On the Road
Our New Hampshire adventures began with an electrifying start.
Once out of North Carolina, we could see the storm clouds ahead. Lightning streaks down from the heavens. It was all around us, and we were driving straight into the heart of the storm. Three and four fingered lightning flashed all around us. My hands on the car, knuckles tightening and loosening as I anticipated the electrifying strikes. This was our first road adventure in our 2014 MV-1, and I was a bit nervous, as we had been hit by an uncontrolled motorist in May. While we have both recovered, I am still a little reactive on the road, trusting no other drivers.
The lightning was all around us, at times feeling like there were strobe lights all around.
When we arrived at the hotel, we found ourselves in a freezing room. So we did what any guest would do – we turned on the heat. This acrid smell arose, as did smoke, which set off the smoke alarms. At least we were able to move rooms and avoid catching the hotel on fire. Go figure!
I do not like road work where there are concrete barricades on each side of the road. Afraid to run into the barricade on one side, only to get too close to a car on the other. I slowed, breathed and let go, a lesson in the tension and release that comes in breath, in life. When we arrived at our Albany, NY destination, it was all I could do to get us into the bed; we were spent.
Saturday morning, sore and achy, we were bumbling idiots getting out of the house to get back on the road. Stopping only at a bakery to pick up rolls and dessert to savor over the mountain sunset.
Wildlife Abounds
Each trip to Randolph comes with its own animal tales, the Bear on the porch banging the screen door, the raccoon who broke in and spread flour on the floor, the Bear outside our window, listening to him rip bark and chew a midnight meal.
This time and space did not disappoint. Every day brought a new set of awe inspiring encounters. We watched the beavers play in the evening sunset (the beaver dam always a conversation of contention). The next day, a fawn walked up the center of the creek, and in the afternoon, a bear, what we thought was a cub popped out, saw Barton, for a second stood up on its hind legs, went back to breaking a twig and disappearing into the forest.
We would see the bear two more times, and on the third, as it crossed over the beaver dam, realized it was either a young male or female (older than a cub).
The exhilaration of the bear (the first time I had seen a wild bear), meandering on its way here or there. Not in a hurry, taking its time, curious, playful. We were in reverent awe.
Sometimes, though, the most fun was in the creatures we take for granted. Watching a gathering of dragonflies over the creek banks or the butterfly landing on the porch banister, a hummingbird, zipping, poking its head in to say and hello – and we’re off.
These are the moments we miss when we are in a hurry.
Ole’ Railroad Track
Taking a walk along the ole railroad trail across the highway, Barton can roll in his motor wheelchair, and I can meander with my camera lens, taking in the forest and creeks along its path. How light catches on the leaves, or reflects and shines the underside of a branch.
There are remnants of the railroad, ties that have now converged with rock and trees. A telegraph wire learning to its side. A mileage sign pokes out among the pines and maples. Ruins of the times of old, when the trained passed through the mountain states.
We approached a couple in the distance. “We thought you were a bear,” they said to Barton. We laughed, relishing in our connection with bears. I bet we gave them a good scare!
Returning Home
There is something about the land here, what feels like returning home. The electric vibration in the air after sunset, moving slower, falling into the movement of the mountain. Some things remain the same, the discussion over broken pipes and spring water, the aging wood and shifting foundations.
And some spaces that will always be – shades of light reflecting on the mountains. Even on the night where rain fell inside the roof, there is a centeredness, a peace that calms the restless soul.
Sitting on the porch staring at the mountains, it is coming home. The pace of life slows. Everything becomes brighter.
Celebrations with Friends
After soaking in the mountain calm, we got on the road before stopping in New York, we got our MV-1 checked out at MV-1 Herb Chambers. We were able to spend the day gallivanting on the lake water, celebrating birthdays, and profound conversation before making the long journey home. Again, we drove through lightning and storms as we left. A double rainbow brightened the skies.
There’s nothing like falling asleep in your own bed after a long fabulous adventure!
[Photo Gallery to come]
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