Monkey Trunks in Chocorua, NH

We took a family trip to New Hampshire for the Columbus Day Weekend, leaving Friday morning and returning Monday morning.  We stayed with college friends who we hadn't seen in seven years.  Rob and "Drewski" (Andrew) are the kind of friends that can pick up right where they have left off from, years previously, in this case.  They met the first day of freshman year and are so alike it's actually uncanny.  I guess I just assume that my dear husband is unique until he's around his buddy and then I'm reminded that they're two peas in a pod.  Andrew and his lovely wife, Kara, along with their kids, Abagael and Micah, hosted us in their home.  They are the consummate hosts, thinking of every last detail.  It was so much fun!

Rob and Andrew

Andrew, Kara, Abagael and Micah

us :)

Lake Chocorua - usually Mt. Washington is visible on clear days

the kids loved taking a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee on Sunday

I had researched some fun things we could do with our kids and we'd thought about kayaking or hiking, but then I found a ropes course/ziplining tour.  Can I just tell you this may be the coolest thing we've ever done as a family?  It was so much fun!  It was called Monkey Trunks (click link to see their website). 

There were actually three courses, with a zipline in between (to travel between the courses).  We were given helmets and harnesses and we were clipped in at all times.  It was $40 per person, which I think was a steal.  We easily spent three hours there and it was just perfect.  It was challenging without being out of reach for our abilities.  The last course was a consecutive one, meaning that you had to complete one challenge in able to get to the other (and most importantly, to the end and your car)!

We didn't take our big camera, but I kept my phone in my pocket - I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but hopefully the smiles will make up for it!

Rob on the "spider web" - the last challenge

Kate - see how she's clipped in?

Rob - in between challenges

big smiles!

and another one!

Emma - landing after ziplining in

Rob and Kate - ziplining in

this was the middle course - with about 40 optional challenges

Josh - taking a rest (he'd been diagnosed with mono that morning) :(

Emma

Mono doesn't keep him down!

even the 8-hr drive was beautiful

We were sad to leave after just a weekend in New Hampshire, but after witnessing this sunrise over Lake Winnipesaukee, we'll be back!