New Hampshire...Love it or Leaf it

Getting to Know the Merrimack

2010-07-30T16:06:00.011-04:00

Today's guest post is by Patrice, a faithful contributor and enthusiastic fellow kayaker. You can follow her adventures on Life Less Ordinary.

The Merrimack River flows 60-plus miles through New Hampshire, offering everything from flatwater to Class III rapids. The Merrimack has a little bit of a bad rep because of years of pollution, but it's improved a lot during the past 30 years. Justin and I explored about 15 miles from Franklin to Penacook in two different trips this month.

The first trip was from Boscawen to Penacook, offered as a guided trip by the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC). Have you heard of them? If not, and you like kayaking or canoeing, you need to go check them out now. The Concord Monitor recently did a story on them, so I think they are getting more exposure.

The organization offers free guided trips on many rivers and other waterways around the state from April through October. You don't have to be a member to join the trips, but of course, they would welcome your membership. This year, they are sponsoring 36 trips!

Paddling from Boscowen to Penacook

Our first trip with MRWC on the Merrimack was supposed to be an overnighter. However, it turned out to be the one weekend all summer that we got much-needed rain in the form of scattered thunderstorms. Since we live close by, Justin and I opted to make it a day trip. The trip leader, Nancy Gero, camped on a beach where a local farmer allows camping.

Despite the rain, the paddle was close to perfect. Quiet. Scenic. There are a few sandy beaches along the way (including the one where many people camp). We only saw two houses and the rest of the scenery was mostly untouched forest and farmland. We even saw some beavers, herons, and cranes, which is always a nice treat!

The next MRWC-sponsored trip for this section of the Merrimack River is September 27th, led again by Nancy Gero.

Things to Know Before You Go: The put-in for this section is the public boat launch in Boscawen. Heading north on Route 3, the launch is just past the county jail. The take-out is in the Rivco Boat Ramp in Penacook at the corner of Merrimack and Penacook Streets. No restrooms at either site, but ample parking.

Paddling From Franklin to Boscawen

The next weekend, Justin and I kayaked a six-plus mile section of the river from Franklin to Boscawen. I think the MRWC offers a guided trip, but we decided to tackle it on our own, following Nancy's advice about what to expect.

This section is completely different in that it offers a little more Class I-III excitement. There were at least five sections where we had to navigate rocks and fast-moving water. The first 3.5 miles is really quick-moving and shallow. In fact, in two spots we had to get out of our boats and carry them a little bit because the water was too low. (I'm sure that would change with some RAIN!)

The last three miles was deeper and slower-moving. While the shoreline on this section was scenic with few houses and more herons, cranes and beavers, we could hear road noise for most of the trip, making it less desirable for us. I think we passed one or two sandy beaches where you could stop for a picnic lunch.

Things to Know Before You Go: The put-in for this section is the public boat launch in Franklin, off Route 3 behind the high school. The take-out is the public boat launch in Boscawen (the same one we used for the put-in for the first trip). Again, there are no restrooms, but there's ample parking.

Sportsmans Pond is a Hidden Gem

2010-06-19T19:35:00.005-04:00

Today we welcome a guest post by Andrea, who lives in Ashby, MA. Andrea started kayaking last year and has managed to get out on the water at least once a week (I'm jealous!). She and her mom enjoy exploring southwestern New Hampshire. "It's convenient and there's an abundance of quiet water," she says.

Kayaking Sportsmans Pond in Fitzwilliam

by Andrea

This is a 152-acre pond that really invites exploration. From the launch, we paddled a 50-foot wide swamp channel that opened up to a small island. Little did we know that the island was blocking our view of a beautiful pond. There are only about 5-6 houses on the entire pond. We headed right and followed the shoreline to an outlet brook with a dam and a small bridge. Continuing along the shore, we encountered a pair of loons near the swamp inlet.

The swamp had channels coming out of it and looked like it had possibilities for exploration (maybe next time). Most of Sportsmans Pond is beautiful and completely wild, keeping you out of sight of the road and houses as the shore weaves in and out. We saw stone walls, boulders, and a pair of mallards. Around the last corner before returning to the launch, we came across my favorite feature.

We paddled to the end of the last inlet, thinking about turning around because of the tree stumps. Then we encountered two boulders, but when we paddled around them...it was like entering a different world: We found a beautiful boulder-filled brook and started weaving in and out, sometimes losing sight of each other. I don't know if a kayak much longer than our little nine-and-a-half footers would be able to navigate the boulders in this brook. We paddled this section until we came to a snowmobile bridge. There are spots that would allow portage and it looked like more paddling ahead, but we decided to call it a day.

We paddled Sportsmans Pond early in the season, so I'm unsure about weed growth as the season progresses. We're hoping to get back there to explore further!

Things to Know Before You Go: Parking is roadside and only has room for about two cars. The launch is small and gravel. We drove past twice before we decided "this was the place."

Directions: Take Rte. 119 to Royalston Road. Stay on Royalston Road past Pierce Road. Cartop roadside launch is on the left side of Royalston Road. If you see the Sportsman Club, you've gone too far.

Kayaks/Canoes: Try Before You Buy

2010-05-14T07:42:00.007-04:00

Test Paddle at Silver Lake State Park
Are you looking to buy your first kayak or maybe upgrade your current one? You're in luck -- There are two upcoming events in New Hampshire to help you with your decision. Tomorrow (Saturday, May 15), Eastern Mountain Sports will hold an on-water test paddle at Silver Lake State Park in Hollis, NH from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You'll be able to demo kayaks from Hurricane, Neckey, Ocean Kayak, Old Town, Perception, Wilderness Systems and more. You'll also have a chance to learn from EMS staff how to choose the kayak, paddle, and accessories that are right for you. And yes, you can save money on same-day purchases. Since we're thinking about buying new kayaks in the near future, Doug and I are hoping to get to Hollis to check it out!

Contoocook River Canoe Company Demo Day
Mark your calendar for next Sunday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. That's when Contoocook River Canoe Company in Concord holds its 11th annual on water Demo Day. They bill it as New Hampshire's largest kayak and canoe on water demo -- and I believe that's true!

Here's your chance to try out as many kayaks and canoes and accessories as you want and talk to the company reps. Over 200 boats will be available from more than 20 manufacturers. This is the event where Doug and I bought our Werner paddles last year. It's well worth the trip to Concord if you're in the market for a boat or accessories.

On a personal note: I've been neglecting the blog lately, but not for lack of interest. Believe me when I say I'd love to be out on my bike or paddling around one of our state's beautiful ponds! The good news is our lives are filled with many blessings right now: Our oldest daughter is getting married four weeks from tomorrow AND Doug and I are in the midst of having a new house built and preparing to put our home on the market. In between times, our soon-to-be son-in-law is running a marathon in Burlington, Vermont and graduating with his MBA. So we are busy, busy!

If you're lucky enough to be out enjoying the outdoors, please consider writing a guest post for New Hampshire...Love it or Leaf It. You don't need to be a polished writer, I'm glad to edit your notes. Just drop me a line at lbryar1154@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Check Out NH's Northern Rail Trail

2010-04-27T19:23:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Patrice of Life Less Ordinary for sharing this post. The Northern Rail Trail has been on my wish list for a while. Glad to hear it's worth the trip! If you're biking in the Granite State this spring, be sure to let us know all about it.

Just Keep Pedaling (and You Won't be Bothered by Black Flies)

J and I hit the Northern Rail Trail Saturday and it did not disappoint. Right now, there’s about 10 miles completed through Andover and just over the Franklin line, and supposedly another 25 miles between Lebanon and Danbury (but we can’t attest to that). Plus, in 2010, they are planning to connect the Andover line to Danbury and Boscawen. That would make for nearly 60 miles of rail trail!

The 10-mile section we did was just great! You ride on crushed gravel through wooded areas, passing a few lakes, ponds, streams and lots of signs of the old railway. For a spring day, I was surprised that it wasn’t that crowded, but it could have been the black flies. If you just don’t take any breaks from riding, they won’t bother you!

The trail is open all four seasons for multiple uses and I imagine it’s gorgeous in the fall with the colors. The rail line ran from White River Junction, Vt., to Concord from the 1840s to the 1960s. At the northern end of the 10-mile section we did, there’s an old train depot, Potter’s Place, which in itself, is pretty cool.

Directions and Parking: There are 3 parking areas along this 10-mile section. We parked at the Highland Lake Inn, which is on the SE side of the trail and serves as a welcome center for the trail (has toilet facilities). There is also parking at Blackwater Park and Potter Place. Those areas actually seemed more crowded than where we parked. All of the parking areas are off Route 11 in Andover. Check out http://www.fnrt.org/ for maps and more information.

What You Need to Know: The bike path is wide in most sections, but it’s used for multiple purposes, so be conscious of bikers, walkers, runners, strollers and horses and yield-to/passing rules. The path is not paved, but the crushed stone was still smooth enough. It was not too crowded when we went on a Saturday, but I imagine it does get crowded. When you park at Highland Lake Inn, you are not at the SE terminus of the trail. It goes another 2 miles or so over the Franklin town line. Potter Place is the NW terminus of the trail.

Hiking and Biking Suggestions

2010-04-08T14:27:00.005-04:00

It's springtime in New Hampshire! Yes, that means lots of mud. But if you hurry, at least you'll get in some good outdoor time before black fly season. Not sure where to go and what to do? Today I'm posting links to an article on hiking and a news item about a new rail trail. Enjoy!

Take a Hike
Cliff Calderwood posted this great article, Popular Walks in the New Hampshire Lakes Region on http://www.visitingnewengland.com/. I'm intrigued by the West Rattlesnake Trail on Squam Lakes (little effort and great views, according to Cliff.) Also, the Mud Pond Trail in Fox State Park (Hillborough, NH) sounds interesting. All the trails (there are six) seem do-able for the average hiker interested in exploring nature. Some of them are suitable for children, too. Thanks, Cliff!

Ride a New Rail Trail

I just read about a grand opening celebration for a new rail trail in Newburyport (MA) and Salisbury NH. I can't find specifics other than the date (May 23) and time (noon to 4:00 p.m.). Also, the trail includes a water shuttle across the Merrimack River. I'll try to do more research to find out exactly where this is; in the meantime, if you have details, please write in. Kudos to the many people from Coastal Trails Coalition who likely worked years to make this happen!

Not to be Missed!

2010-04-05T12:51:00.009-04:00

New England Paddlesport Show runs April 9-11

If you are a canoeist or kayaker or even if you're just thinking about getting out on the water, there's something for you at the New England Paddlesports Show. This year's show almost flew under the radar for me. (I usually hear their ads on the radio, but they must have cut their advertising budget?)

Anyway, here's what I like best about this annual show: there are lots of knowledgeable vendors selling equipment and accessories. Many of them aren't so interested in making the sale, however, as they are in helping you find the right fit for your time on the water. Even more importantly, there are informative seminars and live pool demonstrations. So it's not all talk and sales pitches.

Here's a brief rundown on some of the seminars. Be sure to check out the website for more details, including a coupon for $2 off the $7 admission price.

For Women Only: Getting Started Kayaking

How to Choose a Kayak

Understanding Boat Control

Adventure Kayaking the Grand Canyon

The show runs for three days and many of the topics repeat each day. We're hoping to fit it into our schedule. Maybe we'll see you there!

Note from Lucie: We've been very busy recently with family events -- one of them being our daughter's wedding in two months. Seems that we've had little time to get outdoors and play, but we're hoping that improves as summer approaches. What about you? Are you biking or kayaking? We'd love to hear all about it. If you've thought about submitting a guest post, please drop me a line so we can talk.

NH Maple Season: It's Steaming!

2010-03-13T16:20:00.012-05:00

The month of March in New Hampshire is typically gray, blustery, and boring -- especially when it comes to outdoor activities. The one bright spot for me is maple sugar season. Last year Doug and I visited a sugar shack for the first time and I thought it was pretty cool (Read The Maple Guys and Ice Out). In this post, I'm highlighting some of the maple events taking place in our state in the next few weeks. If you want in on the action, my advice is to start planning now!

Maple Weekend -- Over 65 sugar houses across the state will welcome visitors on March 27th and 28th (sponsored by the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association). Check out their website for a list of sugar houses by county and a description of events at each location. You can enjoy hot dogs boiled in sap; feed goats and chickens; take a horse-drawn ride and of course, collect sap and watch the whole syrup making process, weather permitting. Remember that sap doesn't flow until temperature conditions are just right. You can read the basics of maple syrup production in New Hampshire here.

March Maple Madness -- This is an Inn-to-Inn event in Mount Washington Valley "held together by maple syrup and wacky fun," according to the sponsors. Basically, you take a self-guided inn-to-inn tour, sample some sweet maple treats all the way and earn points for select activities. There's a scavenger hunt and a "Hare Raising Quiz," along with a chance to visit several sugaring locations to see the maple syrup process firsthand. Tickets are $15 per person and are valid for both days: March 27th & 28th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

NH Maple Festival -- This two day event (same weekend) takes place in the Woodstock area and is about as serious as you can get with maple sugar fun. Let's see...there's an opportunity to "bring in the sap," enjoy a maple dinner, and watch the Maple Sugar Parade. This year's parade features the crowning of the first-ever Maple King and Queen and the ever-popular bed race.

There's more to this Festival, too. You can take part in a sap-collecting obstacle course on snowshoes (is there enough snow in Woodstock still?) I'm not sure how the sap collecting works, but someone rings a cowbell and the contestants are off! According to the website, you'll need to collect at least two quarts of sap to be a serious contender.

Maple Sugar Madness! Last but not least, this is hands-on maple sugaring at its best. Each weekend during March, Prescott Farm Education Center in Laconia NH offers the chance to do it all yourself -- from tapping a tree to boiling and finally, tasting the sweet syrup. You need to reserve a spot in advance, either online or by calling 603-366-5695.

If you know of any other maple sugar events in the state (and I'm sure there are many more!), please drop us a line.

Chocolate + Snow = Happiness

2010-03-07T17:03:00.012-05:00

Before we leave Old Man Winter behind, I'm happy to share another guest post from Patrice (see her great blog at Life Less Ordinary.) Patrice and her partner in crime (a.k.a. her husband Justin -- that's him shown on skis) were lucky enough this year to check out the Annual Chocolate Festival in Intervale, NH. We're lucky that she decided to share it all with us here. Enjoy!

Chocolate Indulgence Without Guilt

For the last few years, I've seen the advertisements for the Annual Chocolate Festival in Intervale NH and always wanted to go. This year, I finally got there! (Check out www.crosscountryskinh.com/chocolatefestival.html )

What's it All About?

The Annual Chocolate Festival combines two great loves: chocolate and skiing/snowshoeing. From 11 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m., Intervale's 65km of trails are open with special pitstops for participants. This year, there were nine "official" locations where you could receive stamps and a special chocolate treat. Stops included the Ragged Mountain Equipment, 1785 Inn, Adventure Suites and Whitaker Meeting House. The treats ranged from chocolate cupcakes to fondue to brownie sundaes to chocolate wine and beer. Aside from the nine stops, some local businesses also offered discounts and deals.

What to Know Before You Go

Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance ($20 vs. $25). You don't necessarily have to ski or snowshoe, but that might make you feel less guilty about all the chocolate treats! They advertise a shuttle running between stops, but I never spotted it. You could even walk or drive around town to each stop; I saw a lot of people doing that. If you go to all nine stops and get all your stamps, you're entered into a grand prize raffle.

My Opinion

I've never skied Intervale's cross-country trails before, but they definitely seemed used and abused for this event. Some of the trails were even closed for lack of snow. It could have a lot to do with the fact that there were 100s of people hitting the trails and Mother Nature hasn't sent us much snow this winter. In any case, if you participate next year, I would say don't expect stellar skiing. I was on cross-country skis and I almost wish I had snowshoes instead. There were a few sections where we had to go ski-less because it was too muddy. On the flip side, you go slower when snowshoeing.

The Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation puts on the annual fundraiser which always occurs on the last Sunday in February, so mark your calendars for next year. I don't know if I'll go again, but I'm glad I finally marked it off my list!

Note from Lucie: For those planning to attend next year: Be sure to check the event website for trail conditions in advance. As an aside, we haven't been able to get outdoors much this winter for lots of reasons. Let's just say we're thinking spring! If you're out and about exploring New Hampshire, why not send in a guest post? You can contact me through the comments section or at nhloveitorleafit@gmail.com.

Yurt Camping II: The New Hampshire Way

2010-01-26T18:47:00.011-05:00

Today, guest blogger Patrice of Life Less Ordinary writes about camping in a yurt in New Hampshire. Not sure what a yurt is? Be sure to check out Patrice's earlier post about yurt camping at Frost Mountain in Maine.

My husband Justin and I recently took a second yurt trip, this time to Green Alpaca Yurts at Crown Point Alpaca Farm in Strafford. Again, I can't rave enough about the yurt experience. The yurt at Green Alpaca is actually constructed by one of the only NH-based yurt manufacturers, White Mountain Yurts. (I have a soft spot for NH-made products.)

Since this summer, the model at Green Alpaca has been open for a quick look or for rent as an overnight excursion. Farm owner Val Newell is thrilled to have the yurt model on her property and is happy to share her love of yurts with others.

Animals and Outhouses...oh my!

The yurt at Crown Point Alpaca Farm is set back in the woods, up on a hill and extremely private. As with Frost Mountain Yurts, there is no running watter or electricity and no vehicle access. This one has two bunk beds, a futon, and all the supplies you need for an overnight: dishes, silverware, cookware, propane stove, grill, candles, games, and more. I have to point out that I liked the outhouse here better than the one at Frost Mountain; it's the little details that count!

There are snowshoe/ski trails all around the area, although we didn't explore this time. The bonus, though, was being able to experience the farm. With more than 65 alpacas and tons of ducks, chickens and turkeys, I would say it's a very kid-friendly place. You could even request farm fresh eggs to cook up for breakfast! Again, I highly recommend yurt camping. Try it once and, like us, you just might find yourself going back for more.

Lucie's note: I'm jealous! We haven't been able to camp in a yurt yet, but it's on my wish list for 2010. Sounds so appealing...to be surrounded by nature, to be able to escape electronic distractions and enjoy peace and quiet! If you've tried it, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you thought.

Yurt Camping: Try it, You Might Like it

2010-01-15T11:30:00.012-05:00

Today I'm excited to publish another guest post by Patrice, a fellow blogger and adventurer. Be sure to check out her witty take on life at Life Less Ordinary. You can also read an earlier post she wrote for New Hampshire: Love it or Leaf it on Camping at Squam Lake. She and her husband "J" are never sitting on the sidelines!

What's it all About?

I am so in love with the idea of camping in a yurt that I want everyone to try it once. My husband Justin and I tried it for the first time as a New Year's vacation and we will definitely be doing it again; in fact, we may buy our own yurt sometime in the future.

If you've never heard of a yurt, I think the best way to describe it is as a cross between a tepee (but much bigger) and a cabin. The walls are canvas and there's a door and even some windows.

For our trip, we stayed at Frost Mountain Yurts in Brownfield, Maine, which is only 16 miles from Conway, New Hampshire. They have four yurts for rent on 60 acres of land. In my opinion, this is the most luxurious form of "camping" out there in all seasons, but it works really well for winter camping.

Let me get right to the dirty details.

Things to Know Before You Go
Typically, you cannot drive to the yurts. The ones at Frost Mountain were approximately 1/10 mile from the parking area, but with snow and hills, we relied on our snowshoes to make the trek easier. So it's a cross between backpacking (hiking in) and car camping (driving up to a site).

Most yurts for rent have no running water. You pack in whatever water you think you'll use. My advice? Wash dishes in a bucket and be conservative, dumping your dirty water in a concentrated area away from the yurt. Frost Mountain provided non-drinking water, so we brought our own drinking water. Some yurts, including the one at Frost Mtn., have a solar shower for use in the summer. They should all have some sort of outhouse.

The idea of a yurt is to escape the hustle and bustle of daily living. So no electricity either. Many yurt rentals provide candlelight and gas lanterns, but we also brought extra flashlights.

How do you keep warm, you ask? All yurts are heated by wood-burning stoves and usually cut wood is provided. Our yurt stayed toasty, despite the fact it was frigid outside.

The Frost Mtn. Yurt was well-equipped, so we just packed in our food, drink, clothes and bed linens -- carried in on sleds. We brought a cooler because we were there for four days and we actually ate better than we do at home: cheese fondue, French toast, bacon, chocolate fondue. The yurt was supplied with a fondue pot, three-burner gas stove and a grill.

The yurt had lots of games and you can also borrow cross-country skis or snowshoes for free. There are miles of trails to explore or you can just spend the whole time staying cozy in the yurt and enjoying the serenity. The yurt we stayed in slept eight people, but there were only two of us. I think the cost was $85 per night.

So there you have it: the basics of our first yurt camping experience. If yurt camping is in your future, be sure to check out the Web site of the company you're planning to rent from; generally, there's lots of helpful information there. Next on our agenda is a weekend overnight yurt trip at Green Alpaca Farm in New Hampshire. I'll be sure to update you if there's new information to add.

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to set a goal in 2010: Stay in a yurt. I promise you, there is truly something magical about it!

Guided Snowshoeing in NH

2010-01-01T17:00:00.015-05:00

Snowshoeing has become a "hot" winter sport. Lots of nature centers, mountain areas, and organizations are now promoting some type of snowshoeing activity. It's fun, low cost, and easy to do. And there's plenty of room out on the trails.

So, here's a sampling of some guided snowshoeing programs to check out in New Hampshire this winter. And for those of you who prefer to go out without a guide, check back soon -- I'll be posting some trails you can explore on your own.

Guided Snow Shoe Programs
Beaver Brook Association (Hollis, NH) -- There's something for everyone here. There are Beginner Snowshoe Hikes for Women on Jan. 30th and Feb 27th; A Yoga and Snowshoe program on Jan. 16th; Wildlife Tracking on Snowshoes on Jan. 24th, as well as Winter Fitness Hikes at a moderately fast pace every Friday morning, January through March, plus more. Check it all out in their winter newsletter.

Nashua Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a snowshoe program beginning January 13th. It's a daytime activity, taking place in Mine Falls Park in Nashua every Wednesday and Friday morning at 10 a.m. For more information, call Tom at 603-589-3370.

Eastern Mountain Sports offers a guided snowshoe trek along the Saco River in North Conway, NH. Check out the Eastern Mountain Sports site for more.

Loon Mountain has a guided snowshoe hike of the summit. This one is for intermediate snowshoers. Check out the Loon Mountain site for details.

Jackson Ski Touring Center offers instructional guided nature hikes on snowshoes throughout the winter. Check out their website for information.

NH Audubon Society offers snowshoe programs as well. In Auburn, the Massabesic Audubon Center rents snowshoes throughout the season and has a guided Snowshoe and Tracking program on Feb. 13th. The McLane Center in Concord offers Winter Wildlife Hikes on snowshoes, conditions permitting, of course.

So there you have it! A few programs to get you started on this great cardio activity, particularly if you are new to the sport and looking for guidance. If you know of any other programs in the state, be sure to leave a comment.

Which Direction in 2010?

2010-01-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm excited to see where 2010 will take us all. It's been a while since I've posted; let's just say that "everyday life" sometimes gets in the way of pursuing our passions. But here I am today, looking forward to our first snowshoe adventure of the season (sometime soon I hope) and pausing to think about my blog resolutions for 2010.

I promise to write a short post on some great snowshoeing programs in the next day or two. For now, I'd like to discuss my vision for the future of New Hampshire: Love It or Leaf It.

In which direction would I like to take this blog in the year ahead? I've given it some thought and realized I'd love to turn this into a true blogging community. What exactly do I mean by that? Well, I would like to encourage many more comments from visitors and maybe even to introduce a live chat. It would be a way for us to learn from each other and gain a fresh perspective. Not sure if I have the technical skills and time to pull off a live chat feature, but I can dream!

Secondly, I want to open up the blog to more guest bloggers. As much as Doug and I try to get out there to explore our wonderful state, we're limited by time and energy. I would like to publish more guest posts from all you folks who are kayaking, biking, snow shoeing, and just plain exploring New Hampshire.

How will the blog get from "Point A" (where we are now) to "Point B" (where I'd like to be a year from now)? Well, that's for me to figure out, I guess. For now, I've taken the first step: I've shared my "secret" goals here. In a way, I've challenged myself to make it happen.

How about you? Is there anything you'd like to see on New Hampshire: Love it or Leaf It? Please take a moment to leave a comment. In the meantime, I wish you safe and happy outdoor adventures in 2010!

Tandem or Solo Kayak?

2009-12-09T19:16:00.000-05:00

We had our first snowfall this week -- a wet slushy mess that's not quite prime for snowshoeing. And obviously, it's too late in the season for kayaking. But today seems like a good time to talk about a question I hear all the time from those considering their first boat purchase: Should I buy a tandem or solo kayak?

If you're a faithful reader, you know that I have a personal bias against tandems, based on our "disastrous" experience in Florida last winter. But I'm going to try to set that aside and discuss the pros and cons here.

If You're Thinking About a Tandem

Let's start with the obvious. Tandem kayaks are bigger and heavier. That means they're more difficult to transport and certainly more difficult to handle on the water if you decide to paddle alone at any time.

On the otherhand, a tandem may be a good idea if one person is far less experienced than the other or if your paddling partner is a child. It's not fun to go out paddling and get left behind or to have to constantly wait for the other person to catch up. With a tandem, you'll always be together.

A tandem kayak may also be a good option if you usually plan long kayaking trips -- you should be able to paddle further with less fatigue, since you can take breaks while the other person paddles and then return the favor.

Something else to consider before making your purchase: tandem kayaks require a high level of communication between the two paddlers. The person in back is steering, but the person in front usually has the clearer view of obstacles. So constant and productive communication needs to take place; unfortunately, that didn't happen when Doug and I paddled a tandem in Florida. I had to laugh when a reader wrote in and said in her family dubbed their tandem "the divorce boat.

On the Otherhand, Solo May Be Best

So, what are the pros and cons of solo kayaks? Pretty much everything negative about a tandem becomes a positive for a solo kayak and vice versa. Solo kayaks are lighter and easier to transport. They're easier to handle in the water on your own. They can be a drawback, as I mentioned, if you have different levels of experience and one person is powering ahead while the other person is struggling to keep up.

If there's an issue about who will control a boat, then solo is probably the best way to go. Our paddling style can best be described as "alone, together" and that's how we like it. We're together on the water -- always within sight and shouting distance -- but at any given moment, we're each off exploring different things. When we purchased our boats, we never even considered a tandem. (Hmmm....Is there someone here who doesn't play well with others?)

In the end, take a close look at your personal paddling preferences before making a decision. I always tell people to "rent before you buy," which is what we did. (It will also help you decide if you want a sit-inside or a sit on top boat -- a discussion for another day.) When it comes to tandem or solo, think about the ease of carrying, handling, and storing a large boat. Also consider if you'll always have a partner or if you'll want to go it alone sometimes. Do you work well as a team and enjoy clear communication? Are there children or less robust paddlers involved? Once you've looked at all the angles, I say go for it! Solo or tandem, I don't think you'll regret your time on the water.

Paddling Pillsbury State Park

2009-11-06T15:20:00.011-05:00

I'm so excited to welcome guest blogger and fellow paddler Matt Hoffman of Grantham, NH. Matt is still happily canoeing even though it's early November. When he's not out exploring New Hampshire's great outdoors, he works as a fine art and adventure photographer. Be sure to check out his incredible photos on his website.

Perfect Spot for Late Season Paddle
By Matt Hoffman
For most of us, this is the time of year when we hang up our kayaks and canoes for the season and prepare for winter sports. But the snow hasn't started to fly yet, and there are still good paddling days to be had before the freeze sets in.

The key to staying warm and dry this time of year is to find a place to paddle that is not too open and offers lots of shelter from the wind, while still providing plenty of scenery and nooks and crannies to explore. One such place is Pillsbury State Park, located off Route 31, about 10 miles south of Newport, NH. There's a $4 per person entry fee, but that gives you access to a number of trails and four lakes, all easily paddled with only short portages between the latter two.

The ranger station is conveniently located at Butterfield Pond, which is a great place to start your paddling adventure. Butterfield Pond is relatively shallow, with protruding rocks and small islands, but these obstacles keep the paddling interesting. There are two campsites on the southern shore of the pond, accessible only to paddlers.

Heading east across the pond, a tight squeeze through some large boulders gains you access to May Pond, the largest pond at the park. May Pond is an open water pond, but it offers excellent scenery and great fishing. Hugging the southern shore, you might be treated to wildlife sightings, such as beavers and otters. The northern shore is dotted with campsites. At the far northeast corner of the pond, a small inlet stream is your cue to take out and begin the short 1/4 mile portage to Mill Pond.

The smallest of the four ponds, Mill Pond is a wildlife haven. Moose are regularly spotted here and turtles abound. The short paddle across this pond takes you north to the next portage. This portage, marked by a sign, takes you to the 1/8 mile easy trek to North Pond.

North Pond is where you will really feel the wildness of the park. There is not one single man-made object visible from this pond. There are two campsites here, one at the put-in and another along the eastern bank. Both are accessible only by hiking in and as a result, they are usually empty.

The western side of North Pond is full of coves and inlets that beckon you to paddle as far into them as possible. At the north end of the pond, a small inlet leads to a beaver pond. Exploring here can take a while, and it is a great place to just sit in your kayak and feel at one with nature.

From North Pond, a reverse of the above description will take you back to your car. For a shorter paddle with no portages, try exploring just Butterfield and May Ponds. Or, you can drive to Mill Pond, paddle it, and have one short portage to North Pond. There are many options at Pillsbury State Park.

This is a great time of year to have a lake or pond all to yourself. While most people have already hung up their kayaks for the season, you can be out enjoying the wilderness as nature intended -- and Pillsbury State Park just might be the perfect spot to do that.

Lessons Learned From Our 2009 Kayaking Season

2009-10-24T19:00:00.010-04:00

I aim to keep my kayaking posts upbeat, but I also want to keep things real. In that spirit, let's talk about some of the things that didn't work so well for us this season.

People: I was excited to join the East Hampstead Kayaking MeetUp Group this year so we could meet new paddlers and try new places. They turned out to be a great group of friendly people and we enjoyed our early season paddle on Dubes Pond with them. But in the end, the group didn't work out for us. They tended to favor longer paddles of 3 to 5 hours and many trips were scheduled at night or on Sunday mornings -- just not a good fit with our kayaking style. If this sounds like your style, however, definitely check them out.

Places: Our least favorite kayaking excursion this season was the 9-mile section of the Contoocook River we did with the East Hampstead Group. We paddled steadily for 3.5 hours and saw mostly high (eroded) river banks and very little wildlife. In this case, we were shuttled to the put-in and had no option but to keep paddling to the take-out. (Next time we take a shuttle, we'll check the distance more carefully.) Thank goodness it was a beautiful summer day and we were with a nice group of people!

Things: Our Heritage Feather Lite kayaks have served us well for four seasons. But we're leaning toward buying new kayaks with closed cock pits next year and here's why: The Feather Lite has a wide open cock pit (which makes it stable) but also turns it into a huge bowl that quickly fills with water if you do tip over. (Doug found that out on the Nashua River this summer.)

I read afterwards that the boat is considered "unrescue-able." He was able to save the boat probably because he was so close to shore, but things probably would have turned out differently if he had been out in the middle of the river.

There's a makeshift solution to this problem and that is to fill the open cockpit with inflatable bags sold for that purpose. We might try that next year or we might start shopping for new boats, if we can afford them. If you have a favorite brand or model, please write in and let us know. We would love to get suggestions!

Reflections on Our 2009 Paddling Season

2009-10-19T17:41:00.017-04:00

Wow! Did our kayaking season fly by or what? I can hardly believe it's time for our annual "picks and pans," but sadly, Mother Nature seems to be telling me it's time to hang up our kayaks until next year. And so I'm presenting a round-up of our favorites for '09.

Needless to say, my favorites may not be your favorites. That's why I'd love to hear from you -- write in and let us know which paddling spots topped your list this year. New Hampshire has about 1,300 lakes and ponds...which ones are calling you back next season? Here's our list:
Best Close to Home (in southern NH) -- I have to say the Nashua River exceeded my expectations. We kayaked the Nashua Canal once before and were "underwhelmed." The River is a whole different story. Due to our little misadventure on the River, we didn't get to paddle to Hollis, nevertheless, we saw lots of wildlife in the short section we explored and will definitely be returning next year.

Best Early Season Paddle -- Dubes Pond in Hooksett (10 minutes outside of Manchester) is still a favorite, best paddled early in the season before it becomes choked with vegetation. This place is fairly quiet; we've never seen any motorboats here. We always enjoy exploring the small marshy inlets and watching the large variety of birds -- even if I can hardly identify a single one!

Perennial Favorite -- Gilmore Pond in Jaffrey is still near the top of our list. Part of me wants to stop talking about it so it will remain quiet and pristine -- and the other part of me wants to share it with everyone. To be honest, if you're a "Type A" paddler who likes to stay on the go, this small pond probably isn't for you. But for us, Gilmore is the perfect spot to drop in a fishing line or just sit and watch the loons.

New Favorite -- Grafton Pond in Enfield was our hands down favorite this year. It has lots of islands and nooks and crannies to explore and is set against the backdrop of distant mountains. We also encountered four loons here. It's quiet paddling at its best and is large enough to keep you kayaking for hours or to invite many return trips.

So there you have it...a quick roundup of our 2009 favorites. I'm going to write another short post soon about some places and experiences that didn't work so well for us this year. Don't get me wrong, we always enjoy our time on the water -- but what can I say? We all have likes and dislikes!

Learning to Dance in the Rain

2009-10-13T17:53:00.014-04:00

So I've been sidelined with a back problem (again), which has me applying ice packs, waiting it out, and hoping I'll be able to kayak or bike a few more times before the snow flies. But then I stumbled across this quote and it got me thinking about ways to enjoy the outdoors, no matter what: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."

Granted, having back problems is a tiny storm in the big scheme of things and I'm usually not one to wallow. But I guess I was temporarily stuck in the "I wanna" mode, as in, "I wanna kayak."

Sunday I decided to get unstuck, so we got in the car and headed to the town of Jaffrey just to explore. My inspiration for this little side trip was an article about the Monadnock region in New Hampshire magazine. They pointed out some landmarks in Jaffrey that we'd driven by many times on our way to Gilmore Pond, but had never stopped to notice.

First off, there's a river that runs on the west side of Main Street. Could it be the Contoocook or is it the Ashuelot? I couldn't find the answer, so please clue me in if you know. Below that is a reflection of the Meeting House (built in 1775) in the window of the Little Red School House. These buildings are both located in Jaffrey Center, the historic area just west of downtown.

Also in Jaffrey Center, the Old Burial Ground -- eerie even in the daylight -- is the final resting place for Amos Fortune, an African prince who was brought to America as a slave in the 1700s. He bought his freedom, moved to Jaffrey, and became a prominent businessman. Also buried here is Pulitzer-prize winning author Willa Cather. (Pay attention, class, there's going to be a quiz at the end!)

I was captivated by Cather's books as a kid, including My Antonia! and Oh Pioneer! I knew she was from the Midwest -- Nebraska, to be exact; so it seemed odd to learn she's buried here. But I found out she spent summers writing her books in Jaffrey, in a tent at the base of Mount Monadnock. I didn't get a good picture, but her headstone has pens and pencils that visitors have left behind.

So there you have it. A brief photo tour of Jaffrey, a lively, welcoming little town in the southwestern corner of the state. Almost forgot to mention, the Main Street was lined with so many scarecrows they looked like spectators lining a parade route. Sometimes dancing in the rain can be fun!

Random Thoughts on Fall in NH

2009-10-03T20:01:00.008-04:00

Our cool and rainy weekend makes me want to light the backyard firepit and toast marshmallows. How about you? Shorter daylight hours can only mean that our kayaking and biking season is quickly coming to an end. I'm hoping to take at least one more kayaking trip before we hang up the boats for 2009 and maybe a couple more bike rides -- if my back/hip problem improves...we'll see.

The good news is fall in New Hampshire is really beautiful! And there are so many festivals, fairs, hikes, and scenic rides to choose from that there's no reason to hibernate just yet.
I've been busy "tweeting" about some of these New Hampshire outdoor events on Twitter -- check it out at ExploreNH or follow my Tweets right here on NH Love It or Leaf It; Scroll down a bit and they're in the right sidebar.

Gotta be honest -- I was a little hesitant to join Twitter, but I've become a big fan of this microblogging platform. The key is to follow only those who tweet something of value to YOU. Remember, people, you decide! (It irks me when folks complain that Twitter is all about what people ate for lunch when there's so much more to be learned there.)

Anyway, I'll climb down from my soapbox now and leave you with this short list of websites with great information about fall activities in New Hampshire. Hope you find inspiration and motivation to get out there and enjoy our beautiful state before the snow flies!

http://www.nh.com/ has a pretty decent events calendar and highlights special activities on its homepage. Once upon a time (like several months ago), I was a featured blogger there, but I haven't had the time to post recently. Amazing...but they've managed to survive and thrive without my enlightening posts!

http://www.newhampshire.com/ lists lots of events and activities going on throughout the Granite State. They just started a new calendar called NH365. In my opinion, the search engine is clunky, but if you're persistent -- there's good information here.

http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/ is a new discovery for me, thanks to Twitter. I love the look and feel of this website. So user-friendly and definitely has worthwhile information if you're visiting the Whites.

Fall Kayaking Wish List

2009-09-26T08:22:00.012-04:00

When it comes to kayaking, I'm a big fan of the half-day trip. Short trips close to home are easy to fit into our weekend schedule and use less gasoline. They also meet my "unofficial" rule: our time on the water should be longer than our drive to get there. That means we usually kayak within 50-60 miles of home since we rarely spend more than two hours on the water.

After four years of kayaking, though, I'm feeling the need to break my own rule and branch out a little. So here's my fall kayaking wish list -- most of these waterways are about 1 1/2 to two hours drive for us, but they might be right in your backyard. Please write and let us know if you've tried them!

Merrymeeting Marsh in New Durham: This marsh wasn't on my radar until I followed a link to an article fromTwitter. While there's road noise here, it also sounds like an easy access place to take in some fall color and possibly see some waterfowl.

Connecticut River from Cornish: From their 40-acre farm, North Star Canoe Rental offers a full-day (12-mile) trip and a 4-mile, family-friendly paddle -- that's the one for me! Along the way, you'll see the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge and an island where you can take-out and relax. Rent a canoe or kayak on-site or bring your own.

Pillsbury State Park in Washington: An article in the Boston Globe tipped me off to this place in the southwestern part of the state. The Park has many features, including May and Butterfield Ponds, linked by a narrow channel. Sounds like a great place to "get away from it all" without having to travel too far off the beaten path.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T19:48:00.002-04:00

View from bike trail...

We've biked Mine Falls Park near our home in Nashua many times. Would love to hear from you if you've been there.

Saint-Gaudens: Mix of Art and Nature

2009-09-12T14:52:00.004-04:00

We took a short visit to Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, NH after paddling Grafton Pond last Saturday. If you enjoy art and nature, it’s definitely worth a stop. It’s a beautiful outdoor site featuring the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint Gaudens, a noted American sculptor during the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries.

We didn’t spend a lot of time here, so I won’t pretend to tell you everything you can find at this historic site, but here’s a little about what we did see:

Saint-Gaudens created public monuments, cameos, and portrait reliefs, as well as some of the first sculpted U.S. coins. Some of his most celebrated works are of Civil War heroes. We saw beautiful recasts of some of his work, including one of the Lincoln statue (above) that stands in Chicago. Other original works are in Washington, D.C., on Boston Common, and in Central Park, to name a few.

While Saint-Gaudens work is definitely impressive, I was most captivated by a current exhibit featuring the work of Massachusetts artist Alan Colby. Colby has sculpted 200 heads out of limestone of people he’s met at the Dorchester House in Boston. You can see some of them above. His exhibit runs through October 31st.

Aside from taking in some artwork, we walked on the Ravine Trail, a fairly steep ¼ mile trail that takes you down a path along the “Blow-Me-Up-Brook” and ends with a swimming hole built by Saint-Gaudens. There’s also an outdoor marble temple where the ashes of Saint-Gaudens and many family members are buried. All in all, our stop at this historic site was a great little side trip on a beautiful summer day.

Things to Know Before You Go: The site is open daily from late May through late October. Admission is $5 per person. On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 admission is free in honor of National Public Lands Day. Visit the Saint-Gaudens website for more details.

Grafton Pond is Awesome!

2009-09-07T13:54:00.008-04:00

Be sure to add this place to your wish list and if it's already there, then I would recommend moving it to the top of the list -- don't wait two years like I did! Doug and I kayaked here mid-day on Saturday (during Labor Day weekend) and found the parking and boat launch busy. But once you’re out on this 235-acre pond, it almost feels like you have the place to yourself. There's plenty of water and shoreline to explore without feeling crowded. Apart from that, what makes Grafton so special?

First, the things it doesn’t have: motorboat traffic (gas-powered motors and those larger than 6hp are prohibited); road noise (no major roads nearby) and shoreline development (I counted only 4 houses). I learned afterwards that most of the land around the pond is protected by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Thank you, SPNHF!

And now for some positive features that Grafton Pond does have : it’s dotted with many rocky islands, marshy inlets, and deep coves that invite exploration. Apparently, there’s good fishing for smallmouth bass, thanks to the pond’s underwater habitat. It’s fun to paddle around the islands, not sure what you might find on the other side. We didn’t go ashore, but we may do that next time.

Grafton also has abundant wildlife (according to the AMC guide), including a number of nesting loons. We saw a total of four loons, more than we’ve ever seen in one place. There was an adult pair and a mother and chick. We watched as the chick sat on the surface of the water, while its mother dove deep to catch fish; then she would surface and feed the chick. How cool!

We had a great time at Grafton Pond yesterday and will definitely be returning, maybe earlier in the day next time so we can spot more wildlife.

Things to Know Before You Go: The boat launch is shallow and easy. There's a parking area that accommodates about 15-20 cars and there's also one port-a-potty.

Safety: There are many granite outcroppings and fallen trees (true of all ponds this season), so be watchful. We also had to contend with a wind-driven current in open areas that got quite gusty at times.

Getting There: This is one time when the directions in the AMC Guidebook threw us off track. Here’s how we eventually got there: From southern NH, take 89-North to exit 17. Follow Route 4-East to 4A, which takes you past Mascoma Lake and through the town of Enfield. Take a left onto Grafton Pond Road (about 9-10 miles from exit 17). Follow this dirt road to the end, take a right and the boat launch is on your left.

P.S. We combined our paddle at Grafton Pond with a side trip to Saint Gaudens National Historic Site located about 20 miles away in Cornish, NH. Will post more on that later.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T08:27:00.000-04:00

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order." More on kayaking Echo Lake

More on Biking Mine Falls

2009-08-30T18:38:00.008-04:00

We get a lot of "google hits" for Mine Falls Park in Nashua. If you're not familiar with the parking and entrances, it can be a tad confusing. So consider this my attempt to make the information about MF more accessible. For those who don't know, Mine Falls is a 325-acre walking, jogging, and biking park between the Nashua Canal and Nashua River. I've included links to some maps below.

For quick reference, check out pdfs of these maps. To view them you'll need to do a quick sign-up on the Keep and Share site...only takes a minute:

Mine Falls Trails

Mine Falls Entrances

The first link is a drawn-to-scale scale map showing all of the park's trails, although it doesn't list trail names. To be honest, the trail names are not all that important. You really can't get lost here if you stick to the trails since they all loop around.

We rode Mine Falls today for a little over an hour. We parked at the end of Whipple Street, started out going west on the yellow trail, passed under the turnpike (this part is really noisy) and then followed the green trail to the gatehouse and dam.

Retracing our steps, we returned to our starting point and then headed east on the blue trail that took us behind the Millyard (shown above) in downtown Nashua. Doug says the park seems to "shrink" each time he rides it. That's probably because he's getting more familiar with it!

The second link is a map (not drawn to scale), that has a description of each of the seven entrances. This map is helpful if you want a general overview and points of reference.

So there you have it. I wrote a longer post about Biking Mine Falls Park last year. If you're a newbie to the area, you might find some useful tidbits there. Happy biking!

Taking a Well-Deserved Break

2009-08-26T09:15:00.001-04:00

We were with a large group of kayakers when we stopped to take a break on this sandy beach after nearly three hours of paddling.
If you're interested, you can read more about Lehtinen Park in Concord, accessible from the Contoocook River.

Five Cool Ways to Spend a Summer Day in New Hampshire

2009-08-14T16:08:00.007-04:00

Yes, we love New Hampshire, but we're also partial to the neighboring state of Maine. In fact, we're headed to Long Island, Maine on vacation. (Year round population: 200; Summer population: 700.) We're not taking our kayaks or our car -- the island is only 1 mile wide by 3 miles long -- but we are taking our bikes. Before we unplug for a week, I thought I'd leave you with a list of cool ways to spend a summer day in New Hampshire.

We haven't experienced all of these mini-adventures yet. So if you've tried any of them, please write in and let us know. Enjoy! (Photo of Mt. Willard by Greg Paret.)

1.Kayak secluded Long Pond in Benton, NH
Aim for early morning, if you can. That's when you're more likely to see loons, bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit nearby Lost River Gorge, where the brave-hearted are welcome to venture into cool, dark caves to see what they can see. You can read about our trip to Long Pond in 2007 here. Would love to make a return trip!

2. Plan a short visit to Madison Boulder
We're going to visit a rock, you ask? Well, this isn't just any rock; it's the largest erratic boulder in New England. We guarantee it's more impressive in size than the famed Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. To see for yourself, check out fellow New Hampshire blogger J.W. Ocker's video of his trip to the rock. (I love his site, O.T.I.S, which stands for "Odd Things I've Seen." ) Follow your stop at the rock with an afternoon at nearby White Lake State Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim under a canopy of pine trees.

3. Take a bike ride around Strafford-Bow Lake.
In her book, Bicycling Southern New Hampshire, Linda Chestney describes it as the "perfect family ride." There's little traffic and you'll be able to experience some of New Hampshire's simple allure: "stone walls, large maples, birches, tree-canopied roads, and old burial grounds." Add a place for picnicking and swimming at the end of the ride and what more could you ask for?
4. Kayak (or canoe) the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont.
If you're looking for peaceful and scenic flatwater paddling, check out North Star Canoe Rentals in Cornish for shuttle and trip information. You'll paddle beneath the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States) while enjoying views of Mount Ascutney. This one's on my wish list.

5. Hike Mount Willard for great views of Crawford Notch.
We haven't tried this yet, but one source calls it "the best view for the easiest hike" in the White Mountains. The hike is 3-miles round trip, with a gentle and steady climb to a wide open summit. Check out Hiking with Chuck's website for photos and all the details you need to plan your hike.

Biking Windham Rail Trail

2009-08-04T19:10:00.006-04:00

We road the scenic 4.1 mile Windham to Salem Rail Trail on Sunday; that's 8.2 miles round trip. It's a great spot when you're short on time. With several stops, it took us about 1.5 hours. Since I publish so many water photos here, I wished I had taken a photo of the wooded trail instead. But we're in luck, because fellow New Hampshire blogger Jim Johnson and his girlfriend Kristin (on doublejrunning) have some beautiful photos of this place that they've posted on smugmug. (Thanks Jim and Kristin!)

Some highlights of the trail
This is a pleasant ride which is about 95 percent paved; only the last half mile or so is gravel. The trail welcomes non-motorized traffic and is busy with bicyclists, strollers, joggers, and in-line skaters, but not so busy that we felt crowded or rushed.

It's a mostly wooded trail except for two ponds and some farm pastures and marshes. I especially like the section that feels air conditioned because it's cut between two high stones. Also of note are several stone walls and a granite arch bridge. According to the Rail Trail website, there's a cellar hole from an 1800s sawmill, but we missed it. That's okay, we'll find it next time. This was our second time on the trail, but it won't be our last!

Directions: We started our ride by the train depot parking lot off Depot Road in Windham. Your best bet is to check the Windham Rail Trail website for more information and directions.

Gilmore Pond is a Favorite

2009-08-01T16:57:00.008-04:00

We kayaked a tried and true favorite today -- Gilmore Pond in Jaffrey, located in southwestern NH. I've written about Gilmore at least three times before, so I'll just add a few highlights from our paddle today. All I can say is that for us, the allure of this place never goes away.

What you will find here

A Resident Loon (or two) -- Doug was within 30 feet of a loon today as it sat quietly near the bank. We weren't trying to encroach on this beautiful bird; it just appeared near us and didn't seem disturbed that we were so close. The black and white checkerboard pattern on the loon's back is a pretty cool gift from Mother Nature. A fellow paddler noted that he was amazed that the bird could stay submerged for so long. If you're curious about why, take a look at my earlier post about the Haunting Call of the Loon.

Peace and Quiet -- Gilmore isn't remote, but it's peaceful. Many houses on the pond are tucked behind the trees and there are no main roads nearby. It's a no-wake pond, so that helps, too. We paddled around mid-morning on this hot and sunny day, so it was no surprise to see other people swimming, fishing, picking blueberries, and paddling. But we never feel crowded here and everyone seems to treat this place with quiet respect.

You can get directions to Gilmore and read more about the crystal clear water and mountain views here. Enjoy!

Mirror Image

2009-07-29T18:21:00.003-04:00

Welcome to another Wordless Wednesday on New Hamphire Love It or Leaf It. Thanks for stopping by! If you're curious to find out where this photo was taken, click below.
Streeter Pond in Sugarhill, NH

Down by the Riverside

2009-07-25T21:16:00.012-04:00

No kayaking or biking this weekend (sigh), but I would like to share a little about the Nashua Riverwalk we took two weeks ago. The photo above shows a view of the river from the restored Cotton Transfer Bridge (completed in 2007). You can access this "bridge to nowhere" from Water Street, behind Clocktower Place apartments in downtown Nashua. More on the bridge in a minute. For now, I hope you'll keep reading to find out more about the Nashua River and other riverwalks in the state.

A Little History
I've lived in the area long enough to remember back to the 60's and 70's when the Nashua River was a smelly, polluted mess of industrial waste -- in fact it had the dubious distinction of being among the top 10 dirtiest rivers in the United States. We used to hold our noses to avoid the smell of rotten eggs when driving by!

I'm so happy that those days are behind us and the river has been cleaned up so we can all enjoy it. I've learned that the clean-up came about largely through the efforts of one very dedicated and tenacious housewife named Marion Stoddart. She took on the clean-up of the river almost single-handedly and didn't quit until it was done. Thank you, Marion! If you're interested, you can learn more about the Nashua River and Marion's amazing efforts to save it at Work of 1000.

Nashua Riverwalk Project

Now back to our walk. We joined a group led by Kathy Hersh, Nashua's Community Development Director, for an interesting talk about the ongoing work to create a true riverwalk in downtown Nashua. It's been part of the city's master plan since 1983 and is happening slowly (can I say very slowly?) but surely.

The historic 1910 Cotton Transfer Bridge (to nowhere) is part of that effort. Right now it's a pedestrian walk to an abandoned cotton storage building, but eventually the building will be demolished and the bridge will connect the south bank of the river to a boardwalk on the north.

Plans are also underway to improve the safety of the existing (and little known) river walkway behind the Nashua Public Library. For now, if you're in or around Nashua, you can get up close and personal with the river at various points, including from a small park on the west side of the Main Street bridge, or from Le Parc de Notre Renaissance Francaise, accessed from Water Street. From there, you can see (and walk) the Cotton Transfer Bridge. Better yet, you can canoe or kayak the river like we did this summer.

Other River Walks in the State

Here's a list of a few scenic river strolls in New Hampshire. I haven't walked any of these so I can't make recommendations or give specifics. My guess is that none of these are destinations in themselves. But if you're in the area, it's a nice way to slow down and explore the waterfront.

Cocheco River in Dover
Check out Henry Law park which has sidewalks and a covered bridge

Bellamy River Sanctuary
Bayview Road, Dover
Trails through woods along the Bellamy River

Oyster River in Durham
Oyster River Landing, Mill Pond and sidewalks

Lamprey River in Newmarket
Town Landing and Heron Point Sanctuary (off Bay Road)

Squamscott River in Exeter
Swasey Parkway, sidewalks, boardwalk, walking paths

Laconia Riverwalk
This 1.03 mile stretch along the banks of the Winnepesaukee River features several historic buildings and sites. There are many access points, including Rotary Riverside Park on Beacon Street East and Stewart Park on Union Avenue.

Riverwalk of Littleton

Off Mill Street, there is a covered walking bridge that connects to a short walking path along the Ammonoosuc River.

Add to the list?

If you know of others in the state, please send us a comment and let us know. I'm sure there are many more!

Where's the Water?

2009-07-22T17:18:00.005-04:00

I won't leave you guessing! This week's "Almost Wordless Wednesday" photo shows Mount Lafayette as seen from the top of Cannon Mountain. We were in the Franconia Notch area at the end of June and "yes," we did bring our kayaks.

You can read more about where we paddled here.

Beautiful Day Kayaking on Contoocook River

2009-07-20T19:19:00.000-04:00

I'm sure there are many put-ins to the Contoocook River, considering that the river begins near the Massachusetts border in Jaffrey and flows north to the Merrimack River in Concord. We signed up for a trip with the Contoocook River Canoe Company in Concord and were shuttled to a launch site about nine miles away in Contoocook Village. You should definitely learn about this river before attempting it, because there are sections of flatwater and sections with rapids up to Class IV. It all depends what you're looking for!

On Sunday, Doug & I paddled the "Took" with about 38 kayakers from the East Hampstead Kayaking Meet Up Group. Yes -- that's a very large group, but this river can take it. We never really felt crowded, since paddlers quickly fanned out. We did see some motorboats on this gorgeous summer weekend, but most of them quickly slowed their speed when they spotted our flotilla of kayaks.

As we paddled down river on this quiet water section of the Contoocook River, we encountered high tree-lined banks, some downed trees in spots, and "wonderful" smells from area farms. There were some houses along the bank, but they were set up high, of course.

We didn't see much in the way of wildlife except for birds overhead, but part of that may be because we were paddling steadily for a total of about 3.5 hours. We didn't have a chance to sit leisurely by the shore and look for turtles or other critters.

Some highlights of the trip: The group pulled over on an island for lunch, which was a nice break. Later in the paddle -- at about 7 miles, we took another break at Daisy Beach, located in Lehtinen Park in Concord. There's a picnic table, a rope swing, rustic outhouse, and also walking trails through the park. It's a great spot to swim, picnic, or just relax from all that paddling.

Things to Know Before You Go: There are several ways to approach an excursion on the Contoocook. To be honest, the 9-mile paddle was too lengthy for us (It was "Aleve" and ice packs for me afterwards, thanks to my recurring back problems.) It all depends on your fitness level, but I would say if you have any question at all about your stamina, then don't take the shuttle to the launch site in Contoocook Village.

Instead, you can put in at the Contoocook River Canoe Company, paddle upstream as far as you want and then turn around and paddle back -- they charge $3 per person if you bring your own boat; Rentals are also available onsite. It's only 2 miles from their put-in to Daisy Beach, where you can have a picnic and enjoy a swim before paddling back or exploring further. Be sure to check their website for more information and other options.

Safety Notes: The Contoocook is a high volume river, which makes it a powerful river. According to one source, even sections of the Contoocook River that are generally "flat water" can become turbulent when the water level is high (AMC's Discover Southern New Hampshire by Jerry and Marcy Monkman). The authors say, "the best time to run this river is in the fall, when the current is negligible and the trees are ablaze in color." Again, it all depends what you're looking for...but I strongly recommend you do a little homework about water levels and the exact section you plan to paddle before heading out.

Directions to Contoocook River Canoe Company: From I-93 North and South, take Exit 15W. At the second set of lights, take a right hand turn (45-degree turn) onto Rte. 3 North. Continue on this road past the NH State Prison until you come to Bog Road (2.2 miles from the prison). Take a left on Bog Road and follow it to the end, where you'll stay straight over the bridge onto Horse Hill Road. The Canoe Company is the first building on your left.

Kayaking/Camping on Squam Lake

2009-07-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

Today's post was written by Patrice, a fellow kayaker and blogger from the Concord area. She writes here about her camping/kayaking adventures on Squam Lake. Be sure to visit Patrice's blog, Life Less Ordinary, to see more photos and read about her adventures, both in and out of a kayak. Enjoy! And thanks to Patrice for sharing!

My husband Justin and I kayaked, along with three other people, to Moon Island on Squam Lake for two nights. This was our first kayak-to-camp trip and it was great!

Squam Lakes Association controls 12 backcountry campsites on three islands on Squam Lake. You can do a day trip and launch from the SLA in Holderness for a small fee, but we secured a camping permit months ago (in January) to camp. We used our kayaks, although the SLA rents kayaks, canoes, and sailboats as well.

Our permit was for Moon Island, which is about a 2-mile paddle from the SLA launch site. This paddling is not for beginners because of the open water. We had a sunny day with 10 mph winds, but the lake is generally pretty choppy, especially on weekends when there's motorboat traffic.

Since there were five of us, we had to stock up on food and supplies. We brought a 2-burner stove, but probably could have left it at home. We ended up cooking most of our meals over the fire grates at the campsite. This takes more time and patience, but in hindsight we realize it's worth it, to save the weight of the stove and propane.

We also brought a cooler with hot dogs, hamburgers and brats for the first night; eggs, sausage, and pancakes for breakfast, then a Backpacker Pantry meal for the second night and oatmeal for breakfast. And of course, we brought beer and water! Our kayaks were all pretty weighed down!

The site itself (#3 on Moon Island) had enough room for three tents. All the sites include a bundle of firewood for each night's reservation. It rained one night, but there's a lot of tree coverage and with the right rainfly, we kept dry. We also set up a tarp so we had an area to retreat to if there was a lot of rain.

We spent all day Sunday exploring the other islands and coves. We went from Moon Island to Five Finger Point (great beaches, hiking and cliff jumping) and into Rattlesnake Cove, Squaw Cove, and Bear Cove. Lots of beautiful homes and lots of good bird-watching, especially loons. In total, it was about 9 miles roundtrip.

I would say the only downfall of the whole trip was the mosquitoes. No amount of deet and fire smoke could really keep them away. Overall, I would definitely recommend either a day trip to Squam or an overnight adventure, if you're up for the hardcore paddling and the skeeters!

Learn more about the Squam Lake Association.

From the Frog's Perspective

2009-07-15T18:05:00.004-04:00

How else would you get this view if not for kayaking or canoeing? Welcome to another "Almost Wordless Wednesday" on NH Love It or Leaf It. Curious to find out more about where this was taken?
Read about our paddle on Turkey Pond.

Kayaking Great Bay

2009-07-11T15:51:00.013-04:00

We kayaked Great Bay in Greenland yesterday. What a gorgeous summer day and a beautiful place to paddle! Great Bay is a large estuary (a mix of salt and fresh water), that is fed by seven rivers. The Bay interconnects with the Atlantic Ocean in the Gulf of Maine. We were part of a group of 16 kayakers who signed up to take a guided paddle from the Great Bay Discovery Center.

Doug and I aren't experienced enough to paddle a place like this on our own -- hence the guided trip. I would recommend this approach for anyone wanting to venture out beyond the smaller ponds, lakes, and marshes in New Hampshire.

Part of the beauty of Great Bay is that it's largely undeveloped. In the area we explored yesterday, we enjoyed wide open water with forests, fields, and marsh grasses embracing the shoreline. We spotted a deer and saw a number of birds including cormorants, ospreys, ducks, and swallows.

The water was smooth, although we had to paddle a little harder than we normally do since we were obviously contending with a current produced by the tide (more on that in a minute). We also encountered about four or five motorboats, but all of them were respectful of our kayaks.

Towards the end of the trip, our naturalist guide took us into a small creek lined with marsh grasses which was very pretty, but we didn't get too far because of a downed tree. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use insect repellant!

Overall, we both enjoyed Great Bay for a change of pace. I learned afterwards that there are at least 24 boating access sites to the Bay; each area no doubt offers a different experience. This is a large body of water -- something like 5,000-plus acres of surface water and 150-miles of shoreline. I guess Great Bay makes up for the fact that New Hampshire only has 18 miles of seacoast.

A Note on Tides: You should be knowledgeable about the tides before paddling this estuary. The timing of high and low tides varies considerably from one end of the Bay to the other. So you can't just consult a tidal chart for Portsmouth, for example, if you're planning to put in at Dover Point, which is 1.5 hours behind. We paddled during high tide. Once low tide sets in, the Bay in Greenland is about 50 percent mud flats. And as I understand it, you can't drag a kayak across a mud flat without sinking!

Conservation History: Great Bay is beautiful and protected today, but it wasn't always that way. In 1973, oil tycoon Aristotle Onassis planned to build the world's largest oil refinery here. To quote from a Great Bay newsletter, "Residents along the Bay knew something was up when locals started talking about strangers who were pulling up to the farms around Durham Point and offering 'wads of money' for the land." Thankfully, townspeople, organized by a 27-year-old housewife, organized "Save Our Shores" and successfully defeated Onassis' plan. Since then, the Bay has faced a number of other threats that have been fought by concerned citizens.

Getting There: The Great Bay Discovery Center is located at 89 Depot Road in Greenland. It's a really nice facility with some great exhibits, handicapped-accessible walking trails, and wonderful children's programs that make me want to be a kid again. Check their website for directions and more information or call 603-778-0015.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T17:38:00.004-04:00

I've decided to take part in "Wordless Wednesdays" on the blogosphere, even though I'm not 100% sure how it works. Anyway, this is my version. Starting today, I plan to post a photo each Wednesday. You can click here to find out more about where it was taken or just enjoy!

A Taste of Things to Come

2009-07-05T18:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, America (one day late)! We spent the weekend with family and friends, so we didn't get a chance to kayak or bike. That's okay...we're looking forward to two upcoming trips. One is on a salt marsh on the New Hampshire seacoast and the other is on the Contoocook River in Concord. I'm also hoping to take a guided riverwalk in Nashua on July 12th.
Here are a few activities on our calendar:

Salt Marsh Exploration: We signed up for a guided paddle on July 10th with the Great Bay Discovery Center, located in Greenland. We've never done any sea kayaking before, but this is listed as an easy paddle, and of course, it's in a salt marsh, not on the open ocean. This trip is booked solid, but check out the Great Bay Discovery Center for more paddling opportunities. And be sure to check back for our trip report.

Contoocook River: We're joining members of the East Hampstead Meet Up Kayaking Group for this excursion on the Contoocook River. We'll be shuttled to the put-in by the Contoocook River Canoe Company and then make our way back to our vehicles in a leisurely 5-hour paddle, including lunch and swimming. You can do the same even if you don't own a canoe or kayak, since they rent them here. Check out the website for more details.

Riverfront Walking Tour in Nashua: I'm hoping to sign up for this 1.6 mile walk on July 12th with Nashua Community Development Director Kathy Hirsch. It's sponsored by the Nashua River Watershed Association and sounds like it will offer some interesting history as well as a look at the City of Nashua's vision for the waterfront. See NRWA for more details.

After a cool, rainy spell that left us all a little stir crazy and cranky, we've now had two beautiful summer days. Let's hope it continues and I didn't just jinx us! By the way, if you've been out on the water or you're exploring New Hampshire outdoors in other ways, why don't you drop us a line and let us know what you've found?

Why You Should Invest in a Good Kayak Paddle

2009-07-05T11:55:00.003-04:00

"Kayaking with a good paddle versus a clunker is like jogging in lightweight running shoes versus hiking boots."
--Ray Wirth on www.touringkayaks.com
I've been putting off writing about our new paddles because I thought I had just fallen for the marketing pitch and they couldn't possibly be that wonderful. But after several excursions on the water, I'm a believer!

I wrote in Paddle Envy about some things to consider before buying a paddle and then described our Werner paddles a little in Gearing Up. Now I'm going to talk about some of the features and why they make a difference.

Old (Flaire) Paddle: Heavy Aluminum shaft
New (Werner) Paddle: Lightweight carbon shaft
Difference: We never realized to what extent heavier paddles can cause arm and shoulder fatigue. We try to paddle with our larger torso muscles, but you still have to lift your paddle hundreds of times each hour. Lightweight means you don't get tired as easily and can paddle longer.

Old: Large blade
New: Smaller tapered blade
Difference: It's about water resistance. It takes more effort to move a wide blade through the water than it does a thinner blade. One manufacturer claims that small-sized blades are gentler on your joints. Again, it just makes paddling easier.

Old: You can adjust the angle of the blades, but with only two options.
New: We have many more options for "feathering" the blades. When you feather your paddle, one blade is flat and the other is at an angle.
Difference: I think the main purpose is to improve control of your boat in certain situations. But it also allows you to paddle with one hand dominant, relegating the other hand to a supporting role. This happens to be important to Doug because he had polio as a kid and as a result, his right side is stronger. It may help you, too, if you have carpal tunnel or other conditions that limit mobility on one side.

My point for sharing all of this is that we had no clue what to look for when we bought our starter paddles. But after three years on the water, we now realize it makes perfect sense to invest in the best quality paddle you can afford -- in our case, about $250 a piece. Wish we had done it sooner! Here's an excellent article on Choosing a Paddle by Ray Wirth if you want to learn more.

Lake Potanipo in Brookline is Busy

2009-06-28T18:17:00.007-04:00

We paddled Lake Potanipo in Brookline this afternoon under a cloudy mist. It's only about twenty minutes from our house. Given the fact that we were short on time and the weather was "iffy" at best, we decided to stay close to home. Our philosophy? A little time on the water is better than NO time on the water.

We had never paddled Potanipo before, but we knew the lake had shoreline development and motor boat traffic. When we were there today, there were two or three water skiers and tubers. So Lake Potanipo isn't the secluded nature haven we prefer, but it was okay for a short paddle.

It's easy to get to and has an easy concrete ramp put-in. By my count, there are about 20-25 houses on this 136-acre lake, which feels more like a pond. Development is limited to one side of the lake, so evergreens still dominate the far shore; Unfortunately, that's where the power boaters were during our visit, so we couldn't paddle near the undeveloped side.

There's a small, members-only beach near the put-in and Camp Tevya (a Jewish summer camp) on the northern shore. Overall, Lake Potanipo was a pleasant enough waterway to paddle for a short time on a cool, drizzly day. But we're guessing that when the weather is nice, this place must be clogged with way too many power boats and sail boats from the camp to make it enjoyable for kayakers and canoeists.

Directions: Take Route 101W (toward Keene/Peterborough) to Rte. 13 South toward Brookline. After several miles, turn right at the blinking light onto Mason Road. The put-in is almost immediately on your right and is well-marked.

Alternate Directions: From Everett Turnpike in Nashua, take exit 6 to Rte. 130 West until you come to Brookline Center (maybe 8-10 miles?). In front of Daniels Academy in Brookline Center, stay straight on Meetinghouse Hill Road. At red blinking light, continue straight across Route 13 to Mason Road. Boat launch for Lake Potanipo is the second right, just before going over the bridge.

There are Bears in Those Hills!

2009-06-20T16:58:00.008-04:00

Paddling Echo Lake
So here's the final installment in our three-part series on Franconia Notch. I want to share our experience paddling Echo Lake, not to be confused with the lake of the same name in North Conway. Echo Lake in Franconia sits right off Route 93, at the base of Cannon Mountain, so you can expect quite a bit of road noise.

With Cannon Mountain's ski trails and aerial tramway nearby and a small beach at one end, this isn't a secluded paddle. There were also a few people out in small fishing boats the day we were there.

The lake is only about 28 acres, according to the NH Fish and Game. The plusses are some great views of Mount Lafayette, and of course, Cannon Mountain. The main attraction the day we were there was a black bear roaming around near the top of the ski slope. We could watch from the lake with our binoculars, so that was cool! One of the fishermen from the area told us it was common to find a bear rummaging around the back of his pickup truck. Apparently bear sightings are common any time of day.

With Echo Lake being so small, we only paddled for about an hour; In fact, a good portion of the time we weren't paddling at all, we were sitting and watching the bear.

I wouldn't consider Echo Lake a destination by itself, but rather an appetizer on the smorgasbord that is Franconia Notch State Park. There's lots to do here, including hiking, biking, camping, and swimming. Visit Franconia Notch State Park for more details.

Some Reasons to Love New Hampshire

2009-06-19T16:22:00.002-04:00

Interested in seeing some photos of lupine, wildlife and scenic NH vistas? Check out this slideshow from last year's Lupine Festival photo contest. You'll need to scroll down the page a bit and click on the slideshows.
Franconia Notch 2008 Lupine Photos

More Activities in Franconia Notch

2009-06-19T12:40:00.015-04:00

The lupine festival runs through this Sunday, June 21st. While it had been on my "wish list" for a few years, this is the first time we made it to the Franconia area to check out some magnificent fields of these pinkish-purple flowers in bloom. (I just learned from the official guidebook that "lupine" is pronounced LOO-PIN, not LOO-PINE. Oops!)

Since my flower photos are underwhelming, I'll try to post some links later to sites with nice lupine photos. For now, here's a slideshow of some of the places we saw and things we did while in Sugar Hill and surrounding towns. Be sure to scroll all the way down under the slideshow to "Read More" about the Franconia area.

A quick word to those planning to attend the festival for the first time
The word "festival" is relative. There's not a whole lot going on in these small New Hampshire towns, even during the festival. Unless you're happy to spend hours gazing at fields of flowers, I recommend you plan your own adventures. With so many natural attractions in the area, it's not hard to do!

Here are some of the highlights from our weekend, just to give you an idea of what's available during the festival and at other times:

We Kayaked
I already wrote about kayaking Streeter Pond. We also paddled on Echo Lake at the base of Cannon Mountain, which I'll post about in more detail soon. Profile Lake is in the area, too. For a list of potential kayak and canoe sites, check out http://www.franconianotch.org/.

We Rode the Aerial Tram up Cannon Mountain
An 80-passenger car brings you to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states (New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York) and Canada. Once you get to the top, you can walk a short scenic path to a 360-degree observation deck. We didn't have a clear view of all four states and Canada, but there was plenty to see. Our state really is beautiful!

We Ate Dinner in Downtown Littleton
Neither one of us had ever visited Littleton before and we were both pleasantly surprised. It's a small town with a decent-sized Main Street, filled with shops and restaurants. We didn't take advantage of it, but there's a self-guided walking tour of historic sites.

We Attended the Firemen's Barbecue and Craft Fair in Sugar Hill
This was a festival-related event held at the Meeting House. Hotdogs, chili, chicken -- all the usual fare and live bluegrass music, too. We bought a jar of homemade Danish ginger pickles that were reminiscent of the ones Doug's grandmother used to make. The woman who sold them to us invited us to call her when we make them on our own so she can "walk us through." Gotta love it!

We "Meditated" on the White Mountains from our Inn
We stayed at the Sunset Hill Inn. I'll be honest here and say the Inn itself isn't all that impressive, mostly because there's a lot of deferred maintainence (peeling paint, stained carpets, dripping faucets -- you get the picture). But for me, the wonderful location cancelled out all of that. Sunset Hill has great mountain views, both from the well-landscaped grounds and from the formal dining room.

So those are highlights from our short weekend, but there are so many more outdoor hiking and walking trails, waterfalls, zip lines, you name it. If you've visited the Franconia area, why don't you write and let us know your favorites?

Kayaking Streeter Pond in Franconia

2009-06-18T09:41:00.006-04:00

We spent last weekend in Sugar Hill, NH for the lupine festival -- it was very low-key but fun! I've decided to post three short write-ups, starting with this one about Streeter Pond. Can you say "beautiful reflections?" That's my lasting impression of this small pond.

Not sure if Streeter Pond is in Franconia or Sugar Hill, but it was only about four miles from where we stayed at Sunset Hill in Sugar Hill, just off Route 116. One source says the pond is about 65 acres.

We arrived mid-morning and spent a little over an hour paddling around. So it's not the type of place that will occupy your day, but in my view, it's well worth it if you're in the area. And there are lots of reasons to visit Franconia Notch -- more on that in a later post.

While there's only one house on the pond, you can hear some road noise from nearby route 116. But for me, the mountain views and reflections cancel out the road noise. I don't think my photos do it justice.

We saw lots of birds, including red-winged blackbirds, orioles, and gold finches. And while Streeter is small, it still invites exploration. There are little islands and bends to explore. I'm working on a short slideshow of the natural beauty we found near Franconia, but I'm techno-challenged. For now, I say load your canoe or kayak on to your vehicle, and head to Sugar Hill!

Directions (from http://www.franconianotch.org/): It's easy to find once you're in the area. Take a left off route 116, heading north on Streeter Pond Road. Boat launch is a left after you pass the pond. The put-in is not as gradual as many we've been to, but it's do-able.

Any Suggestions for Paddling in Franconia Notch?

2009-06-08T17:35:00.006-04:00

We're headed to Sugar Hill, NH in Franconia Notch this weekend for the Lupine Festival and other outdoor activities. I'm looking at maps and checking the internet for paddling sites.

Right now we're looking at Streeter Pond, Profile Lake and Echo Lake as possibilities. Anyone had experience with any of these or have any other suggestions for flat water paddling in the area? Please send us a comment!

Paddling Adventures on the Nashua River

2009-06-07T18:46:00.011-04:00

Kayaking was on our agenda yesterday. Since we were a little short on time and the weather started out overcast and cool, we stayed close to home and went back to the Nashua River where Doug had seen so much wildlife last weekend. Once again, the wildlife was out in full force (and this time it was mid-morning). We also had two heart-pounding mini-adventures... more on those in a minute.

To begin with, the put-in near Stellos Stadium is wide and smooth (no rocks).

Shortly after leaving the launch area, we spotted the resident family of Mute Swans -- a Mama, Papa, and two babies or cygnets about 800 feet from us. As beautiful as these birds are, they can be aggressive toward animals and humans, particularly when there's a nest or babies involved. So we were trying to give them a wide berth by paddling over to the far side of the river, but apparently it wasn't wide enough.

The male swan started to charge my boat! (Photo by Dareen T.A> Bradnick used with permission -- just to give you an idea how big swans are.)

There was no doubt that Papa swan was striking an offensive pose. I learned later it's called busking -- his neck curved back and his wings half raised, he was coming at me pretty fast; they can reach up to 55 miles an hour. So I did the only thing I could think of: I paddled back toward the launch as fast as I could! Luckily, he backed off and didn't attack, but my heart was racing from that encounter.

Note About Mute Swans: They are fiercely territorial. While we were well aware that we shouldn't crowd them, I learned afterwards that they guard very large territories of anywhere from 4 to 10 acres. It's hard to keep that distance on a narrow river or small pond.

Eventually, the swan family retreated to the left bank of the river and we set out again, staying well to the right. Next we came upon an osprey nest. At the same time, various birds were darting around the river, including a Red-Winged Blackbird and what we think was a Northern Oriole. We also saw a great blue heron, a beaver, muskrat, and lots of Eastern Painted turtles, prevalent in this part of the state.

About a mile or so into our paddle, Doug decided to disembark on the riverbank. Here's where our second mini-adventure unfolded. He chose a spot with a fairly steep and muddy embankment. So as he tried to get out of the kayak -- you guessed it -- he took a dunk in the Nashua River, with binoculars, keys, wallet, and cellphone. (Can you say dry bag? Not!)

Naturally, his kayak started to fill with water and we didn't have a pump. (More on being prepared in a moment.) He succeeded in dragging the very heavy, water-filled kayak up aforementioned steep muddy embankment and emptied all the water out. Trouble now was that there really wasn't an easy way to re-launch. He tried again, only to end up in the water a second time! Luckily, his third attempt was the charm.

He was unhurt and we can laugh about it now, but we both learned a lot from this little mis-adventure. From now on, we'll bring a pump and probably a rope with us. Another Granite Stater who blogs about kayaking wrote an excellent post, Ten Things You Should Do Before Every Paddle, after she apparently had a similar experience last year. If you've never thought much about safety on the water, I encourage you to read Kim's post now. (Go ahead, I'll wait.)

The whole experience also got us thinking about what would happen if one of us dumped out in the middle of the river. Hmmm...we probably need to practice re-entering our boats.

Other than that, we had a great time on the Nashua River yesterday and would highly recommend it. If you go, just beware of the Mute Swans and stay away from steep embankments!

Directions: From Riverside Drive in Nashua, take your first left and head toward Stellos Stadium. Bear left and then right to a dirt road near the Public Works Garage and the boat launch.

Solo, Tandem or Group?

2009-06-05T13:31:00.016-04:00

Fellow Paddlers from East Hampstead Kayaking Meet Up Group
Can we talk about our experience on our first group paddle last weekend? We both thought it was fun! To begin with, neither one of us was really sure if we would like being out on the water with a group, since we've been paddling by ourselves for three-plus years now.

Unless you count the few times we've been on a guided trip, like Kayaking with the Manatees in Florida or when we've taken family along -- we usually plan our own trips and go at our own pace. After all, part of the joy of paddling for us is the peace and solitude. But surprisingly, we did find it fun to meet others with the same passion and talk about their mini-adventures on the water.

I signed us up for the East Hampstead (NH) Kayaking Meet Up Group last year, but we didn't get to take part in an activity until recently. I love the whole concept of the Meet Up website. Their motto is something like, "Use the internet to get off the internet." In other words, meet people online with similar interests and then step away from the computer and go out and enjoy!

We met five other people (of mixed ages and paddling interests) at Dubes Pond in Hooksett and before too long, we had exchanged introductions and launched our boats. I was concerned about pacing, since I didn't want to have to keep paddling to keep up. Sometimes, I just like to sit and ponder the beauty around me. No problem there. I guess most people who are into quiet water kayaking feel the same way. If you rush to get somewhere, how will you enjoy what's there?

Bottom line? It was a good experience and we're looking forward to more trips with the group. In just two years, it's grown to include 440 members. Seems like there's always someone looking to get out on the water and if you don't see a trip that interests you, you can arrange one of your own. Check it out at East Hampstead Kayaking Meet Up.

As a side note, the subject of tandem kayaking came up as part of our conversation at Dubes Pond. Naturally, I had to relay the shortened version of our own experience in Florida in February. If you're contemplating buying or trying a tandem kayak, I invite you to read How We Lost Our Groove in Florida. Turns out another long-time married couple in our group had done it successfully, so there is hope. Just not for us!

Late Afternoon Paddle on the Nashua River Yields Lots of Wildlife

2009-06-01T19:17:00.008-04:00

Posted by Doug
After the thunderstorms rolled by on Sunday and the sun came back out, I found myself wondering why I was still inside watching TV. Even though it was later in the afternoon, I decided that I wanted to be on the water. I hastily got my things together (less the camera --that turned out to be a mistake) and headed for the Nashua River. Lucie and I have been talking about trying the river for some time and at less than 5 miles from the house, I was on the water by 5:00 p.m. The boat launch allows you to access the river from Stellos Stadium and paddle all the way to Runnells Bridge in Hollis.

Using my keen navigational skills, I decided to go to the left from the put-in and paddle upstream. (This was not a hard choice seeing that if I went right I would go over a dam onto the rocks below). It only took about 10 minutes before I saw the first wildlife of the day, a great white swan. A little further upstream I spotted an osprey nest with two little heads peeking over the edge; Mom was nowhere in sight but Im sure she was in the area. Shortly beyond this point I was startled when a large blue heron burst from the reeds next to my boat. I was within 15 feet of the bird and never saw it!

After getting my heart rate back to normal, I proceeded up the river for about an hour before turning around. In the short 90-minute paddle I encountered three swans, a heron, an osprey, ducks, geese, a muskrat and a beaver. I don't think I've ever seen this much wildlife in one short trip. It just goes to show that sometimes what you are looking for is right under your nose and you don't even know it. When I got home, I looked at a map of the river and determined that I only went about 1/3 to 1/2 the way up to Runnells Bridge.

There were other boats on the river but the ones I encountered were all fishing boats that were slowly trolling along with electric motors. The only time they used their large motors was to get back to the boat ramp. I'm looking forward to going back to the river and this time I'll take my camera. Oh, and Lucie too, of course!

Things to Know Before You Go: Watch for fallen tree stumps in the river.
Directions: From the north, take the Everett Turnpike to exit 5-W in Nashua to route 111. Go over the highway and turn right at the second set of lights onto Riverside Drive. Take your first left and head straight toward Stellos Stadium. When you see the Public Works garage, bear right to a dirt road and the put-in.

Morning Paddle on Dubes Pond

2009-05-30T16:39:00.004-04:00

We finally went kayaking for the first time this year and it was so beautiful and relaxing. I can't really find the right words to describe what paddling does for my spirit. It just makes me want to invite everyone I know and love (and even people I don't know!) to try it out and reap the benefits of some quiet time with Mother Nature.

I've written about Dubes Pond in Hooksett a couple of times before. (You can read a short piece I wrote for paddling.net last year) If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it for a good early-season or late-season paddle. By mid-summer, this shallow pond is sure to be choked with vegetation.

Basics: As you first set out from the launch, you'll see a water skiing channel (marked by buoys and flags). Don't be put off by this or you could miss a jewel of a pond. You'll soon lose sight and sound of the small water skiing area and will be drawn instead to some open water, small islands, and many marshy channels to explore. Watch for granite boulders throughout this 94-acre pond.

Wildlife: The heron rookery we saw two years ago appears to be gone, but we did see a heron, also several geese, ducks, turtles, and a number of fresh beaver lodges.

Special Notes: The area we launched from last year near the picnic table is now posted as private property. The adjacent public launch is a little rocky, but do-able. There are no public facilities here.

Directions: From Manchester, take Routes 3/28 north and turn right onto route 27. The boat access is on the left, just a little more than 2 miles beyond the junction with Bypass 28. You can drive up to unload your boat and then park across the road.

Gearing Up for Kayaking

2009-05-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

Blog Note: I'm working (with help) on a new design. Still in progress, so hope you'll be patient as I try to get all the features where I'd like them to be!

On to some Kayaking Info:

We went to the Contoocook River Canoe Company Kayak and Canoe Demo in Concord yesterday. There were lots of manufacturers, hundreds of kayaks, paddles and other gear, and some very helpful salespeople. So helpful, in fact, that we parted with some serious money for Werner paddles.

Can't say which "model" we bought, but they're made of carbon and light as air. You can read more about Werner paddles and take a quiz that will help you choose the right paddle on their website. I also discovered that if you register your new paddle on the site, Werner will donate a percentage to an outdoor non-profit organization you select from a list of options. Pretty cool (even though it's an obvious marketing ploy to get your e-mail address).

Is anyone looking for kayak (or water) shoes? After months of searching, Doug found some last week at Alec's Shoe Store in downtown Nashua. They had a big selection. I love my L.L. Bean shoes bought a few years back at a kayak show. They give me good footing at those rocky put-ins and they dry so quickly.

And now it's confession time: we're usually out on the water by this time of year. What's the hold-up and why all the chatter about gear? The truth is I'm having back problems and I'm delaying getting out on the water until my back can "mend" a little. I feel like one of those high-priced ball players. You know -- when they put them on the disabled list so they won't risk a more serious injury and be out all season? Um, yeah, that's me.

Doug didn't wait. He took his kayak and headed out for a short paddle on Round Pond yesterday on Route 101A near our house. Road and airport noise were an issue, but he did see some ducks and geese. And he said the new paddle was awesome! They are calibrated so you can feather them with more precision. (A year ago, we had no idea what this was all about, but we're learning.)

Feathering is when you offset the blades on your paddle -- so if you held out your paddle in front of you, one blade would be level and the other would be at a 30-degree angle, for example. I'll write more on that later. For now, I'm off to ice my back and work more on the blog design.

Take Your Pick: Kayaking or Biking

2009-05-14T18:51:00.008-04:00

Sometimes it's tough to choose between the two. This Sunday (May 17), for example, there are two events taking place simultaneously that sound interesting in terms of being information-packed. The first program is a kayaking demo I wrote about earlier.

The second event is a Trail Expo at Hampshire Hills Sports and Fitness Club in Milford, focusing on rail trails, wildlife, and conservation. Featured speaker is Charles Martin, who wrote the book on rails trails in the state. Aptly enough, his book is titled New Hampshire Rail Trails. You can read more about the Expo at Nashuatelegraph.com: Take a hike at the NH Trail Expo.

We've decided to take part in the kayak demo at Contoocook River Canoe Company because we're looking for some new gear and this should give us a chance to try it out on the water. As far as the talk on rail trails -- well, maybe I'll just buy Martin's book. I browsed through a copy at a bike shop a while ago and it seemed like a good source of information.
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New Hampshire Biking Maps Are Out There

2009-05-13T19:55:00.006-04:00

It took a little work, but I did get some "official" 2008 New Hampshire biking maps put out by the Department of Transportation. My first stop was a local bike shop, but the map they gave me was a few years outdated. Next I stopped at the State Rest Area (Tourist Information Center?) near exit 6 in Nashua. Success! They gave me two maps: one for the Merrimack Valley Region (where we live) and another for the White Mountains (where we're headed in a few weeks).

The maps are pocket size, maybe 3 by 4 inches when folded. Obviously, they're available by tourist region - I think there are six or seven in the state.

The downside is that New Hampshire doesn't seem to have that many decent off-road bicycle routes that are suited for touring (not mountain) biking. The maps show "recommended bike routes," most of which are regular paved roads. They also show "improved rail trails," and "unimproved rail trails," as well as what they call "recreational bicycle loops."

Just to give you an idea, the Merrimack Valley Region has three recreational bike loops and four bike paths, some of which are pretty short. I'm going to study them a little more closely to see what I can learn and will try to share information here. For now, if you'd like a bicycle map of your own, go to your nearest state rest stop and ask at the counter, if there is one. The maps aren't available in the "take-one" racks, you have to ask for them. Hope to see you on the trail!

Where in NH Are You Biking?

2009-05-03T07:42:00.010-04:00

We took our bikes out last Sunday and took a short 6-mile ride on the Nashua River Rail Trail. It's a scenic 12.5-mile paved trail from Hollis to Ayer, MA. Saw a near collision between a big ol' snapping turtle trying to cross the trail and an unsuspecting bicyclist. Reminds me I need to pay close attention to my surroundings. That turtle was big!

I'm on the hunt for more bike trails and paths to explore this year. Of course, we have some tried and true favorites. Nearby Mine Falls Park offers lots of variety through wooded areas between the Nashua Canal and Nashua River. That's a good one for us because it's so close. A co-worker from Hudson remarked this week that she wonders why it doesn't get "more publicity."

And then there's the short but nice Windham trail. Good for when you're short on time, but still want to get outdoors.

My hunt for new trails this winter led me to the NH Bike-Walk Alliance website. I've actually been following the work of these incredible bike enthusiasts for a while. They have one page devoted to rail trails in the state, including those in the early planning stages. From their homepage, look for a link that says "NH Rail Trail Index."

In 2008, the folks at the Department of Transportation also worked long and hard with bicycle groups throughout NH, including the Bike-Walk Alliance, to create bicycle maps for the state. They're available for download here, but I haven't had much success getting these to print out in a readable format. The maps show improved and unimproved rail trails, on-road routes and bike paths.

Apparently, the maps are available in limited supply at the state's rest areas and select locations -- but you have to ask for them. At least that's the word on the Bike-Walk Alliance website. So my mission this week is to track down a hard copy of the state's "official" biking map.

In the meantime, if you have a favorite bike trail in your own backyard, please write and let us know!

Do you Have Paddle Envy?

2009-04-28T18:24:00.016-04:00

How much time did you spend choosing a kayak paddle? If you're like us, not much at all. We researched kayaks and talked to a knowledgeable salesperson before buying, but the paddles were almost an afterthought. We're now starting our fourth year on the water and just realized there's a whole big world of paddles out there and using the right one can make a huge difference.

Call us naive or slow -- we're just not big into gear and gadgets. But when we meandered over to the paddle display at Kittery Trading Post last Sunday and picked one up, it was light as air! Hmmm. Now we're thinking seriously of spending a little extra money for paddles that will improve our time on the water -- yes, we have paddle envy.

Things to Consider When Buying a Paddle
What should you think about when buying a touring paddle? For starters, you should be thinking about:

The type of paddler you are (Are you a power paddler or easy going?) Your answer will help to determine the blade length, width, and shape.

How tall are you and how wide is your boat? The answer will help decide how long the shaft of your paddle should be.

You can read some excellent articles on choosing a paddle at TopKayaker.net and Kayakonline.com. Or if you prefer in-person expert advice, keep reading. Suzanne from Kokatat is the presenter for the following event.

Special Session for Kayaking MeetUp Members and Guests
The East Hampstead (NH) Kayaking MeetUp group has also organized an information session on kayaks, paddles, and PFDs at the Contoocook River Canoe Company in Concord on Sunday, May 31st at 12:30 p.m. This is an RSVP-event. If you'd like to attend, you'll need to join the group at MeetUp or go as an invited guest. E-mail the organizer Monica at mlcyr7327@yahoo.com to let her know you'd like to be a guest.

Not Quite Ready for Kayaking

2009-04-25T18:35:00.008-04:00

Lamprey River in Newmarket, NH
Today was in the low 80s, unseasonably warm for this time of year in New Hampshire. Time to take out the kayaks, right? I know some folks who planned to get out on Lake Massabesic this weekend, but personally I'm going to wait just a few more weeks to give the water time to warm up.

Doug always teases me about being overly cautious when it comes to starting our kayaking season. Why am I waiting? Because most water bodies in our area haven't hit 50-degrees yet. And if we were to find ourselves unexpectedly in the water, we'd be battling possible hypothermia in as little as 5-10 minutes. (Of course, a wet or dry suit could protect against this, but who wants to wear a suit when it's in the 80s? Plus, we don't even own them.)

The experts at the American Canoe Association recommend that you wear protective clothing if the water temperature is below 65-degrees or if the sum of the air and water temperature is below 120-degrees.

I certainly don't want to put a damper on anyone's paddling fun, including my own. But I also know my own skill level and comfort level. If I were to capsize, I'm not convinced I could get safely back in the boat within 10 minutes.

In water temperature under 50-degrees, it takes less than 10 minutes for your core temperature to start dropping, your motor skills to become impaired and your cognitive thinking to slow. All of that makes it even more difficult to get back in the boat! I know there are people far more experienced at safety maneuvers and/or who are out there with wet suits -- but for me, it's better to be safe and wait for the water to warm up.

We're spending the time planning our 2009 kayaking adventures. We also went to Kittery (Maine) Trading Post today and looked at some new gear, including some paddles that were light as air. Will write more on that soon!

Try Canoes and Kayaks Before You Buy

2009-04-15T18:18:00.007-04:00

With paddling season fast approaching, I've had a couple of people ask me how to choose their first kayak. I'm not an expert when it comes to that, but I'm happy to point you in the direction of people who are experts, starting with the folks at Contoocook River Canoe Company. (Just so you know...I have no financial interest in any of these companies.)

Contoocook River Canoe Company is offering a full day of on-water demos. They'll have over 200 boats to try out from at least 15 different manufacturers. Mark your calendar now and plan to check it all out at 9 Horse Hill Road in Concord on Sunday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I've never attended this event, but it's billed as the largest on-water demo in New Hampshire. Hope to see you there! Learn more at Contoocook River Canoe Company .

The Maple Guys and Ice Out

2009-04-02T19:50:00.000-04:00

We took a ride out to Gilmore Pond in Jaffrey on Sunday just to check conditions. Can you tell we're just a little excited for kayaking season to begin? There was still ice on about 90 percent of the pond, so I'm guessing it will be at least another three or four weeks before we can actually get out there.

How Sweet It Is

Since it was New Hampshire Maple Weekend, our next stop was The Maple Guys in Lyndeborough. I've lived here my whole life and never once visited a sugar house. Never once smelled that sweet steam as it escapes from the roof vent. Never peered into a wood-fired evaporator filled with boiling sap or watched the pure maple syrup as it flows from the tap. That is, until now.

Let me start by saying there's still so much that amazes me about the backroads of New Hampshire. As we were driving from Jaffrey to Lyndeborough, I expected dirt roads, but I never expected so much mud. We're talking mud deep enough to suck your vehicle tires right into a vortex. Luckily, that didn't happen; there would have been no one around to help us out.

Finally, we arrived at 146 Old Schoolhouse Road. At first glance, it looked like the last outpost to nowhere. But the steam was pouring out of a little building. It was supposed to be an "open house," but no other cars were in sight. Do we go in? Do we drive by? It's raining outside. And then we glimpse a young girl, maybe 10 or 11, standing by a cash register in the doorway. She looks likes she's waiting for visitors. Okay, let's go inside. Who could possibly have come way out here to visit this little sugar house in the middle of nowhere?

Well, as usual, I was wrong. The Maple Guys run a small, but full-scale operation. They've won prestigious awards for their maple syrup. They've even invented equipment that is used by other maple producers. Their family members are happy to explain the whole operation to us. Turns out they've had lots of visitors today, even despite the mud and the rain. We learned some interesting facts about maple syrup production and sampled some pure maple sugar candy...mmm.

Still Time to Visit a Sugar House, But Hurry

NH's official Maple Sugar weekend is over, but you can still discover for yourself how sap turns into pancake topping. Parker's Maple Barn in Mason offers maple syrup producing tours on weekends (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) through mid-April. It's a good idea to call ahead to be sure the sap is still running.

Get Ready for New England Paddlesports Show

2009-03-28T14:48:00.005-04:00

Mark your calendar now for the New England Paddlesports Show next weekend. That's April 3-5 at the University of New Hampshire Field House in Durham. Doesn't matter if you're a novice, expert, or somewhere in between -- if you're into canoeing or kayaking of any kind (stillwater, whitewater, or sea), this one's for you!

Of course, you'll find knowledgeable salespeople and the latest gear here. But what I really like about this show are the seminars and in-pool demonstrations. Short of taking a hands-on class, it's the best way to get some great tips. Here's a sampling of some of the sessions:

Getting Started Kayaking

How to Choose a Kayak

Kayak and Canoe the Northern Forest Trail

Kayaking for Women

Easier Kayaking for All Skill Levels

The above topics are mostly for those new to the sport. But if you're more experienced and ready to take on bigger challenges, there's plenty of inspiration and expertise for you, too. Check it all out at New England Paddlesports Show and while you're there, be sure to download the coupon for $2 off admission to the show.

Happy Birthday to Us!

2009-03-19T18:47:00.003-04:00

New Hampshire... Love it or Leaf it turned one on March 1st. It's common in the blogosphere to mark this milestone by bragging about your site stats...how many visitors you've had and how many pages were viewed in the past year.
By comparison, our site stats aren't that impressive--we've had about 5,000 page loads in a year; some sites get that in a single day -- but the numbers make little difference to me. We're a small niche blog, meaning we'll never play with the big kids.

That's okay with me. What I care most about is serving up useful information for those who do land here.

If you are a faithful reader or a first time visitor, thanks for stopping by! I hope we continue to earn your trust and loyalty.

I can honestly say...after three years of kayaking, one year of biking, and one short season of snowshoeing, my enthusiasm for exploring New Hampshire's natural beauty hasn't faded at all. I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait for spring! Please write and let us know what's on your "outdoor adventure" wish list.

How We Lost Our Groove in Florida

2009-03-14T19:42:00.002-04:00

I know this is a blog about New Hampshire, but I promised to write a little more about manatees and our kayaking experiences in Florida two weeks ago. Maybe you had to be there for this one. I'm not sure I can really describe our attempt at tandem kayaking.

But Here's the Deal
Tandem kayaking is not for us! We discovered this at Wekiwa Spring State Park in Apopka -- about 45 minutes outside of Orlando. We rented a two-person kayak because that's all they had left. How difficult could it be?

Plenty! The Wekiva River is narrow and has lots of fallen tree branches and at least a few alligators. There were tons of people out in rented canoes and kayaks, so we were constantly dodging other boats. Doug sat in front -- that was our first mistake. We learned afterward that the stronger person should sit in back.

My job was to steer the boat, but I couldn't see where we were going. Doug was supposed to tell me to "paddle left" or "paddle right" to avoid obstacles, but apparently it was more conversation than he wanted to make. Add to that the fact that my reaction time is a tad slow, and you start to get the picture!

Our daughters were ahead of us in a canoe and they could hear us arguing all the way down the river. We hit trees, we hit boats, you name it. It was not fun! Once we arrived safely back at the launch site two hours later (sweaty, exhausted, and a little annoyed) we just looked at each other and laughed. After 33 years of marriage, you learn not to sweat the small stuff.

We vowed not to say another word about it. Sorry, Doug, I just had to break the silence to warn others: If you're going to try a tandem, at least paddle in an area where there's room to make mistakes.

A Rescued Manatee Returns to the Wild
Now, a little more about the manatee released from Disney World during our visit to Blue Spring State Park. We missed the weigh-in and the ultrasound, but we did see this 1,000-pound mammal up close as he got acquainted with life in the wild. Pretty cool!

"Bock" had been rescued as a 66-pound orphan in 2001 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By the time he was sent to The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot two years later, he weighed 500 pounds -- and that's on a diet of Romaine lettuce, fruits, and vegetables! After 8 years in captivity, his progress is now being monitored by the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership.

I'm not sure how long Bock will be wearing a satellite tracking device, but I guess he's doing his part -- like it or not--to advance our understanding of life in the wild for this endangered species.

Kayaking with the Manatees

2009-03-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

Click to see more photos on smugmug.com.
A trip to Orlando usually brings a close encounter with a certain mouse, not to mention hours in line at a theme park or two. Well, we visited the area last week and decided instead to explore the natural side of Orlando. Our "featured" activity was kayaking with the manatees on the Crystal River, about 90 minutes northwest of the city.

Before leaving home, we had booked a three-hour guided trip with Aardvark Kayaking. During the cooler winter months, West Indian manatees or sea cows migrate from the chillier St. Johns River to warmer waters inland. These large, gentle mammals (averaging 800-1,200 pounds) are an endangered species. Many of them carry scars from their run-ins with boat propellers, their largest threat.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this trip, although I had imagined a wildlife setting. As it turned out, we never really left civilization behind and didn't cover much distance. But we did see lots of manatees -- at least 20 during our three-hour tour. They are interesting to watch as they slowly glide through the water and pass directly under your boat. It's a little unsettling at first to be sitting in this small watercraft and realize that a 1,000 pound animal is headed your way!

Our guide explained that manatees can sense where their bodies are and will rarely if ever bump a kayak. They were close enough to touch, although we were advised not to do that. Humans often think that because these large mammals come so close and are gentle, that they are looking to be petted. Some places even allow swimming with the manatees -- for a fee, of course. But the reality is that when humans disturb these creatures, it can cause a mother and calf to be separated.

I'll write another post soon about an orphaned manatee we saw earlier in the week and also fill you in about kayking in the Wekiva River. For now, I would say that if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to kayak with manatees -- do it!

Thinking Spring and Kayaking

2009-02-19T16:22:00.011-05:00

I'm excited that in about six days we'll be kayaking alongside the manatees in Florida's Crystal River -- with any luck, of course. Cross your fingers that the weather and the wildlife cooperate! I'll be sure to write all about it when we get back. The whole Florida trip has me thinking spring and kayaking, so I started a wish list of places to paddle in the area.

Some of these places have been recommended by fellow paddlers; some have been on "my radar" for a while, but we just haven't had a chance to make it happen. What's that line from the Jim Croce song, "There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them?" Anyway, if you've paddled any of these rivers or ponds, please write in and let me know. Maybe we can get a discussion going about some great places.

Merrymeeting River in New Durham
Rollins Pond near Loudon, Gilmanton
Grafton Pond in ?
Kimball Pond in Dunbarton
Danbury Bog in Danbury

Thanks to Kim on go-paddle.com for some of these ideas. Finally, if all of this has you thinking about kayaking, I invite you to check out the East Hampstead Kayaking Group on Meetup.com.

Can't Miss Resource for Outdoor Activities in NH

2009-02-17T17:29:00.006-05:00

I recently discovered a great online resource for outdoor activities. It's a website created by Eastern Mountain Sports employees "as a gift to our customers and the entire outdoor community." You can find information here about trails for kayaking/canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, cross-country skiing, back country hiking and snowshoeing. It covers the entire USA, but you can easily search by state and your favorite activity.

Check it out at www.mntnlife.com. A search for snowshoe trails in New Hampshire, for example, returned a list of 70-plus locations! Some have reviews and ratings. If you register (free), you can take advantage of some added features like creating your very own favorites list or finding other like-minded souls interested in exploring the same place. The site also has events, such as mountain climbing clinics and snowshoe sprints.

I did notice that kayaking results for our state are slim to none, although canoeing (which also fits the bill) has about six listings. I invite you to help other paddlers by adding a favorite trail or two of your own. This site is user-friendly and has great potential. Thanks, Eastern Mountain Sports!

Starry, Starry Night

2009-02-14T21:24:00.007-05:00

We celebrated Valentine's Day with a candlelight snowshoe hike at America's Stonehenge in Salem, NH. Tonight was the last night they offer the candlelit trail for the season, so I wasn't sure if I would share it here. But I thought it was worth mentioning, even if you file it away for next year.
Basics: The Trail is 1.5 miles long through a lightly wooded area with some slight elevations. The folks at America's Stonehenge light the way with small kerosene lanterns, about every 100 feet or so. Cost was $10/per person if you bring your own snowshoes; $15 pp if you rent them on-site.

Highlights: It was a clear night so we saw many more stars and constellations than we've seen in a very long time. I later learned that Venus was the brightest planet tonight, with Saturn a close second. I don't know much about constellations, but enough to pick out the Dippers and Orion's belt. We also saw lots of deer tracks.

For Next Time: I would bring a flashlight and ski poles. I have night blindness and the trail wasn't nearly as well lit as I expected. It's a trade-off, I guess. If there had been brighter lighting on the trail, then the night sky might not have been so magnificent. Would definitely like to do a full-moon hike here.

Treats After the Hike: Included in the admission price are coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and store-bought cookies available in the gift shop. You can sit and watch a short film about the archeological and astronomical mysteries of America's Stonehenge. There are also many 3-D displays, petroglyphs and other interesting artifacts.

More Information: Check out their website at http://www.stonehengeusa.com/.

In Search of Snowshoe Trails

2009-02-10T19:08:00.010-05:00

On the Quarry Trail at Wasserman Park in Merrimack

We set out for Heald Pond Trail in Wilton this afternoon to try out our new snowshoes. We didn't end up snowshoeing here after all because we couldn't find the trailheads and didn't have a map. (Note: This turned out to be a case of poor planning on my part. If I'd actually read the review in addition to the directions on http://www.mntnlife.com/, we probably would have found the trail.) Anyway, one highlight of the ride out there: we saw three deer on King Brook Road!
If you've snowshoed or hiked here, please drop us a line and let us know. Once we got back, I checked out the Society for the Protection of NH Forests website to learn more about the property. After seeing this diverse and protected area, I definitely think it's worth a return trip.

Snowshoeing in Merrimack

Next, we headed to Wasserman Park in Merrimack. By this time, daylight was starting to fade. We took a short hike on the Quarry Trail, a single file trail through the woods, about .5 mile long. I just learned it connects (through private easement) with the Horse Hill Preserve, which is a 3.5 mile loop trail. Not sure how much of this is suitable for snowshoeing. But check out the website for decent trail maps.

Our snowshoeing experiences so far have been pretty tame (some might say boring) -- probably because we're sticking to well-packed, mostly flat trails not far off the beaten path. The snow-covered scenery is pretty, but it's repetitive: snow, trees, rocks, and the occasional stone wall or wildlife tracks.

Still, we're enjoying it. It gets us outdoors in winter to explore natural areas right in our own backyard. Snowshoeing is recession-proof. Once you buy the shoes, you can do it almost anywhere for free without paying entrance fees, lift tickets or rental fees. Have you tried it yet? Let us hear from you if you have a favorite trail!

Tips for Buying Snowshoes

2009-02-06T14:50:00.006-05:00

Let me start by saying I'm not the person to be giving advice on buying snowshoes--that's why this post is titled "tips" and not "how to." If you need help buying, you can research online or find a knowledgable salesperson, which is what we did. All I'm offering here is a little bit about our experience buying his and hers snowshoes last weekend.
There are a couple of basic things we learned. One, not all shoes are suitable for all types of snow and terrain. So first decide what type of snowshoeing you'll be doing. That could be on level, well-packed trails (that's us); or it might be blazing through deeper snow or climbing up mountains.

Second, snowshoes are sold in three or four basic sizes, based on your weight fully bundled up. One clever manufacturer has a scale near the snowshoe display. The idea is to step on the scale--which fortunately doesn't show your weight--but instead indicates your snowshoe size. The most common sizes are 21, 25, and 30, which equate to small, medium, and large. There are variations on all of this, depending on brand. But we learned not to be taken in by the scale. Scales can lie.

The helpful salesperson at Kittery Trading Post (yes, in Maine!) said the weight charts were more reliable. By the scale, Doug should have bought a 30, which is a longer, wider snowshoe. It just didn't fit his medium build and our salesperson concurred that he should stick with a 25, which is what I also bought. While there's a 40-pound weight difference between Doug and I, we ended up with the same size, but not the same style.I bought a woman's style (shown above), which is tapered in back, making it lighter and requiring less of a wide stance.

A Note on Bindings: What we were most concerned with here is how easy they were to operate. We bought the Timberline snowshoe sold by Tubbs (on sale for about $130). This particular shoe has a single cinch pull binding. Once you put your foot in the shoe, you pull up on one strap and then secure the heel strap in back. That's it. Seems important to have an easy binding when you're outdoors bundled up in a ski parka, with gloves on, and the wind is whipping around you.

One last tip: some snowshoe designs are more apt to kick snow up your pant leg as you walk-- a problem that can be remedied by wearing ski pants. I'm not sure if this has to do with the pivot of the shoe or the curve of the platform. I mention it here so you can be sure to ask your salesperson about it or research before you buy, if like me, you'd prefer not to add a layer of clothing. Happy snowshoeing!

Snowshoeing fun in Auburn

2009-02-01T19:55:00.001-05:00

Doug on the trail at Massabesic Audubon

Remember the fun and anticipation of getting outside to build a snow fort or a snowman when you were a kid? I feel some of that same anticipation about snowshoeing. It's been a long time since I've viewed snow as an invitation to "go outside and play."

We left our household chores undone yesterday and headed out to the Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn, which borders Lake Massabesic. Our reward was crisp air, sunny blue skies, and a clean blanket of snow. A great way to recharge our spirits and get a little exercise!

The Center rents snowshoes ($8) and provides a map -- although there are only three main trails and they're pretty well marked. We started out in an open field which was windy, but very soon the trail led us into a more protected forest. I liked the fact that there were many tall, beautiful trees, but lots of open sky, too. One trail led us to Lake Massabesic (more than 2,500 acres large) and of course, with the cold temperatures we've had, it was safe to venture out onto the lake.

We also explored an osprey blind, a small hut with comfy chair and window overlooking the water. I don't know much about these large raptors, but since they survive on fish, I guess they migrate in winter.

Even though the Audubon Center was busy today, with lots of people renting snowshoes, we weren't crowded on the trails at all. We spent an hour or so crunching through the snow and enjoyed every minute of it!

Things to Know Before You Go: The Massabesic Audubon Center is a lively, family-friendly place. They have ongoing programs, exhibits, and live animals including a barred owl, a snapping turtle, a python, some mice, and even Madagascar "hissing" cockroaches.

For More Information and Directions: Visit their website, call (603) 668-2045 or enter their address into your favoite online map or GPS: 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH.

Along the Snowshoe Trail in Amherst

2009-01-26T20:20:00.003-05:00

Click here to see more photos on smugmug.com

We had some warmer weather on Friday, so I headed out to spend an hour at Joe English Reservation in Amherst. My goal? To explore the trail we hiked in the dark about three weeks ago. Have I mentioned that I love snowshoeing?

For me, the beauty of it is in its simplicity. It's easy to learn. The equipment is inexpensive. You can do it close to home, even if you only have a short time to spare. And it's a fun way to explore the landscape in winter!

I didn't see any wildlife, except for birds. But I noticed lots of paper birch trees (like the one shown above) and I saw what I believe are snowshoe hare tracks. What do you think? It's probably hard to tell from this photo, but the tracks definitely showed the large hind-foot characteristic of a snowshoe hare.

Peabody Mill Environmental Center (on-site) offers well-marked trails, simple maps for loan or more detailed maps for purchase, and even personal GPS systems. The 600-acre Joe English property has a varied terrain through the woods that includes small brooks and streams, with a couple of interesting footbridges.

There are several places in our immediate area that rent snowshoes and offer trails. Why not try one out and tell us what you think? Better yet, if you know of a place that I haven't mentioned, please write and share with the rest of us so I can add it to the list.

Peabody Mill Environmental Center Amherst, NH

Beaver Brook Association Hollis, NH

NH Audubon Society Auburn, NH

Stonehenge USA Salem, NH

They Can Run and They Can Hide

2009-01-16T19:10:00.008-05:00

I haven't seen this snowshoe hare, but I've been wondering about these beautiful animals ever since we saw their tracks while snowshoeing at the Joe English Preservation Area in Amherst.

I've sinced learned that while snowshoe hares have plenty of predators (including fox, bobcat, fisher, weasel, owls, and red-tailed hawks, to name a few) -- the very fact that they survive at all is partly due to their remarkable "natural engineering," and of course, their ability to "reproduce like rabbits."

Snowshoe hares are lean, with very large hind feet -- all the better for them to move quickly on top of the snow. But if their hind feet were any bigger, according to one source, they would sink in the snow, making them easy prey.

So it's good that their feet have stopped growing! Even better is that their fur changes from brown to white in the winter, a process that takes about a month. But if they turn white too soon, they stand out against our brown, November landscape; and if they stay brown too late, they stand out against the snow. In other words, if the timing of their molt isn't just right, they might as well be wearing hunter's orange!

Some scientists believe that snowshoe hares try to compensate for this molting dilemma by heading for the higher elevations in the fall so their coats will change sooner. Once they're white and we've had snowfall in the lower elevations, they come back down to their preferred habitat near swamps. Amazing, isn't it?

It Was Love at First Hike

2009-01-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

Remember the line Renee Zellweger says to Tom Cruise in the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire: "You had me at hello?" That's how I felt about snowshoeing. Within the first ten minutes on the trail, I knew it was something I could get into. That's a pretty amazing statement for me, considering I hate cold weather and up until now, I've never met a winter sport I like.

It may be a stretch to call snowshoeing a sport; it's as simple as walking. At least, it was simple in the way we approached it--on flat terrain using a well-packed trail. I even decided to take along ski poles for added balance, although they really weren't necessary. I'm sure it's a whole different story to snowshoe up a mountain or to be the first to break through fresh, deep snow.

Our first excursion on snowshoes was last Saturday night during a full moon hike at Peabody Mill Environmental Center in Amherst. The Center is adjacent to the nearly 600-acre Joe English Reservation, a wooded area named for a Native American who befriended the white man and was eventually killed for betraying his fellow Indians.

Peabody Mill offers full moon and new moon hikes year round and they also rent snowshoes during their normal daytime hours of operation. Vicky, our naturalist guide, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, even if Mother Nature didn't quite cooperate.

The moon and stars stayed hidden behind a veil of clouds during our one-hour trek. We never saw any animals or heard so much as a peep from them, but we did see lots of animal tracks, including snowshoe hare, weasel, porcupine and mice and we learned some interesting facts about animal behavior. Vicky surmised the wildlife might have already hunkered down against the snowstorm moving in later than night.

So it was dark and quiet, but oh so peaceful. I couldn't help thinking about Robert Frost's poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. One line kept running through my head as we crunched along on the trail: "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep."

After our mini-adventure, I made a promise to myself to keep trying new outdoor activities, no matter the weather. There's so much natural beauty all around us, if we only stop long enough to enjoy it.

Things to Know Before You Go: There are many places in New Hampshire offering snow shoe rentals and trails. I'll try to write more on that in coming weeks. For now, check out Peabody Mill's website for more information. Their next new moon hike is January 24th at 7 pm and the next full moon hike is February 7th at 7 p.m. Reservations are required.

Kayaking and Snow Shoeing on the Same Day?

2009-01-09T18:17:00.001-05:00

It's early January in New Hampshire and currently 21 degrees outside -- too soon to be thinking about kayaking, right? Well, not for the enthusiastic group of paddlers who belong to the East Hampstead Kayaking Meet Up Group. They're already planning a spring get-together for March 29th.

It's billed as an "afternoon of fun with a guest speaker, local kayak retailers, door prizes and raffles."

I haven't met any of these folks yet, but I have joined the group and hope to take part in some of their outings next season. To learn more, check out their webpage at http://kayaking.meetup.com/174/about/.

And now for snow shoeing. Pardon my pun, but this seems to be the "hot" new winter sport. As the saying goes, "If you can walk, you can snowshoe." Well, I haven't tried it yet, but I'll have a chance to do that tomorrow. I signed us up for a full-moon hike at Peabody Mill Environmental Center in Amherst, NH -- snow shoes optional.

May I take a moment to whine? I don't know what I was thinking! I hate the cold and Accuweather is predicting temps in the single digits. I guess the upside is that our new-fallen snow should be beautiful by the light of the full moon.

I'm going with my longstanding resolution to keep trying new things. New year...new adventures! I hope you'll check back in a few days for my report.

What's Your Excuse for Not Getting Back on a Bike After All These Years?

2008-12-17T21:23:00.002-05:00

Do you remember first learning to ride a bike? I do. It was in the early 1960s, back before bike helmets and training wheels. Well, maybe those things were around then, but I didn't have them.

Instead, I had a gently sloping patch of grass and our next door neighbor, Mr. Holmes, trotting alongside me, until I finally took my first wobbly ride.

Since I've never been well-coordinated, I'm sure it took me a while to master balancing, pedaling and braking, but obviously I did -- never to look back until today, 40-plus years later.

There was a long stretch of my adult life, maybe 15 years, when I didn't ride at all. Now I want to make up for lost time. Each time I get on my bike, some of the exhilaration I felt when I first learned to ride comes back to me. It's the fresh air in my face; the exertion it takes to ride uphill, followed by the thrill of coasting down the other side.

If you're over 50, and like me, you haven't ridden in a long time, I'd encourage you to try it again. Let's debunk some of those excuses right here and now for why you haven't gotten back on a bike even though you loved riding as a kid. I've heard all of these excuses in the past year from friends and family who aren't old at all.

1.) I don't have good balance. Frankly, neither do I. Sometimes I weeble and wobble. But my balance has actually improved in the past year. It might have something to do with developing stronger core muscles and regaining a little self confidence just by doing it. And if balance is a big problem, maybe you can look into an adult trike. Don't laugh. My Uncle Joe rode one around his neighborhood until he died at age 90-something.

2.) My knees aren't as young as they used to be. No kidding. That's why you might want to ride for short distances to start with. (Read more on how to pamper your knees while biking here.) Taking Aleve (or similar medication) before a long bike ride can also help. My daughters shake their heads when I mention this, but would they rather have me sitting on the sidelines? I don't think so.

3.) Sharing the road with crazy drivers scares the heck out of me. The simple answer is rail trails. They offer off-road biking, usually on an easy, groomed surface, and in most cases, some pleasant scenery. That being said, we did enjoy some on-road biking this year. It's all about choosing roads with light traffic or riding during off-peak hours.

4.) Rail trails are boring. I just heard this one this week. I'm sure there are some trails that evoke one long yawn because they're straight, flat and have nothing special to look at. That's where a little advance research can help. You can start right here on NH Love It or Leaf It by checking out our biking posts. Another good source is pedaling.com. I'll continue to add resources and reviews on rail trails as I find them or ride them.

5.) Today's 24-speed bikes are too complicated. I'm sure the young sales clerk at Goodale's Bike Shop had trouble keeping a straight face when I walked in there a year ago and announced I didn't want to look at anything with more than three speeds. (Little did I know that 10-speeds were already ancient history.) The truth is, when it comes to bicycles today, you can find whatever you want if you search hard enough and venture beyond a "top-of-the line" bike shop. There's a guy in Nashua who retrofits older bikes back to single speed. Figure out what you want and then go for it! P.S. Just for the record, I ended up with a 24-speed; I'm still trying to figure out all the gears, but I like a challenge.

Parting Thought

Helen Hayes, the "First Lady of American Theater," who died at the age of 92, was asked in an interview if she regretted anything. She said she had only one regret. "I never rode a bike. I wish I had. That's all."

Check Out These Windham Rail Trail Photos

2008-11-30T17:54:00.008-05:00

I'm definitely in denial about winter approaching and the end of our paddling and biking season. In fact, we had our first snowflakes today -- a slushy mess! Never mind. I recently discovered a great blog by fellow Granite Stater Jim Johnson of Salem. Jim is into running, hiking, and biking, with a big emphasis on running. His blog has an incredible amount of detail about road races, his workouts and his results (everything from 5Ks to the run up Mount Washington.) You can check it out at http://www.doublejrunning.blogspot.com/.

What especially caught my eye on the blog is the photo gallery -- including some great photos Jim and his girlfriend Kristin took of the Windham Rail Trail during foliage season. We biked this trail a few years back, but I've never reviewed it.

The Windham Rail Trail runs just 4.1 miles, beginning at the intersection of Routes 111 and 28 in Salem and running to North Lowell Road in Windham. (We rode it in reverse.) It's a great excursion when you're short on time or energy, but you still want to get out and enjoy nature. I could try to describe the trail, but the photos say it so much better. See for yourself at Jim and Kristin's photo gallery.

Reflections on Our NH Paddling Season

2008-11-20T20:28:00.002-05:00

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." (John Burroughs)

Someone asked me recently what I like about quiet water kayaking, as in, "What's the thrill?" Well, there is no thrill really. No speed, no cheering crowds and no adrenaline rush of victory. And that's exactly what I love about it!

I love the peacefulness, being close to nature, being on the water. When you're kayaking, you can touch the water, smell the water lilies, watch a dragon fly, listen to the call of the loon. It's like hitting the "pause" button in the daily grind of life.

With that said, let's take a look back at some of our favorite spots this season. Be sure to send us comments and let us know about your favorite places.

A Perennial Favorite: It's no secret that we love Gilmore Pond in Jaffrey. Call it serendipity. Each time we've paddled here, everything seems to come together. The bluest sky ever, the warming rays of the sun, crystal clear water, an eagle soaring overhead. I realize that not everyone will score a "hat trick" when it comes to Gilmore, but we've been lucky each time we've paddled here.

Worth the Effort: The Turkey Ponds in Concord aren't the easiest to access. There's a bumpy, rocky road to the put-in. But they are definitely worth the effort. There's virtually no shoreline development and when we paddled here, there was very little boat traffic. The plant life, intriguing granite rocks, small islands and lots of acreage make for a very pleasant paddle.

Most Peaceful: For us this year, it was Willard Pond in Antrim, NH. Again, there's virtually no shoreline development and motor boats are not allowed. The water is clear; loons and other wildlife dominate and there's a view of Bald Mountain. Not a large pond, but very inviting, relaxing and easy to access.

I don't know about you, but I'm already looking forward to next season on the water. I just joined a kayaking group near Hampstead, NH. They use the internet to plan trips together and it seems like a diverse, friendly bunch of all ages and skill levels. While there are times that Doug and I just want to get away and enjoy the peace and quiet together, there are also times when we'd love to venture out to new places with new people. Check out the group on MeetUp.com.

Enjoy a NH Love it or Leaf it Photo Tour

2008-11-14T21:25:00.010-05:00

Turkey Pond in Concord, NH

It's November (cold and gray) and our kayaking and biking season is quickly coming to a close. I plan to spend the next few months researching some great places to explore for next season and trying to get outdoors to enjoy winter. But to be honest, I'm not a big fan of snow, cold, and ice (brrrr!).

I'll also write a season wrap-up soon, highlighting our favorite spots and experiences for 2008. In the meantime, you're invited to take a brief tour from our photo album. This one is a mix of photos on smugmug.com from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Enjoy!

Get Ready to Fire Up the Trebuchet

2008-10-12T20:27:00.010-04:00

We have some punkin chunkin to do! If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about, then maybe you should plan a visit to the Yankee Farmer on Route 31 in Greenfield, NH. We learned about the farm on a whim this morning and decided to take a short drive out there this afternoon to watch some pumpkin throwing.

We drove about 10 miles down a pleasant but deserted country road before coming upon the Yankee Farmer -- a nice New England farm stand with a twist. Farmer Steve Seigars and his family operate a trebuchet, the oldest type of catapult known to man. They use this impressive machine (more than 50-feet high) to launch pumpkins into a hillside. But there's more...this is a worldwide competitive sport and the Seigars currently hold the world championship record throw of 1,658 feet!

This was all new to me, but apparently not new to the rest of the world. There were about 150 to 200 people milling around the hillside waiting to see an 8 to 10-pound pumpkin sail through the air. What a fun way to spend time outdoors on a beautiful fall day! Not to mention there are lots of great pumpkins, apple cider, home-baked bread, an ox-driven cart (and more!) at the Yankee Farmer.

The pumpkins fly each Saturday and Sunday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. until October 25th. Check out the Yankee Farmer website for directions and more details. We saw an orange pumpkin hurl through the air today, but I learned that competitive "chunkers" (that's what they call themselves) generally use white pumpkins, but not just any old garden variety white pumpkin. The Lumina is much-preferred for its smooth skin, spherical shape and density. Who knew? For me, punkin chunkin is one more reason to love New Hampshire!

History is a Highlight of Minuteman Bikeway

2008-10-04T18:14:00.008-04:00

The Minuteman Statue on Lexington Battle Green

We biked a portion of the Minuteman Bikeway yesterday, starting in Bedford, and passing through Lexington and Arlington. Yes -- it's in Massachusetts, not New Hampshire, but it's only about a 35-minute drive from us. This bikeway is in the Bike Trail Hall of Fame.

The entire 11-mile trail spans from Depot Park in Bedford to Alewife Station in Cambridge and is heavily used by bicyclists, joggers, inline skaters, and walkers. It's 12-feet wide, paved, and mostly flat, making for easy biking.

It was cool and overcast as we started out. The highlight of the ride for me was a stop at the historic Lexington Battle Green. If you start in Bedford, this comes up around mile four and requires a slight detour from the path. (The Bikeway has mile markers.)

We've visited the Lexington Battle Green before, but it's always interesting to see. This is the actual spot where the American Revolution began in 1775. There's an impressive Minuteman statue, a Revolutionary Monument (where the colonists who lost their lives are buried); a historic tavern; and nearby, the Old Burying Ground with gravestones dating from 1690. Well worth a detour from the bikeway!

The rest of the bike path was mostly tree-lined, passing fairly close behind homes, shops, and factories. Given the bikeway's close proximity to the towns of Bedford, Lexington, and Arlington, you have several options for lunch or a break. There's even access to a StarBucks from the trail. Compared with other rail trails we've been on, this one crossed many more roads, including above busy Interstate 95. As we approached mile seven, it started to rain, so we turned around and headed back, riding the last two miles in a chilly rain.

I'd recommend the Minuteman Bikeway if you want an easy ride and you enjoy American history or at the very least -- a pleasant stop in a beautiful New England town green.

Things to Know Before You Go: The best source of information can be found on the official website, http://www.minutemanbikeway.org/. To find directions quickly, select "Bikeway Basics," and then "maps."

On-Road Biking in Newington, NH

2008-09-04T18:37:00.009-04:00

We wanted to plan a bike ride in the Portsmouth area for Labor Day and after consulting pedaling.com, settled on a route near Pease Tradeport (the former Air Force base). It was a beautiful day for a ride and actually a nice choice for an on-road route.

My inspiration for this ride was a 14-mile route I found on pedaling.com. Using Google maps, I tried to shorten the route to about 10 miles. Not sure how well I succeeded since we missed a turn and I didn't have a working odometer. But all in all, it was a very pleasant country ride with few hills and very light traffic, taking us mostly through Newington. Our reward at the end was a stop at Redhook Ale Brewery located in Pease Tradeport.

So here's the route we took:
We started at the Park 'n Ride on Grafton Road (off Route 33) in Portsmouth, located inside Pease Tradeport.
1. Turn right out of the entrance onto Route 33.
2. At .4 mile, turn right on Portsmouth Avenue (unmarked), across from the Sunoco station.
3. At a little over one mile, turn right on Newington Road, which eventually becomes McIntyre Road.
4. After about 5 miles, turn right on Little Bay Road.
5. Take a right on Nimble Hill Road and then left on Arboretum Drive, taking you back into Pease.
6. Follow Arboretum Drive (which becomes New Hampshire Avenue) to a Right on Grafton Road. This takes you back to the Park 'n Ride.

The most scenic part of the ride was on Newington Road. It's a typical New Hampshire country road with apple orchards, cows, horses, and corn fields. Quite pretty and very relaxing.

You could actually ride your bike to Redhook Ale Brewery if you were to stay on New Hampshire Avenue which curves around to become Corporate Drive -- but it would probably add another 1-2 miles to your excursion. We chose to drive for that cold brew and mid-afternoon lunch, enjoyed al fresco. It was a refreshing way to finish the ride!

Things to Know Before You Go: The Great Bay Wildlife Refuge (1,054 acres) is also located on this route. While we rode along the wooded refuge, we never actually saw the entrance and didn't take a side trip. I understand there are a number of walking trails there.

Directions: I recommend doing a 'mapquest' or GPS entry to 185 Grafton Road, Portsmouth, the address for the Park 'n Ride.

Save the Date for Newmarket Festival

2008-08-25T18:43:00.009-04:00

I just read about the Newmarket (NH) Heritage Festival taking place Sept. 19-21 and it sounds very cool. It's the 11th annual -- how come I've never heard of this before now? Anyway, what first attracted my attention was the kayak and boat tours on the Lamprey River.

They also have flyfishing workshops, a climbing wall, historic exhibits, and lots of multicultural entertainment of the singing and dancing kind. There's a Bavarian Band, a Latin Band that will host a Caribbean dance party, and a Canadian fiddler...all this in a small New England mill town!

I'm marking my calendar so that I don't miss the Extreme Air Jump Rope Demo and Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 20. I have a new fascination with and appreciation for jumping rope ever since I was challenged by my doctor to try it as a way to build bone density. Don't laugh -- (yes, everything jiggles). So far I'm only up to about two minutes per session, but I can definitely appreciate the stamina and skill it takes to keep the rope going. See you at the Festival!

Biking Mine Falls Park in Nashua

2008-08-23T20:13:00.018-04:00

What a beautiful summer day! We left our "to do" list for another day and took our bikes out to Mine Falls Park in Nashua. This is a classic case of almost overlooking what's in our own backyard. Mine Falls is about 4 or 5 miles from our house, in the heart of the city. It's a 325-acre woodland between the Nashua River and the Nashua Canal.

We certainly were familiar with Mine Falls before today...we cheered on our youngest daughter at many a soccer game there back when she was playing. We've also kayaked the Nashua Canal and had even walked a trail or two. But today was really the first time we explored several trails by bike and I have to say, I think we'll be returning often. This place is easy to get to and it's cool.

The trail surface at Mine Falls is mixed, but very rideable. Short sections are paved and the rest is mostly hard-packed dirt. The Park has a series of intersecting loop trails, which are part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail. Don't ask me the trail names or the mileage -- all I know is that we crisscrossed the Park and were often riding alongside the picturesque river or the canal.

In a few spots, the road noise from the Everett Turnpike is pretty loud, but otherwise this is a very pleasant ride. We spotted a Great Blue Heron, a turtle sunning itself on a log, and several ducks napping. Mine Falls is a fairly busy spot -- you'll be sharing the trail with other bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. But don't let the busy-ness or the intermittent noise scare you off from enjoying the park. It really is a small oasis in the heart of the city.

A guy named Chuck who writes Hiking with Chuck has an incredible amount of information about Mine Falls on his website, including some trivia. Apparently Chuck jogs or walks MF at least once a week. Aside from detailed information about the flora and fauna you can see there, Chuck has some interesting observations and stories about the wildlife he's encountered in the Park.

We're hoping to return before too long, possibly to launch our kayaks onto the river from one of two boat launches. Maybe we'll see you on the trail or on the water!

Things to Know Before You Go: There are orange markers trailside, indicating poison ivy. Sorry, I can't recall seeing any facilities here, although there may be some near the soccer fields.

Directions: Mine Falls has several access points. We entered the park from the end of Simon Street, off of West Hollis Street. You can also enter at the end of Coliseum Avenue in Nashua or near the Conway Arena on Riverside Street (near Nashua High South). I realize these are general directions only, but at least it gives you some starting points.

Kayaking Hubbard Pond

2008-08-21T18:19:00.005-04:00

We kayaked Hubbard Pond in Rindge (NH) for a little over an hour on Monday. While it was nice enough, Doug and I agreed that it's not one of our favorites. But don't let our opinion discourage you from trying it -- this pond has had great reviews from others (including our favorite authors of the AMC Guide to Quiet Water NH and Vermont).

A highlight for me was our picnic lunch at nearby Cathedral of the Pines. More on that in a minute. For now, let me tell you why we weren't so impressed with Hubbard.

For starters, the access road (.4 mile of dirt) is very rough. We're talking deep ruts, mud, and standing water --probably has something to do with our rainy summer! In any case, DO NOT attempt this road without a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle.

Second, we had to deal with a wind-driven current. Nothing too bad, but we really had to paddle to control our boats. I guess I shouldn't complain about that...it's good exercise. Lastly, we both found the scenery a little boring. There were lots of lily pads in the water and pine trees dotting the shore, although the AMC Guide says it's beautiful in the fall when you can see the foliage against the backdrop of Mount Monadnock; But to be honest, you really don't see too much of the mountain from the pond.

The one good thing is that except for a lone shorefront camp (or marina?) at the southern end, there's absolutely no development on this pond. That's because Annett State Forest literally surrounds Hubbard on three sides.

Now on to nearby Cathedral of the Pines. This is a beautiful outdoor place of worship with a stone altar dedicated to all service men and women who have given their lives for our country. Altar of the Nation is set on a hilltop looking out on Mount Monadnock. There are some small but pretty gardens, a number of headstones and a few inspirational monuments. There's also a paved and canopied picnic area where we ate lunch. It's just a nice peaceful place to stop, reflect, and be inspired. You can learn more about Cathedral of the Pines here.

Things to Know Before You Go: You should have a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle to drive this access road. Also, there's logging going on in nearby Annett State Forest, so beware of falling trees as you approach the pond. There are no facilities here.

Directions: From Rte. 101w in Peterborough, turn left at stop light onto Route 202 toward Jaffrey. Travel 6 miles to Jaffrey Center intersection; Turn right and then immediate left at next stop light, staying on Rte. 202 to Rindge.

Drive 3.8 miles before turning left at stop light intersection with Rte. 119. Travel 1.5 miles to first blinking yellow light intersection where you will turn left on Cathedral Road. Follow signs for Cathedral of the Pines and after passing the entrance, drive another .7 miles to the access road. It's easy to miss, but it's a sharp curve on the right.

You can help protect our waterways

2008-08-17T21:11:00.005-04:00

If you are out there kayaking or canoeing, enjoying New Hampshire's beautiful lakes and ponds, you can take an important step to help protect our waterways. Last month, as we finished our paddle at Thorndike Pond in Jaffrey, a young man approached us and asked where we had last kayaked. He wasn't being nosy; he was a volunteer (or paid employee?) for the New Hampshire Lakes Association who was there to educate boaters about the need to wash their boats after each outing.

The reason? To prevent the spread of aquatic plants, like variable milfoil, from lake to lake. According to the NH Lakes Association web site, "Exotic aquatic plant infestations in lakes and ponds are undesirable because they make recreation in and on the water dangerous and unpleasant, disrupt the ecological balance of these water bodies, reduce shoreline property values, and are difficult and expensive to control."

It's simple. If you want to continue to enjoy the water, please take a few minutes to hose down your canoe or kayak after each outing!

Short Paddle on Exeter River

2008-08-09T13:46:00.011-04:00

My friend Nancy and I took a short paddle on the Exeter River last week. I had read mixed reviews about it on online. One paddler said the river wasn't worth the trip--it was boring and you could hear road noise the whole time. Another couple gave it "two thumbs up." In the end, I went with my trusty source, the AMC Guide to Quiet Water New Hampshire and Vermont and decided to give it a try.

This was a short paddle (a little over one hour) and to be honest, we didn't cover a lot of distance. But I enjoyed the river nonetheless. Exeter River is not like some of the crystal clear ponds we've paddled in more remote locations. But it's a nice little adventure if you take it as it is.

We put in at Gilman Park and followed the advice of some fellow paddlers to head right from the boat launch. The water is murky and there are lots of dead trees on the banks, giving the whole experience a somber note. At the same time, I found it peaceful. This is a narrow windy river that snakes around for about 6 miles. The snaking part is exactly what I liked about it. You never knew what you were going to find around the next bend in the river.

In the short distance we covered, we didn't see many places to go ashore because of the dense shrubbery and trees, but the other couple who paddled for three and a half hours reported that there were several spots to pull over for a picnic lunch. They also saw turtles, ducks, a red-tailed hawk, and a bald eagle. (Read their full report here on paddling.net.) I'd definitely recommend you get out on the river and experience it for yourself. Then come here and let us know what you found.

A safety side note: If you're in New Hampshire, you know what kind of crazy weather we've had this summer-- rain, rain, and then more rain, along with a tornado and flash flooding. Not the best of times for those of us who enjoy paddling. While we were out on the Exeter River, we kept a close eye on a dark ominous cloud and we were never more than a few paddle strokes from shore. Be sure to scope out each situation and use common sense.

Things to Know Before You Go: There's limited parking -- maybe for 4 to 6 vehicles, so try to avoid busy weekends if you can. Nearby downtown Exeter has some great lunch spots. Nancy and I enjoyed delicious salads outdoors at The Green Bean. There's also a place called Loaf and Ladle that's supposed to be good, as well as other options.

Directions: From the junction of Routes 27, 101, and 108 in downtown Exeter, head south on Route 108. Go .7 mile, passing Phillips Exeter Academy and turn left on Bell Avenue just after a bridge. The entrance to Gilman Park is .3 mile down this road.

Paddling Turkey Ponds

2008-07-12T19:46:00.009-04:00

(Click on photo to see more photos on smugmug.com.)
Well, we never quite get the early morning thing right when it comes to kayaking. We got up at 5 a.m. to head to Concord and two connected ponds: Great Turkey Pond and Little Turkey Pond. The trouble is we didn't actually get out on the water until 6:45 a.m. -- a little late to catch early morning wildlife activity. Wildlife or not, these two ponds are awesome!

Based on information in the Appalachian Mountain Club book, Quiet Water: New Hampshire and Vermont, we chose to take exit 2 off I-89, head south about one mile and just past a small bridge, take the dirt road on the right. Let me say that this road would be extremely difficult without 4-wheel drive and/or a truck. There are some good-sized rocks here. An alternative might be to park on the side of the road and carry your boat in (maybe 3/10 mile?)

Well after getting the pickup truck stuck on a rock and gunning it in 4-wheel drive, we were there! These ponds offer a good amount of water (about 339 acres) and many different areas to explore. We paddled up the western shore of Great Turkey Pond and passed underneath I-89 to continue paddling to Little Turkey Pond. Heading back, we paddled more to the center with occasional stops to investigate the eastern shore.

There is barely any development at all -- we saw two houses and what looked to be an unoccupied kids' camp -- and that was it. The only distraction you have to contend with is the road noise when you're near I-89, but before long, that fades into the distance.

The Turkey Ponds are really picturesque. There's open and wooded shoreline, tree-covered islands and some interesting granite boulders. We spotted a great blue heron (okay, that counts as wildlife!) and also enjoyed the many fragrant waterlilies. I could have spent hours getting lost in the pond's beautiful reflections and all the shades of green from the shoreline alone. Take my word for it...if you can manage the rocky put-in, the Turkey Ponds are definitely worth it.

Things to Know Before You Go: Motorboats are allowed, although we only encountered a few small fishing boats with trolling motors. We also saw some water skiing channels, but no sign of skiers this early in the day. The AMC book says there's a wonderful hiking and biking path that circles the ponds. Unfortunately,we didn't have time to explore those today.

Directions: Take I-89 to exit 2; head one mile south on Clinton Street (Route 13). Shortly after crossing a small bridge over Turee Pond, look for an unmarked dirt road to the right. The AMC book describes two other access points, one off exit 3 and Stickney Hill Road (has a steep carry-in) and the other is on the north end of the pond off Routes 9/202. Consult a NH atlas for more specifics.

Kayaking Thorndike Pond

2008-07-04T19:00:00.021-04:00

(Click on the photo to see more photos on smugmug.com)

We paddled Thorndike Pond in Jaffrey today and thank goodness we did! It's been five weeks since we've been out kayaking and I was getting a little cranky about not having my de-stressing time on the water. I guess you could say it was worth the wait.

This is a fairly large pond (about 265 acres) with lots to offer. To begin with, I'll say Thorndike is not as secluded and traffic-free as some places we've paddled. Motorboats are allowed (although we only encountered one lone powerboat on this holiday weekend) and there's a kids' summer camp, which seems low-key. At the same time, the pond is large enough so you can find plenty of quiet spots to go off on your own.

Thorndike struck me as the perfect spot for a kid to be a kid -- you know, a place to practice cannonballs off a floating dock or to splash into the pond from a tire swing. Within 15 minutes of being out on the water, I could sense my tension melting away.

We paddled to the right from the boat launch and soon discovered Whittemore Island; a sign indicates its managed by the Nature Conservancy. We didn't go ashore, but it looked like a neat place to explore or to stop for a picnic.

Judging from our NH atlas, the pond has an hourglass shape, with the upper half of the hourglass elongated. There's plenty of open water, a few smaller marshy areas, and the island I mentioned. It also has some great views of Mount Monadnock. There's some shoreline development, but nothing too intrusive. We spent a pleasant two hours on Thorndike Pond and I'd encourage anyone in the area to give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Things to Know Before You Go: Parking on the roadside is limited and there are no facilities here. Thorndike is not far at all from one of our all-time favorites, Gilmore Pond. This means it's also near Kimball Farm Ice Cream (yum!). You can read more about both here.

Directions: Take State Route 124 to Jaffrey Center. Turn right on Thorndike Pond Road. Take a left on Gilson Road (unpaved) for 1.4 miles to a right on Dublin Road. There's a small gravel put-in on the right.

Are you as patient as a great blue heron?

2008-06-27T20:17:00.012-04:00

We hope to get back out on the water this weekend (weather permitting!) and will be sure to let you know all about it. In the meantime, I've been thinking about the great blue heron, ever since we had a chance to get up close and personal with this bird at Hoit Road Marsh. (Photo by David Baron)

These beautiful birds are quite abundant in New Hampshire (and North America), so if you spend any time at all on our ponds and lakes, you're very likely to see one. And considering its size -- about 4 feet tall with a 6-foot wingspan, you really can't miss it.

Two interesting facts about their behavior: Great blue herons are typically very patient (or lazy, depending on how you look at it) -- they quietly wait for their prey to come by before striking with their bills. You might say they're a little stupid, too. They swallow their prey whole and have been known to choke to death because they've swallowed something just a little too big for their long slender throats.

Apparently, they're not fussy eaters. They will consume anything from large fish to frogs, mice, small birds, and insects. When you're out on our waterways, be on the lookout for the herons' rookeries (high stick nests up in the trees) and give them lots of space.

A side note on our state's bird population: Thanks to the efforts of conservationists, three birds are being moved from the endangered to the threatened list this year. These include bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and the common tern. Ospreys are perhaps the state's biggest success story. They are coming off the threatened list altogether.

Take a Look at Pedaling.com

2008-06-21T20:40:00.007-04:00

There's good news and bad news: I came across the website Pedaling.com, which has lots of cool features. You can search for rides by state, region, trip length, terrain and more. You can even set up a trip planner to take with you. I like all that!

The bad news is there aren't many rail trail options listed for New Hampshire. But you just may find something to your liking here. I'm trying to get up the courage to take an on-road trip, somewhere with light traffic. This site lists some good possibilities and may just be the push I need.

While we're on the topic of biking...I have a really ambitious trail I'm adding to my wish list. The province of Quebec has a 2,700 mile network of bike trails! The Route Verte, unveiled in 2007, stretches from one end of Quebec to the other, passing through 320 towns--obviously, I'm talking about biking just one tiny portion of it. I first read about this amazing network in the Boston Globe. I think it's fair to say you can see a little of everything along the Route Verte: lakes, canals, farmland, forests, historic forts, churches, and more.

There's even one 30-mile loop that's "sprinkled with works of outdoor art." There's a website devoted to the Route Verte if you'd like to read more. Personally, I find that site a little overwhelming since I don't know the area. I prefer reading descriptive narratives like the one I read in the Globe. See you on the trail!

Minuteman Bikeway on my Wish List

2008-06-15T20:00:00.005-04:00

We haven't been out biking or kayaking for a bit, but we're always on the lookout for new places to add to our wish list. Tops on our list right now is a bike trail outside of New Hampshire, but one that we've been wanting to try for a while. I just learned this week that the 11-mile Minuteman Bikeway in Massachusetts has been named to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. This is a huge deal, since there are only five trails nationwide inducted into this Hall of Fame.

When they say this is a busy trail, they're not kidding! Estimates put the total number of all users (cyclists, joggers, skateboarders, etc.) at two million people annually. This 12-foot-wide path is used for both recreation and commuting -- what a wonderful option with today's high gas prices. Minuteman Bikeway passes through parts of Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford-- and is noteworthy for its historic sites, including some of the Revolutionary War's earliest battle sites.

You can read an excellent article about this award-winning trail on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website. You can also learn more by visiting the Minuteman Bikeway's official website here. If you've biked this trail, why not send us a comment and let us know what you found?

Dubes Pond...so close and yet so far away

2008-06-09T12:36:00.012-04:00

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we'll have time to go kayaking or biking this week. (We're in the midst of a major kitchen remodel...lots of decisions to be made and workmen to boss around.) But I am planning to take breaks occasionally to share information with you about some of our previous paddles. First on the list is Dubes Pond in Hooksett.

It's hard to believe when you're out on Dubes Pond that you're just a short ten-minute drive from Manchester (our largest city). When Doug and I kayaked here on a weekday in July 2007, we saw only one other boat. There's limited shoreline development and virtually no traffic noise.

At first, Dubes Pond seems small, but it actually has a number of coves and islands to explore. In summer, you'll see fragrant water lilies and lots of other water plants. We also saw some great blue herons and a large heron rookery at the far end of the pond. (Please keep your distance from the rookery, particularly during nesting season.) While we weren't there at the right time of day to see beavers, we did see some of their lodges.

All in all, Dubes Pond is a great way to spend a few peaceful hours on a summer's day. For me, it's one more reminder of the natural treasures that are so close if we just take the time to look around.

Things to Know Before You Go: There's a small picnic area at the boat launch. As you first set out on the water, you may see flags or buoys set out for water skiing. Once you get past those, you should be on the lookout for granite boulders...Dubes Pond has quite a few.

Directions: From Manchester, take Routes 3/28 north and turn right onto Route 27. The boat access is on the left, 2.3 miles beyond the junction with Bypass 28. You can drive up to drop your boat off and then park in the lot across the road.

Note: I published a slightly different version of this article on www.paddling.net. Be sure to check them out for some great trip reports from other kayakers.

Check out these NH blogs

2008-06-06T09:58:00.004-04:00

A very rainy Friday here, so it seems like a good day to share with you a couple of New Hampshire blogs that are worth checking out.

First, Kim from Enfield, NH has a great blog about stillwater kayaking and avoiding weekend congestion on the waterways. Her philosophy is a lot like ours...she's looking for peace and tranquility on the water, not looking to dodge motorboats.

Kim often kayaks with her shetland sheepdog Sadie and asks Sadie to rate the paddle experience (one paw, two paws, etc.). It's too cute! Of course, Sadie's ratings are based on if she's able to get out of the boat and run around a bit. Check it all out on www.go-paddle.com.

Second, Janice Brown has an entirely different type of blog. Her active site, www.cowhampshire.blogharbor.com is loaded (and I do mean loaded!) with information about NH history, geneology, photography, and humor. Janice also reviews other New Hampshire blogs and recently reviewed NH Love it or Leaf it. We were happy to see she called our site a "must-read" for anyone interested in New Hampshire's outdoors. You can read her full review here. (Thanks, Janice!)

Burlington Bikeway is One of the Best

2008-06-04T19:56:00.012-04:00

I almost feel like a traitor writing this...but Burlington (Vermont) is a recreational bicyclist's paradise. This beautiful lakefront city offers lots of reasons to plan your first visit or start daydreaming about your next trip back.

We're talking easy biking--nothing competitive, too fast or challenging. As someone commented about the Burlington Bikeway, "It's for families and folks who haven't been on a bike in 50 years." Well, that's just a slight exaggeration. (It hasn't been 50 years!) We pedaled here on Monday and did see a few more competitive, experienced types,too.

What's not to love?
For starters, there are multiple bike rental shops in the area and numerous access points to the trail. The bikeway is mostly all paved, very well maintained, and well-marked. The 12-mile trail offers great waterfront views of Lake Champlain from Burlington to Colchester. And then there are the beautiful Adirondack Mountains on one side and the Green Mountains on the other.

You'll find numerous parks and natural areas along the way, a trail bridge over the mouth of the Winooski River, and I'm told...Colchester's Causeway Park, which takes you three miles into the middle of the lake! (We didn't know about this feature beforehand and unfortunately, didn't quite make it that far.)

One of the things I loved best about this trail, apart from the spectacular scenery, were the wonderful scents filling the late spring air. Lilacs and a fragrant white-flowering shrub mingled with the smell of freshly mowed grass.

And there's more
The Burlington Bikeway isn't the only opportunity in the area. Apparently there's another trail that takes you around the city's somewhat hilly streets. The Bikeway also connects with the Cross Vermont Trail, and a trail that eventually takes you all the way to Montreal!

Now you know why I said this city is a bicyclist's paradise. You can read more about the trails at Local Motion. Also see more photos from our visit starting with my sidebar link to www.flickr.com. When you get to flickr, just select "browse" photostream on the right. (No need to sign up or join.)

Things to Know Before You Go: Keep in mind you'll be sharing this multi-use trail with runners, walkers, and inline skaters. There are 5 miles of trail in Colchester (at the north end) that are unpaved and not recommended for street bikes.

Leafing it to Vermont

2008-05-30T20:46:00.003-04:00

We do love New Hampshire, but we're headed to neighboring Vermont this weekend to attend the jazz festival in Burlington. If you've never been, Burlington is a great place to visit. Lots of good restaurants, Church Street Marketplace (a pedestrian mall) in the heart of the city, and of course, Lake Champlain.

Burlington is known for its natural hippie vibe; folks here just seem to have a laid-back attitude. Did they invent the "green movement" in Burlington? I'm not sure...but it seems like they were tuned in to saving the environment long before the rest of us.

And here's a cool fact I learned on wikipedia.com: Burlington is the largest city in Vermont. But with just under 40,000 residents, it's the smallest U.S. city that is the largest in its state. That's right...it's the smallest of the largest.

While we're off to Vermont to take in some jazz, I hope you'll take out your bikes or kayaks and head to some of our favorite spots this weekend. You can find details right here on New Hampshire: Love it or Leaf It.

Bike the Nashua River Rail Trail

Paddle Dubes Pond in Hooksett

Paddle Gilmore Pond in Jaffrey

And if you do get out there, be sure to send us a comment and tell us all about it!

Kayaking Hoit Road Marsh

2008-05-26T18:37:00.007-04:00

We spent a couple of peaceful hours this morning paddling Hoit Road Marsh in Concord. This is a true marsh--distinguished by its abundant vegetation and shallow depth. We recommend that you plan a trip here before too long. By mid-summer, the outer reaches of the pond will be choked with water lilies, reeds, and grasses and you probably won't be able to paddle far at all.

Hoit Road Marsh was a different type of paddling experience for us-- compared with Gilmore or Willard Pond, for example, which are both crystal clear and easy to navigate. Here, the water is murky, you're hitting tree stumps, and sometimes hitting bottom. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed the marsh.

It's the type of place where you can just sit and drift, watching and listening to all the birds and other critters, including snakes and a snapping turtle. We saw Canada geese, tree swallows, and most captivating of all, a Great Blue Heron from fairly close range.

How large is Hoit Road Marsh? An interesting question. I found four wildly different facts on this (ranging from 71 acres to 217!) , but I'm going to go with the NH Fish and Game Department and say 101 acres. The Fish and Game oversees the marsh as a "Wildlife Management Area" and they've placed abundant bird houses throughout. While we never did see any wood ducks which are supposed to be plentiful here, we were quite content to spend time watching the amazing Great Blue Heron.

Things to Know Before You Go: The Marsh is peaceful and quiet. There are no motor boats and limited road noise. There's a gravel put-in and ten parking spaces across the road. This place is easy to find and has easy access. There are no bathroom or other facilities.

Directions: Take I-93 north to exit 17. Take a left onto Hoit Road and drive for 2.5 miles. The marsh is on your left.

Basic Paddling Technique

2008-05-24T17:59:00.007-04:00

Are you left-brained (analytical, logical) or right-brained (artsy, creative)? I'm about to offer links to some basic paddling techniques and depending on how your brain works, you may prefer one link over another. I'll start by saying this information is for beginners. We're barely scratching the surface here.

Kayaking is like many other sports--you can get by just knowing the basics, but you'll probably enjoy it more (and be safer) as your knowledge and skills expand. First, here are four brief tips I learned from watching a demonstration at the New England Paddlesports Show:

Sit up straight and tall in your kayak

Use your entire upper body, not just your arms and shoulders

Watch the hand doing the work; This means your shoulders move with your hands

Your paddle should be vertical as it's going into the water

Paddling Instructions for Left-Brainers
Some folks will find this helpful, so I'm adding this link to GORP's article on River Basics: Strokes and Strategies. It describes forward strokes, the stern draw, and forward sweep, among other things. I'm quite sure the author know's what he's talking about, but not being a left-brained person, most of his instruction is lost on me.

Paddling Video for Right-Brainers
And for the rest of us, national champion paddler Lloyd Reeves has produced some short instructional videos available on a site called expert village. There are actually 13 short videos in the series. Topics range from how to get in a kayak safely, the correct way to hold a paddle, and basic strokes.

Take a Lesson
All this being said, I think the best way to learn paddling technique is to take an in-person lesson. Many rental and touring places offer them; check out some of the links in our sidebar under Kayak Rentals and Tours. The "grand-daddy" of outdoor instruction in our area seems to be the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools. I love that they offer a choice of long (more expensive) instruction and shorter (less expensive) "walk-on adventures." You can get a full course meal or just the appetizer!

Confession Time...This is our third season on the water and we've yet to take a lesson. Up until now, we've had fun just playing. But I'm ready to learn how to get more efficient at paddling so we can take longer trips. How about you?

New Boston Rail Trail is a Challenge

2008-05-19T19:16:00.011-04:00

Remember when I said we're amateurs when it comes to both kayaking and biking? Well, I have a lot to learn about rail trails. We read about the New Boston to Goffstown Rail Trail on the internet, loaded the bikes in the back of the pickup, and set out with great anticipation to find it. The information I'd read online gave no details about the condition of the trail, so I wasn't sure what to expect. (This photo taken at the beginning of the trail is misleading...it's practically the only smooth section we encountered.)

What we found at first was an abandoned rail bed that was impassable with our hybrid bikes. There were huge tree stumps, deep gullies and rocks (shown at right). To an experienced mountain biker, maybe this is tame -- but we didn't have the right gear or experience to tackle this terrain.

Luckily, there were some locals nearby who pointed us toward a connecting portion of the trail that wasn't too bad. We still had to watch out for tree stumps and some rail road ties, but there were some easier sections, too. This was a short (maybe 1.5 mile?) section of trail within New Boston that meanders along the south branch of the Piscataquog River.

While I don't plan to return to this trail anytime soon, there were some positive notes: New Boston's town center is quintessential New England. There's a white steepled church, a gazebo, and a vintage country store where we bought lunch. Plus, there's one of those picture-postcard views of valleys and mountains as you drive from New Boston to Mont Vernon.

Understanding Trail Designations: After we biked here, I found this trail on a NH bike map designated as an abandoned trail bed. Other trails are classified as "Rails to Trails." I'm guessing one is unimproved and the other is improved/maintained. If you have more knowledge about trail designations, please send us a comment.

What to Know Before You Go: The New Boston trail is better suited for walking. If you want to bike, hybrid or mountain bikes are highly recommended. For us, this turned out to be a short 3-mile ride over some fairly challenging terrain. Hardier, more experienced types might be willing and able to tackle the longer section (8 miles round trip) which ends at the Goffstown town line.

Directions: From the center of New Boston, take Route 13 North for a short distance of about 1 mile. Turn left just past a small gas station (on the right) to the 4-H Fairgrounds. There's parking there. We actually entered the trail at Lang Station, further down Route 13. Turn left on Gregg Mill Road to Lang Station State Forest. Lang Station is the small stone house originally built to shelter RR passengers. The section of trail we biked was on the same side of the road as the parking lot.

Two Cool Biking Websites

2008-05-18T19:48:00.004-04:00

Just discovered two informative websites about rail trails. Thanks to Tim Jones, outdoor columnist with the Nashua Telegraph, for mentioning www.traillink.com in a Telegraph article today. There's detailed information about some of the trails and limited information on others. But the rider reviews seem to be quite helpful and there's more useful info here than anything else I've been able to find on the internet so far.

Also discovered www.nashuacitystation.com/trails.php which focuses on recreational rail trails of southern New Hampshire. This site has fewer details, but it looks like a good starting point and has links to some of the rail trail websites.

Do you have any favorite biking trails to share? Be sure to submit a comment and let us know.

Paddling in the White Mountains

2008-05-16T21:20:00.007-04:00

Long Pond in Benton, NH (near Lincoln) is one of several Long Ponds in the state. We paddled here last summer and would highly recommend it if you're planning a visit to the White Mountain area. In fact, the pond is in the middle of the White Mountain National Forest. So far, it's the most remote place we've ever paddled.

There's no development at all on Long Pond, unless you count the beaver lodges! The pond is about one mile long, has lots of islands, and a shoreline dotted with tall evergreens. You'll get to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Moosilauke and probably encounter some wildlife. We enjoyed some loons when we were here.

Our mid-morning excursion was a family affair -- four of us ranging in age from early 20s to (ahem) mid-50s. I must admit I struggled a little to keep up with the younger, more fit paddlers among us. It was windy the day we visited and I had trouble tracking -- that is, getting my kayak to go where I wanted it to go.

As a recreational kayaker, there's not too much pressure to learn proper paddling technique. Heck, you get out on the water and just paddle, right? It works most of the time! Well, I'm more focused this year on learning some technique and here's why:

It's more efficient, meaning you won't tire as easily

There's less chance of injury (usually to the shoulder)

It comes in handy if there's wind or a current

Stay tuned. I'll be posting some information about beginner technique soon. In the meantime, head to Long Pond. It's places like this that make New Hampshire special. You can enjoy pristine water, watch the wildlife, and take in mountain views all at the same time.

Things to Know Before You Go: Bring dollar bills. There's a parking fee ($3 when we were there) and you'll be expected to leave the fee in an envelope if no one's in sight to collect it. There are picnic tables and public restrooms. The boat launch is a concrete ramp.

Directions: From I-93, Exit 32 in Lincoln, drive west on Route 112, joining Route 116 in about 11 miles. A mile farther, follow Route 116 as it splits left. After 1.6 miles, turn left onto Long Pond Road. Turn right after 2.5 miles, following signs for Long Pond. The picnic area is another .5 mile. Note that the last 3 miles is on a single lane dirt road.

Lakes Region Ramblings

2008-05-10T16:43:00.012-04:00

We spent the first part of the day in Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Number one on our list was cheering on the runners in the Big Lake Half Marathon. Go, Meredith! (She finished in 2:24:26 - a great time considering it was a hilly course and she didn't have much opportunity to train.) Since it's Mother's Day weekend, hope you don't mind a little parental bragging. Driving into the Lakes Region, which we hadn't done for some time, we realized just how big and busy this lake is.

The lake has 72 square miles of water surface and the distance around is 182 miles! For those keeping track, "ice out" was officially declared this year on April 23rd at 8 p.m. Just for the record, we have no plans to kayak on Winnipesaukee...while it's a nice area to visit, the lake is too big and too busy for our tastes. Two unrelated items of interest we learned while were in the Lakes Region:

Laconia Area Bike Path in the Works
There's a group of active volunteers working on building a recreational trail/bicycle path along Lakes Winnisquam, Opechee, and Winnipesaukee. Not sure how far along they are, but you can track their progress and learn more at http://www.wowtrail.org/.

Take a Wildlife Boat Tour
The Natural Science Center at Squam Lake (site of the filming of "On Golden Pond") offers 90-minute pontoon boat tours with experienced wildlife naturalists throughout the summer and early fall. There are several different tour options. One trip focuses on loons and eagles and another on the natural history of the lake. Sounds to me like a great way to spend a lazy summer day. For more information, check out Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Put Willard Pond on Your List

2008-05-08T20:54:00.013-04:00

Peaceful and protected. Two words that come to mind when I think about Willard Pond in Antrim. The pond is protected as part of the NH Audubon Society's largest sanctuary.

The entire property, including Bald Mountain and Goodhue Hill, is well over 1,000 acres. If you paddle to unwind and get in a zone, you're going to love it here!

Willard is about 100 acres, so it's a couple of hours of paddling pleasure. The water is crystal clear and the shoreline is dotted by boulders. While there aren't many places to go ashore, there are hiking opportunities to be explored in the surrounding sanctuary.

As you paddle, you'll see rocks that look to be just below the surface, but then you'll glide right over them. It's all part of the optical illusion created by the clear water. Other highlights? We saw a pair of nesting loons and their baby chick when we were here last year.

Gas-powered motorboats are not allowed and fishing is restricted to fly fishing only. When I think of Willard, I'm reminded of a mantra one of my yoga instructors says at the end of class: " Peace Above...Peace Below...Peace All Around." That's Willard Pond.

Things to Know Before You Go: This pond is tucked into the southwestern part of New Hampshire, about a 30-minute drive from one of our other favorites, Gilmore Pond. You can drive right to the water to unload your boat, then drive back to park at the large lot.

Directions: In Hancock, at the junction of Routes 123 and 137, take Route 123 northwest for about 3 miles. Turn right, going nearly straight, on Davenport Road. At a little over .7 mile, take Willard Pond Road for one mile.

Biking the Rockingham Rail Trail

2008-05-05T15:14:00.014-04:00

We took full advantage of this gorgeous spring day to take out our bikes. (Paying bills and laundry can always wait, can't they?) Our destination was the Rockingham Rail Trail, beginning near Lake Massabesic in Manchester. The terrain here was a little challenging for us, but the payoff was some great scenery.

At 25 miles, this trail is the state's longest rail trail. It runs east of Manchester, all the way to the town of Newfields, which is about 12 miles from the coast.

It's described as a gravel trail. To be honest, we've never biked anything that wasn't paved, so we didn't know what to expect. The answer is "a little of everything." There was mud, lots of small rocks (we're not talking "pea-sized" gravel here) and some ruts left behind by ATVs. But then, there were sections of hard-packed dirt that were just fine. I wouldn't recommend taking a regular street bike on this trail. Our hybrids (street bikes with heftier tires) did very well, even if we struggled a little from our inexperience and being out of shape.

As you start out, you're following the shoreline of Lake Massabesic. Along the way, there are marshlands, ponds, and a small waterfall. It's times like these when I wish I could identify more birds.

We didn't ride the entire route by a long shot. The mid-way point is Raymond, NH and after that, you bike alongside the Lamprey River. I understand the last two miles to Newfields is a jaunt through meadows and woods. Our starting (and return) point at Lake Massabesic was a good one. We enjoyed lunch at a picnic table facing the lake after our bike ride. Next time, maybe we'll bring our kayaks!

What you need to know before you go: Posted signs say that ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail; But one source said they are allowed and the evidence seems to suggest that you will find them here. If that's the case, then I would avoid weekends. In addition to hikers and bicyclists, equestrians are also permitted on the trail.

Directions: To reach the trail's western start in Manchester, take exit 1 off Route 101 East; then head south on Route 28, proceed around a rotary, and turn left into the parking lot at Lake Massabesic. There's plenty of parking. To access the trail from Candia, take Route 27; go south on Langford Road and take a right onto Depot Road.

Facilities: There are two non-flush public toilets, one is handicap accessible. Aside from bathroom facilities, you'll find benches lining the shorefront of the lake and one lone picnic table.

Clydesdales: Up Close and Personal

2008-05-04T20:56:00.011-04:00

A rainy weekend here in southern New Hampshire, so we haven't been out kayaking or biking. Instead, we visited the "world famous" Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales, located just down the road from us at the brewery in Merrimack. These animals are beautiful and amazing and their digs (shown below) are quite elaborate.

Every first Saturday of the month year round, you can "take your picture with a Clydesdale." Michael (the horse) is shown here with his handler, whose name I didn't get.
A few fun facts: these horses have been used to promote Budweiser beer since the 1930s. They can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds. To be part of the prestigious Anheuser-Busch team, they have to have four white feet and that trademark white patch on their face.

So what does this have to do with kayaking or biking? Absolutely nothing! From time to time, we'll fill you in on random attractions and events around the state. In the meantime, take a tour of our sidebar. We're adding new links and information about paddling, fishing, and other outdoor resources almost everyday.