Birchbank Overlook Trail Register

Hmm..none of these trees is just right...

Shelton got a new trail register today at the Birchbank overlook along the Paugussett. Trail registers are fairly common on long distance trails, but this might be the first one for Shelton. A register is simply a logbook where you can jot down your thoughts and your name, or your trail name if you have one. Mostly the fun is in reading other people's comments.

At the high point next to the overlook

We were hoping to install the cedar trail register box right at the overlook, but there didn't seem to be a good tree in the right spot. So after a bit of, "I don't know, what do you think?" we settled on a tree nearby at the highest point of the hill.  The design is a very simple wood burn. The box was built by Terry and decorated by Teresa. The roof gets the most weather exposure, so it got a layer of deck stain. The knob is a spare from the kitchen cabinets. 

The Birchbank Coyote adorns the box

The coyote on the box was inspired by the coyote(s) that kept going by in the spring of 2016 when the Paugussett was being rerouted. There was probably a den nearby. At one point the coyote even loped by when there was a crew of high school student working on the trail. Hey, the pups gotta eat.

Ready to sign in

When open, the door can be used as a platform or desk for writing. You can use your own name, or a trail name.  The tradition of using trail names became popular out on the Appalachian Trail because it was easier to remember people that way,  and also more fun. Trail names are also used by letterboxers and geocachers. But you don't have to have a trail name. 

So next time you're at the overlook, check out the trail register and share your adventure.