Lake Massasecum overlook on Guild Hill
Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway (elsewhere referred to as SRKG on this blog) hosted another in their series of winter hikes this past weekend on privately conserved land in Bradford. The 89 property includes part of Guild Hill, a prominent overlook to Lake Massasecum. Of historical significance, it was originally part of one of the “Great Lots” granted to John Mason by the King of England in the 17th century. In 2005, the land was placed into conservation under the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust.
A short walk to the trailhead preceded the hike:
Warming up
Getting started at the trailhead:
The old, abandoned stretch of road
A local celebrity was spotted along the way:
Hike leader, George, stops to point out the Merrimack County Big Tree Champion:
A stately White Ash
The ancient giant above is listed in the NH Big Tree Register and also reigns as the NH state co-champion.
Paper birch – Ernest Thompson Seton’s “White Queen of the Woods”
Red cedar – aka canoe cedar, known chiefly for its durability.
And this embattled warrior
Snowshoe hare tracks dotted the landscape:
A moose bark scraping was not far behind:
A territorial marking. The nutritious cambium layer of the bark also makes for a tasty winter snack.
Friends Laurie and Anna were on the trail, with their dogs Goose and Bella:
Impressive views of Lake Massasecum were a highlight of the day:
Overlooking the lake
Loon Island
Spotting friends’ and neighbors’ houses from afar
Goose and Bella, yukking it up
The trail map was consulted before heading back….
…and the youngest member of the troop decided it was time for a nap
Carry in, carry out
A delicious post-hike lunch was hosted by George & Kim:
Heating up the chili
Cookies, cornbread and other goodies
A happy taste tester
Relaxing after the long day
An altogether glorious, winter afternoon:
Related sites of interest:
Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust – http://ausbonsargent.org
NH Big Tree Register – http://extension.unh.edu/Trees/NH-Big-Tree-Program
Rural New Hampshire 