By David Lovlien Jr.

David Lovlien Jr.

The sight from the top of Blue Job Mountain was breathtaking. The sunset was a brilliant orange and it faded off into the distant purple White Mountains up north. The air was just right. A gentle breeze kept the air fresh and rejuvenating.

As I got out of my car, I was relieved to see that there were only a few cars in the parking lot, meaning I would not see that many people on my hike. Sometimes it feels best to be alone out in the woods than to hear the chatter of people and listen instead to the chatter of birds and squirrels flying and running among the trees.

I came across a small bridge that crossed a stream. I took a moment to watch the water flow through the rocks and crevices. The sound of flowing water is always relaxing. I make sure to take the time and stop to listen.

Farther up the winding trail, I felt so at home in nature. I came to a point where the birch trees stopped and entered what seemed to be a pine grove. Pine trees are my favorite because their smell is very robust and to me they are a symbol of the forest. I kept walking and lost track of the orange trail markers. I got a little nervous because I thought I was lost, but as I kept going the markers came back in sight.

On Blue Job Mountain there is a small pond near the top. The water reflects the trees and peeks around it like a mirror. It does not have a beach, but there is a rock that is almost level with the water that you can sit and take in the view. This is the spot where I usually unpack my lunch and eat while I watch the water. If you look around, sometimes you will see a turtle basking in the sun.

Not far from the pond is the mountaintop. It is not bald like most mountains. It is covered by trees. If you find the right spot, you can see views ranging north to the White Mountains. I’ve been told that you can see as far south as Boston. It’s not a long hike to the top and that’s why I usually hike it in the evening so I can watch the sun set.

Seeing the sun set from the top of a mountain is a beautiful thing. Watching the brilliant colors of the sky make a different picture every night is magical.

I hike out of the woods a happy camper every time.

David Lovlien Jr. is a high honors graduate of Coe-Brown Northwood Academy. He plans to attend Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth for a dual major in English and criminal justice. David is an active member on the New Hampshire Legislative Youth Advisory Committee. He writes a regular column for InDepthNH.org.