Arc’s Overnight in the White Mountains

Fun! Stupendous! Exciting! Wonderful! A blast! Can’t wait to go again next year!

 These were the comments made by folks who participated in this year’s Arc Recreation overnight trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. This annual weekend is an eagerly awaited highlight of the summer for many folks. A combination of mostly repeat vacationers and a couple of new folks joined us on this fun-filled weekend.

 The day started a little cloudy with a prediction of thunderstorms so some people were concerned if they’d be able to swim and that our usual cookout would be cancelled. Nonetheless, smiles appeared as individuals greeted friends and their chaperones and prepared for the ride. Despite some raindrops, everyone enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith and the ride along the Franconia Parkway through the Notch with its breathtaking views to our motel.

 This was our eighth year staying at the Gale River motel in the town of Franconia and by now has a real feeling of homecoming. Kevin, the owner, welcomed the group in his usual friendly fashion, recognized folks who had been there before and treated all of us as his personal guest. As we checked in, he offered us homemade chocolate chip cookies and then helped us with our luggage. And then….the sun came out! Kevin, of course, told us he had ordered it just for us!

 We all spent the afternoon swimming, using the hot tub, playing badminton and relaxing at this lovely spot, surrounded by the majestic mountains. We had pizza for supper at the picnic tables and then played lawn games while watching the colors of the sky change. Buddy, the resident black lab, came out and romped with us. Josh and Luigi especially enjoyed Kevin teaching them to play shuffleboard. After cleanup, most of us gathered in Betty’s room for a rollicking, loud and laugh filled dice game called “right, left or center”. By ten o’clock our beds were calling and everyone got a good night’s sleep.

 Sunday morning brought homemade blueberry muffins and beverages in the lobby to be enjoyed in the Adirondack chairs outside our rooms. This is truly an incredible spot! We sadly said goodbye to Kevin and Buddy, then headed up to Polly’s Pancake breakfast for a delicious, and filling, breakfast. That brought us to another highlight – souvenir shopping, this time at Clark’s Trading Post. Michelle and Martine found huge bargains on Vera Bradley handbags and everyone else found their own treasures. After some pictures, we headed for our final destination, Smitty’s Cinema in Tilton. There we sat in comfy reclining chairs, were served lunch and watched Toy Story 3 – how fun. Eighteen tired, happy people headed home, laughing, talking, sharing new memories and already making plans for next year.

About the Author: Eileen Ganong

Eileen has managed residential programs, worked as staffing coordinator, presented staff trainings, qualified families for Shared Living/AFC placements, been instrumental in designing new program models and has participated in developing an array of services within the Family Support and Recreation program she currently directs.