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
Cherry and I went out in a gray day to hike the hardest and the penultimate of the DEEP 2019 Sky’s the Limit Challenge sites. It was challenging on the way up, and daunting on the way down, as a slow drizzle moistened all the leaves and rocks.
We totally earned our yummy lunch at The Villager in Kent. Corn Chicken chowder, a Rueben and a chicken Philly steak with fries… yum!
DEEP Sky’s the Limit hike — only two more for 2019!!
Beautiful day, nice foliage.
Lunch at the Goshenette; we forgot we ate there once before… we can try somewhere else next time.
Coming down to the finish line
