Spring Hiking in the Upper Valley 5-16

[grouseking]

I took a walk last Saturday to Smith Pond in Enfield, but was turned around by the severe thunderstorm. So we tried to hike the whole way yesterday, and were successful. Mattl and I even got a little bushwhacking done, looking for some peaks, and we looked around for trails, and just followed them to see where they lead. It was definitely an adventure day. I'm not going to give the trail names, but if you live in the area and are interested, send me a PM.

Our hiking companion:


Smith Pond Brook






The trail along the brook made its way up the hill slowly, until we made a turn up another trail to tackle the fairly steep ridge. Once we made it to the top, there was one small view:


A little bit later, we came across a small cascade/waterfall, just before a beaver dam which made a small beaver pond, which was immediately before Smith Pond.


Bentley, urging us on!


We then made it to a Beaver Pond, with lots of moose sign. This pond was located just below Smith Pond.


continued in a minute

 

[grouseking]

Part Deux

We made it to Smith Pond, and the winds picked up drastically...prob in the 20-25 mph range. It was a nice breeze because it kept the bugs at bay. They seem to be out in force earlier than the last several years. After hanging out for a minute, we heard a loud crashing in the trees and a moose took off and ran back into the woods. It was too fast for us to get a pic, but it sure took care of a tree! After that, we hiked around Smith Pond, and did some minor bushwhacks to see if we could find any prominent viewpoints. Nothing was found, but I'm sure there is something.

Bentley loved the pond and was swimming for almost the entire 2 hours we were up there. It was fun watching him play.

Smith Pond








A dam that was built by the Shakers, which is apparently in need of a face lift. Really cool structure.


On a little 'whack, saw this cool tree.


On the way down, we were taking a trail that passed by a couple other beaver ponds, and then Bentley ran off the trail and was "playing" with something. He came back a few seconds later and immediately went back into the woods. It was at that time I could see this really fat, badger looking animal climbing up a tree, and Bentley was trying to jump up and get it! Mattl went in there to get the dog, and he saw that it was a huge porcupine...prob 35+ pounds. He got a picture of it....


Bentley was lucky, though he did get some quills in him, thankfully not in his face. This just looks painful!


After about 10-15 min of Matt getting the quills out, we prob had been bitten by about 300 black flies, so it was time to get going. I must say, the bugs are already terrible this year. We followed the trail, which suddenly dropped off the face of the Earth (really steep) and it met up with the ridge trail that we took up, and this eventually led us back to the car.

Despite having an encounter with a porcupine, Bentley was still patiently waiting for us to come down the trail. I love this picture.


Enjoy!
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/572149603BSiTOL

grouseking

 

[adktyler]

Oh man, gotta love dogs! At least the quills weren't in any worse place!

Very nice pictures and trip report!

 

[Mattl]

Your pics came out nice, by the way, Bentley is limping now on his right front leg. I made sure I got all the quills out, but I think it is still a little raw. Anyone on here know a good treatment for it, or if any attention is needed further?

 

[grouseking]

Your pics came out nice, by the way, Bentley is limping now on his right front leg. I made sure I got all the quills out, but I think it is still a little raw. Anyone on here know a good treatment for it, or if any attention is needed further?

That porcupine was really larger than life. At first it almost looked like a prehistoric beaver. haha