Called by Thoreau “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.”  The Basin is a glacial pothole formed by waters running off of the mountains in the Franconia State Park.  It's a short walk from the Kancamagus Highway, and there are several small falls along the path.

One of the few family shots we were able to get on this trip.

While in the area, we took a quick side trip to the former home of poet Robert Frost.  A portion of the house is open to the public as a small museum, and it's run by a foundation dedicated to the advancement of poetry.  The Frost Place has awarded a fellowship each summer to an emerging American poet, including a cash stipend and the opportunity to live and write in the house for several months. 

A nice little walk through the woods, with samples of Frost's poetry along the way. 

With a view like this from the front porch, how cold Frost not have been inspired to write?

Mt. Cannon is one of my favorite places in all of New Hampshire, and maybe the world! There is an 80 person tram that goes up to the top of this 4,000 foot peak, and the views are some of the most amazing I've ever seen.  Even had time for a quick beer at the highest tap on the East coast!

View from the top.

Sisters on top of the world! 

Breathtaking!

Absolutely awe inspiring.

A Cannon Ale from the Woodstock Inn Brewery, on the top of Mt. Cannon!

After the Mt. Tecumseh Trail, we needed something a little more obtainable for our next hike.  This was a nice trail in the middle of White Mountains.  Not a lot of climbing, but a nice little hike. 

Guess who had the best time on this hike!

Taking a break.

Mommy & Daddy need a break too!

Alexa and I have always loved checking out old graveyards.  They are great places to be surrounded by history, and you can learn a lot from the silent stones.  We've passed the Maple Street Cemetery in Patterson more times than we can count, but we've never stopped in until today.  There are many old graves here, dating back to the Revolutionary War.  In particular there is the grave of Sybil Ludington.  When Sybil was 16 years old, she was Putnam County's very own Paul Revere, making a 40 mile ride alone at night to warn people in the surrounding towns about an invasion by British troops.  You can read more about her story here.  

On of the countless Historical Site Markers you can find in Putnam.

Notice the variation in the spelling of Sybil's name.
Both are correct, and you have to remember that spelling
wasn't very standardized back then. 

The grave of Henry Ludington, Sybil's father, who was a decorated Revolutionary War veteran in his own right.

Beautiful day....for a cemetery????

I've seen a ton of old stones with carvings of angels on them, but I don't remember ever seeing so many Weeping Willows as I did here.  It seems the willow is a symbol of resurrection and eternal life.  You can read more about it here.

Weeping Willow

St. Joseph's Church

Upper Pemigewasset Historical Society

New Walking Stick

Do you know the way to San Jose?

Found this on mommy's shirt, and thought it was a stick!

Waterville Valley Town Center

This trail was way harder than the guide made it seem.  We made it a mile and a half in and climbed over 1200 ft. before we decided to call it a day.  The first half mile or so was a nice hike, but after that it was straight up to the top over lots of rocks.  We weren't sure if we'd all have the steam to make it back if we pushed on to the top so we are going to have to give this trail another shot next time!

The view after the first mile up.

Taking five.

Cute little place with really good fried fish, I had the clams & Alexa had the lobster roll.  Great view to boot!