First Time Kayaking Island Pond

There are some rolling hills in the distance.

Today was our first time kayaking Island Pond in Stoddard, but it probably won't be our last. This place was actually "Plan B" for today. We headed first to Nubanusit Lake in Hancock on the recommendation of a friend. But when we arrived at Nubanusit, the waters were too choppy for our comfort level and there were quite a few power boats --so off we went to explore Island Pond, not too far down the road.

Loved the easy put-in!

Island Pond has an easy sandy put-in and a parking area for about a dozen cars right off Route 123. You'll hear some road noise when you first start out, but before too long you'll leave the noise behind. The pond has over 200 acres of water and about 20 summer cottages dotting its shores; we saw two smaller power boats and a number of other kayakers on this holiday weekend. So it's not as secluded as some of our favorite spots, but there's still plenty of room to spread out here.

The pond has a number of small islands and small channels, all set against a backdrop of picturesque green hills in the distance. Unfortunately, shortly after we got out on the water, the wind started gusting pretty strongly so we headed to a small protected cove to wait it out. After a long winter indoors, it was great just to be back out on the water, even if the weather conditions weren't ideal. We sat and watched a pair of geese and five tiny goslings for a bit, before heading back out to open water.

We paddled for maybe another 20 minutes before the strong wind gusts started up again and then it started to rain lightly. With threatening skies, we decided to paddle back to shore -- fighting a head wind that was pretty challenging at times. So Mother Nature didn't exactly cooperate for our first time out this season, but Island Pond looked like a great spot to spend a couple of hours. We'll be back!  

Directions: From Rte. 202 in Peterborough, take Rte. 123 North to Hancock. Look for the pond on your right shortly after the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rte. 123. There is a porta-potty here.

More kayaking, hiking, biking to come!

Old Monson Center is in Milford, but you can only get there by way of Hollis. 

Welcome back or thanks for stopping by if this is your first visit. I've been away from the blog for nearly four years, but have never stopped exploring New Hampshire. Paddling quiet waters, walking through pine-scented forests, snowshoeing, biking, and so much more. (There are lots of reasons for my absence here, but let's just sum it up in a word...life...sometimes it gets in the way of what we really want to do!)

Are you ready to get outdoors and share your adventures,your encounters with wildlife, your pics and pans? I know I am. My goal is to keep nhloveitorleafit true to its roots but expand its scope a little. Most notable will be more local history. Not to worry if you are not into history. You'll still be able to find what you want by selecting a category on the right.

A Little About Old Monson Center
The photo above was taken at Old Monson Center in Milford. Have you been? This site features colonial history that has not been packaged into a commercial experience. Let's call it history and nature "unplugged." Briefly, Monson was the site of an early settlement dating to the 1700s, at that time part of Massachusetts.

In 1770, the settlers abandoned Old Monson. No one knows why they left for sure. Some say it was because the townspeople couldn't agree on where to build a meetinghouse. Others say it was due to tensions with Native Americans and still others say the weather was simply too harsh and the ground was too rocky for farming.

If you visit today, you'll find some old cellar holes, stone walls, a small pond and a tiny museum that flies a British flag. Old Monson Center is quiet, peaceful, and some say, spirit-filled. It's a great place to walk your dog, snowshoe in winter or just take in the springtime smells of freshly-cut grass. I'll share more about this place and others in upcoming posts. For now, I want to say thanks for reading and let's get outdoors and play!

Getting to Know the Merrimack

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

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

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!