Change of Plans

 Unexpected developments called for a different route this week.

Visit #1553, Saturday 27 September 25, 7:10-9:30AM, 4.8 miles, 5.8 lbs. of litter.

Temps in the 60s, sunny and dry.

If you remember last week, I found a large, hanging branch which had finally fallen to the ground. I planned to return this week, hike a short loop directly to it, and remove it from the trail.

But when I arrived at Hubbard Park I discovered the Meriden Running Club was setting up for a 5k race, the Chamber Challenge 5k.

I modified my plan and walked the route of the race, picking up litter, then walking the road all the way up to the fork to East/West Peak.

Despite last week's rain, the alligator continues to grow even larger. This is the second consecutive week that rain didn't appear to add to Merimere Reservoir's levels.

Reaching the fork in the road, I left the pavement and followed the trail down and to that large branch.

It would have been easier to cut this up with my chainsaw but I hadn't used my comealong is some time. It's lighter and needs no after-action maintenance even though it would take a bit longer than to move.

I didn't need to move the branch much; just a couple of feet would satisfy me.

Hiking back to the park and passing the birch tree which continues to be the focus of a park vandal, I spotted their newest addition, but instead of facing the trail where it would be spotted, it was nailed to the backside of the tree where presumably no one would find it. Well, except someone like me...

From the message it appears our vandal was caught in the act of doing something nefarious and was not happy about it. (You can see the trail in the background.)

Next week: break out the hedgeclippers.