A Drive Down the Kanc

A big ol' rewind back to mid October when my parents were here visiting.

A part of what my parents love about coming to Boston in the fall (other than the obvious reason of getting to see my family) is seeing the awesome foliage we have here. In Texas, where the seasons aren't so distinct, you just don't have the mass color change we experience in New England. One of the best leaf peeping drives is only a couple of exits north on the highway from our condo in NH. So, we took a quick trip up to the granite state to drive on the popular Kancamangus Highway.

Unfortunately, the peak time to see foliage differs every year and it's tricky to time it right. Even though Boston is only seperated from the white mountains by about 100 miles, the times the two different regions see the peak of fall colors is several weeks apart. We were driving the Kanc on the 3rd week of October and during the first half of the drive (up to the highest point on the highway), most of the trees were already bare and ready for winter. Kind of a bummer. Fortunately, the consolation prize on the route was fantastic scenic views of the white mountains.

During the 2nd half of that stretch of highway, we started to see some more leaves still attached to the trees so my parents did get to do some leaf peeping after all. We also stopped to see some great natural sights just off the road. Dylan fell asleep during our ride so Mike stayed in the car with him while my parents and I got out to stretch our legs.

Our first stop was Sabbaday Falls. The easy path is just a half mile loop to a gorgeous flume and water fall.

Base of the Falls

Sabbaday Falls

Self Portrait - Dad, Mom and Me at Sabbaday Falls

Fall Foliage!

My Parents on the Wooded Path

After our stop at the falls, the three of us hopped back in the car for just a few minutes for the drive down to the Rocky Gorge on the Swift River.

Rocky Gorge

My Dad and Me at Rocky Gorge

Then it was back in the car again to go up to the road to yet another stop, Lower Falls. Just as we stopped the car and started to get out, little Sleeping Cuteness woke up. So, we were all able to enjoy the falls. Mike, Dylan and I hopped the rocks out into the river a little ways. Mike gave me a heart attack when he slipped on a rock with Dylan and stumbled a bit. Luckily, they got nothing more than a little water on their shoes, but it still freaked me out a bit. We were VERY careful getting back to the shore.

This was by far the busiest area we visited. There were lots of folks there enjoying the trees and the river. Dylan had a fun time walking on the bank (a good, safe distance away from the water) with a stick he found. Ah, to be so easily amused!

At Lower Falls

We Scaled the Big Rock at Lower Falls!

Another 10 minutes down the road is North Conway at the end of the Kancamangus. That town is known for its outlet malls and we spent a little time shopping around them. After a quick lunch, we headed back to our home in Boston. It was a quick trip to NH but a nice one.

Back at the house, we couldn't let Mimaw and Pipaw leave without Dylan modeling his Halloween costume for them.

The Happy Giraffe

The next day, my parents left for Dallas. A week always seems like so much time for a visit and it always goes by so quickly. Dylan had a great time with his Mimaw and Pipaw and can't wait to see them again and celebrate Christmas together.