Before Runnings, before the old Walmart was the first Walmart, when George's Field was actually a field, and before our children were more than half grown, we walked these woods. Still, there were others who came here first.
The carving reads: J.S. Austin, Aug. 11, 1878
Clouds play with the Autumn light beckoning me to visit the mountain. This isn't the first time I have been called, as it is my daily view; but on this day, I was so moved by the invitation that I asked Zach to take a picture for me. I wonder if others are called? I wonder if these children who play against the mountain's sun splashed canvas will someday go to the mountain? I try to remember how long it has been since I was there -too long.
Photo by Zach Derosia
Oak leaves had weekends ago blown down and covered yards in a thick brown blanket. The constant grating of leaf blowers that grind at my nerves, had thankfully begun to subside. It was Saturday after dark when the thunder rumbled our foundation with such insistence that I feared our front door would be thrown wide open! Snow had started slipping into conversations, even as the ground was so saturated it felt in spots like we were walking on Jello. It was time.
The trailhead is located off of Mountain Road in Hinsdale, NH. When last here, there wasn't a blue diamond trail, only a well worn path switching back and forth up the mountain.
According to
Sokoki Sorjourn, Wantastiquet is a close interpretation of the Abenaki word Wantastegok which means, "at the place of the lost river."* This mountain is located where the West River and the Connecticut River meet. I encourage my readers to explore Sokiki Sorjourn before hiking the mountain.
Note that on this magnified portion of a
1796 Vermont Map, Vernon, VT is still known as Hinsdale, VT. The West River is shown to the west of the Chesterfield, NH label on this map.
A cascade welcomes hikers near the parking lot. If you aren't ready for a mountain hike, make sure you see this waterfall prior to stretching your legs on Mountain Road which follows the CT River north to Route 9 in Chesterfield.
Old growth trees stand sentry along the trail.
For others, this was their last season.
Wayne pauses to read what's left of a sign just past the trail posts. Were these now rusted and graffitied posts here the last time we were here?
The day after the storm, hiking the trail was like walking up waterfalls the entire way. Conditions didn't stop others from enjoying the trail however.
Water flows over the side of the trail making its way to the CT River with Brattleboro, VT beyond.
Eastern Mountain Laurel has taken advantage of areas where there is newer oak tree growth and increased sunlight.
Eastern Hemlock adorns a rock outcropping.
I don't remember this trail being so gradual or it being as wide. Perhaps, this is because we no longer have four children to keep watch over. The switchbacks do seem longer however, this affords us opportunities to wonder and reflect upon changes to this place over time.
Water seeps from the rocks,
and wells up from the ground.
Combining forces and shaping pathways,
an ancient force on its way to the long river.
"What's that Abby? You are flying in for Thanksgiving. Yes, we can pick you up in Boston. Mom and I are hiking up Wantastiquet, we can talk more later"
"Hello? Hi Helen...ok you are bringing the green bean casserole...Ethan will make his way down to ride with you?"
Ron was here in 83, that's one year after we graduated from high school.
I can't help but wonder why this person was here and what they were trying to accomplish all of those years ago?
An obelisk sits at the summit.
A bronze plaque from 1906 in memory of Walter H. Childs is on the obelisk. Some have added to this monument in hopes of being remembered too.
Others have a message of their own to share.
Next time we will pick up the trail on the way to Mine Mountain - Norma Manning
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