Day 2

Hi Everyone,
Oooh just sitting here wondering which hike to I report on ... LOL
Since we just started to blog for this year, let me retrace some hikes that come to mind now. Well, hiking started individually for the both of us first, in our different locales; however, since meeting and aligning my view with Cathy, notably spelled with a "C", while mine is with a "K" (make note!! lol), Cathy's keen eye for researching intriguing sites, has brought many of us to places we would not have thought of or possibly have made an effort to go to. Well, it wasn't long into her first planning when a group of us were car pooling down to New Hampshire along the White Mountains towards Franconia Notch, known endearingly as "Hiker's Heaven" - well, it certainly brought many smiles to a group of about 20 people of varying caliber, each looking forward to their own encounter with the natural beauty of this area.

These brave souls who ventured out with us were willing to camp, some with a trailer, while others tented. Fortunately, to ease the transition from a comfy bed to an air mattress, we had hot showers, more than enough food to eat, and a fully equiped store with groceries, firewood and a friendly and helpful face. Our first morning found some of us cycling the linear paved bike path, towards tourist attractions, while others ventured on short day hikes that would reward them with a reasonable return to camp, early enough to lounge around the campfire, while the extremists were pushing the limits in miles with length, height and climate, especially along the Franconian Ridge, hiking above treeline for about a mile, where weather permitting, you can see the mountains in neighbouring states.

We did all have a common interest: eating a good meal, with plenty enough drinks to wash it down. Yes, that made for a most satisfying day. Then out came the guitar for singing around the campfire. Hmm, next day in the weekend, the options made for a good time. Those that hiked, tried the bike path and vice versa. With several hours left in the day, we headed for home. Four hours later in our own homes, we thought of the fun we had and when we could return to do it again! Since that time, most of us have returned numerous times to try different hikes. This would soon entice some of us towards the 111s...