weekending in new hampshire

One of the best parts of summer is taking little road trips to nearby states and towns. This past weekend, we drove three hours north to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I have been wanting to go to the White Mountains for at least the last 10 years - I've heard they were beautiful. And so they were. They were big and lush - many times, it felt like we were driving into a breath-taking wall of trees. The scenic drives were probably the best part (and also when I didn't really take pictures). Though, for some reason, Jason and I both liked the smaller, more intimate feel of the Green Mountains (in Vermont) more than the grandiose White Mountains. But being amongst mountains is a treat regardless. We spent most of the weekend driving and marveling at the different landscapes. We did make a stop in Conway for a train-ride. The boys got their first experience on a real train...the baby was too young to really know what was going on, but his brother sure was excited. There is something magical about trains for little boys.

My favorite part of the White Mountains that we were able to see on this trip (a baby and a 2-year old can be somewhat limiting) was The Basin. A nice, easy hike on paved and well-trodden dirt paths allowed us to enjoy the little brooks, ponds, waterfalls, and "The Basin" along the trail. The air smelled so fresh and crisp...and the water was so clear and very, very cold!

A nice respite from city life. And so we begin another week in the city...