Late this morning I returned to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy more snowshoeing. Entering from White Pond Road in Maynard brought me to a parking area near the junction of three trails/routes: White Pond Road, Patrol Road, and Taylor Way. I followed White Pond Rd. to Harry's Way and after about a mile reached the junction pictured above. Looming under the pines, near this spot, is one of the remaining ammunition bunkers...
It serves as a reminder that this land was the site of a large U.S. Military ammunition depot built in 1942. During World War II there were approximately 50 such bunkers served by railroad tracks. Munitions were stored here before being shipped by rail to the Boston Port of Embarkation. A book published by the Boston and Maine Railroad Historical Society, Inc., The Central Mass. provides much useful information on the site and the vital role it played during WW II.
Returning to the trail junction, I opted to head down Otter Alley. Looking at the trail ahead, it was obvious that there had been near equal use by both cross-country skiers and snowshoers in recent days. At several spots the two different paths criss-crossed reminding me of a slot-car racing track...
While I saw no otters, I did see this work crew and their all-terrain vehicle working out on a bog that is connected to Puffer Pond...
At the end of Otter Alley, I began the trip back towards my starting point on Taylor Way which, appropriately, follows the course of Taylor Brook. In one small bog I saw a great blue heron who apparently decided to winter over. Hopefully, he'll find enough open water where he can continue to fish. Where Taylor Brook passes under the trail there were these signs of another critter fond of fish...
The hole in the ice and belly tracks in the snow leave me thinking it was an otter. Another possibility might be a mink. His size might be indicated by where he elected to pass under the security fence...
Not long after this stream crossing I reached the trailhead and my car. Total distance covered was about 2.7 miles. Today's little jaunt was a nice way to send-off the month of January.
Prior to leaving home this morning, I noticed that someone had commented on having read a post of mine from August 15, 2009. I revisited the post and, while reading, remembered it as having been a perfect summer's day. On a scale of 1 to 10 it was a 25! Here is a link if you wish to visit the summer side of life. Thanks Anonymous for reminding me of warmer times.
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