Coast2Coast Day 81:  North Woodstock, New Hampshire to Naples, Maine; entered the fifteenth state on this cross-country journey, met Amanda on the way to Kancamagus Pass, stopped in Conway (served by Sherri) and was asked where to get good beer (by Luke), had spaghetti in Fryeburg and was served by Lisa, and met Cathy in Naples for ice cream ‘snack!’

The day started out wet!  The pavement was still very wet from the overnight rain, and the clouds/mist hung very low.  After a brief stretch in North Woodstock, went through Lincoln, New Hampshire which is home to the Loon Mountain Resort.  I had skied Loon Mountain a number of times in the 1970s, but, without snow, I didn’t recall much.

Began the climb up to Kancamagus Pass (nine+ miles) that was beautiful and magical with the low hanging clouds about the mountains.  At the first lookout parking area, stopped to take off some of my rain gear, and met Amanda, who was on her way down from the Pass.  She is from Ontario, and works marketing for health care.  I wondered since health care in Canada is socialized, what is involved.  She responded that the marketing effort is directed to the practitioners.  She was on a circuit, and had come from the Maine coast/Portland and was headed back to Ontario through Vermont.

After reaching the Pass (another worthy climb), there was an exhilarating descent, including some wild turkeys crossing the road.  The route veered from the highway, taking me through another covered bridge.  Came across someone who asked me whether I knew where the Boulder Loop Trail was located, and the best I had to offer was that I had seen the sign to the parking lot, where he had parked his car.  He had five young men in tow, so I hoped he would find the trailhead.

Stopped at the Irving Mini Mart in Conway, where Sherri helped me.  When leaving, Luke (from Southern New Hampshire) asked me where one might find good beer in town.  I confessed that I am not a local, and was ‘just passing through.’  He congratulated me on the journey!

Continued on to Fryeburg, where I hoped to grab a quick meal.  Entered the Fryeburg House of Pizza, and was served by Lisa.  She greeted me with a smile, and anticipated that I would need a second refreshing glass of soda!  Had a ‘not small’ plate of spaghetti, after Lisa suggested the Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese!

Passed through the second Sweden of the journey, and passed a photo onto Daniel.  He responded that the third (and real) Sweden would be my hat trick for which to look forward!

After passing through Bridgtown, made it to Naples, where I met Cathy outside of the local library.  We went to get ice cream before going to our campsite for the evening.  We watched another episode of ‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ showered, and prepped for what is planned to be the last dash to the Coast.  (We have even started to plan a few days in Maine and then a stop in Boston for Labor Day weekend and a Red Sox game at Fenway!)

Hoping the Portland waterfront trail is not too crowded tomorrow!