The cold months of winter are close. Many people choose to stay inside during the cold, but there are those who venture outside. Winter hiking is an activity that you can do to take advantage of the beauty of nature during the cold season.

If you choose to do this cold weather activity, there are a number of winter hiking tips that can make your trip much more enjoyable.

Winter hiking is potentially more dangerous and difficult due to the low temperatures and snow and ice on the trails. Partly, this means a better level of conditioning and some additional equipment to be sure you have an enjoyable experience.

One particularly important tip for winter hiking is to check the weather forecast for the area in which you’ll be hiking. Don’t rely on the forecast given the day before you’re going to hike. Check it on the day of your adventure. Winter weather can be tricky. Checking the forecast the day of your hike will give you valuable information about how to dress for the hike.

Also important for winter hiking is to check the trail conditions for the area where you’ll hike. This will tell you what additional equipment you may need to bring.

Your clothing is very important in winter hiking. Be sure to wear layers of clothing so you can add or remove layers as needed depending on conditions. All of your layers should be quick-drying. Wet clothes will deplete your body heat much quicker. The mid layer of your clothing should be light but insulating. Heavy clothing puts more strain on your body and will require more energy to move. Be sure to wear warm socks, gloves, and a hat.

Your footwear is also very important in winter hiking. You want good traction, good support for your feet and ankles, and footwear that will keep your feet dry, but also can breathe.

Winter hiking also requires good judgment. So you should be aware of times that it is wise to turn around and not complete the hike. If you don’t have the right gear, don’t try to tough it out. If the weather gets worse, don’t try wait it out. If you get over-tired, be sure to consider whether you can finish the hike.

You need a great place to stay when you’re getting outside in the winter. After your winter hiking experience, there is no better place to return to in the Mount Sunapee area than Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

As the weather cools and winter approaches, all kinds of wildlife become more active in order to prepare for the cold of winter. When you’re hiking in the fall, wildlife encounters may become more frequent because of this increased activity.

It’s always fun to run across a whitetail deer when you ease around a curve in the trail or top a hill quietly.

Most of these wildlife encounters will not be dangerous to you, but some have the potential for danger. Most animals avoid humans.

Most likely, one of those wildlife encounters you’ll see will be a lot more squirrels running along the limbs of trees to get to nuts on the ends of those limbs. Or, you may see more of them digging on the ground to get at those nuts that have already fallen.

But there are those larger animals that are also more active in the fall. If you have wildlife encounters with one of these animals, there are some possible dangers.

In general, when you have wildlife encounters with larger animals, keep calm. Don’t run from them because running too often signals the animals that you’re some kind of prey, and they will come after you. Also, you could fall and injure yourself if you run.

Rarely, you’ll have one of the wildlife encounters with a bear. Your best protection against this is to make a lot of noise as you hike. Especially talk a lot and loudly. Bears will typically avoid you if they hear the human voice.

If there is a chance of running into a bear, there is safety in numbers. Check with rangers or other officials in the area where you’re planning to hike to see if there is a chance of having one of your wildlife encounters with a bear.

If you see a bear, stay together as a group. Get in close and make yourselves look bigger. Back slowly away from the bear, talking to it so it knows you’re a human. Keep it in sight and give it lots of room.

A large animal that causes more human injuries than bears is a moose. Again, it may not be likely that you’ll have one of your wildlife encounters with a moose but be prepared.

Give the moose a lot of room and watch for signs of aggression. Make noise, so the moose knows where you are. Keep any pets close and quiet. Let the moose move off away from you.

Of equal danger is one form of small wildlife. Ticks. Be sure to check yourself and your kids for ticks every time you get outdoors. This is one of those wildlife encounters you want to stay aware of. Ticks can carry lyme disease, a particularly dangerous illness.

Regardless of whether you have wildlife encounters or not, you need a great place to stay when you’re getting outside in the fall. There is no better place to return to after a day of hiking in the Mount Sunapee area than Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Once again, fall is approaching quickly. The time for the turning of the leaves on the mountains. And Mount Sunapee has some of the best viewing in the fall if you want to see vibrant colors on the trees.

But do you know what causes the turning of the leaves?

Nature has set up leaves to be food factories for the trees. Trees take in ground water through their roots. In addition, they absorb carbon dioxide (the gas we exhale) from the air. Then they use sunlight to change this water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The oxygen they release back into the air (providing us with oxygen to breathe) and use the glucose (a kind of sugar) for growing and for energy. This process is called photosynthesis.

The turning of the leaves begins with the darker, drier days of fall and winter. As long as there is enough sunlight and water, the green color in the leaves dominates. Chlorophyll is a chemical that keeps the leaves green during this time.

Once the fall comes with less sunlight and water, the trees start to rest and will live off the stored glucose through the winter. As the turning of the leaves progresses, the green color grows less, uncovering yellow and orange colors some of which have been present all along under the green.

The brighter colors of purple and red are made in the cooler days of the fall. During the turning of the leaves some glucose is trapped in the leaves. This turns red as the days cool down.

Changes happen in the leaves of trees that lose their leaves in the fall. One major change that happens during the turning of the leaves is a layer of cells at the base of the leaves seal off the leaves from the rest of the tree. This layer is called the abscission or separation layer. During the summer small tubes allow water and glucose to cross this layer. As it seals up in the fall, these tubes are sealed.

Brown colors in the time of the turning of the leaves comes from tannin, a waste product, that is trapped in the leaves.

Once the separation layer of cells has sealed off the leaves, the bottom layer begins deteriorating. Once it has done so, the leaf falls from the tree.

There is no better place to return to after a day of looking at the amazing fall colors in the Mount Sunapee area than Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Safety in the mountains is important all year ‘round. During the summer hiking and mountain biking around Mt. Sunapee are popular activities when you stay at Follansbee Inn. Being aware of your safety in the mountains then is very important.

Getting out away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine is refreshing and can re-energize you for when you have to return. Hearing nothing but the wind in the trees, your own breathing, the birds singing help you relax and leave the stresses of the modern world behind.

But you don’t want to be miles from help and get into trouble. There are a few things you can do to prevent many of the problems that can lead to trouble. Safety in the mountains can keep you from being a casualty.

One of the first rules of safety in the mountains is to be sure of your fitness level. Are you ready to take on the physical requirements of the activities you’re about to set out on? A lot of people overestimate their abilities and find themselves in trouble on hikes or trails they can’t handle. Remember: It’s better to turn around and return than to push yourself on to do something you know you aren’t ready for.

Another of the rules for safety in the mountains is planning. Be sure you know the route you’re going to take. Many, if not most, of the trails on Mt. Sunapee are clearly marked and easily followed. There may be times you decide to go off-trail. If you do, be sure to know where you’re going.

Having the right clothes and equipment is essential for safety in the mountains. Check the weather conditions on the day you plan to go out, but still be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Be sure your shoes, if you’re hiking, are well broken-in and fit right for lots of walking.

Safety in the mountains is increased when you check out and check in with someone who is expecting your return. This will allow someone to spread the alarm if necessary.

These are some of the things to keep in mind to increase your safety in the mountains. Having a great place to return to after a day of mountain activities is also important. When you decide to take advantage of the Mt. Sunapee area and mountain activities, there is no better place to stay than Follansbee Inn. The ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Mountain biking, the sport of riding specially-equipped bicycles off-road, is rapidly developing and growing in popularity. Some of the best mountain biking trails in New Hampshire are found on and around Mt. Sunapee.

This popular mountain biking destination is only a short distance from Follansbee Inn. The Inn is a great place from which to begin your trip around the area of Mt. Sunapee.

On the mountain itself there are over 39 trails that cover 319 miles. Lots of mountain biking and wonderful scenery.

In the vicinity of Mt. Sunapee, New Hampshire’s Northern Rail Trail has its start only five miles from Follansbee Inn. This is the longest rail-trail in New Hampshire, covering 52 miles. It has been carefully built and maintained by a large group of volunteers.

It’s possible to see moose, herons, eagles, turkeys, and even bears on this forested trail.

For those not familiar with mountain biking or just getting started, the following information is provided.

Mountain biking often covers rough terrain, but some of the trails on and around Mt. Sunapee are easy trails, designed for those not as experienced in the sport. The bikes themselves share some commonalities with ‘regular’ bicycles, but also are modified to increase durability and performance in rugged terrain.

Several categories make up the sport of mountain biking: trail riding, cross country, all mountain (called Enduro), dirt jumping, downhill, and freeride. All of the categories require core strength, balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance. It’s important for you to be in pretty good shape before taking on mountain biking.

Self-reliance is important because most mountain biking takes place in fairly remote areas. You have to be capable of making repairs on the bikes and in fixing flat tires so you don’t get stranded.

It’s also important to carry a backpack with water, food, tools for repairs, and a first-aid kit. In some locations, it is also advisable to take extra clothing in case of sudden rains or cooler weather.

There are a lot of skills involved in mountain biking that most people don’t think about in the beginning. Body position is important in order to avoid falls and to navigate the terrain. Braking skills are needed to prevent injuries from going too fast or not making curves in the trails.

Overall, mountain biking is a wonderful way to get close to nature and get good exercise.

Remember: Having a great place to return to after a day of mountain biking is also important. When you decide to take advantage of the Mt. Sunapee area and mountain biking, there is no better place to stay than Follansbee Inn. The ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

No doubt about it, zip lines are just plain fun! And some of the best are found at Mt. Sunapee Adventure Park.

Before we get into those zip lines at Mt. Sunapee, let’s take a look at some of the reasons zip lines are so popular.

If you want to fly but don’t think hang gliding or bungee jumping are for you, zip lines are the way to go. They are an alternative that is both safe and a lot of fun. You have the options of sailing through forest canopies or down the sides of mountains at speeds up to 100 mph! All safely tethered to a strong support cable.

Zip lines are also called flying foxes or zip wires. The flying foxes are typically lower to the ground and are slower. These may be better choices for kids and those of you who are newcomers to the sport.

Adventure levels zip lines take you down mountainsides, across gorges, and through the canopies of jungles. They may be up to thirty feet off the ground and run for fifteen hundred feet.

Most zip lines consist of stainless steel aircraft cable stretched between two points. They start off higher than the landing in order to reach thrilling speeds at the end. The speed increases until the rider reaches the lowest point on the line. Here, the speed drops off, giving the rider an easier landing.

Riding a zip line is very safe. The rider is connected to the zip line by a trolley. This is a metal box with several pulleys inside. Each rider is also protected by a harness and safety line.

A helmet and heavy gloves are also used to protect the rider’s head and hands. Long sleeves and long pants are often needed to protect against scrapes from branches or the ends of tree limbs.

The Canopy Zip Line Tour on Mt. Sunapee’s south peak has a series of zip lines as well as rope bridges and rappelling. Eight zip lines in all culminate in a dual zip line for the last one thousand feet. This ends in the landing behind the Adventure Center and a rappel down from there. The entire tour covers about three-fourths of a mile through an evergreen canopy. The full tour with eight riders takes about two and a half hours.

When you decide to take advantage of the Mt. Sunapee area and riding the zip lines, there is no better place to stay than Follansbee Inn. The ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

One of the many things to do when you visit Follansbee Inn in North Sutton, NH, is skiing. The entire family can engage in this winter sport, even if one of you may need some form of adaptive skiing equipment.

Plus, guests of Follansbee Inn get a discount on lift tickets at Mt. Sunapee!

What, you might ask, is adaptive skiing? It is the use of special adapted equipment that allows almost anyone with any kind of physical or mental condition that would prevent them from using standard skiing equipment to enjoy skiing with the rest of the family.

A program called New England Healing Sports Association, NEHSA, conducts lessons at Mt. Sunapee in adaptive skiing. These volunteers are well-trained and serve people of all ages and any kind of disability.

Some examples of adaptive skiing include:

Tri-Track Skiing – uses one ski and two outriggers for upright skiing.

Four-Track Skiing – uses two skis and two outriggers.

Other skiers who are blind, visually impaired, hearing impaired, or deaf can also ski with special instructors accompanying them. Those individuals who are developmentally delayed also can ski with instructors.

Some adaptive skiing equipment also allows people without the use of their legs to get out on the snow. Mono-skiers sit in a shell made of fiberglass on a standard ski. Short outriggers are also used for stability. Skiers who have little or no use of their arms/upper body can become bi-skiers, sitting down with two skis under them. They may be tethered to instructors.

What are some of the benefits of adaptive skiing?

For one thing, it allows the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and skiing. It gives parents an opportunity to ski on their own for the time the instructors are teaching their children to use the adaptive skiing equipment. Later, it gives the kids a chance to show their parents what they’ve learned and for the entire family to be proud.

In addition to the family benefits, adaptive skiing builds confidence in those who learn to use the equipment. It gives them the chance to socialize with others who are enjoying the same sport. Adaptive skiing helps develop balance, coordination, motivation, and fitness in a sport that helps people enjoy the outdoors.

When you decide to take advantage of the Mt. Sunapee area and adaptive skiing equipment, there is no better place to stay than Follansbee Inn. The ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Spring skiing is often the best because days are longer, sometimes a little warmer, prices may be lower, and there aren’t usually as many people on the slopes. There can be some difficulties that crop up during spring skiing that you don’t face during the colder winter months. Having ways to deal with these possible difficulties can make or break your spring skiing trips.

One of the issues you’ll run into during spring skiing is ‘corn’ snow. This is very different from the powder snow you may encounter during the colder months.

Corn snow is called that because the crystals are larger and rounded off like the kernels of corn you may enjoy eating. This comes due to the thaw-freeze cycle often found in spring skiing.

The sun and warmer temperatures during the day melt the upper layer of the snow. Then this layer re-freezes during the night when temperatures drop. The longer this thawing-freezing cycle goes on, the larger these crystals become.

In the early morning, the top layer of snow may be very solid. This shouldn’t last long once the sun hits it. This is one reason you may want to sleep in a little during spring skiing. You don’t have to be in a hurry to get out on the slopes.

Much of the time, spring skiing brings with it lower prices for ski lift tickets, cheaper lessons, and package deals for not only this spring but possibly also next year if you purchase now. In addition, many lodges offer discounts for spring skiing.

One thing you’ll have be more careful about is watching for rocks and downed trees that may be uncovered due to melting.

Always wear sunscreen. Spring skiing will give you more exposure to the sun with the longer days. Be certain to re-apply the sunscreen often.

Check the weather reports for your spring skiing. Dressing in layers is very important now because of the greater variability in temperatures during spring. Shedding and adding layers as needed will keep you comfortable.

Always wear waterproof pants during spring skiing. If you fall, the snow will still be wet. You don’t want to add to your discomfort by having wet pants.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

When you want to get away and enjoy spring skiing, the ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

One of the many activities available in the area around Follansbee Inn is hiking in early spring. There are a number of things you should keep in mind if you’re going to engage in this sport.

One of the main things to do in preparing for hiking in early spring is to get in shape for it. Not a large number of people continue their hiking during the winter, so you may be a little out of shape from taking things easy during the winter.

Even the easiest hiking in early spring, or any time for that matter, requires good balance and strength in order to avoid injury. Ankle rolling and ankle sprains are the top two injuries involved in hiking.

There are quite a few things you can do to get ready for hiking in early spring and make it enjoyable without injury. Running or walking in sand is a good way to strengthen the muscles that protect your knees and ankles.

Squats and lunges are good for developing your core and improving overall strength. Do them slowly to get the most benefit.

Push-ups will help strengthen your shoulders and back for the times you do hikes with backpacks.

Cardio exercises help build lung capacity for hiking in the spring and for any higher altitude hikes you might take. This can be done by running or walking. If you don’t have a place outside for running or walking, consider going to a gym and using the treadmill.

Go out for a walk several times every week. Wear the same shoes or boots you’ll wear when hiking so your feet get used to them again. Walk at a brisk pace to get your heart rate up. Carry a light backpack to get yourself used to carrying packs again.

Before setting out to go hiking in the spring be sure to check your gear. Make sure you have everything you need and it’s in good repair. There’s nothing so bad as going out hiking in the spring and suddenly find you don’t have something you really need or, if you have it, it doesn’t work or is broken.

Be sure to check the weather before you go hiking in the spring. Know what you may run into. Have the necessary clothing and gear for rain, snow, mud, and sudden cold snaps.

Bring layers of clothing. Put on and take off as needed. Also, be prepared for bugs. Hiking in early spring means you’re going to run into bugs that come out at the same time.

When you want to get away and enjoy hiking in early spring, the ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Few would argue the truth behind the observation that we have forgotten the value of rest. Today’s world is filled with a sense of urgency. We are admonished to hurry and get this or that done. We’re encouraged to spend every waking moment, even those not at work, in doing and doing and doing.

People in the U.S. take fewer of their paid vacation days than just about any other country in the world.

We truly have forgotten the value of rest.

Due to the competitive nature of humans, we tend to think of the value of rest in terms of doing restful things competitively also. Look at ads and commercials. They show people in what could be restful environments pushing themselves to get more done in their ‘rest’.

Being outdoors means hiking, running, mountain-biking, skiing, and boating in a hurry. The value of rest is lost in this kind of ‘resting’.

The value of rest comes from letting yourself go so you can recharge and recover from the stressful lives nearly everyone leads. Doing this will help you achieve greater things on down the road.

But it’s that ‘on down the road’ that keeps people from seeing the value of rest. We’re pressured to do it now and accomplish everything we can while we’re young. Few understand the wisdom in taking the long view.

Part of the value of rest, is to take time for yourself. Today, too many families are wound up in going and doing with none of the members having any time for themselves. There is something to be said about sitting down in a comfortable chair and reading a good book.

What too many people don’t realize is that continually working and pushing yourself will lead to sometimes significant physical problems. If these physical problems get serious enough, you can find yourself unable to work.

Research has shown your productivity will increase when you take time to enjoy the value of rest.

When you want to get away and enjoy a cozy and unique setting, the ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603-027-4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.