Today was the first nationally-observed instance of "Juneteenth" so ended up with an unexpected day off from work. I wanted to try a “knee check” before I hiked the AT later in the weekend so I drove down to North Grantham this morning to check out the Old Route 10 Bikeway. I've passed it many times this winter while snowmobiles were using it and it looked hilly enough that I’d be able to find out whether I’d be able to do more than I’ve been limited to for two weeks. At 0930, I parked near Exit 14 (I-89) and walked north. Was VERY pleased to find I had no pain in climbs and descents on the bike trail. Even better, though, was that I was also able to put in some more work on climbs and descents on a rocky/rooty/muddy track on Snow Mountain (Upper Valley Land Trust Conservation Area). After finishing that, I walked north on the road to Exit 15 and then south back to my car. I wasn’t rewarded with any views today but I was happy to log about six miles in less than 2.5 hours - a successful dry run in preparation for more challenging hikes! Back at my car (1145), I ate some lunch I'd packed. To reach the second part of my planned adventure (first paddling day of 2021!), I used some roads (including some gravel and mud) that took me through the Eastman Community and set me up on Bog Road (east of the Enfield Wildlife Management Area). I then got on NH-4A and followed it east to Boys Camp Road - from there, I easily located Spectacle Pond near the border or Enfield/Canaan. When I first moved to NH, my friend (Jim L) recommended that I kayak there ("because it's the best paddling place around"). I never got around to it last summer so gave it first priority in the queue this year. It turned out to be a great water venue for a warm June afternoon! From 1245 to 1415, I worked my way counterclockwise around the oddly shaped pond (it was really more of a lake!), enjoying views of the expansive sky and summer homes, leafy shade and pleasant breeze. I encountered geese/goslings, ducks/ducklings, a nesting loon, a beaver lodge, turtles and lots of song birds. I only saw one other boat during my 1.5 hour paddle (canoe) and only two people on the shore (sunbather, lawnmower). Peaceful place, all around. Wind picked up as I was getting done - fortunately, it was at my back! To get home, I backtracked west and turned north on Potato Road. I easily found US-4 (near the Northern Rail Trail crossing) and got back home through Enfield and I-89. I was in my condo just after 1530. Looking forward to more kayaking adventures this year!
