Reflecting Pond LbNA #42232

December 2008 UPDATE:
Unfortunately, we've discovered that once serious snow season has started, the box becomes inaccessible. Look for it again in the spring, and check also for some other boxes we're planning on placing on the trail system, making sure that they're accessible in winter.

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This box is just off the cross-country ski system in Jackson, NH, and can be easily reached on skis. Make sure you pay your trail fee before starting, and check with the Ski Center for trail conditions. Note: this box is on private property (with permission of the property owner).

GETTING TO THE BOX:

Method 1, the most fun, for advanced skiers only:

Find the beginning of the Galloping Gale trail, starting at the back of the back parking lot behind the Eagle Mountain House. (If you park here for skiing, the EMH will charge you for parking, but you can redeem your parking ticket for its face value in their bar or restaurant.) Ski down the Galloping Gale trail until it merges with the Yodel Trail, and then follow the instructions in "Method 2".

Method 2, for good intermediate skiers:
(Note: this method also works in the summer, for people on foot. We're not sure of the legality of hiking on this trail, but we do it frequently. If there's no snow on the ground, it's okay to walk up the unmarked side trail.)

Find the top of the Yodel Trail, across Carter Notch Rd. (Route 16B) from the Eagle Mountain Fields. Ski down this trail, past where Galloping Gale merges from the right, to the bottom, where the trail flattens out and
you'll see some houses uphill on the right. Where the trail is flat, and before you emerge onto the Wentworth Golf Course, there's an unmarked trail on the right, roughly opposite the red "NO VEHICLES" sign. This trail is sometimes, but not always, groomed. Ski up this trail to the top. In years past, there was an official trail here, leading to a view of the water.

  IMPORTANT: If you can't ski straight up, herringbone or sidestep. No matter how tempted you may be, do NOT remove your skis and walk up -- this ruins the snow for other people who want to ski down.
The trail ends at a driveway, where you should remove your skis and leave them on the snow.

Method 3, for anyone on skis:

Cross the road from the Ski Center, and ski onto the trail, between the J-Town Deli and Madeleine's Restaurant. Ski across the golf course and into the woods, following the signs for the Yodel Trail. A little way into the woods, you'll see the unmarked trail on the left. Ski up this trail to the top (see the note above, in method 2, about not walking through this snow), remove your skis, and walk across the driveway.

Method 4, for non-skiers:

Drive north on Route 16 from Jackson, past the Jackson covered bridge and the Jackson Business loop, and find a street which is named for a reflecting body of water. Turn onto this street, and follow it to the cul-de-sac at the end. Park in the cul-de-sac, and find the orange house on the right. Walk down the driveway, noticing the downhill trail on the right.

FINDING THE BOX:

Once you've gotten to the driveway, via skis, foot, or car, stand in the driveway with the trail behind you. You'll see a retaining wall made of large stones. Counting from the left end of the wall (closest to the street), you'll find the letterbox under the sixth stone and on top of the sixth stone. In July, when we planted it, the box is hidden behind the leaves of a plant growing out of the wall; in winter, it will probably be more visible.
Please replace the small rocks in front of it, and make sure to close the flaps of the box securely.

After replacing the box, walk across the street to look at the body of water which gives the box its name. On calm days it really does look as flat as a mirror. Then return the way you came. (NOTE: Depending on the snow conditions, the trail can be a bit scary going down. Sidestep if you need to, but do NOT walk on the trail. If you absolutely cannot get down the hill with skis on your feet, walk as far to the side of the trail as possible, and
put your skis back on before you rejoin the Yodel Trail.)