We have been spending lots of time at camp lately. It is such a good spot to stay isolated and avoid the pandemic craziness. We know we are fortunate to have this escape and we try to take advantage of everything the lakes region has to offer.
He’s probably a bit too big for the backpack but Kai was not about to hike the mountain on his own!
Mt. Molly is a great little ‘mountain’ right beyond the banks of Merrymeeting Lake, where our camp is located. I have hiked it hundreds of times…with campers, with friends and even a daily run up to the summit while training for a Tough Mudder in 2010. Taking my own kids up, though, is a new and awesome experience.
The trail up. Not much snow this year!
With almost no snow and mild temps the going was easy even with 40 pounds on my back (some combination of Kai (3 years old) and snacks for Kai (limitless). We talked about trees, animal tracks and rocks for the whole 25 minute trek up to the peak.
At the top we soaked up the sun and took in the views of the lake and surrounding hills. We spotted a bald eagle, a hawk and a few airplanes as well!
Of course I had to fly camp’s new drone on this gorgeous bluebird day! The above shot is from about 1,200 feet above the summit of Mt. Molly looking out over Lake Winnipesaukee. Gorgeous.
Merrymeeting Lake
From the same altitude I snapped a few shots of Merrymeeting. The sun glare was pretty intense so the back side of the lake was the only picture that was worth keeping. As you can see, mid January and not even close to frozen!
Look up, look down.
The above shot is of the peak of Mt. Molly. We are standing directly in the middle (if you zoom in you can see us standing near my black coat which I used as a takeoff/landing pad for the drone.
The hike down was quick and Kai loved every second of the day. Being in the outdoors is the best!