we joined this event on the  Ashley Falls to Falls Village segment, just a great paddle, just a wonderful time on the water, I highly reccomend this...see you out there

One of the best hikes in northwest Connecticut is the hike up to Lion’s Head Overlook in Salisbury. A short walk of roughly thirty minutes from the parking lot at the top of Bunker Hill Road will bring you to a beautiful view overlooking the valley. To the east you will see Twin Lakes—Panaheconnok and Hokonkamok, or Washining and Washinee, the “Laughing Water” and the “Smiling Water,” named after the daughters of a Mahican chief. To the south you will find Lakeville Lake and Long Pond.The hike starts with a gentle walk through woods and fields. However, once you have crossed the brook, the trail climbs about 550’ in elevation so there are some steep sections, but the journey is more than worth it. The total distance to reach the overlook is just under a mile, and the incredible views are a big reward for the amount of time required to walk to the top.If you hike the trail in mid June, you will have the additional surprise of seeing the mountain laurel in bloom—just beautiful—like walking through the Garden of Eden. In September and October the trees are magnificent dressed in their autumn colors. There are a number of people, myself included, who start the day with a quick hike to the top to enjoy the overlook before walking down to join the rest of the world.This is a Connecticut blue trail (www.ctwoodlands.org/blue-blazed-hiking-trails) that connects with the Appalachian Trail just below the overlook. So, if you wish, you can continue on to Bear Mountain further north, or to the Riga Lean-to camping area that looks over Twin Lakes, just a half mile further from Lion’s Head. This camping area has a lean-to, numerous sites for tents, and a bear-proof locker to keep food safe overnight. And again, one of the most stunning views to wake up to looking over the Twin Lakes. Keep in mind that this is a marvelous spot to camp when there is a full moon, which lights the valley and reflects off the lakes.To reach the start point for this hike, drive to the center of Salisbury, take Factory Street (the road next to the Town Hall), continue up to reach Bunker Hill Road, and follow it to the end. The parking area will be clearly marked on your right. Note that the road turns into a private driveway after this, and the owners value their privacy, so it is best simply to use the parking area provided. For more information see www.berkshirehiking.com/hikes/lionshead.html, and www.salisburyct.us.

One of the first signs of spring (and into early summer) are the sounds of the spring peepers that have gathered in the numerous vernal pools that dot our landscape. Vernal pools are protected areas because they are the incubator for many of our indigenous amphibians to reproduce their next generation.
Many vernal pools are short-lived, that is, the water is usually from snowmelt and early rains that form shallow pools in the woods and fields. By midsummer, vernal pools have evaporated. As a result, the amphibians are in a race to breed and lay their eggs so that the young will have enough time to develop before the water disappears.
The first to appear, early in March, are the Jefferson salamanders, many times moving under the snow to reach a vernal pool. This gives their young an advantage, because they will be more developed earlier than the other species that also use the pool, like the spotted salamander and the wood frog. An interesting note on the wood frog is that it has the ability to freeze entirely over the winter and then thaw in spring, which is absolutely amazing. The spring peepers arrive shortly after, and their chorus fills the night.
An easy way to become aware of the wonderful life that a vernal pool hosts is to listen for the spring peepers, which will help you identify a pool alongside a road. On a rainy night, walk along that road with a flashlight after dusk, and you will see many of the amphibians crossing the road to reach the pool.
For more information on this fascinating subject, here are a few websites for reference:  
www.ctamp.homestead.com/ctamphibians
www.naturesound.com/frogs/frogs
www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.