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TOOLS OF THE TRAIL LbNA #31963

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jun 17, 2007
Location:
City:Vernon
County:Tolland
State:Connecticut
Boxes:4
Planted by:partyguy&horse lover
Found by: Nairon (3)
Last found:Apr 10, 2022
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Jun 17, 2007
JOHN S.RISLEY MEMORIAL PARK
Rated Easy (some muddy areas and moderate inclined trails)
Give yourself approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.
Bring a compass and your own black ink
Surprise for first finder.

The Risley pond and trails are a popular spot for fishing canoeing swimming and of course hiking.

Directions: From rt. 84W take exit 65 turn left off the ramp then turn left onto Dobson Rd. which quikly changes names to Washington St. then becomes Lake St. Just continue going straight. Risley Pond is on the left approximatly 2 miles from exiting the highway.From rt84E take exit 65 go straight off the ramp then turn right onto Dobson Rd. and follow directions listed above. From Bolton on rt.6/44 turn onto Lake St. travelling approx. 1 mile and the pond will be on your right.

This letterbox series was inspired by my interest in hiking (especially LB hiking)

Start off at the end of the pond with the dam. Follow the path along side the pond it will veer off down the hill and cross the stream that feeds out of the pond. After crossing the stream the trail will enter the woods. Take the blue trail. After passing by an unmarked trail and going through an unmarked intersection be on the look out for the intersection of the yellow with blue stripe blazed trail. At this point take a reading of 165* go to the stone wall (notice a fire ring.) Walk through the wall take 21 steps at 80*. Hidden in the wall behind sticks and stone you'll find a pair of "Boots".

In my opion a good pair of hiking shoes is the most important "tool of the trail" you should own. If you're going to be using your feet you should support them properly. Make a wise decision when selecting them,they should be waterproof and make sure they're made for hiking. Spend what you can afford, just don't skimp!

Back to blue. The trail will soon begin to incline you'll notice large rocks scattered about. When the trail briefly levels out look for the blue blazed tree with a black blazed tree 8 feet past it. While standing between the two trees take a reading of 180* go over the stone wall and take 40 steps at 195* up and over a mound to a large pine tree atop a rock. Beneath it is a large leaning rock (almost cave like) under it you'll find "food and water"

Obviously with any physical activity you're going to want to stay hydrated and depending on how long your hike is you should keep your energy level as high as possibly. Powerbars are great. They pack a lot of nutrients in them and they're small enough to carry with you.

Back to blue, the trail will continue to go up up up. When you reach the trail's highest point it forks. Go to the left and be on the lookout for the first blue blaze after the fork. From it take 10 steps to a tree leaning to the NW from this spot take a reading of 330* and take 12 steps to a tree guarded by rocks. Beneath it you'll find a "Compass"

Now anyone (myself included) who's ever lost their bearings while hiking will agree it's a very unsettling feeling to be lost. Having a compass(when used properly) should help you to stay on course. It's probably the most important tool when letterboxing.

Back to blue, continuing for approx. 5 minutes the trail will then dip down and fork. This time take the unmarked trail at 45* go up to the clearing. As soon as you reach the clearing take a reading of 285* (that's right turn around and head back down the trail) just after it bends to the left look to your right at a large boulder with a slice in the center of it. Go to it's NW side and take a reading of 300* then take 7 steps to another rock. Under it's NW side you'll find a "Back Pack"

On shorter hikes you may not want to bring one along (I always do) but you should use a back pack when hiking. Keeping your hands and pockets free of objects is important to me. You can carry your food and water, maps, bug spray, a cellphone and whatever else is important to you.

Go back to the trail that will lead you back to the intersection of the blue trail. You can continue on and complete the loop or simply go back the way you came.

The bottom line is that it takes very little to complete a successful hike. The proper tools will make for an enjoyable experience. Things you should remember... Hike with someone if you can (It's a bit safer than hiking alone) Know your limitations don't over do it. Familiarize yourself with the trail. Grab a trail guide if available, reading the trail sign or at the very least pay attention to the blaze colors. But most important HAVE FUN!