It was a beautiful day in New England yesterday so I headed out as I always do to the forest. I usually start off putting a fixed location in my GPS, and then take random lefts and rights while the GPS goes nuts and then I’ll stop at anything interesting I may see on the way. It is so well trained to me and my ways it just gets us lost right off the bat.
This particular day the GPS was set for Whitehall Park in Hopkinton Massachusetts. I headed that way and I found an interesting and unmarked trial off the side of the road and pulled right over. One of my favorite things to do is find these trails and give them my own name and list them in my field guide I’m creating for myself. This trail today looked beautiful even if a bit overgrown. Very green and lush. Some noticeable poison ivy overgrown a bit too close to the paths.
As there were no markers I just followed it straight down, something I normally do until I get the lay of the land. I won’t deviate from that straight path o or most obvious trail right away.
After walking about two miles or so I finally came up on some trail markers and a sign. It read Whitehall perimeter trail. I had my location set for Whitehall Park so somehow I came to it on my own. I love finding the unmarked way into a state park.
I could see what looked like water straight ahead so I made a stop there first. It was a beautiful little spot and I could have gladly sat there all day. Next time definitely. I set off on the trail to the right. I came up on high stone walls set in such a way that it looked as though this was one property or family’s homestead. I walked further on heading to what looked like another another set of stonewalls with stone stairs. It was about there that I also started to get a feeling of uneasiness which happens to me often at certain locations. It was the feeling of not being alone and maybe not of welcome either. I stayed for a bit but the feeling didn’t subside so I knew it was time to head out.
I try to read my feelings and emotions carefully when I’m out alone wandering. I believe feeling of uneasiness is my sign to go. Either it feels friendly and welcoming or it does not. If you are out hiking alone trust your instincts, always.
Before I left I actually did stop at Whitehall Park. It was a beautiful spot but very high traffic. Lots of people out wanting to soak in some fresh air.
I like a quieter area myself so maybe I’ll head back when things go back to a new normal.
Whitehall State Park was created in 1947, when the area was no longer used as a water source for the area. The park is connected to the Bay Path, the route both Native Americans and Settlers used to travel to connecticut and back. Whitehall forest connects to the forest in Grafton and Upton as well as those are part of the Bay Path making for a combined 2600 acres all together and this area is so steeped in history that this is just an introduction…To be continued…
Sasysquatchgirl 