Mount Washington, New Hampshire

This 6,288 peak, the highest in the northeastern United States, claims the dubious distinction of having the worst weather on earth. It is not a large mountain by world standards, however, its unique location causes it to sometimes experience weather extremes such as those found in polar regions, or by other mountains 3 or 4 times as high. On April 12, 1934, the ground wind speed atop Mt. Washington was recorded at 231 mph (372 kph), an all time world record that still stands.

There is an auto road to the top of Mt. Washington where you will find an observatory, gift shop, snacks, and restrooms. Built in 1861, this "Road to the Sky" was an unprecedented enginering achievement and became America's first man-made attraction. I took my son, Jeromy, up Mount Washington in mid June, just after he had graduated from High School. The views of the Presidential Range, White Mountains National Forest, and beyond were spectacular. As we started up the mountain it was clear and the temperature was around 70F. Just before we reached the summit a stiff wind blew a cloud cover across the sky and snow began to fall. Or actually the snow blew by horizontally in a blustery cold wind. When weather permits, the auto road is open from early May 'till late October.

Mt. Washington is also a popular hike, but not one to be taken lightly. Many have perished on its slopes because they were not prepared for the sudden dramatic changes in weather that can happen here. A cog railway also ascends the mountain, but I have saved that for a future trip.

New Hampshire House of Representatives Chamber

Upon entering the New Hampshire State House Chamber I was immediately struck by it's larger than usual size, both on the main floor and in the visitors gallery.

Although New Hampshire is one of the smallest states and has one of the smaller state capitol buildings, it has an unusually large House of Representatives with 400 members. These Representatives come from 103 districts across the state created from divisions of the state's counties. New Hampshire has one legislature for every 3,000 residents in the state. If the U.S. Congress had the same ratio of representation nationwide it would require a House of Representatives with approximately 99,000 members.

New Hampshire State Capitol, Concord

The seat of government for New Hampshire, the State House is the oldest State Capitol Building in the United States in which the state legislative bodies still meet in their original chambers. The imposing structure, built of New Hampshire Granite in 1815-1818, is capped with a beautiful gold dome which is both a landmark and a monument.

I took a self guided tour of the capitol building in which I saw the Hall of Flags and the portraits of generations of leaders along the corridors, as well as the House and Senate chambers. I also enjoyed browsing in the gift shop which is just off the lobby area. Being there in July, when the legislature was not in session, I found the building mostly empty. I'm sure it is a beehive of activity at other times.

The State House Visitors Center is open year round. Self guided tours may be taken any time. Guided tours are scheduled for groups of 10 or more.