 November 1st Outdoor Journal
With a perfect fall morning, our group travels west for a trek up Wachusett Mountain. Located in Princeton, Massachusetts, Wachusett Mountain at 2006' is the highest point south of the White Mountains and east of the Connecticut River. Although the northern slope is designated for skiing, the mountain has several trails running through the reservation including the Mid-State Trail. A long distance trail that starts on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire State line and terminates where Massachusetts meets Rhode Island.
Today we start our hike from the park service information center, heading south along the Bicentennial Trail. The trail begins with a soft climb through hardwoods and loose rocks. At the Loop Trail the group turns off, switchbacking between birch and hemlock as the trail climbs around boulders. To the south a cloudless sky and the failing colors of autumn can be viewed through the trees. Arriving at the intersection of the Jack Frost Trail we meet our first group of fellow hikers, they head east as we continue west. Descending along the Jack Frost Trail, our small band of hikers pass through a hemlock forest blocking out the sky. During our trek along this trail, we cross over a couple of cascading brooks by means of small footbridges. After missing a turn off, we backtrack a short distance to hike along the Lower Link Trail. Trekking through a wooded wetland, the trail parallels an unseen brook reverberating through the forest. Beech trees continuing to hold onto their yellowing leafs block our view of the moving water.
The Lower Link Trail merges into the Harrington Trail. Following this trail for a short distance we climb over the rocky trail before veering off once more, now along the Semuhenna Trail. Continuing northwest for the next hour, the trail climbs 330 feet in elevation. The vegetation changes to birch and white pine with openings that offer some nice views to our west. Crossing the Up Summit Road we take our lunch break at a picnic table just short of the treeline. My mooching lab loves this spot as he gets handouts from our group and others. At one point I have to scold him, as he walks over to another table and sticks his head into a hiker's daypack. Jokingly the hiker asked if Grady was a narc dog, as he bribes him with a piece of jerky.
After a climb up the steep West Side Trail and traveling southeast along the Old Indian Trail we follow the ridgeline, emerging from the trees near the now still chairlift. With a short climb using stone steps, the group reaches the busy summit of Wachusett Mountain. The 360-degree view from the summit is spectacular. To the north, the bald summit of Mount Monadnock rises about the treeline. To the east, the Boston skyline breaks up the horizon. The south offers colorful woodlands as far as the eye can see. Scanning the western skyline the sun is already starting it's descent, soon to be blocked by Mount Greylock and the Berkshires. We leave the summit to the crowds by way of the Pine Hill Trail, returning once again to the woods. About half way down a strange sound is heard. After passing a group of trail workers repairing the stone steps, a distinctive drumbeat can be heard. By the time we reach the Bicentennial Trail, faint chanting is added to the cadence of the drum. A perfect hike behind us, on the far side of the parking lot a small band of Native Americans greets us with their final song.
|
 Outdoor Tip of the Week
- Add Spice: Jazz up meals with curry and chili powder to boost blood circulation and body temperature. Plus eat plenty of high-clorie foods to give your body extra fuel to stay warm.
- Wipe Down: Bathe before sleeping. Dirt and sweat can clog your pores and reduce skin respiratiom, making your body feel clammy.
- Drink Up: One hour before bed warm up with this fiery brew; 1/8 tp 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed with 8 ounces of hot chocolate lemonadeor honey water.
- Insert Liner: To reduce the air space your body needs to heat up, slip a liner into your sleepingbag. This adds 10 to 15 degrees to your bag.
- Hit the Bottle: Stash a lexan bottle filled with hot water in your sleepingbag. PLace it near your belly to warm up the circulating blood.
- Strip Down: Change into fresh clothing before turning in and dry your wet garments overnight alongside your body in the sleepingbag.
See all our outdoor tips at http://www.bvori.com/tips.asp
|
2009 Heritage Kayaks Have Arrived