Loon Mountain Hike

It was a bright and beautiful, early summer day here in Central New Hampshire. A cold front had moved through on Friday, leaving the air crisp and clean. We’d decided some days ago to go to Loon Mountain with the dogs (minus Greta who is still in heat) and ride the trams up to the top, have lunch and then hike down.

I was a little nervous about this hike because of my knee, but I didn’t hesitate as June in the mountains is a glorious time.

My only worry was Fritz.

I love that dog like no other, but…he is terrible in the car and on a leash. He jumps and howls and generally makes himself a pest for all around. I have taken him to “doggy reform school” and when I used the chain collar he listens quite well, but I hate the choke collar.

On the ride up we had Emily and the two pups, and Fritz and Hubby and myself. Em’s parents and their dog rode in another car. Fritz was, his usual terrible self! I kept threatening him with bodily ejection from the car. Somehow we made it to Loon and began unpacking the car and getting our backpacks and hiking sticks out.

Em and I took the pups in the first goldola,

her parents and Kodiak, their dog, in the next. Then poor Hubby in the last gondola with Fritz.

I imagined the chaos erupting in that gondola, but when we got to the top I was delighted to learn that Fritz had actually enjoyed the ride!

We poked around, got some lunch at the “Summit Canteen”, and then about the time we were due to start hiking down, Hubby lost the hold on Fritz’s leash. Fritz took off and headed back to the gondola and jumped into the open door! Em’s Dad ran after him and grabbed him and got him out before we had to watch him disappear down the mountain!

The scenery was so beautiful. I wish I could have had you all with us. The Lupines were in full bloom painting the mountyainsides with white and purple.

It was so much fun to walk down the very slopes that we ski in the winter. How different they look with emerald green grass and the trees completely leafed out.

I did pretty well, but about half way down the old knee gave out and I was forced to put on the knee brace. Now to accomplish this we had to scoot the guys ahead and Em’s Mom helped protect my modesty so I could slip off my jeans, put on the brace and then get myself all together again. I did it without missing a beat!

I used two hiking poles (wish they’d been crutches!) and got down the mountain. Then I just wanted to rest. Everyone but Arnie and me rode up the mountain again, but this time they all rode down on the gondola. The funniest sight all day was watching Fritz come back into the gondola loading area. I was hoping to capture that imagine, but a little boy was holding Arnie and I couldn’t get my camera out.

So tonight I am sitting in my chair with my knee pillow comforting Greta, who, of course is feeling sad at having been left behind.

The question is, will Hubby and I be able to move tomorrow?

The sunset Saturday night across the lake.