Greeley Ponds, Lincoln, NH

My new favorite hiking book!

Coffee and bagels get us on our way to the White Mountains.

We chose the  4 mile Greeley Pond hike for its easy/moderate rating (378 foot elevation) and location.  It was just a few miles past Loon Mountain on the Kancamagus Highway.  The parking lot was small, but you can also park along the side of the road.

The path through the woods was clearly marked, with lots of roots throughout the trail, and quite a few of these bridges to challenge our balancing skills.

We had to cross a few creeks as well; plenty of rocks to step on, but I was glad I had a pole with me.

Greeley Pond is a small oasis that appears to be in a valley between two mountain peaks.  There were a couple of spots to relax or even take a little dip. We even saw a boy getting fly fishing lessons from his grandpa. (Look closely at the pic below).

We took our required selfie and then returned down the same path back to the trail head.  Time for the ales!

We landed here at the One Love Brewery in Lincoln.  It's located in the commercial area that is to the left when you come off of 93.  A winery and a coffee shop are in the same plaza - something for everyone here.  There was plenty of outdoor seating; we were seated at a large high top table that could have fit six people.  Dogs are welcome and plentiful!

The beer menu was limited - there were only about 5 different choices, but we were happy with ours.  They also serve wine and cocktails.  We ate scallops wrapped with bacon (yum) and rodeo sliders (just ok). The reggae music gave the space a relaxed and happy vibe - we will definitely return for another visit, maybe during ski season!

Mt. Monadnock with the Hiker Guy

The first Friday of my summer break after a long spring of remote teaching was the perfect time to take on the challenge of a "Dylan hike".  Dylan, who wanted to be a "hiker guy" when he was four, takes his hikes seriously.  We decided on Mt. Monadnock, one of the most summited mountains in NH, 3.7 miles, 1800 elevation gain.  How hard could that be?

We hit the White Dot trail, and Dylan was ahead of us right from the start.  Jeff and I agreed to go at our own pace, which included significantly more stops than our 22 year old needed.  It took us about 2 and 1/2 hours to summit the mountain, with our trail guide Dylan giving us encouragement along the way. It was totally worth the effort.  I really enjoyed the rock scrambles near the top; NH is the Granite state for sure!

After hanging out at the summit for a few snacks (a LOT of peanut M&MS), we headed down the White Cross trail.  This trail was recommended for the descent because it is not quite as steep as White Dot, but we were stepping on/over/around rocks the entire way down.  My legs were feeling a little wobbly when we arrived back at the car after 2 hours of going down the mountain.  We ate our lunch and decided that maybe since social distancing rules are still in effect, ales at home would be best.  I was thankful because a nice hour and half car nap sounded just right!

If you want to hike Mt. Monadnock, be sure to visit the NH State Parks website before you go.  They are requiring reservations this season to ensure the trails don't get over crowded.  Cost is $15 per car, with a $1 processing fee.  Well worth it for the peace of mind that you will indeed have a parking spot, restroom, and your choice of picnic spots.

Merrimack River Eagle Festival

The Merrimack River Eagle Festival is an annual February event that has often caught my interest, but it seems we always found other (warmer) things to do.  Not so this year! We bundled up for the 20 degree weather and headed for the eagle trail that stretches between Amesbury, Newburyport, and out to the end of Plum Island.  This festival is sponsored by the Mass Audubon Society at Joppa Flats.

We started at Deer Island and met up with a small group of birders and 2 Mass Audubon volunteers.  They pointed out 2 trees in the distance where 2 juvenile Golden Eagles were perched.

Next, we headed out to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge out on Plum Island.  Even though we didn't see any eagles out there, it is a really cool marsh area with lots of walking trails - we will definitely revisit on a warmer day!

And of course, no trip to Newburyport would be complete without stopping in town for some refreshment.  The Sea Level Oyster Bar fit the bill!