We just got back from our morning hike. Evvy and I started at the top of what was once called "Pelshue Rd" in Walpole. Now it's just an access to hay fields. There is a beautiful view from the large cellar hole to the right of a trail just north of Pelshue Rd. As I wandered around the cellar hole area, I looked out at Vermont ski areas in the distance. Most prominent is Stratton Mt. There is a spot on the front of the mountain, and I wonder if it's snow or rock? I found these brilliant Wild Columbine flowers. I don't see this plant often, but what a beauty. They were growing in a shady spot along the old stone foundation. They will bloom through July, so there's still time for you to find some.
We made our way down the steep trail to the brook below, where we entered the Faulkner Forest. The Faulkner Forest is a conservation area with many hundreds of acres of trails to walk. The old Windgate Rd is badly washed out and even I wouldn't try to ride my mountain bike down, or up the road. If you follow the Windgate road east, you'll come to an intersection with Mt. Gilboa Rd. Take a left, and you'll walk past an old chimney on the right. The chimney is all that remains of a cabin that once stood there. Continuing up the hill, you'll come to a gate, and just beyond that a beautiful picnic spot marked with a dedication plaque which talks about the Faulkner Forest, and family. There is a large cellar hole here as well, marked with large stands of lilacs. Someone manages to keep the grass mown up there, and it's just beautiful. I like to imagine walking around the grand house, though I have no idea what it looked like. There is a small statue, in the north corner, like something you might put in a garden. From this spot there are a couple of trails that wonder into the forest. One will take you back toward County Rd., the other will take you all the way in to the southern part of Surry. Plenty of cellar holes along that route, but nearly hidden by overgrowth.
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