2020 Marshmallow March Madness

It was a clear, cold, and blustery March First - perfect day for a walk in the woods, and for toasted marshmallows.  The wind was a little chilly, but that didn't stop anybody from hiking the trails at Nicholdale in the White Hills of Shelton on Sunday.

Dozens of families showed up.  We think it was about 60 people and 10 dogs, but after a while it was hard to keep up. 

Bill lead the pack seeking warm and food into the scout camp.

Where Mark & Jim had the fire going and ready.  And that's when The Marshmallow Madness began.

Families were having a great time toasting marshmallows.  Bob Wood brought graham crackers and chocolate.  Somebody brought hot chocolate.  Bill Dyer brought hot coffee.  I think that we even remembered to bring cups.  It was a great pit stop.

In a magnificent effort to up the sugar ante this year; Ryan & Joe Welsh brought locally-made maple syrup and mini-pancakes for everyone.  And, they were delicious. 

Joe even labeled some of the syrup with the Shelton Land Trust Logo since some of the trees that were tapped were at Nicholdale on the Land Trust's property.

The hike was good for families of all ages.  It's never too young to get the next generation of hikers outside.  The strollers were good in the open fields.  The blue trails were a little rougher.

All the doggies were well behaved and everybody got along fine.

Young Remington was on his first Marshmallow March, but he was here last year too.  He was born on the same day as the hike last year; so we feel that he should count as a repeat participant.

A number of the younger hikers kept coming over to Jim and Mark and asking if it was OK to add more wood to the fire.  The guys said "sure, go ahead", what could go wrong.  Well we did have to stomp out a few small leaf fires on a blustery day,  but everything turned out fine.  The Land Trust's property survived intact.   The gang was having a great time running around with flaming marshmallows, s'mores, hot chocolate, and maple syrup and pancakes.  I'm sure all the parents had a nice quite afternoon, once the sugar high wore down.

We had a great turn-out, possibly our most successful Marshmallow Marches ever.  We're glad that all the families had a great time getting outdoors enjoying open spaces and walking, running, and hiking.

Eventually we did complete the blue loop along Nicholdale Brook and back to the parking lot.  Other folks headed back thru the meadows.  Jim, Mark & Bill put out the fires.  And everyone made it home.

It was another get event on the Shelton Land Conservation Trust property.  They are a great local charity if people are interested in joining.  Nicholdale is a fine location to enjoy and observe scenic vistas and wildlife throughout the year.  Thanks to all the volunteers who came out,  and who the participants who got to explore the preserve.

Daylight savings is one week away and Spring is around the corner.  There's plenty of chances to come back again.

It was a Fun 2017 Trails Day Hike in Shelton

We had perfect weather for our 2017 Trails Day Hike today; partially overcast, dry, cool, breezy.  Gradually the sky cleared, the sun came out, and the breezes made for great hiking conditions.

 No, he's not running for Mayor! Shelton Trails Committee member and hike leader Terry is just welcoming everyone to our National Trails Day stroll. (The little guy in the background was obviously not interested in Terry's inspirational speech)

There was a good turnout of about 26 people at Pine Lake.That included 3 younger hikers, plus 3 four-footed hikers.

This hike was the first of our 2017 Lollipop League Hikes; short out and back hike with some kind of loop.  Participants who complete all the hikes between now and November earn a special commemorative medal.

We started off along the RecPath behind Pine Lake.  The side trails off the RecPath allow future exploration for fishing, nature observation, and picnic opportunities.  Sometimes we saw some wildflowers too.

The RecPath wound along Curtis Brook and over to Silent Waters.  The canoe launch and bridge overlook were very picturesque.  Some of the hikers found caches of lollipops in red coffee cans along the route.  It looked like those were a big hit.

Some had it better than others

The hike wound back behind the Shelton Intermediate School, the ball fields, and proceeded back to Pine Lake.  We're happy to report that everyone made it back and had a fine excursion.  Thanks to everyone on the Trails Committee who helped with the hike, and to the Connecticut  Forest and Parks Association for all the organization on Trails Day.  It was a fun event, and we hope that the future Lollipop Hikes will be as well attended.

National Trails Day - 2012

Weather and events affected this year's Trails Day hike, formerly known as the "Bridge to Bridge" hike. Originally scheduled for Saturday, rain forced a postponement, and our hike had to compete with other events in town. Nevertheless, we had a decent turnout for what turned out to be a gorgeous morning for an end-to-end walk on the Shelton Rec Path.

 

 We will gather at the river...I mean Pine Lake

Terrance briefs the hikers and points the way. Fortunately, most participants followed!

Some hikers had it easier than others

The start of the journey...crossing Pine Lake

Happy hikers!

No question, the Shelton Rec Path traverses some scenic and tranquil environments

The Trails Committee had cached cold drinks half way through the hike. It was much appreciated!

Even the pooches got to drink.

Another satisfied traveler

Teresa led a side-trip to the hidden waterfall

Most of the participants (no comments from the canine contingent) enjoyed the scenery, exercise, socializing, and spot lectures common to all of our hikes, and the Trails Committee looks forward to our future guided events.

TWILIGHT TRAMP

For the second year in a row, the Shelton Trails Committee organized a day's-end hike, starting at Huntington Center at the foot of Lane Street, moving along the Recreation Path to as far as it is completed on the Huntington end, and onto the section still under construction, ending at the power lines. In spite of a confusion of starting times and duration, an enthusiastic group put their lives in our hands for an enjoyable, and different, guided hike.


Participants are briefed on the route, destination, and logistics of the hike. In other words, we're going from here to there, bring water and bug juice! And don't get lost!

This was an opportunity to meet new people, and pooches.

And they're off! Terrance talks the wary group into following him into what could prove to be a harrowing experience, trekking into the unknown. Not to worry, as Terrance has been on this same tour at least once, and has only suffered minor bruises and an insignificant bear mauling.

Although not a scripted part of the tramp, folks seemed to be lured by the scenic Means Brook flowing under this bridge on Lane Street. Several inches of rain the past few days had brought the streams and brooks back to life.

Terrance leads the tail end of the group through the always-enchanting Shelton Land Trust's Lane Street meadow, home to deer, hawks, and assorted critters, many of which can often be seen especially around dawn and dusk.

At the high end of the meadow, Teresa's newly planted walnut tree was declared "Off Limits" to deer, bear, and curious passers-by.

At this point we entered the woods, and it was not long before twilight became darkness. While there was still some natural light, however, the hardy group continued on over the Rec Path, through Huntington Woods, and onto the as yet unfinished section under construction. Braving protruding roots and toe-stubbing rocks, we were able to follow the rough path to its convergence with the power lines, where we stopped to collect survivors just as it became necessary to turn on our flashlights, glow-sticks, and burning torches. We marched back in the dark, stopping occasionally to listen to the eerie howling of a lovesick coyote, or was that a werewolf? Shucks, it was just someone's cellphone ring-tone! Needless to say, we made it back to our starting point, and a head count assured us that any grizzlies or mountain lions will have to go hungry for another night.

Twilight Hike Tonight - maybe

Tonight is the night for our August 16th Twilight Hike, lets see if the weather cooperates.

No, No - not that twilight. There will be no vampires or werewolves along the RecPath (we think). But do bring your flashlights, glow sticks, head lamps, lanterns, torches, etc. because we will be coming back in the dark and you never know what you might see. This is a good hike for families and kids.

We're going to leave from the shopping center at 90 Huntington St. at 7:30 and go up Lane Street along the new sections of the RecPath through Huntington Woods and beyond. Bring shoes and boots that can get muddy. Hopefully it'll stop raining, but at least the water should be up in Basil Brook. We might even stop at the Huntington St. Cafe afterwards. It should be fun - see you there.

Bella, Edward, Jacob, Edward, Jacob, Bella, Jacob, Bella, Edward ........