Thursday Hikers

The weather was absolutely perfect for our hike today. “The Gutter” is a magnificent long, rocky gorge full of incredible boulders, flanked by huge ledges, little caves, etc. and running for almost a mile beside a discontinued old road. We started out on a loop trail, took a short side hike to see an old relic of a charcoal kiln, and crossed the Sawmill River which later runs its course beside the Montague Book Mill. Some of the side trails were covered with pine needles and reminded us all of the land in Charlemont. The dogs had the best of romps; see them crowded around Tony waiting for treats. A lively tree identification conversation took place at the base of …a Big Tooth Aspen? With the leaf of a Chestnut Oak in hand, and further talk, it was decided that indeed it had been a Chestnut Oak. A good discussion was had! I had brought a bag lunch so I got to be the dog sitter while the others went in and bought lunch a the Leverett Food Co Op, the oldest food Co Op in MA.. Annie was attached to my foot while I hung on to Sukee who performed high pitched operatic wailings as she waited for Tony to reappear. Baxrer, as always, was simply his dignified gentleman self. The lunches looked mighty good -chicken curry salad, tortellini/pesto salad, a turkey tomato wrap, sweet potato tortilla chips, a slab of pizza … but my tomato, cheese, parsley and chive on a whole wheat/flax flatbread was also mighty good. Our walk back down the actual “Gutter” was gorgeous. A few of us side trackers lagged behind and when we finally caught up, a new singing group – “The Gutter Girls and Rattlesnake” – had formed and we were entertained with a belted out rendition of “Summertime” (verse 1 only). Kit, the “Rattlesnake, kept his composure while “The Gutter Girls” cavorted. Another great day outdoors with great friends and dogs. Next week perhaps Hallock Pond trails in Hawley with a swim at the end of the hike. August is so good – even if the days are becoming shorter! Love, Penny