We had a short drive, only 4 1/2 hours to Ossipee. Close to the Maine border, we ran into construction with paper plates lining the road. When I googled the picture, I found out their use:
This paper plate on a wooden stake is a temporary grade stake used by road construction and paving crews. [1]
While it looks like a DIY solution, it is a highly practical and common method used by surveyors and heavy equipment operators throughout New England. [1]
Ruby at least sits now while traveling instead of trying to climb on the crate. She still pouts, but she’s getting better. With all the miles we do, she might as well get used to it.
Passing through Ossipee, we learned it had given birth to the snowmobile. Can’t wait to see what else we learn.
Ron put the truck in park at 1:30, a half hour later than expected. Slow traffic and construction had slowed our trip down. But pulling into Chocorua KOA felt good- our home for the next three nights.
After exploring the campground, we took care of necessities. Unfortunately, the campground laundry had a mechanical issue. We decided to do laundry in town, 8.5 miles away.
After loading the washing machines at Center Laundry, we went and picked up groceries. Then back to the laundromat to put everything in the dryer. Once we had the dryers running we headed to the park to check out a local trail.
Another disappointment: we discovered the trails didn’t accommodate bikes. On the bright side, we found several affordable golf courses, so we picked one and made a tee time for the next morning.
Once we picked up the laundry, we went back to the Atlas. Ron cooked dinner while I took care of the laundry and unloaded the wood from the truck.
Around 8:00, the fire burned down enough for us to go inside. Ron turned on Alone Australia while I did the dishes with an audience of two.
“You hit the house.”
“I’ll find it.” Came Matt’s deadpan response to Yvonnia.
Our new friends Matt from Boston and Yvonnia from Brazil had a witty and fun repertoire. Matt’s heavy Boston accent and stunning green eyes reflected his strong Irish personality. Yvonnia’s quick smile, blond hair, and petite size made her a loving presence.
Unfortunately, she broke her foot stepping off her porch after missing a step and had to wear a boot. Once recovered, she vowed to start playing.
We both had a history of blood clots. Hers came from surgery and turned into a pulmonary embolism. Because of her genetic predisposition to them, she, like me, will take blood thinners the rest of her life.
We had a fun afternoon, and I won our “First one on, in and closest” game by 5 strokes.
After golf, we stopped by Hobb’s for drinks and an app before heading back to the camper.
They make all their beer in-house and have no domestics. Ron had the Happy Camper and bought the T-shirt.
Since we only have 2 days in Ossipee and we wanted to golf on Friday as well, we decided to ride the Cotton Valley Rail Trail. By doing so, we could have a lazy morning at the camper before golfing at North Conway Golf Club, which Matt recommended.
We found a quaint trail that harmoniously blended the railroad with the trail. Trees gave way to water views that took your breath away. Clean forest smells filled our nostrils, reminding me of PA.
Friday morning we slept in late. Ron browsed the internet, then cooked us delicious salmon and eggs for breakfast. I wrote two more Christmas devotionals, with four more to go.
We let the pups lounge outside in the cool morning air.
Ron and I dreamed of opening a driving range with trackers, a snack bar, and a fun area. We’ve often wondered why no one does it.
We finally found someone who does: Bucket of Balls in Ossipee.
$23 for a large bucket, drinks not included. Radar tracks the ball, and you can play different games. An umbrella bar provided a place to hang out.
Every bay had someone hitting. The large bucket provided plenty of balls for us. We didn’t try the snacks and drinks, but overall, we liked it.
North Conway didn’t disappoint. Beautiful. mountains surrounded us. Sun warmed us on the 78 degree day with a cool breeze.
We got paired with Nick and Kevin, two club members. Kevin had won the club championship last weekend, a .6 scratch golfer, and Nick couldn’t rave enough about the victory.
Kevin complemented my game and asked if I played in college.
Both IT guys who worked from home, Kevin worked from the golf course on this particular day.
And Nick and I both shot our lowest scores ever. Him a 78 and me and 87.
Ron noticed the Conway Public Library at a stoplight. He appreciated the clock and its intricate detail.
By the time we got home, after eating dinner at the golf course, exhaustion set in for both of us. I did We fed the pups, gave them plenty of time outdoors to take care of business, then called it a night.
The next morning, we woke to 60-degree temperatures and had to use the fireplace to warm ourselves. After a leisurely morning, we packed up and headed to New York.
While Ron hooked up the Atlas, I took Ruby for a walk along the shoreline. If we come back, we’ll get a spot by the lake.
By 8:58, with everyone in the truck, we headed to New York for our next stop.
Relaxing at the campground, I realized what God had taught me on this trip.
He’s taught me to ride around the mountain.
He’s taught me how to climb a mountain.
He’s taught me how to descend a mountain.
I do it with Him. There’s no other way.
With God, mountains become molehills.
Praise Jesus!