Small rock carn greets me at the beginning of the Maine Trail, heading toward Whitehead X-ing once more.
But today, as was the case with the last visit I believe, I didn’t even make it to Crossing proper but got sidetracked on Howl’s Ridge. Below is a quite interesting, long and low rock on the western edge of the forest, a rock I seem to run into during almost every recent visit to this ridge. Magnet Rock might be a good name due to this attraction property. Low Rock is another possibility, or Long Rock. Whatever, it’s by far the largest rock found near the Woods of Howl.
Here’s the thick of that piney woods. Sir Roger Pine Ridge would probably feel right at home here.
Here one of those amazing Crossing area finds: I emerged from the Woods of Howl on the north side of the ridge, following a faint but obvious path through upper part of these woods. Then the path continued downhill, *cut through a thicket of rhododendron*. It was obvious that someone put a lot of work into this path. But where did it lead? I had rough ideas when I headed downhill through it (still cautious of my wonky back, since I was suppose to avoid downhill walking when I was more in the early healing stages). On and on it went, chopped through rhodododedron, and still a path in pretty good shape although I can’t imagine who would use it.
Angular set of rocks encountered on the path, which I’m calling the 4th Way, since it has become the 4th pathway into The Crossing.
The path became steeper toward its terminus. Soon I was on flat ground, and spied a large house through the trees. I knew where I was. The path continued between this house and another, smaller house, which I’ve earmarked for further investigation. A nesting spot for woodsy aliens?
Large rock just beyond end of path, where it meets a dirt road. Almost hieroglyphic in nature.
The house at the end of the path in question. Beautiful setting, no?
Sunklands 