February 2022 – R. Wayne Gray

Winter Hiking: Lone Oak Trail, Woodsville, NH

On February 27, 2022

Location: Woodsville, New Hampshire

Date: 2/20/22, 2/24/22

Tucked away just north of Woodsville is the Lone Oak Trail, maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust. While short, this moderate trail features a bit of elevation, making it steep in places (particularly as you reach the summit). It’s definitely worth the effort, though, as you can see from the view. I had a crampon blow out on this one, so actually had to make a couple of runs at it before getting to the top.

Feel free to share or use these pictures for personal use, so long as you link back to this site. Thanks!

: The trail is easy to find, and offers limited parking at the trailhead.

: Trail is well-marked.

: The last third is of the Lone Oak Trail is fairly steep.

: Several staircases built into the trail can become frozen waterfalls; crampons are a must.

: The same staircase four days later. It’s amazing what a difference a couple of 50 degree days can make.

: The view of Woodsville from the top.

Hubbard Park, Montpelier, Vermont 02/21/22

By richgray

On February 22, 2022

In Photos

Location: Montpelier, Vermont

Date: 02/21/22

Just north of the statehouse in Montpelier, Hubbard Park is a 194-acre park packed with hiking trails, shelters, fire places, and a large stone tower at its highest point. There are multiple parking areas and access points; we parked on Parkway Street and hiked up, which was under two miles in and back, with some elevation. There is nothing too strenuous here, but it is a great place to do some light hiking, although I imagine it probably is pretty well-traveled at times.

Feel free to share or use these pictures for personal use, so long as you link back to this site. Thanks!

: A small pond and bridge mark the start of the trail from the parking area.

: The trail is pretty much all elevation leading up to the tower, but it’s not too strenuous.

: A sure sign that spring is on the way!

: Through the trees, a tower appears.

: The tower, added to the park in 1915-1930.

: The inside of the tower, which is open to the public.

: You get a 360 degree view of Montpelier and the surrounding area…

: … and ants. Be careful if you go in the winter, as the top can be icy.

A Rabble of Drabbles, Part 1

By richgray

On February 19, 2022

In Publishing - Short Fiction

stay out the damn woods Drabbles are 100 word stories, and more challenging than they might seem. Much like a poem, every word counts in this form, and it’s not only a fun form to play around with, but also a good writing exercise in general.

I write these on occasion, usually for an antho call or contest. When they don’t “hit,” you’re left trying to place them elsewhere, which can be difficult and time consuming. I’ve taken to sometimes uploading them on sites around the Internet for a variety of reasons. When I get a fair amount of these, I’ll throw up a Rabble of Drabbles, of which this is the first. Check them out if you get the chance, and stick around the sites to read a wide variety of writers.

“Shadows”
https://medium.com/@rich_41534/shadows-a-speculative-b7dab4e21f82

“Case Closed”
https://commaful.com/play/rwaynegray/case-closed/?sh=1

“The Wizard and the Words of God”
https://www.wattpad.com/1189257886-the-wizard-and-the-words-of-god

“Last Halloween”
https://www.booksie.com/667412-last-halloween

“Home For The Holidays”
https://storywrite.com/story/16354928-Home-For-The-Holidays–a-Christmas-drabble–by-Rich1

“Equal Shares”
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rwaynegray

Owlshead Mountain – hiking 2/17/22

By richgray

On February 19, 2022

In Photos

Location: Peacham, Vermont (Groton State Forest)

Date: 02/17/22

The yearly winter hike up Owlshead. The temps were pushing 50 and rain was in the forecast, but it held off. I had the mountain to myself.

Feel free to share or use these pictures for personal use, so long as you link back to this site. Thanks!

: The start of the trail, just off the State Forest Road.

: Definitely an easier hike. There is a bit of elevation involved, but for most of the way it frequently levels out.

: This is just off the parking lot, which you can drive up to in the summer.

: Trail is well marked, although there’s enough traffic (particularly on the weekend) that you can just follow the path.

: It gets a bit steep and icy near the end. Crampons recommended.

: You spot the stone shelter, you know you’ve made it.

: A pretty easy hike, and the view definitely makes it worth it.

: The picnic pavilion just off the parking lot. Great view here as well, including picnic tables and a fireplace.

The Basin in Winter

By richgray

On February 8, 2022

In Photos

Location: Lincoln, New Hampshire

Date: 2/8/22

Dubbed by no less than Henry David Thoreau as “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England,” The Basin is also was fun short hike with a unique reward. Winter is no different, and you certainly won’t have the crowds to deal with. This is located directly off I-93 and along the Franconia Notch Bike Trail.

Feel free to share or use these pictures for personal use, so long as you link back to this site. Thanks!

: This was a few days after a foot of snow had fallen.

: The Pemigewasset River just upstream from The Basin is cold and clear.

: There are actually a few falls along the short hike to get to The Basin.

: The Basin.

“Truce” – Black Ink Fiction (publication pending)

By richgray

On February 2, 2022

In Publishing - Short Fiction

Contract’s signed, time to share. A huge thank you to Black Ink Fiction for accepting my short story, “Truce,” for publication in an upcoming issue. More info coming when I get a date…

Month: February 2022

Winter Hiking: Lone Oak Trail, Woodsville, NH

Hubbard Park, Montpelier, Vermont 02/21/22

A Rabble of Drabbles, Part 1

Owlshead Mountain – hiking 2/17/22

The Basin in Winter

“Truce” – Black Ink Fiction (publication pending)