New Hampshire - State #30

We crossed the bridge into New Hampshire and suddenly it felt like we were in Scotland! New Hampshire is radically different than Vermont; it's rocky and mountainous and bursting with autumn color. (Sometimes political and geographical boundaries really do line up.)

Previously I'd driven through Southern New Hampshire and stopped often at the multitudes of antique stores and book stores. It's quite a different scene up North, but just as beautiful. Apparently people ski up here; the freeways are dotted with one resort after another. And it's obvious how much snow they get -- most houses have extremely pitched metal roofs and giant piles of firewood.

We plunked down in Gorham, which turned out to be a really nice little town with nice little folk and their funny accents. It finally feels like we've reached New England. We walked to breakfast at Moonbeam Cafe, a delicious restaurant with smashies (mashed potato + sour cream + scallions = cute, fluffy fried cakes) and proper coffee.

Driving around we expected to see moose at any turn. There must be a sign at every mile marker in the state: "Stop for Moose. It Could Save a Life" or "Moose Crossing Next 53 Miles" or just signs with pictures of moose on them. (Come to think of it, is that what's supposed to be on their license plate?) There are reliable Moose Tours, too, but they all happen long after our bed time...