Category Archives: photos

June 7, 2016

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Events: May 3 – May 5, 2016

Location: Dave’s Soda And Pet City, 151 Springfield St, Agawam, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: Parking was abundant, even with the large crowd

Dog Friendly: Dogs are encouraged to go!

Highlights: jumping dogs!

The dogs of New England made a big splash recently in Agawam, Massachusetts. Actually, they made a lot of splashes at the Dock Dogs competition.

Dock Dogs, in its 16th year, is an aquatic dog competition that tests dogs jumping and swimming abilities. Although it has been around for quite some time, it was the first time it was held in Agawam, Massachusetts. This event was held in the parking lot of a local pet store, Dave’s Soda And Pet City.

The events are broken up into two main events: Big Air in which the dogs attempt to leap as far as they can and Extreme Vertical which tests the dogs’ ability to jump straight up. The records for the two events that day were 22 feet for the Big Air event and 6 ft, 6 inches for the Extreme Vertical jump. That’s better than what I could do!

The best part of the events is how much the dogs love the activities, well most of them do. They can’t seem to wait to jump or leap and some don’t seem to want to get out of the water!

Here are some of the longest jumpers!

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Some of the dogs were less eager to get into the water

The highlight of the event was, for me at least, the Extreme Vertical competition. The dogs really got some height!

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It really was hard to see some of the dogs miss the target on the pole. But, they still looked beautiful whether they reached the top or not.

I was able to catch up with some of the dogs there, like Baxter, when they weren’t wet.

Baxter, a fan favorite in the Big Air competition, is a 5 year old Yellow Labrador.

There were plenty of dogs who weren’t participating but came to watch. Here are a few of the dog spectators.

Jemma is 14 month old Landseer Newfoundland.

Lyla is a 2 and a half year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

This happy looking guy is Chase, a 2 year old Golden Retriever.

Benson is a 6 year old Chocolate English Labrador

Lillie is an 11 week old Australian Sheepdog. Maybe some day she can give the Extreme Vertical competition a shot!

Monty, an 11 year old pug, looked cool in his stroller.

There were also tents set up for kids to get their face painted (or adults if you’re into that) and tents that were giving away samples of pet treats. There were also kiddie pols and bowls of water placed around the lot liberally for all the hot dogs, or presumably people, you know if that’s your thing. They really did think of everything to ensure everyone had a good time.

There was also a tent set up to raise donations for Greyhound rescues. Massachusetts has closed almost all of the race tracks and since Greyhounds are bred mainly to race, that breed of dog may be going away, at least in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So, take a good look while you can.

These boxers took a minute from drinking their water to strike a pose for me.

One of the tents at the event had a canine dog and his handler.

Frankie is a 5 year old German Shepherd. He passed the 14 week course to become a K9 cop. Although he does look hot, it was a hot day, I have learned that the officers who work with these pets care for them as though they were their own. They do have a strong bond with their dogs.

Attached below are some videos of the dogs competing. To see even more videos I have compiled (ad-free), stop by my YouTube page: New England Nomad YouTube

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18 Comments | tags: dogs, fun, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, water | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 4, 2016

V.I.N.S. (Quechee, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 6565 Woodstock R d, Quechee, VT

Cost:

Adults: $14.50
Seniors (62 plus): $13.50
Youth (4-17): $12.50
Children 3 and under: Free
VINS Members: Free

Hours:

April 9 – October 31: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

November 1 – April 8: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Highlights: pretty, rare birds, bird shows, informative and friendly staff, kid friendly, museum and nature science center with a lot of informational exhibits

Parking: ample parking by the visitor center

http://www.vinsweb.org/

Normally, I don’t like watching birds or any animal behind glass or a cage. I’ve always felt a bitter sense of irony watching an eagle or any other majestic animal being on display and limited in such a way. But, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is not a zoo or museum as much as it is a sanctuary. VINS is a rehabilitation and rescue center. Every bird there has either been injured and would not be able to survive on its own or have never experienced the imprinting process (the process by which a newly born learns basic skills from its parent) with their natural birth parents so they may have a difficult time existing in the wild. VINS is saving these birds from a likely short-lived life of hardship. Instead of putting the bird down, as many people might choose to do, VINS is able to keep some birds alive in a sheltered place with caring caregivers.

Located an hour and a half from Manchester, NH and just over an hour south of Burlington, VT, VINS is home to over a dozen birds and not all of the birds are from the New England area.

This Snowy Owl who suffered a severe fracture of the left humerus and a fracture to the right metacarpal which limited it flight ability. The owl was injured by a blast of hot air coming from an engine at an airport in New York. The owl is believed to have hatched from an egg prior to 2014.

Due to an unknown injury, this Bald Eagle had to have his right wing partially amputated. He came from Columbian Park Zoo in Lafayette, Indiana in 2002. He is believed to have hatched from his egg in 1996.

The red tail hawk below came to VINS from a rehab facility in Cape Neddick, ME. The bird arrived at VINS in 1998 after sustaining a permanent injury to his right wing after being hit by a car. The hatch year for the bird is 1998.

This sleepy looking owl is an Eastern Screech Owl. The owl, which came from a rehabilitation center in Virginia, was hit by a car. The injuries were so severe the left eye of the owl was removed and the right eye was permanently injured.

The male Broad Winged Hawk below, who arrived at VINS in 2009, injured its left elbow when it fell out of its nest. The joint was diagnosed and considered to be permanently damaged.

This male Great Grey Owl suffered damage to his right eye.

Understandably, some of the birds were camera shy like this Northern Harrier Hawk.

Not all of the birds are in cages or behind wire fencing. This owl is blind in one eye but he or she is still able to walk with the staff member around the park.

The grounds of VINS is well manicured and you can hear birds flying around the trees throughout your visit. There are also various displays, memorials and works of art on the grounds. The Jeffords Campus For Environmental Education is dedicated to Elizabeth Daley Jeffords and former Vermont Senator James Jeffords for their commitment to environmental education. Sen. Jeffords was known for his independent political affiliation after leaving the republican party in 2001, in the long tradition of independent Vermont senators.

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There is also a museum and science center at VINS as well as nature trails on the premises. VINS also holds live bird exhibitions. They also have summer camps for children which are very popular.

See below for some of the videos of the shows.

19 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, Nature, New England, Photography, photos | posted in birds, nature, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 3, 2016

Canalside Trail (Turner Falls, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 28, 2016

Location: Eleventh St, the village of Turner Falls in the town of Montague, MA

Parking: There is a small area by the shoulder of the road to park. There is also off street parking available and most people seem to ride the bicycle or walk or run along the bridge and walkway.

Cost: Free

Highlights: Peaceful area (when it’s not rush hour), scenic, abundant wildlife, views of the Turner Falls Canal

This may not be the bridge of Turner Falls but it is a bridge in Turner Falls. The more popular bridges in Turner Falls are Gill-Montague and the Turner Falls Roadway. But, since I was in Montague visiting the Montague Bookmill, I thought I would make a quick stop here.

This 11th Street Bridge pictured below was built by the Turner Falls Company. According to the Historic American Engineering Record, the bridge is a double-intersection Warren through truss, with a pair of trusses on either side of the roadway, and lateral bracing between each pair, but none over the roadway.

This 2.5 mile section of the Turner Falls Bikeway. The bikeway, which people also use for jogging and walking, is wide enough to accommodate heavy traffic. The walkway and bridge offer pretty views of the river and surrounding community.

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There are additional bridges on the roadway. Some, like the partially destructed bridge below, is no longer in use. Out of service since the industrial shops closed some time ago, the foundations of the bridge still remain. These remains are symbolic of the jobs and economic downturn the other otherwise idyllic neighborhood felt after many of the jobs left.

These steps led off the main trail but didn’t seem to go anywhere as the street and residences were right next to the trail. It may give walkers a closer look at some of the wildlife I heard rustling in the trees and underbrush.

There’s no swimming allowed in the canal. But, a life ring is there, just in case.

Even though the Falls Turner Canal walkway is only a segment of the bikeway path, it is a great place for a peaceful stroll along a beautiful waterway.

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9 Comments | tags: bridges, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Turner Falls, water | posted in bridges, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized, water

May 31, 2016

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 21, 2016 & May 22, 2016

Location: East Squantum St, Squantum (Quincy), MA

Cost: Free

Parking: about 8 parking spots. Parking is also available at the beach which is located about half a mile away on Quincy Shore Drive and is an easy walk to Moswetuset.

Highlights: great views, easy trail, secluded, not usually very busy, a lot of historical significance

Mosewtuset may seem much like all the other small parks that dot the Massachusetts shoreline. But, its significance in the historical landscape of Massachusetts and all of the colonies and commonwealths should never be minimized.

Moswetuset is not only significant because the commonwealth of Massachusetts derived its name from Moswetuset but it is also the original trading place of Chickatawbot Sacamore and Myles Standish in 1621 that spurred the trade of the early settlers and the Native Americans. Moswetuset was also the area they used as their planting grounds.

What does a funky name like Moswetuset mean, you may ask. Moswetuset has been translated into “shaped like an arrowhead” (the area does have a distinct arrowhead shape) and “site of the great house.” The area is shielded by rows of trees and growth.

The trail is an easy loop with a very minor incline.

Only underscoring how small things can be very big in their place in history, Moswetuset is only a quarter of a mile loop, if that. But, it does offer some pretty views and it is a nice place to take a short stroll or sit on one of the many rocks along the beach (Moswetuset is located next to Wollaston Beach). It was low tide when I went so I was able to get out onto the rocks and get some decent views of the water and the surrounding neighborhood of Squantum (which is technically part of Quincy) which is in the background of the photos.

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Of course, what would a park or attraction in Quincy be without graffiti? There were some interesting works of graffiti at Moswetuset.

Moswetuset is a popular place for dog walkers. But, for some reason, there weren’t any dog walkers at Moswetuset when I visited. I found Buddy, though, on my way to my car as I walked along the beach.

7 Comments | tags: attractions, beach, birds, dog, Hiking, Historical, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, trees, views, water | posted in beach, birds, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, quincy, Uncategorized, water

May 30, 2016

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

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 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 22, 2016

Battery Park (Burlington, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 1 North Ave, Burlington, VT

Open: 365 days a year, 24 hours

Cost: Free

Parking: Off street parking when it is available

Located along a busy stretch of roadway in Burlington, Vermont, Battery Park may be best known for its place in the history of American warfare.

Battery Park was named for the artillery stationed there by American forces during the War Of 1812. On August 13, 1813, American gunners at that location, aided by the naval ship the USS President, successfully defended their position against an attack by a British squadron led by Lt Colonel John Murray.

Since then, the park, which was established in 1870, has taken on a more artistic and more peaceful ambiance.

Statues, memorials and other works of art are scattered along the sidewalk and grass off North Avenue.

This statue was made by the renown sculpture Peter Wolf Toth. Toth specializes in sculptures of Native American people. He has sculpted dozens of statues and has one statue in each of the 50 states in the U.S. as well as in other countries. This statue above is a monument to Gray Lock’s War veteran chief Gray Lock. The statue, carved of wood, was dedicated June 22, 1984.

At first glance, this tree may seem rather nondescript, just a tree in a sea of other trees. But, this is no ordinary tree. his tree was planted in memory of the September 11 terorist attacks.

Another monument at Battery Park is dedicated to Worker’s Memorial Day (April 28th) which has been designated by the AFL-CIO to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe jobs.

There are also these unique structures which I still haven’t figured out.

Lake Champlain provides the perfect the backdrop to the park.

The monuments and statues do not end there. In the background of the park you can see what have been described “winged monkeys” (from the Wizard Of Oz film). To really get good photographs of these figures you have to be closer to Champlain College. The figures are actually on top of some of the buildings in the area of the school’s campus. But, you can see the distinct figures of some of the characters. Specifically, it looks like the witch’s guards to me. I didn’t have the time or energy at that point to (I started traveling and photographing at 7 and it was close to 6 on this day when I photographed Battery Park). But, it’s also fun trying to see the hidden statues.

Rudyard Kipling is said to have noted that Battery Park has one of the two finest sunsets in the world. As the photos demonstrate, I was unfortunately not able to photograph the sunset this particular evening due to the rain and clouds.

In addition to these statues and monuments, there is a statue dedicated to American Civil War General William W. Wells and other local luminaries.

There is also a playground area at the end of the park with swings and slides.

Dogs love Battery Park too. Gus, a 2 and a half year old, Great Pyranese

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9 Comments | tags: dogs, memorilas, monuments, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, statues, trees, Vermont | posted in dog, memorials, monuments, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, statues, trees, Uncategorized, Vermont

May 20, 2016

Guilford Welcome Center (Guilford, VT)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: 1235 Broad Brook Rd, Guilford, VT

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (may be closed on federal and/or state holidays)

It’s not very often that you are impressed with a visitor center. But the Guilford Welcome Center is no ordinary welcome center.

It was a long drive to Vermont and sometimes nature calls…

From the moment you walk into the Guilford (VT) Welcome Center, you know you’re not in your average welcome center. I also love how they call it a “welcome center” and not a “visitor center”. it’s just another example of the folksy and friendly nature of Vermont. The tables, chairs and fireplace give the welcome center a homey feel. You could spend hours sitting at their wooden tables with a good book and a cup of coffee while the snow falls outside.

The backside of the welcome center has an area to sit and take in the beautiful Vermont landscapes. There is also an exhibit of old farm equipment.

There are also a variety of trinkets and crafts located throughout the welcome center.

As I did my research on the Vermont Welcome Center, I noticed the welcome center in Guilford is not the only visitor center with attractions and other interesting things. There is a Vietnam War Memorial listing all the residents from Vermont who died while serving in that war. The Bennington, VT, welcome center has a “singing drum”. Each welcome center seems to have its own unique flavor and entertainment. They definitely do not make visitor centers like this in Massachusetts. That’s for sure.

There are more exhibits and areas to sit in the front of the welcome center.

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The Guilford Welcome Center also has a dog park area across from the center. Duncan, a 3 and a half year old Cavalier King, stopped by for a quick pit stop.

Duncan’s sister, Vera, an 18 month old Cavalier King Spaniel, also took a moment to pose for me.

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9 Comments | tags: attractions, dogs, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Vermont, welcome center | posted in dogs, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Vermont, welcome center

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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8 Comments | tags: bridge, Massachusetts, memorials, monuments, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, river, water, waterfall | posted in bridge, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, river, Uncategorized, water, waterfall

May 18, 2016

Poet Seat’s Tower (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 13, 2016

Location: Mountain Rd, Greenfield, MA

Parking: There are about half a dozen parking spots next to the tower and they fill up quickly.(and they were all filled at 8 o’clock on a Friday morning). There is also parking at the gate of the entrance on Mountain Road for about another half a dozen vehicles. The walk to the tower from the main entrance is about a mile.

Cost: Free

Hours: Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset

Perhaps it’s the unobstructed, sweeping views of the landscapes or maybe it’s the solitude of being in such an isolated tall structure. Whatever the reason, poets seemed to flock to this observation tower. It has since been known as the “poets seat tower” because of the long tradition of poets that have been attracted to the location. Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, a local poet at the time, is credited with bestowing this name on the structure in 1850. The tower, which was built in 1912, now attracts people of all walks of life, not just poets. Prior to the construction of the sandstone tower, a wooden observation tower had been built on the edge of the lookout in 1879. A plaque at the tower acknowledges Tuckerman’s role in the history of the tower.

Even before you reach the top of the tower, if you dare, there are some impressive views of the Greenfield (MA), Connecticut, Deerfield (MA) and Green River valleys. The ledge of the road where the tower is bult has a rocky ledge from where you can get some views of the Greenfield area below. It’s a long way down!

The highest point of Greenfield, the tower is 4 floors (counting the ground floor and top floor). The views from each floor are pretty stunning. After all the rain in the area, the greens were very vivid.

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As I stood looking over the land below I couldn’t help but think of how the landscape has changed over the years. Many years ago people looked over farmlands and valleys. Now, we look over schools, houses, parks and businesses. I also thought about all of the people who came here to rid their mind and soul of their worries by taking in the beautiful views. It really can make you take a step back (and hopefully not forward) when you’re up so high and appreciating the nature around us.

The journey to the top is not difficult. A trip up one stairwell and one spiral staircase take you to the top.

The arches and architecture of the tower rival the beauty of the views from the top of the tower.

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And what would a historic structure be without graffiti? As seems to be customary, particularly in Western Mass, there was graffiti on the walls of the sandstone structure. It did seem fitting that poetry lined the walls of “Poet’s Seat Tower”

“Jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down”

The are also benches along the road to the tower which offer views of the area. There are also hiking trails that branch off from the road to the tower. The trails look easy to moderate but I could not walk on them because of time constraints. I did hear a lot of presumably animal activity in the woods.

Below is a video of the view from the top of Poet’s Seat Tower

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10 Comments | tags: graffiti, historic, history, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, scenis, tower, views | posted in historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, tower, trees, Uncategorized, views

New England Nomad

Category Archives: photos

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

V.I.N.S. (Quechee, VT)

Canalside Trail (Turner Falls, MA)

Moswetuset Hummock (Quincy, MA)

Veteran Greens Memorial Park (Agawam, MA)

Borderland State Park (North Easton, MA)

Battery Park (Burlington, VT)

Guilford Welcome Center (Guilford, VT)

River Works Park (Greenfield, MA)

Poet Seat’s Tower (Greenfield, MA)

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