While on school vacation this week, Bright Spot Reading Buddy Violet and I headed to the Chesterfield Gorge in West Chesterfield, Massachusetts. This is one of our favorite places to hike. The last time we were there was late autumn. The river was low with plenty of exposed sandy beach and rocks to play on. The current was gentle, barely moving. On today’s hike, the river was very high, as would be expected after all the melting snow. The current was so strong, the river rushed by us with a thunderous roar. There was no playing down on the bank of the river this trip. We stuck to the gravel road, which makes for a pleasant stroll through lush woodlands. We encountered a few patches of still-frozen snow and numerous mud puddles. These, of course, attracted Violet. She has a penchant for water and mud.
We walked in along the East Branch Trail for an hour, then turned to head back. We passed a few people out to enjoy the warmth and sunshine of the beautiful spring day. For the most part, though, we had the trail to ourselves. By the time we reached the car, Violet was covered in mud. Well, Bright Spot Reading Buddy Violet is on vacation, after all – and this is her favorite type of enjoyment. She headed home for a bath!