10/26/14 Bangor

We woke up to fog and drizzle. After yesterdays hike I had decided Kelley needed an easy day so when it looked like it was clearing we went downtown for an hour. She headed us straight for the Kenduskeag Stream Trail which starts a short way from where we parked. If not that she would head for the river.

A shot of the stream from the bridge crossing it. You can see the first part of the trail on the left.

. The first part of the trail

and looking back

From the foot bridge  over the stream. The first third of a mile or so the stream has walls to contain it but they soon disappear. The trail is on the right next to the stream - Kelley can't get in here but she knows where she can and it's not far.

looking across

When we reached the first spot Kelley can get in we climbed down the bank but the water was moving to fast for her and she only got her feet wet and a drink. She seemed to realize it was not going to be different at the other places she gets in so we turned back and near the end we even deserted the trail for the streets

Some of the things we saw

There are still a few flowers. Don't know what this is

Almost finished cleome

We met several people who gave Kelley some attention and she got a little exercise so it worked out pretty well.  The rain held off 'till late afternoon.

10/25/14 Little Long Pond

Sun! and a bit warmer- 50's . Time for a hike that Kelley really likes. We started from the parking lot that leads to the Friends Path down to the pond and then followed the route shown.

Obligatory shot of the pond

The first section of the hike was a bit wet - all the little streams that had been dry had water - but when we got to the Jordan Stream Trail it got very wet. The trail runs very close to the stream and parts were under water.

Last time we were here the stream was fairly low - today it was not.

When we got to the cobblestone bridge we had our apple and considered our options. We sometimes go across to Harbor Brook and take that back to the road. The stream section today had been a bit stressful for Kelley- she doesn't like some of the bridges and goes around them in the water. She also doesn't like swiftly flowing water so there was a bit of back and forth negotiating some crossings. I decide we would take the easy route and return on the carriage roads.

The pictures, after this point, were ruined by something on the lens ( probably from Kelley shaking herself) - that I didn't detect until later.

The positive  about this side of the pond is that locals walk their dogs on the first section and Kelley gets to meet them. Today, probably because the first nice day in awhile ,  there were lots of people and dogs  ( at one point there were five dogs at once) and this pleased Kelley. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

A nice hike on a beautiful day though Kelley seemed a bit gimpy when we got home so we will do something very easy tomorrow.  2  3/4 hours

10/24/14 Downtown Bangor

This is the fourth day of rain. When it got to just a drizzle for awhile we went downtown for a bit and walked around. Kelley doesn't usually get as excited about town as she does about the woods but she was just glad to be out somewhere besides the neighborhood. There were even a few people about for her to greet and one dog. We didn't stay long as the rain soon picked up again.

There are even still some flowers

Some of the other things we saw

Tomorrow it's not supposed to rain and we are to get some sun and warmer temps. Trying to think of a place to hike that won't be too soggy.

10/21/14 Walden

Not quite as cold as yesterday but a mix of sun and clouds- all clouds by end of hike - and rain forecast for this afternoon and the next three days- going to be a challenge to get in our hikes.

We started for the Loop Trail from the end of Tamarack Trail - starting to look a bit wintry

also along the rail bed

but there was also water Kelley could get into

We continued on the rail bed past the Loop Trail connection and took an old woods road into some unmarked trails. We followed them for awhile- nothing familiar and not coming out where I expected ; we eventually came back out onto the rail bed at a different spot. Back to a side trail that Kelley likes off the snowmobile trail to the rest of the Loop Trail which took us back to the start.

Did find some wildflowers still surviving

Not a bad outing in spite on the impending rain. the woods were still pretty, Kelley had water and seemed to like the hike, and it was very peaceful as we met no one.  1 3/4 hours

10/20/14 Hogback Mountain

Sunny but cool- didn't get out of the 40's . Last time we were in this area we skipped Hogback and that is what we would do today. We started from where the Hemlock Hollow Trail crosses Halldale Rd.

Lots of leaves on the ground

When we reached the loop trail up to the overlook we found there had been a lot more timber cutting and road building. The sign indicating the trail was gone and we had to look about to find the trail- this part is private land and the owner can do as he pleases. We talked to him one day and he says he plans to replace all the trail signs and has other plans for access.

Once we got on the trail up it was unchanged until we got to the ledge that provides a view. In August the views were through the trees

Since then many trees have been removed and opened up the view.

Kelley enjoying it

and a pano view - click for larger view




The other side of the loop going down was not untouched- there were even roads that crossed it. And it was confusing when we got back down to Howard Rd. which used to be a grown over old road and is now freshly plowed with roads crossing. The owner talked about making it so people could drive up for views but I did not think he was referring to here. It will be interesting to see how this all develops.

Kelley waiting for me to catch up- trailhead for the Hemlock Hollow.

In spite of the surprise construction it turned out to be a pretty nice hike. Most of the way was not changed from what we knew and Kelley was enthusiastic and seemingly enjoying herself.  2  1/2 hours

10/19/14 Perch Pond Trails

Cold ( 40's) and more clouds than sun. We entered on the North Trail this time. Kelley seemed excited to be in the woods. I think she likes the cooler temperatures.

A small pond near the start - I got a picture and Kelley a swim.

The woods were pretty even though the predominant color is now brown.

We followed the Spruce Rd. to the Spruce Trail where we had so much trouble the first time we came here- and came in on the Spruce Trail that time . They now  have a sign marking the trail but there was still confusion- maybe it's just me. Other than that brief little foray we were able to stay on track.


Kelley was happy when we reached the big pond

We followed the trail next to the pond because there are several places Kelley can get in.

This fungus reminded me of old pottery

The Spruce Road as we headed back to the North Trail

A pretty good hike. Once we got moving the temperature was fine, the woods were pretty, there was water for Kelley, and we had the place to ourselves.  2  1/4 hours 

10/18/14 City Forest

The last two days were rainy and we just walked around the neighborhood. Today is better but still a chance of rain but we are bored - so someplace close.

We did our usual start from the end of Kittredge Rd. , across the meadow and down to the pond

There is still some nice color in this area.

We also did our usual route, taking West Trail to the end and then  the old rail bed. We met several people and dogs- some Kelley knew and some new. She was happy to see them all. After taking advantage of the water along the rail bed we followed it and found a little more color

We then took the side trail back to West Trail. The last time we were here everything had dried up except the beaver pond and end of the rail bed. Today there was lots of water- this was across the trail.

Back at the beaver pond it was a final swim

 and then up the hill and back across the meadow.

Looking back as we climb the hill

By the time we finished we were getting some sun and it had not rained so with all the water, the people, and  the dogs it turned out to be a very nice outing.  2 hours