Exploring Barkhamsted

So this was more of a exploring trip then a hiking one, I had heard some really good things about this area. The best being of course that they have a campground that you are allowed to bring your dog to. I only know of 2 in Ct so I would be open to any suggestions on places that allow dogs to camp (tent), in this area. So our first stop was to the Camp it was not "officially" open till April 20th or so but I went  for a walk through to pick out a good site for in the future. I am hoping to convince my brother to come up to this place to camp with me because there is so much to do.

I love the fact that you have room in-between sites so that you are not on top of other campers. This was my favorite site The Pines were huge and behind the site was the river.

 

Such a nice view!! It was so beautiful out and the fishing season had started because all the fly fishers were out. I wished that I had my pole so that I could sit down by the river with the dog and relax.

Seeing the little rapids reminded me that the tubing is only down the street a bit at Satan's Kingdom which would be a nice thing to do in the summer. After we explored the whole camp we walked back to the car and went to go look for another place.

We came to a park and if you walked down to the river through some very very prickly thorns we found  a little "oasis". There was a big old crooked tree with a nice sandy beach. Who would of thought that I went to go hiking and ended up sitting down on a beach!

As usual... the poor dog ended up in a tree posing. For once I think he actually liked it because he sat up there for a good 10 minuets looking out into the water before jumping down to bask in the sun.

 I sat down in the sand with him, the water was crystal clear and the sand was so white!! I felt like I went to my own little island for a while.

Unfortunately it was time to go home to get some actual work done and give Tater a bath!! He almost looks like he is screaming Nooooo!!! Going to come back up and do a real hike in one of there many State forests soon!!

After his bath playing with his friend Matty our Russian Tortoise

             Montgomery Pinetum Park

Even though I now live in Farmington, I spent my whole life living in the Stamford / Greenwich area. I have driven past this park numerous times, always wondering what it was, but never taking the time to go and check it out. Pinetum can be reached off of Stanwich Rd. in Greenwich or 69 Bible St. Many years ago (1922) it was the estate of Colonel Robert Montgomery, they collected hundreds of different types of conifers for their estate 80 which are still there today. The town of Greenwich has maintained it since 1953 as a historic site with picnic areas and trails with beautiful ponds and swamps. 

 

when Tater and I first came into the park we saw this little structure that looked right out of "The Hobbit". I had to make my poor dog pose in the window (of course), After looking in and around the structure which was probably used for a gate keeper back in the day we followed another hiker up the trail till we came to a lake.

 

It was a really nice day out and there where so many people that must of had the same idea to bring there dog out for a hike.  We met a very happy and exited Brittany Spaniel that was absolutely loving swimming in this lake. I was surprised seeing as it still was only March and not that warm!! 

 There was a huge rock formation near the lake and I was going to climb up to the top to get a better shot of the lake, but someone beat me too it!! He is surprisingly good at rock climbing. 

We sat on the bench for a little bit talking to some other dog owners and looking at the lake, I was thinking what a great place this will be to take him back to when it gets warmer to swim. The little waterfall was very pretty as well, but we still had alot to still see.

As we headed down a little path we came to what looks like the old garden or yard for the old estate,the stones backed right up to the lake. We walked down to where the lake is and followed a trail into the woods from there. We went by a swamp and into the woods there were a few trails and you can get caught up exploring them for a long time. Tater and I climbed up to the highest point in the woods on top of a small mountain and right on the top we saw the strangest thing.....

We saw a old stone fireplace... the view was beautiful especially since there were no leaves on the trees yet and you could see for miles. The dog was slightly apprehensive of posing in the fireplace as you can see by the "happy" look on his face.

If Tater though he was scared in the fireplace, you should of seen my face when i came around the corner and saw the tree grinning at me...I had to take a picture because I knew trying to explain that would never do it justice!!!

Things got even more interesting (like it wasn't already) I was walking and looked up to see a walk- way high up in the tree's I picked up the dog and went to try my luck at crossing it and hoped that it was made recently and not back in 1922!!! It was really cool to be walking that high up in the woods! It eventually led to the old estate that is now in disrepair but still standing.  I was happy to see the first sign of Spring as well!!

This is the back of the house

Even though I don;t appreciate the graffiti, I can appreciate the words. 

Tater loves to go and find people, he likes them more then dogs, I on the other hand feel the opposite!!! But I have to say we did meet alot of nice people today!

From the front yard of the house it looks out to where the stone yard was from earlier. It is such a great view I can only imagine how pretty it must of been when everything was manicured and in bloom. It really is a great location. 

He is probably dreaming that this is his back yard!!! good-bye till next time!

Roaring Brook Nature Center
70 Gracey road, Canton, CT
http://www.roaringbrook.org/publications/trailmap.pdf (for there trail guide map)

 So as we began to set out on the trail I noticed how slippery some parts of the trail were still from ice. So Tater and I very slowly made our way to a stream and followed the stream until we heard a large amount of running water. Much to my surprise there was a large man made waterfall.  I don't know why I forgot to take a picture of it but there was a walkway across the length of the river with fencing so no one will fall to the icy water below!!  I did manage to get a picture form on the bridge which I will show you later.

Had to show my handsome little man as he rested his paws on the soft moss and warmed himself in the sun! He is rockin his little shirt!!!

Here we wanted to go look at a different spot up the trail a bit and as you can see on the (right) I had to put his leash on him and make him leave the warm spot!!! He is such a Mexican dog always wanting the heat and sun! (Below) Is the picture from the top of the damn, looking ou...t it really was a perfect day out!!!

Here we came to a huge tree that must of gone down in one of the many different storms we had this year, But he has no fear of jumping 10x his height!!  (Below) You can see another one of the trees with a really interesting split in it! Tater had no problem poking his nose in places it shouldn't be...except for the other night at Shade Swamp where I showed the pictures of the old animal cages...he hauled ass out of there!! (and me too)

This trail was really nice for having a relaxed walk and looking at your surroundings. They have done a good job maintaining the trails. I would of liked to have seen some wildlife. The cages in the back looked as though they were in disrepair, but in there defence I thought I did here something about them renovating. Next time I would like to go and check out the inside part and learn some more about this great place .I realized later on that this trail had a sign that said " no dogs" But online it says that leashed dogs are welcome. I brought mine because... I don't go anywhere without my friend!!!
If anyone has more info on the place or any other places please feel free to comment and let me know

Thanks Again!!!  Jen and  Tatertot