Found Land, Avon May 29, 2016 I must admit, "Found Land" is one of my favorite place-names in Connecticut. My hope is that Avon or Canton finds a new plot of unclaimed forest and they can call it "New Found Land." I didn't have much hope for Found Land, but I figured it would provide a decent chunk of time … [Read more...]
Book Review: Smoke, Fire, and Angels
Avon Mountain is No Joke Smoke, Fire and Angels by Mark Robinson (2009) After three years of writing this blog, it's time for a blatant advertisement. [2016 Update: I now have unobtrusive ads.] Please, visit this website and buy the book. And here's the thing: The author, Mark Robinson, won't get a dime of … [Read more...]
Alsop Meadows
The Mysterious Lacrosse Fields of Avon Alsop Meadows, Avon May 2016 It was a murky, gray, drizzly day here in north central Connecticut. My sons were being lazy bums. I didn’t want to be a lazy bum all day, so after arguing with my 5-year-old about going on a short walk, I went alone. Kid didn’t know what … [Read more...]
Fisher Farm Open Space
Fisher Farm Open Space July 1, 2010 My 2010 advice: Don’t bother. Unless you are 100% immune to poison ivy and get your jollies hiking through pancake-flat meadows and woods, there’s really not too much on offer here. Perhaps it’s better in the fall, I don’t know. I hiked this property on a steamy July 1st … [Read more...]
Avon’s Town Trails
Avon's Town Trails I wonder what it’s like to be an Avon lady in Avon. Do they still drive the pink cars? I haven’t seen one in forever. Quite a mystery. Also a mystery? Figuring out the subtle differences between town owned land (with trails) and Land Trust land (with trails). Avon sort of opened … [Read more...]
Nod Brook WMA
Zzzzzzz Nod Brook WMA, Avon & Simsbury May 2012 I originally wrote this in 2012 when Nod Brook was listed on the Simsbury Land Trust list of places to hike. Now it's 2019 I revisited to see if I'd missed anything. The roads into here are terrible, and... you don't care. Just read about this place I guess. Nod … [Read more...]
Garvin & Maher Trails at Hunter’s Run
Garvin and Maher Trail Loops Avon Land Trust January 2012 The baby was napping and Damian was contentedly watching a movie. The household chores were done and there was maybe an hour of sunlight left in the early winter day. What to do, what to do? I knew exactly what to do – I’d been thinking about it in my … [Read more...]
Hazen Park & Skyline Trails
Secret Hazen Ritual Hazen Park & Skyline Trails, Avon Land Trust (Avon) January 2011 Hazen Park is Town of Avon property. The Hazen Trail Extension and the Skyline Trail are on Avon Land Trust land. Now you know. The Skyline Trail had been on my to-do list for a couple years. I'd heard from a hiking friend that … [Read more...]
Avon Land Trust Trails
Avon Land Trust Trails Here at CTMQ HQ, it’s not all about the CFPA Blue Trails. Oh no. I quickly came to learn that there are many other very worthy areas in which to hike when I stumbled on some Simsbury Land Trust trails years ago. They were excellent; very well marked and maintained and with great views and … [Read more...]
Goofy Giant Animals and Chairs!
I honestly have no idea how many goofy giant things populate our fine state. I know there are a bunch of giant goofy chairs and I'm sure there are other goofy giant things that I will find on my travels. Some will have stories, some will not. Without further ado... Goofy Giant Animals Goofy Giant … [Read more...]