Lyme, NH (USA)

I still have a lot of unpacking to do but didn’t want to miss out on a day outside! Thunderstorms and warm temps were forecast - I left my condo at about 0700, hoping to get in a few miles without getting wet. I used Etna Road, Baker Hill Road (mostly gravel) and Dorchester Road to reach the hiking zone and scouted out other AT road crossings on the way. I located the trailhead parking area at the corner of Grafton Turnpike, on the edge of the Dartmouth Skiway property, at about 0745. I noticed that I was in the vicinity of Lyme township and, while it isn’t THE Lyme of tickborne disease fame, it inspired me to apply insect repellent. After that, I headed NOBO on the muddy, overgrown trail. Clearly, the lack of Thru Hikers this year and the ATC closure of shelters on the AT also prevented regular maintenance - I was almost shoulder deep in grass during the first mile! For most of this (short) section, I was climbing up a gradual slope. Rain last night had drenched everything, so I had to watch my footing all morning. It was probably about 70 and overcast when I began but the sun came out for a little while and warmed things up (closer to 80 by the time I was finished). Didn’t see any people and only saw/heard small amphibians. When I reached the crossing of Dorchester Road, I decided to backtrack to my car via the gravel surface. It was an easy walk - and scenic (horses, farms, old homes, front yard art, antiques on display, ridgeline views). I was back at my car by 0915 after almost four miles and considered hiking a bit more. But I could see dark clouds to the west and decided to stick with my original plan. I looked around near the Skiway and was entertained by a playful bear who was frolicking in the fields at the bottom of a ski run. It started sprinkling almost immediately after I got back in my car... Used Dorchester Road and NH-10 to get home - pretty quick day. Looking forward to venturing out again very soon! AT Today = 2.00 miles / Grand Total AT = 1567.96 miles / AT Left to Hike = 617.34 miles