Beautiful Views, Country Fairs, Summer and Winter...

Every summer and at least once during the winter my family headed north from Massachusetts to Gorham, NH or Bethel Maine. Often we would travel Route 25 that went between Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. At the junction of Routes 25 and 109 there is a sign to Sandwich, NH. I remember my sister and me joking about, “let’s go to Sandwich and get a sandwich.” Kids say the craziest things, don't they. Little did I know that someday I would regularly visit North Sandwich where a friend from NYC moved. This is a lovely rural area off the main thoroughfare.

Now every summer and sometimes in the winter I still travel to Bethel, Maine. North Sandwich is on the way about 1 ½ hours shy of my final destination, Songo Pond. My friend and I always do something outdoorsy. Twice we have climbed West Rattlesnake, which gives a great view of Squam Lake and sometimes on a clear day Lake Winnipesaukee. It is a modest climb with a path that is maintained called the Old Bridal Path. The climb up is through trees and then you reach the top and there is a large stone outcrop with a spectacular view.

One year I went up for Columbus Day weekend which is always the weekend of the annual Sandwich Fair; a real old

fashioned fair. On Saturday afternoon there was a small parade through town where all the locals line the streets. The colors of the trees in the area were just beautiful.

When I am up there I always look forward to getting out and taking pictures. My friend is use to this now and often offers to drive me around.

One beautiful Sunday morning early, I took several pictures in Center Sandwich, including the picture of the leaves falling and the back of the farm and stone wall.

Last winter on my February trip through NH and Maine I stopped to visit my friend. She and her mother had been hibernating and not answering the phone for about 6 weeks. So I surprised her.

She was glad to see me and we drove around the beautiful snow covered back roads. That’s when I took this picture of the back of the town with one of the churches visible. Wearing my friend’s snow shoes made it easier to get high enough on the snow pack to take the picture.

I almost always make a trip to the Durgin Covered Bridge which is about 2 miles east of North Sandwich. This bridge was originally built in 1869. In a post below there is a picture taken last winter while standing on the frozen Cold River. which the bridge crosses.

Sandwich has become one of my favorite places to visit anytime of year. It is known for its many artists that now live in the area. Oh yes, and lest I forget a favorite stop is always the Old Country Store on Rt 25 in Moultonboro. This store is one of the oldest continuously running businesses in the country dating from 1781. The place is deceiving because from the outside it looks so much smaller than the inside.

This is definitely a place to visit and an area with so much to do, know matter what time of year you choose to go or what your interests are. It is in the Lakes region and close to The White Mountains. Hope you'll visit.

Thoughts about covered bridges

Durgen Bridge

Well, seems like the February thaw is over; the water is frozen again in my back yard. Spring bulbs have poked their heads above the frozen ground teasing me, but alas I will have to wait for their beautiful colors a bit longer.

Speaking of frozen water. The picture of Durgen Bridge was taken by standing on the frozen river bed. This part of the river was very frozen; no sign of open water. Isn't walking of water fun? I have taken many pictures of this bridge before, which is over the Cold River near North Sandwich, NH, but this is the best picture yet.

Covered bridges fascinate me as they do a lot of people. I think partly because they are remnants from the past. They certainly can add color to the countryside; those that are painted red or green also look great against snow covered rivers.

So why were these bridges covered? Around 1800 people had moved beyond the immediate coast and New England has many rivers and streams. Everyone needed to cross these rivers on a regular basis. Trees were pleantiful so they built the bridges of wood, but the only problem was the weather did a number on them especially rotting the superstructures. A typical uncovered bridge would last about 9 years whereas a covered bridge would last 30 years or more. It was the trusses that needed the most protection.

Well enough of the history lesson. The sun is down, I need some dinner and my daughter's dog, Tinkerbell, will need a walk soon.