The Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in southern New Hampshire opened to the public on June 24. It is a unique facility offering to the disabled among us breathtaking views of lush mountain wilderness as seen on the two-and-one-half mile stretch of scenic trails. Even more amazing is the unprecedented fact that these trails were designed for easy access to people of all abilities, including people in wheelchairs and those who have difficulty walking.

The trails are diverse as well as awe-inspiring. One meanders through the twists and turns of deep woods and the other through a meadow in full bloom. They are the longest trails of their type in a mountain setting to be found anywhere, made even more spectacular by the fact that they combine multiple features. A hiker may encounter steep terrain, bridges and boardwalks and resting spots while viewing lush blueberry fields, fragrant wildflowers, and once in a while, a stray moose or two.

Privately funded, the trail system cost a whopping $500,000 and consists of 1,400 acres of mountains and hillsides. Every year more than 2,000 people throughout New England are treated at Crotched Mountain. The facility is non-profit and derives its odd name from its V-shaped peaks, which resemble the crotch of a tree. It is a comprehensive center equipped with its own hospital, school, outpatient clinic and community services for those with debilitating physical conditions such as brain and spinal chord injury and stroke.

The world’s disabled deserve much more than a voice. Fresh air, sunshine and the beauty of Mother Nature are the inalienable rights of us all.

The video below is a bit long but it shows the many aspects of all the good that Crotched Mountain does and is well worth watching.

Photo Source:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/06/21/life/doc4e005deb0efc0769957223.txt

New Hampshire Dog Rescued After A Year

A 3-year old black Labrador mix named Gypsy Girl was found living on a creek bank among cats on Friday in New Hampshire. She was adopted by a family in March of 2010 then slipped her collar and had been living on the streets for a year when she was spotted.

Gypsy Girl is originally from Alabama and has a bit of a wandering spirit. The family who adopted her looked for her for a little while and then gave up. Gypsy Girl wasn’t seen again until a year later when she was spotted by an employee of Kitty Angels. Kitty Angels is a non-profit organization that works with feral cats.

The sighting of Gypsy Girl living on the creek bank with several cats was reported to the Granite State Dog Recovery Center who then set a trap to catch the stray dog. It took 11 days of watching her and baiting a kennel with food to catch Gypsy Girl.

Finally, on day 12, she couldn’t resist a dish with marrow bone in it and rescuers were able to bring her into the humane society of greater Nashua for treatment. Other than being treated for Lyme disease Gypsy Girl is happy and seems glad to be found.

The dog had been living in the wooded area around Nashua county with no human contact whatsoever for over a year.

Gypsy Girl is very friendly and was giving kisses to the rescuers and wagging her tail as soon as she was found. Since her former family abandoned her, she will be put up for adoption soon. She will have to go to a home that is experienced with dogs however as she will try to escape if she can and is full of wanderlust.