Portents of Spring

North Hampton Rail Road Station, Along the Abandoned
Rail Road Bed 

At the risk of tempting fate, there are signs we may yet see Spring this year:

1. It is light now  at 6 AM now and it stays light until 5 PM. This means I do not need to bring a flashlight when taking out the dog for his morning poop.

2. Pitchers and catchers have reported to Ft. Myers for Spring training.   Attendance is picking up at the Wednesday night indoor practices of the Coastal New England Baseball league.  You can hardly get into a batting cage. 

3. Black asphalt shingles are finally visible on my roof. 

4. My hardy Yankee neighbors, some of whom are life long Granite Staters, are saying things like, "We've earned Spring this winter."

I do love snow, but  love has its limits. 

Rails To Trails From Hampton to Portsmouth

This past weekend, Mr. Boat, the lab, and I took the trail bed of the abandoned railroad line from Depot Square, Hampton, toward the North Hampton railroad station. This is to prepare for this weekend's Vermont ski weekend, which is my personal end- of-winter weekend rite of passage. The snow and winter spirits do not always take note.

Mr. Boat was quite comfortable. After ten minutes, I was hot, wearing just a sweater. Cross country skiing does warm you up, as does snow shoeing. 

Route 1 underpass Hampton

The railbed is not always scenic, but you do see parts of town you never knew existed.

Proof Hampton Teens Can Do Graffiti: Route 1 Underpass

There is light at the end of this snow tunnel. 

Hampton Depot Square Terminus 

And, get this:  The Smuttynose Brewery and Restaurant have finally opened on Old Towle Farm Road, just down the road from Depot Square.

Smuttynose kept this  poster of Obama bravely displayed in their pub from February 2008, through the end of the election.  They deserve some loyalty.