If you don’t do it, it’ll never happen.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
But how many times have you said, ‘oh, I just gotta get away with my horses…’
And two years later, you still haven’t gotten away with your horses.
But darned if NickerNews isn’t on a roll!
Fresh off our successful weekend in Acadia
(see article), my friend Kelly coordinated another short stint of freedom from the home front. Thank You, Kelly!
[Note to Reader: a get-up-and-go friend is a key element to making
these things happen.]
This time, six of us convoyed to Andover, Maine and Memory Lane Vacations, hosted by owners Deb Cayer and Matt Bean.
The Appalachian Trail skirts Andover and Grafton Notch isn’t too far away. So you know the setting is quite scenic, right?
We settled the horses into their run-in stalls and brought our gear into the studio apartment. Yes, you read correctly. No camping this time.
With the colder temperatures we were quite willing to come inside, turn up the thermostat, cook on a real stove, and take real showers!
We headed out to discover the trail system. There were dozens of miles to explore on the Xeroxed topographical map Deb gave us. Many of the trails are used by ATV riders and snowmobiles, but we had them all to ourselves.
For the most part, the trails were wide and well-maintained. Most trail choices require riders to cross the Ellis River. Memory Lanes is located near two forks of the river. A simple six-mile ride will lead you through fields, mature forests, and some nice hilly terrain.
Apartment set up was perfect. There were enough beds for all of us, but given the open floor plan you might not want to book it with a heavy snorer!
Did I mention the hottub?
Nothin’ better after a ride than hottubbing under the full moon. We could see our horses munching hay and bedding down from the deck. Pardon my French, but this did not suck!
Accomodations are $85 per night double occupancy with a $10 charge for each extra person. Stalls are $10 per night each.
For more information, check out
Memory Lanes Vacations.