Savoring the solitude, yet not alone on Slippery Brook Trail

For a couple weeks in July my old friend Carl from New York came up with his family. We managed to get out together for a few good hikes and explorations, as always. We have been hiking for many years together on his midsummer vacation.

We always come up with some interesting new places to go, including forays north of the White Mountains. He is also an avid mountain biker and likes to occasionally combine hiking and biking by riding in on the approach to a hike. I have limited experience on a mountain bike, but those hikes where I have combined the two disciplines have been rewarding. For example, on the journey to Bondcliff from the Kancamagus Highway.