Sunsets Over Saugus series to begin at Breakheart

SAUGUS – For three Thursday evenings this month, residents are invited to participate in the first-of-its-kind series, Sunsets Over Saugus at Breakheart Reservation.Environmental educator Lynn Hildebrand of the Visitor Services Office at Camp Nihan explained that August has the “lazy days” of summer and an ideal time to hold the series, since many residents have returned from vacation and the weather conditions are typically better than at any other time during the summer.Each event, held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will be free of charge and is expected to draw approximately 20 people each night.The first event on Thursday will feature a climb up the 206-foot Eagle Rock overlooking Pearce Lake. The group will meet at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School at 100 Hemlock Road in Wakefield. Hildenbrand said she expects the average climbing time for the moderate ascent to be 30 minutes from the parking lot to the summit.The second event on Aug. 14 will be a campfire at Camp Nihan, 131 Walnut St. in Saugus.The final event of the series will be a hike to the 233-foot summit of Breakheart Hill. After meeting at the Visitor Center at 177 Forest St. in Saugus, Hildenbrand said that participants should be able to reach the top within 15 minutes, as the hill goes straight up from the back of the building.”That’s going to be a bit of a climb,” she said.Although Breakheart Hill is only 27 feet taller than Eagle Rock, she explained that the latter has a noticeably steeper incline. However, Hildenbrand pointed out that participants will not be disappointed when they reach the summit.”It’s amazing what you’re going to see,” she said.She explained that the two hills were chosen for their accessibility, as participants will be able to reach the top with plenty of time to see the sunset.”I think it’s a great time for people to catch their breath after a busy day,” said Hildenbrand.