Bald Hill Hike - Bellows Falls, VT

Bald Hill in Bellows Falls, VT is not bald at all. Early this morning Evvy and I hiked Bald Hill, which part of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association conservation easements. There are other such easements nearby in Putney.

I didn't find any great views at the top. New growth trees have taken over the landscape, mostly Maples and Hemlocks. The trail itself was very steep in places, especially down near Twin Falls. After exploring the top of Bald Hill, I decided follow some of the little trails around the hill. One led to a cemetery, on Cemetery Rd., what else? Another trail led to Union High School. Still another, led to the perilous Twin Falls. This is where we did most of our exploring.

Here Evvy appears very majestic as she contemplates a swim

When I first arrived at this spot, I was amazed by the shear violence of the water falls. Basins had been formed in the rock over thousands of years. Though it looked like an attractive place to jump in, you can not see the bottom. You can also not predict the currents beneath.

The Twin Falls have been a fateful swimming hole for years. I recall one such fatality years ago, when a Keene High School student drowned here. As I looked at the swells, I could imagine the adventurous youth who have swam in these waters. Personally, I could feel the allure of the 15-20' leap, but with age comes wisdom. Swimming there would not be a good idea. Upstream there were calmer waters. The falls seem to reach out, hypnotize onlookers. The violent churning drew me so close to the edge of the perilous rocks. Evvy was also entranced, and I feared she would fall in. I told her if she fell, I would not jump in. Let's face it, it would be foolhardy. I would have to catch up with her downstream, if she emerged from the maestrom.

A small sign directs the way to the falls. Walking down to the falls was perilous itself in places. Slippery rocks, and ground kept me alert to say the least. Well worn paths led along the river for some way. There were obvious spots for jumping off. Each precipous equally as dangerous, a thrill-seekers heaven. For the most part I have outgrown thrillseeking when I am alone, especially without a cellphone. But he thought was there. I imagined plunging in. Then I thought if I survived, I would be shocked into reality by the freezing cold water. Would Evvy follow me? Not good.

I saw many mushrooms, which I have yet to identify. I saw two snakes, one quite large, Ribbon Snake, close to three feet long with bright yellow stripes down its back. The snake was stretched out in a sunny spot on the trail. The other snake was a Garter, much smaller. I also found these neat fragile flowers clinging to the cliff at the falls. How ironic such a fine lacey flower should dwell in such a violent environment.

After exploring the falls sufficiently. I chose to follow a narrow path along the river, back toward the trailhead. The path veered sharply up the hill to a main trail. This trail was so steep, I had to scale it on all fours! Very, very slippery going. If my parents knew where I was, and the conditions, they would be shaking their heads no doubt. The extent of my thrillseeking.

Still I took great satisfaction in the workout itself. Poor Evvy was breathing quickly. Evvy with her sure-footedness easily ran up the steep incline. At last at the top of the bank, we headed back down to the truck. I would recommend this hike for the thrills, for swimming(upstream of the falls), and lots of photo opportunities. I took many more photos than I was able to download here.

Looking upstream, to where the water is more tame and suitable for swimming. A perfect mix of woods, and water, wonder and danger.

Spring Arrives

Nest of Sparrows in my front yard

I have been a poor correspondent of late. I've gotten involved with various projects, including editing the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation Newsletter. Editing and publishing has brought me into the past when I was a graphic artist for a small computer journal company back in the 80's. At any rate I do enjoy the creative aspects of laying out an appealing newsletter. To top it off, I can write articles too! The first issue will be out this month.

Cordyalis flower growing on moss covered granite

My woodland wanderings have been challenging lately, with the very steamy weather we've been having. Day after day of 80-90 degree days, followed by severe damaging storms. A dangerous storm broke loose yesterday in Keene. There were trees down everywhere, glass patio tables lifted into the air and dropped. Thankfully, in Walpole I didn't find any damage. I never lost power, nor did I have any fallen trees on my property. In Stoddard, folks did not fare as well. I believe power is still out as I write this.

Aside from the weather, I have had to contend with the ticks! Every day I'm finding those creepy crawlies on me or on my dog. I have not been bitten, but Evvy has. I have been religious about applying "Frontline" to Evvy, though I'm not crazy about putting pyrethrins on her. The ticks bite her, but they die almost immediately, then I just pluck them off. I have found ticks everywhere, but primarily at the edges of fields, roadways, and woods boundaries. Whenever I go for a hike with Evvy, I apply the bug dope with DEET in it to my socks and shoes, my boonie hat, and clothes. I always take a shower immediately after each hike. I also hose Evvy off, and brush her. I believe we have managed to keep the ticks to a minimum despite a tick bloom of monstrous proportions this year. I found an informative segment on ticks and Lyme disease on www.WMUR.com. I was shocked by the number of complications caused by Lyme disease, and other infections also present in ticks.

Evvy and I tend to hike in areas where there is little ground cover, such as worn trails, or where the canopy prevents shrubbery from growing. My theory is there are fewer ticks in those areas. I will not walk in fields anymore, especially if they haven't been mowed. I like to encourage Evvy to take a swim any time we are near water. A couple of days ago, we went for a good hike though temperatures were well into the 90's. By the time we got home, Evvy was so exhausted, panting more rapidly than usual. I put ice in her water bowl, taking care that she not drink too fast, or two much. I rubbed ice on top of her head, until the panting slowed. It wasn't very long before she recovered. She was done for the day, sprawled out on the floor.

I have not seen a lot of game myself, but friends have seen Bear, Moose, and Deer. The only deer I've seen have been those that jump into the road in front of me. When I drive in areas where I know there are deer, I tap on my horn all the way through. Honking the horn has saved me a couple of times already - Rte 9 in Roxbury.