Category Archives: reservoir

Ashley Reservoir (Holyoke, MA)

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Date Visited: February 6, 2016

Cost: Free

Parking is limited.  There are about a 10-20 parking spaces but many people park sideways rather than horizontally since there are not clearly defined spaces in the lot.  So, sometimes only a dozen or so cars can fit in the lot.  It’s best to get there early in the day.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

No dogs or fishing are allowed since it is a reservoir.

Ashley Reservoir is a photographer’s dream destination.  You don’t have to try hard to find pretty places to shoot.  One of the things that stood out from my shoot was just how much the weather changed in the hour and a half that we spend there.

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Ashley Reservoir is a 4 mile loop (there is a shortcut you can take that is about 1.5 or 2 miles).  The trails are well defined and, when there isn’t snow and ice on the ground, would be easy to navigate.

 

One of the many interesting parts to the trail are the paths that seem to cut across the reservoir and connect back to the trails.

The photo below was not doctored.  It is the particles in the snow as the sun melted the snow.  But, I thought it looked pretty cool.  The last video posted below shows these sparkles.

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Since it is a popular destination for runners, walkers and nature lovers, the geese, ducks and other birds are not as skittish as they are in other parks and reservoirs.  It was luncj time for the geese.  The last video at the end of the post shows the sparkling snow.

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Now, this is what I call a cluster duck.

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Despite the cold temperature and the icy trails there were several runners out at Ashley reservoir.

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The trees and plant life were grand even during the winter when some of them were bare.

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Check out the videos below for more fun from Ashley Reservoir

 

 

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New England Nomad

 

 

 

 


Winsor Dam, Quabbin Reservoir (Belchertown, MA)

Named after Frank Winsor, the chief engineer of the construction project, the Winsor Dam section of the Quabbin Reservoir is a mecca for nature lovers, outdoors people and anyone who just wants to get out for a walk along the largest inland body of water in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

If there is one word that best describes the Winsor Dam it would be peaceful.

The easy to moderate walking trails are surrounded by rolling hills and crystal blue water

I missed the foliage season.  But, you can still see the colors peaking from the tree tops.

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The staff at the Quabbin Reservoir use these boats as part of their gull harassment program to limit the pollutants from the birds.

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Located about a half an hour from Springfield, MA and an hour and a half west of Boston, MA, Quabbin Reservoir supplies water to three towns west of the reservoir and acts as the backup supply for three other towns.  There was a seasonal fall breeze during my visit which created pretty ripples on the water.

Quabbin Reservoir is expansive (it has an area more than 38 and a half miles).  It is separated by different dams and sections.  There is a pretty walking bridge that you can use to visit some of the other areas.   There are some great views from the bridge.

The distance between dams are more than a mile.  So, it is often a good idea to drive to the different parts of the reservoir.

One of the many great things about the area is that after you cross the bridge there are trails and a creek which people use to fish.  I got my first two ticks of the season taking these photos, so you’re welcome!

The water is green in some places and it is so clear you can see the trout and other fish that inhabit the water.

There are also a variety of bird life at Quabbin Reservoir.  I caught these titmouse on the trail (ok I laughed a little when I wrote that)

Dogs aren’t allowed at Quabbin reservoir.  I did see one dog that was “in training”, though.

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