Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Most times, these "welcome" signs come up too quickly for me to snap a photo and this time I only got a "State Line" sign, no welcome from New Hampshire. The "Granite State," as it is known, has the Purple Finch as its State Bird the Purple Lilac as the flower. Their motto is "Live Free or Die," which was pretty black and white; no shades of purple there.

Wolfeboro was a relaxing place to call "home" for a couple of nights in a campground that was dark enough to trick you into sleeping late. The first morning, I kept waiting for the sun to rise and awaken me naturally, but only Lucy's meows of protest woke me after 9 am resulting in someone having to eat a late breakfast (paw tap, paw tap).

We visited New Hampshire on our way out to Maine, but we didn't earn a sticker for our map, because our "criteria" to earn one is to spend at least one night camping and do some sightseeing. This time, the sticker was ready to get affixed to our USA map! It filled up the Northeast States nicely

Entrance sign to campground

I booked Wolfeboro Campground due to its proximity to the town of Wolfeboro, Lake Winnipesaukee and for its price. George had some reservations as we approached the entrance sign. He was already in a "bit of a mood" after our GPS routed us to a dirt road that traversed up and down a steep hill. My Waze app was suggesting a different route, but we opted to follow the one that is designed for RV's. Goes to show you that you can't believe everything you are told. At times you just need to with your gut or listen to your wife. I must say, the sign gave me pause also.

After meeting the quirky owner, checking in, convincing George that this place was great and getting situated in our site, I took a walk around and quickly felt such a sense of  peace and serenity being among the tall pines. Looking upward or down, you could see the dappled sunlight playing among the leaves on the trees and the pine needles on the ground. One roadway actually made me hope that the path to heaven would look similar (see my photo below).

My vision of the "Pathway to Heaven."

Although standing there provided me with the rustic beauty of nature, magical sounds and smells and comfort, no photo I snapped did the place justice.

George was just happy to get situated in a location where sap wouldn't drip on the roof of RV or Jeep.

The next morning, George headed out for a ride on his new toy and the owner stopped by in his Polaris 6-Wheel ATV, which was his main method of transportation. We had such an interesting conversation about his, and the campground's past, present and future.

Back in the 1970's his father bought the property  and initially carved out 18 camp and ten tent sites. They designed it, laid the water and electric lines and built two large homes, an office, restrooms and a barn.

After his dad passed, every site was enlarged, sewer was installed and an additional 20 large sites and three cabins were built.

I was amazed at how many details were put into each site, such as a hand-designed fire pit with natural "fire walls." No two were the same. Each had a large tree stump to use as a table for your cooking needs. A picnic table was supplied as well. A rustic, woody, camping experienced was provided and it was all you needed.

Fire pit made by owner and his dad.

Notice "fire wall" behind

and tree stump "table" on left.

The problem facing this brilliant man and this creation is the fact that he's getting at an age where maintaining the grounds is becoming out of his physical capabilities.  However, this is his "home" and life-long project.

 It's sad to realize that this park peaked, flourished and is going to either weaken or disappear as times goes on. I was happy I got to experience his "piece of paradise" while it still existed. While far from a resort, this place was an obvious labor of love and an amazing result of hard-work, talent and determination.

"Camper," with his GPS tracker

Later that morning I came across a man walking his cat on a rope. I had to snap a photo of "Camper," a lucky stray cat who was found at a campground and became a special member of a new family. I was told he has a GPS gadget on his harness so his dad can find him if he gets loose. Great idea!

Our HUGE site. Fire pit was located far to the left, out of range in this photo.

The small, quaint town of Wolfeboro resembled an old time fishing village and is located on Lake Winnipesaukee. Lake Winnie, for short, is the largest lake in New Hampshire spanning 21 miles. We noticed a sunset cruise was planned for the next night and we were able to get last minute tickets. Turned out that a popular local band was playing and we soon discovered that we were oldest (and definitely most sober) of the bunch.

The boat circled the perimeter of the lake and we witnessed a rare sight - undeveloped lake shoreline. It was pristine, calm and a perfect evening. The view of the sunset made the inexpensive trip even more of a bargain.

Thought this was just too cute not to include.

Pre-cruise dinner on the dock. Weather was very cooperative.

Our cruise boat. We sat below, party was on top.

Ahhhh, the "piece de resistance".....the sun dipping behind the mountains.

Oh no...
George checking out another toy?

Our short stop in New Hampshire came to an end. We never did get to see or do many things, but what we did was quite enjoyable.

I would love to return to Wolfeboro Campground if ever in the area. I'd be interested to see if the owner is still there and take a stroll on that "pathway to heaven," but not all the way! A boat rental to explore the lake on our own would also be on tap. 

Next stop will be our last of our August itinerary, Rhode Island.

George took this somewhere in New Hampshire and I had to post.
Love my beautiful home.

Deep thought for the day: Home is where we park it. I love living an RV lifestyle, especially when it's spent on the road finding new places, meeting different people, and seeing amazing sights. Although in New Hampshire, I will defer to Maine's state motto:  "The way life should be."  ~vc

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