Saturday, August 20, 2016

Summer 2016 - New Hampshire, Lakes Region

Monday, August 8th – Saturday, August 13th

Davidson’s Countryside Campground - Bristol, New Hampshire
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When we left the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, we headed southeast to the Lakes Region. There are less mountains in this area, and many more lakes. The valleys are dotted with long, thin glacial carved lakes, 273 to be exact. The largest lake is Lake Winnipesaukee, with 71 square miles of surface. This area in New Hampshire is a favorite vacation spot for many New Englanders, especially Massachusetts and New York. There are so many lakeside resorts and marinas for so many water related activities. There are also many rivers and streams with countless waterfalls. Our campground was near a small town of Bristol. It was another quaint mountain town with historical buildings, homes and a nice town square.

While there we hiked a great trail to the top of Mt. Cardigan, which is located west of Lake Winnipesaukee. This was a rugged, rocky, steep trail to the summit at 3155 feet. The trail up to the summit and back is 3.1 miles with cairns along the way to help navigate. At the bare granite summit, there are amazing 360 views. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee are amazing, and there are distant views of mountains in Vermont, White Mountains in New Hampshire and mountains in Maine. Dogs are allowed to hike here also, so our boys really enjoyed the hike and meeting other dogs on the trail. The hike down was not as steep, but followed along a stream with some small waterfalls along the way.
The next day we headed out to Franklin Dam, an Army Corps project on the Pimegewassett River, where there were mountain biking trails that had been developed by New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA). Another excellent trail system, well designed and fun to ride. We loved it so much, we came back the next morning and rode again.

Another day we drove to Profile Falls Recreation Area with waterfalls and a swimming hole. There was a short hike over a rocky trail to get back to the falls area, but it was worth it. The dogs came with us and had fun playing in the water and retrieving sticks. We all enjoyed this relaxing time together.
The last couple of days were mostly rainy, so we spent some time doing various chores; laundry, housekeeping and maintenance. Also, we prepared and packed to head out the next day.

On to Maine! Looking forward to the wonders and natural beauty of this state.

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