Hike around Morse Pond - February 22, 2023

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 22 February 2023, Hike around Morse Pond

Hike Leader: Susan Sabin, 781 424 8856, <susabin@verizon.net>

~4 miles, 10:00 am start from Wellesley, MA

Hikers (17):  Susan, Ann Northup, Annemarie Altman, Betty Salzberg, George Stromberg, Kristina Leclaire, Lynell Stromberg, Lynne O’Riorden, Margie Lee, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Phyllis Evan, Romaine Randall, Sharon Ellis, Tom Allen, Tony Lee, and first-timer Barbara Bix.

Seventeen walking wheelers met near Wellesley center for our walk in the woods.  The day, coming before a country-wide return of winter, was warm, sunny, and inviting.  Since we overwhelmed the small parking lot, we had a late-ish start as we waited for latecomers, who parked on a nearby street, to arrive at the start.

As promised, the hike was varied and, except for the leader needing to reconnoiter a lost path to “Pickle Point” (a tiny peninsula jutting into the pond), was only remarkable for its unexpected vistas.  After a quick vote, we took the long way around the little beach community that borders Morse Pond, before returning to the woods and making our way to Wellesley's public beach.

Somewhere along the way we saw the first crocuses of spring.  Hold your breath!

Report by Susan Sabin.

Callahan State Park hike - February 15, 2022

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 15 February 2022, Callahan State Park hike

Hike Leaders:  Margie & Tony Lee

~4.5 miles, 10:00 am start from Framingham, MA

Hikers (17):  Margie, Tony, Ann Northup, Annemarie Altman, Frank Scibilla, Janet Miller, Judy Perrin, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Patrick Ward, Rachel Carlson, Renee Rees, Rick Carlson, Sharon Ellis, Susan Broome, Steve Venizelos, and first-timer Kristina Leclaire.

We met at Callahan State Park, at the Edmands Road parking lot.  As we introduced ourselves, Tony suggested people mention what they like most about the Wednesday Wheeler hikes.  Of course, most of us like to get outdoors, but a common theme was enjoying each other’s company.  For the most part we were able to hike double file and I’d say we certainly enjoyed the social engagement.  

 

The lack of serious mud in the parking lot was an encouraging sign which bore out as we encountered good trail conditions.  We walked briefly on the south side of Edmands Road, and then crossed over to the north side of the park, starting on Pioneer, Wren, Red Tail, and Gibbs Mountain, and including Beebe Pond, Backpacker Trail, Fern, and Six Pack Hill. 

 

No six packs were awarded at Six Pack Hill, a tradition apparently initiated by a mountain biker who made it up the hill and then determined that his friend, who didn’t make it, should supply the six pack of beer.  However, it was the day after Valentine’s Day, so everyone was awarded a brownie and/or Hershey’s kisses.  There was evidence of beaver work at Beebe Pond, but also evidence of some recent human dam removal work. 

 

One hiker had to turn around early and had a little difficulty getting back to the parking lot, but did succeed.  Some other hikers cut the hike a little short - the leaders had estimated the distance of the hike, but not the length of time involved.  In retrospect, that might have been helpful so people could plan route revisions in advance, in order to be back at the parking lot by a designated time. 

 

Five of us enjoyed lunch at the Wayside Inn.  Thanks to all who came – it was a fun day! 

Report by Margie Lee.

Walden Pond Hike - February 8 2022

 Wednesday, 8 February 2022, Walden Pond Hike

Hike Leader:  Janet Miller

~5 miles, 10:00 am start from Lincoln, MA

Hikers (20):  Janet, Ann Northup, Barbara Jacobs, Barbara Pike, Betty Salzberg, Dave Balaban, George Stromberg, Jack Mroczkowski, Judy Perrin, Lisa Najavits, Marie Keutmann, Mike Hanauer, Peggy Gelin, Peter Speert, Richard Vignoni, Romaine Randall, Sue Amsel, Susan Broome, Ted Nyder, and William Feiring.

Twenty enthusiastic WWs met up in the parking lot at the Food Project to enjoy a hike in pleasant, mild weather.  Thanks to the owners of the lot, who gave us permission to park there!  We walked towards Baker Bridge Road, where we crossed Rte 126 into the woods heading towards Heywoods Meadow.  There we saw lots of beaver activity, with two lodges and several trees that had been felled by the beavers.  We then headed towards Walden Pond, but took an unusual upland route before dropping down to the site of Thoreau’s cabin.  At least one or two people had not been there before.  From there, we took some hilly, less-used trails on the north side of the pond.  After crossing Rte 126, we stopped at the Walden Pond visitor center with its very nice restrooms.

From there, we continued past Goose Pond and then up to the top of Pine Hill, where we took in the view towards Mt. Wachusett.  We descended the other side of the hill and headed back towards our starting point.  We mostly stayed together as a group, but, towards the end of our hike, some people dropped back and had to phone the leader to make sure they were on the right route.  After a few minutes, the group was reunited.  As we approached our cars, someone pointed out some maple trees that had been tapped to collect sap for the Food Project.  It appears that spring may be just around the corner!

Report by Janet Miller.

Adams & Wright Woods hike - February 1, 2022

 HIKE REPORT

Wednesday, 1 February 2022, Adams & Wright Woods hike

Hike Leaders:  Marie Keutmann & Richard Vignoni

~5.5 miles, 10:00 am start from Lincoln, MA

Hikers (24):  Marie, Richard, Annemarie Altman, Clyde Kessel, Greg Stathis, Janet Miller, Jeff Wallen, Jim Whinfield, Judy Perrin, Ken Weber, Margie Lee, Marlene Heroux, Maureen Febiger,  Melissa Norton, Molly Schaeffer, Rick Carlson, Robin Frain, Susan Sabin, Tony Lee, Zach Woods, and first-timers Faye & Peter Speert, Stephen O'Brien, and Valerie Gibson.

Twenty-four hikers met at Red Rail Farm in Lincoln.  We set out through the woods, along the many ups and downs of the kettle holes left behind by glacial activity.  We stopped and listened to a brief talk, at a bicycle race track (velodrome), before walking around it and continuing on with our trek.  The velodrome is the sole visible remains of a late 1800’s fairground (see additional information below), reached by steam locomotive on the Fitchburg line.  We worked our way over to a trail along the Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay, pausing at three scenic overlooks which included one with a stone chimney and foundation, one with a simple bench and great views (where Robin handed out homemade treats), and one looking down at Fairhaven Bay and a stone boat house.  From there it was back into the woods and a return to our cars.  Ideal temperatures and bright blue skies made for a great day of hiking.

A number of people had lunch in the greenhouse at Verrill Farm.

Information on the racetrack/fairgrounds:

The bicycle race track was part of the fairgrounds from the late 1800's.  The track is about 500 feet in circumference and has a pronounced bank at one end.  In its heyday, the fairground included a dance hall, a restaurant, a baseball field, a race track, and amusements.  On weekends, people flocked by the thousands to “Lake Walden” on the Fitchburg train line to go boating, swimming, and to use the fairgrounds.  The fairgrounds were built by the owners of the railroad to encourage ridership.  There were several fires over the years, likely due to sparks from the steam locomotives, so in the early 1900's it ceased to exist.  Today, the only visible remains are the race track and cleared ground between the trees.

Information on Wright woods where we hiked 

Online Exhibition of Walden Pond images 

Report by Marie Keutmann and Richard Vignoni.