As I picked my way amongst the rocky path, I was suddenly hit with the memories of my first day here. The excitement of going out in "a random direction", not knowing what was in store or where I'd end up. I was pretty jetlagged and tired but so wide eyed and excited at what lay in store. Goodrich Falls is, and forever will be my first memory of the beauty of New Hampshire. Since I was unprepared for the hot weather, I stopped at the county store up the road and bought some water. Immediately the attendent noticed my accent and we got chatting.
This situation pretty much echoed what happened today - and emphasised the friendliness of so many American people. The ability to talk to randomers up here is something I've taken for granted, so when I went to the waterfall today I met a few anglers and had a nice chat with them.
Eventually I left them and went down to that spot where, 3 months earlier I had reached the waterfall and stood in awe of the beauty of the place. I had never seen anything like it in the UK, and I remember sitting on a rock just watching the water go by, wondering what lay in store for me.
As I sat there today, only much higher up close to the top of the falls, I thought about everything amazing that had happened to me. The people that I've met, and the things I have done.
This was the summer I jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet, the summer I stood on top of mountains and shouted "hello world!". The summer I made everyone on the pirate ship sing "Happy Birthday" for a child on the boat and saw his face light up, the summer where I got a potentially life threatening illness, the summer I spent 4th of July in small town America - and standing for the anthem. This was the summer I got drunk in a field and woke up hungover in Tia's tent, the summer where I screamed so much going down a water slide, and the summer where I rode waves up and down Old Orchard Beach.
I've never been to a place which has been more welcoming, more hot and humid, more extreme and generally fun. Living in New Hampshire has honestly given me a completely new outlook on life. I feel so much more relaxed out here and I am so glad I made the initial plunge all those months back.
In all certainty, I will miss this place so much. The residents here take for granted waking up everyday and seeing nothing but unspoilt mountains, and the general freedom this state permits. I know this country has it's problems, but I know I've seen all the good that America has to offer.
To all my New Hampshire friends: thank you. So, so much. Meeting you all has been amazing, and you've opened my eyes to another way of life. You've accepted me with open arms and shown me so many good times. I will honestly miss all of you, and your comments about how tall I am, my slicked hair and how stereotypically British I am. Despite the long hours, baking heat and tiring conditions - you are what I wake up for every morning and you make my work days fun!
Ahead of me is my time in New York, and California - and then it really is time to stop living the dream and return home.
Have I enjoyed my time here? You bet.
Will I be back one day?
Just try and stop me.
