Marshmallow March - 2012

Considering that the previous day had seen up to 8" of snow blanketing the area, causing postponement of our sometimes annual Marshmallow "March 'til you drop and are revived with hot chocolate and burnt marshmallows" hike, an impressive turnout made the event a success. It was cold, but not excessively, and the fire and hot chocolate helped take the chill out of the air.

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The Shelton Land Trust property at Nicholdale Farm was the ideal location for this event. The trek began from the parking area just off Rte 110, leading over a stream and through the woods to grandma's fire pit.

This bridge was built as a Boy Scout project. The trail we followed was also created by the Scouts.

It appears that we had a professional snow-shoer in our midst!

I had to trudge back to the parking lot and leave Nellie with a horse-sitter!

Meanwhile, the fire crew was preparing the bonfire and dusting off the picnic tables.

The gang started arriving, eager to get to the promised hot chocolate and marshmallows.

...and they kept coming...

...and coming!

"Hey! Where's the marshmallows!"

The kids, as well as the adults, enjoyed creating lava-filled charcoal briquettes.

Appetites sated, bellies warmed, mittens and gloves steaming, everyone headed back to the parking area, having enjoyed a relaxing walk in the winter woods with a warm ending.

Nicholdale Marshallow Hike Today!

Snow Hike Today at 1:00 at Nicholdale.

After a winter of no snow - we're in luck! The hike was postponed from yesterday to Sunday at 1:00 to allow 9" of fluffy white stuff to be placed at Nicholdale for the first hike of 2012. The parking lot on Rt. 110 will be plowed and open courtesy of the Shelton Land Conservation Trust, so come out and explore winter with us today.

Last weekend a number of volunteers from the Trails Committee & the Land Trust were out clearing up blowdowns and vines in preparation of the hike. Here are Martin & Joe clearing out a new relocation around a wet spot leading to the Cattle Pass.

We also had help from Alex, Bill, Jim, Rich, Sheri, Bill & Terry. It was a good turn out - I think we had 5 chainsaws going so we got a lot accomplished.

There will be a bonfire going at the Scout Camp, marshmallows & hot chocolate will be provided, or you can bring your own. So pack up the kids, load up the snowshoes and cross country skis, leash up the sled dogs and join us for an invigorating hike before heading indoors to watch football.