When we arrived there were a few cars in the parking lot, and two people with binoculars in the picnic area. We quietly exited the car as they were looking intently at something in the trees.
Up there somewhere are birds. Or so we were told.
Kinglets, but we didn't see them. In fact, we saw no wildlife whatsoever. For the entire hike. No birds, no beasts, no bugs.
It didn't help the the pond was frozen over. Although it did make for a pretty picture.
After confirming the complete and utter lack of avifauna at the picnic area we started off down the trail.
Well Patty did anyways, as I kept stopping for pictures. It's what I do.
Where'd she go?
This map shows where she, and I, went. Starting at Pakim Pond at the upper left, we headed due east (north is up), then turning southeast (you can just barely make out hints of the trail) until we reached Muddy Road, the white line on the right. We followed that south to Glass House Road. Then southwest to Coopers Road, which we followed back to Pakim Pond. A nice unplanned saunter through the Pines.
🚶♀️ 🚶♂️
Throughout our ramble we came upon remnants of a former world, one of concrete structures long gone and surrounded by forest.
I know not what they were and my search, both in books and on line (albeit brief), came up empty.
Update: I expanded my search and found that the Lebanon Glass Works was in this area. "Glass House Road" was a clue to this:
"The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate."
🚶♀️ 🚶♂️
There were signs ...
... some informative ...
... some not so much ...
... some high-tech, for a passing fad ...
... and others meant to last (although I'm not so sure about the bench).
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We continued down the trail, which as you can see was rather easy to follow, even though we knew not where it led. We were relaxed and enjoying the scenery.
Eventually we arrived at the end of the trail, which required a slight detour around a water hazard.
Delivering us onto the aforementioned Muddy Road. Which wasn't.
Which took us to Glass House Road. No glass houses were in evidence. And through the gate bringing us to the no hunting zone, note the helpful signs on either side.
Flooded Road perhaps a better name on this day.
And while Patty was wearing her Muck Boots, I was not. And needed to negotiate the rapids ...
... and while there was an anxious moment when I hit an icy spot ...
... I made it across upright, unharmed, and most importantly, dry.
🚶♀️ 🚶♂️
From then on it was smooth sailing (walking) on back to our starting place.
We passed through the camping area where there were crazy people staying in tents! And other slightly less crazy people in cabins.
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| Image courtesy Patty Rehn |
And crazy people out walking in the 20° F weather.
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| Image courtesy Patty Rehn |
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And soon enough we were back at the parking lot, in our car, and headed to the warmth of home.
It was a very nice way to spend one's time.
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