Excellent sunny day in the upper 40's, managed a slow 7.3-miles in McLean Refuge.

Toward the end of July I noticed The Trustees of Reservations "Hike 125" challenge.  

Originally, this program was started as a way to celebrate The Trustees 125th Anniversary in 2016.  It simply challenged people to get out and hike on Trustees trails.  Evidently, it has gone on beyond that 125th year anniversary, and I thought it would be a great way to get me out to a few spots I had been interested in, or hadn't been to in a great while.

The challenge dates were from April 14th through December 31st, 2018.  I was coming in late (my first logged "hike" on Trustee property was July 27th), and while I would have liked to hit 125-miles, I didn't think it was possible.

Here we are at the end of the year, and I might as well wrap things up.  The leader-board has me in 35th place for total miles, with 83.2.  I'll check in after the New Year to see if I managed to stay in the top 50.  I am pleased that I managed the miles that I did, as none of the hikes are exactly "close to home", so some driving was necessary.  I also realize that I only had 5 of the 8.5 months of time available due to my late start.  2019 should give me a better chance of hitting the 125, and I do expect to take the challenge once again.

From the Trustees website, it is mentioned that "Everyone who hikes more than 25 miles will receive a patch to celebrate your Hike 125 pride!"  I am looking forward to this!

"The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts."

Black Lizard / Vintage Crime novel completed, the 24th of the year.  Back to Burke, and Andrew Vachss.  "Hard Candy", from 1989.

Music 2018...

Effort #52, "Body of Christ".  I was playing around finger-picking some chords, and thoughts of Jesus came over me.

"... Got my Faith in the Body of Christ."

Christmas Day, spent with my DL and my folks.

Prior to the trip, I managed a beautiful 3-miles along the Metacomet from Phelps Road south.

Finished another Black Lizard / Vintage Crime novel.  This time, it was another gem by  Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo, "The Laughing Policman", from 1968.

A really nice cold sunny day in McLean Refuge, 6.6-miles.

4-miles late afternoon in McLean Refuge.

Drive to Adams to see the folks with DL.  Stops along the way:

• Mrs. Murphy's
• Cumberland Farm
• Perkarski's
• Angelina's
• Folks

Hard rain throughout, with temperatures jumping from low 60's to 38-degrees.  Off and on, the entire drive to and from.  Photos along Bucklin Road.

3.4-miles along the Metacomet, prior to work.

Long day at work, 3-miles on Main Street at night.

A nice cold sunny morning, 3.4-miles on the Metacomet prior to work.

Music 2018...

Effort #51, "Why Did We Have to Part", a rough one from Marianne Faithfull.

"...It was over and I didn't know it."

After driving out to N. Reading and then Plymouth yesterday, we made the return trip to Connecticut this afternoon.  Excellent visit with C/C & M/T.

Spent the early portion of the day romping through McLean Refuge for 5.5-miles on a grey, damp morning.