Copy/Repost Hike

After postponing the hike by a day due to the weather, 6 of us met up on Sunday.  The group included Paul, Rick, Woody, Johnny, Eric and myself.  The day started out foggy and overcast when we arrived at the parking area, but luckily it improved splendidly throughout the day.  We got ourselves ready and started out just before 10AM.  The first part of the hike encircled Hatch Mill Pond with a side trip up to the summit of Goodhue Hill.  At the top there is a nice vantage point for a view, but unfortunately it was still foggy and we really couldn't make anything out to the south.  We hung out here for a bit before descending back to the pond.  By the time we got back to Hatch Mill Pond, the skies had cleared and we got a clear view of Bald Mountain, which was just above the opposite shore.  We then continued around the other side, back to the road and proceeded to the boat launch at Willard Pond for a wide open view of the water.  In the water we observed quite a few salamanders swimming around.  We backtracked to the Tudor Trail and took this.  The Tudor Trail follows the western shore of Willard Pond.  At the junction with the Bald Mountain Trail it continues as a spur trail out to Pine Point.  We took the spur to the end and enjoyed our lunches out at the point.  This offered views out on the pond, to Mt. Skatutakee and to Bald Mtn.  After lunch we headed back to the Bald Mtn. Trail and started climbing.  This trail has some moderate steepness to it, but we took our time with several breaks along the way.  At about two-thirds of the way up to the summit, there are a few ledges with wonderful views out across the pond and to the surrounding peaks including Mt. Monadnock to the south.  At the first of these open ledges we enjoyed an extended break.  Afterwards we continued making our way to the summit, which is an open granite area totally enclosed by trees.  From here we finally started heading back to the parking lot along the Tamposi Trail.  Along the way we passed the junction with a spur trail which goes out to a sister peak...it was my original intention to do this as well; however, the sun was starting to go down so we just headed down.  We reached our cars at about 3:45PM.  From here we headed to downtown Antrim to cap the day off at Rick & Diane's Restaurant.

It was a beautiful day to be outside.  Thanks to Paul, Rick, Woody, Johnny and Eric for joining me on this hike.  You all made it a very enjoyable Sunday!

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