Mt Washington Valley Vibe - Summer 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

Summer 2019 art s c ultur e

Summer 2019 | Volume 3: Issue 9

e ve nt s

food

h i sto r y

l i b a ti o n s

m u si c

peopl e

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

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

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

(603) 307-1066 • www.ncoliveoil.com Settlers Green & 2730 White Mountain Highway, No. Conway, NH 2 MWVvibe.com

IT’S WORTH THE TRIP! Over 20,000 square feet of home fashion to fit your family’s needs.

WE DELIVER WITHIN 100 MILES! ROUTE 16 between Berlin & Gorham, NH • 603-752-5212

WE DELIVER WITHIN 100 MILES WWW.TOPFURNITURE.COM • MON - FRI 9-6, SAT 9-5 & SUN 11-4

With exciting displays, a huge selection of new fashions beautifully accessorized for your home and home decorating services,we are the destination for your home furnishing needs. We also have the newest styles in home appliances.

Come see our showroom for the best selection of the latest styles in furniture, and appliances in the North Country!

Summer 2019

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FROM THE EDITOR

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER/CREATIVE Dan Houde dan@wiseguycreative.com MANAGING EDITOR Cam Mirisola-Bynum SUPPORTING EDITOR Brein Matturro SUPPORTING CREATIVE Ryan Smith 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 250 locations throughout the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire and into the communities of Western Maine.

MWV Vibe can also be found in select retail shops, dining establishments, lodging properties, and grocery stores throughout the same area.

If your business, or one you know, would like to make MWV Vibe available to customers, please contact us.

The Mt. Washington Valley is experiencing yet another bump in popularity as the current year continues to show signs that it may be one of the busiest in decades. The strength of the winter season carried over nicely into spring (even with the less-than-stellar weather) and now summer seems to be following suit. I should mention that this is an unofficial observation on my part and simply based on day-to-day interactions with the community, specifically its residents and businesses.

Hiking today is more popular than ever, with every trail-head seemingly overflowing with explorers. Just like it was 100, even 200 years ago, visitors and residents alike still gravitate to the forests, summits, and rivers of the White Mountains to quench their adventurous side.

Ironically, this year marks the 200th anniversary of the Crawford Path, the oldest trail in the Whites, and considered the oldest continuously used and maintained hiking trail in the country. First established in 1819, the trail travels 8.5 miles beginning in Crawford Notch and ends on top of the region’s highest peak, Mount Washington. There are currently over 1,400 miles of non-motorized trails in the White Mountains, and this increasingly-popular trail network provides important outdoor recreation opportunities for over six million people annually and is a key ingredient to the region’s identity and growing tourism-based economy.

With this amount of regular traffic, the questions begs to be asked ... just who is taking care of all this? The answer is, mostly volunteers. These trail maintainers and clubs vary in capacity and structure, but range from small, non-profit clubs, and individual trail volunteers, to governmental agencies and large non-profits.

These diverse partners strive to maintain our vast trail system for public benefit while focused on the protection of natural resources.

For a closer look at the Crawford Path Project, and to learn about the recently formed, White Mountain Trail Collective, check out the Trail Tender’s of the Whites article in this edition of Vibe. Let us know what you think!

Happy trails!

Dan Houde - dan@wiseguycreative.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission of: WISEGUY CREATIVE MEDIA 126 Allens Siding Road, North Conway, NH 03860 ADVERTISING For advertising, feedback, and subscriptions, call (603) 986-5761 or email info@mwvvibe.com www.mwvvibe.com

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SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK-ORDERS

MWV Vibe is printed quarterly and offers a great way to keep up with some of your favorite interests in the Valley. An annual subscription is just $28 and past editions are $10 (includes mailing).

Subscribe online at MWVvibe.com, or send an email to info@mwvvibe. com, or letter to 126 Allens Siding Road, North Conway, NH 03860.

Makes a great gift too!

MWVvibe.com

Summer 2019

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SUMMER 2019 • CONTENTS 27 - EATING LOCAL

72 - FAMILY ROCK CLIMBING

80 - SILENT FLYERS

FEATURES 16 GIRLS ON THE RUN

34 MOUNTAIN GARDEN CLUB

72 FAMILY ROCK CLIMBING

20 7 MUST-TRY PHONE APPS

40 SHERMAN FARM CUTTING GARDEN

80 OWLS - SILENT FLYERS

By Kara Couture

By Dan Houde

22 WHITE MOUNTAIN

BREWS & NEWS

By Clem McAuliffe

By Beth Nagle Griffin

By Michele Dutton

48 LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH ... CAMP

32 SCRATCH-MADE ICE CREAM

58 TRAIL TENDERS OF THE WHITES

by Jesse Wright

18 Degrees Celcius

By Donna Marie Famiglietti Dolan

By Phil Franklin

By Jake Risch

27 LIVING LOCAL, EATING LOCAL

by Birch Malotky

88 LOST COMMUNITIES

42 GUIDE TO SUMMER PADDLING

Cooking, RV, Backcountry Tips

by Ryan Smith

ON THE VIBE COVER

Jackson, NH Wildflower Sunset

REGULAR DEPARTMENTS 8 SUMMER EVENTS 10 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 11 WHITE MOUNTAIN HUMOR 12 SOUNDS OF SUMMER 14 WHITE MOUNTAIN ART 88 HISTORY - LOST TOWNS

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Wiseguy Creative Photography Camera: Nikon D750 Lens: Tamron 15.0-30.0 mm f/2.8 1/13 sec; f/22; ISO 100 Matrix metering The sun sets over a field of wildflowers in Jackson, NH

MWVvibe.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Birch Malotky, North Conway, NH A recent graduate from Brown University, Birch is the northern New Hampshire land steward for The Nature Conservancy, and enjoys climbing, writing, photography, and jewelry-design.

Jake Risch, Conway, 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.

Lauren Clem, Ossipee, NH Lauren has spent her weekends and vacations in the Valley for as long as she can remember. She enjoys meeting the people who make the area tick and any story that requires her to put on her hiking boots. When she’s not exploring the White Mountains, she writes for a local newspaper in her home state of Rhode Island.

Kara Couture, Center Conway, NH Kara is the director of community outreach for Carroll County YMCA/Camp Huckins in Freedom, NH. She’s an active member of the community and serves on several local boards. She loves taking spontaneous trips with her husband and three daughters.

Ellin Booras, Bartlett, NH After traveling to the Valley with their two sons on weekends for over 30 years, Ellin and her husband Chris followed their dream to live here full time after retiring from her job as a high school principal. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Boston College. Ellin and Chris have a home in Bartlett, and are now pursuing their passion for cycling, skiing, hiking, kayaking, and community service.

Ryan Smith, Bartlett, NH As owner of Rooted in Light Media, a photography, video, writing, and design company, Ryan splits his time between North Conway and Massachusetts’ North Shore. Ryan’s passion for outdoor recreation and conservation is evident in the work he has done throughout the Valley as a creative professional and a steward of the environment.

Clem McAuliffe, Bartlett, NH Clem McAuliffe, owner of Vista Bev & Market in Intervale, 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?”

Marlies Ouwinga, Brownfield, ME Marlies is living her very best life hidden away in the mountains of Brownfield, Maine with her husband, two boys and three dogs.

Working at Stone Mountain Arts Center since 2006, Marlies turns to writing to air out her mind on a regular basis.

Donna Marie Dolan, Freedom, NH Donna is passionate about design, writing, fine arts, travel, and photography.

She presently holds the position of PR/communications manager for Tin Mountain Conservation Center. She has served on various boards and steering committees, and loves spending time with family and friends.

Phil Franklin, Bartlett, NH Phil moved to Bartlett from CT in 2014. Being active in the community, Phil is on the Board of Directors of the Bartlett Historical Society, the chairman of the Bartlett Planning Board, and is on the board of his local homeowners’ association.

His other interests include photography, cycling, hiking, and writing.

Aurora Winkler, Fryeburg Aurora Winkler is a working abstract painter and entrepreneur. She lives in Fryeburg with her longtime boyfriend Daniel, and their two excitable English Labrador sisters, Shugar and Boona. You will likely find her down by the river or painting in the studio yurt on their land in Denmark, Maine.

Additional Contributers - Joe Klementovich photography - Jim Neiger© photography - Maillett Photography - Anne Skidmore photography - Matt DiMaio III photography - Jake Jacobson, writer - Jesse Wright, writer - Michele Dutton, writer - Mike Cherim, Redline Guiding, writer - Sharon Hill, Hills RV, writer - Cort Hansen, Ragged Mountain, writer

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE VIBE TEAM?

Our writers, researchers, and photographers are the key to the success of MWV Vibe. 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.

We are currently looking for potential writers interested in covering the Berlin and Gorham areas of New Hampshire.

Summer 2019

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SUMMER 2019 • EVENTS There’s nothing quite like summertime in the Mt. Washington Valley! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, please call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Purity Spring Resort • Outdoor Summer Lobster Bakes Every Thursday June 27 – August 29; 6 p.m.

Possibly the longest continuously running Lobster Bake in New England, offering seaweed-steamed lobster, corn-on-the cob, steaks, chicken, salads, burgers, and more. Reservations required and made no later than the Wednesday prior to. www.purityspring.com • (603) 367-8896 Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort • 5K Walk/Run Race Series Sunday June 30, July 14, August 11, September 1; 7:30 a.m.

Welcome to all, net proceeds from this 5K walk/run summer series will benefit Freedom Elementary School, Angels & Elves, The Laura Foundation for Autism & Epilepsy, and Cynthia’s Challenge. www.danforthbay.com • (603) 539-2069 Mountainside Music Series Presented by Bud Light • Attitash Mountain - Saturdays, June – Labor Day Weekend, 3 – 6 p.m.

Sit back and enjoy free outdoor live entertainment at this Mountainside Summer Music Series presented by Bud Light. Play lawn games while sipping on a beverage from the Cantina Bar. There is limited seating; feel free to bring your camping chair. This is a licensed premise, so please no BYOB. www.attitash.com • (800) 233-7669 Wildcat on Tap • Wildcat Mountain Saturday, July 20, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Join in for the newest summer tradition, Wildcat on Tap: Celebration of Summer. Enjoy local brews, live music, lawn games, and amazing views. In addition to this festival, check out summer attractions, including an 18-hole disc golf course, the ZipRider, scenic gondola rides, waterfalls, and more. Tickets available for purchase online and day of. www.skiwildcat.com • (888) 754-9453 Summertime Activities, Tours & Chores Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm Monday, July 1–Saturday, August 31 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Explore the extensive historic grounds, meet the animals, see a machine-milking demonstration, and take part in activities and modern-day farm chores. Learn about the two country doctors whose medical practice was located onsite, tour their original doctors’ office and learn about early medicine. A unique picnic spot. www.remickmuseum.org • (603) 323-7591 Mountain Bike Megabowl Race Series • Attitash Mountain Resort July 27, August 10 & 11, September 21 & 22 Featuring cash prizes for pros and sponsor prizes for amateur podium finishers. This series is open to all mountain bike riders. July 27 will be a downhill race, best of two runs. August 10 and 11 is an enduro race with practice day on Saturday and race on Sunday.

September 21 & 22 hosts a downhill race and enduro practice on Saturday and enduro race on Sunday. Register online to save. www.attitash.com • (800) 233-7669 Spelling Bee Saturdays • Settlers Green August 3, 10, 17, 11 a.m.

Test your spelling skills at our Spelling Bee Series, hosted at the Gazebo at Settlers Green, in partnership with the North Conway Public Library. Winners go home with prizes from Settlers Crossing including products from Mattress Firm, Books A Million, and Starbucks. All competitors are eligible to win the Grand Prize 8

Giveaway of new Bose noise-cancelling headphones— perfect for busy students! www.settlersgreen.com • (603) 356-7031 Anthem Sunrise Ascent • Mt. Washington Auto Road Sunday, August 4, 5 a.m.

This unique event is a fundraiser for the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country. At sunrise, teams will ascend the Auto Road, determined to reach the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. Each team will include an adaptive athlete and a team of “mules” who will help the athlete up the 8 miles to the summit. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is closed to all traffic until 11 a.m. that morning. www.adaptivesportspartners.org/sunriseascent • (603) 823-5232 The Hot Sardines • The Colonial Theatre Friday, August 8, 8 p.m.

Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful music can bring people together in a disconnected world. www.BethlehemColonial.org • (603) 869-3422 8th Annual Blueberry Fest • Attitash Mountain Resort Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

This event includes lawn games, a cornhole tournament, blueberry pie baking contest and eating contest, and an assortment of blueberry BBQ, treats, beers, and cocktails, all topped off with a live performance by Crush, a Dave Matthews Tribute Band from 3 – 9 p.m. and a firework show at 9 p.m. This is a family-friendly event and it’s free to attend, although Attitash Resort Summer Attractions Park tickets are an additional cost. www.attitash.com • (800) 233-7669 Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb Saturday, August 17, 8:30 a.m.

Challenge yourself on the rockpile this summer with a hillclimb you won’t forget. A must-do for every cyclist, this event is a fundraiser for Tin Mountain Conservation Center, which promotes an appreciation of the natural environment to all ages through hands-on programs in the schools, at camp, and in the community. This event is part of the US Hillclimb Series. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is closed to all traffic until 1:30 p.m. that afternoon. www.mwarbh.org • (603) 447-6991 Gangstagrass • The Colonial Theatre Saturday, September 7, 8 p.m.

Bluegrass and Hip-Hop may sound like an odd combination, but don’t tell that to Producer Rench, who birthed the fusion in 2006.

With two emcees R-Son and Dolio The Sleuth trading verses, Dan Whitener on Banjo, Landry McMeans on dobro, and Rench on guitar, and frequent 3 part harmonies, the Gangstagrass live show has garnered a reputation among fans for its dynamism and spontaneity. www.BethlehemColonial.org • (603) 869-3422 Harvest Festival • Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm Saturday, September 21 • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

A celebration of agricultural life and the crafts, trades, traditions and pastimes that accompany it, located on the grounds of a historic working farm. It’s a day of seasonal festivities, demonstrations, exhibits, farm animals and old-time games and fun for all generations. www.remickmuseum.org • (603) 323-7591 MWVvibe.com

settlersgreen.com 888-667-9636 Tax-free shopping at 75 of your favorite brands Locally-owned eateries & spa services Public art & gardens Dozens of nearby accommodations

Get area info! Download our North Conway Adventure Guide settlersgreen.com/north-conway

K I D - F R I E N D LY S U M M E R E V E N T S Cruise Nights at Crossing Mondays through Labor Day Check out antique cars and hot rods at the MWV Old Car Club’s Cruise Night, hosted weekly at Settlers Crossing at 5:30 p.m.

Spelling Bee Saturdays August 3, 10 & 17 Clear the cobwebs and ready yourself for school! Winners go home with prizes from Settlers Crossing.

Free Movies on the Green July 23 & 30, August 6 & 13 Yard games, face painting and music begin at 6 p.m. with weekly activities and guests. Movies start at dark!

Back-To-School Blitz August 17, 10am-2pm Kids activities including a Variety Show featuring highenergy juggling and crazy stunts.

Annual Mall-Wide Tent Sale July 26-August 4 Back-to-back weekends of back-to-school & summer clearance tent sales at Settlers Green!

Labor Day Sidewalk Sale August 30-September 2 Extra savings at participating stores. Summer clearance and fall preview sales.

Dine at one of a dozen restaurants & eateries Conveniently dine throughout Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing at a dozen restaurants and eateries, many locallyowned. Try award-winning burgers and cupcakes, street food, local coffee and more. Menus at settlersgreen.com/eat.

Details at settlersgreen.com/events W H I T E M O U N TA I N H W Y | N O R T H C O N WAY, N H

settlersgreen.com | 888-667-9636 Summer 2019

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

DESIGNED GARDENS FLOWER STUDIO DG Flower Studio is a new gardendesign-based flower shop in North Conway, NH specializing in styled flower arrangements for everyday joy, events, weddings, celebrations, and life. Their love for floral design has grown from over 20 years of experience from their professional garden and landscape design company, Designed Gardens.

DG Flower Studio’s approach to design is simple and organic—allowing the flowers to do what they do best: make us feel good and bring a little beauty into our lives. They’re passionate about flowers and like to share this love of floral design with others. Customers can watch as they create a custom floral bouquet for you at the “Flower Bar,” collaborate about flowers for your wedding or special event, or take one of the classes.

The Designed Gardens studio menu offers container gardens, garden care and plant styling, events, and more. They have an extensive selection of plants, containers, specialty garden tools, bath and body products, cards, tea, candles … and so much more!

DGFlowerStudio DESIGNED GARDENS Highlights

• Airy and whimsical take on floral design • Knowledgeable in all things botanical • One-stop shop for gifts, gardens, outdoor/indoor décor At DG Flower Studio, you can order flowers online, call, or go in to talk with them about flowers and plants for your home, business, wedding, • Weekly, monthly, yearly flower subscriptions available or events at their North Conway studio. They are committed to offering • Member of the White Mountain Independents an exceptional experience and providing you with amazing flowers.

Delivery is available throughout the Mt. Washington Valley and beyond! • Supporter of the Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park

For more information, call (603) 730-5268 or visit www.dgflowerstudio.com.

NESTER’S KITCHEN & BATH, LLC Nester’s Kitchen and Bath is a retail kitchen and bath dealer located in Intervale, NH. Established in 2014, their specialty is creating custom spaces designed with the home owners’ tastes and needs in mind. Ed Nester, the company’s owner and designer has been in the kitchen and bath field for over 40 years, and has a reputation for quality craftsmanship, integrity, and fair pricing.

Nester’s Kitchen and Bath carries quality cabinetry from Shiloh, Eclipse, Cookshire, and J&K Cabinetry, just to name a few. Clients are able to choose from granite, quartz, solid surface, wood, and laminate countertop materials—all custom fit to your design specifications. There is a wide variety of cabinet hardware to accent your space, and a full range of kitchen and bath accessories to maximize the functionality of your design.

Nester’s Kitchen and Bath recognizes that each project is unique, and as such, offers many levels of service, including delivery only, or full-service design through installation—which includes coordination of electrical, plumbing, and flooring subcontractors. Nester’s Kitchen & Bath utilizes full-time professional cabinet installer, Jay Nester, to achieve a near flawless finished product.

NKandB

NESTER’S KITCHEN & BATH, LLC Highlights • Centrally located, serving the MW Valley area • Experienced design and installation services • Products ranging from entry-level cost to full custom • Free site review and estimate

For more information, call (603) 383-3030 or visit www.nesterskitchenandbath.com.

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WHITE MOUNTAIN HUMOR By Jake Jacobson Dragonflies to the Rescue We were taking serious casualties, and honestly, didn’t know how much longer we could withstand the barrage. What we desperately needed was some air support.

There we were, up to our armpits in spent shell casings and grenade pins ...

Actually, we were on a jobsite, tearing down an 1800s timber-frame Cape on a sultry June afternoon. But the only thing being torn down was our spirit with each piercing bug bite.

I’m normally not one for telling war stories, but suffice to say we had lost hope. The sun was beating down. Covered in sweat, dust, and rubble, we were pinned down ... out in the open and getting hit from all sides. We were taking on serious casualties, and honestly didn’t know how much longer we could withstand the barrage. What we desperately needed was some air support.

And then they appeared ... the cavalry! The choppers came in over the wood line from all sides. DRAGONFLIES!! DRAGONFLIES!!

They set to the task at hand swiftly and intently like a mob of 8-year-olds with a credit card at Zebs. Swirling, hovering, darting in frantic circles while gobbling their fill. We could almost hear the startled screams of the mosquitoes that didn’t know what was hitting them. We cried out with joy as they went to work, so we could get on with ours. “DIE! DIE!!”

When I was a kid, my friends called them sewing needles and warned me to beware. “They’ll land on your hands and sew your fingers together!” Which looking back, was kind of odd, considering how many dragonflies I’ve seen in my time and how few kids I’ve met with webbed hands. “What happened to your hands?”

“Dragonfly.” “Aw, man that’s awful.” “Nah, it’s not so bad. With these hands, I’m the top swimmer in the state now! Coach says I’ve got a shot at the Olympics!” Some warned that they actually sewed your LIPS together, which truthfully, if you’ve met some kids, isn’t such a bad idea.

I have a certain amount of respect for insects. They keep us humble. Mosquitoes exist to remind us of our place on the food chain. Blackflies exist to pollinate blueberries, feeding on us so they can, in turn, feed us.

Deer flies? Well, deer flies only exist to make Buddhists swear. They are the penance we must pay to live in such a beautiful place. We must pay for paradise with our own blood. Any creature that can drive an organic gardener to guzzle DEET must be paid its proper respect.

The North Country is like a well-tuned sports car—it goes from 0 to 90 in no time and leaves us all sucking its dust and picking bugs out of our grilles. Make it sit in traffic and it gets overheated and cranky like a toddler at the beach. Thankfully, there’s never any traffic to sit in around here. But we love it and look forward to it, because like a mother expecting her second child, we have just enough amnesia to forget the pain involved. And let’s face it, blizzards and mosquitoes are a small price to pay when comSummer 2019

pared to earthquakes and tornadoes. I mean, THOSE people are CRAZY for living where they live!

I should be sleeping right now, but it’s currently a dead-still night, 80 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Not exactly what the weatherman would call “good sleeping weather.” I’m lying awake, smothered in thick air, contemplating the wisdom of living in a place where the term “sleeping weather” is actually a thing.

Submitting and surrendering and drifting off into a sweaty slumber ... when ... biiizzzzzz ... biiizzzz ... a mosquito buzzes around my ear, drowning out the sound of the snoring dogs. Ahh, dogs.

The answer to that age-old quandary: How can we possibly get MORE mosquitoes INSIDE this house?

I hatch a plan for tomorrow. I’ll train the dogs to bring in DRAGONFLIES!!

Dragonflies are here to help. Dragonflies exist to give us hope. Forever and ever. Semper Fly. Jake Jacobson is a contented cynic and a stand-up comic from Brownfield, Maine. Catch one of his shows at the Denmark Arts Center in Maine, www.denmarkarts.org, on August 23, 2019. Follow Jake at Facebook/standup.guy.33 or Twitter@StandupGuyJake.

Open 7 Days

Sat 7am-5pm

Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

Sun 8am-4pm

Visit our Garden Center for Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Bagged & Bulk Mulch & Compost

Plumbing • Electrical • Hardware • Paint • Camping • Coolers Pet Supplies • Grills • Outdoor Furniture • Gifts & Greeting Cards Housewares • Cleaning Supplies • Hand & Power Tools • Rentals Power Equipment • Power Tool Service and SO Much More!

(603) 356-0757 • LucyHardware.com 239 Rt 16, Intervale, NH 11

SOUNDS OF SUMMER By Marlies Ouwinga Jim McGuire photo

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn: Relaxed & Relatable

S

weet sweet summertime is precious in New England. It often seems that as soon as it settles in, Mother Nature has moved on into autumn. So, every moment must be savored. Mind off, sun fully on. Floating in a cool lake, laying on the soft green grass, and gazing at the star-filled sky … trying to find the constellations … dippers, Orion’s belt … maybe catch a shooting star.

As I tend to change my musical tastes with the seasons, my summer soundtrack lends itself to the easy-going nature of the

the soul, willing you to close your eyes and let the music take over. Such are the banjo players, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn.

Béla Fleck is a 16-time Grammy award-winning banjoist. He’s most popularly known for his band Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, and has collaborated with musicians from all over the world. From a trio with Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer, concerts with the Brooklyn Rider string quartet, performances with African artists, such as Oumou Sangaré and Toumani Diabaté, to jazz collaborations with

Béla Fleck is a 16-time Grammy award-winning banjoist. He’s most popularly known for his band Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, and has collaborated with musicians from all over the world.

too short months. Time to get in tune with the more mellow and lighter sounds that capture the leisurely pace of the longer days.

Through my job, I’m lucky enough to be exposed to musicians of every genre. I’ve watched and listened to some of the most accomplished in their exclusive fields. Some are sensational performers you can’t peel your eyes from. Some spur the audience to get up and dance. And some simply find their way into

the Marcus Roberts Trio and countless duos. His movie, Throw Down Your Heart, followed his trip to Africa to learn more about the roots of his beloved banjo.

He has been nominated in more categories than any instrumentalist in Grammy history.

Abigail Washburn is a clawhammer banjo player and singer who has played in the bands Uncle Earl and The Sparrow Quartet,

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as well as with experimental group, The Wu-Force. As stated on the bio page of her website, “If American old-time music is about taking earlier, simpler ways of life and music-making as one’s model, Abigail Washburn has proven herself to be a bracing revelation to that tradition.”

She and Fleck play the banjo in different styles—she a more traditional West African clawhammer and he the bluegrass three-finger style.

But their love of the instrument is the same. Together and separately they’ve travelled the world studying and playing the banjo from its roots in Africa to Japan.

Their debut album, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, took home the 2016 Grammy for Best Folk Album.

I’ve seen Béla Fleck with several projects, and every sound his banjo makes is deliberate and precise—even in his more fluid performances with the Flecktones, or in a solo show. I’ve never seen anyone more in tune with his music—regardless of whether he’s playing in Brownfield, Maine, or Carnegie Hall. It’s always fascinating to watch and entrancing to listen to.

Many see the banjo as a simple instrument, yet in their hands, this humble tool transfixes the most sophisticated audiences.

Watching Fleck with Washburn, there’s a new sense of freedom, a palpable passion. Their mutual admiration shining on their faces and fueled by a shared devotion to one instrument. And Abigail sings—her beautiful voice a perfect “mingling of Appalachia and folk-pop.”

Highly respected and long revered by their peers, they get lost in their playing. An easy banter reminding the audience they are doing what they love with whom they love. A pretty spectacular feat in the world of music.

Fleck has said, “It’s a really fun time for us. It’s sort of the first moment in the day that we look at each other and go, ‘This is our time,’ you know? It’s funny that it’s in front of a bunch of people! But it works out really well for us.”

Since the birth of their second son, they’ve taken more time to live quietly, as a family. Touring less, focusing on their family unit, but never losing their excitement of playing together.

I nervously made my way to the green room to steal a few minutes of their time. I asked them about coming to rural New England and how becoming a family has brought a new perspective to their lives and their music.

Fleck laid back on the couch thoughtfully as he spoke, “I think that we discovered that the big gigs we love the most are when we’re really chill and we feel like we play our best; everything was just in a flow. I’m very serious about it. But I’m a simpleton. I like to have fun. Not just this tense, worried, serious experience—like when you’re playing really hard stuff. I’m trying to deliver it night after night, and you’re just micromanaging measures, and tuning, and you know it can get that way with some people. I don’t love that anymore. We just want to be able to flow with it. The music is not the focal point of our lives. But also, you have to be you and you have to meld the musician with the dad and husband.”

“So, when a request comes in from somebody we know and that we like, like Carol [Noonan, Stone Mountain Arts Center] that involves some musical fun and some personal fun, it is hard to say no. We both have a situation where we have long relationships now, and when somebody you’ve played with for a long time wants to play, you want to play with them, too. You know, it’s like an old friend.”

“We’re loving it and just wishing we could live this lifestyle for a little while,” adds Washburn from a rocking chair, “We all feel very relaxed and happy.”

I had to find out their favorite parts of summer. Not surprising it’s the simple things—swimming … fireflies … festivals.

I thanked them, and as I turned to leave, he ended the conversation with the real essence of their journey: “We love coming to rural areas and bringing the music to the people. It’s all part of the mission.”

Mission accomplished.

Happy summer.

Summer 2019

Hosting national acts in the foothills of the White Mountains in an intimate timber-frame barn. Serving dinner by reservation before concerts. Open year round.

Booking weddings and functions, too!

OUR CALENDAR FOR 2019 - ADDING SHOWS DAILY! July 19 July 20 July 22 July 24 July 25 July 26 Aug 2 Aug 3 Aug 6 Aug 8 Aug 10 Aug 13 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 30 & 31 Sept 1 Sept 6 Sept 14 Sept 19 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 1 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 11 Oct 16 Oct 17

Arlo Guthrie John Gorka The Wood Brothers Amy Ray of Indigo Girls Natalie Merchant Slaid Cleaves Tom Rush SMAC Anniversary Show & Auction Shawn Colvin Parsonsfield The Weight Band Bob Marley Cheryl Wheeler & Kenny White Johnny Nicholas & Cindy Cashdollar Ruthie Foster Los Straitjackets Knots & Crosses Ward Hayden & the Outliers Paula Poundstone Steve “n” Seagulls Oliver the Crow - Free admission show Suzy Bogguss Keller Williams Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi Iris Dement The Jeremiahs Peter Mulvey and Catie Curtis We Banjo 3 Martha Spencer & the Whitetop Mountain Band Free admission show Oct 25 Amy Helm Nov 1 Roomful of Blues Nov 2 John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band Nov 3 Nick Lowe Nov 4 John Hiatt Nov 7 Bob Marley Nov 14 Ricky Skaggs Nov 16 Harry Manx Nov 22 The Suitcase Junket Nov 23 Gibson Brothers Nov 29 & 30 Adam Ezra Dec 6 & 7 Christmas Concert at the Little White Church Dec 20 & 21 Stone Mountain Live for Christmas with Bill Kirchen Dec 31 NYE w. Jonathan Edwards Feb 21 JigJam March 21 Kat Edmonson April 25 Judith Owen May 16 Duo Duo Quartet

StoneMountainArtsCenter.com Just 15 minutes from North Conway (207) 935-7292 • Dugway Road, Brownfield, ME 13

ART IN THE VALLEY By Aurora Winkler

ABOVE LEFT: Palmina F. & Stephen S. Pace Galleries of Art reception from April 2019, for the Art Celebrates Place event, organized by the Upper Saco River Valley Land Trust. Fine artists from Mount Washington Valley showcased art that was inspired by visiting the conservation lands. ABOVE RIGHT: Palmina and husband Stephen Pace on the porch of their summer home in Stonington, Maine.

World-Renowned Artist Stephen Pace Paintings on Display

L

ocated within the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, on 18 Bradley Street, in Fryeburg, resides the Palmina F. & Stephen S. Pace Galleries of Art. Dedicated in January 2009, they offer an elegant setting for the display and exhibition of fine art.

Currently hanging in the gallery, are paintings by the benefactor himself, a world-renowned abstract expressionist, Stephen Pace.

The two large galleries have 14-foot ceilings and offer about 1,200 square feet of exhibition space. Designed by architect Mark Lee of Harriman Associates in Auburn, the galleries were built to the

ington, Maine for nearly 40 years. They split their time between Maine and New York; Palmina Pace, all the while, managing Stephen Pace’s art career. Pace is remembered today as an iconic American abstract painter. He was born in 1918 in Missouri, and grew up on farms there, and in Indiana. He took art classes as a teenager and served England in the Army during World War II. He was wounded in the war and was hospitalized in Paris. There, he met the writer Gertrude Stein, who introduced him to Pablo Picasso. He studied with Hans Hofmann in the late 1940s and

The Pace Galleries of Art were created when the Fryeburg Academy board of design and development committee agreed that the school would add art galleries to the performing arts center and the Paces were brought on as its benefactors.

highest museum standards, including 24-hour security and climate control. A behind-the-scenes storage vault, office, and workroom complete the facilities.

The Pace Galleries of Art were created when the Fryeburg Academy board of design and development committee agreed that the school would add art galleries to the performing arts center and the Paces were brought on as its benefactors. In addition to funding the galleries that are named in their honor, the Paces donated 20 of Stephen’s paintings to form the core of its permanent collection.

Stephen and Palmina Pace were seasonal residents of Ston-

found the renowned German-born painter-teacher’s exuberant attitude toward making art inspiring. The Paces were married in 1949, and became part of the vibrant New York City art scene of the 1950s, hobnobbing with the likes of Kline and de Kooning, becoming a major figure in the second wave of abstract expressionism. Pace’s works appeared in numerous annuals at the Whitney, and he had solo shows in some of the most respected galleries of the day.

In 2016, The Stephen and Palmina Pace Foundation was founded, in honor of these two benefactors and patrons of the

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ADDITIONAL MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY GALLERIES Surroundings Art Gallery 12 Main Street, Sandwich, NH (603) 284-6888 www.surroundingsart.com

Erik Koeppel Fine Art P.O. Box 325, Jackson, NH (603) 383-7062 www.erikkoeppel.com

White Mountain Artisans Gallery 3358 NH-16, North Conway, NH (603) 356-6546 www.facebook.com/pages/WhiteMountain-Artisans-Gallery

White Mountain Photography 95 Main Street, located inside Snowflake Inn, Jackson, NH • (603) 374-6050 www.whitemountainphoto.com

Edge of Maine Art & Framing 182 Main Street, Brownfield, ME (207) 935-2817 www.edgeofmaine.com

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

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

AJP Fine Art 55 Louisa Drive, Center Conway, NH (781) 534-3849 www.ajpfineart.com

Fryeburg Harbor Antiques and Fine Art Gallery 506 Harbor Road, Fryeburg, ME (207) 925-2848 www.fryeburgharbor.com

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

Cook Memorial Library 93 Main Street, Tamworth, NH (603) 323-8510 www.tamworthlibrary.org

Nathan Macomber Glass Studio 480 Eaton Road, Conway, NH (603) 447-1825 www.macomberglass.com

Louise Perry of Vintage Frameworks 28 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-7711 www.vintageframeworks.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

Artworks 132 White Mountain Highway, Chocorua, NH (603) 323 8041 www.chocoruaartworks.com

League of NH Craftsmen North Conway 2526 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH • (603) 356-2441 www.northconway.nhcrafts.org

St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts 155 Emery Street, Berlin, NH (603) 752-1028 www.stkieranarts.org

The Cassidy Gallery at Jackson Village 10 Seavey Street, North Conway, NH (603) 662-2074 www.cassidygallery.com Mt. Washington Valley Art Center 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH (603) 356-2787 www.mwvarts.org Jackson Art Studio & Gallery 155 Ridge Road, Jackson, NH (603) 387-3463 www.jacksonartnh.com

arts. Its mission is to perpetuate the artistic legacy of Stephen Pace and to promote art as a cultural necessity through the support of working artists and educational programs. Our Valley community has been truly honored by the generosity of the Paces. The Pace Galleries of Art in Fryeburg offers us a state-of-the-art facility to view both highly collectible museum quality works, as well as an opportunity to showcase contemporary artists of our time.

The Pace Galleries of Art will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. when Fryeburg Academy is in session September through May. You are encouraged to make an appointment for private viewings this summer by calling the box office at (207) 935-9232 or sending an email to boxoffice@fryeburgacademy.org. Mike Dana is the academy’s appointed art director and will help arrange a time for you to view the fantastic Stephen Pace show.

Pace Galleries of Art 18 Bradley Street, Fryeburg, Maine (207) 935-9232 www.fryeburgacademy.org/arts/pace-galleries

Western Maine Lakes & Mountains Carol Chaffee, REALTOR® www.carolchaffee.com (207) 240-1641 • Fryeburg, ME

Summer 2019

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Local Girls Find Their ...

C

By Kara Couture

an’t think of a better time to talk about school than during the summer. You read that right. This is the perfect time to talk about a very special program for girls. It’s right around the beginning of the school year—when children can feel stressful about new challenges—that this particular program, Girls on the Run (GOTR), really shines.

Picture this: after-school at Pine Tree Elementary, one classroom comes alive with excited, giggling girls. They gather around a small round table to see what delicious snack was brought for them that day. The round-table gathering creates a comfortable space for informal conver-

sations and sharing before introducing the lesson of the day, which may include strategies for dealing with stress.

Girls on the Run, a 10-week afterschool program, is a character-building program for girls in grades 3 to 5. The mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Girls learn to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, recognize their gifts, and activate their personal power.

The goal of this well-thought-out nonprofit isn’t to turn girls into marathon runners, but to inspire them to be joyful,

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healthy, and confident individuals who can set a goal and then reach it. So many of the lessons discussed are about teaching girls to recognize their positive qualities and not to listen to negative messages. Young girls today are so bombarded with messages. They are not thin enough, not strong enough, or not good enough. This program teaches them to pay attention to what they can do, instead of what they can’t. It’s been interesting to see them staying plugged in to that positive cord. It teaches girls that having a positive attitude is a choice.

Over the 20 sessions, girls will develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society.

The strategies used are good for everybody. It’s not just about girls using the strategies; it’s about passing it on to others—and to boys. Throughout the season, they review their goals and work toward meeting them. The program culminates

Girls on the Run, a 10-week after-school program, is a character-building program for girls in grades 3 to 5. The mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.

with the Girls on the Run 5k event in Concord, bringing together hundreds of girls, their families, and community members.

During each lesson, the group takes time for discussions about topics, such as positive self-talk and stopping negative comments, gossip and how it hurts others, and different phrases to use for empowerment. “When I get upset or don’t know how to handle a situation, I stop and take a BrThRR”, said one Pine Tree participant. “It is a saying that reminds us to Stop, Breath, Think, Respond, and Review.” Another student loves the Star Power lesson, which inspires the girls to practice using visualization to positively impact their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The lesson also teaches strategies to activate and enhance our Star Power, as well as helping others to activate theirs. When their Star Power is activated, they turn their negative self-talk into positive self-talk. They learn that clouds may come in and cover their Star Power, but they choose the power to shine!

When the girls are done working out, they gather again, in a classroom setting or outside, and review the day’s lesson.

Other topics—nutrition, for instance— are reviewed. And then, usually, an energy award is presented. Energy awards are simple cheers that are used to show gratitude for our friends, as well as to celebrate a positive attitude. “I have fun making up my own energy award,” said another participant.

Towards the end of each season, each girl works with their team to plan and implement a community impact project, which is a key component of the program. The girls work together to come up with the project, use the skills they

LEFT: Each season ends with a celebratory 5k run in Concord, NH, where all participants wear the number 1. Girls have fun deciding how to “dress up” their running gear—this particular year it was tutus! RIGHT: Among the many character-building lessons they experience, the girls learn how create positive connections with others and make meaningful contributions to the community and society.

Summer 2019

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ABOVE: Over the 20 sessions, some of the life skills the girls develop include improved competence and confidence in who they are and a heightened ability to respond to others and oneself with care and compassion. One of their “activities” includes presenting each other with “energy awards”—simple cheers to express gratitude for each other and celebrate positive attitudes. BELOW: “Kindred Kara” poses with a participant during a practice. During the first practice, girls are tasked with coming up with an adjective that starts with the first letter of their name. We refer to this name throughout the season. ABOVE RIGHT: To help girls track how many laps they’ve run and to encourage them to push themselves, coaches come up with creative ways to track their progress. The Pine Tree team shows off the hair tie lap counters they made for the fall 2018 5K.

GOTR INFO • Girls on The Run was founded in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina • The NH council was established in 2001 • Girls on the Run has an Adopt-a-School program • Pine Tree Elementary had its first season in 2015 and will have its 7th season in the fall of 2019 • GOTR is now in all 10 New Hampshire counties • Spring 2019 statistics: 114 teams, 1,846 participants, 425 volunteer coaches • Girls on the Run also has a program for girls in grade 6-8 called Heart and Sole For more info regarding the program, visit www.girlsontherunnh.org.

For more information about starting a team locally or to sponsor a girl, contact Kara Couture, kara@camphuckins.com.

have learned to complete it, and are empowered to do it again. The Pine Tree group has completed projects around and for the school, including cleaning windows and making thank-you gifts for teachers, creating “Happy Bags” for the oncology patients at Memorial Hospital, sticking positive message throughout the high school walls, and organizing a bake sale and carwash to raise money to donate to the New Life program, so a new mother could purchase a safe mattress. By giving back to the community in small ways, the girls realize they have the power to spark change in the world and see it as a way of life and not a requirement to graduate.

The season culminates with a fun-filled and unique celebratory 5k run in Concord, NH. All participants and coaches are given shirts to wear for the race, but the team decides what to add to it. Accouterments have included tutus, panda hats, high socks, capes, and ponchos for a rainy race. There are photo booths, tattoo station, face-painting, and Zumba to kick-off this non-timed race. Every girl proudly wears a race bib with the number 1 on the front. A fan favorite is watching the entire Pine Tree team wait for their team member and then all crossing the finish line together holding hands. The impact from the program goes far beyond the school yard.

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Vibe’s Choice

7

By Dan Houde

MUST-TRY PHONE APPS

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Let’s face it ... as much as some of us hope to get away from technology when we hit the trail, there’s no doubt that phone apps have a place in our outdoor world. We shouldn’t ever put ourselves in a position where we need to rely on them, but today’s phone apps give us access to vast amounts of well-presented, accurate, real-time data.

Armed with knowledge, in some cases never before available, many apps offer the potential to roam faster, farther, and at times, more safely into the backcountry than ever before.

From navigation and first aid, to trip planning and weather forecasting, we tested seven apps that, when used with common sense, can be beneficial in many ways to your next outdoor adventure. Let us know what you think. Have your own favorite? Let us know at info@mwvvibe.com for the next edition!

HIKING, SIGHTSEEING PeakFinder (iOS/Android, $4.99) www.peakfinder.org/mobile • 6,261 ratings • 4.4 stars

This could very well be our favorite app tested! Have you ever wondered what mountain, or mountain range, you were looking at? Once installed, just line up your phone to the horizon and PeakFinder shows the names of all mountains and peaks with a 360° panorama display! You can even preview summit views before you get to the top. Even better, the app functions completely offline— and worldwide!

Latest update: Version 3.7.4 (June 25, 2019) • 2.3 MB

First Aid, Health & Fitness First Aid - (Android, iOS: Free) www.redcross.org • 10,059 reviews • 4.5 stars

While there’s nothing quite like staying up-to-date on backcountry medicine through a professionally taught class like those available through the locally based SOLO (www.soloschools.com), thanks to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, now you can have ready access to basic medical knowledge with the First Aid app. Preloaded content means you can study up on the basics before heading out.

Latest update: Version 2.6.3 (May 20, 2019) • 40 MB

CAMPING, BOATING, HIKING, SEARCH & RESCUE Animated Knots (iPhone/Android, $4.99) www.animatedknots.com • 1,195 ratings • 4.6 stars

Looking for the best knot to hang that tarp or tie off your kayak to the roof? Named best knot-tying app by Outside magazine, this app will help you find the best option with easy-tofollow series of images in simple step-by-step photo animations.

Animated Knots by Grog, is the most comprehensive teaching and reference tool for boaters, climbers, fishermen, scouts, hobbyists, and more.

www.alltrails.com • Last updated: May 23, 2019

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OUTDOOR SAFETY, HIKING & CELL COVERAGE Cairn - (iOS/Android Beta) (iOS: Basic Free, US $4.99 Premium US $26.99 annual) www.cairnme.com • 4.7 stars • 215 Ratings

A game-changer in outdoor safety, Cairn’s main feature is a tracking function where your chosen contacts can follow your GPS location en-route and automatically receive instructions on how and when to contact help if you don’t return at your appointed time. The second feature offers a map function that provides available cell coverage along your route based on crowdsourced data. Cairn also provides offline maps and the ability to track and update personal stats such as distance and elevation gained.

Latest update: Version 2.1.16 (Jun 28, 2019) • 35.93 MB

MOUNTAIN BIKING Trailforks - (Android, iOS: Free) www.trailforks.com • 1,608 reviews • 4.5 stars

Trailforks is a mountain bike trail database and management system for riders, builders, and trail associations. Users can contribute data and then local trail associations have the control to approve and curate the data. Trailforks relies on thousands of people enjoying riding every day, providing a crowdsourced database.

Trailforks is largely built as a tool to assist these local trail associations, which in turn, creates good data for the everyday rider.

Latest update: Version 1.29.1 (June 15, 2019) • 30 MB Summer 2019

STARGAZING, EDUCATION Star Walk 2 - Sky Guide (iOS/Android, $1.99) vitotechnology.com • 4.6 stars • 13k ratings

White Mountain skies can be absolutely breathtaking, especially on a clear, dark, moonless night. But you’ll really impress your date, or the kids, if you can name that constellation or bright star on the horizon. A stargazing app for both experienced and novice astronomy lovers, Star Walk 2 lets you explore the stars at any time and place, find planets, and learn about constellations and other sky objects. Star Walk 2 is a great astronomy tool to identify objects on the map of the stars and planets in real time.

Latest update: Version 3.6 (May, 2019) • size varies

HIKING, BIKING, TRAIL RUNNING AllTrails - (Android, iOS: Free) (iOS: Free, Premium US $29.99 per year (lifetime option available) www.alltrails.com • 28,378 ratings • 4.5 stars

Planning a quick hike … or a multi-day adventure?

The AllTrails app has you covered with more than 50,000 trail guides for hiking, biking, and more.

Search through the list of trails or search for trails near you, look up trail reviews, and even write your own. AllTrails also allows you to view topographic maps and photos. You can upload pictures taken on the trail, and even create and upload your own tracks using your phone’s GPS tracker.

Latest update: Version 10.11 (June 26, 2019) • 31 MB 21

By Clem McAuliffe

SUMMER BEER BUSTERS

Palate-Pleasing Refreshment

Mister Blue Sky, please tell us why you had to hide away for so long, so long. Thank you, ELO, for putting to music my spring sentiment. When the sun finally peeked through, I danced like Baby Groot. The long time New England phrase, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, wait a minute,” didn’t sound so corny any more. Especially after unpacking from a short day-trip and realized I had used sunblock, bug spray, a raincoat, hat and gloves, long pants and short pants, boots, sandals, t-shirt, and a hoodie. The only thing I didn’t use was my bat utility belt. Must have been a slow crime day.

Well anyway, spring has come and gone, leaving me thirsty for some summer sessions, like the Lemon Blueberry Pale Ale from Woodstock Brewing in Lincoln, NH. This light pale ale has an essence of lemon with the presence of blueberry and at 4% ABV, you’ll be able to sustain your summer sun dress elegance. Keeping with the times, Woodstock is releasing Lost Time, a hazy, Galaxy- and Comet-hopped New

England Pale Ale. Orbiting at 6% ABV with only 40 IBUs, I’m sure this outer-worldly brew will replace Tang on future missions into space. Do I see a Space Force sponsorship in the works? Lastly, unlike Pauly Shore, the Raspberry Weasel Wheat will be coming out of retirement after five years. But just like Pauly, you won’t be able to resist this light summer blonde that teases you with pecks of raspberry lip gloss.

With their new brewery up and running, Hobbs has their summer blockbusters all lined up to be put in the can. Lake Life Pale Ale (5.9%) is back and better than ever. Thanks to a favorable hopping of Citra and Simcoe, and layered on a smooth, slightly malty base, Lake Life delivers notes of citrus, candied orange, and a touch of pine. Staying with the classic six-pack of 12-ounce cans, the beer may evolve but the can remains the same. Salinity Now! Raspberry is also back for a limited time. Salinity Now! is their Gose series with rotating fruit. Randy uses puréed raspberries in this sour, salty wheat ale to produce a tart and refreshing beer for the warmer months. Only one batch will be canned, so make sure to catch it when you can.

June also marks the return of a beer that made its debut last summer: Stripes! Stripes is a 4.7% ABV American golden ale brewed with 100% American grain and American hops. Last year’s batch was brewed entirely with grain from Wisconsin, but this year they added some Massachusetts grown grain from Valley Malt in Hadley, MA. This is a light summer crusher designed to be drank anywhere you please this season. They are also excited to debut one of their most popular pub-only beers in cans this summer. Wannabee is a 6.1% blonde ale brewed with wildflower honey and organic lemon juice. Honey is the star in this beer, but the supporting role of the lemon juice gives it a subtle lemony kick that balances the sweetness of the honey. They also lightly hop it, which lends more citrus and notes of tropical fruit. Wannabee always sells out when they brew it for the tavern, so get to the box office early for your six-pack, 12-ounce cans this summer.

Some local A-list actors will be doing summer stock at the Moat Brewery. First, the clean-cut crisp Kearsarge Kolsh will keep you cool without being brash. Next is the only summer release of the Flavah of the Day! IPA. This hazy brew delivers flawless one-liners from the fresh Southern Cross, Green Bullet, and Citra Hops. Coming onto stage in July is the Academy’s favorite (Dustin) Hoffman Weiss. This classic Hefeweizen summer star starts off the show humble with subtle spice then closes on a confident sweet note. Another one-show-only opens in August with the release of Call it a Day! DIPA. This leading brew never phones it in and always performs to the fullest. At 8% ABV, this juicy DIPA will help you escape your worries when you finally call it a day. Arriving right on time is the punctual and professional OPA, Moat’s traditional Oktoberfest. With old-world roots and new-school flair, this performer will lead you into fall like a welcomed walk into the sunset.

The dedicated people at Tuckerman Brewing Co. in North Conway have kept their nose to the grindstone this spring and rebooted their fair-weather friend, Summer Pils. This singlehopped Pilsner brewed with Citra hops is keeping it real at just

OH SWEETNESS ... GET IT WHILE IT LASTS! Randy Booth, head brewer at Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Co. adds honey to the latest batch of Wannabee, a 6.1% blonde ale brewed with wildflower honey and organic lemon juice. Honey season is coming so keep an eye out for 4 more sweet brews this summer from Hobbs.

4.3% ABV, so go grab a four-pack of these artfully adorned cans by local artist Hanna Lucy at your local retailer, who is also keeping it real ... cold.

You know those three words that mean so much, but don’t fully explain the whole truth? I’m talking about Tuckerman’s Tasting Room. TTR, as I lovingly call it. So much more than its namesake. TTR offers free indoor concerts on Saturdays all summer long, plus a few big outdoor shows and events. Exclusive beers are available at the taproom, such as their fresh New England IPA 50 Cent IPA, and now even cold bottles and cans to go. With choices like their flagship Pale Ale, the Rockpile IPA, Headwall Alt, seasonal brews, stouts and even a Shandy made-to-order, you’re sure to make a love connection before we return in 2+2.

On August 10th, they are excited to welcome back their friends, Rustic Overtones, for a concert in the field. You won’t want to miss out on this day, as their shows have always been rememberable! The final outdoor concert of the summer will be the amazing Maine-based group, The Mallet Brother Band, on August 24th. They play a variety of country rock and roll sounds that will have you foot-stomping and beer-spilling along. For more info—for a full list of events, promos and tastings—check Facebook, Tuckerman Brewing, or on their website.

In a little town called Littleton, the big brew-ha-ha is the Schilling Beer Co. Founded in 2013 in a converted 18th-century Grist Mill on the Ammonoosuc River, Schilling crafts award-winning, progressive European-inspired beers, including wild and mixed culture variations from its oak aging and coolship programs. Hanse, (without Franz) is the unfiltered Keller Pils, which was awarded a Rate Beer Gold Medal as one of the five best Pale

SAVOR THE HOPS.

RELISH THE FLAVOR.

BEER WITH A VIEW I grew up watching Bugs Bunny and reading the backs of cereal boxes at the breakfast table.

Jokes, puzzles, and even toys in the box helped get my brain ticking and offered me a prize before I even got out of my Spider-Man pajamas.

Now I’m entertained by the sayings, puzzles, and tongue-in-cheek humor of the creative people packaging beer. More than the simple picture puzzles under the caps of Ballentine or Haffenreffer, brewers now incorporate facts, fiction, and everything under the sun to tickle my funny bone or simply make me scratch my head.

The crafty quips are sometimes hard to find, so the next time you are enjoying a cold one, grab your “readers” and take some time to enjoy what the brewers created outside the bottle. You might be surprised at what you find!

Consumption advice: Stoneface Russian Imperial Stout – “Be a good sharer” Rockingham Red Dragon – “The perfect libation when having an old friend for dinner” Philosophical views: Farnham Northern Summit – “Real eyes realize real lies” Lagunitas SuperCluster – “Lift all the laniakea to your lips. Life is uncertain.”

Meet the team: Dogfish Head 75 minute IPA - Biography of the beer art illustrator on the bottom of the six-pack Support a charitable cause: Weyerbacher (and more) bottle caps – “Pints for Prostates”

TAP INTO THE HIPPEST EATERY! Thirty ever changing craft beers on tap Seasonal street food layered with local products and international flavors

Make a toast: Moat Brown – “Bone Appetit” Discover art: Collective Arts – Promotes emerging artists and musicians on every can

Tap into your inner beer lover!

www.barleyandsalt.com Settlers Green Streetside, 1699 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860 • (603) 307-1037 24 MWVvibe.com

MATINEE BEERS As the thermometer slowly creeps up into a happy place, beers with lower ABV are in higher demand. I like to know I can still write clearly after enjoying a few beers sitting on the back deck at lunch time. There are two beer categories that will surely be en vogue this summer.

Session Beers—Lighten up, Francis Sessions are referred to as any style of beer that has low ABV, generally under 5%. My favorite origin suggests that a “session” referred to one of the two allowable drinking periods in England that were imposed on shell production workers during World War 1. Typically, the approved sessions were 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and apparently continued up until the Liquor Licensing Act 1988 was introduced.

Ideally, workers would find a beer to consume within these restrictive four-hour “sessions” without getting pieeyed, enabling them to return to work or not get thrown in the paddy wagon. Certainly, that loose work environment has changed, but so has the beer. Full-flavored dryhopped session IPAs are great examples. Brimming with aromas of citrus, spice, or even with some fun floral fumes, these brews tell you what you’re in for before you even taste them. From fruited lagers to dry-hopped pilsners the focus of these ABV-aware brews is flavor.

Try local favorites, Tuckerman Summer Pils at 4.3% ABV, or Moat East Intervale IPA at 4.5% ABV. Sour Beers—Pucker Up, Buttercup Sour beers, on the other hand, don’t have any ABV restrictions, but generally are a little light handed. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. There are two basic categories of sours: kettle sours, which are made by adding lactobacillus to the beer before it is boiled; and traditional aged sours, which add the bacteria and Brettanomyces yeast after the boil. The traditional approach can take years to complete, making them more costly as they take up valuable and limited brewery space. Meanwhile, kettle sours take much less time; some just take a few weeks. They are not as complex as the barrel-aged, but they are charismatic. As any style of beer can be soured, you may run across sour pale ales or sour stouts, but these two particular styles are current hits.

Berliner Weiss, as its name suggests, originated in Berlin, Germany (not Berlin, New Hampshire). This beer is typically cloudy with a 3%-5% ABV and includes wheat as an ingredient. It wasn’t intended to be a kettle sour, but some very crafty American brewers have found a way to take it to the kettle and add fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, and even dry hopping them. If you don’t typically like Sour Patch Kids while attending your favorite movie premiere, this might be too sour for you.

Come by to say hi to BOOMER!

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

779 ROUTE 16, GLEN, NH (603) 383-4800 Summer 2019

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Lagers in the world in 2018. Congrats, Jeff!

For IPA lovers, Resilience, Schillings American Ale Project, focuses on expressively hopped ales. Drinking fresh Schilling or Resilience beers paired with local cheeses or their woodfired pizzas on their riverside decks offers an unparalleled beer experience! So, don’t be a flabby couch potato—work out a way to get to Schilling so they can pump... [clap] ... you up, with beer and food.

I would like to give a shout out to Mason at Saco River Brewing—they will be pouring at a number of beer festivals this summer and celebrating their third anniversary with a party on July 20. This great bash will include live music, BBQ food, and a new beer release.

And don’t miss Rek-lis Brewing’s Monday evening mountain bike rides on the new trails of the Bethlehem Trails Association, followed by a Pint & Pizza for just $10! All levels welcome!

Thanks for picking up on the local vibe and I hope you’ve got ants in your pants to go out and taste the local love. I will end this edition’s local review with my favorite customer interaction of the season: Customer: “Is this beer fresh?”

Me: “Why yes, it was canned at 3:30.”

Customer: “Oh, great—March 30th was just a couple of weeks ago.”

Me: “Ummm no, 3:30 this afternoon.”

White Birch’s Blueberry Berliner Weisse is a classic go to.

Gose is another German sour style (pronounced GOES-uh). It, too, is named after its town of origin, Goslar, Germany. This recipe calls for more than half of the grain be malted wheat (rather than the typical malted barley). The beer, dating back 500 years, originally had a hint of saltiness, which might have been from mineral mining in the area. When German brewers revisited the style in the 1700s, they added the salt during the brewing process to best capture the original flavors. Although not as popular in Germany now, American craft brewers have brought it back in a big way. They continue to add salt, plus a stage full of extras that give the brewers some room to swing a cat. Crisp and tangy—if you go for the pretzels and Sweet Tarts at the movies, this is the beer for you.

A perfect Gose is Hobb’s Salinity Now! with Raspberry.

Cheers!

Clem

V

S TA

CLEM MCAULIFFE, OWNER OF VISTA BEV & MARKET, LOVES BEER. He loves talking about beer, reading about beer, writing about beer, and of course, drinking beer.

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

(603) 356-5084 Route 16/302, Intervale, NH

IPA AND CORNHOLE ... WHAT COULD BE BETTER! Saco River Brewery in Fryeburg, ME has added yet another reason to visit their brew room this summer... cornhole Mondays! Every Monday at 5:30 p.m. teams of two will be drawn at random to battle towards the double elimination bracket and 50% of total entry fees ($10). No pressure just for fun and laughs!

FARMS OF THE GREATER MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY & NORTHERN LAKES REGION Today, “locally sourced” and “farm to table” are some of the sexiest descriptors a restaurant owner can put on the menu.

Especially in the Valley, where there is strong interest in supporting local businesses and neighbors. But too often we see this turn into a “farm to fable” when the chef stops ordering locally but does not take the farm name off the menu. Greenwashing at its finest.

So how do you know if your food is truly local? There’s no formal definition—or consensus—on the term local. If a market or restaurant is making a local claim, ask the staff to explain what that means to them. And then, decide for yourself if local is what you really want. For many, eating locally means eating seasonally, which frequently means relying on a more limited repertoire of foods.

Another helpful way of knowing is understanding seasonality. It’s important to know what grows in our local region and when. For example, when you know that limes aren’t grown locally, it will be a red flag when a restaurant claims your key lime pie is made with local limes.

Getting involved can also be helpful. Small, local farmers don’t have lobbying resources. Big Ag’s thumb is on the scale.

Grocers and restaurants want and need to make a profit, so they buy low and sell high. It’s up to us, as consumers, to back local farmers and suppliers when we notice or suspect a false claim.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Each farm has its own take on what its CSA looks like, but the basic principles remain the same: it’s a partnership with the farm to receive seasonal produce and products throughout the growing season

–Quote from Black Mountain Farm “You can think about it just as you would a magazine subscription, but instead of receiving a monthly issue, you’re receiving a weekly box of what is being produced on our farm. Did you know the average vegetable travels 1,500 miles before it reaches us? With a subscription to our CSA, you can receive fresh, seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, eggs and/or meat right here from our MWV farms each week during the growing season.

Being a member of a CSA has many benefits—from reducing your carbon footprint and grocery bill to eating healthier and knowing that your food is coming from a local source, to supporting your local economy. Not to mention all of the delicious food you get each week. There are also benefits for the farmer. The CSA model was built to create a symbiotic relationship of support between a farm and its community.

Membership is paid up front, helping the farmer with overhead costs during the early season and costs that come a long time before harvest.

Although it may be too late to take advantage of a CSA this summer, please consider one for 2020!

Multi-farm winter CSA Several MWV and western Maine farms have joined together as a network of family farms with a goal of offering a multifarm winter CSA. With several successful seasons under their belt, the Foothill Farm Alliance offers the opportunity to eat locally during the winter months in Northern New England.

For more details on the winter share dates, prices, pickup locations and vegetable prospectus, please visit the website below. To sign up head to foothillfarmalliance.com or email Natalie at hosacfarm@gmail.com.

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By diverting even a single purchase of your weekly food dollars to a local farm, you help our communities thrive. You help a family business and you ensure open space is maintained and cared for by the growers who farm there. Thank you for your commitment to our neighborhood farms.

BRIDGTON, ME

Summer market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Summer season runs from the first Saturday in May–October.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market has been proudly offering locally-grown produce, farm-raised meats, plants, baked goods, and high-quality handcrafted items to the Lakes Region residents and its visitors since 1996. Will accept EBT/SNAP, and certain vendors accept WIC and credit/debit.

Winter market runs November through April, Saturdays, 9-12; 2019-2020 location TBD. Visit www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket

JACKSON, NH

July 9–October 8, Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., on the lawn and in the barn at Thompson House Eatery, 193 Main Street, Jackson, NH. Farmer and Makers’ Market: live music, bread, cheese, eggs, produce, honey, cut flowers, meats, handmade crafts, and more! (603) 383-9341

#1 Listed Best New Restaurant in New Hampshire for 2018 by NH Magazine

NOW SERVING DINNER! Organic & Locally Sourced Conscious Cuisine Cocktails with an Herbalist’s Twist From Our Farm LOCATED AT

tableandtonic.com Natural Foods Market Breakfast and Lunch

Eco-Gifts

Espresso-Smoothie-Juice Bar

nhLocalGrocer.com

www.BeWellStudiosNH.com

603-356-6068

3358 Wht. Mtn. Hwy., Rt.16/302 N. Conway

CONWAY, NH

May 22–September 25. Two market days this year, Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Rain or shine at NEW Location: Pequawket Park in the center of Conway Village next to the Conway Fire Department. Vegetables, jams/jellies, honey, maple syrup, fruit, breads, eggs, milk, cheeses, butter, chicken, and more! www.northconwayfarmersmarket.com.

PARSONSFIELD, ME

Province Lake Farmers’ Market, Sundays, 10 a.m.

–2 p.m., May 26–Oct 13 at Edge Lake Farm part of the Province Lake Golf Course, 1804 Province Lake Road, Parsonsfield, ME. Locally grown and produced vegetables, mushrooms, baked goods, dairy, preserves, herbal products, crafts, and more. Rain or shine. Call 207-450-1296 or visit www.provincelakefarmersmarket.com

SANDWICH, NH

June–October, Wednesdays, 4–6 p.m., at the church parking lot on Church Street. Rain or shine.

Vegetables, fruit, flowers/plants, dairy, maple. For more info, call Monty at (603) 284-6800.

TAMWORTH, NH

Every Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 12–October 27, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship parking lot (30 Tamworth Road). Holiday markets November through December at the Brett School. Every other week, December 29–March 30, at the Tamworth Town House (27 Cleveland Hill Road). Vegetables, fruit, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat, jams/jellies, kombucha, hard cider, mead, wool/yarn, crafts, and good fun! SNAP $$ DOUBLED at the market.

Rain or shine, (603) 323-2368/2392.

Visit www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

WOLFEBORO, NH

May 23–October 31, Thursdays, 12:30–4:30 p.m.

(Market moved to Wednesday week of July 4th) Clark Park on South Main Street. Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, cut flowers, plants, beef, poultry, eggs, goat and cow dairy products, baked goods, lamb, spices, gluten-free breads, fresh fish, mushrooms, honey, honey products, jams, jellies, spreads, dog treats, vegan ice cream, and maple syrup. Music and weekly community events. Rain or shine.

Visit www.wolfeboroareafarmersmarket.com; SNAP $$ DOUBLED at the market

Eating local and supporting our region’s farms begins with awareness of who and where our farms are.

We hope this list will help you understand where and how to access the greater Mt. Washington Valley and northern Lakes Region’s bounty of agricultural products.

A NEW DAY FARM

Jennie Blair: 207-256-2522 397 Tasker Hill Road, Conway, NH Products available: Seasonal veggies and seedlings Where to buy: CSA shares, Conway and North Conway pickup locations Growing practices: Non-certified organic, no-till

ABUNDANT BLESSINGS HOMESTEAD FARM

Nadia Carpenter: (603) 832-6576 139 Moose Mountain Road, Brookfield, NH Products available: Goat, lamb, eggs, greens, soaps, seasonal veggies, wool dryer balls, baked goods, and fleece Where to buy: Farm Stand open 7 days a week, April–October. Call ahead for baked items and specific meat orders Growing practices: Lambs are grass and hay fed with minimal grain feed

ATHENA’S BEES APIARY

Athena Holtey: (603) 733-7736 1805 Route 16, Center Ossipee, NH Products available: Raw, local honey and organic-ingredient honey infusions, propolis tinctures, beeswax Where to buy: Wonalancet Honey Bee, just south of Pizza Barn, Monday–Friday. Summer Markets: Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market: Thursdays in Clark Park. Wakefield Farmers Market and Tamworth Farmers’ Market: Saturdays Growing practices: Humane, no-chem beekeeping

BEHR FARM

Karl Behr: (603) 986-0017 35 Main Street, Tamworth, NH Products available: Fresh whole turkeys Where to buy: Pre-order by phone or email for farm pick up at Thanksgiving Growing practices: Pasture raised, non-GMO feed

BERRYKNOLL

David Sorensen: (603) 447-3994 67 Old Portland Road, Eaton, NH Products available: Blueberries, red and black

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currants, gooseberries, maple syrup, honey, and daylilies Where to buy: PYO highbush blueberries, last week of July through August, daily, honor system with boxes and change available Growing practices: Low-spray weed control, mulch heavily with pine needles

BOOTY FAMILY FARM

Diane Decker Booty & Stephen Bartlett: (603) 284-7163 610 Mt. Israel Road, Center Sandwich, NH Products available: Eggs, maple syrup, fruit, greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, root vegetables, and tomatoes Where to buy: Farm stand open 8 a.m.–7 p.m. during growing season Sandwich & Tamworth Farmers’ Markets Growing practices: NH Certified Organic

EARLE FAMILY FARM

Tom and Ruth Earle: (603) 447-6641 9 Baird Hill Road, Center Conway, NH Products available: Beef, lamb, eggs, maple syrup, fruit, veggies, jams, all as available Where to buy: CSA shares in both summer and winter through the Foothill Farm Alliance and Hosac Farm. PYO raspberries, high bush blueberries and blackberries as available, call before you come. Self-serve farm store open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. year-round, Monday–Saturday Products available: Animals are pasture raised during the growing season, crops are grown using biodynamic compost; no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used

FARM BY THE RIVER

Eve and Bill Klotz: (603) 539-7245 158 Province Lake Road, Effingham, NH Products available: PYO raspberries and Katahdin breeding animals, market lambs for sale, and processed lambs, whole and by the cut when available Where to buy: PYO raspberries available July and mid-August through first frost. Call ahead for picking times Growing practices: Certified Organic PYO raspberries; heritage meats are naturally raised on pasture

FLY AWAY FARM

Jenn and Justin Ward: 207-446-7352 142 S. Barbour Road, Stowe, ME Products available: A wide variety of meat, eggs, fruit, veggies, seedlings, wood-fired maple syrup and handcrafted gifts, soaps, candles, clothing and rustic garden furniture.

Lots of rare and heirloom seedlings, flowers, herbs, vegetables Where to buy: Hobbs library farmers market: Lovell, Me. Saturdays; online plant catalog Plant Stand open daily. May 20–late July. CSA by inquiry. Wholesale deliveries available/ retail location Center Lovell Market in Center Lovell, ME Home, Garden, and Flower show in Summer 2019

Fryeburg, ME May 17–19 Growing practices: Organically grown with biodynamic and permaculture planting techniques; all animals are pasture raised

GRAND VIEW FARM

Joan Richardson: 207-960-2199 564 White Mnt Highway (Next to Leavitt’s) Products available: Vegetables, microgreens, berries, jam, cheese, pastured eggs, flowers, herbs, maple syrup, squash, pumpkins, gourds, Christmas trees, and wreaths Where to buy: 150 Tasker Hill Road Eggs available year round by self-service from dawn to dusk; farm stand open 9 a.m.–6 m.., Monday– Saturday, June through Columbus Day, and 7 days a week starting the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas; wholesale deliveries available. Contact Jason Richardson at 207-299-0483 Growing practices: Not certified, but try to conform to organic principles and practices

grown and wild-foraged vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms Where to buy: Wholesale deliveries available, no fee, days flexible. Wolfeboro Co-op. Wolfeboro Area and Province Lake Farmers’ Markets Summer CSA with multiple pickup locations Farm Stand open May–October daily.

Growing practices: Non-certified organic, no chemical pesticides or fertilizers, small scale, no-till

MOONSET FARM

Jackie Gardner: 207-625-7733 756 Spec Pond Road, Porter, ME www.moonsetfarms.com Products available: Chicken, lamb, pork, flowers Where to buy: Farm stand open by appointment Weston’s Farm Stand in Fryeburg, ME Wholesale deliveries available, no minimum at this time, delivery time determined on an individual basis. Wedding flowers and design.

Growing practices: Pasture-raised meat

HOSAC FARM

MOUNTAIN FLOWER FARM Natalie Beittel: 207-391-3983 Heather Chase and Russ Van Deursen: 136 Kimball Hill Road, Cornish, ME (603) 356-6068 x100 www.hosacfarm.com lmost 1021 Hurricane Mountain Road, Intervale, NH Products available: We grow a wide variety T herewww.tableandtonic.com of mixed vegetables, as well as raspberries.

Products available: Veggies, seedlings, herbs, Where to buy: Winter and summer CSA opand flowers tions with multiple pickup locations Bridgton Where to buy: The Local Grocer Farmers’ Market Growing practices: Non-certified organic Growing practices MOFGA Certified Organic permaculture practices, non-GMO, biodynamic practices ur an t sta re tavern &

HOLLOW TREE FARM

Deborah Potter: (603) 447-6641 230 Town House Road, Effingham, NH www.hollowtreehill.com Products available: Raw goat milk produced by Nubian and Nubian cross goats, free-range eggs, fleece from Finn/Tunis cross sheep, dairy goats bred for milk production and show Where to buy: Farm store open daily. Wholesale deliveries available Growing practices: No addedILDCAT chemicals or antiInn & Tavern biotics; stock is raised as naturally as possible

LITTLE FIELD FARM

Restaurant & Pub MIVIDA GARDENS

Sandy Brocaar: (603) 367-8419 274 Savary Road, Madison, NH sjfb@worldpath.net Products available: Certified Organic plant starts (herbs, veggies, flowers), preserves, and produce in season Where to buy: Farm stand on site; please call first. Tamworth Farmers’ Market. Seedlings sold at Paris Farmers Union in North Conway Growing practices: Certified Organic

Engravers Roman BT Cataneo

Sarah Davis: (603) 733-8535 2954 Eaton Road, Eaton, NH www.littlefieldfarm.business.site Products available Wide variety of mixed vegetables, meats, and baked goods Where to buy: Farm Stand in Eaton open weekends June–October IME in North Conway Village. Wholesale delivery options. CSA options.

Growing practices: Practice sustainable farming, including IPM

MEADOWFALL FARM & FORAGE

Alisha Langerman: 207-450-1296 180 Shore Acres Road, Parsonsfield, ME www.meadowfallfarm.com Products available: Offer a wide variety of farm

MOUNTAIN HEARTBEET

Joanne Ducas 158 Province Lake Road, Effingham, NH www.mountainheartbeet.com Products available: Specializing in a wide variety of carefully selected, delicious vegetables and herbs Where to buy: Farm open by appointment; Single- and family-sized summer CSA, fall bulk shares for October, Thanksgiving and December Wolfeboro Farmers’ Market. Farm to Table Market in Ossipee. Wolfeboro Food Co-op.

Wholesale deliveries available Growing practices: Certified organic vegetables

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PORK HILL FARM

continued

NAYLEN FARM

Andrea Pelosi: 617-773-6951 930 West Side Road, North Conway, NH www.naylenfarm.com Products available: Grass-fed pork, free-range eggs. Chickens and turkeys rotated daily on pasture and goats rotationally pasture raised Where to buy: Self-serve farm stand is open year round. Jackson Farmers’ Market. Wholesale deliveries available. CSA: Chicken and egg share May-November; egg share November–May Retail: Veno’s Butcher Shop in Conway, Farm to Table Market in Ossipee, Weston’s Farm Stand Growing practices: All animals are pasture raised. Any supplemental grain is non-GMO. Pastures are fertilized only with organic matter

PATCH FARM

BrennaMae Thomas and Brandon McKenney: 612-269-3457. 570 Main Street, Denmark, ME www.patchfarm.me Products available: Chicken, pork, eggs, veggies, seedlings, ginger, turmeric Where to buy: Year-round farm stand, CSA Bridgton Farmers’ Market (Winter and Summer).

Wholesale delivery options. No minimum order.

Growing practices: Certified Organic vegetables, seedlings, herbs, chicken, and eggs; forest-raised pork

PINE RIVER ORCHARD

Cindy Daigle: (603) 539-1605 314 Pine River Road, Effingham, NH Products available: Honey, blueberries, apples (22 varieties), pears (4 varieties), plums, jams and jellies, fresh-pressed cider during apple season Where to buy: Open mid-July through October; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Paul Swegel/Katie Doyle Smith: (603) 539-5999 45 Pork Hill Road, Ossipee, NH www.porkhillfarm.com Products available: Vegetables, herbs, and seedlings Where to buy: Wholesale delivery between Wolfeboro and Jackson. Delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays, no fee or minimum.

Retail Locations: The Local Grocer in North Conway. Hunter’s Shop ‘n Save and Harvest Market in Wolfeboro. E.M. Heath Supermarket in Center Harbor. Winter and summer CSA options Growing practices: Certified Organic

REMICK COUNTRY DOCTOR MUSEUM & FARM

Lindsey McAllister: (603) 323-7591 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH remickmuseum.org Products available: Farm-raised meats, freerange eggs, and maple syrup available year round Where to buy: Farm store open year round, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Meat CSA available June–August Growing practices: Naturally raised beef, pork, and lamb; all pasture raised without growth hormones or antibiotics for the promotion of growth

SAP HOUND MAPLE COMPANY

Corrie St. Saviour: 802-558-5385 414 Center Conway Road, Brownfield, ME www.saphoundmaple.com Products available: Maple syrup, maple sugars, and maple candies. Size range from tiny to 13 gallons, in order to serve a variety of customers; call for pricing Where to buy: Patch Farm’s Farm Stand in Denmark, ME. Maple CSA Available. Bridgton Farmers’ Market, Spice and Grain in Fryeburg, ME Deliver on demand for businesses in the area; Growing practices: Organic, kosher, and non-GMO

SHERMAN FARM

Michele Dutton: (603) 939-2412 2679 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH www.shermanfarmnh.com Products available: In-season veggies, prepared foods, milk in glass bottles, farm-raised beef and pork, chicken from Vermont, local products, and handmade gifts. Corn maze September–October. Ice Cream shop on-site #1 Listed Best Where to buy: Farm stand year round. CSA farm New Restaurant in shares available. Wholesale delivery Mon and Thurs.

New Hampshire Growing practices: Conventional growers using IPM for 2018 by NH Magazine

SNOWBROOK FARM

Kristy Foster-Carbone, Enna and Mark Carbone: (603) 447-8988 27 Everett White Road, Eaton, NH Products available: Free-range, apple/acorn& of Locally raised heritage pork; alwaysOrganic in search acornsSourced Conscious Cuisine in the fall Cocktails with an Where to buy: Open by appointment onlyHerbalist’s Twist From Growing practices: Pasture-raised, no Our Farm antibiotics, no hormones LOCATED AT

NOW SERVING DINNER!

tableandtonic.com

SPIDER WEB GARDENS

Natural Foods Market Adam Stockman and Jacinda Montague: Breakfast and Lunch Eco-Gift (603) 569-5056 Espresso-Smoothie-Juice Bar 252 Middle Road, Center Tuftonboro, NH www.spiderwebgardens.com nhLocalGrocer.com Products available: Annual and perennial flowers, seasonal vegetables, cut-your-own flower gardens, pumpkins, trees, shrubs, and fresh NH wreaths (will ship) in November and December.

Where to buy: Farm store and garden center www.BeWellStudiosNH.com open March 1–December 24, excluding Thanksgiving. Delivery of microgreens603-356-6068 to restaurants each Thursday 3358 Wht. Mtn. Hwy., Rt.16/302 N. Conway Growing practices: Low-spray/IPM and sustainable practices

TANNA FARM

Nate Winship and Hope Requardt: (603) 323-7917 1117 Whittier Road, Tamworth, NH Products available: Eggs, fruit, veggies, seedlings Where to buy: Farm stand open daily May–November. Tamworth Farmers’ Market. Summer CSA Growing practices: Non-certified organic

THOMPSON HOUSE EATERY FARM

The Mt. Washington Valley Eaters and Growers, MWVEG, is a group of farmers and local food advocates working together to build a vibrant local food system in the Mt. Washington Valley.

For additional information on local farming, pick-up a copy of the LOCAL FARM GUIDE, a grassroots form of cooperative marketing and public education tool. For additional information, visit www.mwveg.com.

Kate and Jeff Fournier: (603) 383-9341 193 Main Street, Jackson, NH www.thethompsonhouseeatery.com Products available: Seasonal produce, cut flowers, scratch-made baked goods and prepared foods Where to buy: Farm Stand open during the Jackson Farmers’ Market 3:30–6:30 at Thompson House Eatery. Inquire for wholesale details and delivery options Growing practices: Non-certified organic practices

TOP OF THE HILL FARM

Alan Fredrickson: (603) 817-0620 50 Martin Hill Road, Wolfeboro, NH

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Products available: Individual cuts or sides of beef, pork, and lamb available all year; eggs, maple syrup, and cut flowers in the summer months Where to buy: Farm stand open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., year round Wolfeboro Farmers’ Market, Seacoast Eat Local in the winter McKenzie’s Farm, Milton and Duane Family Farm in Barnstead Wolfeboro Food Coop Growing practices: Pasture-raised meat

WHITE GATES FARM

Hank and Heather Letarte: (603) 662-7556 2153 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH www.whitegates-farm.com Products available: Beef, chicken, pork, veggies, seedlings Where to buy: Year-round farm stand, 24-hour self-service, Tamworth Farmers’ Market Cut flowers in-season CSA available on all products, call for details Growing practices: Previously certified organic

WHITEFACE HOLLOW

Jennifer and John Ferreira: (603) 409-7222 251 Hackett Hill Road, South Tamworth, NH events@whitefacehollow.com | whitefacehollow.com Products available: Developing wine grapes vineyard and event venue Where to buy: Open by appointment Growing practices: Low-spray IPM

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WOTTON FARM

Joel and Kathey Wotton: (603) 539-8134 30 Circuit Road, Ossipee, NH wottonfarm@gmail.com Products available: Raw cow’s milk, cream, yogurt, butter, cheese, and eggs; beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and pork; seasonal vegetables, herbs, seedlings, and maple syrup Where to buy: Wolfeboro Area Farmers’ Market (summer and winter), Farm Stand: Open daily, year round Local deliveries available—contact for more information Growing practices: Animals are pasture raised and fed nonmedicated grain; vegetables are grown using organic methods

YOUNG MAPLE RIDGE SUGARHOUSE

Brad Streeter: (603) 662-9934 301 Wing Road, North Sandwich, NH www.youngmapleridgesugarhouse.com Products available: Maple syrup, maple candies, maple cream, and maple dry sugar Where to buy: Products available at the farm and at the NH Country Store. Wholesale deliveries available, no fee, no minimum order

Restaurant & Pub

ILDCAT Inn & Tavern

Engravers Roman BT Cataneo

Have EBT? Buy $1 Get $1 FREE on Fresh Fruits & Veggies The Local Grocer in North Conway joins 13 other stores in offering Double Up Food Bucks Program in NH. As part of the program, SNAP recipients receive 50% off fresh produce. The program allows SNAP recipients get more fresh fruits or vegetables and supports state farmers. A win for all! Other retail locations in our region include the Berlin Marketplace in Berlin, NH and Heath’s in Center Harbor. Questions? Call 866.586.2796.

Summer 2019

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SCRATCH-MADE @ 18 DEGREES hen it comes to ice cream in the Mt. Washington Valley, we’re fortunate to have lots of local options to enjoy. While simply choosing a flavor can sometimes be a tough decision, where we choose to indulge in this favorite summertime ritual can be equally important.

quick visits after dinner.

But if you’re looking for perhaps a healthier kind of ice cream experience, head into North Conway village for a visit to 18° Celsius. According to owner McKaella Schmitt, 18° C is the optimal temperature to serve and eat ice cream.

She considers this carefully as she per-

the waffle cones. She has five basic bases that she makes every day in small batches so her ice cream is always fresh. Her own pies, cookies, cakes, and more are made from scratch and chopped up and added in. If you have ever been lucky enough to try her famous Rainbow Cake, you need to get a Unicorn Chaser. Sweet and

While some Valley shops offer amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains and even playgrounds for the kids, others offer farm settings, nearby train stations, and even convenient settings for those

fects the art of microbatch ice cream production in her tiny location on the corner of Kearsarge Street.

McKaella makes everything from scratch, from the base to the add-ins to

delicious, it is rainbow cake mixed in to a vanilla base—a true kid favorite.

McKaella’s favorite flavor to make is Honeycomb, which she creates following a traditional French recipe. She also loves

McKaella makes everything from scratch, from the base to the add-ins to the waffle cones.

She has five basic bases that are made every day in small batches so her ice cream is always fresh.

32 MWVvibe.com

creating small batches of strawberry when berries are in season.

She spends the morning picking strawberries and turns them into ice cream that same day. She uses fresh and local ingredients whenever possible, getting produce and goat’s milk from Lucy Brook Farm, strawberries from Schartner’s Farm, and coffee from Frontside Coffee Roasters. Local ingredients are everchanging, so stop by frequently to see what’s in the freezer.

Don’t worry if you are less adventurous, though, McKaella says she always has at least a few basic flavors. A double scoop in a scratch-made waffle cone is summertime bliss! Other offerings at 18° Celsius are Avalanche Bars, popsicles, frappes, and ice cream floats, and new this summer, soft-serve! It’s important to set goals in life, and one of our summer goals will no doubt be to eat a lot of ice cream!

Thanks to the patronage of our guests we have donated...

$333K 2018

to worthwhile local charitable organizations!

In addition, the VO also donates over $13K in member gift certificates to over 180 Organizations/ Charities in the MWV area, each year! We also strive to work with local farmers and local producers of high quality products whenever possible.

18° CELSIUS 2683 White Mountain Highway, North Conway Village, North Conway, NH (603) 986-1036

Valley Ice Cream Shops BARNYARD SCOOP, SHERMAN’S FARM 2679 East Conway Rd. Center Conway, NH (603) 939-2412 BEN AND JERRY’S 26 Norcross Circle, No. Conway, NH (603) 356 7720 BOBBY-SUE’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 70 Eaton Rd, Freedom, NH (603) 539-5050 CABOOSE ICE CREAM 2315 White Mountain Highway, W. Ossipee, NH (603) 539-6111 DAIRY QUEEN Rt. 302/16, Glen, NH (603) 383-6878 Rt. 302/16, No. Conway, NH (603) 356-5555 FRIENDLY’S 1657 White Mountain Highway, Conway, NH (603) 356-6108 FROAGIES 183 Bridgton Rd, Fryeburg, ME (207) 935-2669 KAITY’S BIG CHILL 2 Common Court, Settlers Green Conway, NH (603) 356-7374 Summer 2019

LICKETY SPLITZ 2252 White Mountain Highway No. Conway, NH (603) 356-0790 SANDWICH CREAMERY 130 Hannah Rd, North Sandwich, NH (603) 284-6675 STOWE CORNER STORE 590 Stow Road, Stow, ME (207) 697-2255 SCOGGINS COOL SHACK 133 Main St, Gorham, NH (603) 466-5204 SMITTY’S ICE CREAM 1527 NH-113, Madison, NH (603) 367-1200 SPOONS ICE CREAM PARLOR 2679 White Mountain Highway No. Conway, NH (603) 356-6862 TRAILS END ICE CREAM 3631 White Mountain Highway Intervale, NH (603) 333-1173 YAZZI’S ICE CREAM SHOPPE 76 Main St, Conway, NH (603) 447-2856

$309K 316K ★ $269K ★ $239K ★ 2017 ★ $2016 2015 2014

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Almost There

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

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Mountain Garden Club

By Ellin Booras, photography by John Bruni & DD Warren

APPRECIATION FOR ANNUAL VALLEY BEAUTIFICATION hether you are a resident or a visitor to the Mt. Washington Valley in the spring, summer, or fall, you have surely enjoyed the natural beauty of the mountains, rivers, and lakes. It is also highly likely you have appreciated the enhanced beauty provided through multiple avenues by the Mountain Garden Club (MGC). Now in its 46th year, the Mountain Garden Club embraces the opportunity to its 18 member towns. The mission of MGC is dedication to promoting horticultur-

W

and maintaining sites unique to each setting. There are currently 15 sites located throughout Bartlett, Jackson, North Conway, Freedom, and Conway.

Perhaps one of the most endearing tales that tells the story of the beautification sites is that of Elise Edgerton, the long-time and much beloved force behind the legendary garden islands in Conway. Elise begins her 27th year as coordinator of the beautiful gardens that welcome travelers to the Valley from May extending into the first frost in

al education, civic beautification, and conservation through volunteering and friendship in the Valley.

Nowhere are its efforts more visible than through the Valley Beautification Sites (VBS). The VBS chairperson, Wendy McVey, brings crews together as the snow melts and the days grow longer.

Each spring, over 78 members begin the process of cleaning out flowerbeds, preparing the soil for planting, setting up irrigation plans, designing, planting,

the fall. In the many years since Elise has provided the leadership, talent, and dedication to this site, she has navigated the challenges and opportunities associated with construction, reconfiguration of Route 16, the intensity of summer traffic and its associated heat, as well as changing membership in her steady crew of hardy helpers.

Each spring, Elise comes up with a new and different design for the gardens. She plots it out on

Perhaps one of the most endearing tales that tells the story of the beautification sites is that of Elise Edgerton, the long-time and much beloved force behind the legendary garden islands in Conway. Elise begins her 27th year as coordinator of the beautiful gardens that welcome travelers to the Valley from May extending into the first frost in the fall.

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graph paper and begins the process of choosing flowers best suited to the unique growing conditions that define the traffic islands. She meticulously charts out the distances between plants—taking into consideration, each plant’s optimal growing conditions, including sun exposure. In planning her gardens and visiting nurseries to select over 200 plants, Elise anticipates how the gardens will look from the perspective of a driver and passenger. A self-confessed “stickler for detail,” Elise recalls with humor the day when a motorist preparing to take the left across from the gas station, good naturedly called out, “Hey, those flowers are a little off over there.” Such commentary is rare, as Elise is a perfectionist and has trained her crew accordingly. Elise considers her role as that of an architect of a public garden, and with that in mind adheres to the principles of a superbly organized display of beauty! When asked who expressed the most consistent support and praise, she eagerly responded, “The truck drivers.”

Elise recalled fond memories of truck drivers stopping and thanking her and her team, relaying how good they felt when they got to enjoy the beauty of the flowers. Over time, it was the truck drivers who became Elise’s guardian angels. Elise recalled when the project was relatively new, truck drivers communicated through radios. Many a

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Another annual event involves planting the gardens at Story Land. Now in its seventh year, under the leadership of chairpersons DD Warren and John Bruni, the MGC team arrives at Story Land for three days in early June, during which time they clear out existing flower beds, prepare the soil, and plant the 2019 gardens. day, the first driver to spot Elise and her team would relay the message to all the drivers behind him, alerting them to watch out for the safety of the ladies. In addition to her beloved truck driver tales, Elise shared many stories of drivers weary from their respective commutes calling out word of thanks and praise. Over the past several decades, arriving at the islands has become a landmark for gauging time and distance to arrive at homes and businesses, while serving as a gateway to all the Valley has to offer. Elise is quick to recognize the town of Conway for its continual support, including providing orange safety cones, help with hose connections, and an annual monetary donation.

She prides herself in never repeating a garden design over the 27 years, as she is always looking for different colors and ways to create different patterns.

Elise and her team change the flowers from summer to fall, factoring in rain, sun, and impact of construction. She keeps careful notes and copies of her graph paper charts of each year. Elise is very grateful to her work team, noting that her steady workforce of nine to 11 would welcome new faces.

Interestingly, at the new-member tea for Mountain Garden Club held on April 29, those new to the club were asked what attracted them to MGC. To the

person, they replied that they were intrigued by all the Valley beautification efforts; many wondered how they could help the ladies toiling in the traffic islands in Conway.

When asked what sustains her in this considerable commitment to the project, Elise is quick to reply that it is the reaction and affirmation expressed by hundreds of people each year whose time waiting for the traffic light to change transforms from restlessness to reward as they call out words of appreciation to the garden ladies. With a hint of nostalgia and a tone of gracious humility, Elise described how folks in the Valley have come to recognize her and to associate her with her masterful work in the gardens. People approach her in the grocery store and at community events and take time to express their thanks—sometimes sharing personal stories about how the gardens serve as a beacon ushering in a sense of peace. Elise defined her goal as bringing joy to others. There are few people who have walked, ridden a bike, or traveled in a car past these beautiful gardens who would not agree that Elise and her team make a special and meaningful difference each and every day.

In addition to the Valley beautification sites, the Mountain Garden Club proudly presents Art in Bloom

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each year. Chairperson Betsey Harding provided the following background and history. In 2005, members Cal Minton, Nancy Lundquist, and Carol White teamed up to start a new event highlighting the confluence of art and flower arranging, emulating that model featured by the Boston Museum of Art. In the Valley, Art in Bloom occurred in several areas of North Conway before the coordinating team decided to make it a walking tour of floral interpretation of art in the village of Jackson in 2011. Since that time, Art in Bloom has been presented each year late in June or early July in Jackson. In 2018, 334 people toured 40 exhibits in nine venues throughout the village. This event is designed as a non-competitive event.

Displays are not judged. The event is free and open to the public. This year, Art in Bloom is scheduled for June 29, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 11:30 a.m., Carrie Scribner, owner of the Dutch Bloemen Winkel florist shop in Jackson will offer tips and demonstrate her special techniques in floral arranging. Art in Bloom is considered the MGC’s gift to the Valley.

This year, there are six sites, including Jackson Public Library, RiverWood Inn, Whitney Community Center, Jackson Historical Society, the Old Library, and the Wentworth Hotel.

Entering its second year is yet another example of community enhancement. The second DD Warren WOW Garden will be installed at the Gibson Center. Last year’s inaugural WOW garden was planted at the North Conway Community Center.

The goal of the WOW garden is to provide an instant splash of color and beauty to a deserving non-profit agency or organiza-

Summer 2019

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DEB’S DEER-RESISTANT GARDENING TIPS Deb’s popular monthly gardening tips are posted on the MGC website as well. They are widely read and highly valued. The May tips focused on deer-resistant plants.

The following is an excerpt: I am here today to offer 4 more wonderful suggestions of spring and summer bloomers, hardy in our plant zone 4, that are again “deer resistant,” and therefore can be long-term beautiful additions to our gardens.

First, consider the easy-to-grow yarrow (Achillea). There are many species and hybrids; most grow 2-3 feet tall and bloom prolifically in summer. Yarrows are very tolerant to poor soil and drought; they attract butterflies and divide and grow easily. Gleaming yellow “Coronation Gold” is a common favorite, but many new colors of yarrow are pink, deep strawberry red, or bi-color. All match up well with catmint, bee balm, or lavender.

Anise hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum) needs a sunny, well-drained soil situation, but are quite drought tolerant. Hummingbirds and butterflies absolutely love these long-blooming perennials. Is tends to re-seed prolifically, so be prepared for it to spread. Its lavender blooms are lovely and last most of the summer. It matches well with ornamental grasses and Russian sage.

Bee balm (Monarda) loves lots of sun.

Be sure to give it lots of space because it spreads. Bee’s and butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant. Because it spreads via its underground root system, even if deer do chew it down to the ground, it will grow back. Bee balm matches well with catmint and goldenrod.

Finally, gay feather (Liatris) is a hearty plant requiring lots of sun and welldrained soil. It is a pretty plant of tall purple spires; however, it also comes in white. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant and deer may graze on it occasionally as they pass through—but the well-established Liatris plant will easily survive a chance encounter and come back even stronger. Liatris matches well with Alliums and colorful yarrow.

tion throughout the Valley. Once the site is selected, members of the garden club will design, clear, and plant annuals. The responsibility for ongoing caring for the garden is that of the receiving organization. This young initative has been warmly received by organizations throughout the Valley.

Another annual event involves planting the gardens at Story Land. Now in its seventh year, under the leadership of chairpersons DD Warren and John Bruni, the MGC team arrives at Story Land for three days in early June, during which

In keeping with the tenet of its mission to advance horticultural education, the MGC website, www.mountaingardenclub.org, provides a link to Garden Tips. The link has four parts: monthly garden tips, garden videos and advice, garden tip activities, and an archive of horticultural presentations

time they clear out existing flower beds, prepare the soil, and plant the 2019 gardens. The Story Land project is a collaborative effort with MGC and Story Land. As you might imagine, it has been very well received by staff and visitors.

Beyond community beautification, MGC is deeply committed to a host of environmental projects. The goal of the Environmental Conservation committee is to assist other non-profit organizations with projects that will enhance the appearance of their respective outdoor spaces. Recent projects include the creation of a rain garden at Children’s Unlimited in Conway, the enhancement of the new entrance to the Conway Humane Society shelter, and the creation of a pollinator garden at Kennett High School. MGC has either funded projects or applied for grants to assist with funding. Some projects evolve from organizations just looking to the MGC for advice and/or expertise. Others grow from members’ affiliations with other non-profits. Contact Ginny Kanzler, chairperson of the Environmental/Conservation Committee if you are a non-profit organization looking for help with your outdoor space.

In keeping with the tenet of its mission to advance horticultural education, the MGC website www.mountaingardenclub.org provides a link to Garden Tips.

The link has four parts: monthly garden tips, garden videos and advice, garden tip activities, and an archive of horticultural presentations; all easily accessible

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through clicking the appropriate link on the website. This section of the website is authored by Deb Carney, lifelong gardener and landscape artist. Deb serves as chairperson of the Horticulture Committee. Last fall, Deb posted her Top Ten Tasks for gardeners putting the gardens to rest for the winter. Deb’s popular monthly gardening tips are highly valued. The May tips focused on deer-resistant plants.

Deb provides helpful suggestions for gardeners new to the area, recommending they may wish to get their soil tested to evaluate current status of their lawns and gardens.

She cites the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service as the best source of information in New Hampshire. The extension has 14 locations throughout NH. They provide soil analysis and fertilizer recommendation to farmers, homeowners, and researchers. Questions can be addressed over the phone or through email at Soil. testing@UNH.edu Soil test fees are nominal, are available online, and are dependent upon the type of testing.

The Mountain Garden Club takes pride in serving the Mt. Washington Valley through its many activities and volunteer projects. Holding true to its four core values of conservation, environmental/horticultural education, Valley beautification, and friendship, MGC encourages new members to join. All are welcome to help! Who knows, maybe you will become one of the much-appreciated workers who derive great satisfaction from Valley beautification and receive smiles and waves of thanks as folks drive by.

Additional information about the club and its many activities and services can be found at www.mountaingardenclub.org.

Summer 2019

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CREATE YOUR OWN BOUQUETS Words by Michelle Dutton, photos by Maillett Photography

SHERMAN FARMS IS CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY WITH FOOD … AND FLOWERS!

S

herman Farm was founded in May of 1964 by Al and Phyllis Sherman.

They came to East Conway from Massachusetts with a few cows, a couple of kids, and a dream to be dairy farmers.

They soon learned that the dairy industry was incredibly volatile, and being forward thinkers, they knew that diversifying the farm was the key to staying afloat.

Over the years, they began to grow and sell vegetables at a roadside stand and farmers’ markets in the Valley.

Their market grew and their customers were looking for something beauti-

the farm. The crossroads of agriculture and tourism, agritourism involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm to participate in farm activities.

Fast forward to 2019, where an acre of vibrant colors, incredible scents wafting on the breeze, and over 40 varieties of flowers await you at this fourth-generation family-owned farm. Every plant in the Sherman Farm cutting garden is started from seed in their greenhouse.

The seeds germinate in small trays on heat mats, are transplanted into larger

there and cut their own flowers. You get a bucket and some scissors before heading into the beautiful cutting garden. It’s a common occurrence that people make their way back into the market with more flowers than they intended to cut—having gotten carried away with the allure of them all.

From Agastache to zinnias, you are sure to find plenty of beauty with which to fill your home, brighten a friend’s day, or throw a DIY wedding or event. The rows of sunflowers are show-stoppers when driving across the intervale from

ful to go along with their produce. “Do you have any flowers?” was a common question. In 1985, the Shermans added a few rows of cut flowers to satisfy that demand. Little did they know, they were dabbling in agritourism before it was even a thing by creating an experience on

cells, and then make their way into the 18 rows of raised beds where they eventually bloom.

Sherman Farm sells pre-cut bouquets created by local art teaching legend, Barb Anderson, and—here’s where the agritourism part comes in—customers can go

Fryeburg. The bright yellow globes are often photographed from cars stopped in the middle of the road.

Planning a wedding and want to do something budget-friendly with your floral arrangements? You can go with your bridesmaids and create your own

Every plant in the Sherman Farm cutting garden is started from seed in their greenhouse.

The seeds germinate in small trays on heat mats, are transplanted into larger cells, and then make their way into the 18 rows of raised beds where they eventually bloom.

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bouquets for an extra personal touch on your special day. Local florists like Lemon and Tulips in Fryeburg and Dutch Blomen Winkle in Jackson use Sherman Farm’s seasonal, local flowers to add to their offerings.

Sherman Farm is known for bringing people to the farm to connect with their food, enjoy time outside, and to get to know them as their local farmers. The cutting garden is what started their journey into agritourism, and they’ve added more through the years to appeal to all ages.

The Sherman family’s vision is to provide memories for their customers: bringing people to the farm creates a connection to their food, their community, and their farmers. They have a passion for educating children about local food and the animals.

Their hope is to plant a different kind of seed—for a future generation that seeks out all things local.

Sherman Farm has expanded the offerings in the cutting garden by having yoga classes in the flowers! New this summer: floral arranging with Carrie from Dutch Bloemen Winkle. You can cut your flowers, and learn from one of the best, how to arrange them. No visit to the cutting garden is complete until you stop to give a scratch to the goats. The ladies and gents are in a pasture right next to cutting garden and usually don’t let you go without giving them a little love.

Traveling and don’t have a place to put flowers? Have no fear! You can grab an ice cream cone or sundae from The Barnyard Scoop and take a stroll through the garden.

The peacefulness of the flowers is enough to make you stop and, well ... smell the roses!

Sherman Farm

• Innovative founders—four generations of farming • New farm stand in 1985—open year round; farm-raised and New Englandbased products • Agritourism: creating experiences and memories for visitors • 1 acre of flowers; 40 varieties in various colors • Weddings • Supply local florists • Floral arrangement classes with Dutch Bloemen Winkel • Yoga in the garden • Ice cream!

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SUMMER GUIDE TO FLOATING THE SACO RIVER Keeping it Safe and Sound this Summer

By Jake Risch

T

he Saco provides visitors to the Mt. Washington Valley accessible, single- and multi-day canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and tubing adventures. Floating the Saco—under the granite walls of Humphries, Cathedral, and Whitehorse ledges—with stunning views of the Presidential and Moat mountain ranges, is a summer time staple for tourists and locals alike. The most popular section flows from First Bridge in North Conway to Davis Park in Conway. This stretch meanders through the golf courses and farm fields of the West Side Road with ample swimming holes and rope swings to keep cooled off on the way. The sections of the Saco through Bartlett (above First Bridge) and Redstone (Between Davis Park and the Conway Police Station) step up the difficulty, offering just enough whitewater for inexperienced paddlers to get a taste of adventure. Below the police station, paddlers explore miles and miles of white sandy beaches with many single- and multi-day trip options through Fryeburg and Western Maine.

Trip Planning

It’s essential to understand the weather, river flows, and time available when planning your trip. There are public access points along the river (see attached map). Hiring one of the local canoe liveries to provide a canoe and shuttle service simplifies the planning. The liveries understand the river flows, shuttle logistics, and timing for each section of the river. Many of them have private access points. Customers have to show up at companies’ base of operation for a ride to the put in and manage time on the river to make it to the take out to meet their ride. People planning private river trips should think through watercraft selection, trip length, river water levels, weather, and shuttle logistics.

People float the Saco in all types of craft, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rafts, and inner tubes. Each craft has advantages and disadvantages. Canoes are the traditional boat used to explore the river. Generally paddled by two people, a canoe is faster, carries more gear, and allows paddlers to stay higher and drier over the day.

It is a great boat to carry a picnic lunch, a cooler, chairs, kids, and/or overnight gear down the river.

Recreational kayaks are generally stable, ride closer to the water, are easier to paddle, and are usually paddled solo. They have less room to carry additional gear and no room for a cooler. Tubes are the slowest on the river. Tubers will be in the water for the whole trip. Tubes only travel down the river at the speed of the current.

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The Saco River, and her major tributaries, the Ellis and Swift, flow through and connect the communities and playgrounds of the Western White Mountains. These rivers provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and swimming. In season, whitewater kayakers and anglers chase Class V rapids and world-class fly fishing in the tributaries and headwaters. The main recreational event in the summer is a leisurely float trip down the Saco River.

WiseguyCreative.com photo

Summer 2019

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WiseguyCreative.com photo

WiseguyCreative.com photo

Water flowing through trees, logs, or large branches in the river cause a hazard called a strainer. Similar to a spaghetti strainer, water flows through branches trapping objects larger than the gaps. Strainers should be avoided by looking ahead and paddling away from any tree, log, or branch visible in the river.

Tubing trips take more time than canoe or kayak trips. SUPs can be as fast as a canoe for an experienced paddler. They can be a great workout, but require skill and balance to paddle effectively.

Tubers should plan on only covering 1 to 2 miles per hour. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs can cover 2 to 3 miles in an hour. In higher flows, travel time will be faster, but the low flows of August will make travel times slower.

Average water levels in the summer are between 3 and 4 feet on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) river gauge in Conway; the river will be slow with lots of beaches and exposed gravel bars.

Below 3 feet, paddlers will find exposed gravel bars that may require wading.

The river gets pushy and fast at flows between 4 and 6 feet. Hazards will come up faster, and the consequences increase.

Rapids get more powerful and capable of swamping and flipping boats. Levels between 6 and 10 feet are high water. The river begins to overflow its banks and flow through the trees, rapids become strong and powerful, small mistakes quickly escalate into big problems. Paddlers should be expert at navigating their

craft in strong currents at these levels.

Above 10 feet, the river reaches flood stage. The river will be over its banks and flowing strongly through the adjacent woods and fields. Please stay off the river.

Planning an efficient shuttle is an art. When done well, all of the gear and people arrive at the start, and there are enough car seats and boat transport capacity waiting at the end. Considerations for an effective shuttle include, where to meet, where your party is arriving from, vehicle capacity, and parking availability at the put in and takeout. Don’t forget to have a plan for car keys.

River Hazards

Rivers are dynamic environments. Moving water is a powerful force of nature.

Water flowing over, around, and through obstacles creates hazards that can capsize boats and entrap people and gear. All paddlers are required by law in both NH and Maine to carry a wearable personal floatation device.

Strainers

Water flowing through trees, logs, or large branches in the river cause a hazard called a strainer. Similar to a spaghetti strainer, water flows through branches trapping objects larger than the gaps.

Strainers should be avoided by looking ahead and paddling away from any tree, log, or branch visible in the river. To

escape a strainer, attempt to climb on top of or over the log.

Foot Entrapments

Do not try to stand up or wade through moving water over knee deep. Foot entrapments are caused when a person’s foot gets wedged in the rocks on the river bed. The force of the flowing water knocks the person over and pins them to the river bed. Foot entrapments are avoided by using the “safe swimmer position.” The swimmer rolls over on their back with feet pointed downstream and “nose and toes” in the air. Do not attempt to stand up until out of moving water or the water is less than knee deep.

Low Head Dams

Water flowing over human-made dams that span the entire width of the river creates vortexes that can trap and hold swimmers and boats. Though benign looking, any flow over an unnatural diversion creates deadly hydraulics and should be avoided. Take off well upstream and portage around past the whitewater at the bottom of low head dams. There is a partial low head dam on the Saco near Humphry’s Ledge—after a white gazebo on the right bank—that can be avoided by paddling on the far-left side of the riverbed. There is a low head dam on the Ossipee River in Freedom, NH that should be avoided altogether. The major dams at

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Swans Falls and Hiram are well marked with established portage routes.

Boat Pins/Wraps

Water flowing around and through boulders, trees, and other large objects in the river bed can entrap boats and paddle boards and wrap canoes around boulders.

Avoid pinning a boat or wrapping a canoe by staying straight in whitewater.

Straight forward or straight backward is safer than being sideways when passing through boulder gardens. If a boat does get pushed into a rock or other obstacle sideways, paddlers should lean into the obstacle rather than leaning away. Leaning away from an object allows the force of the water to build up and flip a canoe, kayak, or SUP. Leaning into an object uses the force of the water to push the boat off of the object without flipping. Paddlers who fall out of the boat should assume a safe swimmer position, try to stay to the side of their boat, and avoid being between the boat and obstacle in the river

Other Hazards

Alcohol: Alcohol a leading contributor to boating deaths across the country.

Enjoy adult beverages responsibly. New Hampshire has Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) laws with the same blood alcohol limits and penalties as Driving While Intoxicated. The BWI laws apply to motorized and non-motorized (sail, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards) craft.

Joint Highline Training 3- A MRS team member transports a patient across the Sawyer River, while the WMSRT provides downstream safety during joint team training in October 2018. Courtesy Photo

Alternatively, sit on an insulated pad or soft backpack full of clothes. Avoid laying down on the ground as this increases your exposure to ground current.

Hypothermia

Even in summer, extended time in the water and sudden shifts in weather associated with thunderstorms can increase the risk

for hypothermia. Plan ahead and bring a thermal layer and lightweight raincoat.

Stewardship

The Saco sees thousands of visitors every summer. It is incumbent on all of the users to be good stewards of this vital resource. The best way to keep the beaches clean and safe is to minimize litter that

Lightning

Strong thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months. The National Outdoor Leadership School recommends understanding the weather forecast and planning to be off the river before the thunderstorms arrive.

If caught out in a storm, get off the river and move to safer terrain. Avoid being the tallest object in your general surroundings. Avoid seeking shelter under trees or long conductors. Finally, spread out your group and assume the “lightning position”—squat down as low as possible, ball up, and wrap arms around legs while limiting ground contact to your two feet.

PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS: River maps can be purchased at local liveries or viewed online at www.sacocanoerental.com/saco-river-map

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Largest Flooring and Tile Showroom in the Mt. Washington Valley

Members of the WMSRT and MRS involved in the rescue, with the 2019 Higgins and Langley Incident Award. Joe Klementovich Photo.

Local Rescue Teams Recognized

The North Conway-based White Mountain Swift Water Rescue Team (WMSRT) and Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) received a 2019 Higgins and Langley Swiftwater Rescue Incident Award at the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals conference in South Bend, Indiana.

On December 28, 2018, the two volunteer teams responded to a request from NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers to assist a winter backpacker on the Kinsman trail who was cut-off by rapidly rising waters on Cascade Brook. Operating at night by headlamp, members of the WMSRT ferried ropes across the Class V cascade brook in kayaks. Members of MRS set up a Tyrolean traverse and transported the hiker and his gear over the raging stream. The WMSRT and MRS trained together for this specific type of rescue in October of 2018.

More than 300 volunteers provided nearly 5,000 hours of search and rescue services in New Hampshire in 2018. When you add up the actual SAR hours, plus training, personal gear, travel, and certification-compliance completed by these volunteer rescuers, they contribute over $250,000 annually in sweat equity to the NH outdoor community.

enters the river. Avoid bringing glass bottles on the river.

Use a strap or other system to lock coolers to reduce the chances that contents spill into the river if a boat capsizes. Have a plan to contain trash other than the bottom of the boat. Bury human waste in at least six inches of soil above the highwater mark—not on the beach or on private property.

Only kindle fires with the appropriate permits and with dead and down wood—preferably driftwood—on sandbars only. Do not cut live trees. Respect private land, and avoid contributing to the erosion of sandy river banks.

Floating the Saco and enjoying the beaches and swimming holes on a hot summer day is a staple of the summertime culture in the Mount Washington Valley. Get out and enjoy it.

Summer 2019

Tile • Luxury Vinyl • Hardwood • Carpet • Area Rugs

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CAMPGROUND COOKING

ROLLING WITH THE RV LIFESTYLE

BACKCOUNTRY SOLITUDE

One of the great pleasures associated with camping is cooking over a campfire. It’s a vacation tradition for families and we’ve rounded up the best tips to be prepared ...

The RV lifestyle has never been more popular than it is today. It’s a vacation tradition for couples and families alike and we’ve rounded up key considerations when buying your first ...

Leaving the car and campground behind offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure. Being prepared is essential as you enter a world filled with solitude and excitement ...

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Culinary Creativity at the Campfire

RV Considerations from the Pros

Preparing for Beyond the Campground

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Live, Love, Laugh ... CAMP If camping is on your list of things to do this summer, we have you covered!

Whether you’re packing the car and the kids and headed to a mountain campground, or planning an overnight hike through the White Mountains, being prepared will help make your next camping adventure a success!

Summer 2019

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CAMPGROUND COOKING Culinary Creativity at the Campfire One of the great pleasures associated with camping is cooking over a campfire. The sight and sizzle, the aromas, the physical and emotional warmth of gathering around a campfire ...

It’s a vacation tradition for families and friends—and also a source for creative meals. We are all familiar with the classics: making s’mores and grilled hotdogs and burgers. Of course, you always pack those essentials, but here are a couple of ideas and tips that you may find useful for adding convenience or a creative twist to your next culinary campfire experience.

PREP FOOD AHEAD OF TIME

When camping, you often have limited space, minimal utensils, and are generally lacking the conveniences and means for cleaning up that you have in your kitchen home. Before you even arrive to your campsite, think about prepping, cutting, and assembling ingredients for meals you may want to cook over the campfire. This can save time and allows you to think ahead to be sure you have what you need to prepare your meals. You can even get creative using containers from your recycle bin. Want to make scrambled eggs for breakfast? Save and repurpose that empty coffee creamer bottle to hold and store your scrambled egg whites and yolks for easy pouring later. Those smaller mint and gum plastic or tin containers you might be otherwise recycling

are great for bringing along your favorite prepared seasoning and spice mixes; you won’t have to pack multiple, individual containers from your kitchen cabinet or spice rack.

Aluminum foil is also a valuable means for campfire cooking, as many things can be cooked in aluminum foil packets. Foil packets are also a must when you are trying to go for easy campfire cooking. What could be easier than tossing veggies and meat with some seasoning on a piece of foil, wrapping it up, and sticking it in the campfire to cook while you take part in other fun camping activities?

There are so many things that can be cooked this way. One idea is to wrap heads of garlic and roast them in the campfire and then using it in dips on some toasted bread. From baked potatoes, to corn on the cob and whole meals, foil packets can simplify your cooking-while-camping experience.

We also recommend having a good set of stainless-steel tongs to help with placing, picking up or putting down, and just simply moving around items you are cooking.

USE SMOKE FOR FLAVOR

Depending on the wood you are using, there is a natural smokiness that can add a subtle, but distinctive flavor when you are grilling over a campfire. However, if you plan ahead and bring along various

Start with the Right Fire Flames are visually ideal for a campfire if you’re sitting around it to tell stories or sing songs, but when it comes to cooking, you’ll want to be working with hot, glowing coals. Be sure to build in some prep time to start a fire and allow it to burn for a while, 30 to 45 minutes, so that you will be cooking over the ideal heat and conditions.

Build up your fire by adding wood, so that you’re not simply lighting a big fire that will burn down all at once.

Crisscross Fire Most campgrounds will provide a prebuilt fire-pit or fire-ring at each site.

The best way to cook over an open fire is to start by building a crisscross fire. This can be built by simply placing a crisscross of logs, stacked on top of one another, being sure to leave enough space to allow air to pass through. Create a small depression in the ground first then start a small fire with dry twigs and kindling. Gradually add more to the fire, followed by the crisscrossed logs once the fire is established. Although this formation does provide a flat platform to cook over, eventually the logs will collapse in on themselves. This will provide the hot embers and coals needed for cooking. Ideally with your cooking campfire, reserve one side of your firering for adding wood and maintaining a flame and the other side for moving hot coals for more consistent, radiant cooking heat.

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bundles of fresh herbs, not only can you apply even more flavor profiles to your meal, but the smoke from herbs, especially sage, can also help to keep bugs away from around your campsite. Be sure to soak your herb bundles in water ahead of time so that they smoke, rather than burn too quickly. You can place herb bundles on the grill or lay them directly on coals and enjoy the incredible aromas as they create. Herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme work well for bundling up and soaking. Get creative and experiment with other things, like various citrus peels or cinnamon sticks.

ings to be more like a foot-long “snake” to then wrap around the stick. Cook and rotate over campfire coals until brown all around. Allow to cool enough to handle and enjoy with your meal. For an even more exciting treat, when you pull off the stick, fill the middle with jelly, peanut butter, or other flavor ideas. Keep the mess to a minimum buy using a sandwich bag for your filling, trim one corner and then use it like a cake-decorating icing bag.

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QUIRKY CAMPFIRE TREATS Keyhole Fire This aptly-named fire is best when a circle of rocks is available. Remove a few of the rocks on one side, and build a short rectangle leading, forming the key side. This squared spot will be the actual cooking area, so be sure to build it narrow enough to support a cooking grate or cooking pan. Start a crisscross, or teepee fire, in the circle and as it burns down, rake the hot coals into the cooking area. This ready supply of heat should be kept constant.

Parallel Fire A parallel fire is great for cooking in the backcountry where it isn’t likely a grate will be available. Two large, long logs or large rocks are set parallel to each other about 6-8 inches apart to form not only the sides of the fire, but also the support for your cooking pans. Between these, start a small fire in the area between the two logs or rocks, and set your pans directly on the top. In windy conditions, adapt the parallel fire into a V fire by setting the windward end of the logs close together to form a windbreak.

Trench Fire When wind is a factor, dig a trench 10 inches wide by 18 inches long, tapering the depth from 6 inches on one end to 12 inches deep at the other, with the deepest end on the upwind side. This will keep oxygen flowing into your fire, while protecting it from the wind. Keep the trench narrow enough so that your cookware can straddle it.

Summer 2019

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Cinnamon Rolls Cooked in an Orange Don’t throw those halved orange peels away, use them as a flavorful campfire cooking vessel! Using a package of refrigerated, store-bought cinnamon roll dough, and enough hollowed out halved oranges, place individual rolls in the orange. Loosely cover with foil and sit on baking pan to cook over campfire grill until they rise. Let cool, top with icing, and enjoy.

Nachos in the Bag This one is a unique way to add a bit of crunch to your campfire chili, whether you’re simply heating up a can of storebought chili or making your favorite homemade recipe. Be sure to let chili cool a bit before you serve, because the twist to this treat is serving it in individual single-serving packages of tortilla chips.

Before you open the chip bags, crush up chips in to smaller pieces. Open bags and carefully add a few spoonfuls of chili along with some shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, or other accompaniments you might put on chili or nachos. Use a fork to mix up the contents and eat directly from the bag while you sit by the campfire and enjoy the camping life.

Thank you to Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, in Freedom, NH, for these campfire cooking tips.

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Fresh Baked Rolls/Biscuits on a Stick Much like toasting marshmallows on a stick over a campfire, you can make freshly baked bread to enjoy with your meal. Using a package of refrigerated, store-bought crescent or biscuit dough, you can wrap individual dough servings around a grilling stick. For biscuit dough, you will want to roll out individual serv-

Danforth Bay offers sites for the largest RVs, as well as pop-ups and tents, among a variety of settings including lakeside, rolling hills, open fields, lush forest, meandering brooks, and sandy beaches. Guests can also enjoy rustic lakeside cabins or deluxe four-season cabins near heated pools and camp store.

Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort 196 Shawtown Road, Freedom, NH (603) 539-2069 • www.danforthbay.com 51

really important or what you must have.

You may not find the perfect RV that has everything you want, but you can get close. A good RV dealer will help you find the right RV for you. Of course, there are other factors too, like your budget. In today’s world with so many models to choose from, it is true that there is an RV for everyone that will work within your budget.

OKAY, YOU FINALLY BOUGHT THAT RV— NOW WHAT?

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ROLLING WITH THE RV LIFESTYLE RV Considerations from the Pros The RV lifestyle has never been more popular than it is today. It is an industry that appeals to people of all ages. RV manufacturers are capitalizing on this by introducing innovative new models that are attractive to millennials, gen-Xers, baby boomers, or older retirees. RV travel is an amazing way to explore, connect with family and friends, relax and relieve stress, and have flexibility in a vacation or a weekend excursion. It can also offer cost savings when compared to other modes of travel. Traveling with your home on wheels is enjoyable and unique.

Here are some tips to help you discover the RV lifestyle … or enjoy it even more if you’re already on board!

STEPS 1, 2 & 3: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH

With all the information available today on the internet, it makes doing your research a little bit easier. It is important to research manufacturers and their products before making your purchase. Find out the following: how long they have been in business, what are the most popular models and floor plans, what are their warranty and customer service practices, and understand the manufacturing processes that are used, and what sets them apart from others. Also read the customer reviews! Seek out people who own RVs and talk to them about their units and their experiences. RVers love to share information, both good and bad.

Research dealers the same way you do manufacturers; many of the same questions apply. Ask others where they purchased their RV and why they chose a particular dealer. Any dealer will tell you the best advertising is good-ole word of mouth. Go to RV owner forums or online camping groups and read what current owners like and dislike about their RV.

MAKE A LIST OF PRIORITIES

Consider how many sleeping spaces you need, how many eating places are necessary, what your must-haves are. Then make a list of things that are not necessities, but would be nice to have. Think about the kind of travel you see yourself doing: long trips and adventures, weeks or more at a time, or weekend getaways.

Do you prefer boondocking without hook-ups, campground or resort camping with all amenities, or maybe a seasonal site? Think of the items you hope to take with you at all times: bicycles, golf clubs, kayaks, ski gear, hiking stuff, chairs, grills.

You need places to carry and store these items in the RV.

CONSIDER RENTING

You can rent an RV to test it out—to see if it really is something that you want to do.

Then visit dealers or attend RV shows to explore and ask questions. The more you look and research, the more you will narrow down your choices. Purchasing an RV becomes a matter of determining what is

Congratulations, you did it! Now the fun begins. But before you hit the road, there are a few things that you should know and burn into your memory. Know how big you are! What is your vehicle height (include all roof-mounted items), weight, length, and width? You do not want to get caught in a situation with a low or narrow bridge, dead ends, gas station canopies—any of these things can cause serious issues or damage. We have had more than one person hit the same low bridge, resulting in both needing extensive roof repairs. Don’t let your vacation get cut short with some of these avoidable issues.

THAT FIRST RV TRIP

The shake-down cruise—can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

Approach it as a learning experience.

We suggest that folks use their new RV in their driveway or at a nearby campground to get the hang of things. During this time, create your checklists; they’ll become your trusted friend. You’ll want a pre-trip checklist and the pack-it-up checklist. As you become more experienced with your RV, your list(s) will become fine-tuned.

There are several really good lists available on various “RVing 101” websites. Items on the pre-trip checklist should include the following: check tire pressures; fluid levels; hitches, if towing; and all exterior lights. Secure all items inside, check that all drawers, doors, and latches are closed and secured.

On the pack-it-up checklist, some items would be: lower the TV antenna; close roof vents; retract awnings; secure outside compartment doors; and secure inside items, as before.

P.S. Read the owner’s manual.

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THE NECESSITIES EVERY RV SHOULD HAVE So many gadgets ... here are a few of the must-have’s!

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• A water-pressure regulator is a must.

It’s difficult to know what the water pressure might be at the site hook-up, most water-pressure regulators are preset for the 40-50 psi range. The plumbing in your RV may not be able to withstand the higher water pressure at the site, and could cause damage to the plumbing in your RV. • External seasonal water filter to be used at the water hook-up at the site.

It will help filter any foul odors or sediment that may be present.

• Surge protector or something to test the voltage at the site hook-up. Power can vary from park to park; these devices can check if there are any electrical wiring issues at the hook-up before you plug in your RV. Carry electrical adapters in various configurations— 30 amp to 15 amp, 50 amp to 30 amp—maybe the reverse of these, also.

• Drinking-water-safe RV/marine-approved water hose—otherwise you will get a hairy eyeball from your neighbors if you happen to use your green garden hose from home.

• Spend a little extra money and buy a good sewer hose. There are many stories that very closely mimic the holding tank dumping scene in the movie RV with Robin Williams. We recommend that you use RV toilet paper and holding tank chemicals to minimize any septic issues.

• Prepare a small tool box for your travels; make sure WD-40, duct tape, Rain-X, and extra fuses all find their way into it.

Summer 2019

FRIENDLY REMINDERS …

Just a few reminders for a happy RV experience. Remember to winterize your RV before cold weather hits. RV plumbing can withstand some cold weather fluctuations, but not sustained below-freezing temperatures. Winterizing is necessary in this part of the country. Learn a little bit about battery maintenance and how they function. Regularly checking your battery condition and water in your batteries will help prolong the life and performance of your RV batteries.

Remember to close your dump valves when you are hooked up to the site sewer connection. Open the valves when you are ready to dump your tanks. Dumping the black tank first, and the grey tank last is a good practice to follow and results in a cleaner sewer hose to store away after.

Check for water leaks, and if you find

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friendly bunch and many are willing to share their own expertise or stories of their latest conundrum. Enjoy the journey and take your time!

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Thank you to Hills R.V.’s, in Center Conway, NH, for these great RV tips.

For more than 30 years, Hill’s R.V.’s has been selling fun in the Mount Washington Valley. Hill’s is a family-owned-and-operated, award-winning Winnebago Industries dealer for both motorhomes and towables.

Their North Conway location features a well-stocked parts and accessories store, six service bays with factory trained technicians onsite, and an indoor showroom.

Hill’s R.V.’s 738 Eastman Road, Center Conway, NH (603) 356-4111 • www.hillsrv.com

one, get it fixed quickly. RVs require regular care and maintenance; this applies to new RVs, too.

Washing the exterior a few times a year goes a long way in keeping your unit looking great for years to come. A little spray-on protectant for the exterior is something that can be done a little at a time.

BE A CONSIDERATE CAMPER

Whether you’re camping out for a night in a Walmart parking lot or spending a week at a campground, be respectful of your surroundings. Don’t set up camp in the Walmart parking lot the way you would at a campsite. They are offering a convenience for the transient traveler to get off the road, get some rest, and get going again. At campgrounds, be respectful of the rules; they have made them for a reason. Remember not everyone there may be having a vacation like you, and they are not interested in staying up late playing games around the campfire. Lastly, carryout what you bring in—maybe even leave your space better than you found it.

There is an abundance of information available on the RV lifestyle. It is a fascinating way to travel. RVers are a very

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BACKCOUNTRY SOLITUDE Preparing for Beyond the Campground If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to put all your gear into a pack and strike out on an overnight or multiple night adventure, or if you’re seeking solitude far beyond the campground and want to make the leap to the backcountry, you’ll need to do some planning and preparation. After all, you won’t have the convenience of grabbing something from your car trunk or stopping in at the store for a necessity.

You’ll be on your own, with all the important gear in your pack and miles from the trailhead. What you’ll want to have with you needs to be balanced by where you will go, what activities you plan to do, what kind of weather you’ll likely encounter, and most importantly, how much all this gear will weigh.

When you venture into the backcountry, you’ll enter a world filled with challenge, solitude, and excitement. Many people thrive off this experience. Yet, backcountry camping isn’t for everyone; the comforts of everyday life are gone. But, no matter what the variables are, you’re almost certain to be carrying or wearing the following items. Here are some considerations to help you make your decisions.

BACKPACK – Most hikers prefer

an internal-frame backpack. Packs are commonly sized based on their volume in cubic liters. For most overnight hikes in the summer, 40 to 50 liters should be sufficient. For multiple day trips, or trips in the colder months, 50 to 75 liters are required. Make sure your pack is comfortable and fits your body well. Most packs are sized for fit based on your torso size,

not your height, and will feature some range of adjustability. When you load your pack, keep the heavy items such as water, shelter, stove, etc. close to your spine in the center of the pack. Lighter weight items can be packed around them.

Keep snacks, maps and items you’ll need throughout the day in side pockets or the lid of your pack for easy access. Fit your pack properly before setting out to prevent sore spots and back pain.

FOOTWEAR – Full or mid-height hik-

ing boots with a Vibram® sole are standard for many backpackers, although many hikers prefer to use hiking shoes or trailrunning shoes. Generally, the heavier your pack and the longer your trip, the more durable and burlier boot you will need to provide the proper support. The breathability, water resistance, and weight of the boots or shoes are important and should be considered along with the anticipated trail conditions and the season you’ll be using them. A pair of proper fitting boots is one of the most important items you’ll have with you in the backcountry!

CLOTHING – Synthetic clothing is

important, since it dries quickly and is lightweight. Pants and shorts, or convertible pants with zip-off legs are a good choice. Synthetic shirts with long sleeves will protect you from the sun and insects.

A synthetic, mid-layer fleece or wool pullover is used for warmth. A waterproof shell jacket along with pants works for both rain and wind protection. Shell gear that is both waterproof and breathable,

such as Gore-Tex®, are good choices, but waterproof shells that have good ventilation will also work. A lightweight, puffy jacket is a nice choice, where packability is important. Down insulation works well, but may not function as well as a synthetic fill when wet. Though there is newer water-repellant technology for down that allows for it to perform well, even when wet; you can look for products that use this. Synthetic pile or fleece will work well in all conditions. Socks—you should have at least two changes. Consider your boot choice and the sock arrangement that works best for your boot fit. Again, synthetic or wool fibers work best; cotton is not good. as it may cause blisters and is cold when wet. A warm hat and lightweight gloves are useful for those cold nights and mornings in camp. Have a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and head from sun exposure; a hat also keeps the insects off your noggin.

COOKING – You’ll want a lightweight

backpacking stove and fuel. Backpacking stoves generally come in two types: liquid fuel stoves such as gas or alcohol stoves, or gas cartridge stoves that use butane/ propane-blended fuel cartridges. There are advantages to both versions, but generally how much cooking you intend to do, the size of your group, and what season you will be hiking in will dictate your stove choice. It’s important to know how to use your stove before heading out on the trail. Make sure to bring enough fuel for all the cooking necessary for your meals and to boil water if needed. Pots: again, the size of your group and the pot sizes are important considerations. The Courtesy photo

smaller the better; ideally, if you can pack your stove inside the pot, it will make packing easier. Cooking utensils: both lightweight and compact is important.

Meal set: a bowl, cup, and spoon, spork, or fork for each hiker. Bio-degradable soap and sponge: to clean your dishes.

Make sure to clean dishes away from the campsite and water source! Use dehydrated or freeze dry foods for your meals.

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Summer 2019

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WATER FILTER SYSTEMS –

Generally all water sources should be considered suspect. Have a lightweight filter system or water treatment plan for treating all water. If battery powered, make sure to have backup batteries available. Plan for water needs to be 2 liters of water per person per day, or more in hot weather. Know where your reliable water sources will be and tank up at those locations.

most common shelter used. Tents are best in foul weather and offer superior bug protection. Consider trail weight, footprint area, and the interior volume when shopping for a tent. Other lightweight options include hammocks, tarps, and ultra-light tent choices.

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SLEEP SYSTEMS AND SHELTER –

A sleeping bag: down-filled bags have the best warmth-to-weight ratio, but can be a problem if they get wet. Newer down insulations are sometimes treated for waterresistance, which helps keep the down fill drier. However, synthetic fills are both less expensive and more dependable in wet conditions. Make sure to get a bag that will meet the insulation needs of the season you’ll be using it in. Here in the White Mountains, a 20°F-rated bag is considered a three-season bag. Summer-rated bags fall into a 30 to 45°F range. A sleeping pad will make your nights much more comfortable. Inflatable or closed-cell foam pads are popular. Closed-cell pads are the most economical and carefree choice, although inflatable pads will provide more comfort and insulation. A tent with a rainfly is the

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EMERGENCY/ESSENTIALS–

For lighting, headlamps are the best choice. For hands-free operation, both on the trail and around the campsite, they are superior to a flashlight. A backup light source is also a good idea in case your primary light quits. Trail first aid kit: the basic kit for trail emergencies contains bandages, moleskin, medications, and an emergency blanket or bag, insect repellent, lighter/fire starter, and waterproof matches. Map and compass or GPS: a map and compass are simple and require no batteries or satellite connection. Accessory cord: this has 101 uses, from clothesline to bear bag hanger, along with a lightweight knife or multi-tool.

Toiletries: including sunscreen, lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, along with the all-important toilet paper, etc. Duct tape: it, too, has 101 uses. While many consider a whistle an optional item, if you need it, you’ll really need it.

Optional – Trekking poles: they help reduce strain and pounding on your hips and knees, as well as improve your balance with a heavy pack. A camera.

Binoculars or a monocular are good for viewing distance objects.

Before you go – Pack your pack and take a short hike and test all your gear. Becoming familiar with it before you leave on a long hike can save you big problems later. Weigh your pack and make sure you are capable of carrying the gear you’ve chosen. Preparation for your first backcountry backpacking trip takes some work, but if you take the time and do the research to collect all the right gear, it will open up entirely new areas to explore and enjoy over a lifetime of trips.

READY TO GO?

A final rundown to be prepared • Make a list of all the gear you’ll carry and check it off as you pack. You don’t want to leave anything behind!

• Leave an itinerary, including where you’re going, where you’ll be each night, and when you’ll return with a friend or family member, along with contact information for local authorities in case you become overdue.

• Keep a good first aid kit with you, with fire-starting materials, and some basic first aid knowledge that will help in case of minor mishaps.

• Know how to start a fire, how to obtain water, and how to build a basic shelter.

• Address “hot spots” on your feet immediately to avoid painful blister problems.

• Learn about “leave no trace” principals and help preserve the wilderness for everyone to enjoy.

• Practice low-impact camping methods.

• Follow the best practices and bury all human waste away from campsites and water sources.

• Check the weather forecast; make sure the weather will be safe.

Here in the Whites, watch out for thunderstorms and high winds with cold temperatures, particularly when hiking above treeline.

• Be prepared, as heavy rains or seasonal run-off will impact river crossings and make for dangerous conditions in high water.

• Plan for emergency routes both off the ridgelines in the event of storms and alternative routes to avoid highwater river crossings.

Thank you to Ragged Mountain Equipment for these backcountry suggestions.

Ragged Mountain has outfitted backpackers, hikers, skiers, and climbers in the Mt. Washington Valley since 1983. They manufacture custom clothing and gear premises. Find it all in their stores—alongside maps, guidebooks, and other major brands. Their staff is renowned for expert advice and custom fitting.

Ragged Mountain Equipment Route 16, Intervale, NH (603) 356-3042 www.raggedmountain.com

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TRAIL TENDERS of the WHITES

By Ryan Smith

Signature Hiking Trails of the White Mountains and Those Who Maintain Them

Looking southwest, a hiker takes in the view of the Crawford Path as it skirts the summits of mounts Eisenhower and Pierce before ending in Crawford Notch.

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Chris Whiton/White Mountain Images photo

Two hundred years ago, two entrepreneurs began working on a blazed trail that would become known as the Crawford Path, considered to be the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the country.

Today, we celebrate not only the path’s bicentennial anniversary, but also the hard work of those who have continued to maintain our trail system throughout the White Mountains.

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Joe Klementovich photo

Joe Klementovich photo

ABOVE LEFT: USFS and volunteers working and training together during a White Mountain Trail Collective rigging training session on Crawford Path. Above Right: AMC Staff ecologist, Doug Weihrauch explaining the delicate nature of the alpine ecosystems to groups of trail crew from various clubs and organizations.

S

ummiting Mount Washington more than 200 years ago took a lot more effort than it does today.

Hiking trails were nonexistent and GPS apps were unfathomable luxuries to early explorers who navigated the White Mountains with nothing more than grit and an unflappable Yankee stubbornness.

In the name of science, these intrepid souls wrestled through seemingly impenetrable swaths of spruce and fir forests to reach the highest peak in New England, researching every plant, rock, and animal along the way. Those endeavoring to sum-

the remote hinterlands of northern New Hampshire in search of adventure and respite from the smog-filled industrial cities. The Crawfords caught wind of this burgeoning cultural shift and set out to capitalize on this new recreation trend.

In 1819, the two entrepreneurs began working on a blazed trail that, although would be relocated in sections over the next two centuries, is considered to be the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the country. Beginning just north of the present day Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Highland Center,

namesake path attracts thousands of hikers every year, surpassing visitor numbers that even Abel and Ethan probably hadn’t anticipated. To add to its international recognition, nearly 5.5 miles of the trail, running from mounts Pierce to Washington, are part of the Appalachian Trail. This section traverses above 4,000 feet in elevation through an ecologically sensitive alpine habitat, which is home to many rare plants and animals. In recent decades, the increase in visitor use and major storm events have contributed to the deterioration of the trail’s infrastruc-

mit Washington were on their own, lest they hire a local guide who knew the few lightly trodden routes through the deep, dark forests.

The most notable guides in the early 1800s were Abel Crawford and his son Ethan Allen. Originally from Vermont, the Crawfords operated inns on each side of Crawford Notch, then known as the “Gateway,” where they catered to tradesmen traveling the rugged mountain road (Route 302) through the notch who delivered goods from Portland, Maine, to northern Vermont and New Hampshire.

As the once rough, wheel-breaking carriage road improved with the Crawfords help, more tourists began to seek out

where Ethan’s younger brother, Thomas J. Crawford, would eventually open a third inn in 1828, the crude footpath was an upgrade from the bushwhack routes, though even Abel struggled at times to keep him and his paying clients on course. The trail gained popularity over the years, as did the Crawford’s mountain hospitality and guiding services. In 1840, the family widened and leveled the trail to accommodate equestrian travel, and as it happened, 74-year-old Abel became the first person to ride horseback to Washington’s summit.

Fast forward 200 years, and the Crawford’s inns have all but vanished, but the family’s legacy still endures. Their

ture and biological features.

To remedy these issues, the United States Forest Service (USFS), the agency responsible for maintaining the Crawford Path, joined forces with nine trail organizations last summer to tackle a laundry list of overdue maintenance work on the 8.5-mile-long trail. The two-year project, slated to finish this fall, not only commemorates the trail’s 200th anniversary this year, it also kick-offed a new regional collaboration among recreation and conservation organizations known as the White Mountain Trail Collective (WMTC).

Conceived by a small group of volunteers and a handful of USFS staff members, WMTC’s mission is to support trail clubs

The Crawford’s namesake path attracts thousands of hikers every year, surpassing visitor numbers that even Abel and Ethan probably hadn’t anticipated.

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A COLLECTIVE TRAIL EFFORT The White Mountain Trail Collective (WMTC) was conceived in 2017 with a multi-pronged mission of creating an overarching nonprofit that could raise money for largescale, multi-year recreation trail projects in the White Mountain Region and provide partner trail clubs and organizations with skill-based trainings. In 2018, WMTC launched its first project on the 200-year-old Crawford Path.

Led by Cristin Bailey of the Forest Service on a oneyear detail, WMTC worked together with nine different trail-maintaining organizations from New Hampshire and Vermont, including the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Randolph Mountain Club, and the Dartmouth Outing Club, to repair 9.3 miles of the Crawford Path, restore 1.5 acres of wildlife habitat, and mobilize 155 volunteers who contributed nearly 3,500 hours to the project.

This summer, Bailey returned to other Forest Service duties, and WMTC hired subcontractor Matt Coughlan, owner of Recon Trail Design LLC, as the 2019 Crawford Path project manager. Coughlan has already hit the ground running, hiring 13 different crews to work on the path this summer and scheduling trainings. Crews will conduct a variety of trail work, including constructing rock staircases and drainages and building rock scree walls, which prevent hikers from walking off trail on the fragile alpine vegetation.

A collaborative project like the Crawford Path also allows crews to exchange ideas and best practices and to learn from some of the top trail builders in the business. These skills can then be brought back to the clubs and shared, adding to the wealth of trail-maintaining knowledge disseminated throughout the White Mountains. In addition to trainings, clubs and organizations will have the opportunity to borrow WMTC equipment, including heavy-duty grip hoists and large tripods for moving rocks in the alpine zone, if clubs don’t have the funds available to purchase these specialized items.

Funding for the Crawford Path project came from a $200,000 donation from REI through the National Forest Foundation, who then granted this money to WMTC. REI actively works with nonprofits to maintain local trails and public lands and to connect people to the outdoors. The outdoor retail co-op annually gives more than 70 percent of its profits back to the outdoor community.

In 2020, WMTC will set its sights on the Mt. Washington Valley. Coughlan plans to discuss hiking, biking, and ski trail projects with stakeholders in the North Conway area that would benefit the region and may not get achieved otherwise.

“I feel like this collaborative model is the next generation of achieving large-scale conservation projects,” says Coughlan.

Summer 2019

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TRAIL TENDER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS Without the efforts of volunteer trail organizations, trails in the White Mountains would not be in the condition they are today. Most organizations hold a couple of trails close to their hearts because of their history, construction, and scenic features. On this page is an abbreviated list of trails maintained by the following clubs.

AMC Grafton Loop Trail

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

AMC Osseo Trail

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

WV AIA

DOC Gorge Brook Trail

Waterville Valley Athletic Improvement Association - WVAIA • Welch-Dickey Loop Trail [moderate]

WVAIA Welch-Dickey Loop

Wonalancet Out Door Club - WODC • Dicey’s Mill Trail [hard] • Kate Sleeper Trail [moderate]

DOC Lambert Ridge Trail

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STC Scudder Trail

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

USFS Edmands Path

AMC Lost Pond Trail USFS Crawford Path

AMC Hancock Loop

CTA Stone House Trail

CTA Bicknell Ridge Trail

CTA Deer Hills Trail

WMNEMBA Parking Lot Smoothie

WMNEMBA Marshal Property Trails

WODC Kate Sleeper Trail

WODC Dicey’s Mill Trail SLA2019 Summer Wentworth Trail

CMC Brook Trail CMC Hammond Trail

For a complete list of trails, to volunteer, or for additional information, visit www.wmtrailcollective.org, or pick up a copy of the White Mountain Guide, 30th edition (AMC Books).

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through funding, trainings, resources, and volunteer engagement. WMTC saw the Crawford Path project as a perfect way to bring together clubs and organizations from across New England to work and share best practices, ideas, and resources to make a substantial impact on a high-profile trail in a relatively short time. “This kick-off project was about celebrating the longevity of maintaining the Crawford Path for two hundred years on the landscape,” says Tiffany Benna, USFS public services staff officer and a founder of WMTC. “It not only celebrates the path’s history, but it also celebrates the maintainers who have kept trails like the Crawford Path on the landscape for so long.” The project was funded by a $200,000 donation from REI through the National Forest Foundation, who then granted these funds to WMTC, and donations of services and money from other foundations and organizations.

Every year, trail clubs hire and train their own volunteers and paid crews to maintain trails in defined regions of the White Mountains. This divide-and-conquer method tends to work for clubs on a general maintenance level, but when it comes to tackling expensive, time-consuming projects, some clubs struggle to find enough money and workers to get projects off the ground.

This is where WMTC aims to help. “Not all clubs are the same size and have the same ability to manage money,” says Benna.

“Some clubs feel overwhelmed with raising money for projects, but could still could use these funds for labor and materials.

So, the idea of the collective is to help every organization and bolster them where they’re at.”

As the Crawfords probably noticed during their trailblazing days two centuries ago, footpaths aren’t something you build and walk away from forever. Without the efforts of trail clubs, large and small, trails in the White Mountains would not be in the condition they are today. Talk to any trail crew director, and you’ll discover that most organizations hold a couple of trails they maintain closer to their hearts than others, in part, because of their history, construction, and scenic features. Some of these trails were created more than a century ago while others were built in recent years, but despite their age, they all tell a story that every hiker can appreciate.

When it comes to picking his favorite trails, Zack Urgese, AMC’s White Mountain trail supervisor, has a lot to choose from. The organization maintains 350 miles of hiking trails in

making it easier for water to flow down and exasperating soil erosion, exposing the roots and rocks seen on myriad trails today. “[Trail work] is a lot about water,” notes Urgese with a chuckle. “The old saying goes, ‘Keep the trail out of water or water off the trail.’”

One of Urgese’s favorite trails in the White Mountains sees a barrage of rain, snow, ice, and wind—conditions that pick trails apart piece by piece. Located at around 5,600 feet above sea level and entirely above treeline on the west side of Mount Washington’s summit cone, the aptly named Westside Trail was created in the 1890s by one of AMC’s founders and

the White Mountains, the most miles of any trail club in New Hampshire. Founded in 1867, AMC is the oldest recreation and conservation nonprofit in the country. Many of the trails built in the late 1800s were created by AMC’s founders, who scoured the region seeking natural attractions—scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other curiosities—to build trails to. Early pathmakers paid little attention to installing drainages in the trails, called water bars, which displace water off the trail and prevent soil erosion.

Instead, trails were cut steeply up the fall line of a mountain,

one-time president, J. Rayner Edmands. After hiking on graded-pack stock trails in Colorado, Edmands returned to New Hampshire a staunch believer in constructing trails with gentle grades and meticulously placed stones. His innovative ideas ruffled the feathers of other leading trail builders at the time, but he was undeterred by their lack of support and continued building trails in a style that had not previously been seen in the White Mountains. “The rock work and grade on this trail is really impressive,” says Urgese. “It’s an old trail, but it’s in

Ryan Smith photo

It not only celebrates the path’s history, but it also celebrates the maintainers who have kept trails like the Crawford Path on the landscape for so long.

The project was funded by a $200,000 donation from REI through the National Forest Foundation, who then granted these funds to White Mountain Trail Collective, and donations of services and money from other foundations and organizations.

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Ryan Smith photo

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www.remickmuseum.org From left: Backpackers scale wooden ladders installed by Appalachian Mountain Club trail crews on the Osseo Trail; raised boardwalks atop Sunday River Whitecap in Maine’s Grafton Notch prevent hikers from trampling fragile alpine flora.

pretty good shape, considering where it lives and the amount of use it gets.” For a less-demanding approach to this featured trail, hikers could opt to take the Auto Road or Cog Railway to Mount Washington’s summit to start their above-treeline tour.

Another favorite trail of Urgese’s that AMC built and maintains is the 4.1-mile Osseo Trail, which connects the Lincoln Woods Trail with the Franconia Ridge Trail. The original Osseo Trail, opened in 1905 by the North Woodstock Improvement Association, began on Route 112 near Loon Mountain, and climbed over Mount Osseo, or Whaleback Mountain, before connecting to the Franconia Ridge Trail. As the town of Lincoln grew in recent decades, the trail was abandoned in the early 1980s because of condominium construction at its trailhead. Opened in 1983, the new Osseo Trail follows parts of the route of the East Branch & Lincoln Narrow Gauge Line, a failed experiment in the early 1900s by lumber baron J.E. Henry to use narrow gauge rails for hauling logs out of the woods. Further up the trail, hikers will start to see where AMC took considerable time and effort to construct a durable trail that is well equipped to take on the worst weather conditions.

Hikers will appreciate the moderate grade and trail structures in place—rock steps and wooden ladders—that make the Osseo Trail an easier and more enjoyable approach trail to Franconia Ridge compared to the trails on the Route 93 side.

On the east side of the White Mountains in Maine’s Grafton Notch, hikers will find one of the newest trails AMC has designed and built, which Urgese calls a “premier trail.”

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Westside Trail builder and early pathmaker J. Rayner Edmands was known for his labor-intensive trails that provided good footing and easy grades.

Completed in 2007, the 39-mile Grafton Loop Trail was created to offer a multi-day backpacking experience where the wilderness reigns and the crowds are minimal. Working with an undeveloped, trail-less landscape, save for the northern end, where the trail overlaps with the Appalachian Trail, AMC and other partners were able to showcase their trail-building and campsite design prowess. “We took the lessons that we learned about trail design and grades, and employed [these techniques] on this project,” notes Urgese. If you don’t have time to hike the whole loop, Urgese recommends spending a night at Slide

Westside Trail on Mount Washington, he was hard at work laying out trails in Randolph in the 1880s and ‘90s. By the turn of the century though, Edmands had seen enough logging destruction, and in 1903 he moved his trail-building operations from Randolph to Bretton Woods to continue working on trails in the Southern Presidentials. Edmands would leave behind a trail system that would later be restored by the RMC and is still maintained by the club today. His trademark graded trails and exquisite rock work can be seen throughout RMC’s 100mile trail network, including Drescher’s favorite, the Gulfside

Mountain Campsite to set up for a hike of 3,335-foot Sunday River Whitecap. Even though it lacks 4,000-footer status, Whitecap boasts expansive, 360-degree views and a summit blanketed in alpine vegetation. AMC trail crews went to great lengths to build elevated boardwalks on the summit to protect the fragile vegetation from being trampled on by hikers.

Shifting from one historic trail club to another, the Randolph Mountain Club (RMC), based out of the small village of Randolph, NH, was established in 1910 in response to the devastation of the club’s trails in the Northern Presidentials due to unchecked logging. Bob Drescher, RMC’s trails co-chair, says that before J. Rayner Edmands would go on to build the

Trail. Edmands seemed to have a flair for designing trails above treeline, as the entire trail is in the fragile alpine zone. “The Gulfside Trail deserves special attention [in the Northern Presidentials],” says Drescher. “Here is one of the early attempts at trail work in the White Mountains, and Edmands nailed it.” Drescher’s favorite section is about a mile in length, running from the Airline Trail junction to Thunderstorm Junction. Edmands’ “flat-as-a-pancake” rock work confounds Drescher as to how he managed to set hundreds of large, unyielding rocks perfectly in place without the trail tools that are available today. While most hikers are captivated by the views in this section and not by the trail design, Drescher encourages hikers to slow down and

While most hikers are captivated by the views on the Gulfside Trail and not by the trail design, Drescher encourages hikers to slow down and study the intricacies of Edmands’ work.

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YOUR LOCAL OUTDOOR CO-OP As a member-owned co-op, REI is a different kind of company, annually giving more than 70 percent of its profits back to the outdoor community. Because REI has no shareholders, every purchase is a choice to steward the outdoors, support sustainable business, and help the fight for life outside.

With more than 53,000 lifetime co-op members in New Hampshire, REI has chosen the Mt. Washington Valley as an ideal location to open a new store due to the abundance of local outdoor recreation. REI Co-op is a specialty outdoor retailer, offering quality outdoor gear, experiences, expertise, and rentals.

REI was founded in 1938 by a group of 23 climbing friends, united by their love for the outdoors and a desire to source quality gear for their adventures. Today, the co-op remains deeply rooted in its purpose to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.

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From top: Randolph Mountain Club trail crews upgraded parts of the Gulfside Trail to minimize erosion and stabilize the treadway; a Student Conservation Association worker reroutes a section of the Stone House Trail.

Bob Drescher photo

Sue Zlogar photo

REI CO-OP & THE CRAWFORD PATH

study the intricacies of Edmands’ work.

Edmands’ departure from Randolph in the early 1900s left the door open for other aspiring trail builders to make their mark in the area. Known more for his mapmaking skills, Louis F. Cutter, one of RMC’s founders, began creating “pleasure trails” in the 1930s that Drescher says are still in great shape despite their age. Running from the Howker Ridge Trail to the Brookside Trail, the Kelton Trail lives up to its name as a pleasure trail featuring good footing, stunning views of Mount Adams, and a 33-step rock staircase that impresses Drescher every time he climbs it. “The treads and the risers on this staircase are just perfect,” he says.

“You couldn’t draw it up any better than this, especially in the backcountry.” Drescher says he and a friend happened upon the staircase one afternoon when they accidentally kicked up a pile of leaves while hiking, uncovering the moss-laden staircase hidden beneath the fallen foliage. Hikers can find Cutter’s impressive staircase no more than a half-mile in from the Howker Ridge Trail junction as the trail climbs to Kelton Crag. In addition to the splendid views had from the Overlook and Upper Inlook, located about a half-mile up the trail from the staircase, Drescher says it’s worth hiking the Kelton Trail just to see this piece of trail-work history frozen in time.

As trail building in the White Mountains continued to flourish in the 1920s and ‘30s, more clubs were incorporated, including the Chatham Trails Association (CTA), which was established in 1922 with a mission of preserving and building new trails in Evans Notch. Straddling the Maine–New Hampshire border, the Cold River Valley is home to a quiet trail system that rarely garners the attention that the trails in Crawford and Pinkham notches do.

From the scenic Bicknell Ridge Trail to the short-but-sweet Deer Hills Trail, Mike Zlogar, CTA trail master since 2005, has an affinity for all 40 miles of trails that the club maintains. But for those looking to hike on a CTA trail that showcases some of the club’s Photo courtesy of REI

REI is the primary financial supporter of the Crawford Path restoration project through its partnership with the National Forest Foundation. As the Crawford Path celebrates 200 years, REI’s investment in the trail has topped $200,000—a contribution that speaks to the history and legacy of the trail.

REI deeply believes that a life outdoors is a life well-lived. Since a life outdoors requires ample access to trails and public lands, REI actively works with nonprofits to steward local trails and connect people to the outdoors in the communities it serves.

In addition to providing financial support, REI employees in North Conway will spend a day working alongside trail crews on the Crawford Path. Thanks to the leadership of the White Mountain Trail Collective, REI is one of many local partners working to restore a trail that will continue to be an iconic recreation resource to the Valley for years to come.

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recent work, Zlogar suggests the Stone House Trail, which starts off Stone House Road, 1.3 miles north of AMC’s Cold River Camp on Route 113. In 2018, CTA partnered with the Forest Service and the Student Conservation Association to relocate nearly a half-mile of trail around a steep, heavily eroded section toward the summit of Blueberry Mountain. Zlogar says the trail was constructed to Forest Service standards providing a comfortable grade for hikers and minimizing the need for water drainages or staircases.

These improvements lead him to believe that the trail won’t be appreciated by

training, and resources has the potential to address the needs that clubs have had for years but haven’t been able to fulfill.

“The Chatham Trail Association is on top of our basic trail maintenance, but we’re limited by volunteer time and we can’t afford the tools required for more technical trail work,” notes Zlogar. “By borrowing tools from the collective, I can see our club doing more work with this special equipment in the future.”

With more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest to maintain, most requiring the same level of labor and trail work mas-

your eyes as much as your legs. “Hikers usually don’t notice good trails,” notes Zlogar. “They only notice the bad ones.”

After appreciating all the work that went into creating this new section of trail, hikers can take in the views from Blueberry Mountain or, you guessed it, forage for wild blueberries in late summer. Cap off your outing with a refreshing dip in Rattlesnake Pool on your return trip to your car.

As trail maintenance needs continue to grow and funding sources dwindle, Urgese, Drescher, and Zlogar all agree that to preserve the region’s aging trail system, the White Mountain Trail Collective’s innovative model of funding,

tery as seen on the Crawford Path, the Grafton Loop Trail, the Gulfside Trail, and others, the WMTC’s mission to realign trail stewardship into a collaborative effort aims to have every trail club, organization, and volunteer “rowing in the same direction” to protect and preserve what the Crawfords and many other trail builders have left behind for our and future generations to protect and enjoy.

“It’s the right time for the trail collective to emerge,” says Brenna of the Forest Service. “They can be that backbone for anyone who needs help on their trails.

There’s a lot of energy in the trails world right now and it’s very cool.”

The WMTC’s mission to realign trail stewardship into a collaborative effort aims to have every trail club, organization, and volunteer “rowing in the same direction.”

CRAWFORD PATH TRAIL WORK EVENTS White Mountain Trail Collective Crawford Path Volunteer Work Day August 3, 2019 REI Crawford Path Work Day August 24, 2019 AMC All Women’s Volunteer Work Day August 31, 2019 Crawford Path 200th Anniversary Bash August 31, 2019

Visit wmtrailcollective.org to register and for more details.

Season End and REI Grand Opening Celebration September 28, 2019

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TAKING A HIKE?

Don’t forget these 13 Essentials The “Ten Essentials” as is known to hikers young and old, first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills, Mountaineers (January, 1974). The original list was modified in the seventh edition, and has since undergone many modifications over the years, for a variety of reasons, at the hands of various groups, such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Club, the Spokane Mountaineers (which list “thirteen essentials”), and others. We didn’t want to feel left out and have created our own list of essentials. Thirteen in our case, too.

These are items that should be in the group, or better, carried individually.

1. MAP + COMPASS

8. LIGHTER, FIRE-STARTER 12. FOAM SLEEPING PAD

2. EXTRA CLOTHING

9. CORD OR ROPE

While one of the two is useful, together, and with the right knowledge, these two tools can be indispensable.

Mountain weather is frighteningly fast-moving or unpredictable. Predictably, so. Having extra layers is a must.

3. EXTRA FOOD/WATER

If you are delayed, for any reason, hunger and thirst will become a problem.

At least bring a filter or stove.

4. HEADLAMP(S) + SPARE BATTERIES

Better still, add a second headlamp to your kit. If hiking solo, you’ll need it for a battery change.

If one has to stop because of an injury, building a fire should be on the to-do list, according to the NH Fish and Game.

For down-climbing, building a shelter, improvising a litter, mending a break, and so much more.

10. RAIN PANTS/JACKET

Staying dry is extremely important.

Proper rain gear will help. Also protect the contents of your pack.

11. TARP OR BIVY

To create shelter, a simple tarp can be such a useful thing to have. Also works as a hypo-wrap for hypothermia victims.

Possibly the most important bit of safety gear. Getting a patient off the ground is critical. A pad offers a solution.

13. SUN PROTECTION

SPF 30, UV-protected sunglasses, and even a floppy hat or sunbrella.

The sun can devastate nowadays. For down-climbing, building a shelter, improvising a litter, mending a break, and so much more.

This list was provided by Redline Guiding, an independent guiding agency located in Intervale, New Hampshire

5. FIRST AID KIT

Not one of those tiny kits, either.

Something well-suited for trauma is best.

6. WHISTLE, NOISE MAKER This should be accessible while you’re hiking. If you fall and no one sees you, your whistle could save your life.

7. KNIFE/MULTI-TOOL

Stuff breaks, needs arise, having some modern tools to deal with these things is … well, essential.

Summer 2019

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WiseguyCreative.com photo

Throughout the session, families work together to learn new skills, build trust belaying by one another, and encourage each other to grapple with challenge, all facilitated by an experienced guide.

WiseguyCreative.com photo

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FAMILIES THAT CLIMB TOGETHER

By Birch Malotky

Harnessing Rock-Solid Experiences with International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS)

S

ummer comes to the Valley like a sigh of relief, slow and heavy.

The trees relax into verdure, the people flow from their homes and down to the river to sit barefoot on lawn chairs. Smiles flash with sun, and skin with salt.

For many in the Mt. Washington Valley, this is when the hustle starts. Businesses spring up as if out of the melted snowbanks, paddlers take to the river, and anglers dust off their flies. After enduring a spring of soft ice and wet rock, most climbers are now flexing unused muscles like the sun stretching into longer and longer days.

The International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS), however, has been at it all along. Indeed, with more than 40 years of experience, IMCS is the oldest guiding service in the Mt. Washington Valley. Among the many opportunities IMCS offers for beginning and advanced climbers alike, one of their coolest programs is a full- or half-day tailored specifically to families.

I meet the Deans in the building that IMCS shares with International Mountain Equipment. I bring the coffee, they bring the energy.

They are a picturesque family of four, recent transplants from Massachusetts living in their new home in Intervale, and loving every minute of it. Oliver is 8 years old, loves to explore, and has a huge grin. Ella, at 10 years old, is a tenacious skier, and isn’t shy with our group for very long. Jess is a social worker in the Valley while Andy, an attorney at Cooper Cargill and Chant, deals in real estate. Today however, we are all here to climb.

Among the many opportunities IMCS offers for beginning and advanced climbers alike, one of their coolest programs is a full- or halfday tailored specifically to families. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and get outside together, enjoying the landscape that motivates

“Among the many opportunities International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS) offers for beginning and advanced climbers alike, one of their coolest programs is a full- or half-day tailored specifically to families. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and get outside together, enjoying the landscape that motivates many folks to live in the Valley in the first place.”

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many folks to live in the Valley in the first place. Throughout the session, families work together to learn new skills, build trust belaying by one another, and encourage each other to grapple with challenge, all facilitated by an experienced guide.

Our guide, Grant Simmons, worked for IMCS for 3.5 years, guiding everything from winter mountaineering courses up Mount Washington to sunny afternoons at the rock crag with Boy Scout troops. He holds advanced certification with the American Mountain Guides Association, is the guidebook author for Acadia National Park, and has worked with clients as

smooth, vertical face hundreds of feet tall and a long history of rock and ice ascents, Cathedral offers some of the best climbing in the area, for beginners and experts alike. Though the parking lot is busy, Grant leads us confidently up a steep and wellworn trail to a section of the cliff called the Thin Air face, nearly directly below the Cathedral Ledge overlook. A couple sets of climbers dangle from the cliff already, partway through climbs that will take multiple rope lengths to reach the top.

At the cliff base, nerves and excitement mingle cautiously with one another, as the Deans contemplate the sheer wall of

far flung as Red Rock Conservation Area, NV and Joshua Tree National Park, CA. He is now part-owner of Cathedral Mountain Guides. When our party meets him Sunday morning in North Conway, we know that we are in good hands.

First, we fit our harnesses (step into them like a pair of pants, snug but not tight) and climbing shoes (toes crooked not curled). We sign waivers, make sure we’re layered up, and then convoy over to Cathedral Ledge a couple miles away. With a

granite above them, no doubt picturing themselves clinging to its textured face. Grant, however, knows how to talk us down.

“The cool thing about rock climbing is that you control how much risk you want to take,” he says. For new climbers, that level of risk is next to zero, with redundancy so thoroughly integrated in the system that if any one part were to fail, a back-up would prevent disaster. In a top-roping system, the ropes feed from the climber to an anchor at the top of the climb, and back

At the cliff base, nerves and excitement mingle cautiously with one another, as the Deans contemplate the sheer wall of granite above them, no doubt picturing themselves clinging to its textured face. Grant, however, knows how to talk us down.

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to the belayer, who keeps the rope tight as the climber climbs. “Falling is totally safe, and a part of the process,” Grant assures us, “The whole thing works.”

The reassurance must have worked, too, because before Grant is even off the ground to set up our first climb, Ella is begging to go first. She’s climbed a couple times at camp, and is eager to test her skills. Though there are now several parties of climbers around us, Grant picks out a good introductory route, and lopes easily up it, long arms and legs covering the 100 or so feet rapidly. Before we know it, it’s our turn.

Ella scampers up the rock almost without thinking, hands and feet finding little edges and friction to pull and push herself up the route in no time. The rest of the family watches from below, shouting encouragement and discussing amongst themselves the path she chose. Wriggling with excitement the whole way down, Ella immediately makes as if to climb the

“Everything we do is a competition,” Jess later tells me about the family, but in this moment it’s all support.

Ella helps him to untie his knot while Andy and Jess congratulate him on his climb, and then prepare for their own forays high onto the wall. route again. Reminded by her parents to let everyone have a turn, she unties her rope and hands it to her brother.

Oliver is slower, more methodical as a climber. His blond head bobs from side to side as he searches out the edges of rock that will provide solid purchase for his hands and feet. He moves deliberately, committing to the move and regrouping after he’s made it. About halfway up the route, he pauses and turns his head down to us, long hair swirling around his ears. Scary, he mouths, barely audible, eyes huge. After a little consideration, he decides to come down for now, and Grant slowly lowers him.

“Everything we do is a competition,” Jess later tells me about the family, but in this moment it’s all support. Ella helps him to untie his knot while Andy and Jess congratulate him on his climb, and then prepare for their own forays high onto the wall. Oliver shrugs back into a jacket and

munches on pumpkin seeds, smiling.

This time Andy belays Jess, quickly learning the motions and proving to be extremely attentive. Just as quickly, Jess shouts down that her “ … heart is pounding out of her chest!” That is, until she turns around and catches sight of Cranmore. “I can practically see our backyard!” she says. Earlier she told me, “Every morning I wake up and I’m like,

I can’t believe I get to live here.” The access to the outdoors, the beautiful scenery, and the general pace of life, she said, is way less stressful. When she gets to the top, she takes a moment to soak in the view.

With an eager Ella urging him on, Andy takes the rope and ties in with a knot that, by now, we all have mastered.

Like his son, he climbs quietly and delib-

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IME has been teaching rock climbing to children, teens, families, and groups since 1974. All families with children under the age of 18 qualify for reduced family rates. Programs and facilities are fully insured and have all permits required to guide on National Forest and State Lands.

Our professional guides recognize the special care and awareness that is required to provide children and families with a safe and rewarding rock climbing experience. Family climbing is great way to instill confidence in children, teaching them to enjoy the great outdoors and experience the thrill of rock climbing. Programs need to be booked at least a full day or more in advance so the best guide can be used.

IMCS will provide all technical gear plus harness, helmet and rock shoes included in course cost.

1-Day Family Rock Climbing The most popular climbing program over the past few summer seasons and a favorite with all of our guides. This full day of instruction and climbing is ideal for families with children 17 or younger with any experience level. The focus will be building confidence on the rock, safety systems, communication, knots, and proper use of equipment, belaying and rappelling. The goal is to promote an enjoyable and successful climbing experience for the entire family.

Open Daily at 11am (603) 733-5550 1464 White Mountain Highway

3-Day Family Rock Climbing A comprehensive introduction to a variety of fundamental rock climbing skills. IME will cover anchoring, belaying, rappelling and efficient movement WiseguyCreative.com photo over steeper rock terrain. This program does not have to be held on three consecutive dates. You may opt to spread the program throughout the rock climbing season.

Half-Day Family Rock Climbing Experience If you have young children or just a full schedule and would like to have your family experience rock climbing, we offer half day programs from 8:30-12:30 and from 1:00-5:00. Half day time slots are four hours, shop-to-shop.

International Mountain Equipment, Inc. (IME) was founded in 1974 by Frank Simon, Bill Aughton and Paul Ross. In August, 1979 Rick Wilcox purchased IME from its founders. The International Mountain Climbing School is now co-owned

by Brad White and Rick. Brad White is a long time climber and guide from the Mt. Washington Valley and now runs the school as head guide and director.

IME 2733 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860 Visit www.ime-usa.com, Email guides@ime-usa.com, or call (603) 356-7064.

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erately. Adults tend to have a harder time learning to climb than kids do; they just can’t support their body weight on the same range of holds that a light, agile child can. Andy, however, moves smoothly up the face to the anchor, lowers back down, body folding into the “L” shape that Grant has taught us is proper lowering technique. He touches down with a huge sigh, “I can’t be-

never gets old. In fact, it seems to ring more and more true.

After all, besides climbing, what the Deans have been doing is expanding the realm of what they thought possible. By being willing and open to challenge—Oliver returning the climb that had scared him, Andy working to figure the sequence of movement out—they all realized that they were capable of more than

lieve I let the kids do this,” he says, more out of hyperbole than real concern, adding, “My legs feel like Jell-O right now.” After a snack and some time with his feet on the ground, he muses, “It’s funny, you know that you could just swan dive off the cliff and be fine,” his confidence in Grant and the system clear, “but it’s still so scary.”

“Everything is magnified,” Jess says, the challenge making the experience “scarier and more fun.” As Grant sets the Deans up for another round of climbing, I get a quick round of reactions from the family. “Nice!” “It was awwwweessssommmeee,” and, “I can see why people want to do this every day.” They’re all glowing, and I’m glowing, too, just watching them, caught up in their excitement at trying new things, savoring their revelations like going back to the first day of my climbing.

“It’s shocking what you can hold on to.” That revelation

they initially thought. That’s something really special to share as a family, Jess and Andy able to role model to their children, and Oliver and Ella to be able to show their parents.

As the day progressed, everyone kept climbing, working through new moves and taking in more views. With Grant orchestrating safe and successful climbing, the three remaining on the ground practiced knots, encouraged the climber, and chatted amongst themselves. It felt good just to be outside together, only paying attention to the rock, the dappled shade, the occasional breeze, and each other. “That’s harder and harder to come by,” Jess says, “with so many distractions.” But climbing shuts out all the nonessentials, demanding that you focus on the important things. Sometimes that’s how to haul your body up a rock wall, sometimes it’s the people around you. Sometimes it’s both. “That’s a really great way to spend a day.”

Adults tend to have a harder time learning to climb than kids do; they just can’t support their body weight on the same range of holds that a light, agile child can.

Mount Washington Valley Climber’s Cooperative spotlight Think it’s odd that a climbing mecca like the MWV doesn’t have a climbing gym? So do the folks at the MWV Climber’s Coop, whose mission is to provide a community run space for indoor climbing, training, and community building for climbers in the Mt. Washington Valley.

After conducting a market survey and hosting community events that revealed overwhelming support and viability of the project, they launched their lifetime membership drive at the end of March 2019, and reached 75 members within the first month. With an ideal space centrally located in North Conway, they plan to open for business fall 2019.

You can help by becoming a member at mwvclimberscoop.com.

You can also make a tax-deductible donation through their fiscal sponsor, the American Alpine Club. Finally, follow them on Facebook to stay updated on community events like slideshows and raffles, as well as other ways to get involved with and support the Climber’s Coop.

Photo courtesy of Anne Skidmore

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NEXT STEPS

First time climbing and you’re already hooked? The best way to get better and keep learning is by climbing! After the Deans and I spent our first day at Cathedral, Ella couldn’t wait to get back on the wall. Zeb, another seasoned IMCS guide, took her, Jess, and Ella’s friend Haley out for a second climbing lesson to build on the foundation they had already started.

Throughout the afternoon, they were able to try more advanced climbs, solidify their belay skills, and master the basic climbing knots.

Both in the Valley and online, there are tons of resources available to help you on your climbing journey.

• MWV guiding services • International Mountain Climbing School • Cathedral Mountain Guides • Eastern Mountain Sports • REI

• Synnott Mountain Guides • Northeast Mountaineering • Mooney Mountain Guides • Peter Doucette • Marc Chauvin

CLOSEST CLIMBING GYMS • Mount Washington Valley Climber’s Cooperative ... Coming soon!

• Salt Pump Climbing Co. - 36 Haigis Pkwy, Scarborough, ME 04074 • North Country Climbing Center - 2572 US-302, Lisbon, NH 03585 • EVO Rock + Fitness - 10 Langdon Ave, Concord, NH 03301 ONLINE RESOURCES Mountain Project (www.mountainproject.com) - A multi-functional website and mobile app, Mountain Project has everything you need as a climber. It’s main feature is a user-sourced open database of climbing areas and with descriptions of the routes found at each. It also has an active forum, a “buying and selling” thread, and a partner finder that can put you in touch with climbers near you.

Rock and Ice How-To (www.rockandice.com/climbing-tips) - A major source of climbing media, Rock and Ice also offers a heap of introductory and how-to articles on everything from terminology and gear tips to accident prevention and climbing techniques.

REI Expert Advice (www.rei.com/learn/c/climbing) - REI’s experts got together on more than 60 articles helping you select the best gear for who you are as a climber, ad explaining essential climbing basics.

Access Fund (www.accessfund.org/learn/the-climbers-pact) - The Access Fund’s mission is to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment. Explore their website to learn about the work that goes into protecting your local climbing area, and how you can climb responsibly in a way that doesn’t detract from the environment, or those around you.

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SILENT FLYERS A CLOSER LOOK AT THE OWLS PATROLLING THE REGION

By Donna Marie Famiglietti Dolan

If you’ve ever locked eyes with one of the dozen or so types of owl that patrol the fields and forests of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, it’s likely an experience you won’t soon forget. Just hearing the nocturnal calls of these stealth, elusive birds of prey is enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck.

T

hat mournful call, those piercing eyes, that pointed beak, head that can turn—creepily—all the way around, ability to fly silently and stealthily, talons that can grab and slice through unsuspecting victims. We shudder, yet, are still so captivated by these powerful, majestic creatures. Owls hold prominence in folklore across the spectrum. They are portrayed as good, wise, and prophetic in some cultures and—to the chagrin of Harry Potter fans everywhere—as evil and ominous in others. Superstitions aside, owls are simply fascinating; they’re really cool creatures, once you get to know a bit about them.

The information provided here might give you a better understanding of these remarkable winged mysteries. And while the facts here might demystify them slightly, they’ll probably always have a certain mystical allure to them.

Tiger of the Sky— the Great Horned Owl

Strong, powerful, fast, fierce, silent—the great horned owl metaphorically is called the tiger of the sky. Its scientific name, Bubo virginianus, stems from its first description by Virginia colonists.

Great horned owls are distinguishable by their large size and feather tufts (plumicorns) resembling horns or cat ears on the top of their head. They have a large black beak, molted brown, grey, and white feathers, and large bright yellow eyes with large black pupils. There is one call from its repertoire of calls, twills, snaps, cackles, and screeches that positively identifies it from all other owls; and that is the male’s territorial call,“hoo-h’hoo-hoo-hoo,” that can be heard for well over a mile.

One of the largest owls in the world, great horned owls attain adult wing spans of 40 to 60 inches, and weights up to 3.1 pounds. They are known to attain flight speeds of 40 miles per hour and may be the only North American bird capable of flying while carrying prey of its own weight, or more.

Great horned owls are anatomically well-adapted to survive in diverse habitats and climates. Found in every state in the United States except Hawaii, their range is vast, reaching as far north as subarctic North America and as far south as South America. Habitats include, but are not limited to, deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, grasslands, urban areas, mountains, deserts, and mangrove swamps.

Great horned owls are mostly nocturnal (meaning active at

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Photograph by © Jim Neiger, www.flightschoolphotography.com

There is one call from the Great Horned Owls’ repertoire of calls, twills, snaps, cackles, and screeches that positively identifies it from all other owls; and that is the male’s territorial call,“hoo-h’hoo-hoo-hoo,” that can be heard for well over a mile. night), and crepuscular (active at sunrise and sunset). They are masterful hunters cloaked in camouflage plumage and concealed in stillness. They are capable of capturing prey as they walk, fly, or wade; however, they most typically dive and pounce for prey from high perches in the forest.

Like all owls, the great horned owl is a silent flyer. Silent flight results from the comb-like structures on the leading edges of the primary feathers. These feathers, referred to as “flutings” or “fimbriae,” break down the turbulence into micro-turbulences and, as such, effectively muffle the sound of the air flowing over the wing surface. Their unsuspecting prey are usually killed instantly. The great horned owl’s strong, sharp talons can exert between 200 to 500 pounds per square inch. Their sharp upper mandible allows them to easily tear flesh from the bone.

Excellent hearing and spectacular binocular low-light vision allow the great horned owl to accurately pinpoint prey. Their Summer 2019

short facial disk feathers receive and funnel sound to their ear holes. The ear holes are offset at different heights in the skull, providing the advantage of up and down sound discernment.

By tilting their head at an angle until sound is equal in each ear, great horned owls can identify horizontal and vertical sound direction.

Their large eyes offer excellent distance vision, but very limited close-up vision. Owls therefore must rely upon their filoplumes, small hair-like feathers on their beak and feet, to sense the presence of their catch. Their large eyes are stationary in the eye sockets; however, they can rotate their head up to 270 degrees, allowing them a broad range of vision.

The great horned owl’s diet consists of food as pungent as skunks, as tactile as porcupines, and as large as great blue herons. They are known to eat wild turkeys as well as other owls.

With over 250 prey species identified, great horned owls have

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Peter K Burian photograph

Great Horned Owls are fierce predators that can take large prey, including raptors such as ospreys, peregrine falcons, and other owls. They also eat much smaller items such as rodents and frogs

This Great Horned owlet is almost ready to fledge at almost 9 weeks old.

Photo by Matt DiMaio III

the largest prey base of any American bird.

An excellent digestive system permits them to swallow rodents and small rabbits whole. Approximately six to 10 hours after eating prey, they regurgitate pellets containing unprocessed parts of their meal, including bones and fur.

Other than the barn owl that can nest any month of the year, the great horned owl is New England’s earliest nesting bird; their nesting season runs from mid-January to March.

They typically use vacant nests that were built by other large birds, including crows, herons, and hawks. They are also known to nest in tree cavities, on cliffs, platforms, rafters, and empty buildings. They lay from one to five white, almost spherical, eggs. The female incubates the eggs, during which time the male hunts and feeds her. Within a month, the eggs will hatch. Both parents guard and feed the owlets. The young leave the nest and climb on branches at approximately five weeks and begin to fledge at nine to 10 weeks. Though juvenile owls travel and disperse widely, the adults mainly live and hunt within one square mile of their breeding areas.

In the wild, the lifespan of the great horned owl ranges from five to 13 years, and although adults have few predators, they can be killed during confrontation with eagles, snowy owls, other great horned owls, and occasionally northern goshawks. Most adult mortalities are the result of vehicle collisions, trappings, shootings, and electrocutions. In addition, their eggs, nestlings, and fledglings are preyed upon by animals such as foxes and coyotes. In captivity, some owls can live to be 30 years of age.

While enjoying a sunrise, sunset, or evening in the outdoors of the North Country, be sure to listen for the call of the tiger in the sky, the great horned owl.

GREAT HORNED OWL Bubo virginianus

• Very large, stocky owl ​• Enormous bright yellow eyes ​• Mottled grey, brown, and tan body with bright white chin plumage ​• Tall feather tufts - which look like horns or ears - angled on the top of their head. Black bill • Closest relative: Snowy Owl • Diet: mostly small mammals such as hares, ground squirrels, and voles; also preys on birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects

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Matt DiMaio III photograph

The Migrator— the Snowy Owl The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a powerful, large, predominantly white owl that is native to the Arctic regions in North America and Eurasia. They nest on the Arctic tundra. When food sources are plentiful, they produce large numbers of young.

Many snowy owls remain in their northern breeding grounds during the winter, while others migrate southward. The snowy owls are considered an “irruptive” species, meaning they can move irregularly in large numbers from their home territory. The migration numbers vary seasonally, and though not proven conclusively, it is believed to be contributed to weather conditions, food abundance or shortage, as well as to owl and prey populations. Snowy owls that migrate during a large scale “irruption” are mostly young owls, one year of age.

The snowy owl can be spotted in the New England states as early as October, usually in open areas that are similar to their northern tundra. Many sightings are reported in coastal areas, farmland, as well as airports. Their return migration north is usually in March or April.

Unlike most owls, snowy owls are diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day, especially in

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Matt DiMaio III photograph

Unlike most owls, snowy owls are diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day, They are especially active in the summer at dawn and dusk.

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SNOWY OWL Bubo scandiacus

HOW YOU CAN HELP! In viewing an owl in the wild, it is best to allow them a good distance, not to disturb or impinge on their space.

If you are interested in reporting owl sightings, learning more about citizen science groups, or knowing where to locate owls in your area, you can check online message lists and cell phone apps; and, you can contact your local birding organization.

• Large, white owl with bright yellow eyes, a dark beak, and thickly feathered feet • Males: adult males are pure white • Females: white with dark bars or spots • Young: resemble females • Closest relative: Great Horned Owl • Diet: mostly lemmings, voles, and other rodents; often birds, sometimes rabbits and other small mammals the summer. They are also very active at dawn and dusk. Snowy owls are ground nesters and opportunists; they primarily hunt rodents and waterfowl, as well as eat carrion. They catch up to seven to 12 mice a day, and yearly, over 1,000 lemmings—one of their main food staples in the arctic. Snowy owls usually mate for life.

Project SNOWstorm

Crowdfunded research on the annual movements of Snowy Owls Project SNOWstorm uses innovative science to understand snowy owls, and to engage people in their conservation through outreach and education. Thanks to projects like Project Snowstorm, we are learning more about the flight paths and behaviors of the snowy owl. The project uses GPS-GMP transmitters attached to over 35 snowy owls. One of the owls tracked over several years by this project Wells – 2018 is an owl known as Wells. This female snowy was tagged at Portland Jetport by the USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), then later released on January 25, 2017 at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge near Wells, Maine. From there, she is known to have nested in Quebec City, Canada, then traveled to Hudson Bay and into the Arctic Archipelago, and then to the St. Lawrence River. She traveled over 5,500 miles in a two-year period!

In the North Country, the Tin Mountain Bird Society is a great resource. Tin Mountain Conservation Center is located on 1245 Bald Hill Road in Albany, New Hampshire. For more information, contact tinmountain.org or call (603) 447-6991.

14 OWL FACTOIDS The tiniest owl in the world is the elf owl. It can grow up to 6 inches tall and weighs up to 1.5 ounces.

The largest owl in the world is an eagle owl (Bubo bubo).

The eastern screech owl is the size of a robin, 6 to 9 inches in length and only 4 to 8.6 ounces in weight. It has feather tufts on top of its head similar in appearance to the great horned owl.

Boreal owls are rare in New England. One was known to nest in New Hampshire in 2001.

The largest North American owl is the great gray owl.

Short-eared owls are almost gone from New England.

Long-eared owls are uncommon to rare in New England. Their roosts are communal.

The Northern saw-whet owl can be seen year round in New England. Because it migrates, the summer Northern saw-whet that you see in your New England state is most likely not the same as the winter-one.

A group of owls is called a parliament.

Owls are zygodactyl, meaning their feet have two forward facing toes and two backward toes.

Owls are color blind.

Owls have a locking-mechanism in their feet that keeps their toes locked around a perch or prey.

Owls have feathered feet to protect them from the cold.

To learn more about Wells and the other snowy owls monitored in this project, visit www.projectsnowstorm.org.

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Matt DiMaio III photograph

Barred Owl— a.k.a., Hoot Owl

BARRED OWL Strix varia

The barred owl (Strix varia) is a native bird of North America. It is commonly seen and heard in the North Country year round. Its habitat of preference is that of old growth forests and mixed forests near water.

The barred owl is distinguishable by their evening call, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you,” and by its grey and white feathers, barred-patterned chest, and brown eyes. It is a large owl but smaller than the great horned owl.

Its wing span reaches 49 inches and it weighs from 1 to 2.31 pounds. The barred owl’s nest is often found in a tree cavity made by the pileated woodpecker, as well as nesting sites made by larger birds or squirrels. The barred owl is a generalist predator and its principal prey include meadow voles, mice, shrews, rats, squirrels, rabbits, bats, opossums, mink, and weasels; occasionally, birds are eaten as well as small amphibians, and reptiles.

They hunt during dawn and dusk. When they raise their chicks, they are active during the day. The most significant predator of the barred owl is the great horned owl.

​

Large round-headed owl Dark eyes and yellow bill Horizontal barring across chin Vertical barring across breast and belly Usually brown, white, and gray Closest relative: Spotted Owl Barred owl diet: mostly small mammals like mice, rats, chipmunks, moles, bats, rabbits, and opossums; also birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates (like snails, beetles, and scorpions) Call: It is sometimes called the laughing owl due to its many vocalizations. Its call resembles, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”

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Photograph by © Jim Neiger, www.flightschoolphotography.com

The Barred Owl, also know as the Swamp Owl, Striped Owl, Hoot Owl, Eight Hooter, Round Headed Owl, and Rain Owl, has brown eyes, not yellow as seen in most other owl species.

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ABANDONED

By Phil Franklin

Communities disbanded by design and misfortune, souls reduced to folklore ... these are the stories that remain.

Main Street Livermore with workers posing for the camera.

WhiteMountainHistory.org photo

F

rom the early 1800s to the early 1900s, the Mt. Washington Valley saw tremendous growth and change. With people moving into the area, towns were incorporated.

New railroads provided easy transport of goods to and from the area. Logging operations started a harvest of untouched timber. Many small transient communities were established, often for logging, farming, or small manufacturing operations. They were usually located within other incorporated towns, but far off the beaten path. As time passed, these same communities disappeared, leaving behind only cellar holes, old railroad beds, and scraps of metal to mark their existence. Some places were ended by design while others were disbanded by misfortune. Their history is often reduced to the folklore of the region.

In 2003, U.S. astronaut, Buzz Aldrin opined, “History gets reinterpreted as time goes on. Many times, the participants are lost in the retelling of the story.” And so it is, with many long past settlements here in the Mt. Washington Valley. Names of people, places, and locations of settlements all seem to get summarized to smaller points of significance over time. Eventually, they become mere footnotes in the history of an area. Uncovering the names and stories of these places becomes a challenge.

In the “modern” world, we rarely hear of a town or village just disappearing from the map unless it is befallen by an indescribable disaster. In the 19th century, however, things were a bit different. Let’s step back in time to the 1800s to get a brief look at some of the places that once served as “home,” albeit briefly, for some.

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WhiteMountainHistory.org photo

Livermore

Phil Franklin photo

From left: A Sawyer River Railroad train loaded with logs by Livermore sawmill; a bit of poetic irony as white birch trees grow in the remains of the Livermore Village sawmill that once cut millions of feet of lumber.

An Incorporated Town Spanning Two Watersheds for Logging and Mining Livermore, NH is probably the most well-known, well-chronicled abandoned “town” in NH. It was incorporated as a New Hampshire town by the NH Legislature on July 11, 1876. Livermore is best known as the home of a successful logging operation run by the Saunders family from Lawrence, MA—and least known for a mining and logging operation run by the family of timber baron, James E. Henry. As logging operations ended, Livermore would eventually come to a slow end, ultimately being recaptured by the forest from which it had been cut. It was unincorporated by the NH Legislature on August 31, 1951.

Livermore Township extends far beyond the logging village of Livermore located within the town. The town itself is approximately 64 square miles (about 75,000 acres) bordering

the Saunders lost about half of their land to timber baron, James Henry. Mr. Henry took possession of 45,000 acres of Livermore in the Pemigewasset watershed where his mining operation would later be opened.

Originally known as Elkins Grant, in 1864, the property was owned by timber baron, Nicholas Norcross. In 1874, Daniel and Charles Saunders acquired the rights to the Elkins Grant acreage. They established the Sawyer River Enterprise with the Grafton County Lumber Company and Sawyer River Railroad.

The Sawyer River Railroad connected with the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad that extended through Crawford Notch.

These Crawford Notch tracks are used today by the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Bartlett, Albany, Waterville Valley, Lincoln, and Hart’s Location.

It includes land in both the Saco watershed, fed by the Sawyer River, and Pemigewasset watershed, fed by the Swift and Mad rivers. Livermore Township was named in honor of the family of Daniel Saunders’ wife, Mary (Livermore) Saunders, according to Bill Gove’s book, Logging Railroads of the Saco River Valley.

Today, all but 12 privately owned acres of the former town are part of the White Mountain National Forest. During its lifespan, Livermore’s town boundaries were challenged by competing timber barons, leading to multiple court cases, including one decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. During one dispute in 1891,

By 1890, Livermore Village had grown to a population of about 155 people with many more men working in logging camps throughout the surrounding Livermore hills. Livermore Village had about 20 family dwellings, a bunkhouse for single employees, the Saunders’ mansion, a company store and offices, a school, a post office, a Saunders family apple orchard, a sawmill, and power house complex. Livermore Village was a “company town” and the Saunders family expected all residents to purchase their goods and supplies from the Saunders’ store.

Livermore Village celebrated births and marriages, but also witnessed several accidents and deaths. Aside from the

As time passed, these same communities disappeared leaving behind only cellar holes, old railroad beds, and scraps of metal to mark their existence.

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Phil Franklin photo

One of the remaining Saunders family apple trees in Livermore Village.

job-related injuries, the village was also hit by the smallpox epidemic of 1880 that consumed about 40 Livermore lives. The deceased were laid to rest in a graveyard marked with only one stone monument, according to an account in C. Francis Belcher’s book, Logging Railroads of the White Mountains.

The sawmill, built in 1876, was central to the life of Livermore Village. In the early years, the mill operated 11-hour days.

Workers were paid $1.35 to $1.75 per day, depending on their skill level. It would be destroyed by fire in 1876 and rebuilt the same year. Another fire consumed the mill in 1918 and it was reopened in 1922. It was finally destroyed, along with the railroad, in a massive flood in November 1927.

As the calendar turned to the 1900s, the decline of Livermore Village was underway. Mill operations slowed considerably. The last of the Saunders family who managed the logging operation died in 1918. This left operational management to a company officer and three Saunders sisters, who were all ill equipped to run the business. The 1927 loss of the mill and railroad crippled the business. Again, from Bill Gove’s book, we learn that in 1934 the Saunders sisters sold 29,900 acres to the U. S. Forest Service for $9 per acre. Documenting the closing of the township, Bill Gove writes, “The town of Livermore was officially dissolved by an act of the state legislature and thus became an unincorporated township within the White Mountain National Forest.”

Before bidding farewell to Livermore, we need to mention the mining operation in town. On the 45,000 acres of the town acquired by James Henry, his son, Charles Henry, carved out

an 11-acre tract and opened the Livermore Tripoli Company.

This company mined diatomaceous earth from East Pond in Livermore from 1911 to 1919. Found worldwide, diatomaceous earth was used as an abrasive compound often in silver polish, as a stabilizer for TNT, and a filler for paints. Today, it is used in polishes used by jewelers and woodworkers.

Charles Henry also operated the Henry family paper company. Diatomaceous earth was used in the process of paper making.

He used the diatomaceous earth from his mine and the pulp wood from his family’s 45,000-acre land holdings for making the paper. Charles was not successful in his mining operation, however. Unable to master the process to separate the diatomaceous earth from the sand that was mined with the earth, his silver polish was found to be too abrasive and not suitable for use in the paper operation. According to an article by Rick Russack found online in the WhiteMountainHistory.org site, both operations closed in 1919 under a mysterious cloud.

The 45,000-acre tract of Henry family land, minus the 11 acres at the East Pond site, was sold to the U.S. Forest Service in 1920 for $2.65 per acre. Katherine Henry, daughter of Charles Henry, refused to sell the 11-acre East Pond site, thinking she could still mine the diatomaceous earth. However, in 1994, the 11 acres were sold to the U.S. Forest Service for $65,000.

Today, Livermore Township is reforested. Many of the cellar holes are still visible, as are the remains of the sawmill and the power plant. The last living reminder of the Saunders’ village are the apple trees that still watch over the village today.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

In Livermore, we learned that Charles Henry operated a diatomaceous earth (DE) mine for 10 years before closing it due to technical issues with processing the earth.

Henry’s mine was just one of many DE mining operations of its time. His closest competitor was in Keene, NH. In 1973, a man named Franklin Yoffe proposed to open a mine in Lake Umbagog in Errol, NH, but a court decision stopped this action.

World-wide, there are many DE mines in operation today.

DE is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are naturally occurring algae, ranging in size from one micron to one millimeter. According to University of Colorado, Boulder’s Institute of Arctic

and Alpine Research, they are the only organism on the planet with cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica.

Diatoms have been with us for about 135 million years. When alive, they produce an estimated 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. Their fossilized remains simply pile up as sedimentary rock on the beds of our lakes and oceans. When refined, DE looks like white or off-white dust.

DE has both abrasive and filtering qualities, as well as porous and absorptive abilities. Historically, it was used first as a stabilizer for nitroglycerine in dynamite, a silver polishing agent, and for other filtering applications. In an article in Northern Woodlands magazine (online), author

Carrie Chandler’s account, “Diatomaceous Earth: The Wonder Powder,” explains that DE can be processed into a natural foodgrade powder or a filter-grade substance.

The food-grade powder is found in many of our commonly used products, such as flour and medicines. At one time, it was used in toothpaste. The filter grade is used, for example, as a filtering agent for swimming pool water.

As a natural substance, DE has many positive uses. However, as with anything, care should be taken when using it in its raw form, such as in agricultural applications. Still, DE has numerous uses as a natural substance to benefit both our personal and industrial needs.

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Phil Franklin photo

Twin Rivers

A Manufacturing and Logging Settlement Near the Base of Mount Washington Twin Rivers (or Twin Rivers Farm) was a small manufacturing and logging settlement located in Carroll, NH near the base of Mount Washington with as few as five home sites. The settlement was active in and around the 1880s, but no firm dates are available. Mention of this settlement is found in the 1886 book, Ticknor’s—The White Mountains: A Handbook for Travellers.

Ticknor writes, “The Twin-River Farm is so called because a tributary stream here flows parallel with the Ammonoosuc. It is 500 ft. above the Fabyan House.” The stream referenced is Sokokis Brook, a beautiful mountain stream flowing into the Ammonoosuc River. Fabyan House was one of the “grand hotels” of the White Mountains, but was far more than 500 feet from the site.

Documentation found online in the White Mountain History site references a photograph showing “several well-dressed visitors” indicating that they may have been hotel guests visiting Twin Rivers.

Twin Rivers had a bobbin mill and charcoal kilns. Bobbins were large wooden spools used to hold thread and yarn used in the large textile mills in the southern part of NH. Charcoal was used for a variety of purposes, including home heating, heating iron in forges, and blacksmithing.

This settlement was also used as a landing point for local logging operations. Logs harvested from the surrounding forest were brought to Twin Rivers for loading onto rail cars. Again, from the White Mountain History site, we learn that a rail line of the Boston and Maine Railroad was built into Twin Rivers.

Summer 2019

They cite an 1881 time table for the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad showing a notation for daily stops for log trains at Twin Rivers. The logging camp, according to Ticknor’s book, was located at Marshfield Station, NH.

Today, Twin Rivers is overgrown by the forest. A recent visit to the site, with June Rogier from the Twin Mountain–Bretton Woods Historical Society, revealed the location of the kilns by the old red clay bricks mixed with a thick layer of charcoal dust on the ground. The probable site of the bobbin mill was also located by its massive granite stone cellar wall and proximity to Sokokis Brook. Remnants of the logging operation were evident, as we found a thick steel cable cinched tightly around the base of a stump. This stump would have been the anchor point for a cable stretching up the mountain that was used to haul the heavy logs to the landing point for loading on the rail cars.

We also spotted a rusted axe head missing its handle wedged between rocks along the brook. Finally, we happened upon one of the home sites, now a cellar hole. Bed frames, kitchen implements, and tar paper for siding and roofing was found about the site. Unfortunately, the other cellar holes for the remaining homes may no longer be in existence due to road construction or nature reclaiming them over time. The true reasons for the origin and demise of this settlement remain a mystery.

Above: The author’s wife examines the cellar wall of the Twin Rivers bobbin mill. Inset: The Twin Rivers (Farm) kilns. Notice the ladies in their up scale attire amid the wood scraps. Photo courtesy of Rob Bermudes collection

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WhiteMountainHistory.org photo

Carrigain Station with residents on the train platform waiting for a Maine Central Railroad train.

Carrigain Village

Carrigain Village was established in 1892 by the Saco Valley Lumber Company. The settlement was located within Hart’s Location, NH on track section 129 of the old Maine Central Railroad, according to Hart’s Location historian, Bill King. This village was named after Philip Carrigain, NH Secretary of State from 1805 to 1808.

Carrigain was a “company town” designed to house the approximately 400 to 500 workers, mostly from Quebec, who were part of the logging operation in Crawford Notch. They lived in either a barracks-style bunk housing or in one of the several individual houses built for the families. Along with the

schoolhouse would later be sold for $12.25 in September 1902, as the settlement was shutting down.

The logging operation based out of Carrigain started in 1893 after tracks were laid from a rail switch off of the Maine Central Railroad line. The tracks from the Carrigain switch eventually extended seven miles into the Dry Creek area on the north side of Crawford Notch, specifically into a tract of land known as Cutts Grant. This land was once owned by Thomas Cutts, Saco, ME, and Richard Conant, Portland, ME. Their heirs sold the land to the Saco Valley Lumber Company.

Carrigain had its own sawmill that was owned by Fred Garman; however, this mill was not used for sawing the logs from Cutts Grant into lumber. In his book, Logging Railroads of the Saco River Valley, Bill Gove writes that loaded log carriers from Cutts Grant were transported to the Carrigain switch

living quarters, Carrigain also had a company store and offices, other miscellaneous company buildings, post office, a rail station, a church, and school. Relating a story about the building of the village, Marion Varney, in her book, Hart’s Location in Crawford Notch, wrote that voters in the March 1893 Carrigain “town” meeting approved the expenditure of $350 for school expenses and another $250 to build a schoolhouse. That same

by the Saco Valley Railroad where they were connected to a Maine Central Railroad steam engine for the eight-mile trip to the Bartlett Lumber Company mill.

Logging operations in Cutts Grant stopped in 1897/1898, due to the rugged terrain and trestle washouts by Saco River flooding. Logging operations then shifted to the slopes on the opposite side of Crawford Notch. According to Bill King, this

A Logging Community Nestled in the Woods of Hart’s Location

The Maine Central Railroad would bring tourists from Bartlett to Carrigain where they would change trains at Carrigain Station. The Saco Valley Railroad would then transport them into the Dry River Valley where they would hike to some waterfalls in the area before returning to Bartlett.

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Phil Franklin photo

Phil Franklin photo

From left: Three levels of Carrigain: Maine Central Raiload track (top left), foundation wall for Carrigain Station (center), and Saco Valley Railroad bed (right); a broken railcar coupler from the Saco Valley Railroad in Carrigain.

extended the life of the village a couple more years. When the logging ended, so did Carrigain. Along with the removal of the school, the Carrigain Post Office was moved to the Willey House Station, houses were torn down, and the rail line to Cutts Grant was abandoned.

An interesting side twist for Carrigain is found in C. Francis Belcher’s book, Logging Railroads of the White Mountains, where he describes an August 1895 tourist excursion on the Saco Valley Railroad. In brief, the Maine Central Railroad would bring tourists from Bartlett to Carrigain where they would change trains at Carrigain Station. The Saco Valley Railroad would then transport them into the Dry River Valley where they would hike to some waterfalls in the area before returning to Bartlett. This must have been the forerunner of

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the Conway Scenic Railroad!

Today, Carrigain is hidden by the forest. Carrigain land is now owned either by the state of New Hampshire or private individuals. Hiking through the area with a local property owner, the Saco Valley Railroad bed is barely discernible. However, a close examination of sections of the old rail bed reveals the depressions of the wooden railroad ties. We also found rows of ashes where the train engine’s fireman would shake the coal cinders from the firebox of the engine. A couple of cellar holes and stone foundations for larger buildings remain. On the large granite stones of the company store cellar wall, we found the remains of a train car coupler, some broken pottery, track rail connector parts, and a rusted coal shovel with no handle. Such is the legacy of Carrigain.

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Phil Franklin photo

Shawtown

A Logging, Barrel-Making, and Farming Community in Freedom

Clockwise from left: The cellar foundation of Elbridge and Lois Ward’s Shawtown home with Mary’s Mountain in the distance; Shawtown houses at the end of a long winding driveway (today this is a private driveway and residence); the one gravestone in the Shawtown cemetery where many people were buried.

Shawtown was a community in Freedom, NH built near the shores of Danforth Ponds on Shawtown Road. Shawtown started in 1832 when a lumber baron named Ellis B. Usher claimed 5,000 acres to harvest the white pine trees for processing in his Portland mill. Mr. Usher became one of many land speculators hurt in the “Panic of 1837” when banks were failing and land became relatively worthless. It was then that Amos Towle bought the acreage from Mr. Usher.

Mr. Towle established a community in Shawtown. He “gave” settlers plots of land. If they worked the land for 10 years, he deeded the land over to them. Shawtown was named after one of the original settlers, Ira Shaw. It was first called “Shaw Town.”

ever, sheep farming became the main interest of the Shawtown residents, according to Carol Foord in her video presentation, Shawtown, Freedom’s Ghost Town. Wool was used to make clothing for the local people and was exported to bring money into the community. The sheep were pastured on the slopes of Mary’s Mountain in Freedom. When the Civil War started in 1860, the export of sheep’s wool became a very important function of the community, as the Union Army needed wool to make uniforms.

The Civil War also brought about significant changes in the community. While some men stayed in Shawtown to raise their sheep, many others enlisted in the Union Army, some lying about their age. With their husbands and sons away, hardships

From the notes of Carol Foord, Shawtown historian, we learn that the Shaw house was known as the “heart of Shawtown.”

The cellar hole for this house is still visible today.

After the white pine was harvested, Shawtown was left with an abundance of white oak trees. White oak was considered to be the best wood for barrels. This led to the establishment of a barrel mill in Shawtown. Residents also began to try to farm this rocky land. As more land was cleared of oak trees, the farms grew in size.

Over time, the community grew to 12 families with about 100 people in total, according to an undated narrative by Dick and Nancy Pascoe (Dick’s family roots trace back to his great grandfather in Shawtown). They also noted that these families had 70 children between them. With this number of children, Foord’s notes reveal that Freedom established school district #8 for Shawtown.

While traditional farming of crops was a challenge, one resident still grew wheat and others had apple orchards. How-

fell upon the women of the community as they struggled to raise children and maintain the farms. While at war, some of the Shawtown men were killed and the surviving soldiers came home with severe injuries. This made it difficult for them to farm their land and tend to their flocks. Over time, the younger people of the community were attracted to the cities, leaving no successive generations to carry on in Shawtown. The population declined, homes and farms were abandoned. By 1879, the community was gone. According to John Shipman of the Freedom Historical Society, it is unclear where the people went.

Today, a major portion of Shawtown is located within the Freedom Town Forest. Other parts of the settlement are located on private property. In a recent visit to Shawtown with Craig Niiler of the Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort located adjacent to Shawtown, we walked a gravel portion of Shawtown Road. Several cellar holes are quite visible, but other features of the settlement have been eliminated by development. A view from the former farmstead of Elbridge and Lois Ward provides

Over time, Shawtown grew to 12 families with about 100 people in total, according to an undated narrative by Dick and Nancy Pascoe (Dick’s family roots trace back to his great grandfather in Shawtown). They also noted that these families had 70 children between them.

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WhiteMountainHistory.org photo

Phil Franklin photo

Phil Franklin photo

a sweeping vista with Mary’s Mountain front and center. An interesting reforested feature is the graveyard. A close look at the surface of the ground shows depressions of similar size and at regular intervals in rows indicating grave sites. However, there is only one gravestone for a 22-year-old man and another grave marker with no inscription.

In reference to Foord’s “ghost” in the title of her DVD, when asked if there are spirits floating in Shawtown, John Shipman said that Foord “made that up.” He went on to say that she never spoke of ghosts nor has anyone ever felt the presence of a ghost in the area. Maybe they only come out on a cool fall night at the end of October!

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Sandwich Notch Hill Farming Community A Controversial Farming Community of Sandwich

Sandwich Notch Hill Farming Community in Sandwich, NH has been mired in controversy from its start. An article by Ron King titled “Protecting a Heritage, Glimpses of Sandwich Notch” was found in an undated publication of Forest Notes magazine supplied by the National Forest Service. This article states that after 10 years of debate, road construction was started in 1801 on the Sandwich Notch Road (the Sandwich Historical Society dates the start at 1803). Proponents of the road saw it as a valuable shortcut to transport goods to and from Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston. Opponents of the road saw it as a financial

ters, cobblers, millmen and herb doctors.” It said that the largest of the schools was named Jefferson School, “as these people were almost all Democrats.” It also noted that the Carter sawmill “ran at first with an ‘up-and-down’ saw, later to be replaced with what may have been the first circular saw in Sandwich.”

From the 1820s to the 1830s, farming persisted, but it was very difficult to till this rocky acreage. The westward expansion of the nation and news of nutrient-rich, deep plowing soils in the midwest encouraged Sandwich Notch Hill farmers to abandon their rocky soil farms and head for greener pastures. By 1860, the

and maintenance burden for Sandwich, benefiting only the traveling merchants. Regardless, the road was built and completed in 1814. As predicted, it became an important road for commerce. Due to its rough surface, however, the road was used primarily in winter when the packed snow made for a much smoother passage.

When the road was finally opened, farming homesteads began to appear along the road. According to the Sandwich Historical Society, along with the 30 to 40 small farms, the notch community supported two sawmills, two schoolhouses, and a still. Forest Notes reports that the farmers “moonlighted as minis-

Sandwich Historical Society reports that there were only eight families in the notch. By 1910, Moses Hall was the only resident in the notch. His house still stands today as a private residence.

After the farming community moved on and the land was reclaimed by the forest, a long period of uncontrolled logging in the area finally ended in the 1970s. In 1981, the last of the timber companies sold their property to the Forest Service. Today, Sandwich Notch Road is a rough gravel road. Sandwich Notch is under the protection of the Forest Service. The remains of the Sandwich Notch Hill Farming Community are there for people to see and enjoy.

According to the Sandwich Historical Society, along with the 30 to 40 small farms, the notch community supported two sawmills, two schoolhouses, and a still.

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Please Look, But Don’t Touch The different villages and sites described in this article are gone forever, leaving only numerous cellar holes, rusting equipment, and broken pottery to mark their existence. These remaining artifacts tell the story of a different era in the White Mountains. These sites provide the ability to look through an archaeological window to see what remains of a rugged pioneering life in our region.

Abandoned settlements are now considered archaeological treasures. Care should be taken when exploring these sites. The basic rule of thumb is to leave them as they are found. According to information provided by Sarah Jordan, forest

archaeologist & heritage program Leader for the USDA Forest Service, “It is a federal offense to disturb, alter, remove, or damage archaeological sites and objects.”

Being good stewards of the past includes “treating the remains of past cultures with respect and treading lightly on heritage sites.” When visiting the site of an abandoned village or any other archaeological site, take as many photographs as you’d like and take your memories of the site with you, but leave everything else behind and in place. Doing this allows the next person who finds the site the opportunity to experience the remains of the past first-hand—just as you did.

Final Thoughts...

Without a doubt, there are a great many abandoned settlements in the White Mountains. To be sure, there were logging camps dotting the hillsides and farming communities in the valleys; there were places where names changed based on political views and personal preferences; and there were some encampments only known by a camp number. All that is left today is their worn footprint and folklore tales. The names and faces of the people who made up these communities were, Summer 2019

by in large, not recorded or the records did not survive the passage of time.

Regardless of their circumstance of forming and disbanding, these places helped build our region through the work of the often-anonymous men and women who once lived here. Their memories are seen in the stone-lined cellar holes, pottery shards, and rusted metal remnants of their lives that now rest silently among the newly grown trees in the forest where they once toiled.

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