Family Activities: Fishing Carolina Trout Pond

Carolina Trout Pond located off Switch Road in Richmond, Rhode Island offers some of the best bank fishing in southern Rhode Island.

Carolina Trout Pond

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Carolina Trout Pond is a great place to take the whole family fishing. It has picnic tables and somewhat level banks for fishing. Kids can fish and as they get distracted or need to take a break the can explore the unique eco-system around the pond.

Grasshopper

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

There is no boat ramp for Carolina Trout Pond, and there are no boats allowed.

The pond has bass, crappie, sunfish, blue gill, pumpkinseed and is stocked with trout.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond is very busy on Opening day and can continue to busy that first week of the fishing season.

Take the family for the afternoon and enjoy all that Carolina Trout Pond has to offer.

Black-Eyed Susan's

Photo courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Any persons 15 years or older require a fishing license in the state of Rhode Island for more information see the RI Freshwater Fishing Guide on dem.ri.gov

Resident freshwater fishing license - $18

Non-Resident freshwater fishing license - $35

Trout stamp - $5.50

Hiking Beach Pond

Sitting directly on the RI/CT line lays Beach Pond State Park. Beach Pond has the distinction of being the only pond in RI that does not open on the second weekend of April for fishing like every other stocked pond, instead fishing is allowed when CT has opening day. Hiking on the Rhode Island side of the pond offers a variety of breathtaking views.

Beach Pond Trail

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Beach Pond State Park is located in Exeter, Rhode Island and Voluntown, Connecticut.

Parking is located in a small parking lot directly off route 165 (Ten Rod Road), or across the street at a better maintained parking area that was intended for Beach Pond.

The pond is split by route 165 which was built over the pond. The southern and northern halves run perpendicular to the RI/CT state lines. Each half has a bank in RI and a bank in CT. The southern half of the pond has a trail that circles 2/3 of the pond and is a beautiful hike.

The trail difficulty is moderate due to the narrowness of the trail and the steep inclines. It can be hiked in less than 2 hours.

The trail is a narrow walking path that runs through the hardwoods and pine woods. It follows the edge of the pond and climbs a beautiful rocky bluff directly overlooking the pond. From here the path continues along the edge, there are fishing areas through here and it is reported that small mouth bass can still be caught here.

Rocky Outcropping

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The trail veers away from the pond and cuts through some small rocky ridges in the woods. It crosses a private road and continues through the woods until it meets route 165 in CT. Hikers will then have to walk on route 165 back to the parking area.

Rocky Hill

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer, I hate hiking on roads. This is one of the only trails that I turn around at the private road and track back to the parking area.

This hike will take hikers around a beautiful pond with a spectacular bluff overlooking it. There is a perfect place along the trail to take dogs and let them swim in the sandy-bottomed clear water. Get out and enjoy!

"It's Hot" Summer Activities

Local weather forecasts call for 3 consecutive days in the 90's. Inevitably, the proclamations "I'm hot" or "I'm bored" will be uttered by children and adults. Here is a list of some fun and cool places to take the family or friends that will put an end to those hot day statements.

Fresh Water swimming at Burlingame. The park has an active duty lifeguard from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are picnic tables available and a beach. According to the State of RI Parks and Recreation, Burlingame manager parking is free at this area, but there is a $2.00 fee to use a picnic table. It is located off Sanctuary Road in Charlestown, RI.

Burlingame Swimming Area

Map Courtesy Google Maps

 

Local libraries have air conditioning and it is a great way to get a jump start on summer reading. Most have internet access and summer  programs for children. Every town in Southern RI has a library. For library links see below.

Strawberry picking at local farms. Local farms like Schartner Farm offer pick-your-own strawberries, but the season is almost over so hurry! Schartner Farms is located at One Arnold Place in Exeter, RI 02822, directly off route 2.

These activities should help anyone who has to answer, "I'm bored" or "I'm hot." There are so many summer activities in southern RI so take advantage of living here most of these activities are free or relatively inexpensive. 

Here are some great web sites for more information.
riparks.com
schartnerfarms.com
langworthylibrary.org
clarklib.org
crossmills.org

The Wood River Kayaking & Canoeing Guide

This post will concentrate on kayaking or canoeing Wood River from Arcadia Management Area on route 165 in Exeter to Barberville Dam. This area has a class 1 and class 11 stream rating according to Rhode Island Division of Parks and Recreation.

River

Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Parking is available at the Deer Check station located on route 165. Restroom facilities are located there also. A second vehicle can be parked at The Wood Pawtucket Watershed Association located 203 B Arcadia Road, Hope Valley RI 02832.

This trip may take 3 hours, depending on how busy it is and how high the river is.

From the Deer Check Station the river winds through Arcadia Management Area. From route 165 the river runs parallel to Summit Road and Blitzkrieg Trail. Here the river is narrower and runs slightly shallower and faster than it dos near the Barberville Dam.

The river begins to open at Frying Pan Pond. Here some houses are spread along the banks. On sunny days snapping turtles can be seen in the shallows and dry areas sunning themselves. Otters have been spotted occasionally too. This part of the river is home to trout, bass, sunfish and pickerel. Wood Turtles have been spotted along the banks.

Great Blue Heron

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond ends at the dam with The Wood-Pawtucket Watershed Association on the right. There is a dock in front and a place to take-out. There is also a parking lot and portable restroom facilities.

Fishing on River

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The Wood River winds through amazing scenery and is home to many animals and plants. It can be a fun outdoor activity for the whole family.

For up to date river reports and conditions visit wpa.org

*Please note that 1 life vest is required for each person.

Ready to Buy, Now What? 3 Things Every Buyer Should Know

This past week I have twice answered the question, "I think I am ready to buy, now what?"  At some point every homeowner has been at this point. They may have done some research, or think they now where they would like to buy a home, but don't know where to begin.

1. Find an agent. A good agent will be able to point you in the right direction and counsel you through the steps. An agent will help build the team of professionals it may take to get a buyer into a home.

2. Pre-Approval. The first question most agents ask is "are  you pre-approved?" In the age of internet  listings and online mortgage applications first time homebuyers come to agents at different times in the process. If you haven't been pre-approved the agent should recommend a mortgage broker who MEETS YOUR NEEDS. Mortgages are not one size fits all, neither are mortgage brokers and loan officers. If the agent recommends someone and they can't tell you why that person is right for you, run away. Applying for a mortgage can seem scary and you want a professional that is going to work well with you and try to get you the best loan.

3.House Hunting. Now that you have an agent a mortgage professional and a pre-approval letter you can begin searching. The agent should put a buyer on an automatic search that feeds listings to their email.

For more information contact Rebecca Crosby.
rebecca@browngrouprealty.com

Crawley Preserve

In Richmond, RI down a dirt drive off Glen Rock Road lies 100 acres of preserved land called Crawley Preserve. The land was donated to The Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust in the early 2000’s by the Crawley family. It is a fun place to walk or hike with the family or a dog.

There are 4 trails Crawley, Box Turtle, Brook and Red Fox Trail. The trails range from 4 feet wide to single walking paths. The footing is packed earth, gravel, grasses and some rocks. The trail does climb to 200 feet.

Crawley Trail Map

Photo Courtesy Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

 

The longest hike is 2 miles. It is a combination of Brook Trail and Crawley Trail.

The Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust manages the preserve and has built 2 bridges to go over a small stream that weaves through the preserve.

For more information on the Richmond Rural Land Trust see earlier post Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

Richmond Recreation

Attention Richmond residents. Richmond Recreation is accepting applications for summer 2013. It is a great program to get kids active and social during the summer.

The program will run from July 1st to Aug 2nd. There is no program on July 4th. It will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Richmond Elementary School located at 190 Kingstown Road.

Children entering kindergarten through grade 6 may attend. Teens from grades 7-8 may attend the day camp as counselors once approved by the Camp Director.

The cost is $145 per child or $290 per family of 2 or more.

For further questions contact Camp Director Charlotte Markey: recreation@richmondri.com

Day camp registration is available on the Richmond Town Hall web site: www.richmondri.com

Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

Did you know the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust has preserved over 200 acres in the town of Richmond as open space?  The trust’s mission is to identify, preserve, and protect open space within the town of Richmond in perpetuity; to maintain the town’s rural character and ecological assets; and to act as responsible stewards of land acquired or placed in conservation easement.

The goals of the trust are to:

1.    Preserve agricultural land, open spaces, fresh water wetlands, adjoining uplands, wildlife habitats and groundwater recharge areas.

2.    Identify and protect vital areas with the cooperation of private and governmental organizations

3.    Provide public access to acquired lands for various passive activities including biking, hiking, and fishing.

4.    Actively steward the land trust properties through monitoring and management.

 

 

Map Courtesy Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

 

Land owners can sell their land to the trust, gift it or sell or gift the development rights of land to the trust. For information on these visit the Richmond Town Hall website at http://www.richmondri.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={2F3FCD78-C79D-4FBA-AB59-9946B9AFE835}

 

The protected acres are scattered throughout Richmond and residents who are thinking about listing their homes should check the Richmond Town Hall web site and see if their property borders protected lands. It is something agents not used to rural properties or properties in Richmond may overlook.

 

Generally, buyers who are looking at rural properties feel more comfortable buying a home bordering open spaces, knowing it may not be developed. 

 

There are 4 Richmond Rural Land Trust Properties. They are Stetson, Bradner, Crawley and Scudder. There are 2 properties with conservation easements and almost over 15 protected properties.

Hiking Meadowbrook in the Carolina Management Area

Looking for a local trail teeming with wildlife and a diverse mix of hardwoods, pinewoods and fields? The trails throughout the Meadowbrook portion of Carolina Management area may be the answer. The cultivated fields around and throughout Meadowbrook are full of turkeys, butterflies and the occasional red tailed hawk.

Trail Map

Courtesy Google Maps

This trail will take approximately 1-1 ½ hour(s) to complete. The trail footing is gravel, sand, packed earth, roots, creek bed and grass fields. Plan on wet feet if taking the trail after a hard rain.

There is tall grassy areas so hikers are advised to wear long, light colored clothing and insect repellant to try to ward off ticks. Don’t forget the dog. Make sure the dog is up to date on all flea and tick prevention methods.

This area is accessed from Pine Hill Road in Richmond, RI. I usually park at the red barn to get walking on the road out of the way. From the parking lot at the red barn walk right on Pine Hill Road to the next parking area on the same side.

Trail Footing

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

From here walk through the larger parking area and hit the trail. Here the trail is mostly pines and is wide. This area abounds with lady slippers.

Lady Slippers

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The trail connects with another trail ignore the trail on the right and stay on the main trail. From here the trail turns to hardwoods and passes a historical cemetery with a stone bench.

Take the first right after the cemetery and proceed down a hill to a creek. Follow along the creek to the trail begins to climb. In this area a few walking trails cross the path, stay on the main path. The path slowly climbs up and levels out at a large field.

Mixed-Use Field

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The field has mixed-use, corn and turf. Here the grass can be very tall. Follow the edge of the field to a trailhead. This trail cuts through a small hemlock grove. The footing is sandy and can have running water at times.

Hemlock Grove

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Take the first right and follow this trail through cultivated fields. Keep your eyes up and look for  hawks and other birds in trees on the edges of these fields. Turkeys can also be spotted in the fields.

Butterfly in Field

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The fields give way to pine woods and ends at the red barn.

Good luck and enjoy a walk on this trail.

What Every Buyer/Seller Should Know About Fuse Panels and Amps

As a real estate agent I am the coach or team leader protecting, advocating and educating my clients through the largest purchase they may ever make. Part of that duty includes gathering information and pointing my clients towards experts in varying fields. Whether it is an electrician, plumber, roofer, heating and cooling system expert, mortgage broker or attorney my responsibility is to find, build and work with the best team of professionals.

A question that arises frequently from clients and one that I had to ask for myself concerned the amount of amps in a circuit breaker and what does it mean for a homeowner. Southern RI is full of diverse homes. From center chimney homes built in the 1700’s, to postwar neighborhoods, and cul-de-sac development homes, Rhode Island has a wide array of structures.

Many pre and postwar houses have 100 amp breakers. What does this mean in reality for the homeowner? Firstly, there are 2 different “types” of panels, breakers and fuses. If the panel has fuses it may have to be replaced. Replacing the panel may cost approximately $1200 depending on if the wires to the home also need replacement.

Are 100 amps adequate for modern living? For those of us who run a television, computer wireless network, laptop, tower computer all while cooking dinner; 100 amps according to licensed electricians will be adequate. How the system is wired and how the circuits are laid out will impact functionality.

For example in many postwar homes the upstairs bedrooms are all on one circuit. The kitchen will have a circuit and the stove will be separate. If the circuit does become overloaded it will flip the breaker.

Many newly constructed homes are being built with 200 amp breakers. An option for older homes is a system upgrade to a 200 amp system.

Homeowners with 100 amp fused panels who are listing their homes should note that buyers may want to negotiate panel upgrades as a part of the purchase and sales agreement.

Please note that licensed electricians should be consulted concerning all electrical questions. This post is intended to give homeowners and future homeowners some idea of what a panel is and what living with 100 amps will entail.

Special thanks to Victor of V&G Electric (1-866-794-5455) for answering my questions and explaining electrical systems to me.  

*Please note I am not a licensed electrician.

Hiking Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia State Park

In the southern half of Arcadia State Park in Exeter, Rhode Island lies Browning Mill Pond, also called Arcadia Pond by some. The Pond is located on Arcadia Road close to where Arcadia Road meets Route 165. The parking area is large and can accommodate many vehicles.

 

Browning Mill Pond

 

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The pond is approximately 50 acres and takes about an hour to hike around. The far end of the pond has a dam that is a great place to stop and rest and take in the scenery and wildlife.

The footing is fairly easy and has packed earth some gravel, a boulder section and foot bridges through swampy areas. It has slight inclines.

The trail surrounds the whole pond.

School of Fish in Stream

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond is home to diverse wildlife including, red-winged blackbirds, geese, wood ducks, pickerel, pumpkin seed, bass and is stocked with trout.

Spider Web

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

There are many picnic tables around the pond, including tables on the old beach.

On the far side of the pond lies the dismantled fish hatchery. It is now home to a diverse ecosystem and  local wildlife.

 

Disbanded Hatchery

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

A hike around Browning Mill is great hike to take with children, dogs and for days when there isn’t enough time or energy to do a more difficult hike. Get outside and explore this hidden gem for yourself.

Mountain Bike Report: "Playground" Trail Big River

Big River, located in West Greenwich and Coventry has some of the best mountain biking trails in Rhode Island. The trails are challenging, fast and numerous. It has single lane trails winding through the woods with banked corners and old dirt roads. The area can be bisected into 2 sections. The route 3 to New London Turnpike section and New London Turnpike to Carrs Pond.

The route 3 section has a parking area directly on Route 3 or Nooseneck Hill Road. It is before Division Road and the on/off ramps to 95 at exit 6.

This post is concentrated on 1 small trail in Big River. I am putting it first because it took a few months of riding and exploring trails in Big River before I decided to take it and since then it has been one of my favorites.

I call it the "playground" trail, and since there are no trail names in Big River it has stuck. The trail is located directly to the right of the parking lot. It is important to make sure the bike is in good working condition before going to Big River because the trail begins immediately and it can make an improperly working bike frustrating to the rider.

Trailhead for "Playground" Trail in Big River

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The trail winds through mostly pine woods and has a hard packed footing that is fast to ride. There are lots of roots and one root-stepped downhill. It is a very short trail and should be just an introduction to Big River. The trail ends at Capwell Mill Pond on Burnt Sawmill Road. There is a small parking area there. 

Ramp Obstacle

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

There are 2 obstacles that have been built on the trail, a plank and see-saw. The obstacles are why this trail has been dubbed "Playground" Trail.

See-Saw Obstacle

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All rights Reserved

 

From here head right and explore the amazing roller-coaster trails Big River has to offer.