3/13/17 Little Long Pond - again briefly

After the very cold weather, we assumed the local trails would be really icy so we head to Acadia. Thought that if the trails were icy perhaps the carriage roads would be OK. Kelley had not wanted to get in the car but I hoped she would be interested in this hike which is usually one of her favorites.

Twenty degrees and sunny when we arrived. and the pond looked pretty well frozen over

but I could see water at the southwest corner .

which is also the start of the trail we usually take.

We started on the West Side  Trail but soon found it too icy. We then tried the carriage road on that side and it was icy too - less sun reaches the road here - so we headed to the east side

There was running water in the canal that takes water from the pond, under the road, and out into the harbor.

The carriage road on the east side was sunny and clear and we met a couple with their dog, which pleased Kelley/

We didn't get far before Kelley sat down. I persuaded her to go a bit further but she wasn't happy so we just returned to the car and headed home. 

3/12/17 Downtown - Briefly

It has been very cold in addition to the ice - yesterday the high was 11 degrees with wind chills of minus 14 and we just did a brief walk in the hood. Today was supposed to be warmer. It was 2 degrees when we got up and we waited 'till it got up to 11 to try downtown - sidewalks not icy. Kelley seemed enthusiastic but it was very windy and painfully cold. After a brief walk she was ready to quit and so was I.  We have 8-12 inches of snow forecast for Tuesday. Maybe tomorrow we can find something.

I took a picture of the Kenduskeag as we crossed it. You can see that the trail along the stream is a sheet of ice.

3/9/17 DeMeritt Forest

Thirty six degrees, cloudy, and windy. We had not hiked last couple of days because of rain. First try was Perch Pond but we could not get into the parking area at either of the two  trailhead we tried so we came here which is not far. Parking area here had been plowed but it  was very icy.


After the rain and above freezing temps, we were surprised had how much snow was left.

The small stream had running water but the sides were too steep and someone had thrown parts of a cleared tree near the top making it hard for Kelley to even try to get to it.

Waiting while I take the picture. I wanted her to go ahead and be walking the trail but this is what I got.

Water ! She finally found some she could get to but only enough to just get wet.

A section of the Red Trail

When we came to the intersection with the Green Trail, Kelley started down it and I thought we would add it but she soon changed her mind and we headed back.

Not a bad hike as the footing was mostly packed snow with a few icy patches. Kelley did very well and seemed gald to be in the woods. 1 1/2 hours

3/6/17 Branch Lake

Warmer today after bitter cold yesterday. Difficult to pick a hike because there is still lots of ice around. We had not been here in awhile and it was up to 27 degrees by the time we got here with lots of sunshine and little wind.


The tote road had sections clear of snow, icy sections, and snow. Here is a nicer section.

The little stream Kelley likes was frozen.

We found snow  and ice on the trail once we got into the woods. I didn't take any pictures of the treacherous sections because I was too busy watching my step.

Big disappointment for Kelley - the lake was also frozen.

Further along and still no water. You can see an ice fishing shanty far left.

Finally Kelley went out on the ice to check it out. Unusual because she does not like ice.

A pretty day and Kelley did well as we both picked our way along avoiding the icy patches. As usual we had the place to ourselves. 1 1/2 hours 

3/3/17 Trail Along the Kenduskeag

22 degrees, sunny and windy. Since it's going to be much colder tomorrow and we did a short one yesterday, I decided to try another today.

The crust was very firm with some slippery spots that we had to walk around but even off trail the surface was supportive.

Looks like the ice is breaking up in the stream

Kelley found some muddy water

Stream at the point we turned around.

Back in the water

Turned out to be a pretty good hike. Other than the slippery spots the footing was good and the trail is mostly in woods and out of the wind.  Kelley did well . 1 1/2 hours

3/2/17 Sunkhaze Wildlife Refuge

Rain and drizzle all day yesterday and last night. This morning it looked like it would clear. We headed to Sunkhaze hoping for descent trail conditions. On the way it clouded back up and there were little spits of rain. Forty one and cloudy when we arrived.

We were surprised how much snow was left

The surface supported Kelley but I broke through every few steps - usually one foot would drop 4-5 inches and deeper at times where the snow had drifted.

The trail going off  to loop around had not had recent activity so adding that to my clumping along, I decided we would just go to the beaver pond and back.

The pond was still frozen with some water near the middle.

 Kelley could see the water but didn't like the ice and started whining.There was water running behind the dam. Deeper snow, unpacked but we sought some water for her. A bit of a slog through snow and brush and unfortunately the water was flowing too fast and getting to it was a problem for her.

Back to the pond she decided it was across the ice or nothing and went to explore. It was mushy ice with water on top of it - she was hesitant to go further out and I was glad because I was afraid she would break through the ice

So she laid down where she was.

On the way back she found a tiny pool she could get into.

Definitely not my favorite of our recent hikes but we got an hours worth of exercise and it was a change of scenery. It was nice to be out without rain.

2/28/17 DeMeritt Forest

Nice day  - 39 degrees, sunny, and no wind. Hadn't been here in awhile so went to check it out.

Still a fair amount of snow . A little bumpy from peoples tracks but firm.

Stream had water but steep snowy sides

Behind because of a lot of sniffing

Ah, a little water

Little use of this trail

When we got on Sewall Rd.., the lower part had been plowed and was very icy and slippery - neither of us cared for it. . We saw two women and a dog down the road but turned onto the Red Trail. A short time later a large friendly setter came charging down the trail to greet Kelley. As they were getting to know each other the setter was called and left us.

 Too hard to get down to.

Wanted to check out the river across the road and started down but Kelley had had enough so we turned back to the car. Not a bad hike and Kelley did well. 1 1/2 hours