Hi I'm Wayne. Welcome to my blog.
I am a true New Englander through and through. I love everything about New England. I especially love discovering new places in New England and sharing my experiences with everyone. I tend to focus on the more unique and lesser known places and things in New England on my blog.
Oh yeah, and I love dogs. I always try to include at least one dog in each of my blog posts.
I discovered my love of photography a couple of years ago. I know, I got a late start. Now, I photograph anything that seems out of the ordinary, interesting, beautiful and/or unique. And I have noticed how every person, place or thing I photograph has a story behind it or him or her. I don't just photograph things or people or animals. I try to get their background, history or as much information as possible to give the subject more context and meaning. It's interesting how one simple photograph can evoke so much.
I am currently using a Nikon D3200 "beginner's camera." Even though there are better cameras on the market, and I will upgrade some time, I love how it functions (usually) and it has served me well.
The great thing about my blog is you don't have to be from New England, or even like New England to like my blog (although I've never met anyone who doesn't). All you have to like is to see and read about new or interesting places and things.
Hopefully, you'll join me on my many adventures in New England!
Parking: There are about a half dozen parking spots on the side of the road across from the bridge on Lilac Lane (a very busy road so be careful parking and crossing there). There is also additional parking on side streets and farther along the road on Lilac Lane.
There are many bridges in New England. But, only few have the name, reputation and appearance of a bridge that could collapse any moment. The Wiggly Bridge is a mini-suspension bridge built in the 1930’s which crosses over a tidal flow from Barrel Mill Pond to the York River. If you’re not careful, you may end up in the York River!
Ok, Wiggly Bridge really isn’t that dangerous. But, it can give you the willies as you walk across it. Even though it is safe to walk across, the bridge does wiggle and make noises as you traverse it. I made it across the bridge without much trouble and took some photos of the bridge as I made my way across.
The short walk across the bridge leads to Steedman Woods, a tiny peninsula with a mile long loop. Dogs are allowed on the beach and on Steedman Woods. The vieews from the island and bridge are stunning.
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Wiggly Bridge is also within walking distance, or a short drive from York Harbor. So, you can take in both of these cool attractions in one day.
Cooper is a 7 year old rescue dog and a resident of Maine. He also likes the bridge.
The videos below shows how unstable the bridge seems when you’re walking on it.
Location: 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for youths (5-17), kids under 5 get in for free according to the May – October price list (these prices may vary depending on the season because it costs us $20 for two adult tickets when I went in April)
Hours: Open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: Free parking is available but it does fill up fast. There is also parking available throughout the city. There is free parking at Four Tree Island a block away on Mechanic Street and limited off street parking is available. Just make sure to pay your meters and not overstay your parking limit as parking restrictions are strictly enforced.
Strawbery Banke is a 12 acre outdoor history museum. The houses are constructed in the same style and out of the same materials of the buildings of the 17th to mid 20th century.
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This house, which was being worked on, looked creepy
The inside of the homes are designed to be appropriate to the time the house was built or designed. This is the grocery part of the building. This is an example of how Strawberry Banke is a must-see for anyone interested in early New England history
They have set up the grounds and museum to replicate the days of Colonial and post Colonial Portsmouth, once known as “Puddle Duck”. More specifically, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in this Portsmouth, New Hampshire “Puddle Dock” community from the late 17th to the mid-20th century. The museum tells the stories of the people and the area of those times. They hold events and themed presentations during different parts of the year.
When we went to Strawbery Banke it was the unveiling of the Spring Barnyard Baby Animals event. It will be running through Sunday, May 1. The New Hampshire SPCA is present at the vent to ensure all the animals are treated humanely and are as comfortable as possible. All of the animals came from places in New England.
There was a wide variety of animals such as turkeys
alpacas from Elf-Paca Meadows, Rochester NH
Mommy and baby Nigerian goats from Tiny Hill Farm, Milton Mills NH
goats
Jacob Goats from Hogwash Farm, Norwich VT.
baby chicks from Yellow House Farm in Barrington NH. You may notice some of the chicks are just lying face down. They are just sleeping. They tend to fall down and sleep right where they are when they get tired and the other chicks will often fall on top of them because they tend to cuddle or pile onto one another for safety and comfort.
baby ducks also from Yellow House Farm in Barrington NH.
Pigs and their babies from Double- H Pig Ranch in Berwick ME and Bittersweet Farm, Lyndeborough NH.
Soay sheep from New England Heritage Farm, Sandown, NH
Guinea pigs and a rabbit. This rabbit’s name is Bubbles.
and a pony named Polly.
One thing I noticed in almost all of the photos is how the mommies, or parents, seem to be protecting or are near their babies.
The holidays are celebrated at Strawberry Banke and I’ll be back in the winter when they have an ice skating rink on the premises and decorate for the holidays. It must be very festive!
Although dogs are not allowed at the museum saw a lot of dogs on our way to the museum.
I saw Cody outside of the Breaking New Grounds coffee shop in Portsmouth Center. If you’re in the area, go there! Cody is a one year old Great Pyrenees and Husky rescue dog with one one blue eye and one brown eye.
Chlodie is 9 months old. Her name is derived from the Irish name “Chlodagh”. She was very happy to be in Portsmouth!
Bailey is an English Point Setter. Love the marking over the right eye.
As the name suggests, there are lots of birds to watch at Francis William Bird Park. Either there are lots of robins at the park or I photographed the same one over and over.
There are more than birds at the park to catch your attention.
Such as trees and flowers
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the ponds and streams
and the bridges (each bridge is made slightly differently)
The trails are easy and branch off to side trails. But, since it is all concentrated in one area it is hard to get lost there.
The tree below was planted in memory of Charles Sumner Bird, a paper manufacturer, candidate for governor of Massachusetts, resident of Walpole MA and the son of William Francis Bird.
Tip of the day; don’t get too close to a goose and his or her Cheetos.
You’re not supposed to feed the birds at William Francis (and you’re especially not supposed to feed them Cheetos). It’s not good for them physically and it creates more messes on the trail. But, of course, people still do.
Along the trails, there are benches and places to enjoy the outdoors. Or, you can just chill on a rock or log. There is also a restroom (open seasonly)
Charlot (pronounced Char-lo) is a local (local to Walpole) artist, storyteller and cultural and historical expert. He specializes in Haitian art and culture. He likes to go to the park to paint and relax. He was kind enough to let me photograph him painting. He calls the first painting Silhouette Of The Drum. he was also touching up a painting he had finished previously.
Charlot is very talented. You can find out more about him here.
There are also a variety of attractions for sportsmen and sportswomen. The trails make for great running surfaces. There are four tennis courts as well as a basketball backboard (but not a court) . There are also musical and other types of events during the summer by the main field.
Birds aren’t the only animals you will find at Francis William Bird Park. The park is also popular spot for dogs. The trails and open spaces make it a great place to take your pooch.
Henry is a 3 year old Basset Hound. Cute freckles on his left front paw!
Sophia is a 5 year old Newfoundland. Sophia reminded me of a Newfoundland we had. Beautiful dog.
Buddha is a 3 month old Hound mix. I love the eyebrows!
Parking: 2 hour off street parking is available, but limited. There are also a few parking areas near the beach.
A common destination for weddings, dog walkers and beach goers, the Hartley Mason Reservation is a small park with benches, memorials and other works of art. Perhaps the most popular attraction to this site is the rock with the tiny figures, titled, “Pleasure Ground”. The sculpture was made by Sumner Winebaum, a York resident, in 2011. He titled it “Pleasure Ground” because Mason had described the reserve as a “pleasure ground”. The sculpture is built on a rock nearly 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and weighs three tons,. The bronze figures range in height from 10 to 12 inches tall. Winebaum said his goal was to show people enjoying the park such as the two boys wrestling, the person reading and the two women debating (which he has described as his favorite part of the sculpture).
Tiny people doing all the things regular people do. I wonder what book that tiny figure on the edge of the rock is reading. Perhaps, “Little Women”.
An easy, clearly marked path leads down to the beach.
Along the trail, there are also benches dedicated to people who have passed.
There is also a memorial dedicated to those lost at sea. The York Fisherman’s Memorial is
The inscription on the front reads: O HEAR US WHEN WE CRY TO THEE FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA.
On the back of the monument, there is an inscription that states: Dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea & for those who work and love the ocean…
The memorial is dedicated to Captain Daniel A. Donnell who died at sea hauling traps. He was 78 at the time of his death.
The trail is also a great place to take photos of the beach from afar.
From the moment I pulled up to the parking in front of the Hartley Mason Reservation, the view of the water struck me, especially with the weather conditions as they were. A misty cloud covering filled the afternoon sky reaching all the way to the water making it hard to discern where the water ended and the sky began. For most people, this is hardly ideal beach weather. But, I, and my sensitive Irish screen, have always preferred this weather to the scorching unabated sunlight.
The trail eventually leads to the beach (there are also side trails, or if you’re feeling spry you can just walk down the rocky or grassy areas off the trail). Due to time constraints, we just stopped at the beach head and took photos from there. There were some modest waves and some pretty views. The beach does have a lot of rocky areas that wouldn’t be very comfortable to walk around in on sandals. Wear comfortable footwear.
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Although the beach area is much larger and may have more accommodations (I will visit again later to capture the beach in its entirety), the section I visited had very little room for lying out. There really was just rock and a concrete slab to stand, sit or lie on. The parking is also pretty sparse at this section of the beach. There are only a few parking spots and some are designated for certain people. There is also an outdoor pool near the beach.
The beach was very busy with not only human visitors but cute furry ones as well (I suppose some of the human visitors were furry as well but that is neither here nor there).
Kipper is a 9 year old German Shepherd. He got to play in the water and he loves to play catch. And his mom’s boots were pretty cool.
Gracie is a 7 and a half year old Boxer with a very broad smile.
Below is a video of the waves at York Beach Saturday.
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The beach, dogs and summer-like weather. Who could ask for more? Not me. Usually, I do most of my photography and trips during the weekend. But, with unusually high temperatures for this time of the year (60’s and low 70’s) and later sunsets, I decided to head to the local beach in the hopes of photographing some cute dogs. I wasn’t disappointed. There are so many distractions at the beach, especially for our furry friends. But, they all posed so well and made my job easy.
I met Tooko, 4 years old, in the parking lot. Tooko was a barker, but a friendly barker. His bark was much worse than his bite (he really doesn’t bite). But, he sure does likes to play. We played for a while and I continued on the way to the beach.
Pedro is a 3 year old boxer. Loved his markings.
Chuckles (on the left), that is the name of the dog not the man – at least I hope it is, is am 11 year old Chihuahua. Buddy is a 7 year old Cocker Spaniel. They were a little camera shy but I still thought they were cute dogs.
Marley is an 8 year old Beagle. Her guardians also think she might have some fox hound in her. I have always been a sucker for Beagles! So, I had to get her photo.
Penny (short for Penelope) is an 8 month Corgi and Australian Sheepdog. As if on command, Penny lied down on the sand and struck a pose. Her markings were very striking. You go, Penny!
Kayser is a 4 year old German Shepherd and a Massachusetts native. The color of his coat and his sharp features caught my eye. He clocks in at 110 lbs.
Annie is a 3 year old Shepherd Husky. Her sibling is Oakley. Get it…Annie Oakley. Annie is from Tennessee. She’s the only ten I see in the photo! Love the one ear up and one ear down pose and she looked very pretty against the rising sunset.
Located next to the New Hampshire Holocaust Memorial on Main Street across from a strip mall and busy roadway, the Rotary Common Park is a most unlikely place to find an art display. But, the Rotary Common Park is just that; an outdoor art museum. And this isn’t just some tourist attraction. The art here is very thought-provoking and amazingly crafted.
The “Path Of Truth” is a memorial to the “layers of humanity”. Or, as Sarah Mae Wasserstrum said;
“From the Origin layers of Humanity, we are connected by a common denominator.”
She imagines humanity as like layers, some thicker and some modest, all plied from the past to the future. The stone signifies the immense power of people and our ability to grow and change.
A bench dedicated to Michael Kelley. Who was Michael? What was he like?
Since it is located directly across from the Holocaust Memorial, the Reflection Garden & Labyrinth is the most popular spots at the park. Benches, sculptures, tiles with words of inspiration and works of art dot the circular reflection area.
The “Encounter” sculpture by Luben Boykov,
Boykov described it as, “The present moment of meeting becoming a place in the future.”
Boykov explains the sculpture as a moment just before people meet that are so quick but also last forever. It represents an encounter that can begin a lasting relationship.
There was also a surprising amount of animal activity in the area like this bird and a thirsty cat.
The displays at the Rotary Park change on a regular basis so keep an eye out if you’re in the area!
Each year hundreds of kayak and canoe racers come to the Western Massachusetts to test their mettle against the rapids of the Westfield River.
The Westfield River, one of the longer rivers in Western Massachusetts, runs 78.1 miles and has a 497 square miles drainage area consisting of several tributaries. It attracts enthusiasts, recreational competitors and people who just like to challenge themselves. It also attracts an array of boating fans.
The Westfield River Whitewater Races, which have been held every year since 1953, are the oldest consecutively run canoe races in the US. People come from all over New England and farther to participate in the races. The races consist of novice and expert divisions. The novices race lasts 8 miles and the experts race for 12 miles. The participants race in two person canoes or one person kayaks. As if the rapids weren’t challenging enough, the race officials have the water behind the dam held for three days before the race to give more momentum to the current.
I never knew how popular kayaking, canoeing and boating was in Western Massachusetts. It was hard enough to find a good place to pull over or park along the route of the race. I was able to find a place on the side of the road to catch some of the novices who had already started.
Since the river wasn’t very active here, we drove to the Knightville Dam, the launch point for the race. The area was very pretty and the river was more active here. I even caught some enthusiasts who weren’t participating in the race.
At the main parking area, one of the racers let me photograph his boat.
Still not happy with my location, I found a better spot along the side of the river past a precarious rocky decline. Watching the racers expressions was fascinating. Some were determined. Others looked focused and even a bit bewildered. Others just looked like they were having a grand time. Then, there were others who didn’t seem to be having fun at all.
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Not every racer made it to the end.
Eventually, they were able to wade across the river to the other side, no easy task given the strength of the rapids.
Monty, an 8 year old Siberian Husky, came along to watch the race.
Below is a video of a canoe racing tandem fighting the rapids. You can hear the strength of the tide. Rumor has it that it gets even rougher farther down the river.
The Keystone Arches Bridge Trail is full of surprises. One of these surprises is a waterfall which is only a short jaunt down the main trail (about quarter of a mile from the entrance).
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Another short walk brings you to the main attraction, the Keystone Arch Bridge.
The bridge was made from local Chester blue granite and reach up to 70 feet. There is a weathered, crumbling stairway up the side of the bridge. Bear in mind, the stairs are a little tricky if you do take this route. I took this stairway as far as I could. The views were very pretty.
There is a train railroad that continues on to the bridge
The Keystone Arches Bridge Trail encompasses area that used to be an artist colony. There are remnants of the colony present off the main trail
There was a clock tower
and the remnants of what used to be a swimming pool. Anyone want to take a quick dip?
and some other foundations of what were once buildings
Along the trail there are many pretty trees, plants, waterfalls and other interesting structures and rocks.
The Keystone Arches Bridge Trail boasts a variety of wildlife such as moose, bobcats, fox and a variety of other animals. I found this critter during my travels.
The 5 mile loop at Keystone Arches Bridge Trail are dirt trails with some jutting rocks and holes which often form puddles and dirt which must make it challenging for the cyclists who frequent the trail. The trails are easy to moderate with some challenging inclines. The website cautions the trail is not suitable for novice cyclists.
There are other arches and bridges at the Keystone Arches Bridge Trail and it is not unusual to see people climbing up some of the arches. However, we only went about a couple miles before turning back because of time constraints (see future blog post). The kayakers who frequent the stream at the Keystone Arches Trail, were absent due a white water race that particular day. But, normally they are present in large numbers.
Along the trail are some impressive rapids.
I couldn’t help notice how the rapids mirror our own lives: rapid and frenzied activity one moment, calm, serene the next.
The video below gives a glimpse of the power, beauty and serenity of the rapids.
Durango, a 12 year old Australian Sheepdog, is the mascot of the Chester Railway Station And Museum and he’s a great tour guide. The Chester Railway Station Museum had organized a tour of the trail and Durango went along with them.
Parking: Parking is available at the entrance, before the gate and there is a big parking lot where you can also launch your watercraft at the head of the beach.
Cost: There are a variety of different fees established for visitors to Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. For instance, if you walk in or ride your bicycle to the lake and you are 17 or younger it is free. If you walk to the lake or ride your bike and you are 18 or older it is $1 to get in. A resident (of Webster) motor vehicle costs $5 for entry. A resident motor vehicle with a water craft is $25, etc. See the link below for all of the fees and regulations.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. Try saying that 5 times fast. I dare you!
Originally named Lake Chaubunagungamaugg or “Fishing Place at the Boundary”, Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (meaning, “Englishmen at Manchaug at the Fishing Place at the Boundary”) is actually broken into two parts; a lake (Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg) and beach (Memorial Beach).
For the purposes of this post, I will call Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg Lake Webster as it is now more commonly called.
At the main entrance ofWebster Lake, there is a memorial to our veterans. It is a fitting tribute for those who have gave so much.
Upon arriving at Webster Lake, you will see the lake.
Memorial Beach is dedicated to the veterans of all of our wars.
As beautiful as the lake is, I found the beach, located just beyond the lake to be even more beautiful. To me, it’s basically one large body of water and I am not sure why they have separate names.
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Webster Lake and Memorial Beach are a boaters/kayakers/fisher person’s dream.
Lake Webster also has a variety of bird life.
Dogs are not allowed at the lake or beach.
There is also a basketball court and play area.
The beauty of the beach and the sound of the water could only be captured in a video
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Cost: Free since I visited during the off season. It costs $8 for MA vehicles and $10 for out of state vehicles once the main season begins (around early May)
Parking is limited. Since it was not the peak of the season, I found a spot without any trouble. But, there are only 20 or so spots in the main parking areas. There are some additional parking areas off the main trail to the lake.
Boats are not allowed in the water, although fishing is allowed. Trout and bass are the most common fish in the water.
I had been interested in visitng Rutland State ever since I heard about the remnants of the state prison camp and the views of the water.
There was a strong wind, evident by the ripples in the water.
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The gates at the entrances to some of the trails prevented some vehicles from entering the trails. This is because during this time of the year it rains a lot and bikes and other vehicles can get stuck on the trails. So, it was a pretty empty trail when I went. Which was just fine by me. Miles of near solitude in nature with a cloudless, cold blue sky on a bright New England morning….yes please!
The main trail I stayed on was easy with some moderate includes. The only thing you may find annoying is the long stretches of nothing but trees and water on each side of the trail. This was heaven for me, though. I was also pleased to see a dirt trail rather than gravel or, gasp, paved road.
As I continued on the main trail, I began to see signs of ruins of structures frozen in time. A stairwell and frame of a building, now adorned with graffiti (get used to it as it is a constant theme), stood on the outskirts of the trail.
At around the 2 mile mark of the trail there are remnants of a prison camp. The camp was constructed in 1903 for housing petty criminals. It would later be converted into a farm. The first structure, again riddled with graffiti, was used for solitary confinement.
When you consider just how small and confining the spaces in the building are you can only imagine the distress it caused some of the prisoners.
Something happened when I visited the remnants of the prison camp. What I had once considered “cool” and interesting, seemed dank and sad. In fact, it wasn’t until after I left the structure and cave that it really sunk in. It seems like a grim existence at the least. When you realize people lived in these conditions and suffered, largely for committing petty crimes (such as drunkeness), it makes you think we should be more cognizant of the history of the building and area. If it wasn’t so tragic it would be more interesting. Rather than being “cool”, it just made me depressed.
Farther along the trail is an arch that appears to be a root-like cellar. I am not sure what it was used for but my gut tells me nothing good.
There are also some interesting tunnels and holes in the ground at the old prison site. I decided to investigate.
Given the architecture of the structures and the history of the area, it is easy to see why the park is considered haunted. Disembodied voices and apparitions are said to have been witnessed by visitors. There are even claims the area was once used for satanic worship. The area was the subject of the book The Soul Collector, written by Joni Mayhan.
On a brighter note, I saw lots of four legged friends at Rutland State Park.
(left to right) Grayson, 7, an American Pit Bull Terrier and Gamble, 6, a Pit Bull and Boxer mix.
Blackie, 4 years old, a part husky.
I also saw some other four legged friends.
Panda, in front, is a training horse. Calvin is the horse on the right and the horse in the back left (who is difficult to see) is Jack.
There were also a few kids playing on their motor bikes and ATV’s.
The videos below are some videos from my visit. Thank you for reading!
Blackie, 4 years old, a part husky.
New England Nomad 