Thursday Hikers

Est. 2013


4/3/14 – Mt Tom from the Eastern side

Today we hiked Mt Tom from the Eastern side. Although I remembered my camera, I forgot to put in the battery, so today’s photo is courtesy of hiker Joe Zadroga. The sandstone ledges were worth getting off trail to explore. They’re extensive, dramatic, and unique. We were out for 4 hours today, mostly climbing. Basalt rock dominates the landscape, so lots of broken off pieces on the trails, but no snow and no ice so we happily celebrated the season without snow shoes or spikes.
A magical, steep ravine reminded me of our love of the small ravine in Glen Rock. Seems as if many of the hikers have childhood ravine memories!
Once at the top the views were not only breathtaking, but somewhat dizzying. Really high! with rock cliffs that drop cleanly down down down. All the dogs were put on leashes for their safety. We too would have welcomed being roped!
Almost to the top of the mountain is the reminder of the tragic history of a B17 that in 1946 was returning home from the war with 25 servicemen aboard. They had refueled at Eastover Air Force base (which we could see in the distance) and shortly after takeoff crashed into Mt. Tom barely 20 feet from the top of the mountain, killing all onboard. There’s a fitting monument to their memory at the sight of the crash.. They were USArmy Air Force, USCoast Guard, American Red Cross from many states. I noticed USCG form New Jersey in the inscriptions. At the very top of the climb, we burst into singing the Beatles “When I’m 64” to Deb whose 64th is today. 2 jets from Eastover flew over so we stretched the truth a bit and told her we had arranged for a birthday flyover. Tony had to get to a meeting at UMass, so Joe and I drove together and dashed home without going out to lunch with the gang. Both of us had lots to do at home:) It’s great to be outside without freezing noses and fingers! Happy Spring, Penny {CAPTION}


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