During my trips on I-91, I’ve often noticed a pair of covered bridges that span the Ottauqueechee River and determined (with a map) that they were very close to the junction with the Connecticut River across from Riverview Farm and Mac’s Maple Farm. I figured that there must be a kayak launch somewhere near the bridges and set out to find it. Left the house by 9:00 and, after some errands in West Lebanon (encountered loud package of chicks at the post office), crossed into Vermont on I-89. Took US-5 to reach the town of Hartland. The weather was awesome today - temps were in the 40s and the sky was almost cloudless after last night’s huge deluge. It took a bunch of Google Maps help but I managed to locate the Willard Covered Bridges on a gravel road in the village of North Hartland. The sight (and deafening sound) of water - LOTS of it - cascading over old mill dams there made me appreciate the power of the River systems nearby, especially as the Spring Thaw continues. I could see calmer water and a glimpse of the farms on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut to the south but didn’t see anywhere to safely launch a boat. Just then, an employee of Green Mountain Power (who was checking the old mill building) came out to his truck - I ambushed and then quizzed him for about 10 minutes and he told me where I could put my kayak in the water, go fishing in “neutral” VT/NH waters and go camping (on nearby Burnap’s Island). Like most everyone I’ve met in the Upper Valley, he was quite proud of his hometown but not afraid to tell me the local secrets. Jazzed up from getting such good intel, I drove south on US-5 to the village of Hartland to look for a massive complex of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails I’d heard about during the winter. I’d never been to get down to use the (free) Hartland Winter Trails this season but I was still able to locate several trailheads and parking areas (to use next year). I had a bit of a scare on one of the access roads west of town - the wet weather had turned it to a messy, deep sludge and I could tell that Nessie was using every bit of her AWD to keep me moving (whew). I eventually parked in one of the public lots and got more intel about the rules from a local guy (working the town recycle lot) there - again got more friendliness and secrets. Since the signs said to “stay off the trails without skis or snowshoes”, I departed for my next stop - Windsor. Since my dad visited last Fall, I’ve been wanting to return for the trails and Harpoon Brewery - there wasn’t time for the latter but I took a nice walk along the edge of Lake Runnemede in Paradise Park. Met another local (guy with dog) who told me where to park for different trailheads between town and Mount Ascutney. Like his fellow Vermonters this morning, he proudly pointed out places he liked and made suggestions on how I could enjoy my day even more. Awesome “tour guide”! I’d promised some folks I know from the Claremont (NH) Knights of Columbus Council that I’d attend their monthly Life Vigil at noon so I recrossed the Connecticut River (on Bridge Street) and followed NH-103 into Claremont. I found the meeting place just before the event started. This was a brand new experience for me but well worth the trip. At 1300, I headed north on NH-120 until I reached the village of Meriden, where Mollie and I have hiked the French’s Ledges trails. They were a bit too muddy for me but I walked on the Elementary School grounds for about an hour and got plenty of exercise in the warm March sun (temps in mid-50s). Feeling pretty good about my Recce trip and outdoor adventures today, I drove home from there (arrived at 1530). The weather, the opportunities for fun in the wild and the awesome people have made this last year a memorable, enjoyable and rewarding year. Really looking forward to acting on all the research during the coming year(s).
