By the time you’re reading this, the 2019 Squam Ridge Race will have already happened. But at the time of writing this, we are all running around preparing for it. This is my first time experiencing the ridge race, but I’m incredibly excited for it; even with all the hectic preparations. For anyone is scratching their heads wondering what I’m even talking about, the Ridge Race is a race that stretches across several hiking trails in the Squam Lake Watershed. There is both a 12 mile and a 4 mile trail, and people of all ages can participate.
Just the other day, Danielle and I were working on clearing a section of the Race trail. The path we took brought us up Percival, over to Morgan, over to Webster, and then back down Morgan. Most of what we were doing was clearing dead branches and brush, and cutting down a few blowdowns. Most of the day was simple and not much to report on. Except for two events…
The first was a rather unfortunate encounter I had with a certain Insect. Several points throughout the hike, I felt little stinging sensations on my neck and shoulders. I was worried that one of those fuzzy caterpillars had made their way inside my shirt. They are adorable, in my opinion, and very colorful. But the spines on their backs are delivery mechanisms for serious toxins. But a few checks on the inside of my shirt showed no evidence of that. Later though, one very sharp sting on my arm forced me to drop my bag and almost instantly shed my shirt. And sure enough, out comes, not a caterpillar, but a very angry wasp. I’ve been stung by wasps before, more than my fair share, but this one was quite intense.
The second event was also animal related, but a very different tone. On the way out to Webster, we noticed one VERY prominent Moose print in the mud. Not much else to it, but a very interesting find. On the way back, however, we saw dozens! Now I’m no wildlife tracker but these tracks looked like they were going in the same direction as us, and they looked fresh. For having lived in New Hampshire for as I have, it’s surprising that I have never seen a Moose. As much as I wanted to see one, this might not have been the best time. They could be scared, territorial, who knows. We blew a whistle to hopefully scare them off, and finished out evening of trail work.
There is still a bit more to be done before the Ridge Race. A bit more trail work, a bit more supplies to gather, but I’m very much looking forward to it. I’m sure it’ll be a great one!
Dawe is a half-year member of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, serving with the Squam Lakes Association. Dawe has specialized in delivering awesome education programs while with the SLA! You can read more about Dawe here.