Martini Junction

Earth Day. A tradition since 1970.

This global event is widely considered to mark the birth of the modern-day environmental movement. That said, my first experience of land and wildlife stewardship took place on a much smaller scale. The Town Forest. 

Tucked on the edge of my hometown are roughly 200 acres of densely wooded land. As a kid, I skated on its ponds in the winter. I hiked its trails. I scrambled on the glacial rock formations that dotted its landscape. There was even a camp built by the Boy Scouts in the late 1930's, since razed. Off the beaten track, it was where teenagers went to smoke and drink back in the day.

At its apex, 263 feet above sea level, "High Rock" provides the best view for would-be ramblers. But my fellow orienteers come to these woods to find the holy grail of the Town Forest — something called "Martini Junction."

Built by a retired engineer, this site contains a miniature train track running 120 feet underneath the canopy of pines. It features trestles, bridges, and assorted plastic figurines who act as passengers. Its creator also built a picnic bench so he could sit at "The Junction" while imbibing his favorite beverage, the martini.

That's the thing about exploring the great outdoors. You just never know what you'll find...

"Live your life by a compass, not a clock." - Stephen Covey