Russell Pond Camping – September 1-2, 2018

Saturday morning Mat went to pick up transportation at Hertz and the rental van was nowhere to be found! After making some last minute phone calls the manager at Avis in Marlborough was kind enough to rent our group a beautiful 12-passenger van with a MAJOR discount, saving us in the nick of time. With some ambient Kanye West in the background and ample conversation about video games 4 youth participants from the Seaport Academy and 2 adults made our way up to NH.

Our first stop was the Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, a local swimming hole that featured a small gorge with incredible carved out rocks. From there we went to Russell Pond. The campsite was tight for seven people, but we found a way to fit all of our tents. A few individuals went down to the pond, while the rest of the group began preparing dinner. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner and played the question game until 12:00.
Two of the students stayed up late (3:00AM!) discussing life and appreciating the glow of the fire.

Sunday morning was a slow start due to the festivities Saturday night, but all the troops were rallied at 10:00, and we departed the campsite at 12:00 for Mt. Pemigewasset. The hike was perfect for the needs of our group, a 3.2 round-trip hike with a beautiful view at the top. Our crew had a wide range of hiking abilities but everyone made it to the top and enjoyed a picnic lunch at the summit.

After returning from the hike we jumped in the van and hit up the Kancamagus Highway for the last few hours of good daylight. We stopped at a sweet overview and a picnic area called Otter Rocks. Some light splashing turned into an all-out water fight, and a few students willingly got drenched. It was great to see the “tough guys” let down their guard and bring out the five year olds within.

Sunday night was burritos and hot dogs. Most of the crew was too tired to stay up late, by 11:00PM everyone retired to their tents. Early Monday a few students woke up with Mat to check out the morning fog on Russell Pond and enjoy a brief meditation/reflection session. The group ate a light breakfast and bid farewell to our home away from home.

-Mat