North-South Trail - Hike #1

Upon completing the Midstate Trail two years ago, I discovered another trail that might be a good future adventure (see Midstate Hike #16).  The North South Trail begins where I ended that hike series and winds south through Rhode Island all the way to the ocean.  Over two years later, I've  finally time to take this trail on.  I bought the book (at right) and did some preliminary planning.  The challenge with this trek will be the fact that the starting points are much further from my home, so it will be much hard to be spontaneous and say "let's go hiking."  This second Saturday in April promised to be sunny, windy, and relatively warm day - not so good for skiing, but great for hiking.

Saturday morning is also my small group reunion morning, and almost everyone was there for a change.  Among them were several guys you've seen in previous blog posts actually hiking with me (James, Jim, Ed).  Unfortunately, no one is able to join me today, so I decide to do a little extra mileage since I have to drive so far anyway.  Originally, I was going to start the trail from where I ended in Massachusetts and head south into Rhode Island.  However, the descriptions in guide book are written from south to north and I decided that trying to read the instructions in reverse was just be too confusing.

From Dunkin, it was about a 1.75 hr drive down to my starting point at Blue Shutters Town Beach in Charlestown, RI.  To get there, I actually drive through Connecticut and pass Foxwoods Casino along the way.  Alas, I am out to hike not gamble, so I drive on by.

I park at the beach then climb over the sand dune to snap this photo.  See I really AM starting at the ocean.  (Actually it's Block Island Sound, if you want to get technical.)
I have a lot of ground to cover today so I will be hiking at "Leary speed" (very fast).

The blue blazes mark the path of the North South Trail.  The accompanying sign is proof.

Besides the blazes, I also liked these little trail markers.  They usually had a little arrow on them indicating the way to go.

   

The trail leads me through Burlingame State Park.  I actually skirt part of the campground.

   

Here's the standard picnic table and fire ring
(for site #543).

Parts of the trail are very boggy.  The AMC has constructed some elaborate boardwalks to help trail users get through.  The trail is also available to mountain bikers here, so ramps are provided to get on and off the boardwalks.

All I can think is that there must have been some strong wind to take down this old tree.

The trail coincides the the Gormly Trail as it goes around Watchaug Pond.  This covered bridge with benches was an unexpected surprise along the way.

I thought this was a hiking trail, but apparently, it's also part obstacle course.

   

After leaving the state park, I enter the Burlingame Wildlife Management Area.  There I am surprised to find some formidable granite cliffs.

   

In Rhode Island, no less.

I'm almost 2/3 the way though my hike and it's time to eat lunch.  This pond is actually not viewable from the trail.  Walking along, I wondered what lay beyond the embankment to my right, only to find this serene spot.

I've left the wildlife management area and am now hiking on the road.  Suddenly, it smells like cows. 
Too bad I already had lunch

This is the northeast rail corridor from Boston to New York.  Last year, I was on an Acela train traveling this very route for work.

My cousin Kevin graciously agreed to pick me up at a local fishing pond.  Little did I realize that it was opening day of the season, so the place was busy.

The only other hikers I net on the trail were Paul and Janet (at left).  Imagine my surprise when they finished their hike a few minutes behind me and the first person they greet is cousin Kevin.  I knew Rhode Island was a small state, but I didn't know it was that small.  They also related to me that they ran into the author of my guide book on their hike to the pond.  I guess Rhode Island is that small.

Once back at the car, I just couldn't resist going back out at the beach to capture a photo of a crashing wave.

It actually was a quite a long hike today:  11.93 miles in 3:56.  If I factor out the time I time I took for lunch, my average hiking speed was just over 3 1/2 mph.  It's no wonder I am a bit sore the day after.

Hope to see you on the trail!