The White Mountains of New Hampshire are rich with natural history. Early settlers noticed amazing natural wonders in our area as they began to venture north from the urban areas. Natural rock formations like the venerable Old Man of the Mountain and the Indian Head share their place in our local history with places like the Flume Gorge and our many spectacular "Notches". These were natural creations, some made more accessible by the hands of man, but none actually created by man. That has always been the key to their splendor.

I was lucky growing up, as my father was a keen observer and virtual walking encyclopedia of the human and natural history of the White Mountains. We visited Grand Hotels  and the sites where some of them burned. I remember watching the last Crawford House  go up in smoke and I also remember looking for old bottles and plates at the site of the second Profile House in Franconia Notch. On our Sunday "adventures" we'd pile into the old station wagon (yes it had wood paneling and no we didn't have seatbelts) and venture off through the North Country of New Hampshire . [caption id="attachment_1693" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Looking south on the Franconia Ridge Trail. Near peaks are Mount Flume (left) and Mount Liberty (center).[/caption] My father would always tell us stories of the various interesting places we would visit. Do you know the story of Nancy Brook in Crawford Notch or perhaps the Willey House? How about or Boise Rock up in Franconia Notch? Do you know why it's called Cannon Mountain? Driving through the notch, if it was cloudy or foggy my dad would always say, "looks like the Old Man is smoking his pipe today" and we'd all peer through the clouds hoping for an elusive view of our old friend high on the slopes of Cannon Mountain. They are fond memories that I now enjoy sharing with my own children. The richness of history in our North Country and White Mountains New Hampshire area helps me identify my sense of place and time here in the part of the world I call home. I wouldn't have it any other way. [caption id="attachment_1690" align="aligncenter" width="317"] You can see the snow cross in this old postcard photo)[/caption] While driving in Franconia today I looked up to the slopes of Mt Lafayette , which is a prominent view from our small and quaint Main Street. There, as it appears every spring, was the first sign of the snow cross on the North West flanks of the mountain. While not as famous as some of the more prominent attractions in our area, this is one that always catches my fancy. It has been noted since folks first settled in our area long before my time. Post card views from the late 1800's, like the one above depict it well. You see, there are some deeper ravines up there that hold snow longer than the surrounding slopes. When the snow melt reaches the right level, it gradually appears as a giant white cross on the side of the mountain. Some years it is more prominent than others, appearing at the whimsy of the change in seasons. It is akin to a beautiful sunset, remarkable to see and made all the more special by the fact that it is only a brief moment before it fades away. Our greatest hope being that it is just as special the next time you get to witness it! We would love to find you a perfect home in White Mountains. Get in Touch and connect with a local expert.