Things To Do in Your Long Subaru
~ White Mountains ~

Before the end of summer there is always a great rush to go out and enjoy the glorious sunshine before the inevitable New England winter starts again. While some may gravitate to the beach, all that sand drives many into the mountains.

We are fortunate to have plenty of world renowned areas in New England that are a comfortable short ride away. And so, on a rather wet and rainy Friday in August, we decided to travel up into the White Mountains of New Hampshire in our trusty Subaru Legacy for another adventure.

Upon arriving at our comfy B&B in the Highland Lake area, the sun peaked through just in time for a lovely  sunset over the water - always a good sign for the start of the weekend. Next morning we decided on horseback riding on the Northern Recreational Rail Trail that currently spans 48 miles of lovely countryside including it's very own covered bridge.

Of course, after all that fresh air a trip to Polly's Pancake Parlor for lunch was a definite must. Discovered by friends many years ago, Polly's remains on our list of destinations that will always be worth the drive even if all they offered was the maple spread ready and waiting for you on the table. So, if you consider the maple smoked bacon, Irish Eggs Benedict (with excellent corn beef hash), homemade bread for toast, and many, many types of pancakes made by your server especially for you... how can you not go!

Now that your re-fueled for more adventure, head to Franconia Notch State Park where you are spoiled for choice on what to do. This time around, we decided (after brief hesitation due to some silly cable/height fears) to take the aerial tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain and walk the rim trail. Let us just say that there is a reason that the trail has a well marked starting point. Once on the trail, it is disconcerting to meet people coming the opposite way on the narrow path, particularly in the lookout spots where nothing but courtesy and common sense prevent a fatal fall. Minus these hikers, the rim trail is an easy and enjoyable walk with beautiful views on a clear day - the kind you daydream about in the cold winter months.

Of course, some ice cream is called for after all this bravery. But soon we returned for a comfortable nights rest and an equally good breakfast. Our B&B innkeepers were insistent that we could not leave without experiencing their beautiful lake, "the cleanest water in New England". Kayaking was the venue of choice, so soon after breakfast we found ourselves on the lake for a peaceful paddle through the inlet, across the lake, around the uninhabited island and back. No pictures of this adventure exist due to the previous kayaking experience that will not be detailed here and resulted in a through soaking not good for cameras and other personal items that may still be found at the bottom of the Sinepuxent Bay.

But we will conclude with a picture of the lake from dry land....

....

Have an adventure in your Long Subaru you'd like to share? Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com.