CT: Fairfield County-Easton-Brett Woods Park (Winter)

To keep things interesting, I try and locate new hikes the area. Since it’s the winter with ice and remnants of snow it can be more of a challenge. I chose Brett Woods in Easton and found it worth the jaunt!

First, I love loop trails and this was one that was just over two miles. Great for a trial trail for me.

Second, it has good signage and some bridges and wooden pathways.

Third, it has water views – a lake and various marshes and the famous stone walls of Connecticut.

While it may not have a waterfall, an overlook or ruins, it was a lovely hike where I focused on the thawing ice and forest reflections.

The main reason I bring the camera is that it requires my attention and focus on finding the beauty around me rather than walking and contemplating life’s challenges. I find outdoor adventures are a great opportunity to balance.

Brett Woods was worth the visit. I also met about 20 dogs on this trail. My favorite was Teddy the poodle who bounced around like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.

This was my favorite picture of the day. The ice was somehow reflecting over the brook together with the trees and even a bit of blue sky on what was otherwise a cloudy day. I also see a heart made out of the branches dead center. Of course the workaholic me would not have seen it. I’m so happy that now it’s clearly visible to me.

It began to rain about a half hour following. My hike was perfectly timed and provided me a great memory to think about throughout my day.

CT: Middlesex County-Middletown-Wadsworth Falls State Park

Waterfalls and rainbows! That’s what I found on this recent winter day at Wadsworth Falls State Park.

From the lot I could hear and see the rushing of the water over the falls more dramatically than I think I have ever seen yet here. I assumed it was due to the weather now thawing the ice and snow. I tried to rush down to see the falls only to be reminded of the steep stairs. Anxious to get to the bottom I ran back to my car to get the micro spikes.

The sun was directly behind me at an angle that created a colorful half rainbow in front of me at the base of the rushing water.

As the water hit the bottom it created a rush of water and wind that impact the degree of colors. I did my best to capture it in the photos and then tried a bit of a video.

In the summer I stood at the rocks right beside the falls. Today it was a solid layer of snow and ice. With my micro spikes I got as close as I could as it was magical to sit there and watch the rainbow and watch the power of the water.

I went for the long view and decided not to tread the water I had for the direct shot I got in the summer 🙂 it came close!

A tough work week came to a close with balance. A great ending. An awesome memory that becomes my focus as I drift off to sleep at night.

CT: Middlesex County- Durham- Bear Rock (Winter Hike)

Short hikes with big rewards are a favorite in the winter. The 1.4 mile loop to see Bear Rock is just that!

The first section of the hike takes you through groves of Mountain Laurels. Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut. I hope to return to the grove in the spring. This trail must burst with color then!

There were some large boulders with moss and icicles which allured me. I was trying to take a picture of the drips as they fell off the icicles.

Many of the paths crossed brooks that were narrowed by the snow and ice. I sat on the edge of the water in my snow pants to capture a picture from below the ice up to the shadowy path. It was fun trying to ensure that you didn’t step on snow and ice that would otherwise fall straight into the Brook!

Then it was time to go up! The climb to the top was short but it was indeed a rock scramble. With the snow and the ice I definitely needed my micro spikes. They really came in handy this year!

The top of Bear Rock!

Per a website” connected to Miller’s Pond State Park the trail continues past the Bear Rock lookout offering countless more miles of hiking trails if you prefer. “ As for me, I went via the bypass back to the street.

This was a short moderate hike at times in the ice and snow with several rewards with the mount laurel grove, thawing icicles, the overlook and the challenge of ensuring you didn’t fall into the meandering brook!

The trail also features unique rock formations, mixed forest and a pond. A handful of off street parking spots are located on a side, back residential road.”

Part of the Cockaponset State Forest the trail map is below.

CT: New Haven County- New Haven- East Rock

A 50 degree day after weeks of snow motivated me to take a drive to East Rock to check out the Eli Whitney museum waterfall and the Giant Steps to the summit. Boy was I rewarded with a perfect sun and moon evening!

The corner waterfall and the tunnel into East Park was historical to read about and fun to walk around (and into – yes I went a bit into the water for the shot with the limbs I would not be able to get if there were leaves!).

I reviewed the East Rock trail map to determine the quickest way to get to the Giant Steps as I had only about an hour before sunset.

I found that the trail head on Orange Street near Wilbur Cross high school appears to be the closest to the Giant Steps. The hike starts up the side of the mountain on the white trail turn onto the yellow trail which takes you up the Giant Steps.

The steps to the top were steep but short. Much more manageable then I thought.

Once at the top I noticed the moon along side the tower. I started to run around the park trying to find the angle where the moon would appear to balance on the top of the statue. So fun to capture the result for forever recall.

Only 15 minutes to spare for the sun to set but I needed time to get back down! Love when I allow myself to only focus on decisions such as that.

Again I walked around the summit this time to find opportunities to obstruct the sun’s set. So fun to have both the moon and the sun to play with tonight.

As much as I wanted to wait for the full sunset and then to see what colors would appear I knew more prudent would be to start my descent.

The climb down was lovely as well with the sun’s colors shining onto the road. I was rushing to get down before the sun set but had to pause when I saw the colors in the backdrop of the snow and icy road!

Seeing the moon wave from on top of the summit. So many gifts in a short afternoon I was smiling from ear to ear!

Below is the link to my biking visit to East Rock in the fall which includes a trail map.

CT: New Haven County-New Haven- East Rock Park

CT: Fairfield County-Trumbull- Parlor Rock Park (Winter)

Wait, what? A secret path to an amusement park from the 1800s?

When biking this path this past Fall 2020, I saw an alluring gap in the fence which was clearly intentional but yet not marked. Mmmmm?

I read of the once secret area where the youth would go in the late 1700s to a swimming hole. The feel is absolutely the same as you go off the paved path down to the river area to this incredible scene.

Even with a waterfall! This was the site of one of the first amusement parks in the country around 1878! Parlor Rock!

It was created by the Housatonic Railroad to encourage riders to Trumbull.

It included a carousel, a toboggan slide, a baseball field, ice skating and swimming. It’s “hidden” beneath the rail trail and as you hike around you eventually return to the trail.

As you reach the end of the Parlor Rock Park segment you enter the next segment of the trail to Old Mine Park with a view of a welcoming beautiful bridge to its trails.

Stay tuned for an adventure there soon!

CT: Fairfield County-Greenwich Audubon Sanctuary (Winter Hike 2021)

Reviewing a phone app called AllTrails, I found a reference to an easy hike referred to as Old Pasture and Lake Loop which I discovered was part of the Greenwich Audubon Center grounds.

While we didn’t have an opportunity to go into the Audubon Center as it was closed, it is comprised of a beautiful house that looks like a ski lodge and lovely barns around the property.

We continued down to Georgie’s pond and traveled along the snowy path to the lake with several walk ways and bridges.

I was mesmerized by the lake’s tributaries with the waters reflections of the snowy trees and rocks.

Incredibly humbling and invigorating to find such beauty in our immediate surroundings.

I always assumed I had to travel much further than my own state to find it.

Thank you to my forever friend for joining me for another snowy adventure.

We followed up our hike with a warm lunch outside between two fiery heat towers at Maki on Greenwich Avenue which we highly recommend.

Know before you go to the Audubon:
Please leave bikes, pets, and horses at home.

Please ‘pack in and pack out’ any garbage.

Individuals or couples can jog in the sanctuary, but larger jogging groups are not permitted on the trails.

Hikers can help Audubon reduce erosion by staying on the pathways & trails.

Take only photos and leave only footprints. These are private sanctuaries for nature and Audubon invites people to visit. During your visit, please do not disturb wildlife, collect plants, or pick wildflowers.

Please observe any signs indicating when hiking trails are closed—this is for your safety. Trail access may be limited from early fall through mid-winter due to land management activities. This occurs mainly on weekdays and during early morning hours. If you have any questions about our land management activities, please contact our center at 203-869-5272 or email.

CT: Litchfield County- Washington-Steep Rock Preserve (Winter hike)

Loved Steep Rock in the fall. The colors along the river were amazing. But on my winter hike list was the stone tunnel at Steep Rock and wow! My first “spelunking” experience! Yes that’s my new word . . . Referring to the exploration of caves.

The hike to the tunnel I estimate to be about 2 1/2 miles looking at the trail map. The path was heavily trafficked by snowshoers and country skiers in parts.

The Japanese often speaks of forest bathing but since I am the immediate gratification type I decided to take a snow shower in the video below. 🙂

I travelled a bit off that main path to see the bridge which was deep with snow at parts.

I hiked along the river stopping often along the way when I thought I might be able to traverse the edge of the woods to the river.

While it is a suspension bridge filled with snow and ice it felt steady and was fun to cross.

I continued to the tunnel and it was certainly “La piece de la resistance” (I.e., the showcase of the hike).

Having taken over 300 pictures it was tough to pick my favorites. This blog will likely get edited time and time again :)!

While you will certainly be intrigued by the ice in the tunnel. Don’t forget to look up as you walk in.

I was equally mesmerized by the stone, circle of trees and icicles.

TIP: I was wearing snow boots, micro spikes and snow pants to do this as the snow was quite deep in areas and I felt and heard ice cracking beneath the snow.

Below is the link to the fall blog which includes the trail map. Use 2 Tunnel Road, Washington Depot, CT in GPS systems.

CT: Litchfield County- Washington- Steep Rock Preserve

The suspension bridge is not far from the tunnel. You can see them both in the lower left section of this map.

Click to access Steep-Rock-Map-2019.pdf

CT: Hartford County-Collinsville (Winter Walk)

When going just about anywhere in Hartford County I find myself stopping by Collinsville CT. It’s a small town with so many activities within such a short proximity.

Farmington River Trail

I first discovered the town as part of biking the Farmington River trail. I have read they when have a free bike rental here! The trail is also great for a winter walk. Close and closer.

Farmington River

I also have kayaked down the Farmington River. I literally could not even see that part of the river as it was ice covered in a blanket of snow. While I have a kayak you can also rent here at Collinsville Kayak.

Collinsville Antiques

Each time I come into town I stop and take a picture of Collinsville Antiques store from different angles. . . Close and closer, front and back.

I go in periodically as they have aisles and aisles of fun antiques to see.

The view of the original Collins Axe Company along the Farmington River always takes me back in time.

I often grab a bite at LaSalle Market and Deli on the Main Street.

I dedicated a blog to the antiques store and share the link below.

CT: Hartford County-Collinsville- Antiques on the Farmington

CT: Fairfield County-Greenwich- Mianus River Park (Winter Hike)

Over the hill and through the woods is the tune you might hear hiking through Mianus River Park.

The trail was extremely well marked to include trail maps, signs and trail markers.

If your considering a dog, going on a hike is a great way to interact with the different types. Today, I met 4 month old George, a Jack Russell. He was being introduced to the river. Interesting to observe his hesitancy and then excitement as his paw transitioned from the snow to the icy water.

A fat bike then appeared effortlessly coming down the hill. I couldn’t imagine how he kept his balance.

As I returned to the lot, I looked up to follow the sun. I often take a picture of the sun peeking into the forest in my camera’s dramatic mode. The setting seems to best capture the cold and mystery of the forest.

For a peek at the Stamford side to include a trail map, see link below.

CT: Fairfield County- Stamford/Greenwich- Mianus River State Park (Stamford Side)

Enjoyed a wonderful lunch following on Greenwich Avenue at Maki a few miles away. Highly recommended for what I found to be the freshest sushi around.

CT: New Haven County- Milford- Silver Sands (Winter Sunset)

Chasing sunsets requires motivation after a long work day. A few minutes after the end of a productive meeting with a good team and a 50 degree day I hopped in the car with no destination.

I have learned to read the sky to help decide where to go. Based on the cloud cover I decided to head for Silver Sands via Walnut Beach due to its many offerings to balance a potentially muted sunset.

I arrived to the clouds almost touching the horizon and walked towards Silver Sands to the famous lone tree just as the sun briefly appeared.

Any stress from the day washed away.

My only decision is whether to take the sun to the right, to the left or behind the tree!

The best five minutes of the day.

The colorful sky reflected on the melting snow on the path back to the car.

Sweet dreams.

A recommendation for a nice dinner to follow would be at Bin 100 about a mile from Silver Sands.