ORFS Hike Mascoma River portion of the Northern Rail Trail, Enfield NH

The Outdoor Recreation for Seniors, known as ORFS, meet every Tuesday at 10 am year-round. In the summer we kayak, swim and hike. In the fall we hike, and in the winter we snowshoe and cross-country ski. Our trips are from 1-1/2 to 2 hours, followed by lunch.

This Tuesday's hike is in Enfield, NH on the Riverside Drive section of the Northern Rail Trail. The Northern Rail Trail, is a 58-mile multi-use former railroad trail in western New Hampshire, running from Lebanon to Boscawen. It shares the right-of-way of the Boston and Maine Railroad's former Northern Line, which was acquired by the State of New Hampshire in 1996. The ORFS are hiking the Mascoma River portion of the Northern Rail Trail, known on the map as the Riverway Drive Trail or Enfield MP 132. 

The Enfield portion of the trail from our parking area on Riverway follows the Mascoma River upstream to Mascoma Lake, using three bridges to crisscross the River. Barbara is our trip organizer and leader today. The Northern Railroad built this line from Concord to White River Junction, Vermont, in 1847 

The Boston-based investors were one of three groups in a race to connect with a line coming up the Connecticut River valley, and thus on to Quebec. Daniel Webster spoke at the ribbon-cutting in Lebanon, "It is altogether new. The world has seen nothing like it before." Not in attendance - by choice - among the 1,200 at the inauguration of the "steam highway" were any of the Shaker community from nearby Enfield. The Shakers had worked a deal with the railroad to relocate its proposed corridor to the opposite side of Mascoma Lake from their colony, while getting a bridge to its depot. A stock purchase and the naming of a locomotive The Shaker sealed the bargain. In 1887, the company was acquired by the Boston and Maine Railroad. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Rail_Trail_(New_Hampshire).

Today's fall hike was planned by Phyllis and Barbara, with Barbara leading the hike.

Directions from New London, NH

 Go north on route 89 to exit 17. Turn right at the exit onto Route 4 east toward Enfield and Mascoma Lake. In about ¼ mile take the first left onto Riverside Drive. Go about ½ mile to the parking area on the right. This is the Riverside Drive entry onto the Northern Rail Trail. When you get to the trail take the right-hand direction toward Mascoma Lake. Go as far as you wish, then walk back to the parking area at the start of the hike.

References

Friends of the Northern Rail Trail
https://fnrt.org/

http://www.northernrailtrail.org

Http://www.nhtrailtrails.org https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Rail_Trail_(New_Hampshire)

For Information on the ORFS
http://www.coachapincenter.org/orfs/

OutdoorSteve.com
http://www.outdoorsteve.com

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

Steve's 6th book is now available. Outdoor Play "Fun 4 Seniors" Volume III has trip preparations, routes, and narratives of bucket list places to go. Motivate friends and family to make the outdoors a key component of their daily life.

Steve’s books are also available as hardcopy and e-Books at Kindle and Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH.

Colby-Sawyer College: Adventures in Learning: Outdoor Play "Fun 4 Seniors"

Never say, "I wish I had gone outside with family and friends and just enjoy each other."

An e-book of all class presentations including links to all videos has been created for AIL members attending Steve's "Outdoor Play Fun 4 Seniors." Click Here

*** Slide Overview: Four-Week Course - "Outdoor Play Fun 4 Seniors"***

****List of Bucket List for Class to Select for Presentation and Discussion

**** Outdoor Recreation for Seniors (ORFS) and Class Selected Bucket List Trips

Gabriella and Linda do Hang Gliding Instruction at Morningside

My brother Edward had a milestone birthday this year. His daughter, Gabriella, gave him a "bucket list" gift of an Introductory Hang Gliding Lesson at Morningside in Charlestown, New Hampshire. Gabriella was to participate with her Dad in the class.

Unfortunately, Ed had a minor physical injury, so was not able to do the class.

Fortunately, Ed still wanted to see Gabriella take the hang gliding course. Gabriella invited a friend, Linda, to take Ed’s place in the four-hour hang gliding class.

Ed and I observed Gabriell and Linda at the hang gliding site. We were able to be on-site with both students and instructor, and we fully enjoyed this "up front and personal" perspective in this level ground and slope hang gliding class.

The Morningside instructor, Dave, was part of the enjoyment of the course. He was very thorough, patient, and he readily shared his extensive knowledge and excitment for hang gliding. 

Edward, Gabriella, and Linda, also stayed overnight with my wife and me, and we were able to share with them New Hampshire hospitality including our beautiful New Hampshire foliage.

My below video is a summary of Gabriella and Linda taking their instruction.

Happy Birthday Ed!

References

• https://flymorningside.kittyhawk.com/adventures/introductory-hang-gliding-lessons/
• https://www.OutdoorSteve.com

Call to Action: 

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar

I was reminded yesterday of a health advisory on the Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar I forwarded to friends last year.  The health advisory notice came from the Sunapee Fire Department.

We again have the annual presence of this caterpillar with its allergic reaction or rash to humans.  Below is a picture of the woolly, white caterpillar with black markings and long white hairs. 

We had a hickory tussock moth caterpillar yesterday on our front door. After posting this notice on Facebook yesterday, I received many comments in agreement to the widespread presence of the Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar.

Don't touch them if you see them! The hairs of the Hickory Tussock caterpillar, which has black tufts on its back and black spikes, can cause an allergic reaction or rash for some people who make contact with the insect. The caterpillars have microscopically barbed setae, which can cause inflammation.

Watch out for this caterpillar. It is a woolly, white caterpillar with black markings and long white hairs (see above).

Don't touch them if you see them! The hairs of the Hickory Tussock Caterpillar, which has black tufts on its back and black spikes, can cause an allergic reaction or rash for some people who make contact with the insect. The caterpillars have microscopically barbed setae, which can cause inflammation.

This caterpillar appears between June and September and munches its way through the leaves of deciduous trees (it prefers nut-bearing trees, but will settle for willow, ash, aspen, apple, oak, and even raspberry plants and corn stalks).

The caterpillar excretes a type of chemical defense upon contact (which is more  appropriately termed "allergenic" than "poisonous").

Most people who handle these creatures will experience a burning, nettle-type, itchy rash of mild to moderate severity, but washing the affected area with soap and water, then applying ammonia or calamine lotion and icing the area should set things to rights.

However, some people are hypersensitive to the poison and have allergic reactions to it in addition to the itchy rash, those persons are likely to experience more severe symptoms such as swelling and nausea and should seek expert medical advice as soon as possible.

To emphasize the impact of the hickory-tussock-moth-caterpillar, below is a picture of a 5-year-old who learned the hard way when he touched the insect, put it on his face and ended up with a nasty rash. 

References

• Fire Departments Warn: Do not touch Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar
• Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Call to Action: 

8th Annual Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet "Poker Run"

Never say, "I wish I had been in the Lake Sunapee Sailing Day Annual Poker Cruise"

When Captain Al asked if Cathy and I wanted to be part of his crew in the Annual Lake Sunapee Sailing Day "Poker Run", we could not pass up this unique outdoor challenge. My motivational mantra, Never say, "I wish I had ..." had to be answered, "Yes!".

The ANNUAL “POKER CRUISE” SAILING DAY HOSTED BY THE LAKE SUNAPEE CRUISING FLEET, promotes sailing fun on Lake Sunapee. All sailboats from sunfish to cruisers to racers are welcome to join a “Poker Cruise”.

Sailing enthusiasts are invited to rendezvous at the Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet boat just outside Sunapee Harbor. At the Committee Boat each sailboat is given instructions, a map of the course and a playing card. Boats will then sail to four-mark boats on the upper end of the lake.

At the mark each sailboat will receive another playing card. Following the “Poker Cruise” each crew is invited to bring their “poker hand” to a reception sponsored by the Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet at the Knowlton House (LSPA) in Sunapee Harbor. There are prizes will be awarded for the best poker hands and for the best themed crew costumes.

In case you cannot tell, Captain Al’s crew costume theme is that of being WACKY WAHINES (Goggle "wacky wahines" .)

References

• 7th Annual Lake Sunapee Cruising Fleet Poke Run
  https://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2018/08/never-say-i-wish-i-had-been-in-annual.html
• Lake Sunapee Cruisers Fleet Fleet web site
  https://lscf.us/
• OutdoorSteve.com
  https://www.OutdoorSteve.com

Call to Action: 

Using My Browning Trail Camera in Sunapee, NH

This post is for friends to comment on my trail camera experience.  Let me give a disclaimer here.  I am an outdoor writer and the videos and pictures I use in my books and blog posts all are taken by me. The Browning is my first use of a trail camera.  Suggestions and comments are most welcome.

I selected the Browning Trail Camera Model BTC-5HDPX because it received a very positive online review.  My criteria were: 1) Ability to talk to a company specialist if I had camera set-up and operation questions. 2) Fairly easy set-up - I am not a camera expert. 3) Quality pictures and videos I could use with minimum editing in my books and blog. 4) Night pictures and videos. 5) Medium pricing.

Can you spot the camera?

After nearly two months of use, the Browning Trail Camera Model BTC-5HDPX has proven my selection.

The most current video is first.  The third video is my initial use of the trail  camera. I first placed the Browning Trail Camera Model BTC-5HDPX on a wooded trail in Sunapee, NH.  The area is close to where I live.

I am learning more about the camera each time I move the camera to a new location:

• Weeds and over-hanging leaves - and even rain - can set off the camera - giving us beautiful pictures, but no wildlife. Placement of the camera needs an unobstructed view.

• Pesky squirrels scrambling up trees and inquisitive deer are all part of wildlife pictures.

----- October 14
My friend Mike accompanied me as I kayaked in an isolated area to check my latest camera placement. Not intentionally on my part, the camera placement filmed me both exiting and entering my kayak. I frequently get ask, "What is the best way to enter and exit a kayak?" I included in the below video the method I frequently use, where I use my paddle as a brace between the shore (in this case a rock) and my kayak.

Upon looking at the captured videos, the surprise was a pack of coyotes crossing a natural bridge of branches, rocks and mud.  See if you can count the number of coyotes.

-----September 17 through September 24

Leaving the camera in a three secluded wilderness sections of Sunapee, NH has provided new surprises. A roaming bobcat was seen prowling twice. A spooked coyote was interesting. My first glimpse of a beaver was nice, although I wanted more detail.  Maybe next time. Hearing and seeing a Pileated woodpecker was an absolute shock! Enjoy.

------August 9 through August 14

Here we have a five day video from a second location.  We indeed saw some exciting wildlife activity. 

-----July 31 thru August 3rd

Below are my first three days with my new wildlife camera. I edited out all videos started by wind from nearby weeds. I also split videos that did not contain significant information as I continue to learn this camera and where to place it.

The doe with her fawn was interesting. The coyote was a surprise.  We have heard them at night, but never saw one. The way a coyote walks and its size make me sure this is a coyote.

Enjoy - and please send me your comments.

https://www.outdoorsteve.com

Call to Action: 

A Teaching Moment - How to Remove a Tick

Three days ago, I did a blog post video on How to Remove a Tick. I showed this video to friends, and many laughed at it, while some said, "ugh" and a few said "disgusting."  One said, “I just flick them off with my finger.” The “flick them off” is undoubtedly the best choice for tick removal, BUT what if the tick’s head is embedded in the skin!!

See this first video at https://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2019/06/outdoor-steve-removes-tick.html

Within an hour of this video, and the accompanying comments, my youngest sister yelled, "You have a tick on your neck!" My first reaction was, "Ticks are not a joke." Other friends gathered around, and sure as can be, a tick was embedded.

I removed my HOW TO REMOVE A TICK vee notch card from my wallet.  Fortunately, my camera was nearby, and I asked a friend to document this "Teaching Moment" on how to remove an embedded tick.  After removal, wash the bite site with soap and warm water.

Hey, some guys are "Chick Magnets.“ Does this make me a "Tick Magnet?"

I have also used fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. If using tweezeers, grasp the part of the tick that's closest to your skin -- you want to grab the head, not the belly. Slowly pull the tick straight out, without twisting it. 

Do not have a tick removal notch card?  Quickly make your own from a like plastic card as seen in the video below:  

References 

• How to Remove a Tick
  https://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2019/06/outdoor-steve-removes-tick.html
• Atlantic Pest Solutions: An Ehrlich Company https://www.jcehrlich.com
• OutdoorSteve.com https://www.outdoorsteve.com
• WebMD: Lyme Disease Slideshow: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments http://tiny.cc/s3kc9y

----------

Call to Action: 

Hiking Mount Moosilauke New Hampshire

Start: Ravine Trail to Gorge Brook to Summit. Return:
Carriage Trail to Snapper Trail to Gorge Brook and back to Ravine
Lodge

My friend John organized a mid-June trip for three friends to hike with him up Mt Moosilauke in Benton, NH. Mount Moosilauke is a 4,802-foot high mountain with a 7.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail rated as difficult by Alltrails.com.

The Gorge Brook trailhead starts at the Dartmouth College Ravine Lodge directly to the summit dome. From the Summit our return route  is the Carriage Road trail to the South Peak. This section of the Carriage Trail follows the Appalachian Trail (AT.) Where the AT turns right on South Peak, we keep on the Carriage Trail until the junction where it meets the Snapper Trail. The Snapper Trail meets the Gorge Brook trail about a half mile from the start of our Ravine Lodge trailhead. 

A large cairn with a sign marks the top of Mount Moosilauke.

We planned a one mile per hour speed with a good half hour at the top, weather permitting. The peak is wide open, so our stay depends on the weather, such as wind, temperature and rain. 8 am to 4 pm on the trail is our conservative estimate. We pretty much stayed with our plan, mainly because the rating of Difficulty was very appropriate for this senior group.

Highlights of our hike:

• The weather was perfect – 70 degrees, light wind, and moderate sun.
• We all had walking sticks – speaking for myself, these “extra two legs” helped my balance as most of the trail was a rock-strewn path with rock steps in a mostly dried stream. We went up – up- and up.
• We stopped for water and Gatorade every 10 to 20 minutes, as well as nibbling on trail mix and nourishment bars. This water and protein discipline was necessary given the difficulty of the rock-laden trail that required all our strength and concentration. 
• We switched leaders every 30 minutes or so. The rotation of leaders allowed our group to stay together, and pace moderately,
• As we neared four hours on the trail, we were ready with exhausted and anticipation to reach the top. This summit expectation was temporarily put on hold with a moment of tired disappointment, when upon reaching the above treeline plateau, and expecting this to be the summit, we saw in the distance a peak marker that was so far away. As a hiker heading down passed us, I asked, “Is that the peak way up there?” She responded, “Yes, but it is not as long as it LOOKS.” At first her comments did not pick up our spirits, but as we quickly closed the open distance between us and the top, we realized she was correct. Whew!
• On the trip up, the bugs were no issue, but on the return trip the bugs were overwhelming, and we had to stop and spray ourselves with bug repellant, or, like John and I did, put on our bug nets
• That evening at dinner, we all agree Mt Moosilauke took our full effort … we left no regrets of “Giving it all we had on the mountain.”
• Personally, hindsight says I should have prepared better for Mt Moosilauke by doing short local hikes of one to three hours. This nearly eight hour very strenuous hike required more effort than merely my preparation of rowing and running twice week.

References

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-moosilauke-and-south-peak-loop

https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/docs/moosilauke_trail_map.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_England_Fifty_Finest

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Moosilauke
https://www.outdoorsteve.com

----------

Call to Action: 

How to Remove a Tick

I stepped out of the shower and noticed what appeared to be a scab on my shin.  I did not remember hitting my leg.  I rubbed "the scab" and the end came up. I then saw the legs of a tick.

Hey, I have a tick stuck on my lower left leg.

I went to my "How to Remove a Tick" card I carry in my wallet.  I then proceeded to remove the tick. I first came in with the notch from the head side of the tick, and this did not loosen the tick. On my second try I placed the card notch in the back side of the tick, and this attempt very efficiently removed the tick.

Notice in the video the white material in the tick's mouth. I assume this is my skin.

I am sending this video to the New Hampshire Fish and Game for identification of the type of tick.

As mentioned in the video, I encourage you to pause the video and read the "How to Remove a Tick" card.

Three days later, I had another tick removed. See A Teaching Moment: How to remove a tick

Do not have a tick removal notch card? Quickly make your own from a like plastic card as seen in the video below: 

References 

• A Teaching Moment: How to Remove a Tick
  https://outdooradventurers.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-teaching-moment-how-to-remove-tick.html
• Atlantic Pest Solutions: An Ehrlich Company https://www.jcehrlich.com
• OutdoorSteve.com https://www.outdoorsteve.com

----------

Call to Action: 

An Eagle on Perkins Pond

Last evening we were taking a sunset cruise on Perkins Pond.  We spotted an eagle on Isle of View.  I rushed back to my house to get my camera.

Excuse the shaky video taken from my bouncing boat with a 20X Sony camera.

Enjoy.

References

• About the Bald Eagle - Audubon Society
  https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bald-eagle
• OutdoorSteve.com
  https://www.outdoorsteve.com

----------

Call to Action: