2/11/14 Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Trail

Cold with a little breeze but sunnier than predicted. First time this year for this trail which is also near home. We parked at the old fire station at Griffin and Kenduskeag and walked the short distance to where the trail crosses Kenduskeag. The trail goes through woods for a short distance and then swings out to Griffin to cross the stream on the bridge. Some snowmobilers had taken a shortcut and crossed the stream itself -  most had taken the bridge.

The stream is wider than it appears in this picture and a short way downstream I could see open water and was a little nervous about the crossing so we took the bridge.

The Kenduskeag Stream

For the first 40 minutes or so the trail  runs near the stream. The surface was nicely packed and good walking.

You can see the stream through the trees and sometimes you get more open views. Kelley seems to be contemplating the water down there but it's quite a ways down and she did not attempt it.

A couple more picture before the trail; goes left and away from the stream

The trail crosses Pushaw Rd. , which dead ends there and reenters woods 

for a short distance before crossing Finson Rd and into another nice stretch of woods

Kelley is looking for a way around as she won't cross the bridge because of the spaces between the boards.

We then came to a large field with this shack

A cell tower and Ohio St.

That was  where we turned back.

A small side trail we did not take- probably went to someone's house

As we were heading back, Kelley got excited, started barking and took off ahead of me- we had met no one to this point. I could not see around the turns but then saw her ahead with three workmen who were giving her attention. When I caught up I found they were checking storm drains. We had a chat about the history of Pushaw Rd.- it dead ended because there once was a bridge there- and then we continued on.

Heading back

On the return I got brave and took the shortcut across the stream - we didn't go through the ice.  It had been a nice hike- we had met no one except the workmen, it had been a beautiful day- hence the excessive number of pictures-  and Kelley was happy with all the scents on a trail she hadn't been on since last year. She was also excited just to be out.  3 hours

2/10/14 City Forest

A bit warmer but a mix of sun and clouds. After yesterday's more strenuous hike I thought Kelley should have an easy one so we went to City Forest. We started from the Kittredge Rd. parking and onto the West Trail which was in very good shape- packed snow- no ice

When we got to the unnamed trail we sometimes use to get between West and the old rail bed, Kelley wanted to take it. The only traffic had been a skier or two but we took it. About half way across Kelley stopped a couple of times and looked like she wasn't especially happy with the fairly deep snow. I pointed out it had been her choice and we continued to the rail bed. There there had been some snowmobile traffic and the walking was nice, especially after we reached the point where the snowmobile trail comes onto the rail bed and there had been even more use.

Still lots of snow

We followed the trail to where it turns out onto the frozen bog and then turned back

Couldn't resist more weeds in the snow

We met two men on the way back and they were the only people we met other than a woman and her two dogs coming into the parking lot as we were starting. Turned out to be a pretty good hike  2 hours

2/9/14 Frye Mountain Trail

Cold ( about 12 degrees) but sunny and no wind. We went with our friend Faith and her dogs Roxie and Gus. We weren't sure what conditions we would find so had maps for three hikes in the area. When we got to Walker Ridge Rd. ( closed to cars) we considered just walking the woods roads- there are several miles of them.

But then three snowmobiles zoomed past us and we decided on the Frye Mountain Trail, even though the only recent use was by deer - and then what we thought was a moose.

Roxie in a rare quiet moment

Gus and Roxie leading the way

The trail was well blazed which was good with the snow. I still managed to briefly get us off onto an alternate trail.  There was a fair amount of snow,  but because it's been so cold it remains fluffy and wasn't  bad walking.

Kelley having a little rest

In the more open woods the snow was deeper but short legged Gus motored on.

The trail crosses two woods roads on it's way up the mountain and at the second we decide we had gone far enough for today. We found a downed tree, brushed of the snow and sat down with the dogs for snacks and then headed back

Gus checking to see if we are still behind him

Other than the snowmobiles at the very start and one more on the woods road where we turned around we had the woods to ourselves. A very nice hike - very peaceful, quite, and beautiful. 3  1/2 hours

2/8/14 City Forest

A friend wanted to join us and go early- even though it was only 3 degrees- at least the sun was shining and there was no wind. We just walked the West Trail to it's end then back on Main and Loop Rds. to West again to complete the loop. We met one man with a dog and several skiers  all of which made Kelley happy. Also the footing was good and once we got moving it was not uncomfortable. It has remained below freezing since the last snow so it has stayed pretty.

A very pleasant 1  3/4 hour hike. We are lucky to have this resource so close to home. Many of the places we hike have been inaccessible.

2/7/14 City Forest and Neighborhood

No post for yesterday because Kelley was being a brat. We got  several more inches of snow and after I cleared the drive , decided to do the snowmobile trail again so as not to have to worry about parking. As soon as we got out on the easement Kelley sat down and did not want to walk. Back to the house. A bit later tried again with the same result. I gave up and went inside and she came in with me- usually she likes to stay out. I sat down at the computer and she came over wanting something. I took here to the door and she went and stood by the car, apparently wanting to go somewhere. I told her "no" and went inside. A bit later she came inside but again wanted out and went back to the car and stood by the door. I wasn't going anywhere and offered her a walk around the neighborhood. We walked a short distance and she decided she didn't want that either. I gave up and was in for the day. Eventually she joined me and settled down.

This morning we went to City Forest with a friend for a short 1  1/4 hour hike-- she had an appointment and couldn't hike longer.  Cold, but sunny and no wind. A fair amount of snow with lots still on the trees, making it pretty. The footing was pretty good and Kelley seemed happy. We talked briefly with two women who were on the road parallel to the trail but met no one else. A peaceful walk in the woods.

After lunch we went back on the easement for another go at the snowmobile trail and Kelley seemed happy with it. No one had been on it except deer and the new loose snow made it a bit of a slog. I did not want to overtax Kelley so when the trail crossed a road we took that and just walked around the neighborhood for an hour. Kelley was happy with this as there were people out shoveling for her to greet.

2/5/14 Snowmobile Trail

Yesterday Kelley went to the nursing home so we did not hike. This morning we woke to new snow and it was still coming down fairly heavily. Decided to leave the  car in the garage and take the easement behind our house to the snowmobile trail. There was only 2 or 3 inches of  new snow and the crust beneath was mostly firm - pretty good walking. We walked for an hour and then turned back for home.

The pictures

The trail not taken - a side trail we left fo another day

A pretty nice 2 hour hike- very pretty with the snow and we didn't meet anyone so it was quiet and peaceful.

2/3/14 City Forest

Gray day - mid 20's. I had some things to do in the morning so we went to nearby City Forest. The West Trail was mostly packed snow with some patches of ice that were easily got around. Took the Bobcat Trail which was supposed to take us to Moose

but circled and brought us back to West. We met two skiers who were unhappy with the icy conditions but Kelley was glad to see them.

The rail bed had pretty good footing but the view was kind of bleak and wintry.

I did find a nice plant

We took one of the unnamed trails back to West to complete our loop. Near the end Cadie came charging down the trail to greet us with Pete just behind her. Kelley usually likes to play with Cadie but not today- she's an unpredictable girl.

Not a bad little hike in spite of the less than cheerful weather. 1  3/4 hours