Waterfalls and Train Trips

stone house

Thursday, September 22nd.  Although it didn't rain last night, we awoke to overcast skies.  After a pancake breakfast where we got to use our just purchased Vermont Maple Syrup, we got ready to drive south thru the White Mountains to take a train ride.  Conway is about 30 miles south of Gorham and it's a beautiful drive.  First, just down the street from the campground is a stone house and barn built in 1886.  I imagine that the stones were gathered from the adjacent river.  It is quite stunning.

On our way to Conway, we came across the Glen Ellis Falls, which starts with a rushing stream at the top above an 80 foot waterfall into a rushing stream below.  We've seen a lot of waterfalls on this trip and it's hard to say one is better than the rest.  I guess for me falling water is as mesmerizing as a campfire.

on the back platform

When we got to Conway, the first thing we noticed is that it's full of factory outlet stores.  But we weren't there to shop...we were there for a train excursion.  We took a 1 and 3/4 hour trip up the Saco River valley.    After we bought our tickets we found out that we could pay the conductor and additional $5.00 and then sit on the back platform of the train.  That was the best $5 we spent on this entire trip.  On the trip out of Conway, we had a great view and close-ups of the engine.  On the return we had a total 180 degree unobstructed view off the back of the train.  What a great experience.