Category: Hiking (Page 1 of 7)

As the Bard once famously said, “My Kingdom for a Snowshoe!”

On Thursday, February 12, the Hale and Hardy hikers will traverse the
coastal flatlands at Sherwood Island Park, located just off Exit 18 on
I-95. We will set out to the west from the pavilion lot, circumnavigate
the wooded island, head back along the sandy shore to the creek and then
U-turn back to our cars. This tract logs in at about three miles.

Per usual, for those wishing to carpool, we will meet in the DCA parking
lot at 9:30 a.m. For those choosing to go directly, there is more than
ample parking. According to the website (Sherwood Island State Park |
Connecticut State Parks and Forests), dogs are allowed, as this is
off-season. For those wishing to share a repast following the hike, we
will be dining at The Horseshoe Café at 355 Pequot Avenue in Southport.

This hike might require a “game-time” decision, as the present
accumulation of snow precludes our ability to pull this off. So put the
date on your calendar and stay tuned for updates!

Please RSVP to Alec Wiggin at alec@aared.com if you are interested.

The hale and hardy will be setting out on January 8th for next month’s hike. Because of the weather patterns in January we’ve planned on an easy walk in close proximity to the DCA.

We’ll visit Greenwich Beach Park (known by locals as Tod’s Point). Depending on the prevailing winds that day we’ll do the North or South loop trail.  Leashed dogs are permitted at this time of the year.

Once more into the breach for the Hale and Hardy!

For our August escapade, this coming Thursday we will traverse a trail in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, N.Y. There is a bit of up and down in our 2.8-mile trek, with a high point of about 600 feet in elevation–so no shame in taking a breather from time to time. Per usual, good foot gear is advised, as some portions are a bit rocky.

We will congregate at the Fox Hill trailhead, which is marked by a large sign at the northwestern edge of a large parking lot. This lot is located about 2,000 feet past the entrance’s ranger hut, on the left-hand side of the road. A fee of $10 per car is payable at entry. Dogs on leash are permitted.

While the early part of this week is forecasted to be quite hot, by Thursday, temperatures are supposed to moderate. As of now, the trailhead temperature at 10:30AM will likely be about 83 degrees. You might want to check the weather report before heading out to adjust your wardrobe and provisioning.

Per usual, if you choose to carpool, meet at the DCA lot at 9:30am, where we will sort ourselves. When parking here for the day, please use the back portion of the lot.

Due to the time of year, bug/tick spray might come in handy. Travel time is about twenty-five minutes. Post hike, we will retire to the Rye Ridge Deli on High Ridge Road in Stamford for a communal repast.

Hike On!

Alec Wiggin

Geoffrey Schneider

Greetings to the Hale and Hearty!

This Thursday, May15^th, we will circumnavigate the Larsen Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT. This is an exquisite trail winding through woodlands and passing by an isolated, picturesque pond. If we are both lucky and quiet we might observe heron, wood duck and green-winged teal here. Our circular route is about 2.5 miles with gradual elevations, not much more than ten feet. So, this is the perfect opportunity for the wandering nomads of level-land to join us!

On-site parking is more than adequate. Per usual, for those wishing to carpool, we will meet at the DCA at 9:30am and sort ourselves. Remember, when parking in this lot please use the rear section to minimize potential conflict with other DCA proceedings.

Travel time is about twenty-five minutes. Post hike, we will retire to our familiar haunt, Orem’s Diner, in Wilton for a communal repast.

It is never too late to get on our distribution list; just signal your interest to Lee Morrison, whose contact information is below.

 Hike ON!

Alec Wiggin

Lee Morrison

Thursday, April10^th, we will traverse the northern end of the Saugatuck Trail in Weston, Connecticut, which borders the Saugatuck Reservoir. Our route is a bit rocky and a little steep in parts; so good foot gear is a must. Though our round-trip trek is only 2.4 miles, you will likely feel this one in your gluteus maximus! So, fortifying nutrition will come in handy. 

Parking on Glen Road (Route 53) at the north end of the reservoir is minimal, so car-pooling for this one is highly advisable. Per usual, we will meet at the DCA at 9:30am and sort ourselves. When parking in this lot, we have been asked by the DCA to use the rear section to minimize potential conflict with their other proceedings. 

Travel time is about thirty-five minutes. Post hike, we will retire to our familiar haunt, Orem’s Diner, in Wilton for a communal repast. 

For our March hike on Thursday, the 13th, the hale and hearty hoofers will traverse a clockwise loop of about three miles in the Devil’s Den Nature Preserve in Weston. The elevations are modest, but the trail gets rocky in parts, so sturdy footgear is recommended.  Given the likely calorie burn, a hearty breakfast is also advised.  Following the hike, we will retire to share a meal at Orem’s Diner in South Wilton.

For those who wish to carpool, we will meet at the DCA parking lot at 9:30am. If you park your car in the lot during our hike, we have been asked by the DCA to use the rear section to minimize conflict with any of their various proceedings.

It is never too late to get on our distribution list; just signal your interest to Lee Morrison, whose contact information is below.

For our January hike, we will be exploring the western side of the Norwalk River. The trail begins just beside the Red Rooster restaurant off Route 7. More details to come as we approach the date in the New Year.

Trailmaster Alec Wiggin