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.
