tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35839363061379542432024-03-13T15:54:21.684-04:00GWLT Lodge at Cascading WatersCaretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.comBlogger1286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-50817375422678557202016-10-21T22:19:00.001-04:002016-10-21T22:19:45.961-04:00The Cascades Brook Runs!<p dir="ltr">It has been a long long time since we have heard running water at Cascading Waters.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There is no telling if it will still be <u>running</u> in the morning.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For the moment, anyway, we have running water in the bed of the brook.</p>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-78997509337975724522016-02-04T08:18:00.001-05:002016-02-04T08:18:33.490-05:00Another Oddly Spring Day in Early February<p dir="ltr">7:00 a.m. conditions at the Lodge at Cascading Waters (elev. 730'):</p>
<p dir="ltr">54.7°F and steady;<br>
97% humidity and steady;<br>
29.68" of Hg pressure and steady;<br>
Overcast, misting occasionally;<br>
Cascades Brook has minimal flow;<br>
Cascades are melting the ice and have minimal flow;<br>
There is a gentle breeze.<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">By 8am the temperature and humidity were unchanged but the pressure rose to 29.77" Hg in a slow and steady creep. High pressure tends to bring sun.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It has been warm enough and wet enough where the smells of the soil and plants are pronounced in a dramatic way that just doesn't happen when the world is frozen or covered in snow and ice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Never fear though!<br>
Snow is predicted, so we still will get some white and soon!</p>
<p dir="ltr">This morning is timber hewing and sign routing for the crew from 9-12! If you are free or around drop by!</p>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-74957568520716189182015-10-01T08:22:00.003-04:002015-10-01T08:22:40.963-04:00Grey Day after the RainsUnlike yesterday's start, of heavy rains, today is cool, grey, and generally pleasant.<br />
<br />The biggest benefits are soils that aren't fine dry dust, and a brook that has FLOW! of Water! magnificent!<br />
<br />
This morning is a sign and timberwork day here at the Lodge!<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<br /><span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 54.5 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 74% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;<br />
Skies are grey;<br />
The air and leaves are moving quite a bit, but the higest recorded windspeed in the observation period was 1.0 mph;<br />
The Cascades Brook has flow!!!<br />The Cascades has a little water!!!<br />The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.<br />
Northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. <br />
<br />Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-37538881840175370342015-09-28T08:17:00.001-04:002015-09-28T08:18:06.881-04:00More Sunny, Dry, Cool Weather<p dir="ltr">It is and has been very dry.<br>
That might change on Tuesday night though.<br>
The National Weather Service has a warning issued for Tuesday night:</p>
<p dir="ltr">PERSISTENT NE-WINDS FOR THE PERIOD WITH POTENTIAL FOR GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH. CONSIDERING FULLY LEAFED TREES...THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY FOR WIND DAMAGE WITH DOWNED TREE...TREE LIMBS...AND POWER LINES. FOCUS IS MOST ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE EAST AND SOUTHEAST COASTAL PLAIN OF MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND. MODERATE CONFIDENCE. </p>
<p dir="ltr">LOCALIZED HEAVY RAIN IS ALSO POSSIBLE LEADING TO FLOODING IMPACTS. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR RAINFALL AMOUNTS UPWARDS OF 4-INCHES. LOW CONFIDENCE.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What actually happens is anyone's guess at this point.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also, rain is good, whereas flooding... not so much.</p>
<p dir="ltr">8:00 a.m. Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters (elevation 630'):</p>
<p dir="ltr">Temperature is 54°F and steady;<br>
Humidity is 87% and steady;<br>
Pressure is 30.15" of Hg and steady;<br>
Skies are clear;<br>
There is air movement but no speed registering;<br>
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br>
The Cascades are dry;<br>
The USFS Fire Danger Class is MEDIUM.</p>
<p dir="ltr">National Weather Service Forecast:</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sunny, with a high near 77. <br>
Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.</p>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-71989633547498392382015-09-18T08:59:00.003-04:002015-09-18T08:59:48.097-04:00Another Perfect Morning!These tailing days of summer have been wonderful!<br />Cool, sunny, and not too humid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tractor 4 Worcester</b><br />
<br />
GWLT now has 3 farms, Sibley, Donker, and Worcester Hospital.<br />We have logging roads and silviculture (tree harvesting.)<br />We have long networks of trails on big properties.<br />
<br />And at this point, having a tractor based here in Worcester is becoming a real need.<br />
<br />
Take a Ride through the Trust Neighborhood with Executive Director Colin Novick and check out how a tractor would be really helpful for the Trust!<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1S96ozfHASE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1S96ozfHASE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
And then pop over here to help chip in!<br />
<a href="https://www.razoo.com/story/Tractor-4-Worcester?referral_code=share" target="_blank">https://www.razoo.com/story/Tractor-4-Worcester?referral_code=share</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Yesterday was the United Way Day of Caring, and we had two amazing crews out at Sibley Farm. They hauled a lot of tools and gear. The built a tent platform from lumber to finish in no time at all. They built a door for the composting outhouse, hung it on hinges, and installed latches. They hauled in and unpacked the composter and began the install, including cutting a 12" diameter hole through 1" boards with a pocket saw! They refinished the outhouse and new platform in wood preservative. It was a full day!<br /><br />A special thanks to Gordon, Mary, and Colin who were the GWLT project chefs on site that made the labors of many hands come together in so many simultaneous efforts.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />Temperature is 63.3 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 86% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.91" of Hg and steady;<br />
The wind is still;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
The Cascades have no flow;<br />
The Cascades Brook has no flow;<br />
The USGS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-29488996315759270042015-09-16T08:17:00.000-04:002015-09-16T08:17:06.690-04:00Beautiful Late Summer Morning & Cascades West AnniversaryIt is simply wonderful outside.<br />
Cool but not cold, and still short sleeve weather.<br />
Humidity isn't terrible either.<br />Everything is green and lush, but there is a hint of turning leaves to yellow from the prolonged low level drought of missing rain (about 5").<br />
<br />
<br />
Today is the Anniversary of the preservation of Cascades West, with the hill top, the amphitheatre, the grove of beech trees, and the vernal pools.<br /> <br />Prior to the preservation of Cascades West, all there was was Boynton Park and Cascades Park on Cataract Street. Sure some folks walked through the area, but it was two isolated parks that didn't connect as conservation land.<br />It was the belt that was created that inspired all that followed...<br />Cascades East...<br />Cascading Waters...<br />Cook's Pond...<br />Southwick Pond Brook...<br />Muir Meadow...<br />Cook's Brook...<br />Donker Farm...<br />all of that was to come, and all of that took shape with the linking of Boynton, Cascades West, and Cascades Park.<br /><br />In a sense today is the birthday of the Four Town Greenbelt, as well as being the birthday of Cascades West.<br />
<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is the United Way Day of Caring and we have teams coming to join us at Sibley Farm to work on projects on the vast property!<br />Today we prepare for that work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />Temperature is 62.1 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 87% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 30.18" of Hg and steady;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
Cascades have no flow;<br />
Cascades Brook has no flow;<br />
The USGS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
Sunny, with a high near 82. </div>
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
West wind 3 to 6 mph. </div>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-737342874796040622015-09-14T10:21:00.003-04:002015-09-14T10:21:32.236-04:00Cool, Breezy, Clear Skies!A big weekend for the Trust!<br /><br />Friday saw us install a property sign out at Elmer's Seat.<br />
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<br />Saturday saw us out at Canalfest promoting public access and building a timber project.<br />
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<br />Saturday night and a bit of Sunday saw the rains the forest and brooks so desperately need right now.<br /><br />Today's cool and shifting winds make it an amazing day for getting outside and enjoying the late summer.<br />
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Cascading Waters Trailhead Conditions at 9:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):<br />
<br />
Temperature is 58.6 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 84% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.74" of Hg and falling,<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
Wind is moving but not registering mph;<br />
Cascades have no flow;<br />
Cascades Brook has no flow;<br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
Partly sunny, with a high near 67. </div>
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
West wind 13 to 15 mph. </div>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-34978024345696810512015-09-11T07:49:00.001-04:002015-09-11T07:49:25.903-04:00Welcome Rains & a Property Sign Install!Yesterday's rains are very very welcome!<br />The vegetation is absolutely responding!<br />
The soils are no longer dust!<br />
Though, leaves have started to fall, between the stress of the drought, and the closing of the summer season.<br />
<br />
<br />
This morning we are headed out to Elmer's Seat to install a property sign at the Boylston property atop Pleasant Hill.<br />
<br />
This small gem of a property has a wetland system, native plants, exposed bedrock, and a height that affords it views of Mount Wachusett. It is also a bit of an experiment for the Trust in that it is only a few acres in size and it is in a subdivision. The property is very photogenic, and undoubtedly any kids growing up with this spot in their neighborhood are lucky to have it set aside. The Trust came to hold this property through a gift from an investor in the subdivision. Today's sign will indicate an entrance for the neighbors so that it is accessible not just to the people whose backyard back up to the property.<br />
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We have a crew ready to drop in to Cascading Waters at 9 to load up, and we will head out! <br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead conditions at Cascading Waters:</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 60.3 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 95% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.62" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is moving but did not register in the observation period;<br />
Skies are overcast;<br />
Cascades Brook is not running;<br />
Cascades are not flowing;<br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
A slight chance of showers before 1pm.<br />
Patchy fog before 11am.<br />
Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high
near 71.<br />
North wind 8 to 10 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 20%.Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-68533447687645331732015-09-10T08:05:00.000-04:002015-09-10T08:05:01.876-04:00Cloudier, Muggier, & DamperNot so sure that last night's fleeting rains made any improvement in the overall weather this morning.<br />
<br />
The plants and trees were desperate for water, and while this wasn't enough to fix that it sure helps to not have the soils as dust, and the leaves drooping.<br />
<br />
On the upside, more storms are possible and a National Weather Service Advisory promises to help us not reach the temperature highs of the last few days.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre>THERE IS A LOW RISK FOR LOCALIZED URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE
FLOODING ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE REGION THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.
SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL
WILL DEVELOP ACROSS WESTERN AREAS DURING THIS AFTERNOON...THEN
PUSH EAST TONIGHT. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL IS EXPECTED ACROSS NORTH
CENTRAL AND WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS INTO NORTHERN CONNECTICUT.</pre>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
This means that we should end up with a livelier and happier forest by the time we are done with the series of passing storms, even assuming we only get a few of the possible showers predicted. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters:</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 72 degrees and steady;<br />
Humidity is 86% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and steady;<br />
Skies are overcast;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is also dry;<br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
A chance of showers before 11am,<br />
then a chance of showers and
thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm,<br />
then showers likely and possibly a
thunderstorm after 2pm.<br />
Otherwise, cloudy, with
a high near 75.<br />
Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is
60%.<br />
New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch
possible. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-40988086768871444742015-09-07T10:06:00.003-04:002015-09-07T10:06:29.058-04:00Pleasant & Quiet Morning at the TrailheadGentle wind stirring and then falling, under clear skies, and cool temps here at the Lodge.<br />
A great Labor Day for getting outside.<br />
Things have been quiet here at the trailhead as folks adventures and BBQs pull them elsewhere, but the woods are fantastic.<br />
<br />
Enjoy Your Labor Day!<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 10:00 a.m. (elev. 630'): </span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 75.4 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 49% and falling;<br />
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is stirring but not registering mph;<br />
The sky is clear;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
Sunny, with a high near 88. </div>
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
West wind 9 to 11 mph. </div>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-52906029559605018432015-09-05T09:36:00.002-04:002015-09-05T09:39:07.248-04:00Clear & Cool Start to Labor Day WeekendWhat a great sleeping weather evening!<br />
& What a great clear and cool start to the weekend!<br />
Labor Day Weekend is off to a great start!<br />
<br />
Yesterday we got field reports in from Southwick Pond.<br />
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Other than needing to choose your footing in a few spots to avoid poison ivy things are in good shape out there.<br />
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<br />
Trailhead conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:35 a.m. (elev. 630'):<br />
<br />
Temperature is 58.6 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 81% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 30.15" of Hg and steady;<br />
No wind is recorded;<br />
The sky is clear;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is MODERATE.<br />
<br />
National Weather Service Forecast:<br />
<br />
Sunny, with a high near 81.<br />
East wind around 6 mph<br />
<br />Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-70463756520061783442015-09-04T07:53:00.002-04:002015-09-04T07:53:27.450-04:00Cool, Light Clouds, Occasional WindCool, Light Clouds and Occasional Wind<br />
Not a bad start!<br />
<br />
Yesterday saw a lot of activity here at Cascading Waters!<br />
First, to help reduce some of the confusion, a sign was mounted on the Cascades East trailhead end of the Cascades Trail to clarify the main trail as some folks were getting confused and walking down the path where the restoration work has been taking place thinking it was the main path.<br />
<br />
The hanging of this sign was complicated by a snapped bolt (steel just isn't what it used to be!), and a whole that stripped itself, requiring an upsizing of the bolt being used. Poor Harold and Gordon had to make 3 trips to get this one sign in place. Thanks guys!<br />
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<br />
Meanwhile there was tracing, routing, and sanding work going on at the Shed!<br />Lisa swung by to discuss Donker Farm projects.<br />
<br />
There are small things that make a huge difference.<br />
With the heartbreaking closure of Bhadon's Gift Gallery in Tatnuck there is a ray of sunshine. The Fords who owned and operated Bhadon's donated the wooden racks that were used to hang the hand dipped candles. These wooden racks are now a tool rack out in the Shed! Getting this stuff organized and put away so that they don't get wrecked! The tools kept ending up in semi sorted piles that migrated around, sometimes ending up in the most unlikely places.<br />
<br />
Thank you to the Fords!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Finally, and this was a BIG project, we loaded the Elmer's Seat sign into the trailer for the trek out to the property for installation. This is a four person job for folks with real lifting strength! Ultimately it took 7 of us to get it onto the trailer with folks holding onto the trailer and the tailgate for the hauling crew.<br />
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<br />
It was a great day for projects! Thanks to everyone! Gordon, Harold, Paula, Ben, Lisa, Peg, Mary, & Colin!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 67.1 degrees and steady;<br />
Humidity is 65% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.97" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is presently still;<br />
Skies are cloudy;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry,<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77.<br />
Northeast wind around 9 mph. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-2104376117354293002015-09-02T10:02:00.001-04:002015-09-02T10:02:46.311-04:00Clear, Cool, Sunny, Just Fine!<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">The weather is simply splendid!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">No other words need be said!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">Thursday morning at the Lodge at Cascading Waters at 9-12 there will be sign, timber hewing, and trailwork! Come join in the fun! </span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 9:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 72.7 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 74% and falling;<br />
Pressure is 29.88" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is moving slightly but not registering wind speed;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
Cascades are dry;<br />
Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Sunny, with a high near 86.<br />
West wind around 7 mphCaretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-39022699841287310732015-09-01T08:18:00.001-04:002015-09-01T08:18:10.068-04:00Cooler, Less Humid, Clear StartYesterday was a busy one!<br />
<br />
First, the Trust is exploring the acquisition of a tractor to assist with property maintenance and some of that was going on yesterday. Hopefully this is something which will become part of the Trust's arsenal for maintaining the conservation properties.<br />
<br />
Second, the Trust continues to work on negotiating for property and that was very much going on yesterday.<br />
<br />
Finally, Third, the Trust had a work project last night up on Asnebumskit clearing the Asnebumskit Ridge Trail as it passes through the area of the forestry cut to regenerate oak. A regenerating forest cut is VERY VERY thick with vegetation soaking in the sun to grow by leaps and bounds, so keeping a trail open through that is a challenge until the regrowth matures. Add to that the fact that we have to hike a distance and all up hill to get to the area that needs attention AND that the cutting is more grass whipping dense vegetation and less clipping with loppers, and you have a challenging project!<br /><br />Luckily we had a great crew for the work! Ron, Gordon, Paula, Mary, Tim, Lisa, and Colin (along with Tim's loyal Chesapeake Retriever Lola) headed up along the trail in the evening and I am happy to report that the route isn't just passable, but it is in good shape!<br />
<br />
So, today promises, hopefully, to be a slightly less busy day to allow the tending to the various things that cry out for some work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 67.5 degrees and steady;<br />
Humidity is 80% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.91" of Hg and steady;<br />
The skies are clear;<br />
The air is still;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is listed at <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><b>LOW</b></span></span> but we are finding it unchanged since yesterday (especially as it relates to the relative dryness of the material on the ground and otherwise we would be leaving the sign at <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>. The reduced wind and temperature are probably the controlling factors in their decision.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Sunny, with a high near 81.<br />
Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-68090316896784250202015-08-31T08:06:00.001-04:002015-08-31T08:11:42.970-04:00Clear, Humid, and WarmYesterday saw 55 Clark University Outing Club Members hiking the Cascades through Cascading Waters. This was the laregst crew of folks form the Outing Club we have seen in their kick-off weekend in the many years we have been partnering with them. <br />
<br />
We also saw a solid amount of regular hikers for a busy day here at the trailhead! Great stuff.<br />
<br />
Today the weather is a little warm and a little humid to be considered perfect, BUT it is less warm and less humid than downtown Worcester, so, in a sense it is pretty dang close to perfect, so we are going to round that off at really nice.<br />
<br />
<br />
TONIGHT'S WORK PROJECT<br />
<br />
Tonight we will be meeting at the Asnebumskit Ridge Trailhead on South Road in Holden and clearing the final section of the trail. This is our third outing, and this one promises to be fairly straightforward as most of the distance has been tackled. We are meeting at the trailhead at 5:00 pm and hitting the trail a little after 5:15 pm. For more information contact Mary at <a href="mailto:mary@gwlt.org">mary@gwlt.org</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 70.3 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 85% and rising;<br />
Pressure is 29.85" of Hg and steady;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.<br />
West wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-27919089119764389702015-08-27T07:25:00.000-04:002015-08-27T07:25:06.897-04:00A Cool and Sunny Start & Nick's Woods AnniversaryIt is a cool and sunny start to the day.<br />
There is a nice breeze running through the forest.<br />The humidity is way way down.<br />
It would be hard to ask for nicer weather.<br />
<br /><br />NICK'S WOODS<br /><br />
Today is the Anniversary of the conservation of Nick's Woods (which is between Rt. 122A Grove Street and Brattle Street on the Worcester/Holden line.)<br />
Nick's Woods (64.76 acres) is named after Nick Chase who donated a Conservation Restriction on most of the property, and later sold the whole property to be used for conservation.<br /><br />The property has a brook that goes by four different names, depending on who you ask! We tend to use Sargent's Brook, as Emerson Brooks, a long time resident of the area, and former farmer in this part of Worcester, says that's what they called it when he was a kid. Good enough for us!<br />Along the banks of the brook is an old cart road, and this is the old road between Worcester and Holden from before Rte. 122A being carved out of the side of the hill.<br />This old cart road is fairly level and makes for a great walk or in snow a cross country skiing path.<br /><br />For a map of the property click here: <a href="http://www.gwlt.org/maps/nicks-woods.pdf">http://www.gwlt.org/maps/nicks-woods.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 61.7 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 73% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.85" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is stirring and peaked at 0.5 mph;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The Cascades are not running;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.<br />
West wind 7 to 9 mph. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-68886505619652902592015-08-26T07:17:00.001-04:002015-08-26T07:18:10.192-04:00Looking Hopeful for Nice Weather for the Week!The weather sure is looking hopeful out there!<br />
Sunny! Warm! and for the foreseeable future!<br />
<br />
Here in Worcester the roads will get more congested as the Worcester Public Schools return to session and the school buses swarm the streets.<br />
The trails should remain congestion free though! <br />
<br />
<br />
Foraging Walk<br />
<br />
If you are fast, this morning, at 9:30, at Thayer Pond Wildlife Management Area in Rutland, at the trailhead on Charnock Hill Road, Russ Cohen, forager par excellence, will be leading a foraging walk. Russ' foraging walks are NOT TO BE MISSED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 7:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 65.7 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 88% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and steady;<br />
Skies are clear;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
Cascades are not running;<br />
USFS Fire Danger is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.<br />
West wind around 7 mph. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-45020646129451378642015-08-25T09:11:00.001-04:002015-08-25T09:11:11.958-04:00Happy 28th! On to 29!Last night GWLT volunteers gathered on South Road at the Asnebumskit Ridge Trail Trailhead to cut their way south, up the side of the ridge through brush, and reforesting clearings. It was humid, the light was low (it is no longer peak summer light in the evenings, and we were on the eastern face of the ridge and it the lee of its shadow.)<br />
<br />
What was great, was that this crew of 7 (Gordon, Mason, Nick, Paula, Terre, Mary, and Colin) hacking their way up the trail, was how GWLT celebrated 28 years since the Trust was incorporated by 8 hearty folks (Allen, Brian, Deborah, Dennis, Evelyn, George, Philip, and Robert).<br />
<br />
Back in 1987 a small group of folks sat around a table and got this thing going. Last night another group of us hit the trail to keep that going, not around a table, but out on easements and lands the Trust and her partners have conserved. The Anniversary was marked by good folk, sweat, and cake, which is only right.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11889548_10207516512741965_1163825946459310094_n.jpg?oh=5b421f7d89601e0f4b503e1acf002643&oe=5677911A" style="height: 520px; width: 399px;" /></div>
<br />
<br />
National Weather Service Warning for Today:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<pre>WHILE A WIDESPREAD SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK IS NOT EXPECTED...A
FEW STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE TO THE NORTHWEST
OF A BOSTON TO PROVIDENCE LINE. THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE LOCALLY
STRONG TO DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WIND GUSTS.</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A.K.A. Probably not us, but not certainly not us.</span></span> </pre>
<pre> </pre>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 9:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 71.8 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 87% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.77" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is stirring and shifting, but not registering windspeed (earlier it peaked at only 1.0 mph);<br />
Skies are hazy;<br />
Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
Cascades Falls are not running;<br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Scattered showers and thunderstorms.<br />
Some of the storms could produce
gusty winds and heavy rain.<br />
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79.<br />
South
wind around 8 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 50%.<br />
New rainfall amounts
between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible
in thunderstorms. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-654524948566034892015-08-23T08:19:00.003-04:002015-08-23T08:23:52.119-04:00Drizzly MorningIt is a grey and drizzly morning here at the Cascades.<br />
The plant life will appreciate that. Mushrooms will pop up.<br />
It is not, however, supposed to be any more than some intermittent showers from time to time, and as such it is actually a beautiful day to be out in the woods.<br />
Plan a hike, and don't worry about the heat!<br />
<br />
<br />
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (Almost)<br />
<br />
Tomorrow will be the 28th Anniversary of the Greater Worcester Land Trust's incorporation, so get your party supplies together now! We will be clearing trail on the Asnebumskit Ridge Trail off of South Road in Holden. Come join us tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm for pizza, and at 5:30 pm we hit the trail to clear the trail. There will be cake! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at 8:15 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 66.2 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 93% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
Skies are grey and it is raining;<br />
Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
Cascades are not running;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Scattered showers, mainly between noon and 5pm.<br />
Cloudy, with a high
near 73. Northeast wind around 7 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 30%.Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-13285976625345542062015-08-21T08:41:00.002-04:002015-08-21T08:41:40.267-04:00Muggy with Relief ComingWell, it sure is muggy this morning.<br />
The good news is that there is relief coming!<br />
<br />
That relief is captured in the Weather Service Warning:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<pre>THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF HEAVY RAIN AND URBAN AND POOR
DRAINAGE FLOODING WITH SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY...</pre>
</blockquote>
<br />
and it doesn't end there!<br />
Tomorrow AND Sunday already have warnings:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<pre>THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY
RAIN LEADING TO URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING SATURDAY...</pre>
<pre>AN ISOLATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM IS ALSO POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY.
A RISK OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN WILL CONTINUE
SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. THERE IS A GREATER POTENTIAL FOR STRONG TO
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TUESDAY. </pre>
</blockquote>
<br />
Thanks to the whole team who dug in yesterday and stained, painted, cut, routed, drilled, bolted, and sanded boards for trail and property signs! We got an IMMENSE amount of work done yesterday, and we have one sign ready to roll for Elmer's Seat in Boylston next Thursday! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 72.7 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 88% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is not stirring;<br />
Skies are cloudy;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The Cascades are not running;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><b><span style="color: white;">LOW</span></b></span>.<br />
<br />
(By the way, on the Fire Danger Map, be really really happy that you live out east right now. The western half (and especially the northern portion of that) of the country is looking pretty tough, nevermind the states presently on fire.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="http://www.wfas.net/images/firedanger/fd_cls_f.png" class="shrinkToFit" height="238" src="http://www.wfas.net/images/firedanger/fd_cls_f.png" width="320" /> </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a
thunderstorm after 11am.<br />
Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.<br />
Patchy fog between 9am and 10am.<br />
High near 78.<br />
South wind around 6 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 80%.<br />
New rainfall amounts between a quarter
and half of an inch possible. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-38337520716178381862015-08-18T08:39:00.001-04:002015-08-18T08:39:48.667-04:00More Humidity! Small Chance of T-StormsToday has more humidity!<br />
The upside is that there is a limited chance of thunderstorms later today.<br />
If we actually had a thunderstorm that could help break the link of heat and humidity that we have right now. <br />
Stay tuned and watch the skies! <br />
<br />
As for the forest, well, things are beautiful out there!<br />It is prime growing season with the deciduous trees at full growth and various flowering plants and mushrooms cycling along the forest floor.<br />
Head out!<br />
Take a look!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 8:30 a.m. (elev. 630'): </span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 74.1 degrees and steady;<br />
Humidity is 90% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.91" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is perfectly still;<br />
The Cascades are not running;<br />
The Cascades Brook has no flow;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon.<br />
Some of the
storms could produce heavy rain.<br />
Partly sunny, with a high near 88.<br />
Southwest wind around 6 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 40%.<br />
New
rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts
possible in thunderstorms.<br />
<br />Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-6558293316395627812015-08-17T08:57:00.000-04:002015-08-17T08:58:24.667-04:00A Touch Humid! Ted's Trek is DONE!It is a sunny day that feels more warm than it is because of the humidity.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ted's Appalachian Trail Trek drew to a close last Thursday on Mount Katahdin!<br />
2178 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mountain Katahdin in Maine!<br />
<br />
Ted reported in as often as he could get a cell phone signal or find a computer to send email from, and GWLT posted the updates of our local Clark University partner as he went.<br />
This was truly an epic effort. Well done Ted!<br />
Ted's closing posts reflecting on the trip, and the whole trip dating back 152 days before that are all at: <a href="http://tedatgwlt.blogspot.com/">tedatgwlt.blogspot.com</a><br />
Well Done! and thank you for bringing the Trust along with you! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 9:00 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
<br />
Temperature is 73.6 degrees F and rising;<br />
Humidity is 90% and steady;<br />
Pressure 29.97" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is still;<br />
Sunny; <br />
Cascades Brook is presently dry;<br />
The Cascades are not running;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #274e13;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="col-sm-10 forecast-text">
Sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 7 mph. </div>
Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-73832825987605767482015-08-11T09:32:00.000-04:002015-08-11T09:32:08.783-04:00Raining! At Last! Ted at the End! At Last!It took a while but finally we got some rain again!<br />The brook needs the water.<br />
The Cascades, and the wetland system above it that feeds it, needs the water.<br />
The forest, the fields, and the gardens need the water.<br />
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When going out for a hike, please bear in mind that there is a National Weather Service Warning:<br />
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<pre>SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL THIS
AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. THIS MAY CAUSE URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE
FLOODING. THERE IS ALSO A LOW PROBABILITY FOR A FEW STRONG
THUNDERSTORMS...SOME OF WHICH MAY PRODUCE LOCALLY STRONG WIND
GUSTS. THERE IS ALSO A VERY LOW CHANCE FOR A BRIEF TORNADO.</pre>
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EAST SIDE TRAIL<br />
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Last evening we had a crew cut the trail from the Trinity Woods entrance to Green Hill Park down to Plantation Street. Meanwhile we had a crew on the stretch of the trail between Plantation Street and the driveway for the Sisters of Notre Dame who were busy carving their way through the enormous dead red oak tree that fell across the trail. They very nearly did it, but unlike the trail cutting crew, they weren't able to finish before dusk. Thanks to everyone!<br />
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TED'S AT TREK<br />
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Ted is now merely 36 miles left to his AT Trek!<br />This is the end lap.<br />Amusingly, he could probably blast this out in 2 days, but is pacing it.<br />
http://tedatgwlt.blogspot.com/<br />
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The End is Nearly Here!<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters at 9:30 a.m. (elev. 630'):</span><br />
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Temperature is 67.6 degrees F and steady;<br />
Humidity is 90% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.74" of Hg and falling;<br />
Grey Skies with rain falling;<br />
The Wind is stirring and peaking at 1.0 mph; <br />
The Cascades Brook is not flowing, though now the rocks are wet;<br />
The Cascades are not flowing either;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;"><b>LOW</b></span></span>.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
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Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon.<br />
Some of the storms
could produce gusty winds and heavy rain.<br />
High near 71. South wind
around 11 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 100%.<br />
New rainfall amounts
between three quarters and one inch possible. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-51281511260843469232015-08-10T10:10:00.002-04:002015-08-10T10:10:20.532-04:00Can't Complain About the WeatherCan't Complain About the Weather, unless you were counting on the sky to water your gardens.<br />
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It is pretty wonderful out there. Sunny, cool, with a breeze.<br />
There is a small chance of showers later today, but only a small chance.<br />
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WORK PROJECT TONIGHT:<br />
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There will be a trail work project out on the East Side Trail this evening, and we will be cleaning up blow downs in addition to other trail work!<br />The gang will be meeting at 5pm at Trinity Ave. on the OTHER SIDE of I-290 (important as there are TWO Trinity Avenues that were severed by the highway.) There will be pizza, and we will break trail at 5:30 pm.<br />
For more information email <a href="mailto:mary@gwlt.org">mary@gwlt.org</a> or call 508-795-3838.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">10:00 a.m. Trailhead Conditions at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):</span><br />
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Temperature is 70.2 degrees and rising;<br />
Humidity is 70% and falling;<br />
Pressure is 29.94" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind speed is 1 mph steady;<br />
The sky is clear with sun;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The Cascades have no flow; <br />
USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: #274e13;"><span style="color: white;">LOW</span></span>.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
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A slight chance of showers after 3pm.<br />
Increasing clouds, with a high
near 79.<br />
Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 20%.Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3583936306137954243.post-85925999495756349262015-08-04T09:12:00.002-04:002015-08-04T09:12:41.627-04:00Beautiful Morning - Thoughts on "History" and GlassYesterday, noting that the Cascades Brook no longer had flow, although there are still a few pools of water, I took the time and the opportunity to jump into the brook to deal with some "Old History."<br />
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You see, there is glass in the bottom of the brook, and it seems to be made up of three different sources. <br /><br />The first, and most obvious, is current kids partying by the Cascades. It turns out that with the increased use of the Cascades for hiking and walking and viewing there has been a lot less of that (not none, but definitely much less.) We observe that with increased positive users there is a displacement of illicit activity over the years.<br />
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The second, is old abuse from the past. This is fairly evident as the older glass is substantially thicker, the exterior of the glass is scored by the scouring of sand and silt and movement. Modern glass is comparatively light bulb thick, and old glass is more like corrugated cardboard thick. It would appear that the fathers, grand fathers, and great grandfathers of the past smashed their bottles in the brook, and there they remain. I know that it has certainly been a while since 7-Up was sold in thick green glass bottles!<br />
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The third, is "fill." Nowadays we take municipal trash service for granted. They magically come to our door and take away our trash and it passes from our consciousness. It was not always so. We run across this here at the lodge. When we first occupied the lodge we would go out after a summer rain storm to harvest the glass that had been exposed and floated up to the surface. Folks used to bury what they couldn't burn when disposing of trash. If you wanted to fill in a hole or level an area, you would use your "fill." After keeping at this for years we don't see much of anything after rains. (We did exhume some intact complete glass ware over the years! One tea cup and one drinking glass which we still use!) The Cascades Brook is another mater.<br />
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You see, the course of the Cascades Brook east of the falls is a straight line with a bank on each side. This is NOT the natural path of the brook. This was dug, and the banks were built to direct the flow. In fact, south of the mini falls at Cascading Waters the brook has taken back over again and is beginning to meander on its own. But, back to those banks. Those banks are disturbed land and seem to include "fill." While there isn't a lot, there does appear to be some older glass in this material as well.<br />
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So...<br />
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With the new glass slowing down, and the brook dry, it is a perfect time to hop in and make real progress in turning the tide on the glass. 6 quart containers were filled over the coarse of yesterday afternoon. Then, due to some hikers, my attention was turned to the trail, where there was a small amount present, which led me up to the base of the falls and the southern edge of the bridge in particular. Another 2 quart containers were collected on this run. It is a lot of glass, and probably more than 8 qts. as I over-filled each container substantially, but there has been a lot of history here, and there has been past abuse.<br />
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This is one of those tasks where you settle in, keep at it, and turn the tide, and restore things to where they should be. Yesterday was another step in that process, and over the years we have done this activity from time to time when the brook is dry enough to permit it. It had been better, it is better, and it will continue to be better. Patience and persistence yield progress.<br />
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National Weather Service Bulletin: <br />
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<pre>THERE IS A MODERATE PROBABILITY FOR SCATTERED STRONG TO SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS. IN ADDITION TO HEAVY RAIN AND LIGHTNING...THERE IS
POTENTIAL FOR LARGE HAIL AND STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS. CANNOT
RULE OUT A POSSIBLE TORNADO. URBAN AND POOR-DRAINING FLOODING IS
ALSO A CONCERN. THREATS BEGIN THIS MORNING...AND CONTINUE INTO
THE EVENING HOURS.</pre>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Trailhead Conditions at 8:30 a.m. at Cascading Waters (elev. 630'):</span><br />
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Temperature is 72 degrees and steady;<br />
Humidity is 86% and steady;<br />
Pressure is 29.74" of Hg and steady;<br />
Wind is stirring but not registering;<br />
The sky is clear with sun;<br />
The Cascades are dry;<br />
The Cascades Brook is dry;<br />
The USFS Fire Danger Class is <span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: white;"><b>MODERATE</b></span></span>.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">National Weather Service Forecast:</span><br />
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A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm.<br />
Some storms could be severe, with hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning.<br />
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.<br />
Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.<br />
Chance of precipitation is 40%.<br />
New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Caretaker at the GWLT Lodgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15920281600612830859noreply@blogger.com0