A friend and I decided today would be a great day to get lost in the woods to catch up with each other's live. We joked about the current affairs of the Trump administration and reminisced about the past while braving the elements on the chilly Sunday afternoon. The ambient temperature may have been 28 degrees F. but wearing my long-johns under my sweatpants was a little overkill for the day's walk. Nonetheless, it felt good to be warm and cozy all bundled up.
The trail featured some pretty steady steep climbs but nothing I hadn't seen before. Also on display were a few babbling brooks thawing from the late winter chill. A nifty little bridge made from two logs whittled down to create a walk-able surface gave us passage over one of the streams. There weren't many scenic over looks but there was one rocky outcrop that gave us a nice little view of the river below along with the dam on route 34 (maybe?). For most of the walk our view of the river was blocked by the dense coverage trees. Much of the fallen leaves from the local foliage covered the barely defined path leaving us to put our trust in the blue trail markers on the trees to keep us in the right direction. The silence of the woods created a feeling of isolation only broken up by the buzzing of a chainsaw in the background reminding us that civilization was not far away. The path was broken up by what looked like an access road although I found it hard to believe that many cars could make it up the hilly terrain. A rusty old van which was tipped on it side and wedged between the trees greeted as we entered the road. Sitting next to it was a rusty bullet-hole ridden drum that looked to be the victim of some gun play maybe caused by the locals who live near by. We continued on the path for about a mile before we encountered what looked like the gate to a country club or lake association. Feeling accomplished, we turned around and headed back the way we came.
I can't say anything bad about this trail. It satisfied my need to hike as most do. I realize that the trail did probably continue even though it appeared to stop short. It is the Oxford Loop and all. Even then, we decided it be best to just retrace our steps and end the day before the sun went down. For an added bonus me and my buddy went to the local Lake Zoar Drive In for a burger. If you ever find yourself travelling down route 34 in the Oxford-Monroe area, I recommend you stop and get a burger at the drive in. It's totally worth it.
The Oxford Loop has inspired me to start blogging my journeys in hope that maybe some day someone will discover this and enjoy it for what it's a worth. I hardly ever write or type out my thoughts. There's no better time than now to start. So here's to the first chapter of The Adventures of Derek and hopefully many more to add to the saga.
Next time I'll take few more photos because who doesn't love photos!
 |
| Maybe the Pomperaug will be next! |
 |
| Looking down one the babbling brooks |
 |
| Now looking up |
 |
| And back down |
