Paddled a new bit of the Nashua River today launching at Rt. 2A in Shirley. Launching here is a bit challenging requiring one's boat to be lowered down a steep bank. The use of a rope makes this task much easier and safer, especially if alone. I'd used the launch site once before for gaining access to the lower Squannacook River which is only a short distance downstream.
After launching I headed upriver towards Ayer...
It is a scenic stretch with relatively few signs of civilization.
One of those few signs...
Fortunately, there weren't too many of the above.
I've long been intrigued by the Native American named brook "Nonacoicus" when seen on maps. Today I finally got to paddle past its confluence with the Nashua...
It didn't look too inviting from a navigability perspective. Nonacoicus is said to have meant "earthen pot" or "earthen kettle".
Another tributary seen today was Mulpus Brook...
What little flow it was contributing to the Nashua was crystal clear.
After paddling about 2 miles I reached the MBTA Fitchburg Commuter Rail bridge (near Macpherson Rd. in Ayer) just in time to see Train 418 heading inbound towards Boston...
At this location my vessel was run aground...
...until after lunch anyways.
The trip back down was pleasant with the afternoon warming nicely.
My trash haul for the day...
There were 34 recyclable containers (10) redeemable and 36 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as nip bottles, Styrofoam, and a Mylar balloon. YTD = 4418
One interesting find was a 1938 D-Patent hobble-skirt coke bottle (New York) which looked surprisingly new after cleaning...
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