Occasionally looking at Facebook, I am looking for notices of events I may wish to attend, or places to explore. About a week ago I saw:

In June 2018 I attended the very famous “Rock Show” event in Gilsum, New Hampshire. When I mentioned to my sons I was going they were surprised, and asked me what bands were playing. Well the Gilsum show is renowned and big. Cathy and I never made it together (she enjoyed minerals and gems) but I made it in 2018 – and you may wish to visit the post of that experience, scroll down to the midpoint for the story and fascinating images. The Gilsum show has been on my list for June adventures, but I never never made it again. I forgot to get it on the list for 2024, and this year sadly it conflicted with Walpole’s Old Home Days. So, why not get a “rock fix” and head off to very small Acworth.

Climbing the very long hill (about two miles) up from South Acworth, which is on Route 123A, you arrive on the open ground with the old Meetinghouse – Church.

To the left is the newer town hall with offices and a meeting room.

Arriving about two hours after the show began — it was not big, nor crowded — buy hey, an excuse for Auntie EM and I to have a date on a gorgeous day. For comparison, do look at the crowds I shared the Gilsum “Rock Swap” with in 2018.

Here are some exhibits – and remember you can click my “gallery images” for larger sizes.

Outside the Town Hall is this well done memorial area to Acworth’s veterans. The stone on the left, with the Revolutionary War names, was a stepping stone to a local Tavern in the late 1700s.

And, without fear thanks to Dr. Dewey’s fine mechanical overall of all things mechanical on Auntie EM, going down a two mile long hill was not scary, and stopping at the intersection with Route 123A, I turned left to the South Acworth Store – now 160 years old, and a real treasure. To save it, the historical society and community took over its operation in 2001 — there are not many shopping venues in the area. I have always wanted to stop and support their efforts. I complimented the staff, and made my lunch purchase….

since my plan was to head back down 123A to Vilas Pool for my third visit this season to eat lunch, and read. Yes, can even read on my iPhone the Libby book I was reading at home on my iPad.

prior to leaving I headed around the back of the pavilion building to the game and picnic area, and sat and watched some kids swimming.

The top image below is looking over Auntie EM’s windshield to the pool, and then below that is BLUE BELLE in about the same spot on our visit on July 27. SEE THE DIFFERENCE? A week ago, following a repair to the dam (with the pool drained), the manager told me when we were visiting that another problem had been found and with permitting and other problems there was a possibility of no water this season. Well today the young staff there told me that fortunately a small problem was found instead, and quickly fixed — just in time for the 100th anniversary party on August 16.

NOW — when Auntie EM and I were leaving this morning we heard a whimper from AYU — and something that sounded like “…I want one too.” I thought and thought, and it hit me when at the “show.” Remember the box of fossils above? Did you go to my post of the 2018 Gilsum show and scroll down to see the “treasure” I brought home? Yes, a fossil is on my center island in “44’s” kitchen, and now AYU has a fossil as well on the table in the center of her room.

In case you do not recognize this, it is a ORTHOCERAS — and to save you time looking it up — “Orthoceras, also known as Orthoceratites, is a genus of extinct nautiloid cephalopod. Its name is derived from the words “straight horn”, referring to its long, conical shell. These creatures roamed the seas during the Ordovician Period (485 million – 443 million years ago). They are the ancient ancestors of ammonites and squid that can be found in sizes ranging from a centimeter to over 14 feet long.” And, in learning that, I see many references and ones for sale — at least I did not pay shipping, and no sales tax in NH — but more important AYU now is happy and also feels important.

If you have nothing to do on the 3rd, run up to Acworth — but at least put the June 2026 Gilsum Rock Swap on your calendar.

AND — for a relaxing time pack a lunch or dinner, and a book or two, and enjoy VILAS POOL in Alstead. Interested in heading out on a Swan Boat with me?

Enjoy, yours, RAY