Looking for a fun day this weekend that combines a wild auto ride, an easy but rewarding hike, gear hounding in the epicenter of outdoor retailing, and good grog and food?

Well then dee-yah, I've got just the ticket for you.

Road trip: Drive up to Fryeburg and take Route 113 north out of town. Where the road takes a 90 degree right turn (store on left), go straight. Go a couple of miles at best until you see the Hurricane Mountain Road on your left.

Although it's been repaved and appears a bit wider then when I was up there a couple of years ago, it's still little more than a glorified bike path. Steep grades, lots of twists and turns and the chance to narrowly miss oncoming cars make this an exciting ride.

At the top of the pass, pull into the parking on your left.

The hike: Take the Black Cap Mountain Trail an easy 1.5 miles through the Green Hills Preserve (managed by the NH Nature Conservancy) to the top of Black Cap Mtn. If the trail gains more than a few hundred feet along the way to the 2,300' summit I'd be surprised. It's quite a nice walk with terrific views of the mountains and valleys along the Maine-NH border. Of course, when I was up there several weeks ago it was socked in with mist, so I hope you have better luck.

From the summit, double back to the Mt. Cranmore Trail and follow this for another easy mile or so to the top of the Mt. Cranmore Ski Area. Tip: Just after passing a silly looking telecom tower made up to look like a pine tree, you'll come out on a dirt road. Turn right and follow the road to the top.

From the ski lodge you'll enjoy views out over North Conway towards The Moats and Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges. Sweet! A good spot for lunch.

On the walk over to Cranmore you'll note the Red Tail Trail, a single-track mountain bike trail (you can also hike on it). In fact, there's apparently a good deal of mountain biking routes throughout the preserve. Something to keep in mind for the next visit.

Again, double back and head to the car. And enjoy Part II of the wild ride on the Hurricane Mountain Road into North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley.

Gear-hounding: Down in the valley you'll find outdoor gear heaven in the form of Ragged Mountain Equipment, International Mountain Equipment, and Eastern Mountain Sports. Fire up that credit card! 1, 2, 3... shop!

Grog and grub: Gear shopping is exhausting, so you'd better sit and rest up somewhere (and to ease the pain of spending gobs of cash on gear you didn't know you needed until it was in your hand and you exclaimed, "I've just got to have this!"). I know, I know. It's kind of a medical condition. Don't worry. You're not alone.

But I digress...

Steer your vehicle into the Red Parka Pub (the pub, not the restaurant, please), enjoy a draft beer served in a mason jar, as well as free peanuts and popcorn. And good, if not somewhat over-priced, pub food.

Or, take in the fine selection of microbrews at the Moat Mountain Brew Pub and enjoy some of their most excellent BBQ or other good chow on the menu.

OK then, fat and happy and nearly broke, you are now free to go home...