Bouldering in Dedham

I accompanied my kids today as they went bouldering with friends in Dedham.   

Joost Preserve (Verona Island)

Earlier this year, the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust acquired the 25 acre Joost Preserve on Verona Island overlooking the Eastern Channel of the Penobscot River.   Viv and I hiked the preserve's 0.8 mile loop trail this morning.  The trail winds through an oak and pine forest and past meadows, with multiple viewpoints of the river.  

Stockton Harbor Park and Fort Point State Park (Stockton Springs)

Viv and I spent the morning in Stockton Springs, first at Stockton Harbor Park and then at Fort Point State Park. 

Pilings at Stockton Harbor

Stockton Harbor Park

The Cliffs at Fort Point State Park

Quoddy Head State Park and Rocky Lake Public Lands (Washington County)

Viv and I spent the day together before she heads back to college, visiting Quoddy Head State Park and Rocky Lake Public Lands.

We started the day at Quoddy Head, hiking the Coastal Trail to High Ledge and returning via the Inland Trail.  We hiked 1.6 miles which included a brief trip down to the beach. 

Our next stop was the Patrick Lake section of Rocky Lake Public Reserve Land.  This day use area features a short (0.3 miles one way) trail leading to a picnic table on the shore of Patrick Lake.  

We finished our day scouting the campgrounds around Rocky Lake in preparation for a future trip.  

Carter Meadows Trail (Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge)

I took off from work today to do some last minute shopping and spend time with Viv.   We went for a 3 mile hike at the Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge, hiking out to the observation platform at Carter's Meadow.

Snow at Papermill Park (Hampden)

We had our first significant snow of the year today so stayed local and visited Papermill Park in Hampden.   The small town park offers great views of Souadabscook Stream as it flows over waterfalls and down rapids.  

Patten Stream Preserve (Surry)

I was not expecting much from Patten Stream Preserve as it is only 41 acres.  I was pleasantly surprised, however, at the preserve's beauty.  

Patten Stream Preserve was created in 2008 and is managed by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust.  The 1.5 mile double loop trail system travels through a forest and adjacent to Patten Stream.  The stream itself is the highlight here, and descends through a series of rapids adjacent to the trail.  On the second loop, there are three wooden bridges crossing over the stream.  

I made a YouTube video (here) of the hike since I don't think the photos adequately capture the experience.  

Bradbury Mountain State Park (Pownal)

Friends and I hiked a 1.3 mile loop on Bradbury Mountain this morning, ascending the Summit Trail and descending on the Northern Loop and Ski Trails.  

Brown Woods (Bangor)

It's a busy weekend so I did a quick hike at Brown Woods in Bangor.  Although short it was nice to get outside even for a few minutes.  

Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary (Mount Desert Island)

The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary is a 250 acre preserve on MDI managed by a nonprofit with the same name.   The preserve protects a significant amount of land around Somes Pond.  

I hiked the preserve's 1.3 mile Spring and Nature Trails today.   This was a nice relatively easy hike with scenic views of Somes Pond.

Appalachian Trail n/o Rt 15 to Bell Pond (Monson)

It has been raining intermittently this weekend throughout the state, at times quite hard, so when the forecast called for only scattered showers this morning I hoped the rain would hold off long enough to get a quick hike in.

I explored the AT in Monson early this morning, hoping the break in rain would provide an opportunity to see wildlife.   Parts of the trail from Rt 15 to Bell Pond were soaked and, as my boots and socks became soaked as well, I gained a greater appreciation of the challenges faced by through hikers on the trail who often have to hike in inclimate weather and often lack a chance to dry off and warm up afterwards.  

It was an enjoyable 2.5 mile hike nonetheless, with the rain holding off until the final mile on my return trip to the car.   

Compass Harbor Trail (Acadia National Park)

Just outside of Bar Harbor is the Compass Harbor Trail, a relatively easy 0.8 mile (roundtrip) trail that leads through the former George Dorr estate to the coast overlooking Frenchman Bay.  Dorr, known as the Father of Acadia National Park, was instrumental in the parks formation and expansion.

I explored the trail while my son climbed at Volta.   This is a nice walk leading to great views of the Mount Desert Island shore.   

Ron and Lee Davis Conservation Easement (Orono)

Tucked away in the southern end of Orono adjacent to I-95 is the 33 acre Davis Conservation Easement, managed by the Orono Land Trust.  An one mile trail runs along the perimeter of the preserve.   

I hiked the trail this morning, greeted by a pileated woodpecker on a nearby tree before even starting the hike.   Despite it's proximity to the interstate, the preserve feels secluded, although as the trail approaches I-95 traffic sounds become more pervasive.   This was an enjoyable walk nonetheless.