Copy/Repost Hike

Wind chills, cold temps and record low’s might have kept some indoors today, not me.  I watched the forecast, listened intently, checked the weather websites and decided I could brave the elements and make a day of it.  I had three participants signed up for this short hike but in the end it was just me.  This marked a milestone of sorts – my first solo hike – and it was on the coldest day of the year!

I got to the trailhead a little early, I checked the temperature – a balmy 10 degrees – and finished suiting up – it was going to be a brisk but rewarding hike.  I hit the trail at 9:30am.  After taking my first photo, I realized I left the memory card at home – my camera’s internal memory is rather short – so each picture had to count – sorry there are not many.

Snow cover was light – 5 inches at best.  Recent snows of central Massachusetts which blanketed my neck of the woods with 20 inches didn’t reach that far west.  I still used my microspikes and headed up the Mt. Alander Trail, a short 2.5 miles and 790 foot ascent.  This trail and forest was beautiful.  Lots of evergreens, some open space and an amazing field of mountain laurel shrubs – in every direction – I can only imagine how beautiful that must be when they are in bloom.  I was struck by the vast number and size of hemlocks – one of my more favorite evergreens.  The climb was easy, gradual and I never felt like I was exerting myself.  A handful of places might be considered “steep” but they were short lived.  I sported my heaviest winter gear, never broke a sweat and was as warm as a baby cuddled in flannel sheets.  Was it cold outside – you bet, but where was the wind-chill?  I didn’t care, I seemed to be nestled and protected by the trees.

Along the way up someone drew a smiley face - made me smile!  As promised, I found “The Cabin” which was occupied by some overnight guests.  I did not disturb them and continued on my way.  I arrived at the summit of Mt. Alander at approximately 11am.  I took a few photos and took in the views.  Off in the distance I thought I saw clouds – indeed the views disappeared shortly after arrival as a snow squall came down – quite beautiful – nothing intense.  I decided to have an early lunch at the summit and drink my hot apple cider. 

It was still early, I was energized and it was time to turn back.  Continuing on the South Taconic Trail was not the plan and that detour seemed longer than I was prepared for.  On my way down I decided to cut over on the Campground Trail to Ashley Hill Brook Trail, it gave me an little more trail time – but more importantly – the trail had not been walked so it was mine to make.  It was very easy to follow – quite beautiful and serene.  Aside from the cabin occupants, I was the only one on the trail.

At the junction of Campground & Ashley is a tricky water crossing – the ice formations were quite amazing but because of them, the rocks were well hidden – was it snow, rock, or ice – I didn’t know.  I didn’t trust the ice bridges so I cut upstream a short distance and found a nice crossing – better to skip over rocks I think.

My short excursion in Mt. Washington Forest gives me reason to return.  There are longer hikes and points of view to visit and experience.  I arrived back at the car at 1:30pm after having hiked roughly 5.5 miles.  Not the longest of hikes, four hours, but I enjoyed the stroll through the forest and the peace and serenity that comes with it.  I passed two couples making their way up as I was exiting.  The temperature had fallen to 6 degrees, yeah it was cold but I could have walked on for many more miles.

We work hard during the week – and we all need a break.  It is important to escape the daily grind and just let go….  In these moments I feel so very much alive… today was no exception.   Until next time…

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