Mobb's Hill

 

Mobb's Farm -46 degrees with sun and clouds and slight breeze. Jericho, Vermont

9-10:15 am. A short planned weekend hike to new area I recently discovered.

I climbed up through boulder strewn ridge on unmarked trail from Fitzsimmons Road. There was some mud and a few spring freshets and vernal pools on the many unmarked trails that intertwine and go off in all directions. I looked at a map early on and head downhill towards the east with no problems. A wide cart track winds its way through a 50's car graveyard with several rusted hulks including a mercury with huge chrome front end and several oil pails litter the ground shot through with bullet holes.

I observed a red squirrel, hairy woodpecker knocking into a tree and a grey squirrel as well as other common birds. Atop the hill and looking west are views towards the lake seen through the trees. I follow the arrow markings in red down a gulch and past a group of hemlocks clinging to the edge of the ridge with obstructed views looking west. After a brief descent I come out of the woods onto the capped town landfill covered in brown grasses and soggy from the thaw and spring rains. I walked along the perimeter bordered by stunted pine shrubs and paper birch.

I noticed an adjacent farm meadow and decided to climb up the property. I followed a stone wall to the top where several brush piles have been carefully erected for a future controlled burn. The open space allowed for a fantastic view of the distant pine and leafless tree covered hills. A grey and green tapestry that would make for a fine translation into paints and colored pencil. A great spot to return with my art supplies. I scribbled into my green pocket notebook and sat for a moment to enjoy the sun on my face.

There is a trail on the other side of the stone wall and I was able to follow the trail back to the parking lot. I passed a family with two kids and their two dogs who were exploring the car graveyard before I reached the road.