Category Archives: Massachusetts

May 30, 2016

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

Date Visited: May 30, 2016

Location: Main St, Agawam, MA (corner of School St & Main St)

Parking: There is no off street parking but there are some lots across the street and a small parking area just before the memorial.

On this important day, I thought it would be good to showcase one of the many war memorials in the Western Massachusetts area. The Veterans Green Memorial Park, nestled in front of the Phelps Elementary School, is one of these tasteful memorials.

The memorial, which recognizes every person who has died in war from the Agawam area dating all the way back to the American Revolutionary War.

Due to the inclement weather and unpredictable weather patterns of the area (it is New England after all), parades and memorials were cancelled this year which gave me full access to the site but probably disappointed a lot of likely parade watchers. There is usually a ceremony each year at the site and it looked strange not seeing any parades or people reveling in the streets and sidewalks during the day.

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The Benjamin Phelps Elementary School is located behind the memorial and a gazebo stands just off the side of the memorial.

What stands out most about the memorial is the bell. It symbolizes so much; the tones rung out during remembrances, the readiness and alert nature of our armed forces and the ringing out of victory and freedom.

Happy memorial and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

5 Comments | tags: bell, flag, flags, gazebo, Historical, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in Agawam, bell, Massachusetts, memorial, Memorial Day, memorials, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

May 29, 2016

Montague Bookmill (Montague, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: March 28, 2016

Location: 440 Greenfield Rd, Montague, MA

Hours: Mon-Wed 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Thu-Sun 10 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Parking: there is lots of parking on the side and back of the book store. There is also a lot across the street from the bookstore.

Montague Book Mill

Do you like books? How about mills? Then I have just the place for you. But, this is no ordinary book store. A former gristmill now operating as a used book store, the Bookmill has gone through many changes throughout its history. But, it still keeps true to its beginnings. The structure is largely the very same one that operated as a mill so long ago and the brook that runs along the two floor book shop is the very same one they used to power the gristmill so long ago.

Upon arriving at the Bookmill, the first thing you notice is the brook fed by a waterfall adjacent to the shop.

A short easy to walk path takes you to the source of the stream of water.

The short waterfall and stream can be pretty fast in some spots. But, when I came to visit it slowed down after it plummeted down the waterfall.

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After the short walk back up the trail, you can access the bookstore by a wooden walkway with some more views of the waterfall and stream.

Or, you can just walk straight across (the easier route, less scenic route).

The great thing about the Bookmill is that it has kept much of the original charm and design of the past. Narrow stairwells and cozy corners are the hallmark of the shop. Memorabilia, such as old style typewriters, are scattered throughout the store. The staff doesn’t rush you nor do you feel a sense that profit is their main driver. Service and a respect for books seems to be the most important thing t the staff. It’s a great place for any book lover and anyone who loves to lounge around historic places.

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They even have newspaper clippings and memorabilia along the walls in the more private areas.

The Bookmill is not the only shop in the area. In the shopping area there is also a cafe, The Lady Killigrew Cafe, located next to the book store and The Alvah Stone, a restaurant. There are also two art studios and an entertainment/media store called Turn It Up. Turn It Up specializes in selling cd’s, dvd’s, vinyl and even cassette tapes. They also sell other memorabilia. It’s a unique store in a very unique shopping area.

The owner of Turn It Up let me photograph his 10 year old dog and part owner, Daisy.

Below is a video of the waterfall and stream next to the Bookmill.

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May 24, 2016

Borderland State Park (North Easton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 21, 2016

Location: 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA

508-238-6566

Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A sign at the front gate of the parking area states cars still parked in the lot after 7 p.m. will be fined $25.

Costs: According to the website it is $5 for MA residents and $6 for non-MA residents. There is a parking payment station located at the front of the parking area. I have a parking pass which allows me to park in all state run parks so I do not know exactly how the parking stations work or how they charge each patron.

Parking: The parking lot is pretty big. It looks like there are easily 200 spaces. When we left, on a busy day at peak hours, there were still plenty of parking spots available, albeit far from the entrance to the trails. There is also an alternate parking area before the main parking area for people with special passes.

Highlights: mansion, 6 ponds, quarry, 20 miles of hiking trails, large field for frisbee golf and other activities. Fishing, canoeing and horseback riding are allowed. Leashed dogs are permitted. Easy to moderate trails, teeming with wildlife. Peaceful feeling, even when the park is packed.

*Please note, some of the slideshows take some time to load, unfortunately (especially on tablets and cellphones). You may have to refresh but they may take a few minutes to load*

Created during the early 1900’s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her husband Oakes Ames, Borderland State Park has been a state park since it was purchased by the state in 1971. The Ames’ home, a three-story stone mansion built in 1910 still stands on the grounds.

The grounds of the mansion are manicured impeccably. They even take care of those pesky witches (or whatever that is on the lawn) .

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Bordering on the towns of Sharon and Easton in Southern MA, Borderland has a variety of trails for runners, walkers, cyclists and even horseback riders. The trails are easy to moderate and I saw many runners on the trail.

Located about 45 minutes south of Boston and half an hour north of Providence, Rhode Island, Borderland State Park is a popular destination for people from all sections of New England. It is easy to see why so many people flock to the park when you see the views.

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Sometimes it’s the little things that make the park so much fun. Whether it’s the frisbee golf course on the lawn in front of the mansion (I can only imagine what the Ames’s would have thought of that) or the benches that are liberally scattered throughout the park or the always full bowls of water thoughtfully left out for the thirsty dogs, the park really does think of everything.

here was also an abandoned building along one of the trails.

There are always pleasant surprises when you go to visit the different parks in New England. One of those surprises was a mother bird feeding her babies in the nest on the beams of the roof of the abandoned building pictured above. I did my best to seem as unobtrusive and I used my telephoto lens from a distance while I took these photos. I love how the mother looks so protective and is surveying the area for potential threats.

Then, as I was taking photos of the pond, I saw these little critters. Look at how the frogs almost perfectly camouflage themselves. It’s almost the perfect disguise. Man, I love nature!

Ok, the snake isn’t so “little.” But, I wasn’t about to get closer to see just how big he was.

And the animals didn’t stop there.

There were dogs a plenty also at Borderland State Park.

Beef is a 6 year old American Bullweiler (American Bulldog and Rottweiler mix). He was being trained by his dad. I thought the last photo showed just how much affection he has for his guardian.

Mason, a chocolate Labrador, took advantage of the warm weather to go for a swim.

Romeo, an English Chocolate Labrador, celebrated his 10 month birthday at the park!

Balto, a 7 month German Shepherd, wants attentively for the rest of the family to show up.

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15 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, dogs, frogs, history, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, snakes, travel, trees, views, water | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, ponds, trees, Uncategorized, views

May 19, 2016

River Works Park (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13th 2016

Location: 250 Deerfield Street, Greenfield, MA

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a lot that can accommodate about 30 or so cars behind the waterfall off Meridian St (a side road off Deerfield St where the bridge is) or you can park in one of the lots of the local establishments and walk to the park, after patronizing them of course. You can’t park on Deerfield St.

It’s not often that you see a silver fish on a pole while you’re driving down the main streets of a busy suburb. So, when I saw Brookie, the mascot of River Works Park, I had to stop and check it out.

The River Works Park is a quiet place (if you can ignore the passing traffic on Deerfield Rd) where residents and visitors can sit on the benches or walk along the sidewalk or bridge and admire the Green River below.

For a roadside attraction, the River Works Park is full of surprises and beauty. One of these surprises is the walk way along the sidewalk that is blocked off by a fence. Of course, there was an opening in the wire fence. The views from the walk way weren’t so great though and I only managed to get a few scratches when I walked along it.

The walkway, which was dedicated in November of 1999, has several memorials and plaques along the sidewalk. This bench was dedicated to Barbara Tillmanns, Greenfield’s “#1 cheerleader.” Tillmanns was a town councilor for Greenfield and very active in the community. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 72. One of her endeavors was to begin an initiative to establish a series of commemorative benches throughout Greenfield. Here’s one:

A sign remains where the J. Russell Co once stood. The company made Green River Knives. Greenfield Tap & Die also stood there once upon a time. The J. Russell Co and Greenfield Tap & Die were the main employers of the area for much of the 1800’s and the J. Russell Co made the highly touted Green River Knife.

If you look closely at Brookie, the mascot of River Works Park, you can see the forks, spoons, cutlery and other utensils collected from the residents of Greenfield and Franklin County that make up the shape of the fish as a tribute to the J. Russell Cutlery Co. (you may have to zoom into the photo).

The aptly named Green River, runs through the park. There were some modest waves and ripples in the river. The reason for this will soon be evident.

I thought made for a pretty backdrop.

However, just beyond the bridge, we found this pretty waterfall.

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There is no sidewalk on the side of the road where the best views of the waterfalls are so I had to keep the video short since I shot it during a red light.

There is a lot of interesting historical information about the J. Russell Co and the area which you can access in the links below

J. Russell Co

John Russell Manufacturing Co

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April 25, 2016

William Francis Bird Park (East Walpole, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 24, 2016

Location: Polly Lane, Walpole, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: I counted 25 parking spots in the main parking area outside the park. Parking is free. There may be several parking lots.

Francis William Bird Park

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!

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April 22, 2016

Dog Day Afternoon (Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 21, 2016

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.

Tiger is 3 years old who loves his treats!

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April 20, 2016

Westfield River Whitewater Races (Huntington, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: April 16, 2016

Location: Knightville Dam, Huntington, MA

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.

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April 18, 2016

Keystone Arch Bridges Trail (Middlefield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date visited: April 16, 2016

Location: Herbert Cross Rd, Middlefield, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are only about half a dozen parking spots at the main parking area. People park on the side of the road before the parking area.

Trails: The website describes the trails as being moderate. i would describe them as being easy with slightly moderate inclines.

Keystone Arches Bridge Trail website

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.

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April 14, 2016

Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (Webster, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 9, 2016

Location: Webster, MA

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 Webster Rules and Fees

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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April 13, 2016

Rutland State Park (Rutland, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 10, 2016

Location: White Hall Rd, Rutland, Massachusetts

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.