Cog Railway

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Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mt Washington Cog Railway yesterday was probably the highlight of this whole experience. The Railway has mostly diesel plus a couple of steam engines that push a railway car of about 60 people up the side of Mount Washington. At times the grade is over 30%. It’s hard to describe how you think you are level in your seat, but when you stand up, you lean so far it looks like you are going to fall, but you’re actually straight.

Mount Washington Cog Railway
Mount Washington Cog Railway

We were so lucky because the weather was clear and beautiful and we could see all around us, forever.

At the top - see 2 cars on their way up
At the top – see 2 cars on their way up

I was fascinated by the Appalachian trail up there, and how the trail is marked with piles of rock.  Mount Washing is so high (7,000 feet) that no trees grow on the top of the mountain.

Appalachian Trailhead markers
Appalachian Trailhead markers
Me! At the top of Mount Washington
Me! At the top of Mount Washington.  The coat I packed was actually used on this trip.

After the cog railway, we drove along the Kancamagus Highway which winds through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and along the Saco River. We stopped several times, once at a overlook, a special rock formation called The Basin and at the Albany Covered bridge. I was exhausted when we got back, but of course, our fearless leaders built a campfire last night and treated us to s’mores.

The Basin, Kancamagus Highway
The Basin, Kancamagus Highway
Albany Covered Bridge, Kancamagus Highway, NH
Albany Covered Bridge, Kancamagus Highway, NH
Kancamagus Highway, fall foliage
Kancamagus Highway, fall foliage

The campground we stayed at was Saco River in North Conway, NH, almost right in town.  I was able to ride my bike up to some nearby shops, such as L.L. Bean, but I wasn’t in the mood to search for bargains.

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