Our first stop was to make reservations with Pemi Valley Excursions, a small company that provides moose tours in the area. We disclosed to Tony, the tourguide, that we were in search of waterfalls, and on his suggestion, wound up at Georgianna Falls. At the entrance to the trail, we saw a yellow warbler (I think).
The hike was beautiful and cool, although at some point the trail seemed to disappear and we found ourselves climbing up some steep and slippery rocks. It was well worth it though, because at the top we sat on a nice flat rock with a fabulous view of the waterfall. The crevices of the rock held some leftover rainwater, and bending over, you could see what looked at first like tiny little fish, only they whipped around in circles instead of swimming. After doing some internet research, it appears likely that these creatures were mosquito larvae. I'm glad we got there before they were flying around and sucking blood!
Later that afternoon we checked into a bed and breakfast, the Northern Star Inn. This place is great, because the innkeepers, Debbie and Jimmy, allow guests to use their kitchen facilities to make their own dinner. Their shelves were well-stocked with stacks of pots and pans, and although I tried, they wouldn't allow me to wash the dishes after I cooked up a storm of stuffed peppers. I highly recommend staying there. The rates are reasonable and the rooms are clean and charming. We awoke to the scent of sausage and bacon, and I even got to play their piano.
The next day, we did the two-mile circular hike at Flume Gorge.
It was fantastic, because there was this wood walkway that went alongside the waterfall and then over it. Here is a picture of Avalanche Falls:
Well I must be going to bed now. But I'll tell you more about my trip and brief encounter with New Hampshire wildlife tomorrow.
¶ Tuesday, May 31, 2005
