1/27/18 Hidden Ponds

Cloudy but upper 30's. We still have a fair amount of crusty snow and ice so headed closer to the coast for less snow. There was a lot less snow but still lots of ice, including on the trails.

It wasn't all this bad but still lots of place to pick our way around.

Kelley always gets in the stream near the start but though it was flowing, the ice along the banks stymied her

A smaller stream later on allowed her to get wet and get a drink but that was all.

Salmon Pond was frozen over

As was Mud Pond.

At this point we turn back to pick up the Loop trail around the ponds. At the trail junction,  I asked which way and Kelley started back so that's what we did. She did very well today in spite of less than ideal conditions and we got in a descent little hike. 

1/20/18 Little Long Pond

Supposed to have sun but we got clouds  ( sun came out on the way home) . The pond was mostly frozen.

Except for a small area near the outlet to the ocean. Kelley couldn't get to the water because of the ice.

We started on our usual route on the West Side Trail - easy walking because little snow had made it to the ground -  but when we came to the meadow section the snow got a lot deeper and Kelley could not negotiate some newly built steps and we turned back.

We decided to try the carriage road on the east side of the pond. There had been more traffic here- both hikers and skiers. It was also pretty in spite of the gray skies. We met several people, which pleased Kelley as they stopped to give her a bit of attention.

Taking a little break.

Not a long hike but Kelley did well. It was good to get out after all the weather problems we have had.

1/18/18 Snowmobile Trail Along Kenduskeag

Fifteen degrees but sun and no wind. We have had a rough stretch of weather with heavy snow and then three days of rain and back to very cold.

The little stream near the start

No recent snowmobile activity. The old track was firm but the last light snow hid patches of ice and  I neglected to bring my ice grippers. The crust along the sides was firm enough to support Kelley

Kelley always has to see who has been here before us.

The Kenduskeag Stream was very high, Usually large boulders and ledge are visible here.

Heading back

A nice little hike but was glad to get back to the car. Kelley did well after initially not wanting to get out of the car and especially since there was no water she could get to. 

1/9/18 DeMeritt Forest

Twenty two and mostly sunny. Since we had not done a long hike yesterday I decided to try for two in a row. These trails are used primarily by skiers and snowshoers but someone had run a snowmobile through this morning. probably to help the skiers since we had got a couple more inches of snow last night.

Kelley deciding whether to go on or not

The surface was softer than the trail yesterday, so more of a slog for me, but OK for Kelley. This side trail was much softer so we did not use it

As was this one

I did not want Kelley to overdo it so at that point we headed back.

Another pretty day in the woods. Kelley did well again. 

1/8/18 Snowmobile Trail Glenburn

Fourteen degrees and light snow. We have done only walks around the neighborhood lately because of below zero temps and snow  too deep for Kelley. First time this winter for this trail and it had some use so was well packed, with good footing. We usually meet few snowmobilers during the week ( I today) and when we do they are almost all very considerate, slowing down and giving us a wide berth. Some even stop to greet Kelley.

Only took a few pictures of the trail and Kelley.

Still lots of snow

The woods were pretty. the footing was good, and Kelley did well. A nice little outing.