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On a brisk March day, I set out to explore the Blue Hills of Quincy, Massachusetts. Starting on the Willard St. St. Moritz/Green Dot trail, I walked a roughly 5-mile loop through the park. As I walked along the trail, I stumbled upon the remains of the St. Moritz ski jump. The jump, which had been one of the largest in the country when it was built in 1929, had been dismantled in 1971. However, the remnants of the jump were still visible along the trail. I marveled at the size of the structure, imagining what it must have been like to ski down the ramp.Further along the trail, I came across the man-made ponds where the winter carnival used to take place. Although the ponds were mostly overgrown now, I could still see the beauty of the area and the potential for the winter festivities that once took place there. I imagined the ice skating, sledding, skiing, and tobogganing that had been a part of the carnival, and I felt a sense of nostalgia for the past.Despite the fact that the landscape was still bare from the winter, with little vegetation showing, I appreciated the stark beauty of the early spring landscape. The trail was mostly flat, with little incline, making for an easy hike. I felt physically and mentally invigorated by the fresh air, exercise, and scenery .As I walked, I saw no wild animals, but I did encounter a dozen domestic dogs, some on and some off leashes. The trail was wide, well-traveled, and clean, making for an enjoyable experience.After a few hours on the trail, I returned to my car, feeling grateful for the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of my local area. I left with a newfound appreciation for the history that lies within the Blue Hills and a desire to explore more of the park in the future.
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