30th October 2022: Rollstone Hill, Fitchburg

 Today, we decided to go on a hike at Rollstone Hill in Fitchburg, where the rough path we took from the end of Shattuck Street is shown below in pink.

The initial ascent brought us to nice views of the town below,

but reaching the top of the graffiti filled rocks was where the best views to be had.

Unfortunately, we got lost trying to head back to the car, and went a round around the telecommunications tower here,

then went out the wrong way and had to make it all the way back on the road. Really nice hike though.

For lunch, we decided to eat at Mai Tai's, a new Chinese restaurant in Leominster,

where we got the Shrimp Tempura Maki (fried shrimp, masago and eel sauce),

the Salt and Pepper Fish Fillet (white fish fillet seasoned with spices, stir fried, then tossed with stir fried scallions and chili peppers, salt and black pepper),

and the Pad Thai (rice noodles stir fried with a combination of chicken, shrimp, pork and assorted vegetables and crushed peanuts, tossed with a Thai sauce).

Not too bad for Americanized Chinese food actually, especially after getting lost.

29th October 2022: Playgrounds in Wellesley, Food in Newton

 Today, after checking out two playgrounds in Wellesley,

Phillips Park,
324 Washington Street

Hunnewell Field,
435 Washington Street

We decided to have dinner at Coco Ramen a small ramen place in Newton, getting the Karaage Chicken (Crispy fried chicken with spicy mayo sauce.),

the Spicy Miso Ramen (Ramen in our Chicken Paitan with spicy white Miso and Tantan ground pork, scallions, bean sprouts, menma, corn, nori, sesame seed, shredded chili, half

boiled egg and chashu pork or Chicken breast.)

and the Dirty Shoyu Ramen (Ramen in our housemade Chicken Paitan Soup, shoyu base, scallion, bean sprout, menma, corn, nori, sesame seed, shredded chili and chashu pork or Chicken breast.).

Pretty good food actually, although I think other people got their food before we did.

Next, we got a box of chocolate truffles from nearby Salt Patisserie, this time getting the Coconut Rum Ganache, coconut caramel, milk chocolate, Carrot Cake Bonbon, Bourbon Bonbon, Cinnamon Dulce de Leche, Brigadeiro Dark Chocolate, Passionfruit and Strawberry Milk Chocolate),

of which I got to try the Bourbon one. Not too bad a night of eating in Newton.

October 22nd 2022: Spending the Day in Natick

 Today, while in Natick,

Loker Park

we decided to go on a hike at Pickerel Pond to check out some places I missed in the past. The path we took here from the end of Bradford Road is shown below in pink.

The path in was on a makeshift boardwalk over many wet areas.

There was nothing to see at the North Overlook, and I had been to Pickerel North as well. The bridge to the Island Overlook was out unfortunately. I might have to come back again in a few years time to check it out. Other than that, the view of Pickerel Pond was still decent.

With that, we headed for lunch at Cafe Yafa, a small Palestinian cafe in town. We got the Espresso Macchiato

and the Shawermah Chicken (Shawermah chicken, grilled tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley, served on a bed of white rice, pita bread, and small side hummus).

Nothing special in my opinion, but at least my other half liked it.

October 20th 2022: More Hiking in Fitchburg

 After some apple picking and getting an Apple Dumpling from Tougas Farm in Northborough, 

I decided to go on a hike at Coggshall Park in Fitchburg, which I visited before a long time ago. This time round, the path I took to explore the trails here is shown below in pink.

The pond in the north was dried up,

but Mirror Lake was nice as always.

Due to the ongoing drought, the cascades were a mere trickle,

and I had to thrash through the forest to get to the powerlines, where at least the views there were nice.

The supposed overlook was somewhat overgrown,

and the way back downhill was really steep. Very confusing trail markers as well. Maybe I'll come back in spring to check out the cascades, but that's about it for hiking at Coggshall Park.

October 15th 2022: Hiking in Fitchburg, Fast Food in Leominster

 Today, while in Fithcburg,

Crocker Playground

we decided to go on a hike at the West Fitchburg Steamline Trail Park. The path we took while here is shown below in pink.

Interesting steamline structures and beautiful views of the water and waterfalls. Short and good hike/

From here, we decided to head into Leominster for a quick bite from the Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen there,

getting the 5 Whole Wings Combo (biscuit and Cajun Fries).

Better than KFC I guess.

October 13th 2022: Millbury Historical Society, Millbury

 Today, as the Millbury Historical Society in Millbury was open, I decided to head into town

Bank Hometown

Armory Village Clock,
Elm Street and South Main Street

to check it out at the Asa Waters Mansion.

Nice inside, but relatively few exhibits.

From here, I decided to get a cupcake from Timothy Jay Sweets, a small bakery nearby,

getting the Salted Caramel (Vanilla cupcake filled with caramel buttercream, topped with caramel buttercream, caramel drizzle, and course sea salt).

Not too bad for a small place.