Mt Washington

Oh yes, we're still recapping the adventures with Dexter's parents.  But we're winding (slowly) down. I think.

Another place we wanted to take them to was Mt Washington.  The drive alone, through mountains, I'd heard, was worth it.  Plus, it IS the highest peak in the north east. And it IS the windiest place in the country, so sounds cool, right?

There are a couple of ways to get to the top of the Mountain - The Cog Railway, which I think goes straight up, or a CD-led audio tour in the comfort of your own car up the 8-mile long climb.  We opted for the ride.  It was. . . terrifying!  I have a wicked fear of heights, and there are moments when you're barreling up the side of a mountain with no railing, and what feels like you're about to drive off the edge of the world.  No biggie.  Eyes closed helped a bit.

The weather at the top can also be unreliable.  I tried - oh, I tried! - to convince Dexter's mom that it could be VERY cold and VERY windy at the top, and she would want more than just a short sleeved dress.  She insisted she'd be fine.  At the last minute, Dexter ran in for a sweater for her. This was not a bad decision.

It was a beautiful ride there!  And then, the ride up was, too.  We stopped to take a few pics along the way.

these two!  

also, Malaikah's hair has grown in so much since then!

The above photos were all from a spot where we stopped, about halfway up, both so we could stretch our legs and take in the views, and to give our over-worked engine a bit of a rest.  As we were walking out there, Kyalo said, 'Are we hiking?'  I think he's going to be a hiker!

After taking in the views, we headed back to the car to continue the trek up and up and up.  We got to listen to the history of the building of the road which was fascinating, but now I've forgotten :) 

At the top, it was cold and windy.  Dexter's mom was glad to have that sweater!  And on the way home she even said, 'I have been defeated.'  I did my best not to gloat, but I'm not sure I succeeded.

The picture isn't the greatest, but I think gives you a sense that everyone was about to blow over.  See Julius holding on to the railing behind him?  When we walked out onto the observation deck, the wind just about took us all out!

A quick wander through the museum and the observation deck, and we were ready to head home.

Come visit, and we'll take you there.  I may stay at the foot of the mountain, though.