"SLOW POKE" Letterbox
(Windsor, CT)
Planted: May 18, 2002 by Tom, Debbie & Rebecca
Length: Parking lot to letterbox, under a mile
Difficulty: Easy hiking trail
Northwest Park is located in historic Windsor, CT. The park is a 473-acre
multi-recreational facility offering an interpretive nature center, 12 miles
of trails, maple sugaring, and more. The Park is open daily, dawn to dusk
and there is no admission charge.
Directions: From Interstate 91 heading north, take Exit 38. From Interstate
91 heading south, take Exit 38A. Turn right at the exit on to Poquonock
Avenue (Route 75). Go about 1.5 miles and turn left on to Prospect Hill Rd.
Turn right at the traffic circle on to Lang Road and continue up the road to
the Northwest Parking area. Proceed from parking lot to the red barn Nature
Center, where trail maps are available.
HELP! "Slow Poke" the turtle escaped from the Nature Center. Please help us
find him. If you exit the Nature Center, walk northwest toward the path in
the woods which will lead you to the Bog Trail (red). Climb the slight
incline, stop and have a snack at the lovely picnic area on your right.
Continue on the path and turn left (west) following the sign for the Bog
Trail. Passing a swamp on your right, you will soon cross a main trail,
proceed toward the Bog Trail (red). Following the rope fence, the sounds of
Spring were in the air as you approach the bog. A very noisy place to rest
as those 'peepers' can loudly croak. Oh what a racket in Spring! Cross over
a log bridge. Continue on the path going up a hill, to the highest elevation
on this trail. Follow the curves and down a steep hill. Continue along the
Bog Trail, following the rope path. Soon you will bear right, and see a hut
on your left. Go in and check out the birds that visit the Park. Come back
down the ramp. Look to the North, there will be a group of pines with some
white birch logs on the ground. 'X' marks the spot! Once you locate "Slow
Poke", stamp in and hide him for others to find. Proceed north, taking a
right back to the main trail which will lead back to the Nature Center. Or
venture off onto the other great trails.