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
No comments:
Post a Comment