Windsor Locks Canal Trail

Hi Blog! We are still recovering from our adventures in babysitting over the Fourth of July Weekend. Thank you Katie for picking us up and getting us back to Massachusetts.  We are happy to report that Weina and her father arrived safely in Toronto and are busy nesting in the new apartment.  We spent the last couple days getting re-acquainted with our cats and getting a bunch of chores done.

On Thursday, July 10, 2014, we decided to get out and do a little hiking. Kathy's stress fracture continues to heal and we didn't want to go too far too fast. We did a Google search and came up with a great hike.  Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail runs 4.5 miles along the now paved towpath of the historic Enfield Falls Canal on the Connecticut River from Enfield south to Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The trailhead was only about 30 minutes from our RV park.  Here is Dave checking the empty information box.

Here is Kathy checking out the massive head gate.  Just below the water surface is a series of apertures that could be opened and closed to precisely control water levels not only within the lock chambers but within the canal itself. The design feature supported the incorporator's dual intent to profit not only from tolls charged on canal traffic but from the sale of mill sites and the leasing of water rights to mill operators along the last mile of the canal bank.

By 1844, the Hartford and Springfield Railroad had started operation, and navigation on the Connecticut River gradually reduced. The water level is much lower now which this great blue heron finds perfect for fishing.

With all the recent rains, we found the Connecticut River flowing swiftly near the banks. There were several sandy beaches, but with the water running so fast, I would be afraid to go in.

However, that didn't seem to deter these cormorants. After a quick dive for some fish, they enjoyed drying their wings in the sun.

As we hiked south, we noticed there were houses all along the east bank, but on the west bank, it was mostly farms and remnants of the old mills.

We disturbed a brood of little ducks who quickly skedaddled to the far side of the canal.

After about two miles, we stopped for lunch on a park bench overlooking the river. Since it was a Thursday afternoon, we had the trail almost all to ourselves.  Because it was so quiet, the wildlife was easy to spot.  The chipmunks and song birds seemed to be everywhere. In fact, we managed to see a black mink scamper across the trail.  We weren't quick enough to capture the little guy in action, so here is a stock photo of your garden variety Connecticut mink.

As with most good hikes, we ended it with happy hour back at the campground.  They are expecting another busy weekend here.  We caught a couple episodes of "camp TV" as new rigs came in and set up.  Our new neighbors have two cats!  Baxter can't wait to meet them.  Right now, they just stare at each other through the rig windows.

Tomorrow, we follow part of the Massachusetts wine trail.  Bye Ho!