The Garrison in Wells, ME was a cute place to spend our second night. Complete with two beds and a kitchenette, porch and an easy drive to Kennebunkport, it would make a nice home base for a stay in the area.
But alas we only stayed long enough to enjoy the view out our door, have breakfast at the Maine Diner, come back to check out and then head into New Hampshire...
At first I was a bit afraid we were too early. The leaves just didn't seem to be turning yet. But once we got more into New Hampshire, the leaves just kept getting better and better. This lake was so pretty with the reflection on the glassy surface, we just had to stop and take a picture...
But our real destination was the famous 34-mile Kancamagus National Scenic Byway. One of the most gorgeous stretches of road to truly enjoy God's beautiful autumn colors! Once we were on it, we could see why it is visited by millions of people each year and we were there at just the right time!
We got our parking pass, map and ranger recommendations at the Saco Ranger District office and then we were off...
First stop: The Albany Covered Bridge and 3.1 mile Boulder Loop Trail
Stop Two: Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge along the Swift River
Even just pull-overs on the side of the road were picture worthy...
Stop Three: Sabbaday Falls
Every curve of the road was a vibrant splash of reds and oranges and golds!
Stop Four: CL Graham Overlook. As it was late in the day this was billed as the best afternoon view...
Although there were still so many places we could have stopped to see we were in a bit of a rush to get to...
Stop Five: Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park.
This two-mile hike was totally worth the price of admission!
The Flume Covered Bridge over the Pemigewasset River is one of the oldest in the state and was built in 1886.
"The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mt Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise vertically to a height of 70-90 feet and vary in width from 12-20 feet. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns, and mosses found in the gorge. The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old 'Aunt' Jess Guernsey when she accidentally cam upon it while fishing. She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves. At that time, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls. The rock was 10 feet high and 12 feet long. A heavy rainstorm in June of 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place. The boulder has never been found. The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls."
Liberty Gorge follows a lovely little stream through the valley...
We decided to squeeze and crawl our way through the Wolf Den...
On the way back to the visitor's center you pass by some scenic overlooks at giant boulders!
Yes, we still have to take pictures of moose... ;)
Even the trail back to the parking lot was pretty...
The sun setting made the trees seem even more orange...
After hiking for miles and not eating all day, we were starving by the time we arrived in Hanover at Base Camp, the highly recommended Nepalese restaurant. While the food was both unique and delicious, our room at the Super 8 in White River Junction was probably the most disgusting place we've ever stayed in anywhere ever! When Chris went to the front desk to complain about the condition of the room he returned with a rag and a bottle of cleaner. I guess it was a self-serve sort of deal. I am just grateful we didn't come home with bed bugs! Thank You, Jesus!
