Boxing Day Hike to Mt Pierce

Warm temperatures and crystal clear skies afforded the opportunity to hike one of the 4000 footers. We took a familiar and favorite drive to Crawford Notch to hike Mt Pierce (4311 ft). The temperatures were in the high 50's when we left the parking lot just opposite the AMC Highland Center. We followed Crawford Path to the summit of Mt Pierce.  Crawford Path is the oldest continually maintained hiking path in the US and is popular approach to many of the Presidential Sumits. The summit of Mt Pierce offered amazing views and we enjoyed the company of a few fellow hikers.  We returned to the car via the Mizpah hut which is closed in the winter but offered an open sheltered spot for lunch.  We rejoined Crawford Path for an easy return to the car.  While we hoped to be skiing, a 4000 footer in September-like weather is not a bad way to spend our Christmas vacation!

Crawford Path: Approaching ridgeline to the summit of Mt Pierce

Just below the summit of Mt Pierce with views to Mt Washington

Summit of Mt Pierce

Lunch at Mizpah hut

Kokee taking a cleansing swim before heading to the car.

Christmas in New Hampshire

Merry Christmas!  We celebrated a quiet Christmas in New Hampshire with record breaking temperatures and clear skies.  

Fueled by pastries from the Vintage Baking Co we traveled to Gorham NH to hike Pine Mountain. The description of the short loop hike goes something like "incredible 360 views with very little effort". Indeed it was a great little hike, and a perfect return to hiking in the White Mountains following seven weeks of recuperation for Sheri.   We had incredible views to Mt Washington and to Mt Moriah.

We spent Christmas afternoon opening gifts from friends, family and each other while drinking mulled wine.  We had a simple dinner of salad, Christmas quiche (new tradition?), and Christmas cake (Sheri's first attempt at an old tradition). Many thanks to our families for the thoughtful, creative and useful gifts and best wishes to all. We hope you are enjoying some special time with friends and family and doing what you enjoy.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We have had unseasonably warm temperatures in the Northeast with high temperatures in the 50-60's for most of December.  While it is tempting to start planing seeds in the garden, we have been making preparations for the holidays.  Warm weather has made outside decorating a breeze, so Santa and the flamingos keeping the neighbors amused. Sheri is making a tradition English Christmas cake which involves lots of sherry, fruit, marzipan and royal icing.  Even the cactus seems to know Christmas is coming.  The only thing lacking is a little of the white stuff.  

Santa and his team of flamingos

Adding a little sherry to the Christmas Cake 

 The Christmas cactus flowers for Christmas

Real Ale Thursday

Enjoying my prize from our department Christmas party - a growler of "Lonesome Boatman Ale" from the Outerlight Brewing Company in Groton (just down the road from Pfizer) 

www.outerlightbrewing.com