In 2009 I was invited to present at a conference at Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is in the heart of northern New England, and I had never been there. I flew up a day early, rented a car and explored New Hampshire and Vermont. Spending the first night in Vermont, the second night at Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.
Mt Washington sits in an opening between mountains, with the prevailing winds blowing through creating a unique micro climate. It is one of the windiest places in North America. A tourist cog-railway was built up the side of the mountain (and there is now a road up the other side.) I had never ridden a cog-railway, and research revealed that the line was still running part of the trains on coal fired steam locomotives. I booked tickets for that experience.
It was thrilling and at times terrifying, the train climbs the mountain with a gear (the cog) gripping a special rail in the middle of the track. The steam engine at times seemed to struggle with the very steep grade, as the train climbed the mountain we disappeared into the clouds. I'd do it again today.
The conference was in the fall, near the peak of the autumn color. It was one of the most scenic work trips I ever had. If you get a chance, go to New Hampshire.
One of my Dad's first jobs was with Bell Helicopter, when they were perfecting the first choppers. They were having trouble with ice collecting on the blades - and would test their prototype solutions on Mt Washington because they could count on the foul weather conditions they needed. Dad talked about those experiences the rest of his life.
ReplyDeleteA blogger who lives in New Hampshire led me to have a good look at the special trains that run for autumn leaf viewing. I came across the cog railway too. It would be a delight to ride. I have ridden one steep cog railway in the hills of Buda.
ReplyDeleteNew Hampshire is a beautiful state. I’ve never been on a cog-railway. I’d take that ride!
ReplyDelete