Maine's third highest peak is Sugarloaf Mountain in Carabasset Valley--a playground for the rich and famous and an incubator for many an Olympic skiier.
There are at least two other Sugarloaf Mountains in the state. One is in Rangely and one (or maybe two) are in Dixfield. A quick look reveals why they are affectionately referred to locally as The Boobies.
I judge the weather each morning on whether or not I can see them as I make our coffee. Most mornings they are there--perky as can be--it takes a lot of precipitation to cover those girls up.
Today we decided to take a walk up to Bull Rock. Bull Rock nestles like an ugly tatoo on the front of the right boobie. It is a sheer rock ledge about halfway up the mountain and is spraypainted each June by the high school seniors in a late-night ritual to which we adults turn our heads. But, spraypaint aside, the ledge offers a beautiful view of our little town.
We packed a picnic backpack and walked up Lancaster Street past MH's house where Molly and Sara went to thousands of sleepovers, through the woods and up a hill, through the front yard of a girl who drove Archie's car into a ditch during homecoming last year, up the driveway of one of Charlie's ski team parents and then back into the woods on a little trail to the Ledge.
From Bull Rock, we could see forever. The last layer of mountains in this picture are Mts. Washington, Monroe and Adams, an hour to the west in New Hampshire.I love nothing more than a sunny day on a rock. The rock holds heat and from many years of experience I know exactly how to mold my body into any rock until it is as comfortable as a feather bed. Usually Charlie rouses me before I'm through with my rock nap, but tod
ay he let me be while he snapped pictures of the countryside from our perch.In silent reflection, we enjoyed our picnic lunch and sparkling grape juice left over from the wedding.
We walked home the long way through the cross country trails behind the high school and down the hill the runners always referred to as Psycho.
Another perfect day.
8 comments:
Spectacular vistas indeed. What a great feeling it is to look out over miles and miles of beautiful view. I envy you. I life in very flat terrain. If you want height you have to go up on someone's third floor!
I love this phrase: We packed a picnic backpack and walked up Lancaster Street past MH's house where Molly and Sara went to thousands of sleepovers, through the woods and up a hill, through the front yard of a girl who drove Archie's car into a ditch during homecoming last year, up the driveway of one of Charlie's ski team parents and then back into the woods on a little trail to the Ledge.
****************You know how dear and wonderful it is to have familiar landmarks and people as 'markers' as you go throughout your day...
I just made the second pic in this post, my desktop background. IT looks fabulously luminous... What beautiful woods.
The warm the sun of October always catches me off guard because the air is so crisp. Perfect hiking weather.
Looks like another beautiful day on Bull Rock. The Music Man and I spent a wonderful afternoon up there in late August picking the last of the blueberries. Maybe we will be able to squeak another hike up before the snow falls.
"The Boobies"... love it! :c) What a wonderful respite for you Beth. I could sense the peace it brings you in your written words. It must be a huge gift to have a place like that nearby.
Wow, what a gorgeous view! I'm glad you guys had a chance to get out and enjoy the day.
Thanks Lavinia, you are right, the markers and familiar spots are what make it home. I'm glad you liked the picture :)
Katie, it was a beautiful weekend. I hope we get a few more, but we're living on borrowed time now, aren't we?
SJ, it is a good blueberry spot. I looked for some stragglers but the bushes were all shriveled.
Jayne, it is a beautiful place--I feel so calm when I look out over mountains--isn't that a psalm--"I look to the hills from whence commeth my peace"
RuthieJ, thanks, I have been enjoying all your out-in-the-woods posts lately
Beth, you have GOT to take me here next year when I come back! This was hilarious! Thanks for a good laugh!
Post a Comment