Tag Archives: trees

May 30, 2017

Rattlesnake Gutter (Leverett, MA)

Dates of Visits: May 27 & 29, 2017

Location: 16 Rattlesnake Gutter Rd, Leverett, MA

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There is not a designated parking area. But, there is an area to park by the front gate on the side of the road on Guttersnake Rd

Trail Size/Difficulty: 1.93 miles (Rattlesnake Gutter trail) with connecting loops and other trails that can add a significant amount of distance to your hike. Easy too moderate trails.

Handicapped Accessible: No. The terrain is rocky with some steep inclines

Dog Friendly: Yes

Fitbit Stats: 3.45 miles, 711 calories, 8,027 steps

Highlights: chasm, wildlife, easy to moderate trails, art, unique rock formations, ponds

Website: Rattlesnake Gutter Trust

Trail Map: Rattlesnake Gutter Trail Map

Don’t let the name scare you. There really aren’t any, or at least not many, rattlesnakes at Rattlesnake Gutter Trail. Legend has it rattlesnakes once did populate the area. But, due mostly to a concerted effort to rid the area of these snakes, you’e rarely see a rattlesnake there.

I actually had to make two visits to this trail because some of the photos on one of memory cards were not saved. Yeah, okay, twist my arm. I’ll go again, I figured to myself.

Before you even reach the trail, there is an interesting find in a field at the entrance of Rattlesnake Gutter Rd. A group of bee hives sat under a tree in a pretty field while what looked like a falcon soared high above.

The trail is known more for the chasm that runs through most of the main trail from the Rattlesnake Gutter Rd entrance. The trail is described as a boulder that runs 3/4 mile long and 1/8 mile wide. It produces a lot of pool-like streams between the rocky edges.

There are also several pools of water along the trail with some frogs and other aquatic animals.

Between the rocky sides there is a roughly mile trail with several mini waterfall-like streams and a very long way down if you’re not careful.

The dirt trails are easy to moderate in some areas due to the somewhat strenuous inclines in some areas. At least they were strenuous to a middle aged hiking novice.

The origins of the chasm are unclear. Some theories include a sub glacial melt water channel or a tear at the site of an old geologic fault. Another theory suggests it was caused by a spillway for a temporary pro glacial lake. I would go with the last one. Just because I like to say “pro glacial.” In any event, the rocks show the aftermath of some major event.

Unexpectedly, we found some art along the rocks.

It’s not known who created this art or why. But, it is pretty cool. You know how if you look at a photo or rock long enough, you can see other images? Well, to the right of the tree in the photo below just above the greenery and boulder in the right hand corner of the photo, there appears to be possibly the outline of a cat’s face (you may have to tilt your head to see it). Or, maybe I’ve just drank too much caffeine and I’m seeing things. It could just be the way the rocks appear from the weather and erosion.

We took the main guttersnake trail to the connector loop to Whitney Rd. The connecting loop is hard to find. It is actually a trail made into the side of the hill on the trail that was made into a zig zag design. I wouldn’t have probably found it if I hadn’t noticed someone walking down what looked like the side of a hill.

The Whitney Trail looks a little confusing at first (make sure to follow the red marked trees). But, after a short distance, there will be signs and maps that will help you stay on the trail. That is one of the unusual things about this trail. There are several maps posted throughout the trail. There are alternate routes you can take if you have the time and curiosity. While I am always curious, I didn’t the time. So, I stayed on the Whitney Rd trail. This intersection of trails can take you farther into different sections of the trail system. But, as time was a factor, I was unable to explore more.

Whitney Rd is just that, a road. There are some pretty houses, cute decor and signs as well as beautiful landscapes along this part of the trail.

There were also some interesting rock formations and pretty trees along the way.

Along Whitney Rd, on the left of the trail we saw am empty area with tall trees and what looked like an overlook. To our surprise, we found what looked like an area for parties or other events. A van with speakers and what looked like an audio system was parked in the area. There was also a table with chairs and jug of some kind of adult concoction and some other artistic designs.

Rattlesnake Gutter is the perfect place to take your dog. Although, I would only recommend it for a “fit” dog, as I would recommend it for a “fit” person since the inclines can be deceivingly steep in some places.

These dogs had no problem with the trail.

Huckleberry is a rescue from Mississippi.

Luna is a 3 year old rescue.

Below are two videos of the streams at Rattlesnake Gutter Trail.

4 Comments | tags: chasm, dogs, frogs, Leverett, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, rocks, streams, trees, waterfalls | posted in chasm, dogs, Leverett, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Rattlesnake Gutter Trail, rocks, trail, Uncategorized

May 10, 2017

Ravenswood Park (Gloucester, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: May 7, 2017

Location: 481 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA (about 1 hour northwest of Boston)

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: there are 10 parking spots in the lot outside of the park, parking is also available on the side of the road near the park. 10-20 cars can safely fit in the area by the side of the road

Trail Size/Difficulty: 10 miles of trails and former carriage roads. Moderate hiking. Carriage roads are covered with dense crushed stone and are generally wheelchair accessible.

Handicapped Accessible: The main trail and carriage roads are accessible at least for a while. I walked it for over 2 miles and it was an easy, wide trail. The side trails are much more rocky and challenging.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: wildlife, lakes, vernal pools, easy to moderate trails

Fitbit Stats (distance walked, steps taken and calories burned according to Fitbit watch): 7.8 miles, 17,637 steps, 1,586 calories burned)

Website: Ravenswood Park

Trail Map: Ravenswood Park Trail Map

Although it is more famous for its long stretches of shoreline and its fishing industry, Gloucester is also home to some beautiful parks. Boasting 10 miles of trails and several bodies of water, Ravenswood is teeming with wildlife.

One of the highlight of the park is Fernwood Lake. Fernwood Lake is bisected by a walking path with open areas to photograph the lake and the animals that inhabit. it.

I took the Cedar Swamp Trail and hooked up onto the blue blazed Fernwood Lake Trail. This trail is an easy 3 mile loop with many birds and trees along the path. Of course, I went off trail to get some of my photos and I had to redouble my steps since I got a little lost. So the hike was much more than 3 mile loop. I took this trail partly because I thought it would be less traveled than some of the other trails and it was. I didn’t run into many people taking these trails. It has been a very rainy spring. So there were lots of puddles and the area was very green. The trails can be extremely rocky in some places, especially along the loop I took. I did see a few runners. But, not any cyclists. As a side note, bikes are banned from March 1 until April 30 during the muddy season.

During my hike, I saw evidence of beavers

And I saw these buds which will soon become blueberries.

During my visit, I saw turtles, birds, a few dogs that were visiting as well as some other critters.

Mica is a 5 year old Australian Sheepdog.

From left to right is Masy, a 3 year old Lab, and Riley, a 9 year old Lab.

Lucas is a 9 year old rescue Catahoula.

8 Comments | tags: birds, dogs, Gloucester, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, snakes, trees, turtles | posted in birds, dogs, Gloucester, Massachusetts, New England, park, snake, Uncategorized

May 6, 2017

Quincy Quarries Reservation (West Quincy, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: April 29, 2017

Location: 77 Ricciuti Drive, West Quincy, MA

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a lot that accommodates about 50 cars next to the reservation. It fills up quickly on nice days. 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

Website: Quincy Quarries Reservation

Trail and Rock Climbing Map: Quincy Quarries Rock Climbing And Trail Map

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, 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. And water took up most off the area that is now grass and concrete. 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. 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. 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? Remember he “Big Dig”? Yup, that dirt was used to fill in the drained quarry. There is still some water in the quarry. But, people don’t jump in it anymore. 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, The very same quarry that my father used to dive in have largely been filled in and paved over or have become fields. 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. 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. 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. The people go over the procedures and safety protocols before each climb. Each person has a role whether it is the person holding onto the line, the device keeping the person suspended or the climber. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. Although they weren’t there (or they were hiding) during my visit, coyotes and deer are known to inhabit the area. 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. He may have three legs. 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. 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.

video courtesy of Sean Hastings

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8 Comments | tags: birds, dogs, family friendly, Massachuetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, quarries, quarry, Quincy Quarries Reservation, rock climbers, rock climbing, scenic, trees | posted in birds, dogs, family friendly, frog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, quarries, quarry, Quincy Quarries Reservation, Uncategorized

April 28, 2017

Parsons Reserve (Dartmouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: April 23, 2017

Location: 50 Horseneck Rd, Dartmouth, MA

Hours: Open everyday, sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free, but a $2 donation is appreciated

Parking: There is a free parking area across the street from the reserve for about 50 cars. Since the daffodils are a big attraction there, it filled up by the time I left and people had to wait to get the next available spot

Handicapped Friendly: No, the dirt trails have some slight inclines and the wooden planks used to walk over the streams are very narrow

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: daffodils, wildlife, family friendly, easy trails, vernal ponds

Lowlights: Parking is very difficult unless you leave early on the weekends during daffodil season or go during the weekdays. It is not as busy after the daffodil season has ended

Website: Parsons Reserve

Undoubtedly the highlight of your trip to Parson Reserve has to be the sea of yellow and white daffodils. The short daffodil season (the season usually begins the second week of April and ends the first week of May) is one of the busiest times of the year at Parson.

The entrance to parson Reserve is not easy to find if you don’t know where to look, So, keep your eyes open and use the address listed above in your GPS.

A stream empties at the entrance to Parson reserve. A nondescript entrance is located just past the rocky stream. A short walk (about half a mile) along a well defined trail with a gentle incline and signs pointing to the daffodil field as well as a bench for weary travelers leads to the daffodil field.

Rows and rows of daffodils greet you at the end of the trail.

Bunny, a 6 year old Chocolate Lab who was adopted during Easter, enjoyed the daffodils!

One of the great things about my visit to Parsons is that there are also lots of trails to explore at the reserve which I had not expected. The easy flat trails have some pretty trees and, I assume when they bloom, flowers.

There is also a vernal pool. The staff who were there handing out maps, said they are supposed to be tadpoles there this time of the year. I did not see any. But, I am sure they’re there!

There were lots of critters at Parsons. I saw this cute little guy, a garter snake, as I was leaving the reserve. This is why I always take the less used trails (or go off trail). A lot of wildlife gets scared by the crowds and noise and consequently, you have to explore a little to find the good stuff.

There were also a lot of birds at the sanctuary.

Just to re-emphasize the issue of parking. Try to arrive at Parsons by 10 on the weekends during daffodil season. I am an early riser. So, I found a spot with no problem. The parking area has room for about 50 cars and it fills up quickly on the weekends this time of the year. When I did leave around 10:30, there was already a line of cars waiting to get in to the lot.

When I drove by even later (around 3) the entire side of the road was full of cars and the lot was full. So, the best time to go is early in the morning or on a weekday. But, it’s definitely worth getting up early for!

2 Comments | tags: daffodils, dog, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, snake, trees, vernal pool | posted in daffodils, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, New England, park, Parsons Reserve, photographs, photography, photos, snake, trees, Uncategorized, vernal pool

April 9, 2017

Norris Reservation (Norwell, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: April 8, 2017

Location: 10 Dover St, Norwell, MA (about 30 miles south of Boston)

Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free for Trustees members, $5 parking fee for non members

Parking: There is a small lot by the entrance for about a dozen cars. It fills up quickly during the summer and other peak times

Handicapped Accessible: No, the trails are too rocky and they often get muddy after rainy days

Park Size and Trail Difficulty: 129 acres, 2 miles loop trail, 2.5-3 miles of trails if you walk the side trails. Trails are easy and accessible for people of all ages.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: ponds, streams, boardwalks, old mill site, old boat house, herring and other fish, birds, if you’re lucky you might see a beaver or other type of wildlife

Lowlights: Be careful of ticks (I brought home 3 with me)

Web Site: Norris Reservation

Trail Map: Norris Reservation Trail Map

Once the site of a mill and the current site of an old boat house, Norris Reservation boasts white pine and oak trees, wetlands and a boardwalk teeming with wildlife as well as pretty trees with leaves that look like they’re still in foliage, pretty rock formations and plant life.

Truly a hidden jewel ( be careful driving to the parking lot- I drove past the entrance and had to enter through the exit of the small parking lot), Norris Reservation is a fine park to visit throughout the year. During the winter, trails can be accessed with snowshoes if needed. The flowers and trees are vibrant during the spring and summer and the trees are ablaze with foliage during the fall. During my visit, it was a rather average spring day. It was windy to begin but settled into a pretty standard spring day, albeit a bit on the cold side. You can see the ripples in the water from the wind in some of the photos.

Along the walkway as you enter the reservation along Eleanor’s Path (named after the benefactor of the park, Eleanor Norris), there is a pond and a little waterfall.

I got to break out my new gear, my Canon EOS 8D for this shoot. So, I was very excited to take it on for a test drive. I’m still getting used to the buttons and how it operates. But, I hope the photos are an improvement from my previous shots, especially as I get more familiar with it.

The main trail at Norris Reservation is probably the red trail which eventually takes you to Gordon’s Pond. Gordon’s Pond has a boardwalk with scenic views and a small waterfall. The pond is encircled with trees and it is popular with fishing enthusiasts.

Named after Albert P. Norris, whose wife donated the land upon his death, Norris Reservation hugs the North River which was once the center of pre-Colonial era ship building. Along these side trails, you can find a lot of scenic views and bird life.

Along the McMullan Trail is the old boathouse. I’m not sure if it’s operational for use and you’re not allowed to tie boats or dock there. But, it is a nice place to hang out on the deck and take in the beauty of the area.

There is also a granite block in the Granite Boulders section of the trail.

There is also an abundance of birds at Norris Reservation. I was able to shoot this robin, some black birds and a baby loon at the park.

Norris Reservation is an ideal place to take your pooch for a walk. I saw dozens of cute dogs during my hike at Norris. Below are some of the more photogenic dogs I saw on the trails.

Argos is an 11 month old White Shepherd. I had never seen such a fluffy, cute pure white dog. He really did stand out to me.

Delilah (on the left) is a 2 year old Boston Terrier and Harley is a 10 year old Yorkie and Shih Tzu mix. They posed so well!

Colby is a 7 and a half Bernese Mountain Dog. What a cute smile!

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16 Comments | tags: birds, boathouse, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, Norwell, photographs, Photography, photos, ponds, trees | posted in birds, boathouse, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, Norwell, photographs, photography, photos, pond, Uncategorized

March 9, 2017

Spring Bulb Show (The Botanic Garden of Smith College, Northampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: March 4 – March 19, 2017 (photos taken March 4)

Location: The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA

Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday extended hours 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (members get in earlier at 9 .a.m)

Cost: Free ( a $5 donation is suggested)

Parking: unmetered parking is available on College Lane and additional parking is available throughout Northampton

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, from their website: There is one designated handicapped parking space in front of the Lyman Plant House. Two of the three front entrances to the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory are wheelchair accessible and the restrooms are accessible. There is a lift in the front of the building that goes between the lower level Church Exhibition Gallery and the Reception area. All but one of the greenhouses (the Fern House) are accessible.

Highlights: Avariety of flowers such as crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips in full bloom or nearly in bloom at the Botanic garden of Smith College

Web Site: The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Believe it or not, spring, for most if us, is right around the corner. Soon enough, drab, colorless soil and grass and dead flowers and plant life will be replaced with the vibrant colors of spring and summer.

As an early celebration of the spring season, the Botanic Garden of Smith College is showcasing a colorful array of flowers as part of their Spring Bulb Show (which ironically ends the day before the Vernal Spring buds, get it?) .

There were a wide variety of flowers of display and I won’t even try to name or describe all of them, except to sayy they were very pretty.

The gaarden used works of art such as paintings and statues to highlight the beauty of the flowers. It was very well done and it brought out the colors of the flowers.

The people at the Botanic garden were kind enough to open the rest of the garden to us which showcased an impressive field of flowers and trees.

I also spotted a frog, fish and some other mysterious faces at the garden.

We also saw Kaezli, a beautiful 4 year old Burnese Mountain Dog, outside the Botanic garden.

Below is a video of a plant that closes when it feels pressure or weight and a video of a waterfall at the garden.

21 Comments | tags: art, dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, Northampton, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, trees | posted in art, dog, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, Northampton, photographs, photography, photos, plants, Uncategorized

January 25, 2017

Fort Foster State Park (Kittery Point, ME)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 21, 2017

Location: Pocahontas Rd, Gerrish Island, Kittery Point, ME

Cost: $10 per vehicle; pedestrians or bicyclists $5 adults/$1 under 12 (free during the off season)

Hours: Dawn to dusk for pedestrians; gates open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (presently closed for the season, opens in May)

Parking: The gate was up during my visit so everyone parked along the road in front of the entrance. When the parking is officially open, there are parking areas available.

Park Size/Trail Difficulty: 88 acres, easy trail difficulty

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: fort, trails, family friendly, play area for children, jetty, views of Kittery, lighthouse

Web Site: Fort Foster State Park

As a disclaimer, since it had previously snowed in Maine and the weather turned much warmer, the trails were slushy and muddy and I didn’t have my boots on. So, I wasn’t able to walk the entire trail system at the park. However, the trails I did walk were pretty even and easy to navigate with a few slight inclines.

Named after John Gray Foster, a Major-General in the United States Army, Fort Foster Park has so much to offer the entire family. Kids (and a few adults) will love plating at the playground area, especially the playhouse with the tree growing out of it.

Or, if you’re a military history buff,you will enjoy the various military installations. This is one of the forts at the park.

The trees at Fort Foster State Park are particularly majestic.

The southernmost park in Maine, Foster Park also has a pier with wonderful views of the Piscataqua River and the Whaleback Lighthouse. To the right of the lighthouse isWood Island Life Saving Station on Wood Island. It looks like a bridge or perhaps another pier in the water to the left of the pier on the way to Eood Island. I loved how the clouds played with the landscape and gaave an ominous yet beautiful backdrop to the river. .

The tide was low and the sand was surprisingly firm,. So I was able to walk out pretty far and get some shots of the water and the landscape across the water. The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse can be viewed across the river in the final photo.

The Piscataqua River, which flows into Portsmouth (NH), is a busy waterway for birds and boats. I saw quite a few of both in or above the river.

It’s funny how you see so many funny things on the trails at parks. Anyone lose a shoe or croc?

Fort Foster State Park is a dog friendly park. I saw many cute dogs at the park during my visit. But, as one visitor told me, during the spring and summer the park is packed with dogs. Since it was an unseasonably mild January day, I ran into a fair share of them.

While I was walking the path to the park, I saw a man throwing a ball to a cute dog. So, of course, I had to ask for a photo. Charlie, a 1 and a half year old Feist, is looking so intently at his dad because he wanted him to throw the ball to him.

As I walked along the park, I saw another beautiful dog in a beautiful setting. Omar, an 8 year old Greyhound, is a rescue who used to race. He is now retired but he still likes to run and play. And, as you can see by the photos, he loves his mom.

Missy, a Golden Retriever, and Ruby, a Flatcoat Retriever, (from left to right) both 6 months, are sisters. Because of the sharp, dark color of Ruby’s fur and the shadows from the sun, it was hard to pick up her features. But, trust me she is beautiful.

Java The Pup is an 8 year old (almost 9) Poodle. Not only is he cute, he also does tricks!

Below is a video (360 degrees no less) of the low tide at Fort Foster.

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12 Comments | tags: boats, dogs, Fort Foster, Kittery Point, lighthousses, Maine, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, trees | posted in boats, dogs, family friendly, Kittery Point, lighthouse, Maine, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized

December 30, 2016

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiverton, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 14, 2016

Location: Seapowet Ave, Tiverton, RI (about an hour south of Boston and about 30 minutes southeast of Providence, RI)

Cost: Free but donations are appreciated

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Parking: There is a lot which can accomodate about 5-10 cars

Trail Difficulty/Size: 50 acres of easy but narrow trails, I couldn’t find a description of the trail lengths but it can’t be more than 4 or 5 miles total

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No, Audubon sanctuaries are not pet friendly

Highlights:easy trails, blinds to hide behind bird watch, wildlife, streams and bodies of water, birds, scenic

Web Site: Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: Emilie Ruecker Trail Map

As a preface, I am trying to post about as many of my trips from earlier this year before the end of the year. So, I may be posting pretty much every day until the new year and into the beginning of the new year to catch up and start fresh in 2017. Lucky you… ( :

Tucked away just over the Massachusetts and Rhode Island border is a serene little trail with lots of surprises.

One of the cutest surprises are these blinds that you can hide behind to photograph or observe birds.

The trails at Emilie Ruecker are easy enough to navigate and they are mostly loops so it is easy to stay on the trail. There are also maps displayed throughout the sanctuary. The trails can be narrow in some areas. Also, if you go on the red trails, it’s easy to go off track. Just keep looking for the color coded trees to stay on track.

One of the cool things are the openings along the trails that allow you to get closer to the water so you can view the ducks and other birds.

You’ll also find the occasional bench to rest at.

Although there is lots of wildlife at the sanctuary, the highlight for me was the beautiful scenic views.

If you look closely, you may see the outline of a deer just behind the branch of this tree. Unfortunately, my camera couldn’t focus in time to get a better photo.

Much like this deer, the birds at Emilie Ruecker were hard to photograph.

The birds in the water proved more easy to photograph.

These birds were very easy to photograph, as long as I kept my distance. They were hanging out on the other side of the road across from the sanctuary on some farm land.

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10 Comments | tags: birds, bridge, ducks, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, Tiverton, trail, trails, trees, water | posted in birds, nature, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

November 25, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving (Robinson Park, Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 24, 2016

Location Robinson State Park, 428 North St, Feeding Hills Rd (Agawam), MA

Parking: about 10 parking spots are avaiilable in the back entrance on Feeding Hills Rd. There is additional parking in the main entrance and by the beach area.

Cost: Free this time of the year when the park is unstaffed, $8 MA vehicle, $10 non-MA vehicles during “season”

Size: 1,025 acres

Handicap Accessible: Yes, but some parts of the main trail, which is paved, have sharp inclines.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: pretty views, wildlife, biking/hiking trails

Thanksgiving in Western Massachusetts. What could be more emblematic of New England? As it turned out, I’m not the only onr who feels this way.

As I approached the back entrance to Robinson State Park, every parking spot was taken (some spaces were parked 2 cars deep). I did find a spot just in front of the main entrance )the gates were closed on this holiday, however). Who knew a park would be so busy on a holiday? At least that is how I used too think. Now, it makes complete sense.

In the past, I never understood why people would spend Thanksgiving Day, or part of their Thanksgiving, at a park or some other outdoor attraction. People should be home with their family, watching football or the parade and stuffing their faces, the younger me would say to myself. But, now I get it. What better place to spend the early mornings of Thanksgiving? What better way and what better place to be thankful, especially at one of my favorite paarks. In fact, I like it there so much I have posted about Robinson Park in the past. But, I took a few different trails that I had never hiked on before this time. At 1,025 acres, Robinson State is so big it could take days to thoroughly walk or even bike all of the trails. So, I figured I would work up an appetite for my Thanksgiving dinner with a jaunt there.

The trees were barren and leaves carpeted the ground. Only a few months ago these brooks were teeming with frogs and other amphibians.

I always love to see that one plant that has survived the elements.

Theere is also a lot of eviddence of what the park used to be like. A beam stands in the Westfield River, a reminder of the railroad bridge that once ran through the area.

This looks like a damn or some other waterflow management system that is now dry save for a brook that dribbles on by below.

I came across this falcon during my hike. I was surprised at how close I got before the bird flew away.

I also came across lots of squirrels. This one was resting ona tree limb enjoying a snack

Robinson Park is a dog friendly paark. I saw and heard lots of cute dogs during my time there. All of the dogs I photographed happened to be rescues. It was very refreshing to see so many rescued dogs there.

Annie, a mixed breed rescue, struck a pose for me.

Jessie, on the left, is a 3 year old Lab mix. Shadow, on the right, is a 13 year old Lab mix as well. They are both rescues.

Daisy, a yellow Lab rescue from Tennessee, had fun playing with her stick.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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November 14, 2016

Massasoit State Park (East Taunton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 6, 2016

Location: 1361 Middleboro Ave, East Taunton, MA (about 45 minutes south of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free this time of the year. Seasonal prices are not posted on the web site or at the park.

Hours: Open Daily 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (hours may vary depending upon the season)

Parking: There were roughly 50 to 60 parking spots in the lot

Handicap Accessible: No. The side trails can be very rocky and, in some areas difficult to navigate. The main road is paved but cars and other vehicles do travel along the road often.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Time To Spend During Visit: 2 to 3 hours

Highlights: pretty trees, pretty views, bodies of water, dog and horse friendly, cranberry bogs, boat launch (the seasonal camping sitees have not been opened since the 2008camping season)

Web Site: Massasoit State Park

Trail Map: Massasoit State Park Trail Map

Named after the sachem, or leader, of the Wompanoag Confederacy, Massasoit State Park boasts 1,207 acres of trails, 5 bodies of water and a beach area. Add to that some pretty sweet views.

The first thing you’ll notice, and perhaps the main attraction, at Massasoit State Park are the cranberry bogs. The colors of the cranberry and the trees clash to make some pretty contrasts, particularly during foliage season.

The trails at Massasoit State Park are mostly easy with a few moderate inclines. There were a few boardwalks and makeshift bridges made out of trees and other debris.Many of the trails were carpeted with leaves.

Signs of foliage were everywhere. Trees burst with orange, red, yellow and green this time of the year.

Massasoit has 5 ponds and a beach area. The bodies of water are surrounded by pretty trees and vegetation.

Swans and other birds inhabit the ponds.

As you can tell by the photos, the weather changed about, oh, 16 times during the day. In other words, it was your typical New England day. It rained, hard at times, for short periods of time and the sun crept out as well.

Another thing I noticed at Massasoit State Park are the rocks. There are white rocks placed throughout the park and other big rocks with crystal-like elements in them.

The park is also popular with cyclists. I saw dozens of cyclists during my visit. This friendly cyclist was nice enough to let me photograph him.

With its wide paved trail and abundant side trails, Massasoit is the perfect place to bring your dog and I saw several dogs enjoying the fall weather during my visit.

Rex is a 6 and a half year old Blue Tick Coon Hound. Never heard of a Blue Tick Coon Hound? Join the club. Apparently, Blue Tick Coon Hounds are hunting dogs that are prevalent in West Virginia, which is where Rex is from.