So began Henry David Thoreau's Walden.

This is, in some way relevant, since Alyssa and I went and visited Walden Pond this afternoon.

Our weekend began (officially) on Friday evening - after working late, we decided that going to a state park and hiking, while New England foliage was at its peak, was a perfectly good idea. We made lists and through around ideas we found on Mass.gov's listings of parks and Walden Pond came up as a top contender.

Saturday, after grocery shopping and running errands, we went over for dinner at our friends' place and threw around the idea of going hiking next weekend (they were really booked this Sunday as it was). Since we were going to make a day of it (if the weather was nice) we thought it would be nice to go fairly close for this weekend and save a bigger trip for going out with our friends next weekend.

So this morning, we didn't get an early start. By which I mean we woke up at 11:30 am. We weren't up late, or out drinking or doing anything much, just sleeping in, which is rare for us. But we got dressed and headed out and made our way (about a 25 min drive) to Concord.

The drive was rather pretty. The route took us through Cambridge, so we had to weave through a load of people around the river watching the Head of the Charles boat race this weekend (we didn't see anything but the crowds of people). After driving through Harvard and Northern Cambridge, we took Rt. 2 pretty much all the way there. The trees were definitely at peak this weekend - with reds and yellows and golds, intermixed with the brown and pale greens.

After paying for parking, we crossed the street and walked down the path to the pond. There was a landing and beach of sorts, where people were gathering, watching the water, and fishing. There were some people there (mostly in wet suits) swimming (not I, thank you very much) and mostly couples walking around taking advantage of the wonderful weather. It was low 60's (if that) but sunny. It was perfect.

Alyssa and I took a walk around the pond. Early on, we chitchatted with a woman who was originally from New York City, but recently moved to Massachusetts to work on an MBA. People seemed so cheerful and friendly and happy to be out. We soon made our way over the site of the original hut Thoreau had on the pond. The spot was marked with stones and there was a pile of stones that people picked up and put to mark that they were in the woods where Thoreau lived.

We photographed quite a bit (the best of which are below). Alyssa is much better than I, admittedly. Unfortunately, we did have some camera issues (the camera doesn't seem to want to focus completely--will have to check on this) but you should get an excellent idea of the scenes of the season.

Both of us really liked the Concord/Lexington/Lincoln area and even drove by the town center (and Emerson's house). We drove back via 2A (which runs all the way back to Cambridge, but instead of a small highway, it's all little roads). It was a very pleasant drive. We eyed up houses and throught that if we had the money, this area would be ideal to live in - small town New England and only a half-hour from Boston. Too bad it's rather expensive. Maybe someday. It it very nice there.

The two of us, now back at home with our kitties, really want to go hiking more often. I am getting chunky and neither of us are getting much more exercise than going back and forth to work. We both love being out doors and in the woods.

It was a fun little excursion right before Alyssa's first day of work. A lovely little afternoon trip.

Without further ado:

Pictures of Walden Pond:
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