The Trails Committee held its first hike of the year at the Big View Trail on January 22, 2006. This trail, which is available for community use by the good graces of the landowners, Diane and Phil Merritt, is located off of Unquomonk Road in the southern part of town. Originally scheduled as a snowshoe event, the unusually wet and relatively balmy weather up to that point left us precious little snow to shoe on.

The hike was very well attended once again, with approximately 45 outdoor enthusiasts of all ages present, and the weather was cool (mid 30s) and fair. Diane Merritt, a long time WWTC member, was the obvious choice as hike leader. She brought us first to the location of the boundary stone marking the juncture of the towns of Williamsburg, Westhampton, and Northampton, then to the overlook for which the trail is named. Phil Merritt greeted us there with cider, treats, a campfire, and a fine view of the valley. After this a smaller group did an extended hike around the Unquomonk Reservoir. The scheduled hike was about 3- to 4-miles long, took approximately 1½ to 2 hours, and once again appeared to be enjoyed by all. For more information about this trail, click on “Trails and Maps.”

(Photos from top: The Big View, Kids Playing, Three Town Stone Marker, and Beaver Pond.)