tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60221240035601831242024-03-13T00:05:58.998-04:00Berkshire HikerGuided hikes on our beautiful Berkshire trails.
All things hiking in the Berkshires!Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-18279681592550229042023-04-14T09:46:00.000-04:002023-04-14T09:46:25.855-04:00Wildflowers at Bartholomew's Cobble 4/12/2023<p>Here are the flowers I saw with my OLLI (adult learning) class at <a href="https://thetrustees.org/place/bartholomews-cobble/" target="_blank">Bartholomew's Cobble</a>, a Trustees of Reservations property in Sheffield, MA, this week. As always this time of year, the wildflowers are varied and plentiful. As the website says, "Boasting an enormous variety of woodland flowers and fern species, the Cobble’s amazingly diverse flora earned it a National Natural Landmark designation in 1971." I will keep going back weekly for the next month, as the flower show is ever-changing.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrQHOefb4LcvP7GvUuU4zKktRgVd-TsmUdCs9CXheS5k-RqjdkUBS8WIYODIilkF8cL2KG9OHKtvU9n5-dYK-xA_sLa_F9FVu32ICA9qRE3d5ET2Mh06t7t2ZE2KLvJIeBlCwU9LEzDmGWLhy1SZYrkPNVJxdAmnkI5VSyHXQbCg26JLiWaYbfwV7e" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrQHOefb4LcvP7GvUuU4zKktRgVd-TsmUdCs9CXheS5k-RqjdkUBS8WIYODIilkF8cL2KG9OHKtvU9n5-dYK-xA_sLa_F9FVu32ICA9qRE3d5ET2Mh06t7t2ZE2KLvJIeBlCwU9LEzDmGWLhy1SZYrkPNVJxdAmnkI5VSyHXQbCg26JLiWaYbfwV7e=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was such a special treat to have Janice Tassinari be our guide.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKnt2htCejnwbn7c2D5TI3XORGtOL98t1Jc9WRIhz6bkY5X2gCPZp2RnMoJCWIG3uX24iRgsJce1HCufCC0Qp2_Rr_s9YQuXo6vql8bjfxZfIWgn_Tn6sqSYgVEGEcChGdN3Ty9U2rqX01rWKkmOybqsCD30N6Ff0O5g23FLXNOrRQHi87wrUk6vLg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="846" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKnt2htCejnwbn7c2D5TI3XORGtOL98t1Jc9WRIhz6bkY5X2gCPZp2RnMoJCWIG3uX24iRgsJce1HCufCC0Qp2_Rr_s9YQuXo6vql8bjfxZfIWgn_Tn6sqSYgVEGEcChGdN3Ty9U2rqX01rWKkmOybqsCD30N6Ff0O5g23FLXNOrRQHi87wrUk6vLg=w365-h400" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hepatica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvL81-u-Iy9t6sxbW9Qa5FwamO7OiHeO1IfRjRzmdjqpPUIdPWvjRfI0QqvcelkaO521swrwlVJ-sezRzDiwBT-8XmUE8YFZa5f-OqHbBzrDu2tCFqcq0i5gEdSzuxZqRDsKpfufjkOw01cFzJMPnIfytf2wyFMQILm4SdJA-W38BKFJD_W1jRnQA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="817" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvL81-u-Iy9t6sxbW9Qa5FwamO7OiHeO1IfRjRzmdjqpPUIdPWvjRfI0QqvcelkaO521swrwlVJ-sezRzDiwBT-8XmUE8YFZa5f-OqHbBzrDu2tCFqcq0i5gEdSzuxZqRDsKpfufjkOw01cFzJMPnIfytf2wyFMQILm4SdJA-W38BKFJD_W1jRnQA=w340-h400" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hepatica</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFBE1ikwkSCrXDl9WTPjSv6Yi-4eb_Pc4CJMylH9zHKWBrly5YhUXHXss7rZAxChQicsf6IC7tzVxvqoSD99CKTpEEeWmxSMzRjZvKf3w6OTiIYWgCpJ4OpBvIoiN4iNkXfvkMZHashKT9ntxhFBztUjXPmAh3zUMzP6qCg9jbfaRZi9gOHm3Xmrv9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="876" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFBE1ikwkSCrXDl9WTPjSv6Yi-4eb_Pc4CJMylH9zHKWBrly5YhUXHXss7rZAxChQicsf6IC7tzVxvqoSD99CKTpEEeWmxSMzRjZvKf3w6OTiIYWgCpJ4OpBvIoiN4iNkXfvkMZHashKT9ntxhFBztUjXPmAh3zUMzP6qCg9jbfaRZi9gOHm3Xmrv9=w392-h400" width="392" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Skunk Cabbage</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Ss3ixU3j6hPPmLtV0kIdW9MJiaPvrp8O6X__kGv3yI7i5EYD5e9syTYMcmCTvYB23Xd_hSAjN_C-vfqVFEF2CiC6jhvKoDwHpPsbFtsxus-2ctdlCaitU2Je76rhnyte4LCjo5z940YvQ1PIMbAca5IN_xqL6ioO7UKEEyvUtroGdZhcgInm98cy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Ss3ixU3j6hPPmLtV0kIdW9MJiaPvrp8O6X__kGv3yI7i5EYD5e9syTYMcmCTvYB23Xd_hSAjN_C-vfqVFEF2CiC6jhvKoDwHpPsbFtsxus-2ctdlCaitU2Je76rhnyte4LCjo5z940YvQ1PIMbAca5IN_xqL6ioO7UKEEyvUtroGdZhcgInm98cy=w347-h400" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bud of a Mayapple just poking out of the ground.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3LM8XsCcUXMAXnB4PnAd8ZRx_bjpGXR19ETlGOwsPQ4Lr04XYoxdMn74K-IhfNxCHYx7zO_iaKEUB3Uqb4PWaAzNN69Yzvlqv2jgOqjJHa7O-9YTE-g1ZvtVMhc38qUU10sRpEjqy5-3nSSgv493GlX1qmercWEz8vygcsbOaaYitBjRtLepNle_r" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="825" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3LM8XsCcUXMAXnB4PnAd8ZRx_bjpGXR19ETlGOwsPQ4Lr04XYoxdMn74K-IhfNxCHYx7zO_iaKEUB3Uqb4PWaAzNN69Yzvlqv2jgOqjJHa7O-9YTE-g1ZvtVMhc38qUU10sRpEjqy5-3nSSgv493GlX1qmercWEz8vygcsbOaaYitBjRtLepNle_r=w347-h400" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue Cohosh</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVsg30Bi0-JOodKm0mtPf0S3TfpPn9KLgT3tHn32OmHCHst2JORAv5eL5ARlbWxzziy-f5TJF9j8ooEF-K7p2Uc9FM6phu8y8O13ePTrAhDFYk5HVdcbZo1wtdotcJMMOUvTN9ZuYHNL3sJtYUhQMaumQtVNiqrhbuc3ixw47Oey_TltwMmLnNve3O" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="3000" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVsg30Bi0-JOodKm0mtPf0S3TfpPn9KLgT3tHn32OmHCHst2JORAv5eL5ARlbWxzziy-f5TJF9j8ooEF-K7p2Uc9FM6phu8y8O13ePTrAhDFYk5HVdcbZo1wtdotcJMMOUvTN9ZuYHNL3sJtYUhQMaumQtVNiqrhbuc3ixw47Oey_TltwMmLnNve3O=w400-h387" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trout Lily, or as my mother called it, Dog-toothed Violet.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0tgNDAsG9sjaHto3K8wK-ZtA0xnNdK2CL3JvxNv1xKR6fKr1ac7-BZFo6a7XgK6YdLNSYFALOzMP_O5mtxvv-jPOtB00kVkyIyVMU8GL3FGAyDzA9o-3_tNuZTAiv2Gafgu2yfhm_gzRDk_7zGE57prmqokoLvrAJkUuHP4gTgerQwtxdS70hvWHX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="833" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0tgNDAsG9sjaHto3K8wK-ZtA0xnNdK2CL3JvxNv1xKR6fKr1ac7-BZFo6a7XgK6YdLNSYFALOzMP_O5mtxvv-jPOtB00kVkyIyVMU8GL3FGAyDzA9o-3_tNuZTAiv2Gafgu2yfhm_gzRDk_7zGE57prmqokoLvrAJkUuHP4gTgerQwtxdS70hvWHX=w283-h320" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dutchman's Breeches in bud</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0kIx1xmD0zSiK3lNvIPbM0VxirjhlWtO9Vh69nGHUdf5U7FkHaevqesqc8A4HSYYvHI0lGbQug-TSb3VzQvN1gXNEgQeY3ub7u8fvYoGeA9XG1bdWwsbvrpjhIsD7Gj3NVsMQzUhTmsMjkcs_5XDKDuaKVvH5o432VWs8I9JmXtIIcJGqNjOEsteM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0kIx1xmD0zSiK3lNvIPbM0VxirjhlWtO9Vh69nGHUdf5U7FkHaevqesqc8A4HSYYvHI0lGbQug-TSb3VzQvN1gXNEgQeY3ub7u8fvYoGeA9XG1bdWwsbvrpjhIsD7Gj3NVsMQzUhTmsMjkcs_5XDKDuaKVvH5o432VWs8I9JmXtIIcJGqNjOEsteM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bloodroot</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSVmu49N-fvLmCEObQqZWvprsch_cJFmH8zc9M8gJDNwfE8GGK35b97jrnU2dAtA5mHNkhOPyQH10BC0MoTEsDNasd-6qWfZ2lFf8GJmk36Z5X_Jf2aQdUYhL0Z2C76TSpirmdngsyt7DdZqFkMqhfUXax8bf0ebwwi0JvXLG2UZnkXQXlUltzVki4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSVmu49N-fvLmCEObQqZWvprsch_cJFmH8zc9M8gJDNwfE8GGK35b97jrnU2dAtA5mHNkhOPyQH10BC0MoTEsDNasd-6qWfZ2lFf8GJmk36Z5X_Jf2aQdUYhL0Z2C76TSpirmdngsyt7DdZqFkMqhfUXax8bf0ebwwi0JvXLG2UZnkXQXlUltzVki4=w309-h320" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dutchman's Breeches</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-54050047674604022082023-01-19T10:54:00.000-05:002023-01-19T10:54:55.336-05:00East Rock, Great Barrington, MA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwdHPJIh2S5Kv8uzmLnxlPi0oJWNTEYdawrKv0bqKoQ2qDIo7j4yhff7fomu9FKTBbgpcXcS027U0j86fuoxanwrhVBrAotO5Noy-rLTQu1fBZzWtP4e4FUPKdyN7Gms-7QBqDLMRv6G6OtOc-yNf0fvw_YOjNUt0Or-puZvJAkOkHhnUZiP6OLu4u" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1068" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwdHPJIh2S5Kv8uzmLnxlPi0oJWNTEYdawrKv0bqKoQ2qDIo7j4yhff7fomu9FKTBbgpcXcS027U0j86fuoxanwrhVBrAotO5Noy-rLTQu1fBZzWtP4e4FUPKdyN7Gms-7QBqDLMRv6G6OtOc-yNf0fvw_YOjNUt0Or-puZvJAkOkHhnUZiP6OLu4u=w400-h275" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This sign appeared a year or so ago on Quarry Road in Great Barrington. I had been up the trail to East Rock about 10 years ago. It was steep, slippery and seemed dangerous. In fact an aquaintance of mine broke his leg up there about that time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail has changed! It is wide and, although still steep, it is hard dirt with few obstructions. It takes about 30-40 minutes of climbing to reach East Rock which has a ladder to help you up to the view. The trail continues past the boulder a short distance to the top of the ridge and then seems to disappear. </div><p>I recieved some information by email from Great Barrington Assistant Town Manager, Christopher Rembold, about it. He said, "The trail originates on town land off Quarry Street, but eventually crosses into private territory. The peak, and the Rock itself, are on private land. The Town does not maintain any of the trails." It is obvious that some interested party(ies) are keeping up the trail and I thank them for that. Please be sure to respect private property.</p><p>The hillside has other trails that, judging by their twisting nature, were made for mountain biking but I enjoyed walking some of them. You can see rugged rock bolders and cliffs, a couple of vernal pools, some large older trees, and three-season views from the ridgetop trail. </p><p>I learned from articles in the Berkshire Eagle by Bernard Drew, our local historian, that the town's 70-acre property has some interesting history. It was donated to the town in 1894 by Edward F. Searles, then owner of what is now called Searles Castle behind the rock wall on Main Street just south of downtown. The corner of Quarry and Park Streets has a small playground and field. In my opinion, the whole hillside is a treasure!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5uAxdyf00bc3EKCBwigW6sm0hgtbhO1V3uuTyRJA3XqvHB9td-bZnkuqKPSMoUZwEjn0n-5jW3_8VicWXQ590kFekNbp3QjlekOo7o-CPelGIqKsbwr-TNrkVRobX_WjxlrtaP_0QNSg1iqZhImYpiuPCzVmLu17WiYCxWZ2LIn4KgeJ2brtCAEEb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="5652" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5uAxdyf00bc3EKCBwigW6sm0hgtbhO1V3uuTyRJA3XqvHB9td-bZnkuqKPSMoUZwEjn0n-5jW3_8VicWXQ590kFekNbp3QjlekOo7o-CPelGIqKsbwr-TNrkVRobX_WjxlrtaP_0QNSg1iqZhImYpiuPCzVmLu17WiYCxWZ2LIn4KgeJ2brtCAEEb=w555-h310" width="555" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail has lots of interesting rock formations to look at.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhym7KBRZzkVceP_TOrL8jMzeh8TVGhsVHnewcvG5j3M1iF-7qhBUptZnZDYDBrRzk5DS95cbQNgPLB86u3-Lj_SqUS4nq6jdCGasKzOQptPlxD_DSqD6jRGjRXgNOrRSAiq33KXRDOfQ_qkdpeW8qAToLVnEDzdsO4Mru1VrYZOUz-KXd_CECLAONc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhym7KBRZzkVceP_TOrL8jMzeh8TVGhsVHnewcvG5j3M1iF-7qhBUptZnZDYDBrRzk5DS95cbQNgPLB86u3-Lj_SqUS4nq6jdCGasKzOQptPlxD_DSqD6jRGjRXgNOrRSAiq33KXRDOfQ_qkdpeW8qAToLVnEDzdsO4Mru1VrYZOUz-KXd_CECLAONc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love to see this ice formation, mostly in fall and spring. <br />It is <b>needle ice</b>. See below for an explanation of how it forms. <br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6Ae4SEB3wYwnv-nFXS9_3YrThzf5SoryKUbIc3sk8uNYwId7Jmfybf_VOm-zc6YN0j9lS-3HRpdrRez3m5jeMRWqqU2xW6EkNJ8IeI8BVJ6iZD7Aq4VFguaUooRKy_nHCjqgN5yC8S8aDH24Yzhsqs6c1JPG5TZAaTHRnG5HByipyCV1Cg1707wO3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6Ae4SEB3wYwnv-nFXS9_3YrThzf5SoryKUbIc3sk8uNYwId7Jmfybf_VOm-zc6YN0j9lS-3HRpdrRez3m5jeMRWqqU2xW6EkNJ8IeI8BVJ6iZD7Aq4VFguaUooRKy_nHCjqgN5yC8S8aDH24Yzhsqs6c1JPG5TZAaTHRnG5HByipyCV1Cg1707wO3" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I saw several vernal pools <br />filled with water from a recent day of rain.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5jFEpE0zi44DyYH-Za08Ux0Jmkf2zdbdCD8-QoE-ZalgPz2gHe4L7hF6eL0ZO3mK_-8hqpxyh9T-dPiq_rZLxpYDZVnr25gGpcD4peZd36x1vt-kE_5i8G7qb2DrS6xTHSch68Orq5qsjx-3nl3FIt5C7nLFeTW5ffh5NW7gOyQ1xd3YiLZybdmT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="990" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5jFEpE0zi44DyYH-Za08Ux0Jmkf2zdbdCD8-QoE-ZalgPz2gHe4L7hF6eL0ZO3mK_-8hqpxyh9T-dPiq_rZLxpYDZVnr25gGpcD4peZd36x1vt-kE_5i8G7qb2DrS6xTHSch68Orq5qsjx-3nl3FIt5C7nLFeTW5ffh5NW7gOyQ1xd3YiLZybdmT=w268-h320" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the first half of the 1900s, a high tension electric line went over the mountain <br />to supply power to a trolley line. This must have been where <br />a guy wire to support a tower was fastened into the rock.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtycOnbuNUJopT4Khzzux-lHKdORlsx4gV3EjA1cnzpeu9kYaqISt2kjCiP2d7OEL0G9WTraD2HXwBg8n8YePrUIHLrDQnW5iyXKf_uASvYB0pDCJL5M9yWh75QLtHmMLpRY9RWo1SHumx-1FfcOsul6i7CVlO-xg_WpR73S8duKwxoPy3AtGTvOZD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtycOnbuNUJopT4Khzzux-lHKdORlsx4gV3EjA1cnzpeu9kYaqISt2kjCiP2d7OEL0G9WTraD2HXwBg8n8YePrUIHLrDQnW5iyXKf_uASvYB0pDCJL5M9yWh75QLtHmMLpRY9RWo1SHumx-1FfcOsul6i7CVlO-xg_WpR73S8duKwxoPy3AtGTvOZD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail is wide and clear of debris.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPPrF8OXhs0Su1_iPfWSuUjIPctTJppa-JfFd2OR2EaSHN4gciK2B66WTxQjCx0qD3zLonOESIrNcFaSrhUVUNTvb4wJpoKKCATxi4VNxckXurLgn64E-zoxy1Vn4qkA0i1enAQmdRV54xtB7NdncsFzaVQe_1ebC9Qb_FS0IPdlLZM90TMiu7y3mU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="3732" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPPrF8OXhs0Su1_iPfWSuUjIPctTJppa-JfFd2OR2EaSHN4gciK2B66WTxQjCx0qD3zLonOESIrNcFaSrhUVUNTvb4wJpoKKCATxi4VNxckXurLgn64E-zoxy1Vn4qkA0i1enAQmdRV54xtB7NdncsFzaVQe_1ebC9Qb_FS0IPdlLZM90TMiu7y3mU=w512-h245" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>East Rock: The ladder is not affixed, but does allow the adventurous <br />to access the view. It's not for the faint of heart!<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTIg2Z08YmNt30s4gV3zDGzLvvSWwtp-Fd9bi0a2WodvmF2hOexIKV_9R3BDN7V1T1YSzbZM_-VbPFnzby6mMwvnD3D0LhR5-80R041fEEHJZ9heJ1K7uls3kZxI48Kyobx5G4EnLDGVigpnyKQXXPciv-IYbY_JWrajKc-iOf_i35ur7C4x_GBsyi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTIg2Z08YmNt30s4gV3zDGzLvvSWwtp-Fd9bi0a2WodvmF2hOexIKV_9R3BDN7V1T1YSzbZM_-VbPFnzby6mMwvnD3D0LhR5-80R041fEEHJZ9heJ1K7uls3kZxI48Kyobx5G4EnLDGVigpnyKQXXPciv-IYbY_JWrajKc-iOf_i35ur7C4x_GBsyi=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I can only guess when the EAST was carved into the rock. <br />From other lettering I have seen, probably in the late 1800s.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3zz6MZvfXHtxEEDT4cMJgqV3Rmvk2PXgjx8MoDmDFQWWRAkKiXRb0MWoyEjxwEVMGIAIC4l_NIeY03h2KXJeYZ3zqhx1WBywQpg9cRUe5dRtF4PwRTXh_79EbchTyPwwNWNOzg1OqpkgNzBUhNKfXhlqwSYMrzHzpTkkBhIqdCow0LWnj6TnkybUW" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3zz6MZvfXHtxEEDT4cMJgqV3Rmvk2PXgjx8MoDmDFQWWRAkKiXRb0MWoyEjxwEVMGIAIC4l_NIeY03h2KXJeYZ3zqhx1WBywQpg9cRUe5dRtF4PwRTXh_79EbchTyPwwNWNOzg1OqpkgNzBUhNKfXhlqwSYMrzHzpTkkBhIqdCow0LWnj6TnkybUW=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trees just below East Rock have been felled to open up the view. <br />On a clear day Main Street the Catskills are visible.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3jLnwQbO6CPttjCrTcPYu4EG8EzCxucfifc5MoFm9ZKvSPXcavXX1VEzpMUXtxSzT7c0vE2YSUbPVePOdntu4HCHi5mdSsJV_fxEPUAyxY3pS0w-1jdNBufigXFDB_Ir1OY8WL14BEr5iMyvWLnDjfjjZiTHMnv9WJdxNcnp7wubN8HlmnmBfMS_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3jLnwQbO6CPttjCrTcPYu4EG8EzCxucfifc5MoFm9ZKvSPXcavXX1VEzpMUXtxSzT7c0vE2YSUbPVePOdntu4HCHi5mdSsJV_fxEPUAyxY3pS0w-1jdNBufigXFDB_Ir1OY8WL14BEr5iMyvWLnDjfjjZiTHMnv9WJdxNcnp7wubN8HlmnmBfMS_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the top, someone has a stash <br />of loveley pebbles and shells.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Needle Ice formation:</b> Soil takes longer to cool than the air does, so in the earlier parts of winter the air may be well below freezing, while the ground is still thawed and water flows freely through it. If the air is sufficiently cold, water at or near the soil surface may freeze. Water expands when it freezes and this ice expands into the empty space above. If the air is cold enough, it continues to freeze water near the surface. The expanding ice pushes ever upwards, drawing more water up through the soil by capillary action. The process continues, with endless tiny spires being thrust through the soil. Above the soil the spires may fuse together, forming small chunks 2-3″ thick.<div><br /></div><div>Sadly, once the soil freezes completely, the process ceases. You're most likely to encounter needle ice in late fall before the soil freezes and again in early spring as it thaws. It’s also common in more mild winters (and in those odd spells where temperatures soar up to nearly 60). Essentially anytime the upper layers of soil have liquid water and when air temperatures are well below freezing you can find needle ice on a trail near you.</div><div>From: <a href="https://crowspath.org/needle-ice/">https://crowspath.org/needle-ice/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><p></p></div></div>Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-10340413946467173152023-01-03T13:03:00.013-05:002023-01-03T13:11:18.682-05:00Mount Alander--First Day Hike 2023<p> So it's January 1, 2023, and I took a wonderful First Day Hike to the summit of Mount Alander from the Mount Washington State Forest Headquarters in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. Here is a <a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/mt-washington-state-forest-trail-map/download" target="_blank">trailmap</a>. I love this very familiar hike! It's 3 miles up so 6 miles round trip and can easily be extended another mile or so on side trails. It's close to my house, it has lovely stream crossings (some with bridges and some without), and most of all, the view at the top is magmificent. To the south you see Mount Brace and the Rte 22 valley with agricultural land; to the west is more valley farm land; and, in the distance, the light blue Catskill Mountains are about 30-40 miles away. You can see parts of the states of Masschusetts, New York and Connecticut. </p><p>Usually I meet a few other hikers and did this day. I met several young couples (one with a dog and another with a baby in a backpack), a man with a few teenagers and 20-something year old hikers, and several solo older hikers like myself. All very friendly including the dog.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4i_LyKGrIji0FS7BvulxmamIhM4bJGbeZt0dmkr7a6c_xfsrazhmEF_Dh9wwDyHqs13n1T2kJQFpe5d0-l5MhLhQvHX03IuazFkA392sRNB72nHmCPZ-Z6E01WyJc0WvhDiDNBMNll9z6Qf0xko3J3Y4FreVVZbw4YhAgGgt3vlrXu54mIhTgOVR/s2880/20230101_112309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4i_LyKGrIji0FS7BvulxmamIhM4bJGbeZt0dmkr7a6c_xfsrazhmEF_Dh9wwDyHqs13n1T2kJQFpe5d0-l5MhLhQvHX03IuazFkA392sRNB72nHmCPZ-Z6E01WyJc0WvhDiDNBMNll9z6Qf0xko3J3Y4FreVVZbw4YhAgGgt3vlrXu54mIhTgOVR/w400-h300/20230101_112309.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>The largest stream near the beginning of the trail was rushing <br />and had some snow and ice, although the trail was mostly clear.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFAfI6uzZqslz937uNI6nVhitlghlZJ8ol3xS6Iy9RJKGl6tz9Q64-zkVx13rZ4Wci_VFzzWamhYBg0ZnJmDOHh-qpw-S-fVCKAZBhH97wk_wTNNK05rSalyeFqq_vpBkmLvqlJCOp4siO9e27gGS0a64fKTJALEmegIiSNDkOgNkhlst7EXWMSui/s2534/20230101_114911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="2160" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFAfI6uzZqslz937uNI6nVhitlghlZJ8ol3xS6Iy9RJKGl6tz9Q64-zkVx13rZ4Wci_VFzzWamhYBg0ZnJmDOHh-qpw-S-fVCKAZBhH97wk_wTNNK05rSalyeFqq_vpBkmLvqlJCOp4siO9e27gGS0a64fKTJALEmegIiSNDkOgNkhlst7EXWMSui/w400-h357/20230101_114911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>I see this once in a while on dead wood and stumps. <br />It is Orange Jelly Fungus. It's hard to miss it's so bright!</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsWE8jqKv3TNQ_VaqY8eGfZRZPh5hozOjc5y0v4BntvxcEq_iS-LRARn1dGSdvUQOS-n4NR55vU3wnroIoogGagI52znkqERG9vbgFmSo34_JXHF6g3m5rurzkkny3WO6frTu5-5IWuvuL8Y5LNVY0Nw-K2N0L10k2cMhftWMSrzOCLFWKhvfuiBR/s2880/20230101_125817.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="2880" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsWE8jqKv3TNQ_VaqY8eGfZRZPh5hozOjc5y0v4BntvxcEq_iS-LRARn1dGSdvUQOS-n4NR55vU3wnroIoogGagI52znkqERG9vbgFmSo34_JXHF6g3m5rurzkkny3WO6frTu5-5IWuvuL8Y5LNVY0Nw-K2N0L10k2cMhftWMSrzOCLFWKhvfuiBR/w400-h253/20230101_125817.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sky was cloudy and the views were muted but still awesome.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0zSDZ-Iyrkf2soEu0emU3FJujkSblU66_bIpUS_frRDe35vpkiCbqZub236G9FMivdcZZ0ES-egS92ux-QZQWCD0dS8Ixk2x5PN1mD32xf_on2mua6uvtBH4JBrU3Ov19CQDIcUL6qY1vDE-CuMA7yhIfVgKJ_1H4Uqs8GMq7akihw16vtebr1Vl/s2880/20230101_131439.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0zSDZ-Iyrkf2soEu0emU3FJujkSblU66_bIpUS_frRDe35vpkiCbqZub236G9FMivdcZZ0ES-egS92ux-QZQWCD0dS8Ixk2x5PN1mD32xf_on2mua6uvtBH4JBrU3Ov19CQDIcUL6qY1vDE-CuMA7yhIfVgKJ_1H4Uqs8GMq7akihw16vtebr1Vl/w400-h300/20230101_131439.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The summit is mostly open. Here you are looking south. <br />If you take some side trails to the right a very short distance<br />through the bushes, you get clear views to the west.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwcpluIz_QYiUcYBCTBC_4EgC-Fb7U7Z5b7t74V7DEoF93rNCDrqfHOg-LOZVweli2UhT8_8ieuRV_HlDdkk37w-GBDsHrTKJfG2p7nbN8Hreu6IYCfRSDzaJwSZoUuNez18XqLJoAr01RjpspuxIsxO8Syf21oZCIE3eaJdrFwEfamQGkZc7WU-b/s2880/20230101_125425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwcpluIz_QYiUcYBCTBC_4EgC-Fb7U7Z5b7t74V7DEoF93rNCDrqfHOg-LOZVweli2UhT8_8ieuRV_HlDdkk37w-GBDsHrTKJfG2p7nbN8Hreu6IYCfRSDzaJwSZoUuNez18XqLJoAr01RjpspuxIsxO8Syf21oZCIE3eaJdrFwEfamQGkZc7WU-b/w400-h300/20230101_125425.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And here is the view to the west.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-64595282669745003512020-05-23T10:00:00.000-04:002020-05-23T10:00:43.883-04:00Bear Mtn., Salisbury, CT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring is finally upon us and yesterday the temperature rose above 80 degrees. Last week, when I took this hike from the Northwest Cabin in Mt. Washington, MA/Salisbury, CT, to the AT, up Bear Mountain, then continuing south on the AT to Bear Mountain Road and back to East Road/Mt. Washington Rd., the temperature was around 70. So perfect for hiking!</div>
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This was a wonderful hike. It gave me a good workout climbing up to Bear Mountain; the view from Bear Mountain is outstanding; the view as I was going down the south side was glorious; beautiful spring flowers everywhere; and, I saw a great blue heron walking up the brook as I walked in near the Northwest Cabin! It's a circular hike and about 3.5 miles so easy to do on a beautiful afternoon. It was nice to have a break from our current coronavirus situation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9whUhfthf38/XsR1KB_GZ6I/AAAAAAAAL-M/qmb7ouWCTGYcQCYrCwWjuW7NhWlbLoPHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9whUhfthf38/XsR1KB_GZ6I/AAAAAAAAL-M/qmb7ouWCTGYcQCYrCwWjuW7NhWlbLoPHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I watched this great blue heron walk slowly up the river for about 10 minutes. <br />Such deliberation in every step!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Yuu7lcP1vA/XsR1PNntRsI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/Tq_zE6pRdMgv-wgnTYEZ5nun0vcyzFoaACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Yuu7lcP1vA/XsR1PNntRsI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/Tq_zE6pRdMgv-wgnTYEZ5nun0vcyzFoaACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A few Spring Beauties were in flower still.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYj-EfumsBI/XsR1cIUftII/AAAAAAAAL-o/kEeFHSNJIfcPMY759XMwwHzz1JcqHdI0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYj-EfumsBI/XsR1cIUftII/AAAAAAAAL-o/kEeFHSNJIfcPMY759XMwwHzz1JcqHdI0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Always a beautiful view from the rock structure on Bear Mountain. <br />Not sure who built it but I thank them for their handiwork!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJyEOMiCCNQ/XsR1WBj7htI/AAAAAAAAL-c/cVSVpPDbDvQ5JHPE5LQNH7QrP0ReZUqDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJyEOMiCCNQ/XsR1WBj7htI/AAAAAAAAL-c/cVSVpPDbDvQ5JHPE5LQNH7QrP0ReZUqDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Twin Lakes, Salisbury, CT, in the distance.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSK3U-ZAFsE/XsR1cODeNEI/AAAAAAAAL-s/_saQmFvWqrspsDNR6IyPZeaHP5vT3fK5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSK3U-ZAFsE/XsR1cODeNEI/AAAAAAAAL-s/_saQmFvWqrspsDNR6IyPZeaHP5vT3fK5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZwAQFu6W34/XsR1dEiKNAI/AAAAAAAAL-w/zYCTCIaibCwilC_4eU87SQzSk8pD2pdJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZwAQFu6W34/XsR1dEiKNAI/AAAAAAAAL-w/zYCTCIaibCwilC_4eU87SQzSk8pD2pdJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shadbush or Serviceberry was blooming hear and there.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvoqPoA9KZY/XsR1hRzlOBI/AAAAAAAAL-4/1kptMCbf4QgZt6t3u5SHg7hPg1K4UO7FQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvoqPoA9KZY/XsR1hRzlOBI/AAAAAAAAL-4/1kptMCbf4QgZt6t3u5SHg7hPg1K4UO7FQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-9.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The beauty of the southern descent was breath taking!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N8a-GhQoiI/XsR1KoTU3wI/AAAAAAAAL-Q/XQppv32ZSkcvgCab8m831xjo_KS9A16NACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N8a-GhQoiI/XsR1KoTU3wI/AAAAAAAAL-Q/XQppv32ZSkcvgCab8m831xjo_KS9A16NACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bear%2BMtn%2B5%253A2020-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Painted Trillium, always a treat to see.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-61901055898555710842020-04-09T10:57:00.001-04:002020-04-09T19:32:52.129-04:00Bidwell House, Monterey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring is the best time of year to enjoy the trails at the <a href="https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Bidwell House</a> in Monterey. Some of the trails were a little wet here and there, but the lack of leaves allows for views of the stone walls and old wood roads and other remnants from the over 250 years of farming on this property. The trails in the deciduous forest are bright and sunny, you can glimpse the surrounding hills and see the "bones" of the trees. </div>
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As I walked out behind the house, the young trees are growing up tall but the older even taller oaks stand out. I walked down to the hillside to Shaker Pond on Jerusalem Road with it's beautiful stonework. My hike, according to Map My Hike app, was 5.5 miles. I met no other hikers/walkers on the trails except at the house where volunteers were doing some spring cleanup. Social distancing was observed!</div>
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Here are some of the notable things I found.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bPkrm8mhkA/Xo44zDxrkLI/AAAAAAAAL8Q/ytgaCmZBAF00t7D2gAUx7Xgh3nKcV8oNACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bPkrm8mhkA/Xo44zDxrkLI/AAAAAAAAL8Q/ytgaCmZBAF00t7D2gAUx7Xgh3nKcV8oNACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The website says: The Bidwell House Museum, set in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts, is an elegant Georgian saltbox originally built circa 1760 as a parsonage. Authentically restored, filled with antiques and surrounded by 192 acres of beautiful grounds and hiking trails, the museum tells the story of the early settlement of the Berkshires. The museum is open Thursday through Monday between 11 am and 4 pm from Memorial Day to October, with tours on the hour.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmkltm3t8ng/Xo44w2plTEI/AAAAAAAAL70/10zqFmxQMuwpcAmgGkIBaHLRfNw6QE2QgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmkltm3t8ng/Xo44w2plTEI/AAAAAAAAL70/10zqFmxQMuwpcAmgGkIBaHLRfNw6QE2QgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the reasons that I love to visit the Bidwell House in the spring is to check out the Butterbur with its early spring flowers. These flowers and the rosette of leaves at the base are so different from the rhubarb-sized leaves that emerge later. <br />I have read that it can be invasive and was used as for medicinal purposes.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-YlSjDXb9A/Xo44zWJ5E3I/AAAAAAAAL8Y/W0FkCkN-aowPoNXbcvHLvBjA8Zw-yExcQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1439" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-YlSjDXb9A/Xo44zWJ5E3I/AAAAAAAAL8Y/W0FkCkN-aowPoNXbcvHLvBjA8Zw-yExcQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B2.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This hornet's nest was in the middle of the trail on the ground. This time of year it was, of course, abandoned. I'm glas that I didn't walk this trail in the summer when stepping on it would have garnered me some nasty stings!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYs0RWbv2hM/Xo44z7Q90II/AAAAAAAAL8c/otHw-Plg2FoHdQCTh6E99x_cLYaczbkKACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This small brook beside the old road on the hill down Jerusalem Road is actually the abandoned older lane. Many years ago when the road got too deeply eroded, and impassable with the mud, they simply relocated the road parallel and alongside it. Simple, and did not require heavy equipment!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfYaFqXDv48/Xo440it539I/AAAAAAAAL8g/OZiDtt37X5cygt6GYLpddWFjclrc3i_agCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfYaFqXDv48/Xo440it539I/AAAAAAAAL8g/OZiDtt37X5cygt6GYLpddWFjclrc3i_agCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here you can see the od road that I was walking on the right which is dry and navigable, and the older road on the left which is now very wet and not suitable for vehicle (</i><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">neither wagon nor motorized)</i><i style="font-size: 12.8px;"> travel.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwhEZHT5juw/Xo4410QZxFI/AAAAAAAAL8o/6-CznJKVJBQ8AGJzSK8tKk6fCCBIzp7FQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwhEZHT5juw/Xo4410QZxFI/AAAAAAAAL8o/6-CznJKVJBQ8AGJzSK8tKk6fCCBIzp7FQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's been many years since wagons or vehicles used the old road but here was a stone town marker from 1915 reminding me that at one time it indeed was a thoroughfare. <br />It was inscribed with T (Tyringham) on one side and M (Monterey) on the other.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANHuPigALQA/Xo440omVOEI/AAAAAAAAL8k/y2McjzfLGo84W7LLu05V_t4KuGvP2if_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANHuPigALQA/Xo440omVOEI/AAAAAAAAL8k/y2McjzfLGo84W7LLu05V_t4KuGvP2if_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shaker Pond Dam, a reminder of the Shaker settlement once here. The amazing rockwork used no cement.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0oatsdOYpM/Xo442IJt8QI/AAAAAAAAL8s/prIZr-p9nQQkH5hS4VsL0dp9J004VZcegCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0oatsdOYpM/Xo442IJt8QI/AAAAAAAAL8s/prIZr-p9nQQkH5hS4VsL0dp9J004VZcegCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of the outflow from the pond.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-Vg81f7a1c/Xo442NXXdmI/AAAAAAAAL8w/GJ6ioydFkG8i1D52Ep6SaNAag_gcNFFuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-Vg81f7a1c/Xo442NXXdmI/AAAAAAAAL8w/GJ6ioydFkG8i1D52Ep6SaNAag_gcNFFuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pond had a pair of mallard ducks and eight geese swimming peacefully around, although the geese began squawking loudly as I approached and the ducks flew off to the other end of the pond.</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I think what these signs are saying is that the Berkshire Natural Resources Council owns the property here and MassWildlife maintains the conservation easement on it. This is the reason these trails are open for walking.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI6NHWqmXUg/Xo442iuymyI/AAAAAAAAL80/Sye29NI9FK8ieLYAJexHjn1zeABu5NUvwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvksiIeqxRc/Xo44xFA0mOI/AAAAAAAAL74/_mkQG0e5hrsdgEiPgrFyIjuIbvrjCAwsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvksiIeqxRc/Xo44xFA0mOI/AAAAAAAAL74/_mkQG0e5hrsdgEiPgrFyIjuIbvrjCAwsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B10.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here is a stone with evidence of a red squirrel who ate the seeds from the pine cones. So s/he finds a favorite spot, in this case on this rock, brings the cone here and pulls it apart to get to the seeds which it eats, leaving the inedible parts.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIy3dQi_RfA/Xo44xHzIN6I/AAAAAAAAL78/eCr4WdcOwEw5P8DYAvZjTar350QwfQHvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIy3dQi_RfA/Xo44xHzIN6I/AAAAAAAAL78/eCr4WdcOwEw5P8DYAvZjTar350QwfQHvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close up of the middens.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKs1UozHL4/Xo44xkfRSxI/AAAAAAAAL8A/1kiFbbX1SEUNoouWD7zA0PwijjqDIPZ_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKs1UozHL4/Xo44xkfRSxI/AAAAAAAAL8A/1kiFbbX1SEUNoouWD7zA0PwijjqDIPZ_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This year I have seen more middens than I can remember. Probably because last fall was a mast year--a huge crop of cones.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAGo_TBf53c/Xo44yCYkx_I/AAAAAAAAL8E/PPeR0HdaNSktjr9REGpzF56E_Sm8IS9DwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1600" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAGo_TBf53c/Xo44yCYkx_I/AAAAAAAAL8E/PPeR0HdaNSktjr9REGpzF56E_Sm8IS9DwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stump sprouts--I love this! I often see much older trees, in this case a beech, with three or more trunks. This is how that configuration occurred. The mature tree was cut down and the sprouts began growing from between the bark and the wood. Only the strongest two, three or four sprouts will survive to become strong trunks.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBiswE1Oig/Xo44y8_JyFI/AAAAAAAAL8M/-B6oscmVTcY977HF1HWBpyIZEUdA_najACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBiswE1Oig/Xo44y8_JyFI/AAAAAAAAL8M/-B6oscmVTcY977HF1HWBpyIZEUdA_najACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the front of the Bidwell House.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d93RnehqzKM/Xo44zI3ZLKI/AAAAAAAAL8U/tbw3DQGWHus3u3jbxnuRVDNJV3wm5XSKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d93RnehqzKM/Xo44zI3ZLKI/AAAAAAAAL8U/tbw3DQGWHus3u3jbxnuRVDNJV3wm5XSKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Bidwell%2Bspr%2B17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view from the front of the Bidwell House.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-69901470589451200932020-01-26T12:50:00.003-05:002020-01-26T12:50:47.783-05:00Mt. Van Hoevenberg from Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photos from a fall hike up Mt. Van Hoevenberg:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HG3VEFXC6Sc/XW1AR_DruOI/AAAAAAAAIFY/42cbrhylV8sPPzUuxu7X2TZwu6qJ0EZvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HG3VEFXC6Sc/XW1AR_DruOI/AAAAAAAAIFY/42cbrhylV8sPPzUuxu7X2TZwu6qJ0EZvwCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail began with a lovely flat section through a spruce forest. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UWxVKFee6w/XW1AC1LtwwI/AAAAAAAAIFU/YvUUhF8IUjwxKU6flRuCqyMC5BKoP2qKACEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UWxVKFee6w/XW1AC1LtwwI/AAAAAAAAIFU/YvUUhF8IUjwxKU6flRuCqyMC5BKoP2qKACEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The berries of the Hobble Bush were turning from red to black <br />
and the leaves were beginning to change color. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLUdn2wtFww/XW09tbPscMI/AAAAAAAAIEY/_WlI4ONIS7Q4Tg8CEjYIpPYhsmCvwVz-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLUdn2wtFww/XW09tbPscMI/AAAAAAAAIEY/_WlI4ONIS7Q4Tg8CEjYIpPYhsmCvwVz-QCEwYBhgL/s320/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Hobble Bush.</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eM0GS9u3Ofk/XW0_2tXjLTI/AAAAAAAAIFA/NCCuJ3gzBLgzydcHsH6itn7cGYWQTMXZACEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eM0GS9u3Ofk/XW0_2tXjLTI/AAAAAAAAIFA/NCCuJ3gzBLgzydcHsH6itn7cGYWQTMXZACEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B25.jpg" width="352" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A few bright maple leaves were sprinkled on the trail. <br />And it was only August 31! </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVWw5POQFhk/XW0_6V29PYI/AAAAAAAAIFE/QYo5vMyS33kt8AsenlLtRWnE_h8cWwuHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVWw5POQFhk/XW0_6V29PYI/AAAAAAAAIFE/QYo5vMyS33kt8AsenlLtRWnE_h8cWwuHgCEwYBhgL/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love this mixture of different lichen types and moss. Gorgeous!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCyM5eQM0es/XW0_jlOn8jI/AAAAAAAAIEs/W8GG2yOpyPoq-ROfyK2PWrTECwl_8GMbwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCyM5eQM0es/XW0_jlOn8jI/AAAAAAAAIEs/W8GG2yOpyPoq-ROfyK2PWrTECwl_8GMbwCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The summit was cooler and very windy.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhWbUVZB-D0/XW0_md7qenI/AAAAAAAAIE0/14NES2EbpSQ-vD6h50h92D-ySBJJ1qwFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhWbUVZB-D0/XW0_md7qenI/AAAAAAAAIE0/14NES2EbpSQ-vD6h50h92D-ySBJJ1qwFgCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These tenacious trees persisted and were able to make a life for themselves!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RXuPJ8Jz0g/XW0_d3eVepI/AAAAAAAAIE0/6FphezRr_uQa_8sIJTIecG1gz0XCyijgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RXuPJ8Jz0g/XW0_d3eVepI/AAAAAAAAIE0/6FphezRr_uQa_8sIJTIecG1gz0XCyijgwCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B21.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I happened to see a few fronds of this beautiful fern <br />that I at first thought was Maidenhair Fern but now see that it is not. <br />It's paired with a forest goldenrod, maybe Blue-stemmed?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVgdO5kE8kE/XW097H6QI9I/AAAAAAAAIEY/o56ZmI6cs8o2DDl98PpRcQHJ8uv6OsYXACEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVgdO5kE8kE/XW097H6QI9I/AAAAAAAAIEY/o56ZmI6cs8o2DDl98PpRcQHJ8uv6OsYXACEwYBhgL/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lush polypody ferns cover the rocks.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfytpKrbggE/XW09stNg8cI/AAAAAAAAIEM/8TpOvpA0x0sC6RuWVKgfNOm8DEuyyRKRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfytpKrbggE/XW09stNg8cI/AAAAAAAAIEM/8TpOvpA0x0sC6RuWVKgfNOm8DEuyyRKRQCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved this aster on the woodland floor.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aqBUAIzUTs/XW07_38BOII/AAAAAAAAIDk/VnsGZOQuEx4U8TqhZBf0Qs9KBc_hWL1cwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--aqBUAIzUTs/XW07_38BOII/AAAAAAAAIDk/VnsGZOQuEx4U8TqhZBf0Qs9KBc_hWL1cwCEwYBhgL/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The mountains were speckled with sunshine.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOErsb0q60k/XW07HbrX66I/AAAAAAAAIDA/3ozXyt4gMHMTuxptMVhBu09yC3Aq4vsigCEwYBhgL/s320/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was amazingly windy at the summit. <br />I can't imagine how strong the wind must be in the winter.<br />No wonder the trees were so stunted.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9YG45S3efk/XW07-pluYjI/AAAAAAAAIDk/TVybohHtCz8J1-MZ9djttTQubFSkEy5nwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9YG45S3efk/XW07-pluYjI/AAAAAAAAIDk/TVybohHtCz8J1-MZ9djttTQubFSkEy5nwCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bunch Berrys were turning red <br />and the leaves were changing to a deep maroon.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apEj2km_ehY/XW07ArEOYLI/AAAAAAAAIDE/an5b-ps1K4Q8mSXylnklMjF9lEd2r0t0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apEj2km_ehY/XW07ArEOYLI/AAAAAAAAIDE/an5b-ps1K4Q8mSXylnklMjF9lEd2r0t0QCEwYBhgL/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A large wetland at the beginning of the trail <br />with Mt. Van Hoevenberg in the background.</i></td></tr>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-70534329698346548182020-01-26T12:42:00.000-05:002020-01-26T12:42:56.634-05:00Despite Gray Skies, A Beautiful Hike on Mt. Alander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkhDR2kKOo/Xi3IPUZSYRI/AAAAAAAAKbs/CN32hxgojlwcWh2rAaOs5VgFpR68k0plgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alander%2B2020%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkhDR2kKOo/Xi3IPUZSYRI/AAAAAAAAKbs/CN32hxgojlwcWh2rAaOs5VgFpR68k0plgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Alander%2B2020%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My friend Janice and I climbed Mt. Alander recently starting at the Mt. Washington State Forest Headquarters in Mt. Washington. We had an interesting conversation with the ranger Adam, who was clearing some brush near the buildings. Janice asked if any moose had been sighted lately. The answer was no, although earlier this winter, a young moose carcus had been seen on the other side of the mountain, not near the trail. Adam surmised that the animal had been killed by coyotes who had the advantage in the deep snow.</div>
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We saw lots of deer tracks; also squirrel, coyote and small rodent. We were most excited to see very fresh and clear bear tracks crossing the trail and going down into a shallow revine with a small brook. The temperature was in the mid 30s allowing the bear to "wake up" and go for a walk, looking for water and food. Who knows, we might have just missed the animal by minutes!</div>
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How wonderful it was to enjoy the mountain!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking south into New York State to Rte 22 below.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A great view of the agricultural land and the hills beyond.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the open summit of Mt. Alander! (Photo by Janice Tassinari)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to beat Mt. Alander! <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Photo by Janice Tassinari)</span></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-50685950809929732972019-09-02T15:30:00.001-04:002019-09-02T15:30:51.206-04:00Mt. Jo from Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid, NYI spent a couple of days at the <a href="https://www.adk.org/stay/adirondak-loj-at-heart-lake/" target="_blank">Adirondak Loj</a> (yes, it's spelled that way) last week stopping there as I drove down from Montreal where I visited my son and daughter-in-law in their new apartment. Never having been at the Loj before and being alone, I hiked the shorter trails nearby. I walked around Heart Lake in the rain the afternoon I arrived; climbed up Mt. Jo and walked to Rocky Falls the following day. The next morning, I checked out and drove a mile or so up the road to the trailhead for Mt. Van Hoevenberg.<br />
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Mt. Jo is a short climb up to a wonderful view of the surrounding high peaks and Heart Lake immediately below. The trail is well worn and eroded. They say that 14,000 people climb it every year! However, I started at 8:30am and met only a few people and was alone at the top. It's a wonderful, wonderful summit for such a short climb, about an hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edOjTi_xe74/XW1APirzKLI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DPv8ZsmRBG4PgeIoYf6h5Bius0R9J3Z0ACLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edOjTi_xe74/XW1APirzKLI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DPv8ZsmRBG4PgeIoYf6h5Bius0R9J3Z0ACLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dock at Heart Lake near the Adirondak Loj.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Short Trail up to Mt. Jo was steep, rocky, eroded and certainly well used.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCZzNa_SnSQ/XW1cGn2gPMI/AAAAAAAAIGc/1wrmIpQVUsY3YuPmB2X8fKcJ_Cubz_yAQCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCZzNa_SnSQ/XW1cGn2gPMI/AAAAAAAAIGc/1wrmIpQVUsY3YuPmB2X8fKcJ_Cubz_yAQCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Loved the boulders!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB7ma4NpJwQ/XW1cWxNHzBI/AAAAAAAAIG0/oWGQq5nj3GsGgOwy_HgQy9v22z3EuOoZwCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB7ma4NpJwQ/XW1cWxNHzBI/AAAAAAAAIG0/oWGQq5nj3GsGgOwy_HgQy9v22z3EuOoZwCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Near the top as the trees thinned.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdP6atvtZs/XW1cf05FTSI/AAAAAAAAIHI/fYgsrpP_HhocM2WoL5T0Y-2fywAjm6iBgCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZdP6atvtZs/XW1cf05FTSI/AAAAAAAAIHI/fYgsrpP_HhocM2WoL5T0Y-2fywAjm6iBgCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spruce trees covered the area around the summit ledges.</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Voa7SzjMo/XW1cmLTutNI/AAAAAAAAIHU/TDh9Bj0u4yAWW2P8MP17SV7omKnjm1ZEgCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Voa7SzjMo/XW1cmLTutNI/AAAAAAAAIHU/TDh9Bj0u4yAWW2P8MP17SV7omKnjm1ZEgCLcBGAs/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The views were spectacular especially for the short climb.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bJuLFM1H10/XW1clx3luQI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/HYoImel3BWAGxiz4kpMxpRWnjdIsp2S_ACLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bJuLFM1H10/XW1clx3luQI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/HYoImel3BWAGxiz4kpMxpRWnjdIsp2S_ACLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heart Lake in the near distance where the Adirondak Loj is located.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDPDyJ0WmSo/XW1bo8jKx-I/AAAAAAAAIFg/YFApCcsvmLU2UHhIp2xSra5IqcGn0LeiQCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDPDyJ0WmSo/XW1bo8jKx-I/AAAAAAAAIFg/YFApCcsvmLU2UHhIp2xSra5IqcGn0LeiQCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had the summit all to myself and enjoyed a second breakfast!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MM6U7DQ4AQ/XW1cIujA72I/AAAAAAAAIGg/c52fuPivjV0qq0iv3NCrb7A5GS55thuVwCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MM6U7DQ4AQ/XW1cIujA72I/AAAAAAAAIGg/c52fuPivjV0qq0iv3NCrb7A5GS55thuVwCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Large area of smooth ledge at the top.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmZ8zM1LK6E/XW07B7Y1lHI/AAAAAAAAIC8/UrcXgqzxWhALJau2VyEdMmP3PPhNUUJSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmZ8zM1LK6E/XW07B7Y1lHI/AAAAAAAAIC8/UrcXgqzxWhALJau2VyEdMmP3PPhNUUJSgCEwYBhgL/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BJo%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the way down, I took the less-used Rock Garden Trail <br />and was rewarded with outstanding micro-views.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teS54ujfEFA/XW1cCQ_OT9I/AAAAAAAAIGQ/rpyweuwqHucKeA1nNCdKSDo4eqnYKm0BwCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teS54ujfEFA/XW1cCQ_OT9I/AAAAAAAAIGQ/rpyweuwqHucKeA1nNCdKSDo4eqnYKm0BwCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maybe it should have been called the Garden of Rocks Trail!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSRaEx7eBE/XW1bu5PlI_I/AAAAAAAAIFs/bzoiVdcnL9wcFaN7w7zXt8W94O1kkX0LwCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSRaEx7eBE/XW1bu5PlI_I/AAAAAAAAIFs/bzoiVdcnL9wcFaN7w7zXt8W94O1kkX0LwCLcBGAs/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Or perhaps the Garden on the Rocks Trail!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNvVJIkjyYQ/XW1bvz2kzsI/AAAAAAAAIFw/0csM3s6mIs8W8A1cB6zHZ-nAumHa-2s6QCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNvVJIkjyYQ/XW1bvz2kzsI/AAAAAAAAIFw/0csM3s6mIs8W8A1cB6zHZ-nAumHa-2s6QCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful moss on this trunk/root of the tree growing</i><i> up</i><i> improbably <br />out of the side of the rocks.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkUDcOQ9Tnw/XW1b6QZ_5LI/AAAAAAAAIF8/ZBeheZ6fba4OGYXNIyLM22hTYEu3vt0OACLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkUDcOQ9Tnw/XW1b6QZ_5LI/AAAAAAAAIF8/ZBeheZ6fba4OGYXNIyLM22hTYEu3vt0OACLcBGAs/s640/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail went between these two large outcroppings or perhaps they were really huge boulders.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgJoRwtayPQ/XW1b1dyzzMI/AAAAAAAAIF0/7JLVwBwyy-sRhT3u2xiyvgGytRuUlTexgCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgJoRwtayPQ/XW1b1dyzzMI/AAAAAAAAIF0/7JLVwBwyy-sRhT3u2xiyvgGytRuUlTexgCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg15.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Large patch of rock tripe lichen on this huge rock that was taller than me.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lbEWzyoOtw/XW1b4zADUcI/AAAAAAAAIF4/hsd2njXkW3QlS_Oy8dInhZg7m5VIZQQ4ACLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lbEWzyoOtw/XW1b4zADUcI/AAAAAAAAIF4/hsd2njXkW3QlS_Oy8dInhZg7m5VIZQQ4ACLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Although the trunk on the left was dead, you can see <br />how the roots of the two trees intertwined.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMxD--ARgVw/XW1cCj_3nqI/AAAAAAAAIGU/mJGSNH6osewwNYXe_SaRIY_yfLD5H16cQCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMxD--ARgVw/XW1cCj_3nqI/AAAAAAAAIGU/mJGSNH6osewwNYXe_SaRIY_yfLD5H16cQCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cute little mushrooms peeking up from inside this rotted tree trunk!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cadb-LOlyA/XW1b7LHpoiI/AAAAAAAAIGA/k-TO0uaCYPIc87ubMU1U2j5EB8AK2OTbgCLcBGAs/s1600/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cadb-LOlyA/XW1b7LHpoiI/AAAAAAAAIGA/k-TO0uaCYPIc87ubMU1U2j5EB8AK2OTbgCLcBGAs/s400/ADK%2BMt%2BVan%2BHoevenberg17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That afternoon, I walked another 2 miles to get to Rocky Fall <br />with amazingly clear cold water.</i></td></tr>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-74253232813514067632019-06-03T21:12:00.000-04:002019-06-05T11:05:30.649-04:00HIking Trip to the CatskillsAlthough the eastern edge of the Catskills are only about an hour from my house, I had hiked very little there–-Kaaterskill Falls and one day on the Escarpment Trail when it was so foggy all the views were obscured.<br />
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So I was excited to find a <a href="https://www.roadscholar.org/" target="_blank">Road Scholar</a> hiking trip to <a href="https://frostvalley.org/" target="_blank">Frost Valley YMCA</a> Camp in Claryville, New York. It's a huge campus, over 5,500 acres, and includes a riding camp where we stayed, a farm camp and the main campus that can house 700 guests. Besides the summer camp, many programs take place throughout the year including retreats, conferences and education weeks. The woods are beautiful with many miles of hiking and riding trails. Our lodge was next to the East Branch of the Neversink River.<br />
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The last week in May was the perfect temperature for five days of hiking. We had some rain but mostly toward the end of the hike. The black flies were around at times but, thankfully, not always.<br />
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Our hike leader was Will Soter, co-founder and lead guide of <a href="http://upstateadventureguides.com/" target="_blank">Upstate Adventure Guides</a>. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Catskills, the trails, the flora and fauna, the geology, and the politics of preservation. I enjoyed being on the trail with him and learning new things.<br />
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We were a great group of ten hikers and as I always say, "Hikers are the best people!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrrDnO62Xs4/XPfN-bnLoaI/AAAAAAAAFTY/tq9msHjGVr4GkghaVTTSL8hYiKdivWenwCLcBGAs/s1600/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrrDnO62Xs4/XPfN-bnLoaI/AAAAAAAAFTY/tq9msHjGVr4GkghaVTTSL8hYiKdivWenwCLcBGAs/s320/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B1.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The first day we walked over Wildcat Ridge <br />to High Falls, all on Frost Valley property.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHid-lynAy0/XPfKD5hvzyI/AAAAAAAAFQs/bXttyQ7c94EN99rwnZo9I9vAhgmQiyLPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="836" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHid-lynAy0/XPfKD5hvzyI/AAAAAAAAFQs/bXttyQ7c94EN99rwnZo9I9vAhgmQiyLPwCLcBGAs/s400/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B4.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A viewing platform gave us a wonderful lunch spot <br />with an unobstructed view of High Falls.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMLWbkNOMR4/XPfJ_HPDIKI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/INDG0CAlhx8yDS8rqSa4iXTT4OofIDM3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMLWbkNOMR4/XPfJ_HPDIKI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/INDG0CAlhx8yDS8rqSa4iXTT4OofIDM3wCEwYBhgL/s640/Catskills%2BRoad%2BScholar%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Also on YMCA property was an open building at the top of a large field with perhaps the best view of the Catskills!<br />The campers have overnights here throughout the summer.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The East Branch of the Neversink River ran beside the Lodge.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved the beautiful morning light.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The horsebarns for the horses for the summer riding campers.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonderful ferns, mosses and wildflowers were everywhere.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the last morning, a short hike<br />brought us to the Red Hill Fire Tower. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amazing 360º views from the top of the tower.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Had to do it--a selfie at the top!</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-86980793210568302172019-03-31T10:14:00.000-04:002019-03-31T10:14:41.378-04:00Audubon Mural Project in Upper Manhattan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week I took Metro-North to the Harlem/125th Street station and walked up to 146th St. and Broadway in Hamilton Heights to begin looking for murals on the sides of buildings and on business doors. <a href="https://www.audubon.org/amp" target="_blank">The Audubon Mural Project</a> uses the birds from the National Audubon Society's <a href="http://climate.audubon.org/sites/default/files/Audubon-Birds-Climate-Report-v1.2.pdf" target="_blank">Birds and Climate Change Report</a>, which declares that at least half (314 species) of all North American birds are threatened by a warming climate. The project, a collaboration between the Audubon Society and a New York gallery, commissions artists to paint a mural of a threatened bird in the neighborhood in which John James Audubon lived towards the end of his life. So far 110 birds have been painted. Most murals have one bird in them but some have multiple species of birds.</div>
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The murals vary in size from doorways height to those many stories high on the sides of buildings. There is an online <a href="https://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/amp_map_final.pdf" target="_blank">map</a> of where the murals are located. But we just walked up Broadway and found 12, from about 146th to 158th Streets on the east side of the street. All of the ones we saw are well done, colorful and fun!</div>
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It was a wonderful opportunity to see a part of New York City that I had never been to. My friend Mary and I walked about 8 miles to and from the station and on Broadway looking for murals. You can actually see more at night because during the day some of the business doors are lifted and the mural is out of view. I will return in late April with my hiking group, the Berkshire Hikers. We will have a tour guide who will show us at least 30 murals. Can't wait!</div>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-56513928957657175192018-12-31T12:39:00.000-05:002018-12-31T12:39:41.846-05:00Keystone Arches Trail, Chester, with Cool Ice Formations!On December 11, the Berkshire Hikers walked along the <a href="http://keystonearches.com/" target="_blank">Keystone Arches Trail</a> in Chester, and got a tour through the <a href="https://chesterrailwaystation.net/" target="_blank">Chester Railway Station and Museum</a> with Dave Pierce. He is extremely knowledgeable and was instrumental in saving the station and putting together the museum. The building of the railroad track up a mountain, finished in 1840, had never been done before.<br />
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The West Branch of the Westfield River gorge was the easiest way up and over the mountain. The keystone arch bridges that span the river as it tumbles down through an often deep gorge are magnificent. Some of the bridges are still in use although the weight of a locomotive is now about 40 times heavier than when the bridges were built. You can see more information on the design, building, etc., on the websites linked above.<br />
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We also got a tour through the old caboose that is available to rent for overnight stays. Railroad buffs and kids, especially, love spending the night there and hearing the trains go by, still about 24 a day.<br />
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I always love the trail and seeing the tall bridges but this hike we saw something I had never seen before–ice circles. I had to do a bit of research to find out about them and still do not completely understand how they form. While walking over the first abandoned bridge, we looked down to the river below and saw a group of ice circles bobbing around. The circles were about a foot to a foot-and-a-half across with an edge of snowy-looking ice around the borders. They were moving slightly but not proceeding downstream.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from overhead as we crossed the bridge. </i></td></tr>
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Well, that was interesting but we kept on walking to the next bridge. We ate our lunch on top of it while enjoying the warm sunshine. Then some of us walked down the 90 feet or so to the river. Underneath the bridge was a large circle of ice similar to the smaller ones except in size. This ice circle was about 10-15 ft. across and revolving lazily.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How amazing! It was revolving but not moving downstream at all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this closer photo, you see the buildup on the edges<br />and that it was very close to a perfect circle.</td></tr>
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So what caused the spinning ice circles that we saw in the river? Apparently they are quite rare.<br />
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Eddies have something to do with it but, it seems, melting ice can create it’s own “eddies" from the changes in temperature and density of the water as it melts off the ice and sinks into the water below causing the ice to spin. These spinning circles can actually form in lakes where presumably there is no current.<br />
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Temperature of the water and air affects the formation and melting of the ice. Also as a scientist friend told me: Water at the middle of an eddy has less energy than water at the edges, so it freezes sooner. <br />
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Then there is the frazil ice that builds up on the edges. We saw that on both the large and small circles. Frazil ice are ice crystals that form in moving river water that is slightly below freezing temperature, supercooled. However, I'm not clear as to why they build up <u>on top</u> of the edges of the circles.<br />
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I'm not sure that the explanations are complete, but here are a couple of websites that have photos and information on these ice circles:<br />
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<a href="http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/physicists-have-solved-100-year-old-mystery-ice-circles">http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/physicists-have-solved-100-year-old-mystery-ice-circles</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-are-ice-circles/kellen-perry">https://www.ranker.com/list/what-are-ice-circles/kellen-perry</a><br />
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And here are more photos of the hike. Enjoy! (Some photos for this blog are from friends Janice Tassinari and Michael Wilcox.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One side of the double-arch bridge. All the bridges <br />were made without mortar of any kind.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Believe it or not, those are heads of people way up there, looking down from the top of the bridge! <br />Lots of icicles hang from the inside of the arch.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail follows a deep cut into the rocks made without dynamite, <br />only black powder and human powered drills.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0Chester, MA, USA42.2792551 -72.97871199999997342.0913056 -73.301435499999968 42.4672046 -72.655988499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-65003729376530359422018-12-25T11:50:00.000-05:002018-12-25T11:55:03.542-05:00Bash Bish Falls on Christmas Eve 2018<div style="text-align: left;">
A visit to Bash Bish Falls was a wonderful way to destress from holiday memories. Only a few cars were in the large parking lot and I passed a couple of friendly families with dogs on the trail. The river was gushing and the falls were loud and spectacular. A dusting of snow enhanced the scenery.</div>
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I should come here more often!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on the drive in is long and dramatic. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the stairs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from close up. <br />
I was getting showered with spray!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way home I was treated to an early sunset because of the dark clouds above.</td></tr>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0Copake Falls, NY 12517, USA42.1195347 -73.5251197999999718.935890200000003 -114.83371379999997 65.3031792 -32.216525799999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-14493731243927238512018-11-22T09:10:00.000-05:002018-11-22T09:10:10.264-05:00A Snowy Shaker Mountain, Hancock, MATuesday I hiked with the Berkshire Hikers on Shaker Mountain across from Hancock Shaker Village. I have been there many times but never in snow which made for beautiful scenery. The well-crafted stone walls were mostly covered by snow, but the reservoir, which was still open water, and the trails looked entirely different in the new snow. <div>
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Luckily the temperature was in the 30s providing for comfortable hiking. The only time my fingers got cold was when we stopped for lunch and I took off my gloves. But they warmed up soon after we started walking again.</div>
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It's a 6.5-mile moderate hike, much of it on woods roads. There was water on sections of the trail because of the wet fall we've had. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shaker Reservoir on the north side of Rte 20.</i></td></tr>
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<i>Ellen told us about the history of the reservoir. First built in 1818 <br />and enlarged in 1894, the reservoir supplied water for the village, <br />the washing rooms, the stables and the livestock, <br />and power for the machinery. The water moves <br />through an underground aqueduct to the village,<br />and is still in use today. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The snow on the hemlocks was beautiful!</i></td></tr>
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<i>By the time we climbed up to the Holy Mount, which was the site<br /> for the Mount Lebanon Shaker Village's Sacred Lot, <br />we were in the clouds!</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Berkshire Hikers at the Shaker Mountain Mount Sinai Holy Ground. </i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com034 Lebanon Mountain Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA42.4268898 -73.3513887000000342.0520078 -73.996835700000034 42.8017718 -72.705941700000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-65811904934054464082018-09-03T09:31:00.000-04:002018-09-03T09:31:15.073-04:00Storm King Art CenterThe 500-acre <a href="https://stormking.org/" target="_blank">Storm King Art Center</a> in Cornwall, New York, is a leading sculpture park for large outdoor installations. There are current exhibitions and a permanent collection scattered throughout the grounds. I enjoyed my visit in August on a beautiful day that wasn't overly hot, thankfully.<br />
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When I come back, I'd love to spend the day walking on the trails and exploring the sculptures both closeup and from a distance. I'll avoid hot summer days though, because there is little shade. But the open landscape makes for wonderful views. The center is closed in the winter which is too bad; I thought it would be a great place for cross-country skiing or showshoeing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing to see such huge sculptures just sitting in a field! This one is by Alexander Calder.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is made of wood and metal and must be over 15 ft. tall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see how this structure towers above us. It's by Mark di Suvero.</td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-17560345834158778282018-07-11T10:56:00.001-04:002018-07-11T10:56:52.276-04:00Thomas & Palmer, Great BarringtonI explored a new BNRC property yesterday, Thomas & Palmer, in Great Barrington. It's not open to the public yet, but hopefully will be by fall. A new parking lot is scheduled to be constructed as is a bridge over the Thomas & Palmer Brook. The brook is inhabited by beavers who have several dams along this section.<br />
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Our group, the Berkshire Hikers, got a tour by BNRC Land and Trails Coordinator, Mike Leavitt. We hiked several old roads and logging roads, some of which will become part of the new trail system. We visited a rock feature that Mike has been excitedly talking about for awhile now. He is calling it the Whale Rock.<br />
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On top of the ridge is a long section of smoothed rock that resembles the spine of a whale as it travels across the ocean with most of its body below waterline. It's large and impressive. I'm sure that it will be an attraction on the new trails.<br />
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Yup, it's a whale of a rock!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Ellen Whitaker</span></td></tr>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-26975790549763586432018-03-02T09:59:00.001-05:002018-03-02T09:59:11.468-05:00Full Moon Outing at Upper Spectacle Pond, Otis/Sandisfield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night I walked to Upper Spectacle Pond in Otis and Sandisfield with the Berkshire Naturalists Club. How fun it is to be outside in the dark! I must do it more often!</div>
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We started at dusk from Rte 23 and walked a mile in on an unplowed dirt road to the lake. The sky was completely covered with clouds (I spied one star for a few minutes) but we did not need our headlamps and flashlights except once in awhile to navigate some ice or mud. It was amazing how, even with the cloud cover, my eyes adjusted and could see quite well.</div>
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We separated along the trail, then remained completely still for awhile, listening and looking around for activity. I heard rustlings in the leaf litter but nothing identifiable. Interesting how my mind creates images. It one point I could hear a small gust of wind coming in behind me. I also heard a loud noise which my mind saw as a herd something huge. However in a second I saw it was four dried leaves tumbling down the road! Yikes!</div>
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The moon was visible through the clouds but barely cast a shadow. It's amazing to share the woods with the nocturnal life. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Upper Spectacle Pond was still covered with ice but we did not go out on it <br />as it had been so warm for the past week.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The moon provided some light (and atmosphere!) through the cloud cover.</i></td></tr>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com1Webb Rd, Otis, MA 01253, USA42.178225283059241 -73.11779022216796942.172341783059238 -73.127875222167972 42.184108783059244 -73.107705222167965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-60892644963647413302017-06-02T16:12:00.000-04:002017-06-02T16:13:16.125-04:00Birding in the Konkopot River in StockbridgeYesterday, I joined a Berkshire Audubon outing into the large swamp in Stockbridge on Rte 7 just south of the village. The Konkapot River flows through it and then under Rte 7 and into the Housatonic River. We met at 5:30pm and explored it in canoe and kayaks for a total of about 4 miles. The current is slow and we only had to go over two squishy beaver dams to get into the river.<br />
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The area is full of life in the water, reeds and grasses. We saw a total of 33 kinds of birds as reported by Jonathan Pierce, President of the Hoffman Bird Club on eBird. You can see his list <a href="http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37319951" target="_blank">here</a>. I did not see or hear that many, but it was wonderful to be with the experts, Jonathan along with Dale Abrams from Berkshire Audubon. To have the all birds and bird songs identified was so much fun!<br />
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The bitterns and rails were new to me. The bittern has a low gulping croak. It sounded to me as if it might be coming from a frog!<br />
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The swamp wrens were plentiful and very loud for such a small bird. One of them showed us its nest in the edge of the reeds.<br />
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We also saw a beaver and several muskrats, a bullhead and heard lots of frogs. It was a beautiful evening!<br />
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-59325323804593246022016-10-30T18:31:00.000-04:002016-10-30T18:38:19.834-04:00Jug End Reservation on a Late Fall Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the day before Halloween and rain was predicted for early afternoon. I took a walk in the morning at the <a href="http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/jug-end-state-reservation-and-wildlife-management-area.html" target="_blank">Jug End Reservation</a> in Egremont. About a week and a half ago was peak foliage, a little later in the month than usual. But with the temperature in the high fifties and the leaves yellow, gold and burnt orange, today was a beautiful day for a hike!</div>
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Jug End is only about five minutes from my house so I'm very familiar with it. I love to see the changes through the seasons and as the years go on. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the property was a rustic year-round resort with skiing, golf, horseback riding, dancing, tennis and other activities. See photos and history <a href="http://www.nelsap.org/ma/jugend.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Not much is left of the resort today except some foundations and old tumbled-down cabins in the woods, and the memories of past guests.</div>
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The loop trail is beautiful with woods and meadows and streams. I saw a bright Blue Jay and heard several woodpeckers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many of the leaves are down, making for a noisy rustle as you walk.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice to be able to see the surrounding mountains since the leaves are down.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A large Oak near the trail had just been uprooted and fallen down.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fluffy seeds on this vine. I should know the name of it, <br />but it escapes me at the moment.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful leaves still attached on this particular Maple.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The meadows are mowed every few years to keep an open habitat.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>One of the meadows is growing up<br />with invasive Bittersweet.<br />Maybe it wall be mowed next summer.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The goldenrod has gone to seed.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BK0MKjgW9Qs/WBZLiugEBQI/AAAAAAAACjQ/HDAHGM59yPMACGq6ceaJOIHHIAiY_TyMACLcB/s1600/Jug%2BEnd%2B16_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BK0MKjgW9Qs/WBZLiugEBQI/AAAAAAAACjQ/HDAHGM59yPMACGq6ceaJOIHHIAiY_TyMACLcB/s400/Jug%2BEnd%2B16_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Only a few ferns stay green all winter. This Evergreen Woodfern is one.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Christmas Fern is another species that stays green through the winter</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here is the brook on the Upper Loop Trail.<br />Not much water today!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Princess Pine or Tree Clubmoss.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cabin is long gone, but this beautiful fireplace <br />and chimney remains.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another tumbled-down cabin, now an artifact on the Upper Loop.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-89691302206556939972016-07-23T12:20:00.000-04:002016-07-23T12:20:30.227-04:00Pitcher Brook at Noble View, Russell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nobleviewoutdoorcenter.org/" target="_blank">Noble View Outdoor Center</a>, an Appalachian Mountain Club property in Russell, Mass., is a gem! I have been there many times for hiking, meetings, wilderness first aid weekends and workshops. </div>
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But on a hot summer day, my favorite place to cool off after a long walk on the beautiful trails there, is at Pitcher Brook. There are two falls with pools below--spectacular bowls with water pouring into them. Take your pick! </div>
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<br />Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-38456795036837678942016-07-14T11:31:00.001-04:002016-07-14T11:31:38.501-04:00High Falls in Philmont/Claverack, NYI visited <a href="http://clctrust.org/discover/public-conservation-areas/discover-our-places-high-falls/" target="_blank">High Falls</a> last week and although the water flow was low it was still an impressive sight. The falls are near the village of Philmont and just below an old dam built in 1845 that at one time provided power for 17 mills in the area. It was my first visit and I want to come back when the water flow is gushing!<br />
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It's a property of the Columbia Land Trust and their <a href="http://clctrust.accountsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/HighFalls_Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">brochure</a> gives the interesting cultural history of the area and a trail map for several miles of trails. I explored them all, viewing the falls first from the highpoint, then walking down to the base of the falls where you see about two-thirds of the vertical drop. It's still spectacular!<br />
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I ate lunch while watching and listening to the falls. Some young people came by and asked if I knew where the spot was where people jump off the falls into the pool below. I said, "Are you crazy! That's so dangerous!" Actually, I don't think I phased them a bit. Oh, well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A bench made this high view through the trees a great spot to meditate.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's the view from my lunch spot at the base of the falls. A couple of girls were swimming on the left.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Then a group of millenials stopped by while checking their smartphones. </i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-66462930704210288172016-07-13T11:11:00.001-04:002016-07-13T11:11:34.691-04:00Bear Mountain with Laurel!Bear Mountain is always a wonderful hike but especially spectacular when the mountain laurel is in bloom. Some years there are more flowers than others and once in a while there are almost no blossoms. This year the bushes had a particularly abundant amount of flowers. Glorius! My hike was on June 11, and I enjoyed the laurel on various trails around the Berkshires until the end of the month.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The laurel was in blossom everywhere.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some bushes had pink flowers and some had white flowers.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy hikers enjoyed the lovely blooms!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A collapsing stone tower (circa 1885) near the peak <br />offers great views and is an impressive lunch spot!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The ridge is characterized by stunted red pine and scrub oak on the rock ledge.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Descending Race Mtn to the south.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-47707102835066189892016-03-06T13:31:00.000-05:002016-03-06T13:31:03.763-05:00A Winter Walk on the AT in DaltonA week ago I walked with an AMC hiking group on the Appalachian Trail through Washington and Dalton. It was a beautiful day with only a few inches of snow in some sections and ice here and there on the trail. With the shallow snow cover, what stood out to me were the club mosses. They were bright green in the background of white snow. We examined them more closely than I had ever done before and I researched them when I got home.<br />
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What I found is that club moss as a classification is being debated by biologists. They are not actually mosses because club mosses have a vascular system whereas mosses absorb water and nutrients directly from the environment without a vascular system. Club mosses are spore producing like ferns but are not a fern. Closely related, they are called a "fern ally." So it's complicated!<br />
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From Mary Holland's book Naturally Curious, I learned that coal is made up of petrified giant club mosses (some were over 100-feet tall) that grew as a dominant species hundreds of millions of years ago. In the 1800s, powder made from their spores was used as a baby powder and a dusting powder for wounds. The powder was also used medicinally and even ignited for flash photography and stage lighting!<br />
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Club mosses today are only about 6-10 inches tall and are protected in many states because they are slow to reproduce and were decimated by being harvested extensively for Christmas decorations. When I was growing up in Otis, in November some of my classmates made some extra money by pulling up "princess pine" by the sack-full to sell to florists.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We saw at least three types of club mosses. <br />Using Mary Holland's book, I think I've identified them correctly.<br />This is a bristly clubmoss, a single spike from a running stem.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the ground cedar or fan club moss</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the princess pine or tree club moss.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The trail is mostly flat with some ups & downs to make it interesting.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Evidence of lots of work by a pileated woodpecker searching for bugs in the wood.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the way up to Warner Hill, last year's ferns were matted down <br />but I remembered how green this section had been last summer.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Warner Hill with a view north to Mt. Greylock.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view south from Warner Hill.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautifully sunny open woods!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RmIKNT8uKQ/VtxmjSr5e0I/AAAAAAAACfQ/PSbl6lzOTj4/s1600/AT%2BDalton%2BWinter12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RmIKNT8uKQ/VtxmjSr5e0I/AAAAAAAACfQ/PSbl6lzOTj4/s400/AT%2BDalton%2BWinter12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Some of the smaller beech trees were still holding their leaves. <br />As soon as the buds for this year's leaves start to swell, they will drop.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-64374277244719887342016-02-17T11:50:00.000-05:002016-02-17T11:50:38.078-05:00Railroad Lines Not Trolleys--Correction!<div class="tr_bq">
I have had an interesting email correspondence with <a href="https://theberkshireedge.com/author/bdrew/" target="_blank">Bernie Drew</a>, a Great Barrington historian, newspaper editor and columnist, and author of many books on the history of our area. He found my blog while doing some research online. His email:</div>
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<span class="s1">Hello, Bess Dillman. I'm practically a neighbor. I live in Great Barrington. I'm researching a section of East Mountain State Forest in Great Barrington, and in particular a Berkshire Street Railway transmission line (not a rail line, a wire line) that brought electricity from Pittsfield over the mountains to a substation in Sheffield. I've been Googling "Berkshire Street Railway" in various combinations and your recent blog came up.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">I've hiked the section of old Williams River roadbed you describe, but it is not Berkshire Street Railway. It was an actual rail line that went from VanDeusenville to West Stockbridge. Nor is the roadway you describe near Mohawk Lake a Berkshire Street Railway line.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">It was the planned Lee & Hudson Railroad, that was to provide an alternative to the high rates of the New York, New Haven & Hartford line that went from VanDeusenville to Stockbridge and Lee and Pittsfield. The L&H was never finished, but there's the segment you found, and another in West Stockbridge.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">My wife, Donna, and I hiked the L&H segment near Mohawk Lake years ago, and yes, the cuts through the ledge are impressive. The name Mohawk Lake, as you may know, comes from the 18th century when Mohawks encamped there so their children could attend the Mission School with the Mohicans in Stockbridge.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">Bernie Drew</span></blockquote>
The difference between trolleys and railway lines is significant. Railways use heavy locomotives, first powered by steam and then diesel, to transport many freight and passenger cars. Trolleys were usually one car, first drawn by horses and but soon switched to electric power. They carried passengers and some light freight. Trolley rails often ran along roads; railways needed extensive track construction.<br />
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There were many miles of trolley lines in the Berkshires but they were <u>not</u> the trails that I have blogged about. As Bernie explains further:<br />
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<span class="s1">Berkshire Street Railway mostly carried passengers; NY,NH&H carried freight and passengers. </span>Berkshire Street Railway was electric; NY,NH&H was steam. Berkshire Street Railway in 1910 was acquired by New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Trolley service continued until 1930, when the company switched to buses. </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">The Housatonic Railroad, operated by NY,NH&H from Van Deusenville to West Stockbridge/State Line, connected with the east-west railroad from Pittsfield, going to Albany. This is the old line you picked up in Houstonic or Williamsville. We've cross country skied parts of it. <i>(This is now the trail in Housatonic along the Williams River.)</i></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="s1">The Lee & Hudson Railroad would have come from Lee and made the same connection in West Stockbridge to the east-west railroad—but it was never completed. Organizers ran out of money. It was meant primarily to carry freight for the paper mills, machine shops and the quarry. <i>(This is now the trail next to Mohawk Lake.)</i></span></blockquote>
It's also very interesting to learn where the name Mohawk Lake came from.<br />
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Thank you Bernie Drew!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSy320ZQi08/VsSi0lf-HqI/AAAAAAAACes/gHtZilyIfkY/s1600/PastedGraphic-2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSy320ZQi08/VsSi0lf-HqI/AAAAAAAACes/gHtZilyIfkY/s400/PastedGraphic-2.tiff" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An electric-powered trolley car.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-23219073984520862722016-02-05T13:42:00.000-05:002016-02-05T13:42:31.546-05:00Mt. Greylock in January With No Snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday I hiked up Mt. Greylock with a few friends. We parked on Hopper Road in Williamstown and started up the Haley Farm Trail promptly at 9:30. We immediately met three weekend backpackers who advised us to put on our Microspikes which we did. We wore the Microspikes all day and appreciated them most on the way down the Hopper Trail which was covered in ice.</div>
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It was hard to believe that even on the top of Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet, the snow was just a dusting. This is so different from last year which was the coldest and snowiest winter in many years. Our main problem was trying not to get uncomfortably hot from the exertion of the uphill climb! </div>
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We hiked a little over 10 miles with temps in the 40s. Not bad for January 31st!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b17qJ5C0cE/VrThsEyKLII/AAAAAAAACd4/Baw_F20soFI/s1600/Greylock_Winter1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b17qJ5C0cE/VrThsEyKLII/AAAAAAAACd4/Baw_F20soFI/s400/Greylock_Winter1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view from Stony Ledge.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3qXaLlS3cg/VrThsOaNpjI/AAAAAAAACeA/4X6SOj_nUoA/s1600/Greylock_Winter2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3qXaLlS3cg/VrThsOaNpjI/AAAAAAAACeA/4X6SOj_nUoA/s400/Greylock_Winter2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How fun is that to be hiking in the snow in a tank top!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esh_N2P_xck/VrThsT9PuCI/AAAAAAAACd8/YHxZrCTKM7E/s1600/Greylock_Winter3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Esh_N2P_xck/VrThsT9PuCI/AAAAAAAACd8/YHxZrCTKM7E/s400/Greylock_Winter3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's amazing how much heat the body generates while climbing.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FNyQjJvE2Y/VrThtfB02FI/AAAAAAAACeE/LAA9bteTPSs/s1600/Greylock_Winter4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FNyQjJvE2Y/VrThtfB02FI/AAAAAAAACeE/LAA9bteTPSs/s400/Greylock_Winter4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's always a great view from the top.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60Gk-fznMgA/VrThtX2TvjI/AAAAAAAACeI/BdMAAUJ1kGw/s1600/Greylock_Winter5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60Gk-fznMgA/VrThtX2TvjI/AAAAAAAACeI/BdMAAUJ1kGw/s400/Greylock_Winter5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was dark and gray at the tower but it is Greylock after all.</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouftaJFlZQg/VrThtgnukWI/AAAAAAAACeM/pH4w1nDaPw0/s1600/Greylock_Winter6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouftaJFlZQg/VrThtgnukWI/AAAAAAAACeM/pH4w1nDaPw0/s400/Greylock_Winter6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved the bright open woods with views <br />not obscured by leaves, as we made our way down the Hopper Trail.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7ZQu_o93gQ/VrThuSeqKSI/AAAAAAAACeQ/h4qgTTWOpa4/s1600/Greylock_Winter7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7ZQu_o93gQ/VrThuSeqKSI/AAAAAAAACeQ/h4qgTTWOpa4/s400/Greylock_Winter7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This section of the Money Brook Trail was new to me. Sweet!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX6K6ADm9Xc/VrThubHOzCI/AAAAAAAACeU/9Fislo_Zzxw/s1600/Greylock_Winter8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX6K6ADm9Xc/VrThubHOzCI/AAAAAAAACeU/9Fislo_Zzxw/s640/Greylock_Winter8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After all the grayness at the top, these colors were almost dazzling.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGemDE6v900/VrThur07l4I/AAAAAAAACeY/yzIip-PgeYI/s1600/Greylock_Winter9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGemDE6v900/VrThur07l4I/AAAAAAAACeY/yzIip-PgeYI/s640/Greylock_Winter9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sun came out as we returned to our cars. It actually felt like April.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6022124003560183124.post-12647979310483208182016-01-24T20:49:00.000-05:002016-01-24T20:49:00.384-05:00Pleasant Valley in Winter<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pMW2s6Kp4Q/VqT8654O6gI/AAAAAAAACdY/-wPp_-kXwgw/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pMW2s6Kp4Q/VqT8654O6gI/AAAAAAAACdY/-wPp_-kXwgw/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Enjoying the view from Lenox Mountain, Richmond.</i></td></tr>
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Yesterday, I co-led a hike with Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director, at <a href="http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/pleasant-valley" target="_blank">Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary</a> in Lenox. We walked up the Trail of the Ledges to the top of Lenox Mountain and returned on the Overbrook Trail. The temperature was in the mid-twenties with some wind here and there, but we were comfortable. We had hoped to use snowshoes, but alas, not enough snow. </div>
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We saw lots of animal tracks including those of red fox, deer, coyote, bobcat, fisher, mice and squirrel. As Becky was pointing out some tracks, we noticed some yellow snow next to them at the trail's edge. The animal was marking its territory. One way to tell the difference between coyote and red fox is to smell the urine. This we did!<br />
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The consensus was that it smelled skunky, so that meant they were red fox tracks. Some of us, including me, didn't smell it. I'm not sure if that was because my nose was running or that I'm someone who just doesn't distinguish that odor. I guess it's a good thing I'm not a red fox!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uADG3KaSEy4/VqT82Tks_zI/AAAAAAAACcY/xFR0_YkJxSU/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uADG3KaSEy4/VqT82Tks_zI/AAAAAAAACcY/xFR0_YkJxSU/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As we started, a bridge cross a stream gave us a good view of animal tracks.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSKwL71Ca70/VqT82qX-E5I/AAAAAAAACcc/XhYJnLvYONE/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSKwL71Ca70/VqT82qX-E5I/AAAAAAAACcc/XhYJnLvYONE/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The water was moving swiftly but froze as it splashed up on this branch.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rREXvlK_tR8/VqT84HbS_PI/AAAAAAAACc0/zUe2AvMKt6s/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rREXvlK_tR8/VqT84HbS_PI/AAAAAAAACc0/zUe2AvMKt6s/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter3.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Becky shows us fisher tracks.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn29T5zLBE4/VqT84ze9bmI/AAAAAAAACc4/9GjHXrhKZbk/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn29T5zLBE4/VqT84ze9bmI/AAAAAAAACc4/9GjHXrhKZbk/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Trail of the Ledges is challenging with steep sections.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JodmF1Ds_tc/VqT86IJKa_I/AAAAAAAACdI/HZ-VcENOL3s/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JodmF1Ds_tc/VqT86IJKa_I/AAAAAAAACdI/HZ-VcENOL3s/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ice seeping out of the rocks formed icicles and ice sheets along parts of the trail.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMEIzWrSscQ/VqT82ugGUVI/AAAAAAAACcs/mtICwv-utkc/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMEIzWrSscQ/VqT82ugGUVI/AAAAAAAACcs/mtICwv-utkc/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Becky picked up some snow with yellow urine <br />and we sniffed it to help identify the red fox tracks. Fun!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yI1WCaVMg/VqT87xqGTaI/AAAAAAAACdk/Y6J2HuDv9ps/s1600/Pleasant-Valley-winter9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yI1WCaVMg/VqT87xqGTaI/AAAAAAAACdk/Y6J2HuDv9ps/s400/Pleasant-Valley-winter9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A great way to spend a Saturday morning.</i></td></tr>
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Bess Dillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780364450333740247noreply@blogger.com0