The 2019 Marshmallow March is in the Bag

The 2019 Marshmallow March was a success.  We had over 42 hikers + doggies, the weather cooperated, and the hot cocoa was hot.

The weather had been iffy, but a couple of inches of happy snow and sunny 40 degree weather made it feel like an early spring.  We'd like to thank the Shelton Land Conservation Trust for allowing us to run the event at their Nicholdale Farm parcel on Rt. 110 again.  

Bo was ready to go.  Nothing like a cute happy dog to attract a crowd of younger hikers.  Joe Welsh, President of the Shelton Land Trust gave a brief talk about the Nicholdale parcel and

The snow was deep enough to be picture perfect along Nicholdale Brook, but not to deep to walk in.  It was slippery and the trails were soggy in places.

Sheep were once very common in Connecticut

Some excess toy animals were set out along the trail to give the kids something to look for.  We're competing with the Internet these days, after all. Tip: If you're taking the kids out for a hike, tell them it's just like a computer game, but in three dimensions.

Marshmallows!

We wound our way along the Blue trail thru the woods and reached the scout camp where our intrepid fire starters Mark and Bob had a good fire going.

Everyone had collected sticks along the way and were toasting marshmallows and enjoying hot cocoa.  We think the dogs were also satisfied with the pickings around the campfire and under the picnic tables.

And after putting the fire (they did put the fire out, right?) Our hardy crew of trail volunteers (Mike, Mark & Bob) dragging all the gear and paraphernalia back to the cars in the parking lot.  Thanks to everybody who helped out or came to The March.  Thanks again to the Shelton Land Trust for letting us use their property for this hike.  And thanks to Ed McCreery for plowing out the parking lots; hope your cold got better.