Andover, NH (USA)

I’ve been sidelined from “real” hiking for a few weeks and, just when I started feeling more like myself, the weather didn’t seem to want to cooperate...  Undeterred, and itching for a longer stretch of my legs, I headed back down (via I-89 and NH-11) to (East) Andover to resume my White River Junction to Boston trek on the Northern Rail Trail.  Got started (northbound) from a parking area next to Highland Lake (just off NH-11) at around 0930 - temps were good but the air was misty and damp.  The railroad ties and some spikes were visible (still in place) for almost a mile.  I passed an interesting sign about “one long whistle” that I assume referenced a nearby cemetery.  In a few places, I got great views of Kearsarge Mountain.  I was also treated to the continuous sounds of the “peepers” and red-winged-blackbirds in/above the ponds along the trail.  Uncertain about how long I might get outside before the forecasted rain arrived, I walked only about two miles - I managed to reach Switch Road, where I turned around last time, without any problem.  During my backtrack, I started to see people: bikers, joggers, moms with kids.  Back near my car, I saw several fishermen and boaters - I also passed a rod & gun club with large crowds of sportsmen (and some decoy deer in the middle of the trail).  Decided to keep walking and ended up going almost as far in a southbound direction as what I’d walked the other way.  The pleasant sounds of Sucker Brook followed me most of the way - the NRT got pretty far away from paved roads in this section.  I didn’t make it to the Town Line, like I’d hoped - started backtracking as a light rain began just after I passed Hoyt Road (I was actually crossing underneath the NH-11 nearby).  Ran into two older gentlemen who gave me an idea of where I could park during my next visit (near Webster Lake).  We talked for a while about the Friends of NRT Foundation (Merrimack County) and exchanged information about the trail conditions on either end of the NRT (they hadn’t walked the trail west of Danbury).  Walked towards the car as quickly as I could - the rain got stronger but I had tree cover most of the way.  Arrived at the parking lot by 1245 (after almost 8 miles).  Returned home via NH-11 and I-89.  Felt good and (maybe?) ready for an AT hike again!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

Today, I spent a lot of time (two visits) at the White River Junction Post Office.  Initially, I had to go back to their passport office at 0900 to try to complete my business from the previous day.  The clerks working behind the counter didn't have much experience in working on the documents and I left with a bit of uncertainty.  Since it was another nice day, I decided to pay a visit a Nordic Trail complex ("Parcel 5") in Norwich that I first heard about a few months ago (from a local cop).  It was located a few miles west of the town center and it took some Google Maps to locate.  When I arrived, I sort of regretted that I'd never made it while there was still snow on the ground.  From what I heard and saw today, it appears that the trails (distance = 5K) are well maintained for year-round use.  It was a beautiful day to be outside but, fortunately, I encountered only a few other people.  The route featured lots of climbs and descents - it was certainly not boring - and I wondered if my X-C skiing skills have evolved enough to complete even one circuit.  Felt good after I was done - still thinking about whether I should challenge Parcel 5 next winter...  When I got to my condo (1215), I noticed that I'd received a call from an 802 area code number.  When I returned the call, I learned that an error had been made on my passport application.  So I had to head back to the passport office again (1245) and it took another 30 minutes to resolve everything.  On the way home, I wondered if my passport would get through the process - there are apparently 18 week delays and any chance I had to get this done reasonably quickly may have been stymied by the Post Office (I hope not)...  

White River Junction, VT (USA)

After several attempts to get a passport renewal appointment at the White River Junction Post Office, I drove over there for my 1000 appointment.  Unfortunately, they told me that the people who ran the appointments had called in sick.  A manager assisted me in getting another meeting for the next day.  Feeling a bit frustrated (but hopeful), I drove a short distance and parked at the WRJ Train Station.  It was a nice day so I walked across the White River to visit Lyman Point Park.  I also checked out trains that were passing (from the Vermont Railroad and Central New England RR).  After my pleasant time outside, I crossed the Connecticut River (via US-4) to West Lebanon.  Got gas at Irving, after trying several other locations, at 1045 and headed home (US-4 and I-89) immediately afterwards.

White River Junction, VT (USA)

I returned to the VA Hospital in White River Junction for my COVID-19 vaccine #2 (0830).  While I was there, I learned that Mollie might be eligible to get a shot of her own.  After I got home from shopping (buying groceries), I helped her set up an appointment for the vaccine.  In the afternoon, we got a call that said she could come in (immediately) to get one of the remaining shots.  I drove her to White River Junction at around 1515 and she was done with the process a little while later.  Very pleased with the VA's commitment to the safety of me and my family!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[unfortunately, I had a medical issue this morning and spent more than three hours (1200 to 1500) at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction - they helped me out a lot and I spent the rest of the day/evening recovering (at home)]

Wilder, VT (USA)

Felt pretty sore today after the big climb yesterday but didn’t want to take a break since the weather was awesome again.  After some shopping in West Lebanon, I decided to continue my exploration of the Vermont side of the Connecticut River.  The goal this time: searching for kayak launch sites off US-5 in Hartford, Wilder and Norwich.  The area I explored was directly across the river from me (equivalent to following NH-10 between Hanover and West Lebanon) and I’d heard there were good put-in spots there, especially near the Wilder Dam.  Along the way, I found some new stores (they had a “Cumbies”!) and several farms/markets.  Unlike the NH side, there is a busy railroad track in VT and this made even getting to the River more challenging.  Eventually, I found a cool place called Kilowatt Park - they had walking trails, picnic areas, a dog park, a huge hydro-plant, fishing spots and easy places to launch.  Across the river, I could see the parking area for the Boston Lot - as the crow flies, I was very near my condo.  I spent about 1.5 hours in the area, exploring and talking to local people (friendly as always).  I found some evidence that NH “owns” the Connecticut River: there was a marker on the VT side that noted the NH-VT border (placed there by order of the US Supreme Court, apparently).  The weather was so nice - lots of sun, warm temps, no wind and no bugs.  Left feeling better in body & spirit.  After several months of searching for kayaking spots, I’m really going to be in business, paddling-wise, in 2021!

Glencliff, NH (USA)

After an mentally exhausting week at work, I concluded that I needed a physically exhausting hike in the White Mountains to make me forget...  When I last caught a glimpse of snow capped Moosilauke, southernmost peak (and 4000 Footer) in the White Mountains, I remember wishing that the temps would warm up enough so I could climb it.  Recently (as happens every year), people have been rescued or died on that mountain during the winter months and I wasn’t about to join that list.  I at least wanted to look at the mountain and not see any snow on it.  Lucky me - the temps rose into the 50s/60s and stayed there for the whole week and this cleared out the white cap on the peak!  I got a really early start on my drive (I-91, NH-10, NH-25) and arrived at the AT Trailhead on High Street in Benton at 0730 - I left my car (headed NOBO) within 15 minutes.  It’s my understanding that many of the trails in NH predate the AT, so the signage kept referring to the Glencliff Trail but that was the white blazed route I wanted.  Temps were expected to rise from the mid 40s up to the mid 70s (!) - I dressed light (2 layers) but carried as much emergency gear as I could in my fully-stuffed backpack.  The first mile of the hike took me through (muddy) fields and on farm roads. Soon after the terrain started a steep incline, I started to see patches of ice and snow.  At around the same time, I passed a hiker who was descending from the summit and he gave me a sort of safety check: “do you have micro spikes, warm clothes, food, etc.?”  I did, of course, and actually felt like I overplanned - plus, the conditions didn’t seem to require so much concern from a fellow hiker.  That’s when he dropped a bombshell: he said there was snow on the trail for almost the rest of the climb.  I couldn’t understand it - I was on the southern side of the mountain, no snow was visible above me.  Later, I figured out that most of the snow was in places with thick tree cover - but it was also directly on the trail because snowshoers had packed six months of snow right where I needed to walk...  Put on my spikes and kept climbing.  At first, the only thing that bothered me was the steepness of the trail - several months of walks on “the flat” and different muscles used for cross country skiing ganged up on me and made me wonder if I could make it.  At least five people passed me (actually, they blew by me) while I was plodding along.  But things got really tough after that: the snow that wasn’t packed on the 10-inch wide snowshoe trail was still soft, with no stability.  Through lessons learned after several misplaced footfalls, I determined that the drifts on either side of me were almost three feet deep!  My poles sank that far every time I tried to use them to keep my balance and even the spikes didn’t have the best traction at times - this led to an even more frustrating slowness in my pace.  All I could do was decide to keep going.  I’d noticed that the terrain map indicated that I was on varsity glide slope: 4000 foot climb in 4 miles - I felt every bit oh that in my body.  At least an hour after I’d expected to start my backtrack, I saw a sign (near the South Peak) that said I had reached the Old Carriage Road.  It also said I still had a mile to go...  Fortunately, the trail was relatively flat.  Even better: now I had a tremendous view in every direction!  To the west (across the wide Connecticut River that lazily snaked through the Upper Valley), I could see a long ridge of north/south mountains in Vermont.  To the east, I could see Lake Winnipesaukee - it dominated the horizon.  Back to the south, I got a glimpse of the series of peaks I’d already climbed on the AT.  Ahead (north), I caught my first glimpse of the summit of Moosilauke itself - a “bald” at 4800+ feet.  And there were a LOT of people visible up there...  Three of the people who’d passed me in the climb were already on their way back down but I passed more than 20 others - I think some came up from Kinsman Notch and others (less dressed for the elements) may have come up from the Dartmouth Ravine Lodge.  I walked across the bald surface (not even any snow) of the peak, following a long series of cairns, and marveled at my luck - it was sunny and there was no wind.  I got to pet a few dogs up there - that was nice. After finally reaching the top, I had to wait for about 10 minutes for a queue of people to get their photos (grrrr...).  It might sound anticlimactic, but then I turned around and headed down the mountain again.  Actually, while the crowds mostly drove me away, I was much more nervous about my footing during the steep descent.  Fortunately, I made it safely to the bottom without falling - it took a LOT of concentration and more muscles than the climb had.  I passed at least 20 more people who had just started their climbs.  The forecasted high temps had come and everyone looked hot - I was very glad I’d started early...  Ran into the other two people who’d passed me in the morning: college coeds who had climbed all the way up to a place where they could use their little “shovel sleds” - they didn’t care about the view!  Made it to my car after almost 9 (hard fought) miles at about 1315. Returned home via the same route I'd used in the morning (NH-25, NH-10, I-91).  Feeling humble about how much more prep I need to finish the Whites - but I got some more AT mileage in tough conditions!  AT Today = 4.3 miles / Grand Total AT = 1801.8 miles / AT Left = 383.5 miles / NH 4000 Footer #6 of 48

Andover, NH (USA)

Happy Easter, everyone!  I started my day with Mass at St. Helena in Enfield.  This was the first time that they’ve been open for services in over a year and I wanted to try them out, since Sacred Heart has been getting more crowded every week.  I liked the old building, the priest and the local flavor (everyone knew each other) - if they actually stay open, looks this might be a good place to return...  Had about climbing Mount Cardigan (another reason why I was in Enfield) but changed my mind when I reached Canaan (there was too much snow at the summit).  Instead, I used US-4 to reach Grafton and then took gravel roads to Andover.  I saw lots of snow patches along the way and was convinced I’d made the right call by the time I reached the Potter Place Northern Rail Trail Trailhead (0915), where I’d turned around yesterday.  Temps were still in the low 30s but the sun was shining and there weren’t any clouds.  This meant that a t-shirt and light jacket were enough for the elements and I started walking south.  The Andover Historical Society had gone all out with a vintage railroad experience - it felt like I had gone back in time while walking this section because the tracks were still in place.  After leaving Potter Place, I got to enjoy several miles of remote forest with views of the Blackwater River, several ponds and huge fields (some seemed to be turning into quarries).  There were still solid ice patches in (shady) places - Winter is still holding on tightly...  I passed a nice covered bridge and saw a few pretty farms - seemed like a quiet, pleasant area.  There was plenty of evidence that this section was popular with horses - I eventually encountered a pair of women who were enjoying a great day of riding.  It was nearly silent for most of the day - unless I count the happy birds that seemed to be singing constantly (like a sort of white noise).  At one point, I started wondering whether my ears were playing tricks on me because I heard voices but didn’t see any people. It took a bit of investigation but I figured out I was hearing skiers who were coming downhill at the nearby the Proctor Ski Area.  I turned around at Switch Road, just off NH-11 (east of Andover).  Made great time on the return trip and encountered more people: a pair of lady cyclists, a pair of young lady athletes (Spring HS Track?) and an older woman with her HUGE Great Dane.  Was back at my car after nearly seven miles (a bit more than yesterday) by 1130.  The temps had risen into the high 40s and more people were arriving at the trailhead.  On the way home (via I-89), I was treated to some spectacular views of several mountains: Kearsarge, Sunapee and Moosilauke (had to check my map to verify that I truly had the visibility for a peak that far away).  It wasn’t an AT hike but I still felt quite good about my Easter Morning - it’s nice to be able to recharge mind, body and spirit in the space of a few hours.

Danbury, NH (USA)

Have been feeling like it’s still a bit early to climb one of the snow capped Whites so decided to use Saturday to continue my “walk to Boston” on the Northern Rail Trail.  Temps started in the teens this morning - they were still in the mid 30s at around 1100 when I arrived (used I-89, NH-11 and US-4) at the trailhead parking on Eagle Pond (near Danbury/Wilmot line).  With a cold breeze on top of the cool weather, it was tough to decide on layers - I ended up just wearing my light jacket initially, hoping the bright sun (no clouds) would warm things up eventually.  First headed north until I reached the spot where I’d stopped last weekend (South Danbury Christian Church).  Then walked south, past my car, until I reached the big Park-n-Ride lot at Potter Place (where the NRT crosses NH-11).  Didn’t spot many signs of wildlife (saw what I believe were turkey feathers) but got some good views of Frazier Brook and the last vestiges of ice melting away on several ponds near the trail.  Enjoyed some good exercise and was able to get a feel for some new hiking gear (wicking shirt and socks) I recently got from REI.  Crossed town lines three times (once in each direction): Danbury-Wilmot-Andover.  I didn’t see any people at all during nearly seven miles of walking (finished at about 1315) - maybe that proves I’m the one that’s crazy...  But it was nice to be outside again on another fine day in the Granite State.

Enfield, NH (USA)

[went to Good Friday Mass at La Salette Shrine in Enfield (1500) - then went walking on the Northern Rail Trail (between Enfield/Lebanon town line and the Mascoma River) until 1700 - it was VERY cold (high 20s)]