Post by Pat on Oct 31, 2016 8:36:07 GMT -5
10-30-16
We hiked the Bicentennial Trail to Pine Hill Trail to reach the Wachusett Mountain summit and the next section of the Midstate Trail in Princeton. It had recently rained after a very dry summer and the runoff along with the falling leaves is making the trails very muddy and slippery. The leaves also make it difficult to see the rocks on the trail so you need to be careful with your footing. Though rain was predicted it turned out to be perfect hiking weather... mid to high 50s, partly sunny, light wind. The peak was very busy with people who hiked and drove up. The view was beautiful though not as long as on clear days. We ate snacks on the tower looking at Monadnock in the distance. The Midstate started as the Old Indian Trail down the opposite side toward the Ski lodge. It was nice with few other hikers and beautiful foliage. The yellow triangles and markers fizzled out as we walked onto the ski lodge property so we weren't sure where it crossed Mountain Road. Evetually we found one in front, by the road on a wooden walking bridge by the duck pond. As usual wildlife was non-existent, with a couple of birds, a chipmunk and a few asian lady beetles.
We almost lost the trail once so we joked about bushwacking to Shawshank Redemption Rock with my tiny penknife. All in all a good hike.