Macricostas Preserve

We were blessed to again experience a little physical and spiritual training in God's great outdoors, this time on Pinnacle Trail, part of the land trust owned by Steep Rock Association in New Preston. The hike begins in an lovely open meadow, so it was a plus that the air was chilly and we weren't subjected to a blazing sun.






Amidst a group of bald trees, a leafless tree with bright red berries caught our eye. Perhaps a hawthorne tree?












Although this week's heavy rain and wind sent many leaves flying off the trees, once we were in the woods, there was still plenty of color to be seen.

What a mood-booster to embark on a trail with golds, oranges, and reds in the foreground and the deep blue sky in the background!

A little over a mile in we came to the first lookout. We stood and admired the view as we watched the shadows from the clouds move across the valley.

After this, the climb became a bit more challenging with a lot of rocks. No scrambling was necessary, though, as we made our way up. Even with fallen leaves obscuring our path, the blazes were so well-marked we had no problems finding our way. A sign pointed us to the Pinnacle (known as Waramaug Rock), for which I was thankful, because the trail then becomes level, and I started having my doubts. But we continued on, went left at the fork and before long we were in the wide open, with that top-of-the-world exhilaration of a dramatic view.

We circled in front of some trees to block the wind and had our devotional time.

Mark 2:27 "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." When we're hiking, it's best to stop and rest along the way, rather than pushing ourselves until our bodies shut down. God has not designed us to always be on the go. He included in our humanity the need to rest. Ignoring that time of rest and pushing on can result in shallow relations with God and others, fatigue that breaks down the immune system, and an early trip to the grave.  If you’re racing through life, don’t forget the benefits of taking time to rest, and in that rest turn your attention to God. In this, our spirits and bodies are both renewed. (Adapted from With God on the Hiking Trail by Nathan Chapman).

We were blessed to have Cassidy Parent join us. Cassidy is a missionary with Kids Alive International and will be heading back to Haiti in January. We always enjoy her company and hearing about her adventures, and were privileged to lift her up in prayer.

We reluctantly left the mountaintop and made our way back down. The real world awaited with tasks to be accomplished, but for a few hours we experienced the delight of leaving our routines, drawing closer to God and each other, and marveling in the wonder of His creation.


Directions: Turn onto Christian Road from Route 202. Park behind the old red house on the north side of the road. The parking lot is easy to find and can be spotted from google earth at maps.google.com
Trail map: http://www.steeprockassoc.org/explore/macricostas-preserve/macricostas-preserve-trail-map/
Length: 3.4 miles (you also have the option of parking a second car on June road and making this hike a little shorter)
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Difficulty level: easy in the beginning, climb is moderate
Calories burned: 600

Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve

The autumn leaves are in peak form, making this an awe-inspiring hike. We began on West Lane Road on the well-marked blue/red-blazed trail, and when the trail split, we turned left to go south and make our way to the ridge line. We were only about 20 minutes in when we came to the first magnificent view overlooking Upper Hart Pond.

In hindsight, I now appreciate the patience of my companions, who had hiked this trail before. They allowed me time to drink in this view and take too many pictures, knowing that even more astounding views were ahead. As we continued to walk, I was thrilled over and over again at the beauty.

We were surrounded by vibrant color!

After an hour and a half, we reached the most spectacular panorama.

We could have reached this much sooner, but I was constantly stopping to appreciate the majesty of God's creation.  Just as I turned to leave the summit, one of my companions, Linda, was calling my name with much excitement. I turned to see a mountain climber coming up over the edge of the cliff! We waited with much anticipation to take a video of his friend who was coming behind him, but fear (and wisdom) kept me from getting a shot over the side of the cliff.

Up to this point we were on a trail rated as moderate, but beyond the summit the blue/red path meets with the blue-blazed Metacomet at a section that is rated difficult. We met some much younger people coming from that direction, and they were exclaiming that it was quite a trek. Fortunately, we had a seasoned hiker with us. There are only three people that I would trust to lead me off the trail and into the unmapped wild, and Joyce is one of them. She pointed to a shallow ravine, and was certain that it would lead us to the red-blazed trail, which would allow a quicker return.

We traipsed through the woods for a little while, and sure enough, she led us to the red trail and back to our cars. While my lollygagging and gaping caused us to take an hour and a half to reach the summit, our return took only 45 minutes.

This was definitely one of my favorite hikes thus far. I remained on a natural high for the rest of the weekend!

Our Route

Official address: 555 West Lane Road, Berlin, CT. Address that worked for GPS: 598 Wigwam Road
Trail Map:
http://www.town.berlin.ct.us/egov/documents/270bfb06_dca1_4918_3a1b_ada3b9d356fb.pdf
Length: 3.26 miles
Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Calories: 750
Difficulty level: moderate

Lion's Head

The leaves were a little past peak and the day was cloudy, but that didn't stop us from having a truly enjoyable day. We were blessed to have one of our members who is a local resident, Barbara, lead us on this hike. She shared a wealth of knowledge which heightened our experience.

Parking is easy to find, and the lot was empty when we arrived (contrary to Columbus day, when cars were lined down the street).

It was so nice to have a guide to stop and highlight things that I blindly passed over when I was there the week before. One was a reedy plant called scouring rush that the pioneers used to scrub pots, and another was the small chips of garnet in the rocks beneath our feet.

Nature's Brillo Pad

Garnet

The path up is a little steep, but not treacherous, giving us a good workout (my heart-rate monitor often showed 160). Barbara led us beyond the well-known blazed trail and a little to the left. 

We bypassed this popular trail to the top

A short jaunt later, and we were treated to a secret vista to the west.

After soaking up the stunning scenery, our savvy skipper squired us to the top of the mountain on another little-known path.

We enjoyed spectacular views to the east and south

It was on the top of the mountain with this pleasing scenery that we had our devotional time.

Philippians 4:12 "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." 

When we're on the hiking trail, we can pack heavy and experience the delight of sharing our extras with others, although it does make our journey harder. We could also choose to pack lightly, so we can cover more miles. Either way, we've had a good workout. Just as both options have their advantages, it's the same in life. People with luxury items have more to maintain, but they also have more to share. Those who have little may accomplish more for Christ because their energies are streamlined and they have fewer distractions. Whether our life-packs are abundant or light, we would do well to ask God to help us be content in living for Him and to serve others to the best of our abilities. (Adapted from the book "With God on the Hiking Trail" by Nathan Chapman.)

Barbara invited us to her home, where we enjoyed a tour of her family's amazing property.

Trametes versicolor

Also called "turkey tail"

Interesting fungi -maybe in the Geastrum family? 

All in all, a great hike with great companions, a great guide/hostess, and great day enjoying the wonder of God's creation.

Address: 84 Bunker Hill Road, Salisbury CT

Length: 2.3 miles

Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Calories burned: 700

Difficulty: moderate

Marion Wilcox Park

It was a breezy and chilly 43 degrees, but once we were on the trail, we could forget the cold and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.

Although parking is available at Marion Wilcox Park, we began our hike at the northern boundary of Penwood State Park so we could start our hike with a climb. We ascended the trail, and in less than 15 minutes we reached the first glorious lookout.

We continued on, planning to take the yellow trail, but missed it entirely because we were gazing at this view:

The blue trail meets yellow again farther down the path, so this was just a little route change. However, when we reached that point we were again distracted by another view :)

We decided to explore further and were rewarded with vistas both to the west and to the east:

We turned around, backtracked a little, and spied a blaze through the trees. We left the beaten path and improvised a short tramp through the woods to reach the trail.


It's hard to describe the tranquility experienced in the middle of the woods on a crisp fall day. With the occasional gust of wind, the leaves would slowly float down. It's an atmosphere that calms the soul.

We reached a beautiful meadow and found a good place to have our devotions at a picnic table in the sun. This was near the Marion Wilcox Park parking lot (and a convenient port-a-potty).

Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Hikers often choose to sleep in the outdoors, forgoing the warmth, protection and comforts of home and sleeping on the cold hard ground. God longs for us to dwell in His house, but sometimes we choose to run to the forest instead. Living without faith and ignoring the promises of God, we disobey His word, usually because we've confused instant gratification with true joy. Leaving His protection invites eternal consequences. If you're out in the cold, ominous forest of spiritual rebellion, return to Jesus. (Adapted from "With God on the Hiking Trail" by Nathan Chapman)

We moved on, ready to pick up the yellow trail which leads back to the blue and thus to our starting point. We almost missed this. We did miss the first barely visible blaze (seen below on the left - it was spied by the last in our group after we turned) and because the path wasn't clear, we weren't sure it was really a path. But it turned out to be a fun path with a mild ascent.

As we headed back to our cars, we remarked that we enjoyed this hike very much. With the combination of my companions, the views, the gently falling leaves, and the vibrant colors, this is a hike that made my heart sing!

Our route as logged by GPS via Runkeeper

Online Map

Address for GPS: 22 Wintonbury Road, Simsbury, CT - There is room for several cars to park where the road dead ends. Take the blue-blazed trail to the north.

Trail Map: https://skizilla.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/wilcox-park-trail-map1.pdf and also wintonburylandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/HikeInfo.doc

Length: 3.10 miles

Duration: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Calories burned: 600

Difficulty level: moderate

Mount Tom State Park

What a beautiful time of year, especially in New England! Our drive to Mount Tom in New Preston/Litchfield was as enjoyable as the hike. We were oohing and aahing over the beautiful fall colors - especially those of us who are not Connecticut born and raised. We’d seen autumn beauty before, but the density of the trees here makes it even more spectacular. It’s as if the mountains are covered with beautiful carpeting. God’s creation is incredible!

We began our hike with a picnic beside Mount Tom Pond. 

The yellow-blazed trail begins at the smaller, upper parking lot. 

Very soon we reached a split in the path. A few days earlier, my husband and I incorrectly went left. It still takes you there, but a we passed a person on the way who told us we'd taken the wrong path. At the split the correct path is over some rocks and slightly to the right.  The ascent is rooted and rocky - in other words, fun! We reached the stone tower at the peak in less than 30 minutes.  After climbing three flights of stairs (keep your head down near the top or you'll smack it on the cement above), we were rewarded with a 360 degree view - one of the best views in the state.

Unlike the previous Sunday when the place was teeming with families, today the tower area was deserted, which made it a good place to have our devotional time.  It’s interesting that this was the devotional that was slated for our hike on Mohawk Mountain. Circumstances got in the way that day, so it was postponed. Appropriately enough, the theme was God is our Fortress, our Strong Tower.

Psalm 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever more.

A mountain range in Biblical days was a natural fortress that provided protection from enemies. David did not have to toil to make his refuge, God created it. You and I can also find God’s love and protection by living in the middle of His will and presence. 

When we look out over a mountain scape, the surrounding towering mountains seem strong and immovable - like the protection and love God offers his people. Daily be comforted and encouraged by knowing you are surrounded by the Lord. Thank God for surrounding us with His love and mercy. Endeavor to stay in a place where we are encompassed by His will.*

*Adapted from "With God on the Hiking Trail" by Nathan Chapman 

There are several new and serious prayer concerns among our group, so we concluded our devotional with a more in-depth prayer time. It is such a privilege and a blessing to approach God’s throne surrounded by His glorious creation. Soon our time for soaking up the Son and the sunshine was over, and it was time for our descent.

The first time I did this hike, I opted not to bring my poles, which was fine on the way up and certainly fine for those who are younger. But these 58-year-old knees prefer some assistance when going downhill over rocky terrain, and I was glad I chose to bring them this time.

On our way home, we made a quick stop at Bantam Bread Company to peruse their selection of cheese, olive oil, pastries, etc. and inhale the wonderful aroma of fresh-baked bread.

Then we resumed our oohing and aahing!

Our Route

Note: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park charges $6 for residents and $10 for non-residents on weekdays and $9 for residents and $15 for non-residents on weekends. It is open daily 8 a.m. to sunset.

Directions: West of Litchfield, take Route 202 and turn south onto Mt. Tom Rd.

Trail Map: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/stateparks/maps/mttom.pdf

Length: 1.53 miles

Duration: 1 hour

Calories burned: 254

Difficulty level: easy/moderate