I found myself under the weather on a recent fall weekend with crisp colors and ideal hiking weather. This was not part of the plan, as fall offers so many festivals, fairs, and outdoor activities, but I had to listen to my body. ‘SLOW DOWN’ it was saying. The weather was so perfect, though, so I decided to lounge outdoors with binoculars around my neck, and keep my germs to myself. Besides, it was ‘Big Sit’ weekend, so I felt somewhat validated in this choice. 

Come late summer, you’ll find me out exploring one of the area’s many wetland waterways by kayak or canoe. This must-do destination at this time of year is a broad impounded section of the Contoocook River known as Powder Mill Pond, which straddles Hancock and Bennington. There are other, wild places that I’ll leave to your own (and mine) imaginations and personal lists. I don’t go to Powder Mill to hide out, but when I do paddle here, I’m often the only watercraft in sight on this broad, dammed river. Most may know the boat launch on Route 202 where old railroad tracks lie alongside the pond edge and people fish on summer weekends. From here stands your best chance of viewing the nesting bald eagles from the roadside. Their nest tree, a tall pine on the northern point of a wooded island in the pond, is a prominent feature – if you know where to find it. And, of course, there is the official NH Fish & Game boat launch in Greenfield by the covered bridge, an excellent approach in its own right.