Hi Charles,

Sorry for the delayed reply. Linda and I were waiting until we could sit down together to answer your question, but Linda was away this past weekend and working during the week consumes a lot of our time (time we'd rather be spending in the motorhome or perusing this forum ).

One of the things that we'll miss most once we do go full time is living here in New Hampshire. It really is where we like to be. However, the beauty of full timing is that we can come back to New England whenever we feel like it!

New Hampshire is a very beautiful state with lots to see and do. I may not be the best tour guide, but I'll try to fill you in as best I can. I think one of the biggest attractions is the Fall foliage. The colors are a sight to see and every year we try to take a drive and enjoy the views. I think the Kancamaugus Highway (Rt. 112 from Lincoln to Conway) provides some of the best viewing in the state. It's a two lane roadway that runs East and West through the White Mountain National Forest and over the Kancamaugus pass. Even if the leaves aren't "popping" it's still a great drive.

Heading north out of North Conway (a very touristy area with lots of shopping areas, restaurants and various other attractions) on Rt. 302 takes you further into the White Mountains toward the "Presidential Range" and just West of Mount Washington. I have been atop this famous mount only once and we were very fortunate to have had clear weather (the summit is in the clouds about 70% of the time). The views were spectacular! Mt. Washington is New England's highest peak at over a mile high and it is subjected to some of the most severe weather in this part of the country. The auto road leading to the summit will definitely tax any vehicle attempting to climb or descend it. This is why there are bumper stickers proclaiming "This Car Climbed Mount Washington". If you'd prefer not to drive, you can ride up in a shuttle van or there's always the Cog Railway.

Up until May of 2003 the "Old Man of the Mountain" was probably one of the most popular tourist stops, but the rock formation that resembled an old man's profile near Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park came tumbling down despite efforts of those who had long maintained this natural wonder and state symbol. I'm so glad we were able to see it numerous times before it was gone forever.

There is also the "Lakes Region" which is quite popular in the Summer. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in NH and is surrounded by all sorts of attractions. There is the famous "Weirs Beach" which hosts the annual motorcycle week every June when throngs of bikers flock to the area for a huge gathering the likes of which reminds me of Daytona bike week (I’m originally from Florida). There are motorcycle races held nearby at New Hampshire International Speedway which is also a big attraction in our state. The "Magic Mile" hosts two NASCAR events every year which brings many race fans (lots of them in RV's) to the area. Of course, there's a lot of other types of racing going on throughout the season at the track as well.

The Atlantic coastline of NH (which is probably the area you traversed during your last New England Journey), although only about 18 miles, I think, is jam packed full of beach fun. Hampton Beach seems to be the most popular spot at the southern end and at the Northern end is Portsmouth. We have spent a little time in Portsmouth and it is a historic and beautiful area to visit.

While we haven't ventured to the far northern reaches of the state where you'll find unspoiled wilderness, I am told by friends who hunt and fish it is quite peaceful and a real treat for those who enjoy the serenity and simplicity of the “Great North Woods”.

The wildlife here in the southern portion of the state is also quite abundant. In addition to the many “normal” critters, we’ve seen deer, bear, fox, hawks, and woodpeckers in our own yard! We have on numerous occasions had to stop the car to wait for a flock of wild turkeys to cross our street, and seen moose a number of times while just driving to work. At night it's not uncommon to hear the call of coyotes or barred owls which seem to enjoy hunting and thrashing about in the woods behind our house.

There’s so much more to see and do than what I’ve mentioned, so here are a couple of websites that may be of interest to you in planning your visit to New Hampshire:  http://www.visitnh.gov; http://www.ucampnh.com/.

I could probably go on and just proofreading what I have written makes me reflect on just how fortunate we have been to have lived here for so long. Yes, we will miss New Hampshire while we're on the road, and no, we don't want to leave because we don't want to be here. We just know that if NH has this much to offer, imagine what lies ahead for us in the entire US and Canada!