2.June

•  We tried to beat the heat by going for an early-ish morning walk with Neko.  By 8:30 it was already hot and humid.
• Paul convinced me into taking the kayaks out to the Merrimack River.  We were gone for a couple of hours in the late morning.  We spent some time in a shallow spot so Neko could get out and swim.  I had to agree with Paul it was a good idea.
• Brought the screen door from the slider to the hardware store to have a new screen installed.  Hopefully the new one will be more cat-proof.
• Big wind and thunderstorm moved in before dinner.  Heavy rain and lots of lightning.  We had one tomato plant casualty from the wind.
• Salmon over greens from the garden for dinner.  
• We watched an episode each of Modern Family and The Middle as a family before saying goodnight to A and C.

Neko's First Swim

Neko has his first introduction to water at the Merrimack River.  Although he was reluctant at first within minutes he had warmed up to the idea and was bounding along the shallow sandbars and swimming out in deeper water.  

Next up will be getting him in the canoe and kayak.  Our trip to Umbagog is in three weeks.  We need to get this puppy feeling secure in the water and on the water.

Another Weekend Walk

The last few weekends, per Chance's request, we have gone for a nature walk. Our destination today was a favorite walk along the Merrimack River at the Society for the Protection of NH Forests.






The highlight of the walk was leaping over the canyons formed by erosion.

While A&C are away....

With A&C in Maine, Paul and I took the opportunity to pack up the kayaks and our tent for an overnight camping trip on the river. We put in just past the County Jail in Boscawen (Gerrish on the map) and paddled up river to a tiny island just outside of Franklin (near Webster Place on the map).


This part of the river was a stretch we had never paddled before. There were two spots where I had to get out and tow the kayak because the current was too strong. Other than that it was a relaxing and very quiet afternoon. We encountered only six other people the entire day and lots of wildlife including an eagle, beaver, otter, ginormous turtle, blue herons, and ducks.










At about 5:00 we came upon a rocky island that would be our campsite for the night. We had a simple dinner of rice and beans. As we watched the full moon rise we talked of our dream of a house in the country. The dream we really want to make a reality. And then we slept soundly beneath the full moon.

Merrimack River with the Reeves

Quick Paddle

Late September Trip on Merrimack

Paul and Pam's View - Trip Down the Merrimack

The Merrimack River beckoned us on another hot day. This time we put A&C into their own shallow canoe that Todd built. They worked together pretty well for a bit.

And then the heat made them abandon ship. They floated awhile down the river. (Mom saved the ship.)

Until a rope swing caught their eyes. We spent a long while here. I was wishing I had my swimsuit on so I could give it a try. Next time. It was fun to watch. They have such different styles from each other. Alix lets go of the rope on the swig out often early. Chance swing out far and usually won't let go until the swing back in. They had a super time. It was hard to get them back into the boat for the paddle back.