MAY 2005 SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 1, 8:00am. SG, Early Bird Watchers’ Hike
All hikes are open to the public. Hike will leave from the bulletin board at the Sleeping Giant Park entrance on the north side of Mt. Carmel Avenue in northern Hamden, about 0.5 mile east of Whitney Avenue. Hikers should wear comfortable, supportive shoes and bring snacks and water, as desired. No pets, please.
Sunday, May 1, 1 pm, PSF, Annual Flower Walk
Walk is on the Buck Trail in American Legion State Forest where over 50 species of wild flowers have been identified. Explore the natural history of these plants, their methods of pollination, Native American and colonial use. Meet at Matthies Grove (main picnic area) at Peoples State Forest. Bring water and insect spray. Heavy rain cancels. We will be walking about 1.2 miles of easy terrain and estimated time is 2 hours. L: Walt Landgraf
Tuesday, May 3, 8 a.m., FCE-U, M-M-M Trail, Pelham/Shutesbury, MA
Meet in the parking lot of the International Skating Center on Rt 10 in Simsbury. This hike will be just over 8 miles so anticipate a 5 pm return time. This hike is on trails I have not hiked before. These ADVENTURES require an adventurous spirit, well supplied backpack, plenty of food and water, and a flexible schedule. Return time is only an estimate. All are welcome. L: Marie Coons.
Thursday, May 5, 8:45 a.m., FCE, Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth
Meet on Lane Hill Rd. in Plymouth. This may be a longer hike so we may be back later than 11. This can be a challenging place to find, so give yourself time to explore and look at a street map first. Follow Rt 6 west through Bristol, into Terryville and Plymouth, take a left onto Eagle St. which changes its name to South Eagle St. (this street is about the 4th or 5th street on the left after the intersection with Rt 72), follow for a few miles to the end, take a left onto South Main St. then very shortly, take a right onto Lane Hill Rd. Park here on the right and we will carpool to the start of the hike. L: Marie Coons
Sunday, May 8, 10:30 AM, SC Friendly Dog Hike
Sierra Club hikes are free to everyone...you don't have to be a member and no advanced registration necessary! Belding Trout Area in Vernon. A 1.5 hour hike with an easy but steady pace on moderate terrain. Rain cancels. Meet at the 7/11 on Rte. 30 by Vernon Avenue and the NE Pizza Restaurant. Access via I-84 East to exit 66, Tunnel Road. End of ramp turn left to immediate stop sign. Turn left again onto Bolton Road. Go ahead 1/2 mile to light where white church is opposite. That is Rte 30. Turn right onto Rte. 30 and climb hill 1/2 mile. 7/11 ahead on left. Call Renee only to confirm if weather is questionable. 860-646-5762 No smoking, no cell phones, please.
Tuesday, May 10, 8 a.m., FCE-U, M-M-M Trail, Shutesbury/Leverett, MA
Meet in the parking lot of the International Skating Center on Rt 10 in Simsbury. This hike will be about 8.5 miles so anticipate a 5 pm return time. This hike is on trails I have not hiked before. These ADVENTURES require an adventurous spirit, well supplied backpack, plenty of food and water, and a flexible schedule. Return time is only an estimate. All are welcome. L: Marie Coons
Thursday, May 12, 8:45 a.m., FCE, Westledge Trail, Simsbury
From the intersection of Rts 44 and 167, take 167 north about 50 yds and turn left on West Mountain Rd, follow this to the end, take a left on Rt 309, go about .75 mile and turn right onto Westledge Rd. (just as Rt 309 curves to the left), and follow to the end. Return to the cars by 11 am. L: Marie Coons
Tuesday, May 17, 8 a.m., FCE-U, M-M-M Trail, Shutesbury to Farley, MA
Meet in the parking lot of the International Skating Center on Rt 10 in Simsbury for this 10 mile hike. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. Anticipate an estimated return time of 6 pm, so hopefully we won't need flashlights. L: Marie Coons
Thursday, May 19, 8:45 a.m., FCE, Tunxis Trail, Burlington
Meet at Sessions Woods for this hike. From the center of Unionville, follow Rt 4 west along the river and up the hill into Burlington (at the intersection with Rt 179, turn left staying on Rt 4). At next traffic light, take a left onto Rt 69 south, follow for a few miles and take a right into Sessions Woods at their sign. Return to the cars by 11 am. L: Marie Coons
Tuesday, May 24, 8 a.m., FCE-U, M-M-M Trail, Farley, MA north
Meet in the parking lot of the International Skating Center on Rt 10 in Simsbury for this 8-mile hike. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. Anticipate an estimated return time of 6 pm. L: Marie Coons
Thursday, May 26, 8:45 a.m., FCE, Roraback WMA, Harwinton [note new directions and meeting place]
From the center of Unionville, follow Rt 4 west through Burlington into Harwinton, stay straight when it intersects with Rt 118. Take a left onto South Rd. (looks like 3rd left after Rt. 72 intersection), a right onto Swimming Hole Rd., and park in the lot on the left. Return to the cars by 11 am. L: Marie Coons
Tuesday, May 31, 8 a.m., FCE-U, M-M-M Trail, Northfield to Warwick, MA
Meet in the parking lot of the International Skating Center on Rt 10 in Simsbury for this 8.5-mile hike. Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. Anticipate an estimated return time of 6 pm. L: Marie Coons