Maine Hiking Weekend - Day 4

After getting up at 0530, eating breakfast at the hotel and checking out of my room, I started my day by paying my respects to native sons of Shelburne, NH.  They have a nice World War 2 Memorial with a nice parking lot on US-2 just to the east of Gorham.  It was already raining but I didn't want go home yet.  So I used US-2 to get back to the intersection of NH-16.  In Berlin, I got gas at Irving (0920) and then continued north into Coos County.  The road followed the Androscoggin River closely between Gorham and Errol.  It continued to rain but lightened a bit as I went north - like it has been for the last few days, the temps were in the 40s.  With cell signal spotty, I relied on a paper map I had - after a few years with the Google Display it felt weird to take a step back from the technology...  I made a short detour to see Umbagog Lake (on NH-26 right near the Maine border) - I’d seen this body of water from the top of Baldplate and had wondered what our was.  Backtracked to the west, towards Colebrook, and eventually passed through Dixville Notch State Park.  I encountered serious fog there and decided to go down into “town” to learn more about this famous “First in the Nation” (for Presidential voting) location.  There wasn’t much...  Decided to keep going, hoping to find a place dry enough to take a walk.  When I reached US-3, I thought about going north to the Connecticut Lakes - the weather dissuaded me.  Instead, I continued south until I got to Stratford - because of traffic,I crossed the (narrow) Connecticut River and used VT-105 to go west.  At a minimum, I’d hoped to see a moose this weekend - there were signs (and observation platforms) for them in several places but they must have been sheltering from the rain.  When I reached Bartlett, the huge crowd of Connecticut license plates made me think there was a better way to I-91.  This really didn’t turn out to be true - VT-105 continued to the northwest until I was only about five miles from the Canadian Border (Newport, VT).  Because it really never stopped raining, the extra time and distance didn’t really phase me - it was nice to explore!  When I got on the Interstate, though, the traffic headed south made me wish I’d already made it home...  I drove back to my condo via I-91 and arrived by 1230.  Just after I started unpacking, Mollie called to ask me to come get her because she'd walked down to Hanover to shop at the Co-Op and found it was closed (and the rain had made her not want to walk back to my condo).  After my great weekend away, I was happy to get back into the "pick up & drop off" mode again.  Overall, my trip to the North Country of New England was quite rewarding overall - I'm glad I found some places with no other tourists!

Maine Hiking Weekend - Day 3

I got up late (0630) and ate breakfast in the hotel.  After discovering that rain was forecasted this afternoon (for the entire state of New Hampshire), I decided to return to Maine for another AT hike.  On the way out of Gorham, I got gas at Cumberland Farms with my new rewards card (0815).  Just after I crossed into Maine, the sprinkles started...  Fortunately, I outran any major rain (via US-2, ME-5 and South Arm Road) - it was a long drive but I managed to get started into the woods (AT SOBO) by 0915.  The temps were in the 40s again, with just a hint of sunshine.  I was immediately faced with another Maine “bridge-less” river crossing but didn’t get wet.  The section was short but the amount of work I needed to do to link up with my last AT turnaround was daunting.  I had to climb 1000 feet, descend 1500 feet and then climb 2000 feet - and that was just during the outbound leg!  From previous experience with Maine AT climbs, I expected lots of steep, rocks, roots but no switchbacks.  So I wasn’t surprised by the conditions.  I’d hoped to layer down on the way but the chilly breeze (and my increasing perspiration) prevented this plan - I was too wet to take a chance to drop my body temperature.  I met three hikers during the first climb: a mom and son (backpacking) and a solo guy (I assume he was a Thru but I didn’t say much to him).  Otherwise, I saw no people, heard no cars and just kept trekking.  There was lots of evidence of moose but I never saw one.  From the top of Moody Mountain, I got my first glimpse of the terrain (Hall Mountain) that awaited me - yikes!  Both sides of Sawyer Notch were VERY steep and the ravine was quite deep - I had to take the descent almost as slow as the earlier climb.  I used rebar handles, shimmied down wooden ladders, dodged blown-down trees and grasped threes for balance.  Somehow, I didn’t fall.  At the bottom, I had to cross another river with no bridge and then the climb started with a vengeance.  I’m pretty sure I was traveling at about 0.5 miles an hour on this ascent - just putting one foot in front of the other and taking many breaks.  My body was not feeling cooperative but my mind coaxed more steps (some were really big because of the rock scrambles).  Finally, I arrived at the summit and located the lean-to where I’d last stopped in 2020.  The view back across Sawyer Notch to Moody Mountain was even more daunting, especially after I’d spent so much energy already.  It had already taken me almost as long as an entire four mile hike would but I was only half way done...  The rest of the hike was a combination of determination, survival instinct and patience.  Somehow, I made it down and again.  There were many times I wanted to stop and rest (read “go to sleep”) - this section took a huge toll on me.  Eventually, I found myself on the last downhill and, barring a misstep, I felt like I would make it to my car.  As often happens on hikes like this, I’m sometimes surprised at the steepness of the initial climb - I end up thinking “how did I get up there?” and “WTF was I thinking?”  Still, there is a huge amount of satisfaction when you get done with a section that was so tough - every mile gets me closer to finishing the AT!  Reached my car at about 1545 (after 8.5-9 miles).  Just then, it started sleeting (!) - hard.  The weather cooperated long enough for me to hike (yaay!) and all that remained was for me to backtrack to Gorham for the night.  I was in my room by 1730 and spent the rest of the evening eating dinner (snacks again), cleaning up and reading.  Went to sleep at around 2200.  Hoping to get some more outdoor time tomorrow - weather doesn’t look too promising but maybe I can find a Memorial Day event...  AT Today = 4.1 miles / G.T. AT = 1813.3 miles

Maine Hiking Weekend - Day 2

Was up really early today (0500), hoping to hike an AT section across the river from Gorham.  It was a bit cool (40s) and Mount Washington had a new (light) coat of snow.  After I finished breakfast at the hotel (0700), I headed east on US-2 until I crossed into the town of Shelburne - I then used North Road to find Hogan Road (dirt road, AT followed it for a bit) and drove into the woods.  I tried several side roads that Google Maps said could take me to the trail closer to the Mount Hays summit but most just ended in the woods or were blocked.  I gave up Plan A and decided to look for other access points nearby (to the east).  I used my NatGeo book and found at least one promising lead Mill Brook Road).  I then drove back into Gorham and checked out another AT trailhead on NH-16 (south of town).  Didn’t hike there; instead, backtracked to explore Berlin and checkout the gravel roads I’d seen to the east on the map.  I ended up on Success Pond Road, which paralleled the Mahoosuc Range and offered several more access trail parking lots.  I walked some of these trails (to get a feel for them) and wrote down the mileage listed on the AMC signage I found.  Unfortunately, I discovered that almost all AT access in the area requires 2-3 miles of hiking before I can log one foot of new trail.  This posed a logistical challenge that I wasn’t inclined to solve today...  Decided to continue north and east (into Maine) and was pleasantly surprised when I found blacktop again (ME-26) - I had no cell signal and the paper map didn’t have enough detail to guarantee I’d find a good road.  I knew I could get on the AT from the parking lot at Grafton Notch State Park so headed there.  By 1045, I was finally hiking (NOBO)!  Most of the other park visitors were hiking the other way (up Mount Speck) so I had the trail to myself for a lot of the morning.  The AT climbed up the west peak of Baldpate Mountain - the climb was strenuous but the cool weather kept me from feeling uncomfortable.  I only passed a few young couples before I encountered “serious” hikers; they’d left much earlier and continued on to the east peak (before backtracking).  I got a lot of info from these folks - it was clear that I’d only have the good views if I climbed both peaks.  This seemed easy enough - even after looking at the terrain on my Guthook App - until I actually saw the valley between them.  Wow!  The day was beautiful so I kept on going, despite the daunting task.  The decent from the west peak was treacherous (rock scrambles, running water, mud, rickety ladders) but I made it safely.  I had to cross an alpine bog but the long views in this “saddle” were spectacular!  The climb up the east peak was its own ordeal: the trail followed rocky ledges (that were inclined about 30 degrees) from the valley to the summit.  Footing was doubtful the whole time and the dramatic drop offs were a bit disconcerting.  Somehow, I made it up there.  The 360 views were so good I could see everything within 50+ miles.  I could also see some tiny people below me (taking the same journey I had) and it really put my accomplishment in perspective.  Realized (after noticing how quiet it was) that I had the whole peak to myself.  Lucky me!  Turned around at the intersection of the Grafton Loop Trail (near summit sign) and, reluctantly, began my backtrack.  My energy levels stayed in a good range so I really had no trouble getting back to the west peak.  After that, though, the constant jumping from rock to rock, avoiding slippery footfalls and downhill balancing started to wear on my body.  Passed many more people (some huge groups) on the way down - very happy to have missed all of them earlier...  Got to my car just before 1600 - the map said I should have had 8 miles from this hike but the pedometer said I’d gotten closer to 9 (odd because it’s usually the other way around).  Regardless, I managed to get some AT miles - and great views - without injuring myself.  I think I’ll take it!  Headed back towards Gorham for the night (ME-26, US-2), feeling good.  In my room by 1700 and ate dinner (snacks).  Mollie called and we had a nice talk.  I spent the rest of the evening cleaning up and reading in my room - went to bed by 2200.  AT Today = 4.0 miles / Grand Total AT = 1809.2 miles

Maine Hiking Weekend - Day 1

Since Mollie has been staying with me (and often needs a ride), I'd hesitated to take too much time away from Hanover.  This weekend, though, the hiking weather was too good to pass up and I decided to travel for a few days.  With Mollie all set (she made arrangements for rides to/from work), my bags packed and my work day complete (by 1500), I departed for Maine!  I used I-91 (in VT) during my drive north and encountered the most traffic I’ve seen in New England in the last year.  Once I switched to I-93 (near St. J), the crowd thinned out but, since I was wary of northbound tourists heading through the Twin Mountain area, I got off the Interstate just after crossing back into NH (also got a map from one of the NH Welcome Centers).  I passed through Littleton and discovered that the locals have named it “The Glad Town” in honor of the book “Pollyanna” - apparently, the author lived in town just before writing the book.  Following some general guidance from Google Maps, I followed US-3 to Whitefield.  At that point, though, I missed a turn - the resulting GPS "recalculate" ended up taking me down a LOT of gravel/dirt roads to reach US-2 in Jefferson.  One bonus for my mistake was that I got a lot of great glimpses of scenery on the skyline included the Presidential Range (sans snow).  After reaching blacktop again, I made good time to Gorham, my home-away-from-home during the weekend.  Before checking into my hotel room, I stopped on the western edge of town (1730) and spent over an hour walking on the Presidential Range Rail Trail.  The section between the parking lot and the Androscoggin River was mainly used by ATVs.  There were a LOT of them - they kicked up a ton of dust but we coexisted alright...  I took the old railroad bridge to the eastern side of the river and then backtracked via a hiker bridge in the lower part of the span.  Had to cross NH-16 to get back to my car - wasn’t tired yet so walked another mile to the west.  This section, which crossed into Moose Brook State Park, was completely deserted and I didn’t see anyone for the rest of my walk.  All the signs and maps I passed indicated a huge complex of off road trails - this explains all the ATVs I’ve seen whenever I’ve come through the area for hikes.  Finished up at around 1900 after about 3 miles.  The sunset was still a long way off - it’s going to be great to be up here for the next few days!  I drove a short distance and checked into the Rodeway Inn in Gorham (1930).  After getting settled, I spent the rest of the evening reading and packing for the hike the next day.  Went to bed at 2200 - crossing fingers I won’t get rain...  

Hartford, VT (USA)

[went to a VA Hospital appointment in White River Junction (0800) - afterwards, I did some work telcons - later, I drove to Hartford (parked at the Listen Thrift Store) and took a walk across the Connecticut River (into West Lebanon) - I continued along US-4/NH-10 until reaching NH-12A (following Northern Railroad track, which was visible for most of my walk) - stopped at bus stop just north of Hannafords and then walked back to my car - on the way home, I picked up Prouty Gear in West Lebanon and then went shopping at Price Chopper - back at the condo by 1100]

Burlington, MA (USA)

Had to drive to the north suburbs of Boston today (for work) and left my house at 0555.  For the first time, I drove (via I-89, NH-3A, I-93) to Massachusetts during a typical commute period for my neighbors.  Not surprisingly, I hit traffic as I crossed the state line.  Through stop and go gridlock, I continued south to I-495 and then traveled to Burlington, MA.  I arrived at the FAA Regional Office at 0800 and then took care of some work phone calls.  Between 0815 and 0845, I was able to pick up new ID Card from the nice people who worked there.  After a few more work calls, I drove north, towards home.  Last night, I'd decided that I should stop for a walk on another one of the trails listed "New Hampshire Rail Trail Challenge" and my intended target was a Rail Trail at the Manchester Airport and I traveled via US-3A and Everett Turnpike.  After finding the trail crossing on Harvey Road (0930), I parked and attended a meeting on Zoom (finishing just after 1000).  When I was ready for my walk, I looked around at my surroundings: I was parked on the edge of the Manchester Airport property (southern end) and at the western end of the Londonderry Rail Trail.  From the internet, I could tell that I'd have a chance to walk for about 4.5 miles to the southeast and, because the weather was so nice, I decided to take full advantage of the opportunity.  The trail was paved and very well traveled - the latter point made sense because the weather was awesome!  There were marker stones with mileage to “L” and “M” and lots of signs & benches.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 9ish mile walk over just under three hours (I learned later that the railroad bed is part of the 120+ mile Granite State Rail Trail Project - Lebanon to Salem - so I was really just continuing my NRT walk to Boston).  After getting done (1300), I drove around to the north side of the airport and took NH-28 to the Golden Corral near the Mall of New Hampshire.  Using a gift card I got on Veterans Day, I was able to eat a (free) lunch there (1315).  It was strange to be in a buffet restaurant after all the chaos and special rules of COVID-19 but the food portions were great, as always!  I wrapped up my (filling) meal at around 1415 and headed for home, using I-293, I-93, NH-3A and I-89.  I made several work phone calls on the way so the time passed quickly - I was in my condo by 1530.  This was a nice diversion from my typical work routine but I'm glad I don't have to drive to the Boston area every morning!

Boscawen, NH (USA)

Finished walking the entire Northern Rail Trail today!  This morning’s forecast called for heat, humidity and rain but I took a chance that I'd still be able to hike.  I left the condo early and (using I-89, NH-11 and US-4) to reach Boscawen - I parked at the trailhead on Depot Street by 0830.  After that, I walked about 8 miles (towards WRJ and then back) between Depot Street and the NH State Forest Nursery.  Most of the time, I had a great view of the Merrimack River but (when the trail headed inland) I also passed a prison and a National Cemetery.  There were a lot of bikers but they were spaced out pretty well - most of the time I was alone.  On the backtrack, I stopped in for a visit to the Nursery and got some career info for Mollie. It did rain a little bit but I didn’t get very wet (tree cover).  There were many strong scents in the air, mostly pleasant, and the pretty flowers along the trail brightened my day.  Finished at around 1145 and felt really good to be done.  It only took about a year to complete the ~56 miles (and back) between Lebanon and Boscawen.  I really enjoyed passing by/through all the quaint towns, the historic depots, the lakes and rivers...  I believe there is a family history connection to these places: when my ancestors traveled between Montreal and Boston, it is likely they used the Northern Railroad for at least part of the journey.  It was a bittersweet moment, though, because I’ve enjoyed having an excuse to visit the (flat) walkway on weekends.  I guess I’ll need to come back to kayak and bike...  My cousin, David, called me as I was just getting done and we agreed to meet up nreaby (he was traveling through the area) for a drink/snack.  With this plan made, I drove (via US-3) to I-93 and then went through Concord (I saw the golden dome of the statehouse).  I got off the Interstate south of town and located the Lithermans Limited Brewery (near end of I-89).  Because David wasn't there yet, I talked to bartender about walks nearby (she gave me some ideas) and then searched for them.  Unfortunately, there were a lot of "private property" signs everywhere and I didn't get many more steps.  Went back to brewery (1240) and met David for drinks.  We stayed until around 1530 and made plans to meet up again in the near future.  On the way home (via I-89), I made calls to Bonnie and Gerard.  Arrived at my condo before 1645.

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[took Mollie to the VA Medical Center in White River Junction for her second COVID shot - we went shopping in Lebanon afterwards]

Franklin, NH (USA)

After yesterday’s experience, I decided to log some miles on the (flat) Northern Rail Trail as a sort of “cool down.”  Even though the weather was iffy (possible rain showers), I was expecting temps in the 70s - this meant I could pack light.  I headed south on I-89 (left home at around 0930) and then used NH-11, US-4 and NH-127 to reach Franklin, where I found a small parking lot on the west side of the Merrimack River.  I first walked towards White River Junction, trying to find the turnaround spot from when I last walked the trail.  I found it very quickly and then headed towards Boston.  The NRT paralleled US-3 (to the west) and the Merrimack (to the east) most of the way - the former meant it was quite loud (due to motorcycles) all day.  I didn’t really see a lot of people, though, and was alone for most of the hike.  Exceptions included when a few cyclists passed me and when I met a birder with a big camera (I ended up talking to him about the local area for over 15 minutes).  There was a lot of history along the trail - most of it was early colonial, with a little Daniel Webster bio too.  It was also an interesting walk, wildlife-wise: I saw a porcupine, a groundhog, a white-tailed deer and a bald eagle who swooped down on the trail right in front of me.  I crossed the Boscowen-Franklin Town Line, meaning that I’ve walked through every town on the NRT.  Only about 5 miles left!  Turned around just after that (at a pull-out spot across from the State Forest Nursery).  Huge clouds started forming as I walked back so I skipped a stop at the Webster family cemetery and made good time to my car.  Ended up walking over 8 miles in less than 3.5 hours (breaks included) and felt fine when I was done (1400).  Drove home (via US-4, NH-11 and I-89) and arrived by 1730.  Glad I could get another day outside before the rain hit!

Benton, NH (USA)

Almost every year I have a hike that humbles me - the conditions or my lack of preparation makes me doubt that I can finish the whole AT.  Today was that day for 2021...  With an awesome forecast for the Whites this morning, I got an early start and (after driving via I-91, VT/NH-25, NH-10, NH-116 and NH-112) arrived at the Kinsman Notch AT Trailhead (just before 0900).  There weren’t many people parked there, which was surprising because the sun was shining brightly and it was already 60 (!) degrees.  I talked to a young guy (Zack, from Nashua) who was also getting ready to hike and figured out that he was going the same way I was (NOBO).  Since he’d never hiked north of NH-112, he welcomed the company and I ended up with an unexpected “hiking buddy”.  I’d last attempted to hike this section in October 2020 but had been stymied by the snow and ice at the 1.2 mile mark - today, I felt like I was sure to reach my turnaround point (Mount Wolf) because there wasn’t any snow (or mud!).  Still, the climb to the ridge kicked my @$$ - I suggested that Zack leave me behind so I could take my time and he took off on his 33-year-old legs.  Somehow, I ended up catching up to him about 30 minutes later and we continued north together.  There were some good views of Mount Liberty and Mount Lafayette in the distance - the visibility was really great!  Zack told me about a lot of peaks he’s climbed in southern NH but I had a hard time returning the favor - every gulp of air was being used to keep walking and talking was a distraction.  I was experimenting with my Guthook app today - it uses my steps to show where I am in the section, even without cell signal.  However (just like GPS), it isn’t guaranteed to be 100% accurate and this caused some confusion when we reached a place that looked like the summit of Mount Wolf.  Zack had read about the views from there and the place where we were didn’t seem to match the description.  So he stayed in the area to figure out where to take pictures and I continued north (I was feeling pretty good at that point).  About 15 minutes later, I figured out that we were still more than 1.5 miles short and wanted to tell Zack so he wouldn’t go back to his car prematurely - but I didn’t have any way to contact him and had made my way all the way to the bottom of a steep ravine.  Suddenly, though, he appeared and told me we still had a ways to go (this was a relief because I don’t like give bad directions).  We continued north, laughing about the mistake.  Unfortunately, we soon saw that there was another - much taller - hill to climb on the other side of the valley we were crossing.  This was a huge blow to my confidence and determination - similar to the times I’ve arrived at a false summit and almost quit for the day.  Zack was very annoyed with the work of the Great Trail Designer (he had very little AT experience) and I found myself trying to point out positives about our situation.  However, my internal driver was toast - my brain was the only part of me that could summon the desire to keep going.  But, somehow, I did.  Perhaps it was the peer pressure of hiking with someone or maybe it was concerns about the logistics of having to come back to the same remote place again to finish.  Regardless, I took the lead and we made the (VERY steep) climb to the peak.  The sun, which had been hiding behind clouds for several hours, suddenly decided to appear - this took the temps close to 70 and made things even harder.  And we encountered many fallen trees, slippery boulders and several big patches of snow.  It was trial by fire!  While we were intense, we got startled as we passed an older Section hiker guy and his Corgi - they were stitching sections together just like I was (but from the other direction).  We also saw a young dad and his son just before reaching the top.  There wasn’t any view but there was a side trail - Zack was eager to see the views of Franconia Notch he’d heard about but I told him I was going to save my energy for the backtrack. On the way down (solo), I encountered the old guy and his dog - he shared valuable Intel on the hike up Reel Brook Trail and northern side of Mount Wolf.  I continued - very carefully - south, trying not to fall off the steep trail, and wasn’t really surprised when Zack caught me again.  He told me the view was very underwhelming (I hadn’t missed anything) but seemed to be much more in a hurry than he’d been earlier.  So, after we climbed half way up another hill, he told me he was going to “go ahead a bit.”  After that, I didn’t see him again while I was hiking.  In fact, I didn’t see ANYONE!  The area had very few access points so I suppose it’s the reason I got the trail to myself...  I saw a huge moose print - and plenty of other evidence that they were nearby - but didn’t see any animals all day.  From this point, my legs moved like they were on autopilot.  I had leg cramps, pitch/sap all over my hands, wet boots (from the snow and a few streams without bridges) and a building headache.  And I knew I probably wouldn’t see anyone for the rest of the day - sort of a sobering thought.  Eventually, the complete silence of the trail was broken by the sound of cars on NH-112 (below me, but invisible).  I somehow summoned strength to reach my car, completing nearly 10 miles of challenging trail in around seven hours.  Pathetic...  Zack was just pulling out of the lot but he stopped to thank me for helping him get to the top of Mount Wolf - it took even more (mental) effort to be cordial and responsive.  I sat in my car for nearly 15 minutes before I felt like turning the key.  I went home via a backtrack of the route I'd used in the morning (NH-112, NH-116, NH-10, NH/VT-25 and I-91) and arrived at around 1715.  Lots of lessons today - I suppose I should be glad I made it and have chipped more miles off my goal.  But it’s tough to see positive things at this exact moment.  Hope I can get myself in the zone to tackle the (even more difficult) sections I’ve got left in NH...  AT Today = 3.4 miles / Grand Total AT = 1805.2 miles / AT Left = 380.1 miles

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[went to VA Hospital appointment in White River Junction (0815) - shopping in West Leb on the way home]

Warner, NH (USA)

Great day for a climb!  Wasn’t feeling up to a rocky, icy AT slog so I headed south on I-89 to Warner, hoping to hike up Mount Kearsarge (after scouting it last week).  Started (at around 0830) from the parking lot at Rollins State Park and used the 3.5 mile access road (paved) and Rollins Trail (0.5 miles) to reach the summit.  I didn’t see anyone during the ascent but the top was packed with people who’d walked in from the Winslow State Park side (1 mile trail).  View was tremendous!  Saw familiar peaks to the west (Greylock, Monadnock, Sunapee, Peru, Killington, Ascutney), huge lakes on both sides (Winnipesauke, Sunapee), the Connecticut River and the impressive White Mountains to the north (tops fading into the clouds).  I tried to find the Boston skyline (80 miles away) but the horizon was too hazy.  It wasn’t too windy and the sun kept me comfortable.  Descent was much easier, of course, and I talked to a lot of families that were just starting their hike.  The lot was full when I got to my car after walking nearly 8 miles.  Went back to Lebanon on I-89 and arrived at around 1400.  Once again, the Early Bird wins! 

Franklin, NH (USA)

Weather was much nicer today but I decided that I should go south (instead of back into the Whites) to work on the Northern Rail Trail.  After Mass (0800) in Lebanon, I used I-89 to reach NH-11 and continued east until I arrived in the town of Franklin.  I parked on Carr Street, just about a mile from the boat launch area on Webster Lake.  It was warm (and buggy) when I started (0930) but the overcast helped to keep me from turning into a lobster.  I first walked in the direction of White River Junction, looking for the Andover-Franklin town line.  Just a bit after I passed that, I reached the NH-11 overpass where I turned around last weekend.  Headed back towards Boston and spent a little time reading the many historical markers that had been placed along the trail.  Apparently, this area posed one of the biggest challenges to the railroad builders on the whole rail line - it was quite obvious in places that they had to move a LOT of dirt to keep the grade level.  It was actually kind of funny to see that the highway engineers didn’t bother to do nearly as much work - the road rose and fell repeatedly (above and below the rail trail) while I walked on a comfortable flat surface.  I encountered a lot of bikers throughout the day and ended up talking to a few about how much farther I had left to go on the NRT (answers varied between 6 and 11 miles).  When I reached my car, I decided to keep going - I wanted to find a good parking lot in Franklin.  Unfortunately, I was not successful in this plan - the trail stayed away from town, high above it, for the next few miles.  One of the locals told me about a place where I could leave my car (on the side of the road) so I turned around there (Anderson Avenue).  I also learned that there was another rail trail on the other side of town - will have to check that out someday.  The walk back to my car wasn’t too stressful but I was repeatedly passed by a large group of bikers who kept stopping until I passed them.  I guess they liked seeing the scenery (mostly lakes and rivers).  Done by 1215 - felt good after walking almost 7 miles.  I wasn't ready to go home yet so I drove towards I-89 via NH-127.  Along the way west, I decided to it would be a good idea to explore the Kearsarge Mountain State Forest.  It took a long time to circumnavigate the area (lots of gravel roads) but the ride was very scenic and I got glimpses of several homes with breathtaking views along the way.  I eventually reached NH-103 and entered the town of Warner.  Following signs to Rollins State Park, I continued up the base of Kearsarge until I reached a gate across the road - I was unable to reach the top of the mountain on that route.  It really didn't matter, though, because it started raining at that point. After all the driving, I’ve now got a better idea about the trail systems in (and between) Winslow and Rollins State Parks,  Hoping I can make it to the top (by car or by foot) of this iconic landmark soon -  supposedly, you can sometimes see the Boston skyline (80 miles away) from up there!  From Warner, I went home on I-89, arriving at around 1700.  Glad I got to enjoy at least one full warm day this weekend...

Waterville Valley, NH (USA)

Had hoped to hike some AT today and left the house optimistically, bound for Kinsman Notch.  I used I-91, VT/NH-25, NH-10, NH-115 and NH-112 to reach the WMNF parking area there.  Upon arrival (around 0830), I found the area enveloped in fog, a strong wind, temps in the high 20s and a light coating of snow from the previous evening.  Part of me still wanted to go up the southern slope of Kinsman (it looked better than the northern slope of Moosilauke) but the final clincher was the nearly empty parking lot (I’ve never seen that).  I decided that I didn’t want to be a Winter 2020-21 rescue statistic and reluctantly headed east into Lincoln.  The conditions on the other side of I-93 were very similar (with the additional perk of “spitting snow”) so I gave up on the AT and headed south.  The temps improved a bit and it occurred to me that I should pay a visit the part of the WMNF in the Mad River Valley - my Snowshoe Hikes book mentioned a couple of trails near the town of Waterville Valley and that seemed like good Plan B.  Once I was off the Interstate (NH-49), I enjoyed the warmer conditions and views of the white capped waters of the (appropriately named) Mad River.  I easily found the National Forest units at the base of Sandwich Mountain and then stumbled into the Resort Community.  Wow!  I don’t remember visiting the area when I was young but most of it looked new and affluent.  I spent about an hour, exploring the property and checking out various amenities.  I visited one of the sales offices and began to wonder if such a place was in my price range for a northern retirement residence (jury I’d still out)...  Headed back west and tried to locate the Welch-Dickey Trailhead so I could put in a few miles in the mountains.  After successfully finding the parking lot (much busier), I spent another hour walking on the Brown Ash Swamp (Mountain) Bike Trail.  It was quite muddy but I had this route to myself (everyone else took the loop trail on the mountains).  The temps got up to the 50s and the sun came out - the wind kept my jacket on, though.  Finished up at around 1400 and headed towards home - backtracking to I-93 and then proceeding via Plymouth, NH-25, NH-118 and US-4 to Canaan.  As I approached Enfield, I decided to take Goose Pond Road to explore the southern end of Goose Pond.  This turned out to be a good idea because I immediately found some places to launch a kayak and, when I stopped at the dam, met some locals who gave me even more insights into things to do nearby.  The weather was much improved by then (it was actually getting warm) but the day was almost over.  I continued north until I could go west (around the north side of Goose Pond) and then went home via Etna (arrived by 1630).  Overall, a pretty good day of exploring and discovery!  I think I successfully made lemonade out of the lemons life gave me - if I can’t say anything nice about the day, I can admit that I know my home state a bit better.