Day 39–Cannon Arial Tramway, Old Man in the Mountain Profiler Plaza, The Basin, The Flume

We woke to slightly overcast skies that cleared quite rapidly. The forecasters were saying that today would be the hottest day of the week. Everyday was more humid with higher temps. Projected temps – 97 degrees or above.

We were on the road by 9 AM taking a slightly different route. Ron likes to switch  it up so we can see more of the small towns in the area.

There was a large stone structure along the river that we stopped to check out. It was what was left of a large building that was used for smelting local iron ore for farm tools, cast iron ware and Franconia stoves.

    

    

 

When we arrived at the Cannon Mountain Arial Tramway it was practically deserted. We were told we pretty much had the mountain to ourselves. We were excited because there was a sign stating that there was a Mother bear and her cubs on the mountain that had been seen every day for the last two weeks. We were hoping to see them, too.

There was a slight haze hanging over the mountains but it was a great ride up.

 

     

                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Once at the top we decided to take the longer of the two trails to the observation tower.

 

   

                                        

 

We climbed the tower and despite the haze were able to see for approx. 21 miles which encompassed NH, Vermont and Canada.  It was quite beautiful and very windy.

  

We didn’t get to see the bear family. They had been out earlier and were now hiding.

 

Back down from the mountain we stopped in the Ski Museum where Bode Miller’s Olympic Medals were on display. The guide was telling us that Bode still lives only two miles from Cannon Mountain.

 

                                               

 

 

Then we were off to the Old Man in the Mountain Profiler Plaza. Everyone was devastated that the iconic Old Man in the Mountain gave way to the elements and collapsed. There was a huge movement and donations to set up a viewing area where one could see where the Old Man in the Mountain once resided. If you stood on the pink bricks and lined up with your height you could look up at some iron railings with the profile of the Old Man in the Mountain lined up with where he had been. The plaza was very nice and there were large granite blocks and curved seats with the name of donors on them.

   

 Next we were off to the Basin and some much needed shade. On the way we stopped for more scenic views and pictures.

 

      

 

When we arrived at the parking lot to The Basin it was packed. I guess everyone had the same idea. Get out of the sun and into the shade.

  The trail was much cooler under the shade trees and we stopped along the way to look at the various waterfalls and smaller basins. Many people were wading in the cool water and picnicking in the area. The water was running so fast and hard that when you stood by the fencing it felt like an air conditioner blowing on you.  Nice!

 

  

                                                     

 

We completed the trail in about 45  minutes. Once again, we were not disappointed in the beauty of the area. All the rain and runoff from the winter made all the water features here in the mountains more spectacular.

We stopped at the Longhorn Palace and had a very nice lunch. Then it was off to The Flume.

The trail form the Visitor Center to the Flume and back is a two-mile round trip. We had been here years ago and I didn’t remember the trail. Ron said we didn’t do the entire trail on our last visit with the kids. We took the bus and eliminated  a large portion of the hike.

There were many glacial boulders along the way.

 

Again the falls were running hard and fast and the cooling mist felt really good in the blistering heat.

Looking down we could see the covered bridge and the trail.

 

                                            

 

As we walked we could here the sounds of the water rushing within the flume. We were still a distance from the stairs leading into the flume and wondered if it would be as we remembered.

 

 

When we got to the first set of stairs entering the Flume we were once again awed by the beauty of the gorge.

 

No words needed!

  

 

  

 

                                                     

 

 

 

                                                        

 

We took our time and did the 2 mile round trip in about 50 minutes. Ron thought we went to fast but it seemed a good pace to me.

On the way back to the parking lot we noticed an old relic left behind from what seems like centuries ago!!

Yes, The now defunct telephone booth!!!

 

Back at the CG we decided to avail ourselves of the pool. We enjoyed the swim and although the water was tepid it was still refreshing .

We met a young man from England who was traveling on bikes with his seven year old son from Rhode Island and sleeping in  a pup tent. He didn’t believe in spending too much on  lodging and transportation. They were having a great time and they were also in great shape.

We will be heading back home on Saturday. Ron would like to stay on the road full time but I am ready to go back to my stick house.