Wachusett Mountain State Reservation: The climb and views are great. The beer? Not so much.

I often notice 12 packs of blueberry beer from Wachusett Brewing Company in the case at my local liquor store and think, "one of these days I’ve got to go up to that mountain."

The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) built wonderful stone steps along Pine Hill trail which led to the summit. This made the ascent a breeze. I love those guys.

If there is a fire, they'll see it first, probably.

I spoke to a kid who drove up the ski trail on an ATV. He asked me if I wanted a ride down. Although it might have been fun, I politely declined.

View into New Hampshire. I haven’t been to Mt. Monadnock in quite some time. Glad to see it’s still there.

Looking east. The Boston skyline faintly in the distance.

Place to sit and enjoy the view. Looking northeast towards Fitchburg. I snacked on some almonds here.

The visitor’s center had a fire going. It was peaceful to sit and reflect on a nice walk. On the drive home I stopped and bought a mixed 12 pack of Wachusett beer. Thumbs up on the hike. Thumbs down on the beer.

The Iceman Cometh, Ed Asner, zip lines and riding in cars

(Southampton, Mass.) We drove up to Crooked Ledge rd. to explore an old unmarked road. It's always mid-afternoon when I end up at these places. Who knows what the best light is? Who cares?

Stone walls and foundations. "Look here," I say. "That rock under there? Who knows when the last time it was touched by a human being? 300 years ago? Amazing, right?"

But I only pretend to say it. I keep it to myself and just sigh.

Whispered, I hear, "I think Rob is looking tired, and was he mumbling about being an iceman and how icemen could make a comeback, and you have to capture the opportunity or something. Being an iceman? Do you think Rob looks tired?"

Leave him alone, he's fine, I hear countered. Complemented with a sharp burp.

Brush with fame is the game. Go: Ed Ansner is named. "He was rude at an event I coordinated but later found out he was just bored and messing with me because I was new." Lots of snappy responses, including: appropriate ways of dealing with the Ted Knight laugh, Mary, Betty White. Lots of laughing. Good times.

"Nice cold storage. Drag ice here from the pond. Or put it up on your wagon. Either way you could get it here. If I had a block of ice here in July or August? I could get some syrup and make a fortune..."

I turn and realize I'm talking to myself.

A walk up an old unmarked road wouldn't be complete without an old car. Not sure of the make of this but I'd guess the late 60s or early 70s. First car I drove was a '72 Cadillac.

Has a UMass parking sticker on the bumper. Maybe Tommy Devine rode in the back seat at some point? Hubba hubba!

Turns out this was Edwards Rd., which lead into a residential neighborhood.

Trail description:

Rocky and can develop into a small stream after a decent rainstorm. 90 mins up and back to car. No dramatic incline. A zip line was discovered (below).

Trees of Peace: Mohawk Trail State Forest

The weather forecast indicated clear skies. But we ended up sitting in the car for about 45 minutes waiting for a snow squall to pass. Although it was late in the afternoon we stuck it out.

Cold river. And it was.

Built by the CCC. Cabins are available all year. We'll come back for snowshoeing and spend the night here.

We like tent camping but this might be a little warmer in the winter months.

Lots of different trees having a meeting. The United Nations of the Mohawk trail.

Trails in the woods lead to an open meadow.

White pines are very tall. It is reported the tallest tree in Massachusetts is here someplace.

Old stone walls. There are ghosts here.

This sign was off the trail. I noticed it by accident.

Walking down to the natural trail and meadow.

Old truck from the 40s. Who doesn't love finding old cars in the woods?