The rain sounded on my tin roof all night bringing deep dreams of cascading waterfalls and pin-tight turns as “The River” snakes like a vein through Spruce stands and Cedar trees.

Although we have been blessed with large stretches of cloudless days, little paddling has taken place this summer as rainfall has been minimal and rocks show bare in riverbeds.

Not this morning. Today the river was strong.

Cold and Swfit

A flurry of phone calls to my paddling campaneros resulted in a canoe trip on the Upper Saco in Bartlett: above the trestle to put in and the River Street parking lot to take out.

My friend Eric, a boatman from the Allagash to the creeks of Colorado, paddled from the stern position and I from the bow. The beginning stretches allowed little time for conversation as we maneuvered through small seams and avoided armchair-size-boulders.

A standing curler wave obstructed our channel from the right side of the river. Eric turned our bow to run parallel as the downstream gunnel skirted by the wave and a cross stroke from the bow pulled us back into the main current. Beautifully executed; not one word was spoken.

Our canoe drifted in a slow pool, “Why don’t I live here, next to the river?” I exclaimed to no one in particular.

“You should,” responded Eric, “I mean, paddling, it’s what we do.”

Click for river located homes here

** Note: this popular section of river can be found in any AMC River Guide. Expect this section of river navigable in the summer only after several inches of rain and running swift and cold in April and May.

– Call for Ryan the Realtor for home purchase and recreation knowledge (603) 356-7200 ext. 13
Ryan@JTRealty.com

Historic Site Cleaned by Rainbows

A backpack guitar, matted yellow hair stuffed under a ball cap, and life-filled eyes behind thick frames made this dude an atypical hitch-hiker. I pulled over.

“Headed to your National Forest to pray for peace and welcome soldiers home from foreign wars,” this Jim Morison-looking kid said. This was certainly a unique hitch-hiking presentation, “Hop in.”

Apparently the young lad had hitch-hiked from Seattle under the “Good grace of God and people everywhere.” He was certainly self-sufficient with a small Coleman stove strapped to his belongings, a pair of walking sneakers, and a spirited determination to guide him a long.

I pulled the pickup over at my drive, “Sorry man, last stop I offered.”

“If I’m within 10 miles brother, I can walk” he replied jumping out from the bed of the truck. “You should visit us to share a meal and sing some music.” We waived farewell and for a moment I was envious of this dude’s simple lifestyle and maybe a part of youth I’ve lost? I decided a visit was in order.

Three days later some friends and I arrived at the end of a National Forest road and found a colorful sign high in the trees, “Welcome Home.” For some odd reason I was taken aback, after all, I was the guy standing on native ground but decided to let go of proprietary inclinations when I then saw my Jim Morrison buddy cleaning debris from several riverside fire rings.

“Hey guys, welcome home, we’re cleaning up these fire rings and making one, less mess and more communal.” This rainbow was all right with me and with a sweep of his hand he led us to the trail head and began explaining the basic tenets of a Rainbow Gathering.

1. We pray for peace and soldiers

2. We believe gathering on public land is our right granted under the Constitution of the United States and in the minds of our forefathers.

3. Welcome Home

Our guide then radioed us in to “Rainbow Headquarters?” and described our group as “family.” I supposed this routine was a result of pressure from the National Forest Service or Fish and Game employees. Our walk meandered by dry stream beds and gentle ferns brushed our legs as we passed. The silence was eerie. Maybe I expected drums and partially clad dancers in tie-dye clothes?

To the historic site next episode…..

Click here for listings near National Forests

All listing near the White Mountain National Forest

Wind nipped at our collars this past Sunday and we occasionally stamped our feet to shake off the cold, but nonetheless the kids and I embarked on our first ice fishing expedition this season and were rewarded with a twelve inch Rainbow Trout.

Okay, for a three and six year old there may have been more interest in the sledding, chopping of holes, and hot cocoa on the trip home, but we shared a great Sunday and built forever memories.

We fished a small pond in Jackson (I can’t be more specific than that) and I thought of families seeking second homes for the outdoor opportunities Mt. Washington Valley provides.

An ice-fishing expedition may not warrant mystique to flatlanders, but what about Nordic skiing or ice skating in Jackson Village? What about the many ski mountains to choose from?

If you want recreation as a part of your lifestyle, here’s a unique and affordable opportunity in Jackson that does not present itself often.

P.S.  Go Get Your Line Wet!