It’s been raining for most of the week (and weekend) so big hiking plans were thwarted… This morning, I figured out that it was warmer and drier to the south and decided to head in that direction. I left the condo at 0800 and used I-89 to reach NH-13. From there, I drove through Dunbarton and used other back roads to reach Goffstown. While hiking the town’s Rail Trail last year, I noticed some trails in the area of the two Uncanoonuc mountains - today seemed like a great day to climb one of them! At 0915, I parked right next to the Uncanoonuc Lake and used the Incline Trail (very steep) to reach the summit of the south peak. Up there, I got some great views of Concord, Manchester and much of the Merrimack Valley. But it wasn’t until I circuited the summit a few times (trails and gravel roads) that I found a view of the Boston skyline (50+ miles away). From another spot, I discovered I could see several NH mountain peaks - Kearsarge, Sunapee, Cardigan, Moosilauke; all the way to the southern end of the Whites! The twin Uncanoonucs aren’t very tall (less than 1.5K feet) but are prominent above the flat farmland in the area. Saw lots of people with their dogs and some locals talked to me about the meaning of the word "Uncanoonuc" (woman's breast). After my adventurous climb and exploring at the summit, I was a bit disappointed to encounter LOTS of mud on the way back down (via Summit Trail). Since I hadn't yet met my 10,000 step goal, I walked on roads around the lake - some were private but I met almost universally pleasant local people working in their yards (the temps were in the 40s and the sun had come out). I got back to my car (and a packed parking lot) at 1115. Great hike! I wasn't done exploring so I decided to drive east towards Manchester. Using back roads, I found a lot of interesting places and views. Explored St. Anselm University campus and then continued into Manchester, crossing the Merrimack River near Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. I tried to learn more about the Fisher Cats season but had no luck. Instead, I walked on a bike trail that went along the river until I reached a foot bridge I'd used to cross the river when I last visited. Back in my car, drove north through Manchester (without a map). When I ended up on River Road, I started to see things that looked very historic. Suddenly (1230), I found Stark Park and realized I'd have a chance to learn more about the famous Granite Stater who'd first said "Live Free or Die". Walked around the property (pretty nice trails) and paid homage to our American Hero! John Stark’s band of NH and VT volunteers won the Battle of Bennington, an engagement that sapped the energy of the British Army before their defeat at Saratoga. From his farm on the Merrimack, I noticed that he used to have a great view of the Uncancoonucs... In my opinion, it was a great park for walking, history and reflection! After getting done (1300), I continued north on River Road. Eventually, I passed through the University of Southern New Hampshire campus - fancy! Continued north until I was on US-3. Stopped at Shaw's (1330) to get free grocery items and then followed US-3 north again until I could cut west (Main Street) to NH-3A in the town of Hooksett. After this circuitous route, I found myself in the 10 mile stretch I normally use to avoid the toll. The drive north took me to Hall Street - from there, I got on Water Street for a short time so I could stop for lunch at McDonalds (I had a BOGO code). Since I'd had such a long day of walking and driving, I ate inside the restaurant (1350). After getting done with my meal (1410), I retraced my route and stopped at Litherman's Limited Brewery (arrived at 1420). I enjoyed a flight of Pilsner, Limoncello, Mai Tai, Tenth Man - the best drink of all was the special "Tangled Up in Bruges With Limoncello", a limited pour. I was done at 1500 and then drove west. Once on I-89 again, I drove north towards home - arrived at my condo at 1600. Great day of exploring!
