Copy/Repost Hike

If you missed it, then you missed the camaraderie and magic of a great Glamping Weekend in New Hampshire’s White Mountains! I think GayOutdoors being a men’s group makes for a better time. Mad River Retreat is FABULOUS! From the views extending for miles from the house, to the bunk rooms, to bordering the Mad River, the house is perfect for GayOutdoors members. Jon and I gave a warm greeting to everyone as they arrived.    

Wayland, Gaston and Stacy joined us for the weekend at our house in Waterville Valley. Everyone arrived by 5PM, and spent the evening socializing on the deck with spectacular views of the Sandwich Range and Mad River. We put together a communal cooler for everyone to put their beer and wine into so we got to sample what everyone brought. We shared appetizers on the deck and later on Jon made a big batch of Lo Mein for dinner if anyone wanted any. Mad River Retreat is the perfect place to get away from everyday stress. As it got darker, we saw the Buck Full Moon rise from behind the mountains. We finished off the evening soaking in in the hot tub under a full moon with billions of stars above us!

We woke up to a beautiful sunny day with temperatures expected to get near 80 degrees by mid-afternoon. After a leisurely morning, we drove to Quincy Bog in Plymouth for a short hike.  Okay, this is not the sort of trail one would get lost in the woods, but you can get so captivated with all the wildlife, you never know. We had lots of fun guided by our fearless leader, Jon. We walked around the Quincy Bog using boardwalks and shoreline trails. Some of the highlights was the peacefulness and lily pads of the bog, the wobbly Buckley Bridge where it felt like we had one too many beers, a very strange looking yellow flower, great blue heron, lots of ducks & geese and found out what these strange men dressed in camouflage with nets were up to [trapping dragonflies and identifying them.] But whatever our tastes in nature, we all seemed to have a good time walking the trails and reaching the highpoint at the ledges. The conversations were as relaxed as the hike itself.  There was no rush and the weather was perfect. We stopped by the Nature Center where the Bog Host informed us that already 150 people had visited. Inside, we examined a display of interesting artifacts found at the bog exhibits and a number of books. All in all, it was an enjoyable outing.

Afterwards we drove to Waterville Valley for a swim in Corcoran Pond. The pond was crystal clear and water temperature felt like lake water. We got our beach chairs setup and got ourselves settled for a relaxing afternoon by the pond!  

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we returned back to the house deck for some appetizers brought in by everyone and some beer/wine while enjoying the spectacular views. Everyone stepped up and brought some delicious dishes for the potluck. Jon ended up being the grill master cooking up mouthwatering salmon and crab cakes in the oven; homemade American Chop Suey on the stove top; and grilled seasoned chicken breasts, steak tips and asparagus.  Top it off with a fresh salad and nobody left the table hungry! Later we had a trifle topped with chocolate and almonds. We then went upstairs in the loft to watch and adventure racing program and finished the evening with another session in the hot tub!

For over 25 years, Gay Outdoors has been dedicated to helping gay and gay friendly men each other online to participate in outdoor activities run by volunteers who post them in our activities calendar. We promote a safe, healthy and positive lifestyle for gay and gay friendly men. Thanks to all of us that signed up and participated! We had a fun and relaxing time. We hope to see you on our other trips real soon!

Mike and Jon

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