Category Archives: ducks

Northwood Meadows State Park (Northwood, NH)

From the outside Northwood Meadows State Park doesn’t look like anything out of the ordinary.

DSC_0048

A pond, a creek, pretty trees and a few unusual rock formations are on the main trail.

But, it’s the meadow that sets the place apart from other parks.

DSC_0301

Of course, after a few minutes, it began to snow.

DSC_0239

 

Then, just like any typical New England day, it stopped and the sun was out after 5 minutes of driving snow.

DSC_0231DSC_0264

DSC_0254

DSC_0384

There are some beautiful views of the meadow.

Northwood Meadows is also a popular spot for dog walking.   You may notice some of the dogs are wearing orange.  That is because hunting is allowed in some designated areas of the park.

The photos don’t do it justice, though.  Northwood Meadows is a must see for dogs and humans!


Jenney Grist Mill (Plymouth, MA)

Most people are aware of the more popular attractions in Plymouth, MA, such as Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation.  But, there is another hidden jewel in Plymouth.

DSC_0768

Located only a few miles from Plymouth Rock, the Jenney Grist Mill is a replica of the mill which was originally located in the Plymouth Colony.

When I went to visit the foliage was still peaking in the area.

But the real gem of the grist mill area is the pond.

Ducks, swans and a furry friend inhabit the area.

 

 


Plymouth Rock (Plymouth, MA)

 

Who would ever think people would travel from all over the country and all over the world just to see a rock?  Yes, a  rock.  This is not just any rock, though.

DSC_0597

The rumored landing spot of the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock is one of the more disappointing yet often visited sites south of Boston, MA.

Despite it’s popularity, the rock at Plymouth Rock is not the actual rock the Mayflower struck.  In fact, the rock has been said to have been moved at least three different times and the rock has been said to have been damaged several times, breaking in half at one point.  Not only that, but the passengers of the Mayflower initially landed in Provincetown in Cape Cod.

While the rock itself probably isn’t the actual rock the Mayflower struck upon its landing and it’s not the actual initial landing spot of the Pilgrims, it is symbolic of the voyage the persistence of the people who landed there.

Located in walking distance of the Mayflower II, the rock is located at the bottom of a pit and protected by a fence.

The rock is located in a structure with pillar columns.

The harbor is usually teaming with activity.

There is also a monument located across the street from Plymouth Rock.  The Pilgrim Mother was donated in 1921 to celebrate the Tercentenary of the Mayflower landing by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

I met Bo while I was visiting the memorial.

DSC_0602

and these two cuties

 


Amrita Island (Bourne, MA)

After spending the morning at the Cape Cod Canal, it was time for the next stop on my day trip.  The next leg of my Cape weekend tour was spent at the hidden jewel of Bourne; Amrita Island. 

To view the blog about the first leg of my Cape Cod trip check out my blog about the Cape Cod Canal.

An island in the town of Bourne, Amrita Island is one of the lesser known islands of Cape Cod.  The reason many people may not know about this island is because it looks like any other side street in the area.  The only indication there may be an island there is an inconspicuous sign you could easily miss unless you were looking for it.

DSC_0366

Amrita Island is connected to Cataumet (the village within Bourne where Amrita Island is located) by an ornate, albeit short, stone bridge.

DSC_0371

DSC_0406

DSC_0372 DSC_0373

DSC_0434

DSC_0432

There are spectacular views from the bridge.

DSC_0387  DSC_0381

But, to get the best views, you have to get off the bridge and walk around the surrounding area

DSC_0403 DSC_0402      DSC_0409  DSC_0411 DSC_0410     DSC_0382   DSC_0430

There is also an abundance of plant life and pretty trees.

DSC_0368 DSC_0436 DSC_0437 DSC_0405

There is also a variety of wildlife on Amrita Island.  Fish, ducks and birds are abundant onthe island. The fish were swarming in a circle for some reason.

DSC_0419 DSC_0415

DSC_0383

DSC_0408

I also met Hadley, a resident of the island.

DSC_0438

I will be posting the next installment of my Cape Cod trip later this weekend.  Stay tuned!

Like me on Facebook at:

New England Nomad


Cape Cod Canal (Buzzards Bay, MA)

One last summer weekend.  One last chance to soak up the dwindling magic of summer.  What better way to laze away the remaining summer bliss than at the iconic Cape Cod Canal?

DSC_0276

The canal stretches for 7 miles for Sandwich, MA, to Buzzards Bay.  There are several entrances to the canal.  We chose the entrance near the end of the canal at Buzzards Bay.

DSC_0361

The views at the canal are one of the main attractions.

DSC_0282 DSC_0280 DSC_0321 DSC_0273 DSC_0311 DSC_0310 DSC_0304 DSC_0294 DSC_0301 DSC_0288

Fishermen and fisher women dot the rocky edges of the canal and it is a popular starting point for bikers, runners and walkers.  The canal also is a bustling point for ships carrying a variety of cargo, particularly since it is so close to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  I caught one as it passed under the railroad bridge.

DSC_0320 DSC_0338

Ducks and seagulls also find the canal too be a fun place to enjoy the summer.

DSC_0343  DSC_0345  DSC_0351 DSC_0347 DSC_0308 DSC_0317 DSC_0316 DSC_0318 DSC_0356 DSC_0319

This lady thought I was spying on her.

DSC_0355

Well, until next summer…I’ll meet you at the canal.

To see more photos and get updates, please like me on Facebook:

New England Nomad


Olde Mystik Village (Mystic, CT)

Tucked away in the quaint village of Mystic, Connecticut, stands the hidden gem known as The Olde Mystic Village.

DSC_0271

At first glance, Mistick Village may seem like a nondescript shopping center.  But, Mistick Village is much more.

There are many cramped stores for specialty merchandise such as custom made clothing and hand made jewelry, pet shops and eateries that dot the village.  It would be easy to dismiss it as just another shopping center. But Mistik Village has many unexpected charms.  One of the biggest surprises at Olde Mistik Village is something very unique.

Right there, smack dab in the middle of the village is a pond.

DSC_0158   DSC_0175 DSC_0177 DSC_0178   DSC_0182  DSC_0185   DSC_0189

Forget about the cinema and the fudge shop.  The ducks are the most popular attractions at the village.  People feed them their dietary recommended food.  Signs prominently remind people crackers and bread are not safe for the ducks to eat.

DSC_0253   DSC_0162  DSC_0164     DSC_0151   DSC_0149

They are not restricted to the pond area either.  You can regularly see the ducks roaming the walkways of the Mistik Village.

DSC_0143 DSC_0168

And, since so many people feed them, they are not shy.

DSC_0265

The flowers and trees at Mistik Village are another unique feature of the shoopping center.

DSC_0261  DSC_0268   DSC_0248  DSC_0246   DSC_0245 DSC_0242  DSC_0240   DSC_0233   DSC_0228 DSC_0229    DSC_0221   DSC_0139  DSC_0140   DSC_0134 DSC_0131 DSC_0132 DSC_0129 DSC_0128    DSC_0121   DSC_0120 DSC_0119     DSC_0124 DSC_0193  DSC_0201

DSC_0205

Yes, that is a birdhouse on the flag pole.

DSC_0224

Keeping with the aquatic theme, a waterfall leads to a stream with koi fish.

DSC_0130  DSC_0085   DSC_0084 DSC_0081   DSC_0090   DSC_0093

Some of the most charming elements of the village are the decor.  Walkways are furnished with wooden gateways.

DSC_0214 DSC_0208

DSC_0216

Wooden chairs rest in front of this fashion shop.

DSC_0249

Various structures are scattered throughout the village.

DSC_0230 DSC_0226    DSC_0257

Of course, the Mistik Village is a dog friendly area.

I met Theo and Rebel.  Theo was happy to see me.  Rebel, on the left, not so much.

DSC_0099

I also made a friend at Old Mistik Village.  Charley is a rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina.  His dad told us how, after noticing Charley, he arrived at the dog shelter at 5 a.m. to  make sure he could adopt him.  Charley is a very special dog.

DSC_0198 DSC_0200

Please check out and like my Facebook page New England Nomad