We’re still checking weather on Mt Washington. It’s still cloudy, although this morning it was better. We’d really like to get up there before we leave on Wednesday.
In the meantime, we packed up to look for hiking today. Destination – Nancy Cascades. A 5 mile round-trip hike to a waterfall. But God had other plans for us and I can’t imagine ours could have possibly been better than His!
We didn’t find the parking for “Nancy” so we decided to stop at the next place on our map – Arethusa Falls. We didn’t really know what we were getting into other than it was a 1.3 mile hike one-way with a gradual climb and a sign that said it would take an hour.
They neglected to tell us that it was straight uphill almost the entire way! I checked when we got back – 1.3 miles, yes but a 1,600’ elevation change! Actually, I was proud of us – we didn’t do too bad. And it was absolutely worth it!
That’s me on the right in the green shirt.
Some of the trail terrain looked similar to this!
Arethusa (Air-a-thoo’-sa) Falls.
At 120′, it’s the tallest in New Hampshire.
We had passed a sign to do a spur trail called “Bemis Brook” on the way up, so we took that to complete our return. A lady on the Arethusa trail said it was worth it, but be careful! She wasn’t kidding! We almost turned around right after we started the literally straight down decent as we left the Arethusa. We decided to keep going through the woods on her recommendation alone – and our unending sense of adventure!
She was right! It was well worth the difficult start, but we DEFINITELY wouldn’t have wanted to go up that way! The picture doesn’t do it justice.
The Descent
The picture doesn’t do it justice! It was treacherous!
Once we got to the first waterfall, the rest of the trip was fairly easy. We kept thinking each stop would be a great “Lunch View”! And we had the trail almost to ourselves.
Coliseum Falls
Bemis Falls on Bemis Brook
Bemis Brook just downstream from the Falls.
Just as we got back to the Jeep, it started to rain. It didn’t stop. We found a picnic table at “The Willey House” that was under roof. They even sold ice cream to top off our lunch. 😊 Once again, God’s provision for us!
Lunch View
Sheltered from the pouring rain
People were fishing across from us at the pond.
Continuing on, we came to a roadside waterfall called Silver Cascade. By then, it was raining even harder and the wind was blowing – enough to turn my umbrella inside-out! But crazy us got out and walked across and down the street to get the picture.
Silver Cascade.
You can’t tell, but it’s pouring down rain.
That’s enough. We’re done for the day. Blaine actually took a nap!! Well, so did I, but he never naps . . .
Back at home, a storm came up. Thunder, rain and running, screaming kids. 😊 There’s a pot-luck tonight to celebrate Independence Day. We took salsa and chips. Everyone always loves it and often ask for the recipe. The last time we saw a spread like this, was at a Baptist Church! Even in the pouring rain, people came – mostly seasonal people but there were probably 50-60 people there!
Here ya go:
TOMATO, CORN & AVOCADO SALSA
1 can (14oz.) whole kernel corn, drained (NEVER USE FROZEN!)
1 can (4oz.) chopped black olives (optional)
1 ½ C. Roma tomatoes, chopped
¾ C. red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, peeled and diced
2 T. olive oil
2 T. lime juice
1 t. salt
Combine all ingredients. Serve with Tostitos Multi-Grain Scoops.
HINT: This always goes over well as a covered dish, plus it’s gluten free, which means anyone can eat it!