A Marriage Proposal Atop Blueberry Ledge

It is 7:30 am and I’ve arrived in Ferncroft, NH for my day of peakbagging Mt Whiteface and Mt Passaconway. Unlike the other trailheads I’ve been to that typically start at the side of a road or at a campsite, the Blueberry Ledge trail had me cut through private drives – don’t worry, trespassing hikers were welcomed.

The Blueberry Ridge trail is an “elective” part of the “Terrifying 25” – or 25 harrowing trails in the White Mountains deemed the most difficult. Looking at the list I’ve actually already traversed the Flume Slide with little issue, so I thought why not challenge myself.

This was a great trail that was pretty different than most of the hikes I’ve done in New Hampshire. The path consisted of mostly inclined exposed rock trails and the occasional rock scramble to get to the next level. A nice respite to the endless rock staircases.

The views were phenomenal. After each rock scramble, I was able to look out and enjoy a commanding view of the Sandwich Range and Lakes Squam and Winnepesaukee in the far distance.

At the top of White Face I happened upon an even more beautiful sight and I’m not talking about the view. At the top of the mountain, I bared witness to a marriage proposal and by the sound of the popping of Champagne, I am going to assume she said yes! What an amazing sight, these two lovebirds with the backdrop of the expanse of New Hampshire wilderness as the backdrop. It is moments like these that make the White Mountains such a magical place to explore. 

The Passage to Passaconway

After a brief rest, I was off to climb the second 4000 footer on my list for the day, Mt Passaconway. The Rollins trail followed the ridge between mountains, so it was fairly easy going. The ridge was wooded, but every so often was a gap where I could stare out at Ferncroft below. After 2.3 miles, I reached the Dicey Mills trail and here is where things got…dicey – or should I say vertical. After climbing for about a mile, I reached the forested summit with limited views. The peak was getting busy, so I ate a quick lunch of cliff bars and peanut butter pretzel bites and headed out, feeling accomplished after climbing my 26th peak.

The walk back to the parking area was a 4+ mile trek, along most flat or gently inclined terrain. After exiting the woods and traveling down an old country lane belonging to a farmhouse, I was back at the car and ready for a hearty meal.

Tis but a Pipe Dream

After passing through the stunning Lakes Region, I eventually found myself at Pipe Dream Brewery in Londonderry.

Situated in an office park near Manchester International, the brewery was easy to find.

I was greeted by a nice spacious beer garden and headed inside to order a flight and some food. After ordering, I sat at my barrel and enjoyed the refreshments in the sun.

Soon thereafter the kind bartender was able to track me down with my food order of a Mac & Cheese BBQ Bowl. This was a serious heaping of mac & cheese and pulled pork covered in cheddar and slathered in BBQ sauce. Exactly the thing I needed after seven hours of hiking.

After gulping down my food, I savored my flight as I enjoyed the pleasant summer weather. However, all things must come to an end, so I bought some cans to enjoy at home and left Londonderry behind.  

People Think its a Pipe Dream, but They Don’t Know I Like Challenges

My flight consisted of three beers:

• Straight Outta Quarantine – New England IPA – What can I say, the name embodied my day thus far. This brew made with a tropical hop blend featured a softly bitter start that lingered slightly afterwards – all around delightful.
• West to East – IPA – Pipe Dream’s flagship IPA had a nice hoppiness to it with a malty sweet balance of fruit with a smooth finish.
• Chicks Dig the Galaxy – Session IPA – It is well known that not just chicks dig Galaxy hops, but this hazy juice bomb went down easy. 

You may think I’m a pipe dreamer, but I know I’m not the only one who enjoyed the cans I picked up.

• House Lager – Light with a subtle sweetness, this lager went down smooth – very drinkable.
• PB Chocolate Stout – Wow, this creamy stout makes for the perfect dessert beer. Smooth bitter chocolate flavors give way to the subtle creaminess of the peanut butter. This might have been my favorite Pipe Dream.

Final Verdict

It is said the difference between reality and a pipe dream is effort (Peter Franco). You can tell Pipe Dream puts in the effort and transcends dreams to make great beer a reality. This is the place to enjoy some lighthearted beer accompanied with hearty food and good friends.

Information
Pipe Dream Brewing
https://www.pipedreambrewingnh.com/
49 Harvey Rd, Unit 4
Londonderry, NH 03053