Surfing and Hiking and Biking, Oh My!

Some do adventure sports for the thrill, some for the bragging rights and some because its just plain fun. With two vans full of gear, a few Kiwis took campers to the ocean and into the bush to pack in as much outdoor adventure as possible into three days.

First stop: Kennebunkport's Gooch Beach for some surfing. While the real waves come to the Atlantic during hurricane season, July's swells are well-suited for beginning surfers. Outfitted in wetsuits by Aquaholic's Surf Shop the campers took to the ocean with seven and eight-foot foam boards. The boys learn quickly and practice through the afternoon paddling and quickly standing on the boards. The smallest and youngest boys in the group emerge as the best surfers for the day. Go figure.





That evening we camp in a thickly forested reserve of the Kennebunkport Land Trust situated along a river. The nearby resident who used to lifeguard at Puerto Escondito, one of the largest surf breaks in the world, allows the boys hit golf balls from his porch across the river. After a long day of activity we eat heartily and sleep well.



Day two is mountain biking. We drive to New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains and arrive at Great Glen Trails Adventure Center where we rent mountain bikes. The trails are well groomed and meander through woods and rolling hills with wildflowers that surround Mt. Washington. Trail maps are easy to read and routes for all levels are available so bikers can choose their own challenge. The facility also has a cafe and locker rooms.



We decide on a short hike the next day to accommodate a drive to the top of Mt. Washington, "Home of the world's worst weather." The guide scoffed at our vehicles when he realized we were driving twelve passenger vans to the top of the mount. The trip is about a 25 minute drive during which passengers can listen to an informational CD about Mt. Washington. The winding road reminds me of Highway 1 in California from which cars can plummet over the cliffs if the driver is not careful. The mountain was surrounded by low-lying clouds making it appear volcanic. Sweeping views of the White Mountains are offered throughout the drive and make me think of "The Sound of Music." At the summit the air is fresh. An old lodge where people used to spend the night has been preserved and serves as a museum. The highest wind speed ever recorded on the mountain is 231 m.p.h. and the summit frequently gets hurricane force winds.



The last stop was Glen Ellis Falls, a series of waterfalls tucked in the woods. We brought bathing suits to take advantage of the scenic and cool swimming holes. A few brave souls jumped from the cliffs into the water. The swim was a refreshing respite before leaving the White Mountains. These rich experiences among nature make peeing in the woods well worth it.