When I was a kid, every Sunday morning my father took my younger sister and me to a Reservoir in Thomaston, CT where he would park the car and we would set out on a five mile hike. This hike was year round, unless it was pouring rain or a blizzard.
Most of the hike was on a dirt road, but parts were an adventure in the woods and other areas. Connecticut has over 850 reservoirs. I would expect that post 9-11, the public is not able to have access any longer to these beautiful areas, full of gorgeous trees, wildflowers, birds, animals, and natural water springs.
Sometimes my dad would take us into the huge, empty water pipes and tease us once we were quite far in, “Listen! Do you hear the water coming? Oh, he loved to scare us… kind of like as if we were on a roller coaster ride. Trouble is, how in the world could he know whether it was safe? What if they would have released the water? Still, I didn’t have to do it. I guess I have always been one to take a chance.
In the winter there would be huge icicles hanging off of natural rock formations and small cliffs; clean, clear water icicles. Like Popsicles for the thirsty hiker at the fourth mile. Otherwise, there was a cluster of three giant oak trees with a natural spring. The freshest, cleanest water you ever tasted. So cold. Bubbling up right out from in between the rocks. People could be seen filling water jugs there to take home. That’s where my dad first taught me about a divining rod and how to search for water, using a willow branch in the shape of a "Y." It really does work!
On very cold days, it could be zero outside and we would turn a corner where there was a grove of pines. If you have ever wondered how animals can stay warm in winter, this is how I found out. This grove of pines was about a half mile long. It could be so windy outside…blowing, deafening. But when you walked into the pines there was silence. They were thick and green on top. On the ground was a thick bed of brown needles, like a soft cushion. It was so very warm in the pines. Amazing. I could just picture deer and other animals bedding down in there. Who knew? My dad knew.
I'll never forget those walks long ago, with my dad, my sister, and on some weekends, my mom, too. What a beautiful place in a beautiful time. Five mile hikes. Parents....children....talking.....nature....activity....
