Summary: Old Sturbridge Village celebrated St Patrick’s in style with dancers, musicians and a few other special events!
Everyone was Irish at the inaugural Celtic Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village. The Celtic Celebration event celebrated Irish culture and history. The event also also included horse carriage rides and animals on the grounds. The babies were especially popular.
The event also showcased some of the cultural aspects of Celtic tradition. Lee (MA) Irish Dance performed a style of dance called Step Dance. People from a variety of age groups, abilities and experience danced to Celtic music. Step dance is a form of dance that is deeply rooted in Irish tradition. As you can see in the photos below, the dancers incorporate a stiff upper body with fast and precise movements of the feet. The dancers kept their vision at eye level (likely ignoring or trying to not notice their friends and family who were intently watching them) and exhibited a serious manner. The dancers dressed in an array of colorful, glitzy apparel. They even added sparkly accessories to their footwear. Their abilities as well as their poise and concentration were all very impressive
In addition to the dancers there was also Celtic music performed by a skilled harper.
Celtic Harpist Cate Mahoney performed Celtic songs. It was amazing watching her make such beautiful music with such ease. Just to show how difficult and taxing it id on her fingers to make this music, you may notice a white bottle on the ground of the second photo. Between songs, Cate would have to use talc on her fingers. Her music, which you can hear in the video below, was very soothing and pleasing.
There were other family friendly events such as dipping candles, a bagpiper performing and readings from Celtic literature. Or, you could just walk around and take in all of the Irish culture in the air and be Irish for at least one day!
Some of you may wonder what am I up to when I don’t post on WordPress. Admittedly, I don’t post on here as often as I would like to or should post. But, I am still out photographing things!
I don’t always post on here whenever I take photographs, especially if it’s from place I go to frequently. So, I thought I would post photos from last winter with a brief description of the photos. I found this post to be fun. I also think it helps show what I’ve been up to in between blog posts! I hope to do this after each season. You can find photos I don’t post on here on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newenglandnomad/ or Instagram new.england.nomad_
Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA (Feb 4, 2023)
I took these photos on the coldest day of the year. The actual temperature was -9 degrees with a -31 windchill factor. I dressed warmly (basically 2 eyes poking out of a balaclava and every part of my body covered as frostbite can set in very quickly on unprotected skin in these conditions). All I could think of during this shoot was the planet Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back movie. I wasn’t going to go out on that day figuring it was dangerously cold and my bed would be much more comfortable. But, I heard and saw other photographers talking or posting about how they were eager to go out in the elements. This got my competitive juices flowing! I also figured it is a once in a lifetime (hopefully) event. So, off I went! I came home after and tried to warm up the remainder of the day!
Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary (Marshfield, MA)
I took this photo of Piebald deer at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Feb, 2023
When I first spotted this deer, I thought he or she was molting (a process when some birds and animals shed their fur or feathers). But that only usually happens during the fall or spring. So, it was too early for that.
After asking a friend who knows about these things and doing some research on my own, I realized the deer had a condition called Piebaldism. No, Piebald is not a new type of pastry or desert!
Found in a variety of animals including humans, Piebaldism is condition that involves the absence of mature melanin-forming cells (melanocytes) in certain areas of the skin and hair.
The deer below has a rare genetic abnormality called Piebald. Piebaldism is found in some white tail deer. But it is not very common. Only about 2% of the white tail deer population has this disorder. However, it can cluster among herds and be spread among entire herds in a particular area
Besides the distinct coloring of their fur, Piebald deer also exhibit other features visible in the photo such as skeletal misalignment, shortened legs, crooked legs, bowing of the nose, deformed hooves, shortened jaws as well as internal organ deformities.
Piebaldism is the result of a genetic abnormality that leads to a lack of pigmentation in certain places on the body. It is not clear what causes this abnormality as there have not been enough extensive studies to know for certain. It does appear to be spread genetically,
You can find piebaldism in other animals as well. Horses, dogs, foxes, cattle, cetceans, pigs and even snakes also may exhibit this abnormality. While they may experience some challenges, most animals with this condition often live full and overall healthy lives.
I also spotted this seemingly one legged Great Blue Heron. practicing their balance. Many birds do this as a way of keeping one of their legs warm. Their feathers offer their legs warmth during the colder seasons.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)
I often visit this sanctuary. So I have quite a few photos from there. I have selected some of my favorites. But, first I wanted to post photos of one more colorful residents, Jasper.
Jasper, a Redtail Hawk, can often be found gliding through the air or, if you’re lucky, hunting his prey (some photos are of a graphic nature)
I was also able to make it out there just after a snowfall.
While some of the residents do migrate, there are quite a few who stay year round.
Bird feeding, by hand no less, is a popular activity at the sanctuary. They especially appreciate it during the winter
I’ve also been photographing sunrises and sunsets throughout the colder months. These are a few of my favorites from the past season.
Independence Park, Beverly, MA
Revere Beach
Riverwalk, Springfield, MA
And, of course, I photographed a few holiday displays
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.
Parking: There is a lot that accommodates about 50 cars next to the reservation. Â It fills up quickly on nice days. Â I got the very last spot when I went in the morning.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: rocks for climbers to practice on, easy, gentle trails, graffiti, family friendly, scenic views
Once the site for swimmers and divers, Quincy Quarry is now a haven for rock climbers, dogs and graffiti artists.
Quincy Quarries Reservation (or as we used to call it “The Quarries”) was originally built in 1825 as a large scale quarry industry, Â Over the years, however, it has gone through some dramatic changes.
Fun fact: stones from the quarry were used to as the main source of stone for the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.
The grassy fields and paves walkways used to be the site of a quarry industry. Â And water took up most off the area that is now grass and concrete. Â Business deals (a golf course is located just past where the quarry industries once stood) and a slew of deaths (mostly from diving into the water and some under more mysterious circumstances) at the quarry sparked the debate to fill in the quarries and use the land for business purposes. Â According to the New York Times, at least 19 people have died there (and who knows how many cars and other objects lied at the bottom of the water). In fact, a post or series of posts could be dedicated to the controversial and mysterious past of the area. Â So, the quarry was drained in most parts and the area was made into a walking park.
So, where did all the dirt come from to fill in the once watery quarry? Â Remember he “Big Dig”? Â Yup, that dirt was used to fill in the drained quarry. Â There is still some water in the quarry. Â But, people don’t jump in it anymore. Â Not only is it very dirty, it is seemingly much more shallow and there is much less of it.
After the last quarry closed in 1963, the area was dormant except for the people, mostly younger kids, who enjoyed diving off the precipitous rocks.
It’s hard to believe this area was mostly just granite and water a few decades ago.
Rocks, paths and grass cover what was once water.
Boy have times changed, Â The very same quarry that my father used to dive in have largely been filled in and paved over or have become fields. Â And, instead of jumping off the quarry, people climb up them.
This particular rock was 60 feet high and the path to the top was pretty narrow. Â But, I made it up.
The groups of climbers all work together to ensure their ascent is a safe one and cheers erupt from the other climbers whenever anyone makes it up.
You can learn a lot when you go on photo shoots. Â I’ll never complain about my physical obstacles again after watching this climber.
The climbing teams, and it is a team effort, go through great efforts to ensure each climb is safe. Â The people go over the procedures and safety protocols before each climb. Â Each person has a role whether it is the person holding onto the line, the device keeping the person suspended or the climber. Â Still, it’s hard to believe one rope or one board could be the difference between success and failure (although there are other backup safety measures as well). Â It is very safe if you take the correct measures, though.
Its a long way down.
The funny thing is I am not exactly fond of heights. Â But, whenever I have my camera with me I get so focused on what I am doing and I don’t really think of the risks as much as getting a good photo.
The views from the rocks are impressive, the skyline of Boston being the highlight of the various views. Â You can also check on the traffic into Boston from that rock before you leave.
There are several rocks at Quincy Quarry that people use to climb, draw on and just rest on.
The graffiti is one of the first things you will notice upon arriving at the Quincy Quarry Reservation. Â In fact, it seems to be encouraged.
There was also this creative and romantic proposal scrawled against one of the rocks.
There is also abundant wildlife at Quincy Quarry Reservation. Â Although they weren’t there (or they were hiding) during my visit, coyotes and deer are known to inhabit the area. Â I only came across a frog who thought he was hiding from me
a chipmunk
and various birds
I also saw lots of dogs at Quincy Quarry.
Baxter is a 2 year old Border Collie. Â He may have three legs. Â But, he is just as beautiful and sweet, if not more, as any other dog I saw that day.
Maddie is a 9 year old mixed shepherd. Â But, hey, how did she get up there!?
Here is a video from YouTube to give you a sense of how different the quarry looked and just how popular of a spot it was.
New England Nomad 