This morning is positively gorgeous out there!
Sunny, Clear, Cool, Breezy.
This is the beautiful weather after the storm, only, the storm was pretty weird here.
We had a tropical downpour in the afternoon, but that was pretty much it for precipitation.
Last night the sky was full of clouds and the colors yellow, orange, pink radiated through the cloud formations as sunset mover to dusk, and elsewhere the storms brought rain, wind, and damage, but here they brought nothing but beautiful cloud formations and colors.
The local internet was absolutely full of pictures of the sky folks were taking.
You can't tell New Englanders are obsessed with weather!
Ted's Trek on the AT
Ted's post from yesterday was a brief reflection of being on the trail for 100 days of hiking, camping, and weather.
To follow Ted as he hikes north through Massachusetts here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Coes Beach Family Festival
Also, there will be a festival this Saturday just downstream on the Tatnuck from us around Coes Reservoir from noon to 5pm. There will be kayak and paddleboard rentals, the Knights of Columbus will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers, there will be birding with MassAudubon, there will be a guided hike, among other family activities. For more information contact parent.rogerr@gmail.com
Sign & Tiberhewing Tomorrow
Tomorrow, is our regularly scheduled sign work and timber hewing at Cascading Waters from 9-12. Come by Olean Street to join in! For more information contact colin@gwlt.org
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 65.5 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 74% and steady;
Pressure is 29.80" of Hg and steady;
Wind is stirring and topping out at 1.0 mph;
Skies are clear and sunny;
Cascades have flow;
Cascades Brook has flow in both channels;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Sunny, with a high near 82.
Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Dirty Weather Coming
When a storm is expected at sea, there is an expression that the weather is turning "dirty."
The low light and clouds this morning distinctly give that impression about today.
Cook's Pond, which is as still as glass, despite the movement of the air, reflects the clouds, and just now, as I write this, it has started to rain.
None of that captures what is predicted for this afternoon though.
This afternoon could be rainy, or it could be epic.
Stay tuned and be careful, eh?
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 67.1 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 87% and steady;
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and steady;
Wind is stirring but not registering in mph;
Skies are cloudy (rain started just after observations);
The Cascades have some flow;
The Cascades Brook has some flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then thunderstorms likely after 2pm.
Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.
Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Breezy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.
Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 60%.
New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
The low light and clouds this morning distinctly give that impression about today.
Cook's Pond, which is as still as glass, despite the movement of the air, reflects the clouds, and just now, as I write this, it has started to rain.
None of that captures what is predicted for this afternoon though.
This afternoon could be rainy, or it could be epic.
A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING ACROSS MUCH OF CONNECTICUT...MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND. THE GREATEST RISK IS ACROSS CONNECTICUT...WESTERN AND CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS TO JUST NORTHWEST OF PROVIDENCE AND BOSTON. THESE STORMS WILL LIKELY CONTAIN DAMAGING WINDS CAPABLE OF KNOCKING DOWN TREES AND POWERLINES RESULTING IN POTENTIAL POWER OUTAGES. THESE STORMS WILL IMPACT MUCH OF CONNECTICUT...WESTERN- CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN NOON AND 5 PM...OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS WITH THESE STORMS INCLUDE LARGE HAIL...A VERY LOW RISK OF AN ISOLATED TORNADO ALONG WITH TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS AND LOCALIZED FLOODING.
If you want to know what the difference will be between rain and this intense storm prospect, the answer is simply How Much Sun Do We Get Today. More sun equals more atmospheric instability, equals more storm potential.
THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING...BUT WILL DEPEND ON HOW MUCH SUNSHINE DEVELOPS AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT. IF ENOUGH SUNSHINE OCCURS...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WIND GUSTS AND LARGE HAIL. ISOLATED WIND GUSTS OF 70+ MPH OR EVEN HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF GOLFBALLS WOULD BE A POSSIBILITY. IN ADDITION...AN ISOLATED TORNADO OR TWO MAY OCCUR. THE HIGHEST RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER TUESDAY IS BETWEEN 2 AND 8 PM ALONG AND NORTHWEST OF A BOSTON TO PROVIDENCE LINE...BUT CAN NOT BE RULED OUT ACROSS SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS. STORMS SHOULD BE MOVING FAST ENOUGH TO PREVENT FLASH FLOODING...BUT HEAVY RAIN MAY RESULT IN BRIEF POOR DRAINAGE STREET FLOODING.
Stay tuned and be careful, eh?
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 67.1 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 87% and steady;
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and steady;
Wind is stirring but not registering in mph;
Skies are cloudy (rain started just after observations);
The Cascades have some flow;
The Cascades Brook has some flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then thunderstorms likely after 2pm.
Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.
Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Breezy, with a south wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.
Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 60%.
New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Cascades are Running!
So, all of that crazy rain we had Saturday night and Sunday have the Cascades running!
The sound of crashing water fills the woods!
The brooks are burbling away noisily!
Mushrooms have popped up everywhere!
This is summer in the forest!
Our favorite scrap metal hauler dropped by this morning to pick up some heavy gauge material we pulled from a property. Thanks Michelle!
Ted's AT Trek
Ted has made it to Massachusetts!
His last trek had him going through the jungle downpours and Great Barrington is next on deck!
Follow his travels here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 69.8 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 81% and falling;
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and rising;
Skies are clear;
Things are breezy, topping out at 2.5 mph in the observation period;
The Cascades are running!
The Cascades Brook is burbling away in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Northwest wind around 10 mph.
The sound of crashing water fills the woods!
The brooks are burbling away noisily!
Mushrooms have popped up everywhere!
This is summer in the forest!
Our favorite scrap metal hauler dropped by this morning to pick up some heavy gauge material we pulled from a property. Thanks Michelle!
Ted's AT Trek
Ted has made it to Massachusetts!
His last trek had him going through the jungle downpours and Great Barrington is next on deck!
Follow his travels here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 69.8 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 81% and falling;
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and rising;
Skies are clear;
Things are breezy, topping out at 2.5 mph in the observation period;
The Cascades are running!
The Cascades Brook is burbling away in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Northwest wind around 10 mph.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Breezy, Cool, and Low Light Morning
It is a Breezy, Cool, and Low Light Morning here at Cascades.
Honestly, it is about as nice for hiking as you could hope for!
Be aware that there is a low probability storm rolling through after 11 a.m.
This Sunday will be the Solstice, the longest day of the year.
It seems only fitting that this should be embraced and celebrated by those of us who live, play, and work outdoors.
Put it on your calendar!
Go for a hike!
Camp!
Watch the sun set into twilight!
Otherwise things are calm out there on Trust lands and trails, and a lot of office work is going on behind the scenes.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 64.8 degrees and steady;
Humidity is 83% and steady;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
Wind is steady between 1.0-1.5 mph;
Sky is partly cloudy and hazy;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
A chance of showers, mainly between 11am and 3pm.
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Honestly, it is about as nice for hiking as you could hope for!
Be aware that there is a low probability storm rolling through after 11 a.m.
This Sunday will be the Solstice, the longest day of the year.
It seems only fitting that this should be embraced and celebrated by those of us who live, play, and work outdoors.
Put it on your calendar!
Go for a hike!
Camp!
Watch the sun set into twilight!
Otherwise things are calm out there on Trust lands and trails, and a lot of office work is going on behind the scenes.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 64.8 degrees and steady;
Humidity is 83% and steady;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
Wind is steady between 1.0-1.5 mph;
Sky is partly cloudy and hazy;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
A chance of showers, mainly between 11am and 3pm.
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
It's a Fine Day
It's a Fine Day
Two roses have bloomed out on the wall.
The weather is cool, clear, and pleasant.
There is no rain in the forecast.
What more could you ask for really?
Earlier this week, Volunteer and Board Director Mike Peckar replaced the planking on the bridge at Pine Glen in West Boylston. While he was at it he cleared some vegetation from the trail and got rid of the trash! This is all great!
Thank you Mike!
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 59.4 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 60% and falling;
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;
Wind varies and tops out at 1 mph;
Skies are partially cloudy, and partially clear;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The Cascades is flowing;
The USFS Fire Danger is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Two roses have bloomed out on the wall.
The weather is cool, clear, and pleasant.
There is no rain in the forecast.
What more could you ask for really?
Earlier this week, Volunteer and Board Director Mike Peckar replaced the planking on the bridge at Pine Glen in West Boylston. While he was at it he cleared some vegetation from the trail and got rid of the trash! This is all great!
Thank you Mike!
BEFORE
AFTER
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 59.4 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 60% and falling;
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;
Wind varies and tops out at 1 mph;
Skies are partially cloudy, and partially clear;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The Cascades is flowing;
The USFS Fire Danger is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Donker Farm Sheep Shearing!
Worcester Farm Life!
Yesterday the sheep were shorn at Donker Farm!
Mr. Kevin Ford, famous for his hand shearing (and an author to boot!) was out at Donker Farm to give the sheep a spring trim!
Thank you to Elisabeth Donker for capturing these images and sharing them with the rest of us who were not able to be present for the event!
Take note as you look at eh pictures! Those are blade shears! This is the traditional method!
There are videos, articles and news pieces on his handicraft!
Kevin is the author of "Shearing Day: Sheep Handling, Wool Science, and Shearing With Blades"
Yesterday the sheep were shorn at Donker Farm!
Mr. Kevin Ford, famous for his hand shearing (and an author to boot!) was out at Donker Farm to give the sheep a spring trim!
Thank you to Elisabeth Donker for capturing these images and sharing them with the rest of us who were not able to be present for the event!
Take note as you look at eh pictures! Those are blade shears! This is the traditional method!
There are videos, articles and news pieces on his handicraft!
Kevin is the author of "Shearing Day: Sheep Handling, Wool Science, and Shearing With Blades"
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Damp, Overcast, Yet Pleasant!
So, yesterday's rains have certainly soaked the world. Good luck finding a dry spot!
But it isn't raining presently, the air is pleasantly cool, the air is so still that Cook's Pond is a perfect mirror, and the greens are astounding.
Here and there you will find mushrooms that popped up, encouraged by the overcast rainy weather.
It is a nice morning to be outside!
This afternoon promises to be more exciting, with possible heavy rains and thunderstorms!
Plan your trips and your gear accordingly!
The National Weather Service Warning for today is kinda fun!
Ted's AT Trek
Ted was finding it hard to pull together the urgency to pack up in the dry shelter and walk out into the wall of rain yesterday morning.
Theoretically he was about a day's walk from Connecticut and we will see how he made out!
www.tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 57.6 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 93% and steady;
Pressure is 29.80" of Hg and steady;
Wind is still;
Skies are overcast;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook has flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Isolated showers between noon and 1pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm.
Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.
Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 77.
Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Chance of precipitation is 40%.
New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
But it isn't raining presently, the air is pleasantly cool, the air is so still that Cook's Pond is a perfect mirror, and the greens are astounding.
Here and there you will find mushrooms that popped up, encouraged by the overcast rainy weather.
It is a nice morning to be outside!
This afternoon promises to be more exciting, with possible heavy rains and thunderstorms!
Plan your trips and your gear accordingly!
The National Weather Service Warning for today is kinda fun!
THE MAIN THREATS WILL BE LOCALLY GUSTY WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL. LOCALIZED HEAVY RAINFALL MAY RESULT IN SOME NUISANCE POOR-DRAINAGE STREET FLOODING. THERE IS A LOW PROBABILITY FOR A VERY LOCALIZED...MORE SIGNIFICANT FLOOD EVENT...IF ANY THUNDERSTORMS CAN TRAIN OVER A SPECIFIC LOCATION IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS OR NORTHERN CONNECTICUT.
Ted's AT Trek
Ted was finding it hard to pull together the urgency to pack up in the dry shelter and walk out into the wall of rain yesterday morning.
Theoretically he was about a day's walk from Connecticut and we will see how he made out!
www.tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 57.6 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 93% and steady;
Pressure is 29.80" of Hg and steady;
Wind is still;
Skies are overcast;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook has flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Isolated showers between noon and 1pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm.
Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.
Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 77.
Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Chance of precipitation is 40%.
New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Rain! Solid Rain!
Rain!
We sure needed rain, and we are getting it!
That being said, it has been raining long enough and hard enough where there is isolated ponding on the trails where there is a low spot, and the soils are soft and will become more muddy with traffic.
Still, the water table, the brooks, the vegetation, and the gardens all needed this rain badly so so be it.
TED ON THE AT TREK
Ted made it to Bear Mountain State Park in New York, and that meant a family reunion and Ted being part of the Northeast again. Welcome back!
Soon enough Ted will be hiking into and across Massachusetts.
Follow Ted's adventures here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at 7:30 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 58.1 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is 77% and steady;
The pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;
The skies are cloudy with rain falling;
The wind is stirring but not registering;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Showers, mainly before 2pm.
High near 59.
East wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
We sure needed rain, and we are getting it!
That being said, it has been raining long enough and hard enough where there is isolated ponding on the trails where there is a low spot, and the soils are soft and will become more muddy with traffic.
Still, the water table, the brooks, the vegetation, and the gardens all needed this rain badly so so be it.
TED ON THE AT TREK
Ted made it to Bear Mountain State Park in New York, and that meant a family reunion and Ted being part of the Northeast again. Welcome back!
Soon enough Ted will be hiking into and across Massachusetts.
Follow Ted's adventures here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
Trailhead Conditions at 7:30 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 58.1 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is 77% and steady;
The pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;
The skies are cloudy with rain falling;
The wind is stirring but not registering;
The Cascades are flowing;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Showers, mainly before 2pm.
High near 59.
East wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday, June 12, 2015
More Good Weather! Calm Before the Storm
Yet More Good Weather!
BUT!
Tonight has all of the makings of a good storm system!
A front is going to move through, and it will be hit or miss, but if it hits it should be a good storm!
Problem is, lately, if there is a chance it might miss us it does miss us.
Yesterday was a very busy day here at Cascading Waters with Sign and Timberwork.
We had Greg, Paula, Rich, Ron, and Colin working away on all sorts of projects.
We had special guest stars drop in like Peg for tracing, Brian & Jillian for picking up property field work supplies, and Lisa for project guidance.
We had routing, tracing, drilling, hewing, trash removal, general straightening, and brushing on of wood preservative.
Thanks to the whole gang for a wonderfully productive and very entertaining morning at the edge of the woods!
TED's TREK
Ted has made New York!
Not dropping in on the boundline this time, but crossing over out of New Jersey!
Ted is in the Northeast after having hoofed it by foot from Georgia!
Way to go Ted!
Follow Ted here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
BRIAN'S LAST DAY
Today is the last day of Brian's extended internship with the Trust. Brian Okoyo has been with us for most of a year now, and he has been working away on the Trust's master dataset and a presentation map of our properties and past projects.
More than just making a quick pretty picture to print, Brian dove into the Trust's data to find any missing data and fill in the blanks. He figured out what information the state's master GIS maps lacked and filled out forms to update the state's data with our work. He merged disparate pieces (polygons), corrected errors, and did artistic layout and design work on a final presentation piece. Amusingly, we would turn to Brian, just as he was coming close to finishing a step, and say, hey, uh, so we just preserved a new area, do you mind rejuggling everything to add this new stuff in as well?
Brian will be missed.
Not just for his presence in the office and his diligence, but for shaking his head with an easy laugh when being asked to rework everything in a project he was deep into.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 63.3 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 75% and steady;
Pressure is 29.88" of Hg and steady;
Wind is still with no movement;
Skies are sunny with a morning haze;
The Cascades have a minimal flow;
The Cascades Brook has minimal flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
BUT!
Tonight has all of the makings of a good storm system!
A front is going to move through, and it will be hit or miss, but if it hits it should be a good storm!
Problem is, lately, if there is a chance it might miss us it does miss us.
Yesterday was a very busy day here at Cascading Waters with Sign and Timberwork.
We had Greg, Paula, Rich, Ron, and Colin working away on all sorts of projects.
We had special guest stars drop in like Peg for tracing, Brian & Jillian for picking up property field work supplies, and Lisa for project guidance.
We had routing, tracing, drilling, hewing, trash removal, general straightening, and brushing on of wood preservative.
Thanks to the whole gang for a wonderfully productive and very entertaining morning at the edge of the woods!
TED's TREK
Ted has made New York!
Not dropping in on the boundline this time, but crossing over out of New Jersey!
Ted is in the Northeast after having hoofed it by foot from Georgia!
Way to go Ted!
Follow Ted here: tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
BRIAN'S LAST DAY
More than just making a quick pretty picture to print, Brian dove into the Trust's data to find any missing data and fill in the blanks. He figured out what information the state's master GIS maps lacked and filled out forms to update the state's data with our work. He merged disparate pieces (polygons), corrected errors, and did artistic layout and design work on a final presentation piece. Amusingly, we would turn to Brian, just as he was coming close to finishing a step, and say, hey, uh, so we just preserved a new area, do you mind rejuggling everything to add this new stuff in as well?
Brian will be missed.
Not just for his presence in the office and his diligence, but for shaking his head with an easy laugh when being asked to rework everything in a project he was deep into.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 63.3 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 75% and steady;
Pressure is 29.88" of Hg and steady;
Wind is still with no movement;
Skies are sunny with a morning haze;
The Cascades have a minimal flow;
The Cascades Brook has minimal flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Another Great Day That Will Get Warm: Seek Refuge From The Heat In The Forest!
It is another beautiful start of a day, and it is going to be pretty dang warm, but, with a wind.
The trails have dried out nicely, and there is a dew under the canopy that makes early day hikes particularly pleasant.
When you get into the shade of a cluster of trees the temperature feels like it drops 5 to 10 degrees, and you might want to remember that if things get a little too toasty for you in the neighborhood.
TED ON THE AT!
Ted is on the cusp of breaking through to New York as he finishes up New Jersey!
Follow Ted's Adventures at tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
CONSERVATION PROJECT IN WEST BOYLSTON
Last night the West Boylston Planning Board approved a plan that allows the Trust to broker a double conservation deal! The privately held 26ish acre lot has 11 acres that will go to the Department of Conservation and Recreation Reservoir Division for drinking water protection (PINK), 12 acres that will go to the West Boylston Conservation Commission (BLUE), while allowing for another building lot (GREEN) as well as the original house (YELLOW).
To have the 12 acres go to West Boylston is a big deal as it is the source water for the Angell Brook. Angell Brook has had black nosed dace and trout observed in it, and those are cold water species and that is a BIG DEAL!!!
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this happen, especially the West Boylston Open Space Committee!
Trailhead conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 67.6 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 79% and steady;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
Wind is stirring with a peak of 1.0 mph;
Skies are clear with a little bit of morning haze;
The Cascades have a little bit of flow;
The Cascades Brook has low flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Forecast:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
The trails have dried out nicely, and there is a dew under the canopy that makes early day hikes particularly pleasant.
When you get into the shade of a cluster of trees the temperature feels like it drops 5 to 10 degrees, and you might want to remember that if things get a little too toasty for you in the neighborhood.
(Jackie photo of the meadow flowers at Sibley
just off of the Sibley Farm parking area on Greenville Street, Spencer.)
TED ON THE AT!
Ted is on the cusp of breaking through to New York as he finishes up New Jersey!
Follow Ted's Adventures at tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
CONSERVATION PROJECT IN WEST BOYLSTON
Last night the West Boylston Planning Board approved a plan that allows the Trust to broker a double conservation deal! The privately held 26ish acre lot has 11 acres that will go to the Department of Conservation and Recreation Reservoir Division for drinking water protection (PINK), 12 acres that will go to the West Boylston Conservation Commission (BLUE), while allowing for another building lot (GREEN) as well as the original house (YELLOW).
To have the 12 acres go to West Boylston is a big deal as it is the source water for the Angell Brook. Angell Brook has had black nosed dace and trout observed in it, and those are cold water species and that is a BIG DEAL!!!
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this happen, especially the West Boylston Open Space Committee!
Trailhead conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 67.6 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 79% and steady;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
Wind is stirring with a peak of 1.0 mph;
Skies are clear with a little bit of morning haze;
The Cascades have a little bit of flow;
The Cascades Brook has low flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Forecast:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Beautiful Day Following the Intense Rain
Somehow it is always more beautiful in the forest the sunny morning after a hard overnight rain, and today is simply glorious out there!
Yes, we needed the rain.
Yes, the streams are still low.
But the air is clear, the skies are bright, and the green is simply more intense and that is the greatest thing of all!
TED ON THE AT
Ted was in New York last night.
Now it is one of those funny bits where you bop into NY before going right back into PA, but he is really close to getting into the Northeast once and for all!
In fact family is going to meet him this weekend at Bear Mountain in NY!
Go Ted!
tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
TOMORROW IS SIGN AT TIMBER WORK AT CASCADING WATERS
9 a.m.- 12 p.m. we will be tracing, carving, hewing, routing, painting, and otherwise making the trail signs that make Worcester's trail system work!
Come join us!
To learn more email mary@gwlt.org
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 62.2 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 86% and steay;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
The winds are stirring, but not enough to generate a reading;
The skies are clear and sunny;
The Cascades have low flow;
The Cascades Brook has low flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
Sunny, with a high near 82.
West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Yes, we needed the rain.
Yes, the streams are still low.
But the air is clear, the skies are bright, and the green is simply more intense and that is the greatest thing of all!
(Jackie image from Sibley Farm of woodpecker (red bellied is my best guess.))
TED ON THE AT
Ted was in New York last night.
Now it is one of those funny bits where you bop into NY before going right back into PA, but he is really close to getting into the Northeast once and for all!
In fact family is going to meet him this weekend at Bear Mountain in NY!
Go Ted!
tedatgwlt.blogspot.com
TOMORROW IS SIGN AT TIMBER WORK AT CASCADING WATERS
9 a.m.- 12 p.m. we will be tracing, carving, hewing, routing, painting, and otherwise making the trail signs that make Worcester's trail system work!
Come join us!
To learn more email mary@gwlt.org
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 62.2 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 86% and steay;
Pressure is 29.71" of Hg and steady;
The winds are stirring, but not enough to generate a reading;
The skies are clear and sunny;
The Cascades have low flow;
The Cascades Brook has low flow in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
The National Weather Service Forecast:
Sunny, with a high near 82.
West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Happy National Trails Day!
There are SIX hikes available this morning:
Hike 1 - Douglas 1st Baptist Church, Sutton to Rte. 16, Douglas State Park
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Start Location: Route 16 trail crossing in Douglas [Near 200 Webster Street, GPS 42.056044 - 71.786750].
Directions to Start: Take Rte. 395 to exit 2. Go east on Rte. 16 for 4.3 miles to state trail parking lot on right(alternate parking on opposite side of Rt. 16 across from lot). From Rte.146 and East Douglas, take Rte. 16 west. Lot is on left, .9 miles past entrance to Wallum Lake/Douglas State Forest (Cedar St). Leave some cars there and shuttle to parking lot by church on Central Turnpike in West Sutton.
Hike Length: 6.2 miles.
Leader: Ken Baldyga; 508-757-5812
Hike 2 - Intersection of I Capen and East Charlton Roads to Sibley Farm Conservation Area by Worcester Chapter AMC
Start Time: 12:15 PM
Start Location: Meet at Sibley Farm on Greenville St., Spencer
Shuttle Hikers to starting point. Hike back to Sibley Farm (about 3 miles).
Hike Length: about 3 miles
Leader: Don Cunningham; e-mail: hiking@amcworcester.org
Start Time: 12:15 PM
Start Location: Meet at Sibley Farm on Greenville St., Spencer
Shuttle Hikers to starting point. Hike back to Sibley Farm (about 3 miles).
Hike Length: about 3 miles
Leader: Don Cunningham; e-mail: hiking@amcworcester.org
Hike 3 - Moose Hill Dam to Sibley Farm Conservation Area
Start time: 11:00 AM
Start Location: Sibley Farm on Greenville St., Spencer
Shuttle hikers to Moose hill Dam parking area on Donnelly Cross Rd., Leicester. Hike back to Sibley Farm
Hike length: about 3.9 miles
Leader: Sandra Snow; 508-885-7787 e-mail: sandra@qss1.com
Start time: 11:00 AM
Start Location: Sibley Farm on Greenville St., Spencer
Shuttle hikers to Moose hill Dam parking area on Donnelly Cross Rd., Leicester. Hike back to Sibley Farm
Hike length: about 3.9 miles
Leader: Sandra Snow; 508-885-7787 e-mail: sandra@qss1.com
Hike 4 - Barre Falls Dam to Route 122 Rutland
Follow the Mid-State Trail over Harding Hill, past Blood Swamp, and end back at the Route 122 trail head in Rutland.
Start Time: 9:30 AM
Start Location: MST/Rail Trail parking lot on the right, one mile north of the Rutland State Park Long Pond boat ramp on Rte 122 in Rutland. We will shuttle hikers to the first parking lot on the left after entering the Barre Falls Dam grounds on Rte. 62 in Barre.
Length: approximately 6 miles
Leader: Jeff Keay; 508-353-1174 e-mail: jkeay23@gmail.com
Follow the Mid-State Trail over Harding Hill, past Blood Swamp, and end back at the Route 122 trail head in Rutland.
Start Time: 9:30 AM
Start Location: MST/Rail Trail parking lot on the right, one mile north of the Rutland State Park Long Pond boat ramp on Rte 122 in Rutland. We will shuttle hikers to the first parking lot on the left after entering the Barre Falls Dam grounds on Rte. 62 in Barre.
Length: approximately 6 miles
Leader: Jeff Keay; 508-353-1174 e-mail: jkeay23@gmail.com
Hike 5 - Princeton/Crow Hill
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Start Location: Redemption Rock on Route 140 in Princeton, just south of the Westminster town line (MapQuest, near: 271 Redemption Rock Trail North) We will shuttle to trail head and walk south, over Crow Hill Ledges and back to Redemption Rock, walk over ledge outcrops, stream crossing, stone walls and ridge-tops with views.
Leader: Marie Auger; 978-874-5629 e-mail: mandmauger@comcast.net
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Start Location: Redemption Rock on Route 140 in Princeton, just south of the Westminster town line (MapQuest, near: 271 Redemption Rock Trail North) We will shuttle to trail head and walk south, over Crow Hill Ledges and back to Redemption Rock, walk over ledge outcrops, stream crossing, stone walls and ridge-tops with views.
Leader: Marie Auger; 978-874-5629 e-mail: mandmauger@comcast.net
Hike 6 - Ashburnham State Forest
Join Ashburnham Conservation Trust and North County Land Trust as we hike through the Ashburnham State Forest on Mount Hunger to pick up the Midstate Trail. You will not want to miss the outstanding views of Mount Watatic and Stodge Meadow Pond. We will follow the Midstate Trail south and loop back to our starting point.
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Start Location: Meet at the end of Kelton Road in Ashburnham
Directions to start: From the center of Ashburnham, head South on MA-12 toward Fitchburg for a 1/4 mile. Bear left onto River Styx Road. In just under 1/2 mile, take your first left onto Kelton Road. Continue up Kelton Road until you reach the end.
Length: 1-1.5 hours; beginner-moderate difficulty in some spots.
Leader: Desiree Hamelin, 978-424-7328, e-mail: dhamelin@northcountylandtrust.org
Join Ashburnham Conservation Trust and North County Land Trust as we hike through the Ashburnham State Forest on Mount Hunger to pick up the Midstate Trail. You will not want to miss the outstanding views of Mount Watatic and Stodge Meadow Pond. We will follow the Midstate Trail south and loop back to our starting point.
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Start Location: Meet at the end of Kelton Road in Ashburnham
Directions to start: From the center of Ashburnham, head South on MA-12 toward Fitchburg for a 1/4 mile. Bear left onto River Styx Road. In just under 1/2 mile, take your first left onto Kelton Road. Continue up Kelton Road until you reach the end.
Length: 1-1.5 hours; beginner-moderate difficulty in some spots.
Leader: Desiree Hamelin, 978-424-7328, e-mail: dhamelin@northcountylandtrust.org
The festivities at Sibley Farm start at 2 with BBQ, music, yoga and more! Please join us!
Here at the Lodge at 9 am, it is 63.9 degrees and steady.
The humidity is 82% and steady.
The barometer is 29.74 inches of mercury and steady.
The current fire danger is MODERATE.
NWS Boston is forecasting the following: Scattered showers, mainly before 10am. Cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 71. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday, June 05, 2015
Cloudy Start
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IS TOMORROW!!!
MIDSTATE TRAIL CELEBRATION!!!
There will be 6 hikes earlier in the day along the MidState Trail that runs from Rhode Island to New Hampshire through Worcester County (gwlt.org/midstate)
Followed by a Celebration at Sibley Farm at 2pm (131 Greenville Street, Spencer).
Congressman James P. McGovern will be coming to show his support for the MidState Trail.
There will be Live Music, Free BBQ, Trail Information, opportunity for hikes, and a guided yoga session.
Something for everyone!
Come learn more about the 92 mile interstate trail next door!
DROUGHT
We are still in a drought, despite the wild rains last weekend.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 53.6 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 80% and steady;
Pressure is 30.00" of Hg and steady;
Skies are cloudy;
Air is still;
The Cascades have flow;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Partly sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
MIDSTATE TRAIL CELEBRATION!!!
There will be 6 hikes earlier in the day along the MidState Trail that runs from Rhode Island to New Hampshire through Worcester County (gwlt.org/midstate)
Followed by a Celebration at Sibley Farm at 2pm (131 Greenville Street, Spencer).
Congressman James P. McGovern will be coming to show his support for the MidState Trail.
There will be Live Music, Free BBQ, Trail Information, opportunity for hikes, and a guided yoga session.
Something for everyone!
Come learn more about the 92 mile interstate trail next door!
DROUGHT
We are still in a drought, despite the wild rains last weekend.
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 53.6 degrees F and rising;
Humidity is 80% and steady;
Pressure is 30.00" of Hg and steady;
Skies are cloudy;
Air is still;
The Cascades have flow;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Partly sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Clearing up
Get out and enjoy today: it's going to warm up and not rain! It is still wet and muddy on the trails (please stay on them), but otherwise a nice day in the woods!
At 7:30, it is 48.7 degrees and rising.
94% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 30.05 inches of mercury and steady under overcast skies
As mentioned yesterday, the brook and Cascades are running!
The current fire danger is (no surprise) LOW
NWS Boston forecast for today: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.
At 7:30, it is 48.7 degrees and rising.
94% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 30.05 inches of mercury and steady under overcast skies
As mentioned yesterday, the brook and Cascades are running!
The current fire danger is (no surprise) LOW
NWS Boston forecast for today: Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Rain, Swollen Brook, Cascades Running
These rains have been fabulous for the Cascades, which is now at a low level roar with the rains of the past three days!
The Cascades Brook is fabulously swollen and the current has a good clip to it as well!
Even the Lodge's resident wild rabbit seems pleased with the change of circumstances and has been loafing around the yard quite a bit.
I WALK THE LINE...
Last night Brian, Jillian, Paula, and Colin showed in the rain at Donker Farm, took up an eclectic collection of tools, and walked the fence line of the animal enclosure (which is longer than you might think!) There can be no public trail access across the Donker Farm without a solidly fenced animal enclosure, and figuring out where we are at is the first step in that process.
We walked the whole fence line.
We pulled branches and vines off of the fence.
We rehitched the wire to the posts.
We reset several posts.
We added three new posts.
We cleared branches, trees, and logs (rotted) from the animal enclosure.
We found three spots that could use the new fencing when it isn't raining quite as heavily.
In the end, only one thing matters...
Do the sheep approve?
Early indications are that they didn't seem to mind, so we will take that as a good start.
Oh, yeah, and there are no photos, because we were completely soaked!
4 DAYS TO THE MIDSTATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY!il
Come hear live music by the Hip Swayers, take a hike!, learn more about the trail!, have some BBQ! if you dig yoga, you can try that too!
For more on the event click here: gwlt.org/midstate
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 46 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 97% and steady;
Pressure is 30.00" of Hg and steady;
Wind is gently moving and ranged for 0-1.0mph during the observation period;
Cloudy skies with rain falling;
The Cascades are gently roaring;
The Cascades Brook is swollen with a strong current in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Rain, mainly before 3pm.
Patchy fog before 2pm.
High near 52.
Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
The Cascades Brook is fabulously swollen and the current has a good clip to it as well!
Even the Lodge's resident wild rabbit seems pleased with the change of circumstances and has been loafing around the yard quite a bit.
I WALK THE LINE...
Last night Brian, Jillian, Paula, and Colin showed in the rain at Donker Farm, took up an eclectic collection of tools, and walked the fence line of the animal enclosure (which is longer than you might think!) There can be no public trail access across the Donker Farm without a solidly fenced animal enclosure, and figuring out where we are at is the first step in that process.
We walked the whole fence line.
We pulled branches and vines off of the fence.
We rehitched the wire to the posts.
We reset several posts.
We added three new posts.
We cleared branches, trees, and logs (rotted) from the animal enclosure.
We found three spots that could use the new fencing when it isn't raining quite as heavily.
In the end, only one thing matters...
Do the sheep approve?
Early indications are that they didn't seem to mind, so we will take that as a good start.
Oh, yeah, and there are no photos, because we were completely soaked!
4 DAYS TO THE MIDSTATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY!il
Come hear live music by the Hip Swayers, take a hike!, learn more about the trail!, have some BBQ! if you dig yoga, you can try that too!
For more on the event click here: gwlt.org/midstate
Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 46 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 97% and steady;
Pressure is 30.00" of Hg and steady;
Wind is gently moving and ranged for 0-1.0mph during the observation period;
Cloudy skies with rain falling;
The Cascades are gently roaring;
The Cascades Brook is swollen with a strong current in both channels;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Rain, mainly before 3pm.
Patchy fog before 2pm.
High near 52.
Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday, June 01, 2015
Rain - Tent - Jack-In-The-Pulpit - Work Project - Trailhead Conditions
What is good for the forest is not always all that good for a hiker.
Right now it is raining, as it did yesterday afternoon, as it did last night, and will continue to do so into this morning. The ground is slick as the soil is prone to mud. The trail has puddles, and despite your instincts to skirt the edges of the puddle, you need to go through the puddle or you will expand the treadway, promote erosion, and trample the vegetation. I know, that is a hard idea to internalize.
Also, the tent is up for the summer behind the Lodge at Cascading Waters!
The whole crew here was conscripted to wrestle, pull, push, hoist, tie, untie, and generally wrangle her into place!
Yesterday, up on the Asnebumskit Ridge Trail, local hiking guru Gina took this photo of a Jack in the Pulpit:
Thanks Gina!
MONDAY NIGHT TRAILWORK
We will be meeting at the trailhead at Donker Farm, on Tory Fort Lane in Worcester, and we will be working on repairing the livestock fencing. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Come and join us! For questions email colin@gwlt.org
5 DAYS TILL NATIONAL TRAILS DAY!!!
Check out the 6 MidState Trail hikes on Saturday morning!
gwlt.org/midstate
Trailhead Conditions at 7:30 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 48.7 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 94% and steady;
Pressure is 30.06" of Hg and steady;
Cloudy skies with rain falling
Wind is moving with a registered speed of 1.0 mph;
The Cascades are flowing again!;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels!;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Showers, mainly before 10am. The rain could be heavy at times.
Patchy fog between 8am and 2pm.
High near 50.
Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Right now it is raining, as it did yesterday afternoon, as it did last night, and will continue to do so into this morning. The ground is slick as the soil is prone to mud. The trail has puddles, and despite your instincts to skirt the edges of the puddle, you need to go through the puddle or you will expand the treadway, promote erosion, and trample the vegetation. I know, that is a hard idea to internalize.
Also, the tent is up for the summer behind the Lodge at Cascading Waters!
The whole crew here was conscripted to wrestle, pull, push, hoist, tie, untie, and generally wrangle her into place!
Yesterday, up on the Asnebumskit Ridge Trail, local hiking guru Gina took this photo of a Jack in the Pulpit:
Thanks Gina!
MONDAY NIGHT TRAILWORK
We will be meeting at the trailhead at Donker Farm, on Tory Fort Lane in Worcester, and we will be working on repairing the livestock fencing. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Come and join us! For questions email colin@gwlt.org
5 DAYS TILL NATIONAL TRAILS DAY!!!
Check out the 6 MidState Trail hikes on Saturday morning!
gwlt.org/midstate
Trailhead Conditions at 7:30 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):
Temperature is 48.7 degrees F and steady;
Humidity is 94% and steady;
Pressure is 30.06" of Hg and steady;
Cloudy skies with rain falling
Wind is moving with a registered speed of 1.0 mph;
The Cascades are flowing again!;
The Cascades Brook is flowing in both channels!;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW.
National Weather Service Forecast:
Showers, mainly before 10am. The rain could be heavy at times.
Patchy fog between 8am and 2pm.
High near 50.
Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%.
New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
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