Hey my Trail Head weekend-warrior friends, Friday's a coming... What to do, what to do?

Well, crack a cold one, of course. Relax and ponder awhile. Check the forecast (mostly cloudy but dry, temps in the 60s). Then get your rucksack out of the closet and start stuffing it with goods for the day. 'Cause you're going hiking!

Views to Kearsarge North and Mt. Washington from south summit of Peary Mountain in Brownfield, a fun and easy 2-mile hike, perfect for a spring weekend.
Carey Kish photo

WHO: You and your hiking pals (too early for the company of bugs we hope!).

WHAT: Day hike to Peary Mountain in Brownfield. Added bonus of a quick jaunt up Jockey Cap in Fryeburg. For the full scoop on hiking Peary Mountain and Jockey Cap, read the account of my hike there last spring.

WHEN: This weekend, Saturday or Sunday, you pick! Both days look reasonable weather-wise.

WHERE: From Portland, head west on Route 25 to Limington. Maybe stop for breakfast at Two Trails Diner. Just beyond the dinah, turn right onto Route 113 and cruise to Brownfield.

HOW: You'll need the proper tools of the road and the trail fer navigatin'... The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer and the AMC Maine Mountain Guide.

WHY: It's an easy 2-mile round trip hike to the south summit of Peary and fab views of the snow-capped White Mountains. Take the extra time and bag the north summit as well for a striking vista of Pleasant Mountain.

For extra credit continue north to Fryeburg and scoot up Jockey Cap. Thanks to the monument there it's possible to identify all the mountains around in a 360-degree arc. Outstanding!
Carey Kish photo

Have fun, and be sure to let me know how your trip went!