White Mountain 2011 Getaway Weekend

Arc’s Recreation Program headed for our annual overnight trip to the Gale River Motel, located in Franconia, NH, right in the heart of the White Mountains. We have been doing this trip for eight years now and it is a perennial favorite. Many people tell me they look forward to this particular trip all year. We book all the rooms at the motel but even so, we always sell this trip out very quickly.

The fifteen individuals and five chaperones who were going on this trip were all excited as they met at the Arc parking lot early on a warm July morning. Four individuals had never been on this trip and the “veterans” enjoyed telling them about what was going to take place and how much fun they would have. They talked about the motel itself and the owner Kevin who makes everyone feel so at home and, of course, his dog Buddy who always came by to visit. On this trip, I think the motel experience itself is almost everyone’s favorite part of the trip.

Before arriving at Gale River though, we drove through beautiful Meredith stopping at Hart’s Turkey Farm for turkey dinners or other delightful choices. The ride passed quickly as we sang songs, played trivia, listened to the radio and just chatted as folks visited with old friends and made new ones.

We arrived at the motel mid-afternoon and were greeted by Kevin, Buddy and homemade chocolate chip cookies in the lobby. After we unpacked, we headed out to the pool for more fun in the sun. Sandy S., who was on her first trip with us, shared that she had never been in a pool or a hot tub. She was nervous about doing either but excited to try. With lots of support and encouragement, at the age of 61, this weekend, she did both. The look on her face was nothing short of priceless. We all enjoyed swimming, the hot tub, badminton and shuffleboard followed by a cookout for supper. After eating and showering, we spent the evening playing more games then made s’mores at the fire pit – yummy before heading off to our very comfortable beds.

We were up early Sunday morning and watched the sun coming up over the mountains while we relaxed with coffee and homemade muffins in the Adirondack chairs outside our rooms while chatting about the day to come. We packed up and headed to Polly’s Pancake Parlor for pancakes, home smoked meats and real maple syrup. Full, we headed for Clark’s Trading Post, driving through the National Forest Parkway. We spent the rest of the day at Clark’s, enjoying the train ride, trained bear show, lunch, shops and exhibits. At the end of a full day, we piled in the van and headed back to the Arc. Everyone agreed that they want to come again next year and the new people on the trip agreed that they did indeed have fun as promised.

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.