We hadn't been in the mountains in two months, it was a desperate time. With a great forecast we decided to throw the backpacking tent in the car and drive up to Twin Mountain with the intent of staying at Sugarloaf Campground on Zealand Road. We had perfect weather, a little cool over night but nothing the 20* bags couldn't handle. This was our first trip back since Emma's injury on Mount Adams on St. Patrick's Day. She is doing well after surgery to fix her right rear cranial ligament. Five weeks after surgery she is doing 30-45 minute walks. Orders are still no running, no playing, no stairs.

We kept what little hiking we did to a minimum of elevation. Friday night we drove down to Bretton Woods and hung around for a colorless sunset, beautiful from where we were nonetheless. Emma had a dip in the Ammonoosuc River in front of the Mount Washington Hotel with the Presidential Range as a backdrop. Saturday morning we got up before sunrise and walked over to the Beaver Pond across from the campsite. It's a favorite early morning location of ours. We are usually greeted loudly by one or more beavers on their way home to bed. There are some new puncheons across a wet area which are much appreciated.

We saw Swamp Dewberry and Rhodora near the pond, Bluets, Painted Trillium, Goldthread and Raspberries in the woods. Before we went home we took a short walk around Ammonoosuc Lake behind the Highland Center. There were lots of Trillium, some lingering Trout Lily, Goldthread and the Lady Slippers should be open in a week or so.