Bay Circuit Trail Hike - Map 9 - Rocky Narrows, Sherborn to Noon Hill, Medfield

With the long, cold and snowy winter behind us, I came out of hibernation and returned to the Bay Circuit Trail after a four month absence. I went into this 11 mile hike out of shape and uncertain about my intentions to complete the entire trail. I came out of the hike still out of shape and still unsure if I will ever reach the BCT's southern terminus but I was happy to have spent a beautiful day on the trail with my daughter who decided to join me on the hike.

The first half of the hike was not very scenic with many miles on busy roads. The second half more than made up for the first with six continuous miles of wooded single-track and some wider trails. The bright sky and brisk air helped us remain upbeat even after out legs were ready to call it quits. With one mile to go we reached the summit of Noon Hill (370 feet) and knew it was all downhill from there. Well, almost all downhill. Overall it was a very nice day and I think I may have discovered a new hiking partner!

 Crossing the Charles River into Medfield.

Single-track along the "Charles"

 Walking an abandoned road.

 Brook running from Vine Lake.

 A barn for sale in Medfield. Needs work!

 A blue sky day.

 The trail in Shattuck Reservation.

 Stone wall in Shattuck.

 Entering Noon Hill Reservation.

 Holt Pond in Noon Hill.

 A view from Noon Hill (elev. 370 feet).

Me and my new hiking partner.

More photos from the hike can be found here.

Stats:
BCT Maps 9: 11 miles
Surface split: 5m roads, 6m trails
Elevation gain: 675 feet
Highest point: Noon Hill 370 ft.
Start point: Rocky Narrows Reservation, Sherborn
End point: Noon Hill Reservation, Medfield
Other towns: None
Green Spaces: Mine Brook, Walpole Town Forest, Neponset River Conservation Area
Hydration: 32 oz water
Fuel: One Cilff Bar, PBJ sandwich
Footwear: Brooks Cascadia 5, Wright socks
Total BCT covered to date: 153 miles
Surface split: 95 trail and dirt road, 61 pavement, 7 paved rail trail
Total elevation gain: 6909+
Highest point: Nobscot Hill 602 ft
BCT remaining: 39 estimated

North South Trail Trek Preview

The North South Trail (NST) runs the entire length of Rhode Island from the Atlantic Ocean to Douglas State Forest on the Massachusetts border. The 78 mile path passes through eight state-owned wildlife management areas. Between these management areas, the NST travels on quiet, scenic roads through small towns and villages. The terrain varies from flat roads to steep, rocky paths. And I heard there's one heck of a boulder field somewhere on the trail!

North South Trail

I originally planned to hike the NST as part of a 200 mile, three state thru-hike of the Wapack (NH), Mid State (MA) and North South (RI) trails. The more I thought about this plan the less practical it sounded. Work is crazy busy and will continue that way for most of the year and it's unlikely I could take a two week vacation needed to complete the hike. It's possible I could do it in less time but then the hike would feel rushed and not enjoyable. I had to come up with a Plan B. 

The North South Trail Council comes to the rescue!

The NST Council sponsors an annual trek of the NST which consist of six day hikes on alternating weekends. The hikes range in length from 11 to 17 miles. The council provides transportation to the trail head and participants hike back to their vehicles parked further up the trail. This sounds much better than calling for a cab like I often did on my solo hikes on the Bay Circuit Trail! The council also provides water and snacks at the mid-point of the hike. You cant ask for more than that, can you?

I'll be starting "The Trek" in nine days as long as the trails in RI are free of snow and ice. This seems unlikely given the current snowpack and a 10 day forecast of below freezing temperatures and possible snow. I think the start date will probably get pushed out two weeks but I certainly hope it doesn't. I have a severe case of cabin fever.

Damn you, Old Man Winter! 

Hiking the John Muir Trail In 85 Minutes

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is arguably the most scenic and difficult of our nation's long distance trails. From it's southern terminus at Mt Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous US at 14,505 feet) to it's northern terminus in Yosemite Valley, the JMT traverses 211 miles though several national parks, forests and wilderness areas and crosses seven mountain passes above 11,000 feet with Forester Pass being the highest at 13,153 feet. If you're like me and can't get a two or three week vacation from work to hike the actual trail, this excellent, high quality video by John Amorosano is the next best thing. I highly recommend watching and it will only take up 85 minutes of your day.

Enjoy!


John Muir Trail 2013 - A Journey Through The Range Of Light

Thinking Out Loud

For the first time in over two years I went for a run.

Well, it wasn't really a run. More like a walk interspersed with 12-14 one minute jogs. I didn't plan to run. I was out for my usual walk around town and noticed the track behind the middle school was snow free. I thought, "What the heck?  I'll try jogging."  I jogged the straights and walked the turns and before I knew it I had "wogged" two miles.  It felt great!!

Until I got home.

My lower back tightened up. I had pain in my SI joint and groin. My foot was tingling. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea. On the plus side, my discomfort level was back to baseline when I woke up the next morning. And I'm dumb enough to try jogging again. But not anytime soon. On the down side, I won't be ready to run in the Grand Tree Trail Race Series this spring and that is a huge disappointment. 

I'm not sure if my backpacking plans for the year will happen either.   

My neck problem has worsened over the past two years to the point where wearing a backpack causes a great deal of discomfort. Although 80% of the pack weight is supported by my hips, it seems the 20% supported by my trapezius muscles is enough to send my neck into a tailspin. I've tried a few different packs but the results are always the same. I don't need a new pack. I need a new neck!

This has me thinking about what's left for me.

If I cant run or hike what will I do for exercise? I had some success with biking last summer. Some days a ride would aggravate my back/SI condition and some days it would not. I think that's all I can do safely for now. Which has me thinking about doing a long trip this summer. Maybe add some panniers to my bike so I can carry a tent, a sleeping bag and some other gear. Perhaps travel up the Maine coastline and explore some new places. Stop at some campgrounds along the way or just stealth camp for the night when I get tired of pedaling.

It's just a thought.

Another thought I have is what to do about this blog. At one time I had a pretty loyal following but readership has dropped off considerably over the past two years. That's not unexpected. I haven't been posting any interesting content because I haven't done anything interesting. Even though I use this blog as a place to record my personal experiences, I also enjoy reading your comments and feedback. So, please post a comment to let me know how you feel. Should I continue updating this blog or let it go by way of the dinosaur?  

And if you're too embarrassed to admit you read this rag, you can always post your comment anonymously.

Bay Circuit Trail Map 9 - Rocky Narrows Hike

It's been three months since my last hike on the Bay Circuit Trail. I had so much difficulty following the BCT through Sherborn, I wasn't sure if I even wanted to finish the remaining miles on the southern end of the trail. But I've never been one to quit something I start and realized I MUST finish this trail no matter how difficult it may get at times. On Friday, I planned a 13 mile hike on the BCT from Rocky Narrows Reservation in Sherborn to Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield.

Things don't always go as planned.

Planned route on the BCT.

When I arrived at the Rocky Narrows Forest Street trail head the parking lot was empty. I was surprised by the amount of snow and ice on the ground. I thought the warmer weather that prevailed earlier in the week would have done a better job of reducing the snow pack. I was wrong. Of course the two inches of snow that fell the evening before didn't help the situation. The gray sky and cold wind did it's best to damper my enthusiasm, and it succeeded to some degree. I was slow to strap on my backpack and after a brief delay I was off.

 Trail register, kiosk and warning signs at Forest St entrance.

Rocky Narrows trail map.

 Overview of my route.

Trail starts to the left of parking lot.

I headed into the woods and met a woman out for a hike with her dog Guido. As we talked a bit, I learned she lived in the area and was a frequent visitor to Rocky Narrows. We discussed our hiking plans for the day and she was happy to tell me what to expect on the trail ahead. We parted for a short time as she took a side trail and I continued on the BCT. We agreed it was likely we would meet again at the canoe launch on the Charles River where the separate trails we were following converged.

I followed the Red Trail to the canoe launch. Most of the trail from the parking lot to the river was covered with a thick layer of bumpy ice. I was thankful I wore my screw shoes but the walking was still slow and slippery at times. I thought walking alone for 13 miles in these conditions wouldn't be much fun so I decided to only explore Rocky Narrows and leave the miles beyond the reservation for another day. Nearing the river, the woods opened and the ice-covered trail changed to soft pine needles. I scanned the Charles looking for river otters but could see none. As I lingered here, Guido walked up to the river followed closely by his owner. 

 Icy trails made for slow hiking.

 White BCT blazes were infrequent.

 A clearing before reaching the canoe launch beyond the pines.

 Canoe launch area.

 Icy Charles River looking downstream.

View of Charles River canoe launch and route from Google Earth.

We left the river together and hiked up a steep, rocky trail that was cut precariously close to a sheer cliff. Fortunately, the trail was mostly bare with very little ice and snow. A slip here could be disastrous! I kept my eyes on my feet so I don't know if there were any views here. After 0.4 miles of hard climbing the trail turned away from the cliff face but continued upward another quarter mile to King Phillip's Overlook. From the overlook, I could see Cedar Hill and Mine Hill in Rocky Woods approximately five kilometers to the east.

 View of cliff walk route from Google Earth.

 Guido (who is part wolf) takes watch over his domain.

 View of Charles River from King Phillip's Overlook.

CXS Railroad bridge spanning the river.

View of King Phillip's Overlook from Google Earth.

After a steep descent from the overlook the trail briefly runs parallel to an active rail line. There is a trail across the tracks that leads to the Route 27 trail head parking lot. I wanted to take the trail to Rt 27 since it's the trail the BCT follows. My new hiking partner did not, so we decided to go our own ways. Before we separated, she gave me her email address and asked me to message her if I wanted a hiking partner in the future. I thought this was a great idea since I haven't had any luck finding anyone willing to do the BCT with me. I promised to let her know when I would back in the area. When I returned to my car 40 minutes later I could not remember her email address. DOH!

Sign at trail head warns of gap at rail crossing.

I can't tell you if I crossed the tracks or not since it is forbidden by the Trustees of Reservations and CXS Railroad. If I did, I would have to kill you. 

I took a lunch break before hiking the final mile to my car. Although my break was brief, I was chilled from sitting on the cold ground. I began moving quickly along the mostly flat trail that skirted what appeared to be a swampy area, but it was hard to tell with the snow on the ground. The trail surface alternated between ice and soft pine needles. Every time I hit an icy patch I was more convinced I made the right decision to cut the hike short. The last quarter mile to my car was uphill but the incline was gradual. Nothing like the earlier cliff walk. Whew!

When I got back to the parking lot, it was full. I'm glad I beat the crowds.

More photos of my hike can been viewed HERE.

Stats Maps 1-9 (excludes spur trails):
Total miles: 140
Surface split: Trail and off-road 94 miles, roads 46 miles
Elevation gain: 6127 feet
Highest point: 424 feet (missed Nobscot Hill at 602 feet)

Ravenswood Day Hike

Last weekend I went for a short hike in Ravenswood Park with my friend Runnin'Rob. I've been to the park two other times to run The Ravenswood Trail Race but this time I wanted to venture into areas of the park not seen from the race course. Ravenswood is a 600 acre property in Gloucester, MA managed by The Trustees of Reservations. With 10 miles of trails and carriage roads, abandoned quarries and views of the Atlantic from rocky hilltops, there's plenty to explore.

Aerial view of Ravenswood hike.

A light snowfall earlier in the week, and the subsequent thawing and refreezing that followed, left several hundred feet of boardwalk over the Great Magnolia Swamp coated in a layer of ice. This made for a treacherous start to the hike but we managed to cross without incident. After the icy beginning, we found ourselves on a rocky and rooty single-track trail skirting the swamp. It was a very cold afternoon but I began to warm up as we gained elevation out of the swamp onto higher ground.

Interesting rock formation on the Magnolia Swamp Trail

About a mile later we turned onto the Fernwood Lake Trail which loops through the north-west section of the park, past Fernwood Lake (DUH!!) and a large watershed area. The trails in Ravenswood are well marked but somehow I manged to lead us off-trail while we were talking like a couple of giddy teenage girls. This resulted in 15 minute detour but we weren't in any hurry so no harm was done. After losing the trail, Rob took up the lead position and got us back on track. Rob, who is visually impaired, came up with the quote of the day exclaiming, "You know it's bad when the blind guy is leading the way!"  I have to say he did a better job than me.

Rocky Fernwood Lake Trail 

Path between Fernwood Lake and small pond

Leaving the lowlands of the Fernwood Lake Trail behind, we began a climb to higher elevation along a ridge on the Ledge Hill Trail. A mountain of jumbled, granite blocks and smooth cliff faces with deep pools on icy water below were evidence the area was once home to a small-scale granite mining operation. When reaching an overlook facing to the east, we decided to take a short break for a snack and some hydration (just water my friends). Although heavily overcast, Eastern Point Lighthouse at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor was visible from our vantage point.

 Rob stands next to a mountain of cut granite.

 View of the Atlantic from Ledge Hill Trail

Eastern Point Lighthouse is visible in this zoomed photo.

It was too cold to linger so we decided to get moving again before the chill crept into my tired old bones. Once back to my car at the trail head I checked my Garmin and saw we covered nearly six miles, which surprised me a bit. It didn't seem like we were out very long. I guess hiking with a friend makes all the difference.

Time really does fly when you are having fun!

Middlesex Fells Hike - Too Much Time To Think

I haven’t been doing any outdoor activities for the past month or so with the exception of a few bike rides. I've been trying to stay off my feet ever since I developed some foot pain (actually both feet) during one of my BCT hikes in August. I could tell by the pain in the balls of my feet and the burning sensation in my toes that it was Morton’s Neuroma but I was in denial for a couple of weeks. With all my other “aliments”, I wasn't willing to add another one to the growing list. After a two week regime of icing and ibuprofen I felt like I was ready to tackle a 10 mile hike in September.

I wasn’t.

Last week I decided to try once again. My feet were still bothering me but I decided the weather was just too nice to remain indoors. I had to get out! This time I would keep the mileage low, under five miles.  My first thought was to head to the Blue Hills, just south-west of Boston, but decided staying closer to home was more practical. Middlesex Fells, just a few miles from home was a better option. I've run or hiked in Middlesex Fells Reservation many times but always in the area west of Route 93. This time, I was interested in exploring the trails contained in the eastern section of the park.

Middlesex Fells Trail Map

After a short drive I arrived at the Crystal Spring trailhead on a crisp and sunny morning. I had no particular plan for the day. I would just wander in the woods and let the trail decide my path. Leaving the parking lot, I followed a rocky fire road uphill until reaching the single-track trail at the base of Wamoset Hills. The climb up and over Wamoset was short and steep as was the next one over Whip Hill which followed shortly after. At 256 feet, Whip Hill is the highest point in the North-East section but it offered no views from the top.

Kiosk at Crystal Spring Trail

I saw many downed trees but the trails were mostly clear

Approaching the top of Wamoset Hill

And descending the other side

Dense woods on my path to Whip Hill

Cool fungi

I continued on my counter-clockwise loop through wetlands and a public park before reaching the summit of Saddleback Hill. On a sunbaked opening in the trees I had a concrete bench to rest upon and a partially obstructed view of Spot Pond. Although I could have spent several minutes here, I chose not to linger. The winding descent from Saddleback brought me to Pond St where I crossed the road into Virginia Wood. That is, after I found my way around a trail detour caused by a major construction project of some kind.

Wetland area

Soft, leaf-covered trail

The trail cut through a playground which I thought was a little strange

A nice spot to take a break on Saddleback Hill

Spot Pond is barely visible through the trees

A better view of the pond on the descent

Green and gold

By now I was sensing this side of the Fells did not get the same use as its western sister. There were very few people on the trails despite the fine weekend weather. I followed the leaf–covered Virginia Wood Trail until it connected with the Rock Circuit Trail. Here the trail complexion changed from smooth duff to rocky granite. From an unnamed rocky peak I enjoyed my best view of the day. When looking to the north-east I could see the red and orange of autumn dotting a sea of summer green. I stood here for a few minutes, enjoying the view and the cooling breeze before I continued south on the Rock Circuit Trail.

A very peaceful trail

Bridge over a dried up wash

Canopy of pine

Soft trail

And more soft trail

But all good things come to an end

View from rocky top at merge of Virginia Wood/Rock Circuit Trail

A well marked trail

Then, out of nowhere, the thought hit me. Hiking alone is boring.

I’m not sure why I feel bored when hiking alone. When I was running trails, I could spend hours alone in the woods and never feel that way. Some days when out for a long run I could not believe how quickly timed passed. Maybe it was because I could turn off my mind when I was on a run and be carefree for those few hours alone. It was just me, the earth beneath my feet, the sky above.…and nothing else. I can’t get that same feeling when I’m on a hike.

I’m afraid I never will. 

More photo of the eastern fells are HERE