Evergreens

We enjoyed the Kurdziel's "Metamorphosis" series at the Hoffman
Evergreen Preserve in Stonington (New London county) so much we
thought we would plagiarize...no...add-on. So here are three more
letterboxes in the terrific little Hoffman Evergreen Preserve: they
will add mile to Metamorphosis and your day on the trail.

Find the first Metamorphosis box, "Egg." Then follow the directions
to the Bennett Cemetery intersection. Turn left on this spur trail
and walk a short way to the beautifully kept, historic place. Looking
in the northeast corner of the surrounding stone wall, find the
Avalonia Trust Letterbox tucked between flat slabs.

Walk back to the trail you left behind and continue on, finding the
next two Metamorphosis letterboxes (Larva and Chrysalis). Back at
intersection #3, either continue northeast on the Colonial Highway or
take the Blue Loop (marked "West" on a tree-sign) for a peek at
Whitford Brook and a Pine Loop Trail. Both choices will bring you to
intersection #4. Follow the red trail east. Pass from one pine grove
into another through a beautiful stone gate. Turn right and bushwhack
about 50 yards along the wall on your right to another well made,
forgotten pass-through. Do. On the right in the southeast corner,
find the Pine Grove Letterbox.

Go back through this little gate and bushwhack right a short way
further along the wall to pick up the red trail again. Turn right and
walk down to intersection #3. Here you can head back to the
beginning: follow the red trail left, south-southeast, for a short
climb. The trail then makes a straight mile shot south-southeast
paralleling a stone wall on your left. When the trail (and the wall)
zig zags right-to-left, you'll find an intersection with the yellow
trail. Look down low around the corner in the wall facing the yellow
trail for the Hemlock Grove Letterbox. Staying with the red and
bypassing the yellow and blue trails, you'll soon find your car.

Thanks to the Kurdziel Family for this terrific hike.