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3 | § ¶Northfield Mountain Hike
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Early on May we went on a warming hike (to strech our hiking muscles). Northfield utilities seemed like the right choice (flexible, nice place to picknic, and nearby).
This is a moderate hike (on the easy side) that can take as much or as little time as you want. Plenty of hiking (and skiing) trails can be used in this area. Choose the ones that suit your needs the most. For your convenience, I have posted a suggested route on the detailed description.
Northfield Mountain is maintained and operated by Northeast Utilities. They offer a cross-country ski area during winter, and several nature programs during the summer. It is open year round for hiking. You can find an interesting description on how this area is operated and how it can be enjoyed on: http://www.nu.com/northfield/default.asp
You can view the Northfield Trail Map
5 3 | § ¶Saddle Ball Mountain Hike - NW Massachusetts
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On Sunday (August 5th, 2003) we enjoyed a moderate, 7 1/2 miles hike on the berkshires. It is in the Greylock area, but it manages to avoid the heavy traffic of people going to the Greylock summit (it never goes there). Instead, it does a nice loop that passes through Saddle Ball Mountain, where you get nice views of Greylock at almost the same altitude.
On this hike you will enjoy variety of woods growing at different altitudes, and a good workout by doing all of that "uphill downhill uphill downhil and uphill again" hiking. There are some views of Greylock Mt from Saddle Ball Mt, and some nicer views of NY State later on Jones Nose Trail. Birdwatchers may want to spend some time on a less wooded area at the end of the hike, where there are plenty and varied birds thanks to all the wildflowers, and young trees in the area.
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2 4 | § ¶Going Postal...
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I am a stamp collector. As a collector, I often trade stamps with people from different countries. And every trade has been a successfull and rewarding exprerience.
Granted, stamp collectors are ussually nice, responsible, educated fellows. But the postal service deserves at least half of the praise!
I am still amazed to know my letters get across the country in three days for $0.37, and across the world in less than two weeks for about $0.80 (using the U.S. Postal Service). It is an almost magical experience that we take for granted. A combination of well orchestrated work that supports our society. Allows trade, shortens distances, and even brings the family together.
I am still searching for a way to send my stamp trades by e-mail or fax. Untill then, I will still be amazed by the postal services of the world.