Highlights: ball fields, fishing, boating, running and hiking trails
The fifth and final day of my Five Days Of Foliage series. I hope you have enjoyed looking at the photos as much as I enjoyed taking these photos!
For my last installment of my foliage photos I chose one of my favorite parks, Mine Falls Park in Manchester, NH.
I didn’t get to stay very long. There is so much to see at Mine Falls and I missed the biggest attraction there; the dam.
The 325 acre park has a total of 6 miles of trails that follow the Nashua Canal Trail. There are also ball fields, soccer fields and a football field is adjacent to the park. When I got there at sunrise, the warm weather had mixed with the cold, damp weather from the evening creating some misty shots from the ball fields.
The name “Mine Falls” dates from the 18th century, when low-quality lead was supposedly mined from the island below the falls. It has come along since then.
There are two main entrances to the park. I would suggest parking by the entrance at Stadium Drive because there is more parking spaces and it is easier to get to. I parked at the entrance at Whipple St. There were much less parking spaces (about a dozen) and I had a hard time finding the street. In any event I did find the entrance eventually. I hope you enjoy the photos I took there!
I had visited Mine Falls previously in March of 2016. You can find the link to my original post above.
I enjoyed posting this series of photos and I think it is something I may do some other types of themed photo series in the future.
Highlights: 490 acre park with a 9 hole golf course, playing fields, beach, performance center and equestrian show area with bridle trails. The foliage isn’t bad either.
To borrow a term coined by my northern Vermont neighbors, “stick season” is fast approaching. Stick season is the fall and winter transition that occurs after the leaves have fallen but also before snow has settled on the trees. This season is not just common to Vermont though.
Indicative of “stick season, I noticed many of the trees at Goddard Memorial State Park had already lost most of their leaves. Yet, there were still some decent foliage opportunities along the shore of the beach and park. The densely wooded Goddard has 62 deciduous (trees that have leaves that change) and 19 evergreen species (a species of tree that does not change color throughout the year). So, there were a variety of trees to find foliage on.
Considered one of the best parks in Rhode Island, Goddard Memorial State Park’s 490 acres of land along Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay in Warwick, RI.
Goddard Memorial State Park has an equestrian show area and 18 miles of bridle paths for horse riders to enjoy. While I was there I did happen upon a few riders.
I had never been to Goddard before. I only learned about the park the day before after a quick search for the best parks in Rhode Island. And the reviewers didn’t miss their mark. The best part of the park may be the variety of activities and Goddard Park also has a 9 hole golf course, 11 playing fields, a canoe launch, a beach that allows swimming and a performance center. With its pretty waterscapes, extensive hiking trails and picnic areas, Goddard is definitely a great place to take the family.
Located only half an hour north of Boston, MA, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers 12 miles of trails, diverse wildlife and some pretty good foliage.
I visited Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in July, 2016 (the link to this post is posted above). But, like many of the places I have visited more than once, I found some hidden gems that I missed the first time. Specifically, during my initial visit I missed out a cute walkway cut out of rock which I found during my recent visit. I have considered revisiting places I have already photographed in the upcoming year to make sure my posts are much more comprehensive than they have been in the past. It’s very easy to miss things if you don’t do your research beforehand or if you have a difficult time with the conditions. In any event, it’s an idea I’m tossing around.
Since I had already visited Ipswich River Sanctuary and I was focusing mostly on foliage photo opportunities, I walked along the Ipswich River along some boardwalks, fairly easy trails and a few side trails. There are lots of birds to photograph and the wildlife seems to be pretty friendly. In fact, a chipmunk greeted me and came within inches of me. I think they are used to seeing people and people may often feed them. Unfortunately for the little fella, I was all out of acorns and nuts.
I have also seen deer at Ipswich River Sanctuary during both of my visits. Actually, I have seem them multiple times during both of my visits. During my first visit, I spotted two bucks drinking from the river. They got away before I could photograph them. But, I saw a deer later during my visit which I was able to photograph.
During my most recent visit, I saw a few deer running off into the woods. But, again, I saw them later. Except not in the sanctuary. This leads me to my next observation. I took a wrong turn, more accurately I missed a turn, on my drive back from the sanctuary. I ended up on Central St where I found a mom deer and two of her little ones grazing on the side of the road. After stopping abruptly and making sure she didn’t charge, I quickly grabbed my camera from the back seat without leaving the vehicle and took some photos of the deer family.
It was both exciting and shocking to see the deer by the road. I know this happens often but I had never been so close to any animal on the road. Not for one second did the momma’s eyes look away from my car. You can also see how she is shielding one of her babies in the photos I took.
There was a lot of color at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. However, my issue was more with lighting and shadows. The weather was nice and there are lots of places to explore at the sanctuary. But, I couldn’t stay long as I was going to Salem to do some Halloween photography. So, I couldn’t stay too long. I had to work with what I had.
One of my favorite spots because of its proximity to Boston and it’s pretty views, Cutler Park was a must-see on my foliage peeping tour.
I would consider the colors at Cutler Park to be moderate which is somewhat surprising since I traveled there the last Sunday of October. I have noticed that, perhaps due to the erratic and dry weather (specifically the lack of rain in the area at the time) and other environmental factors, some of the foliage has been happening later than usual. The lack of rain, which had been the case during October, can cause the leaves to drop before they change color. Plus, it seems like a lot of the places I have photographed have trees that do not change colors, such as pine and other types of evergreen trees.
Although Cutler Park is a large park (600 to 739 acres depending on the web site you trust), In fact, it one of the entrances is in Needham and it traverses many town and city limits until you reach Dedham, MA (some 3 miles each way). I took the loop that circles along Kendrick Pond which is about one mile all around. I have been looking forward to going back to Cutler Park and it was great walking along the trails, although I was hoping to see more colors on the trees.
Please take a look at my Facebook page at the link below to see the other photos I took during my visit at Cutler Park. Please also consider following me on Facebook to view more photos, videos, posts and other content I do not include on my blog! Thank you for reading, liking and commenting.
Over the past few weeks, I have been visiting some of the more colorful parts of the New England area.
I am going to post one short blog post with a photo from each place I have visited with a link to my Facebook page where you can find the additional photos from my visits. Please consider following me on Facebook!
I have dubbed this series, “Five Days Of Foliage.” I am also posting a link to the original post in the top part of the blog post.
I will post the “best” photo from my visit and post the additional photos from my visits on Facebook. I didn’t spend as much time as I usually do when I photograph a destination because I had already posted about most of them already. I just wanted to capture the highlights of the foliage season.
One of my favorite places to visit is Dorrs Pond at Livingston Park in Manchester, New Hampshire. It’s a relative easy walk or run with a mainly smooth, level one mile loop and, as an added bonus, it’s just over an hour’s drive for me. There is usually lots of activity in the pond, especially during the spring and summer, and the trees provide for pretty colors as you can see above.
One of the things I liked best about the foliage at Dorrs Pond was the various colors. The green from the pine and other trees whose leaves do not change blended beautifully with the red, brown, yellow and orange of the trees in full foliage. I managed to make it to Dorrs Pond at peak or near peak foliage conditions. I hope you enjoy.
While driving along Derby St in historic Salem, MA, you might drive past the nondescript, white building with shuttered looking windows and think it”s just another building. You would be wrong, though.
Two popular candies are said to have been popularized by people associated with the company.
The story of this historic company dates back to the early 1800’s when John Pepper, who is considered by some to be responsible for creating “The Black Jack” candy according to the company’s web site, began selling his candies in Salem and the nearby communities. Although there is some debate over who is responsible for creating this candy, it would go on to be considered the flagship candy of the store.
The other story holds that the Spencer family from North Salem were left destitute after a shipwreck. In an effort to help the family, neighbors and friends donated supplies to help them in their time of need. Mrs. Spencer used this sugar to create what would become known as “Salem Gilbratars” which are sold in the store to this day.
The company has come a long away from these simpler days. The companie sells a variety of candies. From the divisive candy corn, which people seem to hate or love but has become a staple of the Halloween season nonetheless, to the wide varieties of fudge and chocolate,
The companie remains one of the most popular spots to visit in Salem (MA) particularly during Halloween. This photo was taken the weekend before Halloween (Oct. 28).
The line would grow even longer during the day. Good thing it wasn’t too cold out, not that it would have deterred the shoppers.
It’s funny how the exterior of the building seems to scream dull and boring but the inside of the store, particularly during the various holidays (they also hold candy cane making demonstrations during the Christmas season) and Halloween has so much character and decor.
This woman who was working at the shop during my visits even got dressed up for the season. Rumor has it, she may be the original Mrs. Spencer. And people say Salem doesn’t have ghosts.
If you’re in the Salem area, or you just get a sweet tooth for some historic candy, stop by! Ask for Mrs. Spencer.
Once the training site of the Massachusetts State Militia (then called Hampton Plains) some 112 years ago, Apremont Park is now the home to a memorial dedicated to the 104th U.S. Infantry. After World War I broke out, the site was reactivated for the 104th Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division and was renamed Camp Bartlett.
The 104th Infantry Regiment has a storied past that dates back to November 14, 1639 when it was first mustered as the Springfield Train Band. They would go on to be incorporated as part of the Hampshire County Massachusetts Militia. They would also serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution and in the Civil War as part of the Union Army as well as many other campaigns such as the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. The last active element of the regiment, the 1st Battalion, was deactivated in 2005 and the soldiers and lineage transferred to the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment. But, their legacy still remains, particularly at this memorial.
I made two visits to this park; one in July of this year and today. I enjoy seeing the differences in the park from the different seasons.
In August 17, 1917, 13,000 troops from the National Guard organization of New England camped out for 14 weeks; then the 104th Infantry left for France to compile a record of outstanding bravery. There is a bronze plaque set in from of the monuments of the General Passage of France decorating the colors of the 104th Infantry during World War I. The park is named after a small French town of Apremont, which was defeated and saved by the 104th Infantry.
Inscribed on the memorial is:
FOR GREATEST FIGHTING SPIRIT AND SELF SACRIFICE DURING ACTION OF APRIL 10, 12 AND 13 1918. SUFFERING FROM VERY HEAVY BOMBARDMENTS AND ATTACKED BY VERY STRONG GERMAN FORCES THE 104TH INFANTRY SUCCEEDED IN PREVENTING THEIR DANGEROUS ADVANCE, AND WITH GREATEST ENERGY RECONQUERED, AT THE POINT OF THE BAYONET , THE FEW RUINED TRENCHES WHICH HAD TO BE ABANDONED AT THE FIRST ONSET, AT THE SAME TIME MAKING PRISONERS.
Also inscribed on the memorial is the name of the infantry that was organized on the spot (the 104th Regiment Infantry) and a description of their background.
I originally photographed this monument on July 3rd. But, after doing my research on the memorial, I noticed I had missed some interesting and important parts of the memorial. During my original photo shoot, I missed these parts of the memorial. I think the flowers that were once in bloom in July hid them from my view during my initial visit. This was not the case when I came back to visit earlier today.
There are benches near the memorial for quiet reflection and markers to memorialize their efforts in World War I and World War II. The park is also used to honor veterans on special occasions such as the Fourth of July and other special events. I did not see any other people at the park during my visit today.
There is also a memorial honoring those who served in the 104th Infantry Regiment during World War II.
Another memorial lays to the left of the entrance of the park.
Thank you to all the veterans of the 104th Infantry and all of the veterans who have served our country.
Location: Springfield Museum, 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children
Parking: There is free parking at the museum parking lot and overflow parking at the parking lot across the street
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: classic Indian motorcycles on display
Tips:
the festival is usually held the second Sunday of July
refer to the museum’s web site for the schedule of events which includes an award ceremony for the event
Don’t forget to visit the Lyman Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield Museum where there are additional pieces to the Indian Motorcycle collection which is displayed there year round.
A mainstay of the Western Massachusetts and still one of the leaders in motorcycle sales, Indian Motorcycles still remains an icon of the Western MA area. And, many of these motorcycles and bikes were on display at the annual Indian Motorcycle Day on the grounds of the Springfield Museum Springfield, MA.
Indian Motorcycle, founded in 1901, first began as an endeavor to produce a gas powered bicycle. However, after Oscar Hedstrom produced the gas powered bicycle, they soon began producing motorcycles in Springfield, Massachusetts, the very same city the museum is located in.
The motorcycles ranged from newer models to older, classic styles. But most of the motorcycles were older models. The craftsmanship and style of these motorcycles are very impressive.
Most of the motorcycles or bikes did not have the model year or model name on them. But, this motorcycle was one of the few that did.
1948 Indian Chief
This motorcycle was actually used during World War II in Europe, according to its owner.
Some of the artwork and logos stood out to me.
There are additional Indian Motorcycles in the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum across the street from the main building at the museum. Most of these motorcycles and bikes are located in this museum year round and they tend to focus on the much older models.
There is also a display of Indian novelty items.
Below is a video of some of the collectibles displayed at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum.
Now that I have posted most of my posts from Salem up (I may have a few more to post later), I am catching up posts about places I visited this past summer and this fall.
One of the more enchanting places I visited this summer was a place I found by happenstance. During a trip to a park in Connecticut, my passenger and I noticed an old pickup truck parked by the side of what appeared to be a farm.
Tucked away off Route 66 in Marlborough, CT, Carter Tree Hill Farm has a farm, general store, barn used for entertainment and events.
The animals in the farm area are very playful and friendly. They really seem to like to play on their car. My favorite part of the farm, the farm area has several goats, chickens, ducks and even a peacock.
It was late July during my visit and the flowers were in bloom. Vibrant flowers were scattered around the farm and gardens.
The peak time to visit Tree Hill Farm is probably during the warmer seasons and fall. It must look very pretty there during the autumn with all of the leaves on the trees changing color. I also think it must feel good to be able to spend one of the first mild spring days there drinking a beverage outside after one of our long cold winters.
During the summer, Carter Tree Hill Farm shows movie on their projection screen.
The Carter Tree Hill Farm consists of a general store, outdoor eatery, bed and breakfast, ice-cream and outdoor pavillion for weddings, carriage barn for private parties or events and Hogs Breath Tavern as well as an animal farm.
The friendly staff made us a coffee and pored me an orange juice at no charge and allowed us free rein to explore the property.
The affable staff at Tree Hill Farm work hard to keep the garden and flowers clean and pretty. You can tell they take a lot of pride in their work by the way the property is kept after. We also spent a while talking to a worker about how much he loves to work on his plants and vegetables at the farm.
There is also a an old time filling station (not in use) and a barn where you can buy home made jellies (try the marmalade), other snacks and other merchandise at Carter Tree Hill Farm. Look at that gas price!
With its ample space, colorful plants and flowers and barns and animals to watch, Carter Tree Hill Farm is a great place to bring the entire family.
Date Of Event: October 28, 2017 (annually, the last weekend of October)
Location: Fort Point St, Salem, MA
Highlights: over 1,000 costumed runners competing in a 6.66 mile race
With the appropriate “Run Like Hell” tagline, the annual 6.66 mile race spooked up a wide variety of creepy racers.
Keeping with the Halloween theme, most of the runners dressed in their favorite Halloween-themed garb.
Over 1,200 runners, many in costumes, participated in the race. Runners came from all over New England, New York region and even points farther. The competitors had the option of running the 6.66 mile (roughly 10.7 k) race or the shorter 3.33 mile race (roughly 5.4 K) course.
A fog machine gave the finish line a eerie look and a d.j. from a local radio station kept the spectators entertained. The finish line had some interesting items hanging from it. The spectators came dressed up for the event as well.
Don’t let the kids in the last two photos fool you. They ran in the kids race and they are fast!
In fact, even though there weren’t as many kids running as there were in the adults and teens race and their race was shorter, I think I enjoyed watching them all cross the finish line and celebrate.
There were some competitive runners (the winner ran the 6.66 mile course at a 5:46 per mile average clip) and some who ran for fun and to challenge themselves. Every runner received a well deserved “participation medal” when they finished the race.
I love the different expressions on the faces of the runners. Some are determined. Others are laughing and waving. But, they all had a fun or a rewarding experience. I still can’t believe how hard it must have been to run the race in some of those costumes and still keep a smile on your face.
Some people ran with their dogs. Others ran with their strollers in tow.
Watching all of the competitors pushing themselves or just enjoying their run with their friends (that is something I never understood – I never really ever enjoyed any of my runs) in the mild October air, made my competitive juices flow and made me miss my competitive running days. You know, before I picked up a camera. But, after seeing everyone have so much fun during this run, I may have to try this race next year!
Rafa, a 1 year old Belgian Malinois, stopped by to watch the runners.
New England Nomad 