You'll remember that last month we learned that the Cohos Trail, the magnificent 162-mile hiking route next door in New Hampshire, was being closed.

The reason: The lack of sufficient financial support necessary to keep the trail properly maintained and open, and to build the needed trail facilities such as shelters and the like.

Well, thankfully it was a short-lived closing!

Late last week I received the following uplifting message from Kim Nielsen, president and founder of the Cohos Trail Association:

"The Cohos Trail lives. We have reorganized the association and have some new blood--all volunteer blood... In fact, the notice of closure brought a storm of support from people who are in a position to make sure it doesn't close down again. So we will reopen the trail in 2007 and we will actually be expanding it another six or so miles and adding at least one cleared summit with a jaw-dropping view. Tell everyone, my good man!"

No problem there, Kim. I think I just did.

It's good news for all of us who love trails, whether they be here in Maine, New England or beyond.

Five bucks is five bucks!

Think $5 isn't much? It is when you gets hundreds and hundreds of caring trail enthusiasts to pull together and give a little.

The Cohos Trail Association is looking for as many trail supporters as possible to help with their $5 Fund Drive in the hopes of raising $5,000 to keep the Cohos Trail, "this big remote natural wonder of a trail moving forward."

Your $5 can be sent to: The Cohos Trail Association. 252 Westmoreland Rd., Spofford, NH 03462

I just sent mine. You?