Expedition to Whitehall

Saturday morning dawned clear and not too excruciatingly crisp. When we finally got around to deciding what to do for the day, no one balked with Chad suggested a local hike. Among our many yet-undiscovered natural destinations in town is Whitehall Preserve.

The trailhead was unassuming enough that we nearly missed it, situated just before an ancient-looking farm with a couple of cows and a baby calf. We were soon on the trail, crossing an adorable bridge spanning a mysterious set of stone walls.

Before long we came to a pair of ponds, frozen solid. From there the trail wound around, affording occasional glimpses of the ever-present Foxwoods Resort and Casino through the otherwise barren winter landscape.

Near the top of the hill we encountered a large open field surrounded by forest and bordered by the stone walls that trace their way through every stretch of woods around here. Running out of trail at the summit, we finally threw in the towel and bushwhacked with Chad till we found the trail. Off a side trail we encountered the mysterious stone throne about which I’ve been unable to find any details.

Then it was back to the pond where we again followed Chad’s lead, cautious at first, then sliding away to our hearts’ content. After a photo shoot at the bridge, compliments of Gavin, we returned to our car where we were met by the steady gaze of the baby calf from the adjoining farm. Between relatively warm temperatures and a steady pace, we managed to return not needing to thaw ourselves out!