steve's White Mountain Blog

Residents of New Hampshire – there may be no greater threat to our states Economy than the current Northern Pass – utility attempt to run a 1200 Megawatt High Voltage Direct Current line – Over head suspended on towers 135 feet in the air across the entire Granite State. The Visual blight alone will hurt the tourist industry and the scenic beauty of our state. The real estate tax revenues,  the health and welfare of our citizens, Gas tax, toll booth revenues, rooms and meals taxes will suffer as well. Please add your town to the list of places who wish to Petition requiring “any” high voltage transmission lines – be required to be buried rather than strung from towers over 100 feet in height.

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PETITION FOR A HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE ORDINANCE TOWN OF _______________

WHEREAS, the Town of _________________ currently has an existing electrical transmission line carrying High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) through the town designated by Public Service Company of New Hampshire as Line X–178; and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned transmission line is mounted on 40 to 50 foot tall wooden poles, some of which are below adjacent tree lines; and,

WHEREAS, the proposed Northern Pass transmission line would carry 1200 Megawatts of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power generally south from Canada through New Hampshire, including through portions of the Town of _________________, on visually damaging power lines hung from tall, intrusive steel towers at heights ranging from eighty (80') feet to one hundred and thirty five (135') feet in the air, well above tree height; and,

WHEREAS, the Voters of the Town of _________________ have concluded that the Northern Pass transmission line, as it has been proposed, would cause significant degradation of real estate property values resulting in dramatic losses of property tax receipts, well in excess of any conceivable property tax revenues from levying tax assessments on the aforesaid towers and transmission lines; and,

WHEREAS, numerous other negative impacts from the aforesaid proposed Northern Pass transmission line will occur or can reasonably be expected to occur, over time, including, but not limited to: a. A significant drop in tourist visits, and consequently, revenues, as damages from the power lines to New Hampshire’s natural scenic beauty will be a deterrent to people coming to the region. b. A drop in toll fees and New Hampshire gas tax revenues as motorists choose other routes into Northern New England, or worse, choose not come at all. c. The strong possibility of negative health impacts from Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF’s) radiating from the 1200 Megawatt HVDC cables. d. A drop in business revenues, and consequently, a drop in employment at impacted businesses such as; ski areas, restaurants, gas stations, constructions firms, shops, stores, banks, real estate firms, to name just a few - - all of which are heavily dependent upon visitors coming to the area. Therefore, the undersigned citizens of _________________, by petition, respectfully ask the town to adopt the following ordinance:

Other than high voltage electrical transmission lines in existence as of the effective date of this ordinance, there shall be no further overhead development of alternating current or direct current high voltage transmission lines allowed within the borders of the Town of __________________. All such future electrical transmission lines must be placed underground within power line rights of way or within yet to be established power line corridors, and installed in a manner approved by the State of New Hampshire’s Public Utility Commission and/or Department of Transportation. Distribution lines carrying electrical power and other utility lines such as telephone and cable television for local residential or commercial use may continue to be installed above ground, but undergrounding of such lines, is strongly recommended and encouraged. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

Printed Name____________________________Signature________________Date

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Please fill in the town you reside in - print your name - Sign , Date and Mail to : Alliance Against Northern Pass P.O.Box 1732, Campton NH 03223.

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   Here is a link to the PDF - Version of this Petition *Northern Pass Petition.*

  Here is a you tube video talking about the issues involved in the Northern pass *Northern passVideo*

This is the view I want to see every day...not one with 100 miles of 100+ foot High Voltage towers over the White mountains and leading all the way down to the sea coast of New Hampshire.

The views are incredible this time of year...I took these photos today, and even by my (see it all the time) standards these are magnificent views. First: Franconia Notch State Park - Surrounded by White mountain National Forest. The State park is where the "Old Man of the Mountain " once showed his stone face, it is also the site of the state owned Cannon Mountain Ski Area (Flume Gorge - Echo Lake & a number of trail heads to various hikes).

 The far left of the photo -mid frame is the stone cliffs where the Old Man once stood...the rest of the range is Lafayette, Lincoln, Little Haystack, Liberty and Mount Flume and part of the Appalachian trail. North view.

This shot into the sun lost some of it's vibrancy due to the south facing camera angle...But you are Looking at Loon Mountain's new South Peak Slopes (two new expert trails added for this season) from down below you are not able to see the actual peak of the South mountain summit...the trails and lifts go up beyond this first rise.

 The Pemigewasset River provides a variety of recreational choices for locals and visitors alike, and today it was a fine photo opportunity to share with my readers. These three pictures represent what draws many people to the area...Hiking, Skiing and water sports. I hope you enjoyed my October Foliage photos today.

Looking for real estate in the area please feel free to contact me of use the MLS icon on the bottom of this post to search all are properties - by price, type or town.

Granite State Builder’s Parade of Homes – Columbus Day Weekend.

We will be featuring two Adirondack style homes – Slope side at Loon Mt. Cargill construction – last years Emerald award winner for energy efficiency will have two beautiful Post and beam style homes on display Saturday – Monday from 11 am until 4 pm each day. The $5 entrance fee helps support the non-profit work of Granite State independent living and one donation gets you in to all 16 homes on display over the two weekend event.

  For more details log on to:www.nhparadeofhomes.com  

34 Hemlock Drive, Lincoln NH 03251 – South Peak Resort at Loon Mtn.

This 6,000 Square foot custom gem, features a ski room that walks out to the trail system which allows ski –in and ski-out access to this very special home. The design includes Pecan wide plank flooring, Granite counter tops, two stone fireplaces, and 25 foot timber frame ceilings in the living room.

11 South Mt Road, Lincoln NH,South Peak resort at Loon.

From the moment you see the timber frame entry way you will know you have arrived at a classic Adirondack Chalet. This custom build ski house features 5 bedrooms, a home gym, a three season screen & Glass covered porch and takes advantage of the sights and sounds of the Pemi River out back. We are seeking a gold certificate from the National association of home builders for “Green technology” on this 4,900 house.

Directions – Enjoy the foliage – on your way to these beautiful homes.

Take Interstate 93 to exit 32 the Loon Mountain / Lincoln NH/ Kancamagus scenic highway access. East on rte 112 Look for the signs on your right – the first open house is just past the new South Mountain base lodge and lifts…you’ll see us. (house #2) is the next left on South Mt Rd.

   The view From South Mountain Bridge - on your way to the Parade of Homes on Loon mountain Lincoln NH.

Parade of Homes…brought to you by - Home builders & Remodelers Association of New Hampshire.

Two Great Events, on one Ticket! The Lakes region open houses are scheduled for October 8-10 over Columbus Day weekend (which includes two homes at South Mountain) seven homes on display.  Then the Southern New Hampshire Event is the following weekend October 15-16 (with 9 additional homes to view). Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go to benefit “Granite State Independent Living”  

All the Homes on the Parade are less than two years old, and will have product representatives for many innovative materials and applications – some of the sponsors include: Viking Appliances, Anderson Windows, Wells Fargo and others.

New south mountain Ski slopes ready to open this season....two new expert trails, and ski to your door access on the South mountain side of Loon , Lincoln NH 03251...come to the open houses and see some great homes. Two homes to view over the Columbus Day weekend 2011.

           For more info:  www.paradeofhomes.com

More About the Homes and development sites slope side: www.slopesideatsouthmountain.com

More about the custom home builder - conducting the open house: Cargill Construction - Adirondack Builder

Come see the furthest north custom homes to make this years list #6 & #7 ...are worth a drive and by the way the foliage is awesome right now.

New Hampshire Parade of Homes 2011 – Lakes & Mountains showcase.  October 8-10 at various location from the lakes region on north, members of the Home builders & Remodelers association of New Hampshire will be holding open houses.

The homes must be new or newly remodeled in the past two years, and the New Hampshire Parade of Homes committee will review entries for eligibility and quality. For more information or an Iphone ap search: www.nhparadeofhomes.com

Admission Price and official Charity: Public admission is $5/person children under 12 are free (this ticket allows you to tour all the home participating this year) all proceeds Granite State Independent Living  http://www.gsil.org/

Cargill construction has two entries in this years Parade of Homes…both are on the South Mountain slopes at Loon mountain’s ski resort in Lincoln NH. Cargill Construction.

On the Corner of Hemlock Drive and Crooked mt road.

South Mountain rd....finishing up the landscaping

Cargill Construction 2010 NH Home builders ,Emerald Award.

      New Hampshire home builder’s first Emerald award winning home. 

The Emerald award is the highest achievement presented by the National Home Builders Association, National Green Building Standard.

This Emerald home has an array of energy-saving products and technologies.  The HVAC is a state of the art hybrid geothermal and a propane furnace system. It consists of five zones, a heat recovery ventilation (HRV), and steam humidification. The system uses “Energy Management” to self diagnose through one thermostat which communicates with the other zones to create the perfect balance for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In addition the system offers the homeowner the ability to remote access all controls through the internet.

In order to achieve this high level of reward many sustainable and recyclable materials found throughout the home. Examples are found in FSC framing lumber, local hardwood flooring, 100% recycled underlayment’s, Energy Star appliances, concrete that contains 30% fly ash, and reclaimed cabinets to name but a few.

The envelope is ultra tight with BIBS insulation in the outside walls (R-23) and vaulted ceilings have an additional 2” of rigid insulation (R-49). The efficiency is reflected in the HERS of 46, despite the 4,000 SF. 

Cargill Construction had this home in the lakes region on display last year along with 10 other home builders, this year the number of homes has not been decided. We wish our Parent company much success with this years parade and many more awards should be coming their way...good luck - Alpine Lakes Real Estate Co Inc.

This Weekend kicks off with the Lipizzaner Stallions...putting on a show here in Lincoln New Hampshire.

 More Information and tickets at the Local Chamber of Commerce 9/9/11 / Lincolnwoodstock.com

The Next really big event here is the New Hampshire Highland Games...taking place right at Loon mountain. The Scottish festival features Fife and Drum marching bands, Sheep dog trial, Highland Dance competitions, and strong man field events...plus much more of the Scottish culture. Food -and-fun for everyone. 9/16/11...More info at the same Chamber of Commerce site above.

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Not be be left out of the fast sports...The Sylvania 300 returns to Loundon International Speedway for a regular Fall NASCAR event. Drive Fast Turn left...

Much more Fun “ON TAP” when the October-fest Brewer Festival returns the Loon Mountain Area…I’ll Publish more about that soon. So Subscribe to my Blog if you want to know what is happening in the White mountains of New Hampshire. October Calender coming soon!!

The White Mountains are beautiful from a kayak, paddling down a quiet river. I'm just a week away from sending my son off to his freshman year of college. Although he'll be less than two hours away...this single father will miss his only child more than a two hour drive would indicate. So today the plan was to kayak the Pemigewasset, and chat a bit as we paddled along our route.

Conor and I have sit on-top style boats...when you get in to the rapids you can tighten leg straps to keep you in. Other wise you are exposed to the sun and water as you balance a tippy ride in the river.

We launch off route 175 in Woodstock New Hampshire at a nice sandy beach owned by the town...leaving the truck behind for later pick-up.

At 18 I don't insist on a vest anymore the water is calm and the day was warm...and Conor is a strong kayak-er, for first timers absolutely wear a life vest.

This was a shot over looking the front of my kayak...and one of the last good pictures of the day for reasons I'll disclose in this next shot.

If you guessed I got dumped over board -you win the prize. The Camera Got wet and so did I. A fallen tree pinned my boat before I could maneuver away from it and I got soaked along with my trusty Cannon sure shot.

It was a great day on the water, and the digital disc worked in one of my other cameras in order to down load the photos. We pulled off at our house on the river and dragged the boats home. I'll let you know later if the camera still works -once it's dried out a bit (I knew I should have grabbed the underwater camera...but I haven't been dumped out a boat in years). If you ever get the chance try this 6 mile route it took us a little over an hour.

I think this will be another fond memory for my son, I wish him well in college and hope he comes home often to see his old dad. Anyone seeking a White Mountain adventure...or more importantly looking to buy real estate in my neck of the woods give me a call - college isn't cheep these days.

Lincoln NH Summer Attractions for the whole Family.

When you think of the White Mountains a picture of national Forest, pristine rivers, winding mountain roads and wonderful vista views come to mind.

There are also a number of man made attractions here.

I’m going to share a few of my favorite things to do…that don’t involve –hiking – biking- or kayaking down the river. These are pure fun, for the sake of entertainment:

The Whales Tale Water Park,Wet & Wild fun on a hot day.

There are lightening fast slides, round and round, and upside down slides, there is a huge wave pool, a Kiddy pool, A lazy river a pirates ship wreck and for the adults a quieter heated pool with Jacuzzi’s  (food and cocktails).

Loon Mtn. Adventure center…summer at the ski area.

The ski resort is not just a winter destination - they offer a climbing wall, Zip lines, a super safe trampoline (with harnesses) and a visit to Loon is not complete until you ride the Gondola to the top for the mountain, where you can enjoy the views and do a little cave exploration (story telling included).

Clark’s trading post: one of the oldest traditions in NH.

The main attraction for most visitors is the live bear show; these trained black bears will do most anything for a spoonful of ice cream. I make the trip every year to see the wolf man, take a stream engine train ride, visit the crooked house, get wet on the bumper boats and see the Fire-truck museum.

Looking for a Forest Theme adventure…Look no further.

The town of Lincoln New Hampshire is over 95% White Mountain National Forest. Hiking, Camping, biking, kayaking awesome mountain views and spectacular waterfalls all can be found here to. Your options…waterslides, train rides, zip lines or pitch a tent along a mountain stream and listen to the sounds of the forest with no other buildings in sight. White Mt’s of N.H.

Top of Mount Indian Head at Sunset. All these attractions are Located in Lincoln New Hampshire...where 95% of the land area is in the White mountain National Forest. If you can't find something fun to do here, you are not trying very hard. Use the MLS search button or open my Web site to learn more about local real estate options...Steve Loynd / White Mountain NH Realtor.

The sound of gravel under my wheels is a daily occurrence for me. I imagine the hum of pavement is all many hear from the moment they leave their house in the morning until they get home at the end of the day.

When you drive on a country road a few things happen. You are required to slow down the hidden imperfections of the uneven surfaces require you to look ahead…and look around. Driving too fast means you are kicking up too much dust and that isn’t the neighborly thing to do.

Old stone walls built by farmers are common along dirt roads. These were not put up to keep the animals in or the neighbors out…they were a bi-product of tilling the fields. Then stack stone along property boarders to make use of the discarded nuisance in growing a crop.

Forest brooks were allowed to meander where they wanted to go. They took the path of least resistance and the old timers constructed homes away from them.

When you are not in too much of a hurry, take a trip down a dirt road and enjoy the scenery – you’ll get where you’re going all in good time. A shady lane in the summer is just the right thing to slow down your pace.

I have 18.83 acres for sale on this shady lane, it needs a small bridge to get over the brook but it's price very affordable at $99,900 ( about $5,300/ acre). Ready to enjoy a slower pace of life off a shady gravel road?

                 Listing Details: Morris Lane, Campton New Hampshire.

Try the MLS button on the bottom of my post to search for all properties listed in the White Mountains of N.H.

Deeded Quarter-share ownership in the White mountains of New Hampshire. The concept is like owning property with Three other partners who you don't have to ever coordinate - or budget ownership cost with.

So you want to own your vacation home , but you can't possibly use it all the time and you don't want to be married to the condo in terms of never feeling you can go somewhere else. Quarter share is the solution, it is yours every fourth week -so 13 times a year you can do what you want with the condo...use it rent it, exchange it to go elsewhere. Still, will it feel like home when you are there? Sure everyone else in the building has the same deeded week ( A-B-C or D) so you have the same neighbors when you come (unless they lend it -or rent it out).  This is fee simple ownership, it is deeded and yours forever...to resell or gift , exchange to visit the world.

Nice clubhouse, pond, racquetball courts, tennis, and shuttle to Loon Mt 3 miles away.

waterfront building with views of the Pemigewasset River...One Bedroom units with Fireplace From $14,000 and two bedroom condos from $25,000. Call me for more details.