After Mass (0800) in Lebanon this morning, I spent almost two hours exploring the (unmarked) trails on Shaker Mountain in Enfield. I parked at the lot on NH-4A at about 0945 and put on some micro-spikes before leaving my car. The mostly icy (with some muddy spots) trail wasn’t too challenging and the steady climb on an old forest road was pleasant. Temps ranged between mid 20s and mid 30s but felt warm in three layers (no wind). Very quiet except when I reached the northern boundary of Montcalm Golf Course - then could hear the traffic on I-89. Saw lots of turkey tracks. Only a few other folks were using the trails during the time I was there but I still managed to get information from a few of them about additional trails nearby. At the end of my hike (1130), I walked through the old Shaker Village on the shore of Lake Mascoma - encountered lots of history there about the mostly defunct religious sect. Meanwhile, just across the road, the Mass at La Salette Shrine was well attended. Since the Shakers gave the Catholics land to build the Shrine, it could be argued that the words of the Great Commission that were chiseled (in Latin) on the cornice of one of the main buildings are still being practiced. I’ll need to come back in the evening to enjoy the Shrine’s Christmas lights. Glad I was able to enjoy another brisk NH day in the woods!
