Chesterbrook Corridor

We hiked straight out of the Waltham YMCA along the Western Greenway Trail. This is called the Chesterbrook Corridor.

When you turn onto the long driveway at the Waltham Y, you cross a bridge over a swampy area. Right now the water is very low due to drought. But every August brings out huge clumps of pink Hibiscus flowers. We started our hike admiring those wildflowers and headed north towards Trapelo Road.

Hibiscus moschuetos

The trail goes through public and private land, and it is well marked. Boardwalks have been built over wetter areas. We saw at least 3 different types of ferns…hay scented fern, sensitive fern, and cinnamon fern. I’m trying to get better at fern i.d. this summer.

We found a cool boulder to climb, which, remarkably, did not have any poison ivy at the base.

We walked about a half mile in 30 minutes, towards Shady’s Pond Conservation Area. But the sun was going down, so that will be a hike for another day.

One of the things we're talking about is how to use landmarks to retrace your steps when you are in a new area. I let her read signs and lead when possible. One of her landmarks was ‘the sky’—she liked the way the trees made a window to the sky in one place—and another landmark was some candy wrappers on the ground. Will try to remember to bring a plastic bag to collect litter in the future.

Lyman Estate

This was an easy walk at the Lyman Estate in Waltham. We had a snack on a rock and observed rabbits, chipmunks and birds active at dusk.

Our friends Fred and Jenny got married there quite a few years ago. It was near Halloween and there were pumpkins in the centerpieces. Fun to reminisce about that day. The house was closed when we were there today, but a girl and her parents were peering in, maybe doing some wedding planning.

Lyman house

There is a long perennial bed outside the greenhouse, and it was alive with dazzling colors and buzzing insects.

Goldenrod and phlox

Plenty of old trees, some of which are good for climbing, if your mom will let you.

Old tulip tree

We did not go in the greenhouse today. A greenhouse can be a great winter outing. We went one time when Martha Anne was only 2 or 3 months old, in January or February. We used to marvel at the things she would focus on, even when she was just a tiny baby.