Got an earlier start today and that allowed me to drive a bit farther to find a trailhead. This time, I checked out a road I’d seen in my new NatGeo AT map book. I used NH-10 and NH-25A (through Orford) until I reached Quinttown Road (gravel). I was not disappointed - it took me all the way to the Kodak Trail parking lot. Two other cars were already there and I braced for a lot of weekend day hikers as I left my car (0800). The sun was shining but the temps were pleasant (low 60s). I had to walk through around a closed gate but then had a nice half mile walk up a well maintained gravel path (a farmer’s driveway?). Fortunately, I didn’t miss the AT crossing (AKA “J Trail”) and was soon SOBO into the woods. The section I chose was basically a long ridge climb to the summit of Smarts Mountain. For two hours, the trees above me were the highest things near me and I could tell that I was climbing high above the valleys on both sides of the trail. Unlike yesterday, the trail was pretty well maintained and I never felt like I was going to slip or fall (despite some messy mud). There weren’t any real views all day, unfortunately... On the way up, I passed the mother-daughter pair I’d seen the day before - they’d spent the night on the mountain. Chatted with them and continued - didn’t see any other people on the outbound leg. I made it to the Fire Warden’s Cabin (shelter) faster than I’d expected (making good time but pedometer not working right) and, right after that, reached the Fire Tower. There were probably five or six people (older couple, local lady day hiker, backpackers) scattered around the area, talking loudly, so I immediately started my backtrack. The descent was very easy compared to yesterday’s treacherous slog. Ended up catching the mother-daughter pair again just as I crossed the South Jacobs Brook bridge (last landmark before the Kodak Trail). It was then an easy walk back to my car, which I reached by 1145 after 9 miles. The gate was open... The temps had reached the high 70s - it was a good time to get off the trail. As I departed, I decided that it would be good to return to the same spot tomorrow to tackle the southern side of Mount Cube. After reaching the NH-25A, I backtracked to Orford and drove south for a bit so I could take River Road during my return to Hanover. Actually, my goal was to find a boat launch area - it took a bit of effort but eventually (south of the bridge to East Thetford, VT) encountered some other folks who were thinking the same way. They'd parked on the side of the road with kayaks on the roof so I followed their lead. It wasn't hard to get my boat in position but the steep drop from the road to the water meant that I had no choice except to get wet. Oh well! The weather was still very nice so I took my time exploring a pretty little inlet/creek (shallow water) on the east side of River Road. After that, I made my way through the reeds until I found an access point to the Connecticut River. Paddled north to the bridge (the one to East Thetford) and enjoyed the calm, smooth waters - there was almost no current! Crossed the river a few times - it was much easier than in the Potomac... Saw one guy in a small boat (with outboard motor) but almost no one else on land or water (except for the people I'd parked with, who were relaxing with kayaks and rafts all tied together). Spent almost 1.5 hours on the River - got my arms quite tired. Felt really good after the hike/kayak combo and headed home via River Road and NH-10. Definitely in the mood for more! AT Today = 4.00 miles / G.T. AT = 1624.56 miles
