Jefferson Memorial

After a quick but yummy dinner, we headed out to visit some of the attractions in Washington DC. Parking is VERY SCARE to say the least.

We did find some near the Jefferson's memorial. Enclosed is one picture. More is on my webshots. We hope to hit more DC attractions before our time is up here.

Huge Savings at Hersheypark this July!

Got this email today....

http://view.hersheysweetmail.com/?j=fe5a157375630d797212&m=fef017777d6d00&ls=fe0315747567047a7614717c&wss_cid=&attr=View+as+Web+Page^^CYGNUS

Day Out with Thomas

This past Sunday we took Cameron to the "Day Out with Thomas" event at the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH. Upon arriving we immediately went to get our picture with Thomas the Train. They had a photographer on hand where you could purchase professional photos but the ones on my camera that I took was good enough.

Thomas is a REAL life size train which ran up and down the track every 45 minutes on scheduled runs (supported by a locomotive with several passenger trains). Thomas during the trip whistles and even has steam coming out of his stack!

The tickets are $18 per person (we bought tickets a while back in April thinking that it would sell out on the same vein as the Polar Express). Even though the train was full, it was possible to buy tickets right then and there! The train ride is only 25 minutes (with 20 minutes docking for pictures).

For extra activities, we went to see the character Sir Topham hat and got a picture with him. They had a huge Gift Shop tent. Patty was able to pickup a special theme shirt, lunch box, and backpack (for preschool) for Cameron. They also had face painting, water mist tents, mini haymaze, a large turtle to pet, some animals, tracks to play with, locamotive to climb, and even a free magnet gift if you make your way around to the station. Did I mention that besides our train ride event all of this was FREE and open to the public.

Although I didn't care for the "not very scenic" train ride (it is only 1/2 the Conway trip), the event was well done, and it was an enjoyable day and one my little guy won't probably forget.

Thomas returns to the Conway Scenic Railroad this upcoming weekend 18-20 July 2008.

Pirate Week at Danforth Bay

Danforth Bay's Theme for 5-11 July is Pirate Week. Patty spent months planning and collecting items for this. We even built not one but two sailor masks. We even decorated our golf cart. It was a lot of fun but decorations will come down tonight. Perhaps they will reappear during the Halloween season here at Danforth Bay.

Kancamagus / Swift River (updated 8/11/08)

Believe it or not we had a very dry week during our northern New Hampshire 2008 summer getaway. With high gas prices and a pending business/leisure trip we kept things kind of cheap and visited the Kancamagus River not once, not twice, but three times at three difference locations. This is a GREAT way to cool off on a hot summer day.

On our first trip we weren't really prepared. We only brought some light snacks, a few drinks, towels, and bathing-suits. I wasn't expecting to get wet so I chose not to wear a bathing suit knowing that the flowing river water is typically very cold. Although much to my surpise on this REALLY HOT day I ended up getting completely wet to cool off. Overall, we had a blast even though the location we picked was not ideal for our 4 year old.

The second trip we had it better planned. Towels, lunch, and even bought tubes at a local shop in Conway, NH for the older kids to go down the river, I wore my suit, and we found the ideal spot for Cameron. The weather however was rather cloudy and cool (72 for a high) but thankfully dry. We had a great time until this family of 3 showed up and litterally crowded our space. With miles and miles or river they kind of encroached on our "happy" bubble. With their 3 year old splashing, walking on our towels, etc. Its not like we were at Rocky Gorge or Lower Falls (where this type of behavior would be expected). The woman even had the nerve to undress her little boy in front of my 9 year old daughter! Fortunately we were at the end of our stay.

Our third trip was on a busy Saturday. Our spot that we had found on the second day was occupied. We ended up at Rocky Gorge and found a gorgeous beach area where we settled for a good part of the day. Even though it was busy in this area. We saw only a small amount of people on "our beach". We even brought our dog, Bailey!

There is good fishing at the Kancamagus too! During our visit, we saw several people catching some big fish! NH license is required.

Several locations on the Kancamgus Hi-way / Swift River is considered a fee area. We bought a seasonal pass sticker that we have placed on our car.

Pictures are here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/564032463NybZrm

Gas Prices

Gas Prices varied on the way back from camp (6/23 -- 9AM):
I was glad to see several that were under $4 a gallon

Ossipee Mobil - $4.15
Moultonboro Mobil 1 - $4.12
Moultonboro Mobil 2 - $4.07
Center Harbor Iriving - $3.97
Meredith Iriving Blue Canoe - $3.89 *** this is consistently the cheapest one ***
Meredith Mobil - $3.95
New Hampton Irving - $3.97
Tilton Irving - $3.87
Tilton Exxon - $3.99

Air 1

I'm a big fan of Christian music but being here in the BLUE Northeast (there is typically not a mainstream Christian radio station, even on AM to be found anywhere), I usually have to listen "online" and then purchase and burn my favorites songs to a CD for the drive up to camp.

This past weekend while driving up to Danforth Bay I did a radio scan expecting to find the same old boring pop song that the kids love. To my surprise, I was thrilled to come upon Third Day's "Call My Name" on the radio. At first I thought perhaps the song has gone mainstream.

Air 1 is based out of Farmington, NH and can be heard in the Portsmouth area up through Rt 16 to Ossipee. Its style is "positive alternative music" with artists such as Skillet, Switchfoot, Kutless, Santus Real, etc. There are no slow songs, pop-like, or worship songs that I have heard. Definately a added bonus for my ride up/down from camp!

Check out there website:

http://www.air1.com/

If you like the music and groups then check out Soulfest being held this year at Gunstock Mountain. I have gone in the past and would love to go again at some point.

http://www.soulfest.com/

Does anyone read this blog?

Is it worth posting Danforth Bay, camping, etc. travels here.
Let me know.

New Golf Car!

This week at Danforth Bay....

WET weekend at Danforth Bay!

We got our golf cart back. We went to a very yummy seasonal "welcome back" lunch.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabin Review

Patty, the kids, and I checked into a Fort Wilderness cabin on a beautiful sunny Florida day exactly 1 month ago today!

Today we are home battling "flooding rain" on a dreary raw cold New England day. The trip was in part to celebrates Patty's BIG 40 and our "winter-get-away".

Anyways, we absolutely LOVED Disney's Fort Wilderness cabin and campground. The cabin itself is in the shape/form of a park model (I tried looking for wheels but could not find any). I would be surprised if these were pre-manufactured and shipped in.

As for the cabin, the rear room there is a large room with a nice double (or queen) bed and a set of bunk beds. In the living room area there was a very comfortable Murphy bed.

The size of the cabin was PERFECT and plenty of space for the 6 of us! Yes, Niki was able to get time off from her military duty to vacation with us.

Some highlights about the campground/cabin:

• Checkin was quick and easy. We stopped by the office several times and there was never a wait.
• Very very comfortable.
• Huge bathroom with plenty of towels, soap, shampoo, etc!
• Service! The maids will do your dishes!
• Large Fridge, Stove, Coffee Maker, etc. was available in the room.
• Room is "themed"! The dishware even includes cute little "jug" cups
• Large living room includes couch, tv, and chairs.

Some negatives:

• Quick bite/convience type food is VERY expensive. Doubled if not tripled!
• No car parking near the ferry, store, resturant, and Hoop-Dee-Do Review.
• No wireless internet service. Pay-for-wire service is available.

Some pictures of the cabin are here:

Danforth Bay's 2008 Activity Schedule is up!

Wow -- its been so long since I've posted!

Danforth Bay's Weekly Activity Schedule has been announced: http://www.danforthbay.com/events.htm

Our Returning Favorites are back:

• Pets Weekend
• Pirates Week
• RV Show / Pumpkin Weekend / Columbus Day

Looks like they added:

• Scrap booking weekend
• Photography week
• Super Hero week with Danforth Bay Triatholon! (suggested by a seasonal friend)
• "Decorate your site" for Carnival Week

Looks like the scrapped:

• Fall Pine Derby weekend
• Last Weekend -- Halloween

Christmas Celebrations at Settler's Green

We left camp early Saturday morning (around 9AM) to head up to Settler's Green Outlet mall in North Conway, NH for some light shopping and some adverstised seasonal activities.



Cranmore Mountain was there and setup a mini-tubbing slide for the kids. The kids only went on two runs because it was too cold. It was REALLY cold (19 high / 4 low that evening). Then we had some hot chocolate and went on a horse pulled carriage ride with Santa! I thought I took a picture of the horse stables but it didn't come out. I'll try to get the name of this establishment.

Did some light shopping and returned to camp to pack up for the season. Springmaid is going out of business and we found curtains for $5 each window!

Yankee Smoke House

Our family enjoyed a nice dinner with a new seasonal friend of ours at the popular Yankee Smokehouse in West Ossipee, NH.

I shared a whole rack of ribs (~$20) with my company which in my opinions was enough food for 3 hungry men or a family of 4. The ribs were good, tender, and tasty and was served with a warm bottle of extra bbq sauce. However, during this visit, I realized that I'm not exactly a ribs lover and politely offered the left overs to our guest. I also had ordered a side of cole slaw and a side of steak fries which was really too big for me to eat. The cole slaw was very good and had a light mustard season to it and the fries were excellent as well.

The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers ($5.99) and mozerella sticks ($6.99) but I thought the prices for the kids meal were a little bit steep. While I thought my meal was just good, Patty on the other hand really enjoyed her Smoked BBQ chicken dinner ($10.99). For sides she had the baked beans, 1/2 ear of corn, and some french fries. Each meal was served with delicious Texas Toast. Patty really enjoyed this and she knows her breads!

We visited in the offseason and found the service to be excellent (especially after compared to our last visit to another local establishment). Service was good not only to us but to the couple sitting across from us. Very accomodating!

As expected, this is NOT a fancy resturant (i.e., jeans recommended) but is very clean and warm (both for a cold night and to enjoy a pleasant evening with your family or friends). The decor is nearly decorated with cute little piggies everywhere: ornaments, wallpaper, curtains, etc. This place is EXTREMELY popular during motorcycle season and the summer season.

If you want tasty food with BIG portions, the Yankee Smokehouse won't disappoint! Just driving by and experiencing the aroma from your car makes you want to stop in. We did tonight and everyone wanted to stop in but already had dinner planned. We will definately go back! I would like to try some of their beef and chicken dishes.

If I could change something, I wish they would shake up the sides dishes and offer some new items (e.g., fresh veggies, mashed or baked potatoes, squash, seasonal items, etc.).

Overall a great experience and meal!

Winter is on the way!

Winter is definately on its way!

Had snow showers on the way up to Danforth Bay on Friday. Tempartures were down in the teens last night here at Danforth Bay in Freedom, NH. I saw ice plates on the stream running through the campground.

Even the Mt. Cranmore Resort had snow on the South Slope (testing the snow guns???)

Snow on top of Mt. Washington and other Northern Mountains Veteran's Day picture portrays. We also met up with a seasonal friend to hear about his Winter adventure climbing the Mt. Washington area. Un-real!!!

Off-Season Camping

Off Season camping in an RV is a lot like "tent" camping at a national park during the regular
* No activities
* No running water
* Really cold at night

This weekend at Danforth Bay was great! We arrived late Friday night and got the camper warm.

We celebrated Austin's 13th birthday by ordering too much pizza from Pizza Hut. The Leftovers worked out great for dinner (which resulted in NO dishes).

Today was AWESOME... the weather was great! I was warm in just a sweater and jeans (no jacket)... we took a nice LONG walk throughout Danforth Bay... The lake has dropped so much that we were able to walk on the shore from Brookside Beach to Cove Beach!

We then headed up to the Bluffs. It was a ghost town as we didn't see a soul. Glad to see things are filling in and loved how people have naturally decorate their sites. The puppies then ran loose and played at the ballfield and wore themselves out chasing each other.

Having no water was NO PROBLEM! We planned meals accordingly. I did miss my eggs and bacon this morning though! Have to find a microwave solution. We had minimal dishes to wash (which I did this morning at the depot).

Can't wait for next weekend!!!

Danforth Bay's 2007 Scariest Pumpkin Winner

After winning a top category in Danforth Bay's site decorating contest for the past three years, Patty decided to step back and relax and enjoy the weekend. Who knew that she had plans to design and decorate the scariest pumpkin the next weekend.

This is her first win in the pumpkin contest!

Many thanks to Sharlene from activities (she has been doing an EXCELLENT job!!!)

Danforth Bay 2007 Silliest Pumpkin Winner

Cameron, quite by our surprise won the silliest pumpkin. It was kit that Patty bought at CVS for about $4. He has a face on both sides of the pumpkin. Thanks for the Danforth Bay camping mug Cam!

Danforth RV Show

Danforth Bay is having their 3rd Annual RV show this year. Last year it was a big hit!

Some of the dealers in the past include:

* Cold Springs RV, Weare, NH
* Stateline RV, Lebanon, ME
* White Mt. RV, Ossipee, NH

From Danforth Bay's site:

Preview Friday evening 5 - 7 pm Saturday 9 - 5 & Sunday 9 - noon On display will be Park Models, Boats, RV from a variety of vendors. Admission to the park for the RV Show is $5 per car load! Food Tent provided by the Madison Snowmobile Club the Scrub Oaks Scramblers

I'm sure Danforth Bay will have plenty of camping sites available this weekend!

Its also pumpkin carving contest this weekend.

Columbus Day Weekend at Danforth Bay

Wow! What a great long holiday weekend at Danforth Bay. We started off the weekend by arriving fairly early and having some delicious steak tips that we purchased previously at Butcher Boy Maket in N. Andover. This is about a 15 minute "well worth it" diversion off of I495 (Wards Hill) in Mass. on your way up to Danforth Bay.

On Saturday morning we visited Four you Paws Only in North Conway to pick up two adorable costumes for the puppies. We originally picked up a skunk outfit and a spider but Patty found a Pirate costume that matched Cameron's outfit. We also tried to stop at the Moat Mountain Brewery to fill up our growler beer jug but we found this to be closed at 11AM and didn't have time to wait around. Good selection and beer but this is quite a distance from Danforth Bay.

Sunday evening we went site-to-site trick-or-treating with several of our new seasonal friends! What a great time! Patty wasn't site decorating this year (too much) so she even went with us. We even took Bailey and Mowgli out (in their costumes). They had a ball and the skunk costume was a real big hit with everyone at camp.

We also found out that Nick from Activities has moved along to bigger and better oppurtunities. While we are sad to see him go, will certaintly miss him, we are happy for him! He was an asset to the campground!

During the Halloween activities, the RV.net forum group went all OUT again this year. The truly best costume was the LIFE SIZE spider and spraying human size "Off Can". I certaintly hope that Danforth Bay got pictures.

The weather was truely a mixed bag. Good Friday night and Saturday morning/early afternoon. Wet on Saturday evening and murky on Sunday morning. Great Sunday night for trick-or-treating and wet again late Sunday night / Monday morning.

The RV show is next weekend at Danforth Bay! Two years ago it was a washout and looks like it might REPEAT again.