Mt Washington Valley Vibe - Summer 2023

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.

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

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It’s my favorite time of the year! Wait, I think I may have said that last season. And probably the season before. Well, we’ll just call it the start of yet another season of fun ahead.

Summer in the Valley means so much, depending on what you like to do, of course. Personally, I look forward to eating more fresh food. After a day of doing absolutely anything in the Valley, a stop at one of the local farms, farm stand, or a Valley Original restaurant (see the VO list on page 103) that serves up meals with local ingredients, is about as good as it gets. YUM! Check out the local offerings on page 36 and a very cool map of our local farms on page 40. Or grab your phone and head to www.mwveg.com for a mobile-friendly, interactive map that will help find a farm close to you. Please support your local farmers wherever you live! Another summer favorite and fantastic way to wrap up any day in the Valley is with some live music. From rock and country to bluegrass and jazz, there are plenty of options to satisfy your live music preference ... and quite a few that, with your help, will raise money for a deserving cause. Many of our ski areas and local

breweries are in on the action, so be sure to check out, and bookmark, our live music review and suggestions on page 62.

Speaking of things to do after your ... hike, paddle, bike, climb, drive, etc. ... for you shoppers out there, an afternoon stroll through Setters Green will likely satisfy everyone in your group. But if you’re still in the “support local” mood, be sure to visit one of the many White Mountain Independents shops around the region. This group of privately owned retail stores is known for putting the customer first by offering more of a personal connection and extensive product knowledge than you might find at typical retail stores. Look for a list of these stores on page 76, or find them around town flying the blue flags outside their shops.

And finally, an afternoon or sunset stroll at one of the many little villages in the Valley is just another optional way to end your day. From Freedom and Tamworth north to Berlin, Jackson and Fryeburg, many of the village areas offer a unique shop or three, likely an ice cream stand, and usually a grassy park or bench to rest your bones and reminisce about your day. Enjoy!

Dan Houde dan@wiseguycreative.com

From rock and country to bluegrass and jazz, there are plenty of options to satisfy your live music preference ... and quite a few that, with your help, will raise money for a deserving cause.

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

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.

Lily Hartman, Seabrook, NH

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

Bernadette Donohue, Fryeburg, ME

Bernie’s love of adventure, beauty, and people started her 35-plus-year real estate career. Co-chair of White Mt Board of REALTORS

Community Service Committee, creator of MWV Photo Contest/Calendars for Charities & Hands of Hope cancer survivor banner.

Matt Howe, Casco, Maine

Matt joined Green Mountain Conservation Group in Effingham as executive director in 2019, after a three-decade career in nonprofit management and leadership in Maine. He holds a B.A. from Bowdoin College and an M.A. in public policy from Tufts University.

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?”

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.

Brian Chamberlain, Shelburne, NH

Brian has been a Valley resident for over 20 years of his life. He first fell in love with the area when he took a summer job at the Attitash alpine slide at the age of 18. He has since had the privilege of working with many local businesses over the years and cherishes the friendships that have been formed. His free time is mostly spent skiing or hiking with his beautiful wife Amy and their Alaskan husky Beau.

Dave Greenslit, Conway, NH

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

Christine Thompson, Jackson, NH

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

Ashley MacPherson, Conway, NH

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

Jake Risch, Madison, NH

As a North Conway-based freelance writer, backcountry skier, and whitewater kayaker, Jake is also a founding member of three MWV non-profits, president of Friends of Tuckerman Ravine, vice president of the White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team, and on the board of the Granite Backcountry Alliance.

Dr. Cheryl Cullion, Conway, NH

As an ardent nature lover, Cheryl enjoyed visiting the White Mountains for over 30 years. When the opportunity to work at Conway Veterinary Hospital as an associate presented itself 10 years ago, she immediately signed up. Seven years later she fractured her shoulder skiing and was inspired to give the same excellent care she received in rehab to her animal patients, ultimately leading to her certification in rehab and acupuncture.

Additional Contributers

Dr. Trish Murray

Andrew Drummond

JP Goodwin

Mike Petell

Chuck Sutton

Moselle Spiller

Nora Bean

Jesse Wright

John Rondeau

Kieran Lombard

Jay Strausser Visuals

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.

Photo by Bink Designs, California

Photo by Jay Strausser Visuals www.jstrausservisuals.com

REAL ESTATE CORNER By Bernadette Donohue

Feeling the Beat of the Valley

When I talk to people from out of town who haven’t experienced our music scene, I find myself boasting about the many live performance options going on year round. The summer of 2023 is no exception, as there are plenty of indoor and outdoor stage options to keep locals and vacationers enthused.

So, what does music have to do with real estate? In addition to me having helped some of my favorite local musicians to buy and/or sell homes, and bonding with clients over our favorite musicians, I find music to be as much a Valley VIBE as the majestic mountains that surround us. It’s the beat that keeps our spirits soaring and our feet tapping. It’s a place to gather and groove, a way to see folks of all ages enjoying a common theme, a way to stay young at heart, and one of the many reasons people choose to visit, vacation, and live where the sounds of music are very much alive.

Speaking of majestic mountains, have you visited Mountain Top Music’s Majestic Theatre and Café? Because I’m hooked on jazz, and love being part of a listener community of other enthusiasts, my smile is always ear to ear while I’m listening to the incredible musicians just a few feet away. Many accomplished performers reside locally or regionally, and I’m inclined to believe they are having as much fun as the audience by the way they are jamming together in this intimate listening room atmosphere playing with other highly skilled musicians. I’m pretty sure you would have to travel to a large city to find the caliber of talents we have in our midst.

In addition to the café, the Majestic’s newly renovated stage has hosted some top-tier performances, including the Portland Jazz Orchestra and Livingston

Taylor. The stage is also home to the Cold River Radio Show, which showcases many talents in one evening. Their set list always includes a regionally known band, local musician, storyteller or comedian, and Cold River Radio’s very own host Jonathan Sarty with his accompanying band. Each guest performs a few individual scores, followed by a finale that combines their talents in a riveting, never-before-seen collaboration.

Another unique venue is the Bradley Backstage collaborative, hosted seasonally at the stunning and state-of-the-art Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, Maine. The musicians and a small audience are both on-stage for an intimate musical experience. The list of performers continues to grow and has included national names along with some incredible local talent. The Leura Hill Eastman PAC’s theater is also home to many larger stage performances, including screenings of the MET Opera, Asbury Short Films, dance, and live theater.

Since we’ve already crossed the state line, continue another 10 miles from NH and down beautiful country roads to Stone Mountain Arts Center (SMAC) in Brownfield, Maine, another hidden treasure. Owned by celebrity singer/songwriter

Carol Noonan and her husband Jeff, who describe their acoustic barn as “a humble 200-seat timber frame music hall.” I’ve seen many performances over the years, and my list of favorites includes Béla Fleck, Robert Cray, Natalie McMasters, and Jonathan Edwards. One of the most incredible shows I’ve ever attended was right there, a year ago June, when instrumentalist and Grammy-Award-winning pianist George Winston, came to SMAC. After an incredibly delicious meal, the music began—and

from the first note to the very last, the audience was mesmerized by his exquisite piano arrangements and intense mastery. This solo performer’s artistry was as enjoyable to watch as to be heard. I truly had no idea prior what showmanship went into creating those familiar notes that had moved my heart and soul for decades. His songs have been the background to many special memories, including my wedding day and the birth of my son, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when my emotions were suddenly and outwardly flooded with nostalgia.

Music can easily elicit strong emotions, memories, and bonds that can bring out people’s humanity and vulnerabilities. Music can soar us over life’s joys and get us over the hump of sorrows—even lifting us up through some of life’s most mundane moments. Music is also an enormous part of what ties communities together and ultimately brings us all closer. Like some of my very favorite local musicians who have been entertaining the Valley over the course of my 35-plus-year real estate career, the energetic and welcoming music scene in the Valley is another way that we can stay connected. Through music, we can reconnect and welcome our newest friends and visitors so they, too, can feel right at home in our beloved White Mountains.

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

Jonathan Sarty, Majestic Theatre and Café

EVENTS • SUMMER 2023

There’s nothing quite like summertime in the Mt. Washington Valley! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information below. However, please call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Pop-Up Art Show • Whitney Community Center, Jackson NH

Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join in for the Summer Pop-up Art Show at the Whitney Community center in Jackson village, NH. Fine art from 30+ local and nationally recognized artists.

www.jacksonartnh.com • (603) 387-3463

Moat Mountain 24 Hours of Great Glen • Great Glen Trails

Saturday, August 5 & Sunday, August 6; Noon - Noon

The most beloved and iconic mountain bike race in New England returns again in 2023. Don’t miss out on the race, camping, parties, kids’ events, live music, and bash celebrating the most delicious suds around made by Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery.

www.greatglentrails.com/24-hours • (603) 466-2333

Live Animal Presentation • Lost River Gorge

Friday, August 11; 10:30 a.m.

Summer Music Series • Tuckerman Brewing

July 7 to November 26

This Summer Music Series features artists from all over the local area and New England. Live music every Friday from 4 - 7 p.m., and every weekend 3 - 6 p.m. See website for updates.

www.tuckermanbrewing.com/Events • (603) 447-5400

Sunset Drive & Guided Tours • Mt. Washington Auto Road

Saturday, July 8; 7 - 9 p.m. & Saturday, August 12; 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.

The Mt. Washington Auto Road stays open late, allowing guests to drive themselves or take a guided tour to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunset.

www.mt-washington.com/guided-tours • (603) 466-3988

Midsummer Mountain Jam • Ledge Brewing Company

Saturday, July 22; 3 - 9 p.m.

A night of Grateful Dead with members of Bearly Dead, a nationally touring, high-energy tribute to the music and spirit of the Grateful Dead. From House of Blues to the Ledge Beer Garden Pavilion! Advance tickets online.

www.ledgebrewing.com/tickets • (603) 307-1070

Gateway to Meisters • Cranmore Mountain

Wednesday, July 26; 3 - 6 p.m.

New downhill mountain bike race for ages 15+. Each racer will take two timed runs, each on a designated trail. Times will be combined, with awards for the top three fastest times in each age category. Register online at cranmore.com.

www.cranmore.com • (603) 356-5544

Chocorua Summer Arts Show • ArtWorks Gallery

Friday, July 28, 5 - 8 p.m., Saturday, July 29 & Sunday, July 30 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Chocorua Creative Arts Center presents the Summer Art Show, live music, and refreshments at Runnells Hall, Route 113 in Chocorua. See what this creative community has to offer.

www.chocoruaartworks.com • (603) 323-8041

“Animals with Bad Reputations.” Lost River Gorge has partnered with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to offer a live animal presentations with a naturalist, which is included with your admission ticket and begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Forest Treehouse.

www.lostrivergorge.com • (603) 745-8031

Monarch Festival • Mahoosuc Land Trust

Sunday, August 13; Noon - 4 p.m.

Join in at Valentine Farm for the 3rd Annual Monarch Festival for an afternoon of fun, food, and outdoor activities: bird walks, gardening workshops, indigo dye demonstration, monarch tagging, artisan vendors, children’s activities, cookout, and more.

www.mahoosuc.org • (207) 824-3806

Backyard Astronomy Throughout the Year • Tin Mountain

Tues. Aug. 22, 7 p.m. • Whitney Community Center, Jackson Learn about the stars and sky, including planets, Milky Way Galaxy, nebulas, star clusters, and more.

www.tinmountain.org • (603) 447-6991

Kula Yoga Fest • Mountain Kula Yoga

Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24

Presented by Mountain Kula Yoga, the theme of Kula Yoga Fest is just as our name implies ... KULA! AKA Community! A culmination of this thriving outdoor community, healing arts, and the sacred practices of yoga in all its various forms. www.kulayogafest.com • (603) 361-5273

2nd Annual Feast in the Forest • Frost Mountain Yurts

Tuesday, October 17; 4 p.m.

Join Chefs Derek Bissonnette and Gabrielle Cote at Frost Mountain Yurts for a six-course, chef-driven campfire feast that will include a spread of seasonally-inspired dishes, ranging from seafood to grilled meats and vegetables, and homemade desserts. www.frostmountainyurts.com • (802) 233-7010

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

BLUE DOOR SKIN CARE

Blue Door Skin Care specializes in holistic skin care and sensorial relaxation facials for women. Treatments are much more than a facial—they are an experience for the senses.

Maria Martin is a licensed esthetician with over 15 years of experience. Clients have commented that her sessions have helped them beyond skin-level, especially during difficult or stressful times. Relaxation is the key, and Blue Door Skin Care treatments can take you to a meditative state. Maria’s ethos is to provide nourishing kindness for the skin and soul. Maria created her Blue Door Skin Care studio to provide unique holistic treatments with special attention to detail, making each session a one-of-a-kind experience. Her signature sensorial relaxation facials relieve tension and target areas of stress, taking you on a sensorial journey.

Holistic skin care treatments offer clean, certified organics, which provide superior results and leave your skin glowing with a feeling of well-being from the inside out. Blue Door Skin Care offers 60- or 90-minute sessions, by appointment only. The private home studio is thoughtfully designed with an atmosphere of calm. Located in a quiet North Conway neighborhood within walking distance of Cathedral Ledge and Echo Lake.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Sensorial-based relaxation facials target area of stress

• Holistic skin care, designed for unique skin care needs

• Organic skin care products—Naturopathica and H is for Love

• Sensorial, gua sha, ayurvedic, and facial reflexology influences

For more information, call (603) 986-1649 or visit www.bluedoorskincare.com.

ALBANY FOUR PAWS INN

Albany Four Paws Inn provides a safe, comfortable, and fun-filled experience for your doggie best friend. Albany Four Paws Inn is not a typical dog kennel, offering all-day, cage-free playtime. They socialize, stimulate, and exercise your dog and send them home happy and tired. Their motto is “A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog,” and a happy dog makes for a happy owner.

Dogs visiting with Albany Four Paws Inn for daycare or overnight boarding are introduced to new dogs one at a time to check for compatibility. This includes energy levels, size, age, and temperament.

Trained staff are on site 24/7 to monitor the dogs. They have 6-foothigh fenced areas, giving the flexibility for several different play groups. Albany Four Paws Inn has temperature-controlled indoor play space for inclement weather. There is also a separate area for small dogs, puppies, and senior dogs.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• All-day, cage-free playtime

• Supervised playgroups

• Curbside drop off and pick up

• Flexible scheduling

For more information, visit www.albanyfourpawsinn.com or email albanyfourpawsinn@outlook.com.

AlbanyFourPawsInn

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

PENGUIN GALLERY

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

The Penguin Gallery celebrates its 50th year in 2023. Nestled in the beautiful village of North Conway, it has become a staple on Main Street and a destination when shopping in the village.

They carry fun, unique, and whimsical gifts for everyone—from toys to gifts for all ages, handcrafted jewelry, and so much more. Locally, they’re probably best known for their great selection of greeting cards, as well as their crass sense of humor in socks and other fun gifts.

Looking for something trendy in fashion accessories? Check out the latest must-haves, including brands such as Pura Vida and Scout Bags. Also, don’t miss their New Hampshire Wine Room, where beverages from seven NH vineyards and wineries are featured, most of which are not available at liquor stores.

It’s the perfect place to shop when you don’t know what you’re looking for, or if you just need a good laugh. Originally owned by a mother-daughter team, Tiga has taken over the helm with her longtime experienced staff who are as friendly as they are knowledgeable. They’ll help you to find the perfect gift for others—or for yourself. Can’t make it into town? Be sure to check out their new website, where new products are added daily.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• FUN! Unique & whimsical gifts for all

• Open year round, 7 days a week

• Featuring artisan & handcrafted jewelry & décor

• Offering boutique New Hampshire wines, meads, and ciders

For more information, call (603) 356-7600 or visit www.penguingallery.com.

THE LOCAL GROCER

Located in the scenic Mt. Washington Valley, The Local Grocer is a health-conscious market and eco-gift shop, with a mission of providing the community with delicious healthy food and natural living products.  The Local Grocer takes pride in offering organic and locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, specialty grocery products, herbs, supplements, natural remedies, and more. With an on-site clinical herbalist, and knowledgeable, passionate team, they curate their offerings with care, making sure that every item aligns with their dedication to health, the environment, and supporting local farmers.

Thoughtfully curated, its eco-friendly gift shop offers a variety of items, such as all-natural skincare and perfume, locally crafted clothing and jewelry, fair-trade bags and baskets, non-toxic candles, oracle cards, wellness books, and sustainable toys and games.

Alongside The Local Grocer market is its culinary counterpart, Table+Tonic, a sustainable, solar-powered, farm-to-table café and deli. Talented chefs transform organic ingredients into delicious, nourishing, and soul-warming sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast items, smoothies, and juices, with many gluten-free and vegan options.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Organic market

• Eco-gift shop

• Herbs and supplements

• Farm-to-table deli and café

For more information, call (603) 356-6068, or visit www.nhlocalgrocer.com.

ONE AQUIFER ... LET’S PROTECT IT!

Founded in 1997, the mission of Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) is “to promote an awareness

The Carroll County towns of Eaton, Effingham, Freedom, Madison, Ossipee, Sandwich, and Tamworth comprise the Ossipee Watershed which includes one of the largest and deepest stratified drift aquifers in New Hampshire. GMCG also serves the towns of Maine’s Sacopee Valley.

RESEARCH

of and appreciation for clean water and the wise use of shared natural resources across the Ossipee Watershed and advocate strategies to protect them.”

Through scientific research, GMCG gathers information to further its education and advocacy efforts and better inform citizens and municipal leaders as they engage in decision-making that affects natural resources. GMCG refers to the four core programs that unite these goals: Research, Education, Advocacy, and Land Conservation—as R.E.A.L.

GMCG research focuses primarily on water, both the surface waters we enjoy for their scenic value and recreation and the groundwaters that supply our wells and sustain our region’s economy. The Regional Interstate Volunteers for the Ecosystems and River of Saco (RIVERS) program, a 20-year partnership between GMCG and the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) in Maine, encompasses one watershed, two states, and 26 towns. Powered almost entirely by volunteers, the goal of the program is to provide the public and municipal officials with data that give an overall picture of water quali-

consist mainly of sand and gravel, they are more vulnerable to contamination due to their extremely permeable soils. The high transmissivity of water in aquifer recharge areas means that potential contamination sources in one town can impact groundwater quality in another town (as water knows no boundaries!).

ty in the Ossipee and Saco watersheds.

Every year trained volunteers collect water quality information from 29 sites bi-weekly from May to October, and 10 of those sites monthly from November to April. A public report showcases an overview of the trends in each water quality parameter at each of the RIVERS sites monitored by GMCG since 2002. This report and more are available at www.gmcg.org.

GMCG also collects water quality data on the deep spots on Ossipee Lake through the State of New Hampshire’s Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP).

GMCG began research on microplas-

tics after the discovery of microplastics in Ossipee Lake in the summer of 2019. Microplastics are more commonly associated with ocean ecosystems, so GMCG’s research will help to fill in a gap in understanding of microplastics in freshwater systems.

EDUCATION

GMCG educates the public on critical natural resources in the Ossipee Watershed and greater Saco River Watershed through youth science programs in local schools; field trips; panel discussions; presentations to municipal leaders, quarterly newsletter (The Watershed

Aerial of the Ossipee Watershed, which lies above the Ossipee Aquifer, the largest stratified drift aquifer in the State of New Hampshire. Stratified drift aquifers lie within sand and gravel deposits laid down by meltwater rivers that drained the continental glaciers while they were retreating from this area approximately 15,000 years ago. Because they

A conceptual diagram showing a cross section of a stratified drift aquifer

Stratified drift aquifers (such as the Ossipee Aquifer) lie within sand and gravel deposits laid down by meltwater rivers that drained the continental glaciers while they were retreating from this area approximately 15,000 years ago. Because they consist mainly of sand and gravel, they are more vulnerable to contamination due to their extremely permeable soils. The high transmissivity of water in aquifer recharge areas means that potential contamination sources in one town can impact groundwater quality in another town, as water knows no boundaries! Illustrated by GMCG Outreach Coordinator Moselle Spiller. RIGHT: Students from Freedom Elementary School release baby trout they raised in the classroom as part of the Trout in the Classroom program.

News); symposia on special issues with expert guest speakers; and its Annual Watershed Celebration.

GMCG delivers an array of classroom-based watershed education for students throughout Carroll County and the Sacopee Valley of Maine. Through the Groundwater Education Through Water Evaluation & Testing (GET WET), stu-

Program (VBAP), students visit a local stream or river and collect, sort, and identify macroinvertebrates, organisms without a backbone that are visible to the naked eye, such as dragonfly nymphs and mayfly nymphs.

They use this information to determine the quality of the water and give a community presentation to share their discoveries.

and conservation, and carefully monitor and maintain tank water quality.

ADVOCACY

GMCG strives to present objective information with the belief that informed citizens will make good judgments about their unique watershed resources and take positive action to protect those resources.

The incredible scope of GMCG’s accomplishments could not be possible without its dedicated volunteers, who also include the board of directors and various committees that work together year round to guide the mission of the organization, maintain the facilities at the conservation center, steward protected lands, and organize events and fundraisers.

dents have the opportunity to test their home well water. They bring their water samples to the classroom and test for six parameters following a set protocol. In GMCG’s Volunteer Biological Assessment

In the Trout in the Classroom program, students and teachers raise Eastern Brook Trout from eggs to fingerlings, and then release them in their local river or stream. Students learn about trout biology, ecology,

GMCG collaborates with a wide variety of entities on advocacy issues, including individuals, lake associations, towns, state and federal agencies, schools, libraries, and businesses.

GMCG advocates best management practices (BMPs), par ticularly to waterfront property owners to reduce pollutant loads and stormwater runoff using structural designs, such as rain gardens, vegetated buffers, drainage ditches, swales, retention walls, and basins. Advocating proper septic system maintenance is another high priority. GMCG also recommends reducing winter road salt use to mitigate rising chloride levels in freshwater bodies. “Salt Responsibly” is a new GMCG cam paign launched in 2021 with radio PSAs airing throughout the Mt. Washington Valley, western Maine, and much of New Hampshire to underscore the importance of reducing winter road salt to preserve water quality and protect aquatic life.

LAND CONSERVATION

GMCG is a land trust promoting voluntary land conservation for the protection of water resources, wildlife habitat, sustain able forestry, and agriculture. GMCG holds 13 conservation easements protecting over 2,200 acres in NH and Maine. GMCG also owns four properties encompassing 350 acres that include a conservation center in Effingham, wetland preserves, forests, tributaries to the Ossipee River, and public nature trails.

A special aspect of GMCG is the numerous and dedicated

HOW DO WE PROTECT THE AQUIFER? Best Management Practices to Protect Water Quality

GMCG continues to advocate for best management practices (BMPs) to protect shared water resources through the reduction of pollutant loads and storm water run-off using structural designs, such as rain gardens, vegetated buffers, drainage ditches, swales, retention walls, and basins.

BMPs also include proper septic system maintenance. GMCG is now in Phase III of its Watershed Management Plan facilitating the implementation of BMPs on Ossipee Lake by working with private home owners, businesses, and lake associations.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES PROTECT:

Environment

By mitigating the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen loading into a lake, you can help prevent bacteria and algae blooms.

Health

Keep drinking water clean from harmful bacteria, household chemicals, and winter salt.

Property

Maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation, driveway, and surrounding soils and plant life.

TOP: The public is encouraged to visit the Blue Heron House to say hello to the staff and learn about membership and volunteer opportunities. The Blue Heron Trail is an easy 0.25-mile walk, which loops through various riparian habits, including a vernal pool, wetland, creek, and riverbank, and features interpretive markers that indicate points of interest. The trail head and information kiosk are located in the main parking lot. ABOVE: Green Mountain Conservation Group’s dedicated volunteers power much of the research and field work. Pictured is GMCG board member Karen Vitek collecting data at a stream crossing. Thank you Karen!

volunteers who sustain its myriad programs in research, education, advocacy, and land conservation and support the efforts of Executive Director Matt Howe, and three program coordinators, Jill Emerson (water quality coordinator), Tara Schroeder (education coordinator), and Moselle Spiller (outreach coordinator). The incredible scope of GMCG’s accomplishments could not be possible without its dedicated volunteers, who also include the board of directors and various committees who work together year round to guide the mission of the organization, maintain the facilities at the conservation center, steward protected lands, and organize events and fundraisers.

GMCG is proud to be partnering with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps as an AmeriCorps host site, currently hosting two full-term members and two half-term members. AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors engaging adults in public service work with the goal of “helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.”

GMCG AmeriCorps members fulfill assignments in the fields of research and education, advocacy, and land conservation.

In the spring of 2023, GMCG launched the “One aquifer, let’s protect it!” campaign. Through social media, radio, print ads and other messaging, the goal is to build awareness of the irreplaceable source of drinking water that sustains our lives, communities, and economy. If you reside on a well-traveled road and would like to post a “One Aquifer, Let’s Protect It!” lawn sign, or if you would like a decal for your car window or place of business, just send a note to info@gmcg.org.

Green Mountain Conservation Group

236 Huntress Bridge Road

Effingham, NH 03882

(603) 539-1859

www.gmcg.org

• info@gmcg.org

• @watergmcg

Sheltered by the Earth

By Dave Greenslit

Years ago, Mike and Sandy were concerned about future retirement and the costs associated with heating and maintaining a home in the White Mountains. Fast forward to today in their earth-sheltered home and the couple’s yearly cost for heat and hot water is under a thousand.

When Mike Thomas and his wife Sandy Callahan talked about retirement, they were concerned about the cost to heat and maintain a home. At the time, they lived in an old farmhouse on Tasker Hill Road in Conway, where they spent more than $4,000 a year on heat and hot water, not to mention the expense—and effort—to maintain the place.

So, five years ago, they moved

underground. Sort of.

The couple bought 12 acres topped by a hill in North Conway. Thomas dug down 14 feet and built an earth-covered dome, fronted by a glass French door and half-moon window, and topped with a cupola. The couple’s yearly cost for heat and hot water is now $800.

And their new home not only saves them money on utilities. “You have a structure here where you don’t have

bugs, you don’t have mice, you don’t have any kind of rodents whatsoever. It doesn’t blow down, it doesn’t burn down, it doesn’t shake apart during an earthquake. It’s what I refer to as a 2,000-year structure, not 200,” Thomas said.

An Iowa native, he’s been in the area since 1976. “I’d always lived on the Great Plains, and I always wanted to live somewhere that wasn’t flat,” he said.

Earth shelters are nothing new. They

have been around for thousands of years, perhaps as early as 15,000 B.C. in Europe. In North America, Native people built lodges and homes of sod.

There are two main types of earth-sheltered homes: underground and bermed, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). An underground home might have a courtyard to provide light, passive solar heat, and private outdoor space. Bermed homes are built partially below ground, with one or more walls—and sometimes the roof—covered.

Earth insulates and protects the home. It absorbs excess heat in the summer and insulates in the winter.

Such houses are most cost effective in areas where there are temperature extremes and low humidity, according to the DOE.

The agency says earth-sheltered homes have advantages and disadvantages. Besides being less susceptible to outside temperatures, thus greatly reducing energy costs, they require little or no outside maintenance, are soundproof, and

usually blend in well with the landscape.

But the homes can be more expensive to build. Prevention of moisture can be a problem. And an earth-sheltered home might be hard to sell; they are not everyone’s cup of tea.

To minimize moisture, a building site must have good drainage, and waterproofing during construction is critical.

Earth-sheltered homes got a boost during the oil crisis of the 1970s, and the need for more of them might be at hand as the climate warms.

The dome, a soon-to-be-enclosed patio, and a workshop/garage with an 800-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment on top, are surrounded by mortar-free stonework. The garage/apartment building is a conventionally built frame structure, with blown-in foam insulation that seals well when it hardens.

The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (CalEarth), a non-profit that does research on earth architecture, advocates building homes with earth-filled sandbags for sustainable housing that will help meet the challenge of climate change.

Thomas, a mason by trade, built his home with sandbags—15,000 of them—filled with cement rather than dirt, and laced with rebar to create a grid. Barbed wire between the bags acted like Velcro during construction and added strength. After the cement hardened to concrete, Thomas burned the nylon off the bags, further strengthening the bond. Eight inches of gunite, a material used for in-ground swimming pools, was

damage or moisture. “You get one shot at this,” Thomas said. “If you get a leak, you’re screwed.”

All the material that sits under and around the house and on its long driveway came from the site, saving Thomas tens of thousands of dollars, as did doing most of the work himself. Because of those savings, the house cost $130,000 to build.

Light and passive solar heat enters the 1,400-square-foot home via the glass French door and half-moon window on the south-facing front of the home. During the warm weather, more light pours in through skylights under the cupola and through a door from the second floor to ground level in

Light and passive solar heat enters the 1,400-square-foot home via the glass French door and half-moon window on the south-facing front of the home. During the warm weather, more light pours in through skylights under the cupola and through a door from the second floor to ground level in the back of the home.

applied—four inches inside and four outside. Foam insulation was sprayed on the outside, followed by a layer of plastic and three inches of loam. Inside, Thomas hand-puttied a finish coat. All told, those walls are two feet thick.

He stressed the importance of careful site selection— avoiding low-lying areas—and waterproofing to prevent water

the back of the home. In winter, insulated panels cover the skylights to retain heat.

Forced hot water, heated by propane and carried in pipes under the floor, provide warmth.

The first floor of the home has a living area, office space, bedroom, kitchen, laundry, and a bathroom. Thomas used wood from

The most common misconception about earth-sheltered homes is that they are underground, and therefore dark, damp, and claustrophobic. There is more stability in indoor temperatures than in traditional homes. With less temperature variability, interior space feels more comfortable. The earth’s average underground temperature ranges between 50 and 60 degrees, with some variability based on location. This pleasantly cool temperature, combined with the subsoil’s natural insulation, means that underground homes require less artificial heating and cooling.

Photos by WiseguyCreative.com

the property for the ceiling beams and cabinets in the kitchen.

The second floor has a TV room, a half-bath, closet space, and the walkout to ground level out back. Out front, the home features a Spanish arch and massive doors, built of oak and pine from the site. When closed, the doors provide three feet of dead space between them and the French doors and windows, which blocks the sun in summer and keeps in heat in winter.

The dome, a soon-to-be-enclosed patio, and a workshop/ garage with an 800-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment on top, are surrounded by Thomas’ mortar-free stonework.

“I absolutely love living in this house,” she continued, noting the quiet—inside and out—and the views each season from its perch atop the hill. “Mike’s floor plan has worked for us beautifully, not too big and not too small.”

She noted that a few years ago, when a small earthquake shook the area, people posted about their dishes or windows rattling. “Absolutely nothing moved or vibrated inside this house,” Callahan said. “She’s a solid home!”

The most common misperception about earth-sheltered homes is that they are dark, dank, and dreary. “That can’t be

The garage/apartment building is a conventionally built frame structure, with blown-in foam insulation that seals well when it hardens.

Having an apartment on site is part of Thomas’ and Callahan’s desire to stay in their home as they age. He’s 68; she’s 58. The apartment can house a health care worker, when required, hopefully eliminating the need to move into an assisted living facility. Until then, it will be a place to stay for their two daughters when they visit, or they could rent it for income.

“Now we have a house that takes care of us,” Callahan said.

further from the truth,” Thomas said. Many people, including contractors, were skeptical of his plans to build and live in such an unconventional home. He added, “Now, the first thing they say is, ‘Wow!’”

Still, there was only one person Thomas needed to win over. That was Sandy Callahan.

“You know when your wife is happy about it, when your wife doesn’t have any complaints, you’re there, buddy.”

Mission accomplished.

The most common misperception about earth-sheltered homes is that they are dark, dank, and dreary. “That can’t be further from the truth,” Thomas said. Many people, including contractors, were skeptical of his plans to build and live in such an unconventional home.

The most common misconception about earth sheltered homes is that they are underground, and therefore dark, damp, and claustrophobic. There is more stability in indoor temperatures than in traditional homes. With less temperature variability, interior space seem more comfortable. The earth’s average underground temperature ranges between 50 and 60 degrees fahrenheit, with some variability based on location. This pleasantly cool temperature, combined with the subsoil’s natural insulation, means that underground homes require less artificial heating and cooling.

Photo by Sandy Callahan

Photo

IN THE VALLEY By JP Goodwin

This Season’s Art Experience

The Summer of 2023 looks to be an exciting arts experience around the Mt. Washington Valley and beyond, with a rich heritage and a wealth of diverse artists and artisans plying

the past two times out, the MWVArts has chosen to move into the North Conway Community Center beside Schouler Park. There will always be food trucks, music, judged art and fine

On July 15 in Bridgton, Maine, Gallery 302 also has an Art in the Park, which they have hosted for about 20 years. Similar to that of the MWVArts, they open the event to many artists and artisans who buy booth space to offer their work for browsers and sales.

their trades at every turn in shows, exhibits, and festivals.

Some opportunities to participate in traditional arts festivals include the granddaddy of all, Art in the Park, celebrating the arts in this format for over 50 years, sponsored by the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association (MWVArts), headquartered in North Conway.

This year’s event, months in the planning and run mostly by volunteers, will be held on August 5 and 6. Guests wander through displays of, perhaps, 50 artists and artisans whose work covers a broad range of mediums. Due to weather issues

craft with ribbons, and cash prizes awarded for exceptional work. It is a unique opportunity to admire and/or purchase a treasure in any price range imaginable.

On July 15 in Bridgton, Maine, Gallery 302 also has an Art in the Park, which they have hosted for about 20 years. Similar to that of the MWVArts, they open the event to many artists and artisans who buy booth space to offer their work for browsers and sales. Both these events are a great way to spend the day, learning about the works and the artists who create them, perhaps collecting a special piece. Gallery 302 has a rain date of

ART

Jackson Art Studio & Gallery

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

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 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

Gallery 302

112 Main Street, Bridgton, ME (207) 647-2787

www.gallery302.com

Gateway Gallery & Gifts

32 Exchange Street, Gorham, NH (603) 466-9900

www.gatewaygallery.biz

Harvest Gold Gallery

1082 Main Street, Center Lovell, ME (207) 925-6502

www.harvestgoldgallery.com

Jackson Art Studio & Gallery

155 Ridge Road, Jackson, NH (603) 387-3463

www.jacksonartnh.com

Jesse Mixer Metalsmith North Conway, NH

www.jessemixer.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

Linda Gray Intervale, NH • (603) 986-1028

www.lindagrayartwork.com

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

Molly Mundy Art and Illustration Jackson, NH

www.mollymundy.com

Nathan Macomber Glass Studio

480 Eaton Road, Conway, NH (603) 447-1825

www.macomberglass.com

Antiques • Home Decor • Jewelry Custom Furniture • Chalk Paints

(603) 662-0452

328 White Mtn Hwy, Conway, NH

O ver 35 ar tists to delight the eye!

Summer & Fall Workshops

Summer Ar t Show & Sale, July 28-29-30

ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts / CCAC

ChocoruaArtworks.com • 603-323-8041

132 White Mt. Hwy., Chocorua, NH

Open year round with seasonal hours. June to Dec. open 10-5, Wed. to Mon. and First Fridays open 10-7 pm with Artist Reception from 5-7 pm.

Nathan Macomber Glass Studio

2 0 Y e a r s o f L o c a l A r t

2023 marks the 20th Anniversary of Gallery 302. Come celebrate:

July 15th Art in the Park from 9am to 4pm in Shorey Park, Bridgton.

August 8th 20th Anniversary Celebration & Auction at 5pm at the Magic Lantern Theater, Bridgton Tickets onsale now

We are an arts co-operative gallery of more than 40 artists Our mission is to provide a venue for artists and students to exhibit original works of art, enhancing art appreciation and presence in the Western Maine Lakes Region We also offer art-related educational and scholarship opportunities

July 16 at Shorey Park, if mother nature is not cooperating on Saturday.

There is a weekend in July that is filled with art, and well worth two stops, at least, in the Valley. The Summer Show, sponsored by Chocorua Creative Arts Center at the ArtWorks Gallery, which is held in Runnells Hall from July 28 to 30, is an invitational area-wide display and sale of striking work. Entirely volunteer-driven, this is sure to be a great show. In conjunction with the celebration of Chocorua Days, a town-wide festival, the opening reception with live music and refreshments is a great way to preview the exhibit and meet the artists on Friday, July 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all at Runnells Hall, located at Route 113 and the intersection with Route 16 in Chocoura Village.

Continue north to take in the Jackson Art Studio and Gallery Pop-Up Art Show at the Whitney Community Center, Route 16A, Black Mountain Road in Jackson, where over 30 artists—locally and nationally known—will exhibit their work for you on July 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It’s sure to be a feast for the eyes and an enlightening experience.

During Old Home week, August 10, there is also an Artisans Exhibit on the town green in Sandwich, NH on Route 113. It is a festive celebration of the Village of Sandwich and the arts, and a great spot to stroll among talented craftspeople and see the unusual and fine work of our local communities.

112 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine 04009 www.gallery302.com ~ 207-647-2787

Later this fall, the Jackson Historical Society has a unique show of mostly 19th and early 20th-century works by some of the well-known White Mountain artists, several of whom were

Gallery 302, Bridgton, ME, features various displays throughout the year; this one by artist Traci Witham’s and her pottery.

Taking in the fabulous art of the Valley at the Summer Art Show, sponsored by ArtWorks

MWV ARTISTS & GALLERIES continued

NW Cassidy Fine Art (603) 662-2074

nwcassidy@earthlink.net

Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery

69 Maple Street, Center Sandwich, NH (603) 284-7728

www.patricialaddcarega.com

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

Roger C. Williams Fine Art

125 Main Street, Lovell, ME (207) 925-3380

www.rogerwilliamsfineart.com

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

Surroundings Art Gallery

12 Main Street, Sandwich, NH (603) 284-6888

www.surroundingsart.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, Jackson, NH • (603) 374-6050

www.whitemountainphoto.com

With These Hands Pottery

397 Tasker Hill Road Conway, NH (207) 256-2522

www.withthesehandspottery.com

also known for their Hudson River School pieces. They also have some select pieces by contemporary artists who practice their craft in the traditional 19th-century style. This event is well worth a look, especially during foliage season in Jackson, NH.

It is a huge months-long undertaking by these associations and businesses to stage exhibits and sales where most labor

take a workshop. Most require no prior experience and will bring you joy. Workshop schedules are offered on the websites at www.jacksonartnh.com, www.chocoruaartworks.com, www.mwvarts.org and through other galleries. Find contact information on the following page and come play with us … ou will love the experience!

Another opportunity to immerse yourself in the arts is to take a workshop. Most require no prior experience and will bring you joy. Workshops schedules are offered on the websites at www.jacksonartnh.com, www.chocoruaartworks.com, www.mwvarts.org, and other galleries.

is volunteer, where artists and artisans are welcomed with work and its display components. But the creators themselves also spend months or longer considering subjects, mediums, awaiting good light, presentation, and hanging systems to best present their work in the allotted display space. After the hours and months artists spend creating a piece, framing or building a display stand, labeling, pricing, and packing, they eventually set up a booth that pleases them. They invest a huge amount of time and energy to bring you a chance to appreciate the beauty and intrigue of their efforts.

Please come for a look, admire the work, and enjoy a feast for the eyes. It is why we paint or draw, carve, weave, mold, weld, or otherwise re-imagine a piece of paper, canvas, metal, clay, or fiber, to share a vision that brings us happiness. We will be there for you, so stop by.

Another opportunity to immerse yourself in the arts is to

Whether it’s as an admirer or a creator, make your summer a memorable art adventure here in the Valley. It’s an experience you will not soon forget.

JP Goodwin, past president of the MWVArts, former director of Art in the Park, and present board member and treasurer of Chocorua Creative Arts Center and ArtWorks Gallery, art instructor, and facilitator of the Friday Painters Group, can frequently be found around the Valley creating and exhibiting. Raised on the North Shore of MA, where she painted and taught extensively, she has been coming to the Valley since 1950 and painting here since the 1990s.

League of NH Craftsmen North Conway

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

ART CLASSES

CONTEMPORARY ART FROM 30+ LOCAL & NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ARTISTS

SUMMER POP-UP ART SHOW - WHITNEY COMMUNITY CENTER - JULY 29 &30

BEST ART GALLERY IN NH!

SUMMER HOURS:

THURSDAY 10-6

FRIDAY 10-6

SATURDAY 10-6

SUNDAY 10-5

MON-WED- BY APPOINTMENT

CYNTHIA ROSEN / OIL

JANET GILL / PASTEL

LINDA MCDERMOTT/ OIL JOELLE GOFF / OIL MICHAEL GRAVES / OIL SANDRA D.PEZZULO / OIL

MELANIE B. LEVITT/ OIL

By Clem McAuliffe

In Search of the Summer Suds Scene

Asimple drive down White Mountain Highway proves the perpetual wheel of progress has picked up its pace here in the Valley. Hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores are popping up like misty morning mushrooms. Thankfully, the breweries are marching to their own manifest destiny and are expanding in variety, size, and amenities. I, for one, am ecstatic to see the Valley beer scene blowing up

and will humbly accept any accolades for all the selfless beer-drinking I did to help. Before I’m carried away on the shoulders of adoring fans, let me walk you through some local classic summer staples and a bunch of new brews to choose from.

Birthdays are big days and Big Day’s first birthday was no exception. Celebrating this milestone by strutting out Birthday Suit, a 6.5% NEIPA with Rakau

and Galaxy Hops, turned out to be a real scene stealer. Being exposed to the beautiful Birthday Suit left me a bit blush and giddy. Big Day Brewing, in Gorham, NH, has more sours, lagers, and other options planned for summer. Marge will be a kettle sour that is the brewer’s take on a refreshing Margarita with added salt and lime, of course! For the whimsical white beer lover, Contour Wit will fit the bill. Un-malted

wheat and coriander will definitely be employed with respect to a great Wit beer. Plus, a peach version that reminds us change is inevitable and tasty. The gold standard Kölsch style Coös Gold will stand side by side with the flagship IPAs, Secret 7 and Galaxy Quest. Lastly, keep a sharp lookout for a Mexican lager cameo brewed with maize.

Moat Mountain Brewing Company will dispatch some fair-weather batches to pour down our hatches. The flirty Ooh La-La Lemongrass Ginger Wit Ale

Superstitious types might blow on their dice or knock on wood once or twice, but take my advice: if you want to feel nice, go get yourself some Hoffman Weiss. This 5.7% traditional Hefeweizen will keep you cool even when the temperature is risin’. All rhymes aside, don’t bide your time, cause these rides to fly by in the blink of an eye.

Time and time again, I’ve mentioned how much I love the scenic drive over Bear Notch Road to the wonderous Woodstock Inn Brewery. The winding

Ledge Brewing favorites such as German Afternoons, their crisp beloved White Mountain pilsner, and Off Piste, the popular pale ale dosed with New Zealand hops, will both be heavily featured this summer.

will put a smile on your face without leaving a trace, just in case. For those who like to get loose with a little juice, the Jimosa Brut IPA is the one to choose. This 6% Brut IPA is brewed with Mandarina Bavaria, Citra, and Cascade hops. Then, rounded out with cara cara oranges. A tribute to honor the hard-working, talented chef and fun-loving father, Jim Davis, Jimosa isn’t just for brunch.

mountain road to the equally majestic Kancamagus Highway, guiding you to the lovely town of Lincoln, is just the beginning. Multiple bars, dining, and lodging are at your fingertips. A bevy of brews bounding out of their new stateof-the-art 30-barrel brewhouse bathes you in blissful relaxation and satisfaction. Their latest lick-your-lips libation is Lost Time. A double, dry-hopped

BIG DAY BREWING Kölsch style Coös Gold

TUCKERMAN BREWING Dawn Patrol Dry-Hopped New England IPA

REK’ • LIS BREWING CO Don’t Call Me Honey Farmhouse Ale - Saison

SACO RIVER BREWING Ha Ho! Double India Pale Ale

Galaxy pale ale. This 5.5% New England-style pale ale is yellow, hazy, juicy, bright, and tropical. Yowza! That’s my kinda’ jam. If your jam is blueberry and lemon, then the Lemon Blueberry Ale should be in your fridge instead of that old jar of marmalade no one ever seems to get rid of. This 4.7% thirst-quenching beer finishes with hints of freshly picked blueberries and lemon zest. The next summery sud is not only sumptuous but could also be the name of a new Crayola crayon color. The crisp, clean Honey Lemon Blonde is brewed with real New Hampshire honey and Lemon Drop hops. The invigorating 4.8% brew will be the buzz around town and keeps the bees swarming back for more.

Some say a man can’t live on beer alone, and they’re right. Ledge Brewing Company on Route 16 in Intervale is opening a taco bar so you never have to beer alone. Street-style tacos and clever craft brews, conveniently combined, are a cunning stunt to keep you coming back. Another great combo is Copper John, an easy-drinking amber lager with a light-bready finish, brewed in collaboration with Smuttynose. Favorites such as German Afternoons, their crisp beloved White Mountain pilsner, and Off Piste, the popular pale ale dosed with New Zealand hops, will both be heavily featured this summer. Planning to please the plethora of potential palates, these pinters have produced a pleasant pomegranate and blood orange hard seltzer, Send It. Also, make note of their Midsummer Mountain Jam; a night of Grateful Dead with members of Bearly Dead on July 22. So, whether it’s pints and picante or salsa and seltzer, make sure you shakedown to Ledge and tie one on in your tie-dye.

If I had to choose one word to describe Tuckerman Brewing, it would be MORE. They have MORE beer, MORE food, MORE room, MORE music— and that means MORE ME. Their OG flagships are local legends, and the new brews are the breaking news. Starting off light is their citrusy summer squeeze, Lime After Lime. This 4.9% lime lager gives you that refresh-

Starting off light is Tuckerman Brewing’s citrusy summer squeeze, Lime After Lime. This 4.9% lime lager gives you that refreshing squirt of lime without the inevitable squirt in the eye.

ing squirt of lime without the inevitable squirt in the eye. Keeping it dry, Tuckerman will release Granite State Cider on July Fourth. The 5.8% cider will only be available on draft, so no new Hannah Lucy-adorned cans to look for, yet. Do look for Dawn Patrol IPA. The 7.1% hoppy hero heals the heart hypothetically and hazes the head, honestly. More reasons to visit Tuckerman aren’t necessary, but neither is my barely literate elementary alliteration but that hasn’t stopped me yet, so … . Freshly prepared brick-oven pizza and salads, small-batch

BREWERY EXPANSIONS CONTINUE

Our local breweries are constantly adding new reasons to visit, such as outdoor community and live music events, new food and menu offerings, and of course new brews just about every season. In addition to the regular new offerings, capital improvements of various sizes continue to pop up around the Valley, and this season certainly has a bunch worth mentioning!

At Tuckerman Brewing Company, approximately 2,000 square feet has been added to the original tasting area, which includes more seating space, tables, new bathrooms, and stage area, all complemented with massive windows that look out into the expanded beer garden. On the outside, a new parking area has easily doubled the space and conveniently connects to a new entrance opposite the previous one. The outside beer garden has also been overhauled and features an improved serving area with 24 tap lines and modern exterior bathrooms, which should help handle some of the larger crowds expected during live music events. Sustainability has been a priority focus throughout the expansion using recycled products, a storm-water management system, and solar panels, which will help generate power for outdoor, and some indoor needs.

Over at Ledge Brewing Company in Intervale, co-owner Ian Ferguson was excited to announce a big upgrade to its offerings with the addition of a taco restaurant inside the tasting room this summer. The Ledge Taco Bar is scheduled to open at the end of July, and will showcase the culinary talents of a well-respected chef from the Valley. The simple menu will consist of a few styles of tacos and small sides to pair with a menu of 10 ales and lagers on tap, said Ferguson. The taco bar will be a walk-up counter style restaurant, with the kitchen viewable from the tasting room. The restaurant will be open seven days-aweek during the late afternoon and evening. With crisp lager styles on deck, music four days a week, including a new Monday night open-mic, and the upcoming taco bar, Ledge is looking to serve up a trifecta of tacos, music, and brews this summer!

Meanwhile, rumors had been circulating for quite some time about a potential craft brewer presence in North Conway Village. Mason Irish, of Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg, Maine, has announced the opening of a second taphaus at the former site of Olympia at Norcross Place. With timing around late fall or early winter, the 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot space will be occupied by Saco River and two additional local businesses. The refurbished space will consist of a main floor, upper floor, and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop deck overlooking both the village area, with views east to Cranmore Mountain and west to the Moat Mountain Range. Saco River will offer small food fare plus a selection of Saco River-brewed beer. Additional outdoor seating on the front sidewalk along Main Street is also being discussed. Welcome to New Hampshire, Saco River Brewing!

unique beers, large outdoor seating, and live music mean good times for all. So, go get your yucks at Tuck’s.

Beers to the left of me, beers to the right of me, here I am stuck in the middle with brews. A playful parody the one-hit-wonder, by Stealers Wheel, got stuck in my head while driving south on Route 16 to Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Co in Ossipee. Unlike the band, Hobbs has plenty

of hits—and they just keep coming. You, too, will be stuck in the middle of IPAs, DIPAs, pilsners, stouts, and sours. Not to mention, they will be cranking out their 5.9% Lake Life Pale Ale this summer. I will also not mention the collaboration in July with their Hobbs Belize location as they roll out the 4.9% Toucan Mango Hefeweizen brewed here in NH. Another first for Hobbs will be putting out Virgil Pumpkin Ale this fall. Named after Virgil D. Waite, the creator of the snowmobile, who passed in their tavern and whose spirit is said to still roam the halls! Making matters more fitting,

Another first for Hobbs will be putting out Virgil Pumpkin Ale this fall. Named after Virgil D. Waite, the creator of the snowmobile, who passed in their tavern and whose spirit is said to still roam the halls!

What could be better than having fun and drinking beer? How about supporting animals in need while having fun and drinking beer! Join Tuckerman Brewing Company on July 29 for some cornhole and beer! There will be adoptable dogs, a cornhole tournament, prizes, live music from Shark Martin, and BEER! Challenge your friends to a friendly competition in the cornhole tournament. Create a team of two and register to play for $40 per team! Register at www.conwayhumane.org/pints

Hobbs has started monthly outdoor movie nights that are free and open to the public. They have paired movies with local food trucks that will reciprocate with some special items that pair with the films. Check socials for dates and times. They have also paired local live music with their Friday Night Market from 5 to 8 p.m. until Labor Day. Whether you visit for the brews, food, movies,

notes of citrus and tropical fruit. You don’t want to miss this one. Then, there’s Flip-Flop. The rotating recipe IPA that doesn’t protect your toes from flying hatchets, but at a cool 6% ABV, it will keep you light on your feet. Some new brews coming soon will be the anniversary beer in mid-July, and Patterson Hill Pilsner. Psst! I got a tip from a guy that the Jockey Cap IPA is a sure bet. This

or just plain ghost hunting, Hobbs has something super and natural waiting for you.

Saco River Brewing in Fryeburg, Maine, has everything. Amazing craft brews of all types, fruit purée hard seltzers, friendly food trucks, live tunes, and a big heart with a giant helping hand for a ton of community events and fundraisers. But, that wasn’t enough for their fearless leader, Mason Irish. He needed more thrills and danger! That’s right folks … axe throwing! Plenty of Saco’s suds go great with tossing tomahawks. But keep an eye out for these two: watch out for Hornets Nest DIPA brewed with Citra, Ella, and Mosaic, giving off

little 5.5% pint-o starts off mellow, but then gets hopping mid-way through and always finishes clean! Ba da bing!

There is so much more going on at all our beloved local breweries and I don’t want you to miss a thing! Please check the brewery websites and social do-dahs with that little computer we all have at hand and start planning out your summer brewery tour.

Let me finish by putting down my pen and raising a glass to the farmers, brewers, warehouse workers, and truckers who do all the dirty work.

Thank you all! Cheers! Clem

All who enter the store quickly understand the benefit of asking, “Clem, what am I drinking today?”

VS T A

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.

Then, there’s Saco River Brewing’s Flip-Flop. The rotating recipe IPA that doesn’t protect your toes from flying hatchets, but at a cool 6% ABV, it will keep you light on your feet.

The North Conway Community Center will again host the Mount Washington Valley Farmers’ Market every Tuesday through October 3, 4 to 7 p.m. (3 to 6 p.m. after Labor Day), rain or shine. Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Eating local & fresh all summer long

By Ashley MacPherson

Whether you’re visiting or you live locally, there are so many ways to eat locally grown food all summer long. With the help of MWVEG, we scoured the region to bring you the details.

As the Valley rings in the summer, the region welcomes the bounty of fresh, local foods available at farms, farmers’ markets, CSAs (community-supported agriculture), and restaurants. Though many local products are available year round, the summer season is rich with fresh produce. There are many top-notch options to choose from in the search for fresh, delicious foods that fill our bellies and support businesses in the community. With a variety of ways to access this local goodness, how do you know where to start?

A great place to begin is Mt. Washington Valley Eaters & Growers (MWVEG), an organization of farmers and local food advocates working together on local food issues, with a mission to strengthen the regional food system through communication, collaboration, and cooperation among farms and the community. Their website and farm guide build awareness of locally grown products through the promotion of local farms, CSAs, and farmers’ markets. If you are a local business, be sure to check out their wholesale options for a list of local farms offering wholesale pricing and deliveries in the greater Valley and Lakes Region. For more information, visit www.MWVEG.com.

The MWVEG guide highlights many ways to access local products that are sure to deliver the sweet tastes of summer.

Let’s dive in!

Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets

A wonderful option for sourcing local food is to seek out a farmers’ market, which brings multiple farms and local businesses together in a community-driven, convenient way. To complement their variety of seasonal farm products and goods, many offer live music and other activities such as yoga. These markets provide access to local food and also create an environment where members of the community can spend time outside, strolling through rows of fresh foods and locally made crafts.

Local Farms with Farm Stands

The Valley is fortunate to have many local farms that sell their produce, meat, herbs, and flowers via farm stands, expanding the time you can access local food beyond farmers’ market hours. Some farms offer PYO (pick your own) fruits, flowers, and veggies as well—an activity the whole family can enjoy. The MWVEG farm guide showcases 35 member farms in the area that use a variety of growing practices. Many of these farms offer incentives, such as veteran discounts, SNAP/EBT and other local food vouchers, and community garden space. Visiting these farms allows you to connect with the people who grow your food, learn about their farming processes, and try out their variety of locally grown and crafted products. If a farm has a farm stand that is open to the public, it will be listed on the “where to buy” section of their listing on www.mwveg.com.

CSAs

Participating in a CSA is a collaborative method to get seasonal produce locally, explore new foods, and support local farms by prepaying for a share of their crop. Joining a farm’s traditional box CSA provides subscription access to their fresh produce at varying durations, such as weekly or monthly pickups or deliveries. Most begin in late spring and run through the end of summer, and many offer programs into the fall and winter. Some farms also offer market shares, a credit-style offering that provides the flexibility to choose your own items from their farm stands and stores.

To note, the start date to join some of the spring and summer CSAs may have passed or might be full at the time of publication. To inquire about the details of their CSA programs, you can find more info on the MWVEG website or contact the farms directly.

Restaurants and Stores

Fresh, local food is featured in the culinary creations across the shelves and menus of a variety of local restaurants and shops in the Valley. Visiting these spots for locally sourced seasonal dishes and products is a great way to learn about and try out the new, seasonal foods and flavors offered throughout the community. Asking, “What’s local today?” when you dine is a great way to let the restaurant know that eating locally is important to you.

Here is a regional breakdown of the ways you can access fresh and local food in your neighborhood.

CONWAY & NORTH CONWAY

Farm Stands:

Davis Natural Produce: Farm stand open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week at International Mountain Equipment in North Conway Village.

Densmore Orchard: Farm stand open mid-September through October. PYO 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Earle Family Farm: Farm stand onsite.

Grand View Farm: Farmstand open May through October, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hatches’ Orchard: PYO apples weekends and holidays, September 2 through October 29. Call for appointments midweek.

Naylen Farms: Farm stand onsite.

The S.o.L Farm: Farm stand open year-round, seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weston’s Farm on West Side Dr.: Open June through October.

CSAs:

Both Sherman Farm and Grand View Farm offer market shares that include credit and discounts to buy from their markets and farm stands. You can find traditional CSA box shares at A New

Day Farm, Davis Natural Produce, and Earle Family Farm, featuring vegetables all summer and fall, and ranging from 6 to 16 weeks (half and full shares). Some of these farms also offer winter bulk shares, workshops, and cut-your-own herbs and flowers. Contact the farms directly for more info.

Farmers’ Market:

Mount Washington Valley Farmers’ Market: Open June 20 through October 3. Tuesdays 4 to 7 p.m. (3 to 6 p.m. after Labor Day), rain or shine. Visit the North Conway Community Center to shop for a variety of local produce, meats, honey, bread, baked goods, alcohol, and prepared foods, including dinner options. Crafts and free yoga are also offered. EBT/SNAP/Granite State Market Match accepted. Contact mwvfarmersmarket@gmail.com or look online at www.mwvfarmersmarket.com.

Restaurants and Shops:

Restaurants and eateries: Chef’s Bistro, Black Cap Grille, Delaney’s Hole in the Wall, Flatbread Company, Peach’s, Table + Tonic Farm Cafe, Tuckerman Brewery, The Station Bistro, Frontside Coffee Roasters, Cheese Louise Shops and Stores:

The Local Grocer, Veno’s Specialty Foods and Meats, Old Village Bakery, International Mountain Equipment

GLEN, BARLETT, JACKSON & GORHAM

Farm Stands:

Moriah Valley Farm: Farm stand open June through October, daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

T.H.E. : Farm stand open Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. White Mountain Apiary: Farm stand open year round, by appointment.

CSA:

Highwater Farm provides an 18-week (half or full) CSA box share, with a wide variety of vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers, on a sliding payment structure.

Farmers’ Market:

Gorham Farmers’ Market: Open June 8 through October 5. Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m. The Gorham Farmers’ Market on the Gorham Common features a varied group of vendors offering local produce, meats, maple, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, craft items, and more. Live music is available on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, June through September. Double SNAP dollars and GSMM programs offered. Contact: (603) 466-2101; jstewart@gorhamnh.org; www.gorhamnh.org/parks-recreation-department/ pages/gorham-farmers-market.

Restaurants and Shops:

Restaurants and Eateries: Thompson House Eatery, White Mountain Cider Company, Sunrise Shack, The Red Fox Shops and Stores: White Mountain Cider Company, Vintage Baking Company, Cabot’s at Omni Mt. Washington

FRYEBURG & WESTERN MAINE

Farm Stands:

Fly Away Farm: Farm stand open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; plant stand open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 18 through mid-July.

Gould Acres Farm: Farm stand open 24/7, self-serve.

Walker Hill Farm Stand: Farm stand onsite.

Weston’s Farm: Farm stand open May through December.

CSAs:

In the Fryeburg and Western Maine area, Fly Away Farm offers a box share CSA, and Weston’s Farm provides a market share credit to purchase anything at their market.

Farmers’ Markets:

Lovell Farmers’ Market: Year round; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market in Center Lovell offers organic sourdough bread, cookies, vegetables, garlic, chicken, pork, beef, maple syrup, seedlings, eggs, crafts, and more. Contact: (207) 466-7352 or flyawayfarmmaine@gmail.com.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market: May through October. Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Head to the parking lot behind Reny’s to experience the Bridgton Farmers’ Market, offering locally grown produce, farm-raised meats, plants, baked goods, and high-quality handcrafted items. Winter market runs November through April on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon at Oriental Lodge #13. Maine Harvest Bucks program, EBT and double SNAP benefits are offered with some vendors accepting credit cards and WIC. Contact Bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com.

Restaurants and Shops:

Restaurants and Eateries: Oxford House Inn & Restaurant Shops and Stores: Center Lovell Market, Spice & Grain

EATON, TAMWORTH, FREEDOM, MADISON & OSSIPEE

Farm Stands:

BerryKnoll: PYO berries August, daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hollow Hill Farm: Farm stand and PYO, late August through October, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mountain Breeze Farm: Farm stand open year round, by appointment. Mountain Heartbeet: PYO raspberries second week in July through second week in August, dawn to dusk.

New Hampshire Mushroom Company: Farm stand open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. Snow Brook Farm: PYO, call to visit.

Something Wild Farm: Farm stand open weekends. Spider Web Gardens: Farm stand open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Farmstand: Farm stand open late-May to November, 8 a.m. - late. White Gates Farm: Farm stand open all day, year round, selfserve. PYO apples and berries in 2024.

CSAs:

To complement the numerous farm stands in the area, Pork Hill Farm, Mountain Heartbeet, Waxing Moon Gardens, and Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm offer CSA shares featuring vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, and animal products. Durations, quantities, and time-frames vary.

Farmers’ Market:

Tamworth Farmers’ Market: May through October 28. Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine (winter hours 10 a.m. - noon from November 4 through March 30 behind Tamworth Town Office).

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slope parking lot in Tamworth Village hosts this year-long farmers’ market with a large group of diverse vendors selling vegetables, fruits, breads, baked goods, raw dairy, maple syrup, honey, plants, flowers,

mushrooms, meat, jams, jellies, kombucha, fresh-caught seafood, goat cheese, ice cream, dog treats, artisan chocolate, crafts, iced tea, chai, wool, yarn, and more. Listen to live music while you shop (May - October 7) or take a peek in the UUsed Thrift Shop. Double SNAP dollars offered.

Contact: (603) 244-0495 or (603) 323-2392; bsfarmerbob@ gmail.com; farmersmarketTamworth@gmail.com; www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org.

Restaurants and Shops:

Restaurants and Eateries: Snowvillage Inn

Shops and Stores: Farm to Table Market, The Village Store of Madison, Momma Bear Corner Store

WOLFEBORO & FURTHER SOUTH

Farm Stands:

DeVylder Farm: Farmstand and PYO open September and October, Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Top of the Hill Farm: Farm stand open year round, 7 days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (winter) and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (summer).

Farmers Market:

Wolfeboro Farmers Market: Open May through October; Thursdays noon to 3:30 p.m., rain or shine. The summer market is held at Nick Recreation Park, featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, cut flowers, seedlings, native plants, fresh fish, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs, goat and cow dairy products and soaps, baked goods, gluten-free breads and goodies, mushrooms, fiber arts, honey, honey products, maple syrup, jams, jellies, dog treats, shaved ice, and prepared food. This market also features music, story time, and weekly community events. Double SNAP, Granite State Market Match, Food for All and Vouchers for Veterans offered. Contact: wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com; www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.

Restaurants and Shops:

Restaurants and Eateries: La Boca, Pickering House Shops and Stores: Wolfeboro Food Co-op, Heath’s Supermarket, The Harvest Market, Top of the Hill Farm Store, Picnic Rock Farms, Local Foods Plymouth

Leveraging the wealth of information in the MWVEG Local Farm Guide, we’ve put together a map for you to easily experience the delights of the Valley’s delicious, home-grown foods and products. To learn more about local, seasonal food, and how to support the local farming community, visit www.mwveg.com.

Bon appétit!

Cait Bourgault photography

MWV Farmers’ Markets

Every Sat 8am-Noon, May-October 151 Main Street, Bridgton, ME www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket

Every Thurs 3-6pm, June 8-October 5 69 Main Street, Gorham, NH (603) 466-2101 • www.gorhamnh.org

Community supported agriculture

CSAs are a relationship between a grower and an eater in which the eater invests early to help with the start-up costs of a new growing season. This investment is paid back throughout the year with weekly shares of the farm’s harvest.

Check out many different CSA options at www.mwveg.com.

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

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

Every Sat 9am-Noon, May-October 28 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, NH www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

Every Thursday, Noon-3:30pm, May-October 10 Trotting Track Road, Route 28, Wolfeboro, NH www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com

Please note that MWV Vibe has created this list with the help of MWVEG. Some farms or markets listed may not be actual members of MWVEG, and therefore, may not be found on the MWVEG website. Please contact MWV Vibe with corrections and/or suggestions.

MWV Farms

AN A New Day Farm Conway, NH

AB Abundant Blessings Brookfield, NH

AA Apple Acres Farm Hiram, ME

AF Avella Farm Hiram, ME

AG Again & Again Farmstead Tamworth, NH

AT Athena’s Bees Apiary Ossipee, NH

BK Berry Knoll Eaton, NH

BF Bly Farm Wolfeboro, NH

CH Chase Hill Farm* Albany, NH

DN Davis Natural Produce Eaton, NH

DO Densmore Orchard Conway, NH

DV DeVylder Farm Wolfeboro, NH

EF Earle Family Farm Conway, NH

FA Fly Away Farm* Stow, ME

FM Full Moon Farm Wolfeboro, NH

GA Gould Acres Farm Stowe, ME

GB Good Buddy Farm E. Hiram, ME

GV Grand View Farm* Conway, NH

HO Hatches’ Orchard* Conway, NH

HI Highwater Farm* Bartlett, NH

HF Hosac Farm Cornish, ME

HW Howlin’ Winds Farm Fryeburg, ME

LH Lily Hill Farm Tamworth, NH

LP Loon’s Point Honey Bees Madison, NH

MF Meadowfall Farm & Forage Porter, ME

MB Merrybrook Farm Tamworth, NH

MV MiVida Gardens Madison, NH

MO Moonset Farm & Floral Porter, ME

MB Mountain Breeze Farm Sandwich, NH

MN Mountain Flower Farm Intervale, NH

MH Mountain Heartbeet Farm Effingham, NH

ML Mountain Laurel Farm Sanbornville, NH

NH NH Mushroom Company* Tamworth, NH

OW Old Wells Farm Limington, ME

PF Patch Farm Denmark, ME

PH Pork Hill Farm Ossipee, NH

RG Red Gables Farm Tamworth, NH

RM Remick Museum & Farm Tamworth, NH

SH Sap Hound Maple Co. Brownfield, ME

SC Schartner Farm North Conway, NH

SF Sherman Farm Conway, NH

SB Snow Brook Farm Eaton, NH

SU Sumner Brook Fish Farm Ossipee, NH

SO The S.o.L Farm No. Conway, NH

SW Spider Web Gardens Tuftonboro, NH

TF The Farmstand Tamworth, NH

TH Thompson House Farm Stand Jackson, NH

TR The Farm by the River Effingham, NH

TO Top of the Hill Farm Wolfeboro, NH

TU Tumbledown Farms Brookfield, NH

WH Walker Hill Farm Stand Fryeburg, ME

WM Waxing Moon Gardens* No. Sandwich, NH

WE Weston’s Farm* Fryeburg, ME

WG White Gates Farm Tamworth, NH

WA White Mountain Apiary Whitefield, NH

WP Whispering Pines Farm Effingham Falls, NH

ZM Zero Mile Farm South Tamworth, NH

ABOUT OUR FOOD AND OUR COMMUNITY

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

ENERGY SNACKS 101

by Trish Murray, DO

Healthy Trail Snacks to Fuel Your Next Adventure

In my free time, I love exploring the White Mountains by foot. Hiking is one of the best ways I know to exercise, connect with nature, and decompress. I’m also a huge fan of camping and canoeing trips. As a functional medicine practitioner, one of the most common questions I am asked is what to eat when exploring the great outdoors. Since I follow a gluten-free, dairyfree diet, my hiking snacks are no exception. I like to focus on wholesome, nutritious foods to fuel my active lifestyle.

Logistically, it’s best to opt for lightweight food items that do not require refrigeration or preparation, which can survive being in a backpack without getting crushed. To sustain energy levels while hiking, the best choices typically include a combination of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, natural sugars, and a bit of sodium. Of course, you also want it to taste good.

Oh, is that all? You might be thinking that sounds like a tall order to fill, so let’s break it down and look at some options. First of all, let’s examine the different types of ingredients we’re aiming for. Then we’ll review some homemade and some storebought options that might give you some ideas of how to fill your backpack with delicious, nutritious fuel for your next hike.

Carbohydrates: While simple carbohydrates (such as cookies, pastries, or candy bars) may provide quick energy, be cautious with this because that surge is pretty quickly followed by a crash. Complex carbs, on the other hand, have higher fiber content, which means they are digested more slowly and will sustain you longer. Fruits and vegetables are good examples of complex carbohydrates.

Sugars: Excess consumption of junk food and processed, sugary snacks can lead to all kinds of health issues over time. The natural sugars found in fruits and complex carbs can provide a source of energy and help you maintain a steady blood sugar level during a hike. If you start to feel depleted or a bit dizzy at the end of a difficult trail, some fresh or dried fruit can also help you recover.

Protein: Consuming protein before or during a long hike will keep you feeling satisfied longer. Protein-based trail snacks might include beef or turkey jerky, tuna or salmon in foil pouches, and nuts, seeds, or nut butters. A meal containing protein after a hike can also help your muscles and tissues rebuild.

To sustain energy levels while hiking, the best choices typically include a combination of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, natural sugars, and a bit of sodium.

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Along the spectacular South Coast of Wales! Pembrokeshire~the secluded beaches and sandy coves, sweeping bays and craggy cliffs, and tidal estuaries that wind into steep sided valleys to woodland plateaus make this coastal footpath one of the finest in Britain!

Space is limited! Book your spot today! bit ly/Wales2023

Interested but want to learn more before you book? Please contact: brenda.holidaysafoot@gmail.com

Homemade TRAIL MIX

Makes 6-8 servings

• 1 cup mixed nuts—including almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, etc.

• ½ cup seeds (sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds work well)

• ¼ cup chocolate chips (if you’re dairy free, be sure to read ingredients)

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (OR dried apple rings, dates, or dried banana chips)

Go-To Trail Snacks

• Nuts

• Homemade trail mix

• Apple, banana, peach, orange

• PB&J

• Whole food snack bars such as KIND bars

• Cut up veggie sticks: carrots, celery, zucchini, etc.

Gluten Free Granola and Yogurt Moosh

• ½ cup of granola (gluten free, if preferred)

• 2 tbsp of yogurt (dairy, almond, cashew, coconut)

• 1 tbsp nut butter of choice

• 1 tsp ground flax seeds

• ½ cup frozen berries

Milk or creamer (dairy, almond, cashew, coconut); but only enough to make a mushy consistency rather than cereal floating in milk.

Courtesy photo

Fats: Healthy fats, including nuts, coconut, avocado, or olives, will keep you energized and satiated throughout your hike. Each gram of healthy fat provides nine calories of energy to burn, whereas proteins and carbohydrates only provide four calories per gram. Equate this to filling your gas tank and you can see that focusing on healthy fats will provide you with the most sustainable energy.

Sodium: It might sound like a strange addition to this list, but sodium is an essential electrolyte. During a long summer hike, you’re likely going to be working up a sweat and drinking plenty of water. This can lead to depleted electrolytes and dehydration. A bit of sea salt in your water bottle or a bit of salt in your snacks can ensure you stay well hydrated.

Set Yourself Up for Success

In addition to packing a decent assortment of healthful snacks, it’s best to eat a balanced meal before your hike. I really enjoy starting my day with a healthy smoothie that includes a bunch of greens, a handful of fruit, a bit of full fat coconut milk, and some nut butter. It’s a great way to pack in plenty of nutrients for an active day. Other options for a balanced breakfast include eggs, almond milk yogurt with fruit, and some avocado; or steel cut oats with nut butter and berries. Check out the side bar for an amazing granola yogurt moosh cereal that has everything you need—and is delicious.

Sourcing Ingredients and Navigating Labels

Pulling together a healthy selection of options may seem like a daunting task, but it really just comes down to keeping it simple.

Opt for whole foods as much as possible. Make your own trail mix with a selection of nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and a few dates; pack an apple; cut up some veggie sticks; and throw them in a bag with a pouch of salmon or tuna. Homemade or locally made jerky or fruit leathers can also be an easy grab-and-go solution. In a pinch, the traditional PB&J sandwich will never let you down.

There are tons of pre-packaged options out there. Protein bars, trail mix, energy balls or gels, and sports drinks abound. The trick is to know what to look for when reading the labels. Manufacturers spend a ton of money advertising to get their products to look appealing. Look beyond the buzzwords and check the actual ingredients. Choose items with ingredients you can identify rather than those with chemicals and lots of added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Dr. Trish Murray is a highly accomplished physician who has been certified in internal medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, energy medicine, and functional medicine. She is the founder of Discover Health Functional Medicine Center in Conway, New Hampshire, and a partner in the Discover Health Movement Membership. Dr. Trish takes an individualized, holistic approach to health to help you take control of your health and transform your life. For more information, visit www.discoverhealthfmc.com. Discover Health Functional Medicine Center • (603) 447-3112

Remember to bring snacks for the pup on long outings. A small amount of sugar-free peanut butter works well!

Crystalline mountain lakes, swiftly running streams, secluded swimming holes, and clear placid ponds, the Mt. Washington Valley offers endless opportunities for water-loving dogs to enjoy the refreshing balm these bodies of water provide. And of course, there are plenty of mucky, fetid marshes that dogs also seem to relish … despite the desperate pleas of their owners.

SWIMMING AND ITS MANY BENEFITS

Swimming and wading are not only

Outdoor Dogs & Water Safety

By Dr. Cheryl Cullion

from painful joints, water’s buoyancy allows these dogs to exercise with less discomfort. And finally, playing in the water is just plain fun for dogs.

HELP FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT

Despite water’s salubrious benefits, it’s not without its hazards. Fortunately, there are preventative measures one can take to protect their water-loving pooches. Life vests can be a critical safeguard, particularly for those dogs inexperienced around water and those breeds whose

to those dogs that need some assistance, as well as give an owner some control.

SAFE TO DRINK?

There are a variety of microorganisms that can be lurking on or below the water’s surface, causing a range of symptoms—from none to acute death. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can be particularly lethal. It thrives in warm, stagnant water, often—although not always—causing a telltale green, brown, or red discoloration, which warns

Cyanobacteria blooms occur most often in late summer and early fall. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated water. Symptoms are usually swift and severe, with only supportive treatment available to combat its serious effects.

enjoyable for dogs but provide fitness benefits that running or walking on land does not. Water is 15 times more viscous than air, requiring more effort to move through, leading to increased muscle strength and better tone and cardiac fitness. It can also help those dogs struggling with obesity to lose weight. Cool water can allow dogs to exercise more vigorously with less threat of overheating. And for those dogs suffering

conformation makes it challenging to keep afloat. First-timers may forget to use their rear legs to paddle as they struggle to find the lake or pond’s bottom, overworking their front legs. A bulldog’s stocky front conformation makes it challenging to stay afloat, as do the short legs of a dachshund. A good life vest should not restrict hip or shoulder movement and should be easy to take on and off. A sturdy vest handle can provide a welcome relief

of its deadly potential. Cyanobacteria blooms occur most often in late summer and early fall. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated water. Symptoms are usually swift and severe, with only supportive treatment available to combat its serious effects. Leptospirosis, another bacterium, also likes stagnant or slow-moving water. Infection most often occurs in July and August. The organism enters the body through mucous

membranes or breaks in the skin, such as cuts or abrasions. Its symptoms can be either acute or chronic and can be severe. Treatment consists of antibiotics and supportive care. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available to decrease the likelihood of serious disease.

Finally, there is Giardia. It prefers cold water and its effects are a little more insidious, but usually less serious; it ranges from no symptoms to severe GI upset. It can be treated with several medications, but it can be a real challenge to eliminate it from the intestinal tract.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH

Finally, and notably, the cooling properties of water can also pose a certain amount of risk. Puppies and toy breeds are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, so careful monitoring and a post-swimming rub down with a dry fluffy towel can be helpful.

Dogs who ingest too much water, which sometimes occurs during fetching, can suffer from water toxicity, causing seizures or poor mentation. Throwing flat toys to retrieve and monitoring water consumption may help eliminate this problem. Short-snouted dogs such as English bulldogs or Frenchies are more likely to aspirate water, hence life vests are a good idea. And prolonged overexertion while swimming in cold water, like our Saco and Swift rivers, can cause large breed dogs to develop limber tail. This affliction causes pain at the base of the tail, and typically resolves in a couple of days.

SHELTER FROM THE SUN

Water is not the only concern while

enjoying a day at the beach. Dogs, like people, can get sunburned, particularly in non-pigmented hairless areas. Ideally, it’s best to avoid outdoor time between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or restrict activities to the shade. Other precautions such as waterproof sunblock with at least an SPF of 30 labeled for babies or dogs can be applied. Blocks with zinc oxide should be avoided, as they can be toxic. And for those breeds that like to show a little more skin, fashionable sunsuits with sun-blocking fabrics are available. Perhaps by now, you’re thinking that the only thing missing is flesh-eating piranhas from the region’s northern shores— although there are certainly toe-biting snapping turtles in some ponds and lakes. Each year most dogs, including my own, celebrate the melting of winter’s ice with a joyous leap into summer’s now-open waters without incident. With a modicum of thoughtful prevention, water-loving dogs can safely bound, swim, and soak in the Valley’s unspoiled waterways. Take the needed precautions and let your dog take the plunge!

Dr. Cheryl Cullion is certified in veterinary rehab and acupuncture. Her practice “Best Life Canine Rehab and Acupuncture” in Center Conway, provides caring and skillful rehab treatments similar to those employed in physical therapy to help dogs obtain their highest level of function and quality of life possible. For more information, visit www.bestlifek9rehab.com or call (603) 986-3768.

IS AN E-BIKE IN YOUR FUTURE?

Ryan Murphy and Monte McIndoe riding pedal-assist touring bikes. Photo by Kieran Lombard

By Andrew Drummond, Ski The Whites

E-bikes have settled into the North American marketplace long after booming popularity in Europe. I came across my first e-bike while running up a ski area access road in Chamonix, France several years ago. The effort the rider was putting in didn’t match with the speed they were going and after further observation, the bike had a rather large downtube where an obvious battery was stored. One part intrigued, and one part jealous, I continued on my way with so many questions: How fast and powerful were these bikes? How far could you ride? What

terrain could you ride? What performance did they gain or give up on the descent?

Fast forward to present day and e-bikes are ubiquitous across all brands and categories. With the recent innovation in this space, there were many COVID production delays, which made the last two years difficult to navigate as both a retailer and consumer. This year production is catching up with many e-bikes back in stock, and 2023 models continue to improve on core features like battery capacity, componentry, and weight.

Whether you’re looking for a commuter, road, or mountain bike, you can find an e-version. Here’s what to know about the most recent options.

Photos by Andrew Drummond

Whether you’re looking for a commuter, road, or mountain bike, you can find an e-version—and for the simplicity of this article, we’re going to touch on pedal assist models that only give return power when you pedal.

WHY E-BIKES?

We’ve heard a lot of grumbling from many riders who succumb to the e-bike stigma that they are for old and lazy riders. This is usually counter-argued with, “Have you ridden an e-bike?” And the answer is usually, “No.” There are many reasons for e-bikes to exist in this market. In no particular order:

• They are fun.

• All fitness levels can ride together.

• They are great for recovery rides.

• They improve your riding ability (both up and down).

• They let you ride further in a shorter period of time.

• They are an excellent alternative to driving.

CLASSES OF E-BIKES:

E-bike classes are defined by the level of assist and speed that your e-bike goes. Many trails restrict use to a Class 1, or do not allow e-bikes at all.

Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph and are equipped with an electric motor without a throttle (the rider must pedal to activate the motor). Once you exceed 20 mph, the motor function is disabled until your speed dips back

under 20 mph.

The US Forest Service classifies e-bikes as motorized vehicles; therefore e-bikes may only access motorized trails on federal land within New Hampshire. Laws concerning e-bikes are ever-changing, so check with your local bike shop for up-todate information.

BATTERY CAPACITY

How far can I ride? This is a frequently asked question, and rightfully so. E-bikes generally weigh upwards of 50 pounds, and while they will inevitably get lighter, peddling around a 50-pound bike is very difficult.

There are several variables that will affect the distance you get out of a full battery charge. These include the rider weight, terrain, pedal-assist mode (i.e., TURBO will drain the battery faster than ECO), and external temperature (cold weather cuts mileage down considerably). Expect many bikes to take you on a two-hour ride, but pay attention to your battery indicator to gauge your range.

GENERAL E-BIKE COMPUTER FEATURES

E-Bikes come equipped with computers that have several data screens for motor mode, range, odometer, speedometer, and more. You’ll use the screen to control all the motor functions of the bike; and many e-bikes have a walk mode that will lurch the bike forward helping walk the bike up a hill or technical terrain.

LEFT: Chris Wilke and Hilary McCloy on Surf’s Up. RIGHT: Hilary McCloy on Charlie Don’t Surf. Photos by Andrew Drummond

summer groove

• Access to Ride NoCo trails and Rec Path

• Hassle-free bike rentals and equipment

• Season-long clinics hosted by Blue Sky MTB

E-BIKE MAINTENANCE

E-bikes are maintained just like regular bikes—need to be washed, lubed, and serviced as recommended by the manufacturer. Being heavier, there are e-bike-specific components, but all can be worked on by your local mechanic. We’ve found that brake pads need to be serviced more because of the force required to stop the weight of the bike. The computers also may also get firmware updates, so it’s important to check with your local dealer.

PRICE RANGE

There is sticker shock associated with e-bikes. The entry into the market usually starts at $2,000 but you will find bikes upwards of $12,000 as you introduce more suspension, carbon, and other high-end componentry.

If you’re still curious about e-bikes, you should rent one from your local bike shop. Ski The Whites rents out touring bikes that are perfect for paved and dirt roads. At the shop, they can recommend local routes to help you get the most out of your ride.

211 Main Street, Jackson, NH

(603) 383-3142 • www.skithewhites.com

SCAN CODE FOR PASS OPTIONS

What You Should Know about Search & Rescue

by Mike Cherim

Hiking, climbing, skiing, biking, and many other outdoor pursuits carry some degree of risk to life and limb. Accidents can happen, an illness or some medical condition may occur, the weather may become nasty or dangerous, darkness may trap even those with the best intentions if they fail to provide their own light, and more. Much more, just ask Murphy. Within the heart of our communities, these conditions are really manageable, if not downright avoidable, in some cases. In the mountains, however, it’s a whole other matter. In our more remote wild spaces—spaces outside of the “golden hour” (the amount of time it takes for regular emergency services to lend aid)—help is less assured.

Consider the following …

These Things Take Time

In an “Anatomy of a Rescue”, if a person calls for help in the wilds, that help may take hours to arrive—literally. This is a stark reality on the best of days, thanks, in part, to rugged mountains featuring steep trails with often tough ground conditions. And on the worst of days, during inclement weather, for example, rescue may be delayed even further. Additionally, in dangerous weather, a proper backcountry response might not be able to occur at all or may be delayed overnight, or even several days. In such extreme cases, the acronym’s ‘R’ often reflects its second, more dire meaning. Rest assured, however, the mission will always occur, but only when it’s safe to do so.

The Reason?

The emergency call comes into the New Hampshire Fish & Game (NHF&G), routed from 9-1-1 as is often the case, and they decide whether or not to involve additional resources, if needed. This can range from K-9 units, air support, ground support, and certain mountain infrastructure, ranging from trails to roads to rails. And last but not least, the NHF&G relies on a host of volunteer organizations (see a list of them in the sidebar). The organizations themselves all have a means of communicating with their respective teams, and do so. This is generally referred to as a “call out.” When the call does go out to the individual volunteers (who are hopefully available, prepared, and able), they then have to travel to a rally point where

they will meet others from their organization, possibly other teams, and, of course, with the NHF&G. All-in-all, this can take an hour or more, yet the operation’s still barely started at this point. From there, the volunteers must make it to or locate the patient or person in trouble. Often, this may involve an hour or even several hours of hiking—or climbing if the terrain is technical. It’s the nature of the beast, so one needs to know this going in. It sure does make a good argument for self-sufficiency

The Penultimate Price to Pay

Some think S.A.R. services are guaranteed and free-ofcharge—not counting those paying the ultimate price, of course. Well, often, they are free. But not always. Not in New Hampshire, in particular. If, for example, you lack the appropriate safety gear, ultimately causing or resulting in the situation at hand—meaning you’re negligent—you may be held accountable and presented with an invoice from the state of NH. To be clear, it could be a bill for several thousands of dollars.

When can this happen? What’s negligent? Let’s imagine, for example, you require rescue because you’re not prepared to stay out (lacking layers or shelter), and you failed to bring an appropriate light, like a headlamp, forcing you to stay out anyway. But you’re getting cold, the mountains are different at night. You find you must move, so you try to hike out. But you stumble in the dark. You end up falling and breaking a lower leg. Now a carry-out will be needed. It’ll take 30 people or more to get it done. Mostly volunteers.

To Hike Safe

Unavoidable things happen in those hills, as well as avoidable things. Focusing on the latter, avoiding trouble where you can, is a great start and should be your Plan A. Carrying the essential gear and wearing/ bringing the right clothing is key. Preparedness helps you avoid negligence. But negligence aside, preparedness may very well be key to surviving the situation. Remember, rescue takes time.

Even if you have a NHF&G-issued “Hike Safe” card, rescue can take a very long time, so preparedness is still key. The card helps you avoid being fined for some negligence, and the funds used to purchase said card are immensely helpful, but it won’t save your life. It is not a get-out-of-jail card, free or otherwise.

S.A.R. stands for Search And Rescue, or, in the most tragic cases, Search And Recover.

If you didn’t know this, here’s more you might not know …

Joining the Ranks

Wanting to give back, many outdoors enthusiasts will volunteer for search and rescue organizations. Some outfits have been listed and URLs provided so that you can visit them online to learn more. Depending on your wants and needs, as well as your abilities and ambitions, volunteering requirements will vary.

Some common themes hold true across the board, however:

• Volunteers should have a fair amount of hiking knowledge and experience under their belt.

• Volunteers need to have a practical, working knowledge of the service area they will work in.

• Reside within a reasonable proximity to the service area, with reliable transportation available.

• Have (or get) some generalized wilderness training, such as wilderness medicine, navigation, etc.

Again, please see the listed organizations to learn more about each of their specific requirements.

S.A.R. OVERSIGHT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH Fish and Game (NHF&G) www.wildlife.state.nh.us/law-enforcement/sar.html

Has statutory authority as the lead agency in charge of coordinating search and rescue efforts in most of NH.

NH Outdoor Council (NHOC)

www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org/support-our-mission/search-rescue-teams

The NHOC provides funding support to organizations involved in education and S.A.R. activities in NH.

Pemigewasset Valley Search And Rescue Team (PVSART) www.pemisar.org

Centered in the western White Mountains, the highly active, all-volunteer PVSART covers Franconia and more.

Lakes Region Search And Rescue (LRSAR) www.lrsar.org

Centered in the Lakes Region the highly active, all-volunteer LRSAR is positioned for more southern calls.

New England K-9 Search And Rescue (NEK9SAR) www.nek9sar.org

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

LIST OF VOLUNTEER

S.A.R. ORGANIZATIONS

Mountain Rescue Service (MRS)

www.nhmrs.org

Centered in Mt. Washington Valley, the all-volunteer MRS is called anywhere technical or alpine services are required.

Androscoggin Valley Search And Rescue (AVSAR) www.avsarnh.org

Centered in the Androscoggin Valley, NH, the all-volunteer AVSAR often responds to calls in the Presidentials.

Offering people and K9s to law enforcement agencies in VT and NH to assist in locating lost/missing persons.

Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol (MWVSP) www.tuckerman.org/about-the-patrol Supporting skiers, the USFS, and the Mount Washington Avalanche Center (MWAC) with education, first aid, and S.A.R.

Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team (UVWRT) www.uvwrt.wordpress.com

The all-volunteer UVWRT supports the S.A.R. needs of western NH and the Upper Connecticut Valley also serving VT.

The mission of White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue, seen here in training, is to offer specialized technical skills, training, knowledge, and experience of the White Mountain whitewater paddling community and to support the search, rescue, and recovery operations of federal, state, and local rescue agencies and organizations.

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team

www.wmsrt.org

Offering tech skills, training, and the experience of the whitewater community in support of S.A.R.

OTHERS INVOLVED WITH S.A.R. IN NH

The following organizations or agencies will sometimes provide staff and/or infrastructure greatly aiding the S.A.R. effort in the State.

White Mountain National Forest (WMNF)

www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain

Offering Forest resources, equipment, and manpower.

Army National Guide in NH (NHANG)

www.nh.ng.mil

Offering mission-critical air evac/ infil support.

Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/dhart

Offering mission-critical air/evac support.

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) www.outdoors.org

Offering its personnel, huts, and backcountry infrastructure.

Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) www.randolphmountainclub.org

Offering its personnel, huts, and backcountry infrastructure.

New Hampshire State Parks (NHSP) www.nhstateparks.org

Offering Parks resources, equipment, and manpower.

Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBs)

www.mountwashington.org

Providing forecasts, equipment, people, and infrastructure.

Mount Washington Avalanche Center (MWAC)

www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org

Providing forecasts, equipment, people, and infrastructure.

SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine (SOLO) www.soloschools.com

Offering personnel and medical equipment support.

Mt Washington Auto Road www.mt-washington.com

Offering mountain infrastructure and transportation.

The Cog Railway www.thecog.com

Offering mountain infrastructure and transportation.

Courses include Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Wilderness EMT, Advanced EMT, Wilderness Medicine Bridge Course, Wilderness First Aid, and more. thekaneschools@gmail.com

Small batch craft beer

Live music and beer garden

Taco Bar opening end of July!

WILD & RESCUE MEDICINE From people who have done what they teach

Photo by Chris Whitton

Visiting North of the Notches

Say Hey to Our Neighbors!

By Brian Chamberlain

Northern New Hampshire has a few names: the Great North Woods, North of the Notches, The North Country, or for some of us, we simply call it “Home.” It is a mostly untouched oasis of natural beauty where the air is sweet, the water is clean, and the people still wave to you as you drive by.

Historically, the region was built around the timber industry in the mid-1800s, and logging remained the main economic driver for the next 150 years. Immigrants from many different countries moved here to work in the woods, start a new life, and raise a family. Northern NH’s body remains rich with history while its arms are currently stretching out to embrace the new. Since the closing of the mills in Berlin and Groveton, the region has gone through a metamorphosis from manufacturing to becoming an outdoor recreation destination. Home sales have soared over the past few years with people moving here who decided to live and work where they naturally like to laugh and play. Most lodging properties

have changed ownership and dozens of new restaurants have settled in the region. With our new neighbors has come new energy, new ideas, new creative partnerships … and it’s only just the beginning.

Best Kept Secret

Many visitors to New Hampshire are familiar with the Mount Washington Valley, Lakes Region, and the Seacoast. But, they may not have ventured to the spacious and less impacted Northern NH. For those who fall into this category, it might be time for a virtual drive. Bear in mind, I’m not a very good driver and even worse at writing, so what could go wrong?

Before we begin, it’s worth noting that every major road in Northern NH has been designated a Scenic Byway by the State of New Hampshire, so there’s no need to wonder if it going to be a pretty drive or not. Actually, the view from the local Wal-Mart is pretty great. But, I digress.

Where to Start

How about Pinkham Notch, just north of Jackson NH, with its incredible views of the Presidentials and stellar hiking trails?

We go by the Appalachian Mountain Club and Tuckerman Ravine, Wildcat Ski Area where you can take a scenic chair lift ride to one of the most jaw-dropping views of Mount Washington, the Mt. Washington Auto Road where you can drive to the summit, and Great Glen Trails, offering bike rentals for those who prefer to ride the impeccably maintained carriage roads and grounds. They also offer guided wildlife kayak trips in the summer months (see our Paddling the Whites article in this edition).

All of these gems are worth a stop. But, let’s press on to see what other shiny things we can find. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for moose—they can be anywhere! Even in the back of a McDonald‘s parking lot; yup, seen it three times.

Headed North

The first towns that we pop out into are the towns of Gorham and Berlin. Both towns were built on the banks of the Androscoggin River and are fantastic places to walk, shop, grab a coffee or ice cream cone, or treat yourself to some grub at one of the new restaurants in town. (Big Day Brewing, The Butcher’s Daughter, The Public House Eatery, La Casita, Road Hawg BBQ, Exile Burritos, the Live Free Food Store, plus an additional four that are currently under construction and should be open by the time you read this.)

The Berlin River Walk is a brand-new, fully paved walking trail that traces the river’s edge and is the perfect place to have a picnic. You may also notice when you pass through Berlin that the old pulp mill that was the city’s heart for nearly 150 years has been converted to a biomass plant using renewable resources to create electricity for the area.

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Searchable online version

where to find moose

200+ fun activities

Beautiful scenic drives

activity KEY

Towns KEY

Berlin – Gorham

Colebrook – Pittsburg

Groveton – Stark

Lancaster – Jefferson

Littleton – Bethlehem

Milan – Errol

Twin Mountain –

Bretton Woods

Scenic Drives

Great North Woods Loop

Moose Path Trail

Woodland Heritage Loop

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Pinkham Notch

As we leave Berlin, we head toward Errol. Keep your eyes open—this stretch of road is one of the best places to spot wildlife as it follows the mighty Androscoggin the entire way. Oh yes, almost forgot, just in case you find yourself here at this point and are wondering what those big rock islands are in the middle of the river; they are called boom piers. They were placed there for the spring log drive where the two mills in Berlin would sort their logs, which were branded, to the appropriate side.

Now that we are in Errol, you’re going to want to stop to stretch your legs is at L.L. Cote’s. There is an albino moose on display inside, plenty of Northern NH souvenirs, outdoor gear, as well as, basically, anything that you need or want—it’s sold there. Also, there are two white-water rafting companies that operate out of Errol, so any white-water rafters reading—hit up Northern Waters Outfitters or North Woods Rafting for the time of your life.

Errol is also the home to the Umbagog Lake Wildlife Refuge, which is a treasure unto itself, protecting 21,650 acres of animal breeding habitat on the 7,850-acre lake. In the summer, many species of wildlife come to this quiet aquatic giant to raise babies and enjoy their summer vacations.

More Moose

Okay, now we head west—and yup, you guessed it—keep the eyes panning for moose! Shortly after leaving Errol, we enter Dixville Notch State Park, the northernmost notch in NH. A moderate hike up to table rock for a bird’s eye view of “God’s country” is definitely worth it. (Oh yeah, that’s another thing folks call Northern NH ... forgot about that one.) We then pass The Balsams Resort, which is working to reopen soon. It’s one of the last remaining Grand Hotels in the area that managed to remain in the landscape since the 1800s, along with the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods and the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield. All three are gorgeous hotels with ridiculous views and are definitely worth visiting.

Now onto the town of Colebrook with its cute Main Street, shops, and restaurants. A stroll along the Colebrook River Walk followed by a visit to Coös Brewing Company for delicious food and a brew is always a refreshing way to spend a couple of hours.

The next stretch of road from Colebrook north to Pittsburg is called the Moose Path Trail Scenic Byway and is home to the famous “Moose Alley.” If you haven’t seen a moose yet, this would be your best bet. The road traces around the pristine Lake Francis, Third, and Second Connecticut lakes, which are simply magical. Remember to roll down your windows and listen for loons! Nothing is more ethereally haunting than the song of the loon. It’s quite a show they put on. This region is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet getaway with its hundreds of cabins for rent. For those looking for more excitement, this region is also home to the Northeast’s largest interconnected ATV trail system, called Ride the Wilds, which delivers 1,000+ miles of trails across Northern NH. No need to have your own machine, as there are rentals available.

As we make the turn south again towards Groveton and onto Lancaster, we’ll be following the Connecticut River the whole way south. From Groveton, you can head back to Berlin on the Great North Woods Scenic Byway or south to Lancaster on the Woodland Heritage Trail Scenic Byway.

Lancaster is another quintessential New England town

with lodging, cafés, a super adorable Main Street, and delicious restaurants. Some local favorites are the Polish Princess Bakery, Copper Pig Brewery, and Smokin T’s Bar & Grill—all with outdoor seating.

South of Lancaster is Littleton and Bethlehem on Route 302. Littleton is a wonderful town to stroll downtown with the most amount of shopping in the region. It’s perfectly set along another fine body of water known as the Ammonoosuc River that flows through the center of town. Your list should include: have a walk across the covered footbridge, grab some sweets at Chutters candy store (boasting the longest candy counter in the world), order a delicious wood-fired pizza at Shillings Beer Co., or rent a kayak from North Country Kayak.

For any mountain bike enthusiasts out there, check out the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, which runs east/west across Northern NH. Coös Trails in Gorham, Parker Mountain Trails in Littleton and the Bethlehem Trails Association are all simply fantastic trails to ride! Visit Northern New Hampshire! For a complete searchable database of all area restaurants, places to stay, and things to do in Northern NH, along with hours of operation and locations go to www.VisitNorthernNH.com. Looking for Thai food, specifically? Got it. Want to traverse interesting hiking or walking trails? That too! Okay, that’s enough for now. Take a drive north—you might just fall in love.

Experience some of these exciting activities while you’re visiting!

• Hike any of the hundreds of trails. Life makes sense when seen from the top of a mountain.

• Canoe or kayak untouched lakes and rivers; let the water wash off those pesky work thoughts.

• Take a guided moose tour with Gorham Moose Tours.

• Camp at one of 40+ campgrounds.

• Golf at six courses with magical mountain views.

• Take a summer dog sled ride at Muddy Paws for something different.

• Rent an ATV at Bear Rock Adventures, Northeast Snowmobile & ATV, or White Mountain ATV

• Relax in the quiet. You deserve it.

Visit Northern New Hampshire is a community-oriented grass roots initiative developed with the generous support of the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund. The mission of VisitNorthernNH.com is to promote and support the growing outdoor recreation economy of Northern New Hampshire, while simultaneously working hand-in-hand with land stewardship and conservation organizations within the region.

• And, of course, eat yourself happy after breathing in all that fresh air!

Photo by NH State Parks

Photo courtesy Town of Lancaster, NH

Photo

STRIKING A COMMUNITY CHORD WITH LIVE MUSIC

By Lily Hartman

Live Music and Fundraisers Making an Impact in the Valley this Summer

The Mt. Washington Valley offers a diverse array of activities for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. On any given day, locals, and visitors explore hiking trails, climb rock walls, and roam around North Conway. After a long day of recreation, they often find places to socialize and rejuvenize— whether that’s relaxing at a ski lodge, grabbing a refresher at one of the local breweries, or having a bite to eat at a pub.

During the summer, several of these places offer indoor and outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy live music. If you find yourself stumbling across any of the popular breweries or ski resorts in the Valley on the weekend, you’ll likely find a local rock or folk band jamming their heart out in front of a crowd sipping IPAs and talking about their day of recreation. As said by American musician Edgar Winter, “Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.”

WHERE TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC

THIS SUMMER IN THE VALLEY

Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, NH

As said by British singer Elton John, “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” This year, Arts Jubilee, a non-profit organization, will have their 40th Summer Concert Series at Cranmore Mountain Resort. The series starts on July 13 with a performance by Piano Men, which is a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. The series offers a diverse selection of music, such as cosmic country by Daniel Donato, Americana, and pop by The Seacoast Wind Ensemble, a Van Morrison tribute by Moondance, and Celtic pop rock by Ceili Rain.

“The Valley has a ton of talented musicians,” says Bob Sheehan, executive director at Arts Jubilee. Each concert includes an

Arts Jubilee, a non-profit that presents five outdoor concerts each summer at Cranmore Mountain Resort has been a summer tradition in North Conway for 40 years. A fan favorite for locals and visitors to the Valley, the summer evening concerts have been especially popular with young families who can sit back and listen to familiar tunes while the kids enjoy some good old-fashion playtime. Speaking of fan favorites, be sure to bring along your dancing flip-flops for Ceili Rain, who know how to get the crowd moving with their Celtic pop rock jams, on August 10. Additional shows include Piano Men—an Elton John and Billy Joel performance on July 13; Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country on July 20; and Seacoast Wild Ensemble on July 27. Find additional information and tickets at www.artsjubilee.org/tickets.

opening act, the headliner, and food and drinks for attendees to enjoy. Sheehan says that they aim to be family- and cost-friendly, and that some of their concerts get about 800 to 1,000 attendees. “It’s nice to be able to get the community together for these larger-scale shows,” says Sheehan.

Ledge Brewing Company, Intervale, NH

In the heart of the mountains sits this brewery with a “very-casual, family-friendly, outdoorsy vibe,” according to co-founder and co-owner Ian Ferguson. Skiers, climbers, hikers, and bikers tend to congregate here after a day of activities, and enjoy listening to live music, partying, and socializing in the beer garden. “Live music is a huge part of our culture here,” says Ferguson.

Ledge Brewing has live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and open mic night on Mondays. On Saturday, July 22, Ledge Brewing will have their Midsummer Mountain Jam: an evening of Grateful Dead featuring members of Bearly Dead, which is a big jam fest in the beer garden. On Saturday, September 2, they’ll be hosting a fundraiser for Ride NoCo, a local mountain bike trail-building

organization, which will feature a live band. On Sunday afternoons, a rotating cast of local bluegrass and folk musicians perform outside. Other bands performing this summer are Escape Goat, a chill rock and alternative band; Diana’s Bath Salts, a rock band, and more.

While vibing to the music, visitors can sip on a cold beer, such as the German Afternoons pilsner, which is a light, crystal-clear lager that showcases the mineral profile of the White Mountain water they brew it with. For those who prefer a citrus, tropical-fruit flavor, their hazy, As You Wish NEIPA that is dosed with citra, mosaic, and azacca hops is available. Hard seltzer lovers will enjoy their 4.1% ABV fruity seltzer that rotates every season.

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, Bartlett, NH

With a mission to improve the healthy development of kids through different literacy programs, the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is a great place for youngsters and adults to immerse themselves in music. This non-profit foundation is hosting a performance of The Sound of Music on June 2 and 3 at 6

ABOVE

This summer, Ledge Brewing, in Intervale, NH, plans to have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, acoustic music Sunday afternoons, and open mic night on Mondays. On Saturday, July 22, Ledge will have their Midsummer Mountain Jam, and Saturday, September 2, will host a fundraiser for Ride NoCo. TOP

Friday, Saturday,

p.m., June 9 and 10 at 6 p.m., and an understudy show on June 8 at 6 p.m. on their outdoor amphitheater stage at Theater in the Wood. In addition, the foundation hosts a Sunset Concert Series every Friday at 7:30 p.m. from June 30 to September 1, which features reggae, rock, and tributes.

Tuckerman Brewing Company in Conway, NH

After a long day of trekking trails, head to Tuckerman Brewing Company for a citra- and orange-flavored Summer Pils, Pale Ale, IPA, and more while listening to live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by local bands. On July 7, Zeme Libra will be performing, a reggae, ska, and funk band that always draw a large crowd. Crush, a Dave Matthews cover band, that brings in one of the brewery’s biggest crowds, will perform on Saturday, August 12. The brewery recently hosted another Pints and Paws day in June, which featured live music by Andrew Gravel and Friends, plus puppies and dogs available for adoption from the Humane Society.

White Mountain Musical Arts, North Conway, NH

With a mission to bring music of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries to modern audiences in the Valley, the 32nd Annual Mostly Bach Festival returns with vocal and instrumental soloists, full Baroque orchestra, and festival chorus on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 27 at 4:30 p.m.. Visit www.whitemountainmusicalarts.org for information and updates.

Majestic Café, Conway, NH

This is a renovated movie theater transformed into a 45-seat venue that offers performances by regional and national talent, and allows the crowd to get up close and personal with musicians. The café has a Friday night jazz series that involves tra-

ditional, folk, funk, and bebop music, as well as music by South African saxophonist McCoy Mrubata, guitarist Randy Roos, and more. Local artists from the Mt. Washington Valley also take the stage, such as pianists Jed Wilson, Dan Moore, and Michael Beling, saxophonist Mike Sakash, and many others. Executive director George Wiese says that there’s an amazing energy in the room: “It is very much a listening room. Conversation is minimal and the music is captivating.” The café encourages people to reserve their seats ahead at www.conwaymajestic.com.

AMC Highland Center in Bretton Woods, NH

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is hosting its 3rd Annual Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series, which is a four-part concert at Crawford Notch that allows the community to come together in the mountains and listen to different performances, such as string music, American soul, and traditional bluegrass. Each concert is free to the public, but AMC requests registrations in advance.

Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, ME

Settled behind a 200-year-old farmhouse in a rustic Maine neighborhood, and just over the border of New Hampshire, is Stone Mountain Arts Center—owned by Jeff Flagg and Carol Noonan, husband and wife. Locals can visit this cozy center all summer for performances by unique artists, such as Harry Manx on Saturday, July 1, who plays a mix of blues and classical Indian ragas; Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Show Band on Saturday, July 15, a performance of mountain-country, old-and-original music; or celebrate the 17th Stone Mountain Actual Anniversary on Saturday, August 5, featuring a performance by Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys. Noonan writes, “Together we have turned our home into yours.”

LEFT:

RIGHT: Catwolf will return to Ledge this summer on July 14. ABOVE RIGHT: AMC Highland Center, in Bretton Woods, NH, will host its 3rd Annual Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series, a four-part concert series of free concerts kicking off on Saturday, July 15. NEXT PAGE: Tuckerman Brewing Company will show off its latest expansions and host live music every

and Sunday this summer, highlighted by Crush on Saturday, August 12, a Dave Matthews cover band.

Photo by Josh Laskin

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

The Alzheimer’s Association provides free support and programs to families facing this disease, including a 24-7 helpline staffed by master’s level clinicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families navigate a variety of disease-related issues. Call (800) 272-3900. To join 48 peaks, visit www.alz.org/48peaks. Hikers are welcome to participate in the event yearround and however they want.

Hiking Buddies and the Emily M. Sotelo Persistence & Safety Charitable Foundation are working together to partner with the local hiking community to finish Emily’s hikes, as well as raise money to further safety initiatives and education for less-experienced hikers. To participate, you can sign up for a hike and raise money for the cause, donate, become a corporate or angel sponsor for the event, or purchase a ticket to attend the post-hike party at Bretton Woods Ski Lodge on Saturday, July 29. Any participant who raises $150 by the end of June and $250 by July 29 will receive a shirt, swag, and cover entry to the event. Visit www.hikingbuddies.org/emilys-hike-1 for more information.

Ledge Brewing is hosting a fundraiser for Ride NoCo, the local mountain bike trail-building organization, which will feature vendors, live music, and an outdoor MTB film showing, on Saturday, September 2. Contact the brewery for more information: ian@ledgebrewing.com or (603) 307-1070.

Stone Mountain Arts Center collects donations to support their year ahead and to feed families in need through the Provide a Meal Program. Visit www.stonemountainartscenter.com/donate-a-meal.html for more information.

The North Atlantic Arts Alliance accepts donations of tunable instruments, such as guitars and ukuleles, for the Roots and Sprouts Program that occurs during the Ossipee Valley Music Festival. This free, three-day camp for kids ages 7 to 12 is for students curious about music. Visit www.ossipeevalley.com/participate/north-atlantic-arts-alliance for more information.

Photo by Tuckerman Brewery

2023 FUNDRAISERS IN THE VALLEY

NEXT

Rek’•lis Brewing Company, Bethlehem, NH

Every year, the Alzheimer’s Association leads The Longest Day—48 Peaks. It’s a fundraising event that brings the community together to hike the 4,000 footers and raise money to help fund research, care, and educational programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s (and all other dementias), their loved ones, and caregivers. 48 Peaks has raised over $700,000 since 2013 and had the most hiking participants ever in 2022, according to Meghan O’Neil, manager of The Longest Day.

“[Hikers] want to do something good for the community,” says O’Neil. “They want to give back, or they want to support a friend who is really passionate about the cause.”

A celebration for the event was held on Saturday, June 10 at Rek’-lis Brewing Company, who has several other live music performances planned this summer. The event gives participants an opportunity to come together to celebrate their success, enjoy games, door prizes, and live entertainment by Stomp, an EDM DJ who performs at a lot of sporting and après ski events in the area. He is also a host for the “Sounds Like a Search and Rescue (SLASR) Podcast,” which covers hiking and search and rescue missions in the White Mountains.

“A lot of the restaurants [in the Valley] that cater to dance and musicians do not really get exposed to [EDM music], so it’s sort of a mission of mine,” says Stomp. For this event, Stomp is putting together a playlist of ambient, progressive electric music and classic songs from different decades that he hopes will encourage the crowd to keep on fighting.

“It’s such a somber, yet uplifting type of day, so I tried to make a set that is really uplifting—lyrically and musically,” says Stomp.

Bretton Woods Ski Lodge, Bretton Woods, NH

Last year, Hiking Buddies NH 48, a 501(c)(3) organization, raised $150,000 of the $238,000 raised in 2022 for 48 Peaks. This year, the group is working with the Emily M. Sotelo Persistence & Safety Charitable Foundation to honor Emily Sotelo, who lost her life too soon this past fall while hiking, and to finish her hikes and raise money that supports increasing safety measures and accessibility to resources for less-experienced hikers. The hikes will occur on different mountains across the state on Saturday, July 29, and will be followed by a post-hike celebration at Bretton Woods Ski Lodge, where there will be live music by Kenny Mehler, a country-rock artist best known for his songs “‘Til We Meet Again,” “Moses Brown,” and “Pasadena.”

According to Craig Clemmer, director of sales and marketing at Omni Mount Washington Resort, this event is about Emily’s family, the hiking buddies group, and the message they are trying to put out there about keeping everyone safe and engaged in the sport that they love, and “making sure we learn from this moment, but coming together as a community to

heal.” He adds that “music is the soundtrack of our lives,” and this event is an opportunity for the community to remember Emily Sotelo and her love for the mountains.

Photo by Jay Strausser Visuals www.jstrausservisuals.com

Photo by Lynn Swezey

ABOVE: Stomp, an EDM DJ who performs at a lot of sporting and après ski events in the area, is also a host for the “Sounds Like a Search and Rescue (SLASR) Podcast,” which covers hiking and search and rescue missions in the White Mountains. ABOVE RIGHT: The Ossipee Valley Music Festival in Hiram, ME runs from Thursday, July 27 to Sunday, July 30, this summer. The annual festival is known for its support of local artists and education programs and a diverse array of music.

PAGE: On Saturday, July 29, Bretton Woods will host a post-hike celebration with live music by Kenny Mehler, a country-rock artist. The nonprofit group, Hiking Buddies NH 48, is working with the Emily M. Sotelo Persistence & Safety Charitable Foundation to honor Emily Sotelo, who lost her life this past fall while hiking.

Ossipee Valley Music Festival in Hiram, ME

This annual festival runs from Thursday, July 27 to Sunday, July 30 and is known for its support of local artists and education programs. The festival includes a diverse array of music, such as a two-day showcase of up-and-coming artists, a day for Maine-based artists, entertainment by Dakha Brakha, a Ukrainian folk band traveling the world in support of Ukrainians, and Larry & Joe, a performance of Appalachian and traditional Venezuelan music.

LIVE MUSIC EVENT CALENDARS

Rek’•lis Brewing Company

www.reklisbrewing.com/live-music-events

Ledge Brewing Company

www.ledgebrewing.com/calendar

Tuckerman Brewing Company

www.tuckermanbrewing.com/events

Stone Mountain Arts Center

www.stonemountainartscenter.com/event-calendar.html

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation

www.believeinbooks.org/upcoming-events.html

White Mountain Musical Arts

www.whitemountainmusicalarts.org

Ossipee Valley Music Festival

www.ossipeevalley.com/festival/festival-lineup

Majestic Café

www.conwaymajestic.com

Courtesy photos

SUMMER PADDLING AROUND THE WHITES

By Jake Risch

Paddlers are led by a Great Glen Trails Outfitters guide down the Androscoggin River. Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Look North and South of the Conways for Quieter Times on the Water.

When most folks think about paddling in the Mt. Washington Valley, they think of the sandy beaches and meandering waters of the Saco River. The most popular sections of the Saco—between First Bridge in North Conway and Davis Park in Conway, and below the Route 302 bridge in Redstone into western Maine—attract thousands of canoers, kayakers, and tubers each year. But for those seeking to get off of the beaten path and explore beyond these crowded waters, the lesser-known rivers and lakes of the extended Valley region offer solitude, stunning scenery, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

NORTH OF THE NOTCHES

Over on the other side of Pinkham Notch, the Androscoggin River offers a less-trafficked alternative to the Saco. The Androscoggin flows out of Umbagog Lake and

The stretch between Gorham, NH and Bethel, ME is an accessible day trip from the Mt. Washington Valley, offering stunning views of the Northern Presidentials and Mahoosic Mountain ranges; moose, beaver, bird, and other wildlife sightings; plus great swimming holes along the way.

meanders through northern NH, turning west in Gorham, NH and heading back into Maine. The Androscoggin River Trail, managed by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council (ARWC) provides great opportunities for overnight river trips,

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Photo by Clark Husted/Great Glen Trails

Paddlers on a Guided Wildlife Tour with Great Glen Trails Outfitters enjoy some local wildlife. Photo by Clark Husted/Great Glen Trails

family-friendly whitewater rafting, and excellent instruction al venues for whitewater canoeing and kayaking. The stretch between Gorham, NH and Bethel, ME is an accessible day trip from the Mt. Washington Valley, offering stunning views of the Northern Presidentials and Mahoosic Mountain ranges; moose, beaver, bird, and other wildlife sightings; plus great swimming holes along the way.

The folks at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center are the pros here and can provide guided tours to be sure your time on the river is efficient, safe, and offers the best opportunities to see wildlife along the way.

There are three access points managed by the ARWC that allow for both full- and half-day trips. The first is at the Shelburne Bridge on Meadow Road in Shelburne, NH. The second is at the Gilead Bridge on Bridge Street in Gilead, ME. The third is at Bethel Outdoor Adventures on Route 5 in Bethel, ME. The Shelburne to Gilead stretch is 6 miles long, and the Gilead to Bethel Stretch is nearly 10 miles. The Androscoggin continues on through western Maine with plenty of other options for exploring as the river meanders its way to the ocean in Bath, ME.

Upper Saco

The upper sections of the Saco River offer a less crowded experience, with a bit of easy whitewater excitement thrown in for good measure. The “Ledges” section, immediately above First Bridge, provides stunning views of Humphrey’s, Cathedral, and Whitehorse Ledges, and a few Class I rapids to navigate to keep things interesting—remember to aim for the downstream “V.”

Access the river at the Humphrey’s Ledge pull out on the upper West Side Road and carry your canoe or kayak over the guardrail and down the embankment. Make sure to start all the way on the left side of the river as you pass the white gazebo on the right bank, to avoid a shallow gravel bar on the right. This section collects strainers, so give any downed trees a wide berth. Take out at First Bridge in North Conway, 3.5 miles downstream. This is a half-day trip. Further upstream, you can access the river at the Thorne Pond conservation area directly across from Attitash Ski Area’s Bear Peak base area. The action starts right off with several gravel-bar rapids with large boulders to dodge. The most significant Class II rapids are found just upstream of the Covered Bridge Shoppe in Bartlett, as you pass under the Conway Scenic Railroad trestle, and after the following sharp left-hand bend in the river. Take out 5.5 miles downstream at the Humphrey’s Ledge pull out on the West Side road for a long half-day, or continue on down to First Bridge for a full-day trip.

South of the Saco

On the southern edge of the Mt. Washington Valley, the Bearcamp River drains the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains. There are two main sections of the Bearcamp. The river offers intermediate to advanced whitewater paddling as it passes through South Tamworth to the base of Whittier Mountain in West Ossipee. The more accessible flatwater trip starts as the Bearcamp flows under the Route 25 bridge just west of the Yankee Smokehouse at the Route 16/25 intersection. This trip combines the best of river and lake paddling. The clear water of the Bearcamp twists and turns through old New England forests with white sand beaches and refreshing

Kayakers enjoy a quiet summer day on the upper Saco River.

Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Silver Lake in Madison. Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE

Our White Mountain rivers and lakes see thousands of visitors every summer and fall. The best way to keep the beaches clean and safe is to minimize litter that enters the river. Avoid bringing glass bottles on the river. Use a strap or other system to lock packs and coolers to reduce the chances that contents spill into the river if a boat capsizes. Have a plan to contain trash other than using the bottom of the boat as a container.

Please respect private land, and avoid contributing to the erosion of sandy river banks. www.lnt.org/why/7-principles

INVASIVE PLANTS IN NH LAKES

If you enjoy paddling around the lakes and ponds in the region, please help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and keep our waterways healthy!

CLEAN and inspect for plants, mud and aquatic animals from your boat and dispose properly.

RINSE and DRAIN your boat, away from the lake. DRY your boat, trailer and other equipment. www.nhlakes.org/aquatic-plants

swimming spots on its way to Ossipee Lake. Crossing Ossipee Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain range and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. The end of the trip is at the public boat launch site on the Pine River on the south side of the lake. This trip is a bit over 8 miles and will take around four hours. Extend the trip to cover a full day by spending more time exploring Ossipee Lake. There is more remote canoeing for intrepid explorers in the Upper Bearcamp watershed. Google Earth is your friend to figure out access points and hazards. The Ossipee River drains Ossipee Lake and joins the Saco River in Cornish, ME and also has lots of stretches to explore in a canoe or kayak.

Lakes and Ponds of the Valley

The lakes and ponds in the southern half of the Mt. Washington Valley offer a different flavor of paddling. Many of these bodies of water offer spectacular views of the White Mountains and Presidential Range, opportunities to observe loons, mergansers, and other water foul, great fishing, and plenty of swimming holes to beat the heat. Another advantage of lake paddling is that you start and finish in the same place, simplifying your logistics for the day. Access Silver Lake in Madison from the Kennett Park cartop boat launch on Route 113 in Silver Lake. Access Chocorua Lake and majestic views of Mount Chocorua from “the Island” cartop access site on the west shore of the lake, off of the old Route 16 roadbed in Chocorua or from the Grove by the narrows bridge on the south end of the lake. In addition to these main Valley lakes, there are several lakes and ponds in Eaton, including Crystal

Lake, Long Pond, and Purity Lake; Iona Lake and Whitton Pond in Albany; and Pea Porridge Pond in Conway that are worth an evening paddle. Make sure to respect local landowners and only use designated public access points.

From hair-raising extreme whitewater to placid remote unpopulated ponds, the Mt. Washington Valley has something for every paddler. This is just a brief sample of the day

In addition to these main Valley lakes, there are several lakes and ponds in Eaton, including Crystal Lake, Long Pond, and Purity Lake; Iona Lake and Whitton Pond in Albany; and Pea Porridge Pond in North Conway that are worth an evening paddle.

trips available to visitors and locals. If you are out exploring the waterways of the Valley, adventure responsibly, wear a personal flotation device, pay attention to the weather, bring plenty of food and water, be mindful of your alcohol consumption, and aware of the natural hazards on your trip.

There are several professional guide services and liveries available in the Valley to outfit, help with logistics, and/ or provide guiding or instruction. Most of all, appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and do what you can to leave it the way you found it.

GUIDED RIVER TOURS AND RENTALS

Find kayak and canoe rentals at the following outlets: INFO - ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL Bethel, ME • (207) 754-8158 www.androscogginwatershed.org

GUIDED TOURS AND INSTRUCTIONGREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER

1 Mt. Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH (603) 466-3988 • www.greatglentrails.com

GUIDED TOURS - RAFT NH

196 Main Street, Gorham, NH (603) 545-4533 • www.raftnh.com

RENTALS - SACO CANOE RENTALS COMPANY

558 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH (603) 447-4275 • www.sacocanoerentals

RENTALS - SACO VALLEY CANOE

1734 East Main Street, Center Conway, NH (603) 447-2444 • www.sacovalleycanoe.com

RENTALS - SACO RIVER CANOE & KAYAK

1009 Main Street, Fryeburg, ME (207) 935-2369 • www.sacorivercanoe.com

RENTALS - SACO BOUND CANOE & KAYAK

2561 East Main Street, Center Conway, NH (603) 447-2177 • www.sacobound.com

RENTALS - SKI WORKS ALL-SEASON OUTFITTERS

2265 Route 16, West Ossipee, NH (603) 539-2246 • www.skiworksnh.com

Pea Porridge Pond in Conway on a quiet fall day. Photo by WiseguyCreative.com

Photographed locally by John Rondeau

The Soaring Spectacle Above White Mountain Waters

By Matt Maloney, Tin Mountain Outdoor Center

Bald Eagles have become a relatively common sight around our local waterways and are often seen hunting over Conway Lake, Chocorua Lake, and the Saco and Swift rivers. Tin Mountain Outdoor Center takes a closer look at the driving factors behind the return of bald eagles to the region.

The bald eagle is a striking bird of prey that inspires awe amongst those who spot one soaring high in the sky or swooping its talons into the water to bring up a fish. Few birds generate such excitement from young and old, birders, fishermen, swimmers, and sunbathers alike. While we know the eagle as our national symbol, its presence goes beyond national pride and represents wild places to so many. Floating in a canoe or kayak near a tall pine on a lake shoreline, it’s quite a scene to suddenly be star-

The bald eagle was officially recognized as the national symbol of the United States in 1782, but by 1963, there were only 417 nesting pairs in the country. One of the primary known reasons for this decline was the thinning of eagle eggshells. The thin eggshells would often break before hatching during incubation, and thus, populations plummeted over the years. The thinning of eggshells was eventually tied back to using the pesticide DDT, which was widely used and manufactured after World War II.

As recently as 1988, there was not a single known nesting pair of bald eagles in New Hampshire. Then the population jumped, and by 2017 there were 59 pairs. Last year in 2022, there were 72 observed nesting pairs in the state. This year we know of at least four pair within the Mt. Washington Valley area.

tled by the whooshing wing beats of a bald eagle, its magnificent wingspan in full detail, and the striking white head confirming a close encounter with an eagle.

Among the ever-present White Mountains and the broad valley of the Saco River, there are scattered lakes and deep ponds that support a population of bald eagles in the Mt. Washington Valley. This was not so very long ago. As recently as 1988, there was not a single known nesting pair of bald eagles in New Hampshire. There hadn’t been a known nesting pair in 40 years! While once relatively common on lakes, rivers, and seashores throughout New England, bald eagles went into a severe nationwide decline in the 1940s through the early 1980s.

Pesticides and other chemicals enter the food chain when they are present in the soil. Water runoff takes them into waterways, where they accumulate in plants and the fatty tissues of fish and other organisms. These pesticides accumulate and move up through the food chain. Bald eagles, like other birds of prey, sit at the top of the food chain and receive the greatest concentrations of pesticides in their tissues and bloodstreams. In turn, DDT has been found to interfere with the ability of eagle mothers to absorb calcium from their diet, resulting in less calcium availability for egg shells. A big problem.

DDT was eventually banned in 1972, and has slowly been filtering out of the environment and food chain ever since.

Rachel Carson’s

Photographed locally by John Rondeau

Most soaring eagles are seen near major water sources such as Conway, Silver, and Ossipee lakes or slow-moving rivers such as the Androscoggin River north of Pinkham Notch.

famous 1962 book Silent Spring was what first brought the problem with DDT and pesticide use to light for the general public, and the publicity it raised eventually led to congressional inquiries and further scientific studies of the effects of pesticides on food chains. Not long after the ban took effect in 1972, raptor populations began to slowly rebound, including an upward gain in eagle numbers that continues to the present. We can thank people like Rachel Carson today when we see an eagle in the Valley, for it took lots of foresight and bravery to recognize and publicize the plight of these birds.

IDENTIFYING Bald eagles

Bald eagles have wingspans of up to 8 feet, so the only bird in our region with a comparable wingspan is the turkey vulture. Turkey vultures soar with their wings in a bit of a V formation though, while eagles soar with flat wings. This is a great diagnostic marker when seeing them soaring from afar.

Like all raptors, bald eagles are sexually dimorphic, with females weighing more than males. A typical adult female eagle is 14 pounds while males weigh between seven and 14 pounds. I will use the term eagle to describe bald eagles throughout this article, although it should be noted golden eagles migrate through this area from time to time on their way to nesting grounds in Quebec and Labrador.

A golden eagle can look like a juvenile bald eagle, except for the golden feathers on its nape, the back of its neck. Immature bald eagles, even after they reach full size, will have a black beak, and brown and tan feathers. They reach maturity at three or four years, at which time they will grow the distinctive white feathers on their head and their beak will turn yellow. Bald eagles typically live 15 to 20 years in New Hampshire.

Where TO SEE THEM

How do you find bald eagles? Go to the water! Most soaring eagles are seen near major water sources such as Conway, Silver, and Ossipee lakes or slow-moving rivers such as the Androscoggin River north of Pinkham Notch. Fast-moving mountain streams and rivers, such as the Swift River, are not typically utilized by eagles.

Juvenile bald eagles lack the characteristic white head and white tail of their elders. First-year birds are dark brown overall, becoming increasingly flecked in lighter feathers as they grow older. Young birds do have the diagnostic bright yellow feet of their species, but their bills are dark with a yellow gape, rather than the conspicuous all-yellow of the adults. Their new plumage includes increasingly white coloration until the birds reach sexual maturity and their adult plumage at about 5.5 years old. SOURCE: The Raptor Resource Project • www.raptorresource.org.

Photographed locally by John Rondeau

Bald eagles typically hunt for fish as their dietary mainstay, although they will also prey on waterfowl and scavenge carrion. Sometimes they will even steal fish from other birds such as ospreys. Bald eagles also prey on waterfowl such as loon chicks, making them “a problem for loons,” according to Chris Martin, a biologist with New Hampshire Audubon who coordinates New Hampshire’s eagle monitoring program. However, if the loon population is healthy, it should be able to withstand the occasional loss of a chick. Martin noted that there is little

You are unique ... so is our approach!

overall effect on loon populations on a statewide level due to eagle predation.

Bald eagles have become relatively common sights on our local waterways and are often seen hunting over Conway Lake, Chocorua Lake, and the Saco River. Within New Hampshire, their nesting stronghold is in the Connecticut River Valley, the Lakes Region, the Great Bay estuary, the Merrimack River Valley, and the Connecticut Lakes Region at the top of the state. There are fewer lakes and ponds in the Conway Region than in other parts of the state with higher nesting numbers, but there is habitat here, as eagle habitat is essentially wherever healthy, fish-populated water is found with tall trees nearby for nesting.

Like all animals that feed at the top of the food chain, bald eagles are vulnerable to toxins in the environment or changes in the population of their prey, fish. As menioned, this was evidenced by the use of DDT in the past. Fortunately, bald eagle populations are still growing each year throughout New Hampshire. In 1989 a bald eagle pair nested on Lake Umbagog, the first New Hampshire nest record in 40 years. There was a single breeding pair in New Hampshire on Lake Umbagog right through 1997. Then the population jumped and by 2014 there were 41 breeding pairs in the state. There were 59 pairs in 2017. Last year in 2022, there were 72 observed nesting pairs and 92 pairs exhibiting territorial behavior. Quite a comeback it has been, indeed.

MONITORING LOCAL EAGLES

Bald eagles are monitored in the state by New Hampshire Audubon, through a contract with New Hampshire Fish and Game. Among the statistics recorded are total nesting pairs and

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North Conway, NH

SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

Bald eagles eat a wide variety of prey, although they prefer fish. They usually swoop in shallowly over a body of water, braking heavily as they swing their feet down and hook into fish near the top of the water column. They don’t dive beneath the water like ospreys, although they can swim and will sometimes fish from the bank of a river. In the winter, you might see them nesting, usually near a body of water. Wintering non-territorial eagles congregate in huge groups near open water on the main channels of large water systems. Thank you to The Raptor Resource Project, www.raptorresource.org, for this additional information.

overwintering numbers. One of the interesting things about nesting eagles, as noted by Martin, is that all adult eagles in the state that showed territorial behavior during the nesting season stayed on their territories through the winter months. According to Martin, even if eagles lose access to consistent open water, they will scavenge, expand their range, and use their experience garnered from finding food sources in the past to get through the winter months, even in the very cold Connecticut Lakes Region. Some eagles are good at utilizing ice fishing locales for scavenging on bait fish and food scraps left by ice fishermen. Younger birds without territories may have to travel to find food, often congregating around open water areas, such as those found below dams or in seashore locales such as the Great Bay estuary or traveling further south. So, if you know of an eagle nest near you, those breeding eagles likely remain around all winter.

LOCAL nesting EAGLES

The nesting period for eagles starts around mid- to late-February and eggs are typically laid around March or April, with chicks hatching out about a month later. The more “experienced” an eagle is with nesting, according to Martin, the earlier in the season it will start the nesting process. The chicks will be covered in white downy feathers and fed fish in a large nest made of sticks, high up in a tree overlooking the water. These nests are often used from year to year and grow bigger and bigger over time, often becoming mini fortresses as seen from

NEW HAMPSHIRE AUDUBON NEEDS YOUR HELP

Biologist, Chris Martin, with New Hampshire Audubon, coordinates the tracking of populations of nesting eagles in New Hampshire. According to Martin, there is some good nesting habitat on Conway area lakes and lots of sightings, but very little info on confirmed nest sights.

Conway Lake has a confirmed nest, but other lakes and ponds need more eyes to help Audubon figure out if there are undocumented nests. Bald Eagles are consistently seen on Chocorua Lake and Silver Lake, for instance, but there is not a confirmed nest at either locale.

The lack of nesting records, according to Martin, shows a need for more volunteer observers. If you live near an eagle nest or see a suspected eagle nest, please contact Chris Martin at (603) 224-9909 ext 317, or send an email to cmartin@nhaudubon.org

Photo by Clark Husted/Great Glen Trails

KNOW HOW TO IDENTIFY BIRDS IN FLIGHT

Bald eagles are built for soaring, with long broad wings, large wing slots, and broad, wedgeshaped tails. They hold their wings flat in flight, migrate during the day, and use wind corridors—geographical features that concentrate and amplify wind—whenever possible. A stiff tail wind will send migrating eagles aloft in the thousands, especially over surfaces with little opportunity for thermal soaring. The bald eagle body plan and low-aspect wings—i.e. large, broad wings relative to its overall surface area—are most suited to low-angle, low-energy soaring flight.

SOURCE: The Raptor Resource Project • www.raptorresource.org

Left to right: osprey, turkey vulture, adult bald eagle, subadult golden eagle

is looking for

information for

at cmartin@nhaudubon.org.

TIN MOUNTAIN - 2023 EVENTS

Additional information and updates at www.tinmountain.org

Wild About Nature • Sat. July 29

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. / Concert 4-5 p.m.

An all-day festival celebrating the wonders of nature with bluegrass band, Beg, Steal or Borrow, closing out the day's festivities.

North Country Paddle: Canoeing the Magalloway River

Sat. Aug 12, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join in for a paddle down the Magalloway River into Lake Umbagog and back up the Androscoggin rivers.

Backyard Astronomy Throughout the Year

Tues. Aug. 22, 7 p.m. • Whitney Community Center, Jackson

Learn about the stars and sky, including planets, Milky Way Galaxy, nebulas, star clusters, and more.

Late Summer Wildflowers: Pondicherry Field Exploration

Wed. Aug 30, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

Explore and enjoy late summer and early fall wildflowers.

Naturalist-led Hikes in Jackson

Thursdays in July and August, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tin Mountain Conservation Center

TMCC is a non-profit environmental education and conservation organization, providing programs for children, families, adults, and communities that create greater awareness and understanding of the natural environment. Since 1980, the center has offered hands-on programs in schools, at summer camps, and within communities throughout northern New Hampshire and western Maine. Tin Mountain fosters future generations of environmental stewards and responsible outdoor enthusiasts. Bald Hill Road, Albany, NH • (603) 447-6991 • www.tinmountain.org

the water level. Chicks are full-sized eagles, with juvenile plumage, and ready to fledge between mid-June and August typically, taking 12 weeks to reach full size. It’s a good sign of a nearby nest if you see a full-size eagle without adult plumage making food cries in the summer months.

As much as it is a thrill and an honor to see a bald eagle up close, we can’t take their comeback for granted. These efficient predators are, perhaps, still rebounding from the reproductive losses caused by DDT in the food chain. At some point, they will reach population equilibrium and we may forget or discount their other needs, such as habitat, healthy waters and food chains, and lack of disturbance from humans.

Increasing home building on lake shores could potentially affect nesting sites. The vast majority of nest sites of bald eagles in New Hampshire are on private lands. This shows a healthy population range, which reflects the nature of land ownership in New Hampshire. Bald eagles are a protected species; they can’t be hunted, but landowners need to be aware of potential eagle nesting habitats if they own waterfront property. Lead toxicity (which is usually fatal) from swallowing fishing sinkers, predation from raccoons on eggs, road kills (when feeding on carrion), and mercury are still threats and lead to some mortality. One study in Maine found low to moderate levels of mercury in most nesting eagles. (DeSorbo et al. 2009). Mercury is a neurotoxin that moves up the food chain, mostly originating from emissions fallout from coal-burning power plants.

Help is needed monitoring eagle populations throughout New Hampshire, and Martin says the Conway area could use more monitoring and volunteers. See the previous page for information on lakes in the area that have nesting eagles, and what residents and waterfront owners can do if they are interested in helping Audubon monitor populations and nest sites in the area.

NH Audubon

nesting

the following bodies of water: Chocorua Lake, Silver Lake, Ossipee Lake, Bear Camp Pond, Pea Porridge Pond, Iona Lake, Whitten Pond, and anywhere along the Saco River. Also in the backcountry, Mountain Pond in the National Forest near Glen and Sawyer Pond in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Email Chris Martin

Photographed locally by John Randeau

North Conway’s Very Own Overnight Summer Camp

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

2023 DATES & SESSIONS

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

3 ½ WEEK SESSIONS

Session 1: 6/24 – 7/18

Session 2: 7/21 – 8/13

2-WEEK SESSIONS

(first-time campers only)

Session A: 6/24 – 7/8

Session B: 7/21 – 8/4

FULL SUMMER – 7 WEEKS 6/24 – 8/13

For rates and dates, plus camp videos and transportation, scan with your phone’s camera > (603) 447-2260

Located on beautiful Crystal Lake in Eaton, NH!

BUTTERFLIES OF THE PRESIDENTIALS

By Lily Hartman

How hikers (and spring skiers) can help protect the endangered and threatened White Mountain Fritillary and the White Mountain Arctic.

The alpine zone in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire begins at about 4,900 feet in elevation, according to NH Fish and Game, where the last of krummholz, such as black spruce and balsam fir, begin to fade. Tundra flora, such as Diapensia lapponica, mountain cranberry, and Bigelow’s sedge, spread across the treeless landscape and sprout close to the ground in order to shield from exposure. High wind, low temperatures, and unexpected precipitation move through the rugged landscape of bedrock, talus, and gravel on any given day of the year. Throughout this habitat lives unique, lowland species that rely on this fragile ecosystem to not only survive, but thrive in their environment—such as the White Mountain Fritillary and White Mountain Arctic butterfly.

“If [these butterflies] disappear, they live nowhere else

except the Presidential Range of NH, so that’s really on us as the citizens of NH [to protect them],” says Heidi Holman, wildlife biologist at NH Fish and Game.

Holman leads the projects to study these butterflies to better understand the species, and therefore, protect them from threats, such as climate change and recreation. NH Fish and Game recognizes the White Mountain Fritillary as an endangered species and the White Mountain Arctic as a threatened species in NH. An “endangered species” is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A “threatened species” is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

The White Mountain Fritillary is found in wet communities

Photo by Samantha Derrenbacher

with lush vegetation, such as snowbanks, where snow gathers significantly and lasts late into spring. This creates a moist environment with a variety of plants, which Holman says may be what this butterfly needs to keep from drying out and to survive the winter. This type of habitat includes a lot of rare plants that the White Mountain Fritillary nectars on, such as goldenrods and asters. According to Heather Siart, a graduate student who has been working with Holman on various butterfly projects since 2017, the White Mountain Fritillary eats multiple plants,

such as violets, willows, and bilberries, which they discovered in recent years.

“If the host plant is susceptible to climate change conditions itself, habitat [for the White Mountain Fritillary] could be reduced,” says Holman.

The White Mountain Fritillary is only a full-grown adult for about a week and flies during the month of August on nice days. It is a beautiful orange and black butterfly that is as small as a half dollar, with wings that reflect patterned, zig-zag lines (unlike other White Mountain Frit-

illary, which usually have a spot pattern).

Photo by Samantha Derrenbacher

The White Mountain Fritillary (left) and White Mountain Arctic butterfly (above), live only in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire. The U.S. Forest Service, together with New Hampshire Fish and Game, have just begun to engage the public in helping to study the White Mountain fritillary.

According to Holman, they take two full years to complete their life cycle. This means that the White Mountain Fritillary has to be managed as two different species—an odd year and an even year—which increases its risk of disappearing completely since it can’t interbreed. Holman and her team are examining if this can be shifted.

Similarly, the White Mountain Arctic strictly takes two years to become an adult. It is a dark brown and white butterfly that only lives around the cone of Mount Washington (an even shorter range than the White Mountain Fritillary, which has small pockets of habitat from Mount Eisenhower to Mount Madison). Siart says that the White Mountain Arctic only lives from Bigelow Lawn (out toward Mount Monroe; around Crawford Path)

The White Mountain Arctic can be spotted on nice days in late June through most of July within sedge meadow areas. Its caterpillar grows slowly and only feeds on Bigelow’s sedge— making it much more vulnerable to trampling and the affects climate change can have on its food source. “You’re worried about trampling the vegetation, but you’re not thinking about the little caterpillars that are feeding on those plants,” says Holman.

Holman says, “With these two species, we’re writing a status assessment to help determine if they need federal protection,” which would include recreational impacts, trail use, and off-trail hiking.

Hikers, backcountry skiers, and tourists can help protect these species by simply staying on trail. Since backcountry ski-

The White Mountain Fritillary is found in wet communities with lush vegetation, such as snowbanks, where snow gathers significantly and lasts late into spring. Hikers, backcountry skiers, and tourists can help protect these species by simply staying on trail.

to Monticello Lawn (right off of Mount Jefferson; going towards Mount Washington), and that’s their entire range.

This butterfly purposely tries to blend in with the rocks to shield itself from harsh conditions and predators because it can only fly 2 to 3 feet off of the ground. Since it can’t fly away as quickly as the White Mountain Fritillary, this is a better defense mechanism.

ing occurs in snowbank areas, access to these ski routes could mean stepping on plants where the White Mountain Fritillary may live. In addition, a lot of backcountry huts are built near springs for access to water—a common wet area for the White Mountain Fritillary to inhabit. Backcountry explorers should be mindful of staying around developed parts in these locations. A few years ago, both Siart and Samantha Derrenbacher,

Photo by Rob Nute

Photo by Ben Kimball

Courtesy Photo

The White Mountain Fritillary (above) eats multiple plants, such as violets, willows, and bilberries. The White Mountain Arctic (above, right) can be spotted on nice days in late June through most of July within sedge meadow areas. Its caterpillar grows slowly and only feeds on Bigelow’s sedge—making it much more vulnerable to trampling and the affects climate change can have on its food source. Larvae feed at night on sedge leaves and rest under stones during the day.

fish and wildlife biologist at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) developed #FritillaryFinders (which now also includes the White Mountain Arctic), both on Instagram (@fritillaryfinders) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ fritillaryfinders), which allows the community to get involved by taking a photo and sending in the location when they spot the butterflies. The iNaturalist and eButterfly apps are also great places to share this information. “[This data] helps us understand the range of where the population is, how many numbers are out there, and also the time of year that they’re out there,” says Siart.

Siart says that for the White Mountain Arctic project, they are hoping to get the first-known estimate of how many of them there are to determine if their numbers are dwindling or increasing. “I think that’s something that’s still really a big blank space and a mystery for us,” she says.

Butterflies are good indicators of whether or not an ecosystem is healthy and what’s going on in that habitat.

A few years ago, both Siart and Samantha Derrenbacher, fish and wildlife biologist at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), developed #FritillaryFinders (which now also includes the White Mountain Arctic), both on Instagram (@fritillaryfinders) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/fritillaryfinders).

This is because of their short life cycle and vulnerability— meaning their effects can be seen earlier than other plants and animals in that habitat. “If you know enough about them, you can pinpoint what is causing it, and there are ways that some of that can be mitigated,” says Siart.

These butterflies not only have a right to exist, they’re also an important part of the ecosystem. They are food for animals, such as spiders and birds, and pollinators in the area, which helps keep plants alive. Therefore, their disappearance can throw the ecosystem off balance. “It’s like a giant puzzle, says Siart. “They’re just this one piece that helps to complete that entire ecosystem.”

162 North Road, Bethel, ME Mahoosuc.org

Sponsored by Bethel Rotary Club, Franklin Savings Bank, The River Fund

White Mountain Fritillary through the microscope in the caterpillar stage.

VS

TEAM 603 THE BAJA

A Visual Journey to the Norra Mexican 1000 Race, Baja California

MIKE PETELL AND CHUCK SUTTON OF CONWAY’S TEAM 603 TAKE ON THE 5-DAY, 1,300-MILE NORRA MEXICAN 1000 RACE

The Mt. Washington Valley has seen its share of local residents go out to make names for themselves around the world. From skiers and climbers to traveling doctors and Hollywood actors, the Valley has plenty of stories of those who traveled to faraway places in the name of adventure.

When Chuck Sutton, owner of Furber Funeral Home of North Conway, returned in 2022 from his first experience in the NORRA

begins in Ensenada and finishes in San Jose del Cabo.

Along the way, Sutton and Petell would face unrelenting heat and grueling desert conditions, through dry riverbeds, cliff-side routes along the Pacific, and heart-dropping mountain passes over the gnarly Mexican desert. With max sustained speeds of over 100 mph to slow, crawling speeds of just 25 mph over rocky, cliff sections, there was little room for error.

Along the way, Sutton and Petell would face unrelenting heat and grueling desert conditions, through dry riverbeds, cliff-side routes along the Pacific, and heart-dropping mountain passes over the gnarly Mexican desert.

Mexican 1000 Race, Baja California, he knew he would be back. Return he did, the very next year with best friend, Mike Petell, owner of Profile Powersports of Conway.

After a year of planning and thousands of dollars of modifications to their 234-hp 2022 Can-Am Maverick XRC Turbo RR, 4-wheel UTV, the duo headed down to the National Off Road Racing Association’s five-day, 1,300-mile race, April 30 to May 4, 2023. Averaging over 250 miles per day for a total of 1,300 miles, the zig-zag race route, which travels over the Baja California Peninsula,

In 2022, 268 racers started the race, and just 111 finished. This year, 237 started and 127 finished. There were two fatalities in the preceding four years; and the race averages two life flights per day. Each year there are reports of spectators sabotaging or booby-trapping the course by digging holes, damming rivers, or burying and hiding obstacles (more for entertainment purposes than to cause injuries). Although Team 603 was fortunate not to encounter such issues, awareness of course alterations are often part of race-day strategies—and also one of the many reasons why Team 603 focused

CARS & UTV

heavily on onboard radio communications, a SAT phone system, and GPS navigation systems to assist in route guidance.

Overall and throughout the five-day race, Team 603 fared quite well and faced only minor mechanical problems, plus heat shield issues, blown tires, and even shock failure on the final day. Sutton and Petell would reach a high point of eighth place in their class by the end of Day 3, before dropping back the next day to 11th. They maintained that pace and finished 56th overall. Quite impressive, considering only 127 racers finished, placing them in the top half. Support and sponsorship came in the form of several Mt. Washington Valley businesses, including Paul Olson of Paul’s Instant Garage in Albany. The support crew and drivers were Jake Bissonette and Ben Croce. Both Sutton and Petell hope to race again in 2024.

The following pages include some spectacular race photography provided by Bink Designs, California. For a more thorough breakdown of the race and interview with Team 603, the Conway Daily Sun, www.conwaydailysun.com, did a fantastic job covering the race and interviewing Sutton and Petell in multiple April and May editions.

MODIFICATIONS

234-hp 2022 Can-Am

Maverick XRC Turbo RR, 4-wheel UTV

1. EXTREME BREATHING

K&N intake provides higher volume of fresh air for max performance in extreme conditions. Additional clutch cooling increases belt life.

RPM Titanium E-Valve exhaust allows for maximum performance via 3” exit, adding horsepower and shaving weight.

2. WHEELS/TIRES

32x10-15 ten-ply Tensor tires are 2” larger in diameter than OEM with a true bead lock rim for use in the most extreme conditions.

3. SUSPENSION UPGRADES

CT Race Work front chassis reinforcement to prevent front frame flex in extreme terrain.

Shock therapy springs with limiter strap provide increased adjustability for better airtime and fine-tuning for extreme terrain.

4. DRIVER/CO-DRIVER SAFETY

Intrusion bars installed by Lucky Gunner Garage, fabricated to prevent objects from entering cockpit and to reinforce the roll cage.

Helmet air filtration system provides constant flow of air to keep dust particles out and regulate temperatures.

Double-layer fire suits provide 16-second fire-protection—plus Carbon-Kevlar helmets.

5. IMPROVED VISIBILITY

Baja Designs light bar provides 25,000 lumens through 32 LED bulbs to achieve natural daylight simulation after dark.

Rigid chase lights provide visibility through dense dust for the vehicles behind to reduce chance of collision.

6. AUXILIARY FUEL TANK

AGM 8-gallon auxiliary fuel tank allows almost double the range for long distances between fuel stops.

7. COMMUNICATION/NAVIGATION

Driver/co-driver integrated communication, SAT phone system, and Lowrance GPS navigation systems to assist in route guidance.

1

2

4

After a year of planning and thousands of dollars of modifications to the UTV, Team 603 locals Chuck Sutton and Mike Petell averaged over 250 miles per day, scorching heat, and speeds topping 100 mph, Team 603 duo finished better than half the pack.

Operators glimpse into the cockpit of Team 603’s buggy and all required safety features, including, 5-point harness, helmet air filtration system, Lowrance satellite GPS, Helmet intercom system with integrated CB intrusion bars and all other controls for exterior safety system, including chase lights and LED light bar.

Team 603 seen here blasting through one of the many different elements of the race route. Standing water is a rare sight in the Baja, but welcomed, as it gives racers a chance to cool down a bit and rinse off some of the equipment.

Co-driver view of the LeadNav navigation systems used during the NORRA 1000. Post-it notes act as reminders of mile markers for fuel stops and details. Screen shows a glimpse of the route, the waypoint cautions, compass, distance to next waypoint, and total mileage left to end of stage. Microfiber covering systems aid in protecting components from intense heat.

Sutton and Petell make their way down the coast of the Baja Peninsula during day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Team 603 ready to launch on day 4 of the NORRA Mexican 1000 in Loreto. Team member, Jacob Bissonnette, is seen on left taking some video of the day 4 start, along with hundreds of spectators to witness the starting line mahem.

Team 603 navigates a tricky part of the route with assistance from their LeadNav and Stella systems. Seen here, a 90-degree turn is safely navigated through a confusing intersection on day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000.

ABOVE: Out of spares, Team 603 rolled across the finish line with a blown tire. Here, Petell inspects blown tire #2 for that day at the finish line on day 4 of the race. Earlier in the day, they replaced the opposite side rear tire in the middle of the desert from an impact blow out that took out the sidewall of the tire #1.

LEFT: Team 603 navigating a rise on day 5 of the NORRA Mexican 1000 with blown out shocks. The race terrain takes a tremendous toll on the equipment, and the shocks on Team 603’s buggy were this day’s victim.

Team 603 members and support on stage at the finish line in San Jose Del Cabo. From left to right, Nacho (racer support, and cook) Adam Damm from Triple Deuce Motorsports, Jacob Bissonette, Mike Petell, Chuck Sutton and Thomas Purcell, also of Triple Deuce Motorsports, and family.

All in the Family

By Christine Thompson

The Shannon Door Celebrates 70 Years!

When you hear the phrase “family business,” many things come to mind—but it’s hard to think of a single Valley business that better exemplifies that phrase than the Shannon Door Pub. In addition to being a prime après ski location, “The Door,” as locals call it, has been a gathering space for friends, family, high school reunions,

ations of Mulkerns have worked at the establishment, and a fifth generation is on deck.

Tommy Mulkern was just 18 years old when his parents Joe (Dodo) and Kay Mulkern moved the family up to Jackson from South Boston with sisters, Alicia and Katie, and brother, Red. There was no pizza in the Mt. Washington Valley, so

was a big change, but he loved it and began working for his father immediately. Tommy finished his senior year at Kennett High School, while also being an integral part of the business.

He did everything from drive the Oak Lee Lodge car to pick up guests at the train station in North Conway to tending bar and making pizza. All of the ingredi-

Tommy Mulkern was just 18 years old when his parents Joe (Dodo) and Kay Mulkern moved his family up to Glen from South Boston with Tommy’s sisters, Alicia and Katie, and brother, Red. There was no pizza in the Mt. Washington Valley, so they began serving pizza in the style of their previous restaurant in Stoughton, Mass.

sports teams, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, celebrations of life, and more.

This year marks The Shannon Door’s 70th year. Purchased by the Mulkerns in 1953, it may be one of the oldest Valley establishments operated by the same family. Originally called The Oak Lee Lodge, the name was changed to the Shannon Door Pub in 1984, when the Mulkerns morphed the business from a ski lodge to an Irish pub. Four gener-

they began serving pizza in the style of their previous restaurant in Stoughton, Mass. Joseph Senior inherited the famous pizza recipe from the Cedar Lodge in Boston and brought it up here. When asked about the coveted recipe, Tommy winked and said, “I’ll tell you all but one ingredient.”

Tommy likens his first impression of the Valley as “moving up to the frontier.” Coming from all the hustle and bustle of the city to the snowy White Mountains

ents for the food had to be purchased in Boston. Joseph would drive to Boston weekly to get fresh ingredients for the restaurant. There were no major food distributors in the Valley in those days, so business owners had to go get ingredients on their own and, if they wanted the ingredients to be fresh, it had to be done weekly.

LOVE AND PIZZA

In 1963, a young woman named Tess

boarded the B&M snow “ski” train that ran from Boston to North Conway. At the time, Tess lived in Somerville, Mass., and she and some friends made arrangements to stay at the Oak Lee Ski Lodge. As she remembered, it was quite the adventure. Tess and her friends stayed in one of the Oak Lee’s bunk rooms and, much to her surprise, shared a bathroom with all the other bunk room guests. Even though it was all a big adventure, the thing that impressed her the most was the handsome and humorous bartender, Tommy Mulkern. The feeling was apparently mutual, and the next time Tommy went to Boston for pizza supplies, he brought Tess a dozen roses and asked her out to dinner. Not surprisingly, Tess became a regular at the ski lodge. At first, she’d bring her nephew, but then she’d come up on her own. They married a year after that first date and have been together ever since.

Joe, Kay, and Lady the dog, pictured here at one of the Oak Lee cottages.

Kay Mulkern preparing fresh pizza dough. Later in the 60s, daughter Tessa could be found doing the same, often with a baby in tow.

Tommy Mulkern, pictured here with Joe (Dodo), likened his first impression of the Valley as “moving up to the frontier.”

After they were married, Tess moved from Somerville and jumped right into the business. Soon after, she and Tommy began their family. First came Kathleen, then Nora, Timmy, and Danny. That was in the 60s, and that’s really when it became much more of a family establishment. Tess always had a baby in the kitchen while she was making pizzas. When the kids would get tired, they could go up to the bunkroom and nap or watch TV with Grampa Dodo. The Mulkern kids have many fond memories of growing up at the Shannon Door—like skiing down the backside ski hill and playing with all of their friends while the parents would enjoy the pizza and drinks and good company. Those were idyllic years.

No history is complete, however, without a good ghost story; and in this regard, the Shannon Door does not disappoint. There are ghosts, well at least one ghost. Bartender, Renee Hawkes has seen the ghost. As she tells the story, she was working late one evening. It was a relatively slow night. It was almost closing time and she was conversing with the

Tommy Mulkern was just 18 years old when his parents, Joe (Dodo) and Kay Mulkern moved his family up to Glen from South Boston with Tommy’s sisters, Alicia and Katie, and brother, Red. There was no pizza in the Mt. Washington Valley, so they began serving pizza in the style of their previous restaurant in Stoughton, Mass.

only patron in the building at the bar. Something caught her eye in the dining area. She saw a tall man with a long jacket and a top hat turning and walking back towards the front door. Renee wanted to make sure he knew they were still open, so she tried to catch up with him by going directly to the entrance, but when she rounded the corner, there was no one there. She looked out into the parking lot and there was no car, no person, and no footprints in the snow—nothing. Others have seen this same figure walk through the area where the fireplace used to be, or they’ve felt someone brush past them in the kitchen. The best they can figure is that it is the ghost of one of the men who owned the home at the turn of the century. There is a photo hanging in the dining room to the right of the front door. Take a look next time you’re there. It’s sure to send a shiver down your spine.

Some Famous Patrons

Quite a few celebrities have enjoyed themselves at the Shannon Door. Years ago, big-time entertainers like Benny Goodman would perform their act at the Wentworth Inn in Jackson and then go eat pizza and have a few drinks afterwards. Apparently, word got out, and many other entertainers of note would become customers, including Henne Youngman; Peter, Paul and Mary’s Peter Yarrow; and the cast and crew from the film, The Good Son, which was being shot at Mirror Lake. Linda Hamilton and Treat Williams were in the movie, Skeletons In The Closet, which had many scenes filmed here. Gordon Clapp is like a member of the family, as are a host of other local entertainers, such as Marty Quirk, Dennis O’Neil, Davey Armstrong, Kevin Dolan, Simon Crawford, Jon Deveneau, Jonathan Sarty, Tom Dean,

Early unidentified residents of Maplehurst Cottage enjoying the sun. The original photograph is dated 1907. Some say the man in the hat may be tied to the “ghost” seen over the years in and around the pub.

Tommy Mulkern behind the bar in the 1980s.

Tommy Mulkern could be found doing many things like driving the Oak Lee Lodge car to pick up ski guests at the train station in North Conway.

Over 20 locally owned & operated restaurants

★ ALMOST THERE (603) 447-2325

★ BARLEY & SALT (603) 307-1037

★ BLACK CAP GRILLE (603) 356-2225

★ CHEF’S BISTRO (603) 356-4747

★ CHRISTMAS FARM INN (603) 383-4313

★ DEACON STREET (603) 356-9231

Treat your taste buds to the Best of the Valley!

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

★ FORTY AT THORN HILL (603) 383-4242

★ HORSEFEATHERS RESTAURANT (603) 356-2687

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

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

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

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

★ MOAT MOUNTAIN SMOKE HOUSE (603) 356-6381

★ THE NOTCHLAND INN (603) 374-6131

★ THE OXFORD HOUSE INN (207) 935-3442

★ PRISCILLA’S (603) 356-0401

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

★ SHALIMAR OF INDIA (603) 356-0123

★ THE SHANNON DOOR PUB (603) 383-4211

★ SHOVEL HANDLE PUB (603) 383-8916

★ THOMPSON HOUSE EATERY (603) 383-9341

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

★ WILDCAT INN & TAVERN (603) 383-4245

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

You

won’t find us any where else!

The Oak Lee ski barracks, where tired ski guests could spend the night and freshen up before or after a day on the slopes.

Tommy and Tessie Mulkern enjoy some downtime in the pub.

Alicia Mulkern Hawkes, seen here anxiously awaiting the ski season, was one of the many key family members responsible for the success of the pub and restaurant.

Evolution

Over the years, the Shannon Door has weathered many storms, but resilience and changing to keep up with the times has kept them afloat. They certainly survived lack of snow over the years by making the pub about more than just après ski. They made a transition to a full menu from pizza only to accommodate a wider audience, and also incorporated theme nights to drum up business like 2-for-1 pizza on Sunday nights and Thursday night dine-to-donates, where local non-profits could make $1 for every pizza sold. Shannon Door even had live auctions on Wednesday nights with local legends, Peter Case and Paul Lodi. Patrons could bring things they no longer wanted and auction them off. If the items sold, they’d get half the money, if they didn’t sell, they’d take them back home.

And then there’s COVID. The business survived by becoming take-out only for a while. It was critically important for Tommy and Tessie to keep their doors open and ensure their staff still had work. As with all others who spend time at the Shannon Door, their staff are like family.

What is almost intangible about this special place is the feeling one gets when one walks through the door. No matter how cold it is outside, one can find comfort in the warmth, dim lights, and old Irish decor. Throughout all these years and changes and ghosts, the family nature of the business has remained the same.

On any given night, Tommy and Tessie’s daughter, Nora, can be found managing the front of the house, nephew Brendan will be tending bar, and niece-in-law Renee will serve you up a hot meal, local, Irish, and craft beers, and special cocktails. Friends from far and wide will walk through the door and gather and laugh—and sometimes cry. But one thing is for certain, you walk out feeling better than when you walked in. There are no strangers at the Shannon Door Pub, only friends and more memories waiting to be made. Here’s to another 70 years!

Paddy Reilly (a famous Irish singer and close family friend) and Harry Belafonte, who came for pizza after The Wentworth. Also Peter White, Rod Mackenzie, and local poet, Danny Bianchino.

Marty Quirk, Kevin Dolan, and Davey Armstrong, doing what they do best for so many years at the Shannon Door throughout the 80s, 90s, and today.

Kitchen manager, Matt Frenette and pizza pro, Jon Peterson, have been running kitchen operations and “part of the family” at The Shannon Door for decades.

Lots of visual memories adorn the walls around the dining area and pub of the Shannon Door. “The Wall of Fame” is a must-see when visiting, thanks to the many personalities over the years who have entertained or have been entertained during their visits.

Celebrating 70 years here are Brendan Hawkes, Mary Jollotta, Renee Hawkes, and Nora Mulkern. Between them they have worked somewhere around 125 years at The Door. That’s a lot of memories!

Tommy and Tess Mulkern (pictured here on St. Patrick’s Day, 2023) can still be found most nights at the high tops in the pub, telling stories and chatting with guests.

Four generations L-R : Dan Mulkern (3rd generation) son of Tom and Tess Mulkern (2nd generation); Samuel (5th generation) son of Liam Van Rossum; Grandson (4th generation) to Tom and Tess.