July 20, 2018 – Ahern State Park – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Ahern State Park in Laconia, New Hampshire. Ahern State Park is a 128 acre park, which includes a shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. It is popular for beach goers, bikers, hikers, fishers, and boating (non-motorized).

We were quite pleased to explore a new park on a “not-too-hot” summer kind of day. We drove down a long gravel road before arriving at the beach, and parking area. We started down the trail parallel to Lake Winnisquam. The trail was very quiet, with the distant sound of children swimming, and boaters enjoying their morning. We found several trails down to the shore, for some Shadow swims. As usual I wished I had brought my suit, but instead Wilma and I watched Shadow float around, cooling down and relaxing. The trails were a little unclear, so I avoided any complex loops. We found some fun rocks along the way, allowing us to view the lake from above. The trail had a little more mosquitoes then preferred, but we did our best to ignore them, and carried on our happy way. There really was not a lot to see at the park, but as per our usual adventure we reveled in the new smells, and overall experience (Rating: 3).

July 20, 2018 – New Hampshire – Tannery Hill Covered Bridge

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge in Gilford, New Hampshire. This bridge crosses the Gunstock Brook. It was constructed by Tim Andrews in 1995, is a lattice design, and spans approximately 42 feet in length. The bridge connects the town hall with the rest of the town center. The name comes from a tannery that once stood in the same area. The bridge accommodates foot traffic only.

I immediately fell in love with this quaint, little bridge. It was somewhat away from the busy sounds of traffic, and in a peaceful, shady location. On arrival to the bridge the music of the babbling brook below could be heard, singing the sounds of peace. There were some colorful flowers, nicely landscaped nearby. We sauntered back and forth through the bridge several times. Simple, charming and picturesque. I found a funky, fun, little tree nearby, which was great to photograph as well. We did not stay long as some fisherman soon joined us, but I definitely was quite fond of the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge (Rating: 5).

July 14, 2018 – New Hampshire – Beecher and Pearl Cascades

On Saturday we journeyed to the Beecher and Pearl Cascades in Carroll, New Hampshire. The Cascades are part of the Crawford Brook, on the Cascade Loop Trail of the White Mountains National Forest. The Beecher Cascade is a 35 foot plunge, while the Pearl Cascade is a 20 foot plunge. The trail begins behind the Crawford Depot which is an active station of a scenic railroad. Follow the “Avalon Trail” which will lead you to the Cascade Trail Loop.

We were elated to start our afternoon with a trip to the Beecher and Pearl Cascades. The trail was not clear, but again, the research let me know exactly where to locate to the trailhead. We started following the trail signs to the Avalon trail, before connecting to the Cascade Loop trail, and then to the first Cascade, the Beecher Cascade. The trail was quite uninspiring, but the anticipation, and nature, allowed us to relish every moment. We easily located the sign to the Beecher Cascade and followed to sign down to this Cascade. This Cascade was a beautiful gorge-like cascade, with a powerful stream flowing down the rocks. There was a little area to hang out in for Shadow to nap, while Wilma posed on some rocks. I am always delighted when I can get close to a Cascade, a true connection to nature.

The second Cascade on the trail was the Pearl Cascade. We actually missed this Cascade, and began hiking uphill for awhile, along the very rocky trail. We found a little area of the Brook where we were able to sit and relax a bit, and revel in the peace of nature. I eventually decided to ask a fellow hiker and he informed me that we were trekking up on the “A-Z” trail. We quickly turned back, and eventually made it to the Pearl Cascade. I am still unsure of how this miscue happened, but we definitely added a good work-out to our day.

The Pearl Cascade was difficult to see from the trail, so we climbed down to the Crawford Brook to check it out. Somewhat distant in site, the Cascade had minimal water streaming down the rocks. I was disappointed in this Cascade, but glad we were able to find it before departing. (Rating, Trail: 3, Beecher Cascade: 4, Pearl Cascade: 3)

Cascade Loop Trail

Beecher Cascade

Cascade Trail

July 14, 2018 – New Hampshire – Ammonoosuc Lake Trail and the Red Bench Trail

Yesterday we went for a hike on the Ammonoosuc Lake Trail (officially referred to as the Around-The-Lake Trail) and the Red Bench trail in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. These trails begin behind the AMC Highland Center on Route 302. The Ammonoosuc Lake trail is a less then two mile hike that goes around the Ammonoosuc Lake, and at mid-point you can choose to branch onto the Red Bench Trail. The Ammonoosuc Lake is small, approximately two acres in size, and has views of the mountains from the shore.

It was a little dreary, and cool on this summer day, but we were quite pleased to not get caught in a downpour. This is a trail I attempted to find before, but never was able to locate it. However, I decided to email the AMC Highland Center, who quickly responded, allowing me to easily locate the trail. I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous trail. Although close to society with an occasional sound of traffic, it really provided a remote feel. There were several areas where Shadow could swim, and we were able to view picturesque views of the mountains. The trail ran slightly above the Lake in most sections. It was maintained well, and perfectly gorgeous. We traversed the loop twice, and on the second round decided to check out the Red Bench trail. We followed this trail uphill for a bit, crossing the railroad tracks, before finding an actual Red Bench at the little overlook. I was disappointed not to see a view (likely from the lush summer landscape), however was quite pleased and surprised to find a real Red Bench. Quite an amusing and exclusive aspect to this trail.

I am guessing this is not a well known trail as our first loop we had the entire Lake to ourselves. On the second lap we saw a young family, and also what appeared to be an AMC guided tour for families and their pre-school children. Definitely a hike that is perfect for young children, and of course others who enjoy a charming, and scenic walk. I expect to be back at this trail again in the future. (Rating: 4)

July 13, 2018 – New Hampshire – Smith Covered Bridge

Yesterday we visited the Smith Covered Bridge in Plymouth, New Hampshire. This is a bridge we have been to several times before. The Smith Bridge was built in 1850, but was destroyed by fire in 1993, and later rebuilt as a covered bridge. It is a long truss bridge with added arches, and crosses the Baker River.

We had a nice visit to the Smith Covered Bridge. The Bridge has a beach like area below, along the Baker River. This allowed for some Shadow swimming, which is always great on a warm summer day. Wilma mostly enjoyed chasing butterflies, which I find quite entertaining. The water was not rushing, but we did see people arriving with inner tubes, likely for some River fun. We walked around for a bit, and then sauntered across the bridge. The bridge has a hallway-like area on one side, allowing pedestrian crossing. I definitely appreciate this feature in a covered bridge, as I do not enjoy dodging cars. Not a lot of color, or any landscaped features, but I still relished taking some photographs before we headed off to our next destination (Rating: 3).

July 13, 2018

Winter 2018

July 13, 2018 – New Hampshire – Frosty Scoops

Yesterday we made a stop at Frosty Scoops in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Frosty Scoops is an adorable little ice cream stand on Main Street that sells homemade ice cream. They are connected to the Common Man Inn and Spa, a well known Inn, Spa and restaurant in the area.

We were very happy to find an ice cream shop with a window to get a treat to cool down on a nice warm day. I was pleased, and surprised to see the dog ice cream was free, and although just a tiny little scoop, Shadow and Wilma sure did not complain. I myself decided to order a frappe. We then found a nice corner, shaded area to sit, sip, and devour. The set-up for this outdoor area was perfect, with fun music blasting, a sandbox for the kids to play, picnic tables, outdoor games, and benches for guests. There was even a retro truck on display. Definitely a fun atmosphere to enjoy some ice cream on a summer day (Rating: 4, Dog Ice Cream: 3).

July 13, 2018 – New Hampshire – Rainbow Falls

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I went to Rainbow Falls in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Rainbow Falls is located in the Walter-Newton Natural Area. It is a source of Glove Hollow Brook, and is 25 feet in height. There are benches at the base of the waterfall to sit, relax, and enjoy the view.

The parking lot for Rainbow Falls was not marked, however, our research did us well, being able to locate the parking lot, and the trail. The parking lot is a dirt lot located on Cummings Road. We walked up the road a bit to the trail on the left, where the kiosk was located. One aspect of this trail I appreciated was that there were maps available to take, as well as a trail map posted at the kiosk.

We began our hike to the Fall from the kiosk. The trail was well marked, but I found it somewhat dull, and a little buggier then our “normal” adventure locations. We did find several spots where the brook was flowing, but overall the water was pretty dried out. There were little bridges along the way, some of which appeared oddly placed. Upon arrival to the falls we were quite disappointed, as there was barely a drop flowing from above. I guess we missed the prime time for the Rainbow Falls. We wandered around for a bit, before heading back. A disappointing stop, but we still enjoyed a good walk, and some time exploring (Rating: 2).

Error

This video doesn’t exist

July 7, 2018 – New Hampshire – Ripley Falls

Yesterday we visited Ripley Falls in the Crawford Notch State Park of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Ripley Falls is a 100-foot waterfall, which flows over a rock wall that is at an approximate 60-degree angle. It is one of the steepest angled slides waterfalls in New England, and is sourced from the Avalanche Brook. The trail is less then a mile in length, however ascends up to 500 feet in elevation.

There was a sign for the Ripley Falls directly on Route 302 so the parking lot cannot be missed. We were excited to start today’s adventure on a much cooler summer day. We started the trail full of anticipation of the end result – a beautiful waterfall. The trail was full of rocks, and roots, and slowly would slope up before flattening. The sound of the rushing flume waters was constant on our journey to the falls, singing the sounds of nature. Parts of the trail were steep on the side, but not to a level of danger. We saw very few people on our hike to the Falls, but wondered if they had chosen to venture to other trails along the route.

It is hard to know what to expect when visiting a waterfall, but I was highly impressed, and mesmerized by the beauty, and height of Ripley Falls. Upon arrival we spent some time relaxing, and enjoying, with the entire site to ourselves. I jumped from rock to rock trying to photograph this majestic site, but sadly did not feel too successful in capturing the gorgeous flow of water, streaming from above. Shadow appeared a little disappointed as he had some difficulty following me as a traversed the rocks, however he enjoyed cooling down in the water, and sitting on the beach. I do think Wilma was enthralled with all the rocks, although she also appeared concerned that Shadow was not hoping along with us. We spent a good amount of time at this peaceful location, until dozens of other hikers began streaming in. The hike back to the car was quite quick as it was predominately downhill. I definitely was awed, and impressed with the Ripley Falls, and would highly recommend it to those other waterfall seekers (Rating: 5)

July 6, 2018 – New Hampshire – Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest

Today we visited the Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest is a 157-acre forest with over four miles of hiking. The Forest includes a mile of waterfront views and beaches on gorgeous Squam Lake. The area even has camping sites, and docks for boat access. The Squam Lake Association manages the shorefront areas and trails within.

We spent about two hours exploring the trails at Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest. I was impressed at how well marked the trails were, with printed maps posted throughout the Forest. The trails went from the forest, to waterfront, to even a “Swamp Walk” trail with a boardwalk surrounded by blueberries! Mid-hike I was awed to spot a gigantic hawk with a fish in his mouth, just feet above our head. Although I was not quick enough to take a photo, it was quite the spectacular moment.

If you are one of our followers you know that Shadow ran straight for the water upon site, while Wilma jumped onto the rocks along the trails. I was humored watching Wilma’s uneasiness with the small waves, but that of course did not stop Shadow from just sitting and enjoying a cool down in the Lake. These two are the perfect balance of calm and experienced, and wild and curious. We definitely had a pleasant visit to this lakeside forest (Rating: 3).

July 1, 2018 – New Hampshire – The Basin and the Basin-Cascades Trail

Today we visited the Basin, and traversed the Basin-Cascades Trail in the Fraconia Notch State Park. The Basin is situated along the Pemigewassett River. It is a curved waterfall which flows through carved rock, ending in a pool of water. The area has various water areas to explore. The Basin-Cascades Trail follows the Cascade Brook, and provides views of various waterfalls and cascades, including: Kinsman Falls, and Rocky Glen Falls.

We have been to the Basin, and the Basin-Cascades Trail numerous times, with my Mom, Shadow, Buster, and Wilma. Upon parking you immediately hear the sound of crashing water. It is absolutely beautiful spot, with bridges, beach-like areas, streams, cascades, lots of rocks and boulders, and waterfalls. As you embark on the trail it slopes up slowly, with beautiful cascades and waterfalls along the trail. There are many rocks to lounge, relax, and enjoy a snack. It is amazing as the more you walk the more exciting it becomes. The water in the summer is more flowing, while the Fall is especially beautiful with colorful foliage. I highly recommend a visit to this gorgeous stop in the Fraconia Notch State Park. I will include photographs from some of our visits (Rating: 5)

June/July 2018:

June 2017:

Error

This video doesn’t exist

October 2016:

October 2014: