Belknap Mountain

We got a later start on this day. I was concerned about the access road gate closing at 6pm since we were starting somewhere around 2pm. As it turns out, I needn't have been concerned.. but Murphy's Law, if we had gone ahead and parked in the upper lot, we'd have been locked in. So we parked just outside the gate on the Carriage Road and headed up to the trailhead. The road walk was the worst part. Without knowing how long it was, it seemed never ending. Alas, we made it and started on up the Red Trail for the fire tower. A hazy, humid day we made it and ascended the tower itself to enjoy the breeze. After snacks and pictures, we headed back down the Green Trail to the parking lot and then back down the access road to the car.

 

Caverly Mountain

I'm a bit of a list fanatic. So as my interest in hiking grows, I started researching different mountains and trails around that were kid friendly.. Caverly Mountain fit the bill. Basically a network of snowmobile trails, you are rewarded with some peaceful views of Merrymeeting Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, the Belknaps, Ossipees and surrounds. Someone has built a lovely firepit (with grill plate included) at the summit.. and I've read that blueberry picking is at its finest when in season.

Mt Agamenticus

I am determined to develop a passion for hiking in my kids the same way I have developed one. Such an amazing way to help create a healthy lifestyle. Thus, we set out on another adventure, just the three of us. This time we ventured to Maine and explored the Ring Trail and Witches Hazel trail to the summit of Mt Agamenticus. What I liked about these trails were the interactive signs along the route, which gave the kids something to look out for and motivation to keep moving. Basically a nice, big hill.. we enjoyed walking around the summit, investigating the old ski hill equipment, and relaxing with a snack at the picnic tables. Hiking with my youngest son is a continual learning process. He has Type 1 Diabetes, and the only consistent thing about his disease.. is inconsistency. I always make sure to carry plenty of sugary snacks, as well as his "kit" which consists of his testing equipment.. thankfully I am pretty obsessive about checking his numbers and keeping a close on eye on him. He had a low on the summit of Mt A, but I was able to quickly get some food into him before it reached critical level and we regrouped before heading back down to the car. Aside from some light rain and relatively overcast conditions, another fun afternoon enjoying our surrounds.

Mt Willard

And just like that.. I'm back at Mt Willard. This time for a wedding! Friends of mine, who are crazy (amazing) ultra runners, mountain climbers and all around good people, Ryan and Kristina, had decided to do what they do best.. get married atop a mountain! This was what prompted my hike a couple weeks earlier to ensure I was capable of making it up to witness their ceremony. We are camping at the base of Mt Washington with my husband and eldest son, as part of the 24 Hours of Great Glen mountain bike race, so it wasn't too far a commute to the trailhead. Karen and I headed out in enough time to comfortably make it up the trail. We incidentally met up with Kristina's Mother who was beginning the trek herself and accompanied her up to the site of the nuptials. After much positive thinking, Mother Nature played nice and endowed upon the newlyweds an absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous morning. I was thrilled to have been a part of such a unique and beautiful event, (which made it into the pages of New Hampshire Bride magazine, thanks to the couple's adventure seeking photographer Jay Philbrick of Philbrick Photography).

 

Mt Tecumseh

Always someone who is ready for the next step.. probably before I should be. I was (mentally) ready for my first NH 4000ft mountain. My friends Chris and Karen have already checked a large number off this list, so with their knowledge and experience I prepared for my first. We chose Tecumseh due to its trail length and height. It is mere feet over that 4K criteria. New hiking boots ready, we headed out early (experiencing a gorgeous sunrise en route) and parked at the Waterville Valley ski area. Took us a minute to figure out where the trailhead was, and we were greeted with the most amazing sight.. a moose on the ski trails! I was excited and nervous about meeting Mr Moose on the trails themselves, but we headed out and up. I just remember thinking there was a lot of "stepping" up rocks. My legs got tired, but I was determined to make it. we stopped at the viewpoint on the way up for a breather and a couple funny shots with the boys. I had read that there wasn't much of a view from the summit, but there had been some tree clearing done and it was a gorgeous day. I was rewarded for my first 4K. We took the Sosman Trail over to the top of the ski trails and headed down the access road back to the base lodge. That was the longest, steepest descent. My legs were on fire and I had to try different methods of walking.. sideways, baby steps, probably backwards a few times. It just felt neverending. I thank Karen for her incredible patience with me. She is a saint. Always encouraging, never a word about my complaints. In fact she picked a bouquet of wildflowers on our way down to try and keep my mind off what we were doing. I had a great day though, and I was very proud of myself for having completed #1 on the NH48.

 

showing it was our #1 4K hike