9/21/14 City Forest

Gray morning with rain forecast. Off to the forest with a pack and plastic bags to protect the cameras if needed. We did our usual route from the end of Kittredge Rd. I knew the small pools and streams would still be dry but Kelley would have the beaver pond at the start and finish as well as the water along the rail bed. We met several people and a couple of dogs so that was added pleasure for Kelley.

More trees are turning color but I found more wildflowers than expected.

We had on and off sprinkles throughout the hike but our timing was pretty good and it didn't start raining harder until we were almost to the car.  A pretty pleasant outing in spite of the rain.  2  hours 

9/20/14 Hidden Ponds

Mostly sunny and 50's - not bad. I had a couple of ideas for this hike and it also has lots of water for Kelley.

We started from the parking lot on Rte. 182 . The first thing I wanted to check was the trail to Tunk Mt. The trail up Tunk  from here has been too hard for Kelley but perhaps when they worked on the other trails they rerouted or improved access on the Tunk Trail.

First stop a small stream near the start of the hike

and then by Salmon Pond

and Mud Pond

to the Tunk Mt. Trail - the first part had not changed and was still too much for Kelley- and there is not a work around for her. Later on this trail there are iron rungs to climb- another problem for her. Before they put in the rungs ( and rerouted)  there were ropes hanging down the rocks to assist you.

we turned back and took the new loop trail which took us past Little long Pond

to the no longer maintained trail to Tilden Pond

Too high

but she found a spot where she could get in while I photographed some sticks

The other thing I wanted to do was try to find some trail past Tilden Pond. They are on this map made by the hiker who gave it to me but not on other maps.

I have marked on the map the route I think we took- because it came to a camp which is indicated on the map. looks like they are ready for cold weather.

There was an old woods road/path leading back from beside the cabin and we took that hoping to find either the trail to Tilden Pond or Little Long Pond . Pretty woods but we did not see any trails going off it. We eventually came to a large beaver pond without finding any other trails.

At this point we gave up for the day and headed back the way we had come. We will try this again. I will contact my map source for help.

Turned out to be a nice hike anyway as it was a pretty day in the woods. Kelley was happy with all the water and seemed to enjoy trails we had not been on before. 3  1/2 hours 

9/19/14 Marsh Island

Thirty five degrees when we got up so I stalled 'till we were in the upper 40's. There was also so wing so this was the first hike with a jacket this fall. It did warm a bit and wasn't bad once we were moving. We did our usual route over to the river and back. Kelley had the pond at the start ( not on the map) and then a small stream before we got to the river. The banks are mostly high and steep so we don't usually go down to the water but today I found a way down.

 and Kelley got some nice water

On the way back we met three men with a dog and Kelley was really excited but the dog was a young and very energetic pup and after a bit of play Kelley took a break and laid down.

In spite of the nippy start this was a pleasant outing.  2 hours

9/18/14 Walden

Another beautiful day- much like yesterday but with a possible frost tonight. That means I need to deal with a lot of garden things so we went to nearby Walden.

The loop trail still looked summery

as did the rail bed

Still some weeds/wildflowers about

A short ways off the trail is another beaver pond

Which Kelley, stirring up some silt, took advantage of

More wildflowers

Only an hour and a half but a very pleasant walk on a beautiful day. I spent the rest of the day bringing in vegetables, and freezing some, and moving potted peppers into the garage. 

9/17/14 Goose Ridge

Yesterday was gray with on and off showers so we just walked around the neighborhood. Today is sunny, 60's, and no bugs- ideal. The contrast light, though,  was not great for pictures.

We started from the trail head on Freedom Pond Road and walked to the easement short of Penny Rd.

This is basically a walk through pretty woods, the first section being uphill to the ridge. Not difficult for Kelley as there are no rocks to climb or other work around's .Most of the small streams were completely dry and Kelley was disappointed to find them so. She did find a couple of small muddy spots to get into and I had drinking water.


A few shots of he woods and trails.

The trail passes through Spirited Horses Ranch and two meadows which give a glimpse of the surrounding area.

and more of the trail

A beautiful day to be in the woods. 3  hours 

9/15/14 City Forest

Cool - 50's with a mix of sun and clouds. We did our usual route by the beaver pond and the West Trail and old rail bed. We met several people and dogs, including two of Kelley's dog friends. The small pools continue to be mostly dry but Kelley had the beaver pond at both ends and there was water beside the rail bed. Few wildflowers left and even fewer insects so mostly I took pictures of Kelley.

It's coming

On the trail, rail bed, and in the beaver pond

The bees were still busy and there were a surprising number of them

A pleasant two hour outing. Kelley had been enthusiastic and was happy with all the people and dogs. 

9/14/14 Demeritt Forest

Mix of sun and clouds and temps in the 50's A friend joined us and we started out with jackets but were soon comfortable without. We started from the Logan Rd. entrance and followed the route shown. Several of these trails have spots that are wet but today they were just muddy at most. Kelley kept looking but was disappointed. We met two men walking but mostly had the woods to ourselves. These are mostly pretty woods trails with interesting variations. I took few pictures because I was talking with my friend.

When we got back to the car we continued across the road to the river so Kelley could have a swim.

A very pleasant hike, though I'm sure Kelley was disappointed by the lack of water and not meeting any other dogs.  3  1/4 hours