Wintering with Butterflies

January 2008

On Bob's wishlist - a trip to the refuges in Mexico where millions of monarch butterflies gather from every place east of the Rockies into 12 or so tiny spots in the mountains of Michoacan.

None of our Spanish speaking relatives could spare time to go with us, so we had to manage on our own - a big adventure with Char's 20 words of espanol and Bob's books of instructions. Once we managed to get out of Mexico City, we had a fine time cruising through the country-side and up the mountain roads to Angangueo, from where we visited two of the sanctuaries that are open to visitors.

For pictures, visit this photo album: http://homepage.mac.com/char46r/PhotoAlbum24.html

Holiday Time

December 27, 2007

We were at home for Christmas, with Louisa, Li Zhuang, Mabel, and little Bea visiting. Abby and Dennis spent the holiday with relatives in southern California.

The background is the Scottish Highlands from last June's trip; insets include Charlotte in Maine, Bob in the Smokies with his cellphone, gps, and ipod, and at the bottom Oscar with Bea on West Rock here at home.

I've been hiking regularly in Connecticut with the local AMC chapter, trying to stay in shape while dreaming of getting back on the trail in spring.

New Jersey's Pochuck Quagmire

November 13, 2007

As a side trip I re-visited the Pochuck Creek crossing, an area where suburban development has left only the swamp land free for the Trail.

Back in 2001 when I was hiking this area, I looked out from the heights trail north, and spied this tall suspension bridge in the distance. But alas, there was no path to get to it - so the AT then was a road walk detour.

In 2002 the connecting boardwalks were finished by the hard-working trail builders, so now we can stroll over a mile of walkways through the marshes, crossing the bridge in the middle.

You can see this route clearly on Google Earth as well.

View Larger Map

It seems a popular route for local aerobic walkers, bird- and butterfly-watchers.

This is probably the last new addition to my AT miles for 2007 - I'm up to 1557 miles total - can't wait for spring 2008!

Crossing the Great Valley (again)

November 12, 2007

This was a short hike, under 3 miles. At one end the Interstate with its diesel-belching trucks. Within 5 minutes, the Trail crossed railroad tracks and passed by this brick manufacturing facility with its own rail siding to load the pallets for transport. At the far end of the trip is the 1894 Lindamood School, part of the Settlers Museum. Traveling back through time ...

Big Walker Mountain

November 11, 2007

Getting an early start, deer in the pasture with the frost melting under the sun's rays.
Big Walker Mountain is the imposing wall blocking our way in the distance.


We cross several open pastures on the approach - here's my hiking buddy, "Tripod Trek-er" setting up for a shot.

At the end of the day, the southbound Trail reaches its 4th and final crossing of Interstate 81.

Bridge Out

November 10, 2007

As I was working on one of my bike-hikes, I met another section hiker with his camera gear, and offered him a ride back to his car. We teamed up and car-pooled for a couple more days and were both pleased with the extra miles we were able to cover.

Here at Laurel Creek, a bridge has been removed leaving only the sturdy piers, and the Trail is rerouted over a road bridge. Will this AT bridge ever be replaced?

Burke's Garden

November 8-10, 2007

Burke's Garden, nicknamed "God's Thumbprint" caught my attention because of its dramatic appearance on the topo map - a high oval valley surrounded on all sides by a high ridge. The AT travels the ridge along one side of the Garden - the best view is from Chestnut Knob, but it's glimpsed for several miles through the trees during the ridge walk. With the leaves off, I had good views on several days' hikes.