Wachusett Hike
We had perfect weather for our October 4, 2008 hike at the Wachusett Mountain
State Reservation in central Massachusetts. The 1-mile climb, featuring
our famous New England rocks and roots, was exhilarating without being
exhausting. We were rewarded by a pleasant meadow with picnic tables for
our lunch at the summit. For variety, we chose to descend via the paved
road rather than revisit all those rocks. We look forward to more day
hikes in the spring and/or fall and encourage all of you to join us and
share the fun.
Submitted by Cindy Wentz
On Saturday, October 4th, five of us from the New England Regional Ski for
Light hiked Wachusett Mountain in Wachusett Mass which is in the central
part of the state.
I got up early and put on my hiking boots, took water and a lunch and was
picked up by another guide and another participant. We drove to the
guide’s house where we met with another participant and the guide’s
husband. We set off for the hour long drive to Mount Wachusett. Mount
Wachusett is a down hill ski area in the winter.
It was a beautiful day. You could feel the sun and the cool air of autumn.
We arrived at the mountain and met two more guides who drove together. Two
guides and two participants began hiking up the trail while another guide
and participant turned back early on the hiking trail and chose to walk up
the road. We had a challenging time hiking
over roots and rocks, but had a wonderful time stopping for a water
break and talking to other hikers going up and down the trail.
The higher we got, the windier it got. The views were more
spectacular. The colors were just beginning. When we neared the top, you
could see all over. It took us around an hour and a half of taking our
time. The exercise and camaraderie was wonderful. We talked about
memories of past trips as we hiked.
We all met and had a picnic lunch at picnic tables at the top of the
mountain. After lunch, we walked around and looked at all the views.
Some of the guides and participants had to get home at a certain time, so
it was decided that we all would walk down the road. We were down in about
an hour. Pictures were taken and we said our good-byes and all of us are
looking forward to cross-country skiing in January and March.
THINK SNOW!
Submitted by Joanne Jordan