East Haddam CT Preserves: Duncan and Urbanek

27 12 2020

DUNCAN: with an initial path through an historic church site, this area falls and rises through interesting rock formations to reward with a lovely view of the Connecticut River. A cold and startled ribbon snake and hidden rock caves delighted.

URBANIK: named after the uncle of a high school classmate, this tranquil pond reflected the sky’s turbulence of the day.

East Haddam Preserves were visited as part of the Find the Chairs Challenge. I was grateful to discover these sites that I’d never seen in town. They were clearly identified along the road and trails were well marked.


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East Haddam CT Preserves: Hatch Lot and Hidden Valley

20 12 2020

HATCH LOT: an unassuming name to a very nice spot. Near the parking lot, native plants are being introduced. The ascent to the vista did cause some difficulty breathing, especially due to wearing masks. But the view of the sliver of the Connecticut River and hint of Long Island Sound were well worthwhile. We encountered some hunters within the parcel and appreciated our orange vests we were wearing, as it was not a Sunday.

HIDDEN VALLEY: a relatively short trail to a charming spot along the Moodus River. Due to recent rains, the flow was pleasantly noisy. Efforts to follow the trail on the other side of the river were hampered by proximity to neighbors.

East Haddam Preserves were visited as part of the Find the Chairs Challenge. I was grateful to discover these sites that I’d never seen in town. They were clearly identified along the road and trails were well marked.


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The Preserve

13 12 2020

I find it presumptuous that this place is called The Preserve, as if there is no other.

I’m grateful for its preservation, despite its multiple same-colored loop trails that provide no insight into which direction is home.

I celebrate the new sign, in perhaps the newest state forest?


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Meshomasic State Forest

6 12 2020

As the oldest state forest in New England, this area seemed a priority to visit. The entrance off Clark Hill Road was not marked by name, although the state forest boundary markers were apparent. The forest access road crossed the Shenipsit blue-blazed trail, which I took up to the Great Hill lookout.

The view of Great Hill Pond and the Connecticut River from the top of Great Hill were extraordinary.

Turkey vultures soared overhead on the perfect autumn day I visited.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Nayantaquit Trail

22 11 2020

This trail, In Lyme, is a loop trail that has some ups and downs.

The fall beauty was lovely and rock formations were interesting.

Lots of mushrooms after our recent rains, also.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Lone Pine Trail

15 11 2020

This trail ascends and crosses the Braemore Preserve, which is a 95-acre scenic holding of the Town of Guilford, before joining the Mattabesett Trail.

Fall colors abounded on my hike; the crunch of leaves under foot and some interesting features, such as large quartz nuggets and unusual root uplifts made this an interesting walk.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Highlawn Forest Trails

8 11 2020

This trail is located at Blue-blazed trails headquarters, CT Forest and Park Association, in Rockfall.

I saw many indicators of human management of this site, including a coniferous plantation and recently chain-sawed trail clearings.

The tranquility within this relatively small tract contrasts with the busy noise of Route 66 on which it is located.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Haddam Meadows State Park

1 11 2020

The granddog and I enjoyed walking out the boat ramp and looking up and down the CT River.

The river access provides opportunities for beach-combing and throwing rocks.

The butterfly garden offers quiet contemplation and a place to search for painted rocks.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Fort Trumbull State Park

25 10 2020

I like the mixture of history and views of the river that are available at this site.

I enjoy watching the Coast Guard’s Barque Eagle and cadets going about their chores. Compare this to the daily folk coming to fish at the pier.

The state park is a vast improvement to the disarray that had hidden its historic and natural features prior to state acquisition.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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Harkness State Park

18 10 2020

From March through August, I sheltered in Southeastern Connecticut and walked here daily.

It was definitely part of my strategy to maintain mental health! Harkness is probably the most photogenic park I’ve ever seen.

This section of the trail is dedicated to Dr. Bill Niering, Connecticut College, with whom I took botany. He was an awesome, unassuming man who inspired many.

I still come to this area, even though my sheltering days have ended.

(This is part of the DEEP Sky’s the Limit 2020 challenge which encourages us to get outdoors.)


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