Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

It's been a cold rough winter!  I can't remember getting this much snow in a long long time. With that said, we still try to get outside every weekend for a walk and we've been to Gillette's Castle twice since I last posted about it. The first time we went was several days after our end of the state was pounded with close to 2 feet of snow... yes, two feet.  Did we let that deter us? Absolutely not!  We figured at the very least, the trails would have been walked on, even if it was minimal.  Not exactly.  On this particular day, it looked like only one person, and one deer had been there before us.  How do I know this?  Well.... it's funny you should  ask.  As we started to walk, carefully through the unplowed, untouched trails we noticed only one set of footprints.  So, we weren't the only crazy people and if he could do it, so could we. Didn't look so hard.  Who were we kidding?  We were exhausted minutes into our walk.  It was then that we noticed that within each footprint left by that lone walker before us were deer prints.  Smart little deer.  He certainly had the right idea.  Why tire himself out if it wasn't needed?  We took his lead and did the same.   Not easy to follow in the footsteps of what I assume was a much taller man than myself but still much easier than trying to create a new path for myself through that much snow.....  

Let me shorten up this story by explaining several things that I learned from the most exhausting walk of my life... to not go out hiking after a heavy snow storm, to stop pretending I'm still in fabulous shape (because I'm not), and that it's probably not a good sign when I can feel my heartbeat around the brim of my winter hat!  End of story?  We both came home and crashed for what I recall was a several hour "nap".  But, we did it and I can say I survived!    

Essex

Certainly not a hike by any means but the town of Essex is a great place to walk if you want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery on a Sunday morning.... or if there is still 3 feet of snow on the ground on normal trails. Regardless, we love walking here, Essex is the quintessential small New England town.

We typically get a late start (usually my fault) so finding a parking spot right on Main Street is difficult but there is a  small public parking lot you can use just as you come into the street on your right hand side.  We usually take it easy, walking up and down the road, enjoying the people and the great little shops.  I will admit that we have rarely bought anything as we simply like the walk but we've managed to make it into most shops at one point or another.

There is a quaint little 

 coffee shop in which you can to grab a  hot cup of joe to enjoy during your walk. One of our favorite shops along this road is the Essex Christmas shop.  It's just off the main road but it just calls you inside as you walk by.  You get a feeling of nostalgia just walking in.  Not big by any means but it is a two story loft which offers a little bit for everyone's taste.  It's one of those shops that offers one of a kind items.  If you see something you like, BUY it! We'd been looking for a tree topper for the last few years and found a great one there right before Christmas.  Unfortunately, we didn't buy it when we were there and by the time we made it back, yup, it was too late!  We'll know better next time....... 

Gillette's Castle

There is always something new to discover at Gillette's, no matter the season.  Over the years we've managed to try just about every path and it never gets old.  There are several different bridges to walk over and under, some new... some old, but gorgeous nonetheless...... there are several ponds on the property but the most gorgeous view has to be the Connecticut River from the top of the castle itself.  Following around to the trail on the side of the castle, you can walk down to the river for a closer view or cross the river via the ferry into Chester.

On a couple of lucky days, we've managed to catch some views of hawks and eagles flying overhead.   Several walks ago, we were able to get close to a hawk who happened to land on one of the nearby trees near  the trail we were walking.  We sat there for quite a while mesmerized by his sheer size, he was magnificent. So, this park is simply a great walk if you only have a short while or plan on sticking around for a few hours....   

One of many details of the grounds of this gorgeous property.  Every time we come here, we discover something new.  Many of the paths we now walk on were the old railroad tracks used by the steam powered train which you can still visit on the property.   

    

    

Not such an easy walk when it's covered in snow but worth the view at the top...