Kayaking Mashapaug Pond, Bigelow State Park

Bigelow State Park is quite a drive for us, but not so far as to be impossible. We stowed the kayaks and headed to Union, Connecticut.

A quick Google maps search gave us directions to the park's main entrance. There is a parking fee, as this is a state park. Apparently we were early enough in the season as no one was there to take our money. Drive past the first parking lot to the rather large second lot where the boat launch is located. The lake is large and does allow access to boats large enough to be disconcerting to inexperienced kayak operators. Fortunately for us there were only a few small boats fishing along the waters edge.

Fisherman on the banks

Lisa contemplating the large lake

Once in the water, we paddled for hours. The weather threatened in the distance, but remained relatively calm. A good breeze gave the water some small waves, which we both found exciting. Surrounding the lake are many private residences, and all the islands on the lake are private. I cannot understand why no one is allowed on the islands as there are no houses on them. 

We did not see any wildlife except for a heron on the drive into the park. With very little vegetation the water is of the type so clear that it is not often seen in Connecticut. The lake is large, 18 acres according the DEEP website. It was a great experience, kayaking a lake that large. I only wish it was closer to home.

Stopping for lunch was sincerely a once in a lifetime experience. The Traveler Restaurant is definitely a unique place. Imagine, if you can, a second hand bookstore with a diner built inside of it. The food was good, and surprisingly had varied menu for a place of its size. The best part is the three free books with every meal.

Here are some links if you want a similar day:

DEEP site for Bigelow Hollow State Park

Google maps to the park

Google search for Travelers Restaurant

Bluff Head, Guilford CT

Being that it is mid-April in a rather chilly spring, we determined that kayaking was not in the cards today. A hike would most certainly be the way to go. Lisa usually leaves the choice of locations up to me, and I chose Bluff Head Park in Guilford.

The drive there was pleasant and sunny, taking a route which neither of us was familiar. Simply putting 4411 Durham RD, Guilford CT  into the gps, brought us almost directly to the parking lot. Although the sign for the parking lot was a little small, there is room for a dozen or so cars to park. The hiking trails are accessed directly from the parking area.

There are two trails that meet up with the main trail. The most direct route is the shortest, but is a relatively difficult climb. We opted for the longer, easier path, blazed orange and blue. Walking this way added half an hour to the hike, and was a slow, constant ascent. There are many downed trees across the trail which were cut to allow access. 

Lisa found the obstacles fun.

Meeting up with the blue trail started a swift ascent to the ridge line. The trip up was not easy, definitely not for small children. There are many trees and roots to use as handholds, but you need to be wary of flaking and loose rocks. Another reason to worry about children is the height. The ridge drop off is incredibly steep, and there are no railings or trees to prevent a fall.

Plenty of views

Lisa holding on for dear life.

Plenty of vistas

We walked to the top of the ridge, revealing tremendous views. We spent some time exploring the rather sparse woods atop the ridge. The blue trail leads back to RT-77, and a walk back to the parking lot along the rather busy roadway. We decided against that and retraced our steps back to the car. We bypassed the blue-orange trail to prevent a further loss of time and navigated the incredibly steep hill.

This hike was a lot of fun. From a lovely ride, a great lunch, and incredible views, this was a challenging hike and a tremendous way to spend an afternoon.

Here are some links for more information:

• Guilford Land Conservation Trust 
• K.C. Pub
• More pictures