Some Oxbow Sanctity

 

Paid a pre-nor'easter visit to the Oxbow NWR in Harvard, MA yesterday and found things all-quiet on the Western Front (aka the Fort Devens Firing Range).  So quiet that 3 white-tailed deer were encountered near where the Union Turnpike long ago crossed the river.  About 2 miles downriver I came to where a fallen tree straddled the full width of the river about a month ago.  Thanks to someone's recent saw work, cutting about a dozen tree limbs, passage was once again possible...

After paddling upriver to a small stone chapel (belonging to Saint Benedicts Abbey?), I headed back to the takeout and on the way came upon a lone CSX RR locomotive (7517) crossing above the river and heading eastbound on the Worcester Main...

Shortly the locomotive's horn would sound for Still River Depot Road briefly piercing the valley's serenity.

Of the waterways in my local paddling network this particular stretch of the Nashua River is the one that just keeps on giving in regards to trash...

...and yesterday's gathering eventually included 96 nip bottles.  Also included a fair amount of green for the upcoming Saint Patrick's Day.

Nonetheless a beautiful place to spend some time...