2/4/12 Frye Mountain

Still a problem with icy trails here. Decided Frye Mountain might be good as it is mostly woods with few rocks, good footing, and is not a steep climb. We started from the Walker Ridge access and found that no one had been on the trail since the last snow. Between the blazes and Kelley's excellent nose we had no trouble following the trail. She does not appear to be scenting but easily follows the trails.

The Bartlett Stream was easy to cross today


There was crusty snow but only a few inches deep and walking the first part of the trail was not difficult.

The woods thin somewhat as you gain elevation



After we crossed the second logging road and began to gain a little elevation the snow became deeper and the walking more difficult. Near the summit there is a steep drop before you climb back up and we found ice on the trail. I had thought about trying to do the loop but decided this wasn't the day for it and we turned back. I was also concerned for Kelley because she had done a long hike yesterday and she seemed to be struggling with the snow also ( which is not usual for her) . Once we turned back and we were on the trail we had broken on the way up she perked up and showed her usual enthusiasm.

At the loop junction we climbed up to the ridge where there is a bit of view ( whereas there is none at the summit) and shared an apple before heading back down





A nice quiet hike. 3 1/4 hours

2/3/12 Dover-Foxcroft End of Rail Trail

Cold - mixed sun and clouds - trails still icy. Another piece of rail trail seemed in order. This time we started in Dover Foxcroft and walked south. There were quite a few snowmobiles on the trail today outward bound but not as bad as the Dexter section. On the return leg ( 2 hours) we were passed by only 4 .

At the start we crossed the Piscataquis River on a bridge.



This section was, again, mostly woods with a few marshy areas.








Don't know what this old building was for or the purpose of this small door.


Kelley being stubborn. She wanted to turn at this point- into private property - and did a sit down. I continued walking ( the lens compressed the distance and she is about a block back) and eventually she gave in and ran to catch up with me.


A pretty good hike. I was comfortable once I got warmed up, the footing was good, and the walking easy. 4 1/4 hours

2/2/12 Walden

The lousy weather continues. Yesterday we got a little snow, some sleet, and some freezing rain. We just walked around the neighborhood. This morning it's in the 20's and gray with a sheen of ice on everything. . We had to get out so we went over to Walden for an hours walk. A bit of a trudge for me in parts but the crust mostly supported Kelley.








We encountered Sophie (and her owner) who Kelley has played with before so this was exciting for Kelley- and Sophie who is also an excitable girl. They had given up on the trail and were heading back.





In spite of the conditions it was good to get out in the woods for at least a little exercise. later in the afternoon we did another 45 minutes around the neighborhood which involved as much sniffing as walking.

1/31/12 Lagrange Rail Trail

Cold ( about 10 degrees) , cloudy, and snow predicted but no wind. We did not get the snow but got some peeks of sun. We had not done this rail trail before ( still avoiding the icy slopes) and thought to start from the Lagrange end- closer to us - but couldn't spot the trail head so drove on to Medford and started from there.

A nice wide trail with well packed snow from the snowmobiles ( though we saw none) . Mostly woods





With a few marshy areas. A peaceful quiet walk - we also saw no people during our hike.




Before the trail crossed a regular road there would be warnings to stop and gates ( all simple affairs and open) . I found the corroded metal interesting.














And this milkweed


We walked to Rte. 155 and then turned and returned the way we had come. 4 hours

1/30/12 Walden

Late start because of an eye appointment ( me- I'm OK ) so we just went to Walden to wander for two hours- and I do mean wander. I mostly let Kelley choose the trails, some of which weren't really trails, and we eventually found ourselves unable to find the trail and did a fair amount of bushwhacking until we found one. Kelley was, as usual, just glad to be out and didn't mind wandering among the brush. ( She was very disappointed this morning when I got my coat on to go out to the doctors and didn't take her) . Not much photography going on as my vision was still blurry from the eye exam. Still it was good to be out in the woods with the sun shining and Kelley enjoying herself.

1/29/12 Marsh Island

Didn't feel like a long drive so we went to Marsh Island. These trails can be confusing for me but today we managed to go where I intended. When we got to the river we turned toward the south and were pleasantly surprised when we got to the difficult part ( where we usually turn back) to find the marsh completely frozen which allowed us to skirt the bad part and go to to near the start on Penobscot St. Someone had preceded us and we followed his track hoping he was at least as heavy as me. We then turned back and walked to the Old Town end of the river trail before returning the way we had come.


I was taking a picture of this concrete post when Kelley decided she added to the composition.









A pleasant 2 1/2 hour outing.

1/28/12 Breakneck and Carriage Roads

Mix of sun and clouds but little wind and temps around 30. The Breakneck and carriage roads loop seemed like a good idea. There was still a bit of ice on the trails but easily walked around.


Clear water

This is a small stream that spreads out over the rocks and I hesitate to cal it a 'waterfall' but it looks dramatic in winter.





When we got to the stream crossing the water was higher than I had seen it before and the stepping stones were under water. We searched both up and downstream for a suitable crossing but all seemed to promise wet feet at best and possibly worse. We opted to return to our car to make the short drive to the visitor center and continue from there. On the way out we met a Border Collie pup and his owners and that was fun for Kelley.

From the visitor center parking we walked down and did the Witch Hole Pond Loop. The footing was good as it was mostly packed and pocked snow with small icy patches.

Witch Hole Pond from the start of the hike


and near the end


We met several other people - some with dogs - out enjoying the day. Not a bad hike 3 hours.