Today, Ruby and I did something very different. I drove up to Breakheart Reservation in Saugus. I’m not very familiar with the park but it seemed a promising place to take a hike with a rambunctious ten month old Westie. I decided to hike the Ridge Trail because it offered some nice hill views. I had my hiking staff, some water and the dog. It was amazing how quickly that I left behind black top and was in forest that was straight out of the Appalachian Trail. There was no road noise, no airplane traffic and hardly any trail. There were painted blaze marks but the trail itself was scarcely ten inches wide. The autumn foliage is starting and the wind was invigorating. Then we started stumbling over the rocky trail. Actually, Ruby had no trouble. It was me and the little hike proved to be quite strenuous. We went up and down a few slopes and then finally up Castle Rock where we has some spectacular views.
Boston Harbor from Castle Rock
It was a bit of a shock to see the harbor from this vantage. I am so used to the beaches and water at eye level.
Boston Skyline from Castle Rock
This view was interesting. It’s the first view that I have had of the city from the north. It’s not uncommon to see it from the west from the Turnpike or Route 2. This is part of the ring of hills that surround Boston Basin.
We didn’t see many birds except for Blue Jays. There was one bird unseen that was making a call like that of lever operated bicycle bell (the little kid favorite). There was quite a variety of mushrooms to be seen. When we got backed on the paved paths, it’s apparent that lots of people and their dogs enjoy Breakheart.
So we had a great little hike and enjoyed the Octoberness of it all.
Ciao!
-Jorge
