Sunday, May 7, 2023

ORFS Search for Indian Cave

The ORFS (Outdoor Recreation for Seniors) were scheduled for their normal Tuesday 10 am hike. However, this Tuesday followed a weeklong rain, and when the group met, it was decided that drenched moss rocks and wooded hill hike would be too dangerous.  Instead, the group would hike three miles on Sunapee tarmac roads.

Outdoor Steve had been anticipating this planned Indian Cave hike, as he always had to bow out of previous Indian Cave planned Tuesdays.  He was devasted that he would not finally get to see and explore Indian Cave.

As the group was hiking, they passed where one would begin hiking to search for the cave. And the rain stopped.  And the sun came out.

Kendall had been to the cave before, and in discussion with Steve, they decided to search for Indian Cave.  The remainder of the group continued the walk, given wet leaves, mossy rocks, steep hill and upcoming signs of more rain.

Steve was glad he brought his hiking poles as the soaked leaves covered the ground’s hidden rocks, and the immediate uphill climb was made easier and safer using hiking poles for support and confidence.

 Kendall readily discovered the ledges where he remembered the Cave.


Cave Description

We located three entrances to the cave below the ledge.  We entered via the left entrance. The cave was dark and we used our flashlights and headlamps. The floor of the cave was mostly shrapnel rocks. The ceiling and walls dripped with water, most likely from the prior week’s drenching rain. The walls had some graffiti.

The below video will take you through the cave. Briefly, we squeezed into the left entrance and exited via the right entrance.  The cave was pitch dark, and thankfully we had headlamps and flashlights.

Click the below picture right bottom to get Full Screen video with narration .



Who did the etchings on the ledge outside of Indian Cave?

I researched online the etchings outside Indian Cave: “Indian Cave Excursionist Peabody, Mass Oct 4, 1878”  and located the below paragraph published by:

Sunapee Echoes Sunapee, New Hampshire Historical Society, Inc. P. O. Box 501, Sunapee, NH 03782 sunapeehistoricalsociety.org e-mail: sunapeehistory@gmail.com 603-763-9872 Winter 2020

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How did the Indian Cave get its name? As the Sunapee Echoes story goes, a young Mohawk brave who had joined the local Penacooks to hunt came down with smallpox and was set adrift on the lake. But the Penacook chief’s daughter had fallen in love with him and was determined to nurse him back to health. She slipped away from her tribe, found him, and took him to a cave high above what is now Sunapee Harbor. Unfortunately, both died there, and their bones were found by hunters many years later. The cave was reportedly named “Indian Cave” by a group of “excursionists” from Peabody, MA, who explored it in 1878.

The rock etching outside Indian Cave.  

 

“INDIANS CAVE

BY A Party OF Excursionists

From Peabody, Mass

 Oct 4, 1878

Note: I intentionally did not identify the location of Indian Cave. As we searched for it, so shall you.

Now, I never have to say, "I wish I had explored Indian Cave."

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ORFS (Outdoor Recreation for Seniors)

https://www.coachapincenter.org/orfs/

ORFS meets every Tuesday (year-round, weather permitting) to do an outdoor activity for two plus hours. Their mantra is, “Make weekly outdoor exercise with us your joyful resolution. Join us each Tuesday at 10 am.”

In the summer Kayaking and hiking occur Tuesdays at 10 am at the same time and start area determined by the ORFS leader for this Tuesday.  When the fall and winter weather make kayaking too cold, we all will hike or snowshoe.

 Biking

And there are two biking ORFS groups that ride every Thursday. One group pedals moderately, and the other calls themselves “Slower Spokes for Older Folks.” Miles differ depending on the routes.

 Summary Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS)

The Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS) group at the COA is made up of numerous high-energy seniors whose hiking, alpine and Nordic skiing, kayaking, and snowshoeing activities would put many younger persons to shame. The ORFS are active throughout the year.

We have a schedule planned for every Tuesday throughout the year!  No more excuses, “I wish I had known about ORFS."

 “Make weekly outdoor exercise with us your joyful resolution. Join us each Tuesday at 10 am.”

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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel


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Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NHWild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NHMorgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Never say, "I wish I had tried Axe and Knife Throwing"


Two friends and I spent an afternoon undergoing an introduction to the sport of Axe and Knife throwing.



Rules & Safety

Is it safe? Yes!

You and your group will receive coaching from one of our experienced coaches. Each lane is divided by a fence to prevent axes from going anywhere but the target.

Click below and experience Ax and Knife Throwing at Beary The Hatchet


Due to the nature of our AXEperience, we have rules that must be followed:

Closed-toe shoes are a requirement. There are no AXEceptions! We have shoes and socks for those who do not have any readily available. The charge for shoe rentals and socks for you to keep is $5. Shoes provided by our awesome friends at Coastal Sole.

Due to the potential dangers of axe throwing, keep your safety and that of all those around you in mind at all times.

Do not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any player, staff member, or spectator.

If you land an axe on the target, you must retrieve it before throwing another. No trick shots, tossing the axe and catching it, or any other dangerous movement with the axe. We are family-friendly, so please refrain from the use of profanity or abusive language.

If you’ve never heard of axe throwing, it’s kind of like the lumberjack version of darts. If you’ve never heard of axe throwing, it’s kind of like the lumberjack version of darts.

Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. provides a fun and relaxed AXEperience in a safe and unique setting. Our inspiration for the concept comes from our love for the sport of axe throwing and is based on the rich history and culture of historic downtown New Bern. Our space presents a modern take on the age-old sport and adds unique character and charm. We offer also offer knife throwing as an add-on! 

OUR STORY

George and Kim Bessey founded the company after a fun date night of dinner and throwing axes. We loved it so much we knew at that moment that our beloved hometown badly needed its own venue! Kim is a registered nurse, and George comes from a background in food and beverage. We have three young AXEperts, Lilly, Liam. Kim grew up in Florida and New Bern, and George has lived most of his life here in Eastern North Carolina. We also have a phenomenal business partner in Shawn Stengele and his wife Audrey. Their young AXEperts are Shawn Jr, Cheyanne, and Alex!

We welcome all levels of AXEperience in a family friendly atmosphere for throwers 10 and up. We can’t wait to throw with you!

Will someone teach me how to throw an axe?

Yes! We will have an axe coach available for a brief coaching session at the beginning of your time slot. We will offer follow-up coaching, tips, and games throughout your AXEperience.

What do I wear?

Whatever is comfortable. During warmer weather comes sandal season, but but please remember closed toe shoes are REQUIRED. There are no AXEceptions! We have shoes and socks for those who do not have any readily available. The charge for shoe rentals and socks for you to keep is $5. Shoes provided by our awesome friends at Coastal Sole – CoastalSoleNC.com

What is the minimum age for hatchet throwing?

We recommend 10 and up. Sometimes if younger kids are strong enough, and more importantly, safe and well-behaved, we will make an AXEception.

Do you take walk-ins?

AXEsolutely! As long as we are not booked up! If we are full, just ask when the next available slot is. In the meantime, hangout at our beautiful 30 foot bar with draft beer, wine, ciders, and seltzers!

Are spectators allowed? AXEsolutely!

Do you have leagues?

Yes! We have leagues affiliated with the World Axe Throwing League!

Should we arrive early?

Yes, we recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to sign your waiver and get ready. Your reservation begins promptly at the given time slot. Please call us if you will be late. We may not be able to extend your time, but will if we can. No price adjustments will be made for time lost due to being late.

When should I make a reservation?

Due to our limited space, we advise making your reservation as far in advance as possible.

Do we keep score or have official league rules?

You can keep your own score on the provided boards. We will go over games and league-style rules during your session. Just AXE if you have questions!

How much does it cost?

A regular one-hour session is $25 per person. We offer a discounted rate of $22 for current or former military members, first responders, teachers, and nurses WITH ID. We also have “Broke Axe Mondays,” when Axe Throwing is only $15 per hour.

References
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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel


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Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NHWild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NHMorgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.


Monday, March 13, 2023

A Front Seat View of a Regatta Stake Boat Holder

A Stake Boat Holder at the Sarasota Invitational Regatta


What is a Regatta?

A regatta is a series of boat races. In our case, it is rowing sculls and sweeps.

What is a Stake Boat Holder?

A Stake Boat Holder holds the stern of a boat at the beginning of a race so an alignment judge can make sure the bow balls of the racing boats (sculls and sweeps in our case) are all lined up equally to start. 

 The winner of a race is the first boat with their bow crossing the finishing line.


The start is one of the most exciting parts of the race, and the Stake Boat Holder has a front-row seat! The job is simple and usually easy. But it’s also very important! Each Stake Boat Holder is responsible for holding the crews in their proper place on the start line. They will need to do it carefully, safely, and without disturbing the crews.

What a Boat Holder Does (Taken from
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The starting area has 7-8 stake boats, one in each lane. You will be assigned to one lane.

· You work with the Aligner Referee. His or her job is twofold: to bring the boats with your help into line, and to judge if anyone left early or jumped the start. The bow balls of all the boats must be in a straight line in order for the alignment to be correct. But, because boats often differ in length, some will have to be pushed out, others pulled in so that all their bow balls are on the line. Some boats may be so long that you’ll have to bring the stern alongside your position. Other times you will really have to stretch to compensate for shorter boats.

· Two Minutes Before the Start: A few minutes before race time the crew assigned to your lane will back up to your position. Sometimes it is necessary to tell a crew which lane you are in if they look lost. But please observe silence from this time on. Grab the stern of the boat. Lie down and hold the boat firmly while you wait for the Aligner to instruct you whether to push the boat out or to pull it in. The aligner will continue to give you and the other boat
holders directions until he is satisfied with the alignment. Finally, after the Aligner raises a white flag indicating correct alignment, he may continue to micro-tune the boats even after his white flag is up. Just listen carefully for your lane number and respond quickly to his
commands.

· The Actual Start: The starter may poll the crews by name, then he says “Attention,” raises his red flag, and then says “Go!” The boat will explode out of your hands on the command “Go!” Be very careful of your fingers here; sometimes the boat will lurch backwards before
taking off. Keep your fingers out of the way.
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Sculls Aligned - Stake Holders on Tummy - Attention - Go!
(Picture with Permission of Timothy J. Priest)

Last year, I joined the Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC) in Sarasota, Florida as a seasonal member. On February 26, 2023, I completed my first regatta, the Sarasota Invitational Regatta in Sarasota, Florida.

The SCRC is the host club for the annual nationally recognized Sarasota Invitational Regatta (SIR) held annually at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, in February. As a member of SCRC, we are required to volunteer for at least one of the many jobs necessary to host the three-day SIR .

As I looked at the list of volunteer opportunities, the Stake Boat Holder caught my eye as it would be an opportunity for me to experience a competitive row start. I would be on the water and experiencing what my quad team would be doing my first Regatta.

Indeed I had a front-row seat.

I went to YouTube.com and searched “Stake Boat Holder.” Watching a few videos convinced me I could contribute to SIR as a Stake Boat Holder. 

My video in this blog will give you a close and upfront viewpoint of a Stake Boat Holder. In this video, you will hear Mike, the Alignment Referee, address the duties of a Stake Boat Holder. Shortly after Mike’s instructions, all holders get on a boat and are driven to their assigned lane raft – which was number 3 for my lane.

Stake B
oat holders are stationed on a platform on the race course and responsible for holding the stern of the boats to start. You need to lie or knee down on the platform to hold your assigned boat. Sometimes you are on your knees, most times on your tummy. 

A towel for a pad was recommended when kneeling or on your stomach and I will suggest this be a thick towel or a yogi-type pad. You need to protect your knees and elbows from the floor of the platform – in this case an aluminum raft.

You are given walkie-talkies for one-way communication with the boat alignment referee. Our Alignment Referee
 Michael, was excellent with pre-race instruction and very clear with commands during the race. Another referee, the Starter Referee, communicates with the rowers to position their boats and sometimes with you if rowers need help. The Starter Referee was excellent with the rowers and boat holders. Sometimes, the rowers were very inexperienced with this part of the start, and the Starter was very patient and clear in aiding their alignment.

You need to know that the more inexperienced rowers may have an issue with their oars hitting and on the Stake Holder platform, so the Stake Boat Holder has to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Being a Stake Boat Holder was a great experience for me, and I highly recommend it for rowers and race observers. Just be aware that you will frequently be getting up and down on the raft to your tummy and knees. You also need to reach out and grab the stern of the boat. A level of physical fitness is necessary.

Click and Enjoy Stakeboat  

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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel


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Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NHWild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NHMorgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.


  Outdoor Play has trip preparations, routes, and narratives of bucket list places to go. The book will motivate friends and family to make the outdoors a key component of their daily life. If you want 5 or more books signed, send Steve an email and we can work out the logistics. 




Additional Sources of Books at:
Hardcopy at: http://outdoorsteve.com and https://www.amazon.com/dp/098503842X
E-book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/098503842X

Thursday, March 2, 2023

I never have to say, "I wish I had rowed in a Regatta!"


SARASOTA INVITATIONAL REGATTA (SIR) IS ON!!

I started rowing a few years ago at the Lake Sunapee Rowing Club. As a newbie, I progressed from starting with the 45-foot quad (four-person rowing scull), then once the group was comfortable and learned about the oars, and critical techniques, we progressed to the 65-foot 8+cox sweep with one oar each, eight rowers, and a coxswain guiding the group. Later, we did the double and one-person sculls.

Admittedly, the one-person scull was the most challenging rowing boat for me to learn. Fortunately, after I wrote my article, "Rowing Through the Eyes of a Beginner," a friend read the piece and called me, offering me the single rowing scull he had not used for years. I willingly accepted and now regularly row this single.

Last year, I joined the Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC) in Osprey, Florida as a seasonal member and began more coached rowing. 

I had never participated in competitive rowing. The Sarasota Invitational Regatta (SIR) offered me this opportunity. On February 26, 2023, I completed my first regatta, the SIR, in Sarasota, Florida. 

I competed in two quad races at SIR, one of which is described in my video below.

Nathan Benderson Park Course Map

Enjoy my seven-minute video as my Quad Team shares their silver medal experience in the SARASOTA INVITATIONAL REGATTA (SIR). 


I experienced the excitement of sprint racing at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, FL! The Sarasota Invitational Regatta (SIR) features three days of youth and masters rowing at Nathan Benderson Park (NBP). My chance to row was a thrill being NBP was the site of the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, the 2018 World Rowing Masters, and the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

Nathan Benderson Park, Benderson Lake, is one of the best rowing scenes in the countryRowing Olympians have competed and trained here, and now the SCRC offered me the experience of this unique venue.

My attendance at the SCRC and SIR was coached rowing by former Olympic rower Dragos, assisted by coaches Ray and Joe. 

Support Team


Of particular meaning to my participation in SIR was my family’s attendance. My wife Catherine understood my 5 am morning wakings four to five training a week for the last two months so I could make the 6:45 am coached rowing times on the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW). Our adult sons, Shaun from Georgia and Timothy from Boston, were present during the days of my participation and volunteering at SIR. They followed my wanderings throughout the day, which included taking photos and videos to document the tasks needed to be part of the SCRC team. 

Other sacrifices 
by my family were getting to the NBP two hours before my Sunday 11:08 am race start time and staying through the day with 80-degree temperatures.  Indeed, rowing often requires a family commitment.

I was also a volunteer Stake Boat Holder on Saturday.  Want to know what a Stake Boat Holder is?  A Front Row Seat of a Regatta Stake Boat Holder.
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"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel


References

Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC)
https://www.sarasotacountyrowingclub.com/

Sarasota Invitational Regatta Attracts People Worldwide
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2023/02/26/sarasota-invitational-regatta-attracts-people-worldwide/

Nathan Benderson Park
https://nathanbendersonpark.org/

Front Row Seat of a Regatta Stake Boat Holder

Monday, January 16, 2023

Kayaking a Nature Preserve: Braden River, Bradenton, Florida - Jiggs Landing to Linger Lodge.


On a nice warm February day, my fellow paddler Mike and I decided to kayak at Jiggs Landing, a nature preserve in Manatee County, Bradenton, Florida. This would be Mike’s first paddle at Jiggs Landing, my second.

We wanted to paddle the Braden River from Jiggs Landing to Linger Lodge Restaurant, about 3 ½ miles upstream, but given that our time was limited, the many turns of the River, and we had not brought a map with us in case we got lost, we decided to limit our trip to one hour upstream and then turn around.

Briefly, our trip was loaded with many types of birds, including egrets and pelicans. We saw many large turtles. There were warning signs to be on the watch for alligators, but we saw none on this particular paddle. Of special interest is the kayak/canoe slide at Jiggs Landing. I had never experienced this type of put-in or take-out, usually, I did a shoreline entry or dock entry. The below video shows both the wildlife and kayak slide entry.



For those paddlers interested in going from Jiggs Landing to the Linger Lodge Restaurant and RV Park, I recommend first scouting this eight-mile roundtrip Braden River trip first, as there are lots of turns where one can get side-tracked, meaning possibly lost. I have attached a Google Earth map where I indicated this paddle to see the many choices that might get confusing.

Yellow Lines from Jiggs Landing to Linger Lodge Via Braden River

To scout this section of the Braden River with a limited time frame (paddle only one-way), I suggest leaving one car at Linger Lodge and a second car going to Jiggs Landing to put in. Of course, the option is always present to do the eight-mile trip.

Remember, for any paddling trip, always leave your put-in and take-out locations with family or friends. I always bring a compass and/or iphone app to trace my paddle as both a reference and a source to confirm where I am on any water paddle.

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Colony Cove Boat Club Kayaks from Oscar Scherer State Park to Intercoastal Waterway (ICW)





In addition to all-size motor boating enthusiasts, the Colony Cove Boat Club entertains kayaking adventurers. On this day, our kayaker organizer member, Connie, set up a trip to the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Florida.

Seven of us met at 10:30 am on a beautiful Saturday morning and left from a sandy beach on the South Creek near the ranger station. We went right and shortly paddled under the South Tamiami Trail Route 41 bridge and found our way to connecting waterways, eventually leading to the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW). Warning signs are prominent in slowing boaters for awareness of manatees.

Birds are prominent throughout our two-hour five-mile paddle. In particular, we saw droves of pelicans.

The ICW goes under the Blackburn Point Road Bridge. A swing span bridge rotates in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis into a position parallel with the marine channel and shore, allowing boats and ships to pass along a waterway that would otherwise be obstructed by the bridge. It is always interesting to stop and watch as the large boats wait and then pass by the open bridge.

I have a personal interest in this particular ICW area in that I belong to the Sarasota County Rowing Club, and we do our rowing in areas on both sides of the turnstile bridge. Thus, we frequently pass under it. Seeing this bridge from a kayak gives a different perspective than a rowing scull. 

In this same bay, but not today, I experienced two playful dolphins swimming around our rowing scull.

Click the below video to paddle with the Colony Cove Boat Club



Colony Cove Boat Club Kayakers


Blackburn Point Road Intercoastal Waterway Turnstile Bridge

"Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel


Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Steve's SRKG Interview with Peter St James & Jeanne Lester, WNTK 99.7 FM


On Christmas Eve, I received a telephone call from Peter St James of WMTK 99.7 FM radio. Peter and his co-host, Jeanne Lester, invited me to be a guest on their radio show on Boxing Day, to discuss my latest book, Outdoor Play, Hiking New Hampshire’s Sunapee-Ragged, Kearsarge Greenway Trail: 75 Miles on a Fourteen Trail Loop. Click the link below recording to hear my radio interview.


Map of Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway




Trapezoid SRKG Direction Sign


The uniqueness of Hiking New Hampshire’s Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail is for each of the fourteen trails, I share a video of my experience on the SRKG. The videos make the hike “come alive." Each trail story is a short read with tips, details on preparation, pictures, maps, and references.

I follow the fourteen SRKG trail discussions with a Chapter on Warning Signs, Survival, Rescue, and First Aid. That section prepares the hiker for what it takes to have a safe and fun outdoor adventure. I shared preparations and the responsibility of hiking in the mountains of New Hampshire.

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Green Coalition has graciously given me full permission to use pictures, text, and maps from their SRK Greenway Trail Guide 3rd Edition. Indeed, I carried the Guide with me on all fourteen trails and regularly referenced it.  While my book and videos give you a “what it feels like” to hike the SRKG, the Guide is a continual reference with maps and content for locating a trailhead, when to turn, and where you exit the Trail. 

 History of SRKG

Conceived in the mid 1980′s by a  small group of creative and imaginative individuals associated with the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Lake Sunapee Protective Association and several local conservationists, the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition (SRKG or Greenway) has evolved into a dynamic non-profit corporation led by a board of directors, three ex-officio directors from the organizations mentioned, and ten towns that include SRKG trails: Andover, Danbury, Goshen, Newbury, New London, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner, and Wilmot.

The mission of “Outdoor Play Hiking New Hampshire’s Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail” is to inspire and encourage families and individuals to make the outdoors a key component of their daily lives.

 Locating the Book

The book is available in hardcopy and e-book at Amazon.com.  It also is available at OutdoorSteve.com, the Morgan-Hill Book Store (New London, NH), Harborside Trading (Sunapee Harbor), and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Gift Shop (Lebanon.)

 "Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends" S. Priest

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel

Books by OutdoorSteve.com


References

  1. WNTK 99.7 FM Radio
  2. Sunapee-Ragged-Greenway Coalition
  3. OutdoorSteve.com
  4. Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS)







Friday, December 16, 2022

Outdoor Recreation for Seniors 2022 Christmas Caroling in New London, New Hampshire


Our Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS) Christmas and caroling pageant is an annual "extravaganza." It remains a creative endeavor that warms the residents and our hearts. ORFS step out of their comfort zones and become a caroler for three hours. Our leader, Kathy, asks us to TRUST, go WITH THE FLOW, and HAVE FUN!



MERRY CHRISTMAS. MAY GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

We first visit the Bittersweet Residence and then the Lyon Brook Condominium, both located in New London, NH. Al is the keyboard Orchestra, and Cathy is the conductor of the ORFS Choir. We are decked in Christmas red with songbooks for the "formal chorus."

After singing is over at Bittersweet Residence, we socialize with the residents and wish everyone a very merry Christmas. We enjoy their hospitality of homemade goodies of pies, cakes, eggnog, and apple cider. We then depart to Lyon Brook Condominium Community for a repeat caroling performance, a dinner, and the famous ORFS Yankee Swap.


Thanks to Kathy and Rosemary for coordinating the event and for costumes, props, skits, music books, etc. Thanks to Al (piano), Rosemary (dinner), and Joy (Yankee Swap). Great leaders like you make ORFS fun and inspirational.


ORFS gives the gift of themselves, which is much appreciated and shared with the audience. 

Who are the ORFS? The Outdoor Recreation for Seniors are part of the Chapin Council on Aging, New London, NH. The ORFS meets every Tuesday year-round at 10 am. In the summer, we kayak/canoe, swim, and hike. In the fall, we hike and bowl, and in the winter, we snowshoe and cross-country ski. Our trips are from 1-1/2 to 2 hours, followed by lunch.

Directions and location are available for our Tuesday 10 am outings via email and the Meet UP online site https://www.meetup.com/ , the monthly New London Chapin Senior Center Courier newsletter and https://www.coachapincenter.org/orfs/ To learn more and join, contact the Chapin Senior Center at 357 Pleasant Street, PO Box 1263, New London, New Hampshire 03752.  ORFS is a very informal group, and participation is for all outdoor enthusiasts wanting guaranteed good exercise with a friendly, fun group.

" Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

Motivate friends and family to make the outdoors a key component of your daily life. 

Click this link to SUBSCRIBE to OutdoorSteve's YouTube Channel.

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Steve’s books are available as hardcopy and e-Books at Amazon's Kindle and hardcopy at Harborside Trading Company, 81 Main St, Sunapee, NHWild Goose Country Store, 77 Main St, Sunapee, NHMorgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH, Bookstore at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Gift Shop, Lebanon, NH, and Village Sports, New London, NH.


  Outdoor Play has trip preparations, routes, and narratives of bucket list places to go. The book will motivate friends and family to make the outdoors a key component of their daily life. If you want 5 or more books signed, send Steve an email and we can work out the logistics. 




Additional Sources of Books at:
Hardcopy at: http://outdoorsteve.com and https://www.amazon.com/dp/098503842X
E-book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/098503842X


Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Hiking the Interpretive Sawyer Trail in Dewey Woods, Sunapee, New Hampshire


As noted in the Sunapee Conservation Commission brochure, “The Sawyer Trail,” is an interpretive hiking/walking trail. I first learned of Sawyer Trail when my wife Catherine hiked it with members of the Outdoor Recreation for Seniors group, known simply as ORFS. She was so impressed she had to share this trail again with me on a beautiful NH fall day. 


Click the below video and enjoy insights into the interpretive Dewey Woods Sawyer Trail.


Twelve signs, known as stations, provide the hikers with brief stories, such as the trail’s history, tree surroundings, and how trees contribute to conservation. For example, the sign at Station 2 tells about a nearby cavity tree used by various wildlife. Station 4 describes “old-growth” trees over 100 years old. Some people call these “wolf trees.” A wolf tree is simply a tree that is much older and larger than the surrounding trees in the area, most likely due to bygone days when selected trees were left by farmers in a field for shade. When farming stopped in the area, tree seeds matured and grew into a forest surrounding the wolf tree. The hemlock trees at this station are at least three feet in diameter and 50-plus feet tall. For more on “wolf trees” go to my blog narrative of the SRKG Trail 6 noted in the references.

The trail is named after Sawyer Webb who for his senior high school project, conceived, designed, and spent many hours creating this nature trail here in Sunapee, New Hampshire.

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" Everyone must do something. I believe I will go outdoors with family and friends"

References

1. Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail 6 – Wolf Trees and Many Trails
https://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2020/04/sunapee-ragged-kearsarge-greenway-trail_28.html

2. Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS)
https://www.coachapincenter.org/orfs/

3. Sawyer Trail in Dewey Woods, Sunapee, NH

https://www.town.sunapee.nh.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif5056/f/uploads/sawyer_trail_map.pdf

4. Sunapee Trail Maps

https://www.town.sunapee.nh.us/conservation-commission/pages/trail-maps

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