Reposting this one to the talk list as it has not made it to the
clues page.


ed Newt Letterbox
Paxton, Massachusetts


Planted June 28th 2002 by Chris and Mike
clue difficulty: easy
terrain: well marked path, muddy in places
distance: .45 miles from trailhead

The letterbox is located at Southwick Pond which straddles the
Paxton/Leicesster town line. From Worcester take Pleasant Street
(Rte. 122) west to Wallbridge Road in Paxton. Turn left onto
Walbridge and drive to the end of the road where you will find a
small parking area.



Southwick Pond is part of the Greater Worcester Land Trust Tetasset
Hills Trail system. The parcel is 112 acres of beautiful woodlands
with a loop trail that is approximately 1 - 1 1/2 miles long. The
trail leads to two farming ponds connected by a dike. The area is
home to migrating swallows, whitetail deer, beaver, turtles,
woodpeckers and lots of bright orange newts. Watch your step! We have
seen lots of newts on the trail. At the end of June the Mountain
Laurel is in bloom and you find yourself in an enchanted forest
surrounded by white blossoms.



Enter the trail at the sign. Follow the trail blazed with white
markers and blue triangles southward until you come to a log and
plank boardwalk over a small stream. Continue along the trail for
another 1/10 of a mile noticing the rock walls to your left. When you
come to the corner intersection of two rock walls there will be a
break in the wall 30 paces ahead and another trail heading east. Head
through the break in the wall and follow this trail east. There will
be a rock wall on your left. As you walk watch for breaks in the rock
wall. At the second break leave the path and walk 12 steps on the
unmarked path to the break. Do not pass through the break. Turn to
your right (east) and walk 12 steps along the wall. You should end up
behind a large Mountain Laurel. The box you seek is under some flat
stones next to the wall. Look for three small stones on top of a
larger flat one.



After you find the box if you continue along the blue blazed trail
you will reach Southwick Pond. The trail is a loop that will bring
you back to the corner intersection of the two rock walls. A trail
map can be found at
http://www.regionalenvironmentalcouncil.org/southwick.htm.

Enjoy your visit to this beautiful area.