MASS BAY BEARS on the Rocks at Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Mass. September 30, 2006

“Saturday, September 30th, 11am–Meet at Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Mass. just south of Mass Pike exit 10a, off Mass. Rt.146

Parking is free, we can meet in front of the Ranger Station, BooBoo!!! (For those in the Springfield, Mass. / Hartford, Ct. area, if you want to come to my house at 9am and carpool, I can probably fit 5 in my vehicle).

I figured we’d do a short trail walk first to warm-up, then do the chasm, then maybe try one of the other trails. Stopping for lunch along the way, around 1pm. The main road isn’t far, we can leave the park and grab sandwiches somewhere (someone say sammiches??)

I figured we would leave the park by 3/3:30pm, and those that would like can come on back to our house in Springfield, Mass. by exit 6 to relax, have a shower and go in the Hot Tub.

Around 6pm we’ll just keep it casual and order some pizzas.

Sunday morning, we can have brunch in Northampton, Mass. at Union Station. It’s one of the best brunches, and unique settings. It’s about 20 minutes north of our house, off exit 19 on I-91. Take I-91 North to Exit 18. Turn left on Route 5. Proceed 3/4 mile. Union Station is on the right.

Brunch is $16.95 a person, here’s the menu. Served 10am-2pm, but I am aiming to get there for 11am, for those trucking on to see “The Women” in Boston at 3pm, or to Lake Compounce Amusement Park, with the Ursamen, (Sunday, 5-10pm, Bristol, Ct.)

What to bring:

* For Purgatory Chasm; wear sturdy shoes to protect your ankles, hiking boots, etc.
* Depends on weather, but I’d really encourage long pants.
* Long sleeve shirt, close fitting to avoid snags.
* I’d also recommend some kind of gloves. I plan to just get some cheap Ocean State Job Lot gardening ones that have suede palms.
* Some of the rocks looked mossy, so plan accordingly.
* Perhaps bug repellent.
* I don’t plan to wear sunglasses or carry a cellphone. They can only fall or get lost. We’ll be low enough on the trail that high sun won’t be an issue. But feel free to bring ‘em and keep in the car.

EXPECT TO SCALE & CLIMB ON ROCKS! There is a ‘path’ at the bottom where you can duck/limbo under the rocks and travel through, but I’d rate this trail as something more exciting than your average hiking trail, but not so challenging you’d be repelling and needing spikes or crampons. But you will probably need to utilize all 4 limbs.

Hot Tub: Please bring your own towel, if you plan to shower or use the hot tub. Suits are not necessary (better for water quality) but it’s ok if you want to wear one. Just please rinse & wring it out so it’s not sudsy. We have a fair amount of privacy on the deck where the tub is, but not in the driveway or backyard. The tub is kept at 103/104, if it’s too hot: GET OUT OF THE WATER. Allow others some time to use it too, there is room for up to 8 people in the tub.”

Official Website: http://www.massbaybears.org/wp/2006/09/30/bears-on-the-rocks-at-purgatory-chasm-in-sutton-mass/