Vermont & New Hampshire

This was the view from our Vermont 'front porch'!  We realized that old man winter is fast approaching, when we could scarcely find a campground that was open past the 15th of October.  We were fortunate to find a little place near Pownal, VT that was open only because the owner's daughter was expecting a baby and he remained open until then or when the first freeze occurred.  Fortunately for us....neither occurred! I'm sure his daughter would have a different opinion!

Stacey took the girls into Bennington, VT to do laundry and school work, while I stayed at the campground to clean up and do minor maintenance on the motor home.  Here the girls take a lunch break at a Friendly's Restaurant.  Ya know your "up north" when you run into one of these places.  

With a couple of nights under our belt in Vermont,  my "Queen Of The Road" takes the wheel, as we set out towards New Hampshire for a couple of more nights before we meet up with friends in Maine. 

We take the scenic route up Vermont State Route 100 and State Route 112 into New Hampshire (also known as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway)  the locals just refer to SR 112 as the "Kanc".  Enjoy the photos and check out more about the "Kanc" here: Kancamagus Highway

Heidi poses above the Quechee Gorge in Vermont, as we stop to take in the awesome views.  The phrase "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" is thrown around to describe this place.  You can cross the bridge and follow trail signs to the Vermont Institute of Sciences visitor center and see the largest collection of raptors in New England.

Welcome to the state that was founded on the "Live Free or Die" motto....if only we had more of that sentiment these days.

We found a nice campground in Woodstock, New Hampshire called "Country Bumpkins".  This is the scene we had near the front office, as we were about to check in.  

At our campground, which was situated on the  Pemigewasset River or as the locals call it the "Pemi" River, Heidi spots an old tire perched on a rock in the middle of the river.  She pleads with me; "Daddy, we've got go get it and put it where it belongs...in the trash!"  How could I resist?!  Here she shows off the "rescued" tire.  Luckily, we both escaped unharmed and dry!  Way to go, Heidi! 

A short walk down from our campsite along the Pemi River, we come across "Clark's Bridge".  It originally spanned the Winooski River in Barre, VT.  It was disassembled in 1960 and moved to this spot in New Hampshire and reassembled.  It is now part of the White Mountain Central Railroad logging museum.  This bridge is now the world's last Howe Truss covered railroad bridge that is still in use. 

Heidi, our every-dog lover, makes friends on our walk with "Winnie" the  Bernese Mountain-Poodle mix.  She was a hoot! 

Hailey admires the moose mounted in the quaint general store in Woodstock, New Hampshire.  This store was like walking back 25 years in time.

One afternoon, after completing some school work, we take a short drive out of town to a National Forest trail area called Lincoln's Woods. The trail is a main route into the headwaters of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and leads into the largest roadless areas in the eastern United States known as the Pemigewasset Wilderness.  Enjoy the next couple of photos of the trail and the river.

Me and my "Reds" among the reds and yellows on Lincoln's Trail. 

The East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. 

Hailey on the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. 

Heidi on the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River.  You can read more about the Pemi River here: Pemigewasset River

Hailey shows of some of the huge boulders along Lincoln's Trail. 

Okay, like, WOW!  This is my wife?!  Ain't she purty?!

Time to say goodbye to our friends at the Country Bumpkins Campground! 

Team Breitmann saddles up and trucks on down the eastern portion of the 'Kanc' highway, bound for Maine!

The 'Kanc' Highway thru the White Mountains of New Hampshire is truly one of the world's premier autumn drives!  Along the way, we stop at a couple of scenic locations.  Here the gang poses with me at the Lower Falls. It is one of the most popular stops on the Kancamagus Highway, especially during hot summer weather, where many swim during low water. Uh, no thanks, this time of year!

Me and the gals at the edge of the lower falls.  The sound of the rushing water was beautiful to hear.

Yes, Hailey, that is one nice boulder ya got there!

I know, I know....good looking', right?!  The dog, of course!

Rocky Gorge is another "must stop" along the 'Kanc' and the Swift river.  The trail takes you over a foot bridge and to viewing areas of 'Rocky Gorge'.  Beautiful.

The "Reds" climb on some of the Rocky Gorge rock formations. Water and rocks...what else can a kid ask for?!  The next several pictures are of Rocky Gorge.  Enjoy!

As we prepare to leave the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Hailey compares a New Hampshire maple leaf to that of the Canadian flag maple leaf.  Yup, looks pretty much the same.  

In honor of Hailey, our 'heart' girl, who will be turning 11 years old , I'm posting this 'heart' leaf.  Happy Birthday, Hailey.  Celebrations a comin' in Maine!  C-ya there!