Thursday Hikers

There was a chill in the air when we got started at Smith College field research forest, a 180 acre amazing place in Whately and Conway. The weather soon became so perfect! Early on we passed the old Smith College planetarium and wondered if it’s still actively used. It seemed well kept, but somehow “low tech”. The terrain was varied, from abandoned old roads and cellar holes to lovely little climbs. At the top we came upon a huge clearing, electric fenced, where American Chestnut trees are being grown. We had seen plots of them planted in the forest as well. Very low key, not labeled or marked, but we knew they were chestnuts. Good to see the research in action. You can vaguely see the very young trees in the top left of the 3rd photo inside the fencing. The views of the Holyoke Range were so beautiful (with all the various named hills that everyone but me seems to know!) Although a research forest, we didn’t see anyone but ourselves for the 2 hours we were in there. Can you find Joe and Kit enjoying small researchers sitting area? After the hike we drove to Bread Euphoria, found a good parking place in the shade for the dogs, and had a really good outdoor lunch. Alas, next week I won’t be Thursday hiking but will be in Vermont with the piano ladies! Hoping all’s well with you, Penny