Proof That Peace and Quiet Do Exist

It's about time we featured a Great Escape that gets you outside (Look, Ma! No snow!) and doesn't cost a penny. Ready for it? Good.

The Friends of the Fells, the local organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Middlesex Fells Reservation that touches upon so many parts of Melrose, has announced their spring hike series, and man, it includes some doozies. Our pick for you? A nice sunset hike that, assuming you scheme correctly, will ensure you're out of the house by 6:30 p.m., thereby guaranteeing you'll miss the noise of bathtime and bedtime.

Of course, you'll only be gone for a couple of hours, but what a glorious couple of hours those will be: Next Wednesday, May 4, a Department of Conservation and Recreation ranger will lead a hike up Bear Hill in the western Fells, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. If you bring your trusty old binoculars, you might be able to see more than just the sunset. Rumor has it that Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter also may be yours for the viewing.

Go ahead. Pencil it―no, make that pen it―into the family calendar, then meet other interested hikers next Wednesday by the bulletin board in the Sheepfold parking area, right off Rt. 28 in Stoneham.

So, let's recap: Free. Fresh air. A chance to commune with nature.

You're welcome.