Monday – The Arrival
After packing up my trusty trailer (which, let’s be honest, is basically my second home), I hit the road with my loyal sidekick, Grundii, to meet up with friends. The drive was smooth, uneventful, and surprisingly peaceful—no flat tires or traffic jams, just the open road and a very happy dog in the back seat. We rolled into Saco River Family Camping around 2 PM, and since it was late in the season, the campground was basically a ghost town—quiet, serene, and practically all ours. The site, #41, was perfectly level with full hook-ups, which I took as a sign that the universe was on my side for a stress-free stay. Right next to the site was a large field where I could throw the ball with Grundii, which was basically the canine version of heaven. 😁
That night, the sky decided to put on a show. The stars were dazzling, and the passing clouds added just enough drama to make me feel like I was in a nature documentary. My friends, ever the fire enthusiasts, set up a campfire every evening, and let me tell you—it was cold. 🥶 So cold, in fact, that I ended up layering up like I was preparing for an Arctic expedition. I was so glad I packed my mittens, scarf, hat and winter boots… and don’t forget the fleece-lined pants! My front was toasty from the fire and blanket, but let’s just say my bum was NOT feeling the love. Mental note: Invest in a heated seat. Either that, or I might need to start carrying around one of those portable butt warmers! Do they make such a thing?! 🤪
Tuesday – Day of Hiking and Adventure
The next day, we decided to go hiking—but nothing too crazy. We weren’t trying to break any speed records or get in a 12-mile marathon hike. Nope, this was a nice, easy-going day to soak in the beauty around us—no rushing, just vibes. The weather was perfect—cool and sunny, like nature’s way of saying, “You’ve earned this.” It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold, and best of all, the trails weren’t overcrowded. No dodging sweaty hikers or awkwardly trying to pass people with overly ambitious trekking poles. Instead, it was just us, the trees, and the occasional squirrel giving us the side-eye. Here’s the rundown of the day:
Moat Mountain Trail to Diana’s Baths – Diana’s Baths is like nature’s version of a spa, but without the overpriced facials or fluffy bathrobes. Tucked away in the White Mountains, this hidden gem features a series of waterfalls cascading over smooth granite rocks, creating pools that look perfect for a refreshing dip or a little splash-around. The hike to get there is short and sweet—just enough to make you feel like you’ve earned your place in this water wonderland. Overall, it’s a spot that’s equal parts peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for pretending you’re in a nature-themed commercial. 😉
Cathedral Ledge State Park – We first drove up to the overlook at Cathedral Ledge, and let me tell you, it felt like driving straight into a postcard. After a short walk from the parking lot, we were greeted by sweeping views of Echo Lake, surrounded by foliage that looked like it was hand-painted by Mother Nature herself. The colors were so vibrant, I half-expected a marching band to appear and start playing "Ode to Autumn." The trees were showing off, the lake was sparkling like it had just gotten a fresh coat of wax. It was one of those views where you think, "Yeah, I’ll just take a minute... or three."
Echo Lake Trail – The trail itself is an easy stroll, so no need to break a sweat unless you're the type to get competitive with the squirrels. As you walk, you’ll be treated to views of the sparkling Echo Lake, which might make you feel like you’re in some fairy tale… until you yell into the vastness and hear your own voice return like a slightly confused echo, as if the mountain is mocking you. The trail is perfect for anyone looking to stretch their legs, take in some views or even stop for a snack on the beach.... which we did, enjoying the warm sun! 🌞
I made chili for dinner to warm up, which was just the thing to fight off the chill. Later, I tried out my new fire starter at my friend’s campfire and let me tell you—it was the bomb! 💣 The Jealous Devil Boom! fire starter worked wonders, and I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to step up their campfire game.
Wednesday – Scenic Drive & Shopping
Today was about driving the famous Kancamagus Highway. As we made our way, something incredible happened—out of nowhere, a rainbow appeared, stretching perfectly over the colorful fall foliage below. 😲It was like nature decided to throw in a little bonus for us! The vibrant colors of the trees paired with the bright arc of the rainbow felt like something straight out of a postcard. It was the perfect little touch to make the drive even more magical—like the universe was showing off just for us. Talk about a picture-perfect moment! 🥳🤩🌈
The foliage was absolutely stunning as we continued to the top, with the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape in every direction. But the real magic happened when we reached the top. Just as we hit the peak, we were greeted by the first snow of the season! It was like stepping into a winter wonderland, but with a twist—the colorful autumn leaves were still hanging on for dear life, creating this surreal, almost dreamlike combination of fall and winter. Talk about Snowliage!! 🍂❄️ Imagine bright foliage dusted with a light layer of snow—nature’s way of reminding us that both seasons can coexist, and it was truly a sight to behold. It felt like we’d stumbled into a scene from a movie, with one foot in fall and the other already stepping into winter. Absolutely surreal! 😮
After that, we headed into downtown North Conway to do some shopping. The best part? I found a parking spot right away—always a win when you're in a popular area.... woohoo! Downtown North Conway is like the charming little village that’s got its life together—cute shops, cozy cafes, and enough charm to make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Hallmark movie. The streets are lined with boutique stores that’ll have you dropping way too much money on things you definitely don’t need but can’t resist buying anyway—like a hand-poured candle that smells like a Vermont cabin or a magnet that says “Live, Laugh, Ledge” (because, why not?). The vibe is so cozy, even the squirrels look like they’ve got their act together, strolling by with a confident air. It’s the kind of place where you can grab fudge, pop into an antique store, and leave feeling like you’ve just visited a village in a fairytale… but with more coffee and less magic wands. We checked out some super cute stores, like:
Zeb’s General Store –where I, of course, had to buy the obligatory magnet and some fudge—because who can resist? Fudge is basically a food group, right?
Soyfire Candle –I picked up a lavender candle and learned way more about soy candles than I ever expected to. Fun fact: I’m mildly obsessed with lavender, so if it smells like lavender, I’ll buy it. I may or may not have a lavender collection growing...but that’s a story for another time. 😆
Later in the day, we went for a short hike at Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary, and just as the sun was setting, the views were so magical (yes, it was a literal "stop-and-stare-in-awe" moment). The day ended with some delicious custom pizzas cooked in my friend’s Solo pizza oven, which was basically a personal pizza party dream come true. You could say it was a pretty perfect day...unless you’re talking to the pizza oven, which might say it was a cheesy masterpiece. 🤪
Thursday – The Departure
Woke up to freezing 🥶temperatures this morning—apparently, winter didn’t get the memo that it was still fall. The water wasn’t working, which was a rude awakening of the highest order. I had to wait for everything to thaw out before I could even think about taking a shower or packing up. Note to self: If I ever decide to camp in the Arctic again, maybe invest in a heated hose, because apparently, my current setup thinks I’m living in an ice age. But hey, it was all worth it—this was my last trip of the season before I winterized the trailer. I made sure to flush the tanks extra well, probably more than any human should ever need to, but hey, I’m learning!
The drive home was smooth and easy—thankfully, no more ice-related surprises—making it the perfect way to wrap up an absolutely chilly but memorable fall adventure in North Conway. 😉