Connecticut is a great place to hike. Although we call them
mountains, our highest points are regarded as hills by many states. Enough to
offer a challenge to the eager hiker. In the past few years the towns have
enthusiastically acquired land to be dedicated as open space and established
walking trails and bike paths.
Nearby Tolland is one. They opened a trail through the Crystal
Peat Bog. The 31 acre parcel of land was donated by the Crystal Peat Humus
company in 2013. Before fossil fuels like coal and oil, peat was known as
“cakes of fuel.”
I like to walk so finding a level trail was a pleasure. despite a slight hill near the parking lot
the path is level.
I also like learning the history since I’m always doing research.
The Crystal Peat Bog was used during the Civil War to provide
cheap fuel. The major source of heating and factory production was coal and the
price sky-rocketed. Peat was available.
Connecticut peat was shipped to both Boston and New York,
bringing money into the state. At the peak of production a dozen plants in
places like Coventry, Rockville, Ellington and Meriden contributed peat bricks.
The peat was ground up and formed into blocks the size of bricks.
The resulting bricks gave off about half the heat of coal. The production ended
when the price of coal dropped after the end of the conflict.
The trail is marked by purple blazes and runs along an old road
that used to take visitors to Ellington and Crystal Lake. (Do you remember that
name? Hint: horror movies) A path marked with yellow blazes takes you through
the heart of the preserve. It winds for about a mile through the oak and white
pine forest. Since it doesn’t loop, you need to plan on walking about two or
three miles past the remnants of the wall where they load the peat into wagons.
There was no place I could point to and say I saw the bog. the land is
overgrown with second and third growth trees. Like places in Europe, the peat
bog is a field like every other.
The clear-flowing Brooks Brooks run through
the area before it flows into the Skungamaug River.
Check out www.tolland.org/open-space-hiking-trails
for maps to the area.
As a prize, I’m offering up a e-copy of my paranormal, Ancient
Awakenings, to one lucky person who comments here.
I have very fond memories of visiting my uncle at his home in Coventry. To me, Connecticut was always a place of lush green serenity...
ReplyDeleteI love the old towns of Connecticut, especially along the coast. As a Broody New Englander, they make me nostalgic for whaling ships and rum.
ReplyDeleteEllington - sorry, no horror movies with that name in it comes to mind. The other one, Crystal something or other. Yeah, sounds vaguely familiar. lol
ReplyDeleteInteresting to learn this about your state, Barbara. My husband and I lived in Connecticut briefly many years ago when he was stationed at the submarine base in New England. I walk a lot, too, and I remember the cold wind even in late spring. But I'm sure the summers and autumns are lovely and I've always wanted to return at that time of year. I wish you success with all of your books.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in CT and traveling across the Sound to antique was always one of my favorite things to do. I have good friends in Newtown and still travel to see them when I'm on a book tour. I could definitely live there, despite the winters!
ReplyDeleteHail, fellow New Englander! CT is a beautiful state. I love Mystic.
ReplyDeleteMy state, NH, is one of those with 4,000+ footers, but I can't climb them anymore. Nice flat trails are perfect for me now!
Connecticut sounds lovely and your book sound good.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings.
PamT
I didn't know we had peet or that it was so important. I always associated it with England.
ReplyDeleteI must say that bog must have produced a lot of peat to sustain those people for a time. Can't even imagine it. It would be wonderful to travel to all the places we read about in these postings. Every state has so much to offer.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I've only passed through CT and don't think of it as a place for hiking or peat. Thanks for the interesting info. You make me want to go there and stay awhile.
ReplyDeleteNice selection of points. Like New Jersey, although a small state, Connecticut has a little of everything.
ReplyDelete