The House That Monkey Boy Built, trip re port

“Today Monkey Boy and Skeeter Bait had an open house to celebrate their new home and their Certificate of Occupancy. We arrived at about 10:30 AM, since I work 3-11 today, and – unfortunately missed seeing any of the other TT’ers who attended. They graciously invited our dog in, and gave us a tour of the awesome house that Monkey Boy built with help from Skeeter, his Dad and subcontractors (Monkey Boy has some talent, so if you are in the area and looking for a contractor - talk to him!). It’s a gorgeous house with an incredible view of the River. They also did a fantastic job on the grounds. They’ve got more to do (including finishing the second floor), but it’s already a wonderful place and everything is coming together nicely.

We did get to meet Monkey Boy’s parents and enjoyed spending some time with Monkey and Skeeter. It was great to see them both again. Now that they are in New Hampshire and their house is looking good, and has the official blessing of a CO, I’m hoping to meet up with them in the White Mountains before too long.

We owe a special debt of thanks to Skeeter for a tip she gave us:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/40381,3.php”

“Pedxing, looking forward to hiking with you again. It's been a while. Glad to meet you and Ellen.”

“Wow, I looked back and that's all I had to say!!! This is a first. Kinda rushed and trying to complete a few things before tomorrows jaunt up Chocurua.

Really though Mr and Mrs Pedxing, it was great to have you over for the early part of the day and a quick bite before you left for work. You two have something really good going, and we are happy for you.

Now if we can only get together for an overniter on top of some mountain somewhere......”

“Have a great hike on Chocura!

I was glad to have Elle meet you both. I hope the rest of your open house went well and you don't have too much cleaning up to do.”

“We were really glad that you came Pedxing and it very nice to finailly meet your wife, Ellen. She seems to make you very happy, that's great! Can't wait until we can do a hike together.

We didn't end up going up to Chocura today, we ended up doing some bushwacking right across the road, down towards Ayers Lake. MB was showing me how to use the compass, before we really "need" it. Not that we would "need" it, but it's nice to learn beforehand. After we got to the Lake we found a trail that kinda headed back towards our house, but didn't go directly back where we thought it would. Close enough though. It was fun though doing the bushwacking thing though.

Saw all kinds of gigantic ant hills(about the size of two wheel barrels dumped into one neat pile). Saw quite a bit of bear scat, some moose imprints, a snake, a huge snapping turtle, and of course all kinds of itty bitty frogs. Can't keep MB from picking them up! ;) Unfortunately we didn't bring our camera...just didn't think of it and we wasn't expecting to stay out there that long. There's always another time.”