While the idea of hiking to the top of a mountain on a cold dark night in the middle of winter might not appeal to everyone, it certainly appeals to many, as evidenced by the fact that more than 40 people showed up to do just that with the Granby Land Trust (GLT) on December 23.
The hike started at dusk on the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve on Silver Street and ended in complete darkness, with a cozy gathering at Emery Farm on Loomis Street. It was a Cold Moon Hike. The Cold Moon is the name given to the December full moon, and there was a huge full moon on that night—we’re sure of—but we couldn’t see it through the cloud cover. That didn’t dampen spirits, though. Hike leader and GLT Board member Dave Emery led an informative hike through the GLT’s Holcombe Preserve, up Crag Mountain, across Dismal Brook, and back to the beautiful farm he shares with his wife, Jenny. (Some of this hike took place on private land, and is not accessible without an invitation from the Emerys.) A crock of warm soup, a roaring fire in the woodstove, and the conversation of friends new and old warmed everyone up before they headed home.
Seth and Lucy Holcombe left 150 beautiful, secluded acres of land to the Land Trust in 2016. They loved this land and wanted others to enjoy the property that brought them so much joy during their lifetimes. Since then, the GLT has worked to honor their wishes by marking the trail system and by creating maps, both print and interactive, to help visitors navigate its trail system. The property is open to the public and maps are available at the trailhead, at granbylandtrust.org, and on the Avenza app on your smartphone.
Dave and Jenny Emery own Emery Farm, a private property on Loomis Street. The GLT is grateful to them for inviting us onto their property, for opening their home to us, and for serving us a lovely meal. Most of all, we are grateful to the Emerys for all they do to support the Granby Land Trust throughout the year.