May 31 and June 1, 2025
Both of these NNLs are just outside Rochester.
Photos 1-11: Mendon Ponds Park is an NNL due to its glacial geology (eskers, bogs, kames, kettle hole). It’s huge and was a great place to train for my upcoming AT hike because of its decent sized hills. I did about ten miles on my first visit and had intended to do another ten on my second visit (today), but a few miles into today’s hike I found an injured chipmunk. I think it had just been shaken by an off-leash dog. By the way, I counted four roaming off-leash dogs within 30 minutes, and there is a leash law in this park. 😡
I found and called the number of Chip and Chloe Squirrel Rescue (@chipchloesquirrel), a local wildlife rehab that also helps chipmunks. A kind woman named Rachel answered and said she could take in the little gal. I carefully put the chipmunk in the pouch I usually use for my phone and hiked back to my car. Had to climb and descend some steep hills with my phone and hiking poles in one hand and the chipmunk in the other, all while wearing my 27-pound backpack. Drove to Rachel’s home and Rachel went to work removing ticks and feeding/hydrating. She texted me later and said the chipmunk had passed after having seizures. 😢 Likely had neurological damage. I thanked Rachel for doing what she could. We need more humans like Rachel in this world.
Before I returned to Mendon Ponds Park today, I stopped by Hart’s Woods. Hart’s Woods is nestled between a residential area and a public school. It’s a fairly small forest and was established as an NNL because of its beech-maple trees.
On a different note, I am now down to a 19.5-lb base weight. I can go another pound lighter if needed, but I think I am going to start with what I now have and then ditch that pound if/when my back wants me to do so. My pack with three days of food and one liter of water now feels quite comfortable, and I am counting down the days. Looking forward to following those white blazes. ♥️