New Hampshire Day 1

We decided to head north to escape the heat and enjoy the outdoors and campfires without needed to squeegee ourselves during and after each movement. It's hot here!

We hit as much traffic in one half day as one could. Note to self: when traveling, avoid states like CT and MA. Second note to self: fix the AC before traveling just in case you find yourself in bumper to bumper traffic jams. Thankfully, we had some entertainment to pass the time: For Whom the Bell Tolls--a book on CD that Matt chose. I, personally, would have chosen something less dry and depressing, but what can I say? We eventually got into it (by the 6 or 7th CD of 16).

We finally arrived at The Best Camp Grounds Known To Man. Ever. Pillsbury State Park, NH. We've never seen anything like it and it was awesome in every way. The natural beauty of the trees and lake and rocks and nature was absolutely breathtaking. It was very secluded on back roads, and very quiet except for all the bird, cricket and owl sounds. Our personal campsite was completely separate, huge and on its own lake. Gorgeous.




As usual, I unloaded the car and set up camp & tent while Matt foraged for wood. Next, we went for a little hike around the campground and immediately saw lots of wildlife--my favorite part of camping!



We saw this bird so far away--we're not sure if it's a loon or some other bird. It made a crazy sound like a howling.


The bullfrog we heard all night. It took me forever to find him!

A perfect place to ease the stress of traveling.



Oh, I must mention that there was no electricity or showers or toilets, but rather "a chump dump".

There's no turning back now!

Just as we were enjoying the last of the campfire and some roasted marshmellows, we heard what sounded like a person throwing something heavy in our lake. There was a big splash, then nothing. Worried? Us? Just a little because A) it was after sunset and getting pretty dark and B) we were told there was no night watchman that day, so we were on our own. What could be making these repetitive splashing sounds?? It was much bigger than a fish, and all I could think of was a kid playing a prank and throwing big rocks to scare us. So, we investigated. We walked out to our deck that leads to our lake and we stood there watching and listening for the culprit. A big splash right before our eyes! What?? It happened a few more times before we connected the dots (and the stream of water that was trailing behind the splashes). A BEAVER!! That's right: two beavers were taking a romantic swim (on their backs) and thumping their big tails in the water. It was too dark for pictures, but we did use a flashlight and binoculaurs to see them better.

No need to worry: it was just nature being itself.