After spending the morning at the Cape Cod Canal, it was time for the next stop on my day trip. The next leg of my Cape weekend tour was spent at the hidden jewel of Bourne; Amrita Island.
To view the blog about the first leg of my Cape Cod trip check out my blog about the Cape Cod Canal.
An island in the town of Bourne, Amrita Island is one of the lesser known islands of Cape Cod. The reason many people may not know about this island is because it looks like any other side street in the area. The only indication there may be an island there is an inconspicuous sign you could easily miss unless you were looking for it.
Amrita Island is connected to Cataumet (the village within Bourne where Amrita Island is located) by an ornate, albeit short, stone bridge.
There are spectacular views from the bridge.
But, to get the best views, you have to get off the bridge and walk around the surrounding area
There is also an abundance of plant life and pretty trees.
There is also a variety of wildlife on Amrita Island. Fish, ducks and birds are abundant onthe island. The fish were swarming in a circle for some reason.
I also met Hadley, a resident of the island.
I will be posting the next installment of my Cape Cod trip later this weekend. Stay tuned!
Tucked away in the quaint village of Mystic, Connecticut, stands the hidden gem known as The Olde Mystic Village.
At first glance, Mistick Village may seem like a nondescript shopping center. But, Mistick Village is much more.
There are many cramped stores for specialty merchandise such as custom made clothing and hand made jewelry, pet shops and eateries that dot the village. It would be easy to dismiss it as just another shopping center. But Mistik Village has many unexpected charms. One of the biggest surprises at Olde Mistik Village is something very unique.
Right there, smack dab in the middle of the village is a pond.
Forget about the cinema and the fudge shop. The ducks are the most popular attractions at the village. People feed them their dietary recommended food. Signs prominently remind people crackers and bread are not safe for the ducks to eat.
They are not restricted to the pond area either. You can regularly see the ducks roaming the walkways of the Mistik Village.
And, since so many people feed them, they are not shy.
The flowers and trees at Mistik Village are another unique feature of the shoopping center.
Yes, that is a birdhouse on the flag pole.
Keeping with the aquatic theme, a waterfall leads to a stream with koi fish.
Some of the most charming elements of the village are the decor. Walkways are furnished with wooden gateways.
Wooden chairs rest in front of this fashion shop.
Various structures are scattered throughout the village.
Of course, the Mistik Village is a dog friendly area.
I met Theo and Rebel. Theo was happy to see me. Rebel, on the left, not so much.
I also made a friend at Old Mistik Village. Charley is a rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina. His dad told us how, after noticing Charley, he arrived at the dog shelter at 5 a.m. to make sure he could adopt him. Charley is a very special dog.
The bridges of Western Massachusetts are not just the ones you see on the roadways. But, don’t let the name fool you. The Natural Bridge State Park has so much more to offer.
Before you reach the natural bridge, a brook greets you at the entrance.
Formed through series of continental collisions, erosion and the meltwaters caused by the Ice Age, the natural marble bridge is the only one of its kind in North America.
Deep crevices and chasms were carved through the years of erosion and warming and cooling.
The only marble bridge in North America, the natural bridge in North Adams is located just off the The Mohawk Trail.
Adding to the beauty of the natural bridge, the park has a waterfall.
The Natural Bridge State Park also has impressive views of the bridge and the park it overlooks.
There are many flowers, trees, rocks, bridges (a bridge on a bridge of all things) and even David’s Bench that give the Natural Bridge State Park a special charm.
During our travels, we met Sasha.
Just as you think you’ve seen all the Natural Bridge State Park has to offer there is a small park area atop the walking bridge. Statues and other structures made from the materials mined from the one time quarry rest along the top of the lofty bridge. It capped off a perfect visit.
If you want to feel on top of the world, or at least on top of Massachusetts, there’s no place like Mount Greylock.
Clocking in at 3,491 feet and about an hour and a half west of Springfield, MA, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. With its miles of hiking trails and scenic views, Mount Greylock is the perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers. There is also a paved road to the summit with places to pull over to view the scenic beauty.
There are also some cute and pretty attractions off the main trails.
Even the views and flowers at the Visitor Center were captivating.
Along the trails
But, the pinnacle of Mount Greylock is the tower that sits atop the summit. First built as a tribute to the veterans of the first World War, the tower now serves as a memorial to all service members who have served the country. When it is lit each night, the tower is said to be able to be seen from 70 miles. The granite from which the tower was came from my hown city, Quincy (pronounced kwin-zee), Massachusetts.
Mount Greylock State Reservation is a dog friendly park. During my visit there were many dogs out enjoying the views.
Izzy was patiently waiting for his mom outside the visitor’s center.
Peanut was getting ready for his big hike.
Max was tired from hiking the trails at Greylock.
This fella was enjoying some rays.
Most of the wildlife at Mount Greylock was hidden during the day. But, I did see this grasshopper.
Mount Greylock is also a popular spot for paragliders. In fact, several paragliders took off from Mount Greylock during the day.
Mount Greylock is also a stop on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a long way to Georgia. Maybe I’ll try it sometime.
After photographing a variety of mountainous, rocky state parks, I thought it was time to mix it up and visit a rocky, hilly waterfall. Initially, we planned on visiting CM Gardner State Park. But, the helpful park rangers at CM Gardner suggested something more picturesque, Chester-Blandford State Forest.
Since it encompasses such a large area (over 2,700 acres), Chester-Blandford has several entrances. The first part of the park we arrived at, Boulder Park, is a rather small area with a pond and a few ill defined trails. But, right from the rocky steps and mossy trails at the entrance it has a unique charm.
The trails also have some unique walkways and structures.
The highlight of the park may be the deep opening off the main trail.
Boulder Rock also has some eye catching plants and wild life.
The pond near the end of the main trail was a nice surprise.
Boulder Rock also had its share of wildlife such as this salamander and mouse.
Alas, our trip to Boulder Rock was over. But, about a mile down the road another entrance beckoned us, the main entrance to the Sanderson Brooks Falls trail of Chester-Blandford.
Pitcuresque views are scattered along the Brooks Falls trail.
Due to the lack of rain recently, the rapids weren’t very, well, rapid. But, the relatively still water and rocky brook provided some good shots.
Sanderson Brook Falls also had a fair share of wildlife such as caterpillars,
Toads
and dogs, like Loona.
After a roughly half an hour trek along some rocky terrain, a number of bridges and some steep inclines, I made it to the falls.
The brooks and falls are sure to be more active during the stormy seasons. But, it is still impressive and worth the trip.
To get the full effect of the falls, click on the short video below.
Is there anywhere in the New England area you would like me to visit?
What are some of your favorite waterfalls?
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Even though it’s only August, today was the perfect day for a trip to Mount October.
Roughly, a 45 minute drive west of Springfield, MA, Mount October is located in the majestic Berkshires. The wild flowers and plant life, which are a staple of the Berkshires, were in full bloom.
The wildlife at Mount October was also abundant.
There were salamanders
toads
caterpillars
centipedes
and dogs!
Olive posed during her walk with her dad
Emily stuck her head out for some fresh air.
While it serves as a campground, the hiking trails are perhaps the most notable part of the state forest. But, the most challenging part of Mount October was the terrain of these hiking trails. Dew and rain made for marshy, washed out paths which made it even more difficult when you had to cross rocky areas. Some parts of the paths were also fairly steep.
Interestingly, I visited Woods Pond earlier this year which is a section of Mount October. The blog for which can be found here. Even though I had already taken photos of Woods Pond previously, I took a few more during my visit at Mount October.
Mount October is the largest state park in Massachusetts. And, despite spending several hours there, we were only able to cover a fraction of the area. Perhaps I’ll come back in the fall.
Pretty waterscapes are not regulated to the coastlines of New England. Hampton Ponds State Park is proof of this. A cute, expansive series of ponds that dot the Westfield area, Hampton Ponds is a popular area for swimmers, sun bathers and boaters.
Upon reaching Hampton ponds, I was greeted by a gaggle of geese.
And this one solitary goose.
Hampton Ponds has some very impressive trees.
But, it was the vivid greens and wild flowers of the ponds that stood out to me.
Dragonflies also seemed to enjoy the greenery of Hampton Ponds.
The water is so transparent at Hampton Ponds, you can see the fish that inhabit the waters.
Birds are also plentiful at Hampton Ponds. This swallow sort of blended into the sand on the beach head.
Boaters and kayakers took advantage of the warm weather and clear waters at Hampton Ponds
The motorboats created pretty ripples along the glassy water.
Hampton Ponds doesn’t have any long walking trails. But, it does make up for it with its pretty views.
Hampton Ponds is also a popular spot for dogs.
Hercules stopped playing so I could take his photo.
Sparky happily posed for his photo.
Hampton Ponds is also the perfect place to reflect
Legend has it the Native Americans called Mittaneague (pronounced Mit-tin-aig) “the valley of falling water.” The park more than lives up to this description.
Mittineague Park was, without question, the park with the most difficult terrain to travel that I have visited while writing this blog. The sharp inclines, fences furnished with barbed wire and “no trespassing” signs, overgrown brush, unkempt make shift trails and other obstacles made it difficult to photograph.
It is a shame because Mittineague has some wonderful views.
Mittineague also has a tunnel under the railroad tracks that run through the park.
During my visit, the train passed by on the rickety rails.
and kept going…
and kept going…
and going…
and, well, you get the picture…
But, the gem of the park must be its stone bridges and walkways.
Mittineague also has an impressive assortment of trees. They are majestic not just in their stature but also in their sheer beauty.
There is also a variety of plant life and wild flowers.
Mittineague is also teeming with birds
frogs
and, of course, dogs.
Lucy did a great job fetching her frisbee.
Lincoln posed proudly with his mommy.
And Annabelle smiled broadly for her photo.
Mittineague also has well manicured soccer fields and baseball diamonds and its basketball and tennis courts as well as a play area for kids.
Or, the kids can just go for a swim in the various brooks and waterfalls at Mittineague.
Given the less than ideal weather today (gloomy, overcast sky with nagging showers), I decided to visit a “basic” park close to home. Just about 30 minutes south of Boston, Ames Nowell State Park seemed like the perfect place for an uneventful, short jaunt. I was soon to be proven wrong. Ames Nowell is named after, you guessed it, Ames Nowell, the grandson of the 35th governor of Massachusetts. Ames Nowell purchased the land during the the Great Depression when the previous land owner could not afford the taxes for the land. One of the more usually mundane aspects of the park that is usually taken for granite (sorry) is the stones and rocks that are strewn about the park. They seem to be lined and piled in designs and formations. In fact, the entire park seems to be set up with design and aesthetics, perfect for a photographer. Ames Nowell is a 7,000 acre state park with roughly 10 miles of trails (I didn’t walk quite that much but it felt close to that) that encircles the vast Cleveland Pond. Although I didn’t walk the entire trail, I was able to capture quite a few birds during my hike like this goose, for instance. Suddenly, I heard a honking noise. It was momma duck calling and waiting patiently for her (rather large) goslin (no, not that Goslin). There was also this duck who showed me some flying skills There were dogs a plenty at Ames Nowell. I ran into Griffey I met Rusty and Marcus (Marcus is the dog, not the man) Flowers and various plant life is also aplenty in the park. Daisies and lilies among other plants thrive in the park Being that it was a windy day, the water on the pond created some captivating ripples. Ducks, geese, swans and dogs weren’t the only creatures I found at Ames Nowell. I spotted this blue dragonfly buzzing among the trees and plants. Ames also has a number of wooden bridges and walkways over the marshy and rougher terrain. This particular bridge had a brook running under it.
Finally, as I was about to leave for the day, I saw this family of geese being fed by a little girl
Then, they made their way to me, perhaps looking for dessert.
Closer and closer they approached as I photographed. Knowing how protective momma geese can be, I kept my distance until this happened. After eating a balanced breakfast, they left just as fast as they came, babies in the lead.
If you think all state parks are the same, with all the standard fare, you’ve obviously never been to Cutler Park.
Named for the State legislator, Leslie B. Cutler, who helped the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts acquire the land, Cutler Park is majestic in its beauty.
You are sure to find something to like about Cutler Park.
Whether it is the rolling hills,
Transparent water
Or abundant wildlife, such as these robins, chipmunks, moths and even canines…you won’t regret the time you spend there.
Master of camouflage. Can you spot him?
Ever the comedian, Layla stuck her tongue out when I took her photo
Ladybug was wet from her swim in Cutler Pond.
Bodi was a good subject. Too bad I had my telephoto lens on.
Bella decided to cool off while I took her photo
England gave me a big smile when I shot her photo
The 600 acre Cutler Park also boasts an array of colorful plants and flowers. Such as cat tails, chrysanthemums and loose strife just to name a few.
Cutler Park’s trails vary from dirt trails, makeshift narrow rocky trails and wood bridges over the marshy land. The tall trees provide good shade and shelter from the elements. It’s easy to get off the beaten path, literally. But, be cognizant of where you are, Cutler Park is a huge park and one could easily find oneself lost or turned around. Not that I would be speaking from experience or anything.
One thing I noticed that I had not remember seeing before was the clouds reflecting on the shimmering waters of Cutler Park.
Kayakers are prevalent at Cutler Park
People weren’t the only ones having fun in the water. Ducks were dunking and Roscoe was fetching.
Also, off the beaten path you can find a tunnel, presumably once used when the state park was used as a water supplier. Now, it carries graffiti and memories. If tunnels could tell stories.
A rickety staircase leads to some rail road tracks. Weirdly, the MBTA’s Commuter Rail runs through Cutler Park. Granted, it is off the main paths, but it still out of place. At least some people have a pretty view on their way home.
As inviting as public transportation can be, I decided to drive to Cutler Park. But, whether it is by plane, train or automobile, you should visit as well.
New England Nomad 