Someone may have used the expression “Got out of the gate” in reference to starting their day today,
but I'd be willing to bet I'm one of the few who actually “Got out of the stall” to start mine:
I only made three reservations prior to starting this “Fall Foliage Frolic”. My preference is still
camping (being outside), but since I had such a wonderful experience with various hostels during my recent
Alaska adventure (complete report: HERE,
I thought I might see what unique accommodations I could find during my frolicking in New England. Research
and recommendations returned three places that sparked my interest, and one of those places was Shaker Woods Farm
in Sanbornton, NH, which is near Laconia (home to what claims as being the oldest motorcycle rally in the
US). Here are a few shots outside the “Farm”:
...and one of the upstairs common area:
The owners of Shaker Woods (Eva & Jack) consider their place a “Low end B&B or high end hostel”... I
consider it flat out cool! Both being retired Air Force officers, it wasn't surprising to find
the place spotless clean; so clean you could eat off the barn floor! The quiet, country setting
is literally across the road from a big lake with a big name (Lake Winnipesaukee) and even had
WiFi. Sweet! I think going with a small group and taking over the bottom half of the barn
(where the stall rooms are located) would make for a, well, barnburner good time! For those who
would like more information on Shaker Woods Farm, the phone number is 603-528-1990, and their website
is: HERE. Their exact GPS location is:
N43 31.280, W71 30.627
*NOTE: You do not need to own a GPS unit to utilize these coordinates. You do not need to be a
computer nerd, nor do you need to have an Engineering degree. You can simply, copy the coordinates
(drag and highlight the numbers without the words “GPS”, right-click, select “Copy”, then paste your
newly copied digits into Google Maps: HERE. Easy
enough and you can now dazzle your friends with your newfound discovery, huh?
So, first thing out of my stall this morning I trotted over to a nearby covered bridge, the Tannery Hill
Covered Bridge: GPS: N43 33.000, W71 24.310
A view from inside the bridge looking out at the creek:
By the way, to access this bridge you'll need to drive right between a police and fire station, which may
feel somewhat strange until you see the parking area that the town has provided for covered bridge
hunters. Well, it doesn't say “Hunter Parking” but you'll figure it out.
I planned to end my day today in Conway, NH, a mere 50 miles from Sanbornton if one took the direct
route. Of course, I went the long way (or the “AGirl route” as my friends like to say), which
translated into 200 miles by the time I rolled into Conway this evening. Here's a mapping of today's
route:
Despite a 65% chance
of thunderstorms today, somehow during my wandering route I was able to avoid rain. I don't mind
riding in rain per se, I just don't like it when I'm in scenic areas. Ok, so I hate it. Parking,
getting on & off the bike, and trying to keep the camera dry while it's pouring isn't much fun.
So, I was very thankful to have a dry experience today. Speaking of the weather, in yesterday's
Journey Report (found:
HERE), I mentioned it being rather warm (upper 80's, almost 20 degrees above normal). Well,
today was simply grand! This was the highest I saw today:
I'm including multiple photos in this Journey Report specifically for other leaf peepers wanting to
know about color progression and display in certain regions. GPS coordinates for this location:
N43 28.280, W71 43.708 (on Franklin Hwy/Rt 11, just west of West Franklin):
After arriving the next bridge I met a couple from England who were seemingly dazed that I had solo
piloted a motorcycle across the country.
I have no idea how they would have responded if I added any details, such as having been in this area
4 times in the last 12 months from AZ, or that I covered over 65,000 miles last year. My friends
know I rarely offer such details unless I'm asked; I'm much more interested in meeting and hearing about
others' journey than speaking of my own. Anyway, here's the Keniston Covered Bridge, (GPS:
N43 26.100, W71 50.160) which happens to be accessed via a short drive on a dirt road::
On to the next bridge, the patriotic Cilleyville Bog Covered Bridge, which stands proud but is no longer
in use (unless eating at the picnic table that sits in the middle of the bridge counts). GPS
coordinates: N43 25.820, W71 52.150
I came up with the idea to do somewhat of a tour of covered bridges this time last year when I was passing
through the area on my way to Key West, FL during my USA Four Corner Tour (that complete report is:
HERE). Bridges
are typically located off the beaten path and in scenic areas, which makes for great motorcycle riding. I
don't really know much about covered bridges, their official history, various architectures, etc. I
simply appreciate what they represent to me, which is a symbolize of progression to new places as well as
a massive effort - both rank high in my world.
This pic was taken near East Grafton, NH - more specifically, the GPS coordinates where I was when taking the
photo and looking due west: GPS: N43 33.749, W71 54.516
My own progress to the next bridge was greatly impeded thanks to an unpaved road that had recently experienced
rain. I unexpectedly encountered this gravel/dirt road thanks to the “Trick of The Day” by my GPS
(yesterday's trick was routing me through a farmer's backyard). Today the GPS displayed all roads, both
paved and unpaved, were displayed the same (a solid line) so I couldn't tell one from another in the routing.
Once I was on the dirt/gravel road I didn't think turning around would be the best idea since the ground was soft
and I was on a hill, so I kept going... and going... and going, following the GPS' solid line (representing
pavement). The GPS screen said I needed to make 3 turns to actually get to the bridge, all of which were
going deeper into the woods. About 15 miles later Mo (my moose passenger) suggested we abandon that
particular covered bridge hunt, and added that although he was enjoying the ride that “laying sideways on the
ground might ruin my tough Alaska moose image ya know!”
Though I personally don't give a rat's ass about image, I kinda agreed about the sideways on the ground part,
so we took the shortest route possible to the main road. During our journey back to pavement we were
serenaded beside a lake by a German Shepherd: (GPS: N43 34.961, W71 53.260)
When I wasn't concentrating on keeping the rubber side down, I was enjoying the wonders of the fall
foliage. Here are a few photos of the area, which proves more trees are preparing to join the “Peak Party”
as Mo and I are calling it:
The general area was between Cardigan State Park and Newfound Lake – the whole area looked to be making a strong
run to the Peak Party! (GPS: N43 36.622, W71 51.992)
Once back on pavement, the GPS regained it's composure after successful navigation to the Smith Covered Bridge,
GPS coordinate: N43 46.510, W71 44.360
While at the next bridge I hiked down below, of course in my full motorcycle gear, simply to explore briefly
stretch my legs. As I was walking back up and nearing the bike, an early 60's couple was walking out of
the bridge. The man seemed a little startled when he saw me and said “Hi... um, you look really
official.” Without breaking stride, I replied: “Well, I am...in fact, I am on the State's Special Task
Force to enforce the new ordinance known as LPP-502 or simply the Leaf Peeping Permit, you have your's on
hand right?”
Well, in an apologetic tone he replied “Oh, mercy, we don't have such permit, may we obtain the permit from
you?”. He said this as he was reaching for his freakin' wallet! I laughed and said I was just
kidding, but Mr Gullible was so far convinced he needed this permit that I had to repeat several times I was
just kidding. As soon as I was back on the bike and pulling away I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes!
I'm thinking the guy was from Canada since not only is the Canadian dollar now worth more than the American dollar
so he wouldn't have mind paying for such a ridiculous permit, but if he had been a red-blooded American he would
have likely told me and my “Special Task Force” where to go. This went down at the Blair Covered Bridge as
seen here: GPS coordinate: N43 48.610, W71 39.920
To calm any ruffled Canadian feathers, here's you a smilie:
My time spent at the next bridge was uneventful sans the dead snake I saw on the side of the road. I'll
add that after supplying a photo of yesterday's snake encounter, that someone with a very official title
emailed me to advise me there are no poisonous snakes in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Of course,
this could be someone just kidding, but until I hear otherwise these are now my new favorite 3 states.
Anywho, the name of this bridge is the Bump Covered Bridge, located at GPS coordinates: N43 48.870, W 71 37.310
The next bridge, the Jack O' Lantern Covered Bridge, I discovered to be in an most interesting location. No,
not in a pumpkin patch, but on a golf course. Would you believe the name of the golf course is Jack O'
Lantern Golf Course??
Strangely, I didn't see one dang pumpkin... and it is pumpkin season! I didn't think back spinning my
motorcycle between a foursome's golf carts would make for good biker-golfer relations, so I settled for a
distance shot, er photograph:
These GPS coordinates are from exactly where the bike is sitting in the photo: N43 56.953, W71 40.696 - if you
need that Google Maps link again, it is right:
HERE (Perhaps bookmark it?)
I'm willing to bet that this is going to be the Matriarch's favorite bridge since she is an avid
golfer! Yes, at age 84 she's got a mean swing!
Took this a mile or so north of the Jack O'Lantern bridge while on Hwy 3 (aka Daniel Webster Hwy):
These next two photos were taken from Eastside Rd near Woodstock, NH (beside I-93), looking east
(that green sign is on I-93 northbound):
Exact location is GPS: N43 59.460, W71 40.419
Time for more bridge hunting and possibly more enforcing of the LPP-503 ordinance. The last bridge was
located on a golf course, while the next one was found on a train track. Here is the Clark Covered
Bridge: GPS: N44 03.080, W71 41.250
While hunting down the train bridge I noticed several signs in the Lincoln, NH area advertised something
about an “Indian Head” profile in a rock. Yeah, I know, exciting stuff.
After leaving the train bridge and while looking up towards the hill (c'mon people 3,000 feet is a hill
when you're from west of the Mississippi), my eyes gazed upon what I assume these local folks are calling the Indian:
Personally, I don't see an Indian at all. I see Bubba from back in Tennessee.
Franconia Notch State Park, looking east from US-3 (GPS: N44 02.248, W71 47.201):
Good riding and great views were had on Hwy 112 (aka “Lost River Rd). Here are a few, specifically for
other foliage fanatics who'd like to know how this area is progressing:
These next three were near the junction of Hwy 116 and Hwy 112 (GPS coordinates: N44 05.874, W71 51.121):
Facing east on 112 (about 5 miles from Easton, NH):
Mo says this is his second favorite photo of the day (taken facing west on Hwy 112, about 12 miles from Woodsville, NH):
Lost River is no longer lost since I found it:
The Swiftwater Covered Bridge was found to be inaccessible as it is undergoing repairs. Not wanting to
experience a souvenir nail amidst all the rehabilitation, I elected to take the photo from afar. Thanks
to my rear view mirror I didn't even need to turn around in the mess: GPS: N44 08.030, W71 57.060
My wander route landed next in the town of Woodsville, NH, just a spit from the VT-NH state line. No
wheelies across this bridge today either as it was found to also be experiencing a face-lift (perhaps as a
result of from hooligans going more than 5mph or not walking their horses across the bridge, who knows):
The Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge, GPS: N44 09.280, W72 02.180
Thankfully, the next bridge was intact and I was even able to cross through it. If you've ever considered
doing a wheelie through a covered bridge, well, this one would be a good one. I, of course, crossed on two
wheels, but I'm just sayin'. (Would going through on one wheel in one direction, then turning around and
repeating the single action count as crossing the bridge on two wheels?) Bath Covered Bridge (GPS: N44 10.010, W71 58.010)
Today would have been a bad day for any shenanigans causing elevated heart rates from bystanders since two
tour buses carrying septuagenarian-ish folks were at the bridge when I arrived. Many of these passengers
were wandering in the bridge, which I safely avoided while riding through it. After I parked the bike and
took this next photo they had made it to the end of the bridge and were starting to congregate around my bike
as I walked back to it:
For whatever reason, my “AGIRL” license plate became the object of great photographic attention from
folks. I just stood beside the bike and kindly answered their questions and asked them about their own
frolicking here in the fall foliage. Riveting stuff. And, no, I didn't say anything about Leaf
Peeping Permits either.
Last bridge of the day, the Riverwalk Covered Bridge: GPS: N44 18.298, W71 46.384
After a day full of bridge hunting, I was ready to simply stay in the saddle and ride a while. I was
rolling along towards Conway when I hear Mo yell: “STOP, AGirl!” so I did. This was why:
Well, Mo met “Marley” and the conversation went like this: “Dude, who could take you seriously? Are you
sick? Bro, it's rutting season, whoever heard of a mellow bull moose? Geez, wait until I tell my
kin back in Alaska about this!” I didn't catch Marley's response since Mo was laughing so hard. All
I know is that Mo said he's not drinking any more of the water while we're in New England.
Hwy 302 en route to Conway, I passed the Mount Washington Valley Hotel, which the Matriarch says “is a nice place.”
Just beyond the hotel:
Made it in safely to Conway, where I'll be holding up a day or so to regroup and rest. After 4,300 miles
of this “Fall Foliage Frolic”, it's time to take a full day or two off the bike and do some exploring on foot.
Thanks again for all the support out there. I am humbled by the responses I've received.
I'll be most likley heading back north to where the colors are supposedly the most intense. On
another note, my Dad called and said he has been most inspired by seeing the foliage and would like
to get in on some of this “Fall Foliage Frolic” I'm doing. Current plan is I'll meet him in the
Harrisburg, PA area in a few weeks and I look forward to having Dad on the back of the bike. Yes,
Journey Reports of the Dad-Daughter adventure will be posted.
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