Tag Archives: water

August 11, 2016

Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

Date Visited: August 7, 2016

Location: Dorrs Pond is part of Livingston Park which is located at 244 Hookset Rd, Manchester, NH (off Daniel Webster Highway)

Hours: Open 24 hours (use your best judgment if you go at nighttime)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are about 70 or so parking spots by Dorrs Pond. There is also additional parking by the play area and field by Livingston Park.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Size: 1.2 mile loop with some short side trails.

Time To Allot For Visit: 1 or 2 hours

Fun For One: Yes

Highlights: abundant wildlife, popular trails for runner, cyclists and walkers, pretty views, very well maintained, benches for sitting, skating on the pond during the winter

Lowlights: short loop (only 1.2 mile) so many runners have to complete the loop several times to get a good workout, some side trails end abruptly at parking lots or just stop without going anywhere

Once an artificial pond to serve the people of Manchester, Dorrs Pond now serves a scenic retreat for cyclists, runners, nature lovers and dogs.

“hidden gem” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But, the photos below will show how this description is apt for Dorrs Pond. In fact, I, and many people I talked to about it, had never been to this pond or ever even heard about before I went there.

One of the great things about Dorrs Pond is it is not a particularly difficult trail. The trails are Dorrs Pond are pretty level with a few small inclines

The views at Dorrs Pond are beautiful. Vivid greens and a variety of green, purple and other vibrant colors dot the landscape.

One of the best parts of Dorrs Pond is the wildlife. There is a variety of birds, amphibians and other animals at the pond.

I also found this interesting shelter. Unfortunately, no one was home.

During the winter, skating is allowed on the pond. Also, there is a play area, playing field, restrooms and pool for children (and some adults) in addition to Dorrs Pond at Livingston Park.

Doors Pond is a great place to bring your dog. The trail is not too long and the inclines are not very steep. And it was a perfect day for taking your pooch out for a stroll. I saw lots of dogs at Dorrs Pond. Here are a few of the cute dogs at the park Sunday:

Katie, a 9 month old German Shepherd.

Finley, a Cavachon who will be 2 in September

Reagan, a 4 month old Golden Retriever

and Jackson, a 2 year old Basenji Greyhound.

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Similar Places In New England I Have Visited:

Ames Nowell State Park

Cutler Park

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July 29, 2016

Salem Willows (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: July 23, 2016

Location: 167 Fort Ave, Salem, MA

Hours: The website for Salem Willows shows their hours as being daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. but you can get in to the park before 11. We got their just before 10 and there was already some people there. I think the hours are the hours of operation for the restaurants and other businesses in that area.

Cost: Free

Parking: There are about 60 metered parking spots. The meters cost 25 cents an hour. There is also about 50 additional free parking spots in a nearby lot and off street parking is available.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Family friendly, arcades, restaurants, willow trees, harbor, scenic walking path, grassy areas to grill, relax and for kids to play, jetty, place to rent surfboards and other aquatic sporting goods

As I entered Salem Willows I couldn’t help but think of my childhood of carnivals and traveling shows. My friends and I would be so excited when the fair came to town. Now, the fair is always in town. In these days of sit down eateries and chain restaurants, it was refreshing. If you d go, try the slushies or get a cone at Cappy’s!

Salem Willows has changed so much since its original opening in 1880. Willows Pavilion which featured a skating rink and restaurant dominated the landscape. Now, the area where the takeout food vendors are located still keeps the name of “on the line”. But, the restaurants are much different. In place of the sit down, grand restaurants stand take out vendors and ice cream shops.

There is also a stage for bands and other entertainers to perform. Named after former Salem resident and veteran, the Robert F Hayes Band Stand holds a summer concert series every year as well as holding other events.

But, there is so much more to Salem Willows than nostalgic stroll past the smell of flour dough and the buzzing and ringing from the vendors and arcades. Salem Willows is also, as the name would suggest, known for all of the willow trees planted to offer shade and beauty to the area.

The mostly shady loop around the bay and back too the parking area is an easy half mile walk. Along the way there are benches to sit on and a jetty to fish off or just enjoy the views. The views from the bay were very pretty. A variety of flowers and scenic views frame the busy blue waterway.

There was a lot of activity on and in the water at Salem Willows. That is a man swimming in the last photos

There is also a place to rent surf/paddle/body boards and other watercraft and flotation devices.

Salem’s love of art is evident even in the most unlikely places. These trash cans and rocks displayed some of the street art of Salem. I especially like the art on the rocks. Each block has a different symbol of the area painted on them.

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Salem Willows is a great place to bring your dog for a short walk. Dixie, a 4 year old Maltese, was enjoying the seasonal weather and cool breeze when she stopped to pose for photos for me.

Video of “on the line” from Salem Willows

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July 18, 2016

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: July 16, 2016

Location: Mass Audubon, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA (about half an hour north of Boston, MA and an hour southeast of Manchester, NH) 978-887-9264

Hours: presently, Tues–Fri, 9 am–4 pm
weekends & Mon holidays, 9 am–5 pm

November-April
Tues-Sun & Mon holidays, 9 am-4 pm

May-October
Tues–Fri, 9 am–4 pm
weekends & Mon holidays, 9 am–5 pm

Trails
Tues-Sun, & Mon holidays, dawn to dusk

Cost:

Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots. You shouldn’t have too much of a hard time finding parking unless there is an event or summer camp is in session

Size: 12 square miles

Time To Allot For Visit: I was there 5 hours and I still didn’t see everything but you can take in most of the best parts of the park in 2 to 3 hours

Dog Friendly: No, most Audubon parks are not dog friendly

Highlights: bodies of water, plentiful wildlife, pretty flowers and plants, observation tower, canoe rentals (if you’re a Mass Audubon member)

From the moment I walked to the visitor center at the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, I encountered wildlife. In fact, I found this rabbit chewing on some greenery in the shrub by the office.

That is the great thing about Ipswich River Sanctuary. If you’re an animal lover, or even if you just like them a little, then you will love this place.

Not only are the animals abundant, they are also relatively friendly and not all that shy. Well, most of them weren’t too shy.

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The well-fed red squirrel let me get very close to him or her, so long as I didn’t affect his or her food supply. A lady who had been sitting there on the bridge wall before I arrived has been intentionally leaving seeds or some other type of food the squirrel was enjoying which allowed me to get some great shots. Thanks, random lady!

There are also a wide variety of bugs and other insects at the park. Bug spray and covering up are a must (I especially suggest a hat since one particular bug kept landing in my hair). And most bug sprays don’t stop all bugs. The black insect below was particularly menacing. Also, I never saw so many dragon flies in one spot as I did at Ipswich River Sanctuary but they were pretty harmless.

There are some beautiful views and plant life at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. The colors of the flowers really pop out and the trails are well defined. Many of these pretty features of the landscape were created 15,000 years ago by a glacier.

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You can also rent canoes, if you are a member, for $10/hour for a minimum of 2 hours. So, the cost is $20 or more. You pay for the canoes at the front office and then you have to lug the paddles and life vests along with a key to the where the canoes are locked up (about a half a mile or so away) at the canoe launch. The canoe launch is right next to where the canoes are locked up.

One thing I have seen at other parks that is present at Ipswich are bat boxes. These bat boxes are designed to give daytime roots for little brown bats. Bats are important because they eat lots of mosquitoes and other insects, the plaque next to the boxes explains (then get more bats there please). Little brown bats have been the victims of white nose syndrome,an illness which has been affecting brown bats while they hibernate during the winter. The cause is not yet known. So, the boxes are meant to give them a safe and convenient way for them to rest. The boxes were constructed by Eagle Scout Sean Enos and Boy Scout Troop 48 of Lynnfield, MA. The lumber was donate by a local business.

There is also an observation tower at Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary. The three story tower built of wood is a little shaky but safe. The tower overlooks a swamp and meadow. There wasn’t much wildlife except for the very occasional bird (I included photos of the egret and other bird who landed in the water in the earlier slideshow). I think that is you had unlimited time and a lot of patience as well as a good set of binoculars (I didn’t have any of those things) you could see a few grand birds.

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One of the things I noticed and I had not seen before my trip to Ipswich are pink water lilies. I have seen white water lilies but never saw the pink water lilies until my visit there.

Like most Mass Audubon sanctuaries, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is well kept and family friendly. The grounds are well manicured and there is even a play area for children. They also have a summer camp program where they teach children about nature in a fun and exciting way. All in all, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a fun and exciting place for people of all ages.

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July 10, 2016

Robinson State Park (Feeding Hills, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Visited: July 3 & 4, 2016

Location: 428 North St, Feeding Hills (Agawam), MA

Cost: $8 for MA vehicle, $10 for non-MA vehicle

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots in the park itself at various designated parking areas. There are also several entrances besides the actual entrance to the park where you can park for free but there are gates at these entrances and you have to walk rather than drive to the beach and fields in the park.

Time To Allot For Visit: 3 to 4 hours to hike the entire park

Size of the park: 800 acres, 5 miles of frontage on the Westfield River

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: walking trails, stream, beach, picnic area, fields, lots of wildlife, great for bikers, joggers, walkers and dogs

Known for its abundant wildlife, long paved trail and scenic views of the Westfield River, Robinson State Park is one of my favorite parks to visit. I love the paved, winding trail and abundant wildlife. I have jogged the main trail hundreds, if not thousands, of times. The wide paved trail is wide enough to accommodate joggers, bikers, walkers and even vehicles (cars are allowed on the main paved trail during the summer months only).

About a mile or a little more than a mile from the main entrance there is a small beach next to a grassy area for people to relax and sun themselves. If you’re lucky, you may even see a tadpole.

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One thing to keep in mind is there are a lot of bugs in the area. Since it is located by a stream of water, bugs and mosquitoes are a real problem, especially during the summer months. So, either cover up or use bug spray if you plan on hiking the various trails. Another downside to the park, if you want to call it that, is that some trails just seem to end…right in people’s backyards. This happened on two of the side trails I ventured on. No biggie. You just turn around and come back the way you came. But it can be anticlimactic and annoying (for the homeowner as much as it would be for you).

The Westfield River runs along the paved trail giving off some pretty views. There are some side trails you can use to get a better view.

There is a pond just down the trail from the beach. I heard lots of frogs, toads and other wildlife in the pond but they are pretty well hidden.

Robinson Park is also teeming with wildlife. In fact, Westfield, one of the cities the park borders, is known for its black squirrels. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any during my visit or at least none that I could photograph. But, there were plenty of other animals visible at the park the days I visited.

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There is also a pond and a variety of trees, plants, flowers and berries along the trails.

The trails are well defined and there are a number of bridges at the park.

Because it has such a wide main trail and lots of area to roam, Robinson Park is a great place to walk your dog and I ran into quite a few cute dogs during my visits.

Oliver is an 11 year old Collie and Chow mix.

Josie is a 9 year old Cocker Spaniel.

And Bruno is a 2 year old Shepherd and Lab mix rescue.

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June 27, 2016

Cliff Walk (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Dates Visited: June 25 & June 26, 2016

Location: 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI (by Easton’s Beach)

Hours: open everyday dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: 3 hour metered parking is available at Easton Bank (but limited). You can also park at other entry/exit points along the trail off Bellevue Ave (such as The Breakers mansion at 44 Ochre Point Ave which is free for a limited parking time and Narrangasett Ave.)

Distance: 3.5 miles each way

Time To Allot For Walk: The website suggests 2.5 hours. I would allot 3-4 hours if you’re walking the entire trail (and back)

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: scenic, free, always open, good for people of all ages, popular with joggers

The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is not only a historically important attraction, it is also a great way to burn some extra calories or stroll along the shore, depending on your energy level.

Construction of the Cliff Walk began in 1880. Since then, the trail has been extended and designed over a series of redevelopment projects.

The Cliff Walk, which begins at Memorial Blvd or Bellevue Ave (depending on where you start) takes you on a series of breath taking views and, at times, challenging trails. Most people begin the trail at Memorial Blvd next to Easton’s beach (also known as First Beach). This trail ends at Bailey Beach. There is one “comfort station” on the walk at Narragansett Rd.

Rather than backtracking on the trail to get back, which you can do, it is easier to take the first right at Bailey Beach which leads onto Bellevue Ave. You can follow Bellevue Ave all the way back to Memorial Blvd or one of the many access points along the trail since it runs parallel to the cliff. It is easier because it is a straight and more direct route. I used this path to get back and it cut my walking time in half.

The views of Rhode Island Sound and First Beach from the Cliff Walk are astounding.

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The first two thirds of the 3.5 mile trek (starting from Memorial Blvd) is easy and well defined. However, the terrain gets rocky, challenging and more scenic after the first 2 and a quarter miles. The steps and paths go from being well defined and wide.

to rugged, rocky and narrow

Other than the challenging terrain, the Cliff Walk is an easy, fun trail (it’s best to stop and turn around at the Breakers mansion or Webster Street if you’re starting from Memorial Blvd to avoid the more rocky terrain).

The Cliff Walk is also a good place for birding. There were lots of birds flying here and there, calling out to each other and even a few relaxing on the rocks. They look like they’re conspiring.

Perhaps the most well known part of the trail is the 40 Steps. In addition to providing you with an up close look of the shoreline, the 40 Steps also provides a little bit of history to the trail. The 40 steps is where the servants and workers of the mansions used to congregate during the Gilded Age.

One of my favorite parts of the walk was watching the people on the various water crafts and other flotation devices.

Another great thing about the Cliff Walk are the unusual features of the trail. Tunnels, makeshift trails, colorful flowers, even a memorial attached to a rock and other decorative items are scattered throughout the Cliff Walk. The memorial on the rock is dedicated to former surfer pro Ryan Patrick Roberts, nicknamed “Gazoo”. Roberts, a Newport native, passed away February 5, 2000. One wonders how they got the plaque on there and made it stay there.

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The Cliff Walk also offers many great views of the mansions and other buildings built along the shore.

Some of the visitors at the Cliff Walk weren’t contend to stay on the trail.

There were a lot of dogs on the trail during my visits. It is a great place to take your pup for a walk. But, you may want to avoid the rockier terrain when you take your dog to the Cliff Walk.

Remy is a 10 month German Short Hair Pointer and a loyal Red Sox fan I presume.

Winston, a 4 year old Maltese from Seattle, WA, took the easy way around the Cliff Walk

Fion is an 8 year old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Her breed is named after the area of France where that breed originated from (Vendeen).

Believe it or not, Penny, a Great Pyrenees, is only one year old.

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June 24, 2016

Colt State Park (Bristol, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 19, 2016

Location: Rte 114 (off Poppasquash Rd – yes that is the real name of the road – or Hope St depending which direction you’re coming from), Bristol, RI

Cost: It was free when I visited, according to the new parking fees it is $7 for residents and $14 for non residents to park at beaches in Rhode Island (lawmakers in Rhode Island recently cut the costs in half)

Parking: There are several parking areas. But, they fill up quickly. Arrive early to ensure you get a good spot, especially during the summer weekends. There are also electric vehicle charging stations available for 4 hours max while enjoying the park or other facility.The EV station does not guarantee a space on full capacity days

Hours: open daily dawn to dusk.

Time To Allot For Visit: This can vary depending on what you’re doing there (kayaking, running, cycling, barbecuing, etc.) If you’re just going for a walk or jog an hour to two hours should be enough time. I spent three hours there but I was stopping a lot to take photos

Size of Park: 464 acres

Highlights: scenic waterscape, various wildlife, walking/running/biking trails, fields and picnic areas, beach, bridge and pretty architecture and well kept trails

Named after Samuel P. Colt who owned the property in the early 1900’s where he built his home the Casino, Colt State Park has been considered the “gem of Rhode Island.” With its pretty views, teeming wildlife and peaceful setting it lives up to its name.

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The park is surrounded by water for people to launch their boats, kayaks and other types or watercraft.

One of the best things about Colt State Park is the abundant wildlife. There are birds aplenty.

Egrets

Red Winged Blackbird

American Black Crow

Mallard Duck

Robin

??????

There are many other animals at the park like this chipmunk

I even saw lions at the park

Off the beaten path, I found these top bar bee hives. And they get nasty when you get too close and I had a bee sting to prove it! I suppose I wouldn’t like it if someone came into my home and started taking photos either.

And, of course, there were dogs at the park.

Butch, a Lab mix, is a shelter dog from South Carolina. His mommy wasn’t sure of his age (either 3 or 4 years old probably).

Max is a 6 year old English Lab. He is also an AKC (American Kennel Club) dog.

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June 13, 2016

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park (New Bedford, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 11, 2016

Location: 1000 Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA

Parking: There are about 70-100 spots or so in the park itself but plenty of off street parking as well.

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn until dusk
Dog Friendly: It sure is!

Highlights: forts, lighthouse, jetty, beach, war memorials, walking trails, playground with slides and swings for children (or adults if you’re so inclined), military museum, war reenactments, pretty views

The highlight of the park for most visitors has to be the jetty. Fishing off the jetty, or anywhere else at the park is allowed. But, they have a strict “catch and release” policy because most of the fish are contaminated with PCB (poly-chlorinated bipenyls). So, they would not be safe to eat. PCB’s are known cancer causing toxins. The New Bedford Harbor is lined with these cancer-causing toxins that were released into the harbor between 1938 and 1973 by factories such as the electrical component manufacturer Aerovox. The harbor is in the process of being cleaned. But, it could take many more years before the job is complete.

Seashells and seaweed were scattered along the bridge, evidence of some recent stormy seas.

There are so many beautiful views and interesting things at Fort Taber Park. The lighthouse in the photos is the

Since New Bedford has been known for its whaling and seafaring history, the park (and all of New Bedford) is also known for its lighthouses. In the background of the fort in the photo below you can see Clarks Point Lighthouse, first originally built in 1797 (it was replaced with a stone tower in 1804).

The lighthouse below is the Butler Flats Lighthouse, originally built in 1898.

There are several war memorials dedicated to the men and women of Fall River who have served their country, with a specific emphasis on those who were killed in action.

The memorial below is a Vietnam War Memorial that really stood out to me. If you look closely at the board in the final photo, you can see photos of the service people from New Bedford who were killed in the war. Everything about this memorial has meaning. The 43 stars on the memorial represent all of the 43 people from New Bedford who died in Vietnam. The outline of Vietnam is in orange as a reference to Agent Orange who died from Agent Orange. Even the service ribbons on the memorial have meaning. The blue ribbon represents the National Defense Ribbon which is representative of everyone who served in Vietnam. The other two ribbons represent in country veterans. The two plants at the memorial signify life.

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There are also several memorials to all of the 20th century wars America has been in, although I did not notice any memorials for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I am assuming this may be because those actions are still not officially over even if we have pulled out most of our military presence in those places.

A tribute does stand for Army Staff Sargent Joseph Camara of New Bedford, MA, who was killed in action on September 1, 2003 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom when the humvee he was traveling in hit a land mine. He was serving with the 115th Military Police Company as a member of the Rhode Island National Guard in the Iraq War. He was 40 years old when he died. He was also a member of the New Bedford Police Department. His memorial is located at the bottom of the gallery below.

There is also a replica of a Sherman tank stands as a tribute to the LST amphibious force T-4 who lost their lives in training for the invasion on D-Day. During the training exercises, sadly, many men lost their lives training for the invasion.

While I was visiting it was 17th century drill day. Reenactors from the Dartmouth militia, in full 17th century garb, showed how weapons were used, described the different types of warfare of the day and answered any questions the public had.

The staff also allowed visitors inside Fort Taber. The guide explained they stopped using this Civil War fort once the ballistics that were used became too effective against the barricades of the fort.

Grass and rust had overtaken what was once a formidable fortification.

One of the best parts of my visit – on the way to my car, I saw this man and woman playing their instruments.

One of the great things I noticed about the New Bedford area as I walked around taking photos and from the crowd at Fort Taber is the diversity of the cultures and people of the area. The photographs above illustrate this. The music sounded like it had an up tempo flamenco influence. It sounded beautiful. And I love their attire.

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman is a dog friendly park. The park is a great place for dogs. There are miles of trails for your dog to wander.

Sadie is a miniature poodle. She will be 5 in August! Early happy birthday wishes, Sadie!

I also met Yoda, a 10 year old Yorkie.

Below is a video of the inside of one of the forts at Fort Taber. It’s kind of spooky!

This video is a video of the military reenactors firing their weapons.

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June 12, 2016

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: May 31, 2016

Location: US-5, Holyoke, MA – it comes up pretty quick (about half a mile from the entrance to Mount Tom on Reservation Rd).

Cost: Free

Hours: Open from dawn until dusk

Parking: There is room for about 5 cars.

Dog Friendly: I didn’t see during my visit. But, yes, they are welcome!

Highlights: Dinosaur footprints, Connecticut River behind the footprints, active wildlife, very short and easy trail to the footprints and river

A long, long time ago, the entire Connecticut River Valley, specifically the Holyoke area, was home to a variety of dinosaurs. And you can still see their footprints in the ancient mudflaps of the region. There are also remnants of flowers and even ripples of water from the streams that once flowed in the area.

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The prints are believed to have been formed during the early Jurassic period, making them approximately 200 million years old. Or, about as long as your average RMV/DMV wait time.

The main types of dinosaurs that are thought to have existed in this location are theropod dinosaurs. Theropod dinosaurs are mainly 2 legged creatures. Some of the more well-known Theropods are Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velicoraptor and Torvosaurus (think some of the dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park movies). It is believed these types of dinosaurs evolved into the birds that we now see so prevalent in the area.

I did see a lot of bird life but I didn’t see any theropods.

One of the nice surprises was seeing the stream behind the footprints; the Connecticut River. In fact, although seeing the footprints was cool, this may have been the highlight of the trip for me.

The Dinosaur Footprints Reservation is a great place to visit if you want to check out some cool remnants from a distant era. But, it is also a nice place to go and sit by the river or go fishing. Just don’t stay too long if you start seeing the water shaking. You know, like in the movie.

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June 9, 2016

Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Easthampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 1, 2016

Location: 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA

Hours:

Trails & Restrooms:
Daily, dawn to dusk

Visitor Center
Mon-Thurs, 9 am – noon
Fri, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Sat, 9 am – noon
Sunday seasonally

Cost:

Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

A year long pass for new members cost me $32 for a “family” pass which includes two named adults living in the same household and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18 to free admission. It usually costs $65. The levels of passes can range from an individual ($48) to patron ($500). Check their website or call them for more details.

Parking: Parking was abundant. There were some events for children going on when I went and there was room for everyone to park there.

Dog Friendly: No pets are allowed. So leave Fido at home!

Highlights: miles of trails, observation tower, lots of wildlife, great blue heron rookery, camps, programs, classes and activities (particularly for children), friendly and helpful staff

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 20 minutes north of Springfield, MA and just over an hour and a half west of Boston, MA, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is teeming with a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife you see may surprise you.

I had never been so close to a deer, at least not in the wild. I was close enough to almost pat her. It was almost unreal to be so close to such a beautiful animal and not scare her off.

According to the staff member I spoke to about this doe, this particular doe was not an original resident of the sanctuary. But, due to over development of the area and other factors, she has found her way to the sanctuary.

The 5 mile loop is well marked (remember the yellow path leads back to the visitor center). There is an observation tower on the main trail (to the right of the trail). It was pretty shaky but it gave some great views.

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On the walkway to the tower, I made a friend. This immature redtail hawk is another animal that wasn’t originally at the sanctuary. But, he or she has made a home there and the bird didn’t seem to shy until I got too close when he or she flew off onto a tree branch.

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park. Even if you’re not into photography, birding or looking for wildlife you would still enjoy a scenic hike on the trails.

There are two markers on a pole next to the observation tower displaying the levels of two of the big floods in the area (the floods of 1936 and 1984).

I was a little disappointed too not see any turtles, frogs or other critters. But, I saw and heard lots of chipmunks. Either the last chipmunk in the right hand corner is very long or I should have changed my photo settings. I thought it looked funny so I kept it!

Audubon sanctuaries are always a safe bet for a fun time at a clean and well maintained park with a lot of wildlife and Arcadia was no different.

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12 Comments | tags: birds, deer, doe, hawk, Hiking, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, trees, water | posted in birds, hawk, Massachusetts, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, wildlife

June 7, 2016

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Events: May 3 – May 5, 2016

Location: Dave’s Soda And Pet City, 151 Springfield St, Agawam, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: Parking was abundant, even with the large crowd

Dog Friendly: Dogs are encouraged to go!

Highlights: jumping dogs!

The dogs of New England made a big splash recently in Agawam, Massachusetts. Actually, they made a lot of splashes at the Dock Dogs competition.

Dock Dogs, in its 16th year, is an aquatic dog competition that tests dogs jumping and swimming abilities. Although it has been around for quite some time, it was the first time it was held in Agawam, Massachusetts. This event was held in the parking lot of a local pet store, Dave’s Soda And Pet City.

The events are broken up into two main events: Big Air in which the dogs attempt to leap as far as they can and Extreme Vertical which tests the dogs’ ability to jump straight up. The records for the two events that day were 22 feet for the Big Air event and 6 ft, 6 inches for the Extreme Vertical jump. That’s better than what I could do!

The best part of the events is how much the dogs love the activities, well most of them do. They can’t seem to wait to jump or leap and some don’t seem to want to get out of the water!

Here are some of the longest jumpers!

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Some of the dogs were less eager to get into the water

The highlight of the event was, for me at least, the Extreme Vertical competition. The dogs really got some height!

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It really was hard to see some of the dogs miss the target on the pole. But, they still looked beautiful whether they reached the top or not.

I was able to catch up with some of the dogs there, like Baxter, when they weren’t wet.

Baxter, a fan favorite in the Big Air competition, is a 5 year old Yellow Labrador.

There were plenty of dogs who weren’t participating but came to watch. Here are a few of the dog spectators.

Jemma is 14 month old Landseer Newfoundland.

Lyla is a 2 and a half year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

This happy looking guy is Chase, a 2 year old Golden Retriever.

Benson is a 6 year old Chocolate English Labrador

Lillie is an 11 week old Australian Sheepdog. Maybe some day she can give the Extreme Vertical competition a shot!

Monty, an 11 year old pug, looked cool in his stroller.

There were also tents set up for kids to get their face painted (or adults if you’re into that) and tents that were giving away samples of pet treats. There were also kiddie pols and bowls of water placed around the lot liberally for all the hot dogs, or presumably people, you know if that’s your thing. They really did think of everything to ensure everyone had a good time.

There was also a tent set up to raise donations for Greyhound rescues. Massachusetts has closed almost all of the race tracks and since Greyhounds are bred mainly to race, that breed of dog may be going away, at least in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So, take a good look while you can.

These boxers took a minute from drinking their water to strike a pose for me.

One of the tents at the event had a canine dog and his handler.

Frankie is a 5 year old German Shepherd. He passed the 14 week course to become a K9 cop. Although he does look hot, it was a hot day, I have learned that the officers who work with these pets care for them as though they were their own. They do have a strong bond with their dogs.

Attached below are some videos of the dogs competing. To see even more videos I have compiled (ad-free), stop by my YouTube page: New England Nomad YouTube

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18 Comments | tags: dogs, fun, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, water | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

New England Nomad

Tag Archives: water

Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

Salem Willows (Salem, MA)

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)

Robinson State Park (Feeding Hills, MA)

Cliff Walk (Newport, RI)

Colt State Park (Bristol, RI)

Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Park (New Bedford, MA)

Dinosaur Footprints Reservation (Holyoke, MA)

Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Easthampton, MA)

Dock Dogs (Agawam, MA)

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