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?
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
You may recall that my friend Cherry and I participated in the Connecticut DEEP‘s Sky’s the Limit challenge over the last few years. This year, due to COVID, this challenge was not offered until October 5. Cherry has decided to not participate this year, but I am going to try to march forward.
The 2020 challenge encourages us to get outdoors and experience locations, preferably close to home. By the end of December, we are to visit:
We are to photograph ourselves at a sign that indicates the location, and write 50 words about why we went there and what we liked about it (sort of sounds like fourth grade, but I’m OK with that).
I intend to post here the sites that I am including in this challenge, not in any order of visitation or on the days of their visit.
I encourage anyone else to participate, either officially or unofficially, in Connecticut or any other state. Get out, get hiking, stay safe.
We did it! The last of 14 hikes for the DEEP’s Sky’s the Limit challenge! Cold but sunny day!
People’s State Forest, Riverton, CT
New Hartford Diner, New Hartford, CT
