Bear With Me

After riding in the car for more than six hours, I was looking forward to checking into my room at the Mount Washington Hotel in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire. Unfortunately, I was a last-minute responder and there was no room at the inn.

At first, there was a room at the lodge just outside the grounds. It was an easy 1-km walk (5/8 mile) back up the drive. No problem for me. But the hotel staff laughed and said, “You shouldn’t do that walk at night.”

“Why?” I scoffed. “Am I going to get mugged?”

“No,” I was told, “But you might run into a bear.”

Anyway, that room disappeared while we talked, so I shared a room with my cousin the first night.

I went for a walk the next morning and discovered this was serious business. There were actually warning signs posted around the property. Still, I didn’t see any bears — unless you count some of the guys at the wedding. I did, however, meet some very friendly horses… and an irresistible pig.

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ENTERING MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT (MOUNT WASHINGTON IN BACKGROUND).

MAIN BUILDING OF THE RESORT. A COZY LITTLE PLACE.

THE WHITE MOUNTAINS.

A VIEW TO THE NORTH VERANDA.

THERE WERE GIANT CHECKERS, TOO.