Blue Hills Reservation Hike

 It was a great sunny and dry spring day in Boston, and with Patriots Day being a holiday in Massachusetts, eight GO members went on a great spring warm-up hike along the Skyline Ridge of Boston's Blue Hills Reservation.  The group met its first challenge successfully at the start of the trip when the leader showed up 18 minutes late.  Something about a "senior moment," thinking that the start up time was an hour later.  In any event, this was a wonderful good natured group which even went the extra mile, literally, as we all decided to hike an extra 1.5 miles to Chickatawbut Hill, and get more exercise.  The best views of the trip came on top of Buck Hill (496 ft. altitude), which gave us a totally unobstructed 360º view.  We could not make out the runners of the Boston Marathon, but we could see the buildings of Boston's Back Bay, Boston Harbor, and out to the northwest, we could make out Mt. Monadnock quite clearly.  Unfortunately, Chuck had to bail out early on in this hike due to a medical condition which started to act up.  We missed him, but were glad that he was ok.  Oh, and how can I forget to mention the two bugs who entertained us on top of Buck Hill with their romantic entanglement.  It was spring time, after all....

 This should be a relatively easy to moderate six mile round trip along the eastern section of the Blue Hills Reservation.  We will start at the Reservation HQ on Hillside Street, and take a combination of trails (Bugbee/Pig Rock) to Rt. 28, and return on the always popular Skyline Ridge.  These trails offer wonderful views of the South Shore, Boston Harbor, and as the name implies, the Boston skyline.  Bring a lunch and/or snacks, as we will be stopping at appropriate places to take in the sights.  There are some minor steep sections on the trail, but for the most part, this should be a comfortable walk in the woods.  Wear comfortable shoes/socks, and bring water, as there is no potable water on the trail.  Rain will cancel.