>From: "Betty Robinson"
>To: "Carolyn Stearns"
>Subject: letterbox
>Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 10:58:36 -0500
>
>Hi Carolyn
>
>here's the copy , direct to e-mail. did you get the official "Annual
>meeting" attachment that I sent out yesterday? A coiuple had problems,
>others went thru OK
>
>I can't figure this out!
>
>Hastily, Betty
>
>
>
>
>
>LETTERBOXING
>
>Name: "One by Land, One by Sea"
>
>Placed by : Friends of Mansfield Hollow
>
>Location: Mansfield/North Windham
>
>Rated: Moderate, (easy if you know the area!)
>
>This can be found in two ways--by water in a canoe, kayak or fishing boat,
>by land from a parking lot.
>
>Mansfield Hollow is a huge area, fed by three rivers and divided into
>sections according to the DEP's use: this section is open to hunting, and
>part of the Field Trail Area for hunting dogs. Be aware that on many
>weekends it will be in use by the field trail folks, and that during the
>hunting season walkers must be cautious. Sunday is a good day--no hunting
>allowed. With all that said, it's one of our favorite spots for exploring
>and admiring a place emptied of residents by flood control
>
>By land: heading east on route 6 in North Windham turn left at intersection
>of 203(traffic light). A sign points to Mansfield Hollow. Cross the bridge
>over the Natchaug River and immediately take a left on N. Windham Rd. In .3
>mile park in dirt lot at the yellow gate. Go back, pass the gate, walk down
>the old paved road (closed in 1949), down hill, then up. On the right, when
>the foliage is off, there is an old barn foundation. At the top of the hill
>the road follows an esker, with land dropping off on each side-another
>glacial sign--a kettle hole down on the left. On the right is the remains
>of a retaining wall built by some roads crew long ago. Now is the time to
>look carefully for a cart path turning to the left; turn here, follow to
>the edge of the river. There is an open space here, and signs of a
>well-worn path along the banks (save this for another day). A ghostly
>fireplace stands in the clearing; look for evidence that once there was a
>lean-to built into it.
>
>Now, stand with your back to the fireplace, with your left shoulder toward
>the river; take out your compass, set it at 340 degrees. Step off 30
>steps/15 paces toward a big oak tree that resembles a fielder's mitt. (4
>fingers, one dead), circle it, look in the pocket where the box may be
>found. Cover me up well--lots of pine needles etc. nearby, say goodbye, go
>back to the paved road. Right back to your car.
>
>If you want a different way back, cross the paved road to a rough path--it
>will take you up and down, back past that old barn foundation to the
>parking lot. Warning--lots of brush, thorns and briars. It's used by the
>dog trail folks, but is a favorite of mine.
>
>Now, By Sea:
>
>Put your boat in at the boat launch, head south past the beach area where
>the Canoe club hangs out, keep to the left (eastern) shore. You are in the
>widest part of the lake, but soon will curve left, with the dike on your
>right, and enter the Natchaug River. Continue to follow the left bank--you
>will see that it is high, covered with pine trees. The river makes a
>gradual curve to the left, then to the right, and looks the way the river
>must have pre-flood control. Watch carefully for two large, dead trees,
>first one on right, then left. Here the river bank is shallow, and there is
>a rocky shore, with an old stone wall on its side. Beyond the bank becomes
>a marsh--if you got this far, turn around. Beach the boat, look ahead in
>the clearing and there's that chimney. Follow the by-land directions. This
>spot in the river was in the Courant recently. It's a great picnic stop.
>
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com