My brother-in-law (John) invited me to my sister, Katie's, 50th Birthday (surprise) party so I made plans to spend most of the weekend in the Boston area. This morning, I did some cleaning up and organizing in my condo until around 0830. Then, I drove to West Lebanon and dropped of printer cartridges (0900). I also picked up limoncello for Katie at the NH Liquor Outlet (0915). After that, I drove south on I-89 until reaching NH-103 West. I used NH-114 and US-202 to get to Hillsboro, where I had learned there was another trail on the the NH Rail Trail Challenge list. I parked at the Deering Fish & Game Club (good lot there) and walked the northern half of the Hillsborough Recreational Trail between the northern terminus (Mill/Bridge Streets, Hillsborough) and the midpoint (crossing of Bennington Depot Road). Had no trouble following the old rail bed during any of my three hour (8 mile) day - except for where the trail crossed into Hillsborough itself. It then basically tracked into the woods and crossed many private yards until it completely disappeared into a fenced-in EPA Brownfield site. I was able to guesstimate where it was but had to walk on the road for over a mile to reach the official trailhead. Not sure if they will ever finish a passable route - meanwhile, it would probably be more accurate to name the Rail Trail after Deering… Regardless, I still enjoyed remote forest views, passed through pleasant farms, followed the edge of an Airpark’s runway and marveled at the power of the Contoocook River. Only saw a few people so had lots of time for reflection. Looking forward to coming back for the southern half! Mollie had called during my walk, so I called her back after I was finished (1400) and departed towards Massachusetts. It started raining almost immediately. I used back roads to reach NH-149 and then switched to NH-114 in South Weare, where I stopped for gas (1425). I then continued on NH-114 (through Goffstown, where I saw another Rail Trail) until reaching I-293. Followed that until reaching I-93 - the traffic OK at this point but got much worse just after I passed through Tewksbury. From there, it was stop/go and lots of frustration for the next hour (plus). My Google Maps kept telling me I'd be late (I thought the party started at 1600) and I arrived at Town & Country Clubhouse in Kingston at 1635. Fortunately for me, Katie and John were also running late and I was able to be present when she arrived for the Surprise Party. We had a great time eating, talking, singing, (etc.) and stayed until almost 2000. Then I drove Katie home and the whole family convened at the house for talking (and drinking). I went to bed at close to 2300 after a fun-filled day!
