Date Of Event: October 2, 2016 (it is usually held every year during the first Sunday in October)
Location: 32 Derby Square (off Essex St), Salem, MA
Cost: Free (there may have been a registration fee if your pet participated in the event)
Hours: October 2, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Parking: Serby Square and the surrounding area are pedestrian friendly, walking areas. cars are not allowed in this area. You need to park in a garage or find off street parking. There are two main parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St within walking distance and there is metered off street parking.
Just when you thought Halloween couldn’t be any more fun, Salem Main Streets, working with a variety of local businesses and organizations, held the 2nd annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.
The first pet parade was such a success they moved it from Artists’ Row to Derby Square. Having attended the first Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, I think this was a good call. The other venue was too narrow and there didn’t seem to be enoug room for everyone to roam freely. Derby Square had more room but it also became crowded as well. Everyone loves a pet parade I guess.
There were a variety of dogs in a variety of costumes.
The group of dogs pictured above were, of course, The Scarecrow, Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man. They also brought a yellow brick road which the Scarecrow and Dorothy are sitting on.
Here are some of my favorite dogs and their costumes from the day.
The force was with this 4 month old Lab who was dressed as Bark Vader.
Aye Matey! Lady is a 10 year old Chihuahua.
As if she wasn’t cute enough already, Alexsei, an 8 year old Jack Russell Terrier, was dressed as a koala.
I’ve heard of dogfish sharks but this takes the cake. Willie, a 5 year old mutt, is a rescue.
Samie is a 6 year old Greyhound.
Blitzen, dressed as a purple monster, is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois (pronounced “mal-in-wah”). Yes, he’s 1 year old!
Mickey, I mean Riley, is a 2 year old Lab mix. I dare you to say “No” to that face.
Here comes the bride Persephone (the name of the daughter of Zeus), a 10 year old Golden Doodle.
Daisy the Lobster is a 2 and a half year old dog. Her mom isn’t sure of her breed. She is a rescue from Puerto Rico.
There were so many cute dogs at the pet parade. I was unable to get all of their names and breeds but I was able to photograph a lot of them.
There were actually a few very brave cats dressed as Dr Seuss characters at the parade.
Even if they weren’t dressed in a costume, they were still cute. Lucy, a 14 year old Chow and Golden mix, just came by to hang out and watch the other dogs.
We also saw a family of bulldogs on the way to the event.
Parking: There is a designated parking area with about 30 to 40 parking spots. There are also additional parking spots on the other side of the main parking area on the side of the road as you exit the main parking area
Highlights: lighthouse, scenic, views of the ocean, bird life
Lowlights: Parking can be difficult since it is such a popular spot (there was a line of cars waiting to park when I left and that was on a rainy day)
Also known as Nubble Light, Cape Neddick Lighthouse is an 41 foot (88 feet above sea level) cylindrical lighthouse on the edge of Cape Neddick, a community in York, Maine.
The lighthouse is actually on Nubble Island, hence the name Nubble Light. People like to call it Nubble and it sounds like a cuter name. So, yeah, I’ll go with that.
Originally constructed in 1879 for $15,000 (roughly $342,000.00 in today’s money), Nubble Light is located about 100 yards off Cape Neddick Point. The light was automated in 1986.
Nubble Light is one of the easiest lighthouses to photograph. From Cape Neddick, you have wonderful views of the lighthouse.
There is also a rocky area you can climb down to get closer to the water and get some sweet views of the lighthouse. Uhm, yes.
As you can see in some of the photos, it was a very windy day and the waves were crashing pretty hard against the rocks. Between the rain and the water from the surf it was almost impossible to keep a dry lens, although I tried.
Since people feed them, birds seem to flock by the area.
The weather conditions didn’t deter this hardy Maine fisherman. He did catch and release.
As you leave the parking area on the other side of the lighthouse, there are some pretty views.
Cape Neddick is a dog friendly area. Logan, a 2 year old Red Hound and Coon Hound mix, likes to look out at the lighthouse also.
Location: 1 Stonewall Lane York, Maine (1 and 15 hours north of Boston), (45 minutes north of Manchester, NH), (45 minutes south of Portland, Maine)
Hours: Open everyday, 24 hours a day
Cost: Free
Parking: There are many metered parking spots along the beach. They do fill up quickly on “ideal” beach days.
Beach Size: 1.5 miles
Dog Friendly: Yes, Long Sands Beach has the following dog rules: From April 1 to June 15, leashed dogs are allowed at any time of day; from June 16 to Sept. 15, dogs are only allowed before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Highlights: Scenic views, swimming, surfing and other aquatic activities
October is not usually the month that comes to mind when one thinks of beach weather. This is not the case at Long Sands Beach. The 1.5 mile long beach is a haven for sun seekers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
Maine is known for being hardy folks. You have to be when the weather can be so extreme. As my friend told me when she saw my photos, “They will surf in any weather.” I would add, the more active the water the better. When I drove by the beach an hour later, and the weather had intensified there were even more surfers and paddlers in the water than when I had first arrived to photograph the beach and off street parking was almost nonexistent.
As is often the case with our best experiences, I had not planned on visiting Long Sands. Rather, I happened upon it on my way to Nubble Lighthouse. When I saw the active water and the activity in the water, I had to pull over to see and photograph the beautiful beach.
The waves were very active and there were many surfers and paddlers in the water taking advantage of the waves. It was very cool seeing people with such athleticism and grace in the water.
I met these two friendly surfers on the beach.
Long Sands is a dog friendly beach (see the dog rules above). I met Ollie, a 1 and a half year old Hound mix at the beach.
Below is a video of the surfers and stand up paddlers at Long Sands Beach. As you can see, it was very windy and a little hard to control the camera.
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Originally an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans in 1994, Water Fire has become a staple of the Providence entertainment scene. Initially, the Water Fire display was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of First Night Providence. There were 11 braziers, or hot coal baskets, that were lit at the first Water Fire. There are now over 80 in the three rivers of downtown Providence.
It was another warm summer day when we arrived. Summer’s last gasp. And there was plenty of outdoor pre-Water Fire entertainment.
The first braziers are lit right after sunset (around 7 pm when I went). People on boats, some in the fashion of gondolas, float by during the festival and music is played during the event.
It was a cool evening. But the warmth of the fires kept us warm.
This man kept going by and throwing flowers to various people. I didn’t get one.
Of course, Providence looks beautiful with or without the water Fire lighting.
It was also Chinese Culture Night. Steeple Street had booths with information and games about Chinese culture.
The next Water Fire is scheduled for Nov. 5 (bundle up if you go). It will be your last chance to attend the event this year asit is the last Water Fire event of the year. They usually start up again in the spring of each year, usually in March.
Dogs are allowed at the Water Fire event.
Oakley is a 4 month old Australian Cattledog
Raleigh is a 6 month old American Staffordshire Terrier with a special talent (see the videos below)
Below are some videos from the Water Fire event:
A dragon in the water! Part of the Chinese Culture Night
A human on a skateboard:
wait for it….yes a dog on a skateboard…
Someone playing with fire
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If you hear the faint sound of piano music along city sidewalks and parks, don’t be alarmed. You’re not imagining it and, despite it being close to Halloween, it’s not some ghastly theme introducing an apparition.
Since 2008, the international tour group, “Play Me, I’m Yours” has been leaving pianos in public spaces for all to enjoy. Part of street pianos and the brainchild of Luke Jerram, the “Play Me, I’m Yours” program has installed over 1,500 pianos in 50 cities worldwide. The pianos have been artistically decorated by local artists and neighborhood clubs. Many of the pianos, as you will see below, have artistic themes painted on then that are representative of the area they are located in.
With 60 pianos located throughout the city, you’re sure to find one in your travels if you do travel to the city. I was fortunate enough to see a few of these pianos. initially, my goal was to photograph all 60 pianos. But, since this is the final weekend they will be in Boston, I wanted to post about them before they are gone. Please note, some of the pianos are only out during certain hours, usually the same hours of the businesses they are located in front of. The pianos will be donated to neighborhood groups and youth groups after the program is over.
I noticed this piano (with some help from a co-worker) on the way to work. It is located on the boardwalk in front of the Children’s Museum (308 Congress St, Boston, MA). The buildings in the background provide the perfect backdrop.
Since it was close to my place of business in the city, I was able to visit this piano during my lunch break. It is a beautiful and actually a very peaceful area to relax, despite all of the construction and the busy street it is located off. It is located at Seaport Green by District Hall, South Boston.
To get a change of scenery, I decided to go into the busier sections of the city Thursday. This piano is located at the Massachusetts State House at Ashburton Park, Boston. It was great to see so many people of so many backgrounds using the pianos. The look of concentration on the pianists’ face below and the ease at which she plays is incredible.
The next piano I found was at Reader’s Park in front of a Walgreen’s, of all places, at 24 School St, Boston. I waited around for while to take some photos of the piano unoccupied but he played for a long while. But, I think it is awesome to see someone be so focused!
The last piano I visited is next to the Macy’s at 450 Washington St, Boston. Some people are camera shy.
Even the dogs came out to see the pianos. Charley is a 3 year old Pomeranian with beautiful markings.
I am truly impressed by anyone who can make such beautiful music.
Parking: There is a free parking lot next to the reservation that accomodates about 100 vehicles, there is additional metered off street parking
Park Size:20 acres, 1.5 circular trail loop
Time To Allot For Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: nice views, reservoir, easy circular trail, popular with cyclists, joggers and dog walkers, lots of birds and other wildlife, shoreline fishing is permitted
Created in 1870 on marshes and meadowland to provide the city of Boston with an additional water supply, the Chestnut Reservior, the reservoir now acts as a pretty body of water encircled by a 1.5 mile circular trail loop. The reservoir was taken off line in 1978 and is no longer needed for a water supply for the city of Boston. But, it is still maintained as an emergency backup source for water. Now, a plethora of birds and other aquatic animals thrive in the reservoir.
While the reservoir itself is only located in the Boston area, Chestnut Hill area of the park, which includes parts of Boston, Brookline and Newton, includes a swimming pool, skating rink.
The reservation has some beautiful views of the Brighton/Allston, Chestnut Hill and surrounding areas. The clouds provided a pretty, albeit threatening, touch. There are pretty flowers along the trail and, as you can see from some of the photos, the circular loop around the reservoir is very easy with only subtle, if any, inclines. You can see the two skyscrapers of Boston (the John Hancock Tower – the glassy blue colored building on the left – and the Prudential Tower – the brownish building with the long antenna on the right). You can also see the stylish top of one of the buildings of the Boston College campus in the first few photos of this group.
There is also an abundance of wildlife at the reservoir. Mallards, Cormorants, Canadian Geese and a variety of other birds inhabit the reservoir.
This Cormorant had just got his or her lunch. In the last photo the Coormorant had eith er lost the fish or just swallowed it (you can choose to believe whichever makes you sleep easier tonight).
Birds aren’t the only inhabitants of the reservoir. Turtles and other aquatic animals occupy the reservior as well. It’s a little hard to see butt at the bottom of the second photo there is a huge turtle.
Since it was such a nice day outside, there were a variety of dogs at Chestnut Hill Reservation.
ViVi, a 4 year old Beagle and Cocker Spaniel mix, showed off her talents of doing a pirouette and playing patty cake to beg for treats.
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Buster is a 9 year old English Lab and Retriever mix, or the best combination ever!
Bella is, appropriately enough, a 2 year old toy poodle. Doesn’t she look like a toy?
Luke, a 2 year old Lab, was a little shy but warmed up to the camera nicely.
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Location: 246 Dudley Road, Newton Centre, MA (there is also an entrance on Farina Rd)
Hours: open daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Parking: There is a designated parking area for about 6-8 cars. People park on the side of the entrance when the regular spots fill up (see below for photo of parking lot)
Park Size: 100 acres (conservation area is 32.2 acres)
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Easy trails, sculptures displayed around the park (until Nov. 11th, 2016), wildlife, pretty trees and flowers
As if Kennard Park wasn’t pretty and interesting enough on its own, sculptures have invaded the park. The Kennard Park Sculpture Trail is a diverse display of art with social , personal and political messages. But, hurry if you want to view it. It is scheduled to be on display until November 11th of this year.
I want to give credit to 52 Sundays-Halpern Blog for posting a blog about this amazing exhibit. Stop by and check out halperns’ blog!
The sculpture trail includes sculptures from 15 different artists. There are sheets of paper hanging from the exhibits or near the exhibits which give information about the artist and some of his or her inspiration behind the sculptures or art. The sculptures may not seem to go in order numerically if you start the trail from the parking area because there are several sculptures and works of art on the front lawn. I am listing the sculptures and pieces of art in numerical order based on the map key which is available at the park. Free handouts for the trail are located on one of the tables at the entrance.
The first sculpture by Jean Blackburn is called Kennard Web. She states she is fascinated by the age of trees and their ability to adapt or effect their environments. She also states she would like to create a “weave of connections” through this art work. The work of art would make visible the singular configuration of the community of trees at this time and place.
The second set of sculptures, by Paul Walker, are called the Nattural Balance Benches and Bridge Bench. These tables and bench are a combination of rough and refined, accordiing to Walker’s write up. They are natural and hand made. They are comprised of black walnut is in Newport Bay and sediment stone with stainless steel posts.
Murray Dewart’s sculptures are the third work of art on the trail. His sculpture entitled, “Pavilion Of The Sun” is meant to convey something aspirational, both spiritual and monumental. The Sun Pavilion has the promise of something ceremonial and celestial, open to the sky.
The welded aluminum 15 foot gate is powder coated and installed in three sections. On the inner face of each column inside the pavilion is a mirrored surface of stainless steelthat reflects the sunlight with the faces and bodies of the visitors.
Dewart also has a bright red aluminum gate as part of his exhibit.
The Propeller Bench by Kit Clews is the fourth exhibit on the sculpture trail. The Bench Propeller is an ultralight cooling station. Kit imagined a tree branch with a gently spinning propeller in place of leaves which are create cooling breezes whilst they lounge together under the kinetic propeller tree. As the spinning wheel turns, visitors are free to visualize “whirled peace” and perhaps, someday, “the wheel thing.”
The fifth exhibit is a “Reflection on the Ornithology of Naturalist-Conservationist Frederick Kennard and Memorial to Extinct Species” by Charlet Davenport. As the name suggests, the exhibit honors Frederick Kennard’s interest in birds and to the extinct species of birds who used to roam these woods.
The exhibit includes eggs with names of extinct species on them (the very same eggs, except they are not real, that Kennard would collect) as well as porcelain forms in the shapes of Japanese lanterns which are meant to mimic the paper lanterns which were used as ornaments during the times of Frederick Kennard. A stoneware birdbath is located next to each tree.
Biomimicry Rain Harvester by Allison Newsome is the 6th exhibit on the trail. Her sculpture is made of steel, cast bronze rain chains, aluminized steel culvert and garden hose. It is a functional sculpture that harvests rain water. It holds up to 700 gallons of water and it has a hose attached that can be used for gardening and help in conserving the use fo town water by using the water it collects instead. Biomimetrics is the immation of nature to solve complex human problems. Biomimetrics is a combination of “bios” which is Greek for life and “mimesis” which means to imitate.
Marek Jacisin’s “Visual Playground” (the 7th exhibit) is meant to transform that part of the park into a visual playground. The sculpture recreates elements of a board game. The pieces of the exhibit are the player pieces of the game and the park is the board, according to Jacisin. Jacisin was aiming (no pun intended) to provide a stark contrast with the black and white spinning circles and the asymmetrical shapes. Jacisin goes on to explain that “nothing is ever as it seems.”
Once your eyes refocus, you can make your way to the next exhibit (exhibit number 8). Zoe Friend’s exhibit may be hard to find if you don’t look hard enough. Somewhat off the main trail, past the parking area and closer to the office, Zoe Friend’s exhibit “Bromeliads” is a tribute to her mother. While researching charm bracelets, Zoe came across her mother’s old charm bracelet and she wanted to create something that would showcase some of the things her mother loved such as fuschia flowers. Specifically, Zoe remembered how the rain cascaded off the flowers and how they clung to the very ends of the stamens after a shower, cementing them as the perfect crux between the rain chain and the her mother’s charm bracelet.
The ninth exhibit by Caroline Bagenal is called “Strata.” If, like me, you begin the trail at the area closest to the parking area, this may be the first sculpture you see. The elements of the Strata sculpture were inspired by the park itself. Bagenal states she was first attracted to the land of the park and the apple trees in front of the house as she first came into the park. She was also attracted by an old well on the corner of the property and the old stone walls she passed by while walking through the park. She also learned part of the park used to be used as a landfill which lead her to the idea of making an exhibit with levels of both “man-made” and “natural” levels. As you can tell the sculpture includes natural things as well as man made materials. Layers of thought, time and place are included in her sculpture. She specifically chose the perennial garden to display her art because it suggests a clearing but with encroaching woods. Even the books she chose to include in the sculpture such as a book by Robert Frost and a building construction book seem to add meaning to the exhibit.
“Color Notes” by Anne Spalter is the tenth sculpture on the trail. Spalter’s exhibit includes three pieces; digital wallpaper, video work and exterior sculpture.
Digital Wallpaper is meant to be a main conference room with a large-scale kaleidoscope composition that integrates images of the wooded area during winter. The video work is a “color piano” video that uses color notes from winter and fall creating an abstract piece that calls attention to the changing seasons. The exterior sculpture aspect of the sculpture are meant to highlight the transparency of the “keys” with the colors of nature showing through.
Peter Diepenbrock’s sculptures are the eleventh part of the trail. Peter’s art consists of four pieces. His collection, called “Buddhati’s Dream: The Transference”, includes
“The Lost Boy”
“Spirit Ship”
Spectral Shift II
and “Pegasus”
Peter’s intent was to create a strange otherwordly environment of alien-esque artifacts with fragments of alien intelligence or presence set in an otherwise perfectly quiet, natural environment.
To my surprise and delight, Peter was there to discuss his art and some of the details about his sculptures. In fact, the artists may be appearing from time to time at the park to meet people and discuss their works.
The twelfth exhibit is “Totems” by Deborah Putnoi. “Totems” is in part an interactive exhibit. Rocks and signs with words and phrases of good advice such as “breathe”, “imagine and “be open” are strewn throughout the trail and on trees. People are encouraged to draw their own art based on the nature they see on the totems and on paper which provided.
Putnoi, who grew up in Newton and presently lives there, wanted to make a piece that is subtle and doesn’t detract from the nature. The stones are meant to reflect aspects of the layered and embedded history in the toen as well as the history of the trail and space.
The next exhibit (number thirteen on the sculpture tain) is by Marco Vargas. Marco’s sculpture was inspired by Ehecatl; the Aztec god of wind whose breath gave movement to the sun and gives life to the lifeless. His love is symbolized by a tree that grows in the place where Ehecatl arrived to Earth. Since Kennard Park is a natural zsetting, Vargas wanted to use natural materials to his sculpture. He used red mud where graffiti hexagons draw the god of wind. He also used branches and logs.
The fourteenth exhibit on the trail is “Sacred Space” by Carolyn Kraft. Carolyn’s work of art is a reflection the beauty of nature and how we can appreciate it in our life. She loves to make dwellings of nature from nature. Carolyn thinks we can find contentment and be more connected to earth through her art. Inside the hut are chairs made of stone with moss on them. The beads which hang in the area change color based on the direction of the sun.
The fifteenth and final work of art is “Silent Spring” by Mary Dondero. As the title would suggest, Mary’s art is based largely on Rachel Carson’s ground breaking book, “Silent Spring” which revealed the indiscrimate use of pesticides and how it affected our environment, particularly birds. Mary’s exhibit includes 200 shimmering white objects at the base of the tree, all silent. Most of the bird objects are clustered near an almost dry brook or stream. She included ceramic hands in the stream-bed. The hands may appear to be ripples of water when the water returns to the area. Her goal was to imply that it is by our own hands that these songbirds have diminished in population. Although it is explicitly explained in the paper explaining the art hanging near the exhibit, I interpreted the cloths on the rocks on the ground to be dead birds, perhaps due to the use of pesticides and other detrimental human made causes.
Besides, the works of art, there were many other pretty and interesting things at the park.
And, of course, there were dogs at Kennard Park. With its easy trails and spacious areas to roam, Kennard is an ideal place to take your dog for a quick walk.
Frederick, a 4 year old Chihuahua rescue, had to take a big stretch before he began his walk..
Sally, a 3 year old Golden retriever, walks the trail almost everyday. She was more interested in playing with her stick than looking at the art.
Truffles, a 6 year old Italian Waterdog, lied down and took in the art at the park.
Pika is a 12 year old Border Collie. The name Pika is derived from the name of the pica font style.
Below is a video of Peter Diepenbrock’s Spectral Shift sculpture. In the background, you can hear him discussing his art.
Standing at 3,165 feet, Mount Monadnock is considered one of New Hampshire’s “easier” climbs (according to alltrails.com). But, before you lace up your hiking boots and pack up your car for the scenic drive to the majestic mountain in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, you may want to get a second opinion.
While it isn’t the hardest climb you will make, it also isn’t an easy climb, particularly for beginner climbers. I saw more than a few climbers taking breaks on the side of the trail to the top. But, it is worth all the hard work and time to get to the top when you see the views.
At the beginning of the trail, there is a reminder to not make or knock down the cairns on the trail.
The dirt trail at Monadnock starts off easy enough as a straight trail with a slight incline. From there, the trail gets tougher. The inclines become more drastic and the terrain turn rocky.
There are some pretty views on the way to the top. About three quarters of the way to the top of Mount Monadnock, there is an area to sit or stand and take in the views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see the Boston skyline. You may be able to see it in some of these photos.
The trail gets slighly easier after the first 3/4 of the trail. But only slightly. Keep in mind this was my first hike up any mountain. So, it may be much easier for an experienced climber. In any case, there are several areas to take photos as you inch closer to the top.
Finally, I made it to the top. It took me about 2 to 2.5 hours to get to the top. Bear in mind I had a camera with me that I had to make sure I didn’t hit against a rock (I always keep the camera by my side and not in my backpack or carrying case because you never know when you might need to take a photo at a moments notice) and again it was my first time hiking anything this size. So, an experienced hiker without a camera would probably be able to complete the ascent in about an hour.
The views from the top are breath taking. Be sure to take a sweater with you, even if it is a warm day when you go, because the winds at the top of the mountain are very strong.
I had enough trouble hiking up to the top by myself, never mind doing it with someone strapped to my back like this guy!
Due to the geoloical makeup of Mount Monadnock, there are some little ponds of water and colorful grass at the top.
Keep in mind, Monadnock is a very popular attraction and the trail does get busy quickly, especially during ideal hiking days.
If you’re lucky, you may run into Larry Davis. Larry has been hiking Monadnock virtually everyday (rain, snow or shine). he has easily logged in thousands, probably tens of thousands, of hikes up and down Mount Monadnock. He also takes some beautiful photos from Monadnock on a camera with film. He was nice enough to pose for a few photos for me.
I found some other cool things on the trail. There is a flying insect of some kind that makes a clicking sound while it flies, signs of fall and some interesting rocks with names etched into them. The names etched into the rocks are the names of the families that lived at the bottom of the mountain or the surrounding areas and some are said to still live there today.
Mount Monadnock also has comfort stations and a general store at the base of the hill so you can refill the calories you will surely burn hiking.
In short, Mount Monadnock is the perfect hike for beginners and experienced hikers. Hopefully, I’ll see you up there soon!
Below are some videos from my hike at Mount Monadnock. You can hear the wind blowing in some of the videos.
Location: 145 Lang Rd, Windsor, CT (15 mins north of Hartford, CT and half an hour south of Springfield, MA)
Hours: Open everyday, sunrise to sunset
Parking: There is ample parking(about 100 parking spots) in the main parking area as you enter by the soccer and baseball fields. There is also a smaller parking area by the dog park on your right as you enter the park that can accommodate about a dozen cars.
Cost: Free
Size: 473 acres, 12 miles of trails
Trail Difficulty: Easy to somewhat moderate in some areas
Time To Allot For Visit: 2 to 3 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: dog park, ponds, trails, flowers, reservoir, ball fields, wildlife, animals, tobacco museum, venue for events during the spring and summer
Since summer is winding down, I decided to take in one last trip to one of New England’s more popular parks while the weather was still warm.
With over 12 miles of trails, a reservoir and miles of trails, Northwest Park is a scenic, family friendly park that is a great place to take your dog.
At the entrance of the park, there is a small, penned in dog park called the Windsor Dog Park.
In a way, it is odd to have a dog park in a park that is essentially a dog park. I do suppose the penned in dog park would be good for dogs that may be too aggressive to be around other dogs or might be too shy or not yet socialized.
Along the trail past the main entrance, there is a pond with an overlook. The pond is full of turtles, frogs and even Koi fish. One of the visitors at the park threw some bread into the pond. Who knew turtles liked to eat bread!
There is also an organic and community garden at the park.
There is also a barn with farm animals and other animals at the park.
One of the special parts of the park is the art scattered around the park.
The trails at the park are pretty much flat and easy to negotiate with some slight inclines.
There are several trails at Northwest Park. We took the Brookside and Rainbow Reservoir trails. The Brookside trail is heavily wooded without much to see except a few chipmunks. The name Brookside seemed a bit misleading as there really wasn’t a brook to be found from the trail.
Eventually, we found ourselves by the Rainbow Reservoir. The surface of the water was a strange shade of lime green.
There were some boats in the water and even a water skier.
The trails are full of pretty trees, colorful flowers and a few abandoned barns.
You ever notice what the inside of an abandoned barn looks like? Then, wonder no longer. It’s actually pretty boring. The video below gives a better look inside.
There were also a lot of critters to see along the trails. This chipmunk thought she could hide from me.
This squirrel wasn’t any better at hiding.
This bird was a bit better at hiding.
Finally, on our way out of the park, we decided to check out the tobacco museum. The museum shows the history of the tobacco crop industry and the tools and machines they used.
Northwest Park is a great place to take your dog. The trails are not very hard to walk and there are lots of open spaces for your dog to roam. I found two very friendly dogs to photograph during my visit.
Tally is an 11 year old Shephherd mix.
Lada is a 1 year and 7 month old German Shepherd.
Below is a video of the water skier I saw at Rainbow Reservoir and a video of the inside of the abandoned barn I saw along the trails.
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Parking: There are about 50 parking spots in the main lot and several additional parking areas farther down the road in the park.
Cost: $5 MA Vehicle, $6 non-MA Vehicle
Time To Allot For Visit: 1 hour to 3 hours
Trail Difficulty: Ranges from Difficult (The Chasm) to easy (The Charley Loop)
Highlights: interesting rock structures, jagged, rocky trails and wildlife
Lowlights: some of the trails can be dangerous, especially if there has been rain or snow in the area or if you do not wear proper footwear (hiking shoes are recommended)
Purgatory Chasm might evoke images of the afterlife or the apocalypse. But, no, it’s actually in Sutton, MA.
The trail of jagged stones is only .25 miles but they are difficult to cross in some parts and particularly dangerous when you’re carrying a camera.
The Chasm is believed to have originated because of the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.
Almost as difficult is the incline next to the Chasm with such areas as as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers’ Leap and Fat Man’s Misery. The inclines are very steep in some areas on this route. There are areas that have a smoother, less sharp incline (look for the rocks on the right side of the incline for these smoother declines). I had to take the more steeper inclines and declines, of course. Some of the views from the ledges are a little scary if you don’t like heights. Some of the heights are as high as 70 feet in some areas and the rocky terrain below would not make for a very safe landing.
There are several trails you can take after tackling the Chasm. We took the Charley Loop – an easy, mostly smooth trail with pretty flowers and rocky structures that is just over a mile long.
While walking along the Charley Loop, we found a rock with a strange crystal-like powder on it.
These crystals are Granite Pegmatite which is made up of clusters or clumps of minerals. They generally contain mica, feldspar, beryl and quartz.
Beyond the chasm there is a pond with frogs, birds, possibly some turtles, flowers, and, of course, rocks.
There is also a large rock with a steep decline that has a slippery surface. We found some children (and a few adults) sliding down it.
Purgatory Chasm is a great place to bring dogs for a walk (I would avoid taking them on the Chasm trail). We saw a few dogs during our visit.
Gisele (not Tom’s Gisele, at least I don’t think so) is a 8 year old Yorkie.
Sawyer is a friendly 3 and a half year old Golden Retriever.
Charlie is a rescue dog who was being fostered. Since he was a rescue, his foster family didn’t know his exact breed or his age. He was taken in from the Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford, MA. Hopefully, he has a happy new permanent home now.
Below is a video looking over one of the many edges of the rocky incline next to the Chasm.
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Aye Matey! Lady is a 10 year old Chihuahua.
New England Nomad 