A Quiet Quaboag

It'd been awhile (2012) since I last visited the Quaboag River boat launch at Rt. 148 in Brookfield.  When I arrived there yesterday morning I found the highway bridge had been replaced and access to the boat launch was now via a paved road.  Post-launch parking is not allowed at the launch but instead accomplished at Mill Station Park (a short drive or walk from the river). A plaque (opening photo) provides historical information about the location.  All-in-all it's quite an improvement over what previously existed.

Once on the river I paddled upstream noting considerable floating green algae, the product of our hot summer and not enough flushing rains?....

 
Soon I reached Quaboag Pond where there was hardly a ripple...

To the northeast I found and entered the Quaboag's tributary, East Brookfield River, which conveys the waters of the Five and Seven Mile rivers.
Despite the shallow river levels I was able to ascend the E. Brookfield almost to the point where Five Mile and Seven Mile converge.  Nearby, on what looks to be an island (in spring), I came across this strange collection of porta-potty walls, old doors, windows, mattresses, etc....

They're arranged in such a way as to possibly provide cover...

...during paint-ball skirmishes?

Returning to Quaboag Pond I paddled down to the southern end hoping to find the connection with Quacumquasit Pond.  Just when I was ready to give up, I saw this structure where the two ponds connect...

 To the side were posted instructions...

I believe the Flow Barrier is used to prevent high water backflow from Quaboag into Quacumquasit.  Not much threat of it being operated these days.  The actual barrier (suspended overhead) can be seen in this view from the Quacumquasit end...

Before turning back I enjoyed my first-ever look at Quacumquasit...

Yesterday's cloudy skies and unusually quiet conditions resulted in an ideal environment for trying to make sense of a recent tragedy.

Back at Quaboag River Crossing the sun was gaining ground and another warm afternoon was in the making.

Very little trash was encountered...in fact I paddled more than 4 miles before seeing the first piece of litter and that doesn't happen very often.

Most of this modest haul was found among the rocks beneath the new bridge...