I took the advice of many of my neighbors (and other locals I’ve encountered) and paddled Grafton Pond this morning! After Mass in Lebanon (0800), I used I-89, US-4 and NH-4A to reach the area and arrived at the parking area by 0930. I was fortunate to get a parking spot - the place is VERY popular. Everyone I met had big plans for their day in the water: fishing, picnicking, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and paddle-boarding. I’ve heard it called the “Best Place for Kayaking in New Hampshire” and, after spending a few hours out on the water, I completely agree! For a “pond”, it’s pretty big - but, more importantly, it has scores of islands (not depicted on the screen shot I took on Apple Maps). Nearly every headland I passed turned out to be really an island and I think it would be possible to get lost among the maze of channels between each one. The wind was pretty strong and provided a pleasant respite from the 80+ degree weather. Most of the other people paddled straight to a particular island, tied up their watercraft and then enjoyed the solitude there. Meanwhile, I circuited the entire lake (clockwise), checking every little inlet to see where it went. In some cases, I found lagoons with no wind and no other people. In others, I tried to get through a gap in the trees and found myself “beached” on a submerged boulder or log - I had to use my paddle as a pole to get free! The views of nearby high terrain were tremendous - though it was probably 10 miles away, I could clearly see the summit of Mount Cardigan. I encountered a family of loons (parents and two loonlets). Actually, there were a LOT of loons on the pond and I got close to some (unintentionally). It is strange to watch them as they see you approaching - I kept expecting them to fly away but they just dive underwater at the last possible second. I never got out of my kayak and paddled until my arms were sore - it was a great upper body workout! The temps had warmed into the 90s as the day wore - I’m wondering if I have a sunburn now… It was very crowded at the landing as I finished - this definitely is an “Early Bird” event and I hope to return again soon! Finished by 1145, I drove (via back roads) to Canaan and attended a Community Luncheon at St. Mary's Catholic Church (1215-1330). There was lots of good visiting and food - I met some new people too. After helping to clean up the Parish Hall, I departed via US-4, looking for the Enfield Town Fair on the way - unfortunately, I never saw it. Took I-89 to get home and arrived at condo at around 1430. Another great NH Day!
