Trip report

SUSTAINING MEMBERS ONLY: GOtoberFest!!!

Social Event DATE: 10/13/2018 - 10/13/2018

Trip/Event Location: Waterville Valley, NH
US

Trip Leader(s): Gandalf

Max # People: 40

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Easy

This much anticipated event of the autumn season typically draws sustaining members from the region and neighboring states for a great time!

It's the perfect way to meet fellow sustaining

...
Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO PARK ALONGSIDE THE ROAD ON THE SIDE OF OUR MAILBOX SO WE DO NOT BLOCK THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. 

IF YOU ARE LODGING/TENTING WITH US: YOU CAN DRIVE DOWN TO THE HOUSE AND PARK BEING CAREFUL NOT TO BLOCK ANY CARS. IF THE LOWER LOT IS FULL, YOU CAN UNLOAD AND THEN PARK ON OUR UPPER PARKING LOT. 

DIRECTIONS: Take I-93 and use Exit 28. At the end of the ramp take right onto Rte 49 East for 3.5 miles and take a left on Burbank Hill Road.

During this 3.5 miles, you'll pass a traffic light where there is a dam on your right, then pass a White Mountain National Forest campground and then see a restaurant for sale on your left. About a mile after the restaurant, you'll see Burbank Hill Road on the left (Goose Hollow Campground sign). If you cross the Mad River on the bridge, you just missed the left turn.

Take a left onto steep Burbank Hill Road and you’ll quickly reach the top of the hill where you take your first right onto Upper Mad River Road (Hiking Sign). The road will soon turn into gravel, you'll pass two apartments on your right and then a house. Our property begins right after this house and after about 200 yards you’ll see a mailbox with "676" which is our house. The house is not very visible from the road. We'll have some party balloons on our mailbox.

Our address is 676 Upper Mad River Road, Thornton, NH 03285.

If you cannot find the house, call us at 603-726-7558.


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

If you missed it, then you missed the passion, camaraderie and magic of our first GOtoberFest at the Mad River Lodge!

This event was a reunion and homecoming event for gay outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.   

We all came from distant points, hurrying along to arrive as soon as possible to enjoy the surroundings of the Mad River Lodge and to meet new and familiar faces once more. From the views extending for miles, the peak foliage and the comfortable accommodations, the Mad River Lodge was perfect our first GOtoberFest.    

Dan and Dave decided to hike up Sandwich Dome before the start and ended up encountering snow on the summit! Yes…winter is arriving early in the White Mountains.

Everyone began arriving soon after 3PM and after getting settled in the bunkroom joined us in the great room sharing appetizers and placed their craft brews in our communal cooler for our Beer Blast.

I particularly enjoyed our Potluck where the culinary outdoor talents of our members were in full display! I was just amazed how great all the dishes were.  Dishes included chicken teriyaki, grilled pork loin, baked ziti, eggplant lasagna, roasted vegetable, fall salad and a chocolate espresso cake. Gay men sure know how to cook!

We then went outside and lit up a massive bonfire as we looked up at thousands of stars above.  Jon and I lit up a pumpkin Sky Lantern that stayed afloat high into the sky for easily 5 minutes. Later in the evening, Jon and I shot off a bunch of fireworks that everyone enjoyed.

Sunday some members took a walk down to the Mad River from the house. Nate and John took a short hike at the nearby Smarts Brook Gorge. This was a fun weekend with an amenable group of GO members.  We’d like to welcome Bob at his first GO event.

Thanks to all that signed up and participated! All proceeds from overnight lodging was donated to GO. We raised $310! We had a fun and relaxing time. Hope to see you on our other trips real soon!

Mike and Jon            

  There are 34 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

What Members Are Saying About This Trip/Event

  • Mike and Jon - Thanks for another awesome event and for opening your home to the GO Boys. You're awesome hosts and dedicated to the GO cause. Kudos. John PS - I added a few more pics. - NHGuy1028

Members That Participated

Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
beyoungyu

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Harrisburg, PA


United States
Eupatorium

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Mathias, WV


United States
NHGuy1028

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Merrimack, NH


United States
Robert.L

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Bowdoin, ME


United States
DaveNorthEast

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Raynham, MA


United States
Philip

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Tuftonboro, NH


United States
NHGuy1028 Oct 15, 2018 at 8:37 PM

Comment: Mike and Jon - Thanks for another awesome event and for opening your home to the GO Boys. You're awesome hosts and dedicated to the GO cause. Kudos. John PS - I added a few more pics.

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