The Summer of ?

[thinkxingu]

With all the activities in the Lakes/White Mountains regions, every summer is different.

For us, this has been the Summer of Hiking and Ice Cream. We've only taken the boat out 5 or 6 times, but my son and I have logged over 300 miles of hiking; bagged 22 4K's and 8 52WAV's; completed Yosemite's Grand Canyon of the Tuolomne and Mist Trail; and spent hours and hours wandering the Belknaps, local rail trails, etc.

Though Yosemite was the highlight, of course, I very much enjoyed doing the Prezis and Ridge again, completing the Wildcats/Carters Traverse, and spending a day alone in the Pemi Wilderness getting Owl's Head.

We've also hit up a ton of ice cream shops, mostly on warm nights with the top down on the Bronco. Here's the current list: Liliuokalani’s, Kellerhaus, Ice Out Scoops, Center Harbor Scoops, Bobby Sue's, Trail's End, Super Secret Ice Cream, Ice House Creamery, Eldridge's Sugar Shack, The Maple Creamery, and Town Docks.


SO: what's YOUR summer been filled with, any other hikers here get some good miles in, and what other ice cream shops MUST we visit before summer '26 is over?!

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[BroadHopper]

My granddaughter is hiking the AT, starting in Georgia and ending at Mt Katahdin. She just hit Maine!

This got the rest of the family going! I am a member of the 'Peakers' and '52 with a View'. At 76, I am slowing down, but I am taking the other grands on great hikes throughout the state, VT and Maine. Only used the boat twice. I did not miss it.

We are not ice cream lovers, more farm to table. Many of the hostels served great and nutritional food! And I don't miss the fancy pansy restaurants.

I am amazed how the grandkids adopt the free spirit of nature and embrace the lifestyle I grew up with in the 70s.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

My granddaughter is hiking the AT, starting in Georgia and ending at Mt Katahdin. She just hit Maine!

This got the rest of the family going! I am a member of the 'Peakers' and '52 with a View'. At 76, I am slowing down, but I am taking the other grands on great hikes throughout the state, VT and Maine. Only used the boat twice. I did not miss it.

We are not ice cream lovers, more farm to table. Many of the hostels served great and nutritional food! And I don't miss the fancy pansy restaurants.

I am amazed how the grandkids adopt the free spirit of nature and embrace the lifestyle I grew up with in the 70s.

I think I met your granddaughter on the trail last week! We were on the Garfield Ridge Trail, which would make perfect sense if she just hit Maine.

If it was her, she was walking with at least one other young woman and was very bubbly/friendly/cheerful at a time when others were STRUGGLING down from Garfield. I often ask for trail names but did not this time, but she definitely looks like the woman we talked to.

Either way, the Mahoosucs—often considered the hardest of the whole AT—are best done after conditioning in The Whites!

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[Biggd]

It's been different for my family also. After almost 12 years of renovating my Lake home there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The grand kids are older now and are in all kinds of sports, so they don't really get to come up as much, so we've been entertaining friends more.
Also, I have an ATV and I've finally been hitting the trails up north more often.
The boat doesn't seem to get as much use anymore.
It's going to be a quiet Labor Day weekend this year.
I enjoy hiking but my wife is not really able to keep up with me anymore, even the one mile walks to town are getting tough for her because of the hills.

[Garcia]

Not on the island as much as last year but when here it's been great. Being here reminds me how much I am looking forward to retirement and spending more time here during the fall and spring shoulder seasons. A few years away still, but nice to plan for.

[DickR]

I hike with the Over The Hill Hikers. Our part of the group has been doing mainly the 4K, hitting many on the "needs/wants" lists of the hikers this year. Last summer I finished my "48/80" round and got the patch. This year one of the women will finish hers, and many aren't far from finishing a first round. At 82 I'm definitely slowing down, though, and on most of the hikes I barely make "book time" up. I've figured I'd concentrate more on the 52WAV when I got old, and I guess that time is fast approaching. I don't use the boat much anymore; that's mainly for the kids at this point.

[bobkatfly]

Did a lot of the 4K when I was younger. These days it's been mostly the Ossipee mountains. Mt Roberts, Shaw, Turtleback and smaller peaks in the area. Gotta get over to the Belknaps one of these days. Lot of boating with the kids. My two grandkids live with me and I'm building a basement apartment so time is.... well, you can imagine. Also got a little fly fishing in (never enough though). Next year the basement should be behind me so if the legs, knee's and back hold up I should be good.

[chachee52]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

We are not ice cream lovers, more farm to table. Many of the hostels served great and nutritional food! And I don't miss the fancy pansy restaurants.

Dracut MA, Shaw Farm. Has a sign on the door "if they say their ice cream is fresh ask to see the cows". And their cows are right on the other side of the road. Creamiest Ice cream I've ever had. Man I miss being right around the corner from there!!! Awesome chocolate milk too

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by chachee52

Dracut MA, Shaw Farm. Has a sign on the door "if they say their ice cream is fresh ask to see the cows". And their cows are right on the other side of the road. Creamiest Ice cream I've ever had. Man I miss being right around the corner from there!!! Awesome chocolate milk too

I grew up a mile from Shaw's and miss the days of their chocolate milk with Royal Feast potato chips while sitting on the bridge/culvert at the edge of the fields. *sigh*

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[ghfromaltonbay]

After 40 years of leasing a cottage at Sandy Point, we decided not to return since the new owners raised the lease price by 110% and the dock rental by 350%. It was almost as painful as losing my childhood home, which also happened this year after my mom died. We rented a cute cottage at the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center for most of August and have our jet ski at our generous friends' place. They have a spare lift. We will return for another stay after Labor Day, but Sandy Point won't be our home away from home any time soon.

[8gv]

This is the summer of coded language from hikers.

For an avid neighborhood hobbler like me, please explain... what does all that stuff mean?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by 8gv

This is the summer of coded language from hikers.

For an avid neighborhood hobbler like me, please explain... what does all that stuff mean?

If you're referring to the "48's" and "52's," they're lists of summits in NH.

The 48 is all the summits over 4,000 feet and the 52WAV is a list of 52 summits With a View.

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[8gv]

Thank you.

What is a 48/80?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by 8gv

Thank you.

What is a 48/80?

It's doing all 48 4000' summits in NH...in your 80's, which is an awesome achievement (and testament to health!).

The Over the Hill Hikers is also the group that created/maintains the 52WAV list, which—in my opinion—is the better of the two lists, as those summits are almost all gorgeous (and attainable).

The 48 is a cool list and great accomplishment, but a fair number of the summits are lame. For example, Hale, Owl's Head, and Galehead are all treed summits and Owl's Head requires a whole day hike just to get to the climb.

There are a lot of other lists—I've posted them somewhere on another thread—but those two are certainly the most popular.

I know you said you're not much into hiking, but the Belknap Range, which you live close to, has some really great stuff without being too crazy. There's also Pine Mountain in Alton, which looks great (but I've but yet been).

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[BroadHopper]

I believe indeed you met my granddaughter. "Butterfly" is well on her way to the end of the trail. We will meet one last time at Saddleback before she finishes.
Saddleback is my favorite place to ski! Rangeley Lake is far quieter than any of the lakes in the Lakes Region. Great fishing, kayaking, and pontooning without having to worry about the crazy people. The place I rent is far cheaper than any I can imagine!
I used to live in Dracut for 18 years. Back then property taxes were cheap as I work at Sanders across the border and always shop in NH. Shaw Farm was a go to then as was Kimball farm in Chelmsford. I used to do a lot of country dancing at the 'chicken ranch' and El Paso. Great times!

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It's doing all 48 4000' summits in NH...in your 80's, which is an awesome achievement (and testament to health!).

The Over the Hill Hikers is also the group that created/maintains the 52WAV list, which—in my opinion—is the better of the two lists, as those summits are almost all gorgeous (and attainable).

The 48 is a cool list and great accomplishment, but a fair number of the summits are lame. For example, Hale, Owl's Head, and Galehead are all treed summits and Owl's Head requires a whole day hike just to get to the climb.

There are a lot of other lists—I've posted them somewhere on another thread—but those two are certainly the most popular.

I know you said you're not much into hiking, but the Belknap Range, which you live close to, has some really great stuff without being too crazy. There's also Pine Mountain in Alton, which looks great (but I've but yet been).

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Pine Mt this year, Taylor Community hiking group.

Alan

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Pine Mt this year, Taylor Community hiking group.

Alan

That is awesome Alan!

Dan

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It's doing all 48 4000' summits in NH...in your 80's, which is an awesome achievement (and testament to health!).

The Over the Hill Hikers is also the group that created/maintains the 52WAV list, which—in my opinion—is the better of the two lists, as those summits are almost all gorgeous (and attainable).

The 48 is a cool list and great accomplishment, but a fair number of the summits are lame. For example, Hale, Owl's Head, and Galehead are all treed summits and Owl's Head requires a whole day hike just to get to the climb.

There are a lot of other lists—I've posted them somewhere on another thread—but those two are certainly the most popular.

I know you said you're not much into hiking, but the Belknap Range, which you live close to, has some really great stuff without being too crazy. There's also Pine Mountain in Alton, which looks great (but I've but yet been).

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48/80 is certainly an accomplishment!

Something to aspire to!

Another fun, attainable, list to work on that is mostly local to the lakes is the “Firetower” hikes. We did that a few winters back and earned our patch.

Hiking is all good!

[phoenix]

Sandy Point had the best baked stuffed lobsters

[8gv]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It's doing all 48 4000' summits in NH...in your 80's, which is an awesome achievement (and testament to health!).

The Over the Hill Hikers is also the group that created/maintains the 52WAV list, which—in my opinion—is the better of the two lists, as those summits are almost all gorgeous (and attainable).

The 48 is a cool list and great accomplishment, but a fair number of the summits are lame. For example, Hale, Owl's Head, and Galehead are all treed summits and Owl's Head requires a whole day hike just to get to the climb.

There are a lot of other lists—I've posted them somewhere on another thread—but those two are certainly the most popular.

I know you said you're not much into hiking, but the Belknap Range, which you live close to, has some really great stuff without being too crazy. There's also Pine Mountain in Alton, which looks great (but I've but yet been).

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Wow!

If I make it to 80 a hike will be shopping at Lowes.

[BroadHopper]

My granddaughter will finish this weekend at Mt. Katahdin. Just in time for the Trail's End Festival in Millinocket! Heading up tomorrow and stay for the festival and pickup my granddaughter. I won't be meeting her at the top of Katahdin as I just had 6 spinal injections and the doctor told me to hold off on that.

I've only had one trip in the boat tis year! Time to sell a boat which in a covered boat slip for the last decade. Anyone interested in a 'baby' Formula F-223LS?

[fatlazyless]

July 4 dock installation gave me the poison ivy, big time, on my legs, and July 10 swimming in Corcoran's Pond close to the dam gave me duck itch, big time, on my arms ....... a double trouble whammy ....... ...... and double ugh!

I turn 75 in a couple weeks and now have new respect for poison ivy and duck itch skin problems ...... but am still .... .... smiling ..... and looking forward to next summer ..... 2027 ...... the summer of love, or something! ..... ala the summer of love in 1967 ...... 60-years later.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

My granddaughter will finish this weekend at Mt. Katahdin. Just in time for the Trail's End Festival in Millinocket! Heading up tomorrow and stay for the festival and pickup my granddaughter. I won't be meeting her at the top of Katahdin as I just had 6 spinal injections and the doctor told me to hold off on that.

I've only had one trip in the boat tis year! Time to sell a boat stored in a boat for the last decade. Anyone interested in a 'baby' Formula F-223LS?

Sounds like the bat would be a great gift for your granddaughter, keep it in the family a while longer...and you won't have to violate Dr's orders to see her.

[steve-on-mark]

Summer?? Just one s*** show after the next. Started with not one but both our boats breaking down on Father's Day, followed by a season of chaos, damage, power and Internet issues..I could go on. Ever see the old cartoon where all the houses were basking in beautiful sun, but one house in the neighborhood was covered in dark clouds and lightning bolts? Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Lake 18 inches low? Why would that surprise me! 2027 can't come soon enough, so until then I'll just expect the worst but hope for the best!

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[John Mercier]

I think we are on the brink of another 2008.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I think we are on the brink of another 2008.

I've long thought that the next recession will be the result of personal debt, which broke records a few months ago at almost $19 trillion.

Continued inflation and the highest gas/diesel/heating fuel costs in a long while will almost certainly begin to impact people's ability to pay back debt...which could have massive impacts on the economy.

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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I think we are on the brink of another 2008.

Lake property listings are at their highest since before Covid.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Lake property listings are at their highest since before Covid.

Yes, but hasn't the rapid pace of sales slowed down a bit ?

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Yes, but hasn't the rapid pace of sales slowed down a bit ?

Absolutely, supply and demand! Eventually prices will have to stabilize or even come down.

[John Mercier]

Not sure about trouble paying back... but definitely going to see discretionary spending need to slow.

[codeman671]

This was the summer of outdoor projects and pool life for us. We have done a lot of landscaping and put a gorgeous pool and pool house in, so we haven't been on the water much. Still taking some time for me to adjust to sitting around a pool, doing nothing all day when I am used to being on a boat, on an island, etc. We have had the surf boat only a couple of times, and I haven't touched the pwc since we launched on July 4th.

Been to a few concerts, including one with Ishoot308. A few poolside get-togethers with Steve-on-Mark (he likes mudslides) and other friends have rounded out the summer. Now its soccer season and time to think about fall/winter projects and pulling the fleet.

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by codeman671

This was the summer of outdoor projects and pool life for us. We have done a lot of landscaping and put a gorgeous pool and pool house in, so we haven't been on the water much. Still taking some time for me to adjust to sitting around a pool, doing nothing all day when I am used to being on a boat, on an island, etc. We have had the surf boat only a couple of times, and I haven't touched the pwc since we launched on July 4th.

Been to a few concerts, including one with Ishoot308. A few poolside get-togethers with Steve-on-Mark (he likes mudslides) and other friends have rounded out the summer. Now its soccer season and time to think about fall/winter projects and pulling the fleet.

Who wouldn't love mudslides???

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[ishoot308]

I call this “The summer that went by too quick”….and as I get older they seem to go by quicker! Stop it!!

Dan

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I call this “The summer that went by too quick”….and as I get older they seem to go by quicker! Stop it!!

Dan

I agree - and look forward to retirement, still a few years down the road, so I can be there for weeks on end in September and October.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Garcia

I agree - and look forward to retirement, still a few years down the road, so I can be there for weeks on end in September and October.

I'm retired, I think it goes quicker after you stop working.

[tis]

I totally agree, the older you get, the faster time goes.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Garcia

I agree - and look forward to retirement, still a few years down the road, so I can be there for weeks on end in September and October.

OK, but make sure your boat is in a deep water slip!

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Garcia

I agree - and look forward to retirement, still a few years down the road, so I can be there for weeks on end in September and October.

You can retire sooner than you might think. The only ones who want you to do a lot of "retirement planning" are selling services on commission. Once you've actually retired (even part time retired) you don't need them anymore. Add some bps to your ROI. No more commuting, no more "I gave at the office".

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by tis

I totally agree, the older you get, the faster time goes.

Maybe because we aren't watching the clock anymore.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Maybe because we aren't watching the clock anymore.

But we also get busier. How did we ever work?

[Mr. V]

...my discontent.