Old Man in the Valley

It was a stunningly beautiful day and I was happy to be back in the valley riding. I am sadly feeling my age and struggled at a few spots — but then again I nailed a few other spots that sometime give me trouble! Yin and Yang I guess… ya can’t have the good without the bad.

Surprisingly there were very few bikers in the park. I started later (11 AM) and and continued to ride thru the hot afternoon - maybe most folks came early (?) - it was cooler in the morning.

I stayed on the low ground (Blue and White) but wandered off the beaten path at a couple spots (photos below)...

  ...and it was good to take a couple of tumbles - just like the old days!

Pequonnock Valley Trail Day Hike and Wilton Woods on Foot

National Trails Day Scenic Hike  - Pequonnock River Valley 

In Celebration of National Trails Day, I co-lead a  Scenic Hike thru Pequonnock River Valley (Trumbull CT), The weather was a little sketchy - rain and drizzle to start out and overcast until the end. Despite the foreboding weather, a  few families and interested folks showed up and we had a good time showing them the valley.

A few folks knew the Park decades ago and marveled at the changes  - fields were now forests - nature reigns supreme!

The hike was intended to be a dual scenic hike and clean up and everyone chipped in: picking up discarded tin cans, plastics, etc, and other litter along the way (especially Sophie, the little girl in the pictures!).

Colorful mushrooms and lots of varied plant life were enjoyed by all and the vista looking over Rt 25 was the highlight of the hike (as always :-) ).

Wilton Woods

After the hike--being a bit of a FitBit fanatic--I was seeking more steps for the day, so I ventured over to Wilton Woods and hiked the less traveled north side. The trails in both parks were a little wet and muddy so I am glad I stayed off the bike for a day...
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Sleuthing Both The New and the Old in Upstate NY

Revisting Colonie Shale Trail(s) 

I was Upstate (NY) for the weekend for a family event on Sunday and was curious about the Colonie Shale Trails. On my last visit there I documented a bit of the destruction of the east side due to development. Was more of the forest razed?

I rode into the trail area in a different way--the second trail from the west--and spent some time riding the trails west of the ravine. Lots of short climbs and up and downs but familiar to me. I then rode down to the ravine and over to the east side.

I rode around a variety of "east side" trails eventually making my way back up to the eastern edge. Man... was I pleasantly surprised! Where the trail skirts the edge of the new cleared area,  the trail was rerouted and had even better flow. The local trail gnomes have been busy and have created a fantastic solution!

Rerouted Yellow Trail skirting the cleared area for development

Mini yellow trail markers dotted the park everywhere, but IMHO just go in and ride wherever it leads you. There are so many choices and great flow everywhere, don't worry about getting lost - just ride!

Yellow Trail Marker

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The Charlton Mill Search Continues...

After returning to my parents house, I met my friend Gary and we ventured over to where Swaggertown Road crosses over the Alplaus Kill. History research indicated there was a mill here but after scouring the area pretty throughly we found no remnants. Needless to say, it was a beautiful stretch of the creek.

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Mysterious Bunker in the Woods

Lastly my curiosity was satisfied by visiting the site of the G.E. experimental laboratory on Sacandaga Road. Further Background info here >

It was a little creepy, especially if you knew that nature of the radioactive work done here way back when... but fascinating nonetheless.

G.E. experimental laboratory

Close Up

Don't Go There!! - the "radioactive cellar"

An old Milling Machine

The road in/out

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Conclusion

It was an interesting day biking in a "renovated" Colonie and history sleuthing in Charlton. As always, the quest to learn coupled with trying to see firsthand any remnants "in the field" proved fruitful and fulfilling... :-)

Pequonnock Valley - Ah It's good to be back...

I hadn’t been out much yet this year - a short jaunt up at Luther last weekend was about it so after a late start (there was a million things I had to do around the house), I hit the trails at Noon.

I was a very cool morning and some of the chill was still in the air which I think made the riding a little easier.

The sun was out, the woods were brimming with greenery and the trails were dry - Heaven!!

Charlton NY Streams and Forests

I was up at my parents and could sneak out for only short periods of time. Not enough time to mountain bike but three short treks at different times still held off any cabin fever.

• Alplaus Kill - Tucker Heights
• Charlton Mill Pond Park
• Conde Creek Sawmill Site

Alplaus Kill - Tucker Heights

In mid morning I revisited the Tucker Heights spot. This is where I wandered as a kid growing up. It is always enchanting…

Clay River Banks

Clay River Banks

Mini Dam (how to cross the Creek)

Next Generation! (minnows)

Side by Side Footprints

Crossing back over the mini dam

The Ascent back up to Tucker Heights

"Hogwarts" Tree

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Charlton Mill Pond Park

Charlton Mill Pond Park off of Crane Road is a charming 10+ acre spot. There are remnants of an old mill near the bridge.

Holmes Mill Ruins

The Mill Pond Embankment was probably man made in the late 1780s 

Rusty Car and Farm Cart Relics

Algae-laden Mill Pond

An Old Carriage Road

Tall Pines - I saw two wild turkeys here!

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Conde Creek

Quite a charming hidden gem right under Sacandaga Road!

A much needed respite at Mianus River...

I spent the entire day at the DMV--5  hours in CT then--after a much needed Pizza and Beer (a 3 pm Lunch!)--I had to go to White Plains to finish up. Whew... it was after 5pm and I needed a bit of nature to cool me down.  A short hike a Mianus was just what the doctor ordered!

High Fashion Chairs!

I hiked to a section I rarely go to (not a bike trail). It's a nice rocky and rugged section!