Salt Hill, Mar. 30, 2025

 I have made an intriguing discovery. Following a hint of more trails from an old '70s map, I took the back way up the mountain and sure enough discovered a trail branching off just before the turn to the fire tower clearing. An eerie fog set in, enhancing the atmosphere.This trail continued straight, passing a split before reaching almost a second summit, where the fog glowed in unobstructed daylight. On some clear day, I must come back here. The straight fork looped back on itself so instead I followed the right, and after descending past a few vernal pools, I made out a stark gray shape in the distance. It was a great, spiky stone spire, standing abruptly in this natural bowl in the terrain. Seeing it felt very symbolic, like a millennia-old way stone just for today's trip. In the distance I recognize the edge of the old Emery Mine, and the trail of Humming Boxes. I've finally found the super-secret back way!

Wilkinson Trail, Scofield Ridge, Dozer Junction, Mar. 18, 2025

 Spring has sprung three days early. It's bright, sunny and clear and the view is stunning. I went further along yellow than last time, paying my respects to the venerable old iron at the junction. The climb up here was much different, owing to the lack of foliage. Just how rippled and stony the terrain was now easily appreciated. Snippets of spring peeper and wood frog song accompanied my climb. I passed the little pond by the trailhead and only noticed now that it is a reservoir, with a little dam. That pond I can now see, way in the distance below. Somehow it does feel closer than it should, I guess this trail spends much of its run in a serpentine. There is a startlingly blue quarry lake and tall, terraced stone wall down there. A pontune bridge leads to this island of machinery in its center. I wonder what purpose it served/serves. On the opposite side is the vast, bluish-gray Hudson, and the back-side of Bull Hill. I feel a sense of company on this ridge. someone may be here, savoring the same glorious vista.

Appalachian Trail near Phillips Mine, Mar. 11, 2025

 It's an unseasonably warm glimpse of spring today. I passed the unmarked little trail to the mine in favor of the beaten path. One thing I only realized now about this place is the abundance of hemlocks around. Met some kind folks very interested in my rover. When I mentioned the old mine in passing, they were intrigued. I may end up leading them there. Perhaps the mountain has a side-quest in store.