October 14: Georgetown-Rowley State Forest to Boxford

Benny was put to sleep on October 3rd, so although this was not our first BCT walk without Benny, but it was the first BCT walk without the possibility of Benny, either waiting in the car or at home for us. 

From the star to letter K

We easily found the parking lot in Georgetown Rowley State Forest at Pingree Farm Road where we turned around last time. Our friend Cindy joined us today, as she did the previous October. We found the trail well blazed. We were last here last in the area 2 1/2 weeks prior, but now there are more dead leaves and fewer mushrooms. We didn’t see a lot of great fall colors on our walk, just lots of yellows and browns, I guess that’s because of the kind of trees that grow here. 

Sulu was able to refresh himself in a few muddy ponds. I forgot his treats, but he checked in for pets multiple times. Fortunately we didn’t see any people or dogs so I didn’t have to call him away from temptation. 



After a lovely trip on a woods road, we emerged into suburbia. Only half a mile later, the trail directed us to a recently embellished trailhead (Hemlock Junction) with picnic tables for our lunch. 






The trail then backtracked to take us back to conservation land via Campground Road. Approaching Lowe Pond, advertised as a home for beavers, I could see the beavers have gotten ahead of the trail builders. The trail was underwater before we got to the boardwalk. Wouldn’t you know it: the lovingly constructed boardwalk is practically brand new (built in 2018) and yes the beavers are way ahead. We turned around in Boxford Center after 4.5 miles. We elected to save a mile by road walking back to the car. It feels safer walking on the narrow roads with three people than with just me and Sulu. Back at the car, I was pretty footsore. I was out of practice with longer walks. Walter, meanwhile, with his replacement knees, is a powerhouse.




Artwork by Laura Hartwick

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