check.

habitats they can inhabit. One could see a coyote deep in the wild Pemigewasset Wilderness and hear the howling of many on a star-lit night of backcountry camping, or even see one wandering through North Conway. (Coyotes have been known to wander streets in Boston and New York.) Anything is possible when these wide-ranging predators search for sustenance on our local landscape. As mentioned earlier, wolves were the pre-eminent canine predator before coyotes. They can often reach 150 pounds, more than double the weight of a coyote. (NH Wildlife News) As 86

HOW BIG ARE COYOTES? Eastern coyotes typically weigh 30-50 pounds and are 48-60 inches long, approximately twice the size of their close relative, the western coyote.

COMPARING COYOTES SIZE We’ve all come across what appears to be a coyote—or was it a ... ? It helps to compare the eastern coyote to other familiar critters, such as the fox, as well as our domestic dogs and cats. The eastern coyote is most unique by its distinctive black-tipped tail The average Golden Retriever is twice the length of an eastern coyote The average fox is much smaller than coyotes found in the Whites. Our pet cats are unfortunately but most definitely prey

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TIN MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION CENTER PRESENTS

BEYOND THE VALLEY ADVENTURE FEST: Stories from Caves, Climbs, and Crevasses September 16, 2022 - Ledge Brewing

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The Beyond the Mt. Washington Valley Adventure Fest: Stories from Caves, Climbs, and Crevasses begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16, at Ledge Brewing Co., where ticket holders will enjoy adventurous stories and slides from Josh Laskin, who will share his backcountry snowboarding adventures in Kyrgyzstan. Sarah Garlick, author, climber, and film director will share discoveries only climbers can reach. And more! Explorer, National Geographic writer, and book author, Mark Jenkins anchors Beyond the Mt. Washington Valley Adventure Fest on Saturday night at Kennett High School with his “Vietnam Underground: The Viet Cong, Spelunkers and the Biggest Cave on Earth” presentation. Mark was invited to join an expedition to descend into what would turn out to be the largest cave ever discovered, Hang Son Doong. The acknowledged Mt. Everest of caves, Hang Son Doong is so vast, a skyscraper can fit inside. In this presentation, Jenkins takes the audience across Vietnam, culturally and geographically—its violent history, remarkable recovery, and vibrant present—and down into the dark belly of the earth. Also on Saturday evening, Enock Glidden, an explorer and climber from Maine, who was born with spina bifida, leaving him without the use of his legs, will share his philosophies, perspectives, and his climbing adventures in “How Can I? My Ascent of El Capitan.”

Affordable tree services, based in Fryeburg, Maine, servicing the Mt. Washington Valley region.

• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning J & C Tree Service LLC (603) 348-7454 • www.JandCTreeService.com

This fundraising event supports Tin Mountain programs. Every year, Tin Mountain provides hands-on environmental education to thousands of children through in-school, after-school, and home-school programs. Hundreds more attend summer camp and the year-round nature programs, and naturalist-led field trips reach adults and families who live in or are visiting the Mt. Washington Valley. Tin Mountain also conducts a variety of conservation research programs. Tin Mountain Conservation Center is headquartered in Albany, NH. Join us for the Beyond the Valley Adventure Fest and help Tin Mountain foster future generations of environmental stewards and responsible outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond the Valley Adventure Fest 2022 Friday, September 16: 5 p.m.; Ledge Brewing Co., Intervale, NH; tickets $20 Saturday, September 17: 7 p.m.; Kennett High School, North Conway, NH; tickets $40 Combined ticket for Friday & Saturday, $50 For tickets and to learn more about the speakers, visit www.tinmountain.org or call (603) 447-6991. Summer 2022

(603) 356-0039 · 2101 Wht Mtn Hwy, North Conway, NH Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9AM - 5PM Saturday 9AM - 4PM, Sunday 12PM - 4PM Closed on Mondays 87

Fern Hill Originals photography

Q&A EASTERN COYOTE

nuts. Their wide-ranging diet makes them both adaptable and important to a healthy ecosystem.

Where do coyotes live? Coyotes originally lived out on the plains and deserts of the American West. Eastern coyotes are highly adaptable creatures that can successfully forage and hunt for food in forests, rural areas with farmland, suburbs, and even cities. They live in every part of New Hampshire.

Can they harm you? Coyotes pose little risk to people. In wild areas, they typically run away from the presence of humans. In more urban environments they can get habituated to humans, especially when they lose their fear of people, or rely on people who leave food. Attacks on people are exceedingly rare, though. There have only been two recorded deaths by coyotes in the U.S. and Canada combined. (Humane Society of the United States: www.humanesociety.org/resources/ coyotes-people-encounters)

What do they eat? Coyotes are predators like all wild canines, but they eat an omnivorous diet that includes just about any potentially available food source. Coyotes will eat rats in cities, Canada goose eggs, young or unhealthy deer, rabbits, snakes, and even berries and

What is a coywolf or coydog? They are coyotes. Many share a few traces of DNA with wolves.

Is there a hunting season for coyotes? In New Hampshire, there is a yearround open season on coyotes with a hunting license. Poisoning coyotes, however, is an illegal control method. How do you avoid coyotes around your house? Don’t leave food and birdseed lying around. Cover trash cans that attract the small mammals coyotes prey on. Do coyotes have families? Coyotes are generally monogamous and maintain pair bonds that can last for life. The breeding season runs from late December through March, and pups are born in the early spring.

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New Hampshire Wildlife Coalition NHWC is a group of New Hampshire natural resource professionals, hunters, wildlife advocates and other outdoor-oriented people who have come together with a singular vision to form the New Hampshire Wildlife Coalition. NHWC works to: • Strengthen the Fish and Game Department by broadening its governance and financial base • Advocate for the responsible conservation of predator species • End wildlife killing contests • Promote an ethos of “Fair Chase” sporting practices

nhwildlifecoalition@gmail.com www.nhwildlifecoalition.org the vast forest of the Mt. Washington Valley and White Mountains were cleared for farmland, wolves gained a reputation as predators of livestock, and thus, were often shot on sight. Populations declined greatly as bounties were paid out for dead wolves. The last bounties paid on record were for two wolves killed in 1895. (NH Wildlife News, 2022, Eric P. Orff) By the 1940s and 50s, coyotes gradually filled in a missing niche in our local ecosystem, taking on the role of a large predator, an efficient hunter at the top of the food chain, helping keep wildlife populations, from deer to rabbits, in check. Other wild canines besides the coyote that reside in this region include the red fox and grey fox, and we also have one common wild feline, the bobcat. Of these canines and felines, coyotes seem to be the dominant creature when it comes to holding a particular territory. If a coyote roams a territory on a regular basis, it will usually deter these other predators from its hunting territory. Coyotes will even kill a fox if they can in order to protect their all-important hunting and foraging grounds. The same is true of bobcat and coyote interactions. Coyotes truly are a dominant predator, as they are larger than the foxes and bobcats—and fierce defenders of their territories. The eastern coyote, in a sense, is the new wolf for our region, the alpha predator of the White Mountains and the surrounding valleys. An adaptable and successful predator that has persevered, migrated long distances, incorporated wolf DNA in the process, and fiercely defends its territory. This creature’s presence on our landscape should give us pause to contemplate all that wild creatures must do to survive and thrive. Remember as you enjoy the local wildlife to also admire and respect what all that is wild represents. Summer 2022

The Crawford House from Elephant’s Head, Crawford Notch, White Mountains c. 1900 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a07358

Grand Stories From the Ashes

Bigger-than-Life Legacies, By Heather L. Corrigan

In light of the recent devastating fire at the Red Jacket Inn & Resort, we look back on the storied past of the White Mountains and the number of grand hotels the area once boasted.

he Grand Hotel Era (1850-1910) in the White Mountains was a unique time in our history, as technological innovation met the desire to retreat to the idyllic landscapes once seen only in paintings. As the railroad was expanded to reach parts of the White Mountains in the 1850s, the once remote and unknown land of New Hampshire began to open up to tourists for travel. They could now physically touch the landscapes and spend weeks or an entire summer relaxing in mountain air and enjoying the “modern” amenities of these grand hotels. As architect Jeffery W. Limerick wrote, “by looking at the resorts, one can appreciate the impact of new means of transportation and technological innovations; the American attraction to novelty and fashion; the changes in American attitudes towards nature and the landscape; and the connection between architectural styles and cultural aspirations.” In light of the recent devastating fire at the Red Jacket Inn & Resort, where a massive inferno left several people injured and destroyed large portions of the North Conway resort, we look back on the storied past of the White Mountains and the number of grand hotels the area once boasted. At times, their grand stature and “modern” amenities were no match for Mother Nature or unexplained blazes that claimed so many of the grand hotels over the years. There are some that survived 90

tragedy after tragedy and were able to be rebuilt, while others were not so fortunate. These are some of their stories.

The Crawford House, Crawford Notch

(1850-1859, 1859-1977) The first Crawford House was started in 1850, with Tom Crawford at the helm. Crawford overextended himself financially and was forced to sell before the property was complete. Ebenezer Eastman of Littleton purchased the Crawford House and the Notch House, which Crawford also owned. Eastman finished building the hotel; it had 165 rooms and was the first prefabricated structure in New Hampshire. He expanded the property within two years, and it was later operated by Joseph Gibbs, who owned the building for three years before it burned in 1859. It was immediately rebuilt and re-opened in 1859. Asa Barron bought the property in 1870, and with the arrival of the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad in 1875, the Crawford House saw an immediate influx of business. This allowed the hotel to be updated and expanded annually, increasing its appeal for high-class guests. The Crawford House eventually closed its doors in 1975 due to a lack of business brought on by the inability to compete with newer hotels and extensive repair needs. It went to auction MWVvibe.com

The Intervale House, Intervale, N.H. c. 1908 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a22690

in 1976 and it was slated for demolition before a fire broke out on November 20, 1977. The massive blaze began around 8:30 a.m., which looked to be intentionally set on the third floor. The grand building took only three hours to be demolished, due to high winds spreading the fire.

The Intervale Hotel, Intervale

(c.1860-1923) The Intervale Hotel was touted as having the “most spectacular location in the mountains,” with its uninterrupted views of the Presidential Range. Not much is known about the first hotel that sat on the site, as the date of construction is debated whether it was 1860 or 1868. It was built by W.H.H. Trickey, with the first portion of the hotel on the site of a former tavern and homestead of Captain Elijah Dinsmore. The property changed hands in 1871 to Frank A. Mudgett and Alfred Eastman, and then to S. Mudgett & Sons around 1873. Mudgett & Sons expanded the building to accommodate more guests, with another possible enlargement in 1879-80. Among The Clouds, the publication from the summit of Mount Washington, wrote of plans for enlarging the Intervale Hotel, which added a new wing to the house with a dining room, three-and-a-half stories, and 30 to 50 additional rooms, bringing total capacity to 300 guests. After renovations, the exterior featured similar elements to that of the Kearsarge House in North Conway, with its piazzas and roof dormers. Inside, rooms included a new office and lobby area, a billiard room, toilet rooms, and large, open fireplaces. One final addition took place in 1888-89 when 20 rooms were added, all “finished in hardwood, the rooms large and airy and richly furnished.” It was also sustained by its own farm and spring water supply. The hotel enjoyed a period of prosperity and success, but on May 22, 1923, a fire ripped through the building, reducing it to rubble. It was not rebuilt. Summer 2022

The Birchmont, North Conway (not pictured)

(1890-1970) In the late 1800s, railway magnet Payson Tucker built an imposing single-family vacation home on Sunset Hill in North Conway. Originally known as Birchmonte (by 1894, the “e” had been dropped) it was an impressive structure, with white clapboarding, stained-glass windows depicting Tucker’s daughter, and a private railroad spur to access the estate. Tucker was a savvy businessman, who started The Redstone Granite Company and operated a lumber yard by the train station. Upon Tucker’s death in 1900, the Dan Tyler family from Boston bought the property and ran it as the Birchmont Inn for 10 years. It was later sold to Louisa Jones of Texas, who used the property as her summer home, and it was run by Judge James L. Gibson. Over the course of her ownership, the property acquired 70 acres, was home to a herd of Jersey cows, and featured impressive flower beds, an apple orchard, and a greenhouse. The Birchmont was later owned by the Manufacturers Trust Co. of New York, with President Harvey Dow Gibson at the helm. It was run as the Birchmont Club for 20 years, a private retreat for the employees of the Trust Co. The property was passed to Joseph Birch in 1955, who served as a live-in caretaker for 20 years. He ran it as a summer inn for one year, and after, it was closed for almost two years. In 1957 it was purchased by the Knapps, who had owned the Cranmore Mountain Lodge. But tragedy struck in February 1970, when a massive fire broke out and destroyed the main building of the inn. It was believed to have started in the basement of the building, with no cause determined. In October of 1970, the owner of the historic property began construction of the Red Jacket Mountain View Motor Inn—now known as the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort & Water Park, opening to the public on July 4, 1971.

Kearsarge House [i.e. Hall], North Conway, N.H. c.1908 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a22704

The Kearsarge House, North Conway

(1861-1962) When the railroad was extended to reach North Conway after the Civil War, the town began to see an increase in tourists and visits to the area. Samuel Willey Thompson, a local mail carrier, foresaw North Conway becoming a bustling summer destination and knew there would be a demand for lodging. Thompson began taking in guests to his own home, especially artists who were eager to paint the landscapes of the White Mountains. His home was conveniently located directly across Railroad Park (now Schouler Park) connected to the trail depot by a boardwalk, leading guests directly to the front door of the hotel. Thompson expanded his own home four times until he was able to house 250 to 300 guests by 1871. The hotel was built in the Italian Revival style, three and one-half stories, with a pitched roof, an off-centered tower, and long piazzas for promenading, a popular pastime for women during the era. It had all of the modern amenities of the grand hotels, including an expansive dining room and a music room. He kept the hotel open year round until 1878, when it became just a summer resort. In 1917, the hotel was destroyed by fire—and only a small section survived. The Ricker family, Thompson’s daughter, and son-in-law took over the business on a smaller scale. They moved across the street to the Kearsarge Hall, which Thompson had built in earlier days. Upon the death of the Rickers, their daughter took on the business and ran the inn until 1962. 92

Randell House, Hotel Randell, Eastern Slope Inn, North Conway

(1852-1902, 1903-1925, 1926-present) James T. Randall first purchased the building that would become The Randall House in 1864 from Melvin Seavey. Randall, a local store owner, saw the potential for vacationers and took a gamble when he purchased the property. The Randall House struggled in the beginning, along with other hotels in the area, until the railroad was extended to reach the White Mountain region in 1872. Randall’s son, Henry, was born in the hotel in 1870, and later worked as a bellboy, learning the hotel business for his eventual takeover upon his father’s death in 1898. The original building was a boarding house, and they expanded the capacity to over 40 rooms, also adding a veranda, which wrapped around the entire front facade of the hotel. The Randall House suffered a great loss when the building was razed by fire on November 9, 1902. They started immediately rebuilding on the same site once the debris was cleared and was able to reopen on July 6, 1903. The new Hotel Randall was built in the Dutch Colonial style, with a gambrel roof and “was undoubtedly the finest hotel in the area.” It had electricity, telephones, steam heat, and was located in one of the most popular destinations in New England. The hotel saw unchallenged success well into mid-1915, when it was expanded. A third story was added to the middle of the hotel, and at the height of the renovations in 1921, they could accommodate 150 guests. But on November MWVvibe.com

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Hotel Randall, North Conway, N.H. c. between 1900-1910 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a18408

20, 1925, almost 23 years to the day, the second Hotel Randall burned to the ground in only three hours. Building in the area was becoming costly and prevented the rebuilding of many other hotels in the area. Heavy consideration was given to abandoning plans to rebuild, but they decided against it and opened its doors on July 15, 1926. The Randall’s hotel was one of the finest in the country. When Harvey Dow Gibson returned to his native North Conway in 1937, he purchased the hotel and Lookout Mountain up the road. He planned to make North Conway a ski destination and renamed the hotel the Eastern Slope Inn after the Eastern Slope region and started building Mount Cranmore. He successfully turned the Eastern Slope Inn into a four-season resort and “they attracted the type of guests who appreciated the finer things. Swim meets, golf tournaments, international ski races, and dog sled races all revolved around the Eastern Slope Inn. North Conway in turn grew in fame and popularity.” The hotel was inscribed to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, a designation held by few buildings in town. They are just shy of their centennial anniversary in 2026.

The Bartlett Hotel, Bartlett (not pictured) (1890-1905, 1912-1989) The Bartlett House began as the Cave Mountain House in 1890, serving as the summer home for the Jose Brothers, owners of the Bartlett Land and Lumber Company. The hotel was advertised as having all the modern amenities as the other grand hotels, such as electric lights, running water, and 94

spectacular views. A connected farm provided the hotel with fresh eggs, vegetables, and meat. But on May 1, 1905, the Cave Mountain House succumbed to fire due to a faulty chimney. The site lay empty until 1912, when a new hotel was opened as the Howard Hotel, built by GK Howard. It was a modern hotel with upgraded rooms (each had its own bathroom), running water, and a phone that connected to the front desk. They also provided drivers to take guests around town and had a modest dining room. It was sold to Matt Elliott and Realand Hart, who renamed it the Bartlett Hotel. Matt ran the hotel until his death in 1985 and the hotel was sold again. In 1989, thawing frozen pipes caused a blaze that destroyed the building.

The Glen House, Pinkham Notch

(1851-1884, 1885-1893, 1901-1924, 1925-1967, 2018-present) With increased visits to Mount Washington and the area, John Bellows saw the need for a place for visitors to stay. He owned a small farmhouse by the base of Mount Washington and opened it up to visitors before completing renovations. In April 1852, the “Bellows House” was sold to Colonel JM Thompson, who changed the name to the Glen House. Thompson continued to build and renovate the house throughout 1852, eventually opening 20-30 rooms for guests. Thompson’s bridle path tours up the eastern side of the mountain helped with patronage, and he finished the hotel in 1853. On August 8, 1861, the Carriage Road officially opened, allowing better access to Mount Washington’s summit. Thompson began to make improvements: In 1865-66, he added a long MWVvibe.com

HOW DID THEY BECOME GRAND?

Prior to 1850, New Hampshire was a difficult place to travel to, and its vast wilderness was not highly traveled. Once the railroad was expanded to reach the White Mountains in the 1850s, access to the area greatly improved, and New Hampshire became a destination for fresh air, beautiful mountain views, and high-class relaxation. With the influx of travel to the area, many hotels began to be built throughout the area, ushering in the Grand Hotel Era (1850-1910). Hotels were considered “grand” if they were able to house 200-plus guests, featured an elegantly styled dining room, and had a parlor and a grand lobby space. These hotels also offered a number of indoor and outdoor recreational events and entertainment, such as tennis courts, horseback riding, in-resident artists teaching painting classes, and an in-house band that performed pieces written specifically for the hotel. For the mostly upper-class members of society who frequented these hotels, these events and activities were not something they could find close to home. Rooms would be booked for an entire month, or for the entirety of the summer season, allowing guests to enjoy the exclusivity and fresh-aired ambiance they sought. It would also allow guests to don their best, most fashionable outfits and be seen and admired by members of the same social class. Out of the roughly 30 hotels considered part of the Grand Hotel Era, most succumbed to fire over the years. Many were rebuilt several times and survived until the Grand Hotel Era was coming to an end in the 1950s and 60s. With the construction of highways and most families owning an automobile, travelers were not reliant on the railroads the way they previously were. Travel by car was much more flexible and car owners felt more freedom being able to stop along the way.

wing on the left of the main house, improved amenities, and had an orchestral piece commissioned for the hotel (a growing trend). New owners in 1871, brothers Charles R. and Weston F. Milliken, were savvy businessmen, and The Glen House experienced a period of growth and prosperity until the end of the 1884 season, when workers discovered the building in flames after the last guests had checked out. With high winds and a wooden timber frame, the hotel did not stand a chance, and within two hours, the once-grand building lay in ashes. The Milliken brothers already had grand plans for the next Glen House, and it was open for business by the beginning of the 1885 summer season. The second was more modern, built in the Queen Anne style with architectural elements of the first Glen House. In 1886, the hotel amenities included telegraphic communications; services, such as Western Union, a telephone connection to Mount Washington’s summit, and mail service. On Summer 2022

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Summit House, Mt. Washington, White Mountains c. between 1900 and 1906 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a08155

July 16, 1893, the second Glen House burned to the ground. The help’s quarters and the barn were the only structures to survive, and the Milliken brothers decided not to rebuild. The property was sold at auction to the Libby family of Gorham, NH. From 1893-1900 there was not a Glen House open for business. The Libby family opened the “Glen House Inn” in 1901 in the building that served as the help’s quarters for the second Glen House. Much smaller than its predecessors, the 40-room inn worked to carry on the old traditions and a close partnership with Mount Washington and the carriage road. In a somewhat tragic tradition, the third Glen House succumbed to fire as well in 1924, with the culprit possibly being faulty laundry equipment. The fourth Glen House opened in 1925, similar in scale to the third house. It was a charming, modest, cozy inn covered in white clapboards and green trim, with three floors; the lobby and dining room on the first floor, the second had six to eight rooms, and the third housed the larger, family-sized rooms. Doug Philbrook took over as manager in the summer of 1965, when improvements were made to the dining room and the addition of a cocktail lounge, the Snuggarie. In historic fashion, the fourth Glen House succumbed to fire on March 19, 1967, leaving only the chimney as the lone survivor. Faulty electrical in the basement was to blame. There were hopes of building another Glen House, but nothing came to fruition. Finally, in 2018, the fifth Glen House was built across from the site of the fourth Glen House. It was built using architectural elements from the original Glen Houses, to pay tribute to the ones that had come before. Sustainability innovations have helped this Glen House have a virtually zero carbon footprint 96

and will ensure the hotel’s longevity for years to come.

The Summit House, Mount Washington

(1852-1908) In 1852, the original Summit House was built on the summit of Mount Washington by Joseph Seavey Hall and Lucius Rosebrook. Supplies were transported up the mountain by a one-horse, two-man team, up the bridle path and back. John Spaulding built the Tip Top House in 1853, later purchasing the Summit House. The houses served as a shelter for overnight hikers or those traveling up the bridle path. In 1861 the Carriage Road was completed, and The Mount Washington Cog Railway was finished in 1869, which quickly increased the number of guests heading to the summit. Due to the increase in visitations, a new Summit House was built in 1873, officially opening in 1874. All materials were transported via the Cog Railway. The original Summit House was used as the dormitory for the staff until 1884, when it was dismantled. The Summit House saw great success throughout the next two decades, until tragedy struck on June 18, 1908. The crews at the summit were preparing for the start of the summer season in late June. On that day, railroad crews were ending their day, as hikers from Berlin arrived looking to spend the night at the stage office. They noticed the flames coming from the Summit House windows, and tried unsuccessfully to call for help, and put out the flames. Nothing could be done, but watch the flames claim all the buildings except the Tip Top House. By 12 a.m., the fire had burned itself out. Plans were drawn up to begin rebuilding right away in order to open for the season, but logistics would not let that MWVvibe.com

The Glen House, Pinkham Notch, White Mountains c. 1909

White Mountain Grand Hotels & Dates

1st Glen House (1850-52) Green’s Grant • Burned 1st Crawford House (1850-52) Crawford Notch • Burned 1st Profile House (1852-53) Franconia • Burned Sinclair House (1857) Bethlehem • Burned 2nd Crawford House (1859) Crawford Notch • Burned Waumbek Hotel (1860) Jefferson • Burned Kearsarge Hotel (1861) North Conway • Burned Mountain View House (1866) Whitefield • Extant Intervale House (1868) Intervale • Burned Twin Mountain House (1868-69) Twin Mountain • Demolished Wentworth Hotel & Cottages (1869) Jackson • Partially extant 2nd Fabyan House (1872-73) Carroll • Burned The Balsams/Dix House (1874-75) Dixville Notch • Extant Goodnow House (1875-76) Sugar Hill • Demolished Mount Pleasant Hotel (1875-76) Bretton Woods • Demolished Maplewood Hotel (1876) Bethlehem • Burned Sunset Hill House (1879-80) Sugar Hill • Demolished Forest Hills Hotel (1882-83) Franconia • Demolished 1st Gray’s Inn (1884-85) Jackson • Burned 2nd Glen House (1884-87) Green’s Grant • Burned Deer Park Hote (1886-87) North Woodstock • Burned Hotel Lookoff (1886-87) Sugar Hill • Demolished Alpine House (1890-91) North Woodstock • Demolished The Metallak (1892-93) Colebrook • Blown Down Mount Washington Hotel (1901-03) Bretton Woods • Extant 2nd Gray’s Inn (1902-03) Jackson • Burned 3rd Gray’s Inn (1903-04) Jackson • Burned

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Profile House, Franconia Notch, White Mountains c.1901 Library of Congress, LC-DIG-det-4a09342

happen. In the meantime, the Tip Top House was opened, after being closed for years, to accommodate overnight guests. The cause of the fire was never determined, and it was not until 1915 that another Summit House was built.

The Profile House, Franconia

(1853-1923) Construction on the Profile House began in 1852, by Richard Taft and the Flume & Franconia Notch Hotel Co. It opened in 1853, as a simple three-and-a-half-story building. The hotel was added on to several times until 1868, with additions of wings, dining rooms, outer buildings, a stable with 350 horses, and 20 cottages. The addition of the Franconia Notch Railroad from Bethlehem junction to the hotel eliminated coach rides for guests. Rail service from the south never reached the hotel. The hotel touted a self-sufficient community: a large farm with dairy cows, a greenhouse, power plant, bowling alley, post and telegraph office, barbershop, billiards room, hiking trails, and a golf course, among others. They owned thousands of acres in the notch, including the Old Man of the Mountain, the Flume Gorge and Pool, and the community provided hundreds of jobs for local residents. In 1905, the “tired” looking Profile House was partially demolished to make room for a new luxurious hotel. It opened in 1906, with the dining room being converted to the new ballroom, 200 new rooms (some with private bathrooms), and by 1921, 98

a large 200-car garage was installed. The cottages remained, and the guest capacity totaled 600. The property was sold in 1921, and a fire broke out on August 2, 1923, at the height of the season, destroying all 26 buildings in four hours. A cause was never determined, and the Profile House was never rebuilt.

The grand hotels highlighted are just a small snippet of the number of hotels that existed in the White Mountains from the 1850s through the 1930s. Many towns, especially those with railroad stops or close to railway stations, had multiple hotels within a short distance of each other. The competition was high among the hotels, as they all sought to be the most modern, with all the best amenities. At the height, of the “golden era” (c.1880-1910), hotels continued to evolve and improve and were an important factor in drawing tourists to the area. Although most of the hotels are no longer around, we are constantly reminded of their presence and history. The hotels that were built during the era and were fortunate to escape demolition or tragedy, still generate the same reactions from tourists who stay within their halls. They are still a thing of beauty, their stature remains awe-inspiring, and the original elements are always a conversation piece. Even though travel habits and length of stays have changed throughout the years, these grand hotels are still sought after and revered for their beauty and the history that they have been part of the tapestry of through the years. MWVvibe.com

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