On Sunday October 13 we’re climbing Mt Wachusett after
Church. We’ll use Mountain House Trail
-- an easy trail, about a mile long, on the easterly side of the mountain. Little ones, senior citizens, and everyone in
between can do this walk, which is a gradual trail with lots of stopping places
for anyone who needs to catch their breath.
It takes about 30 minutes, or a little longer if you stop frequently to
admire the view on the way up. Another
option is to drive up the mountain. And
there’s also the chair lift from the ski area, but there’s a fee for the chair
lift.
When we get to the top, views of the countryside should be
magnificent. Fall foliage should be at
its peak. If you bring binoculars,
you’ll probably see migrating hawks, and possibly eagles. Little ones (and
others) will enjoy hunting for garnets that have eroded out of the rock – not
gem quality, but still fun to find.
Mt Wachusett is in Princeton, about 25 minutes north of
Worcester. From the Church, I-290 and and
then I-190 to Route 140 is the quickest route, but Route 31 through Holden is
also an option. Maps will be
available. We’ll start from the parking
area for Mountain House Trail, on Mountain Road at the intersection with
Gregory Road.
The plan is to leave the Church shortly after noon in
individual cars. Pack a lunch and eat it
when you’re hungry – before leaving the Church, on the way to Mt Wachusett, or
on top. The Church will provide cider
and cookies on top of the mountain.
Wear boots or sneakers.
Dress in layers, with sweaters or sweatshirts and windbreakers. A small backpack is handy for carrying extra
coverings, a water bottle, and lunch. If
it’s a really chilly day, you may want a hat and gloves. It can be windy and chilly on top. Mt Wachusett is the highest point in
Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, so the wind comes sweeping up the
westerly side and over the top. Princeton’s
Municipal Light Department has two wind turbines on the westerly slope, which
supply about 40% of the Town’s electricity.
For those who want a more rigorous climb, there are many
other trails up the mountain. Don’t feel
that you have to take the short route, but look for us on top when you get
there.
Rain Date: We’re
hoping for clear, crisp fall weather, but if it rains on October 13, we’ll push
the mountain climb to the following Sunday, October 20.
Questions? Call John Mirick 978-464-2313
Or email:
jmirick@mirickoconnell.com
