Roxi
Active member
I drove up to my new home north of the notch Tuesday am in preparation for beginning work Wed. I had to laugh when I realized that I prioritized bringing all my hiking gear, packed in my backpacks, as I'd be camping out in the new place for a few nights before returning south to finish packing in prep for the movers on Sat. As I drove through the notch for at least the fourth time in the last month, I felt elated. I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to live up here! 
I dropped my stuff off and called my friend, Scott, who offered to make me breakfast after my long drive. He's the massage therapist I met on the summit of South Twin two months ago and has been instrumental in my finding a place to live prior to beginning my new job in the north country. And he cooks a mean vege omelette!
After a great breakfast I ran some errands around town getting myself established. I picked the right place! Everyone in this small town is so personal and inviting that I instantly felt welcomed into the community and know several of the townspeople on a first name basis. One of the ladies at the bank warned me about watching out for moose in the road as I drive to work in the am, another shared her pet stories, and the ladies at the town hall, the postal clerk, and the coffee purveyor all welcomed me to the community. Even the cat next door came by to say hi, encourage me to pet it, and purr its welcome. The downtown is within a mile's walk from my home and very accessible. In some ways I felt like I was in Bar Harbor, only without the ocean.
After getting everything done that I needed to by 2, Scott suggested a short hike up Middle Sugarloaf off Zealand Rd. in Twin Mountain. It was the perfect hike that day! It reminded me of North Pack in that it's about a mile and a half to the summit, but steep enough that you can get a good workout if you climb it quickly. The ledgy top offered fantastic views of the Twins, Hale, Tom, Field & Willey, Eisenhower, and other presidentials. We would have seen Washington if it were not for the clouds covering its summit. I loved the views! What a great summit to hang out on, sunbathe, picnic, whatever, and the trailhead is only 10 minutes from where I live!! I feel like these incredible views are now in my back yard!! After descending, we skirted the Trestle trail which went along a stream past some large picturesque boulders, crossed over the stream and returned to the parking area, a perfect way to spend the afternoon and de-stress from dealing with all the details of relocating.
Wed. I went to work, again experiencing incredible mountain views on my way, and was welcomed into the new job with open arms. Everyone seemed very down to earth and genuine and had a great sense of humor. I felt right at home! I haven't met my office mate yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like him as he had pictures of Mt. Washington and Lakes of the Clouds hut hanging above his desk. One of the schools I'll be working with has the best view of the Presidentials right out the classroom windows. If I were a student there I'd have a hard time paying attention to the teacher! Within two days I met four other women who also hike regularly. We've already decided we're a "club" and plan to do some hikes together.
After only two days up north I realized that despite never living in this part of the state before, I felt somehow that I had come home. This is where I'm supposed to be. I belong here. It's a truly wonderful feeling! I'm looking forward to all the adventures that wait me....
I dropped my stuff off and called my friend, Scott, who offered to make me breakfast after my long drive. He's the massage therapist I met on the summit of South Twin two months ago and has been instrumental in my finding a place to live prior to beginning my new job in the north country. And he cooks a mean vege omelette! After a great breakfast I ran some errands around town getting myself established. I picked the right place! Everyone in this small town is so personal and inviting that I instantly felt welcomed into the community and know several of the townspeople on a first name basis. One of the ladies at the bank warned me about watching out for moose in the road as I drive to work in the am, another shared her pet stories, and the ladies at the town hall, the postal clerk, and the coffee purveyor all welcomed me to the community. Even the cat next door came by to say hi, encourage me to pet it, and purr its welcome. The downtown is within a mile's walk from my home and very accessible. In some ways I felt like I was in Bar Harbor, only without the ocean.
After getting everything done that I needed to by 2, Scott suggested a short hike up Middle Sugarloaf off Zealand Rd. in Twin Mountain. It was the perfect hike that day! It reminded me of North Pack in that it's about a mile and a half to the summit, but steep enough that you can get a good workout if you climb it quickly. The ledgy top offered fantastic views of the Twins, Hale, Tom, Field & Willey, Eisenhower, and other presidentials. We would have seen Washington if it were not for the clouds covering its summit. I loved the views! What a great summit to hang out on, sunbathe, picnic, whatever, and the trailhead is only 10 minutes from where I live!! I feel like these incredible views are now in my back yard!!
After descending, we skirted the Trestle trail which went along a stream past some large picturesque boulders, crossed over the stream and returned to the parking area, a perfect way to spend the afternoon and de-stress from dealing with all the details of relocating. Wed. I went to work, again experiencing incredible mountain views on my way, and was welcomed into the new job with open arms. Everyone seemed very down to earth and genuine and had a great sense of humor. I felt right at home! I haven't met my office mate yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like him as he had pictures of Mt. Washington and Lakes of the Clouds hut hanging above his desk. One of the schools I'll be working with has the best view of the Presidentials right out the classroom windows. If I were a student there I'd have a hard time paying attention to the teacher!
Within two days I met four other women who also hike regularly. We've already decided we're a "club" and plan to do some hikes together. After only two days up north I realized that despite never living in this part of the state before, I felt somehow that I had come home. This is where I'm supposed to be. I belong here. It's a truly wonderful feeling! I'm looking forward to all the adventures that wait me....
