Named after Frank Winsor, the chief engineer of the construction project, the Winsor Dam section of the Quabbin Reservoir is a mecca for nature lovers, outdoors people and anyone who just wants to get out for a walk along the largest inland body of water in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
If there is one word that best describes the Winsor Dam it would be peaceful.
The easy to moderate walking trails are surrounded by rolling hills and crystal blue water
I missed the foliage season. But, you can still see the colors peaking from the tree tops.
The staff at the Quabbin Reservoir use these boats as part of their gull harassment program to limit the pollutants from the birds.
Located about a half an hour from Springfield, MA and an hour and a half west of Boston, MA, Quabbin Reservoir supplies water to three towns west of the reservoir and acts as the backup supply for three other towns. There was a seasonal fall breeze during my visit which created pretty ripples on the water.
Quabbin Reservoir is expansive (it has an area more than 38 and a half miles). It is separated by different dams and sections. There is a pretty walking bridge that you can use to visit some of the other areas. There are some great views from the bridge.
The distance between dams are more than a mile. So, it is often a good idea to drive to the different parts of the reservoir.
One of the many great things about the area is that after you cross the bridge there are trails and a creek which people use to fish. I got my first two ticks of the season taking these photos, so you’re welcome!
The water is green in some places and it is so clear you can see the trout and other fish that inhabit the water.
There are also a variety of bird life at Quabbin Reservoir. I caught these titmouse on the trail (ok I laughed a little when I wrote that)
Dogs aren’t allowed at Quabbin reservoir. I did see one dog that was “in training”, though.
December 3rd, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Love your pics especially the water pics. I drowned when I was very young so water is my nemesis and friend. I still won’t go swimming in deeper parts. I’m safe If I go above the waist and no further. Be well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 6:45 pm
I won’t even attempt to go swimming at all. Lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:43 pm
not even in the kiddie pool? ( :
LikeLiked by 2 people
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:51 pm
Yes to a kiddie pool…most definitely. No to others…I can’t swim..Yet.
LikeLike
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:51 pm
I am sorry to hear that happened to you. But, I am glad you survived that scary experience. I have a healthy respect for the water and all of Mother Nature. You can’t beat her. But, I do love being on, in and near the water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Me and the ocean have an infinity together. And people have been know to drown in kiddie pools. It’s a fluke but it has happened. Be well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 6:44 pm
Beautiful photos. It does look very peaceful. Woow. Built in 1940 and over 2000 feet long. That’s like a very very big river. And 170 ft deep. Woow. A darn good work of Art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Thank you! The reservoir is huge. I plan on visiting all of the dams and other tourist areas in the reservoir.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:51 pm
Woow. Keep the pictures coming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 7:26 pm
Great pictures, funny how any body of water seems to grab us in such a weird way. I personally love water and feel more at home in it than on land. Probably because I am built like a whale ha ha. Its the inverse of our world and the air is compressed into liquid. I hope that makes sense. If you look at it that way it seems to help a lot of people who are frightened of it.
Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 3rd, 2015 at 10:37 pm
Thank you. That is a good way of looking at it. It is interesting how a body of water can draw such strong emotions in us. I couldn’t imagine not living near the ocean. It calms me. But, I can see how it may scare people.
LikeLike
December 4th, 2015 at 7:21 pm
I have also been lucky enough to grow up with the ocean always in sight, I would not really know what to do if I was land locked. Its act very strange thought as its such a part of my life. If you are frightened you can always work on it. I know of a few people that have died in car accidents and yet most of us don’t seem to struggle long term with that fear. It just takes time and really helps if you can try swim with a person you trust, little by little. Most things are possible if are willing to try. Keep the great stories coming. Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 4th, 2015 at 10:02 pm
I agree and I have overcome a fear of the water to a degree. But, I still like to see the land if I am on a boat…just in case! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 5th, 2015 at 4:51 pm
I just asked my husband if he has heard of “titmice” LOL!! Your pics are always so serene:) Great way to get away from the comfort of my home;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 6th, 2015 at 5:54 am
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
December 8th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
love your photos
LikeLiked by 2 people
December 8th, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Thank you, Kate!
LikeLike
January 23rd, 2016 at 7:45 pm
What a beautiful and inspirational place to write! Everywhere you turn there is beauty. Water, trees, rocks, what more can anyone ask for. Admittedly I can see why you chuckled typing titmouse. LOL I do hope by “tick” you didn’t mean deer ticks, I have Lyme Disease and it has been life changing. Great post again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 23rd, 2016 at 11:33 pm
It is a beautiful place. We were lucky to have unseasonably warm weather that day so I took advantage of the nice weather and there were many people there. Unfortunately, I did get a deer tick that I found later while showering. They are very dangerous and I am sorry to read that. I learned a valuable lesson to be very careful and wear tight fitting clothing. But even that doesn’t prevent them. I think I got it when I went off trail. Thank you and I hope you are feeling well now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 12:36 am
I am happy it all turned out well for you, awareness is key, and the post is amazing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 12:44 am
Thank you! I can’t wait to go back. I could spend all day there with a good book or my sister’s dog (although unfortunately dogs are allowed there since it is a reservoir). I did see a dog there but I think he or she was a service dog. Lyme disease is a serious condition and I wouldn’t make light of it. I hadn’t realized how easily you can get them. I am much more careful now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 12:55 am
I have to say I look forward to you revisiting there and more posts. 🙂 I understand why no dogs, but my they do love a walk in nature. Lyme has only been recognized recently here in Ontario, so treatments aren’t available yet, but progress is happening. Yes, it is a life changing illness to be sure. Knowledge and safe-guards are well worth the effort. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 1:13 am
I know it was disappointing to see that dogs weren’t allowed. It is good that people are becoming more aware of Lyme disease. Ontario must have some beautiful places to photograph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 1:23 am
There are places I have yet to adventure, but a forest or a lake or any rock formation would grab my attention. Grin. It just means I have much to look forward to. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 2:14 am
you should check them out and post photos. i’d love to see them! I am also taken by some of the little things like rock formations, unusual cloud arrangements, etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 2:17 am
We will have to do a trade-off and help one another travel via pics, grin. It is always the little things that mean so very much. Nature is one thing many take for granted, and I just don’t understand. We are surrounded by beauty, we just need to recognize it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Or, we could switch destinations for a week! (: You would love New England! Yes, there are so many beautiful places near us that we just take for granted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 5:23 pm
I would love to see New England! I would love to hear the accents as well as adventure and absorb the culture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
I would be happy to show you around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 24th, 2016 at 8:47 pm
I will believe with faith and hope it will happen one day, and I would love that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person