Visiting with friends Ray and Karen, New Hampshire

Many moons ago during our very first camping trip with our first camper (Grand Design- Imagine travel trailer) we set our sites on attending the owners rally in Elkhart, IN.  We only had limited knowledge at that time of what traveling across the states was even about, but we heard that Rallies were a way to get to know people and learn more.  We met many people there and really had a great time.  However, one couple we met the friendship stuck.  We had common interests, beliefs and enjoyed each other’s humor.   We stayed in touch after the rally and have met up several times over the years either at our home in SC, a campground, or in this case, their part- time home in NH.  I guess they are officially considered “snow birds” now as they spend ½ their year in Florida in their camper there.  When planning our adventure, we checked in with several of our friends along our route to try and hook up with them. Ray and Karen and their daughter Courtney and husband Joe, graciously invited us to park on their property for a few days to visit with them.  This was just wonderful as it gave us time to relax with them, meet the family and explore their neck of the woods.  They even had power hook up for us which was so great and enabled us to have AC in our rig for the days we were there.  What great hosts they were, cooking for us, taking us out to explore, and even letting Calli be right at home.  We explored the White Mountain area.  What a magnificent ride.  They took us to what is called the “Basin.” This large pothole in the Pemigewasset River is 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep and had its beginning some 25,000 years ago.  As the ice age came to a close, water flowing from the melting glacier filled the Franconia Notch eroding the solid granite bedrock over time.   Eventually boring the sidewalls smooth.  Henry David Thoreau called it the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.   It was amazing to stand ad gaze although pictures do not do it justice.  We traversed several other pathways in this area and came across fresh clear flowing streams and water falls. Climbed upon rock formations with waters rushing through them and a magnificent canopy of trees.  Calli had her first experience with this.  Leading the way up the trails, over the grand rocks, into small water holes withing the rocks. Like a curious child she made her way into the cool waters to explore this new thing. She has never really been near any water except the ocean which she had never to date been a fan.  And like a child, she just loved it so much it was hard to get her to out.   The days in New Hampshire seemed to go by so quickly.   But we will always remember what a wonderful time we had with our friends and seeing where they have lived and raised their family. We especially thank Karen for her delicious meals and hospitality. And Ray, well for just being Ray!  Just the way we like him. Our days were filled with love, adventure, spirituality, friendship, and laughter.  All made for the perfect visit.  Thank you so much again to our gracious hosts.  Until next time our friends!