Another local, flat hike: Paine Estate, Aquaduct, Mainstone, Aquaduct. Gorgeous temperature and clear sky.

I drive to Rte 117 parking for a woodsy hike. I saw David and Susan Bechtel at the farm. I didn't see any Lady Slipper shoots at the spot; it's too early in the season. I took mostly trails with a little bushwhacking. The Heywood Meadow is pretty; the Emerson Cliff is not too scary. Temperatures in the early 50s.

I took another route for a flatland hike today, choosing to cross Cow Common and Sedgemeadow before connecting to the Weston Town Forrest and returning via Upper and Lower Millbrook. A good walk of 11.5 miles with temperatures in the early 60s.

I started with overcast skies and ended with pouring rain. In between, I followed the Weston Aquaduct east and then headed into Weston forests. I exited onto a short road walk and then Upper and Lower Millbrook. The rain got heavy as I tramped back on the final road walk.

I took advantage of the snowy morning to walk the Paine Estate and a little in the Reeves Hill area. Not a long one and quite wet. I arrived home with wet clothing, outside and inside. I wore boots that did fine and gaiters, so my lower legs were dry. In my boots, my feet started to get irritated whereas with gym shoes they do fine. I am going to try to find a way to use comfortable shoes in the winter.

Summary: a little over 2 hours and about 6 miles on level ground with snow coming down. Had a good time.