If you came by earlier today, you may have found cones up, blocking off the driveway. This afternoon, the backhoe was dropped off, and they'll be starting the work regrading the driveway tomorrow. Thus we ask that if you come by to hike tomorrow, please do not use the parking area at the Lodge: please park on Cataract, or down the street at the other end of the Cascades trail.
Many thanks! And enjoy tomorrow's fine weather!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Clark University is Here!
We have some Clark University students here this morning, doing some trail and sign work on the Cascades parkland. We're getting some new posts worked on, replacing some repainted signs, and putting up some new ones. Thanks to Clark University for their great volunteers!
It is a LOVELY day to be out and about; get outside!
At noon, it is 56.8 degrees and still rising.
35% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 29.47 inches of mercury and steady under blue, sunny skies.
If you do get out on the trails this weekend, we would always appreciate a report of anything you find!
(Apologies, as an earlier post misidentified the volunteers on account of the bright purple t-shirts they wore.)
It is a LOVELY day to be out and about; get outside!
At noon, it is 56.8 degrees and still rising.
35% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 29.47 inches of mercury and steady under blue, sunny skies.
If you do get out on the trails this weekend, we would always appreciate a report of anything you find!
(Apologies, as an earlier post misidentified the volunteers on account of the bright purple t-shirts they wore.)
Friday, April 08, 2011
Bright
Bright and sunny out this morning!
At nine-thirty, it is 43 degrees and rising (even as I watch!).
42% humidity and steady
29.62 inches of mercury and steady
We've got some college students coming in to do a work project tomorrow, so don't be surprised if you run into workers out on the Cascades trails this weekend!
At nine-thirty, it is 43 degrees and rising (even as I watch!).
42% humidity and steady
29.62 inches of mercury and steady
We've got some college students coming in to do a work project tomorrow, so don't be surprised if you run into workers out on the Cascades trails this weekend!
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Warmer!
We have daffodils working their way up through the leaves down by the sign, and a high of the mid-fifties is forecasted today!
If you've got a hankering to do some outside work, come by: we're out doing work on signs until 11:30 today.
At nine am, it is 38.7 degrees and rising under sunny skies.
52% humidity
The barometer is at 29.44 inches of mercury and steady.
The stream is 5.6 inches and burbling merrily along.
If you've got a hankering to do some outside work, come by: we're out doing work on signs until 11:30 today.
At nine am, it is 38.7 degrees and rising under sunny skies.
52% humidity
The barometer is at 29.44 inches of mercury and steady.
The stream is 5.6 inches and burbling merrily along.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunny and cold
('though, come to think of it, we've really got to pull down that snowy sign logo)
At 8 am, it is 31.1 degrees and rising
63% humidity and steady
29.44 inches of mercury and steady
We have no rain, no wind, and sunny clear skies.
The brook is at 5.6 inches
At 8 am, it is 31.1 degrees and rising
63% humidity and steady
29.44 inches of mercury and steady
We have no rain, no wind, and sunny clear skies.
The brook is at 5.6 inches
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 07, 2011
afternoon melting update
We've got a bit less water around now, and what we have is back in where it should be. Most notably, the DPW came and cleared out the culvert above the house, so we no longer have water running down the driveway. The driveway is now passable by foot, if not by car.
There is no longer water running under the house.
There is LOTS of water running down the hill and down the stream. The Cascades are roaring (you can hear them in the house), and again, if you haven't seen them running, come by!
Over the course of today, we saw rain, sun, snow, and some freezing wind. Must be March!
There is no longer water running under the house.
There is LOTS of water running down the hill and down the stream. The Cascades are roaring (you can hear them in the house), and again, if you haven't seen them running, come by!
Over the course of today, we saw rain, sun, snow, and some freezing wind. Must be March!
SPRING MELT!
Spring melt is HERE!
The Cascades are ROARING, and there's so much water we can't get to the stream measurement. The three stream beds have merged, and there's water all over the place (including rapidly washing out the driveway, which we're working on, and the parking area, so don't park there with anything short!). We've also got a stream under the house.
If you've never seen the Cascades in full spate, today's the day! We'll try to get some photos up over the course of the day.
At 7:30, it is 48.6 degrees and steady.
98% humidity and steady: raining.
28.79 inches of mercury and falling
The Cascades are ROARING, and there's so much water we can't get to the stream measurement. The three stream beds have merged, and there's water all over the place (including rapidly washing out the driveway, which we're working on, and the parking area, so don't park there with anything short!). We've also got a stream under the house.
If you've never seen the Cascades in full spate, today's the day! We'll try to get some photos up over the course of the day.
At 7:30, it is 48.6 degrees and steady.
98% humidity and steady: raining.
28.79 inches of mercury and falling
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Warmer?
We've got sun and a breeze today, so that should keep those snow piles shrinking!
At 9:30 am, it is 39.2 degrees and rising.
Humidity is at 53% and steady.
The barometer is 29.29 inches of mercury and steady.
The stream is running steadily through the snowbanks, and you can catch glimpses of fast-moving water coming down the Cascades under the snow.
For those of you looking for a way to help out the Trust (but maybe not outside), know that the volunteers are mustering tomorrow at noon at the GWLT offices at 101 Water Street, 4th floor. We've got a mailing to put together. If you're coming, please RSVP (so there's enough lunch!).
At 9:30 am, it is 39.2 degrees and rising.
Humidity is at 53% and steady.
The barometer is 29.29 inches of mercury and steady.
The stream is running steadily through the snowbanks, and you can catch glimpses of fast-moving water coming down the Cascades under the snow.
For those of you looking for a way to help out the Trust (but maybe not outside), know that the volunteers are mustering tomorrow at noon at the GWLT offices at 101 Water Street, 4th floor. We've got a mailing to put together. If you're coming, please RSVP (so there's enough lunch!).
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
We have WATER!
This is not the spring melt.
It has, however, been warm enough for several days to mean that WE HAVE A STREAM again! The Cascades are running under, through, and around the snow. As the next few days don't look to get cold enough to refreeze it all, expect more water to be coming down the hill soon.
In other good news, a skunk ran across the road in front of my car late last night. As skunks are winter sleepers, but wake up in early spring to find a mate, hang on: spring is coming!
At noon it is sunny and 39 degrees, with 39% humidity, and the barometer steady at 29.5 inches of mercury.
It has, however, been warm enough for several days to mean that WE HAVE A STREAM again! The Cascades are running under, through, and around the snow. As the next few days don't look to get cold enough to refreeze it all, expect more water to be coming down the hill soon.
In other good news, a skunk ran across the road in front of my car late last night. As skunks are winter sleepers, but wake up in early spring to find a mate, hang on: spring is coming!
At noon it is sunny and 39 degrees, with 39% humidity, and the barometer steady at 29.5 inches of mercury.
Monday, February 14, 2011
MELTING!
The flashing snowflake, signifying "freeze," is NOT on our display today. It is 43.3 degrees at 9 am, and it is RISING!
The barometer is falling (at 28.79 presently).
It's 52% humidity and steady.
If this keeps up (as it's supposed to), we'll keep an eye on the Cascades. A few days of this, and we'll be hearing from them!
The barometer is falling (at 28.79 presently).
It's 52% humidity and steady.
If this keeps up (as it's supposed to), we'll keep an eye on the Cascades. A few days of this, and we'll be hearing from them!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Photo invasion
An adult class of photographers from the Worcester Art Museum went out on snowshoes today. They'd come for the Cascades, but as the Cascades are right now a snowy hill, they instead went over to Cook's Pond. They saw some islands, took some photos by the dam, and returned here for cocoa and cookies by the fire.
Should any of the class have photos to share, we'd welcome them here!
Should any of the class have photos to share, we'd welcome them here!
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Monday, February 07, 2011
Thawing?
Just barely edging over freezing here this morning at 8:30: we're showing 32.2 degrees, but RISING.
82% humidity out there, so clearly there's water in the air coming off the snow.
The barometer is at 29.32 and steady. Enjoy it, as the next round of winter weather comes in tonight. The latest forecast I've seen said 2-4 inches this time.
82% humidity out there, so clearly there's water in the air coming off the snow.
The barometer is at 29.32 and steady. Enjoy it, as the next round of winter weather comes in tonight. The latest forecast I've seen said 2-4 inches this time.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Warmer and thus busy
It's warmer today (at (9:30, we're breaking 35 already), and thus we're seeing lots of animals out. We woke up to a flock of robins (no, they don't all go south), the squirrels have been raiding the birdfeeder, and we threw some seed out for the chickadees, nuthatches, and such.
The big excitement of the morning, though, was a spotting of the local piliated woodpecker. Big guy (about the size of a crow) over on the entrance to the Cascades trail!
Expect all this sun to soften up the snow, so it will be tough slogging on the trails.
The big excitement of the morning, though, was a spotting of the local piliated woodpecker. Big guy (about the size of a crow) over on the entrance to the Cascades trail!
Expect all this sun to soften up the snow, so it will be tough slogging on the trails.
Monday, January 31, 2011
There is parking...for now
Sorry, we've been rather swamped with shoveling. Just a quick note to say that as of RIGHT NOW, there are nearly two whole parking spots shoveled out for hikers and snowshoers.
We make no promises for the rest of the week, however!
We make no promises for the rest of the week, however!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
MORE Snow!
10:30 a.m. conditions at the Lodge at Cascading Waters!
MORE Snow!
We will have to get out there and try to find a way to measure the new snowfall without the older snows a bit later.
Presently:
29.38" of Hg pressure and falling (stormy);
18.3 degrees F and rising (still a long way to freezing!);
81% humidity and steady;
snowing and overcast;
no measurable wind registering on the anemometer;
USFS web site is down, but let's just call the Fire Danger "None" for arguments sake!;
The Cascades Brook and Cascades are more or less buried at present.
Hope to trek around a bit later on snow shoes.
MORE Snow!
We will have to get out there and try to find a way to measure the new snowfall without the older snows a bit later.
Presently:
29.38" of Hg pressure and falling (stormy);
18.3 degrees F and rising (still a long way to freezing!);
81% humidity and steady;
snowing and overcast;
no measurable wind registering on the anemometer;
USFS web site is down, but let's just call the Fire Danger "None" for arguments sake!;
The Cascades Brook and Cascades are more or less buried at present.
Hope to trek around a bit later on snow shoes.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Noon update!
We've just shoveled out the end of the driveway. It seems the city is doing its utmost to be sure the road to the water plant is open; it's very busy on Olean Street with plows. As you can see from the sign (above), the road has been cleared a great deal overnight and this morning.
There's about a foot out there now, more in the drifts. We've also had the wind pick up a bit.
At noon, it is 26.2 degrees and rising.
77% humidity and falling
28.61 inches of mercury and falling
Snowing steadily.
There's about a foot out there now, more in the drifts. We've also had the wind pick up a bit.
At noon, it is 26.2 degrees and rising.
77% humidity and falling
28.61 inches of mercury and falling
Snowing steadily.
Snow!
Count this as the storm that actually panned out!
Snow started falling at about midnight here, and we've got about six inches, drifting higher in parts, here at 9:30. Very light fluffy snow.
The brook is still running through the snow.
It is 25.3 degrees and steady
88% humidity and snow falling
0 mph of wind currently, 'though it kicks up now and then
The barometer is now at 28.64 inches and falling, so there's more coming!
Stay safe, and bring out those skis, snowshoes, and sleds!
And Joe, we'll see about getting you a new photo!
Snow started falling at about midnight here, and we've got about six inches, drifting higher in parts, here at 9:30. Very light fluffy snow.
The brook is still running through the snow.
It is 25.3 degrees and steady
88% humidity and snow falling
0 mph of wind currently, 'though it kicks up now and then
The barometer is now at 28.64 inches and falling, so there's more coming!
Stay safe, and bring out those skis, snowshoes, and sleds!
And Joe, we'll see about getting you a new photo!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Belated, but with bonus night readings!
The conditions were dutifully recorded this morning at 8:42 a.m., and then went into my pocket where they spent the day. Alas. Here they are at last:
18.5 degrees F and rising;
68% humidity and falling;
29.53" of Hg and steady;
no precipitation measured;
Occasional light breeze maxing out at 1.5 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger is NONE;
The Cascades are continuing to build up ice!;
The Brook isn't presently measurable due to ice on the gauge;
The sky is full of sun and you would never know a storm system was coming.
Now it is on the flip side, 8:04 p.m., and here is where we are presently at:
26.4 degrees F and steady;
61% humidity and steady;
29.35" of Hg pressure and steady;
still no precipitation;
Light breeze maxing at 2 MPH;
and dark as night!
We await the storm and hope not to be disappointed again!
18.5 degrees F and rising;
68% humidity and falling;
29.53" of Hg and steady;
no precipitation measured;
Occasional light breeze maxing out at 1.5 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger is NONE;
The Cascades are continuing to build up ice!;
The Brook isn't presently measurable due to ice on the gauge;
The sky is full of sun and you would never know a storm system was coming.
Now it is on the flip side, 8:04 p.m., and here is where we are presently at:
26.4 degrees F and steady;
61% humidity and steady;
29.35" of Hg pressure and steady;
still no precipitation;
Light breeze maxing at 2 MPH;
and dark as night!
We await the storm and hope not to be disappointed again!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Busy
Just as I headed out now with a basket of laundry,* the resident red-tailed hawk swooped low over the house. I suspect he's keeping an eye on the birdfeeders.
And a little woodpecker (a downy, I think) cheeped away at me, between banging on a tree, the whole time I was outside.
*for you skeptics out there: yes, it's entirely possible to dry laundry outside when it's (just) 32. The trick is that there's wind.
And a little woodpecker (a downy, I think) cheeped away at me, between banging on a tree, the whole time I was outside.
*for you skeptics out there: yes, it's entirely possible to dry laundry outside when it's (just) 32. The trick is that there's wind.
More Sun!
Conditions at 8:12 a.m.;
Sun in a blue sky with patchy clouds;
20.3 degrees F and rising;
61% humidity and falling;
29.32" of Hg pressure and rising;
no rain registered overnight;
Breezy gusting to 4 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
the brook is flowing but the measuring stick is partly obscured by ice;
the Cascades continue to build up a coat of ice.
Nice day for a hike if you are properly dressed.
The snow makes steep surfaces slippery, have footwear with good traction.
Sun in a blue sky with patchy clouds;
20.3 degrees F and rising;
61% humidity and falling;
29.32" of Hg pressure and rising;
no rain registered overnight;
Breezy gusting to 4 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
the brook is flowing but the measuring stick is partly obscured by ice;
the Cascades continue to build up a coat of ice.
Nice day for a hike if you are properly dressed.
The snow makes steep surfaces slippery, have footwear with good traction.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
After the Snow...Sun!
One of the glorious things about a snow storm is that they are frequently followed by a day of intense sun. In this case no warmth, but definitely sun.
The snowfall added around an inch and a half around the Lodge.
The conditions as of 4:41 p.m. were:
26.4 degrees F and steady;
54% humidity and steady;
29.06" of Hg pressure and rising;
occasional gusts of wind up to 3.5 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger Rating of NONE;
sun setting in a mostly clear sky.
While there are some tracks from hikers and dogs, it is also interesting to see the tracks of squirrels, mice, voles, and birds in the fresh snows. You can't help but be a tracker as you try to interpret what on earth was going on in the glen.
The snowfall added around an inch and a half around the Lodge.
The conditions as of 4:41 p.m. were:
26.4 degrees F and steady;
54% humidity and steady;
29.06" of Hg pressure and rising;
occasional gusts of wind up to 3.5 MPH;
USFS Fire Danger Rating of NONE;
sun setting in a mostly clear sky.
While there are some tracks from hikers and dogs, it is also interesting to see the tracks of squirrels, mice, voles, and birds in the fresh snows. You can't help but be a tracker as you try to interpret what on earth was going on in the glen.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Dusting Overnight
Conditions at the Lodge t 9:35 a.m.
The Cascades Brook is running steady at 4.4";
The Cascades are continuing their icing;
The temperature is 24.4 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is 76% and steady;
The pressure is 28.76" of Hg and steady;
The skies are overcast with very light snowfall;
There is an occasional light breeze but nothing registering as for MPH;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
Snowfall looks to be just over 1" in depth.
The Cascades Brook is running steady at 4.4";
The Cascades are continuing their icing;
The temperature is 24.4 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is 76% and steady;
The pressure is 28.76" of Hg and steady;
The skies are overcast with very light snowfall;
There is an occasional light breeze but nothing registering as for MPH;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
Snowfall looks to be just over 1" in depth.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Changing Weather
Conditions at the Lodge at Cascading Waters as of 8:20 a.m.:
28.85" of Hg pressure and steady (registering signs of stormy weather);
20.5 degrees F and steady;
59% humidity and steady;
The Cascading Brook is running at 4.4" (but the reading is approximate with ice frozen to the meter);
No wind is registering on the anemometer;
No precipitation in the last 24 hours;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
The sky is partly clear with a blanket of high altitude clouds, and the sun is trying to burn its way through, and for the moment looks to be losing;
and the Cascades are icing over with water flowing as well.
The ground is definitely frozen out there!
28.85" of Hg pressure and steady (registering signs of stormy weather);
20.5 degrees F and steady;
59% humidity and steady;
The Cascading Brook is running at 4.4" (but the reading is approximate with ice frozen to the meter);
No wind is registering on the anemometer;
No precipitation in the last 24 hours;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
The sky is partly clear with a blanket of high altitude clouds, and the sun is trying to burn its way through, and for the moment looks to be losing;
and the Cascades are icing over with water flowing as well.
The ground is definitely frozen out there!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Bright, Bright, Sunshiny Day
7:39 a.m. Conditions at the Lodge at Cascading Waters:
22.6 degrees F and steady;
77% humidity and steady;
29.03" of Hg pressure and steady;
4.6" of flow in the Cascades Brook;
The Cascades are running and slowly accreting a sheet of ice;
The USFS Fire Danger is LOW;
The ground, and recent mud, is frozen hard;
No observable or measurable breeze;
No rainfall in the last day;
The sky is clear blue, and the sun is blazing away on the horizon!
Glorious morning!
22.6 degrees F and steady;
77% humidity and steady;
29.03" of Hg pressure and steady;
4.6" of flow in the Cascades Brook;
The Cascades are running and slowly accreting a sheet of ice;
The USFS Fire Danger is LOW;
The ground, and recent mud, is frozen hard;
No observable or measurable breeze;
No rainfall in the last day;
The sky is clear blue, and the sun is blazing away on the horizon!
Glorious morning!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Frozen and Blue
8:10 a.m. conditions at Cascading Waters:
The Cascades are running and ice is re-forming;
The Cascades Brook is down slightly to 5" of flow;
The pressure is at 29.32" of Hg and rising;
The temperature is at 26.1 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is back down to 49% and is steady;
During the observation period the wind was consistently at 2.5 MPH or greater and reached 5.5 MPH;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
The skies are blue with wispy high altitude cloud;
The muddy patches of trail are frozen solid.
Cook's Pond is working hard to refreeze after looking like a series of surface puddles on ice yesterday.
Interesting Note: Saturday wasn't just warm, it was record warm. We tied the previous high of 58 degrees F from 1892!
If properly bundled it is a nice day out there.
The Cascades are running and ice is re-forming;
The Cascades Brook is down slightly to 5" of flow;
The pressure is at 29.32" of Hg and rising;
The temperature is at 26.1 degrees F and steady;
The humidity is back down to 49% and is steady;
During the observation period the wind was consistently at 2.5 MPH or greater and reached 5.5 MPH;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
The skies are blue with wispy high altitude cloud;
The muddy patches of trail are frozen solid.
Cook's Pond is working hard to refreeze after looking like a series of surface puddles on ice yesterday.
Interesting Note: Saturday wasn't just warm, it was record warm. We tied the previous high of 58 degrees F from 1892!
If properly bundled it is a nice day out there.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Grey, Drizzly, Warm
Well, at least it is warm.
1:52 p.m. conditions:
47.5 degrees F and steady;
90% humidity and steady;
29.18" of Hg pressure and falling;
the Cascades Brook is running strong at 5.4" (up considerably even from the over 4" yesterday!);
the air is still with little shifting every so often, o MPH;
the sky is grey but broken into patches of low and high altitude cover;
the USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
somehow the rain never mounted strong enough to register on the rain gauge, there has been mist, fog, and drizzle, but no real rain to tip the gauge.
The Cascades are running, and the ice floe is breaking up with the warmth and the warmer waters.
The trails are all open, but very very wet, and in some spots the soil is very deep and mucky, so waterproof footwear is an absolute must.
1:52 p.m. conditions:
47.5 degrees F and steady;
90% humidity and steady;
29.18" of Hg pressure and falling;
the Cascades Brook is running strong at 5.4" (up considerably even from the over 4" yesterday!);
the air is still with little shifting every so often, o MPH;
the sky is grey but broken into patches of low and high altitude cover;
the USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
somehow the rain never mounted strong enough to register on the rain gauge, there has been mist, fog, and drizzle, but no real rain to tip the gauge.
The Cascades are running, and the ice floe is breaking up with the warmth and the warmer waters.
The trails are all open, but very very wet, and in some spots the soil is very deep and mucky, so waterproof footwear is an absolute must.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Warm!
We hit the mid-fifties here today; we hope you got out to enjoy them!
We're just back from a tramp through the slush: up the Holden trail to the far end of the Cascades trail, up the Cascades trail to the Newton trail, and back down to Cataract Street. It's clear that there's been much traffic out on the trails: everything is slush covered, muddy, and/or downright wet. You'll want the waterproof boots, and if you're heading out tomorrow, expect that all to be crunchy!
The brook is running at 4.5 inches under ice. The Cascades are well worth a trip by; they're frozen, but running underneath.
Enjoy the warmth!
We're just back from a tramp through the slush: up the Holden trail to the far end of the Cascades trail, up the Cascades trail to the Newton trail, and back down to Cataract Street. It's clear that there's been much traffic out on the trails: everything is slush covered, muddy, and/or downright wet. You'll want the waterproof boots, and if you're heading out tomorrow, expect that all to be crunchy!
The brook is running at 4.5 inches under ice. The Cascades are well worth a trip by; they're frozen, but running underneath.
Enjoy the warmth!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sound and Fury
9:45pm check on conditions outside.
It varies from bare ground to 5" depending upon topography.
While the wind makes seriously howling noises the conditions outside while bundled up aren't bad at all.
Lots of sound, not so much fury.... as yet anyways.
It varies from bare ground to 5" depending upon topography.
While the wind makes seriously howling noises the conditions outside while bundled up aren't bad at all.
Lots of sound, not so much fury.... as yet anyways.
BLIZZARD!
Oh Yeah!
BLIZZARD!
Like music to the ears...
So, the fun starts early with the shifting of the sun over its azimuth, and then it just doesn't stop!
2-4" daylight hours,
10-14" overnight,
2-4" tomorrow!
What's that? 14-22"? Oh Yeah!
Presently at 8:40 am we have 29.09" of Hg Pressure and steady;
it is 24 degrees F;
Heavily overcast skies;
an occasional frozen bit bites your lip in the sky as you walk around, but nothing observable;
The Cascades are frozen into a mass of ice;
The Cascades Brook is still flowing in the center of the channel, but the measuring device is in the frozen bank and unreadable;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
And we await the coming snow.
But as I write this flakes begin to fall!
BLIZZARD!
Like music to the ears...
So, the fun starts early with the shifting of the sun over its azimuth, and then it just doesn't stop!
2-4" daylight hours,
10-14" overnight,
2-4" tomorrow!
What's that? 14-22"? Oh Yeah!
Presently at 8:40 am we have 29.09" of Hg Pressure and steady;
it is 24 degrees F;
Heavily overcast skies;
an occasional frozen bit bites your lip in the sky as you walk around, but nothing observable;
The Cascades are frozen into a mass of ice;
The Cascades Brook is still flowing in the center of the channel, but the measuring device is in the frozen bank and unreadable;
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE;
And we await the coming snow.
But as I write this flakes begin to fall!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Blizzard coming!
The National Weather Service has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING!
...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 6 PM EST MONDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TAUNTON HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO 6 PM EST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * LOCATIONS...ALL OF RHODE ISLAND EXCEPT BLOCK ISLAND AND ALL OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS EXCEPT CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS. * HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW AND POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WINDS...WITH CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW AND NEAR ZERO VISIBILITIES. SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WITH SNOW. * ACCUMULATIONS...15 TO 20 INCHES OF SNOW. * TIMING...LIGHT SNOW WILL START IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON AND BECOME HEAVY BY EVENING. VERY HEAVY SNOW WILL FALL THROUGHOUT SUNDAY NIGHT WITH UP TO 2 TO 4 INCHES PER HOUR LIKELY AT TIMES. THE SNOW WILL TAPER TO FLURRIES EARLY MONDAY AFTERNOON. WINDS WILL PEAK FROM LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MUCH OF MONDAY. * IMPACTS...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL DEVELOP BY SUNDAY EVENING. STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH THE SNOW TO CREATE BLINDING CONDITIONS WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY AT TIMES SUNDAY NIGHT. WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES ARE EXPECTED DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM SUNDAY NIGHT FROM BOTH THE STRONG WINDS KNOCKING DOWN POWER LINES AND THE WEIGHT OF THE HEAVY SNOW. SHOVELING SHOULD NOT BE DONE BY ANYONE WITH HEART CONDITIONS. * WINDS...NORTHEAST TO NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS AS HIGH 50 TO 60 MPH ESPECIALLY ALONG COASTAL RHODE ISLAND AND COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS FROM LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MUCH OF MONDAY.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
SNOW!
At long last, a blanket of snow!
Sure, it is more like a half an inch, but it is snow and it is covering the ground, and with that Winter is truly here!
As of 9:07 a.m. the conditions are:
31 degrees;
28.79" of Hg pressure and steady;
USFS Fire Danger is NONE;
The Cascades are a frozen ice floe;
The Cascades Brook is still running with the banks and obstructions coated in ice;
and everything is finally coated in snow!
Also, due to your concerns, faithful Cascades folk, we have sent along a note to the Cook's Pond Association about the severely depressed pond level and the full throat-ed flow out of the dam.
Also, following up on a tip/complaint by some hikers yesterday morning we requested and received a police visit for some extremely dubious activity at the base of the Cascades. Rest assured, descriptions were taken, plates were copied and the car that scooted off had a cruiser following behind. Thanks for the assist in keeping the area in good shape and uninviting to mischief! We can't do it without you!
Sure, it is more like a half an inch, but it is snow and it is covering the ground, and with that Winter is truly here!
As of 9:07 a.m. the conditions are:
31 degrees;
28.79" of Hg pressure and steady;
USFS Fire Danger is NONE;
The Cascades are a frozen ice floe;
The Cascades Brook is still running with the banks and obstructions coated in ice;
and everything is finally coated in snow!
Also, due to your concerns, faithful Cascades folk, we have sent along a note to the Cook's Pond Association about the severely depressed pond level and the full throat-ed flow out of the dam.
Also, following up on a tip/complaint by some hikers yesterday morning we requested and received a police visit for some extremely dubious activity at the base of the Cascades. Rest assured, descriptions were taken, plates were copied and the car that scooted off had a cruiser following behind. Thanks for the assist in keeping the area in good shape and uninviting to mischief! We can't do it without you!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Cascades West makes the Globe!
Globe Mini Article
Well, Cascades West made the big time kids!
The Globe piece by Aaron Kagan is a brief vignette on the amphitheater at Cascades West.
It would also appear that GWLT folk are "Park Officials." Sounds pretty heavy!
Thanks for the piece to Aaron and the Globe!
Well, Cascades West made the big time kids!
The Globe piece by Aaron Kagan is a brief vignette on the amphitheater at Cascades West.
It would also appear that GWLT folk are "Park Officials." Sounds pretty heavy!
Thanks for the piece to Aaron and the Globe!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Brisk!
7:37 am
Blue skies, with a breeze that gusts,
24 degrees F,
28.88" of Hg pressure and rising,
The USFS Fire Danger Class is Moderate,
The Cascades Brook is at 3.8" of flow with some ice buildup on the edges.
In addition to all of this, the pile of construction debris in front of the Lodge was whisked away, and that puts things back in order after all the previous excitement.
For hikers out there, the ground is frozen HARD this morning and you can feel it when you walk. The bright sunshine and clear skies make up substantially for the cold and as long as you are well dressed and keep moving it is pleasant.
Blue skies, with a breeze that gusts,
24 degrees F,
28.88" of Hg pressure and rising,
The USFS Fire Danger Class is Moderate,
The Cascades Brook is at 3.8" of flow with some ice buildup on the edges.
In addition to all of this, the pile of construction debris in front of the Lodge was whisked away, and that puts things back in order after all the previous excitement.
For hikers out there, the ground is frozen HARD this morning and you can feel it when you walk. The bright sunshine and clear skies make up substantially for the cold and as long as you are well dressed and keep moving it is pleasant.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Warm/Sunny!
Don't believe your thermometer!
34 degrees F
28.91 pressure
4.40 inches
Your thermometer may say something low, but the sun makes up for it!! Great day for a hike! There is a gentle breeze.
USFS Fire Danger is none.
34 degrees F
28.91 pressure
4.40 inches
Your thermometer may say something low, but the sun makes up for it!! Great day for a hike! There is a gentle breeze.
USFS Fire Danger is none.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Bright Sunshine!
8:45 a.m.
Bright Sunshine!
The Cascades Brook is at 4.4" of flow (no icing as yet),
The skies are clear and blue and cloudless,
The temperature is 33 degrees F and rising,
No precipitation, though there was a frost and fun frost structures in the dirt and mud this morning,
It is very nearly breeze-less,
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
The weather is beautiful, especially for late fall/early winter. Soak it in.
There is much commotion to our south as the subdivision gets its lollipop cul de sac paved today. The street is reduced in width with parked vehicles for the job site, many trucks are coming and going, and there is no officer to direct traffic so be careful out there.
Spoke again with the DPW Customer Service folks about the illegal trash that appeared in early October, and was formally reported on October 12th. The trash wasn't examined for evidence, and the illegal dumping wasn't removed, yet somehow the file got closed out as having been finished. Well, we get a new confirmation number, an apology, and we hope for the best. The only dark positive in all of this is that the illegal dumper doesn't add new dumping until the old stuff is removed so we haven't had any new problems, just longstanding ones.
Also we pause today to remember Jeff Barnard of Wormtowntaxi who died yesterday. God bless Jeff.
Bright Sunshine!
The Cascades Brook is at 4.4" of flow (no icing as yet),
The skies are clear and blue and cloudless,
The temperature is 33 degrees F and rising,
No precipitation, though there was a frost and fun frost structures in the dirt and mud this morning,
It is very nearly breeze-less,
The USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
The weather is beautiful, especially for late fall/early winter. Soak it in.
There is much commotion to our south as the subdivision gets its lollipop cul de sac paved today. The street is reduced in width with parked vehicles for the job site, many trucks are coming and going, and there is no officer to direct traffic so be careful out there.
Spoke again with the DPW Customer Service folks about the illegal trash that appeared in early October, and was formally reported on October 12th. The trash wasn't examined for evidence, and the illegal dumping wasn't removed, yet somehow the file got closed out as having been finished. Well, we get a new confirmation number, an apology, and we hope for the best. The only dark positive in all of this is that the illegal dumper doesn't add new dumping until the old stuff is removed so we haven't had any new problems, just longstanding ones.
Also we pause today to remember Jeff Barnard of Wormtowntaxi who died yesterday. God bless Jeff.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sun, Wind, Little Warmth
Today saw sun!
There was a fair breeze for most of the day.
There wasn't, however, much warmth. It hovered around 40 degrees F for a lot of the day.
The Cascades Brook had previously been measuring 4.4" of flow, but probably was just a little lower.
There was some activity down here at Cascading Waters as we took down, brushed down, folded, and packed away the tent for the season.
Hikers, and a dog walker or two, passed through from time to time.
We are getting close to the first snow of the season and we are making every effort to be ready for when it comes. Remember, it is November 24th, and we have yet to have any snow of consequence. It will come. Soon.
There was a fair breeze for most of the day.
There wasn't, however, much warmth. It hovered around 40 degrees F for a lot of the day.
The Cascades Brook had previously been measuring 4.4" of flow, but probably was just a little lower.
There was some activity down here at Cascading Waters as we took down, brushed down, folded, and packed away the tent for the season.
Hikers, and a dog walker or two, passed through from time to time.
We are getting close to the first snow of the season and we are making every effort to be ready for when it comes. Remember, it is November 24th, and we have yet to have any snow of consequence. It will come. Soon.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunny and cold (to start anyway)
8:20 a.m.
The Cascades Brook is at 4.6",
It is all blue skies and cloudless sky,
There is a light breeze,
The temperature is 37.5 degrees F.
It simply could not be a more wonderful start to a November Friday!
Fabulous work was done yesterday hewing logs, cutting notches in beams, and poly-urethaning signs here at the Lodge. It too was a simply wonderful November day to be outside!
The Cascades Brook is at 4.6",
It is all blue skies and cloudless sky,
There is a light breeze,
The temperature is 37.5 degrees F.
It simply could not be a more wonderful start to a November Friday!
Fabulous work was done yesterday hewing logs, cutting notches in beams, and poly-urethaning signs here at the Lodge. It too was a simply wonderful November day to be outside!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Remember: it could be snow
It's not that unusual to have snow by the middle of November, so if you're not enjoying all this rain, remember: it could be snow.
The stream is up to 6.6 inches. While the Cascades aren't roaring, they are running fast. Expect the trails to be muddy at this point: the ground is fairly saturated, and it just can't soak in much more. And wet leaves are slippery!
At 9 am, it is 52 degrees and rising under gray skies.
The barometer is at 28.73 and falling.
The stream is up to 6.6 inches. While the Cascades aren't roaring, they are running fast. Expect the trails to be muddy at this point: the ground is fairly saturated, and it just can't soak in much more. And wet leaves are slippery!
At 9 am, it is 52 degrees and rising under gray skies.
The barometer is at 28.73 and falling.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Overcast, and Damp
7:30 a.m.
Well folks,
Here at the base of the Cascades we have:
Overcast skies,
No wind or breeze,
Occasionally spitting light rain,
no recordable rain amounts though,
44 degrees F,
with the Cascades Brook is at 4.2" (which is notable after a very dry summer and fall),
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
Well folks,
Here at the base of the Cascades we have:
Overcast skies,
No wind or breeze,
Occasionally spitting light rain,
no recordable rain amounts though,
44 degrees F,
with the Cascades Brook is at 4.2" (which is notable after a very dry summer and fall),
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
Monday, November 08, 2010
SNOW!
Yes, we did indeed get some; it's sticking still in places under cover and under the trees. This wasn't your usual late fall dusting, either: this was some serious stuff. We also got some sleet last night, which was pretty noisy, and now it's switched entirely to rain. At 8:45 am, it is 38 degrees, so that will be it for exciting precipitation for today.
All of this, however, has the stream back up to a solid five inches (once you pull all the leaves away from the stream gauge). The Cascades are running!
All of which makes this afternoon's trail clearing work at God's Acre more urgent: WINTER IS COMING! If you can join us from 3-5pm today, we're meeting at Logan Field (yes, that means we've made progress). Loppers and bow saws welcome!
All of this, however, has the stream back up to a solid five inches (once you pull all the leaves away from the stream gauge). The Cascades are running!
All of which makes this afternoon's trail clearing work at God's Acre more urgent: WINTER IS COMING! If you can join us from 3-5pm today, we're meeting at Logan Field (yes, that means we've made progress). Loppers and bow saws welcome!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sign and Timber Work Thursday
It is time again for Sign and Timber Work at Cascading Waters! (135 Olean Street)
Plenty of logs to hew! Come try the adz and see how GWLT signs are made!
Join us for a bit or stay the whole time.
This Thursday, October 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hope to see you there!
Plenty of logs to hew! Come try the adz and see how GWLT signs are made!
Join us for a bit or stay the whole time.
This Thursday, October 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hope to see you there!
Brisk
The weather is definitely heading toward winter this morning!
At nine am, it is just 44 degrees and rising.
Sunny skies.
The barometer is 29.15 and steady.
The stream is running at 3.2 inches (and COLD, speaking as one who cleared leaves away from the stream gauge!).
(And I hope you've all noticed that we updated the title for fall, as well!)
At nine am, it is just 44 degrees and rising.
Sunny skies.
The barometer is 29.15 and steady.
The stream is running at 3.2 inches (and COLD, speaking as one who cleared leaves away from the stream gauge!).
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Nor'easter!
We're having some rather changeable weather here as part of this nor'easter (for example, right this second, it is sunny outside). Rain is forecast for much of the day today.
Since midnight last night, we've gotten 0.98 inches of rain (with 0.08 inches yesterday). We'll be up over an inch before this is over.
(It could be worse...it could be 10 inches of snow!)
As of 9 am, the stream is running at 4.6 inches of water; the Cascades are running today!
It is 42 degrees and steady (and chilly).
We're showing 6.5 mph of wind currently (which is a LOT of wind for this valley!).
Since midnight last night, we've gotten 0.98 inches of rain (with 0.08 inches yesterday). We'll be up over an inch before this is over.
(It could be worse...it could be 10 inches of snow!)
As of 9 am, the stream is running at 4.6 inches of water; the Cascades are running today!
It is 42 degrees and steady (and chilly).
We're showing 6.5 mph of wind currently (which is a LOT of wind for this valley!).
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Even wetter
Since midnight, we've gotten 0.35 inches of rain. That's on top of 0.04 inches yesterday, 0.08 inches the day before...should I continue? The stream is up to 3.6 inches and rising this morning, and I'm sure we'll see more water coming over the Cascades as this goes on.
At 10 am, it is 56 degrees and rising.
We're seeing some wind here: 1 mph now
We did have an intrepid father/daughter hiker set go through about 8:30, but otherwise, the trails are deserted.
As we're expecting clear weather tomorrow at 8:30 here at Cascading Waters, we'll be doing another round of sign and timber work. We'll be at it until 11:30, if you'd like to get some lumbering in!
At 10 am, it is 56 degrees and rising.
We're seeing some wind here: 1 mph now
We did have an intrepid father/daughter hiker set go through about 8:30, but otherwise, the trails are deserted.
As we're expecting clear weather tomorrow at 8:30 here at Cascading Waters, we'll be doing another round of sign and timber work. We'll be at it until 11:30, if you'd like to get some lumbering in!
Monday, October 04, 2010
More rain
We had more rain come in overnight. Added to that from the end of last week--we recorded 2.4 inches on Friday alone--we may well have a stream here for awhile. Fall generally is the rainy season in New England, and last week and this appear to be bearing that out.
We just managed at noon to struggle above 50 degrees--we're now hitting 54 at 2 pm--so it is chilly!
The barometer is at 29.38 inches and steady.
Cloudy (though not currently raining) skies
Needless to say, all the rain has knocked down leaves. We've got plenty of beech and hickory leaves down here. The maples are just starting to turn.
We just managed at noon to struggle above 50 degrees--we're now hitting 54 at 2 pm--so it is chilly!
The barometer is at 29.38 inches and steady.
Cloudy (though not currently raining) skies
Needless to say, all the rain has knocked down leaves. We've got plenty of beech and hickory leaves down here. The maples are just starting to turn.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Clear!
We've got a sparkling fall day out there this morning! The remnants of Nicole have left us with a bit of a Cascades and stream, wet trails, and lots of leaves down. But it's clear and going to remain so.
At 9:30 am, it is 56 degrees and rising (but slowly).
The barometer is 29.12 and rising.
Light (not measurable) wind here under the cliff.
At 9:30 am, it is 56 degrees and rising (but slowly).
The barometer is 29.12 and rising.
Light (not measurable) wind here under the cliff.
Friday, October 01, 2010
We have a STREAM AGAIN!
Although at 10 this morning, it was nothing but a rock channel you could walk without getting your shoes wet, by 12:30, we had 4.6 inches and RISING of water rushing downstream. The Cascades are BACK! (not impressive yet, but they're running!)
As a reminder: if you live nearly a storm drain, do us all a favor and got out with a rake and get the leaves off it. Olean Street had nearly as much water in it as the brook did before I cleared ours off. You'll get a bit wet, but you'll feel like a contributing citizen, so it's a good trade.
There continues to be a flood watch in effect.
In addition to all the WATER, it's 66 degrees. That's a drop-off from this morning, when it was in the mid-70's.
The barometer stands at 28.82 and steady ('though it's a drop from yesterday).
The National Weather Service is still saying that it will all be out of here by late tonight, and we should be in for a nice, clear weekend!
As a reminder: if you live nearly a storm drain, do us all a favor and got out with a rake and get the leaves off it. Olean Street had nearly as much water in it as the brook did before I cleared ours off. You'll get a bit wet, but you'll feel like a contributing citizen, so it's a good trade.
There continues to be a flood watch in effect.
In addition to all the WATER, it's 66 degrees. That's a drop-off from this morning, when it was in the mid-70's.
The barometer stands at 28.82 and steady ('though it's a drop from yesterday).
The National Weather Service is still saying that it will all be out of here by late tonight, and we should be in for a nice, clear weekend!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Nancy
We're getting the edges of what I believe has been downgraded to a tropical depression (still named Nancy). Gusts of up to 30 mph, periodic rain.
It's hovering right around 70 degrees
The barometer's at 29.29 and steady
While here under the cliff the wind is less (we're going up to 4 or 5 mph per gust), it's a lot of wind for where we are. If you're near a storm drain, pull out the leaves, as there's a flood watch in effect and those won't help!
It's hovering right around 70 degrees
The barometer's at 29.29 and steady
While here under the cliff the wind is less (we're going up to 4 or 5 mph per gust), it's a lot of wind for where we are. If you're near a storm drain, pull out the leaves, as there's a flood watch in effect and those won't help!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
MOOSE!
Oh Yeah!
Report in from another neighbor this morning down by Benjamin Rd. in West Tatnuck near Olean and 122. Moose!
"the size of a couch" "galloping through the yard"
Apparently the police have been getting reports of our visitor.
Keep an eye out folks!
Report in from another neighbor this morning down by Benjamin Rd. in West Tatnuck near Olean and 122. Moose!
"the size of a couch" "galloping through the yard"
Apparently the police have been getting reports of our visitor.
Keep an eye out folks!
Friday, September 24, 2010
still deciding
It looks like it's still deciding what type of day it's going to be today. We had some low-lying fog down by the pond this morning. That's broken up, but the skies remain overcast. No forecast for rain, and it's warmer than you'd think from a glance outside.
At 9 am, it's 66 degrees and rising.
The barometer is steady at 29.32 inches.
We've got 3 mph of wind right now.
We're hoping that the skies do clear, and that many of you can join us for a Friday noon Asian Longhorned Beetle hunt at God's Acre. We'll meet off of Swan Ave for a short training, and then send you off with binoculars (bring 'em if you have them!).
At 9 am, it's 66 degrees and rising.
The barometer is steady at 29.32 inches.
We've got 3 mph of wind right now.
We're hoping that the skies do clear, and that many of you can join us for a Friday noon Asian Longhorned Beetle hunt at God's Acre. We'll meet off of Swan Ave for a short training, and then send you off with binoculars (bring 'em if you have them!).
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Outing club reporting in
Turns out one of the bloggers over on Clark Diaries went on the Outing Club trip to Cascades. Excellent!
Work project day!
To all of you who wielded a bark spud on Sunday, now all those logs need shaping! If anyone is free this morning and would really like another whack at the adz(e), come on by! We'll be working on logs all morning.
At 9 am, it is just hitting 60 degrees
A bit overcast and cloudy
The barometer is at 29.44 inches of mercury
We got a report from a neighbor that two foxes had cornered an opossum earlier this week in his backyard. He didn't stick around to see how that worked out, but we're guessing not in the opossum's favor.
At 9 am, it is just hitting 60 degrees
A bit overcast and cloudy
The barometer is at 29.44 inches of mercury
We got a report from a neighbor that two foxes had cornered an opossum earlier this week in his backyard. He didn't stick around to see how that worked out, but we're guessing not in the opossum's favor.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Good Neighbors!
Up here in the Cascades and in West Tatnuck we have really great neighbors.
There was an illicit, non-sanctioned, encampment on Cascades West, so we went out there and as it was unoccupied we disassembled it and removed it.
Today there was an unusually large number of cars parked at the Cascades East entrance and our good neighbors to the north called us to flag it. Turns out it was Worcester State University Professor Bill Hanson and his students on a field data collection exercise and all was well.
It is impossible to keep an eye on all of the hundreds of acres up here without help, and thankfully the hikers and the neighbors keep an eye out and let us know when something seems askew.
To all y'all out there walking, hiking, strolling, moseying, and watching, thanks for caring and for making this conservation land your own.
There was an illicit, non-sanctioned, encampment on Cascades West, so we went out there and as it was unoccupied we disassembled it and removed it.
Today there was an unusually large number of cars parked at the Cascades East entrance and our good neighbors to the north called us to flag it. Turns out it was Worcester State University Professor Bill Hanson and his students on a field data collection exercise and all was well.
It is impossible to keep an eye on all of the hundreds of acres up here without help, and thankfully the hikers and the neighbors keep an eye out and let us know when something seems askew.
To all y'all out there walking, hiking, strolling, moseying, and watching, thanks for caring and for making this conservation land your own.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Chilly
Today feels like fall. As fall actually starts tomorrow, I suppose that's seasonable!
(The autumnal equinox, for those of you keeping track, is tomorrow at 11:09 pm EDT.)
At 9 am, it is 56 degrees and rising (slowly).
The barometer is at 29.44 and steady.
Clear blue skies again this morning.
Still no water in the stream bed (and with the forecast, it's going to be some time before we see any).
(The autumnal equinox, for those of you keeping track, is tomorrow at 11:09 pm EDT.)
At 9 am, it is 56 degrees and rising (slowly).
The barometer is at 29.44 and steady.
Clear blue skies again this morning.
Still no water in the stream bed (and with the forecast, it's going to be some time before we see any).
Monday, September 20, 2010
Nice one
We hope all of you who were using the bark spud and the adz aren't feeling it too much today. We wrangled the logs (a bit lighter!) back here to the Lodge last night (thanks, Roger! We couldn't do it without you!), and they're awaiting some more adz work before we set to with mallet and chisel. Thanks for the help!
This morning it's 58 degrees and rising at 9 am.
Sunny blues skies
29.18 inches of mercury and steady
The brook is dry
The fire danger remains LOW
This morning it's 58 degrees and rising at 9 am.
Sunny blues skies
29.18 inches of mercury and steady
The brook is dry
The fire danger remains LOW
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Join us at stART!
If you're looking for the Greater Worcester Land Trust on this beautiful Sunday, you'll find us close to the intersection of Elm and Park under the trees of Elm Park at stART on the Street. Come work on log hewing and timber framing some new property signs!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Incoming!
It's only overcast now, but look what's headed our way.
(And yes, that is a tornado watch down by Wilkes Barre!)
(And yes, that is a tornado watch down by Wilkes Barre!)
Sunday, September 05, 2010
You'd never know this was Worcester
We've got vanloads of Clark University students coming through today. The Outing Club is running their annual hike in the Cascades (my subtitle: "You'd never know you were in Worcester!"). We've thus spent the morning running off maps and baking cookies (oatmeal raisin chocolate chip, a hiker specialty). The third group, each of 15 or more, is just out getting acquainted with the area now.
At 2pm, it is 68 degrees and sunny
We've got about 1 mph of wind, 'though it's been up to 3 this morning.
The barometer is at 29.75 inches and steady
We didn't get enough rain to get the stream back, but we're sure it's coming.
And take it from the Clark students: it's a great day for a hike!
At 2pm, it is 68 degrees and sunny
We've got about 1 mph of wind, 'though it's been up to 3 this morning.
The barometer is at 29.75 inches and steady
We didn't get enough rain to get the stream back, but we're sure it's coming.
And take it from the Clark students: it's a great day for a hike!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Battening down the hatches
Even without incoming Earl, it's cooler and less humid this morning.
At 10 am, it is 78 degrees
Humidity is about 60%
The barometer (which should be rather dramatic later today) is at 29.12 inches and steady.
The fire danger is LOW.
No water in the stream, but we're hopeful the falls will be back a bit this weekend.
At 10 am, it is 78 degrees
Humidity is about 60%
The barometer (which should be rather dramatic later today) is at 29.12 inches and steady.
The fire danger is LOW.
No water in the stream, but we're hopeful the falls will be back a bit this weekend.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Woodland Asters in bloom
Prior to the rain, we were a bit concerned about the woodland asters all over the property. They were drooping badly.
Well, the rain of the last week was plenty, and by a few days in, they'd not only perked up, they were blooming.
Well, the rain of the last week was plenty, and by a few days in, they'd not only perked up, they were blooming.
Hot
And just in time for the kids to go back to school, lo and behold, a heat wave!
At 12 noon, it is 84 degrees (much cooler here than elsewhere!)
Humidity is about 70%
Barometer is at 29.25 and steady
At 12 noon, it is 84 degrees (much cooler here than elsewhere!)
Humidity is about 70%
Barometer is at 29.25 and steady
Monday, August 30, 2010
Fox on Goddard Memorial Drive
This was an honest-to-goodness Jeff Barnard Wormtown Fleet moment. Heading up and over Airport Hill from Main Street to Tatnuck Square, what do I see on the side of the road but this guy? A young fox, just standing there, staring into the weeds by the side of the road! A closer look (after I took this, I pulled around the median again to to get a closer look, but he ran off before I got a closer photo) revealed that his eyes were all squinted up, as if he wasn't well somehow. I don't think he was rabid--he was together enough to run from the car--but he was a bit dazed.
Anyway, Jeff, you may have forgotten your camera today, but I didn't!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hiker Help Please!
Hello Hikers of the Cascades Trail and the Cataract Cart Road.
A couple went through this evening and lost an iphone on the trail and spent more than an hour at dusk trying to find it (even going so far as to scan the ground with flashlights when dusk overtook them.)
If anyone comes across an iphone with a bright pink case please let us know here at the Lodge.
Thanks guys!
A couple went through this evening and lost an iphone on the trail and spent more than an hour at dusk trying to find it (even going so far as to scan the ground with flashlights when dusk overtook them.)
If anyone comes across an iphone with a bright pink case please let us know here at the Lodge.
Thanks guys!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Nice one!
We had PLENTY of rain last night, which has made today quite nice! Here, we had 1.02 inches before midnight and an added 0.12 after. While this hasn't gotten the Cascades going, it did give everything a good drink, which means that the wood asters, which were droopy, have perked up and everything's much fresher. Expect the trails to be damp today.
At 11 am, it is 67.6 degrees and rising.
53% humidity and falling
29.32 inches of mercury and steady
The fire danger remains LOW.
At 11 am, it is 67.6 degrees and rising.
53% humidity and falling
29.32 inches of mercury and steady
The fire danger remains LOW.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Volunteer Thursday!
Every other Thursday morning this summer, we're doing sign work with volunteers here at the Lodge. If you can wield a paintbrush, an adz, a hand saw, we'll find something for you to do. Work goes on here until 11:30 today.
(to the accompanyment of the woodchipper next door...'though I am freshly assured that this will end by noon today!)
At 9:30 it is 71.1 degrees and rising...quite pleasant.
42% humidity and falling
29.18 inches of mercury and steady
We have 1 mph of wind
The streambed is just a trickle (and likely to stay that way, unless the isolated showers for tonight pan out).
Fire danger is LOW ('though it's MODERATE just to our west).
(to the accompanyment of the woodchipper next door...'though I am freshly assured that this will end by noon today!)
At 9:30 it is 71.1 degrees and rising...quite pleasant.
42% humidity and falling
29.18 inches of mercury and steady
We have 1 mph of wind
The streambed is just a trickle (and likely to stay that way, unless the isolated showers for tonight pan out).
Fire danger is LOW ('though it's MODERATE just to our west).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Damp
The 0.4 inches of rain that we got last night all fell after midnight, so it's on today's count. Expect it to be damp on the trails; we're still hearing the drip of water off the trees now.
It's 76.1 degrees and rising at 10 am.
51% humidity and steady
29.21 inches of mercury and steady
O mph of wind
And the rain wasn't enough to bring the stream up above a trickle.
In addition to some family health excitement, the lack of posting has possibly been because it's been hard to hear yourself think here at the Lodge lately. The development next door has made it up the property bound to the house now, and the boundary runs without many trees as a buffer up here. They have cleared right up to the boundline, with chainsaw and excavator and chipper, and it's been loud, to say the least. We also have an impressive pile of woodchips along the boundline, and an unprecedented amount of sun in the backyard.
You can join us for sign work here between 8:30 and 11:30 Thursday morning!
It's 76.1 degrees and rising at 10 am.
51% humidity and steady
29.21 inches of mercury and steady
O mph of wind
And the rain wasn't enough to bring the stream up above a trickle.
In addition to some family health excitement, the lack of posting has possibly been because it's been hard to hear yourself think here at the Lodge lately. The development next door has made it up the property bound to the house now, and the boundary runs without many trees as a buffer up here. They have cleared right up to the boundline, with chainsaw and excavator and chipper, and it's been loud, to say the least. We also have an impressive pile of woodchips along the boundline, and an unprecedented amount of sun in the backyard.
You can join us for sign work here between 8:30 and 11:30 Thursday morning!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Wormtown Taxi
If you follow Worcester blogs, then you surely are aware of Jeff Barnard, aka Mr. Wormtown Taxi. Jeff's been fighting cancer, and he's been in the hospital.
If you'd like to wish Jeff well, you can fill out the form below (set up by Mike), and we'll see that he gets it (and if you're a blogger and you want the html for the form, get in touch and I'll send it to you!).
If you'd like to wish Jeff well, you can fill out the form below (set up by Mike), and we'll see that he gets it (and if you're a blogger and you want the html for the form, get in touch and I'll send it to you!).
Workin'
We've got some workers here today, building more stone wall and working on a platform for firewood. Also, today's weekly work project is TONIGHT at God's Acre. You'll find us at 5:30 off of Swan Ave (find a map here) for a trail blazing project in the Tessaset Hills trail. If you RSVP to Mary (mary@gwlt.org), we'll make sure there's pizza for you.
At 10:30 it is 71.1 degrees and steady.
48% humidity and steady
29.38 inches of mercury and rising
Clear sunny skies
No wind to speak of
The stream continues below measurable levels.
And the development is RIGHT over against the Cascading Waters boundline today (but, mercifully, no banging today).
At 10:30 it is 71.1 degrees and steady.
48% humidity and steady
29.38 inches of mercury and rising
Clear sunny skies
No wind to speak of
The stream continues below measurable levels.
And the development is RIGHT over against the Cascading Waters boundline today (but, mercifully, no banging today).
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Light spinkles clearing to a magnificent day
It was overcast and occasional drizzle fell, but never amounted to much this morning.
Then the skies opened and it has been blue skies, a gentle breeze, and reasonable temps all day long.
Present Conditions 3:50 pm:
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class;
29.12" Hg of pressure and steady;
80.8 degrees F and steady;
30% humidity and steady;
no reading in the Cascades Brook presently;
medium breeze frequently gusting to 3mph;
o.o" of rain yesterday, and nothing recorded for this morning's light rainfall.
We painted property signs and informational signs here at the Lodge this morning as part of a work project.
Thanks to the improved weather everything is drying nicely.
Then the skies opened and it has been blue skies, a gentle breeze, and reasonable temps all day long.
Present Conditions 3:50 pm:
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class;
29.12" Hg of pressure and steady;
80.8 degrees F and steady;
30% humidity and steady;
no reading in the Cascades Brook presently;
medium breeze frequently gusting to 3mph;
o.o" of rain yesterday, and nothing recorded for this morning's light rainfall.
We painted property signs and informational signs here at the Lodge this morning as part of a work project.
Thanks to the improved weather everything is drying nicely.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Afternoon breeze
It has warmed up a bit today, but we still have a steady 1/2 mph of breeze right now, so it is still pleasant.
At 2:30 pm, it is 83.7 degrees and steady
31% humidity and steady
29.26 inches of mercury and steady under clear blue skies
The stream remains below measurable levels.
If you're up for some Land Trust work this week, we have an event for you! Thursday (July 29) morning from 8:30 to 11:30 am, we're having a volunteer event here at Cascading Waters. Park at the parking area by the street and head up the driveway to the shed. Tools will be provided. All are welcome!
At 2:30 pm, it is 83.7 degrees and steady
31% humidity and steady
29.26 inches of mercury and steady under clear blue skies
The stream remains below measurable levels.
If you're up for some Land Trust work this week, we have an event for you! Thursday (July 29) morning from 8:30 to 11:30 am, we're having a volunteer event here at Cascading Waters. Park at the parking area by the street and head up the driveway to the shed. Tools will be provided. All are welcome!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Cooler and clear
Lovely day for a hike out there today! If you're looking for one to join, the Greater Worcester Land Trust will be continuing their Asian longhorned beetle hunt today at the Nick's Woods property. Join them at noon at on Smith Lane, off Holden Street in Worcester. Bring your binoculars!
At 10 am, it is 72.3 degrees and rising.
29.26 inches of mercury and steady under clear blue skies
41% humidity and steady
1 mph of wind
The stream remains below measurable.
At 10 am, it is 72.3 degrees and rising.
29.26 inches of mercury and steady under clear blue skies
41% humidity and steady
1 mph of wind
The stream remains below measurable.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cool, Breezy, Blue-skies Morning
9:02 am conditions:
29.12" Hg and steady for pressure;
68.2 degrees F and rising for temperature;
42% humidity and falling;
0.0" of rain measured yesterday (and 0.04" measured for Saturday);
No reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
There is a gentle breeze persistently, and it stiffens to 3.0 mph from time to time;
MODERATE is the USFS Fire Danger Class for today.
It is interesting to watch the tree tops some 70 plus feet up swaying and for there to be nothing more than a gentle breeze down on the forest floor. I am sure that this is a combination of the shelter provided by the steep Cascades to our west and the trees and their leaves all around us.
It is quite amazing out there right now for pleasant weather!
A Dynamy crew is due to join us and do some work here at Cascading Waters later this morning.
A neighbor stopped by this morning to borrow some forestry wedges for a tree cutting project of her land.
Another neighbor stopped by to drop off a grant prospect for an Environmental Internship.
Busy times in the neighborhood!
29.12" Hg and steady for pressure;
68.2 degrees F and rising for temperature;
42% humidity and falling;
0.0" of rain measured yesterday (and 0.04" measured for Saturday);
No reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
There is a gentle breeze persistently, and it stiffens to 3.0 mph from time to time;
MODERATE is the USFS Fire Danger Class for today.
It is interesting to watch the tree tops some 70 plus feet up swaying and for there to be nothing more than a gentle breeze down on the forest floor. I am sure that this is a combination of the shelter provided by the steep Cascades to our west and the trees and their leaves all around us.
It is quite amazing out there right now for pleasant weather!
A Dynamy crew is due to join us and do some work here at Cascading Waters later this morning.
A neighbor stopped by this morning to borrow some forestry wedges for a tree cutting project of her land.
Another neighbor stopped by to drop off a grant prospect for an Environmental Internship.
Busy times in the neighborhood!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Hot and Sticky!
As of 9:30 a.m. the conditions at the Lodge:
75.4 degrees F and climbing;
83% humidity and steady;
29.09" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.39" of total rainfall yesterday;
a gentle breeze with no reading;
no reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
blue skies with water drops clinging to the leaves that shake off in any breeze.
Since then we have seen a groundhog this morning, though it sure looked suspiciously smaller than the groundhog from the other day. I can't tell conclusively, and maybe the hot and sticky humid conditions are making me see through mirages, but maybe we have multiples?
Be still out there and seek the occasional breeze.
75.4 degrees F and climbing;
83% humidity and steady;
29.09" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.39" of total rainfall yesterday;
a gentle breeze with no reading;
no reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
blue skies with water drops clinging to the leaves that shake off in any breeze.
Since then we have seen a groundhog this morning, though it sure looked suspiciously smaller than the groundhog from the other day. I can't tell conclusively, and maybe the hot and sticky humid conditions are making me see through mirages, but maybe we have multiples?
Be still out there and seek the occasional breeze.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rain
Well, it is raining right now.
As of 6:15 p.m. the conditions here at the Lodge are decidedly damp.
29.19" of Hg pressure and falling;
66.9 degrees F and steady;
70% humidity and steady;
no rain yesterday, and so far 0.35" today;
no measurement on the gauge in the Cascades Brook;
no reading on the anemomenter;
the sky is grey and dripping.
One highlight of today:
GWLT submitted a grant to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to fix up the stone walled lined cart path entrance to the new Southwick Brook property in Leicester on Marshall Street.
Keep your fingers crossed folks!
As of 6:15 p.m. the conditions here at the Lodge are decidedly damp.
29.19" of Hg pressure and falling;
66.9 degrees F and steady;
70% humidity and steady;
no rain yesterday, and so far 0.35" today;
no measurement on the gauge in the Cascades Brook;
no reading on the anemomenter;
the sky is grey and dripping.
One highlight of today:
GWLT submitted a grant to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to fix up the stone walled lined cart path entrance to the new Southwick Brook property in Leicester on Marshall Street.
Keep your fingers crossed folks!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Beautiful Evening Report
Conditions at the Lodge as of 5:40 p.m.:
Groundhog on the Rocks!
29.18" of Hg pressure and steady;
75.9 degrees F and steady;
75.9 degrees F and steady;
34% humidity and steady;
yesterday's rainfall at the Lodge was 0.16";
a light breeze is moving through but is not reading a MPH;
the steam gauge in the Cascades Brook has no reading;
the USFS Fire Danger Class for today is LOW;
skies are blue with white clouds.
You would have though that for all the drama of yesterday's weather we might have seen more rain, but no. Doesn't appear that the blackout in Worcester hit us here either. It, the poweroutage, did hit the Trust headquarters downtown though.
Other fun stuff:
The groundhog is back!
This is yet another siting of the groundhog this summer, who was seen this morning grazing on the clover quite happily. We appear to be one of his regular stops this summer. So no bunnies, but yes groundhog.
This is yet another siting of the groundhog this summer, who was seen this morning grazing on the clover quite happily. We appear to be one of his regular stops this summer. So no bunnies, but yes groundhog.
Action Running Groundhog Shot!
Groundhog on the Rocks!Also fun, Tuesday's ALB hunt at Kinneywoods and Cook's Woods found no evidence in the 2 hour survey. We did however munch on some late season blueberries and early black raspberries to everyone's pleasure.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Come search for the ALB!
You can join us in hunting the Asian Longhorned Beetle this afternoon over on the Kinneywood property. The hunt starts at noon at the very end of Dawson Road (just down the street from Cascading Waters). Bring binoculars and water!
At 10 am, it is a comfortable 74.3 degrees and steady
45% humidity and steady
29.18 inches of mercury and rising (those storms are still moving out)
Although we did get a spatter of rain here last night, it wasn't enough to move the rain gauge. It looks like the dramatic weather on that one went north of us.
The stream is below registering.
No wind at the moment.
The development next door continues on apace, 'though they seem for now to have given up the heavy drilling.
At 10 am, it is a comfortable 74.3 degrees and steady
45% humidity and steady
29.18 inches of mercury and rising (those storms are still moving out)
Although we did get a spatter of rain here last night, it wasn't enough to move the rain gauge. It looks like the dramatic weather on that one went north of us.
The stream is below registering.
No wind at the moment.
The development next door continues on apace, 'though they seem for now to have given up the heavy drilling.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Severe Thunderstorms!
That's right!
The National Weather Service has predicted Severe Thunderstorms for this evening and tonight!
When the sky went grey about ten minutes back it stopped being conceptual and I tidied up the signage routing and painting projects around the outside of the shed.
Presently it is 11:35 and the conditions are:
29.12" of Hg pressure and steady;
77.4 degrees F and steady;
37% humidity and falling;
0.0" of rain yesterday (and so far today as well);
No reading on the Cascades Brook stream gauge;
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class;
A gentle breeze is moving through but no reading on the anemometer.
We have had a number of folks hiking through.
That was pretty good.
Sadly, we also discovered some dumping along Olean Street this morning as well.
It has been picked up, but it is really disheartening to see such abuse.
The signage projects underway include:
A property sign for Cascades West for Silver Spring Road a.k.a. Howard Street by Boynton Park.
A property sign for Cascades East for Olean Street at the turn around.
A property sign for Marois 28 on Goddard Memorial Drive.
(Last week the Dynamy folk were sealing one side in Polyurethane to survive the New England weather.)
A complex USFS Fire Danger Class sign for Olean Street in front of Cascading Waters, but on the northern side of the Cascades Brook.
(This is the project that the Brownie Scouts were working on, and it is getting pretty close to needing to be installed.)
Onward! To the lightning!
The National Weather Service has predicted Severe Thunderstorms for this evening and tonight!
When the sky went grey about ten minutes back it stopped being conceptual and I tidied up the signage routing and painting projects around the outside of the shed.
Presently it is 11:35 and the conditions are:
29.12" of Hg pressure and steady;
77.4 degrees F and steady;
37% humidity and falling;
0.0" of rain yesterday (and so far today as well);
No reading on the Cascades Brook stream gauge;
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class;
A gentle breeze is moving through but no reading on the anemometer.
We have had a number of folks hiking through.
That was pretty good.
Sadly, we also discovered some dumping along Olean Street this morning as well.
It has been picked up, but it is really disheartening to see such abuse.
The signage projects underway include:
A property sign for Cascades West for Silver Spring Road a.k.a. Howard Street by Boynton Park.
A property sign for Cascades East for Olean Street at the turn around.
A property sign for Marois 28 on Goddard Memorial Drive.
(Last week the Dynamy folk were sealing one side in Polyurethane to survive the New England weather.)
A complex USFS Fire Danger Class sign for Olean Street in front of Cascading Waters, but on the northern side of the Cascades Brook.
(This is the project that the Brownie Scouts were working on, and it is getting pretty close to needing to be installed.)
Onward! To the lightning!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Light Breeze Takes the Edge Off
3:31 p.m. Conditions:
29.15" of Hg pressure and steady;
81.3 degrees F and steady;
30% humidity and steady;
0.00" of rain yesterday;
No Reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
0MPH registering on the anemometer, but a light occasional breeze moves through at 2.0 MPH;
NONE for USFS Fire Danger Class.
It is a wonderful day out there, especially because of the breeze moving through.
If you can find a spot under the trees with the breeze you win!
It is a fantastic day to be outside and moving around.
It is shaping up to be "good sleeping weather" as well for tonight at 65 degrees.
29.15" of Hg pressure and steady;
81.3 degrees F and steady;
30% humidity and steady;
0.00" of rain yesterday;
No Reading on the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
0MPH registering on the anemometer, but a light occasional breeze moves through at 2.0 MPH;
NONE for USFS Fire Danger Class.
It is a wonderful day out there, especially because of the breeze moving through.
If you can find a spot under the trees with the breeze you win!
It is a fantastic day to be outside and moving around.
It is shaping up to be "good sleeping weather" as well for tonight at 65 degrees.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Floating Glass...
So, the wind shifted, the sky turned grey, but not black like yesterday, and we checked the weather forecast.
Chance of rain and thunder-storms tonight.
Ok then.
Out we go into the yard to store the equipment, put away the projects, etc.
Now, it hasn't rained much this summer yet.
In particular it hasn't rained long and hard the way only a torrential downpour can.
And each time we get a long, hard, torrential rain like that little bits of broken glass magically appear in the yard like manna, only not.
It is a weird thing, to harvest glass after the rains.
There used to be a lot more, but after some 5ish years now it is a modest crop.
It seems that either the former tenants buried their debris, or that the site has some fill that isn't the "Clean Fill" the signs you see at construction sites that are being excavated have.
In either case, there is broken glass, and as best as I can tell, the specific density of glass is pretty danged light and relative to rocks and soil in a liquid suspension, it 'floats' to the top.
This struck me as nuts.
However, after years of finding new glass after each large rain storm I have come to accept that glass 'floats'.
Being possessed with noting but time as I used a key to get under the leading edge of the glass pieces one by one I began to think of sea glass on the beach.
Do I have forest glass?
Sea glass seems to also tend to the top of the sands and roll back and forth in the surf.
So there you go.
Floating glass...
--- ---
Other stuff today:
Routing wooden signs outside and making a localized snow-fall of saw-dust.
Chance of rain and thunder-storms tonight.
Ok then.
Out we go into the yard to store the equipment, put away the projects, etc.
Now, it hasn't rained much this summer yet.
In particular it hasn't rained long and hard the way only a torrential downpour can.
And each time we get a long, hard, torrential rain like that little bits of broken glass magically appear in the yard like manna, only not.
It is a weird thing, to harvest glass after the rains.
There used to be a lot more, but after some 5ish years now it is a modest crop.
It seems that either the former tenants buried their debris, or that the site has some fill that isn't the "Clean Fill" the signs you see at construction sites that are being excavated have.
In either case, there is broken glass, and as best as I can tell, the specific density of glass is pretty danged light and relative to rocks and soil in a liquid suspension, it 'floats' to the top.
This struck me as nuts.
However, after years of finding new glass after each large rain storm I have come to accept that glass 'floats'.
Being possessed with noting but time as I used a key to get under the leading edge of the glass pieces one by one I began to think of sea glass on the beach.
Do I have forest glass?
Sea glass seems to also tend to the top of the sands and roll back and forth in the surf.
So there you go.
Floating glass...
--- ---
Other stuff today:
Routing wooden signs outside and making a localized snow-fall of saw-dust.
Bright Sunshine After the Rain
9:38 a.m. observations:
Gentle breeze, with no MPH reading beside an occasional gust;
Blue skies;
75.0 degrees F and rising;
60% humidity and falling;
29.12" of Hg Pressure and steady;
0.31" of rain yesterday;
No reading on the Cascades Brook Stream Gauge;
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class.
Last night was pretty amazing! In about 10 minutes the sky went black and the wind picked up. It held off raining long enough for us to put everything away, bring stuff in, close windows before it hit. And hit it did! The strongest strike, which wasn't too far away to the east, was strong enough to trip the circuit breaker for the outdoor plugs! Flash! Snap (circuit breaker)! pause, Thunder Strike! The storm brought in a healthy 0.31" of rain, which is nothing to shrug at.
Also fun yesterday, got to hike with some representatives of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation here in the Cascades. They were interested to see what we have been up to out here and we were happy to share all of the great volunteer work going on with them. We hiked from Cascading Waters to Cook's Pond beach, back to Cascading Waters, up to the Cataract Street bridge at the base of the Cascades, up the switchback to Wunneompset the split boulder, over to the the field of small glacial erratics at the top of the Cascades, and finishing at the Newton and Cascades Trail junction. It was a beautiful day for a hike, even a short one.
Today looks pretty darned nice so far. Come on out and take a hike.
THIS JUST IN:
Late last night the Cascading Waters entrance was serving as a speed trap!
Since Olean Street has a perpetual speeding problem this is very cool.
And to the observant volunteer who noticed this (we didn't), no, GWLT doesn't get a cut of the fines! Hah!
Gentle breeze, with no MPH reading beside an occasional gust;
Blue skies;
75.0 degrees F and rising;
60% humidity and falling;
29.12" of Hg Pressure and steady;
0.31" of rain yesterday;
No reading on the Cascades Brook Stream Gauge;
LOW USFS Fire Danger Class.
Last night was pretty amazing! In about 10 minutes the sky went black and the wind picked up. It held off raining long enough for us to put everything away, bring stuff in, close windows before it hit. And hit it did! The strongest strike, which wasn't too far away to the east, was strong enough to trip the circuit breaker for the outdoor plugs! Flash! Snap (circuit breaker)! pause, Thunder Strike! The storm brought in a healthy 0.31" of rain, which is nothing to shrug at.
Also fun yesterday, got to hike with some representatives of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation here in the Cascades. They were interested to see what we have been up to out here and we were happy to share all of the great volunteer work going on with them. We hiked from Cascading Waters to Cook's Pond beach, back to Cascading Waters, up to the Cataract Street bridge at the base of the Cascades, up the switchback to Wunneompset the split boulder, over to the the field of small glacial erratics at the top of the Cascades, and finishing at the Newton and Cascades Trail junction. It was a beautiful day for a hike, even a short one.
Today looks pretty darned nice so far. Come on out and take a hike.
THIS JUST IN:
Late last night the Cascading Waters entrance was serving as a speed trap!
Since Olean Street has a perpetual speeding problem this is very cool.
And to the observant volunteer who noticed this (we didn't), no, GWLT doesn't get a cut of the fines! Hah!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Cool, Windy, and Hazy
8:52 a.m. conditions:
69.4 degrees and steady;
69% humidity and steady;
29.32" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.12" of rain yesterday;
0-1.5 MPH sustained wind gusts;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
skies are hazy.
Cool, Windy, and Hazy.
Earlier this week some volunteers worked to freshen the blazes from Olean Street to the top of the Cascades. We may need to do a little touch up work to make sure that they are convincingly circular, but they sure are much easier to pick out. Thanks to the crew for both that work and for putting another coat of poly on the property signs getting ready for installation!
Monday was a grant application to the state's Conservation Partnership Grants for land in West Boylston that tops the West Boylston Open Space and Recreation Plan's list.
Today, if all goes well, there is a chance to submit a grant to the state's LAND Grant program wherein the City of Worcester seeks to permanently protect a trail link between Green Hill Park and Lake Quinsigamond, AND protects a parcel of land off of Trinity Avenue that would expand Green Hill Park and protect the groundwater recharge for one of Worcester's reserve wells on Lake Quinsigamond. There is more awesome stuff going on with this land but I shouldn't go on and on about it. GWLT is partnering with the City to preserve this IF the City's application is successful.
And the day is a nice one!
69.4 degrees and steady;
69% humidity and steady;
29.32" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.12" of rain yesterday;
0-1.5 MPH sustained wind gusts;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
skies are hazy.
Cool, Windy, and Hazy.
Earlier this week some volunteers worked to freshen the blazes from Olean Street to the top of the Cascades. We may need to do a little touch up work to make sure that they are convincingly circular, but they sure are much easier to pick out. Thanks to the crew for both that work and for putting another coat of poly on the property signs getting ready for installation!
Monday was a grant application to the state's Conservation Partnership Grants for land in West Boylston that tops the West Boylston Open Space and Recreation Plan's list.
Today, if all goes well, there is a chance to submit a grant to the state's LAND Grant program wherein the City of Worcester seeks to permanently protect a trail link between Green Hill Park and Lake Quinsigamond, AND protects a parcel of land off of Trinity Avenue that would expand Green Hill Park and protect the groundwater recharge for one of Worcester's reserve wells on Lake Quinsigamond. There is more awesome stuff going on with this land but I shouldn't go on and on about it. GWLT is partnering with the City to preserve this IF the City's application is successful.
And the day is a nice one!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Still sticky...but no rain yet
We've got a forecast of mostly cloudy with scattered showers, but haven't had a drop of rain here yet. We've also got a steady barometer and mostly clear radar. Keep in mind that there is a flash flood watch in effect for tonight with possible thunderstorms.
At 10:30, it is 77.5 degrees and steady
50% humidity and falling
Currently, we're measuring no wind, 'though there is a light breeze.
The barometer is at 29.29 and steady.
The brook is dry.
At 10:30, it is 77.5 degrees and steady
50% humidity and falling
Currently, we're measuring no wind, 'though there is a light breeze.
The barometer is at 29.29 and steady.
The brook is dry.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sticky
High humidity overnight, 'though it's heading down. Currently, it is 59%.
76.8 degrees and rising at 10 am
29.21 inches of mercury and steady
No recordable wind
Fire danger is back up to LOW (it doesn't take long)
The stream is back down under the rocks.
No hydro-ax this morning so far, but the excavator is busy.
76.8 degrees and rising at 10 am
29.21 inches of mercury and steady
No recordable wind
Fire danger is back up to LOW (it doesn't take long)
The stream is back down under the rocks.
No hydro-ax this morning so far, but the excavator is busy.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Cool, Clear, Blue Skies
What a fantastic morning!
9:00 a.m. observations:
72.0 degrees F and rising;
69% humidity and dropping;
29.09" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.98" of rain in the past 24 hours;
there is a breeze but no wind speed reading with an occasional gust of 1.5 MPH;
there is no reading from the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
Blue skies overhead;
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
This is a wonderful day to get outside and enjoy the cooler temps and watch as the greens from the chlorophyll go wild with fresh rains.
9:00 a.m. observations:
72.0 degrees F and rising;
69% humidity and dropping;
29.09" of Hg pressure and steady;
0.98" of rain in the past 24 hours;
there is a breeze but no wind speed reading with an occasional gust of 1.5 MPH;
there is no reading from the stream gauge in the Cascades Brook;
Blue skies overhead;
USFS Fire Danger Class is NONE.
This is a wonderful day to get outside and enjoy the cooler temps and watch as the greens from the chlorophyll go wild with fresh rains.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
RAIN ALLELUIA!!!
Ok,
So there was a big thunderstorm that passed through early this afternoon.
Sometimes these downpours are all sound and fury and no real rain accumulation.
Not so this time!
We got 0.98" here, and given our equipment, I'd call that an inch of rain!
Let's give this some context here.
The national weather service tracks precipitation, and as far as I am concerned 0.01" of rain is an interesting technical note, but one thousandth of an inch isn't real rainfall. If it is less than 0.01" but detectable they call it "T" or "trace" amounts. Definitely not really rainfall in my book. So if you discount those readings (on 7/1, 6/29, 6/28, 6/27, 6/25, & 6/24) it was last a real rainfall on June 23rd with 0.22", which in itself is not a huge amount, but it is rain.
So, that is two weeks and two days with no rain!
If you are then obsessed and go back further you get to June 17th with a whopper of a rainstorm at 0.03"!
or perhaps the 16th with the massive 0.07" of rainfall.
And by that point you are looking at having had very little rainfall in almost a month. I can't go back any further than that easily as the National Weather Service records online peter out at that point.
All of which brings us back to the title of the post:
"Rain Alleluia!!"
So there was a big thunderstorm that passed through early this afternoon.
Sometimes these downpours are all sound and fury and no real rain accumulation.
Not so this time!
We got 0.98" here, and given our equipment, I'd call that an inch of rain!
Let's give this some context here.
The national weather service tracks precipitation, and as far as I am concerned 0.01" of rain is an interesting technical note, but one thousandth of an inch isn't real rainfall. If it is less than 0.01" but detectable they call it "T" or "trace" amounts. Definitely not really rainfall in my book. So if you discount those readings (on 7/1, 6/29, 6/28, 6/27, 6/25, & 6/24) it was last a real rainfall on June 23rd with 0.22", which in itself is not a huge amount, but it is rain.
So, that is two weeks and two days with no rain!
If you are then obsessed and go back further you get to June 17th with a whopper of a rainstorm at 0.03"!
or perhaps the 16th with the massive 0.07" of rainfall.
And by that point you are looking at having had very little rainfall in almost a month. I can't go back any further than that easily as the National Weather Service records online peter out at that point.
All of which brings us back to the title of the post:
"Rain Alleluia!!"
Rain headed our way?!
Well, it has been well over a week now since we saw any rains.
And finally they are in the forecast for this afternoon, tonight, and a part of tomorrow.
Presently it is 9:08 a.m.
There is a gentle breeze moving through the leaves, but not enough to register a windspeed. You can feel it though, and that is what counts these days!
It is 76.6 degrees and steady;
It is 52% humidity and steady;
29.15" of Hg pressure and steady (and we are hoping that will change as the day goes on!);
0.0" of rainfall in the last 24 hours;
no reading on the stream flow gauge;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
blue skies with white clouds moving along.
And hikers just now out in the glen in front of the Lodge.
Of note:
1. There are a few blueberries in the Cascades just now coming into ripe.
2. There are raspberries and blackberries coming into ripe as well.
I had some of both yesterday and highly recommend them.
Weird aside:
If you are into odd things living in the Cascades, tune in to this week's 508 for a feature on "the blobs" in Cook's Pond!
And finally they are in the forecast for this afternoon, tonight, and a part of tomorrow.
Presently it is 9:08 a.m.
There is a gentle breeze moving through the leaves, but not enough to register a windspeed. You can feel it though, and that is what counts these days!
It is 76.6 degrees and steady;
It is 52% humidity and steady;
29.15" of Hg pressure and steady (and we are hoping that will change as the day goes on!);
0.0" of rainfall in the last 24 hours;
no reading on the stream flow gauge;
USFS Fire Danger Class is LOW;
blue skies with white clouds moving along.
And hikers just now out in the glen in front of the Lodge.
Of note:
1. There are a few blueberries in the Cascades just now coming into ripe.
2. There are raspberries and blackberries coming into ripe as well.
I had some of both yesterday and highly recommend them.
Weird aside:
If you are into odd things living in the Cascades, tune in to this week's 508 for a feature on "the blobs" in Cook's Pond!
Friday, July 09, 2010
Cue the hydroax
...and it's nine am here...cue the hydro-ax next door.
Yes, the development next door is continuing on apace, and, as we could tell you, it's not many inches to ledge here, so they're having to slam their way through to get the water lines in. It's noisy, to put it lightly.
At 9 am, it is 76.6 degrees and steady (that's good news!)
51% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 29.32 inches of mercury under clear blue skies
We have a nice 1.5 mph breeze right now.
Yes, the development next door is continuing on apace, and, as we could tell you, it's not many inches to ledge here, so they're having to slam their way through to get the water lines in. It's noisy, to put it lightly.
At 9 am, it is 76.6 degrees and steady (that's good news!)
51% humidity and steady
The barometer is at 29.32 inches of mercury under clear blue skies
We have a nice 1.5 mph breeze right now.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Cooler?
While the forecast for today was not for any cooler weather, it is cooler than it has been here in the trees. At 11:30, we're just hitting 81.1 degrees and rising.
42% humidity and falling (which is merciful for us, not so good for the fire danger level)
29.41 inches of mercury and steady
No rain
The Cascades are dry (mostly).
Fire danger (as will be no surprise to you following the fire on the other side of the Worcester reservoirs) is MODERATE
42% humidity and falling (which is merciful for us, not so good for the fire danger level)
29.41 inches of mercury and steady
No rain
The Cascades are dry (mostly).
Fire danger (as will be no surprise to you following the fire on the other side of the Worcester reservoirs) is MODERATE
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
ALB found in Jamaica Plain!
An infestation of Asian Longhorned Beetles was found this weekend at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, just across from the Arnold Arboretum.
If you are in the Boston area, please be on the lookout for:
1) Adult Asian longhorned beetles (shiny black beetles
The infested maple trees have been removed, and USDA/DCR are doing further investigation in the area. Should you find any of these, get in touch with USDA at 866-702-9938.
If you are in the Boston area, please be on the lookout for:
1) Adult Asian longhorned beetles (shiny black beetles
with white spots and long, banded antennae)
2) ALB exit holes (dime-sized, perfectly round holes,
especially in maple, but also in birch, elm, horsechestnut, willow and
other
hardwood trees…but not oak)
3) ALB egg-laying sites (divots in the bark ranging in
size from 1/4 to 3/4 inches across – fresh pits often have oozing,
foaming sap)
The infested maple trees have been removed, and USDA/DCR are doing further investigation in the area. Should you find any of these, get in touch with USDA at 866-702-9938.
Hot and dry
We just at 9 am hit the "hotter outside than in" point and closed all the windows for the day.
At 9:15, it is 83.7 degrees and rising.
42% humidity and steady (mercifully dry)
29.35 inches of mercury and steady
We've had no rain for eight days.
The stream is down to a trickle, mostly under the rocks.
We have 0 mph of wind, 'though there is enough to stir the leaves on the trees.
At 9:15, it is 83.7 degrees and rising.
42% humidity and steady (mercifully dry)
29.35 inches of mercury and steady
We've had no rain for eight days.
The stream is down to a trickle, mostly under the rocks.
We have 0 mph of wind, 'though there is enough to stir the leaves on the trees.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Fun Google Maps Aerial Tipi Shot!
Every so often the state flies a series of aerial shots for planning purposes.
The images, being government funded and procured, are free to the public, after all you paid for them!
The latest set is up for Worcester, and if you zoom in real close on the aerial image you can make out the blue tipi as a round profile from the sky!
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=135+Olean+St,+Worcester,+Massachusetts+01602&ll=42.285645,-71.861865&spn=0.000723,0.001206&t=h&z=20
The shot was taken before the shed.
Good fun!
The images, being government funded and procured, are free to the public, after all you paid for them!
The latest set is up for Worcester, and if you zoom in real close on the aerial image you can make out the blue tipi as a round profile from the sky!
http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=135+Olean+St,+Worcester,+Massachusetts+01602&ll=42.285645,-71.861865&spn=0.000723,0.001206&t=h&z=20
The shot was taken before the shed.
Good fun!
Shed Flavored Preserves...
It is the season for canning and preserves, so why not preserve the new shed?
4 gallons of wood preservative used to date.
Assault on the North Face!
West Apex approach summitted!
2 sides in one day is not a bad days work.
4 gallons of wood preservative used to date.
Assault on the North Face!
West Apex approach summitted!
2 sides in one day is not a bad days work.
Forest Sounds...
Out painting wood preservative on the north face of the GWLT shed.
In addition to the usual chirps and rustling there were two excellent sounds.
I hawk, juvenile, letting out a pattern of cries over a half hour or so.
Then the sounds of a native American wood flute threading through the trees from down towards Cook's Pond and the Tatnuck Brook.
In addition to the usual chirps and rustling there were two excellent sounds.
I hawk, juvenile, letting out a pattern of cries over a half hour or so.
Then the sounds of a native American wood flute threading through the trees from down towards Cook's Pond and the Tatnuck Brook.
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