June 18th 2022: Spending Time in Sterling

 Today, while in Sterling,

Houghton Elementary School

we started out with a hike at the Allenwood Trail portion of the Wekepeke Conservation Land, the Lynde Basins portion having been visited a while back. From 48 Heywood Road, the path we took here is shown below in black.

Nice views of Crystal Brook Farm from here,

Although the vernal pool here was nothing to speak of.

Next we went to Rota Spring Farm in town

for some ice cream, getting a Kiddie Sundae (Butter Crunch).

Not bad to end the day in Sterling, although we next went for dinner at the Sole Proprietor in Worcester.

This time around, we got the Mango Mojito (mango rum, mango fruja, mint leaves, lime juice, soda, sugared rim),

QUARTER POUND LOBSTER ROLL (QUARTER POUND OF LOBSTER MEAT WITH A TOUCH OF MAYONNAISE AND LEMON JUICE IN A TOASTED BRIOCHE ROLL. SERVED WITH FRENCH FRIES.),

which came with a PEAR & WALNUT SALAD (Romaine and arugula tossed with a honey tarragon vinaigrette, walnuts, dried cranberries and Bleu cheese. Topped with red wine poached pears), 

the CHILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER (Shrimp, Oysters, Clams & Mussels),

the Shrimp, Tomato Scampi with Spaghetti

and the WILD SPANISH OCTOPUS (Marinated Spanish octopus prepared sous vide, served with

Yukon potato, crumbled sausage, pickled chili, arugula.)

The drink was pretty flavorful, while the lobster and raw seafood was fresh, the fries were crispy, and the octopus had extremely good texture, with the sausage mashed potatoes completing the flavor, and the pasta was excellent as well. Overall, a really good meal here as always.