First, I’m kind of excited to announce that our conservation friends, who you may have seen clearing the field at the end of Hillfield (they were trying to give a leg up to the long leaf pine, so please avoid stepping on the fledgling long leaf pine trees), cleared us a very nice trail down to the Weetock connector. I’m linking a GPX (zipped) file here, in case that makes the route easier to find. The GPX path is only from the Hillfield Rd (Dove Field) parking area to the trail. Once you’re on the trail, you’re on your own! 😉
After scouting the work area of the conservation crew, I met Fred at the parking area and we went from there across the clearing and connected with the trail, not far from the sawdust pile.
Approaching the sawdust pile, we discovered that someone cleared a nice trail down to Hunters Creek. It used to be nearly impassible there, because of all the briars.
Of course we had to visit the sawdust pile. I’m not sure what it is about that unique feature of our forest that attracts me, but I feel the need to climb it, just about every time I walk by it on the trail.
While we were there, the moon was coming up in the east (where it generally comes up), and the sun was still up (just barely) in the west (where it generally sets). That made for some very nice lighting for moonrise photos, so, of course, Fred and I both took some pictures. I guess we are pretty predictable, that way.
We did continue our hike well into darkness. The moon was nearly full and the sky was clear, so we had significant moonlight. We got back to the parking area around 22:30. It was getting pretty cold by then. I checked my outdoor thermometer when I got home. It was 37 degrees (about 3C). That’s pretty chilly for April 22, but the forecast is for a warming trend. The mosquitoes will be back in a few days. 🙂
My last note, in case anyone is still wondering why they get a terrible rash after some of their hikes, is about poison ivy. Apparently, it’s doing very well this year. There are places on the trail that are carpeted by poison ivy and of course the vines are commonly found, climbing the trees. Be aware and avoid contact with this vine; especially if you are allergic. Just a friendly reminder from a hiker who is deathly allergic to poison ivy and it’s close relatives.
