Started my day early (0445) at Moose Brook State Park but decided I was going to take a break from hiking the AT. Read in the early AM and got out of my campsite at around 0630. Stopped for breakfast at McDonalds in Gorham at 0645. I ate inside the restaurant and, when finished, drove towards Berlin on NH-16. Picked up some supplies at Walmart (done at 0730) and then backtracked to US-2. On my way home, I thought about stopping at some trails I'd noticed on NH-116 but ended up continuing all the way into Littleton. Got on I-93 and drove west to the exit for NH-135. Found a good boat launch (there were several, actually) and then paddled for 90 minutes on the Moore Reservoir. The lake was formed by another dam on the Connecticut River and I floated along between New Hampshire and Vermont for a little while. I mostly stayed on the west end (counterclockwise circuit) but saw several places upriver where I could launch the kayak again if I want to continue my quest to paddle the whole river... After getting done, I decided to use NH-135 to get to Woodsville. This ended up being a nice choice because I was able to follow the Connecticut much more closely than the Interstate did. Listened to more audiobooks on the way. Eventually, I came into Woodsville near the start of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and got on US-302 until I could switch to NH-10. As I headed south, I remembered that the North Haverhill Fair was going onthis weekend. Decided to stop, since I've already missed it during the two previous years of driving through the area. This year's fair was the 78th installment! In addition to the typical Midway, I encountered had just about anything you could think of for a Summer Fair - it took me over an hour just to walk a full circuit. Highlights: Clydesdale Pull, Truck Pull, animal races, prize dairy cows, costumed sheep & goats and “Haverhill’s Got Talent.” Temps were high so I sought shade as much as possible. Enjoyed a nice burger for lunch. I’d definitively come again, especially since they have different events each day. Next year, I might try the helicopter ride, archery tag or cornhole tournament! Left fair at about 1430 and drove home (via NH-10 to River Road to NH/VT-25, then I-91). Arrived at my condo by 1530 and unpacked. Overall, a beautiful day!
