Foggy Day in Pawtuckaway 12/31/11

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Middle Mountain 985' and South Mountain 1011'

1050' Elevation gain 5.5 Miles

Kevin, Judy, Emma and Blue

I've been making hiking trips to Pawtuckaway for almost thirty years now. I discovered it as a campground when I got out of the Air Force and made many memorable camping trips with three young boys who I watched grow up on the shores of Pawtuckaway Lake. We camped, fished and hiked. It was good post military rehab for me. Nearly thirty years later it is still good rehab. This past weekend was a good example. While just getting over a nasty bout with the flu I was able to spend New Year's Eve Day in the woods with some favorite trail companions. Despite all the visits over the years we always manage to find new territory to cover, or something new we haven't yet seen in the woods. This trip was no different. The woods were damp with a thick, heavy fog. Not feeling my best, unsure of the roads with freezing issues and the fact that the mountains were wrapped in the same heavy fog and poor visibility made the short trip to Pawtuckaway very inviting on this day. Pawtuckaway reminds me that not everything has to be an epic adventure. It feels like home...

Glacial erratics...

On the way to South Mountain

Damp dogs...

Short scramble...

Middle Mountain Road

Rocks and dogs

Rocks and Ice

Full set of pics HERE:
KDT

 

[ksearl]

Hi Kevin,

I was at Pawtuckaway on the 29th...my friend and I did a loop over North and South Mountains. I've been there a few times now (6 or 7) and really find the grounds more appealing with each visit.

Your photos are awesome (as always) and the gloominess looks really peaceful out there! Where on your trek was the old foundation (not posted in this thread, but in your full set)?

It's funny, Kevin, I think we actually ran into each other in Pawtuckaway on Reservation Road at the North Mountain Trailhead back on April 3, 2010. You and Jim S. were coming out of the woods while Jill and I were entering. You told us to keep our camera handy for some wildflowers poking up on North Mountains slope. We did end up finding the Hepatica that day too! Anyway, I think that was you, but I'm not sure. Didn't recognize Jim S. at the time either...Jill and I were just starting to get into hiking at that time.

Anyway, small world if that was in fact you!
Karl

 

[Becca M]

nice!!! "The Paw" is indeed a special place - thanks for the photo reminders of how much there is to explore there!!!

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Pawtuckaway

@ Karl- This particular foundation was just off trail north of South Mtn., along the South Ridge Trail that goes to Round Pond. There is an old dam and holding pond there as well.

I do remember that encounter on North Mtn. a couple of springs ago, but didn't realize it was you. Small world!

@ Becca- Thank you! We are lucky to live near this option. We love the mountains, but sometimes their not feasible, so we're glad to have "The Paw"!

KDT