McRat
New member
I have to admit, I like hiking lists and I like beer. Last night, these proclivities culminated into finishing another list – the New Hampshire Views and Brews list. It did not suck.
I have to appreciate the creation of such a list. It made me aware of several decent brewpubs that I hadn't even heard of before and what a long strange trip it has been.
I had already completed the Woodstock Inn grid and had multiple missions to Moat mountain brewery under my belt by the time I heard of the list. It was time to march on. Each had some great memories.
Redhook Brewery/Mt. Agamenticus – I really enjoyed the ESB and saw two things rare things simultaneously – NewHampshire sampling beers and the sight of him peakbagging in Maine. Brian's interest in beer was more culinary than any interest in intoxication, so we ordered the sampler and an extra glass to split them. Brian made some astute observations for someone who doesn't drink and we enjoyed our meals thoroughly. After dinner, when he ordered dessert the waiter brought it with two spoons. I still chuckle about that one.
Moat Mountain Brewery/ Moat Mountain Traverse – I had already been to the brewery, so when I saw this recommended on the VNB list, I knew I had to do this. The Moats were an absolutely gorgeous hike right until we got to North Moat and I began looking for the trail. The area was pretty icy and as I peered down towards the trees below to see where the trail went. I crept along slowly on my microspikes before reaching a steep edge where I commented, “You know Brian, this is the first time I ever wish I had an ice axe,” just before sliding down. I tried digging in but couldn't stop. Fortunately I was able or lucky enough to steer myself towards a convenient couple of trees to stop my fall and nearly pull my shoulder out of its socket. Their stout tastes even better after surviving peril
Seven Barrels / Moose Mountain – Had a fun hike with Gary. I recall laughing at seeing several copies of Rush Limbaugh books in a box. The box was marked something to the effect of “DO NOT READ – KINDLING ONLY.” We enjoyed the Red #7 ale and burgers in the restaurant. After dinner we read the sign in the bathroom and realized our burgers would have been half price if we just sat at the bar.
Portsmouth Brewery/Market Square – I love this place, and love walking around Market Square. The easiest hike on the list, but one I'll repeat again. Good food and drink.
Flying Goose/Mt. Sunapee – I hiked this last week as part of my monorail-avoidance plan. When I was younger I used to climb Cardigan frequently, and had originally planned on hiking the surrounding mountains – but it never quite happened. I have picked up a few of these pursuing other lists, but this was the best excuse yet to visit this pleasant peak. Having been doing more brews than views lately, I really huffed my way up there at slow speed. I hiked with my Belknap-guide extraordinaire St'eve, Christa and Happyhiker. The Flying Goose had a lovely view of Kearsarge, and the porter was delicious.
Martha's Exchange/Mine Falls Park – being so close to the finish, I decided to see if Marc was available to show me the wonders of Nashua. We scaled the mighty heights of one of the hills and signed in at the canister. We saw the dam. We got thirsty. I learned it was a shame I hadn't been here before. I celebrated my VNB-NH finish with Steph and Marc, finishers #3 and 4 with the deliciously sweet and creamy barleywine, and then moved onto the samplers. As a sampler it was a good experience – my favorites were the barleywine, boch, and red ale.
I heartily recommend visiting www.viewsandbrews.com . It is arguably the most fun list for the effort out there.. and there is even a spiffy patch! Thanks to everyone at Views and Brews and all the people who have joined me on this amusing journey. Anyone working on the list, drop me a line – I wouldn't mind a good excuse to revisit the pubs and trails.
Beer and hiking... it doesn't get much better than that without throwing sex into the mix... and as far as I know, there is no Views, Brews and Screws list at this time.
I have to appreciate the creation of such a list. It made me aware of several decent brewpubs that I hadn't even heard of before and what a long strange trip it has been.
I had already completed the Woodstock Inn grid and had multiple missions to Moat mountain brewery under my belt by the time I heard of the list. It was time to march on. Each had some great memories.
Redhook Brewery/Mt. Agamenticus – I really enjoyed the ESB and saw two things rare things simultaneously – NewHampshire sampling beers and the sight of him peakbagging in Maine. Brian's interest in beer was more culinary than any interest in intoxication, so we ordered the sampler and an extra glass to split them. Brian made some astute observations for someone who doesn't drink and we enjoyed our meals thoroughly. After dinner, when he ordered dessert the waiter brought it with two spoons. I still chuckle about that one.
Moat Mountain Brewery/ Moat Mountain Traverse – I had already been to the brewery, so when I saw this recommended on the VNB list, I knew I had to do this. The Moats were an absolutely gorgeous hike right until we got to North Moat and I began looking for the trail. The area was pretty icy and as I peered down towards the trees below to see where the trail went. I crept along slowly on my microspikes before reaching a steep edge where I commented, “You know Brian, this is the first time I ever wish I had an ice axe,” just before sliding down. I tried digging in but couldn't stop. Fortunately I was able or lucky enough to steer myself towards a convenient couple of trees to stop my fall and nearly pull my shoulder out of its socket. Their stout tastes even better after surviving peril
Seven Barrels / Moose Mountain – Had a fun hike with Gary. I recall laughing at seeing several copies of Rush Limbaugh books in a box. The box was marked something to the effect of “DO NOT READ – KINDLING ONLY.” We enjoyed the Red #7 ale and burgers in the restaurant. After dinner we read the sign in the bathroom and realized our burgers would have been half price if we just sat at the bar.
Portsmouth Brewery/Market Square – I love this place, and love walking around Market Square. The easiest hike on the list, but one I'll repeat again. Good food and drink.
Flying Goose/Mt. Sunapee – I hiked this last week as part of my monorail-avoidance plan. When I was younger I used to climb Cardigan frequently, and had originally planned on hiking the surrounding mountains – but it never quite happened. I have picked up a few of these pursuing other lists, but this was the best excuse yet to visit this pleasant peak. Having been doing more brews than views lately, I really huffed my way up there at slow speed. I hiked with my Belknap-guide extraordinaire St'eve, Christa and Happyhiker. The Flying Goose had a lovely view of Kearsarge, and the porter was delicious.
Martha's Exchange/Mine Falls Park – being so close to the finish, I decided to see if Marc was available to show me the wonders of Nashua. We scaled the mighty heights of one of the hills and signed in at the canister. We saw the dam. We got thirsty. I learned it was a shame I hadn't been here before. I celebrated my VNB-NH finish with Steph and Marc, finishers #3 and 4 with the deliciously sweet and creamy barleywine, and then moved onto the samplers. As a sampler it was a good experience – my favorites were the barleywine, boch, and red ale.
I heartily recommend visiting www.viewsandbrews.com . It is arguably the most fun list for the effort out there.. and there is even a spiffy patch! Thanks to everyone at Views and Brews and all the people who have joined me on this amusing journey. Anyone working on the list, drop me a line – I wouldn't mind a good excuse to revisit the pubs and trails.
Beer and hiking... it doesn't get much better than that without throwing sex into the mix... and as far as I know, there is no Views, Brews and Screws list at this time.
