Tag Archives: scenic
Date visited: January 9, 2016
Although the area is mostly known for being the home of the New England Patriots and its adjacent marketplace, Patriot Place has another impressive attraction – The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog. Admission to the trail and bog is free and the parking is ample evident by the photo below. You can also park in the lots in front of the store and walk down to the trail.
From the entrance the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog greets you with a charming sitting area and pretty trees.
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Although most of the vegetation is dead (save for a few stubborn blueberries and cranberries), a thin layer of ice covered most of the pond and the trees are bare this time of the year, the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, is just as beautiful in the winter as it is during the summertime.
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Located directly behind the expansive Bass Pro Shop, the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog is a .5 mile loop with a 3 percent grade and some inclines as much as 12 percent.
It is a mostly dirty trail with a few boardwalks and bridges. There are two benches in the middle of the first walking bridge. Overall, it is an easy to semi-moderate trail. I saw people of all age groups handle the trail, inclines and all, with little difficulty.
I found this strange, creepy looking branch or alien arm protruding from the ice.
An extra bonus for any Patriots fan is you can see Gillette Stadium (the stadium the Patriots play in) from the main road on the way to the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog. You can also catch a quick glimpse of some of the stadium from the entrance to trail and bog.
After finishing the loop, I met Chandler, a beautiful 6 year old tri-colored English Setter (thank you for the clarification, Adam).
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59 Comments | tags: bridges, dog, Foxboro, Hiking, ice, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Patriot Place, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, road trip, scenic, trails, trees, water | posted in bridge, bridges, dog, Foxboro, hike, hiking, ice, Massachussetts, nature, New England, Patriot Place, photographs, photography, photos, trail, trails, trees, Uncategorized
Date visited: December 6, 2015
Spending a crisp autumn day at Myles Standish State Park makes you long for summer days.
Since it is so big, Myles Standish has several parking areas. I parked at the main parking area where the ranger headquarters is located on Cranberry Rd. There were about 30 or 40 parking spots at this parking area. It wasn’t a problem finding a spot when I went but I bet it fills up quickly if you don’t go early during the spring and summer. Myles Standish also has camp sites for tents and some for RV’s. It costs $8 for MA residents and $10 for non MA residents to visit for the day when the park is open for the season. It is free off during the off season.
As beautiful as the forest is in late fall, it must be even so much prettier when all the flowers are in bloom or during foliage season. The wind was just strong enough to give the water a little ripple effect.
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There were birds a plenty at Myles Standish. The woodpecker in the second photo was too busy pecking to be scared away.
Myles Standish is a huge forest and it extends into several towns. There are 16 ponds, 13 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of biking trails in Myles Standish. I stopped by Fearing Pond.
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There was also quite a few pretty trees and vegetation at the forest.
My one gripe about Myles Standish is the amount of trees they had cut down. It wasn’t clear why they had the trees down. But, it was unsettling nonetheless.
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7 Comments | tags: birds, Carver, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, ponds, scenic, trees | posted in birds, Carver, Massachussetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, ponds, scenic, trees, Uncategorized
When most people think of Newport, Rhode Island, they undoubtedly think of the ornate historic mansions. But, there is another gem in Newport – Easton’s Beach.
I was greeted by these Canadian Geese upon my arrival.
A short drive from the mansions, Easton’s Beach is less than a mile long. But, what it may lack in size it makes up in charm and beauty.
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The gulls, who were in abundance at the beach, are not shy.
Easton’s Beach is also a popular destination for sea loving dogs. I met Jack during my visit.
Parking was ample during my visit. But I suspect it fills up quickly during the warmer seasons. You do not need to feed the meters in the off season. After May 1st and until Oct. 31st parking fees are in effect (parking at an on-street metered space is limited to a maximum of three hours and the rate is $1.25 per hour and the meters located on Memorial Blvd. near Easton’s Beach are $2 per hour). It’s definitely worth the 2 clams if you’re in the area.
13 Comments | tags: beach, beautiful, dogs, family friendly, fun, geese, gulls, New England, Newport, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, water | posted in beach, beautiful, dog, geese, gulls, New England, Newport, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, water, waves
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.
The staff at the Quabbin Reservoir use these boats as part of their gull harassment program to limit the pollutants from the birds.
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.
30 Comments | tags: bridge, dog, dogs, fish, monuments, Nature, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Quabbin Reservoir, reservoir, scenic, water | posted in creek, dog, fish, mountains, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Quabbin Reservoir, reservoir, trees, Uncategorized, water
Once a seasonal campsite for Native Americans as well as the site for a fertilizer factory and a missile launcher warehouse, Webb Memorial State Park has gone through many changes over the years. It has since been cleaned up and developed into one of the lesser known jewels of the South Shore of Massachusetts.
Named after William K. Webb, a World War II and police officer from Weymouth, Webb Park is a popular spot for joggers and other outdoor enthusiasts. There are many different paths that offer various pretty views of the skyline of Boston and the surrounding cities.
You can see planes flying to and from Boston’s Logan International Airport. They are so loud you can hear them clear across the harbor.
There are also several monuments at Webb State Park.
This memorial is named after John Cole, a former resident of Weymouth, MA.
This memorial is dedicated to Chief Engineer Donald F. Haviland. Haviland was on the Henry Bacon which took heavy damage from enemy bombers. He refused to take a seat on one of the lifeboats because the lifeboats were running out of room and not everyone could fir on the lifeboats. Haviland gave up his seat on the lifeboat to a younger person and he died when the ship sunk. He is certainly worthy of our admiration and this token of our appreciation. This memorial certainly makes you think.
Another monument memorializes the Grape Island Alarm which was a Revolutionary War battle where a Weymouth militia fought back the British Navy.
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There is also a memorial dedicated to Domenic J. Sansone.
There are a variety of birds in the area. I was lucky enough to photograph this woodpecker
a sparrow
and this female cardinal. You might have to enlarge the photo at the top of one of the branches toward the right side of the tree.
I also spotted this bird. Another one that might be a little hard to see unless you zoom in.
There were many additional land animals at the park during my visit. (top left to right – Nandi, Molly and Ziggy, bottom left to right – Ellsbury, Louie and Olly)
There were so many beautiful spots at Webb Memorial Park. I have included a few more miscellaneous images in the slideshow below.
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10 Comments | tags: birds, dogs, ducks, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, water, Weymouth | posted in birds, Boston, dogs, Massachussetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Uncategorized, water, Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth
12 Comments | tags: Boston, cows, dogs, Fall, farm, foliage, Hingham, Massachusetts, New England, scenic, skyline, trees, views, Weir River Farm | posted in Boston, cows, dogs, farm, Hingham, massachusetts, rocks, scenic, skyline, vieews, view, Weir River Farm
After a brief but rewarding stay at Amrita Island, it was on the next destination on my Farewell Summer Cape Cod trip. Scraggy Neck is a private beach in Cataumet, a village in Bourne, Massachusetts.
The beach is usually monitored by guards during the summer season. But, since summer was basically over, there were no guards when I arrived at the beach.
The entrance to the beach is grassy. But, there is a makeshift trail you can follow. The occasional flower stand in the grass
The beach is long and it was high tide when I visited. But, there wasn’t much of a beach head when I was visited. The water did look clean and clear.
Seaweed and shells littered the beach.
Scraggy Neck is divided into two sides by a road that is frequented by joggers, bikers and cars. It was on the other side of the road that showed off Scraggy Neck’s more scenic views.
A narrow path leads to the water.
The fish is visible through the transparent water.
This part of Scraggy Neck is mostly grassy. So, it would not be the ideal area to lie out for a tan.
Scraggy Neck is also a popular spot for boaters to launch from.
After visiting Scraggy Neck, it was on to our next adventure….
1 Comment | tags: beach, boats, cape cod, landscape, Photography, photos, road trip, scenic, scraggy neck, travel, view, views | posted in beach, boats, cape cod, flowers, landscape, photography, photos, plants, road trip, scraggy neck, summer, travel, trees, views, water
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.
Leave a comment | tags: attractions, birds, dogs, Hiking, mittineague, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, road trip, scenic | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, parks, photographs, photography, photos, road trip, site seeing, travel, traveling
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.
5 Comments | tags: Ames Nowell, attractions, birds, dogs, ducks, geese, Hiking, Historical, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, site seeing, wildlife
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.
1 Comment | tags: attractions, cutler park, dogs, ducks, Historical, Nature, New England, Park, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic, site seeing, tourism, trains | posted in attractions, birds, flowers, New England, park, parks, photographs, photography, photos, site seeing, travel, traveling, wildlife
New England Nomad 