walk

Not Walking…

by taohobo

Right now we’re not walking as a group. As you can see in the side bar where I list future walks we’ll be waiting for all Covid-19 precautionary measures are lifted before rescheduling Breakfast Walks.

Meanwhile, none of that should stop you from getting out, AND SAFELY, enjoying an outdoors walk.

We’ve done one walk together in the past week and I’ve been out on a short hike recently.

Niantic Boardwalk is a great place to walk. The day we were there we had no problem keeping a very safe distance from other walkers. One, because the boardwalk is now one-way – FROM THE HOLE IN THE WALL TO THE NIANTIC DRAWBRIDGE (that’s opposite to the initial announcement in The Day); and everyone was obeying the one-way requirement (i’m not finding that when grocery shopping). The sun, views, and fresh air lifted our spirits and put smiles on our faces. We had face coverings ready in case we needed them but the safe distancing and one-way traffic didn’t require their use.

Garlic mustard, an invasive, introduced bi-annual from Europe, North-western Africa, Western and central Asia. It is an herb that has been in use dating back to 4,000 BCE.

Yesterday, I took a day to explore some of my favorite trails in Pachaug State Forest. I got there early, walked one loop without seeing anyone. On the next loop there were other hikers behind me for part of the trail but they’d soon branched off. I finished that trail without encountering anyone else. Lots of birds busy in the forest, calling, and flitting around, trout rising and taking flys off the surface, enjoying old favorites and new plants blooming,…

So if you can get out there are things to enjoy and lift your spirits. Please do it safely and respect the safety of others. Distance yourselves from others, have face coverings to wear when passing within a close distance from others.

Be safe, be well!

Whether weather…

by taohobo

…will impact our Evergreen Preserve walk on March 7th. Here we are a week away from another Pancake Breakfast Walk and wondering, what the weather will mean for Saturday morning? Friday is forecast, right now, to be in the mid to upper 40ºs, dropping to freezing overnight and Saturday only rising to the upper 30ºs. There’s also the possibility of rain, turning into snow showers overnight and into Saturday morning.

Whose home?

In addition to weather considerations we also need to plan for a longer drive from breakfast to the Hoffman Evergreen Preserve on Route 201. In order to start the walk at 9:30 we’ll need to leave Ledyard Congregational Church at 9:00. There is ample roadside parking at the Preserve so car pooling is not necessary although I’ll be happy to provide a ride to and from.

For those of you who want to just meet at the Preserve for the walk, and for those who’d like to know a little bit about the trails, here’s a link to All Trails Hoffman Evergreen Preserve information. Or enter this: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/connecticut/hoffman-evergreen-preserve into your browser.

I’ll be walking the trail earlier in the week, checking the weather as we get closer, and posting an update Thursday afternoon or evening.

Otherwise, I’m looking forward to seeing on the trail…

A Little Remiss…

by taohobo

Well, it has been quite a while since I’ve updated this blog. The fact that our last attempted hike was aborted because of a trail I’d planned on using needed maintenance isn’t a good excuse. Primarily because I did contact the organization about the trail and volunteered to do the clearing, which they accepted, and I did. It needs a touch up again, which I’ll be taking care of one day this coming week.

So, look forward, check back, be curious… This will be an active blog. I look forward to walking/hiking with you.

Colonel Ledyard Park Walk…

by taohobo

A check this afternoon of the weather forecast for Saturday shows extended rain from Friday through the night and into Saturday morning. I’m still walking…

But will definitely be in waterproof footwear and rain gear. Temps will probably be a little cooler but it could warm up quickly if the sun comes out earlier than currently forecast. Make sure you’re dressed in layers and can adjust your comfort level with changes in the weather.

Other than that, the walk is still on and I’ll see you at Colonel Ledyard Park pavilion for our 9:30 a.m. start.

Short hike, short notice…

by taohobo

If you can make it I’ll be walking the Colonel Ledyard (FKA: Blonder’s) Park loop trail. This is the hike that was previously delayed by a bug and some snow.

I’ll be starting from the Colonel Ledyard Park pavilion at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23rd. There are some rough spots on the trail and depending on Thursday’s weather there could be some water and mud. The trail is 1.3-1.5 miles but you’ll still need to dress warmly since lows Friday night will be in the 30ºs.

Be sure to read the guidelines, on the About page, if you plan on joining me Saturday.

I’m looking forward to walking with you and it’ll be a great warm up for the Pancake Breakfast walk on Saturday, April 6th.

Hike cancelled…

by taohobo

The National Weather Service has just issued an update to this morning winter storm advisory and based on the continuation of snowfall, trail conditions yesterday, and road conditions this morning’s hike of the Colonel Ledyard Park Loop Trail is cancelled. Safety is paramount and conditions warrant caution.

Rather than shift the monthly Pancake Breakfast Hikes again I’ll reschedule this hike for another weekend day this month. Check back for updates.

Thanks for your support, and understanding.