I've been planning to attend the Mount Washington Adventure Expo (fundraiser for the Mount Washington Observatory) for several weeks but hadn't made any arrangements beyond that. So, when I woke up, I checked availability for lodging in the Gorham area. Since there were all kinds of events going on (busy NH weekend), had to settle for a campsite (the last one!) at Millidgewock State Park. I made an online reservation and left my condo just after 0915. Drove to the eastern base of Mount Washington via I-91, VT/NH-25, River Road, NH-10, US-302, NH-116, US-2 and Pinkham B (Dolly Copp) Road. Arrived at the entrance of the Mount Washington Auto Road at around 1145 and quickly found a (free) parking spot. Walked a short distance until I was able to find the entrance to the "Seek the Peak" welcome gate. I was actually able to check in early and walked around to visit all the tents. I actually saw some people I knew! Got a lot of good "swag" because I'd helped raise funds for the Observatory - they even gave me free lunch and I enjoyed a meal at Bickford Box food truck. Since I wasn't in a hurry, I also got a beer from Tuckerman Brewery stand. After getting done with my meal, I decided to take a walk on the trails nearby (Great Glen) and managed to log about four miles. There were some amazing spots to take photos of the Presidential Range (above) and the markings on the trail system were very good. At the same time I was walking, there was a fun-run taking place - I had to dodge a few determined runners but was otherwise alone. Afterwards, I went back to the Expo and took one more circuit of the tents and filled out some lottery entries [I later learned I'd won the one for Good to Go!]. I departed the area at 1500 and drove north to Gorham. I decided to stop for Mass at St. Anne's in Berlin (1600) before continuing north on NH-16. I arrived at Millidgewock State Park at around 1745 and got checked into my campsite. The caretaker was very nice and had great suggestions for how I could spend my evening. About the only thing that was surprising was that there were no shower facilities (I was told I could drive to Umbagog State Park to use them but declined). Instead, I launched my kayak from a nice landing and spent about an hour paddling on the Androscoggin River and Mollidgewock Brook. Fortunately, found some calm water above some loud/rough rapids just below the State Park… Altogether, it was a beautiful North Country evening! After getting done with my paddling (1900), I took advantage of some cell service and made a call to Mollie, practiced some Duolingo and checked my email. Before settling down for the night, I drove around the campground and checked out all the sites the caretaker had recommended for a future visit. Ultimately, I decided not to pitch my tent and, instead, set up my car for sleeping on the folded down back seats. The setup worked alright but I found the car it was much warmer than a tent might have been... I saw lots of fireflies and a pretty moon. Before going to sleep, I did some reading. It didn't make me sleepy enough, I guess, because I first tried to retire at 2130 - however, I couldn't sleep immediately and ended up tossing and turning until after 2300. Actually, though, I have no complaints about any of this good day!
