Mount Washington, called Agiocochook by some Native American tribes, is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m) and the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River (from Wikipedia).

I remember driving up Mt. Washington with my family when I was Quinnie’s age (and Aunt Jenny was Kiera’s age). There’s an awesome photo of us at the summit. I wish I had it here in Germany- I would scan and post it.

I remember the scary drive up around that winding, narrow road (with no guard rail). It was a warm summer day, but when we reached the top it was windy and cold. I haven’t been back since then, but knew I wanted to share the experience with Simon and the girls, so off we went!

entrance (where they give you an informational cd about the mountain to listen to on the way up)

Still scary! I had to look away in certain parts..

the effect of the wind on the trees

halfway up we got out to enjoy the view

Kiera and Papa

my little mountain goat

the terrain started to change the higher we went..

we got out of the car again to check out these cool rock formations

parking lot near the top

It’s true- inside the visitor’s center there’s a LONG list of names of people who have died up there.

Tip-Top House (and putting our jackets on!)

inside the Tip-Top House

bunk beds

the outside of the Tip-Top House..

Wow!

Post Office at the top of Mt. Washington?!

There was an interactive area in the visitor’s center where you could learn all about the mountain..

and change the seasons of the panoramic view

how you have to walk at the summit in winter..

driving a snowmobile on the mountain

The Mount Washington Cog Railway takes passengers who don’t want to drive up and down the mountain.

time to head home..

It was a great day!

 

I love Maine. It think it’s one of the most beautiful states in America. I hope our summers in New England grow a love of the area in Quinnie and Kiera’s hearts as well.

We spent a day in York, Maine and visited the Nubble Lighthouse..

we explored the rocks around the coastline..

if there is a bird around, the odds are that my girls will be chasing it..

Here’s an interesting article about the Nubble lighthouse keepers and their families throughout the years. The kids who grew up there all mention how idyllic their childhoods were.

We visited my friend Bethany and her family in Scarborough, Maine (just like last summer)…

Bethany’s mom Karen with two of her grandkids

Bethany and I (and our siblings) grew up together and have known each other since we were 3 and 5 years old (our Moms went to nursing school together and are best friends). So it’s SO nice to see the friendship that Quinnie and Stella have. They’ve been pen pals over the past year, and are going to be in the same cabin at Camp Calumet for a week this summer (the same camp that Bethany and I went to every summer!). I’m so psyched for them- they’re going to have a blast!

we always end a visit with ice cream, of course!

My Mom and I usually try and spend a day in Cornish, Maine every summer also.

They have some cute stores and antique shops

I got some great used books at the second hand shop in this church

and we like to eat at Krista’s

This blueberry soda was good. I also had to document how much ice you get at restaurants in America. In Germany, you have to ask for ice, and when you do, you usually only get a few cubes. God Bless America!