Here's what you missed at the post-holiday walk
Nov 27, 2016
Alice's Spillway was built to control the water flow around Russells Mills, according to walk leaders. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Thirteen people had gathered under a gloomy sky by 9 a.m. on November 26, the time the post-Thanksgiving Day walk was scheduled to start.
The two-hour, 3.5-mile hike at Destruction Brook Woods, led by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, was intended to burn off the second helping of turkey, although it also doubled as an escape from the mall madness on State Road. Last year, it attracted about 40 people, but looming showers had affected this year's turnout.
"The weather is affecting it. It's bringing out the hearty," joked Outreach Coordinator Jim Bride.
By 9:15 a.m., just over 20 people had gathered, and the troop — huddled in boots and hats — started off down a damp path.
Here's what you missed:
Alice's Spillway was built to control the water flow around Russells Mills, according to walk leaders. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Paul Cheever, of Mashpee, and his 15-month old golden retriever, Spencer pause for a break. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Water droplets hung from branches, leaves, and pine needles. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Walkers noted that there were many more holly berries this year than last, although they weren't sure why. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Stone walls are hidden among the trees, an indication that the land was once cleared for farming. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
This downed tree caught the attention of a few walkers for the colors in its rings. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Walk leader Tom Matthews tried to figure out what kind of trees the pods came from. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
BY ANGIE HILSMAN
BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Attendees check out the Gidley Cemetery. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Bess Coughlin, Marcia Cheever, and six-year-old golden retriever Bella stop by the cemetery. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Judy and Harold Isaksen joined the DNRT walk to disconnect from the holiday frenzy. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Harold Isaksen tries to figure out what sort of car was left on town-owned property. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Attendees concluded that it was an AMC Gremlin. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
The princess pine. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Walkers head up a glacial esker -- a winding, steep-walled ridge formed by an advancing glacier. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Spencer stops for a drink. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
The puddingstone is comprised of pebbles that are cemented together by finer sediments. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
Tom Matthews points out Alice's Spillway, where water was controlled by piled wood planks. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
From the early 1700s to the 1950s, the spillway was used to store water for Allen's Mill, located on Slades Corner Road. Now, it is emptied about every three years to clean out the pond that forms behind it, said Matthews. BY ANGIE HILSMAN
