Tag: hiking

McLean Game Refuge

Connecticut, Day Trips, Hikes, Kids

Sometimes the best finds are the ones you find by mistake!  A few weeks ago we headed to Simsbury, CT, where I spent my early years, hoping to climb Talcott Mountain.  Unfortunately, I didn’t research in advance, and found we couldn’t get anywhere near the mountain because there was a huge event, and cars were parked up and down the road!  On to Plan B.  I remembered going to McLean Game Refuge when I was in girl scouts, so we headed there.  Wow, what a gorgeous location, especially with the peak autumn colors!!  So glad for Plan B.

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Mt. Uncanoonuc, New Hampshire

Hikes, Kids, New Hampshire

A few weeks ago we traveled to Mt. Uncanoonuc, New Hampshire.  We were looking for foliage, and found that the leaves had not yet turned in NH, but we hiked this “short” trail regardless.  The kind strangers we met told us it was a 40 minute hike to the summit, and they waited for us at each turn and twist in the path, thank goodness.  This was a short hike, but likely the most treacherous hike we’ve taken.  Straight up, on very rocky paths!  Probably no big deal for many experienced hikers, but since I’m out of shape these days, Lydia was nursing a running injury and Lieren was walking locked knees due to a gymnastics injury, we certainly struggled.  But it was well worth it once we got to the top!!

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Ames Nowell State Park, Abington, MA

Day Trips, Hikes, Massachusetts

I used to drive past a beautiful reservoir on my way to Stoughton last year, and always wanted to visit the area for a hike.  I searched on my Alltrails app, and believed it was the Ames Nowell State Park, in Abington.  Clearly, it was not the place I drove past (I’ll find that another week, I am determined), but it was absolutely beautiful in it’s own right.  Beautiful and uncrowded hiking trail, and beautiful weather!

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Wheelwright Park, Cohasset, MA

Day Trips, Hikes, Kids, Massachusetts

Well, with dreary weather and still in awe of the beauty of Bermuda, we decided this week to keep it simple.  We stayed local in our own town and decided to check out the cross country trail through the woods at Wheelwright Park.  A nice, easy hike, with soft footing, although some rocky patches at times.  I can’t wait to revisit in the fall when the autumn colors are in full bloom!

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World’s End, Hingham, MA

Day Trips, Hikes, Kids, Massachusetts, Sunsets

One of our favorite hiking spots.  We’ve seen beautiful deer, birds, horses and butterflies.  Walking, jogging and biking are all acceptable.  It’s a great place to walk the dogs, just be sure to bring water for them to drink on hot days!  There is a small parking fee, or you can purchase a very reasonable annual pass for the Trustees of the Reservation, which is what we’ve done.

We’ve visited often, and it is one of the best places for the sunset if you don’t mind parking outside the gate and walking in (or risk having your car behind the gate when they close at dusk).  Here’s a selection of various photos during our trips to World’s End:

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North Marsh Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Duxbury, MA

Day Trips, Hikes, Massachusetts

This weekend, the weather was against us.  We had grey skies and intermittent rain, so we didn’t travel far.  Sunday morning we went to the Duxbury Wildlife Sanctuary at North Marsh Hill.  It was a beautiful place to hike, easy and clearly marked.  We brought both dogs, although I will mention the ticks were out in full force and we had to bathe and brush both pups when we got home to search for ticks.

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And it was a very Happy Mother’s Day, as we made memories!

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