White Mountains - Day 3

Today was a first for us, we woke up early on the last day so we could go on a hike! Ok, early was 8:30 but we were on the trails by 9 which for us is quite a rarity. I would have preferred an afternoon hike but we didn't get a chance yesterday and I really wanted to show the boys the cabin! And the most amazing thing of all is that we didn't hear a single grumpy word about getting them up and out early! Even though I know a couple of them were still awake after midnight... 

The sun is so bright!

Colin gives Christian a ride

Starting out

As I mentioned yesterday there is a network of cross country and mountain bike trails behind our hotel. The first stop is the meadow but after that there are a couple miles of winding trails in the woods. And about a mile from the bridge is a little cabin with a stunning view of the mountain range. I love it! The boys enjoyed it too and Christian found a little friend when he wandered down a small trail into a gorge. 

Will

Relaxing at the cabin

Christian's friend

Will on the walk back

We spent a little too much time in the woods and so we were late checking out. But the hotel staff was wonderful. Despite the high price I very much expect we will come to the Glen House again. After checking out we went a little ways down the road to see Glen Ellis Falls, a beautiful waterfall at the end of a short trail. The trail has been closed for over a year while they did maintenance on it and it was so nice to be able to visit again!

Three teenagers!

My boys

For some reason we really didn't take any
pictures of the actual waterfall...

The top of the waterfall

The waterfall was beautiful and Camille was not at all daunted by the steep steps leading to the bottom of it. Poor Christian though was dreadfully sad that we wouldn't let him swim there. Today was much hotter than predicted so I don't blame him for wanting to get wet!

Since he was so eager to swim, after Glen Ellis we went to Jackson falls where there are a couple good swimming holes. A lot of people were there enjoying the sun and cooling off their feet but only a few brave souls were actually in the water. Jon and Colin opted to stay in the car listening to music while Will and Christian played in the water. It took a while for them to actually go all the way in, it was really cold! But I'm so glad they got to swim. 

Christian gets ready to dive in

It's cold!

Conquering the cold!

Swimming at the top of the falls

Jackson Falls

Finally, after all the hiking and swimming, we went to a ridiculously late but delicious lunch at MOAT. This was a really great little trip. I'm so happy with all the things we did, and particularly that we were able to explore the area where we were staying. And Will and Jon having their own hotel room for the first time seems like a big change too, one that I know they enjoyed. We had some good conversations with Colin, some delicious meals, and the boys got totally sick of me commenting on the beautiful view. So all in all it was a tremendous success. :-)