Wrapping Up Winter in New Hampshire

Winter is officially over, at least according to the calendar, but it’s snowing as I write this on March 22. Not enough to matter, just enough to remind us that in New Hampshire, the seasons don’t flip like a switch.

Still, March has a way of wrapping things up whether the weather cooperates or not.

A few days ago, we carried in the last of the firewood from the patio racks. We plan that pretty carefully—we know what we burn and how long each rack lasts—so this year it lined up just right. In two days, the wood cookstove will go out for the season. No extra bundles, no leftover stacks. Just done.

Sugaring season came together just as well. We collected 193 gallons of sap and ended up with five gallons of syrup, which felt like a good return for the effort. Most of it went into the bourbon bottles we’ve saved, which have become our go-to for gifting, along with a handful of maple leaf bottles for quick gifts. We always try to set aside enough to last us until next season. We try.

Long before “spring” arrived, we were already thinking about leaving. Getting ready for the first trip of the season always comes with a list, especially with a rig that’s no longer new. Our motorhome is a 2019 that we bought in the fall of 2018, and while it’s been good to us, it needs attention before we head out.

Tom handles all of that, or as much as he can. This time around that meant replacing the DEF injector, putting new brakes on the front, changing the oil in both the engine and generator, tightening and lubricating the slide gears, replacing the rear camera, and getting a front-end alignment and tire balance done at a shop that works on big trucks—a place he’s trusted for years. The difference shows. The rig rides fantastic.

While that’s happening outside, I’m inside the rig doing my version of getting ready—cleaning and organizing, pulling anything we won’t need for warmer weather, and restocking so everything is ready to go.

At the house, there’s a different kind of wrap-up happening. Hydrangeas get pruned—not just ours, but the neighbor’s too since they’re snowbirds. It’s worth doing now so everything looks right when we come back. The gravel that inevitably gets pushed into the lawn by the plow gets raked back where it belongs. That’s one of those jobs that can’t wait—it only gets worse if you leave it.

And one small but meaningful change this year—we let go of the houseplants that couldn’t manage on their own. No coordinating with a friend to come water, no worrying about what we’d come home to. It’s a small thing, but it feels like freedom.

The travel route is taking shape. First stop is New Jersey to check in with parents. Then on to Virginia where we’ll meet up with “Martini and Manhattan” at their new place—parking right in their driveway. After that, we keep heading south until winter is no longer part of the conversation.

We’ll share some of the RV maintenance, departure prep, and what we run into along the way over on YouTube if you want to follow along. Welcome to Wine & Whiskey Travelers

Winter was fun. It was snowy, just the way it should be. But we’re ready to move on and avoid mud season, with plans to return to New Hampshire once the leaves start to pop.

Until then, we’ll be soaking in the sun, enjoying warm weather, and scouting out happy hours along the way.

See you down the road,

Tom & Julie

Whiskey & Wine