With some good weather forecasted, a handful of gift cards and some plans for a big paddling project (Lake Massebesic), I got up early, did some reading and then packed my car. I was on the road by 0715 and made it to the Men of St. Joseph (at Sacred Heart) meeting by 0730 - I stayed there, fellowshipping with my friends, until 0900. Afterwards, I drove to West Lebanon and picked up my free (birthday) bear claw breakfast (0915). Got back on I-89 after that and headed south. I first stopped to quickly check out the newly reopened Welcome Center (Rest Area) before the Lebanon Exit - it was nice! After that, I drove south all the way to the end of I-89 (listening to audiobooks). I took NH-3A to I-93 and then drove to the Mall of New Hampshire, arriving just before 1100. Parking near the Red Robin, I got my free birthday burger and some bottomless sides as soon as they opened. The food was really good and I enjoyed my meal. At 1140, I was done and wandered the Mall for a little while, looking for the Eastern Mountain Sports (I had a birthday coupon). When I found it, I discovered that it was having a Going Out of Business Sale! I looked through the available offerings but didn't find anything really compelling. Instead, I got nine stroopwafel snacks and only spent about a dollar of my own money. When I reached my car again (1215), I found it had rained very heavily while I was inside. The weather to the west looked OK so I decided to drive over to nearby Lake Massabesic to do some paddling. I had referenced my paddling book (from the AMC) and easily found the car-top boat launch. However, parking was at a premium so I had to park on the road and walk a good bit to reach the water. The launch area was located in the middle of the reservoir (the water supply for Manchester) After I was in the water (1230), I warily eyed the dark clouds and surprisingly brisk wind and also discovered that the lake had severely rough water. With an surface area of more than 2500 acres, much of it wide open (no trees), it was almost like the ocean! My initial plan had been to spend time in the western half of the lake but this turned out to be where the worst wave action was - there were actual whitecaps! After struggling around the edge for more than 45 minutes, I found my kayak was filling up with water and I’d reached a place where I couldn’t paddle fast enough to avoid falling backward. I managed to turn around and then rode the waves like a surfer. Reaching the eastern side of the lake, I found much calmer conditions and I spent over an hour exploring little coves and was even able to cross in the middle of the main channel. I enjoyed watching the many sailboats that had launched from the marina - there were also a few fishing boats, lazily drifting with the light current. Despite all the time and distance, I still probably only got to see about a quarter of the reservoir. The clouds continued threatening and it even rained on me a few times. Conditions required me to paddle for almost the entire session (2 hours, 4ish miles) and my arms were quite tired when I reached the landing. I managed to get a parking spot and quickly get my kayak back on the roof - whew! Overall, this was a really good workout - definitely need to return on a calmer day so I can see more of this beautiful lake! From the boat launch, I drove north on NH-28B again and parked at the trailhead for the Rockingham Recreational Trail. Starting at 1445, I walked southwest of Lake Massebesic and resumed my pursuit of the New Hampshire Rail Trail Challenge. The hike between NH-28 (Bypass) and I-93 (reached Page Street) was roughly four miles round trip. Despite passing through some urban sprawl, there was plenty of green and some nice tunnels. I’ve still got a lot of miles left to finish on this trail (and several others) but feel good about my afternoon stroll. Got rained on (sprinkled) a bit while I was walking but my foot felt OK. Back in the car (1600), I drove north on NH-28B until I reached US-3 (near the Shaw's in Hooksett). I continued north on that road until I was able to take some side streets and cut across to the Friendly's on NH-9 (Loudon Road). I arrived at about 1630 and sat at the ice cream counter - the nice manager set me up with my free birthday Reese's Pieces Sundae (mmm) and I talked to her about the difficulties that the restaurant chain had been having for years. It was a nice respite and I did some social media posts during the stop. Afterwards (1715), I drove west into Concord and (after a quick drive on I-93), got off at NH-3A so I could use my birthday gift card at The Common Man (on NH-3A in Concord). I sat at the upstairs bar and had some delicious buffalo chicken empanadas and some beer (tried the Common Man Ale). Stayed until about 1815 and then got back in my car. After driving back towards I-89 on Hall Street, I hoped I could get a good deal on the Irving gas station but found that the price was the same as back in Lebanon. Instead, I just got on I-89 and headed north. In the end, I stopped in Grantham and found the price at their Irving to be a bit better. Filled up the tank (finished at 1910) and was about to get on I-89 again when I saw my friend (Ed) passing by (we waved) - small world! About 20 minutes later (1930), I arrived at my condo after a very busy day. I sure maximized my birthday treats, paddling prowess and improving foot health!
