Chester-Blandford State Forest

Meeting in the parking area for the Chester-Blandford State Forest, a group of WMHH set out making a terrifically steep climb along the H. Newman Marsh Trail. This led to several wonderful lookouts with still a descent amount of fall foliage to be seen. Wandering along the Trail further, we exited onto old wood roads. This eventually swung us back in the direction of our parking area, passing by an old CCC camp with intact chimney. A bit farther was a short side trail to Sanderson Brook Falls, another item that had escaped me over the years. A short walk got us back to our cars as the late season sun disappears quickly on these days.

The Keystone Arch Bridges (KAB)

An annual event for the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers is the Keystone Arch Bridges whose trail commences in Middlefield. Something like 75 people turned out for this event that I had hiked some time ago. However, on that occasion I had missed a couple of bridges due to my lack of familiarity with the area.

BUT bridges there were! An old quarry that produced rock for their building. The cellar hole of an old hermit who once inhabited the area lay alongside the old track route. And of course the beautiful Western Massachusetts scenery that comes at this time of year.

After another brief layoff to allow my foot and leg recovery time (honestly: this aging thing isn't working out so well) I though it good to test all the 'equipment'. That included a new waist pack to help make up for a recuperating shoulder.

On a Friday I met a few members of the Hilltown Hikers down Washington way for a hike into Finerty Pond. Most of it rolled smoothly. Some challenges from heavy gravel on the way in and significant tree routes along the Appalachian Trail on exiting.

The next day was a bit different story as we ascended the 'easy' route up Tekoa Mountain, leaving Westfield and entering Russell. I've always found this mountain challenged me but I was keen on seeing (the location, at least) of the fabled Counterfeiters Cave. As I expected, a very tough day of hiking with the Hilltown Hikers once again. But we eventually reached a prominent lookout where a number of people took turns descending by rope to the so called cave. Since there was zero chance I could make that climb, I made an early exit with a small group of individuals. Tough but beautiful hike all the way around!

The result of the two days of hiking showed up once again especially with the 'mystery bump' in my leg several days later. Medical science is mystified!