As a student at Plymouth State University, I know how it feels to often be faced with an abundance of boredom that comes with living in the boonies of New Hampshire. While it’s tempting to wake up on a Saturday and crack open a beer, resting on the claim that “there’s nothing to do,” this is only acceptable so many times.
Instead, why not get off of your couch and do some good old-fashioned exploring? While it may seem like our geographical location lacks entertainment options, there is an untapped amount of exploring to be done in the area.
Craving a hike with a history? Next time you find yourself dying of boredom, take a trip up to North Woodstock and find the World War II B-18 crash site.
In January of 1942, the US B-18 Bomber and its passengers, a group of soldiers, plummeted straight to the shoulder of Mt. Waternomee. Those students who have witnessed the tragic scene will tell you that they have a different sense of appreciation for the area we live.
If you do a simple Google search, you can find precise directions to the trail, which starts on Walker Brook Road in N. Woodstock and leads up Mt. Waternomee. According to HikeNewHampshire.com, the hike is about 5 miles and takes about 3 hours. According to one of the plaques you’ll find at the site, the mangled B18 Bomber crashed into Mt. Waternomee on January 14, 1942, taking the lives of seven crewmembers on board.
“It’s definitely a trip” says Plymouth graduate, Dave Hardmann. “As you make your way to the crash site, the twisted metal and debris puts you in the shoes of the poor men who tragically died protecting our country.”
Plymouth graduate Mikey Gallant says,
“Looking at the site as you are approaching kind of gives you the chills when you think about what these poor men went through… It’s somewhat of a life-changing experience” Gallant continued. “Everyone who lives in the area should definitely check it out, you’ll gain a new appreciation for life.”
This is one of the many activities that Plymouth students tend to take for granted and need to explore. Not only is it a respectable alternative to drinking for 72 hours straight, but the hike allows students to experience the beautiful scenery and rich history of the area we are so fortunate to live in. It’s little things like this that make New Hampshire one of the most interesting and unique places in the continental United States.
For directions and more detailed information, visit http://www.hikenewengland.com/WaternomeeB18Crash070916.html.