The Nature of New Hampshire: Trains & Boats With Your Grandchild

Program Registration 3:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

At the resort, we will order plated 3-course meals from a select menu with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At the resort, have what you like from the breakfast buffet with a rotating variety of choices such as eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, pancakes or French toast, fresh fruit, breads, juice, coffee, water.

We will board our motorcoach with our Group Leader to head for Mount Washington and the Cog railroad. At the base, we’ll visit the Cog Museum for a self-directed exploration of exhibits that detail the history of the railway. During our journey to the 6, 200' summit of Mount Washington, we learn about the history and operations of the Cog Railway from the conductor. We’ll learn about the diesel and steam engines that run the railroad, and what the breakman's job is.

A box lunch will be provided today to include chips, cookie and bottled water. Choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

We will depart Mount Washington with our Group Leader and travel to Fadden's Sugarhouse, where we will meet with staff and learn about the art of maple sugaring. Following that, we will sample some of their delicious syrup and candy. Returning to the resort, the remainder of the afternoon is free. You might like to take a swim, take a gondola ride to the summit or enjoy other resort activities.

Dinner is on your own this evening at a nearby restaurant.

At leisure.

Resort buffet.

We will board the motorcoach for a trip to Squam Lake and the Squam Lake Science Center, where we will learn about the local animals. Upon arrival we set out with our Group Leader for a walk along the 3/4 mile trail through forests, meadows and marshes. Along the nature walk we’ll have an opportunity to "meet" the creatures and learn about what makes them suited to their ecosystem. We will see live predators and observe them up close.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch served at the Science Center, with preselected choices of a sandwich with chips, fruit, cookie, bottled water.

We will board our boat for a wildlife study cruise on Squam Lake. We will have an opportunity to see bald eagles, loons, and much more as our driver discusses the wildlife and the lake. We will return to the resort by motorcoach.

At a local restaurant. Choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

After returning to the resort, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Resort buffet.

We will travel to Meredith, where we meet with a local railroad historian who will take us on an exploration of their rolling stock, including a few of their historic cars. We will then enjoy a scenic, narrated ride on one of the trains. We will disembark on our arrival at Weirs Beach.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

After lunch we will meet on the dock of the of the Sophie C, the lake’s mail boat, known as the oldest floating post office in the United States. We will board the boat for the afternoon mail run while learning about the many islands and summer homes that dot the lake. We’ll then return to the resort by motorcoach.

Buffet dinner this evening at the resort.

This evening we will go on a Moose Tour following our dinner. This will be led by a local professional. Please note that due to the natural behaviors of the moose this will be a late evening excursion so that we have the best chance of seeing them. Plan on being gone from the resort from 8:00-11:00 PM

Resort buffet.

We will travel to Rumney where we will visit the Polar Caves Park. Enjoy a self-directed exploration through the nine unique granite caves. This natural attraction offers an educational experience showcasing the region's unique geology, You will also have an opportunity to visit with non-native animal species.

At a local restaurant. Choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

Following lunch we take a short ride to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Here we board the cable car which takes us to the 4,080' summit of Cannon Mountain where you can see the mountains of four neighboring states and Canada! Enjoy a self-directed exploration of the scenic walking paths. We will then return to the resort by motorcoach.

Pizza Party at a local restaurant. Choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

Tonight we visit a local railroad themed 18 hole mini golf course set among waterfalls and caves. Share your favorite parts of the week with your fellow participants.

Resort buffet. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!