Winter Activities in the White Mountains

Winter is quickly approaching us and some people think there are

less activities to do because of the snow and cold, but there are
still plenty. The white mountains of New Hampshire offer all kinds
of outdoor adventures for all ages. Everything including skiing,
snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even more unique opportunities
such as sleigh rides, sled dog trail rides, a ride up
Mount Washington in a snow coach, winter zip-lining, or even
helicopter tours. The temperatures sure may get chilly, but the fun
memories that can be made will warm you and your friends or
family right up!

Skiing and snowboarding in the white mountains is beautiful

because of the gorgeous views you get to enjoy while being in the

heart of the mountains. In the winter, the mountains can be even

more extraordinary when they are coated with snow and stand out

especially on a clear day against the bright blue skies. For those of

you who aren’t into downhill skiing or snowboarding, there is always

the opportunity for cross country skiing or even snowshoeing out

through the tranquility of the woods. You may even run into some
wildlife while you're out there. You can simply go at your own pace
and really take in everything around you, such as the wonderful
scenery.

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the winter season in a more

nostalgic way, then you might want to take a sleigh ride through the

snow with that someone special or even make it a family affair.

A sleigh ride in the mountains is truly a special occasion and sure to

be one that will be very memorable. Just imagine sitting on a

horse-drawn sleigh, bundled up in warm attire, admiring

the sparkling views blanketed in snow. It is almost magical!

Still looking for an even more unique winter activity, well how about

going on a scenic sled ride pulled by a team of sled dogs. You
don’t need any prior experience and anyone 2+ years old can ride.
Before sitting back and relaxing on the sled while the dogs do the
majority of the work, you can meet the furry friends and learn some
more about them. Riding a sled pulled by a team of sled dogs isn’t
a normal activity many people get to experience in their life, but the

chance to experience it is available in the white mountains and we

are all lucky to have it there for us to enjoy!

Are you feeling more adventurous and wishing you could feel like

your flying? There’s a winter activity that will make you feel that way

quite literally. You can take a zip-line tour and climb and sore through

the trees testing your adventurous skills. Zipping through the trees

and climbing ladders and planks in the white socked in forest gives

you a different perspective of the area. There are also helicopter

tours where you and friends or family can enjoy the snow from a birds

eye view. Don’t forget to bring your cameras so you can capture some

of those unforgettable aerial views from above the mountains and

even the clouds!

Despite the colder weather and the snow, there is still plenty of fun

outdoor activities to enjoy in the winter season this year. Whether you

want to take a more traditional route or if you want to do something
more unique that you've never done before, they are offered in the
white mountains just waiting for you to go enjoy! Have a great winter!

Sources:
Visit White Mountains
New Hampshire Sleigh Rides
Nestlenook Farm Sleigh Rides
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel
Alpine Zipline
Mt. Washington Snow Coach
White Mountains Helicopter Tours
Bretton Woods
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

For the Love of Camping

The flowers are beginning to bloom and the camping season is
here! I know this April the weather wasn’t really the best,
but now it's May and it’s getting better. Campgrounds and
campers alike are more than ready to start the camping season.
I know personally, many campground owners were getting
more and more anxious by the day as they were counting
down the days until opening. It is not just a job to many,
if not most of them. They love camping just like other
campers and to be honest, they probably love it more. Each day

they strive to spread their love and passion for camping with so many
others by sharing their campground and all that the beautiful area
has to offer.

Since the camping season is finally here, I want to share my love

for camping. Ever since I was little I’ve been a part
of the camping world and it has become a part of me. I've also
seen how camping brings people together and how some
of the best things in life aren’t tangible, but are
memorable. Time spent together with the ones you love
is valuable and for me camping reminds me of this.
I love camping and I want to share that story
with others, so that you all can go enjoy it as well!

From listening to others stories to getting to know them more, it is a

special experience that is unlike any other. That love I have for

camping has just grown overtime and mainly due to all the

wonderful people I have met along the way. So how does this all

relate? Well, it’s all about sharing that love with family
and friends, which I believe camping does. Now that the season
for many campgrounds has officially begun, I wanted to spread
the word about how great camping is. No matter the weather,
remember the time for camping is here and I know I sure
can’t wait to get out there and camp, can you?!

Sources:

Beech Hill Campground Website

In Honor of National Police Week 2018

In honor of National Police Week this week, I want to salute and honor all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. They will never be forgotten. If you see an officer this weekend, take a moment to thank them for their service because they truly deserve a huge thank you for everything they do! This poem below is dedicated to all the fallen as they serve and protect the skies above and to all those who are and have served, thank you sincerely for all you do!

http://www.nleomf.org/programs/policeweek/

Brothers in Blue

Blue lights flashed as sirens rang,
Life crashed by in one loud bang.
One was saved, while one was lost,
He gave his life as a large cost.

Never to be forgotten, never to be dwelled
It was his duty, he was compelled.
Through terror and harm he may run,
Scared he is not, he sees the sun.

He has a family and a heart,
He rushes to danger like a dart.
In times of darkness without any gray,
He is the light at the end of the day.

He leads the way with a gentle hand,
Protects us all on our home land.
He is human, he faces the risk of dying,
Yet he risks it all for the hope of flying.

Now in the end, he is a man,
Full of courage, I am his fan.
He gives his life, to serve others,
I will forever view him as my brother.

Sources:
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Website

Camping As A Millennial

Camping can be misinterpreted or thought of as an older fashioned way
of enjoying the outdoors. Contrary to that belief, millennial's are seeking
camping more and more today. As a millennial myself, I have observed
how many my age are more willing and excited about camping
because it is fun and healthy. It allows them the chance to have fun with
friends and family, while simultaneously enjoying the outdoors and all
it has to offer. Sure millennial's are known for being technological, but
that doesn’t diminish their feelings for camping. With most of the
technology today, people can both enjoy and go camping, while also
being able to connect to the digital world. Whether to do work, or to
share all the adventures you are having while camping on social media,
technology helps more people still be able to experience camping. It
may not be in the typical way, but at least they are still camping.

In 2017 millennial's made up 38% of the over 75 million campers and it
is predicted to increase in 2018. In 2017 about 61% of U.S. households
were active campers and in 2014 about 14 million of those active
campers, camped three or more times during the year. This shows that
camping is not a dying activity and even millennial's are seeking and
enjoying it more. In 2016 about 81% of millennial's from a survey on
camping said they wanted to camp more the following year so they
could spend more time with family and friends. That right there is
exactly why so many people love camping. Whether you are a
person who needs technology while camping or not, you can go
camping. It’s all about who you go with and even the people you
meet on the way because you have the control to make of it what
you will. So don’t think camping is old fashioned because you will
only be doing yourself a disservice and you certainly will be missing
out. Go out there and enjoy some camping in whichever way you
prefer because you won't know how much fun it is until you give
it a chance!

Sources:

Camping Picture
Business Wire Camping in U.S.
CBS News on Millennial's and Camping

Fall Foliage in the White Mountains

It's almost that time of the year again when the leaves on the trees change and the mountains are painted by the fall foliage. Sure the weather begins cooling off and the summer comes to an end, but there is still plenty to enjoy during the fall. I especially enjoy admiring the gorgeous scenery during foliage season in the white mountains because it is definitely something special.

The way the mountains are lite up by the various shades of red, orange, and yellow is beautiful. If you're an outdoors person who likes hiking than you could hike any of the mountains in the white mountains and enjoy the foliage views during your hike. If you want to view the foliage in a more relaxing setting than you could go out for a drive or even take a train ride such as the Conway Scenic Railroad or the Cog Railway. Which ever way you prefer, you should at least try to go out and witness the foliage because it only happens once a year. Go out and enjoy it while it lasts! You may even want to capture some pictures while making those fun memories to remember!

If you're wondering when fall foliage occurs in the white mountains then you're in luck. The foliage usually begins around the second to last week in September and lasts until about the second week in October, but can vary from year to year. The peak of the foliage is roughly around the beginning of October, which is when the color of the leaves is the brightest. So whatever your plans are for this September and October I would highly recommend setting aside a day, if not longer, to go up and visit the white mountains to admire the foliage. It really shows how spectacular nature is!

Sources:
White Mountains Foliage
Cog Railway
New England Foliage Map
Mount Washington Hotel Photo
Conway Scenic Railroad Photo

Making Memories and Enjoying Vacation

Vacations are usually all about having fun, relaxing, and making memories with family and friends. As summer is winding down and people are trying to get in that last big trip, try to remember not to stress too much about summer almost being over. Instead of thinking about summer being over, try to embrace that camping trip. Enjoy the vacation for all it has to offer and have fun with your family and friends. The best part of a vacation is the fact that you are on vacation, so soak it up!

Don't worry about what things you have to do after vacation so much because those things will only distract you from actually enjoying yourself on vacation. I know technology is a great resource and often a necessity now a days, but if possible, try to at least limit yourself during your trip. I myself am a huge fan of taking pictures to remember the fun things I do, which is alright to do. Sometimes though cell phones or i pads can be distracting and take away from fun moments. Every once in a while just live in the moment instead of trying to capture it. Play board games or some outdoor games with your family or friends because those are the truly memorable moments.

If your vacation is aimed at more of a relaxing type, then don't stress about work. You could enjoy the outdoors while reading a book or even go out for a calming hike. You could even start a campfire and kick back in a chair to enjoy. It doesn't even need to be a long and difficult hike, but could even just be a simple walk through the woods or by the water. The important thing is that you relax and remember that trip and all those good memories years down the road.

Vacations are important for all of us because everyone needs a break from work, school and other things every once in a while. Whatever type of vacation you are going on try to enjoy it and allow yourself to be on vacation. Enjoy and have fun!

Sources:
Vacation Mindset Tips

Cooking on The Campfire

One of the best parts of camping can be cooking your food on the fire. Most people may just think of cooking hot dogs and marshmallows on the fire, but really there is so much more you can make. One of my favorite tools for camping is my pie maker. It enables me to cook food inside it while putting it in the fire. If you are trying to figure out what to make for lunch you could make a grilled cheese using the pie maker and the fire. Besides tasting like a grilled cheese, you will also have the satisfaction of having cooked it camping style! If you're not a grilled cheese person or want to spice it up a little you can make a personal pizza by adding in some pepperoni or other toppings you like.

After a busy or relaxing day of camping and fun activities you can end the night with some delicious desserts. Whether you make s'mores or want to try something different such as pies, the campfire works great! To change up your s'mores you can also always use different kinds of cookies in place of the graham crackers to make an even more unique s'more.

Making a pie on the campfire may sound more complicated, but it's not that hard. All it takes is some bread, pie filling of your choice, a pie maker for the fire, either butter or none stick spray, and of course a campfire. Depending on how hot the fire is and how crispy you want your food determines how long you should cook it. At maximum it will only take you a few minutes and the results will be tasty!

So if you're out camping this summer and want to try cooking more than marshmallows on the fire, give it a try. Cooking on the fire is both satisfying and you can create delicious foods! I find cooking on the fire and then serving right on the plate makes whatever you made taste so much better! Enjoy and check out these videos below to see what you can cook!


Demo Videos:
Pepperoni Pizza On the Campfire
Breakfast Sandwich
S'more Pie