A Winter Wonderland
Yesterday saw the Boston area’s first snowfall. While it did accumulate, it didn’t last long as the temps warmed up just enough to turn the snow to a light misty rain and obliterate what little had accumulated.
Still, I took advantage of that small window of opportunity by leaving work for an early lunchtime hike in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. I took the same route as my last hike, Molly’s Spring Road to the Skyline Trail to the Reservoir Loop Trail and back to Molly’s Spring Trail. 1.8 miles.
The trail conditions were slick. I should have removed my trail runners and put on my hiking boots. Instead, I decided to tough it out and short-stride my pace to keep from slipping. The route, particularly on the lesser used Skyline Trail, was completely leaf- and snow-covered. Still, I managed to complete the trip without falling on my ass. Always a plus.
There is nothing quite so peaceful as hiking through snowfall. The air is peaceful and the only sound you can hear is the white noise of snow falling. Every now and then, I would just stop and listen to the sounds of the icy wet snow crinkling as it landed atop the firm dead oak leaves that were strewn everywhere. The wet snow was also clinging to the needles of the evergreens in the area, giving the area that New England winter feel. I did not stop long, though, because I also didn’t have gloves on my hands. Thankfully, though, I had warm pockets.
Alas, the hike was too short by far. At the furthest extent of my trip, where the Skyline Trail intersects with the Reservoir Loop Trail, a trail sign gives the mileage back to Molly’s Spring Road. 0.6 miles south along the Reservoir Loop Trail, the route I took, and 4.6 miles in the other direction. I am so tempted to head north some time just because.
The only minor disappointment came when I reached the summit of a small hill along the Skyline Trail. I thought that I was breaking new trail through the new snowfall, but I spotted boot and dog tracks in the snow. I eventually caught up to a woman walking her two dogs, one off the leash, within a tenth of a mile from Molly’s Spring Road. When I reached the road, there were more dogwalkers everywhere, including one woman who was trying to catch her precocious basset hound who was off the leash. It must be a popular place to bring the dogs. From now on, I’ll have to check my shoes after I hike in there.