Recent content by DebW

We use ketchup or some such squeeze bottles for our blazing work on the Mass. AT. I do like the slotted lid idea - someplace to keep the brush without making a mess.

I believe that AquaMira and Pristine are basically the same thing. Mix two chemicals, wait 5 minutes, dump into water, wait 15-20 minutes and drink. AquaMira seems to be the more readily available brand in the US. ClO2 is also available in tablet form. The tables come in individual foil...

Not to discourage anyone from offering trail magic, but the ATC and local maintaining clubs are trying to seriously discourage unattended food on the trail. You can imagine problems with animals, trash, or even malicious intent. If unattended coolers are found, they may be removed by...

Heard Pond is connected to the Sudbury in high water. Otherwise there's a marsh in between. I've paddle from pond to river via narrow channels in some springs. This past spring I paddled from river to pond without realizing that I'd left the river. If you like paddling through marshes, it's...

I was paddling on Heard Pond in Wayland, MA last Saturday and witnessed what I believe was a fight between 2 snapping turtles. The battle remained in one location about 20 feet from shore for at least 15 minutes. You'd alternately see a shell, foot, or head break the surface. One turtle had a...

Massachusetts Rattlers are not unusual on the Mass AT on the southern plateau between Jug End and Sage's Ravine. I know of one recent sighting at the Tom Leonard shelter 11 miles north of Jug End, but nothing north of there. There are stories from some years back of rattlers in the Blue Hills...

Doug is being released from the hospital on Friday or Saturday. He is getting stronger and moving around pretty well with a walker. Plans are being finalized for a home health aid and other support. He promises to start posting again as soon as he gets home to thank you all for your concern...

I'm a long-time hiking/skiing companion of Doug, and he may be staying with me during some of his recovery. Saw him last evening and drove his car back to his house, after Andy moved it from the trailhead to the hospital. He seems to be doing well, but running a slight fever. Has been moving...

On Saturday October 1, the Massachusetts AT Committee is hosting 14 day hikes covering the entire AT in the state, followed by a dinner bash in Pittsfield. Details at http://www.amcberkshire.org/schedule/2005/10/amcevent.2005-04-11.4496990937 Hikes range from 4 to 10 miles, some suitable for...

I did the northern LT this year. The LT north of Rt. 4 is MUCH harder than the LT south of Rt. 4. If you can do 12-15 mile days on the southern LT, I'd plan on 9-12 mile days on the northern part, though sometimes your distance is dictated by the shelter spacing. The trail goes straight up...