Franconia Notch: Hiking though Mist and Magic

Moths can appear when you least expect it and disappear in a flash. 

(...sort of like my regular posting here).

But objects, beings, and moments of beauty should be treasured for what they are even if they are fleeting and sporadic.

Franconia Notch State park has drawn visitors in for decades and it is easy to see why. My memories of this lush, rugged mountainous land are tinged with a sense of magic.

There has to be some type of wood nymph or fairy amongst that moss, right?

The fairy folk were busy maintaining the dreamy atmosphere, but I had some human folk along for the hike in the Flume.

I made a winged friend who flitted along the trail with us for a while...

as we continued to delight in discovery of new discoveries around every bend.

You have to stop and take it all in; imagining a time when this was our natural habitat instead of just a day trip locale.

We often forget how much the earth does on its own, unthinkingly, unflinchingly. 

Nature doesn't forget, nor does it slow for any man.

There is a variety of natural wonders to explore in the Franconia Notch state park area. Perfect to get some exercise, spend quality time with friends, or rediscover what it is to wonder, discover, - and even, believe in magic.

The Berkshires: Natural Bridge and Mount Greylock, Western Massachusetts

Berkshire county is a popular vacation spot for the urbanites of Boston and New York, with theatre, dance, music, and locally inspired dining in picturesque New England small towns. But the big city people often stay in south county, missing out both on the cultural attractions and natural wonders of north county.

Natural Bridge is a place I grew up on: we picnicked there as a family, did school trips there, stopped by when at a loss for something constructive to do during school breaks. 

Stone formations, a marble dam, wildlife and plants and the only naturally formed white marble arch in North America, Natural Bridge State Park offers a lot in a relatively small area.

The marble dam...

...along the way to the bridge and other sights, we discovered a ladyslipper on the last visit.

We had an expert verify that this was, in fact, a ladyslipper (e.g. my sister in law).

We peered into the bridge up close and at a bit of a distance...(the feet are naturally formed too).

Spotted the dog head or (camel head, depending on who you ask)

And continued on like good little adventurers through the greenery.

The foundation of an old mill hints to the importance of water power in these parts and provides a lovely footing for a fern awning.

Part deux of our natural tour focused on Mount Greylock the highest peak in the state of Massachusetts at 3,491 feet.

The climb rewarded us with a very auspicious sighting of a porcupine by the roadside. 

Mr. or Ms. Porcupine was not bothered.

The other reward was the view from the summit. I've probably seen in nearly a hundred times over the years but it still impresses. On a clear day you can see into a few other states.

If you're lucky enough to catch the sun on a clear day, you're lucky enough.

Oh (Ottawa) Canada...

I like to cross the U.S. border at least a few times a year and luckily we are not all that far from the Canadian border. We've been to Montreal a few times but decided to venture further into British Canada. 

Next stop: Ottawa! The capital of Canada with one of the world's most picturesque parliaments, Ottawa turned out to be one of the nicest, friendliness, and quietest capitals I've ever been to.

The neo-gothic architecture of Parliament Hill was astounding. Incredibly detailed inside and out, the buildings combined influences into something that in uniquely Canadian.

The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America. The lock system used to move boats up the incline can be witnessed up close - and because this isn't America, you can actually climb on and across the locks...and get way too close to the edge.

We did the free tour of Parliament and saw the House of Commons, which is nearly outgrowing the space.

...and the Parliament library which was beautiful and heavily air conditioned (I'm sure it's better for the books, just not for patrons).

Our very handsome guide stopped us for a viewing of the royal family portraits before turning us loose.

Ottawa is a great place to visit and the weather cooperated so well, I got to break out my new pinafore!