Wednesday Burro Group - Raven's Ridge

PLEASE NOTE 9:30 START TIME! BRING YOUR SPIKES.

We haven't been up here since last June I think, so I'm excited to return & check out ground conditions, have a snow covered winter hike, before it's too late! I think the ground should be tapped down sufficiently for hiking with spikes, & it'll be refreshing to return to the top of our mountain for a change before winter, such as it's been, is officially over.

We start at the top of the mountain, on the Winsor Trail, at the bathroom & picnic table. Initially it's about 3/4 of a mile up fairly steep switchbacks to Wilderness Gate, where we can all catch our breath before turning right, not heading through the Gate, but rather hiking along side of its fence line, passing "our" meadow on our left, & continuing until its end. There's a nice lookout at the corner where we will turn right again & head up a bit to "our perch," a rock outcropping where we can have our mid-hike break, & Intention Circle. Our way back is the same as how we ascended. I guestimate this is probably about a 5 1/2 mile route, not sure about elevation gain, but it's a steady climb at altitude so it'll be a good workout for us.

There's a Talis field on the right above "our perch" which affords an opposite view, which many of us like to hike up to. This will be an option for any who wish to go up a bit higher for another view.

Burro Hikes are for experienced hikers, most of our hikes are moderate in difficulty (by our standards), usually on designated trails, usually 4-6 miles in distance unless otherwise specified.

Non-aggressive, well-mannered dogs are welcome on all my hikes (unless otherwise specified, some locations prohibit dogs).

Newcomers are welcome on all my hikes; I ask that newcomers please test your fitness for my Group by timing yourself hiking up and down Atalaya, which you should be able to do comfortably in 3 1/2 hours or less (from Wilderness Gate or staircase. using Steep route option). If you have any questions about this, or about my hikes in general, please feel free to contact me through Meet Up Messaging or by text.

We meet at the DeVargas Mall, in the back lot, behind the stores; park in a lane near the bowling alley, but not right up against the mall wall. We carpool to all THs. Please offer your driver $2 to cover gas expense for this hike. We like to leave promptly so if you're running just a few minutes late, text me, & we'll wait up to 5 minutes for you.

Ronnie Chafel, 617-331-1838

Please be considerate of those on Wait List & sign off hike as soon as you know you cannot attend, preferably 24 hours in advance whenever possible. PLEASE DO NOT NO SHOW. Repeated No Shows have consequences.