On a wonderful, bright, warm Easter weekend, a new Letterbox was hidden. It
is located at the Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve which straddles
Southington and New Britain. To get there, take 91 South or North to Rt 9
North. Take the left exit marked Rt 372. Continue all the way to the lights
at the end of the long exit. Turn left onto Rt 71A. Travel 1.4 miles and turn
right onto West Lane. Proceed 6/10 of a mile to a small parking area on the
right hand side.

Find and follow the trail markers that are blue with red dots. Stay to the
left all the way up. You will quickly gain elevation and be rewarded with
some of the best views seldom seen anywhere else. This hike can take either 1
1/2 to 2 hrs (out and back) depending on your time spent enjoying the awesome
view, or if you choose you can take a 6 mile long loop that will take 3 1/2
hrs or more.

Approximately 45 minutes into the hike you will come upon a large tower of
rock that has peeled itself away from the main cliff. It seems to defy
gravity and appears to be held in place by a large rectangular boulder wedged
between the tower and the cliff. To get the best view of this you should find
a "seat" in the rocks on a flat ledge that faces the tower in front and
slightly to the left of you.

The letterbox is hidden above your head in a cairn nestled in the split of
the rocks.

This is near the trail itself so secretly stamp in and replace as found.

To get the best view on this hike, continue along the red dotted blue trail
for approx. 10 to 15 minutes more and you will come to the "head" of the
trail. This is a popular (but illegal) area for the rock climbing community.
This also is a great place for another box but on this day, there just wasn't
time. At this point you must make a decision. Either turn back the way you
came, or continue on the "loop" (look down on the rocks for the directional
signal) for the LONG way home. Just remember, at this point you will be on
both the standard blue blazed Metacomet trail (map 28 of the Connecticut Walk
Book) until you find the second directional signal on the rocks. It will show
you the way along the red dotted blue trail. This way IS long. Bring plenty
of water and a snack. You will not be disappointed.

Enjoy

Elmer and Jackie