Category Archives: chipmunk

August 17, 2018

Pond Meadow Park (Braintree, MA)

Dates Of Visits: August 4 & 5, 2018

Locations: 470 Liberty Street Braintree MA, 390 Summer Street, Weymouth, MA

Hours: Open daily year round from sunrise to sunset. The entrance gates are open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (or sunset) during the summer, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or sunset) during the winter

Cost: Free

Parking: There are two parking areas. The main parking area at the address listed for the park is in Braintree. There is another parking area in Weymouth as well.

From Weymouth, vehicle parking is available in the parking lot off Summer Street. From Braintree, vehicle parking is available in the upper lots near the park office, and the lower lots near the start of the bike path.

There are about 5 or 6 parking spots in front of the gate in the Braintree entrance. So you can park and enter the park before the gate is opened at that entrance.

Trail Size/Difficulty: 320 acres/easy difficulty

Highlights: wildlife, pond, easy trails, biking paths, benches, tents, benches, snow shoeing,cross country skiing,boating (non motorized), fishing

Website: Pond Meadow Park

Pond Meadow Park Trail Map

Since 1976, Pond Meadow Park has been a source for fun, adventure and beauty for generations in the Braintree and Weymouth (MA) area.

Initially built as a flood control project for the Weymouth Landing area, Pond Meadow officially opened as a park in May of 1976. While the park has changed over the years, especially from its initial design as a flood prevention. But the dam is still there. In fact, you can actually walk along the dam.

There is beauty all around at Pond Meadow Park.

Benches with phrases on plaques attached to them for loved ones who have passed are located along the trails. They are located in peaceful areas at the park.

While I was hiking the trails and taking my photographs, I met this nice lady who had an interesting story about this park.

Dawn has been coming to this park ever since she was a kid. Her mom loved the park as well. She still comes to the park regularly for a hike and to look at a bench. It turns out the bench I was photographing and the plaque on it was dedicated to her mom.

She was kind enough to sit on the bench dedicated to her mother with her friend (possibly her significant other but I’m not one to assume) and her dog Toby, a 10 year old rescue Beagle. “Always In Our Hearts” and Dawn’s mother’s name are inscribed on the plaque on the bench. What a wonderful way to remember someone.

Along the trail near the entrance is a rock dedicated to Joseph D’Ambrosio, an avid cyclist and engineer who was instrumental in the development of the bike and walking trails at the park. So, next time you are cycling along the trails at Pond Meadow, don’t forget to thank Joseph!

There is an abundance of wildlife at Pond Meadow. During my visit I saw a swan,

a rabbit

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A snake. This is the “non deadly” North Atlantic Water Snake but it also bears a striking similarity to the venomous Water Moccasin. They are both common to the New England area, although the North Atlantic Water Snake is more common. And they do look similar. So do be careful and don’t go trying to sneak up on them and photograph them. Oops.

A frog

You don’t see the frog? How about now?

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How about now?

Don’t get too close to the other side of the pond, buddy.

And, of course some cute chipmunks, or this may very well be the same one in each photo for all I know.

A pretty butterfly

and, of course, there were also Canadian Geese and ducks at the park.

There were some other cute animals there as well. The trails at the park are easy with very few inclines for your dog to walk and play on (try the Ranger Trail if you do go). The dogs below had a wonderful time on the trails.

Lincoln is a one and a half year old Boxer.

Molly is a 2 year old mixed breed dog.

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Oakley (on the left) is a 4 and a half month old Golden Retriever and Cooper (on the right) is a 6 month old Chocolate Labrador.

8 Comments | tags: Braintree, butterfly, dogs, frog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, rabbit, snake | posted in Braintree, chipmunk, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 8, 2017

Stanley Park 2017 (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: May 31 & June 2, 2017

Location: 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA

Hours:

Official Season: Open to the public (7 days a week) from 7:00 am until dusk daily(1/2 hour before sunset) from the first Saturday in May to the last Sunday in November.

Off-Season: Gate 1, across from Westfield State University’s Woodward Center, is open year-round from 7:00 am until dusk daily, weather permitting. Upon entrance, please note gate closing times.

Cost: Free

Parking: During the “official season” from around early May until the end of November, there are two parking areas with ample parking (probably room for 300 or more cars) . During the off season, the second parking lot is closed.

Size/Trail Difficulty: 300 acres, easy trails

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly:Yes

Highlights: sports fields, play area, pond, trails, flower garden, fountain, sculptures, covered bridge, birds, wildlife, ample parking

Website: Stanley Park

Map: Stanley Park Map

If you read the title of this blog post and thought thought to yourself, “Hey you’ve already posted about this place” you would be correct. I visited Stanley Park in June, 2015 but I was told, incorrectly, by a park worker that I was not allowed to take photos there with paying a fee first. So, I was only able to use a few photos from my original visit and I had tp use my camera phone for the remainder of the photos and they did not come out very good. So, I decided to take another trip to the park last week. If you do want to see my original post you can access it here: Stanley Park in 2015.

Named after Frank Stanley Beveridge, Stanley Park, Stanley Park is one of the most popular parks in Western MA. Throughout the year they hold various memorial services for veterans, musical shows and even a road race among other events. But, Stanley Park is also a great to play to visit to get away from people and just have a peaceful hike along the many trails there or to just sit and watch the various wildlife that inhabit the park.

Originally from Pembroke Shores, Nova Scotia, Frank Stanley Beveridge would go on to create the company Stanley Home Products after immigrating to the states and eventually settling in Westfield, MA. Because of his love if nature and its inhabitants, he would establish Stanley Park of Westfield, Inc. on twenty-five acres of land in Westfield, Massachusetts. Since then it has grown exponentially but it has still kept the same natural beauty.

The first thing that stood out to me while visiting Stanley Park are the colors, particularly during the spring summer and especially during the fall foliage season. Whether it is the variety of birds at the park, the colorful flowers and green grass or the Koi fish in the pond, the colors were really popping at Stanley.

One of the things Stanley Park is most known for is its population of black squirrels. Since they are not indigenous to the area, their origins have often been a matter of curious debate. No, they weren’t dropped off by aliens nor did they travel to the park as part of a family vacation.

The black squirrels are actually from Michigan. They were gifts from former Stanley Home Products sales managers, Hubert L. Worell and Alvah (Al) Elzerman. They were brought there in 1948 and their population has steadily increased. As you can see, they are very well fed.

There is a soccer/lacrosse field, basketball court and play area for children in the main parking area. You can also access the Beveridge Nature Sanctuary Trail from the parking area. The Sanctuary Trail is 229 acres of easy trails with some gentle inclines.

Stanley Park is home to a variety of blue jays, cardinals, ducks, geese and other birds s well as frogs and turtles.

One of the best places at Stanley Park is the area behind the pond at the entrance. Chipmunks, squirrels, birds and other critters stop by in the hopes of some nuts or other treats from passing visitors. In fact, when I walked over to the area chipmunks actually came out from hiding to greet me, in the hopes I might have some snacks for them. They weren’t disappointed.

You can even hand feed them.

Stanley Park also has a garden area with roses, rhododendrons, azaleas and other flowers and pretty trees.

There is also a covered bridge at Stanley Park. Even though it only allows foot traffic the Goodrich Bridge is still bridge and it is indeed covered. It is one of the 13 wooden covered bridges in Massachusetts. I never really considered it an actual covered bridge since it is not on a roadway or sidewalk. But, it does meet the criteria.

An old blacksmith building is located near the bridge.

There is a mill by the pond and a couple of waterfalls.

There are also several memorials and monuments at Stanley Park.

This Veteran’s Memorial is dedicated to all of those in Westfield who have served. Black plaques on the ground list the names of the people from Westfield who have died while serving.

This memorial, Our Lady Of Fatima, was dedicated in September 1952 to Otto Bono Calegari, a Westfield native who was killed during the Korean Conflict. The memorial was handcrafted by Otto’s father, Rocco Calegari.

The Carillon Tower is located near the gardens. Completed in 1950, the tower tower was dedicated to world peace. From time to time, the bells of the Carillon are rung at the tower as part of their Carillon Tower ceremonies. The bronze doors are decorated with 14 relief sculptures portraying various aspects of the Park and Stanley Home Products, as well as profiles of Frank Stanley Beveridge and Catherine L. O’Brien.

The map in front of the tower measures 23 feet by 30 feet, and is composed of multicolored New York slate.

The Angel of Independence was a gift from Stanley Home Products sales persons from Mexico on October 25, 1958. The monument is a Replica of the statue Placido de lareforma in Mexico City which stands for Liberty and Freedom. The base is Vermont Marble and stands 30 feet tall.

I couldn’t find much information about this statue except that it is referred to as the “Children With Umbrella” statue. It is a fairly new addition as far as I can tell.

There are also dinosaur tracks at Stanley Park. Tracks that are said to be over 100 million years old. The tracks are actually from the Carlton Nash Quarry South Hadley (MA).

There are two fountains at Stanley. They are both located in the garden area and near the entrance by Gate 2.

I saw someone riding this cute bicycle at Stanley and she was kind enough too let me photograph it. I especially liked the bell she would ring from time to time as she rode it.

There is so much beauty at Stanley Park. Just the way the trees bend and the views from the upper level where the garden is located to the duck ponds and the bridges that are scattered throughout the park are sights to behold.

Stanley Park is a great place to bring your dog, although he or she may want to chase or make friends with the ducks and geese there.

I met Duke, a 1 year old rescue, while I was walking along the Sanctuary Trail. He was such a friendly guy!

.Biscuit, or Bubba, a 5 year old Bulldog and Mastiff was enjoying a walk along the boardwalk . Her fur was so soft!

As the clouds came rolling in, it was evident it was time to leave.

This is video of the hail storm that followed shortly after we left.

To view videos like the one above and other content I do not share on this blog, please connect with me on Facebook. I hope to see you there!

4 Comments | tags: black squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, fish, frogs, Massachusetts, memorials, mill, monuments, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, ponds, turtles, waterfalls | posted in chipmunk, dogs, fish, frog, Massachusetts, memorial, monuments, New England, photographs, photography, photos, ponds, Stanley Park, turtles, Uncategorized, Westfield

May 26, 2017

Eastern Marsh Trail (Salisbury, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: May 21, 2017

Location: Friedenfels St, Salisbury, MA

Hours: accessible everyday

Cost: Free

Parking: There are 15 total parking spots designated for the rail trail. There are 5 spots in the main parking lot on Friedenfels St at the entrance to the trail. There are also 10 parking spots across the street from the main parking lot. There is a larger parking lot in front of the main parking area that is a private lot. Don’t park there as your car could be towed.

Trail Size/Difficulty: 1.4 miles, flat, easy trail.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the main trail is handicapped accessible. The side trails are not accessible due to the rocky trails and steep inclines. There is ramp to the right of the staircase to the trail at the parking area.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: scenic views, wide and easy trail, side trail, dog friendly, family friendly, benches to sit at, wildlife

Fitbit Stats: 1.8 miles, 502 calories, 4,504 steps (one way)

Website: Eastern Marsh Trail

Once the site of a grand railroad that ran from Boston to sections of Boston’s North Shore and New Hampshire, the Eastern Marsh Rail Trail is a true gem of the coastal section of the north shore (cities and towns north of Boston).

The railroad, which would be extended over time, began operating from Boston to Salem in 1838. It would later be extended to Salisbury and other territories in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 1840.

Alas, the last train crossed the Merrimack River in 1965, leaving behind abandoned rail lines. Eventually, it was proposed that the rail lines should be converted to rail trails. Now, many decades later, instead of being used by noisy engines often carrying dangerous cargo, the rail lines are being used for exercise, dog walking and just enjoying nature.

The 1.4 mile Eastern Marsh Trail connects to the Clipper City Rail Trail to the south and the Ghost Trail to the north.

The Eastern Marsh Trail, which is part of a system of trails along the coastal north shore which includes Newburyport and Salisbury.

The trails at Eastern Marsh Trail are flat with no significant inclines.

The Stevens Trail is a short trail (about .4 mile) that hooks up back to the main trail. There are some views and a cute bridge along the trail. You may see a few chipmunks along the way. It has some minor inclines but I would classify it as easy. This trail is not handicapped accessible due to the rocky terrain and a bridge that only has steps and no ramp.

The views along the trail are beautiful.

There are still remnants from the original railroad at the beginning of the trail. Maybe some day they will revive the rail!

This mural from the Salisbury Art Stroll held on May 13 was still remaining along the trail. I just missed it by a week. But, I may have to drop by next year to check out the art on display. This mural was a collaborative effort worked on by a group of artists.

There were lots of little critters on and off the trail. I would hear rustling in the trees or bushes in one direction only to be distracted by some other sound of activity in another direction.

Birds

turtles

and chipmunks

are just a few of the animals you may see on the trail.

But, birds, chipmunks and turtles aren’t the only animals who frequent the trail.

The trail is a popular with dogs and their walkers.

I love the “side eye” Peter, a 14 year old Golden Retriever, was giving his human walker in the first photo. All he wanted to do was greet me and say hi.