Everybody loves to travel. There are so many new things to see and experience across this country and throughout the world, from food and culture to beautiful sites and exciting activities. Many of us even contemplate moving elsewhere, to escape to a “better” place, such as to leave the long winters of New Hampshire. But every place has its pros and cons – even those so-called better places. In reality, we don’t have it so bad here in New Hampshire.
There are many positives about being in New Hampshire. We have the four seasons – each with its own uniqueness. You talk to anybody who leaves New England, and that’s what they miss the most. But it’s also our traditions and all the other activities throughout the year that make life in NH interesting. Fall brings change with all its intricacies. When baseball ends, football goes into full swing. Apple picking arrives and blends into baking pumpkin pies and roasting turkeys for Thanksgiving. Coffee shops carry pumpkin spice coffee and breweries make pumpkin beer. For Steve Labbe, it’s time to make venison jerky.
The downside of Fall is waking up in the dark and going home at the end of the day in the dark. But leaf peaking trips throughout the state offer fun opportunities for zip-lining through forest canopies with vista views. And there’s hiking the 4000 footers or fishing the cool lakes – both that offer exercise and discovery, as well as fun and relaxation.
Some people travel or move from NH to get away. They complain about NH’s short summers, and shorter days. They also complain about the cold and snow. But look at the alternatives. Each of the “optimal” places has its issues too. Florida has its hurricanes, California its earthquakes and fires. The middle of the country is victim to large swings in temperature from the sub-freezing temperatures of winter to scorching heat in the summer.
Even Steve Labbe admits he has at one time or other wondered if he should be living elsewhere. “But our family roots are here. And there is a lot we enjoy here.”
Talking with Steve, WKXL radio’s Chris Ryan noted that although he dislikes the lack of light during this time of year, relative to everywhere else, NH embodies the place he wants to live. “Everything is relative”, notes Chris. The weather really isn’t that bad, and you’re close to everything.” And, of course, you can easily travel elsewhere if you want to get away and experience other history, culture, or food. It’s all what you make of it and with whom you do it. On one trip away from NH, Steve Labbe traveled to New York State. His destination was the Status of Liberty. He arrived by a 38-foot sail boat and jogged 5 miles around the Statue with a Green Beret. That was a trip he won’t forget.
Back in NH, Steve is happy roasting his Costa Rican coffee beans that reminds him of travels there. He also enjoys it when friends share their travel adventures. A couple who visited Hawaii shared their experience by bringing back roasted macadamia nuts, and another couple visited Canada and brought back cheese to him. There are a lot of interesting places. Each place has its food and its culture. But so does NH.
The moral of the story is that, here in NH, we should embrace what is all around us. Ski the White Mountains, sample the maple syrup, and visit the local breweries. Go see the whales offshore in their natural habitat. It’s mesmerizing!
Steve strives to take it all in. So should you. This past year he held a company-wide deep-sea fishing party. He also participated in local cookoffs, like a recent chili festival. Many of these are fundraisers, which make living here even more engaging because it’s fun for local causes. Many of the things you look forward to experiencing through travel can be found right here. As Steve Labbe puts it, “Remember, there’s no place like home!”
