purgatory chasm

Today Grandma Betty, Meagan and Dan are visiting from Buffalo.  We decided on doing something outdoors and local so we headed to the Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, MA.  It's a unique natural landmark that runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet.  The Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.

Bennett was really impressed with the Chasm.  He started pointing and babbled for a couple of minutes excitedly when we walked up to the starting point.

We moved very slowly through the Chasm.  It was not an easy path.  There were a lot of tall boulders in the way we climbed around.  Nick and I took turns carrying Bennett.

There were a few flat areas to hang out and take breaks though.  Bennett took full advantage of those by doing some climbing of his own.

And, running.

Some of the views from below to the top of the Chasm were really gorgeous.

We made it to the end of the trail in about 45 minutes.  We took an easier route back.  We walked on the top of the Chasm this time instead of going through it.

 The trail was easier to navigate and the views of the Chasm were beautiful.  

We couldn't figure out why this directional trail arrow was here because it pointed straight down into the pit of the Chasm.  

 Bennett started to get tired so we were thankful for the flatter trail back to the parking lot.  

It was a perfect day to do this since it wasn't too hot and the hike was the perfect distance.  Plus, we worked up our appetite for lunch at Wright's Chicken Farm.