Day Tripping

On the Trail to Serenity in Sandwich, NH

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Nice weather is quite an enticement to leave work behind for a few hours whenever possible. At least I have always found that to be the case. We have had less-than-stellar weather this spring, so I was delighted when warm weather and brilliant sunshine was in the forecast on a recent weekday in May. Thus, I thought, “Why not leave my work behind and go on a nice walk on a nature trail?”

Nature areas abound in the Lakes Region and these places offer a lot to those who want to get outside and into the woods. Although I am not an intrepid mountain climber or long-distance hiker, I enjoy being outside in the spring, summer and fall. But after knee surgery a few years ago, I know my limitations and do not venture on risky, steep trails when I am alone.

On that particular fine day I was looking for a trail that was relatively flat, well marked and not too long. It took a bit of browsing online to find a trail that fit my criteria. If you are looking for hiking trails or paths, I suggest you check the websites for the NH Audubon Society (www.nhaudubon.org), the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests (www.forestsociety.org) or the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (www.lrct.org), because all list conserved areas where you can hike.

On the NH Audubon Society’s website that I found a gem – the Alice Bemis Thompson Wildlife Area on Rt. 113 in Sandwich. The area seemed to have everything I was looking for: a flat, well-groomed pathway, a wonderful boardwalk with raised viewing areas over the expanse of water/marshland which I was sure was teeming with wildlife, and a small, yet good parking area.

The beginning of the trail at the Thompson Area in Sandwich, NH.

Deciding to leave my work on the desk and head out to explore the Thompson Area, I packed a lunch, bug spray, plenty of water, a hat, a change of pants and socks in case I should encounter any ticks and my drawing/watercolor supplies. (I enjoy sketching landscapes and this spot might offer some nice places for drawing.) I also texted my husband to let him know where I was headed, something that is particularly important should you be venturing out alone.

I headed from the Gilford area on Rt. 11 to Alton Bay and was glad to see that others were taking walks on the beautiful, sunny day. It lifted my spirits, after the long winter and cold spring – not to mention the uncertainties and stresses of the COVID virus – to see others outside enjoying the fine weather, even as we continue to social distance.

From Alton Bay, I took Rt. 28 to Wolfeboro and headed on Rt. 109 which led me through Tuftonboro and Melvin Village and finally to the Moultonboro area. At the junction of Rts. 109 and 25, I took a right onto Rt. 25 and drove about five miles to a left-hand turn to Rt. 113 in Sandwich. I privately call this route my “surprise road” because each time I drive this way, I get a nice surprise. In the fall, it is the sudden bursts of gorgeous foliage along the route and once, in summer, I discovered a pick-your-own blueberry business off Rt. 113. I spent a delightful few hours picking berries on that day and chatting with the friendly owner of the property.

My treat on this day would be the Thompson area, which I knew I was likely to find by driving a bit slower than normal so I did not miss the parking area. After a few miles, I easily spotted a small parking lot and a large sign (on my left) that told me I had reached the Alice Bemis Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary. I was the only car in the parking lot; be forewarned that the lot is very small and would probably fit about three or perhaps four cars at the most.

I could see the trail would be flat, and just past the wooden gate a well-kept path led toward the woods and a large marsh area. I decided to bring just my little sketch pad and a pencil and my cell phone because I did not want to carry a heavier bag with art supplies. I planned to eat my lunch in the car when I returned. I noticed trail information on the sign and also the rules which said no dogs/pets were allowed on the trail and that it is a carry-in, carry-out area.

Boardwalk portion of the Thompson trail.

On the trail, I was happy to find myself alone in the special spot, with only the sounds of bird song and the breeze blowing through the budding trees. I felt myself relax; I was ready to put my cares aside and explore the trail.

I had not walked far when I saw a small stone monument to Fred Steele with the dates 1912 – 1999. The stone inscription read “Teacher, Botanist, Conservationist, Protecting Natural Habitats With Great Resolve and Energy This Plaque Erected in His Memory By His Friends In The Audubon Society of New Hampshire, July 14, 2001”. The portion of the trail is named The Fred Steele Memorial Trail, and I decided to learn more, when I had time, about Fred Steele.

The path, which is handicapped accessible, soon became a well-kept boardwalk. I had not gone more than a few feet on the wooden walkway when it opened out and I had spectacular views of the marsh area, which seemed to stretch on forever. Glancing to my right, I saw something very large moving slowly on the opposite shore and recognized it as a moose. I caught my breath, not quite believing my luck to see such a wild creature in this place. I expected the moose to scamper off, having probably seen me as well. When it continued munching on greenery at the water’s edge, I quietly and carefully sat on a handy nearby bench on the boardwalk so I could watch for a while.

The moose seemed to have no problem sharing the environment with me; we were separated by the water, and neither of us could have reached the other without quite an effort. Eventually the moose moved on, back into the woods, and I resumed my walk onto the top of the boardwalk area where even better views of the marsh were to be had.

I had the feeling the moose was but one of many living creatures all around me and I would not have been surprised to spot beaver, a heron or bald eagle in the vicinity. I stood for a long while taking in the views of the marsh and the distant Ossipee Mountains and Sandwich Range before heading back to my car where I sat quietly and enjoyed my sandwich before heading off toward Sandwich on Rt. 113. (There is another access to the area on the Middle Road with a gravel road and wooded area. It is a private conservation property and joins the Thompson Sanctuary through wet woodland areas and forests.)

On this day, still amazed at my moose sighting, I decided to drive into Sandwich village and make a trek to the Chapman Sanctuary Visny Woods Trail. I have wanted to find the hiking area and explore there for some time, having discovered it online last summer.

Photos on the website (www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com) show the diverse natural beauty of the area, and I was curious to see it for myself.

I took Rt. 113, which led me to the center of Sandwich where all was quiet and as usual, the epitome of a charming New England village. From there, I took Grove Street and then a right onto Mt. Israel Road. The area exudes history, with old stone walls, woods, and now and then, a house. I wasn’t sure where the Chapman-Visny area was on the road and I seemed to drive for quite some time, finally passing the Jonathan Beede House and not far from this, a sign on the left for the Chapman property. I turned into a large parking area and again, found no other cars or hikers in sight. The area is open to the public and admission is free of charge, but as with all such places, the utmost respect must be shown to protect the natural area. Do not litter and do not wander off pathways.

I took the trail and when it forked, decided to head on the right-hand trail for a bit. Because it is still springtime, and rain has been frequent, I was happy to see someone had put down a wooden walkway so hikers need not step in mud on the pathway. As I headed up a bit of an incline, I realized the afternoon was waning and while I would have loved to continue on, it seemed prudent to come back another day when I could fully explore this wonderful area.

Back on Mt. Israel Road, I decided to travel just a bit further before turning around and heading back to Sandwich village. I am glad I did, because on the road I saw an old cemetery on my right. I turned around and parked beside the road to take a closer look at the final resting place of Sandwich residents. There was a time when the Sandwich area was heavily populated and a direct route to other regions; perhaps some of the people buried in the old cemetery were once residents of a thriving, populated community long ago. Although I do not know the answer, it is fun to dream about what this area was like long ago and the people who may have lived on the land.

Returning through Sandwich village, I took beautiful Squam Lake Road to Bean Road and into downtown Center Harbor. Eventually I made my way back to the Laconia area by traveling Rt. 25. My day had been relaxing and while it did not hold anything of distinction, such as a gourmet meal or trip to a museum, it was just the kind of day I had craved: good weather, a hint of summer still to come, a gentle hiking path, history, and of course my quiet encounter with one of nature’s fine creatures: a moose at the Thompson Wildlife Area.