tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3036163629293024662024-03-18T12:43:05.731-04:00TrashpaddlerA paddler who brakes for trashAlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.comBlogger1415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-56511650439457259962024-03-18T12:42:00.000-04:002024-03-18T12:42:32.917-04:00Lighter All Around<p>Spent this past week getting re-acquainted with my composite kayak which is 15 pounds lighter than my rotomolded kayak. Made the switch a little earlier than usual as these days I feel each and every pound. All the better to enjoy our increasing hours of daylight.</p><p>Wednesday on the Concord River in Bedford, MA under bright blue skies...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGgLwPQ05vRpuCUO0POfaxjkrSmerU-bEIuJpXBuJqqFPoEORqXh0p1KVP1SnH9uqZy-hZnPjoHznbQuseIlDeDuBxhWx0YGUFsR5BcrqsWaMxpHLWsoMDGL4l__U_SBG9A4oNJOjm9Qq7EU3KPH8iqFxT3gy91Dgot6gNNaBOW2Fk2dzUY95C3akMhg/s4608/IMG_3610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGgLwPQ05vRpuCUO0POfaxjkrSmerU-bEIuJpXBuJqqFPoEORqXh0p1KVP1SnH9uqZy-hZnPjoHznbQuseIlDeDuBxhWx0YGUFsR5BcrqsWaMxpHLWsoMDGL4l__U_SBG9A4oNJOjm9Qq7EU3KPH8iqFxT3gy91Dgot6gNNaBOW2Fk2dzUY95C3akMhg/w400-h300/IMG_3610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>...and Thursday on the Assabet River in Stow, MA under equally cloudless skies...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxytwBFRZ0m3Dr8FUKOT_k2hzMhnKGMZnJIqQcE8O4HTA_E7sD2AMBb7FC5iE7lYykFd2fS4ay_QNOQJyuicRdeQ5prPhyh_iICVLf-hXBg8e7MavuY1U0n2ft6KT1A88m0Wgh9BkjkxJMdeVAnH9ZZYVTQBNkYQGcZh_IdOg-q1vr_8FLPZpxrxpvfk4/s4608/IMG_3621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxytwBFRZ0m3Dr8FUKOT_k2hzMhnKGMZnJIqQcE8O4HTA_E7sD2AMBb7FC5iE7lYykFd2fS4ay_QNOQJyuicRdeQ5prPhyh_iICVLf-hXBg8e7MavuY1U0n2ft6KT1A88m0Wgh9BkjkxJMdeVAnH9ZZYVTQBNkYQGcZh_IdOg-q1vr_8FLPZpxrxpvfk4/w400-h300/IMG_3621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Wrapped up the week with a Saint Patrick's Day paddle in Concord, MA under changeable skies and a kicked-up breeze in the vicinity of Egg Rock...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h2lBfz5fL6i4FsF43nvGTiRz8WFCw2CZY4ukFryg0YANuWdk2WkiJzfqmL68meMMkNFmrA4n1QBuyMUYuCX0YsXFVEB25gulyJEYRRIZSRGP3KO2k5hm1H3V1J2A2ueixeWTGSo8ADKIQdi7vgn0J2Ynb3sk5iWYSKpOwCokrtgsblgwFHtLKxQa52U/s4608/IMG_3648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h2lBfz5fL6i4FsF43nvGTiRz8WFCw2CZY4ukFryg0YANuWdk2WkiJzfqmL68meMMkNFmrA4n1QBuyMUYuCX0YsXFVEB25gulyJEYRRIZSRGP3KO2k5hm1H3V1J2A2ueixeWTGSo8ADKIQdi7vgn0J2Ynb3sk5iWYSKpOwCokrtgsblgwFHtLKxQa52U/s320/IMG_3648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Water levels on the local rivers were back up and almost allowed me to paddle into Brewster's Canoe House alongside the Concord River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5p7-f2nOvAtXNh8dic8lIfNzF7Kat5TAQqNzmiURCG1nfTrBn9Tnh1d-DYSGrhsfBjffgukDZ33fE_aOUcnpFRc2wOiuhsy2frLyaoEDy6hliFlkcfUG9kuVSrhhKYfUHKgAm6tTwA0Qz0m9zryEQMWmVRaSuG_vA84mBqFemo0tOdtsvU_btRurM2o/s4608/IMG_3614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5p7-f2nOvAtXNh8dic8lIfNzF7Kat5TAQqNzmiURCG1nfTrBn9Tnh1d-DYSGrhsfBjffgukDZ33fE_aOUcnpFRc2wOiuhsy2frLyaoEDy6hliFlkcfUG9kuVSrhhKYfUHKgAm6tTwA0Qz0m9zryEQMWmVRaSuG_vA84mBqFemo0tOdtsvU_btRurM2o/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Sunday the Egg Rock inscription was completely submerged. However, a short distance away on the Assabet another rock showed two lines from George Bradford Bartlett's poem <i>Floating Hearts</i>...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTjI9veKo6Z4I-93Pp-NZ2ii-k6m31vtHQA-nRsuoC1UJ5H48LHtuvfyGmFKU2i16nfHEzxtt-F5ELTolccOJCw6QCJvfdXhi6-pV1Klo3DhYPD92uAE8SvT51UahPeScv2LruW8jgzoKFl-qveALsHDglH7VqsnO2iEpLRA04YEkKeTCmJL8HznxzDw/s4608/IMG_3643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTjI9veKo6Z4I-93Pp-NZ2ii-k6m31vtHQA-nRsuoC1UJ5H48LHtuvfyGmFKU2i16nfHEzxtt-F5ELTolccOJCw6QCJvfdXhi6-pV1Klo3DhYPD92uAE8SvT51UahPeScv2LruW8jgzoKFl-qveALsHDglH7VqsnO2iEpLRA04YEkKeTCmJL8HznxzDw/w400-h300/IMG_3643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p>Other notable sightings during the week were this eagle on the Assabet...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyx8No5qL7EekIRz41nZnQc12Ss3Gp-U_9jA_9PmlF3S7Cfjq4VK-T3BUiHhQDwcscag1dg_tm8uyfa4pmKsYhne0QzaH_43emaxr-dGVUkZisnXZWF8Me9NDHmhP0IBN6O4FYUuil02jobBwMUdQjDbz42IMfrF8Jf2sAAr2alFtrlpZnrFYXl_R8BM/s4608/IMG_3630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyx8No5qL7EekIRz41nZnQc12Ss3Gp-U_9jA_9PmlF3S7Cfjq4VK-T3BUiHhQDwcscag1dg_tm8uyfa4pmKsYhne0QzaH_43emaxr-dGVUkZisnXZWF8Me9NDHmhP0IBN6O4FYUuil02jobBwMUdQjDbz42IMfrF8Jf2sAAr2alFtrlpZnrFYXl_R8BM/s320/IMG_3630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Common mergansers on the Assabet...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZluRsXtCVVPnp74Pp432XJkVmhSxw3ub7iek8Miv3VlPEq8dZWHdaNX2wN_ePzbNxf5hyphenhyphen_4eQxIm3zHzSEH8lA6RqPAOPCRcdKluphnyujyofxVSS4vmXwjCnp_BUJUAJLEmPupqjoPHKw_r1WYw86pI-jjCcWo9UbzBPZn2vWZINfFCqPlWM_95Us4/s4224/Common%20mergansers.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="4224" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZluRsXtCVVPnp74Pp432XJkVmhSxw3ub7iek8Miv3VlPEq8dZWHdaNX2wN_ePzbNxf5hyphenhyphen_4eQxIm3zHzSEH8lA6RqPAOPCRcdKluphnyujyofxVSS4vmXwjCnp_BUJUAJLEmPupqjoPHKw_r1WYw86pI-jjCcWo9UbzBPZn2vWZINfFCqPlWM_95Us4/s320/Common%20mergansers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and a Styrofoam F-35 aircraft from the lower Sudbury...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iozqG-i4VEW9xL9ojMmCvMzXKX6YR8-UPLToP4b3Mqs37EVATqG2XDimnF3RD1uDRlM8S_j8E-kHfPzCWnLy39FgBEt4xrRRB3gm6CXaVvrrd1S-_I3pZQOEkPaZEEosZ0_vkF6Xxij6_vJwgxRoEdvgFCsAfF5MggnGJgGGzTitBt39-Vo2yYOQus0/s4608/IMG_3638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iozqG-i4VEW9xL9ojMmCvMzXKX6YR8-UPLToP4b3Mqs37EVATqG2XDimnF3RD1uDRlM8S_j8E-kHfPzCWnLy39FgBEt4xrRRB3gm6CXaVvrrd1S-_I3pZQOEkPaZEEosZ0_vkF6Xxij6_vJwgxRoEdvgFCsAfF5MggnGJgGGzTitBt39-Vo2yYOQus0/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Trash from the Concord on Wednesday included 22 "nip bottles"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYnD5bIQr4e6Eq74QO9rX1f9f66eJk9RSleJWvT8vYTTtiyM8ML2SeGpgQxHvpCJ26p9dDWQRIhMqxNtCbrX7ssUdMj5NHUq2LtIS6zIW3nrQAcnnq9UqTd5WggBfVwM8LcL1iFV0CxbmgrJxlIHkwyU7Y3VSRIr0DzqBVFvlij-ACTYU_vAXbxpTkuU/s4608/IMG_3617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYnD5bIQr4e6Eq74QO9rX1f9f66eJk9RSleJWvT8vYTTtiyM8ML2SeGpgQxHvpCJ26p9dDWQRIhMqxNtCbrX7ssUdMj5NHUq2LtIS6zIW3nrQAcnnq9UqTd5WggBfVwM8LcL1iFV0CxbmgrJxlIHkwyU7Y3VSRIr0DzqBVFvlij-ACTYU_vAXbxpTkuU/s320/IMG_3617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Assabet on Thursday included 15 "nip bottles" and a plastic dolphin...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf2ccqX-kZCAttjzA2hJm59tRdJH74nm1Dw45-7TQh_rKDnftKhm26IAjUsshyphenhyphenm8e7PQfzL1Kd9xDT23jC7PUO_WE1NiNHWIzIX3NSMql_SdsRWWmaqB3bXokVUv7pKJ97EmDhLZUrHPuiofZ3tvY_H74Y-OZMoJzxT_iMZU8AGBTysOrfwJUBHVOrLU/s4608/IMG_3635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf2ccqX-kZCAttjzA2hJm59tRdJH74nm1Dw45-7TQh_rKDnftKhm26IAjUsshyphenhyphenm8e7PQfzL1Kd9xDT23jC7PUO_WE1NiNHWIzIX3NSMql_SdsRWWmaqB3bXokVUv7pKJ97EmDhLZUrHPuiofZ3tvY_H74Y-OZMoJzxT_iMZU8AGBTysOrfwJUBHVOrLU/s320/IMG_3635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from St. Patrick's Day on bits of the Assabet and Sudbury rivers included 43 "nip bottles" and a wee bit of green...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJFYnfiw8KlBn7-QcZNtRB3HAUGB-BRs6rBp3_RTLr7sRUQbREmVKoc3wt_tlY-BDUOZXgdXr40jZOcZ4Efc1aBzdrUQ_uyoKsVFLJPMMIltesFxzet1a53mnUiQ7XfoNu_jmrLANxq33vzS153eNFezLGXCPCYHwSu4SEbrZ3u6GXmp4QRUG2Kmn2Jw/s4608/IMG_3646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJFYnfiw8KlBn7-QcZNtRB3HAUGB-BRs6rBp3_RTLr7sRUQbREmVKoc3wt_tlY-BDUOZXgdXr40jZOcZ4Efc1aBzdrUQ_uyoKsVFLJPMMIltesFxzet1a53mnUiQ7XfoNu_jmrLANxq33vzS153eNFezLGXCPCYHwSu4SEbrZ3u6GXmp4QRUG2Kmn2Jw/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>My favorite Irish saying...<i>May the road rise to meet you</i>.<br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-32973359249002817402024-03-11T11:04:00.000-04:002024-03-11T11:04:49.285-04:00Last Standard Time Paddle <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KbdrdADHrqlJLAPwaYXD_hhYpBFhCSC__M_0MTcsoXWA7Y2ZO4T_qocxnFVps4W89KBjoHOCaDqdQhRt4iQbOvzr9IySxGnMtIpQKpC2OOCPBV0vkYGSADrBVBleBzJXRi-wnd7O4doDHmzHOtpFYBBpxb7giG62gg24kDV_hr9-cqBMA6SOoKsHPFk/s4608/IMG_3593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KbdrdADHrqlJLAPwaYXD_hhYpBFhCSC__M_0MTcsoXWA7Y2ZO4T_qocxnFVps4W89KBjoHOCaDqdQhRt4iQbOvzr9IySxGnMtIpQKpC2OOCPBV0vkYGSADrBVBleBzJXRi-wnd7O4doDHmzHOtpFYBBpxb7giG62gg24kDV_hr9-cqBMA6SOoKsHPFk/w400-h300/IMG_3593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Got out only once this past week...a mid-day paddle on the Nashua River from Petapawag in Groton, MA. </p><p>Heading downriver I passed by an eagle nest at an ideal location. Status of nest unknown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0WmVhrv2v6P2zDP2_GWO28TIlNTa6Z4Kkk8a60DmoxuxsUoJhy2ql1LRbtDcGCmxarrGkSD8dlHVy9Xzce72l3IPRKPpgJrVxNVFiexn4c9lKxOELi_zUSoYaX-EygheSxjFig_BXYI1Pwj_KreCF2ToGx5idCSchg8eaRaGrbBvJLdPGYuS5kuu6wg/s4608/IMG_3594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0WmVhrv2v6P2zDP2_GWO28TIlNTa6Z4Kkk8a60DmoxuxsUoJhy2ql1LRbtDcGCmxarrGkSD8dlHVy9Xzce72l3IPRKPpgJrVxNVFiexn4c9lKxOELi_zUSoYaX-EygheSxjFig_BXYI1Pwj_KreCF2ToGx5idCSchg8eaRaGrbBvJLdPGYuS5kuu6wg/s320/IMG_3594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Went down to where the river opens up in the approach to the dam at East Pepperell...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE-7bhOZxQtv7kjfpGtJztzx9Op3CbyZJV6wr2qkbmGLCMvwUpoGeBWg7HvB377fypjgF10lvcnllRq9w25dRXnv1d0BtkOg9YEI2aKLD4VdpuuQPgXF1bHFGpUESoPOL2da9O9sdFCPscn_76y88o3QILLlvkF72lYgSCPY33pFHWc62lFcnHqh1nHk/s4608/IMG_3595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE-7bhOZxQtv7kjfpGtJztzx9Op3CbyZJV6wr2qkbmGLCMvwUpoGeBWg7HvB377fypjgF10lvcnllRq9w25dRXnv1d0BtkOg9YEI2aKLD4VdpuuQPgXF1bHFGpUESoPOL2da9O9sdFCPscn_76y88o3QILLlvkF72lYgSCPY33pFHWc62lFcnHqh1nHk/s320/IMG_3595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Trash, most of which was found snagged at the Route 111/119 bridge included another 45 "nip" bottles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAZr8icnaSWK7kPzeI7edH2Pi9Qx_jLYV6e-9nM-zSSTBmxKoUM59cQlfc7SDOEcvVGjci_91OescIrwWf01flbYV0gpcF4LCjdY8BbUJ2yr8wZaNJFCtNQlHlSEk7ut1UITqbgwUbvn5IbqvG8aKJUwkRcglcYLufXStEfCihG16fQDQPuAFncu_Drg/s4608/IMG_3589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAZr8icnaSWK7kPzeI7edH2Pi9Qx_jLYV6e-9nM-zSSTBmxKoUM59cQlfc7SDOEcvVGjci_91OescIrwWf01flbYV0gpcF4LCjdY8BbUJ2yr8wZaNJFCtNQlHlSEk7ut1UITqbgwUbvn5IbqvG8aKJUwkRcglcYLufXStEfCihG16fQDQPuAFncu_Drg/s320/IMG_3589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As I write this we've entered Daylight Saving Time...meaning we made it through another winter...perhaps one of the easiest winters I can recall! While sitting by my rarely needed stove these past months I read of Samuel Champlain, his mentor Sieur de Monts, and company deciding in 1604 to spend their first North American winter upon a small island in a tidal river near the Bay of Fundy. Their decision ultimately proved disastrous when a long, snowy, and brutally cold winter befell them. There were 79 men at the beginning of winter and only 44 survived to see the spring. Most of the deaths were due to scurvy which wasn't fully understood at that time. In reading <i>The Voyages of Samuel de Champlain, Three Volumes </i>translated by Charles P. Otis, edited by Rev. Edmund F. Slafter, I found Champlain's account regarding the fateful choice of their first settlement location: "Vessels could pass up the river only at the mercy of the cannon on this island, and we deemed the location the most advantageous, not only on account of its situation and good soil, but also on account of the intercourse which we proposed with the savages of these coasts and of the interior, as we should be in the midst of them." However, due to ice flows in the river the island became more of a prison than a safe place to winter-over. The following June Champlain wrote "On the 17th of the month, Sieur de Monts decided to go in quest of a place better adapted for an abode, and with a better temperature than our own." Thus the island settlement was a one and done and I'm left to wonder who was the "<b>we</b>" who deemed the location "<b>most advantageous</b>"? Sieur de Monts?, Champlain?, or both? My curiosity is stoked to see this island. </p>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-51964511270919067802024-03-02T16:43:00.001-05:002024-03-02T16:43:25.618-05:00Changes Afloat and Afoot<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6CqalL-AIsruRehOGPMNcUVeIx8b-zdGrSzADvoTt2-fXF7Jyx_yJzU1qebTwYd0rOI94ezkx4Rya7hEkbzF8kMJuqC1TOl4BDHkT0N3dJESPeSwfwonukzrFFiZJcuOVE5STO1w2KU6VGwhpLW3ZXd0nuQeYIHUJVXvJ2VLN864OrUU_9y-xUEHMxE/s4608/IMG_3542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6CqalL-AIsruRehOGPMNcUVeIx8b-zdGrSzADvoTt2-fXF7Jyx_yJzU1qebTwYd0rOI94ezkx4Rya7hEkbzF8kMJuqC1TOl4BDHkT0N3dJESPeSwfwonukzrFFiZJcuOVE5STO1w2KU6VGwhpLW3ZXd0nuQeYIHUJVXvJ2VLN864OrUU_9y-xUEHMxE/w400-h300/IMG_3542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This past week showcased the many changes beginning to take place along our local rivers. On Tuesday a Sudbury River paddle from Egg Rock to Fairhaven Bay was undertaken under bright sunny skies with temperatures near 60 degrees F. Real spring-like warmth was felt for a change.</p><p>The inscription at Egg Rock (opening photo) stood clean and dry for the first time in quite awhile as water levels have returned to something approaching normal. Evidence of the previously higher levels included this macabre reminder of winter's unforgiving nature...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwiECJPC_ylma84LAo0_jFdVauZXbqWtCuTgWa8-vSMNo4J40cdQUtyqsnsw5hWEmlDntC7XWpeeAZfQEFSonfAViZcgIwt1Qm9a3sm7k0JEGsuHtTN5apK7_3HGCcRKUBlq35SOSsyb_UlYV7PWGH3XnJATtqzpO_SDxlOY8C0S1Fneq8jFV5HtmeWc/s4608/IMG_3543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwiECJPC_ylma84LAo0_jFdVauZXbqWtCuTgWa8-vSMNo4J40cdQUtyqsnsw5hWEmlDntC7XWpeeAZfQEFSonfAViZcgIwt1Qm9a3sm7k0JEGsuHtTN5apK7_3HGCcRKUBlq35SOSsyb_UlYV7PWGH3XnJATtqzpO_SDxlOY8C0S1Fneq8jFV5HtmeWc/s320/IMG_3543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hard to tell what kind of critter it is.</div><div><br /></div><div>The South Bridge Boat House was looking good...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMjx5o0-0i2EuZ45dJduLCAubfwE1CMTKksktBzTFgiI6u3nSB4kWwDQFi8RRXUPGOkEA-8J_XPF581kPK0Yui1ibA3Zz6AT_nbFAegvj4tnl8ydABbYJsK5p3UD-NaYoMPNQNk_WRRmWOQm8Q1Euwks17uCg6I2hd4t6oDkks2Ywi-z0lG8z_dqLwS4/s4267/IMG_3562_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4267" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMjx5o0-0i2EuZ45dJduLCAubfwE1CMTKksktBzTFgiI6u3nSB4kWwDQFi8RRXUPGOkEA-8J_XPF581kPK0Yui1ibA3Zz6AT_nbFAegvj4tnl8ydABbYJsK5p3UD-NaYoMPNQNk_WRRmWOQm8Q1Euwks17uCg6I2hd4t6oDkks2Ywi-z0lG8z_dqLwS4/s320/IMG_3562_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Reached Fairhaven Bay and found it almost entirely ice-free...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRO8o7q1RFl29YdApFcPUXGKIP7sy-0N2ss0atKWaV9RGm-o2VrwWl8uJX96V_No09APxrPP4_sWDb-mwpomr7i1GeAk6VVoq8jxZqXq1aITeaqR4WW-buOV4jMoptaOojwLJxQMn1ZI0jjWzVxhaEyDMmHCPg7Xgs7oJu9byIAZgKPR3RTjLbk1A0A4/s4608/IMG_3544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRO8o7q1RFl29YdApFcPUXGKIP7sy-0N2ss0atKWaV9RGm-o2VrwWl8uJX96V_No09APxrPP4_sWDb-mwpomr7i1GeAk6VVoq8jxZqXq1aITeaqR4WW-buOV4jMoptaOojwLJxQMn1ZI0jjWzVxhaEyDMmHCPg7Xgs7oJu9byIAZgKPR3RTjLbk1A0A4/s320/IMG_3544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...except for the slough leading into the Lincoln Canoe Launch which was still iced over...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHxfLPijd6c-oUA5-_p5kukkWRq9cPd6YPuAdf8QH6B0m9ZThvXbCG4i12TPrWO7ZgF1MmTOuo41r4QhFy9nBIWgIJDsZ5gntor3IGmMyMfgb61xHMEIYqI8Sk2abcC3RPwB4Y3HQq-PuRvjvxF_lqKP-M-L9eqwLwdVPcUp64FRwTlsw-LKai1FKqG4/s4608/IMG_3548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHxfLPijd6c-oUA5-_p5kukkWRq9cPd6YPuAdf8QH6B0m9ZThvXbCG4i12TPrWO7ZgF1MmTOuo41r4QhFy9nBIWgIJDsZ5gntor3IGmMyMfgb61xHMEIYqI8Sk2abcC3RPwB4Y3HQq-PuRvjvxF_lqKP-M-L9eqwLwdVPcUp64FRwTlsw-LKai1FKqG4/s320/IMG_3548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Across the river was this reminder that sugar maple sap is beginning to flow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50uJ1a4U826sF7IYmeWxSyLy_vRY1yw5IA8KlNcYtg0sMl_W2rG5CKX4A1l8esyfJJPWfiL-wPW0PC4At3swdqWWitsNMDmJT8xhg3RN_C6pFpTYmEbcR2A6wrMy5Yv8yH0uVG-Nxt7XpB73zYfikwqD-LDoBlIbQNdmbO-MoOLYBnNaNjOhQ0inO_9o/s4608/IMG_3552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50uJ1a4U826sF7IYmeWxSyLy_vRY1yw5IA8KlNcYtg0sMl_W2rG5CKX4A1l8esyfJJPWfiL-wPW0PC4At3swdqWWitsNMDmJT8xhg3RN_C6pFpTYmEbcR2A6wrMy5Yv8yH0uVG-Nxt7XpB73zYfikwqD-LDoBlIbQNdmbO-MoOLYBnNaNjOhQ0inO_9o/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A colorful assortment of boats await their owners...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R9ExPM2b2jS4y_w4W-slmUbSo_cQTFWh8CWJYLcTom5GE8Btjs04LiCHv801JgQR9KTFG4r0uO2supn7R6bYAg1PvWIZFPpVhCuZK8MrK7frOobzgWMbM13yvnaP5-62fyxwoXHB6T0O-fCqyEwx5F5ihbFVdwJPECmgidmOnh-2jiZNm_sAbTPqWDo/s4608/IMG_3561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R9ExPM2b2jS4y_w4W-slmUbSo_cQTFWh8CWJYLcTom5GE8Btjs04LiCHv801JgQR9KTFG4r0uO2supn7R6bYAg1PvWIZFPpVhCuZK8MrK7frOobzgWMbM13yvnaP5-62fyxwoXHB6T0O-fCqyEwx5F5ihbFVdwJPECmgidmOnh-2jiZNm_sAbTPqWDo/s320/IMG_3561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday on the Nashua River in Harvard, MA I happily welcomed the month of March and the arrival of meteorological spring...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m_K9u6-pzpoVj7Jp8v4rCj_ozjDhr_3wpAU7ULqE-WOAbA_0KJpFia5ykjR4uoyEw4ss9fj9WT2AeVknwv0YQdprRKiUp4Xmh6PJzTEBexYROnqsED6epk5J4DwbhVhPSZ_WSsNIc2hmZvCRxt1MFT4uFtKsu39QC_uf-YuoPxrAuSTxVwk-slgMoHc/s4608/IMG_3568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m_K9u6-pzpoVj7Jp8v4rCj_ozjDhr_3wpAU7ULqE-WOAbA_0KJpFia5ykjR4uoyEw4ss9fj9WT2AeVknwv0YQdprRKiUp4Xmh6PJzTEBexYROnqsED6epk5J4DwbhVhPSZ_WSsNIc2hmZvCRxt1MFT4uFtKsu39QC_uf-YuoPxrAuSTxVwk-slgMoHc/w400-h300/IMG_3568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...though temperatures felt more like late February than March.<div><br /><div>Post paddle and while strapping down my boat a train horn was heard to the south. It preceded the arrival of CSX Train 426 enroute to Portland, ME seen crossing the Nashua River...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeiOjySnbbD7fohr5X1nKpbwf30vYSlgFKawYOBHpSRv7p8dO5lu5dIoNDUoNWv0mk_THCzKk0Rq8uOLrbno_0rZaUe4ixLrzWAiIFQxplbHzq54RvpptqZ5Usz_Cs26vSbTioUTwmhLQPrapePtc-w2Ik_ZCxr6HEvMLCWzvepXcS5qUfi0Sy1IEvj4/s4608/IMG_3571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeiOjySnbbD7fohr5X1nKpbwf30vYSlgFKawYOBHpSRv7p8dO5lu5dIoNDUoNWv0mk_THCzKk0Rq8uOLrbno_0rZaUe4ixLrzWAiIFQxplbHzq54RvpptqZ5Usz_Cs26vSbTioUTwmhLQPrapePtc-w2Ik_ZCxr6HEvMLCWzvepXcS5qUfi0Sy1IEvj4/w400-h300/IMG_3571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The train would pull to a stop at the Still River Depot Road crossing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Lth6eGF8eH7pjLbRoFx328b-w5VVnqL3lzzUx50_Ms5sdwhEEqIR_vkG02WFuIgsd5IKyMZAJk8oOO23LhkOSoJPM4pX2grKUhuNoaJcRxuSM8-gbi5oukO9tYHkswd3Zhbxl0iGXMSyMKQFNRFQUKWCpLfh6oWDc37CgrxtAzhv7kyHwePIygFmAKQ/s4608/IMG_3573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Lth6eGF8eH7pjLbRoFx328b-w5VVnqL3lzzUx50_Ms5sdwhEEqIR_vkG02WFuIgsd5IKyMZAJk8oOO23LhkOSoJPM4pX2grKUhuNoaJcRxuSM8-gbi5oukO9tYHkswd3Zhbxl0iGXMSyMKQFNRFQUKWCpLfh6oWDc37CgrxtAzhv7kyHwePIygFmAKQ/s320/IMG_3573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>..for a change of crew.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Trash from the Sudbury River was light on Tuesday...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROmQ5nJAdmuLGi6XJnDlMDUZz9-guxbiHfVbjehXjJ9_Funt7RirIZz-itYRbHCu6yWLXIzJRGE6k-zC81jJhOwhjLISPQ8wHPYdxRn_VZgK3XQb6VdkLflatGyWDfsWiL7-XRXguPmLq9QrkqMm52v0kdsHquHAsJhFbDlSmeWhGj0SfzcFwvr8UOzM/s4608/IMG_3565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROmQ5nJAdmuLGi6XJnDlMDUZz9-guxbiHfVbjehXjJ9_Funt7RirIZz-itYRbHCu6yWLXIzJRGE6k-zC81jJhOwhjLISPQ8wHPYdxRn_VZgK3XQb6VdkLflatGyWDfsWiL7-XRXguPmLq9QrkqMm52v0kdsHquHAsJhFbDlSmeWhGj0SfzcFwvr8UOzM/s320/IMG_3565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...but changed to a bit heavier plastic content from the Nashua River on Friday...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7E4wasKHdXcUyfWvuc_9P4mVbFKjPDYWPGsKehSwbbsbnzhCGZJg9LVAD-giqJ73kP_e8pDUyZ_a3IxUuynar1jQ57oq7aP5zYMcALmGbSZSJo7vaR-Rjy5WZFmIBddxdD_w9rMMQIk7Mfn82oQAw7YitwvSuk6-eaH_5zdwvJfI8Par6CurOeGdGa4/s4608/IMG_3570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7E4wasKHdXcUyfWvuc_9P4mVbFKjPDYWPGsKehSwbbsbnzhCGZJg9LVAD-giqJ73kP_e8pDUyZ_a3IxUuynar1jQ57oq7aP5zYMcALmGbSZSJo7vaR-Rjy5WZFmIBddxdD_w9rMMQIk7Mfn82oQAw7YitwvSuk6-eaH_5zdwvJfI8Par6CurOeGdGa4/s320/IMG_3570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...with 45 miniature bottles (aka "nips") front and center.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-31104225911894576732024-02-24T10:19:00.002-05:002024-02-24T10:19:31.150-05:00Heard Spring Was Approaching<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGE9ePzo_KgE0wlTUU4A6EJhBmIRrSJQCGRBW74jhUCtP7hk5lBDJJ66dYJD3WRthstLgd29ukfQjmDN92p1to22aNM3tF3SlTGfATwc8b1keNIha2tzPKo6CKMUqGkhJ0E_j7t0aUvCvt_vZVui5HZoHY0IxVjCwRPXhgl5Gk0zWaGl8ooFsOQCQ8Os/s4608/IMG_3488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGE9ePzo_KgE0wlTUU4A6EJhBmIRrSJQCGRBW74jhUCtP7hk5lBDJJ66dYJD3WRthstLgd29ukfQjmDN92p1to22aNM3tF3SlTGfATwc8b1keNIha2tzPKo6CKMUqGkhJ0E_j7t0aUvCvt_vZVui5HZoHY0IxVjCwRPXhgl5Gk0zWaGl8ooFsOQCQ8Os/w400-h300/IMG_3488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On President's Day I joined with fellow year-round paddlers for some Sudbury River paddling in Wayland, MA. In the photo above Oz and Roger are seen re-entering the river following a side trip into Heard Pond. Back on the river...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdDXYSQCKVIPcqrNJh36KeHd2uUqo5DB4lXwOQh6Ca4LTIq-jyf4F4zQzxTB0gRbB95Rq_XUCveqbygAbzulWYrPVoJpEnBN5KrP1RvKicfiJK80gpd9YWy11zsABJFgeG51QcmBgEV4fM5nF_2mamykx8OFAp8QuDyxnSSfXRYnuYmoZElWdaR_TPyE/s4608/IMG_3490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdDXYSQCKVIPcqrNJh36KeHd2uUqo5DB4lXwOQh6Ca4LTIq-jyf4F4zQzxTB0gRbB95Rq_XUCveqbygAbzulWYrPVoJpEnBN5KrP1RvKicfiJK80gpd9YWy11zsABJFgeG51QcmBgEV4fM5nF_2mamykx8OFAp8QuDyxnSSfXRYnuYmoZElWdaR_TPyE/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Thursday provided an opportunity to venture out onto the Assabet River in Stow, MA where I found the eagle nest occupied by an adult eagle (hopefully sitting upon an egg or two)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCVsywlRwovJzh6-Qcze3TYeMNZlcy_hUFB8YN65lf0V2gTwFvKAz9hU-iXO-a4ok3n9t4K1oWqWqNmPqeaiZQxVzhwICp87LtXFVjUpJp-x8FBa7N15yMOC2y8OkgRx1yJyNx3TeZwYYv-cN8rmEr7z5TI_EIkqgX9MrT-Iph-A-SN9TJraUkucgTHI/s4265/IMG_3495.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3116" data-original-width="4265" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCVsywlRwovJzh6-Qcze3TYeMNZlcy_hUFB8YN65lf0V2gTwFvKAz9hU-iXO-a4ok3n9t4K1oWqWqNmPqeaiZQxVzhwICp87LtXFVjUpJp-x8FBa7N15yMOC2y8OkgRx1yJyNx3TeZwYYv-cN8rmEr7z5TI_EIkqgX9MrT-Iph-A-SN9TJraUkucgTHI/w400-h293/IMG_3495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The eagle's mate was seen perched a few trees over...<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8MBc9g1tUHSg74nwBMFoSNc8Pl41i9Nkr0WtyfHi2GIAURD3wDqSBSWtVrzb7Hl1Qv9z5RnQ9-uoVyyEKkiGCYrLoOYWI2MRHmTKoB_bj-jV2SaYqXHytiP3t9AmpUqYHAILBXX-rVf6qTs_-QhUiPpRVDAiPvxzzOiIa3jIJ1O8kJuu7XW_xkPcllE/s4608/IMG_3511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8MBc9g1tUHSg74nwBMFoSNc8Pl41i9Nkr0WtyfHi2GIAURD3wDqSBSWtVrzb7Hl1Qv9z5RnQ9-uoVyyEKkiGCYrLoOYWI2MRHmTKoB_bj-jV2SaYqXHytiP3t9AmpUqYHAILBXX-rVf6qTs_-QhUiPpRVDAiPvxzzOiIa3jIJ1O8kJuu7XW_xkPcllE/s320/IMG_3511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A third adult eagle would later be seen about a mile downriver from the nest...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH_EP_Yc-l0VjvQeKhD3EQjf_XuAtZGlQruX8Xn7o_y_TX8nh97P4xEr8ulDUNnxQBB6VWyaadq7VSxjRm-71Y_YW5aP3pqmK9iLXQSqdwF5FrfP7XF5X-z9i_2Sz0yFkt76SZ_PHih71WAX_VaazEbWkGjmR-8SdcQlJcB9cWDpjhFqYFX3jN_sI6UM/s4608/IMG_3528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH_EP_Yc-l0VjvQeKhD3EQjf_XuAtZGlQruX8Xn7o_y_TX8nh97P4xEr8ulDUNnxQBB6VWyaadq7VSxjRm-71Y_YW5aP3pqmK9iLXQSqdwF5FrfP7XF5X-z9i_2Sz0yFkt76SZ_PHih71WAX_VaazEbWkGjmR-8SdcQlJcB9cWDpjhFqYFX3jN_sI6UM/s320/IMG_3528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Also saw a blue heron, more red-winged blackbirds, hooded and common mergansers, wood ducks, mallards, kingfishers, and this red-tailed hawk...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMLhFOVJ8uqsTL46XI5db9XTRsKH34IuhFF9z85LDO929VLAOl8V_n-A_BCR5Y4L9ETvD2mG6OZRGG2MZ-jypt8uIyaGwA0oXZQjwzeT-HqvN39hy3JXu5-eckp6XvyRCtU7gsBmOk6o3JlTHoGEwd64T6y1sGMKetTergqsQnqXVOo3DKwwEkwMJXQw/s4608/IMG_3516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMLhFOVJ8uqsTL46XI5db9XTRsKH34IuhFF9z85LDO929VLAOl8V_n-A_BCR5Y4L9ETvD2mG6OZRGG2MZ-jypt8uIyaGwA0oXZQjwzeT-HqvN39hy3JXu5-eckp6XvyRCtU7gsBmOk6o3JlTHoGEwd64T6y1sGMKetTergqsQnqXVOo3DKwwEkwMJXQw/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Fort Meadow Brook sports a new bridge perhaps related to the Central Mass. power line/bike trail project...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMGghyphenhyphen1H2aFANifLoXifJLzqs7leu0K9A1gRHHV_xK72K3vpb67SLEBPFiZwwTdfatVrPR-HkKGlImh1GZmG-3oqcTE0WerU0k6VUFueVBobHjiabwP2EyKnUBqe_nyxQzarveFSsmy-Bg-M28aPISESrIVikEIPKGHZcRVJoK4h6oC5S5J487PeYit4/s4608/IMG_3498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMGghyphenhyphen1H2aFANifLoXifJLzqs7leu0K9A1gRHHV_xK72K3vpb67SLEBPFiZwwTdfatVrPR-HkKGlImh1GZmG-3oqcTE0WerU0k6VUFueVBobHjiabwP2EyKnUBqe_nyxQzarveFSsmy-Bg-M28aPISESrIVikEIPKGHZcRVJoK4h6oC5S5J487PeYit4/s320/IMG_3498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It appears someone is staging some items removed from the river. Not being sure of their future intentions, it was left alone...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnJ0LYcw442oJlFzVyoib1UCiEgAKpz5SJHzC1KdMA-K8WMokioqXgGVap_39NOalVj6osJXja__2ZTxPsh7cSUoNRLqhyphenhyphenwgtobB7rs8rSDC51j-F5NHYgTropApZNNssA3Tq8AHArlwATAVS85ZUdaLdEeuZVyv1L7SWUZ0NzJIaq1fMDbviAL7Vk6A/s4608/IMG_3500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnJ0LYcw442oJlFzVyoib1UCiEgAKpz5SJHzC1KdMA-K8WMokioqXgGVap_39NOalVj6osJXja__2ZTxPsh7cSUoNRLqhyphenhyphenwgtobB7rs8rSDC51j-F5NHYgTropApZNNssA3Tq8AHArlwATAVS85ZUdaLdEeuZVyv1L7SWUZ0NzJIaq1fMDbviAL7Vk6A/s320/IMG_3500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Monday's trash from the Sudbury...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB4I0Zmnir2ObsgZnBd7-RmZdIT27roe98-KckcmEsUhgyP4aQw5BB0qTykQV6p3dMh5RuNOmPkogIPqhv-1KCywDxJAKKFKC1OUZM0ag-0SQ6x8BDAO4pFJz-j6R4XhmEz7dm316vuY7WOrEttYETsISwq5Jn1zQNGaAQKjSEA0QKKkXvgheLzOCnI8/s4608/IMG_3492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB4I0Zmnir2ObsgZnBd7-RmZdIT27roe98-KckcmEsUhgyP4aQw5BB0qTykQV6p3dMh5RuNOmPkogIPqhv-1KCywDxJAKKFKC1OUZM0ag-0SQ6x8BDAO4pFJz-j6R4XhmEz7dm316vuY7WOrEttYETsISwq5Jn1zQNGaAQKjSEA0QKKkXvgheLzOCnI8/s320/IMG_3492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Thursday's from the Assabet...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaoJREYrtQTvb9kTkWq39aMrwLMmMTICzt92C5_6I_QKxStwV0P7Hq_-yHrle6RD_DFu9Y1MKpDW7Bn8MMVJ0PDooX8DrxwS5GMAXYIm_iiDLg2dI-n3-1GKLvJBi90GqJviVHXndwb5ixG0N-b8LwtuPeCPsGkGkvUWm_UpgL52qjfCuK6XOmGOT5WM/s4608/IMG_3529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaoJREYrtQTvb9kTkWq39aMrwLMmMTICzt92C5_6I_QKxStwV0P7Hq_-yHrle6RD_DFu9Y1MKpDW7Bn8MMVJ0PDooX8DrxwS5GMAXYIm_iiDLg2dI-n3-1GKLvJBi90GqJviVHXndwb5ixG0N-b8LwtuPeCPsGkGkvUWm_UpgL52qjfCuK6XOmGOT5WM/s320/IMG_3529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The most wintry looking spot I saw all week...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCHYTyX1aR7zul4XNlR5TFT5fzVfst-3EtYHPdkSv-mkNw8tWgOUdCtW5h20hRHX78Q8lXe4zlTw43bBnvuS-gZyzilg3bolgZaHjSaAn7CDNVFPyrFjG8VdWnn5x7XVMw5JANxe_aciCZIC5IqvSwUFjb7hmcNj-RqfkBWsl8nydaPuIW9RS8hpIjNk/s4608/IMG_3502.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCHYTyX1aR7zul4XNlR5TFT5fzVfst-3EtYHPdkSv-mkNw8tWgOUdCtW5h20hRHX78Q8lXe4zlTw43bBnvuS-gZyzilg3bolgZaHjSaAn7CDNVFPyrFjG8VdWnn5x7XVMw5JANxe_aciCZIC5IqvSwUFjb7hmcNj-RqfkBWsl8nydaPuIW9RS8hpIjNk/s320/IMG_3502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Considering all the birdsong in the air on Thursday either spring has sprung or my hearing aids were affected by the day's solar flare-ups.<br /><div><br /></div></div><br /></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-28324298396538167152024-02-19T10:56:00.003-05:002024-02-19T10:56:53.815-05:00The Overhyped Storm That Whiffed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUOnX0n4z6SlgfS4I8JgYdEbtqG9kSCdjNPogEh6z0rmUU9zWeUYa14Jp3EwfcPPN4GmLxitwBdYJDKNpyeLp4R4YnKT788hFA-mRsBABV-_wAjK1Q4mOBghnz1hGfiyZOgqRPGELxDuT9BgQbpD9s5PRYBQl_r6eFZEZ7BKxfSL2k5cnBKjKOPjdT5c/s4608/IMG_3484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUOnX0n4z6SlgfS4I8JgYdEbtqG9kSCdjNPogEh6z0rmUU9zWeUYa14Jp3EwfcPPN4GmLxitwBdYJDKNpyeLp4R4YnKT788hFA-mRsBABV-_wAjK1Q4mOBghnz1hGfiyZOgqRPGELxDuT9BgQbpD9s5PRYBQl_r6eFZEZ7BKxfSL2k5cnBKjKOPjdT5c/w400-h300/IMG_3484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This past Monday I took advantage of relatively pleasant conditions to sneak in a paddle on the eve of a much ballyhooed snowstorm. The storm had been in the news for the previous four days, and in my opinion had cast a pall over these otherwise beautiful mid-February days. Instead of enjoying the decent weather at hand many folks were busy getting ice-melt, snow shovels, bread, and milk. </p><p>So as I paddled the Assabet River up to Damonmill in West Concord, MA I wondered how drastically different things would look under a foot of snow...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOBfysA5PrRitZ-J3rNG5VUH_52-FBiIB4qK9Cxdge1ZZkfUw4uUPfdKBhCNagW58S0GNkRn6QTsXG0FfXVoD2CwdugkEoSEjWJrLLYOxlGLW7p6JEUDBY7vujuUcuG34WJei3kOW_pXeJz1vQlHOlN-Pt1XMwF4AoCEV0qZQc7wl3n7BW0gOLNKdlNo/s4608/IMG_3485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOBfysA5PrRitZ-J3rNG5VUH_52-FBiIB4qK9Cxdge1ZZkfUw4uUPfdKBhCNagW58S0GNkRn6QTsXG0FfXVoD2CwdugkEoSEjWJrLLYOxlGLW7p6JEUDBY7vujuUcuG34WJei3kOW_pXeJz1vQlHOlN-Pt1XMwF4AoCEV0qZQc7wl3n7BW0gOLNKdlNo/s320/IMG_3485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Trash was light (perhaps in hiding from the snow)...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1gajn1wHB1t0XP0XXPERiyA0QrG1Nwvhj-KHavb_su8tjqcUslRrkgmVbWs1X8WQ-RhnKZ6sozIsSy9crm6FyAIr79JGaVTNjh_utHBakGjajhW6PTFIdzFJ62c7ooxOhmb4rfhbNJ25JGCKgDPZcMsq48CLw08kwy1zmChj7IOOb11-gce42ZcAF0/s4608/IMG_3486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1gajn1wHB1t0XP0XXPERiyA0QrG1Nwvhj-KHavb_su8tjqcUslRrkgmVbWs1X8WQ-RhnKZ6sozIsSy9crm6FyAIr79JGaVTNjh_utHBakGjajhW6PTFIdzFJ62c7ooxOhmb4rfhbNJ25JGCKgDPZcMsq48CLw08kwy1zmChj7IOOb11-gce42ZcAF0/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>By the way, the big storm did arrive on Tuesday and left a whopping 1.5" of wet snow in my area. My hope is that meteorologists will, in the future, focus more on the weather at hand rather than on the possibility of a storm four days out (end of my rant). Oh, and just to be clear, I never mind a missed snowstorm, especially this close to the start of meteorological spring. </p>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-2227590664817517042024-02-12T08:53:00.000-05:002024-02-12T08:53:47.711-05:00A Preview of Spring<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqWEcZbftZdWXdj3tuZtCp07DlbjNxvbqTe_TEfFhpB__y-72x-1fKf4Py4del4q-0eSYbv9vjlOxOlqixy-qhVqxiMVlWdQitXq1usipeL-57o-qz0zpjvYYHLS2rSZyOTrPKeoJH5HqkfVkB0N582a_yLAFdcmFAoJqnAy_jaeEWqYWDgLQ87vjeXc/s4608/IMG_3447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqWEcZbftZdWXdj3tuZtCp07DlbjNxvbqTe_TEfFhpB__y-72x-1fKf4Py4del4q-0eSYbv9vjlOxOlqixy-qhVqxiMVlWdQitXq1usipeL-57o-qz0zpjvYYHLS2rSZyOTrPKeoJH5HqkfVkB0N582a_yLAFdcmFAoJqnAy_jaeEWqYWDgLQ87vjeXc/w400-h300/IMG_3447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The latter part of this past week provided a welcome preview of springtime. Thursday offered temperatures around 45 degrees F. with light winds. The Nashua River in Harvard, MA had both the look and feel of spring (photo above).</div><div> </div>A small tributary was briskly moving past a beaver-built structure to reach the river...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiON8xmCSTDRF0zz0uIMVHUCQNsbA70Negxsemr4i_x03PJOrUUe_ESoHxPrFacKXJJyrZ0pir7NK9fFK_c9pDvX113YHsAguw10y-qdWlZvNTBIqnxde0TBv2JY0gWVdfyNJLZFe1Ryazd4sxY3qcINp8eoRP6CGgXvnoh4xPWegpwpCa_RdvAPStwo/s4608/IMG_3443.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiON8xmCSTDRF0zz0uIMVHUCQNsbA70Negxsemr4i_x03PJOrUUe_ESoHxPrFacKXJJyrZ0pir7NK9fFK_c9pDvX113YHsAguw10y-qdWlZvNTBIqnxde0TBv2JY0gWVdfyNJLZFe1Ryazd4sxY3qcINp8eoRP6CGgXvnoh4xPWegpwpCa_RdvAPStwo/s320/IMG_3443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Evidence of just how high the river had been is this purple orb...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMXv9jcjFY6OAE2aS3-1O1MnCIlgoqq-ottWdZuguHHyv95IAvWaIeAZQhq4egIkKfJjGUOTeVTth2WrjXo8m-BJxabYbiIewl5jtWwCsMq4mVzpQ9nU7gm5-3fQQYejvFQeSahGFajmsYPsEDUs0AXoNGllduvBy8oAIfdLBvKdSoKEhyphenhyphen1w2OdiVcgM/s3161/IMG_3445_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="3161" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMXv9jcjFY6OAE2aS3-1O1MnCIlgoqq-ottWdZuguHHyv95IAvWaIeAZQhq4egIkKfJjGUOTeVTth2WrjXo8m-BJxabYbiIewl5jtWwCsMq4mVzpQ9nU7gm5-3fQQYejvFQeSahGFajmsYPsEDUs0AXoNGllduvBy8oAIfdLBvKdSoKEhyphenhyphen1w2OdiVcgM/s320/IMG_3445_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>...seemingly suspended in mid-air.<div><br /><div>Re-visited the very efficient natural trash trap downstream of the Oxbow NWR boat launch...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs45mULWIivSFc-jTopXFr6jKonN4EhjrsvWpjN39KZSFG3S1coMr9w4BJx-XYC_Zf42VadB4pnVU7eR8hKXgYWxwUc1_bGck91S6j0fpDWLsycaQkdzyvD5DCjHB1e4Mcr5vS2ZLnmNoSNsixgCC7JY84k6tTKtfeOmrC5fEEL5mys78uwdfRBWP5kc/s4608/IMG_3449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs45mULWIivSFc-jTopXFr6jKonN4EhjrsvWpjN39KZSFG3S1coMr9w4BJx-XYC_Zf42VadB4pnVU7eR8hKXgYWxwUc1_bGck91S6j0fpDWLsycaQkdzyvD5DCjHB1e4Mcr5vS2ZLnmNoSNsixgCC7JY84k6tTKtfeOmrC5fEEL5mys78uwdfRBWP5kc/s320/IMG_3449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Later came upon a freight train parked on the bridge and alongside the river...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIE7mNItm04NWD-kxGMsbgceqabql1cIMpjWKTfRSRfkghz8_qBbXXHvQjfiPOWFfTQVe77LSO01TQp1sUqV4ZAk3FaC8SwWo_PSsqIPH0UldgXvYSnBvk29i_5pMMwbKwePTpj_SU46QNyYrX4lq4QCj-o9lwYcMHVYeJrciMxUVVXHpbkoUW0WmeY0/s4608/IMG_3453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIE7mNItm04NWD-kxGMsbgceqabql1cIMpjWKTfRSRfkghz8_qBbXXHvQjfiPOWFfTQVe77LSO01TQp1sUqV4ZAk3FaC8SwWo_PSsqIPH0UldgXvYSnBvk29i_5pMMwbKwePTpj_SU46QNyYrX4lq4QCj-o9lwYcMHVYeJrciMxUVVXHpbkoUW0WmeY0/s320/IMG_3453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p>The train's head end was stopped where the Still River Depot once stood...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uws99I-qxy53k7Ss0GeYJmEnebB3IeVVtTPmGx6aUgm0GQV_sf9-qzzhCSsrMAO6Z1uLGJFuCWAurLx9Or_JwPhlodre2SoGuIxsjyOl-xg2R6D88HJn4q0ttxgSuMynId5UKC7CqSpmE4dqHsbZ_AYfL7kVslCroszc-g42_zW5L4uviM5D4maXwXg/s4608/IMG_3457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uws99I-qxy53k7Ss0GeYJmEnebB3IeVVtTPmGx6aUgm0GQV_sf9-qzzhCSsrMAO6Z1uLGJFuCWAurLx9Or_JwPhlodre2SoGuIxsjyOl-xg2R6D88HJn4q0ttxgSuMynId5UKC7CqSpmE4dqHsbZ_AYfL7kVslCroszc-g42_zW5L4uviM5D4maXwXg/s320/IMG_3457.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...perhaps awaiting a new crew for the rest of the trip to northern Maine. Brings to mind the old Roger Miller's hobo song "King of the Road". In particular, the lyrics "Third boxcar, midnight train, destination Bangor, Maine....I'm a man of means by no means King of the Road."<br /><p>Mount Wachusett silently watched over all of this activity...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mveak3UbnQdIuHkbzP2p6KHq5g55ol_LdPQ-7Ma4h3ifA_jSECXL2toQ26Y6_jDsTgNoLJ7QUPOgxZd282bPORdkUeueaMr0T4NFXFD96XKnc6lO_JlaJFhfZfX_G5vJk_2Uow5vCqVPOlNP_hKDZWiS9yo9-H3JKeSOuvonOqbsToLWjzF2-sx-ENw/s4147/IMG_3458_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3111" data-original-width="4147" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mveak3UbnQdIuHkbzP2p6KHq5g55ol_LdPQ-7Ma4h3ifA_jSECXL2toQ26Y6_jDsTgNoLJ7QUPOgxZd282bPORdkUeueaMr0T4NFXFD96XKnc6lO_JlaJFhfZfX_G5vJk_2Uow5vCqVPOlNP_hKDZWiS9yo9-H3JKeSOuvonOqbsToLWjzF2-sx-ENw/s320/IMG_3458_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash from the Nashua included 70 miniature bottles (aka "nips")...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRL_zXwepQ7rBzkw_Q7uLAeCQKeITFNx68-jPe91VywcRkieHMOOzirU00WN0Jx690co6Nf2MVkNRzsMroXE7M-ZUyRNU0W3O-YpWlOSGLagnrxsQfxGUB1UcmQ-0akQKWguG5_zofgUItor__fdL8cHokWoop6gNb6RTtWEi2OA6m_lZePUqe_6fRHU/s4608/IMG_3452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRL_zXwepQ7rBzkw_Q7uLAeCQKeITFNx68-jPe91VywcRkieHMOOzirU00WN0Jx690co6Nf2MVkNRzsMroXE7M-ZUyRNU0W3O-YpWlOSGLagnrxsQfxGUB1UcmQ-0akQKWguG5_zofgUItor__fdL8cHokWoop6gNb6RTtWEi2OA6m_lZePUqe_6fRHU/s320/IMG_3452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Two days later, on Saturday, when the thermometer would flirt with 60 degrees F., I paddled to Egg Rock and vicinity in Concord, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUL7KxjMcZQvKf-kPWyA8AgJGwxGaWS_4RUpQl6OvGOrwaGvnv7QUdckxPJSBSc8ktHyxtoZSlTgksI05SqaLu3Sb4M3GRBeBtRlk6tlqmS121sYhziHi4o6DXoLxhS7xDo9DfvvOQ-z_Ay9rlEcBxCiQg5u2BL1iYSwKb1BlcPDSYaTzozdIQ5jzbQ4/s4608/IMG_3462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUL7KxjMcZQvKf-kPWyA8AgJGwxGaWS_4RUpQl6OvGOrwaGvnv7QUdckxPJSBSc8ktHyxtoZSlTgksI05SqaLu3Sb4M3GRBeBtRlk6tlqmS121sYhziHi4o6DXoLxhS7xDo9DfvvOQ-z_Ay9rlEcBxCiQg5u2BL1iYSwKb1BlcPDSYaTzozdIQ5jzbQ4/w400-h300/IMG_3462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...where water levels continue to gradually fall and now expose a good portion of the inscription.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the Nashua, trees along the lower Assabet are mostly deciduous...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6QumTFhSFIdKA7tE9XVDl-39cjquWjrHsCS1F1ui0ei7ZyQ2ShS-hCAHbv8iuHtGqE7h7yMffK_AxJUUXxVunQCB2cbpFGfCpvxd5x5Y7LFdR0fYLpImqxKIoJtwolv_r80PZl5m_igAYdpiufltrHDXFkyoPWw_q7RF-F9vrK8C1U42YnkfmRdJ7pY/s4608/IMG_3464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6QumTFhSFIdKA7tE9XVDl-39cjquWjrHsCS1F1ui0ei7ZyQ2ShS-hCAHbv8iuHtGqE7h7yMffK_AxJUUXxVunQCB2cbpFGfCpvxd5x5Y7LFdR0fYLpImqxKIoJtwolv_r80PZl5m_igAYdpiufltrHDXFkyoPWw_q7RF-F9vrK8C1U42YnkfmRdJ7pY/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Saw what I believe to be my first red-winged blackbird of the year...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP05xaLDW9nkNRdA2qW3MrurO0WZq8DDMTwXJYHrmDwiC9IiiHoDij3FdtJ-6UCOAVdHrYGH7FUe-CbyPb-frMIICCNU4bN-xI_BKz2KO7hcirEVLRHbvNy0CK_6itWgNtNHd9E9PfoBy__IPulbu0G1pYvLhEbAupsJJ3SZtzMhzG71sPgaBqSEq9eY/s4608/IMG_3469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP05xaLDW9nkNRdA2qW3MrurO0WZq8DDMTwXJYHrmDwiC9IiiHoDij3FdtJ-6UCOAVdHrYGH7FUe-CbyPb-frMIICCNU4bN-xI_BKz2KO7hcirEVLRHbvNy0CK_6itWgNtNHd9E9PfoBy__IPulbu0G1pYvLhEbAupsJJ3SZtzMhzG71sPgaBqSEq9eY/w400-h300/IMG_3469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /><div>Two other kayakers were seen on the Concord River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IjO7SXNzRjsbEWnuyRwsxtLaW1VXhyphenhyphenJ-hWzzxdOJxZbM2TQlEk6WQ_LHNXUztSaUolIinqOyDrmnWNtqe2h41UgsiqmqW-LJGnwLcY4Eks5O22TI6Oc8RC_87lTONltOYzwt_hk3ZWY5VLpDheNjGVokkaUVXOyZ3Hs8rvZwFWnrvk5IlaHRkOdFCKk/s4608/IMG_3471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IjO7SXNzRjsbEWnuyRwsxtLaW1VXhyphenhyphenJ-hWzzxdOJxZbM2TQlEk6WQ_LHNXUztSaUolIinqOyDrmnWNtqe2h41UgsiqmqW-LJGnwLcY4Eks5O22TI6Oc8RC_87lTONltOYzwt_hk3ZWY5VLpDheNjGVokkaUVXOyZ3Hs8rvZwFWnrvk5IlaHRkOdFCKk/s320/IMG_3471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The high water levels of late look to have led a few boats astray:<div>This one on the lower Sudbury River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZWkVDLf1v9xPehXFfmq7BXmyijEvuHITIqA-vu0xguU8XKZ1q4L8pxm5oM87pHX6EL3FNeTnIdO0SQ3EN7kn2FAr5c9ihnehbXLoZiQBY4zUMvoxrxIdHJmuhR8qNzyil6vrEWuM_bcdyExpD54mBRWJVZk7YBdikui7BedAgsA5VLMU_fj3q-EK9UQ/s4608/IMG_3460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZWkVDLf1v9xPehXFfmq7BXmyijEvuHITIqA-vu0xguU8XKZ1q4L8pxm5oM87pHX6EL3FNeTnIdO0SQ3EN7kn2FAr5c9ihnehbXLoZiQBY4zUMvoxrxIdHJmuhR8qNzyil6vrEWuM_bcdyExpD54mBRWJVZk7YBdikui7BedAgsA5VLMU_fj3q-EK9UQ/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...and this one on the Concord River just downstream of Monument Street...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVh_2WvRhOi4_Ia7OrFfENboQaAE6kA0U2f9pkkoSS7MVIefIZV0N0MihMppfWRVPpMtHX48o4jCpymoovf-SM5XuyHcctzb9DEVHedYBZlFXjZwmMcGnGw2qYfkW0Epx8X7X0aeC4Os8xJ0bIfEG2qKEBoxEiPgu6UxUDzxTjO-US8g392gfTa_-lnY/s4608/IMG_3472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVh_2WvRhOi4_Ia7OrFfENboQaAE6kA0U2f9pkkoSS7MVIefIZV0N0MihMppfWRVPpMtHX48o4jCpymoovf-SM5XuyHcctzb9DEVHedYBZlFXjZwmMcGnGw2qYfkW0Epx8X7X0aeC4Os8xJ0bIfEG2qKEBoxEiPgu6UxUDzxTjO-US8g392gfTa_-lnY/s320/IMG_3472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Trash from the area's waters (Assabet/Concord) included 19 miniature bottles (aka "nips")...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cUMkV_QfJAHzRx-mHncXic-eTet5qsMkdCbB62vAxnq8h4aOWBKg5QSAoRtu_owj9Zl16qn129UlL8GjXrlGvWjRB4GTcBRDesEvjHxoEGKIuG5bpG3P-OMJhOREZP2rJsyiOLyggbuqdzDKJxQHy2554iKJL0kwuavKbJmGj1pb0K28WKoH4jTxLzg/s4608/IMG_3473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cUMkV_QfJAHzRx-mHncXic-eTet5qsMkdCbB62vAxnq8h4aOWBKg5QSAoRtu_owj9Zl16qn129UlL8GjXrlGvWjRB4GTcBRDesEvjHxoEGKIuG5bpG3P-OMJhOREZP2rJsyiOLyggbuqdzDKJxQHy2554iKJL0kwuavKbJmGj1pb0K28WKoH4jTxLzg/s320/IMG_3473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Unfortunately, cold temperatures, wind, and snow are predicted to return tomorrow. Glad to have had the brief peek.<br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-60962633758636026012024-02-02T09:47:00.000-05:002024-02-02T09:47:56.930-05:00February's Quiet Entry<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKBJaap-l6nJQzkLBTg07LAb9SqFL6WO2dsUNZQrNC8Po8hLWRb6vY-EzEC34cSxwz7Dnd8DP7krKybOFO4yXt9yg8_P-Cug7Vo_co590QTVvQdufJQ4prUldnk-XMlXoToRU302spX1Fi7HQhJHXLpWEv6ajIFIMj6cSkF1TdVCIAftxVRTotW_DUaU/s4608/IMG_3430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKBJaap-l6nJQzkLBTg07LAb9SqFL6WO2dsUNZQrNC8Po8hLWRb6vY-EzEC34cSxwz7Dnd8DP7krKybOFO4yXt9yg8_P-Cug7Vo_co590QTVvQdufJQ4prUldnk-XMlXoToRU302spX1Fi7HQhJHXLpWEv6ajIFIMj6cSkF1TdVCIAftxVRTotW_DUaU/s320/IMG_3430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happily turned the page on my calendar before heading out on the river to greet February. The new month arrived with little fanfare...light winds, cloudy skies, and temperatures in the upper 30s. As I write this on February 2nd it can be said with confidence that our local groundhogs are definitely not being frightened by their shadows. Meteorological spring is only 29 days away!<p></p><p>Yesterday the Assabet River in Stow was a peaceful place with plenty of robins, a few bluebirds, one or two kingfishers, a red-tailed hawk, many ducks, and this mute swan pair...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s6wPTLqf8Cmk5Vkt3mB38uMn5YZbNuUodSqFRXHUR2GG4QsArTJV16w_vjbcdgKAnDRQ2CG2Uz_B6FvOlRd__y787xuFcS32kvOiyD1bgHUmtV-wdMLFdbvoxqgSyqSKy7WlQc9nn46WkWubcDmz1dRjlTovnphGPOMYg6dHezyga8WTJeol_HCL7pU/s4608/IMG_3411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4s6wPTLqf8Cmk5Vkt3mB38uMn5YZbNuUodSqFRXHUR2GG4QsArTJV16w_vjbcdgKAnDRQ2CG2Uz_B6FvOlRd__y787xuFcS32kvOiyD1bgHUmtV-wdMLFdbvoxqgSyqSKy7WlQc9nn46WkWubcDmz1dRjlTovnphGPOMYg6dHezyga8WTJeol_HCL7pU/s320/IMG_3411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A lone coyote was also seen patrolling the shoreline</p><p>Snow draping some tree limbs make this mature eagle less conspicuous than usual...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2SekGgvv1rsJ3FYpt6CFiPJHoRv7gV_bd7ZumFcq50L13sOy4Ytexhmr9FJ_ALPSkBtc8nnvq7micJAmavoTR__qCqmmGG7YPbN10e0Ih-LF-GsUm6b-q6et_4fGpCY17zCGiwwb2lqZo6jTajYtchrc4tIX0yxZGuC8Rq5VxaBSXrkU5kciYoPnONs/s4608/IMG_3416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2SekGgvv1rsJ3FYpt6CFiPJHoRv7gV_bd7ZumFcq50L13sOy4Ytexhmr9FJ_ALPSkBtc8nnvq7micJAmavoTR__qCqmmGG7YPbN10e0Ih-LF-GsUm6b-q6et_4fGpCY17zCGiwwb2lqZo6jTajYtchrc4tIX0yxZGuC8Rq5VxaBSXrkU5kciYoPnONs/w400-h300/IMG_3416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He was busy finishing a meal of what looks to be duck, and came into clearer view as I passed by...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifQ3fDtFTAyZXxcRKSOH7J0N6XBlF9BUw3oMgoOJ5C_wguayIOK4y1mETLTX1K0J9CyNSk5NMsYOMFWbUGlxuk_SN3XnauddCRjkm9qSxG9kHTI1YGK8luMmdprpuznGiYvpwNN5U6y0h3xD-nxrAodLpmym3q0ymUk8vU4ONetcbd_XADrFDI9M2vrs/s4608/IMG_3427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifQ3fDtFTAyZXxcRKSOH7J0N6XBlF9BUw3oMgoOJ5C_wguayIOK4y1mETLTX1K0J9CyNSk5NMsYOMFWbUGlxuk_SN3XnauddCRjkm9qSxG9kHTI1YGK8luMmdprpuznGiYvpwNN5U6y0h3xD-nxrAodLpmym3q0ymUk8vU4ONetcbd_XADrFDI9M2vrs/w400-h300/IMG_3427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash for the day included 10 miniature aka "nip" bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY8ei_HNIW7onemoq_Hpe5WO6jSlkOmDnZBRV9AdVIknDj0uj_ro4VwUZ-EKFs4n8gBkjS2_8XJiyIdZZuH2hIkpnzpXwm-q6W_1mHAo56oNTGN6UYgc_xnRjQhEqxlvTOHiTzvQk7L2jfGTcGtsNa7F1T3mkEC9qykj5awFgmxVBGcJuiAL987-xX3k/s4608/IMG_3431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY8ei_HNIW7onemoq_Hpe5WO6jSlkOmDnZBRV9AdVIknDj0uj_ro4VwUZ-EKFs4n8gBkjS2_8XJiyIdZZuH2hIkpnzpXwm-q6W_1mHAo56oNTGN6UYgc_xnRjQhEqxlvTOHiTzvQk7L2jfGTcGtsNa7F1T3mkEC9qykj5awFgmxVBGcJuiAL987-xX3k/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and was kept on ice.<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-51099796674941900372024-01-26T18:53:00.000-05:002024-01-26T18:53:30.956-05:00Ice Art on the Assabet <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovrKsjjlfEuELKYJmCZBqfPWgaARO_D49Wvq7YHb6qlfF02DijKcgr65LN8q-wkz4JEr2QLE2r9mX0BcR32aU4GBSQtYB28JY5iKU3qBvIQ4y6_Aza7V5syt7NC5zWDt62SMtuWRbIkXZV5qwbr2fweSj6D59jeo2buJWdJ9MHklDQELeQ8C-9MVhBVQ/s4608/IMG_3350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovrKsjjlfEuELKYJmCZBqfPWgaARO_D49Wvq7YHb6qlfF02DijKcgr65LN8q-wkz4JEr2QLE2r9mX0BcR32aU4GBSQtYB28JY5iKU3qBvIQ4y6_Aza7V5syt7NC5zWDt62SMtuWRbIkXZV5qwbr2fweSj6D59jeo2buJWdJ9MHklDQELeQ8C-9MVhBVQ/w400-h300/IMG_3350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Assabet River's ice art was on display earlier this week following 5 days where the temperature stayed below the freezing point. It was seen on the way upriver to Damonmill in West Concord, MA...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fCAlgafoaLNXKmqRdgm02IjuNFyxeHm3L2uiy0JUyLyZ9mjk48pj4O2fcx7t1bl1Ti8VoQL7yNVsh0Cl7XGf333_T4KDdN2tu0eslA5CGGBB4GSl_YJcWDhekEPc58ON41IS9HW6HjxM5CRackiFqgMchz3OtjBtKmjd9zMATcXphZzYt6UoWIdajAI/s4608/IMG_3364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fCAlgafoaLNXKmqRdgm02IjuNFyxeHm3L2uiy0JUyLyZ9mjk48pj4O2fcx7t1bl1Ti8VoQL7yNVsh0Cl7XGf333_T4KDdN2tu0eslA5CGGBB4GSl_YJcWDhekEPc58ON41IS9HW6HjxM5CRackiFqgMchz3OtjBtKmjd9zMATcXphZzYt6UoWIdajAI/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There were multi-layered ice shelves...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlOk2fR-v5YjrUFERk78xWUncgM0paAGwHWIJHXnGWrh0DvWWzlbfNaujyz-hq_dHWrUmm6fncfarb3I9DXxW7hzd1kofluo_mE8w5sYxNF3mPsWDj3xlhPbr75iuUYpESWkoQjNaZdPCKe9Y8GlhSGNBFD1zBCfxOpT-i72EqCSSvNnSiT7J1tgh9UY/s4608/IMG_3352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlOk2fR-v5YjrUFERk78xWUncgM0paAGwHWIJHXnGWrh0DvWWzlbfNaujyz-hq_dHWrUmm6fncfarb3I9DXxW7hzd1kofluo_mE8w5sYxNF3mPsWDj3xlhPbr75iuUYpESWkoQjNaZdPCKe9Y8GlhSGNBFD1zBCfxOpT-i72EqCSSvNnSiT7J1tgh9UY/s320/IMG_3352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>and...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij17kulQOaKwmcqOISDCmEd4V5VqVXN5TQS114AsC1btt6LBsN5eiyIOlts_bfPHIjHxPYPEuk6Dkrj4UkxoDTuCPPjvIuqBC-QL-JJh2VSbOcAIc4DyW2kvi2pBjlG57L6MSGLjr9sbQTOVaPXteKtXNlPCUXec-C5WHw-9RHjaC4Ic_x1925DBLgYb8/s4608/IMG_3361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij17kulQOaKwmcqOISDCmEd4V5VqVXN5TQS114AsC1btt6LBsN5eiyIOlts_bfPHIjHxPYPEuk6Dkrj4UkxoDTuCPPjvIuqBC-QL-JJh2VSbOcAIc4DyW2kvi2pBjlG57L6MSGLjr9sbQTOVaPXteKtXNlPCUXec-C5WHw-9RHjaC4Ic_x1925DBLgYb8/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21d08guV6GpL-dtWL6c4UwyX-tvT_kdEap8xuLKjUbe-JAODb3PJ1LJpWVypdpt131OvboCu-CjS7RLTzqCbtqDoqYjRvrGRwqsFgo2dmov6-O0nqUPUHBZrIw12O4gsya4szYjaR6AoZoqxcLS2sVKO79HorzBWFB2rWL-ISOWfFIC6hUqfvudSgKrE/s4608/IMG_3354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21d08guV6GpL-dtWL6c4UwyX-tvT_kdEap8xuLKjUbe-JAODb3PJ1LJpWVypdpt131OvboCu-CjS7RLTzqCbtqDoqYjRvrGRwqsFgo2dmov6-O0nqUPUHBZrIw12O4gsya4szYjaR6AoZoqxcLS2sVKO79HorzBWFB2rWL-ISOWfFIC6hUqfvudSgKrE/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Seething teeth...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5oxNDoig633WmTax2mBBtSOWUHkAfd1DcK8WiZ61CAdTrT-8WuUUMC_4PbkVFrlFYQ2Kxp9yv3TJk5uMQVm35a-xzKI6OhprjwnGsV2YBZSYZkvOrtZj3ypPqSWPaoDItU28J1kSrQEdZw56y2kV17iThp51IuLWn3DEeO-Zaudb0UKB1zOVvLfMs0A/s4608/IMG_3357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5oxNDoig633WmTax2mBBtSOWUHkAfd1DcK8WiZ61CAdTrT-8WuUUMC_4PbkVFrlFYQ2Kxp9yv3TJk5uMQVm35a-xzKI6OhprjwnGsV2YBZSYZkvOrtZj3ypPqSWPaoDItU28J1kSrQEdZw56y2kV17iThp51IuLWn3DEeO-Zaudb0UKB1zOVvLfMs0A/s320/IMG_3357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>and crystal-clear columns...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZvyGqu35FwXztMXV1QhqubH4oh6utYutBlt6Vkb4GEWyuv3sChhCSBwMpwJzC_guznS-TRiaHyXkhzVtcYspJIszv4-JTJef_l0l-L1YOnFrf8ka0vMiTPRbZDi2_2l7CysQzPIsbtrmZD0rbDOJmnfuSdT9isKrCAFbJ82uDIiP6pnNZCbtSOHbUWw/s4608/IMG_3359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZvyGqu35FwXztMXV1QhqubH4oh6utYutBlt6Vkb4GEWyuv3sChhCSBwMpwJzC_guznS-TRiaHyXkhzVtcYspJIszv4-JTJef_l0l-L1YOnFrf8ka0vMiTPRbZDi2_2l7CysQzPIsbtrmZD0rbDOJmnfuSdT9isKrCAFbJ82uDIiP6pnNZCbtSOHbUWw/s320/IMG_3359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally this one stood out...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZdp39otQiLvKYLE3Rb2DAnhbqshFqtgys1YNj0Azl7rus61_VcQ3wvzihCfNNGLP11wgJn6V0WF2ifyaA41cBIObjAglKOVksJc1J-rkfyTkzS1lbPsU8xOrmGvk-jslpqj_55lACS7c4hqE5iFnqXfgdcoXsPf07bT1CMBH0BDCzaRyZjcRhoP6FFM/s4608/IMG_3370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZdp39otQiLvKYLE3Rb2DAnhbqshFqtgys1YNj0Azl7rus61_VcQ3wvzihCfNNGLP11wgJn6V0WF2ifyaA41cBIObjAglKOVksJc1J-rkfyTkzS1lbPsU8xOrmGvk-jslpqj_55lACS7c4hqE5iFnqXfgdcoXsPf07bT1CMBH0BDCzaRyZjcRhoP6FFM/s320/IMG_3370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and tempted me into getting perpendicular to the current in order to get a better photo. This resulted in my taking a not-on-the-schedule Polar Plunge. Fortunately I was dressed for immersion and able to get to shore. Note to self: NEVER, EVER get perpendicular to the current in order to snap a better photo. Sim card survived, verdict still out on camera.<br /><div><br /><p>Paid a second visit to the same general area of the Assabet yesterday under much milder conditions...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTTsr_rkyRjHBFbG6RFEMpKL5TwSa3-EKjXle2IxlWHHY4HJDwlaappHpDalAYLEnYrmEZXXhIlcyRHSgT8fGy9_BONa0s6sZbxe_NrHNk93_tU4ddp1VVA4FhqEe8bJlgZrUaT5NwIX_byQG468KipMIp3Cm971P9r7F8CGzDU3cpAheU-IvWVLiV1Q/s4608/IMG_3376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTTsr_rkyRjHBFbG6RFEMpKL5TwSa3-EKjXle2IxlWHHY4HJDwlaappHpDalAYLEnYrmEZXXhIlcyRHSgT8fGy9_BONa0s6sZbxe_NrHNk93_tU4ddp1VVA4FhqEe8bJlgZrUaT5NwIX_byQG468KipMIp3Cm971P9r7F8CGzDU3cpAheU-IvWVLiV1Q/s320/IMG_3376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and found nearly all of the ice gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Temperatures were in the upper 40s F. which may have caused this fly to awaken earlier than usual...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmGBHBc_PT7Uv4Atgy4kKgu5xnjRCkTDQFyNfzvbNByUe4rjjPGT0lDg1i4KE6iCMDF0uurirtH-qaPPkBpLlm_JF3unUOzplJ28zccFP3mUm_l850xpyxo4bsXAuAfavQR2UPgi3Rh8s_b9ZshYe_W61Yemi9YvsDlh6tZVNICruA69YlfEMVyWYUhI/s1585/IMG_3382_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1585" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmGBHBc_PT7Uv4Atgy4kKgu5xnjRCkTDQFyNfzvbNByUe4rjjPGT0lDg1i4KE6iCMDF0uurirtH-qaPPkBpLlm_JF3unUOzplJ28zccFP3mUm_l850xpyxo4bsXAuAfavQR2UPgi3Rh8s_b9ZshYe_W61Yemi9YvsDlh6tZVNICruA69YlfEMVyWYUhI/s320/IMG_3382_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A pair of bony hands beneath the surface resulted in this bit of plastic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP6eLvR58R_2ZsAsfRm5eReRAumJQuQgXX0g5erFqgp7BAkffZHt7fg84hOdFOlWTS8fpq49OxdJeNzRA75loE-iXcJsw6YexK_ZtA37IAChQDoi5s490cjDiIgqji1ILnPISciuAViAf9bL_QISFZbR0zMrMrbiTzxQlKnFDqLYMv1kMxN0iXpzTmFU/s4443/IMG_3381_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2682" data-original-width="4443" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP6eLvR58R_2ZsAsfRm5eReRAumJQuQgXX0g5erFqgp7BAkffZHt7fg84hOdFOlWTS8fpq49OxdJeNzRA75loE-iXcJsw6YexK_ZtA37IAChQDoi5s490cjDiIgqji1ILnPISciuAViAf9bL_QISFZbR0zMrMrbiTzxQlKnFDqLYMv1kMxN0iXpzTmFU/s320/IMG_3381_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It sort of summed up my week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trash gathered up included 6 miniature aka "nip" bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJUMNbl5zCSaQ2WIGhTh2zjmjrZ6fMcMag2mciVMzbxriqftf2XtNWWsM5FqJOm2sVVcwn46Bng0V7nK7b146rgWWdUtbbs_TorcI9VX33DEWwaA_ZXlw-iRcA-mxDNsEyEl2qykaHDKD6f8gGTGrbV-QBIn_S7AOSvssbBLuclj9hdyAGs-deZQ9Jzw/s4608/IMG_3383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJUMNbl5zCSaQ2WIGhTh2zjmjrZ6fMcMag2mciVMzbxriqftf2XtNWWsM5FqJOm2sVVcwn46Bng0V7nK7b146rgWWdUtbbs_TorcI9VX33DEWwaA_ZXlw-iRcA-mxDNsEyEl2qykaHDKD6f8gGTGrbV-QBIn_S7AOSvssbBLuclj9hdyAGs-deZQ9Jzw/s320/IMG_3383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Paddling past the Concord Reformatory's power plant...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OHAHgy0yuGClukS-5ZJbb5kr63DKhy5OJ1o-mcVeffm09U6xXAOoryvlxhz8YQ0YUpikEENdvDoKZxh6UZprHIKf9Yd7W4NcwL0k_JdjoUPqL1opDg-gpYDuTDNEMnmvVd6sGDDQTBUuDabzhBm6k8hTr9X973UNRkzttFcv9g7TyRqcnNXGMnCw8eQ/s4608/IMG_3385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OHAHgy0yuGClukS-5ZJbb5kr63DKhy5OJ1o-mcVeffm09U6xXAOoryvlxhz8YQ0YUpikEENdvDoKZxh6UZprHIKf9Yd7W4NcwL0k_JdjoUPqL1opDg-gpYDuTDNEMnmvVd6sGDDQTBUuDabzhBm6k8hTr9X973UNRkzttFcv9g7TyRqcnNXGMnCw8eQ/s320/IMG_3385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...brought to mind the recent announcement of the facility being shut down by this summer. There's quite a bit of property related to this facility which has been a prison since 1878. Quite a bit along the Assabet River.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-38336931596206774242024-01-13T16:39:00.000-05:002024-01-13T16:39:13.948-05:00Disoriented On the River<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPOv03ItNLEC4NMTfLgat_KjV4bg8nkmrT7Ctv4xBAUJHQuu-Pb71SmE42F2PlgZtsvqXiTemYEiYlUaNNpWCLq8WYHtm6rYa7ztr2P4vv4ArBAtx5koiQrlxolGfNL054nTbcnfEoo7ZfwMdofyfb-vqCqimyAhfkziaTQ2fTNaeBQcrZkfXlsEgGdI/s4608/IMG_3303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPOv03ItNLEC4NMTfLgat_KjV4bg8nkmrT7Ctv4xBAUJHQuu-Pb71SmE42F2PlgZtsvqXiTemYEiYlUaNNpWCLq8WYHtm6rYa7ztr2P4vv4ArBAtx5koiQrlxolGfNL054nTbcnfEoo7ZfwMdofyfb-vqCqimyAhfkziaTQ2fTNaeBQcrZkfXlsEgGdI/w400-h300/IMG_3303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ordinarily I wouldn't gain access to the Sudbury River by launching into Heard Pond in Wayland, MA...but these are not ordinary times. January is impersonating March and river levels are high enough that many bridges are short on headroom. Thus, this past Thursday, Heard Pond gave me access to a good bit of the Sudbury River without having to navigate bridges.<p></p><p>After launching into the almost completely ice-free pond, a short paddle brought me to the pond's southern end where it was difficult to determine where the pond ended and river began...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzmswfz7Z1Rzg8s4ordcXlxDM6DSlD1lmSpkks3TooRbmRFf0EOzxrMu8Wto7r2_A0VkiG17X1xDD3dhMK3B_9fW4iI5WxoNe5GChZPJ_pfefYzG_TT7uiYr67KV-AWYAvEmpz71bJ2-gIqBc9nG7dyGObUHgSGITiDuMlpG4vJfN6FI8mX0SZrtiOKw/s4608/IMG_3305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzmswfz7Z1Rzg8s4ordcXlxDM6DSlD1lmSpkks3TooRbmRFf0EOzxrMu8Wto7r2_A0VkiG17X1xDD3dhMK3B_9fW4iI5WxoNe5GChZPJ_pfefYzG_TT7uiYr67KV-AWYAvEmpz71bJ2-gIqBc9nG7dyGObUHgSGITiDuMlpG4vJfN6FI8mX0SZrtiOKw/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Once out on the newly widened river the main channel couldn't be discerned...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONroXe8MdUmPlb-6kTq8yJ0Z2tWAwVs3EQxvIDKbKAQ0kL-dJeTIW-0FTI1crYLEKBchW-CuBGqimpxVTg-28A-3E-jEtdr9ABSQI3V8c9M1AGq2Q3esoU-Fji93sxLRnZSSA2BpLcRPj3Jbf4MIYU6YhS3YO2sM_9lJUNVgBSBs1Bc-JCSV6mg2NoYI/s4608/IMG_3310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONroXe8MdUmPlb-6kTq8yJ0Z2tWAwVs3EQxvIDKbKAQ0kL-dJeTIW-0FTI1crYLEKBchW-CuBGqimpxVTg-28A-3E-jEtdr9ABSQI3V8c9M1AGq2Q3esoU-Fji93sxLRnZSSA2BpLcRPj3Jbf4MIYU6YhS3YO2sM_9lJUNVgBSBs1Bc-JCSV6mg2NoYI/s320/IMG_3310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was disorienting to have many of the usual markers submerged and reminded me of the feeling one gets when enveloped in fog on the ocean. Nonetheless, I was very happy to be paddling in January under blue skies with a temperature near 40 degrees F.<br /><p>The Pelham Island Road Bridge confirmed I'd made the right decision in launching at Heard Pond...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRXHtYV8I6CUZbuESNg26J84gL3BdfOnl3TsRO294pENsxReLEYplARhy7pGWFLfG1-NWgbVoMNAj0zY2KeTSOFlxq5KDj4vMcFeoPR6TlpL4mnQWPTjKSpB2acZzN0jJxlktmPJK_lsm7NbD5i9NbHGrKmqTDBPQFgN8gMHW_fMc7Zuvik09nLVnaYk/s4608/IMG_3314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRXHtYV8I6CUZbuESNg26J84gL3BdfOnl3TsRO294pENsxReLEYplARhy7pGWFLfG1-NWgbVoMNAj0zY2KeTSOFlxq5KDj4vMcFeoPR6TlpL4mnQWPTjKSpB2acZzN0jJxlktmPJK_lsm7NbD5i9NbHGrKmqTDBPQFgN8gMHW_fMc7Zuvik09nLVnaYk/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The only ice I came across that day was on the far western side of the pond...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfcnp4vRjI_59ygB2Sru5uWAhinRpDu36g9_q5dFEmpudKBjf7Kwm_f_S-Eqe5xEfQuGo2G0G2ff-8PrjX-l1rQFT1mX3LvLBnsNGfgoMfRz7Crfw-gyIJOYXR1DO6lWB0pgbeJwPebPCILXs_TM37vKAR5cHnnYbElxn09UJo55bcHGFyKYRu5t5IEk/s4608/IMG_3316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfcnp4vRjI_59ygB2Sru5uWAhinRpDu36g9_q5dFEmpudKBjf7Kwm_f_S-Eqe5xEfQuGo2G0G2ff-8PrjX-l1rQFT1mX3LvLBnsNGfgoMfRz7Crfw-gyIJOYXR1DO6lWB0pgbeJwPebPCILXs_TM37vKAR5cHnnYbElxn09UJo55bcHGFyKYRu5t5IEk/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The following day, Friday, delivered more sun, less wind, and even warmer temperatures...45 degrees F. I launched from a flooded Calf Pasture at Lowell Road in Concord, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7PHxp6jqajSvcLgBvpj9JH0NQYJ2RxW3_fnkuwv6h8iQIKA3qKoLs6DL1LVEug_8BUcORe8TLzptCoP6bwtLnrZs6fKNnigHKLnx1Icys_7y8nrjFcScE_gUTbyKX1V1fiG8DYT_oYa66stmqkwoxA-1-0MeFrlUA5jIwKSDfQZqFdVEKWkIFakC2dw/s4608/IMG_3317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7PHxp6jqajSvcLgBvpj9JH0NQYJ2RxW3_fnkuwv6h8iQIKA3qKoLs6DL1LVEug_8BUcORe8TLzptCoP6bwtLnrZs6fKNnigHKLnx1Icys_7y8nrjFcScE_gUTbyKX1V1fiG8DYT_oYa66stmqkwoxA-1-0MeFrlUA5jIwKSDfQZqFdVEKWkIFakC2dw/s320/IMG_3317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and after visiting the fully submerged inscription at Egg Rock...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUAhn-8KxV1kMHxZnGg-mboeR-z_L8c0biaEimKeGM20uvOTdUnO106MA7DB-gmAT9KjCJ0yabtdqTjEjtzQaU2bAoyOPNN51m6FmI3TAcA8S76NSRTsj12m1VXvlvkLT8OZSZMe6NcIGPB9MP2B3tJkorWYVrGPXpjbxlplEFA8AuLfvkUeDAQhXauE/s4608/IMG_3328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUAhn-8KxV1kMHxZnGg-mboeR-z_L8c0biaEimKeGM20uvOTdUnO106MA7DB-gmAT9KjCJ0yabtdqTjEjtzQaU2bAoyOPNN51m6FmI3TAcA8S76NSRTsj12m1VXvlvkLT8OZSZMe6NcIGPB9MP2B3tJkorWYVrGPXpjbxlplEFA8AuLfvkUeDAQhXauE/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...headed downstream on the Concord River. Enjoyed a hot cup of cocoa while just sitting in my boat riding the current which was moving me along at close to 2 mph. The Old North Bridge had ample headroom...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GP8m0MDfBsIl2HIACf7SghkN8m7FZCShe0rvMoYI68KDw8PXG6go7JEbFmQSf-QnB6gZbz9mRAzMf7t5LG28Vdqv_bACprjyEZKe3utExJXB0nbiqSsUVA-clGibjlNQ_187ezwsZ_BcCWitPScYofNM7WYV02IqRO1MsnenqSsx89K-WlsgxR0gAYA/s4608/IMG_3318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GP8m0MDfBsIl2HIACf7SghkN8m7FZCShe0rvMoYI68KDw8PXG6go7JEbFmQSf-QnB6gZbz9mRAzMf7t5LG28Vdqv_bACprjyEZKe3utExJXB0nbiqSsUVA-clGibjlNQ_187ezwsZ_BcCWitPScYofNM7WYV02IqRO1MsnenqSsx89K-WlsgxR0gAYA/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...as did the Monument Street bridge around the next bend. Nearly all of last Sunday's snow was nowhere to be seen.<div><div><br /></div><div>The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge impoundments could have been accessed by boat (though doing so is not allowed)...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSAPxzmXbU1fKEyAlP6RI3zvKxteBASMkO0jhYurSN8dAhi7XKZdULk4f-A6rvsYgJ72QXgqn0UssA-3CyDjsa9jCPincvXvvQ9h98QnArL5s27b8c1TdyyOFf25gK5ZLGP_gm0lAqoyzAwlXArmHkLH8TyAE6JFPMBw8PD4iMeodtzQaENd_5lzaalk/s4608/IMG_3321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSAPxzmXbU1fKEyAlP6RI3zvKxteBASMkO0jhYurSN8dAhi7XKZdULk4f-A6rvsYgJ72QXgqn0UssA-3CyDjsa9jCPincvXvvQ9h98QnArL5s27b8c1TdyyOFf25gK5ZLGP_gm0lAqoyzAwlXArmHkLH8TyAE6JFPMBw8PD4iMeodtzQaENd_5lzaalk/s320/IMG_3321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and the Dike Trail/Landing area was also submerged...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MWKgK6qr7kDUZPHnDvSluWLty7yarxad_LNzSOOnWaDQctYviQIAOhdEjEizxmt4wP3FqG63l19sOrhTpcsb533Z6ol0ljEBkA8TD-FgpKxIvsyXMZHUlRGt16QZ23kvE6tkrj0OrUoZXRNI_UfXZAehqYCSdVNENad2Q90tvNFbOUJEtvxj5prox8c/s4608/IMG_3323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MWKgK6qr7kDUZPHnDvSluWLty7yarxad_LNzSOOnWaDQctYviQIAOhdEjEizxmt4wP3FqG63l19sOrhTpcsb533Z6ol0ljEBkA8TD-FgpKxIvsyXMZHUlRGt16QZ23kvE6tkrj0OrUoZXRNI_UfXZAehqYCSdVNENad2Q90tvNFbOUJEtvxj5prox8c/s320/IMG_3323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>High water allowed taking a shortcut straight across the Holt rather than following the river's jog around it. I emerged back into the river below Buttrick's Hill and came across this Common Goldeneye pair...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8vyfsqbAxiLzLGIdk0dKywYScbjIV5jE_jBIpkoMvnxn5gdjjIXPCssBhB41kq5SWKJAzkYi8GBSbjd_RCRtWyIFkBu8amVf2RaVRclVhKCyv07rdkoz7pKUuPWidnbVDIbc6dMcknIQyPKf6RSfRno2_hBZyjiNrMl__40frqzCCsJni4d6UwEMXtM/s2968/IMG_3325_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2968" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8vyfsqbAxiLzLGIdk0dKywYScbjIV5jE_jBIpkoMvnxn5gdjjIXPCssBhB41kq5SWKJAzkYi8GBSbjd_RCRtWyIFkBu8amVf2RaVRclVhKCyv07rdkoz7pKUuPWidnbVDIbc6dMcknIQyPKf6RSfRno2_hBZyjiNrMl__40frqzCCsJni4d6UwEMXtM/w400-h276/IMG_3325_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>More rain last night was accompanied by even more milder air with temperatures near 60 degrees F. today. Perhaps this is our "January Thaw"? <br /> <br /><div><p>Trash encountered Thursday on the Sudbury (in areas not usually accessible) included 104 miniature bottles (aka "nips")...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr_zqpecVeAnVkIdQDahbKgMY3e2UUW9a-YiYfRGg4KNF6XvSY1YrrqwWI4XIGvEBiPN1AZW8E53NH1pa8dZEC9U-HpuJZoSaXyGaQ9vAFyNAH3yaI_8X9Wm-__WsYNfbyyNZPvKAHLxAWYfhbnBSqDf-oMgMZGsgMhcZL_JfPUvUWGPAwQoFOnhzwu0/s4608/IMG_3312.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbr_zqpecVeAnVkIdQDahbKgMY3e2UUW9a-YiYfRGg4KNF6XvSY1YrrqwWI4XIGvEBiPN1AZW8E53NH1pa8dZEC9U-HpuJZoSaXyGaQ9vAFyNAH3yaI_8X9Wm-__WsYNfbyyNZPvKAHLxAWYfhbnBSqDf-oMgMZGsgMhcZL_JfPUvUWGPAwQoFOnhzwu0/s320/IMG_3312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash found Friday on the Concord (in areas not usually accessible) included 15 miniatures...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheua8hB1P942DlzPb1e4FEXXXdVwORi6XwWqf07xZ70-oWB0e1kQAdMiuzfx0h9aulE9T-Lm8IxS_fOkpk0Pbxh1DZrqVkjCUK8RoUuYp-NnoL9qIZ6VOZUiQzgnHRCCJDUL-Cw2063XlYYYQSukebyMfWfKow39PQR84z4TUdAxx3OsIgq_ryXIlbN4A/s4608/IMG_3330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheua8hB1P942DlzPb1e4FEXXXdVwORi6XwWqf07xZ70-oWB0e1kQAdMiuzfx0h9aulE9T-Lm8IxS_fOkpk0Pbxh1DZrqVkjCUK8RoUuYp-NnoL9qIZ6VOZUiQzgnHRCCJDUL-Cw2063XlYYYQSukebyMfWfKow39PQR84z4TUdAxx3OsIgq_ryXIlbN4A/s320/IMG_3330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Good article in today's Boston Globe by Beth Treffeisen about the Town of Plymouth, MA where voters will decide whether or not to ban the sale of miniature alcohol bottles. What would the Pilgrims have thought of these troublesome little containers being all over the place? </p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-62364311750283209222024-01-04T13:26:00.000-05:002024-01-04T13:26:28.752-05:00Shoving Off Into 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0ivmK-_UJJGdGHNfZ_StdDJ0MviXleL_pcOhj0zTwX1XuWhvyVX4iPf7tv4mEf8a9Lhf-5En1jw2axrhsPGQeptx3SVJw7aNaHNCYZ9ZnRCYlLA8Pt_PL3edA3TBc12eEf7LFzFOzut7fyBA4CCm4M-iMe5-vtyF1MIhyphenhyphenhaHdH_RacHzgJXsRZ9ZAGQ/s4608/IMG_3266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0ivmK-_UJJGdGHNfZ_StdDJ0MviXleL_pcOhj0zTwX1XuWhvyVX4iPf7tv4mEf8a9Lhf-5En1jw2axrhsPGQeptx3SVJw7aNaHNCYZ9ZnRCYlLA8Pt_PL3edA3TBc12eEf7LFzFOzut7fyBA4CCm4M-iMe5-vtyF1MIhyphenhyphenhaHdH_RacHzgJXsRZ9ZAGQ/w400-h300/IMG_3266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shoved off from shore on New Year's Day in Stow, MA and paddled the Assabet River under gathering clouds. There was not a crystal of ice nor flake of snow to be seen. Just the way I like it. My hope is that a delayed winter will be a short winter.</p><p>A few hours later the clouds had dispersed and the afternoon proved a beauty...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsbUanEFeyFB3aghkUj_OhK7ypdZm6ubJ3j6RrbZzCq_dmq8dzL4S0m61hYIIE95t6nrjjveiUhH4ku5e1NqaFv2-UPIvVBhZuSTpAtBpUhylYpidU_cVkzSZDlOaL-MmJB_TzBlDRaW9HDf8DmjaA23airxmck0A83TAzw4AsYJ4Z2YKaAYCWBLklVs/s4608/IMG_3273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsbUanEFeyFB3aghkUj_OhK7ypdZm6ubJ3j6RrbZzCq_dmq8dzL4S0m61hYIIE95t6nrjjveiUhH4ku5e1NqaFv2-UPIvVBhZuSTpAtBpUhylYpidU_cVkzSZDlOaL-MmJB_TzBlDRaW9HDf8DmjaA23airxmck0A83TAzw4AsYJ4Z2YKaAYCWBLklVs/w400-h300/IMG_3273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The first person I encountered out on the river in 2024 was a duck hunter returning downriver in his kayak. He reported having witnessed a spectacular sunrise several hours earlier. </p><p>Two days later on Wednesday I launched into the Nashua River at Petapawag...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-43Lue9IuaDdWSvaH8ouXSrWIE2YwWiXdeoca4BR01lk446GIaLQC0X6Trc_uFGeqpcbPai1cfHmkGYM3rOBARnLRSWf5P3pCotyHk7NzKWEBRdEdhtFIqAvydKBFqYJ40hq4kAUmUpgwjd94firRxasQSxE2agMchdqnIZj4Lybm5gpqL5v547zuxqc/s4608/IMG_3278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-43Lue9IuaDdWSvaH8ouXSrWIE2YwWiXdeoca4BR01lk446GIaLQC0X6Trc_uFGeqpcbPai1cfHmkGYM3rOBARnLRSWf5P3pCotyHk7NzKWEBRdEdhtFIqAvydKBFqYJ40hq4kAUmUpgwjd94firRxasQSxE2agMchdqnIZj4Lybm5gpqL5v547zuxqc/s320/IMG_3278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here things were reversed with the morning's bright sunshine rapidly fading behind clouds.<br /><p>One small island hosted this large nest...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEWuXDN_015JlRDSuqfEgoXftN2_ihlzUrVROIg6jx_mBbe5BMhSEtP6Sp_5_2D6JKZHO5VRtPb20R1IaYFGYSXjzquFmJpuLdBzwk1dH0xaDAfX7NkY_3yVNj6N9jZV49RQP_h3pKsUAR8NMnNm9HlFokxPbK7DEptNDzeFXHAogObD2vYvP0l-AlYI/s4608/IMG_3281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEWuXDN_015JlRDSuqfEgoXftN2_ihlzUrVROIg6jx_mBbe5BMhSEtP6Sp_5_2D6JKZHO5VRtPb20R1IaYFGYSXjzquFmJpuLdBzwk1dH0xaDAfX7NkY_3yVNj6N9jZV49RQP_h3pKsUAR8NMnNm9HlFokxPbK7DEptNDzeFXHAogObD2vYvP0l-AlYI/s320/IMG_3281.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>An adult eagle was seen flying past the same island...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinieVym0BbkOYzXV5VQKjb3R8j5A85kHmKeS4dUYJKbqN8plHJXOp8iw1JJNO1dMaJgLJeZl0mthLpsjTWVql2c2stFx7JZahXmqpxxBWvNp6zJQ-KDMvTMlK57nxYexhV2TIkb5ffnPvdI98DcmNxoYmDfRFR5MqnU1xk2cffh1KuT1JkVTZ97wO2hI8/s2405/IMG_3279_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2257" data-original-width="2405" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinieVym0BbkOYzXV5VQKjb3R8j5A85kHmKeS4dUYJKbqN8plHJXOp8iw1JJNO1dMaJgLJeZl0mthLpsjTWVql2c2stFx7JZahXmqpxxBWvNp6zJQ-KDMvTMlK57nxYexhV2TIkb5ffnPvdI98DcmNxoYmDfRFR5MqnU1xk2cffh1KuT1JkVTZ97wO2hI8/s320/IMG_3279_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A fellow paddler I ran into at the boat launch mentioned having heard a deceased adult eagle was recently found in this area of the Nashua River. I believe he said that birdshot was the cause. If true, I can't imagine how one would feel upon discovering they'd mistakenly shot our national bird. </p><p>Now three days into the new year, and after a few cold mornings, ice was beginning to take hold again in this large cut-off oxbow...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKRUSMCEdT0fapoIBpysCRitkmSjb7L-owGMwIBpaI7HOw8x0kYglkSSlZz0D9G7SEXpSRgsxi2Hiu19x9m0InDIMYKpjmCZHP-DdNxu-n3VUGLX_dX0w0NSgRDrUlAXTAMa16WlhHnhO440_uFb-ytQklW6BBPW79mWhxlNqWwM4LE55KGCX-9UdR9o/s4608/IMG_3283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKRUSMCEdT0fapoIBpysCRitkmSjb7L-owGMwIBpaI7HOw8x0kYglkSSlZz0D9G7SEXpSRgsxi2Hiu19x9m0InDIMYKpjmCZHP-DdNxu-n3VUGLX_dX0w0NSgRDrUlAXTAMa16WlhHnhO440_uFb-ytQklW6BBPW79mWhxlNqWwM4LE55KGCX-9UdR9o/s320/IMG_3283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The first trash of the new year included one balloon and 7 miniatures...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrWR-BnZqvF5pJhsag38gHGXB0jMJdHqHx7_m4L-y19xrr9WPIxorP5SEcE0WL9gs663xBK7egYBIOQoVH53IG_4A7G4YsAmBmElawEOgwRIzcm0pniMEio9rwPD1kXOIrE954pLSQlZ-G7kFbue6uwnH0s_45iyISXiUvRmD5Pfabbsygv7kkQYQSyc/s4608/IMG_3277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrWR-BnZqvF5pJhsag38gHGXB0jMJdHqHx7_m4L-y19xrr9WPIxorP5SEcE0WL9gs663xBK7egYBIOQoVH53IG_4A7G4YsAmBmElawEOgwRIzcm0pniMEio9rwPD1kXOIrE954pLSQlZ-G7kFbue6uwnH0s_45iyISXiUvRmD5Pfabbsygv7kkQYQSyc/w400-h300/IMG_3277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash from Wednesday included 57 miniatures...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSevD9V04kcE_atLoDBJSfwtl0OFNS_5jVGswE_jVatnHjOKmll9GbEgq6ZypjsK1n9zCunlhkRWB2PAuKV-6aVtOt3Jvp9dlaIGTys7fKUPCsfpmnyStuktlgWIQzRUCTqCVF7TpN-j3g9CuJ8vil57i-fFAAvEiq-KCkBB_DEB32dAk8W2S1jkQo90g/s4608/IMG_3286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSevD9V04kcE_atLoDBJSfwtl0OFNS_5jVGswE_jVatnHjOKmll9GbEgq6ZypjsK1n9zCunlhkRWB2PAuKV-6aVtOt3Jvp9dlaIGTys7fKUPCsfpmnyStuktlgWIQzRUCTqCVF7TpN-j3g9CuJ8vil57i-fFAAvEiq-KCkBB_DEB32dAk8W2S1jkQo90g/s320/IMG_3286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-1815550425298406382023-12-27T16:11:00.000-05:002023-12-27T16:11:05.681-05:002023 Out On a High Note<p>Yesterday provided the perfect day for closing out my 2023 paddling season. Things started out real foggy on the Nashua River in Harvard, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPan2AVUV27MjFEsBJQXvEFbV0_JJFkie-geRyVVSFNEpNF4PMX-LM-l6ztliOEyLVOV3DzhJ4SQnNyIBoRtKHI1cuCzXP5b70Ffdbi-2CXwUX3vdwugj27lFR5AX-nVY_vw8Lku30jck2iiXDJTnWbLq0qj-24dVFbfc3hyU8tb2BEOdokqTwjFAoyrs/s4608/IMG_3235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPan2AVUV27MjFEsBJQXvEFbV0_JJFkie-geRyVVSFNEpNF4PMX-LM-l6ztliOEyLVOV3DzhJ4SQnNyIBoRtKHI1cuCzXP5b70Ffdbi-2CXwUX3vdwugj27lFR5AX-nVY_vw8Lku30jck2iiXDJTnWbLq0qj-24dVFbfc3hyU8tb2BEOdokqTwjFAoyrs/s320/IMG_3235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...but eventually blossomed into a beautiful sunny day with only a light southwest breeze and temperatures in the low 50's F...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZrbJqjr01PrezWXOO-9VLEfKPa-gmpLLFj713c95cPqSttkRN3jdZVQ9dsDQs25aO7AsrK1sGLkqF0o_-ErSdU2ARUD0oGKp0dUesKT1uAn3b6f9Unm9F0CPnCQIg6_1F1vbFm3fGVf_94oRPC5XCNM-E5c0bMUtg5gWIasYDVPyaDU-rC9oQJQ7cgw/s4608/IMG_3248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZrbJqjr01PrezWXOO-9VLEfKPa-gmpLLFj713c95cPqSttkRN3jdZVQ9dsDQs25aO7AsrK1sGLkqF0o_-ErSdU2ARUD0oGKp0dUesKT1uAn3b6f9Unm9F0CPnCQIg6_1F1vbFm3fGVf_94oRPC5XCNM-E5c0bMUtg5gWIasYDVPyaDU-rC9oQJQ7cgw/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It'd be hard to top such conditions this late in December, so I won't even try.<div><br /></div><div>The scent of fresh creosote (which I'm partial to) was wafting from the CSX railroad bridge...<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZMvW9xBOI4MGf2L4P_puAAnhg7nnbbExBh7W6lta5efG3ofCZtq2rORkhGkX11GOb33qd_f15LDb88XZWOGQAnhzSoUikD1Qzot_72pAa7iNqyoFBFrHDPADG3FbK_W-c6J2VUc9KoOQJ-MaZeDwSkLng-uy75J6NRS5bHvBjjbDzqcYL45zV8PL720/s4608/IMG_3251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZMvW9xBOI4MGf2L4P_puAAnhg7nnbbExBh7W6lta5efG3ofCZtq2rORkhGkX11GOb33qd_f15LDb88XZWOGQAnhzSoUikD1Qzot_72pAa7iNqyoFBFrHDPADG3FbK_W-c6J2VUc9KoOQJ-MaZeDwSkLng-uy75J6NRS5bHvBjjbDzqcYL45zV8PL720/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A short hike to the bridge found the source to be newly-installed wood timber decking ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEJAhyd61fsouu6F_S1kkVFj65Q6APvXzbnB8mnB9o27m8jK3vKbgq2PyT4EqS1fNtUpzu2VIkHjeWAH6rLXUEVqgJv7eEZGqc9xJNQLyHXsEQxCNGBEQ_mUy_-FiCIpYA9EioudAw1lHmFhE8WWgvu20u3TqGju-k-r_lDnbhwhqxXobKNshGairUuQ/s4608/IMG_3255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEJAhyd61fsouu6F_S1kkVFj65Q6APvXzbnB8mnB9o27m8jK3vKbgq2PyT4EqS1fNtUpzu2VIkHjeWAH6rLXUEVqgJv7eEZGqc9xJNQLyHXsEQxCNGBEQ_mUy_-FiCIpYA9EioudAw1lHmFhE8WWgvu20u3TqGju-k-r_lDnbhwhqxXobKNshGairUuQ/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thus this old bridge heads into 2024 sporting new crossties and new rails.<div><br /></div><div>On Christmas Eve my second-to-last paddle was on the Assabet River in West Concord, MA which allowed for one last foray up Nashoba Brook to one of the two dams at Warner's Pond...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkuaZPXJdYnrjloCfLsK4M_D8YeLji3zPPbgAod8CO-V4vTsQrGzg2YgXev_2fRrzUlDBP5LwhhBHyv-lDbah4oSJ8ntgZIIiXPeM3NU6AosRhjkwwiK98HJXJUohoKu1dqN9-oVGOxWN-o5sxkiz0734CVUVidMaRYrzuUcNj2jUlSpNNfGxuuG4594/s4608/IMG_3229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkuaZPXJdYnrjloCfLsK4M_D8YeLji3zPPbgAod8CO-V4vTsQrGzg2YgXev_2fRrzUlDBP5LwhhBHyv-lDbah4oSJ8ntgZIIiXPeM3NU6AosRhjkwwiK98HJXJUohoKu1dqN9-oVGOxWN-o5sxkiz0734CVUVidMaRYrzuUcNj2jUlSpNNfGxuuG4594/s320/IMG_3229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...where the vertical drop was minimal (the gauge at the Commonwealth Ave bridge showed 4.7').</div><div><br /></div><div>My final wildlife encounter of 2023 was with this red-tailed hawk along the Assabet near Westvale...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdvdeRiYY-JIb8JmCCXpQIo0LA_BoGmQjdCIlfiV7N2Y1z6OGZ-unT5rZv9Ov1H3vKedTQ_pwUlijmuhrp8mLuau_Kr4ap6HogbfKJU_Da1Wxvu3yt8vUeFOjQwYUtCB93HUXIqTpMASeISWc7fDP8WkLVLXIsMcDq_xyAS272Woygwc0mZSwFL78Sqs/s4608/IMG_3214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdvdeRiYY-JIb8JmCCXpQIo0LA_BoGmQjdCIlfiV7N2Y1z6OGZ-unT5rZv9Ov1H3vKedTQ_pwUlijmuhrp8mLuau_Kr4ap6HogbfKJU_Da1Wxvu3yt8vUeFOjQwYUtCB93HUXIqTpMASeISWc7fDP8WkLVLXIsMcDq_xyAS272Woygwc0mZSwFL78Sqs/w400-h300/IMG_3214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>My last two trash hauls of 2023:</div><div>Christmas Eve from the Assabet River included 40 miniatures and some Christmas colors...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyvISiCpTbFvVF57smVaAQT5KCNMc0Kmewuctjz8XxqS1ngtgBtwSXwbM8Ausm1VHRLo7_X6cgEuQ3SSP2ls2BihEg9KtMnUUG78X-HpCvIwggbZPW2n4rsEXvoLcV6kbD2Un__k6ipQ8T3uDNHZGHUGwcdcjfzLbH0Z-wgRpEXI0s3zah0JMzmqYm1M/s4608/IMG_3232.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyvISiCpTbFvVF57smVaAQT5KCNMc0Kmewuctjz8XxqS1ngtgBtwSXwbM8Ausm1VHRLo7_X6cgEuQ3SSP2ls2BihEg9KtMnUUG78X-HpCvIwggbZPW2n4rsEXvoLcV6kbD2Un__k6ipQ8T3uDNHZGHUGwcdcjfzLbH0Z-wgRpEXI0s3zah0JMzmqYm1M/s320/IMG_3232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Yesterday's final trash from the Nashua River at Oxbow (south) included 135 miniatures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO3z-p4j8j2DV0Qieh-bFwgsLsWwyzyD7VTsr8X1TlsV0Oj4AiRbHaQ4D8sSKf3UlHn1jDKfS57brOOIJQ0edeux0wABki1XCkUgdr4QOCINSasglXh-7TPLJuvEu_tsOWXmz5w9zI8vxj_1-3enNfGNVfw_KMVxsKSpopNRmkkeAmDgR7Cx-serm0W0/s4608/IMG_3240.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO3z-p4j8j2DV0Qieh-bFwgsLsWwyzyD7VTsr8X1TlsV0Oj4AiRbHaQ4D8sSKf3UlHn1jDKfS57brOOIJQ0edeux0wABki1XCkUgdr4QOCINSasglXh-7TPLJuvEu_tsOWXmz5w9zI8vxj_1-3enNfGNVfw_KMVxsKSpopNRmkkeAmDgR7Cx-serm0W0/s320/IMG_3240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was appropriate to close out 2023 with a good haul of miniatures as the year's consistently high water levels kept miniatures on the move. Here's a look at the small bottles (aka "nips")...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSYU10qWokrr-ifHPlc8PKVI63WNewY_0v8zF0lK8t4wmlqmyFup6MKlh89T-gLhtI7UTAhFqgLcX5JLZg2KVWvIpuvHtQFqg8KKbsXkcjc_l0eziSzlij0YpSHFi8ZUtqu_1P6pJjmUdyhqsid7WkZJac9CdnejuhpVUo9nzhNPkqtGe5Nf35wAL8b0/s4608/IMG_3262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSYU10qWokrr-ifHPlc8PKVI63WNewY_0v8zF0lK8t4wmlqmyFup6MKlh89T-gLhtI7UTAhFqgLcX5JLZg2KVWvIpuvHtQFqg8KKbsXkcjc_l0eziSzlij0YpSHFi8ZUtqu_1P6pJjmUdyhqsid7WkZJac9CdnejuhpVUo9nzhNPkqtGe5Nf35wAL8b0/s320/IMG_3262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So, since my boat and paddle will be resting until 2024 gets underway, it's a good time to look astern at my 2023 paddling year.<br /><div><p>It wasn't long into 2023, February 12th to be exact, that I encountered my first and only floating, unopened fortune cookie on the Assabet River in Stow, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-386Rva2iRtCJJc4B2ZJYRgq0XFw02P7AuQNvwl27mLJfnMAnItR5XYqIww7V7xwbQEaIHApfsTJOI103hLhASekVEiND0lHyvIbEiXSZXiKyJdYFnT-RUp9FtHFJwRQWNMRr4Uc-8C3h-kYfgyPbQxjD88nVFVONFshCMT8W20L3WEtM3EMaJJ55uA/s4608/IMG_0423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-386Rva2iRtCJJc4B2ZJYRgq0XFw02P7AuQNvwl27mLJfnMAnItR5XYqIww7V7xwbQEaIHApfsTJOI103hLhASekVEiND0lHyvIbEiXSZXiKyJdYFnT-RUp9FtHFJwRQWNMRr4Uc-8C3h-kYfgyPbQxjD88nVFVONFshCMT8W20L3WEtM3EMaJJ55uA/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and, of course, I had to open it to see if I'd stumbled upon good fortune...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG77RmTdllB3QEp34UzZGsLmmqLw-VPnx_hThgUU2WdZfYNGc44Lf-9FydyvmIwiIaClFqlg6v1nFQnkNPK_OUMHdg75oThE30TQRys_3F2_dkWemZRRyLWcOyfDjfRVd3aDfnbqjfSN-G5-cFxmlGhmrYAPXe_BJVakQjWDZz8yet4Dc9ZnqoMExEE8/s4608/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG77RmTdllB3QEp34UzZGsLmmqLw-VPnx_hThgUU2WdZfYNGc44Lf-9FydyvmIwiIaClFqlg6v1nFQnkNPK_OUMHdg75oThE30TQRys_3F2_dkWemZRRyLWcOyfDjfRVd3aDfnbqjfSN-G5-cFxmlGhmrYAPXe_BJVakQjWDZz8yet4Dc9ZnqoMExEE8/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...deep stuff and I couldn't agree more. I guess it helps explain why 2023 had me subsequently having to get used to using a smart phone instead of my trusty Kindle to read the daily newspaper (Kindle was better). On a more positive note, Mrs.Trashpaddler and I replaced our conventional bicycles with new electric-assist bikes (which we love riding and kind of takes me back to my long-ago motorcycle riding days).</div><div><br /></div><div>Paddling-wise, things were pretty much the same with my boats, gear, and local waterways. Took several multi-day trips to places further afield: <br /><p>In April I went west and spent 4 days with summerlike warmth paddling the tidal reach of the Hudson River below Albany, NY. The Mahican people once occupied Schodack and Papscanee islands in this stretch of the Hudson. Nowadays it's not unusual to encounter ocean-going vessels here, some 140 miles up from the ocean where they dwarf most other watercraft...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_qd0OGQdIF5-Q38rD_7lasjzLtfH_Kgt9kuRRLCrLydTxRag3rXzJplNYVQHT21pOVXzQT7v9Dwp92mERm9ntcRHQZv6sC3L0iVbx4lOJ0bz4rw3736WeXskRwYNPx2eEY74sAuUv9_PEJslOJ4WUfGySLexgSczH3cKXQHu-y8TJ7M6aoooeSItQlA/s4608/IMG_0863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_qd0OGQdIF5-Q38rD_7lasjzLtfH_Kgt9kuRRLCrLydTxRag3rXzJplNYVQHT21pOVXzQT7v9Dwp92mERm9ntcRHQZv6sC3L0iVbx4lOJ0bz4rw3736WeXskRwYNPx2eEY74sAuUv9_PEJslOJ4WUfGySLexgSczH3cKXQHu-y8TJ7M6aoooeSItQlA/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Hudson also provided these hot-tub duckies...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ticIo438YUezwk28yUFP8-aCTzHDJLW9n4mEyUct1nYiftqiuAPfZbKmhOwpOwxCjTm5cl06golexgjGCOxpigFW9LXyMwRt7INWUkGuN1__8XzZa8SFCTu1OYQhLsz9lSlXhsXExA7bOYr11f83JIzpFxoafyXJTRfJzMgDxjeWxV28kNTZ_PZSwLQ/s4608/IMG_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ticIo438YUezwk28yUFP8-aCTzHDJLW9n4mEyUct1nYiftqiuAPfZbKmhOwpOwxCjTm5cl06golexgjGCOxpigFW9LXyMwRt7INWUkGuN1__8XzZa8SFCTu1OYQhLsz9lSlXhsXExA7bOYr11f83JIzpFxoafyXJTRfJzMgDxjeWxV28kNTZ_PZSwLQ/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="320" /></a>g</div><br /><p>In May a 2-day trip brought me to the Poultney River on the Vermont/New York border...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGG3fMq9LsyQxdSiAbfTVlUFCuqLNXK1PJvr_TYcEmmO5dLvz8lp5_dpgcpED_9ko0FbM49AmL74ajiNxnxCrK667rfqO7fUF6b9XakTEhBQ72AVeS8Ig20I5zVNZKqtx66sznrbYZj9m97x5h3hWSXy-w1jQjmqJJdFmanndJYYZ0UC75bRO6a6uzJ8/s4608/IMG_1126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGG3fMq9LsyQxdSiAbfTVlUFCuqLNXK1PJvr_TYcEmmO5dLvz8lp5_dpgcpED_9ko0FbM49AmL74ajiNxnxCrK667rfqO7fUF6b9XakTEhBQ72AVeS8Ig20I5zVNZKqtx66sznrbYZj9m97x5h3hWSXy-w1jQjmqJJdFmanndJYYZ0UC75bRO6a6uzJ8/s320/IMG_1126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and provided this encounter with a mink enjoying some fish take-out...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodQJKkolFfngCwYS6ivIuzlIDMwG3nW7c0Vl18C4ZbW-SPskVBok1p-ZHDjTXGr7vuPCeeaz0lbqB6AUgYpdkWbd22IqtRrMQQufPkjwCLMMOySIh4dx9rBmAKHgBFTL2utteKSzEdUQ8gGS4sOLJjdt-ZwavX9f4Zzi3h_SzrL2mDwcrXvLIoqufCXE/s4608/IMG_1153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodQJKkolFfngCwYS6ivIuzlIDMwG3nW7c0Vl18C4ZbW-SPskVBok1p-ZHDjTXGr7vuPCeeaz0lbqB6AUgYpdkWbd22IqtRrMQQufPkjwCLMMOySIh4dx9rBmAKHgBFTL2utteKSzEdUQ8gGS4sOLJjdt-ZwavX9f4Zzi3h_SzrL2mDwcrXvLIoqufCXE/w400-h300/IMG_1153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>In June I spent 5 days paddling and camping in the Bangor/Old Town/Orrington area of Maine. Paddled alongside Indian Island, ancestral home of the Penobscot people...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqTrUi75njsfsg2HixZPrBY8nsoARqRYg045VMxgBHn0rKDk4JLNAX_cWOq3_W7ERohT074tNEluNfcJYsiYzldG5Jon0XQz_oAfDdVCYBmuZ-i-Y0SP7nXCfIxVNhII8ZEFf6KhLFLEqUgECOGH3nEU9F0xyYM7qg1z0-4sX7L9GIzSGz-rdSCEz9BQ/s4479/IMG_1477_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="4479" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqTrUi75njsfsg2HixZPrBY8nsoARqRYg045VMxgBHn0rKDk4JLNAX_cWOq3_W7ERohT074tNEluNfcJYsiYzldG5Jon0XQz_oAfDdVCYBmuZ-i-Y0SP7nXCfIxVNhII8ZEFf6KhLFLEqUgECOGH3nEU9F0xyYM7qg1z0-4sX7L9GIzSGz-rdSCEz9BQ/s320/IMG_1477_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The area is also remembered for the legendary log drivers personified by the pictured Paul Bunyan...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEXnMwkW2x7u0azmjszYJCo9bdLujCJjar-bqT-0kfqLw1du4F_eYrYmzQt3t3oIxn0ZR77zHd_zYU98l2BfR3JvxiVx9TP0NKoISe_e9jrG5WPtk6w4B4Udb2-4Ka3XtYWOX20NuH0lJVKQAzGgaD-uWs5_LAWKu-pUNQ5R6jHuQTfptlIatGLLW9yM/s4608/IMG_1563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEXnMwkW2x7u0azmjszYJCo9bdLujCJjar-bqT-0kfqLw1du4F_eYrYmzQt3t3oIxn0ZR77zHd_zYU98l2BfR3JvxiVx9TP0NKoISe_e9jrG5WPtk6w4B4Udb2-4Ka3XtYWOX20NuH0lJVKQAzGgaD-uWs5_LAWKu-pUNQ5R6jHuQTfptlIatGLLW9yM/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Explored the tidal reach of Maine's Penobscot River...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZErPycy_cybLMZhxsFxgd-Qbl8JARNxXRSZvVkEu94H0-7kxWn3cHqsH-s18R_aT-5_QqNadIuCtC_nlW95ICJRDgvOfnvtsRtFWd8n8q1LNxC07-j4p7LuShq3fm-fSzg098qCGCLoLNozwv-e0W4t-3v-FKpJG0pTzsnne7XtK3vizxlfqf0rpoqg/s4608/IMG_1683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZErPycy_cybLMZhxsFxgd-Qbl8JARNxXRSZvVkEu94H0-7kxWn3cHqsH-s18R_aT-5_QqNadIuCtC_nlW95ICJRDgvOfnvtsRtFWd8n8q1LNxC07-j4p7LuShq3fm-fSzg098qCGCLoLNozwv-e0W4t-3v-FKpJG0pTzsnne7XtK3vizxlfqf0rpoqg/s320/IMG_1683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>...where eagles were aplenty...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CSdPU7dZSXwU9x8sUG_2yFvKQMCJdggfUHDY7a-Qwo27ClD6QSJSjqb8jYx5-lvgdiIFu-55OLEYqk4CbK0M28_azMvGIFOwcC2rjBDZQuROVfy5sdd59BLae-9z7MkUhKzkGpmdXXQq7rReHY0lNcUv5Yyv6twHWf5W2LuIGkFt1IwyyuCpkpWkJrE/s4608/IMG_1678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CSdPU7dZSXwU9x8sUG_2yFvKQMCJdggfUHDY7a-Qwo27ClD6QSJSjqb8jYx5-lvgdiIFu-55OLEYqk4CbK0M28_azMvGIFOwcC2rjBDZQuROVfy5sdd59BLae-9z7MkUhKzkGpmdXXQq7rReHY0lNcUv5Yyv6twHWf5W2LuIGkFt1IwyyuCpkpWkJrE/s320/IMG_1678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Speaking of wildlife, my favorite encounters in 2023 were the following: </div><div>This 6-point buck along the Assabet River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbi4QB2U0yDQnb71zLbJ1SBluakteGJ3xc7BFR2OriYBWlST-jbr4Q1xmgeEHZzbXkYAMTN8WQ4g_drVeQu8F9nEfeqYt15JlR488Zlj7EhBjJTeBuQZO9Y9fX0bd5xOyYa97iEsrD3suHstMYMypVxGbl5_n4WadLTOe4V7DO4AUQ8AeUfYXu4h2nQA/s4608/IMG_1794.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbi4QB2U0yDQnb71zLbJ1SBluakteGJ3xc7BFR2OriYBWlST-jbr4Q1xmgeEHZzbXkYAMTN8WQ4g_drVeQu8F9nEfeqYt15JlR488Zlj7EhBjJTeBuQZO9Y9fX0bd5xOyYa97iEsrD3suHstMYMypVxGbl5_n4WadLTOe4V7DO4AUQ8AeUfYXu4h2nQA/s320/IMG_1794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This green heron also along the Assabet River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxTdAa-owaiK8VED1fUSs3OWL_-o-WJKOs2_P1k8Kd8O0KLnsyXOMwRylWVmHA_IEETJpzvnDm5CCeWBRsUShLJAYQR-BtEjO3fvwIyLSCZxwTXt7J0o2wW5qyLGQcNOMAoW38-_hmJup5YvwdYTjXp9DURAALdLLiUCTMsrK8Wc_FbdK7-GzRTHsZhM/s4608/IMG_1997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxTdAa-owaiK8VED1fUSs3OWL_-o-WJKOs2_P1k8Kd8O0KLnsyXOMwRylWVmHA_IEETJpzvnDm5CCeWBRsUShLJAYQR-BtEjO3fvwIyLSCZxwTXt7J0o2wW5qyLGQcNOMAoW38-_hmJup5YvwdYTjXp9DURAALdLLiUCTMsrK8Wc_FbdK7-GzRTHsZhM/s320/IMG_1997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>However, my most memorable wildlife encounter took place in the Assabet River where I came upon a coyote entering the river in pursuit of Canada geese goslings...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulTS6V8KaOCjREoQxs5vsNrWIhHTjRNKnDHdpVeUkO-hGmOXV50rKg2dko1WvcHXIbAo-tBtp5XnqSuHIrLsJA1ICRH5rDydUHahTi20Cq2AfY9MX0ukyWqrv4VQYHu_UB2R4UPSe6bpXc7PFdlLVc1rKZYWeuugNQdxI6sQQeDUI93l4G_GMI2h5stc/s4608/IMG_1107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulTS6V8KaOCjREoQxs5vsNrWIhHTjRNKnDHdpVeUkO-hGmOXV50rKg2dko1WvcHXIbAo-tBtp5XnqSuHIrLsJA1ICRH5rDydUHahTi20Cq2AfY9MX0ukyWqrv4VQYHu_UB2R4UPSe6bpXc7PFdlLVc1rKZYWeuugNQdxI6sQQeDUI93l4G_GMI2h5stc/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and working his way upriver of the geese...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci-NzLpt7aW6PBhkty5L_tsPPzoOMxdcwUPs6FCz4k8QLLbKUDnu_p5bzgpX1L9q0vbQSdSaK35hDemZ5xyFVq6ulsqciJaC1widqRRbDTDRwht_NvgjZkAEfWnS53cBhTK7tsQ7K7XGsvxGDb9iEehhC2E5rfFNJI2e_w2uo-VUN0vSiUBYJzCGDYR4/s4608/IMG_1108.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci-NzLpt7aW6PBhkty5L_tsPPzoOMxdcwUPs6FCz4k8QLLbKUDnu_p5bzgpX1L9q0vbQSdSaK35hDemZ5xyFVq6ulsqciJaC1widqRRbDTDRwht_NvgjZkAEfWnS53cBhTK7tsQ7K7XGsvxGDb9iEehhC2E5rfFNJI2e_w2uo-VUN0vSiUBYJzCGDYR4/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>His ultimate lunge for the goslings was repulsed by one of the adult geese while the other adult herded the goslings away...leaving him dumbfounded...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsG2W34E67dcHSOhH6uLujnupL2Drb8tuesVSa-vpkuH2_e2EbvMflt2JlMJva7zgmXPiCNIFpChNWC9JoBAbVV7rqD1Q2ZEggLicYiJk3FDZdh75tvYkfPNed7p_GDQ8r4N-iEhlCFpHQNaOcgJeJ0pjfpDCexE9s98InUDXquOEhyzY1WvXaBcmPbM/s4608/IMG_1113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsG2W34E67dcHSOhH6uLujnupL2Drb8tuesVSa-vpkuH2_e2EbvMflt2JlMJva7zgmXPiCNIFpChNWC9JoBAbVV7rqD1Q2ZEggLicYiJk3FDZdh75tvYkfPNed7p_GDQ8r4N-iEhlCFpHQNaOcgJeJ0pjfpDCexE9s98InUDXquOEhyzY1WvXaBcmPbM/s320/IMG_1113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>2023's most egregious piece of litter was a 1-gallon plastic jug full to the brim with someone's used motor oil. It was found floating in the Connecticut River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVXHN73Y5s6nw013ghcuYIwDOK4kZ4iPEFi-Vout0ppzZJ7gpPMY450wZCTydKFm5PAVsLiBjGFql92KzU8B6PPCxAOPuOlyziloj_JOeQT19U9NMUufLcM0z1uWpWnAwpY7bdGkcexQzyWYSokAL9Fy20xJCcQHAx4u2x2fH5rOI-rgPCnyezSxRAk/s4608/IMG_2118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TVXHN73Y5s6nw013ghcuYIwDOK4kZ4iPEFi-Vout0ppzZJ7gpPMY450wZCTydKFm5PAVsLiBjGFql92KzU8B6PPCxAOPuOlyziloj_JOeQT19U9NMUufLcM0z1uWpWnAwpY7bdGkcexQzyWYSokAL9Fy20xJCcQHAx4u2x2fH5rOI-rgPCnyezSxRAk/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The number of miniature alcohol bottles (aka "nips") I come across continues to increase each year.</div><div>Total miniatures for 2023 = 3,553 (2,604) from the Nashua R.). This compares with 1,453 in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div> The biggest single-day gathering of miniatures occurred on the Nashua River near Bolton Flats...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a3sQLcAuN95B5R5BF723LzZbVa4REaZ5tY4SPeV7Xx9L1NNJhis9Y8qMl70zfZQIKeS78dEwugZeaa2PlBN14dnpvQsAh1rOkCgQcoiMuKBjzTWV3mDW4q6IOO44_krQuVz42r-is7sXZWzrWpi2BnD0P_J-PyEPXqce__3XOOVrQuiL_jKshAuWL_k/s4608/IMG_3061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a3sQLcAuN95B5R5BF723LzZbVa4REaZ5tY4SPeV7Xx9L1NNJhis9Y8qMl70zfZQIKeS78dEwugZeaa2PlBN14dnpvQsAh1rOkCgQcoiMuKBjzTWV3mDW4q6IOO44_krQuVz42r-is7sXZWzrWpi2BnD0P_J-PyEPXqce__3XOOVrQuiL_jKshAuWL_k/s320/IMG_3061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The plastic bag contains 275 miniatures recovered from one large trash trap on the Nashua River in Bolton...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>The aforementioned trash trap...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQKo6yhn5czW4mHMwAW2sdnPM5xWhMQPQPVx40ePl8ebGMuHe3KNMlHNKBMWeHKswAN9hU3u48sGUxLA3rwd5_MTgTRfhmfFZEks5TN3KKQaB8UffCsQGAnWtwyZE6M8SQViEvkvWydMwPRvCa9uT3mf_vNU45Z-qzu-Q2-PUDX1HuDm8oQ6_fMTJsc/s4608/IMG_3060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQKo6yhn5czW4mHMwAW2sdnPM5xWhMQPQPVx40ePl8ebGMuHe3KNMlHNKBMWeHKswAN9hU3u48sGUxLA3rwd5_MTgTRfhmfFZEks5TN3KKQaB8UffCsQGAnWtwyZE6M8SQViEvkvWydMwPRvCa9uT3mf_vNU45Z-qzu-Q2-PUDX1HuDm8oQ6_fMTJsc/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...which will quite likely provide job security for trash paddlers in 2024.<br /><div><br /><div>With the year's generous water levels there were lots of Ducky Race escapees on the loose.</div><div>This group came from the Assabet River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH3e9ytuDl4acH7okB-ShkZ5iHphATjjQ4EVWrSehtHHOs7DdFEDnJVUchtLWoD59Z72lVaiX-YaPtSZyK9_NpQmy9yOtALdbyBS7Qkl5TRjGL1ABrpz0hChhjlGsbBRoP6pMHeTe7OX3c9z89FF2TUcBd0TFp6xpsYHTXlIJAAzX1H7aTmjgE-5Qr38/s4608/IMG_3076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH3e9ytuDl4acH7okB-ShkZ5iHphATjjQ4EVWrSehtHHOs7DdFEDnJVUchtLWoD59Z72lVaiX-YaPtSZyK9_NpQmy9yOtALdbyBS7Qkl5TRjGL1ABrpz0hChhjlGsbBRoP6pMHeTe7OX3c9z89FF2TUcBd0TFp6xpsYHTXlIJAAzX1H7aTmjgE-5Qr38/s320/IMG_3076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and these more laid-back ducks came from the Nashua River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES-C4r7qrbJ0zRB1X5RXkxuoDkH97k8HHqcfuJz6iKgr7_7gdMRr-MIlAHH6bNUH8j2cdzkOboR4bRtKQtlZAVbDP-7UgSGvMu9c52TnGFlXDW9Jr88OyORu2o5fL4yGmxG4SxPxQkQSCk2HLEd1XZLbmNjtthrtMU-uSH3xWwNQvOu8kYvTeIAMzzdI/s4608/IMG_3234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES-C4r7qrbJ0zRB1X5RXkxuoDkH97k8HHqcfuJz6iKgr7_7gdMRr-MIlAHH6bNUH8j2cdzkOboR4bRtKQtlZAVbDP-7UgSGvMu9c52TnGFlXDW9Jr88OyORu2o5fL4yGmxG4SxPxQkQSCk2HLEd1XZLbmNjtthrtMU-uSH3xWwNQvOu8kYvTeIAMzzdI/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The year's consistently high water levels resulted in fewer glass bottles. Here's the 3 keepers I came across...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0_bn70gYczUObSYdG3wTCHL0Gmv5RHSuJsoSg9ZQYtHCnS-PApRSiq9e9_CtbwupPOvUKPl6RSmw4oPt5z9Ul87SIWnzPHPpxpFYDPsnrodywL69V8bpJhyI5USJiffOGDwo1PcOtm1Z3-G9VXLt0XJccwOwBUBmnzs-daU0ZlCW6NJcunnMm-4I2oQ/s4608/IMG_3174.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0_bn70gYczUObSYdG3wTCHL0Gmv5RHSuJsoSg9ZQYtHCnS-PApRSiq9e9_CtbwupPOvUKPl6RSmw4oPt5z9Ul87SIWnzPHPpxpFYDPsnrodywL69V8bpJhyI5USJiffOGDwo1PcOtm1Z3-G9VXLt0XJccwOwBUBmnzs-daU0ZlCW6NJcunnMm-4I2oQ/s320/IMG_3174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The cobalt blue Genuine Phillips bottle came from the Connecticut River in Hatfield, MA; the "It's Hoods" 1-pint bottle came from the Merrimack River in Lowell, MA; and the quart-sized milk bottle marked "Old Acre Farm" came from the Concord River in Concord, MA.</div><div><br /></div><div>But wait...there's one more. Yesterday when I least expected to find a glass bottle I saw an old one peeking out from the riverbank...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UPd5txP9dw0BezxnCCI9mn3A7Fqz2v7OAyAzFKIT4S-JzPBOSRx8rdQw8hBUYjODZiHvxXyr6FXh8O1K0372NXwgquEnDHyRnUknOGg3ai7KI79pm9V1AfjMDPM9x3DJYoEhoo9C3_6agZjPCo6JficDN5pJ323LxXhX87GGMRP5KrzHc0tnslT8s7E/s4608/IMG_3260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UPd5txP9dw0BezxnCCI9mn3A7Fqz2v7OAyAzFKIT4S-JzPBOSRx8rdQw8hBUYjODZiHvxXyr6FXh8O1K0372NXwgquEnDHyRnUknOGg3ai7KI79pm9V1AfjMDPM9x3DJYoEhoo9C3_6agZjPCo6JficDN5pJ323LxXhX87GGMRP5KrzHc0tnslT8s7E/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The bottle was in like-new condition but has no embossing or marks to help identify it. It held one quart and would've been sealed with a cork. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>One final item noticed yesterday was this old railing attesting to the location of the long-gone Still River Railroad Station...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbz5qVX-vhBWEIUk2yvlMbeJGv2WxgG9xOR6-Ka3uqEkB2AZ7TjCr8HEqDe1o4lv-ihR-dP73woOyadchckfPsv7CFpElrO7pdClb52eTP-0PIA9FXYfdqsFaizwOgvJtfYRqwN8RXTTRgDnv4hA-VReo6NDTM7dbONTlIjeEGD2FOvr-VyKL7zUtauc/s4608/IMG_3259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbz5qVX-vhBWEIUk2yvlMbeJGv2WxgG9xOR6-Ka3uqEkB2AZ7TjCr8HEqDe1o4lv-ihR-dP73woOyadchckfPsv7CFpElrO7pdClb52eTP-0PIA9FXYfdqsFaizwOgvJtfYRqwN8RXTTRgDnv4hA-VReo6NDTM7dbONTlIjeEGD2FOvr-VyKL7zUtauc/s320/IMG_3259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's the only piece of the station that I've been able to find and can be seen in an old postcard showing the area to the station's right side.</div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2024 to all and safe waters to fellow paddlers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /><br /><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-84435693997588239462023-12-22T15:56:00.000-05:002023-12-22T15:56:47.457-05:00Paddling As the Crow Flies<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy71J6ADTEWDiSHV4WEk2PfMwKhnlvmOtgniQoO1YLAHzRKOKTnjJdS40XfscAJlRbzZZujsGcts1EVKTZDx6x5wGUiGdblTUutCw7XygT6jwQUnG8wMcrX-BGfXH5kGsoBQZiULT4X5Mo8fL5plkHIbiuyr3EoCGDECPLyGN-q2ZzZuM6UgNGlm9h0I/s4608/IMG_3205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy71J6ADTEWDiSHV4WEk2PfMwKhnlvmOtgniQoO1YLAHzRKOKTnjJdS40XfscAJlRbzZZujsGcts1EVKTZDx6x5wGUiGdblTUutCw7XygT6jwQUnG8wMcrX-BGfXH5kGsoBQZiULT4X5Mo8fL5plkHIbiuyr3EoCGDECPLyGN-q2ZzZuM6UgNGlm9h0I/w400-h300/IMG_3205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Oz had the idea for a Winter Solstice Paddle and both Roger and I signed on. Locations mentioned were the Nashua River or possibly the Assabet River. However that was before eastern Massachusetts received an additional 4" of rain earlier in the week. Oz ultimately decided currents in the Nashua and Assabet would've been just too strong to paddle against, whereas the Sudbury River has the ability to spread out the current and become much like a lake. Thus we assembled Thursday at Sherman's Bridge (photo above) in Wayland, MA and launched under bright sunny skies with a northwest breeze. With so much water it was hard to see where the river's actual channel ran and it quickly became apparent that we could paddle as the crow flies. We easily entered Pantry Brook floating over the submerged barrier which usually prevents access and paddled up Cold Brook to almost Concord Road before turning about...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzOA2-tTiKTwxVWblhCwySy3cx1Yq9FqYyYmIiQo5fJgMuIUXqh197W5K_XLflHh3gpqLd6rE2CjjZn2boKigCIfIMTbbVX0jsdEWT4ljq_vl6UER7HtKp0FDFL-5oAUh9h0i3IGyleves89pbFOvh7Yu3mqc1soFsyipaHgx5rHM89adi5V2j4Q3qYw/s4608/IMG_3193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzOA2-tTiKTwxVWblhCwySy3cx1Yq9FqYyYmIiQo5fJgMuIUXqh197W5K_XLflHh3gpqLd6rE2CjjZn2boKigCIfIMTbbVX0jsdEWT4ljq_vl6UER7HtKp0FDFL-5oAUh9h0i3IGyleves89pbFOvh7Yu3mqc1soFsyipaHgx5rHM89adi5V2j4Q3qYw/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>From there, another crow's flight brought us to the earthen dam at Farrar Pond where we were able to paddle right up to the dam's top and slide our boats across. The view down the length of the usually in-accessible (from the river) pond...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCvPpXUBvzWCzUnfLxIprqICN1kT3OnXQ7yRXDUmFle3jaaVrkdAtLj5mCqDlwH5dgvRP0lVZ8HA1nuOlr3Hyg39xrDEGmABFDxlpozM5XenUBYwGvMY_xmnfvgRCgwtjKGdcBRTH6lpYsuFI-0E2qXaSwhyphenhyphenpduo9pLFvQaScTZ5aJoQZMf5-_afEik8/s4608/IMG_3194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCvPpXUBvzWCzUnfLxIprqICN1kT3OnXQ7yRXDUmFle3jaaVrkdAtLj5mCqDlwH5dgvRP0lVZ8HA1nuOlr3Hyg39xrDEGmABFDxlpozM5XenUBYwGvMY_xmnfvgRCgwtjKGdcBRTH6lpYsuFI-0E2qXaSwhyphenhyphenpduo9pLFvQaScTZ5aJoQZMf5-_afEik8/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Oz heading down the pond...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_m8451Flxrbtu-AyGcp5fXfHgbgn3IdilFJll5zf1kSzGMzj9I9BQuDi9GsH0rwK_KxvSRta5JGRnVBQT1_jPcq7AIOap24VYtn94RWTsTeWHe5IFXLK_-GxvmfBKy9TDUjoBWWHfi5NThGSlzgUOYhudaJZ14yhgDAr2EC9hEd9sLWGR5PMIJFf3UA/s4608/IMG_3195.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_m8451Flxrbtu-AyGcp5fXfHgbgn3IdilFJll5zf1kSzGMzj9I9BQuDi9GsH0rwK_KxvSRta5JGRnVBQT1_jPcq7AIOap24VYtn94RWTsTeWHe5IFXLK_-GxvmfBKy9TDUjoBWWHfi5NThGSlzgUOYhudaJZ14yhgDAr2EC9hEd9sLWGR5PMIJFf3UA/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Roger approaching pond's end...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCzg8Hcf8FTGGB-I7KgdTV_XPQ94M_haoHrkLg1QZrAlfOf8g-qgiGvKPBro2_2rLlR61TH1D0yYAHGGhcXjWpj5jPTVU3Nx_B8D1sRub_IjN00qG-3_TQwLyQV2wba9ZGY41oMYGfU3Xoa04aI9jQbeLFcWopEUu6_52lYBJ45AK7Sa51SWyBCRLt0Q/s4608/IMG_3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCzg8Hcf8FTGGB-I7KgdTV_XPQ94M_haoHrkLg1QZrAlfOf8g-qgiGvKPBro2_2rLlR61TH1D0yYAHGGhcXjWpj5jPTVU3Nx_B8D1sRub_IjN00qG-3_TQwLyQV2wba9ZGY41oMYGfU3Xoa04aI9jQbeLFcWopEUu6_52lYBJ45AK7Sa51SWyBCRLt0Q/s320/IMG_3196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p>Returning to the river we joined the main channel before passing under Lee's Bridge at Rt. 117...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xPjl_IuRvieUcvgaTFZCFwEqheg-zDAUAt3In7nem1Oqog3iIr-IiJnKRmHNDRkmU03bidpx-RZmYmmqZ7w5o9n0nt7EaqAdC7lMW1DXP7kDuNRapaef2n5raEkpJQX_rri_6MiGNiYraIoMhRc8_OE0KKNcH44a9FGJCXKK8sbxXvO6zB6H17hyphenhyphen2nQ/s4608/IMG_3198.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xPjl_IuRvieUcvgaTFZCFwEqheg-zDAUAt3In7nem1Oqog3iIr-IiJnKRmHNDRkmU03bidpx-RZmYmmqZ7w5o9n0nt7EaqAdC7lMW1DXP7kDuNRapaef2n5raEkpJQX_rri_6MiGNiYraIoMhRc8_OE0KKNcH44a9FGJCXKK8sbxXvO6zB6H17hyphenhyphen2nQ/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>At Fairhaven Bay the stone boathouse held its ground against the rising waters...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3hIxG8wQ4_6r5BecccpRlL5E_lhf92cT0A85E9i6KyS1tI3OEqJkPExu7cP8BkQ_L1c9Pt_1vEM_8CKMOzk884HSNhP-qc3aW3FuwIm6dUWOeA3EOMTQkOYIkqYYuPsH973H1Akg40l4TjHu9cjsEfDkWJC9GNoCF8KxC9EQh0SZlUexRtfKrpeIMKI/s4608/IMG_3201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3hIxG8wQ4_6r5BecccpRlL5E_lhf92cT0A85E9i6KyS1tI3OEqJkPExu7cP8BkQ_L1c9Pt_1vEM_8CKMOzk884HSNhP-qc3aW3FuwIm6dUWOeA3EOMTQkOYIkqYYuPsH973H1Akg40l4TjHu9cjsEfDkWJC9GNoCF8KxC9EQh0SZlUexRtfKrpeIMKI/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><br /><p>In the bay's northwest corner we entered Well Meadow and found nearly all the vegetation and a large beaver lodge completely submerged...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0Wdeo2EdqS2QRPNo9PqlVUVmRil661L78KUPwWIe5I65cnUmJY_BLKWkkj-mPIqMqjJ4ttej7wxKyY31fofcwmFTITMskscwgScE0_QHGC6ocuKeOzC-yNC6zfSnpJVSK3pbw48AYUaSixZGoPfvorqFbmSsMS5rhr_AFT4hfExH_tc1iz6nqft7D8I/s4608/IMG_3202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0Wdeo2EdqS2QRPNo9PqlVUVmRil661L78KUPwWIe5I65cnUmJY_BLKWkkj-mPIqMqjJ4ttej7wxKyY31fofcwmFTITMskscwgScE0_QHGC6ocuKeOzC-yNC6zfSnpJVSK3pbw48AYUaSixZGoPfvorqFbmSsMS5rhr_AFT4hfExH_tc1iz6nqft7D8I/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...allowing us to get fairly close to the Andromeda Ponds and the path to Walden Pond.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>A map (1894) from the Wayback Machine shows our route through bits of Wayland, Sudbury, Lincoln, and Concord...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-u-gLikZaAkfcro9YapgJR9HhizCCcQ3RO6jTdmY7dSQrhLwsoHsRpOX2xsTqUGpp100KiBTmRsXwxWD8mwo8i1V-ezJd7RwP7l9dQpTFOkHFnPDhL-y7Gs3N0B-KC8R6nT2P-DA9an-2Dy9aB985YdcKl3oXMbu20QQBo_4wbjfdChdKj7XcHbpZEc/s3447/IMG_3211_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="3253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-u-gLikZaAkfcro9YapgJR9HhizCCcQ3RO6jTdmY7dSQrhLwsoHsRpOX2xsTqUGpp100KiBTmRsXwxWD8mwo8i1V-ezJd7RwP7l9dQpTFOkHFnPDhL-y7Gs3N0B-KC8R6nT2P-DA9an-2Dy9aB985YdcKl3oXMbu20QQBo_4wbjfdChdKj7XcHbpZEc/s320/IMG_3211_1.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p>Back at Sherman's Bridge, Town of Wayland DPW personnel were monitoring the river's level in relation to the bridge and noted the level was still rising. </p><p>Upon landing we agreed that we couldn't have had a better day or location for a Winter Solstice Paddle.</p><p>Trash we gathered up along the way...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kliCmr2O6KBFQMd0rcFNJ3lzVlhhPUV1CBmlhQKSmkASt8k7ztu_mAQOAb6DRwCEOWodnmvlF-Rs8iikiTLeXm9A2o2XFv5Tq9z67dVhzT_T4AIsYRKKct1k9hMyRb0_2cReMfuXsO4nqUC-q4zCnrVR8HESaExDuHuJYXwV9v9h5iEPGEnAH_5NHs/s4608/IMG_3206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kliCmr2O6KBFQMd0rcFNJ3lzVlhhPUV1CBmlhQKSmkASt8k7ztu_mAQOAb6DRwCEOWodnmvlF-Rs8iikiTLeXm9A2o2XFv5Tq9z67dVhzT_T4AIsYRKKct1k9hMyRb0_2cReMfuXsO4nqUC-q4zCnrVR8HESaExDuHuJYXwV9v9h5iEPGEnAH_5NHs/s320/IMG_3206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...which included an empty beer can labeled <i>Sip of Sunshine</i>...appropriate for the shortest day of the year.<br /><p><br /></p><p>The day before the solstice I took this short video of the Assabet River rushing through downtown Maynard from the safety of the Assabet River Rail Trail bridge...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQ8kGdTkN01HYRItJSid70HHmGwdWQqfTyxbtiTogzAf8xb55fItC3E6z7ZnzXI_3XWAnnqueMN10JiXTxLQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>On Tuesday, in the storm's immediate aftermath, I paddled the impoundment above the Powdermill Dam...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxCTLatGLIS3wQGxYx5MYsn_TJHiaBMoKocP5v46A2BsU-Fe2TnTPNEAa2zZUCrGrC-hBSrPsJsJs9alpzhd0d07GSPY1vu9vbsZZ8TeXPbRTCJtKCijMR4NEVVpMNYFdOgGbLevT2iueQn2i_giqzPR4JnxRBS7VoB2Qm1GmVgSCLFuEL9VhyphenhyphengvX1zQ/s4608/IMG_3181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxCTLatGLIS3wQGxYx5MYsn_TJHiaBMoKocP5v46A2BsU-Fe2TnTPNEAa2zZUCrGrC-hBSrPsJsJs9alpzhd0d07GSPY1vu9vbsZZ8TeXPbRTCJtKCijMR4NEVVpMNYFdOgGbLevT2iueQn2i_giqzPR4JnxRBS7VoB2Qm1GmVgSCLFuEL9VhyphenhyphengvX1zQ/s320/IMG_3181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>...which was relatively calm compared to its outlet at the dam...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X1YgCkaxLnfV5CmXTkG5H9Udlax-7LB1pUMWNZHzyYrSIbInZgffBmx65xA0UoXS6POLvrCSuDmhqUBy9pWiU1hXPGIuGM_49g6toj9mca2XQFz9kfNlapp7mOOHPs-awfj_edYKX27bEnbahyphenhyphenB1WdEZ-Qfp6goLhG8OnRvqI2XdSkZ5Rz8ICGCqV5I/s4608/IMG_3176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X1YgCkaxLnfV5CmXTkG5H9Udlax-7LB1pUMWNZHzyYrSIbInZgffBmx65xA0UoXS6POLvrCSuDmhqUBy9pWiU1hXPGIuGM_49g6toj9mca2XQFz9kfNlapp7mOOHPs-awfj_edYKX27bEnbahyphenhyphenB1WdEZ-Qfp6goLhG8OnRvqI2XdSkZ5Rz8ICGCqV5I/s320/IMG_3176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The USGS gauge upstream in Maynard was at 5.8'.</div><div><br /></div>The dock and bench off the Blue/Green Trail were submerged...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMKabSX7aYtqC9h00g6lrI1np_AF9lyn64HdYo4tMOu0IhQLJT1XWbkPUlGmCCDD1dnGN-FO6LACEPTaKG5PrQfB58XTx1hzM87S5Vs1VWx_8Q_VZnj2xj58fQ3qZSYkOZ0M72d8JSkFQs1r5kRxpLNWO7Qj4C0b42R9Ygc_hW4xl8Eexs7G13GfVsio/s4608/IMG_3185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMKabSX7aYtqC9h00g6lrI1np_AF9lyn64HdYo4tMOu0IhQLJT1XWbkPUlGmCCDD1dnGN-FO6LACEPTaKG5PrQfB58XTx1hzM87S5Vs1VWx_8Q_VZnj2xj58fQ3qZSYkOZ0M72d8JSkFQs1r5kRxpLNWO7Qj4C0b42R9Ygc_hW4xl8Eexs7G13GfVsio/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p>At the downstream end of the impoundment there were numerous miniature bottles afloat...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhM-TygtFahjHv8uPpvuzKUvFrp8TLT_k8mYtlRdWnXUIzF9PbC04-zd7Kg4y15kozdzStWh02_mhp2QhUEfaKY1O4o7a6bBVWlB3NsAX3RfEqxyhL3K1fCia9t8i6Ii5ca6Loy1eJkVh3SYN84TCIS7H9entwxL51wUuoNFdFZUNiWIk6tcQ9x2UyUQ/s4608/IMG_3179.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhM-TygtFahjHv8uPpvuzKUvFrp8TLT_k8mYtlRdWnXUIzF9PbC04-zd7Kg4y15kozdzStWh02_mhp2QhUEfaKY1O4o7a6bBVWlB3NsAX3RfEqxyhL3K1fCia9t8i6Ii5ca6Loy1eJkVh3SYN84TCIS7H9entwxL51wUuoNFdFZUNiWIk6tcQ9x2UyUQ/s320/IMG_3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The eastern end of the Powdermill impoundment resulted in this trash haul...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xj8WUA6pg3PwdFRPxd9JI9L5QsD_nIaUwvgZp8z2-pOiK-HKKmtt7Lve7xLFZXkjsHewAvZobio7tI1jL3ABzqkBOM4qyPjgOKJXP05TK5vUBPYl7v2x7R9TNGethTn078yzDgeoyzaxE2JECBhM8HfVav93-P7U71MPvs9JCIYO2rw-Leodlq7afzQ/s4608/IMG_3180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xj8WUA6pg3PwdFRPxd9JI9L5QsD_nIaUwvgZp8z2-pOiK-HKKmtt7Lve7xLFZXkjsHewAvZobio7tI1jL3ABzqkBOM4qyPjgOKJXP05TK5vUBPYl7v2x7R9TNGethTn078yzDgeoyzaxE2JECBhM8HfVav93-P7U71MPvs9JCIYO2rw-Leodlq7afzQ/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...which included 167 miniature alcohol bottles (aka "nips"). Winter's here!</div><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-24362937118134546092023-12-17T11:25:00.000-05:002023-12-17T11:25:13.582-05:00December's Waning Days<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit73jvDacYTqUlRhHHf0-RPgoNl7W7KWfo6Gsj5t2s_l8xfJLEh4ePsVintEke5JSk_bonK9jq3-Y9W7zBw79M0lpF9Cd3CZPLDU0zldTyw0WHpCJgXtI25g6DznY73bOXqmvz9i7TvQgC46qVNEska6ie_g90uCoPtkmayRC3PPHDntuxkCPGv4DD1U4/s4608/IMG_3125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit73jvDacYTqUlRhHHf0-RPgoNl7W7KWfo6Gsj5t2s_l8xfJLEh4ePsVintEke5JSk_bonK9jq3-Y9W7zBw79M0lpF9Cd3CZPLDU0zldTyw0WHpCJgXtI25g6DznY73bOXqmvz9i7TvQgC46qVNEska6ie_g90uCoPtkmayRC3PPHDntuxkCPGv4DD1U4/w400-h300/IMG_3125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The number of days and hours of daylight are fast dwindling as we enter the last half of December. Water levels in the rivers remain healthy as could be seen at the Egg Rock inscription in Concord, MA on Tuesday. A visit to the Powdermill Dam in Acton (about 6 miles upriver) on Monday showed a generous flow following Sunday night's deluge...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ_dptiQVoOyppnTuPj-qMV7wltBnosx7T1RzZhJvpkAuMVE3eu5FrzypqVt5cKBfQ2gq3JPRFNtefvx4VTjry9j0xfRpGjnHSM8xXWK9yvq_NHFMfNmCz8IbaNTCl6eJD8x_a0KT6zw5p57_zCukMPqviz-C_X8Ah7nixd9OgQVCLqSVxYYMcUBbV2A/s4608/IMG_3120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ_dptiQVoOyppnTuPj-qMV7wltBnosx7T1RzZhJvpkAuMVE3eu5FrzypqVt5cKBfQ2gq3JPRFNtefvx4VTjry9j0xfRpGjnHSM8xXWK9yvq_NHFMfNmCz8IbaNTCl6eJD8x_a0KT6zw5p57_zCukMPqviz-C_X8Ah7nixd9OgQVCLqSVxYYMcUBbV2A/s320/IMG_3120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The high water allowed paddling to spots amidst the trees, and far from the river's main channel such as this split rock...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0aO5s94euqULrC1Ma67jSbsh0pLkWGVulQ-n-twk-tju5Kzw-5yd1y0MWlw-r-p3Sp9cC7eJkmBXdSAAk7OgFQy8SdVq4HeSK6CL38haFmFF95Qe17hIImtKJonuvtLMCtMk734ApETLL9CjUdg1YRdwPMQBZ-rHSoZOGGmmyfrpzidiigS-9YV15I/s4608/IMG_3127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU0aO5s94euqULrC1Ma67jSbsh0pLkWGVulQ-n-twk-tju5Kzw-5yd1y0MWlw-r-p3Sp9cC7eJkmBXdSAAk7OgFQy8SdVq4HeSK6CL38haFmFF95Qe17hIImtKJonuvtLMCtMk734ApETLL9CjUdg1YRdwPMQBZ-rHSoZOGGmmyfrpzidiigS-9YV15I/s320/IMG_3127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Went up as far as Barrett's Farm before turning around and riding the swift current back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCnCy8H_lDPv2EagX5jlBYwUX7aJvRxTMCiJwUWtk2qO3nayUTMQj2vepEqOrg7AHlO5sORgUN29sD3F2WROIUnrWvTsA4a-lJ517JIj6C4OBJqrh0f6sqOhg4bebe_zrBQnayxh7yBZ4d7eWzfeD8Azcvdy-ga-yPA7eBRAeQfl3yebLUrVCMZfxRSE/s4608/IMG_3128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCnCy8H_lDPv2EagX5jlBYwUX7aJvRxTMCiJwUWtk2qO3nayUTMQj2vepEqOrg7AHlO5sORgUN29sD3F2WROIUnrWvTsA4a-lJ517JIj6C4OBJqrh0f6sqOhg4bebe_zrBQnayxh7yBZ4d7eWzfeD8Azcvdy-ga-yPA7eBRAeQfl3yebLUrVCMZfxRSE/s320/IMG_3128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Arrived back at the Lowell Road boat launch to find this pileated woodpecker oblivious to anything other than the nest hole it was creating...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvyM4LNDld_JiIBrF04NLR2q_XV1rpxNpW5uDpOOS28pWOa6rBLlJyzpv_cam-rX_F1vuBgOZArzpS2mW3IqorAzTKYE9r_Uvz0eIbibA4Xn64XzysEoSlFd5jR80SaWQBYa0dc7_BNplkXHbdvDMSih_woWBluYjRCXEk1YEaUBMvnlkGt57ADRQkFA/s4608/IMG_3140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvyM4LNDld_JiIBrF04NLR2q_XV1rpxNpW5uDpOOS28pWOa6rBLlJyzpv_cam-rX_F1vuBgOZArzpS2mW3IqorAzTKYE9r_Uvz0eIbibA4Xn64XzysEoSlFd5jR80SaWQBYa0dc7_BNplkXHbdvDMSih_woWBluYjRCXEk1YEaUBMvnlkGt57ADRQkFA/w400-h300/IMG_3140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcP4EEkHCCzZBjZsGxzDzASKixX3Zu2oThuPOaeFaV-YPp78x3bb2SKEAMCUBb7SsGAuRdbWZ1pDKGzXZTIJapxlkShX6CQMYO1VDTW6JgZJLpd3GW2AzhfpGtx1jjXtxhGqFTqNxo6_1AAL4pjitOPpeOcO5OUV3m95cMSQPpXvjDO6hL1WNQEey9EM/s4608/IMG_3139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcP4EEkHCCzZBjZsGxzDzASKixX3Zu2oThuPOaeFaV-YPp78x3bb2SKEAMCUBb7SsGAuRdbWZ1pDKGzXZTIJapxlkShX6CQMYO1VDTW6JgZJLpd3GW2AzhfpGtx1jjXtxhGqFTqNxo6_1AAL4pjitOPpeOcO5OUV3m95cMSQPpXvjDO6hL1WNQEey9EM/s320/IMG_3139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>On a sunny and relatively warm Friday I paddled the Nashua River starting from the Oxbow N.W.R. in Harvard, MA. Went upriver about 3 miles to the bank-to-bank blockage before turning about and riding the Nashua's flow back down...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoYShYChv3sy4ddxEA4ZOaVPmBfHD3qjhbCbnbU54rizqTmvqBOfFnKPzakGDeCqxcHMrtu2_b1W1pHQHRJS24QyrxytHumMnu9xqABqM0oDLR_0MJhvyQUrWseWlwQTgef8-UmUVxbea9SiJ2IFp5Nm30-jlFdFqNPa4o2ehE6WeJhKurnoO_xYCCmM/s4608/IMG_3150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoYShYChv3sy4ddxEA4ZOaVPmBfHD3qjhbCbnbU54rizqTmvqBOfFnKPzakGDeCqxcHMrtu2_b1W1pHQHRJS24QyrxytHumMnu9xqABqM0oDLR_0MJhvyQUrWseWlwQTgef8-UmUVxbea9SiJ2IFp5Nm30-jlFdFqNPa4o2ehE6WeJhKurnoO_xYCCmM/s320/IMG_3150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash saw an uptick due to the higher water levels, and more than a few plastic containers were seen drifting downriver "going with the flow". The trash from the lower Assabet River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wP-bJb8U8RjSDs8E4WN648hGVqWxZZwnhu3Tzv6lZM4UppCR0utDOqXqZm4Lh-p6T-dgr6jHYGfLouaaQsse9P93B2r_jMfMhEyH7R7d7aldeCqkbMANnz_fv6bP4v3qpe66VPvvz2A29JdhyLVFdPAoi_8wP2dXsrtv_GknuD3xKyX6EUYpwiy5f4E/s4608/IMG_3141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wP-bJb8U8RjSDs8E4WN648hGVqWxZZwnhu3Tzv6lZM4UppCR0utDOqXqZm4Lh-p6T-dgr6jHYGfLouaaQsse9P93B2r_jMfMhEyH7R7d7aldeCqkbMANnz_fv6bP4v3qpe66VPvvz2A29JdhyLVFdPAoi_8wP2dXsrtv_GknuD3xKyX6EUYpwiy5f4E/s320/IMG_3141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Friday's trash from the Nashua River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJMQUKpOuYgKEIvA4wTHzCAbyVzrABhidmwxkpTw6tBp324d1JgEibIGOhUPDuMTQpB48rQKGPc0mRlcmoqSTrpJ9NmqV4ycHjj5Ht1o0uqfQEhC83ML3KoUyX4j_TgiKQy3vCK0sXFcARkDdDIG7AWpNv3G0jDgef2rDEb7b-ppGBnYH3Jr25EBgTpw/s4608/IMG_3155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJMQUKpOuYgKEIvA4wTHzCAbyVzrABhidmwxkpTw6tBp324d1JgEibIGOhUPDuMTQpB48rQKGPc0mRlcmoqSTrpJ9NmqV4ycHjj5Ht1o0uqfQEhC83ML3KoUyX4j_TgiKQy3vCK0sXFcARkDdDIG7AWpNv3G0jDgef2rDEb7b-ppGBnYH3Jr25EBgTpw/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...included another 109 miniatures (aka "nip" bottles).<br /><p><br /></p>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-11795515095562969022023-12-11T12:58:00.003-05:002023-12-11T12:58:52.250-05:00Breakin' the Ice<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyus56ybKMrUSBFRoBwZ6WgIWMyQwPbD_Uxmb5T5NnooQLJ7qIufsCTthUQytYyK8_Zbp35EQWe3nFDI6aZ95ztxakYzVp3qO0YcAPezd_CydBXPCswtW77iivQIeS45DmCyhYkuLpN4mp5Rag-x7TrlALxuKZFOQqv9a87VmLlJf72kY_wab_mGR6V3U/s4608/IMG_3068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyus56ybKMrUSBFRoBwZ6WgIWMyQwPbD_Uxmb5T5NnooQLJ7qIufsCTthUQytYyK8_Zbp35EQWe3nFDI6aZ95ztxakYzVp3qO0YcAPezd_CydBXPCswtW77iivQIeS45DmCyhYkuLpN4mp5Rag-x7TrlALxuKZFOQqv9a87VmLlJf72kY_wab_mGR6V3U/w400-h300/IMG_3068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The past week provided several decent days for getting out on the Assabet and Sudbury rivers. On Monday I launched in West Concord, MA and paddled up to Damonmill passing the above pictured rock along the way.<p></p><p>On Friday launching in Stow, MA required a bit of ice breaking...first time since last winter. Despite most of the sloughs being iced-over the day was a beauty...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQxRfsQM90QE6WkXm3lnEdE2DbGotNk9mDk-9CTx9Bc_EaowCIYqpqKIut-MlRzF54FaU20mmeMjD6a49rE6Wc-gIxBiwp-Uiy3i8bEPOtnTe3qj0374A4IuVVC-08tiQORDpWwRvxZtw0aws1lNOCP9u4DRcf2-3SOyhwA2zTBkmas0TJFK8Q-FBoXQ/s4608/IMG_3087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQxRfsQM90QE6WkXm3lnEdE2DbGotNk9mDk-9CTx9Bc_EaowCIYqpqKIut-MlRzF54FaU20mmeMjD6a49rE6Wc-gIxBiwp-Uiy3i8bEPOtnTe3qj0374A4IuVVC-08tiQORDpWwRvxZtw0aws1lNOCP9u4DRcf2-3SOyhwA2zTBkmas0TJFK8Q-FBoXQ/w400-h300/IMG_3087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday morning required even more ice breaking than I anticipated as I forgot that the Lincoln Canoe Launch is in a slough and as a result was iced over...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kpbCvkBhffJBuYuTYAAt-ZWS9_6vOHb-d3IPgKpiC0t1DvIsv2_-Vb7JNvVfq5LxXOg_7VuAJa4XAgTfc3wgAEQsQQTlfEJhoSVSzCWs7UnD0W6GP7aZuttYfGb1fomx6CBSmp__04cocjwmDSoK-yUT3GNolm1_QJMoDymN8QyCT9-L0baRCQyOWUU/s4608/IMG_3100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kpbCvkBhffJBuYuTYAAt-ZWS9_6vOHb-d3IPgKpiC0t1DvIsv2_-Vb7JNvVfq5LxXOg_7VuAJa4XAgTfc3wgAEQsQQTlfEJhoSVSzCWs7UnD0W6GP7aZuttYfGb1fomx6CBSmp__04cocjwmDSoK-yUT3GNolm1_QJMoDymN8QyCT9-L0baRCQyOWUU/w400-h300/IMG_3100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...despite temperatures in the upper 50s F. Kind of weird!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Friday's paddle on the Assabet brought me up to the now finished Route 62 bridge in Gleasondale...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbedNgoFDaCfLXwjvMz901VHAMALqbEivhqOQCZmrvq6xorW6nxLco0V5ElMnV5KcVfvYqyKHT6jistYuJHcbzOJ_PsDVI7PnVPOlWvp7ak2MOpHpgw0O0fZoR_SLA_UQSgfkUf7ME3jnMITSc65Hn6kSGHIqxhaLU7DZcWLhk0wqy7-VcqsFL0H-Nzc/s4608/IMG_3079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbedNgoFDaCfLXwjvMz901VHAMALqbEivhqOQCZmrvq6xorW6nxLco0V5ElMnV5KcVfvYqyKHT6jistYuJHcbzOJ_PsDVI7PnVPOlWvp7ak2MOpHpgw0O0fZoR_SLA_UQSgfkUf7ME3jnMITSc65Hn6kSGHIqxhaLU7DZcWLhk0wqy7-VcqsFL0H-Nzc/s320/IMG_3079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At the bridge's northeast corner there appears to be a place intended for the launching of small boats...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGg53R02ZMOFUASIlw6lv44bZozytQQs8pT3lJwxlIKRM0w6gywZ0me69YiB73dtnHHvNELTsoYa6zA49Gw4h6bNW-ylRl3k565-0XDfz45YxRkBfuhoyS-7JH9GQQmBEKadYENaEHh03C7JyzfItFjffB0U6BuF3RAkOa3srjYgwM-Kc12XsHgGcNvs/s4608/IMG_3081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGg53R02ZMOFUASIlw6lv44bZozytQQs8pT3lJwxlIKRM0w6gywZ0me69YiB73dtnHHvNELTsoYa6zA49Gw4h6bNW-ylRl3k565-0XDfz45YxRkBfuhoyS-7JH9GQQmBEKadYENaEHh03C7JyzfItFjffB0U6BuF3RAkOa3srjYgwM-Kc12XsHgGcNvs/s320/IMG_3081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While at the bridge I took a peek at the no-longer used tail race from the mill...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKmSS21X44eWNcyiJsWdGMNjmTkL9YITKtaGfgv9aaIbcGBLjCnn16t4tCtRQbIcgiW1oNV-GWKAzMymu6-HTE5bwSIXQ2kh5kw2bbkjJD7Luy16rJTOszQpMsXz2UZnQVRKE9PXQq3UKy1jYyrsVcs-9BZWk6DsH8rPPlc4HWQbdZz5a5Gsr5G5-E6g/s4608/IMG_3084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKmSS21X44eWNcyiJsWdGMNjmTkL9YITKtaGfgv9aaIbcGBLjCnn16t4tCtRQbIcgiW1oNV-GWKAzMymu6-HTE5bwSIXQ2kh5kw2bbkjJD7Luy16rJTOszQpMsXz2UZnQVRKE9PXQq3UKy1jYyrsVcs-9BZWk6DsH8rPPlc4HWQbdZz5a5Gsr5G5-E6g/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Encountered one of the Assabet eagles four trees away from the nest...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF5Su83geQOxoX95VRabVAAp6MF0c5AI0mL3UI9CwfNoG7-K4fKL-vQGcEW9jhcATRiZGtXC1ypd67HsZHfXCqiCOCoEyzRMgETcOcPW7j3QE4zpxZGDXBG6TVvBsw5c0bkQwYbw6pnRB2qJH_feNykOeSjT70mQ8zHLWQHWaorPfL_CmdgyKlgkK6kk/s4608/IMG_3091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF5Su83geQOxoX95VRabVAAp6MF0c5AI0mL3UI9CwfNoG7-K4fKL-vQGcEW9jhcATRiZGtXC1ypd67HsZHfXCqiCOCoEyzRMgETcOcPW7j3QE4zpxZGDXBG6TVvBsw5c0bkQwYbw6pnRB2qJH_feNykOeSjT70mQ8zHLWQHWaorPfL_CmdgyKlgkK6kk/w400-h300/IMG_3091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...a good sign.<div><br /><div>Sunday on the Sudbury River I got in what might be my last look at a fully open Fairhaven Bay...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aBe3RhyphenhyphenZrsCVnP3VGmtyx3343Va2z6dd8dcn1dPlGhWoOpuXzM3LBsJBWvhfFhJjTWyp5E4L5BHTxjGjmSKWTKIk6fL1WfQmDVd8gid3sSJINr6LraAM50-xBWvCxOW9WJ71aS_xjXpnIPehc_z-YO80oL3QY0L-UoKj-WaEqUtm9ni3pW6ngxylKqE/s4608/IMG_3103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aBe3RhyphenhyphenZrsCVnP3VGmtyx3343Va2z6dd8dcn1dPlGhWoOpuXzM3LBsJBWvhfFhJjTWyp5E4L5BHTxjGjmSKWTKIk6fL1WfQmDVd8gid3sSJINr6LraAM50-xBWvCxOW9WJ71aS_xjXpnIPehc_z-YO80oL3QY0L-UoKj-WaEqUtm9ni3pW6ngxylKqE/s320/IMG_3103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Also came across these two stick-built structures:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEN3Acr-_nvT6dRkhAfW8KJQc36nkr1vXQWj3bxcf-2EZgE0jdM7byhh1nCyJZLokBt_JOzwBw38sUocdPUQFSQE1H2yDzp1Dl2KsS5C6mwDPLo3TtUu0rQwYH7aWWRIGZ1AtjXVj5A3GELRjPdgQ2vq8MLd4JoBC7IXlxPnEHCUoKl_BGCJDDhBmjYA/s4608/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEN3Acr-_nvT6dRkhAfW8KJQc36nkr1vXQWj3bxcf-2EZgE0jdM7byhh1nCyJZLokBt_JOzwBw38sUocdPUQFSQE1H2yDzp1Dl2KsS5C6mwDPLo3TtUu0rQwYH7aWWRIGZ1AtjXVj5A3GELRjPdgQ2vq8MLd4JoBC7IXlxPnEHCUoKl_BGCJDDhBmjYA/s320/IMG_3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy0gl4vtw2il0DV4glMdP2DSBSCq0EvwK_TFUGhMTCQk2arAim43GZbw0Itg1RKxHZtcr86AE6NT6tWxHcdZXkGowO3czvBKiUgDX-tJ_US7k2Ipa6wsY9BYs6961OW_zfAEGBLCtcivCFwFnOa0lYW94SMEH7xO_hfHbPpT_VvdidYH7f1QIyLgTNIw/s4608/IMG_3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy0gl4vtw2il0DV4glMdP2DSBSCq0EvwK_TFUGhMTCQk2arAim43GZbw0Itg1RKxHZtcr86AE6NT6tWxHcdZXkGowO3czvBKiUgDX-tJ_US7k2Ipa6wsY9BYs6961OW_zfAEGBLCtcivCFwFnOa0lYW94SMEH7xO_hfHbPpT_VvdidYH7f1QIyLgTNIw/s320/IMG_3106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I wonder if eagles use the beaver's lodge as a stick source-like going to the stick store!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Monday's trash from the Assabet in Concord...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl30yu1_xr80JeiJKrd4fwFhG54b7a9cTWIt12qri7X4CROROKrsz9lfxfR4Q7hTZyFcPhEtGdocz03wIzkDLys1UktMKWLDLoa368RyvrheiEO-CRXrw-WzSFwsa85bF3LH4oCnw2wUj8Saj3ixRb_VXN3gSbh8Ix_IbwNI4vgojSvjVbSfaFrPk-Ps/s4608/IMG_3075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl30yu1_xr80JeiJKrd4fwFhG54b7a9cTWIt12qri7X4CROROKrsz9lfxfR4Q7hTZyFcPhEtGdocz03wIzkDLys1UktMKWLDLoa368RyvrheiEO-CRXrw-WzSFwsa85bF3LH4oCnw2wUj8Saj3ixRb_VXN3gSbh8Ix_IbwNI4vgojSvjVbSfaFrPk-Ps/s320/IMG_3075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Friday's trash from the Assabet in Stow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4-VQj679U4jTVpdXWYLHgc1qOIklBQ9snIiqadR1mJMdhhKOijBE-aypEAmSRN8A3ZV-a2poknQ0txGq4gb28xTUvYgiJxWchodGPEBAvUL9NS6vg5Gtx9vn5dnhklUctRZLQFUlbwpQLLQQw88MYhONUtioAHpq01vPgP7ApoET7Hy6r6mY5omqii8/s4608/IMG_3095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4-VQj679U4jTVpdXWYLHgc1qOIklBQ9snIiqadR1mJMdhhKOijBE-aypEAmSRN8A3ZV-a2poknQ0txGq4gb28xTUvYgiJxWchodGPEBAvUL9NS6vg5Gtx9vn5dnhklUctRZLQFUlbwpQLLQQw88MYhONUtioAHpq01vPgP7ApoET7Hy6r6mY5omqii8/s320/IMG_3095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>Sunday's trash from the Sudbury River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgX-RygZ-hctDFc-uI-iLmlMvuPJe67ASa-hdysjrLCyxNHgc1tUpGaXq4Ti0sYOnfFpCZVBEW0bz4lfxuB_4Ed80sXJPYKLjA7LmvXEe_4gDaLzmUh30fB3T3r3h5MU_kI1SXr1aEiM57pzAnHYO4I7QoTyoHX-fGBGj6zGm3O61rR_Kaga6tcjEH2Q/s4608/IMG_3118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgX-RygZ-hctDFc-uI-iLmlMvuPJe67ASa-hdysjrLCyxNHgc1tUpGaXq4Ti0sYOnfFpCZVBEW0bz4lfxuB_4Ed80sXJPYKLjA7LmvXEe_4gDaLzmUh30fB3T3r3h5MU_kI1SXr1aEiM57pzAnHYO4I7QoTyoHX-fGBGj6zGm3O61rR_Kaga6tcjEH2Q/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...which included 1 miniature alcohol bottle with a fitting name for being out on the river...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzG_FJ8n9AboiA48zFqPF-or1coPouSPN0hJvZoxNizUywvolBlw4U27WQVLydy7Go99RkMimSIDYYkc11U2GM76tYt6nlYh0vFFqKklE9nyU4iWF4bYd-qK_8SDGrCUjb5QElgdTwxyEotdH1cgUEubkFalobjVbkSB0Yw5ojFIrgzzYhW-OHku19MY/s4608/IMG_3111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzG_FJ8n9AboiA48zFqPF-or1coPouSPN0hJvZoxNizUywvolBlw4U27WQVLydy7Go99RkMimSIDYYkc11U2GM76tYt6nlYh0vFFqKklE9nyU4iWF4bYd-qK_8SDGrCUjb5QElgdTwxyEotdH1cgUEubkFalobjVbkSB0Yw5ojFIrgzzYhW-OHku19MY/s320/IMG_3111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Near the boat launch in Stow someone left these trash bags at the base of a tree...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXquOc2gdpp3Dg5maY69YzkehMHrgb37J9qmGPC5J0UazlAlgZTeuCP8X-vBMYJSp4NBxO1O7RIu4GyoZDAhTROyg9BjA-6Uiqgkupj9896bwi1OF_yhWx86Dp2Vzu7zqXFUZBkZM66A9LRfhVIdwhNe5mTSTaQk9qsWpAwk9CzbAQuI7vkKOL-FrFow/s4608/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXquOc2gdpp3Dg5maY69YzkehMHrgb37J9qmGPC5J0UazlAlgZTeuCP8X-vBMYJSp4NBxO1O7RIu4GyoZDAhTROyg9BjA-6Uiqgkupj9896bwi1OF_yhWx86Dp2Vzu7zqXFUZBkZM66A9LRfhVIdwhNe5mTSTaQk9qsWpAwk9CzbAQuI7vkKOL-FrFow/s320/IMG_3096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-73123567336294073812023-12-02T14:11:00.001-05:002023-12-02T14:11:53.544-05:00What's On the Other Side?<p>This past July after launching from the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Harvard, MA I slowly worked my way 3.5 miles upriver to this bank-to-bank blockage of the Nashua River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jVy_625AoQN1Asm9z-pZbhOpllj2t3H0FZeKFbPfzVYgvr6g8lmthQ2hXlC7QtqVAx14PGwQoJo6uqos1F5XjDYakx4CaUmojrLitgLVUWaxvFOAm-x2mOIVjDItW2CPWFyPBWwk9knP0xJkC1Xnrtc1n_VviKzOEbVGMrjPQEKFyUuBxswm0Fcatbg/s4608/IMG_1828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jVy_625AoQN1Asm9z-pZbhOpllj2t3H0FZeKFbPfzVYgvr6g8lmthQ2hXlC7QtqVAx14PGwQoJo6uqos1F5XjDYakx4CaUmojrLitgLVUWaxvFOAm-x2mOIVjDItW2CPWFyPBWwk9knP0xJkC1Xnrtc1n_VviKzOEbVGMrjPQEKFyUuBxswm0Fcatbg/w400-h300/IMG_1828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Like most river travelers I couldn't help but wonder "what's on the other side"? While pondering, I looked to my left and saw this fellow...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dc7ARnYTfUB8hjSJqDWi0mlIscGUDltzQEvl8pvpTkk1QTJcFwz_1aI4SKYcHEm4w1fOL2MXxk3QA2vdIO3npkwMh2nwMEoIoL2PmQUHUj1i1baBOb71QK7YCpW_Jh4EJDGZxtA4Fo0F_FatR2r9Ejs3V6RRJ1TlqZQw3MoMPg1LzNNjCTTZoBwPkq8/s4608/IMG_1827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dc7ARnYTfUB8hjSJqDWi0mlIscGUDltzQEvl8pvpTkk1QTJcFwz_1aI4SKYcHEm4w1fOL2MXxk3QA2vdIO3npkwMh2nwMEoIoL2PmQUHUj1i1baBOb71QK7YCpW_Jh4EJDGZxtA4Fo0F_FatR2r9Ejs3V6RRJ1TlqZQw3MoMPg1LzNNjCTTZoBwPkq8/s320/IMG_1827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...who I suspect knew but wasn't talking.<div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to this past Thursday when I decided to find out for myself by reaching the spot from upriver. After launching at the Seven Bridge Road (Rt. 117) canoe launch in Lancaster I paddled downriver...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIK-Jz1nnlK14LujiC56wkR5AMRn3I_X30_EstM3RAMnLTuhlQovbpgVxC5l9novqwuZWjWx19D7PK2OuVlvaDKvLOJEVeXvhgdLuaX94FisD9j-1iXjgbnkUPQC5vYf_zLVURErZsM-UueI2G5xRzQoPIy5D6yqaQLBLeiLLWgBl2ki_xPfseen6nLg/s4608/IMG_3054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIK-Jz1nnlK14LujiC56wkR5AMRn3I_X30_EstM3RAMnLTuhlQovbpgVxC5l9novqwuZWjWx19D7PK2OuVlvaDKvLOJEVeXvhgdLuaX94FisD9j-1iXjgbnkUPQC5vYf_zLVURErZsM-UueI2G5xRzQoPIy5D6yqaQLBLeiLLWgBl2ki_xPfseen6nLg/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the way I passed by this collection of worn-out tires perched rather close to the riverbank...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOwN5UVbntkqpUk4nYe1JsDqWmuZbQ5drtqkb48Bl8zbaY3zai0eAcVKlHgKtDOv9BCtd_5s6J2Y_-HqvEr0rBxu5Am3zFt0Fj7ItPvbTEBJ57fJ7VI-ncIo6T6WCcs_VpKWByk0AM0A0ySEvK2XYRaK1agByehPg9s2j6u7-Oofo4uj3PeaDGxdzGAc/s4608/IMG_3063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOwN5UVbntkqpUk4nYe1JsDqWmuZbQ5drtqkb48Bl8zbaY3zai0eAcVKlHgKtDOv9BCtd_5s6J2Y_-HqvEr0rBxu5Am3zFt0Fj7ItPvbTEBJ57fJ7VI-ncIo6T6WCcs_VpKWByk0AM0A0ySEvK2XYRaK1agByehPg9s2j6u7-Oofo4uj3PeaDGxdzGAc/s320/IMG_3063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and later followed the river where it swept hard to the right before this steep ridge...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FH-iiqverNgQBjq5cBl9Ve5f08uY95JAPlCWg0aBxOcyZ2DK7DHDbJu-ADq5c5XFSHh8ch2bg07jjD12XH8KSCo29N1EnVEvQ_u6uVWFL-O3Cn8KKRCdajl7q-KDiJyxIWSZiY1WCcsuxLHJ2OhIM4hUsbSqURNYGQTpWQixKvQtGPW3BQ9-lp4NoAU/s4608/IMG_3055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FH-iiqverNgQBjq5cBl9Ve5f08uY95JAPlCWg0aBxOcyZ2DK7DHDbJu-ADq5c5XFSHh8ch2bg07jjD12XH8KSCo29N1EnVEvQ_u6uVWFL-O3Cn8KKRCdajl7q-KDiJyxIWSZiY1WCcsuxLHJ2OhIM4hUsbSqURNYGQTpWQixKvQtGPW3BQ9-lp4NoAU/s320/IMG_3055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...followed by a straight run to my objective 1.5 miles below the launch, the other side of the blockage...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsaD2nMz5XH2jl_XzIOxiuMr2UM_DLZx4WszLVIKey6nNMJQnMiAW7y6oUmwoYrBROeNQp8h7RbcSxey6JVpCpoT_eBz6eadsQ7LMPyJARsvIH_hV2AsG7eybnBHwvq2TRqvFTb2KglW-V60bD0PNGvI_Q12GXCXNkIfCOBuq_CjjDT_o7v7jZ-U56XA/s4608/IMG_3057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsaD2nMz5XH2jl_XzIOxiuMr2UM_DLZx4WszLVIKey6nNMJQnMiAW7y6oUmwoYrBROeNQp8h7RbcSxey6JVpCpoT_eBz6eadsQ7LMPyJARsvIH_hV2AsG7eybnBHwvq2TRqvFTb2KglW-V60bD0PNGvI_Q12GXCXNkIfCOBuq_CjjDT_o7v7jZ-U56XA/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...which ran across the full width of the river.</div><div><br /></div>It had it all...pumpkins, basketballs, wheels, tire, and a cornucopia of plastic containers...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XjaiHMAPslMUZEagT-0dt80eQ9Jw1OzOyz40UMzY2oJUD9y_mD7c0uMe12fizoBQIU49mNOewG0PK8wytV_ketBo2wFav46DrD86lSHYm6lV7JDLYhq-A9iPESL5HM3nCkVLnCeT6rVdYNoaxXYDPAIbXietBRa0A6Aql8dp3zlDTeHwN43C-X759Zo/s4608/IMG_3060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XjaiHMAPslMUZEagT-0dt80eQ9Jw1OzOyz40UMzY2oJUD9y_mD7c0uMe12fizoBQIU49mNOewG0PK8wytV_ketBo2wFav46DrD86lSHYm6lV7JDLYhq-A9iPESL5HM3nCkVLnCeT6rVdYNoaxXYDPAIbXietBRa0A6Aql8dp3zlDTeHwN43C-X759Zo/s320/IMG_3060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After filling 2 bags with plastic bottles I concentrated on miniatures (aka "nips") and ended up with this trash haul...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8R9OEZEAI7XmBdORuNLeG7AgCx6wgzSMoUs_Q_luMKVbKLSFdwnE0lpB-DxR3PrtwoKR2rnAy01tKseW8vivARzIMoLvQxSQYqrfPzvoR4zIkFomipp7JquVYepbqNo0T4ukd893zVXcMka7W9UTvD5HDDCLnV0XE4DYqi3ut_35CowF4baDHE6HtSo/s4608/IMG_3062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8R9OEZEAI7XmBdORuNLeG7AgCx6wgzSMoUs_Q_luMKVbKLSFdwnE0lpB-DxR3PrtwoKR2rnAy01tKseW8vivARzIMoLvQxSQYqrfPzvoR4zIkFomipp7JquVYepbqNo0T4ukd893zVXcMka7W9UTvD5HDDCLnV0XE4DYqi3ut_35CowF4baDHE6HtSo/s320/IMG_3062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...which included 275 miniatures (all from that one spot) and established a new one-day "high" or "low" (depending on how you look at it).<div><br /></div><div>Because I had waited for the day to warmup a bit before starting my paddle, there was a price to be paid when I returned upriver facing into the low-angle sunshine. Even with sunglasses and a hat with sun visor I found it blinding. After packing up I needed to exit the parking area by driving directly into the sun just above a hilltop to the southwest. The glare was the worst I've ever experienced in my years on this planet. Where's a cloud when you need one? Now I can better relate to what Icarus experienced. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-15888948695608751432023-11-28T15:23:00.001-05:002023-11-28T15:23:34.255-05:00Second Dip Into the Horn of Plenty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzadX3WnhcTu5P2PSg966hToueKig6mmDXJbz_rKwUl_UqWdu1Tsjh813T33z0H7J7ZeXtNaUSXKPCEJSbE-pxfiaITy91H4DVXJgWs5UYoQBpKCDRZOgZ77oO5U8K7DRcHqbsQf9bMqzHmRL7R1FRJuC405l5C20tjejtF3w4AKbpYIcGW0c_owYjko/s4608/IMG_3019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzadX3WnhcTu5P2PSg966hToueKig6mmDXJbz_rKwUl_UqWdu1Tsjh813T33z0H7J7ZeXtNaUSXKPCEJSbE-pxfiaITy91H4DVXJgWs5UYoQBpKCDRZOgZ77oO5U8K7DRcHqbsQf9bMqzHmRL7R1FRJuC405l5C20tjejtF3w4AKbpYIcGW0c_owYjko/w400-h300/IMG_3019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Returned to the Nashua River in Harvard, MA to re-visit a nature-made trash trap I'd encountered late in a paddle last week. The overnight rain/wind storm had subsided leaving fairly mild and breezy conditions for late November. Heading downriver clouds quickly thickened and the light got kind of weird...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2m6Y-WpiZC-aPGlV4A018rKJWeeykL1ODWJ9xpStwBdgpLJT60WJPFuiQJC80iJ2f3OmIjGofxdFOorgQSAI4iv5FYNdyUq3VQeG2fS3TJersxS24dDc9np7-ZwqQePibKVw92oSDsEaTCX8QLmz5iEGztLWgQQzERqTZorbr8hNhAZXXq49XLVXZmg/s4608/IMG_3020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2m6Y-WpiZC-aPGlV4A018rKJWeeykL1ODWJ9xpStwBdgpLJT60WJPFuiQJC80iJ2f3OmIjGofxdFOorgQSAI4iv5FYNdyUq3VQeG2fS3TJersxS24dDc9np7-ZwqQePibKVw92oSDsEaTCX8QLmz5iEGztLWgQQzERqTZorbr8hNhAZXXq49XLVXZmg/w400-h300/IMG_3020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...just before a brief squall came through the area.<div><br /></div><div>Just as the brief shower ended I reached my objective...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoru0yoLkcmDWX0jgx0PqFzIhim_SZc1dWJvl3Y8sZk5dL0g8FkBCIZp0PavzX3ywrn0ki82FwWoJ-C0BytfgEDg50Lcdy3ynsBqptvHwmbarOr_Jt6P9UYCbsiA-CqZpZxr-_NhjdXTsHvOLmSmWl8EnpsQbA8BcCCfiHDbCr7Q5v_dkKyzw7HzYKsk/s4608/IMG_3022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoru0yoLkcmDWX0jgx0PqFzIhim_SZc1dWJvl3Y8sZk5dL0g8FkBCIZp0PavzX3ywrn0ki82FwWoJ-C0BytfgEDg50Lcdy3ynsBqptvHwmbarOr_Jt6P9UYCbsiA-CqZpZxr-_NhjdXTsHvOLmSmWl8EnpsQbA8BcCCfiHDbCr7Q5v_dkKyzw7HzYKsk/w400-h300/IMG_3022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It proved to be one of the most effective trash traps I've ever seen...sort of like one-stop-shopping.</div><div><br /></div><div>From this trap I recovered 252 miniature alcohol bottles (aka "nips") which is a new record for me and doesn't include the 50 or so I got from this same spot last week...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAxr_C140hoEAqTCqw3YiV__DFP6UOZddFCy11X-cusUjnNy2ZfIBvzIycB0NfDZyScIqsGGSUJDbw7r6eQI0vw9awOnX8AM9sNmd5-Fl1WW7V1BXk1YDask7y56d9Eji7TXpCtsCsNrgdwinr-JwYppfN-mDwx5E-3G8V8YR337sk0QaL4oVWBSSF1M/s4608/IMG_3025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAxr_C140hoEAqTCqw3YiV__DFP6UOZddFCy11X-cusUjnNy2ZfIBvzIycB0NfDZyScIqsGGSUJDbw7r6eQI0vw9awOnX8AM9sNmd5-Fl1WW7V1BXk1YDask7y56d9Eji7TXpCtsCsNrgdwinr-JwYppfN-mDwx5E-3G8V8YR337sk0QaL4oVWBSSF1M/w400-h300/IMG_3025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div>My year-to-date total of miniatures is now 2,813 with 2,085 of those gathered from the Nashua River.</div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-52334413095391974912023-11-26T17:16:00.003-05:002023-11-26T17:16:20.882-05:00A Thanksgiving Sandwiched<p>Sandwiched the holiday between paddles on two local rivers:</p><p>The Assabet River in Hudson, MA on Wednesday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxKoXpb0fn5vCxRuR6L9RdmtjI2EEamYLTd_TIhoIrVxixraVXewb9twFlF3ecaISWYpv8B31X1iaX_9r1mLHtdK3hK49iV4-fl738clHH_DTracAQHozyQKzxTo1LP0pQb4REH2ILzrYjN6lRfUl3pGOzKCi_sM5AvQ3wd9xaVDNR_ssbp2rUerIz-Y/s4608/IMG_2996.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxKoXpb0fn5vCxRuR6L9RdmtjI2EEamYLTd_TIhoIrVxixraVXewb9twFlF3ecaISWYpv8B31X1iaX_9r1mLHtdK3hK49iV4-fl738clHH_DTracAQHozyQKzxTo1LP0pQb4REH2ILzrYjN6lRfUl3pGOzKCi_sM5AvQ3wd9xaVDNR_ssbp2rUerIz-Y/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...after the storm that gave us our first layer of snow that was soon washed away by the subsequent rain with temps in the 40's F. Paddled down to the dam at Gleasondale where paddlers don't want to get distracted as there's no warning sign or barrier at the dam...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDGKxJzhGo-qRn6Bdd2Kq1DWNzk2ST10gCXms2kpEu7FUoAb-D3ZhPShHYU6IR9MDts1ksGFmjHbX-mRxukj8q8_FabCNwb4_aYC54Mff6ktcEBfw-cTZRRMkXiNrCifUEte4TYo6ZuMGMqscOQXw9C4NYb4vHWMByf0ofP5s_Sffn9SoasTlNSMwzw0/s4608/IMG_2994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDGKxJzhGo-qRn6Bdd2Kq1DWNzk2ST10gCXms2kpEu7FUoAb-D3ZhPShHYU6IR9MDts1ksGFmjHbX-mRxukj8q8_FabCNwb4_aYC54Mff6ktcEBfw-cTZRRMkXiNrCifUEte4TYo6ZuMGMqscOQXw9C4NYb4vHWMByf0ofP5s_Sffn9SoasTlNSMwzw0/s320/IMG_2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div>This animal was seen swimming across the river above the dam. Believe it's the same critter I've been running into of late on the Assabet...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY5qUkahqOoL9V2bPAUISAzJwkd-AE7IRCwf2eqLS_gnuCvjWR8WguyuUsD4IFO5zDxeDadGwtQb7HrNrEmA57B7SA3H8CLrT1fl1XYG84_YroO4kXAWYQK4ejux9Bb58AIf4OcGtyvj874fBckwOcrQH4yoj1Fcf0SjSyZqW6DMWLWnd-U8oZR89550/s2940/IMG_2982_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="2940" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY5qUkahqOoL9V2bPAUISAzJwkd-AE7IRCwf2eqLS_gnuCvjWR8WguyuUsD4IFO5zDxeDadGwtQb7HrNrEmA57B7SA3H8CLrT1fl1XYG84_YroO4kXAWYQK4ejux9Bb58AIf4OcGtyvj874fBckwOcrQH4yoj1Fcf0SjSyZqW6DMWLWnd-U8oZR89550/w400-h323/IMG_2982_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm not sure if it's a mink or perhaps a small otter. The tail appears to be bushy with some black coloring. Each time encountered it quickly vanishes which isn't like other mink I've encountered. Usually the mink I encounter re-appear to satisfy their curiosity.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then post-holiday, on Friday, when my wetsuit was definitely a bit harder to zip up I got out on the Nashua River in Harvard, MA...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV5UhFHTishe9Aqaa6Cj8SISkob5ih4sv9_IAMwxnvMRW4QhiNWf9J6mwyJmpi87N3ukC0o97E_OVjfBxLnpgPg-_vJ9zjUaoRc8MpcBORLFaIq8x9v5Ci1zM7mB_5nGqWVtqgRSLggrynHWrJs2MeER_y4Vrlg1ph-QLFGM9jpogyqr9dCKdtcPfn9Q/s4608/IMG_3004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV5UhFHTishe9Aqaa6Cj8SISkob5ih4sv9_IAMwxnvMRW4QhiNWf9J6mwyJmpi87N3ukC0o97E_OVjfBxLnpgPg-_vJ9zjUaoRc8MpcBORLFaIq8x9v5Ci1zM7mB_5nGqWVtqgRSLggrynHWrJs2MeER_y4Vrlg1ph-QLFGM9jpogyqr9dCKdtcPfn9Q/s320/IMG_3004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div>Just before reaching the boat lunch at Oxbow N.W.R. I came across another CSX freight train (426?) parked...this one just west of the Still River Depot Rd....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VSZ5o-Ag5LRF0KZJbu2Tde8MaYqQM57pvCbW-4s8fYN59XCAVtpK4c8ytsQOyfYw8l73P7kKqSu7zyCOQpmSZASMkIgavuPncjFovj9aAHmPJwZeOgiQN8-Q8Ca0yR8hKbDx1IrCqwy3R-DUyTrqoCskmn23E6KgGVxxiFSrYaMbCyB9fs-OYAa6q0o/s4608/IMG_3000.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VSZ5o-Ag5LRF0KZJbu2Tde8MaYqQM57pvCbW-4s8fYN59XCAVtpK4c8ytsQOyfYw8l73P7kKqSu7zyCOQpmSZASMkIgavuPncjFovj9aAHmPJwZeOgiQN8-Q8Ca0yR8hKbDx1IrCqwy3R-DUyTrqoCskmn23E6KgGVxxiFSrYaMbCyB9fs-OYAa6q0o/s320/IMG_3000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As I unloaded and prepped my boat the train slowly started moving and resumed its journey through the Nashua River valley on it's way to Maine. At Ayer it would leave the Nashua and instead follow Stony Brook to the Merrimack River in N. Chelmsford. My boat and I got to the bridge just after the train's tail end cleared it, and quiet took hold again in the valley...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNo77SpZQ-upeU6F5Q40_Atm7qpS62eefgdvB5uHft3k1nL3-hbFF_gnmMFHJsPRK-rSG32ThnGtaXlYj7RbYkkjtEPZmMdjo6P1ZQJaE0wajTVAwlFDlE-Ml_vt4xQTG6NAMJPMZk2IJaVG9pnz3b9WUx8HLXiLQDYshUG1fAMKHhWRVeviEgCItj3o/s4608/IMG_3006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNo77SpZQ-upeU6F5Q40_Atm7qpS62eefgdvB5uHft3k1nL3-hbFF_gnmMFHJsPRK-rSG32ThnGtaXlYj7RbYkkjtEPZmMdjo6P1ZQJaE0wajTVAwlFDlE-Ml_vt4xQTG6NAMJPMZk2IJaVG9pnz3b9WUx8HLXiLQDYshUG1fAMKHhWRVeviEgCItj3o/s320/IMG_3006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kind of unusual to not hear any gunfire from the Fort Devens shooting ranges on a weekday.</div><div><br /><div>Small deer appeared alongside the river in many places. I counted 8 of them in groups of 2 and 4. Without the plant vegetation to conceal them they appear like ghosts...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GjyCmNU83aoA9mRdzdG6JRb0JvczLSwNb_vpdaYizfPORtuD2mIRbC7DIxzzeygn5wDoSg5hGd9w3EBdCoerodFOw2Uxt0ZCFp1azV7cHqYDb5m3AE0uCsEdsFAzmybz9Ta1uyeSDxWfVpqCLzyGh-WzK3hKEg2nYBrwFwenV7g9VanRyadxrYjxONg/s4608/IMG_3008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GjyCmNU83aoA9mRdzdG6JRb0JvczLSwNb_vpdaYizfPORtuD2mIRbC7DIxzzeygn5wDoSg5hGd9w3EBdCoerodFOw2Uxt0ZCFp1azV7cHqYDb5m3AE0uCsEdsFAzmybz9Ta1uyeSDxWfVpqCLzyGh-WzK3hKEg2nYBrwFwenV7g9VanRyadxrYjxONg/w400-h300/IMG_3008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />All were in their dark winter coloring except for one that was still wearing its summer coat. Perhaps the soon-to-be full moon had them moving about mid-day.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday the Assabet seemed to be challenging the Nashua for the presence of miniature alcohol bottles (aka "nips") with 37 of them collected...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9fUTJJ3QS4CIv329nzRqj9gsxZcD0SY3mAIsLyPqLCTNiBitD00bUv91J94kE4mw6tjKusUHBtyeh88S_JMmIOdIJED6PebV5TyZruf1k70XkjKhwp5etQBPuTqdddr4dGHU7MMpUdN08VENV15cn-pQpm3alCW1iixSGoP9uQAVjqfqpUads2IQN2k/s4608/IMG_2998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9fUTJJ3QS4CIv329nzRqj9gsxZcD0SY3mAIsLyPqLCTNiBitD00bUv91J94kE4mw6tjKusUHBtyeh88S_JMmIOdIJED6PebV5TyZruf1k70XkjKhwp5etQBPuTqdddr4dGHU7MMpUdN08VENV15cn-pQpm3alCW1iixSGoP9uQAVjqfqpUads2IQN2k/s320/IMG_2998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then on Friday the Nashua reasserted its role as the king of the miniatures with a count of 111...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFqeeIYzlGkdiULzU3goKEH1QbZgxpm-RjTJ6g_T756kBSJzgEDxgbnDzEYn137e0f_CrTZkL0XhIFkjGF5UBpQmsqs9on874q_lzXNQ30RSdet0flbOLTkXWbAS-Zj8gXC2kZmPh_lqVqNidEk_h_W6k5BQkse80mDuloAzOxC-dgSFyeVQNI35nB14/s4608/IMG_3012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFqeeIYzlGkdiULzU3goKEH1QbZgxpm-RjTJ6g_T756kBSJzgEDxgbnDzEYn137e0f_CrTZkL0XhIFkjGF5UBpQmsqs9on874q_lzXNQ30RSdet0flbOLTkXWbAS-Zj8gXC2kZmPh_lqVqNidEk_h_W6k5BQkse80mDuloAzOxC-dgSFyeVQNI35nB14/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and still plenty more where they came from...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2YtZDtB90PjdSqhZn4XhZwBvyrpUu7ABo1VltYj2FY7nx9_i6cwrO8UrhgVnVP53zx2RKLxQXStX8ZRtHW2-4ihi6CxZau1CEyyZOo321EHhCR04PoeD3MEro4qvUvlWdSzwbDYn7jJsp0SMaz-SvGNh07f-sD4ntAOH_PRwPiiLxOUlD0yDs4X5zZg/s4608/IMG_3011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2YtZDtB90PjdSqhZn4XhZwBvyrpUu7ABo1VltYj2FY7nx9_i6cwrO8UrhgVnVP53zx2RKLxQXStX8ZRtHW2-4ihi6CxZau1CEyyZOo321EHhCR04PoeD3MEro4qvUvlWdSzwbDYn7jJsp0SMaz-SvGNh07f-sD4ntAOH_PRwPiiLxOUlD0yDs4X5zZg/w400-h300/IMG_3011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Sort of a 'horn of plenty' in a twisted way.<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-67409791110266955282023-11-20T20:27:00.001-05:002023-11-20T20:27:52.514-05:00Menimesit Again<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu-u3OOclBJ427XQDrf4M5b6s0gsqEAZXNFyOceIaiK29IB8r6IWe7xM-2p_NgvQDgKavvpYyke_DgUYjoZ2uAC8ghCDI2leMms8ju7U0sWgej5wo6JsUxIlLprlZjZDYdFMLNXRu2C-Zp-q7ZSPdqdRtdRwtjl9KC850LYknRotaV13VvLWZM5JpVMY/s4608/IMG_2948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu-u3OOclBJ427XQDrf4M5b6s0gsqEAZXNFyOceIaiK29IB8r6IWe7xM-2p_NgvQDgKavvpYyke_DgUYjoZ2uAC8ghCDI2leMms8ju7U0sWgej5wo6JsUxIlLprlZjZDYdFMLNXRu2C-Zp-q7ZSPdqdRtdRwtjl9KC850LYknRotaV13VvLWZM5JpVMY/w400-h300/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Started this past paddling week on Wednesday with a visit to the Ware River alongside the once strategic Native American village, Menimesit, in New Braintree, MA. The village was one of 3 locations mentioned in my previous post concerning Magunkaquog (in Ashland, MA) and the Eames Homestead (Framingham, MA). It was from Menimesit that Netus left in hopes of procuring corn at Magunkaquog. Menimesit was situated along the Ware River and consisted of 3 villages. It's strategic value was that the English apparently had no idea where it was located. Menimesit in February 1676 is said to have accommodated more than 2,000 Native Americans refusing to live under the authority of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In addition to the Nipmucs (native to the area) were Wampanoags and Narragansetts who'd been forced to leave their ancestral homelands to the south. Because of all these additional folks food must have been in short supply. <div>Menimesit was also visited by two notable figures of that tumultuous time: Metacom (aka King Philip), spent time here having arrived the previous August and stayed perhaps until December when he left for New York; Mary Rowlandson, the minister's wife taken captive at Lancaster by Native Americans, spent more than a week here in the early part of her 11-week captivity. <div><br /></div><div>Unlike other sites where modern-day development makes it hard to envision such a large village, here the land has stayed undeveloped for the most part and is still active farmland. This map with my notations shows the area where I paddled (direction of river flow is right to left)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qCfyrCrY5TTnqrX-eu7cPqx3XTTTzt3pEZ2p7ZJB62k0aGyowP6u3ekHwOPPtwjzjAezi7vGb6QnOl7EW54sw7sT0ueBtXpcmi7vxILgkKBCCtlkJNAzk7OqenycDxd0S6DyNdDJSykC9hWzX-avdsr1iTq8U1iKTSyOGmcsmgwYicmYrz8pzwpRqvM/s4608/IMG_2980_1_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qCfyrCrY5TTnqrX-eu7cPqx3XTTTzt3pEZ2p7ZJB62k0aGyowP6u3ekHwOPPtwjzjAezi7vGb6QnOl7EW54sw7sT0ueBtXpcmi7vxILgkKBCCtlkJNAzk7OqenycDxd0S6DyNdDJSykC9hWzX-avdsr1iTq8U1iKTSyOGmcsmgwYicmYrz8pzwpRqvM/w400-h300/IMG_2980_1_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Paddled this stretch once before...back in November 2018 when the water level was a bit higher. It offers some swift and shallow spots needing to be overcome but nonetheless allowed me to remain in my boat all the way to the dam at the abandoned Wheelwright Papermill (opening photo). <br /><div> </div><div>The Central Mass Railroad bridge no longer sees trains but does serve as a rail trail...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iVUDBR3mQDB5eFQ1psW_ivnCqQONB9xTVZF_fGz7NUihPz_AuL5NJ65WfeQERkWVI1n9p9cOr1lBEv81IxYjvIxWnxHR81dvfJUOR9e9Wy0wo3eb_9EYxj-_Z7ffynLPUjW4ZtPLHjISaCXmVUILRL9k5W3IaQhyZyLQUJgGf0sP9qfURw4bX6rKTh4/s4608/IMG_2945.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iVUDBR3mQDB5eFQ1psW_ivnCqQONB9xTVZF_fGz7NUihPz_AuL5NJ65WfeQERkWVI1n9p9cOr1lBEv81IxYjvIxWnxHR81dvfJUOR9e9Wy0wo3eb_9EYxj-_Z7ffynLPUjW4ZtPLHjISaCXmVUILRL9k5W3IaQhyZyLQUJgGf0sP9qfURw4bX6rKTh4/s320/IMG_2945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Winimusset Brook enters the river from the south alongside where Metacom camped...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaIJZYzY4R9Uh9WL0hqZflvUqwwiV9_U9ZzPrbhtmBR8KDiH8Kxb-K3c8Szsgr_rOa2ktAcDfgh_QCv09wS0RYYshnMwoAMhCv4Y4P7KWmJ9gb-deIdKLd0KEHjYQr099epjHLgJZ46uMURlijOe0odlEjGHg05GDxTEtc0iZjvvtQLVoDH2jInV7Kt4/s4608/IMG_2946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaIJZYzY4R9Uh9WL0hqZflvUqwwiV9_U9ZzPrbhtmBR8KDiH8Kxb-K3c8Szsgr_rOa2ktAcDfgh_QCv09wS0RYYshnMwoAMhCv4Y4P7KWmJ9gb-deIdKLd0KEHjYQr099epjHLgJZ46uMURlijOe0odlEjGHg05GDxTEtc0iZjvvtQLVoDH2jInV7Kt4/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>One of several fertile meadows adjacent to the brook and river...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwNUOll1EcoqzupodnZLBpPE6L1XSqcCCBmKip0C8v7yLjfzh06nBIapvPkS8SsiBRi7iON3X0xLWvimNrdbVm6NHmwoTRUIsHmGfCFNiAPCm-jM1wW9V10ohrFBMLUkXRhF1uBgLFl_fGOiwX-Mj4jF53BFLw9oO3HvRZvJgYflB09iSSK5Pd07cNkE/s4608/IMG_2944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwNUOll1EcoqzupodnZLBpPE6L1XSqcCCBmKip0C8v7yLjfzh06nBIapvPkS8SsiBRi7iON3X0xLWvimNrdbVm6NHmwoTRUIsHmGfCFNiAPCm-jM1wW9V10ohrFBMLUkXRhF1uBgLFl_fGOiwX-Mj4jF53BFLw9oO3HvRZvJgYflB09iSSK5Pd07cNkE/s320/IMG_2944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>In a corner of the meadow nearest the road and brook is this historical marker noting this spot as "Site of King Philip's Camp August 1675...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_WXYu3hd-Ibb1I-39TUPVtWCNq68MQdorOms45Ts-D61spSnjuenW89CvBNyAPcwKbjlZnTovmUzjtbiMv5I-oo7NUNePSc37Fhyphenhyphen8_ndarqHJQ03HSbuthbrMZQ25a5D35BQOWnLX29SNZYFgVdW6-tl5X7CkCq8Zc34WSyQhf61-BwHRDYF_zGK1YU/s4608/IMG_2942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_WXYu3hd-Ibb1I-39TUPVtWCNq68MQdorOms45Ts-D61spSnjuenW89CvBNyAPcwKbjlZnTovmUzjtbiMv5I-oo7NUNePSc37Fhyphenhyphen8_ndarqHJQ03HSbuthbrMZQ25a5D35BQOWnLX29SNZYFgVdW6-tl5X7CkCq8Zc34WSyQhf61-BwHRDYF_zGK1YU/w300-h400/IMG_2942.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>It was all kinds of quiet there on Monday when not another soul was seen. Tried to imagine what it was like when there were 2,000 people gathered here in early 1676. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On Friday morning I followed this well-maintained trail to the Assabet River in West Concord, MA...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeNOmaZoI5jibhWTpxEVDkvKnGtvyf0skDOg5LlJnM_cHE54UWD3BKKO48VahKBCi-hUp59yeh2WOTMKteiQZsmqeFHvWTOtuWTa1DR8vsQ9MFOyDOi8Zt-aXH_-Zwyf0VdoZpC510moOD97Zfhy3jE2P6aDCnOqt0XeALvG-I8Cp7wS7u-MUKtP7JiM/s4608/IMG_2956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeNOmaZoI5jibhWTpxEVDkvKnGtvyf0skDOg5LlJnM_cHE54UWD3BKKO48VahKBCi-hUp59yeh2WOTMKteiQZsmqeFHvWTOtuWTa1DR8vsQ9MFOyDOi8Zt-aXH_-Zwyf0VdoZpC510moOD97Zfhy3jE2P6aDCnOqt0XeALvG-I8Cp7wS7u-MUKtP7JiM/s320/IMG_2956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One of the site's maintainers was there...unfortunately having to deal with a car battery someone had left in the parking lot.<div><br /></div><div>Worked my way upriver towards Damonmill...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJWKmJV7X_OAZ2nnpZPo3Bp7EBIwNLvdrver5ADVq87LmLJYdxijnPIuVR20JpWAzHxYsIMq_zc7GWu2RFTkeU8CdCuy_vDtHk5_7W8dRjdfmPO0oNG_Lrl2u19wAmftnlF2aDFQhGifs_RvYL_MslNRzb0WErpvKFXLfAhwq5oibdvI7C5NgLuMpXPg/s4608/IMG_2957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJWKmJV7X_OAZ2nnpZPo3Bp7EBIwNLvdrver5ADVq87LmLJYdxijnPIuVR20JpWAzHxYsIMq_zc7GWu2RFTkeU8CdCuy_vDtHk5_7W8dRjdfmPO0oNG_Lrl2u19wAmftnlF2aDFQhGifs_RvYL_MslNRzb0WErpvKFXLfAhwq5oibdvI7C5NgLuMpXPg/s320/IMG_2957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Below the mill where the current got stronger I entered the mill's no-longer-in-use exit race which long-ago conveyed exhausted water back to the river...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSZqRyG1gX1KY3aI5_JLEgLYQqbZELIo0a_xj73DxtxzoFBB6FtHwDqyDp6jCsR8pYEZOdiCr4QaAx2_ZY5cqOYWiQWJzz2pIMlUdQzWH7dpVLDSoBLrQnsIBPcBOXMZW3581VzbRF8Hz2MUS6M7aQYTmKLMwjBAt2Csxolotxy9NU88ehPXUWyLePuI/s4608/IMG_2959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSZqRyG1gX1KY3aI5_JLEgLYQqbZELIo0a_xj73DxtxzoFBB6FtHwDqyDp6jCsR8pYEZOdiCr4QaAx2_ZY5cqOYWiQWJzz2pIMlUdQzWH7dpVLDSoBLrQnsIBPcBOXMZW3581VzbRF8Hz2MUS6M7aQYTmKLMwjBAt2Csxolotxy9NU88ehPXUWyLePuI/s320/IMG_2959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Then it was back to the river's current for the easy ride back down...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBq-R8odXFUHhi65SEPk4T5cV4czsoXdv9QPkMu_QOmG9kfCSFnq2FldjbvSNeItBbD1m5hWQ-0Hoa1NqtfNv4_FymQ87bcM9CofAbGgSXPYGVFA3DrRixQoucQYjLFsA7Efhyzo4CKyxNpgIBa3XyZL3aFVbgGd-jhGXvF1IZWlYBMbd91211JqbDk/s4608/IMG_2958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBq-R8odXFUHhi65SEPk4T5cV4czsoXdv9QPkMu_QOmG9kfCSFnq2FldjbvSNeItBbD1m5hWQ-0Hoa1NqtfNv4_FymQ87bcM9CofAbGgSXPYGVFA3DrRixQoucQYjLFsA7Efhyzo4CKyxNpgIBa3XyZL3aFVbgGd-jhGXvF1IZWlYBMbd91211JqbDk/s320/IMG_2958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Ended the week with a Sunday morning trifecta of sorts with 3 paddles each starting from Egg Rock...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIEOQSuh9U3szfyTGaOVL6X18tO9j1AyJ-Hha3O11SF49KMmscwQE-gailS1ignYTn9oZ5bXs3PIEPBB3RMhSUF67i1UTKijRYKqryqAhofUs2Q_rbVT5C-VH9LVAhTPjKi0JOfSUSASFIj4LNCcFHdoxZb7If4v2a0fj7WgseaQoXUD8vCFeyK6KZ6w/s4608/IMG_2965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIEOQSuh9U3szfyTGaOVL6X18tO9j1AyJ-Hha3O11SF49KMmscwQE-gailS1ignYTn9oZ5bXs3PIEPBB3RMhSUF67i1UTKijRYKqryqAhofUs2Q_rbVT5C-VH9LVAhTPjKi0JOfSUSASFIj4LNCcFHdoxZb7If4v2a0fj7WgseaQoXUD8vCFeyK6KZ6w/w400-h300/IMG_2965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>First paddled the Assabet up to Spencer Brook and back...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkv_LUsiGoA4NNsfcTB_zGfploqpIKLA9Z8JbtJiVdacdu3Y-TL_4QxiUJneJSCS65HphXn2svGkEI2LsdNgPpCK7vE8XO9_oDMm7DdjQqZAyhbRa8bcWO4muLTTlNo5fQa5cq-iC8aTdS_RwUY3yhcdfe70YBTP1Ie6HzCos3qO8MeFinfKNPhOtVUk/s4608/IMG_2969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkv_LUsiGoA4NNsfcTB_zGfploqpIKLA9Z8JbtJiVdacdu3Y-TL_4QxiUJneJSCS65HphXn2svGkEI2LsdNgPpCK7vE8XO9_oDMm7DdjQqZAyhbRa8bcWO4muLTTlNo5fQa5cq-iC8aTdS_RwUY3yhcdfe70YBTP1Ie6HzCos3qO8MeFinfKNPhOtVUk/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...next it was down the Concord for a mile or so and back...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJgz-ZIa-BkhuTWt_JZTOUZCcIIfbTwWO_PccKP8w2r3ct65gt0iCky8PnYp_hYQ6GNqwo3rHPvhxXV_qD1akcr4DkHb44n6l0Bq-INcwhQgyJk-tXLOC2ZsWa6zumHdng9b5A3m4Z3APO2gm_umEpZEicDbXfBvdHjnUbERtgRUfdi4G4YZf2wNBSUo/s4608/IMG_2976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJgz-ZIa-BkhuTWt_JZTOUZCcIIfbTwWO_PccKP8w2r3ct65gt0iCky8PnYp_hYQ6GNqwo3rHPvhxXV_qD1akcr4DkHb44n6l0Bq-INcwhQgyJk-tXLOC2ZsWa6zumHdng9b5A3m4Z3APO2gm_umEpZEicDbXfBvdHjnUbERtgRUfdi4G4YZf2wNBSUo/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and finally up and back down the Sudbury...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsvB9kc4dDlgcFWtIOJTuweZ0n1hBxmmaovnRfze1Q7cx-Y_-ILjGwj6ANsCOdxsfIBHYct7f0eYrMmYKmsZMXunM6qSyCp9gpGeA7ZTdDy74bDtVngstaX9cgnxi4bPADig5atdElAqObzmBeI1fBa9bqZo4kjWoZWS2r6DPQGIPN8lpHBvtmv50i1o/s4608/IMG_2978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsvB9kc4dDlgcFWtIOJTuweZ0n1hBxmmaovnRfze1Q7cx-Y_-ILjGwj6ANsCOdxsfIBHYct7f0eYrMmYKmsZMXunM6qSyCp9gpGeA7ZTdDy74bDtVngstaX9cgnxi4bPADig5atdElAqObzmBeI1fBa9bqZo4kjWoZWS2r6DPQGIPN8lpHBvtmv50i1o/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Came across this hawk near Willow Island on the Assabet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49jdbEGdzgHKE707OQAcxOh8ddKnrh41TmPt5kfgmhZpSPxs9wE-6qsRQeoxRQw861FlSqXbNAE1Haf391LEYlHRg_1sfOK-EqePtO76fvgUtyqZpiZ_PPJJv8dXhnDRTiBhJaiJ-gQo7xJs8RDN7S4-o5W2R9viBnUTGOjtRqNNBF3dRqS_xeKAMb5A/s4608/IMG_2973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49jdbEGdzgHKE707OQAcxOh8ddKnrh41TmPt5kfgmhZpSPxs9wE-6qsRQeoxRQw861FlSqXbNAE1Haf391LEYlHRg_1sfOK-EqePtO76fvgUtyqZpiZ_PPJJv8dXhnDRTiBhJaiJ-gQo7xJs8RDN7S4-o5W2R9viBnUTGOjtRqNNBF3dRqS_xeKAMb5A/w400-h300/IMG_2973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday's trash from Ware River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExftbdTzYmtvmxAp2Dinr7wvT0vb0p3E5a6qvaBxJraXHSJPRU0okGPbBebWVPiOQBo0TZXPKAl_giqxVKBgaJwMCdR1rZYFvZcD-_fM-AktACd3HVDRX3oJw0lxfFtDUIt6LqokArwlObqQPuQxtCtzCw06_Oha9tZLghC52Q_Zdwx-8RryfuL0unXg/s4608/IMG_2955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExftbdTzYmtvmxAp2Dinr7wvT0vb0p3E5a6qvaBxJraXHSJPRU0okGPbBebWVPiOQBo0TZXPKAl_giqxVKBgaJwMCdR1rZYFvZcD-_fM-AktACd3HVDRX3oJw0lxfFtDUIt6LqokArwlObqQPuQxtCtzCw06_Oha9tZLghC52Q_Zdwx-8RryfuL0unXg/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Friday's trash from the Assabet...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xH77ZDayhRCGUT-f4QT3UMHgUpUggV-bABwf3bkH8305zfKAfKm-GMwxuonHjN7vEsIsmRt-EecC9GOSoTX56pOngd9xbrpyOmGEbeDS4XT3zqOIRRcVOb2JmXtKztKJtM6wpVDkMdjr9Ru3LRBwkVCLwYBB9Re6ab-eaHO7rOXXr7F83GxnWGLQs5g/s4608/IMG_2964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xH77ZDayhRCGUT-f4QT3UMHgUpUggV-bABwf3bkH8305zfKAfKm-GMwxuonHjN7vEsIsmRt-EecC9GOSoTX56pOngd9xbrpyOmGEbeDS4XT3zqOIRRcVOb2JmXtKztKJtM6wpVDkMdjr9Ru3LRBwkVCLwYBB9Re6ab-eaHO7rOXXr7F83GxnWGLQs5g/s320/IMG_2964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Sunday's trash from bits of the 3 rivers...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_okmgR8dgj6b0KnVOvz4A2q4xxr-8S_kWJ5ivRuWsRHnef2J13gTVvjdWMp8w8h7kpftI6rrqmqq3q3-pm01XQC6R10VqNy4o9phGlKWvqiJoiioKaycyxH7_QgFyzC_mdN-DIhPdsKFiQ8OnlL5hehsSgUlrxAy9vJs5aOy4bX4es_pYCnd7INgtMjQ/s4608/IMG_2979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_okmgR8dgj6b0KnVOvz4A2q4xxr-8S_kWJ5ivRuWsRHnef2J13gTVvjdWMp8w8h7kpftI6rrqmqq3q3-pm01XQC6R10VqNy4o9phGlKWvqiJoiioKaycyxH7_QgFyzC_mdN-DIhPdsKFiQ8OnlL5hehsSgUlrxAy9vJs5aOy4bX4es_pYCnd7INgtMjQ/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-45104028612829066122023-11-15T08:33:00.000-05:002023-11-15T08:33:55.210-05:00Either Side of Magunkaquag <p>On this past Sunday morning I ended my paddling week with a couple of paddles on waters unfamiliar to me. Both paddles were on waters to either side of the late 1600s Native American village Magunkaquag in present-day Ashland, MA. What brought me to Magunkaquog was this historical marker I came across the previous week near Farm Pond in Framingham, MA...</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL1wWlUkO8G5pzQoX5w7T-qNsTS5rITnmVSZz7606CfwTx1HsZe-1VPihwEWWXQ-UPmW02x3zwGE-Rd4SG87KPSFcchPnMrxTlqmZGFSSl3THBJnFiysM-B0YNPdkmIrrj2vE8F_O5Ak2vr6CJwIipXFG2Fj9FfP6rua6SPdIZA2uVA5HW2wZrcHNGuc/s4608/IMG_2803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL1wWlUkO8G5pzQoX5w7T-qNsTS5rITnmVSZz7606CfwTx1HsZe-1VPihwEWWXQ-UPmW02x3zwGE-Rd4SG87KPSFcchPnMrxTlqmZGFSSl3THBJnFiysM-B0YNPdkmIrrj2vE8F_O5Ak2vr6CJwIipXFG2Fj9FfP6rua6SPdIZA2uVA5HW2wZrcHNGuc/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The marker made me curious to learn more about the tragic event. At the Framingham History Center's <a href="https://www.framinghamhistory.org">website</a> I learned that the incident involved a Native American (Nipmuc) man, Netus, who had long lived in the area and was familiar with the Eames family, and that there was more to the story than just a senseless and random attack. At the height of King Philip's War a series of events unraveled which brought Netus and several other Nipmuc to the abandoned 'Praying Village' of Magunkaquog which was located about 3 miles southwest of the Eames homestead. The chain of events got its start some 34 miles or so to the west in the Nipmuc stronghold of Menimesit in present-day New Braintree. Menimesit was where many of the Native Americans (Nipmuc, Wampanoag, and Narragansett), refusing to yield to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, were encamped. From the relative safety of this stronghold Netus and the others traveled to Magunkaquog in hopes of finding corn stores left behind when Magunkaquog's inhabitants, called by the English "friendly Indians", were forced by the Massachusetts Bay Colony to leave their homes. They were first sent to other Praying Villages and later, in December, interned on Deer Island in Boston Harbor. When Netus got to Magunkaquog he found the desperately-needed corn was gone and apparently believed the Eames family had something to do with its disappearance. Netus and the others went to the Eames home on the morning of February 1, 1676 to find out if the corn was there, and the tragedy ensued.</div><div><br /></div><div>This left me wanting to locate and perhaps paddle a bit of the waters in and around Magunkaquog. </div><div>Using information from both the Framingham History Center and the Ashland Historical Society I found that Magunkaquoug consisted of 3,000 acres in 1675 was located in the vicinity Megunco Hill. This 1894 topo map shows Magunco Hill and its proximity to the Eames Homestead location...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD7X8vgdXdfu10_kbzE9An6xWQ8GL3Zm8Pk-JrN6MHFccbzcsuiHb2OGiOKmtAiDJQduadr0zWQy_QOhihl4n0UN3c7HSduTlltJ0FR7ejENPSVN5TK4sTHseXGOb-0O2dimSrViiyGYt-lh8DqxLB5Xzivv7LPgtc_-GYySWtO_jKQCC6k66jj9rq_w/s4608/IMG_2941_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD7X8vgdXdfu10_kbzE9An6xWQ8GL3Zm8Pk-JrN6MHFccbzcsuiHb2OGiOKmtAiDJQduadr0zWQy_QOhihl4n0UN3c7HSduTlltJ0FR7ejENPSVN5TK4sTHseXGOb-0O2dimSrViiyGYt-lh8DqxLB5Xzivv7LPgtc_-GYySWtO_jKQCC6k66jj9rq_w/w400-h300/IMG_2941_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The map also shows the location of Gryncel Park where I launched my boat into the Sudbury River.<br /><div>I was only able to paddle a short stretch (less than a mile) of the river between the dam downstream at Metcalf's Mill and upriver to where it got too rocky and shallow near the confluence with Indian Brook. This was the view looking upriver where the river runs along the base of Megunco Hill's northern end...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRUTSEoTSQGANVSPhaqtC6PV2y3YaNf66jzZVTVliZSYvW3sFYEKdxb9TEUDOkUgWiHmIg5ZxI2C-qRLP69vieAhWxjyvWjFHyYaIA0SiqxSvbQ9-t9-f1WE4Jv1EOLvqeK5XDlLa_zr5d-SceYXSdz4rayPMSSOIeLmVAk0MOylITjimjI6v3W7fO64/s4608/IMG_2907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRUTSEoTSQGANVSPhaqtC6PV2y3YaNf66jzZVTVliZSYvW3sFYEKdxb9TEUDOkUgWiHmIg5ZxI2C-qRLP69vieAhWxjyvWjFHyYaIA0SiqxSvbQ9-t9-f1WE4Jv1EOLvqeK5XDlLa_zr5d-SceYXSdz4rayPMSSOIeLmVAk0MOylITjimjI6v3W7fO64/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Downriver at Metcalf's Mill is Marathon Park which commemorates this mill's location as having been the original starting line for the Boston Marathon...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHaXWj6U7MOTZYAMeo2p4f7ikJiqS8EWrmhbL9y9ngsQZ4zwXJIvvxa2CXbVlC_LVSU7k2bQsI3BtHnRL-LIdOIVWziSjCujrXz1F_BeBgj51neywfa5D2K-bqg79CyYi6tK7KFX6jZHWKVu0robLn0qXHq82vo7PqzAxbCjsY0mVE4RMdf5QElXwh_c/s4608/IMG_2909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHaXWj6U7MOTZYAMeo2p4f7ikJiqS8EWrmhbL9y9ngsQZ4zwXJIvvxa2CXbVlC_LVSU7k2bQsI3BtHnRL-LIdOIVWziSjCujrXz1F_BeBgj51neywfa5D2K-bqg79CyYi6tK7KFX6jZHWKVu0robLn0qXHq82vo7PqzAxbCjsY0mVE4RMdf5QElXwh_c/s320/IMG_2909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>About a half mile upstream from the park was this stony apparition exposed by lack of vegetation...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AkwmDhJlqsb6UvmMtIvA8am9T7XxnCCXyPK53m6SD8g47P8eemdC9qRd9OTAzbhvr3E0nAI764nC04qU0Dm2MeRgGHmsbAw5H2wHeKTJM7FFl9ElvCYowIUp7zN4FPOssMow2OwH-_BthfS-PEwmMyGygZ9GzHLgJKjguLtJXOdTZpVtpm8GqmGKqZo/s4608/IMG_2914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AkwmDhJlqsb6UvmMtIvA8am9T7XxnCCXyPK53m6SD8g47P8eemdC9qRd9OTAzbhvr3E0nAI764nC04qU0Dm2MeRgGHmsbAw5H2wHeKTJM7FFl9ElvCYowIUp7zN4FPOssMow2OwH-_BthfS-PEwmMyGygZ9GzHLgJKjguLtJXOdTZpVtpm8GqmGKqZo/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The heart of the utilitarian building seems to have been this pump...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwLh8JZeHr0O5rH9F__d0QiEAAQOU2Fj6hnZ9rirhs4c3ZqrJfhXbhaXENRxSGoWToa0rEgm6Qqe63MwsVvmiDRfU-2B97oPHiawE-99AJssiwTPzZPOQ10Cc-4XrDOuVnkJp6N0ry-ZuQlvPHadyt6rj3vn6EdAffVFVlq4VUyFw2ip62Omc9v6Qc4U/s4608/IMG_2917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwLh8JZeHr0O5rH9F__d0QiEAAQOU2Fj6hnZ9rirhs4c3ZqrJfhXbhaXENRxSGoWToa0rEgm6Qqe63MwsVvmiDRfU-2B97oPHiawE-99AJssiwTPzZPOQ10Cc-4XrDOuVnkJp6N0ry-ZuQlvPHadyt6rj3vn6EdAffVFVlq4VUyFw2ip62Omc9v6Qc4U/s320/IMG_2917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>With the Sudbury River here allowing only a short navigable section I reloaded my boat and drove over Magunco Hill to the nearby Ashland Reservoir located to the southeast of Magunkaquag...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMR44K7Mx8o7dOSVHdKuyL-EbpVPr-PQQB4cBWoONInzzvCNox4XcGwsM02hdHtzCSS8VOYrlSGi8o6aGMFoUj8s3FIGkFhDgtMJiqxUcYnTlXHBAXc4NE1gIe5raXHz6D3UIxwVPiG9LPJ2FXFNbX29o6w4oZd8wEOjzhMz39RpegBUe2NQNUiyMhbc/s4608/IMG_2939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMR44K7Mx8o7dOSVHdKuyL-EbpVPr-PQQB4cBWoONInzzvCNox4XcGwsM02hdHtzCSS8VOYrlSGi8o6aGMFoUj8s3FIGkFhDgtMJiqxUcYnTlXHBAXc4NE1gIe5raXHz6D3UIxwVPiG9LPJ2FXFNbX29o6w4oZd8wEOjzhMz39RpegBUe2NQNUiyMhbc/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div> ...on the dammed waters of Cold Spring Brook.</div><div><br /></div><div>The view looking down the length of the reservoir...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIvYyDCARCXIV6T3G5xA-upAztB89DkZnsVmIaYB-wQu99ksrRzALe-Qa21Lvz5BNsODvH6up7f4VF6O9hb4VcLEVplF8Oj9__wIYEUAuiuTpn4Mog16GbkiC8wrr2SGMX3G0pBs2RfzQd3bGOG2jkHz8cAvWgE9Eg-1TLt4YsBSoV3U0Ej8NZ1cjN5g/s4608/IMG_2921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIvYyDCARCXIV6T3G5xA-upAztB89DkZnsVmIaYB-wQu99ksrRzALe-Qa21Lvz5BNsODvH6up7f4VF6O9hb4VcLEVplF8Oj9__wIYEUAuiuTpn4Mog16GbkiC8wrr2SGMX3G0pBs2RfzQd3bGOG2jkHz8cAvWgE9Eg-1TLt4YsBSoV3U0Ej8NZ1cjN5g/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...plenty of water here as well as the scenic Daneger Island...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIvg2FsaJSNJS9BSI8WQGGHyRGJjV31wRfU6XS24OodzBIfNXLEYYnqauXneaWUG3UOGIu9QDxok1hin8hcV2DcI49N2jD46a682HCANSjLWtI3ldoLZ3aEGsqw5eqE53pczgbAulNEVIQAe7nwAclxeOA8695sSllq64aibN5dMENHIHRZYP5_pfST0/s4608/IMG_2924.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIvg2FsaJSNJS9BSI8WQGGHyRGJjV31wRfU6XS24OodzBIfNXLEYYnqauXneaWUG3UOGIu9QDxok1hin8hcV2DcI49N2jD46a682HCANSjLWtI3ldoLZ3aEGsqw5eqE53pczgbAulNEVIQAe7nwAclxeOA8695sSllq64aibN5dMENHIHRZYP5_pfST0/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>At the reservoir's northeast corner the brook is allowed to exit via a multi-step stone spillway that looks like a stairway...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwX_mAdVxxrMH57Vuo0TiwEoEMU2YBaV0jKQ9aPwquRmYcZJSh32u6XiirdVIBpcmuW6T6J0sefsyX4BNq7SZO3SY_H4JiaJphR3VPHxYsKQAR8Jcy4mtbs2umQ6EwgS28E_xVWnd2j2864nLPcUsARgXxCPtBbFcTa7P3co9HfHi95ptl4IU2TCbNwo/s4608/IMG_2931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwX_mAdVxxrMH57Vuo0TiwEoEMU2YBaV0jKQ9aPwquRmYcZJSh32u6XiirdVIBpcmuW6T6J0sefsyX4BNq7SZO3SY_H4JiaJphR3VPHxYsKQAR8Jcy4mtbs2umQ6EwgS28E_xVWnd2j2864nLPcUsARgXxCPtBbFcTa7P3co9HfHi95ptl4IU2TCbNwo/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and continues its journey towards the Sudbury River.</div><div><br /></div><div>The afternoon sun provided more glare than warmth...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2iueAdZXazp0ZYeBHZUrf3pF59m4HOCqUot4BsyeppcuDmGo8v-LSBqeo73nJeE-KSq7K2OXLkWIMVCQfmuoeByULR0Lv8LD_A0GUtdLszS1OOIpIVHWi14vAxKq2inQF_SNVMB5Vz8XrYfeOq-1sV7biz65YDLgwTLr5hY3je-5siCFdSbuuzPoXIw/s4608/IMG_2932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2iueAdZXazp0ZYeBHZUrf3pF59m4HOCqUot4BsyeppcuDmGo8v-LSBqeo73nJeE-KSq7K2OXLkWIMVCQfmuoeByULR0Lv8LD_A0GUtdLszS1OOIpIVHWi14vAxKq2inQF_SNVMB5Vz8XrYfeOq-1sV7biz65YDLgwTLr5hY3je-5siCFdSbuuzPoXIw/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>In recent days the issue of historical markers has been in the news. The Town of Concord, MA is examining whether or not to remove a historical marker concerning the purchase of land from Native Americans at a place known as Jethro's Tree. Coincidentally, the Jethro referenced on the Concord marker was a friend and neighbor of the aforementioned Netus. In fact, both men escaped internment on Deer Island. I believe the historical markers should remain provided they're not factually inaccurate as to place and event. If additional narrative can expand upon what historians knew at the time the marker was made and erected, I think an additional marker should be placed alongside the original. I've seen such a <a href="https://www.trashpaddler.com/2021/01/conflicting-markersfight-or-massacre.html">situation</a> in Greenfield, MA where two historical markers stand side by side...each telling of the 1676 Turner's Falls tragedy from a different perspective. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, I paddled the Sudbury River's Fairhaven Bay...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ3t3F8yvDVhml-bDgSeavdAQJLlrJgxYuGMQ_bwJR51KHHfJcYLw5Npq3fQMWOdFTR9h3uVbJIWbu0kGknl9sFNN3e_E4qYySkP6NgElM8y_pxjbpyaqdsJjt21kxb-a2tay1KonTbZyfqDUkSlw7MEPTp6rvxr42260brubPLAdJjMb-UzFPRady10/s4608/IMG_2870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ3t3F8yvDVhml-bDgSeavdAQJLlrJgxYuGMQ_bwJR51KHHfJcYLw5Npq3fQMWOdFTR9h3uVbJIWbu0kGknl9sFNN3e_E4qYySkP6NgElM8y_pxjbpyaqdsJjt21kxb-a2tay1KonTbZyfqDUkSlw7MEPTp6rvxr42260brubPLAdJjMb-UzFPRady10/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...where its stone boathouse proudly stands sentinal...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRiCbTDscP21qh0zgZaI-85OSkJD0YAPoepK_HkwrMUrLUYdGpvgnp-nHbROdMWMPkjoUP_0WDbrzlzGKQX7SAhISbVwXM-rILZZEvl-7KkGN40KNfhLpCg0Th3p66IIGRAV7sCVFyC6P74gi2ru7FVcq7nCINnBbqg0zwDYfZz2dmEY4i-eedaEmn5U/s4608/IMG_2871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRiCbTDscP21qh0zgZaI-85OSkJD0YAPoepK_HkwrMUrLUYdGpvgnp-nHbROdMWMPkjoUP_0WDbrzlzGKQX7SAhISbVwXM-rILZZEvl-7KkGN40KNfhLpCg0Th3p66IIGRAV7sCVFyC6P74gi2ru7FVcq7nCINnBbqg0zwDYfZz2dmEY4i-eedaEmn5U/s320/IMG_2871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Another handsome work of stone was Lee's Bridge spanning the river between Lincoln and Concord...</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_liXnFKwR24YDR7zyMSg-uaPJ0S0ES8acYhgWGPxv8Ft2Ob44ocI9ozmK5Q8mxJQGwoi03rCmNGpXQIPgyhUVY8unNujqq0wCTrgWzTe8P2deupi-s2dpivxqkKgqRLfvOB1FarhW6C0BJT18CGu3EN1B-553HlYURvlUy9OF7_u41MP3TPuBEupgVQc/s4608/IMG_2880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_liXnFKwR24YDR7zyMSg-uaPJ0S0ES8acYhgWGPxv8Ft2Ob44ocI9ozmK5Q8mxJQGwoi03rCmNGpXQIPgyhUVY8unNujqq0wCTrgWzTe8P2deupi-s2dpivxqkKgqRLfvOB1FarhW6C0BJT18CGu3EN1B-553HlYURvlUy9OF7_u41MP3TPuBEupgVQc/s320/IMG_2880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the drive home I came across this old wooden water tower not far from the Sudbury River in Concord...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLAnlM_Pms2c_8i80wpzXH3URppEnqe8b6cLz4IawbCSAs9J_0iAx0h2FFTVcELXdAooDGtlsSNv2tv8vBI0oioAwcl7bjZR3H5ecOSXKTifEm0dLRK-L7-QSESwzWJnF6d5Tc8CBAPVhwXZu8bAi45DB83bahe__bYwagRBIyLJUms-p6b2HChTb6AY/s4608/IMG_2884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLAnlM_Pms2c_8i80wpzXH3URppEnqe8b6cLz4IawbCSAs9J_0iAx0h2FFTVcELXdAooDGtlsSNv2tv8vBI0oioAwcl7bjZR3H5ecOSXKTifEm0dLRK-L7-QSESwzWJnF6d5Tc8CBAPVhwXZu8bAi45DB83bahe__bYwagRBIyLJUms-p6b2HChTb6AY/s320/IMG_2884.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It formerly provided water for the Jones dairy farm where the milk bottle found last month originated.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On Friday I went to the Nashua River's Oxbow N.W.R at the bottom of Still River Depot Road in Harvard to find a sizable CSX freight train parked on the mainline with its headlights on (perhaps awaiting a new crew)<span style="text-align: left;">...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QDt65IRmUmhH7ZbEySwt9OItP1OSI5fIToJhXwOHtjj4cQUFzhpYfDGCmH_tA_gi990joLJmLdd0poirSXAiLOUWQUIo_nIGgiXZSmOj3-OoAmuWegZFp7uck7tVm0PZdnrwLK8VCg2FLneD6cxZz7SPhsEbqNqKfM9Ne5GNvu3OHVGnqdF0OKLNmKg/s4608/IMG_2886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QDt65IRmUmhH7ZbEySwt9OItP1OSI5fIToJhXwOHtjj4cQUFzhpYfDGCmH_tA_gi990joLJmLdd0poirSXAiLOUWQUIo_nIGgiXZSmOj3-OoAmuWegZFp7uck7tVm0PZdnrwLK8VCg2FLneD6cxZz7SPhsEbqNqKfM9Ne5GNvu3OHVGnqdF0OKLNmKg/s320/IMG_2886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Some 2.5 hours later the train was on the move and our paths conveniently crossed at the trestle over the Nashua River ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpT30q3AixnYwqpuMDRnXufvKICfjSbQie83txN5qpi3_GuTv4iyHZhf5qXRAXhnlYu2zHkjNWU_aPK10oGN_5f8RA9dcnLOL8PqUL35hrup3Wf71h4YbH7xkZU0gCWCeLNu-rqsdX4v1h6blVzgP7Xpza_uLjLKtHmRxHzGcZ3_kEgOCon3DrHFwIY/s4608/IMG_2894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpT30q3AixnYwqpuMDRnXufvKICfjSbQie83txN5qpi3_GuTv4iyHZhf5qXRAXhnlYu2zHkjNWU_aPK10oGN_5f8RA9dcnLOL8PqUL35hrup3Wf71h4YbH7xkZU0gCWCeLNu-rqsdX4v1h6blVzgP7Xpza_uLjLKtHmRxHzGcZ3_kEgOCon3DrHFwIY/s320/IMG_2894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>A short distance upriver from the bridge the small stone chapel related to a monastery sat atop a small riverside hillock that much of the year is an island...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShBvcHJALLsqbgklbs4a7NSf7FHXiJD4kGWT15uSzFspmkdYVdG3-mDodejnNW__BbExwueo4idKQzLG-KPSeP9sxKjecqWvznv1I1_H8TFyRhiIJmoF7b2hse9rmpyS0WxTSecw4vZ0herdHA4JiWesF51LOrTbgaJlC4PYbkV1RUEQ62MB7m25ppoA/s4608/IMG_2891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShBvcHJALLsqbgklbs4a7NSf7FHXiJD4kGWT15uSzFspmkdYVdG3-mDodejnNW__BbExwueo4idKQzLG-KPSeP9sxKjecqWvznv1I1_H8TFyRhiIJmoF7b2hse9rmpyS0WxTSecw4vZ0herdHA4JiWesF51LOrTbgaJlC4PYbkV1RUEQ62MB7m25ppoA/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and just a little beyond the chapel this cooler-in-a-tree attested to just how high the Nashua River got back in September...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIHrHxazER_uqhQ99uAQ2swlRbAMJmyKlKI-J66wxeP1X6btiAkAnxySl0SgK9wEwo7IIhECy-_ZppF-zfJYD4y0lFqQLjnVlk2pPBVSvorgQmAhUaMkJeMid2YDyoiNk9HxinDGfKgG-xjAkRqHenOaDAzDolXfTEVH75lfBFWzn0IvGuncUliuxkIA/s4608/IMG_2890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIHrHxazER_uqhQ99uAQ2swlRbAMJmyKlKI-J66wxeP1X6btiAkAnxySl0SgK9wEwo7IIhECy-_ZppF-zfJYD4y0lFqQLjnVlk2pPBVSvorgQmAhUaMkJeMid2YDyoiNk9HxinDGfKgG-xjAkRqHenOaDAzDolXfTEVH75lfBFWzn0IvGuncUliuxkIA/s320/IMG_2890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Tuesday's trash from the Sudbury River in Lincoln/Concord was especially light...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRnRuGH28HgZ8RtTtJlGISbpN_IreQqwhvr2xn1BvLqnExRxpbH1uFfTC2MqM3KJ0ScEoci6aRjFxTSYyEyzJxwQz3EGmJMttRO6hsNt0_DG5x3jCpb374uhdwm1FxNjV9Db_Ye5Qs4liBcrQYe6pn6ehI-rmw7Czyznhc8gCYDFyh3QFmb-ZRFVqvg4/s4608/IMG_2883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRnRuGH28HgZ8RtTtJlGISbpN_IreQqwhvr2xn1BvLqnExRxpbH1uFfTC2MqM3KJ0ScEoci6aRjFxTSYyEyzJxwQz3EGmJMttRO6hsNt0_DG5x3jCpb374uhdwm1FxNjV9Db_Ye5Qs4liBcrQYe6pn6ehI-rmw7Czyznhc8gCYDFyh3QFmb-ZRFVqvg4/s320/IMG_2883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Friday's trash from the Nashua River was a bit heavier and included 130 miniatures (aka "nips"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMTQ6E7UaSCbe9THHyHnq2lWNXaOdVbC5qMaAVLj_ebFYLHE-VsWqpjyJiKrZtR-rQoJ-S-7GsC0hc-SNLQjWzXqsSxvC1BKwC0CMxyw5hlheTuzic16OZzFMecsXmJ6AyXjfuVCAWbsI9qexHIWkT-TUMJOFk10hUNZvvhm-aBXzGk94LmcT_-jCheE/s4608/IMG_2904.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMTQ6E7UaSCbe9THHyHnq2lWNXaOdVbC5qMaAVLj_ebFYLHE-VsWqpjyJiKrZtR-rQoJ-S-7GsC0hc-SNLQjWzXqsSxvC1BKwC0CMxyw5hlheTuzic16OZzFMecsXmJ6AyXjfuVCAWbsI9qexHIWkT-TUMJOFk10hUNZvvhm-aBXzGk94LmcT_-jCheE/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><p>Sunday morning's trash from the Sudbury River in Ashland...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEGaE43UCjzA9OK5ZUbQoTAtaaZgXuLMMzeXHmEgtSUddADWCtJPVk2bhF0klHkWxbuoIPktn_SImI2CT7_Qzw-LqPgxxhLaENtVC3zKNK8yxUrKONafL3P7btmuGPK9Fbr-AAjmWOxDq5ogkoic4jZWu1SU0TyurEDMiHmfVYGJrniF2ZjQ2OWu8jdg/s4608/IMG_2920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEGaE43UCjzA9OK5ZUbQoTAtaaZgXuLMMzeXHmEgtSUddADWCtJPVk2bhF0klHkWxbuoIPktn_SImI2CT7_Qzw-LqPgxxhLaENtVC3zKNK8yxUrKONafL3P7btmuGPK9Fbr-AAjmWOxDq5ogkoic4jZWu1SU0TyurEDMiHmfVYGJrniF2ZjQ2OWu8jdg/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>No trash was encountered Sunday afternoon on the Ashland Reservoir though this overflowing trash barrel...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTd9GI4I7ufRd_M5zJ7oVVVuCoGY7L5zchM7RpeFunecnfeh531RTVi6QBNT2EsTFADNQhWspIgrtqvdYwjRuKTFPzhPMvQ984ypgeMHYknWaLvaTrcDZDzb2y86nelf0mbnnL_7LUR3KtiDaJ7bI6EiHhuTFlKyrCkEhM6nofkvQ600Bgt8rfPBPlLQ/s4608/IMG_2935.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTd9GI4I7ufRd_M5zJ7oVVVuCoGY7L5zchM7RpeFunecnfeh531RTVi6QBNT2EsTFADNQhWspIgrtqvdYwjRuKTFPzhPMvQ984ypgeMHYknWaLvaTrcDZDzb2y86nelf0mbnnL_7LUR3KtiDaJ7bI6EiHhuTFlKyrCkEhM6nofkvQ600Bgt8rfPBPlLQ/s320/IMG_2935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>..was seen on the reservoir's otherwise scenic Daneger Island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><p><br /><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-27311787820182787772023-11-06T09:16:00.001-05:002023-11-06T09:16:26.630-05:00Before the Ice Sets In<p>This past week provided a preview of what's coming with temperatures enough below freezing to start solidifying water in some of the shallower sloughs. This prompted me to paddle a few Massachusetts waterways prone to early ice formation while I still can: Farm Pond in Framingham, Lake Wampanoag in Ashburnham, and an impounded section of the Assabet River. Sort of the paddling version of "make hay while the sun shines". </p><p>Farm Pond is a 140-acre "Great Pond" and has long been on my radar yet somehow I never seemed to get there...until Wednesday morning when I launched into the pond from Lakeview Ave at its north end...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VHq4TOCVHk3TX9tTwZr8h0trReLbfqD-sm-oLBhpCd59l004Zuj98Ujlzzlqh3jnD000pgZOM-r6biAkkMSmcvw1m0vyrXz87t72ctdwADh-1_hmrmUm5XPjkLXnfxbrpfwp8qqoYhQsxDB7gEVOTJZmeXyb5FsfzIdQhNMmLfa_2zhf4DmoPahZ05E/s4608/IMG_2780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VHq4TOCVHk3TX9tTwZr8h0trReLbfqD-sm-oLBhpCd59l004Zuj98Ujlzzlqh3jnD000pgZOM-r6biAkkMSmcvw1m0vyrXz87t72ctdwADh-1_hmrmUm5XPjkLXnfxbrpfwp8qqoYhQsxDB7gEVOTJZmeXyb5FsfzIdQhNMmLfa_2zhf4DmoPahZ05E/w400-h300/IMG_2780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Paddled alongside the pond's east shore where the CSX Railroad's North Framingham Yard had strings of freight cars being shuffled from its south end...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXfnD4CpKz5ddF7VTiH4jgtlXkbOZ02Y5MlK79CsHmoG5iyY1qeu6MQa8IBKH2beBu1ZEmVdLKGX_Xi1QJNHXt1_8gTMrpYgSgEyjic9rbqEOVX50nmEfOoMDjGsyeg1_KoOPUSdxXIkUyjOJG1t0g6asaXdhGJlkilhcE44OuAfXjaufvXx9yL6aaBg/s4608/IMG_2787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXfnD4CpKz5ddF7VTiH4jgtlXkbOZ02Y5MlK79CsHmoG5iyY1qeu6MQa8IBKH2beBu1ZEmVdLKGX_Xi1QJNHXt1_8gTMrpYgSgEyjic9rbqEOVX50nmEfOoMDjGsyeg1_KoOPUSdxXIkUyjOJG1t0g6asaXdhGJlkilhcE44OuAfXjaufvXx9yL6aaBg/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>At the north end of the yard, near the boat launch, a pair of CSX locomotives idled away the morning. They would later, around midday, leave the yard with a northbound train on the line to Leominster.</p><p>Eventually I reached the pond's south end where an aqueduct from Sudbury River Reservoir No. 1 divides the pond...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9NuEKhqydn_R5DGIsCFS2zaRtOicutTEcd1zD1OFUNFn49I36iSNvBjQ4nWJn6I21x55efkMe6wHECk5SnWKYgiejTudcXNpa6Sq99miMAfDVC9R9z3qoDpn2W6Y53NeS7YmecD3nKVLaMEXUU2NUebWbh9g4ouDm8NXFa9Q-Z4yUoVh7K0Cb52aM3s/s4608/IMG_2793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9NuEKhqydn_R5DGIsCFS2zaRtOicutTEcd1zD1OFUNFn49I36iSNvBjQ4nWJn6I21x55efkMe6wHECk5SnWKYgiejTudcXNpa6Sq99miMAfDVC9R9z3qoDpn2W6Y53NeS7YmecD3nKVLaMEXUU2NUebWbh9g4ouDm8NXFa9Q-Z4yUoVh7K0Cb52aM3s/s320/IMG_2793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and leads to this abandoned gatehouse...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ6zjmKxiN9B7fEPCurhdw7i1azTmIHmjuTMFBz4wB1gzOp3FzKa8m5w_-Bk0EAw3vCt88aRLnBpzgcWb1EkT4kZaVvNEhr9cHllYEzF1di8z1PcHYORMp2vwzJo_6kWLbhA4HWg3fITfOmPUD0rA3-yCsRwFbdYBlX1LDnigBd8Wq8hmA3qGu8pDMQo/s4608/IMG_2790.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ6zjmKxiN9B7fEPCurhdw7i1azTmIHmjuTMFBz4wB1gzOp3FzKa8m5w_-Bk0EAw3vCt88aRLnBpzgcWb1EkT4kZaVvNEhr9cHllYEzF1di8z1PcHYORMp2vwzJo_6kWLbhA4HWg3fITfOmPUD0rA3-yCsRwFbdYBlX1LDnigBd8Wq8hmA3qGu8pDMQo/s320/IMG_2790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The aqueduct once supplied drinking water to Boston.<div><br /></div><div>Looking northward from here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90NGlsp3zLGitRfX5SbK4aKjp43L-HSqQ6uvmrjhidWqpEywqv44ljWkJ6MhwgAvgnNT0GvaRg55Sz-W4pRQDOGa0Qdz7yx7spCoIn7Vveij2sFXn1g9VanUgH5gxxkG53NUJ6l3yMfPZ539sZTywhCgdK7aBx1W1fsDdXulw6KpcYwYBNh_GbPW52Iw/s4608/IMG_2791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90NGlsp3zLGitRfX5SbK4aKjp43L-HSqQ6uvmrjhidWqpEywqv44ljWkJ6MhwgAvgnNT0GvaRg55Sz-W4pRQDOGa0Qdz7yx7spCoIn7Vveij2sFXn1g9VanUgH5gxxkG53NUJ6l3yMfPZ539sZTywhCgdK7aBx1W1fsDdXulw6KpcYwYBNh_GbPW52Iw/s320/IMG_2791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Another smaller structure is on the pond's west side...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvm1EqSZ411D1A-ZA7H1Rkz72iP7j2HIqT1lmS97CzQaNmaseqMvXJjza8foMtHEJqwh_2a1Qm0GhNWS1-yO_NEdSDVP8Hujcpz0BGF-fm7vghnvr31K0x_u3-I0YzeIRVMZavLYDM0umg1T6u_WM-8EVOFxTHZTIicXmSHlUc1ICK3UO39jkoFS1ou4/s4608/IMG_2796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvm1EqSZ411D1A-ZA7H1Rkz72iP7j2HIqT1lmS97CzQaNmaseqMvXJjza8foMtHEJqwh_2a1Qm0GhNWS1-yO_NEdSDVP8Hujcpz0BGF-fm7vghnvr31K0x_u3-I0YzeIRVMZavLYDM0umg1T6u_WM-8EVOFxTHZTIicXmSHlUc1ICK3UO39jkoFS1ou4/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>In the pond's northwest corner is the outlet into Eames Brook...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLlBlPwcK25stvngu2Z51ATodqMR8xwaSjWog_5N9RwQgM8HJNlF4-TqdqfyeinEhGYGM9B8YroQu1_hOxOpxo6MjMMn1k1Z0nAQmtn0gCBiiyJkNuy42SgMxqLJou0vMWP7YIq3J2K85NFzARP4MZrPEWEFJRK8wsMXyiQWXKfAPmZZRGDX9xCFqFpI/s4608/IMG_2798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLlBlPwcK25stvngu2Z51ATodqMR8xwaSjWog_5N9RwQgM8HJNlF4-TqdqfyeinEhGYGM9B8YroQu1_hOxOpxo6MjMMn1k1Z0nAQmtn0gCBiiyJkNuy42SgMxqLJou0vMWP7YIq3J2K85NFzARP4MZrPEWEFJRK8wsMXyiQWXKfAPmZZRGDX9xCFqFpI/s320/IMG_2798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The brook runs about half a mile to the Sudbury River passing along the way the site of a King Philip's War raid which occurred on February 1, 1676 (only 9 days before the Lancaster Raid)..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZPGjLHOmT5tvrH0Wn8Q_6u4eJbIlKwRZ-Ah8TlBsBaAvt2MSvMDxEv2xmkTRVed5wl8X6FH-uRGVL9pOFbTLggW1ag7i-e9bOcCCOhAgVAfqd_p2nl0qc2deOLSOFMtg32dStFYi0j9o0VUtedBbP6pUjQVUTp8DwekFaS2iuPUgOwf3RgPQwDSv3w/s4608/IMG_2803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3ZPGjLHOmT5tvrH0Wn8Q_6u4eJbIlKwRZ-Ah8TlBsBaAvt2MSvMDxEv2xmkTRVed5wl8X6FH-uRGVL9pOFbTLggW1ag7i-e9bOcCCOhAgVAfqd_p2nl0qc2deOLSOFMtg32dStFYi0j9o0VUtedBbP6pUjQVUTp8DwekFaS2iuPUgOwf3RgPQwDSv3w/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Another marker commemorating the same event stands at the intersection of Mt Wayte Ave and Dudley Rd...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxxN9ZGBKR2b8gRM4SY52MYyVPAxK6WJNPYnu89xlW54eiL2fZ8voXBhBePC9Xlh_L7IhaJucmZFG8ivIe17c22YicYGJHCtTxQNcSj1JHJlm6zrQBthTXAmd716sgmo9_WOZv2czhmaBRVvoMsJsIBVA5fFekOxCWAkgVOQo3weNW20q3xUvvt0y3Vc/s4608/IMG_2807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxxN9ZGBKR2b8gRM4SY52MYyVPAxK6WJNPYnu89xlW54eiL2fZ8voXBhBePC9Xlh_L7IhaJucmZFG8ivIe17c22YicYGJHCtTxQNcSj1JHJlm6zrQBthTXAmd716sgmo9_WOZv2czhmaBRVvoMsJsIBVA5fFekOxCWAkgVOQo3weNW20q3xUvvt0y3Vc/s320/IMG_2807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Near the historical stone marker (where the Eames house stood) is this street sign...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KEk524pIyEkQ-a4oUSDiUzvxQjHLPVfnLUb3FQFAeYvu_psLyn9XFStpoXAVcxVcVfV8HfP3HGuNOkgz2hKrAyRZpWYcYN2A54H06qMfGw6A2f_oTvwrAAIch4eTh3F-2FqpQR00AG0dEj_NRZa4LFS3ML8WObd2Zqsc6I3Auewihv0TIl953eWYU1E/s4608/IMG_2805.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KEk524pIyEkQ-a4oUSDiUzvxQjHLPVfnLUb3FQFAeYvu_psLyn9XFStpoXAVcxVcVfV8HfP3HGuNOkgz2hKrAyRZpWYcYN2A54H06qMfGw6A2f_oTvwrAAIch4eTh3F-2FqpQR00AG0dEj_NRZa4LFS3ML8WObd2Zqsc6I3Auewihv0TIl953eWYU1E/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...serving as a reminder that this area was once the second largest Chautauqua community in the US.<br /><div>The name Chautauqua references a late 1880s education and social movement that originated on a lake in New York and spread across the country. Framingham History.org notes that "The Chautauqua movement embodied the middle class longing for Culture with a capital 'C' in the years after the Civil War". At its peak as many as 30 trains of patrons arrived per day, and there were more than 200 cottages.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The following day, Thursday, provided an opportunity for me to explore a Massachusetts body of water that hadn't been on my radar and only recently came to my attention...Lake Wampanoag in Gardner and Ashburnham, MA. The 224-acre lake and Camp Collier which is alongside it were in the news related to an intensive police manhunt of the area. The search was suspended after several days, and another early November cold morning provided an opportunity for me to paddle it before it ices over. On the Massachusetts Paddler website I found the necessary info regarding launch sites, parking, fees etc. A $5 dollar donation is requested at the boat ramp... </span></div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cV8H6w70bBlV_o4hvG_V2Ebrs4kXF0ociKPq6Tv7MiMeL9kpf3-kw_m1_8KJp3o-B7_UU7nmFJEkp47-20IjhUJ7l7aMh-s3Mu-C9KTA_8VVJ2ORj4HIxUNLcid-60Z7dwDo0i3Diob3X0KBWYZNrjKsSd3haeNO2VcN9Zlm7wpdM60KGW_jAOVrP3k/s4608/IMG_2808.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cV8H6w70bBlV_o4hvG_V2Ebrs4kXF0ociKPq6Tv7MiMeL9kpf3-kw_m1_8KJp3o-B7_UU7nmFJEkp47-20IjhUJ7l7aMh-s3Mu-C9KTA_8VVJ2ORj4HIxUNLcid-60Z7dwDo0i3Diob3X0KBWYZNrjKsSd3haeNO2VcN9Zlm7wpdM60KGW_jAOVrP3k/w400-h300/IMG_2808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Lake Wampanoag has a real sense of remoteness due to most of the land surrounding it being protected from development: There's the 585-acre Camp Collier which was founded in 1931 as the David R. Collier Boy Scout Reservation; the 272-acre Ashburnham Wildlife Management Area; and the 377-acre Mass Audubon Lake Wampanoag Sanctuary. </p><p>Arrived at Camp Collier where this map greets campers...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYGiifVg0jU3T3lm8aI4bGIlpfrhd_tsJEHLPbknbTyAWXHXySPPXl0j1MMX6oQfy36iMBDjdEjOp4hY40qWhXdLHBvSpKpNI5OQCY9vmAO9AHCLBLwRkH4o4O_it5F8I_VM3OnPfOKt0QidyjlpmKoPBDtwAi7I23Ef9PhEnAPmPF2KHSPwZRNBWNM/s4608/IMG_2843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgYGiifVg0jU3T3lm8aI4bGIlpfrhd_tsJEHLPbknbTyAWXHXySPPXl0j1MMX6oQfy36iMBDjdEjOp4hY40qWhXdLHBvSpKpNI5OQCY9vmAO9AHCLBLwRkH4o4O_it5F8I_VM3OnPfOKt0QidyjlpmKoPBDtwAi7I23Ef9PhEnAPmPF2KHSPwZRNBWNM/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The camp appeared to be closed for the season.<br /><p>Heading out onto the scenic lake...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelahS7z-anPoJVgZ0FBl67Fu_Jp7RARv76kc-SkFzO-qFqqexGYHXeNL6NucKnT-IrhsMNmrT2uv2NkvBddu4NsiqcFRJMaQw5YD-jWP8GZAjOAs72k3wf1IpDa7nW1pIHq8Nvdv6v9jIZ12ZvN8X-6ufl5HWaF_YpM5Xjo-7VAUuCXIxsllWgKuGtvI/s4608/IMG_2809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelahS7z-anPoJVgZ0FBl67Fu_Jp7RARv76kc-SkFzO-qFqqexGYHXeNL6NucKnT-IrhsMNmrT2uv2NkvBddu4NsiqcFRJMaQw5YD-jWP8GZAjOAs72k3wf1IpDa7nW1pIHq8Nvdv6v9jIZ12ZvN8X-6ufl5HWaF_YpM5Xjo-7VAUuCXIxsllWgKuGtvI/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The outlet to the Whitman River on the lake's SE side...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkooZC6fZnpCC4ZfY_lePFG5x7uycqwKifIcEgLMNfZM-vDyQrsJ1vgQsVRCE8FJS5NDCNwAsYYTpnXSeUqddiRLbnpzTfyxpkLQpiAFenOPx6WZHCNiOpMIcPr0sJUGs5717Kkb2xDm69xPrGOeV-4c7xmYQEogQwLpEh-ov7E2TXKdSht7znUbX_ZU/s4608/IMG_2839.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkooZC6fZnpCC4ZfY_lePFG5x7uycqwKifIcEgLMNfZM-vDyQrsJ1vgQsVRCE8FJS5NDCNwAsYYTpnXSeUqddiRLbnpzTfyxpkLQpiAFenOPx6WZHCNiOpMIcPr0sJUGs5717Kkb2xDm69xPrGOeV-4c7xmYQEogQwLpEh-ov7E2TXKdSht7znUbX_ZU/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Water exiting over the spillway...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR01q7Aa3EbYiDEfIyZe__rmUC_nYsKeBtyu13uH-eGEhHCNXf63U8lsCeTzgn0e2BZrz6ESlJl18sEiq8cDrRe7LxpwKtUmBM6w-1D34VUY6J3sbca4jlgb9uVurYTnhvt9llV8XdLkO7wI3ec_jV8YmwOVSAshSlcKpvNDiyZxlRwI27GH4mF39nXd0/s4608/IMG_2814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR01q7Aa3EbYiDEfIyZe__rmUC_nYsKeBtyu13uH-eGEhHCNXf63U8lsCeTzgn0e2BZrz6ESlJl18sEiq8cDrRe7LxpwKtUmBM6w-1D34VUY6J3sbca4jlgb9uVurYTnhvt9llV8XdLkO7wI3ec_jV8YmwOVSAshSlcKpvNDiyZxlRwI27GH4mF39nXd0/s320/IMG_2814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>...and beginning its journey down the 8.4-mile long Whitman River and eventually the North Nashua River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-mJryR1JAVsKnbnRuSFb9NM5zDm2aCDsHhf7LtniX6gbYzvYnZ6tyMsmkzjsdEhJcbzn497wZ0yrQZ2gBpN6EtYrdpGUqotfNMdUxaStVlUjXSqVPu8avnlc8mpkTHXmVvd85pmAq6jPv5oTClp64y3xYzsJ7l7CzQXRig6Gyak-P1QSCif71qOm7sE/s4608/IMG_2815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-mJryR1JAVsKnbnRuSFb9NM5zDm2aCDsHhf7LtniX6gbYzvYnZ6tyMsmkzjsdEhJcbzn497wZ0yrQZ2gBpN6EtYrdpGUqotfNMdUxaStVlUjXSqVPu8avnlc8mpkTHXmVvd85pmAq6jPv5oTClp64y3xYzsJ7l7CzQXRig6Gyak-P1QSCif71qOm7sE/s320/IMG_2815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>According to the History of Ashburnham by Ezra S. Stearns (1887) "The fourth drainage of the Merrimack slope embraces the southwest and remaining area of the town. Here are several artificial ponds but no natural body of water. The drainage is collected in the Nashua reservoir (today's Lake Wampanoag) and flowing through the village of South Ashburnham and thence through Westminster in a course nearly parallel with Phillips' brook to the line of Fitchburg." </div><div>This 1887 USGS topo map shows the pond/lake when it was shown as Nashua Reservoir... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaUZ4KMQby1GQRA7xgu7aU8KK9tR3IUsM5Cdepm4oz2Q8XKIva2dOTiyWJHOuu6dlPdcs6AGb9y-_Uf8WXXtLHrgvKNnNhsh-e03VwFwdEQiWntWwPcikZS7eAJFffBK0rH8XU6kaFts9YL1QcmkboMDdnSePQ5XkcRgWqDRxCb2bnSBfLJ0_RgVMtc/s4608/IMG_2847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaUZ4KMQby1GQRA7xgu7aU8KK9tR3IUsM5Cdepm4oz2Q8XKIva2dOTiyWJHOuu6dlPdcs6AGb9y-_Uf8WXXtLHrgvKNnNhsh-e03VwFwdEQiWntWwPcikZS7eAJFffBK0rH8XU6kaFts9YL1QcmkboMDdnSePQ5XkcRgWqDRxCb2bnSBfLJ0_RgVMtc/w400-h300/IMG_2847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Then in 1940 it was shown on the map as Lake Wampanoag leaving me to wonder if the new name was related to Camp Collier's Native American theme...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA0SXIO9Xr4Bs9aGt1imujL-K3GDxIckC7E0RiZ9DV3tR5DFaSsRAsAfWhFHigAFvEmOcFqiyEsoJyjolyzclqRsKS0bXWCm19OT2EAEVtKPO-DTXB0QWXbmRXpipDbS1jzXTy67fMg5sn4Lq_J-QZdbK0B2B2Z6rqVJ9dDkKSh52CH2QEg1j2t8fzO8/s4608/IMG_2848.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA0SXIO9Xr4Bs9aGt1imujL-K3GDxIckC7E0RiZ9DV3tR5DFaSsRAsAfWhFHigAFvEmOcFqiyEsoJyjolyzclqRsKS0bXWCm19OT2EAEVtKPO-DTXB0QWXbmRXpipDbS1jzXTy67fMg5sn4Lq_J-QZdbK0B2B2Z6rqVJ9dDkKSh52CH2QEg1j2t8fzO8/w400-h300/IMG_2848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Note the stream heading out of the lake's northeastern end and running alongside the Cheshire Railroad.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Further along I found the first real iced-over slough I've encountered this season...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0U-QigEStwLSD0fbWIZAEPIY-IqMlMlivTgAPSwP78-ZNtPI1lXiJt9ItDuhyIhiVqKI-1V4f0TlDV0ygrUQpE18sbQG3M3wOd37tQODZ5eBYZEnmC3FKqamM6FpLmSRZLHy0LPUcjkKl_smv8lnNrf6QNIAse0DqILAbwGKNY2EbCUBB7rKO9o-Ig4/s4608/IMG_2818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0U-QigEStwLSD0fbWIZAEPIY-IqMlMlivTgAPSwP78-ZNtPI1lXiJt9ItDuhyIhiVqKI-1V4f0TlDV0ygrUQpE18sbQG3M3wOd37tQODZ5eBYZEnmC3FKqamM6FpLmSRZLHy0LPUcjkKl_smv8lnNrf6QNIAse0DqILAbwGKNY2EbCUBB7rKO9o-Ig4/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>At the pond's northeast corner I encountered the abandoned roadbed of the Cheshire Railroad which ran from South Ashburnham, MA to North Walpole, NH...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5oy09Jlcb9KNTLRcUk3oYhYhuyQU7Mh5-CgCLJ6MlktNJ7B0NnAZ1wI5f4gy_oqyESiFkoK5vw718qbvt-73pg-p5mStKEF5Opfy83ZHki2Og074owMil2yaXs-xGemH6kcJ19rAjXge_6-o-DWKFBKA6_O-wo4LUXWA1ZX7SqRaekkwU_LC7rfw2Ag/s4608/IMG_2822.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5oy09Jlcb9KNTLRcUk3oYhYhuyQU7Mh5-CgCLJ6MlktNJ7B0NnAZ1wI5f4gy_oqyESiFkoK5vw718qbvt-73pg-p5mStKEF5Opfy83ZHki2Og074owMil2yaXs-xGemH6kcJ19rAjXge_6-o-DWKFBKA6_O-wo4LUXWA1ZX7SqRaekkwU_LC7rfw2Ag/s320/IMG_2822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Looking southeast towards South Ashburnham Station...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKBhBDSY78EW0wqK9K-z6GcH7CCICqaeCj8dLL1F62g7DIkMSRAk1xVLOsSNWO3qHWS4MOBlZN65Y98kCCXUhyUQGCGfM0j9V5DaFjLgSuiAqic_n96HnjF1dIinqBsEJkACzgYS2Q0CBgc1MGfFGglFhm6O9I09yryD0ffgzMNB7ExwHp04oUPltgzk/s4608/IMG_2824.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKBhBDSY78EW0wqK9K-z6GcH7CCICqaeCj8dLL1F62g7DIkMSRAk1xVLOsSNWO3qHWS4MOBlZN65Y98kCCXUhyUQGCGfM0j9V5DaFjLgSuiAqic_n96HnjF1dIinqBsEJkACzgYS2Q0CBgc1MGfFGglFhm6O9I09yryD0ffgzMNB7ExwHp04oUPltgzk/s320/IMG_2824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Had my lunch sitting in the middle of the roadbed where, if I'd done so in 1945, I might have had to jump out of the way of this Boston and Maine Railroad diesel-powered streamliner known as the <i>Cheshire</i>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunwd-Y7-0auKCMfcVbsNd-cXFd9YDnRloJzoyE74tiWPN848SKBeMSmG1rJzeVdsuvrh3FkgY7FD4UpElPeHT1HFOtWsm7_DltHmY0UqRp3k6lklDGxduC-Mp2liqvxP_98E1wFWKd9oP1KSq_wNc4O1x7uSE6DiegguJqqqMIhy_Gr6piIRu8hKuU6A/s4608/IMG_2846.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunwd-Y7-0auKCMfcVbsNd-cXFd9YDnRloJzoyE74tiWPN848SKBeMSmG1rJzeVdsuvrh3FkgY7FD4UpElPeHT1HFOtWsm7_DltHmY0UqRp3k6lklDGxduC-Mp2liqvxP_98E1wFWKd9oP1KSq_wNc4O1x7uSE6DiegguJqqqMIhy_Gr6piIRu8hKuU6A/s320/IMG_2846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Photo is from the Boston and Maine Historical Society's Bulletin June 1985 which states the <i>Cheshire</i> operated between White River Junction, VT and Boston, MA from 1944 until 1951.<br /><div><br /></div><div>At the northern most point on the lake I noticed a sizeable marsh extending northward from the lake...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDp5e7Y8owlOSjP8DLICO3PIo9dQ_lbyuwQJgyWP72-pis7NyfJUNr2adi2q4Z9OfmS4BcoO7JV8pNRsoODlnFSDLjTbTRNtTWiHqqAzmgQLGV3o0tqltmgWPZxCZuERBp9cjCXIDKcFrCquQ_TorNW7JQ-oxbhE531u09QbjEaEIJh-u1W_Gkn-1Om8/s4608/IMG_2827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDp5e7Y8owlOSjP8DLICO3PIo9dQ_lbyuwQJgyWP72-pis7NyfJUNr2adi2q4Z9OfmS4BcoO7JV8pNRsoODlnFSDLjTbTRNtTWiHqqAzmgQLGV3o0tqltmgWPZxCZuERBp9cjCXIDKcFrCquQ_TorNW7JQ-oxbhE531u09QbjEaEIJh-u1W_Gkn-1Om8/s320/IMG_2827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>However, it appeared an earthen dike had been constructed to keep the lake and marsh separate from each other. In looking at the earlier maps it looks to me that this marsh drains northward and is part of the Millers River watershed. The stream joins with the outlet from today's Cheshire Pond (formerly Mud Pond). Was the dike built to redirect water rising here towards the Nashua River watershed instead? That might indicate the artificial Lake Wampanoag was created right on the watershed divide and without the dike there might have been watershed mingling.<div>This 1944 USGS topo map shows a black squiggly line exactly where the earthen dike is located...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Bu740fnCkJTusj-2KQjl35mfjuDNoBCuGOfY-CdeN21ctMZcyChs9czOD_8gnqJsw1-85rDWUw_67qaPoJZtvkcxkY9xYGriH4nd9I6ZbLRpkNVR_xXZWLUo-IjoGjNhRrM_o8KtlFxYulkM90WT89kHq7y7hflEPnEnRs05aj2CRB__fV5FvLA7DY/s4608/IMG_2849.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Bu740fnCkJTusj-2KQjl35mfjuDNoBCuGOfY-CdeN21ctMZcyChs9czOD_8gnqJsw1-85rDWUw_67qaPoJZtvkcxkY9xYGriH4nd9I6ZbLRpkNVR_xXZWLUo-IjoGjNhRrM_o8KtlFxYulkM90WT89kHq7y7hflEPnEnRs05aj2CRB__fV5FvLA7DY/w400-h300/IMG_2849.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...just to the left of the word Maine. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Looking back from the dike's far end to its other end (and my boat)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj16hM2tYU1Z83JMbT6u0HNtoVlw1GOLcRcIw8XYWrH-dPvbhYmuXEtYFCrjPudl1V3WScA-giHduVRWGv-Zha3Cydmrcx3sGFbe1_s8ZgG0kTbUNVATnDKA-kj_jeE2GxVEdXR2_M4ikpv4F8YR9HCl3ruPvAE7K24dUixoP0_7_lCUODiCIXMGOJSug/s4608/IMG_2828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj16hM2tYU1Z83JMbT6u0HNtoVlw1GOLcRcIw8XYWrH-dPvbhYmuXEtYFCrjPudl1V3WScA-giHduVRWGv-Zha3Cydmrcx3sGFbe1_s8ZgG0kTbUNVATnDKA-kj_jeE2GxVEdXR2_M4ikpv4F8YR9HCl3ruPvAE7K24dUixoP0_7_lCUODiCIXMGOJSug/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A small cabin with some interesting designs on its windows and shutters...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR36eHA1h1px9DQpe-Jj_jrlWg_o6kRQu5XpVKL8bytlqcPVSTIBkqB1g5TeRtWHRRpx1gJnvp3pckqF5JlymHD0SngI0QBc9OUZm5mMuAimKtTXRDUkJK-mtP_bJtqwluEpqbnbe7pfPTol0NOSzs8Qdmo0lTUr8zBIk6p173CcnkqL30Kwdx6qK-fU/s4608/IMG_2838.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR36eHA1h1px9DQpe-Jj_jrlWg_o6kRQu5XpVKL8bytlqcPVSTIBkqB1g5TeRtWHRRpx1gJnvp3pckqF5JlymHD0SngI0QBc9OUZm5mMuAimKtTXRDUkJK-mtP_bJtqwluEpqbnbe7pfPTol0NOSzs8Qdmo0lTUr8zBIk6p173CcnkqL30Kwdx6qK-fU/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The last structure I passed before reaching the take-out was this A-framed chapel which serves Camp Collier...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fABWvx9OBw_PtcruU2gXXR32FAf4zOugoO-PyBIZLBI2ll0MMmrAXwS5jeEjKUzbntkufSmEd6PU-bh3B-xcfhj7tPSIETVzQAjWRtMkfeFc1MptrsIUvqnKD2YZflSdXMyNFJW40aiqcHc1Zye4pc6bgDplPXeI-VrEFFOmxvOtEbYT66tt5DABifE/s4608/IMG_2840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fABWvx9OBw_PtcruU2gXXR32FAf4zOugoO-PyBIZLBI2ll0MMmrAXwS5jeEjKUzbntkufSmEd6PU-bh3B-xcfhj7tPSIETVzQAjWRtMkfeFc1MptrsIUvqnKD2YZflSdXMyNFJW40aiqcHc1Zye4pc6bgDplPXeI-VrEFFOmxvOtEbYT66tt5DABifE/s320/IMG_2840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lake Wampanoag is a special place and stands in stark contrast to Lake Momomonac which has cottages along most of its shoreline. Other than structures related to Camp Collier there only a handful of shoreside buildings and I didn't encounter a soul in my time on Lake Wampanoag.</div><div><br /></div><div>Closed out the week yesterday morning with a paddle of the Assabet River from Ice House Landing in Maynard, MA where a self-serve kayak rental had half of its inventory rented and out on the river...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIDqe2Ke4TGFAE2hrFt-ncWccDV9-JBpAqsZ7GwJE0N_VSdVzxANN8wnC3vLg4ijhKy7qMQDPH9o1kxcYwOkOxrfhA6NfrA9aT_AZYleWrCfDE-4n1GkhHwwtqo8-RYIzDVkZLK-biqgTmtlQNVK4v3IyWJTWQsm7Vr29BwXWXlg3kr9gZU-QQYleeUQ/s4608/IMG_2850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIDqe2Ke4TGFAE2hrFt-ncWccDV9-JBpAqsZ7GwJE0N_VSdVzxANN8wnC3vLg4ijhKy7qMQDPH9o1kxcYwOkOxrfhA6NfrA9aT_AZYleWrCfDE-4n1GkhHwwtqo8-RYIzDVkZLK-biqgTmtlQNVK4v3IyWJTWQsm7Vr29BwXWXlg3kr9gZU-QQYleeUQ/s320/IMG_2850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Calm conditions were found near Stow Town Forest...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWELWy3xNUTK_RcO-JHfaXXMR3MQE6F3v3YFC0QKxuKxextXXb19V-A-1kRQK4C5HRpBJqm_V9LW4xBen3WB6gDyDcpukl6EcV3JEftTF34-gM8TOeEIN96-2k5HYAU5U9Cy1pvo2bpvYRnQ25dDLLQAn6SmOIVP9rTOZrM6319jS8Kvi1tAa8oBHf00/s4608/IMG_2853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWELWy3xNUTK_RcO-JHfaXXMR3MQE6F3v3YFC0QKxuKxextXXb19V-A-1kRQK4C5HRpBJqm_V9LW4xBen3WB6gDyDcpukl6EcV3JEftTF34-gM8TOeEIN96-2k5HYAU5U9Cy1pvo2bpvYRnQ25dDLLQAn6SmOIVP9rTOZrM6319jS8Kvi1tAa8oBHf00/s320/IMG_2853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A hawk watched my approach...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pPfbfkOP8S2wLYagUJLS76OdQVSzx3sn3oDnynrzz3s8bcROYtabDVJ6mzRL168-zqRj_JH6eOY2bmx9m2I2x3Akn9EjXd1DWv-Sg-RY_OOY1NRjqM1N2CFOFBCNOkO4N1bMBo2DfaGuW0plMIuKaLgLnWWcl5nZjWzHImtapLPRdLn8cGSKovb6bSA/s4608/IMG_2864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pPfbfkOP8S2wLYagUJLS76OdQVSzx3sn3oDnynrzz3s8bcROYtabDVJ6mzRL168-zqRj_JH6eOY2bmx9m2I2x3Akn9EjXd1DWv-Sg-RY_OOY1NRjqM1N2CFOFBCNOkO4N1bMBo2DfaGuW0plMIuKaLgLnWWcl5nZjWzHImtapLPRdLn8cGSKovb6bSA/w400-h300/IMG_2864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Fort Meadow Brook chugged its way through this restricting box culvert...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwOcrhYqMRZTbgMinBuPYDzEl8aiUBIs74L9dj-we-cpubDa_SMNiG_dpKc7wudW0_HOrCQqboh9lbd8Eo1kOl9-v84hThmr0YGy-uH1jcOxbZf_rkd7A-ORV9AbPO2O31GUA8vVH7K-WsD32cgMNFA4-oOJzn21ydBm5vzDBynJE1I1H7ZoF22Rxhok/s4608/IMG_2866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwOcrhYqMRZTbgMinBuPYDzEl8aiUBIs74L9dj-we-cpubDa_SMNiG_dpKc7wudW0_HOrCQqboh9lbd8Eo1kOl9-v84hThmr0YGy-uH1jcOxbZf_rkd7A-ORV9AbPO2O31GUA8vVH7K-WsD32cgMNFA4-oOJzn21ydBm5vzDBynJE1I1H7ZoF22Rxhok/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The week's trash: <br /><div><br /><div>From Farm Pond on Wednesday included 15 miniatures (aka nips)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNAEFi86LaS7j9hnAe0tF6Dk5SZ402Cv3s84Jl0vTmn7LiXJc0OZcyCA8c7M9le-w9Mz_ggCMhfIiXrd8a8b1XG2SxBmEA_u1sfXbyzkgcLgxB6Dcm7vhhcD8YI3Eq9g4N0KJ043uXGbnzQX6txsm3cbB7KmXxLEtP0PnZiMb3PDuFeWJItSAawEMAiE/s4608/IMG_2799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNAEFi86LaS7j9hnAe0tF6Dk5SZ402Cv3s84Jl0vTmn7LiXJc0OZcyCA8c7M9le-w9Mz_ggCMhfIiXrd8a8b1XG2SxBmEA_u1sfXbyzkgcLgxB6Dcm7vhhcD8YI3Eq9g4N0KJ043uXGbnzQX6txsm3cbB7KmXxLEtP0PnZiMb3PDuFeWJItSAawEMAiE/s320/IMG_2799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A light amount of trash from Lake Wampanoag on Thursday...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YnYRP27rmW_wI6dIt32rzOuNosVFl4MPYUfWbAKJb6nPnbkdIef9Xq_agRMTnTCBBLF-JZi9XQjFRhv9YP-wjxoeuiqgpVXYoezpXHH2Ypqt2Rhne1xtwINegLyJqicHT_esEHenB0VqBXT6q_7gG8oQr24LOoLckUfWE5LMhIBeFYWUP-J3ao3BBc/s4608/IMG_2842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YnYRP27rmW_wI6dIt32rzOuNosVFl4MPYUfWbAKJb6nPnbkdIef9Xq_agRMTnTCBBLF-JZi9XQjFRhv9YP-wjxoeuiqgpVXYoezpXHH2Ypqt2Rhne1xtwINegLyJqicHT_esEHenB0VqBXT6q_7gG8oQr24LOoLckUfWE5LMhIBeFYWUP-J3ao3BBc/s320/IMG_2842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Assabet River on Sunday included one 5 gallon water bottle and 8 miniatures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMf8u7Jo8dOTivHvJN58WmSZcrh6uav6ozeWnApBhO3qwVZXbhyYvyX8bhz-s1b9n9YxUqHN94lg7Wt5zMsuOUu6LWVd1jjc4mj33CxdnSoM7BRibFarzokbyTKx6OqgDxsBUw_JhXhKntDH-OScs3wopzBIMguhBMUIuMsgBqAzjy-NSg1DTFEwVWko/s4608/IMG_2868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMf8u7Jo8dOTivHvJN58WmSZcrh6uav6ozeWnApBhO3qwVZXbhyYvyX8bhz-s1b9n9YxUqHN94lg7Wt5zMsuOUu6LWVd1jjc4mj33CxdnSoM7BRibFarzokbyTKx6OqgDxsBUw_JhXhKntDH-OScs3wopzBIMguhBMUIuMsgBqAzjy-NSg1DTFEwVWko/s320/IMG_2868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /> </p></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-67973359828980839422023-10-30T20:01:00.000-04:002023-10-30T20:01:59.173-04:00Knox Between Dams<p>The last full week of October provided me four opportunities for getting out on the water: The Nashua River on Monday; the Sudbury River on both Wednesday and Friday; and the Assabet River on Sunday. </p><p>From the Bill Ashe boat launch in Devens I paddled down the Nashua River to Ice House Dam in Ayer, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmIVOBdKzM7Sn-hBARvVKd8VZLylt70yslgtR9RpE2YqZUiJYYnfiOdQC3UH1pvTxO1_vP1yuuHUs43AZG4x5inRK-6-kG4PeI1Mlt2DysGEFU9a4_Ii2SbjJSerHlKMK_geJ9Mg1RFRjrGTwTjcuvVSYxeTBI3zQ34a-iqDBRIkv6XM6wgj-TzjpoVc/s4608/IMG_2716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmIVOBdKzM7Sn-hBARvVKd8VZLylt70yslgtR9RpE2YqZUiJYYnfiOdQC3UH1pvTxO1_vP1yuuHUs43AZG4x5inRK-6-kG4PeI1Mlt2DysGEFU9a4_Ii2SbjJSerHlKMK_geJ9Mg1RFRjrGTwTjcuvVSYxeTBI3zQ34a-iqDBRIkv6XM6wgj-TzjpoVc/s320/IMG_2716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...where I walked the portage to get a look at the amount of flow going over...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLEPhJERanQiDBFd4ZhxAx5nX1H8ZB81aDybtxPIIbPx-Mz7B635KaRQiP-oz2UJkcOvYMCMEt0NGihGFyL2Kor0OEdeZfhVXbYeGUI4bk2DmT4NdCRRBOVYOsJ-JoRpJbuZUUKp1b_-ZxPbTNuizgMDoEhHK7k-UHkJj1ptJ_f1XHgjH70TYHccrCw8/s4608/IMG_2719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLEPhJERanQiDBFd4ZhxAx5nX1H8ZB81aDybtxPIIbPx-Mz7B635KaRQiP-oz2UJkcOvYMCMEt0NGihGFyL2Kor0OEdeZfhVXbYeGUI4bk2DmT4NdCRRBOVYOsJ-JoRpJbuZUUKp1b_-ZxPbTNuizgMDoEhHK7k-UHkJj1ptJ_f1XHgjH70TYHccrCw8/s320/IMG_2719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>From Little Farms Rd in Framingham, MA I launched into the Sudbury River and headed around the old oxbow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyEw_rQS3jiZrNy8vbBtj2vFu2IvriWlvvgaUHHVgUQb9t7IbQ2pZFBXEW6F6DrxDCQqYJOK08-YGaDlb9EVwjTrL_op9Y3cOHnQPedJQET2j0Zi1N3YsoVfNJWE3fbEZaNGodhd-BOgDD047TCQzcFDRy6Qumom2UFD4WmKhbTd5W4MGtX4cgOKzwkQ/s4608/IMG_2736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyEw_rQS3jiZrNy8vbBtj2vFu2IvriWlvvgaUHHVgUQb9t7IbQ2pZFBXEW6F6DrxDCQqYJOK08-YGaDlb9EVwjTrL_op9Y3cOHnQPedJQET2j0Zi1N3YsoVfNJWE3fbEZaNGodhd-BOgDD047TCQzcFDRy6Qumom2UFD4WmKhbTd5W4MGtX4cgOKzwkQ/s320/IMG_2736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and later paid a visit to Stone's Bridge...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkl-Z1kKM1zfnlAFlVtNFMvi3nL0q5myntVT1KmQgepC-TjoqG01KWGEfyMLeYu_idRcrYMUbVCgclwri58bJlGLOK5J8ZG3LMWkofqR23-wyK-bvPK8VurkbZz89x0CgFQvL3tkitVfI8BFVuYBPPYAwLgjipw8aHKsEMFwddW0vJa-vZuhd0pgwJQk/s4608/IMG_2740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkl-Z1kKM1zfnlAFlVtNFMvi3nL0q5myntVT1KmQgepC-TjoqG01KWGEfyMLeYu_idRcrYMUbVCgclwri58bJlGLOK5J8ZG3LMWkofqR23-wyK-bvPK8VurkbZz89x0CgFQvL3tkitVfI8BFVuYBPPYAwLgjipw8aHKsEMFwddW0vJa-vZuhd0pgwJQk/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...where I landed so as to get a look at the historical marker at the bridge's east end...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UcobiEGvc0XCeaG9aVevUa07h2UzRvj8kG6CYH04Nis7W1PeNwy7YcAun9vc3bRJzO7YcQDMkLb2LJ5ACMPa5QJ8xMd-ejEkXurlJIt6T_lzXpVqouKNcMpUf2yVD8yeKfaEPJ1XVwKL-Ctqs7Ctl9ThTxx7olnWqt2v_ximu4G1-2r6s6AFv0tY-yU/s4608/IMG_2732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UcobiEGvc0XCeaG9aVevUa07h2UzRvj8kG6CYH04Nis7W1PeNwy7YcAun9vc3bRJzO7YcQDMkLb2LJ5ACMPa5QJ8xMd-ejEkXurlJIt6T_lzXpVqouKNcMpUf2yVD8yeKfaEPJ1XVwKL-Ctqs7Ctl9ThTxx7olnWqt2v_ximu4G1-2r6s6AFv0tY-yU/s320/IMG_2732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was curious to see it following my visit to Waltham the previous week when I passed the Knox Trail marker that stands in front of where I attended the Nathaniel P. Banks elementary school. As a youngster I was intrigued by Knox and his men having transported heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in New York some 250 miles to Cambridge, MA passing my school along the way. Because of him being mentioned as a general, I'd always pictured him as an older fellow. Now, all these years later, I learn that he in fact was only 25 years old and had no military title at the time he did the deed. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Knox it was he who volunteered to bring 59 pieces of heavy artillery captured in 1775 at Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point on Lake Champlain to just outside of Boston where it was ultimately used by General Washington to break the British occupation of the city. Once the British saw those guns atop Dorchester Heights they boarded their ships and sailed away. One hundred and fifty years later, in 1926, the states of New York and Massachusetts decided to commemorate the trail the Knox Artillery Train followed by placing 58 historical markers at intervals along the route he's believed to have taken. Most of the markers have the same text and a bas relief sculpture such as the two pictured below which I visited on my way to Framingham on Friday morning. The first was in Wayland, MA at the intersection of Routes 27 and 126...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FNdrUtFQlXNpLduiTQJPZilwL0R-HblWNsQfAnn2LMbb4pyEiAAVMUvzFy3ylUb-kBDab76PB1piY8XAkV7Jr9wt-Y3ExPRVG5LmikhURIlM86WFNZidy7pTLfMGOUUaZi2uI1gm4SJOvvVxy4AKZOMk25HmTx87DEhKeJLA0Ol8wJ2t0yB_S8AWOD4/s4608/IMG_2742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FNdrUtFQlXNpLduiTQJPZilwL0R-HblWNsQfAnn2LMbb4pyEiAAVMUvzFy3ylUb-kBDab76PB1piY8XAkV7Jr9wt-Y3ExPRVG5LmikhURIlM86WFNZidy7pTLfMGOUUaZi2uI1gm4SJOvvVxy4AKZOMk25HmTx87DEhKeJLA0Ol8wJ2t0yB_S8AWOD4/s320/IMG_2742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and the second at Framingham Center...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIvZwgZFE8tKp-arFSQUTfa4BBTP9ZYmDt9BYx_qWFEcFHYKjofqvZ_wnEg6oBNYJy82u_EGYW0Pc6K9TV2OvECsl_GxsU9tbzNKsICP9-luKA0zk6r4Qcqo2k3Jdx8r9YJXTKee4-aiKy5JTJpSYCQUWypzrWRqNgLkMM1YqBHXJnkH83WkZrmDrdgE/s4608/IMG_2745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIvZwgZFE8tKp-arFSQUTfa4BBTP9ZYmDt9BYx_qWFEcFHYKjofqvZ_wnEg6oBNYJy82u_EGYW0Pc6K9TV2OvECsl_GxsU9tbzNKsICP9-luKA0zk6r4Qcqo2k3Jdx8r9YJXTKee4-aiKy5JTJpSYCQUWypzrWRqNgLkMM1YqBHXJnkH83WkZrmDrdgE/s320/IMG_2745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>These markers are immediately east and west of the Stone's Bridge marker and, unlike it, they are identical and the same as 54 other markers. So, I guess the question is "how accurate is the marker at Stone's Bridge?"</div><div>Did the Knox Artillery Train cross the Sudbury River there and if not, then where?</div><div>In trying to get answers I learned that the artillery actually stayed in Framingham for some extended period of time until decisions could be made as to where it could be best deployed. According to Framinghamhistory.org "...from Marlborough, the cannon were transported down Nixon Road to Edmands Road and then Grove Street to be concealed in the Pike Row neighborhood (including Belnap Road) on January 24, 1776. The bulk of the artillery remained in Framingham possibly for weeks." </div><div> <br />I launched into the Sudbury River at Kellogg Road which is less than a mile south of the aforementioned Pike Row neighborhood and headed upriver...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhKG2cmKtJIPanx5OfsTwZ6f55jvXuKe1Fk-mORgwToOnOA2tJ0zEo3ODMM-8sHYZ1Zu2uem5sKxVMMFKQ0pv4FUooRjFxNx2sVJsQXgh665QwLjJNmrsic4uob_QA3RXk1yzhqiaBGzlYVUoAIpXPqqzi3NiUpc7R73cHrmomWf_MHnhoIoMUs9r7QQ/s4608/IMG_2751.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhKG2cmKtJIPanx5OfsTwZ6f55jvXuKe1Fk-mORgwToOnOA2tJ0zEo3ODMM-8sHYZ1Zu2uem5sKxVMMFKQ0pv4FUooRjFxNx2sVJsQXgh665QwLjJNmrsic4uob_QA3RXk1yzhqiaBGzlYVUoAIpXPqqzi3NiUpc7R73cHrmomWf_MHnhoIoMUs9r7QQ/s320/IMG_2751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Central Street bridge near the boat launch is a possible crossing place Knox might have used and is only a short distance from where the artillery was stored in the Pike Row neighborhood.<div><br /><div>Heading upriver I passed under the Main Street Bridge which is another possible river crossing location for Knox...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sEi3EXnGDXsTGxL93VrbOGikyb_JJZYKyrvwY1AFExlOQFSjQHL-19GF6HUvyNWsnhuf5cDvoVwkv4r8sWlamerdyhzcqQ0NG76_18IW8VpUIl2Lj5SGdGBQK_WWfM2g36X7VAixii3wvl0vY82u2QmnzcXHqFIfi_6xNKWAK4oYGX9nsS-oXrPWDpA/s4608/IMG_2756.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sEi3EXnGDXsTGxL93VrbOGikyb_JJZYKyrvwY1AFExlOQFSjQHL-19GF6HUvyNWsnhuf5cDvoVwkv4r8sWlamerdyhzcqQ0NG76_18IW8VpUIl2Lj5SGdGBQK_WWfM2g36X7VAixii3wvl0vY82u2QmnzcXHqFIfi_6xNKWAK4oYGX9nsS-oXrPWDpA/s320/IMG_2756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Main Street bridge reminds me of the Danforth Bridge in nearby Saxonville. However, unlike the Danforth Bridge, the Main St. bridge still carries vehicular traffic.<div><br /></div><div>Upriver progress ended at a boom beneath the Union Ave Bridge (another possible crossing location)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhqB4ohnB9PAbXCpJ41P4g3hWXzGopHOvYkRsz6nYeO33X3hIYLuZg5HcbMWfkgJriMXH5r1i4HcQP7QXoSlTcPa-Av_9aKajrtqKqdj_7wedgP7yWMGlsm7xd8aMjrjznK_UZEpAy3HzWRKzdZW_RSFx8Q5G_4Eg935KLLaue2xebotjI3cDU3DsgrM/s4608/IMG_2754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhqB4ohnB9PAbXCpJ41P4g3hWXzGopHOvYkRsz6nYeO33X3hIYLuZg5HcbMWfkgJriMXH5r1i4HcQP7QXoSlTcPa-Av_9aKajrtqKqdj_7wedgP7yWMGlsm7xd8aMjrjznK_UZEpAy3HzWRKzdZW_RSFx8Q5G_4Eg935KLLaue2xebotjI3cDU3DsgrM/s320/IMG_2754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm not sure as to what purpose (other than stopping river navigation) the boom serves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turned about and paddled downriver alongside the Mass Pike, did a short portage around the low-head Fiddlers Green Dam at Fenwick Street and passed under the Mass Pike to where the river widens...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r2Y0TytW7Vp-g9pIv3tl6k5Lcy3e2dYEco2mJaHCic-VVAEzyr871SkEpeUiE4HflBc_aC3MC7hGSsjjK8DvXHl_nWnUpJApfOclR7rJlrrVreASL9DEhFel2uJ2uBX2uiRVulwPjRrgI9jyh7zO93HsleRVCTfdAhUKGZTeOTZRYvp-O_heIoaAv8U/s4608/IMG_2762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r2Y0TytW7Vp-g9pIv3tl6k5Lcy3e2dYEco2mJaHCic-VVAEzyr871SkEpeUiE4HflBc_aC3MC7hGSsjjK8DvXHl_nWnUpJApfOclR7rJlrrVreASL9DEhFel2uJ2uBX2uiRVulwPjRrgI9jyh7zO93HsleRVCTfdAhUKGZTeOTZRYvp-O_heIoaAv8U/s320/IMG_2762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...as it approaches the end of the line at the old Roxbury Carpet mill dam in Saxonville...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk16V35WZKvtYZPxKY7SNxxiG_KE_gg_1fyWq53Jw3Z2n8xya_OCEUiovDDpNQLAfdJJ5FQ92wiYParRwEnNNpokM5_n4bCsrmSteNrVdkyIVQVRdc3EnSgdPWujyDvwhyphenhyphenXThdmp1jvTpb5qI-jKc-Q0eHKFieYiQiURWBOQqdZfFKoOnCzcA07iq-J4/s4608/IMG_2765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk16V35WZKvtYZPxKY7SNxxiG_KE_gg_1fyWq53Jw3Z2n8xya_OCEUiovDDpNQLAfdJJ5FQ92wiYParRwEnNNpokM5_n4bCsrmSteNrVdkyIVQVRdc3EnSgdPWujyDvwhyphenhyphenXThdmp1jvTpb5qI-jKc-Q0eHKFieYiQiURWBOQqdZfFKoOnCzcA07iq-J4/s320/IMG_2765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As to where Knox and his train of artillery crossed the Sudbury River I guess the jury's still out. You'd think such a sight would be remembered by folks. Knox himself, in a letter to his wife, wrote "We shall cut no small figure going thro' the country with our Cannon Mortars etc. drawn by eighty Yoke oxen!!" <br /><div><br /></div><div>Closed out the week and most likely the month with a Sunday morning paddle on the Assabet River in Concord from a now fully exposed Egg Rock inscription...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjoulNQb0ivAtqfhHaZuiVabx1Qg-RheKpm4vmH8xybmWJjhzmuYZEgIygNdhOaaMlLbfLW9wrHdsQ-muAGFcw4jWEGOvvwnDaNbvLeBISWy_F0VqlJJPJEU3ikZEPUjPqK6n3I1xxNn3HWGNT2t19bPO4NJiAvmp_WPS9ovfVQRWNyx7uWNKkrcyuno/s4608/IMG_2772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjoulNQb0ivAtqfhHaZuiVabx1Qg-RheKpm4vmH8xybmWJjhzmuYZEgIygNdhOaaMlLbfLW9wrHdsQ-muAGFcw4jWEGOvvwnDaNbvLeBISWy_F0VqlJJPJEU3ikZEPUjPqK6n3I1xxNn3HWGNT2t19bPO4NJiAvmp_WPS9ovfVQRWNyx7uWNKkrcyuno/s320/IMG_2772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...upriver to Main Street in West Concord...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJva7Ol4a6FQgdLKdf4tst51vJqRKtimFPeGAeptHz70zh4AyhTpQV4C7YM2TUNuySa4dYvX8WpRAcWmHCYPwfeIR64g96bOMRkurEWZ5LES7h6GSvmmSffDIHm_UzfmVjsa5mrT1ESQBbReDIbGoEqt6VglcvGWlKCUYluSe_IvhFglqZfyKuMhbxs2s/s4608/IMG_2775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJva7Ol4a6FQgdLKdf4tst51vJqRKtimFPeGAeptHz70zh4AyhTpQV4C7YM2TUNuySa4dYvX8WpRAcWmHCYPwfeIR64g96bOMRkurEWZ5LES7h6GSvmmSffDIHm_UzfmVjsa5mrT1ESQBbReDIbGoEqt6VglcvGWlKCUYluSe_IvhFglqZfyKuMhbxs2s/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thinking again of 1775, s<span style="text-align: left;">ome folks believe it was at this spot that the Sudbury Minutemen crossed the Assabet River on April 19, 1775 on their way to Barrett's Farm in Concord.</span></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Trash from Monday on the Nashua included 61 miniatures (aka nips)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nnzQehyphenhyphenlJFdDUgRLrdXcWMU2Qn3Xk8pVbhW64MkNDKsl0OCsMNqySeAOqtBbtO3o-S0NBl4dhu9XQZV7iZZuYUh5uYzK2KSC2PSQXrGKYCF545Tf7gzDNWc4hnZ9ZWZoSHfjve8SvyAHr9GjpMY1muqShfhvYSRfMbgLbMK_oQbkS8mAht6pQLuzTUs/s4608/IMG_2723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nnzQehyphenhyphenlJFdDUgRLrdXcWMU2Qn3Xk8pVbhW64MkNDKsl0OCsMNqySeAOqtBbtO3o-S0NBl4dhu9XQZV7iZZuYUh5uYzK2KSC2PSQXrGKYCF545Tf7gzDNWc4hnZ9ZWZoSHfjve8SvyAHr9GjpMY1muqShfhvYSRfMbgLbMK_oQbkS8mAht6pQLuzTUs/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Sudbury on Wednesday included 13 miniatures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFd11LKwn0cepx8fIuiEMQQ7XCqtc-_YZ03vuZecmR2DyHxr8yi_eg9AE9CaaQFw5v_6K-6hzWRblZyw9OmcInZIm6_B_S_GBn7fzfQT7Ex3Vo_h2fLOG24neabVTXJatkdOqNpVm9TAVE9EUpgydk7YN8pJu8mPlkjyX2AU6wHaIyR-89JqZbUYWSUc/s4608/IMG_2738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFd11LKwn0cepx8fIuiEMQQ7XCqtc-_YZ03vuZecmR2DyHxr8yi_eg9AE9CaaQFw5v_6K-6hzWRblZyw9OmcInZIm6_B_S_GBn7fzfQT7Ex3Vo_h2fLOG24neabVTXJatkdOqNpVm9TAVE9EUpgydk7YN8pJu8mPlkjyX2AU6wHaIyR-89JqZbUYWSUc/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Sudbury on Friday included 14 miniatures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEgLG3e9uT2W_BWfGuNt9XbnZZs0Vq8m7HTL4ZgHAT9wdR0M8JJdGhFQVkzRKh2k2mWDHx3tIOrHtEbC7XoBraxAPWWrBVYobSgR0XwnKifUMgwonX_jMG1BC58cc0w1JLvgvazIpKjRnYqbOm8AIb3T1b7ZNR5n5uzXaweGYx1k7YptP8CjGTfkBTKM/s4608/IMG_2770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEgLG3e9uT2W_BWfGuNt9XbnZZs0Vq8m7HTL4ZgHAT9wdR0M8JJdGhFQVkzRKh2k2mWDHx3tIOrHtEbC7XoBraxAPWWrBVYobSgR0XwnKifUMgwonX_jMG1BC58cc0w1JLvgvazIpKjRnYqbOm8AIb3T1b7ZNR5n5uzXaweGYx1k7YptP8CjGTfkBTKM/s320/IMG_2770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Assabet on Sunday included an empty bag of industrial strength ice melt...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22YN4Un1gxC5vvRZzY7rmbir0Qz4Qly_AVRXniPSEmw7KyIfiaGCYVXVnwXlTJsFp5mBXBqpu0L75OLkAqtcaQcw2nag2IvINwiQVVdoG0Fu1pJQaaHpNdJFz8-sTFLk9EUS13piMr7ramdD2mLFahu3rgba9trzhrtApetw4__DppI5zeQruibNq3pU/s4608/IMG_2778.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22YN4Un1gxC5vvRZzY7rmbir0Qz4Qly_AVRXniPSEmw7KyIfiaGCYVXVnwXlTJsFp5mBXBqpu0L75OLkAqtcaQcw2nag2IvINwiQVVdoG0Fu1pJQaaHpNdJFz8-sTFLk9EUS13piMr7ramdD2mLFahu3rgba9trzhrtApetw4__DppI5zeQruibNq3pU/s320/IMG_2778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and not much else.<br /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Oddest find of the week was this plastic bottle with a small dead snake inside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG95GSwLy6QMw6Kp_4g2uLYRWePfj6NRQuuUQWRh-AztU0JcYbpFyFqTa7wGW1379m0X822bC3ZtLX8-vcg_HLTRN_n8aGLkCDOgFQugN_0_VE2pVoVTICSsaXJ22DdYUWFKn9dENF0iawV4swg_zPUaVmgXAaRSGgXJubdzGK2FMjafq1VZeEXJtScpM/s4608/IMG_2722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG95GSwLy6QMw6Kp_4g2uLYRWePfj6NRQuuUQWRh-AztU0JcYbpFyFqTa7wGW1379m0X822bC3ZtLX8-vcg_HLTRN_n8aGLkCDOgFQugN_0_VE2pVoVTICSsaXJ22DdYUWFKn9dENF0iawV4swg_zPUaVmgXAaRSGgXJubdzGK2FMjafq1VZeEXJtScpM/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...found in the Nashua River on Monday.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><p>Thinking about all the water that's gone over the <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/t7KGcZyYqXGN1Pnz7">dam</a> since the winter of 1775/76.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-77380031911303859212023-10-21T15:41:00.001-04:002023-10-23T07:23:04.529-04:00October Settles In<p> </p><p>My mid-October paddling week included visits to the Assabet River in Stow, MA...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdXmlXjglTBbCOArMWigQ74S0XgsYy2SefzFemOR_6Xa8xkOuTvVwt9BOUtW-IAQys81T2z_BUoDSiFsuUlV2j26ZxVvwVyb1bQW8nrMh4v0UrnDXZzQRJzTONZOuS9y0IL_Ev3j8_Oa7zn7mns0LeTvYYHKXkmCjlfOWq9ArULD0_8O0WiCLhcfb690/s4608/IMG_2644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdXmlXjglTBbCOArMWigQ74S0XgsYy2SefzFemOR_6Xa8xkOuTvVwt9BOUtW-IAQys81T2z_BUoDSiFsuUlV2j26ZxVvwVyb1bQW8nrMh4v0UrnDXZzQRJzTONZOuS9y0IL_Ev3j8_Oa7zn7mns0LeTvYYHKXkmCjlfOWq9ArULD0_8O0WiCLhcfb690/w400-h300/IMG_2644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">...the Charles River in Waltham, MA...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKV2CenDwyBLM_7-QsfIC4UrC93DT-rszlYbNucKEfhdoVUbOdK_OT3vAXEdFEvracWZV5J3d8TWCXYZ-n3gJis32aUUazkqueU22N6ccllSsbbwaGmMKqFmbQV1DCkHstcI4vS0eBV3ud0iRF6kkwJVlRKqSAbO8b-s87XKlGbV43EoNK2Mtd2VashKA/s4608/IMG_2675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKV2CenDwyBLM_7-QsfIC4UrC93DT-rszlYbNucKEfhdoVUbOdK_OT3vAXEdFEvracWZV5J3d8TWCXYZ-n3gJis32aUUazkqueU22N6ccllSsbbwaGmMKqFmbQV1DCkHstcI4vS0eBV3ud0iRF6kkwJVlRKqSAbO8b-s87XKlGbV43EoNK2Mtd2VashKA/w400-h300/IMG_2675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>...and the Concord River in Concord, MA...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpW6eCph-hQd7TCwpS3evJug8yerf8EAXxIVNHQc7nYK3yNiLoO8lIkoi3Z2QEMvtgPX91XuP7M5mpWxaYB-hUWJ4VKy1fHqkWS1UK-2IloQRkay_e4xcuE99QY0xUWrUG-MNsdeSyrbhg6MjZIoJj3Imurj8XR6VrQiFYRSl4R53UpA_V_Xmkv48PSM/s4608/IMG_2701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpW6eCph-hQd7TCwpS3evJug8yerf8EAXxIVNHQc7nYK3yNiLoO8lIkoi3Z2QEMvtgPX91XuP7M5mpWxaYB-hUWJ4VKy1fHqkWS1UK-2IloQRkay_e4xcuE99QY0xUWrUG-MNsdeSyrbhg6MjZIoJj3Imurj8XR6VrQiFYRSl4R53UpA_V_Xmkv48PSM/w400-h300/IMG_2701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Monday's paddle on the Assabet brought me from Magazu's Landing upriver to Gleasondale where the Route 62 Bridge project is wrapping up with two-way vehicle traffic now restored...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM5agDGVaIzJwt6Lv5nGjKw1fBOpWoJ5V9lZh_XjKmpCc8F714lAjepfZUYTYL8teM55ITEX2MgfauL6Y3RPKqtTRhBYoDF5YHWepBDiLSWIHEm29w4IzveZ6OujfcNvPqe996tR8MIdyk6UI5s15O7s-7hn5WuKHo6kEk51eMHJiieHUonyCSu_ye-M/s4608/IMG_2629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM5agDGVaIzJwt6Lv5nGjKw1fBOpWoJ5V9lZh_XjKmpCc8F714lAjepfZUYTYL8teM55ITEX2MgfauL6Y3RPKqtTRhBYoDF5YHWepBDiLSWIHEm29w4IzveZ6OujfcNvPqe996tR8MIdyk6UI5s15O7s-7hn5WuKHo6kEk51eMHJiieHUonyCSu_ye-M/s320/IMG_2629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Along the way a side trip was made up Fort Meadow Brook (after a short portage) to the ruins of the Central Mass Railroad trestle where a 115,000 volt underground transmission line is being installed...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaR68hDcdo1ovJ8gMcDtVasXlnP2F7VhoMH_A824D8QLDLmEHcoFtPrSOZS1uYP5dMH1Kyo6r0QpGmgFmle3sI8fsKjAVFwBnShMo4K9-Syt7skALYsKj8X9LABSw6nKRerJqElDuOAg94Z3AcnXMvdV4td1J6D9Xuj4DnzqLOYoYyn7teixVmbPaA6c/s4608/IMG_2623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaR68hDcdo1ovJ8gMcDtVasXlnP2F7VhoMH_A824D8QLDLmEHcoFtPrSOZS1uYP5dMH1Kyo6r0QpGmgFmle3sI8fsKjAVFwBnShMo4K9-Syt7skALYsKj8X9LABSw6nKRerJqElDuOAg94Z3AcnXMvdV4td1J6D9Xuj4DnzqLOYoYyn7teixVmbPaA6c/s320/IMG_2623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The crane doing the heavy lifting as seen from a distance...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlv2b-eyevWPt-uExTix1KXS3SACHRF7OahlC7warNk1rWp9WclA25vgBsKiD76yep96QGnUY6aZv9s1t0qyDeknSz4HrFk8bgbCpTM95LNQNoq9Foz5OmEj89B0q9UKbU-ngKBrU7974MZ-2uMT_JqsyknDpg_8gkIS_H-vPYzQwbqPpQv1C_0DQmA8/s4608/IMG_2620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlv2b-eyevWPt-uExTix1KXS3SACHRF7OahlC7warNk1rWp9WclA25vgBsKiD76yep96QGnUY6aZv9s1t0qyDeknSz4HrFk8bgbCpTM95LNQNoq9Foz5OmEj89B0q9UKbU-ngKBrU7974MZ-2uMT_JqsyknDpg_8gkIS_H-vPYzQwbqPpQv1C_0DQmA8/s320/IMG_2620.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The transmission line will run from Hudson to Sudbury and when completed will allow for the Central Mass right-of-way to become a rail trail connecting the Assabet and Bruce Freeman Rail Trails. Will look forward to biking this stretch in the future.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Back in September 2011 the trestle was intact and rails and crossties were still in place...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbLx0Kj1TLQuwOsp7lraa9DcwzGpcsgIUzK91hnHzWssiA2hHEv_h14l9OipQkd5XliOrAxS_l1xMGzbw2Tusei8ojlcNrePTfseU7G5MNNNXDIhyqZVlR18Z_NG2ThdHUiaMtcbtlS1IRPYrpBNf5DzifCgT0uLNkRgln14epRC51TUtMIkGj0Ghz58/s3264/IMG_6258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbLx0Kj1TLQuwOsp7lraa9DcwzGpcsgIUzK91hnHzWssiA2hHEv_h14l9OipQkd5XliOrAxS_l1xMGzbw2Tusei8ojlcNrePTfseU7G5MNNNXDIhyqZVlR18Z_NG2ThdHUiaMtcbtlS1IRPYrpBNf5DzifCgT0uLNkRgln14epRC51TUtMIkGj0Ghz58/s320/IMG_6258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Also on the Assabet a bald eagle and a hawk came eye to eye...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SWKqPq8jznPgRjFY4AiRQZ0QvKaEAYTSUDkTs9BNEK6f59jhwIh131dV-9MBy-8fCPb4bq8IN4jphkWGsPbsTEzfc2sUQXKY53py1rM8UewduxkE0SjEX59FrewbFwO3XLi61GiMkS5Go-DygwxAinboVwXBXXgPpHNy4HcAzo3i9a8wJAw8cXYZf2Y/s4608/IMG_2602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SWKqPq8jznPgRjFY4AiRQZ0QvKaEAYTSUDkTs9BNEK6f59jhwIh131dV-9MBy-8fCPb4bq8IN4jphkWGsPbsTEzfc2sUQXKY53py1rM8UewduxkE0SjEX59FrewbFwO3XLi61GiMkS5Go-DygwxAinboVwXBXXgPpHNy4HcAzo3i9a8wJAw8cXYZf2Y/s320/IMG_2602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>...with the hawk deciding to relocate, leaving the often seen dark-eyed eagle to reign supreme... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKhvhLjHQPPfn1k-K-vrKBmcL7r7uISItlIF3NzALOF_vd75S_bRK_oDUFDgPWkxm9UwZqXoBpFS2gMF8HlGOB12T-oOVwaqq1hE_aJiTM2yZMCdrkM-l4akbkYyS2aRDrqmt5NmUMmPtjJi_g7mSv9FomH-rJIeqchFB0GZ0DPrOYTIVDHFdb_zG3wI/s4608/IMG_2610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKhvhLjHQPPfn1k-K-vrKBmcL7r7uISItlIF3NzALOF_vd75S_bRK_oDUFDgPWkxm9UwZqXoBpFS2gMF8HlGOB12T-oOVwaqq1hE_aJiTM2yZMCdrkM-l4akbkYyS2aRDrqmt5NmUMmPtjJi_g7mSv9FomH-rJIeqchFB0GZ0DPrOYTIVDHFdb_zG3wI/w400-h300/IMG_2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Back at the takeout a blue heron obtained liftoff...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6k-s-vpqlQs7phqkV0b3d70fCnyi-WOMntQaqrHXyVXGv_PwG9l3JePi8as0j0sL26Q6dgPpm04I3uYpynfGWfHy5y2gbxj78EY2Ey60d6vIt36NCcwVT4LX583owpeU55tfa34XPrV4G66xxqXAHgH-fA7PgyfkAp0l9tIdTZcWREaNajPLb4tOdWw/s4608/IMG_2648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6k-s-vpqlQs7phqkV0b3d70fCnyi-WOMntQaqrHXyVXGv_PwG9l3JePi8as0j0sL26Q6dgPpm04I3uYpynfGWfHy5y2gbxj78EY2Ey60d6vIt36NCcwVT4LX583owpeU55tfa34XPrV4G66xxqXAHgH-fA7PgyfkAp0l9tIdTZcWREaNajPLb4tOdWw/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Wednesday's paddle on the Charles River took me from Woerd Ave (boat launch) down to the dam at Moody Street and Cronin's Landing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEQ8bHM-LsINBHEZ6yp1tHMPVhz3wltT2KzOg2InB8lUJk9g_3q8vrqA4wt1qGIHAv8RH7nDybcNbh4VK_hGHpET54pGmRFhGts2dOcVY3MUN6N-sbmm5YgXwXLKceVWNEwcr6XQnq_vM2Oh2LYYrbbpOveG8AMYpYntX6ihPgel-Imf9TqeBzvJplx8/s4608/IMG_2654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEQ8bHM-LsINBHEZ6yp1tHMPVhz3wltT2KzOg2InB8lUJk9g_3q8vrqA4wt1qGIHAv8RH7nDybcNbh4VK_hGHpET54pGmRFhGts2dOcVY3MUN6N-sbmm5YgXwXLKceVWNEwcr6XQnq_vM2Oh2LYYrbbpOveG8AMYpYntX6ihPgel-Imf9TqeBzvJplx8/s320/IMG_2654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...then upriver through the Lakes District to the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston passing beneath the Boston and Albany Railroad bridge along the way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbsywONazDOKaT0XEUgtDitZLng4O7ZU9Lb7MfVvPkXHb64FNoSXhrD_Md0JwGysU2wwcsadn_yRpcGeQcyODj5ilbFykflGoBamQ0neJOGU0MTe3RnEz8vQxq0C8n7rSnnn2qJt_k7yYw4z07s_RfeD4Nj3cRfbiKkvWWOI21bY9RGJKYffQ7AVAZUg/s4608/IMG_2683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbsywONazDOKaT0XEUgtDitZLng4O7ZU9Lb7MfVvPkXHb64FNoSXhrD_Md0JwGysU2wwcsadn_yRpcGeQcyODj5ilbFykflGoBamQ0neJOGU0MTe3RnEz8vQxq0C8n7rSnnn2qJt_k7yYw4z07s_RfeD4Nj3cRfbiKkvWWOI21bY9RGJKYffQ7AVAZUg/s320/IMG_2683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Wildlife on the Charles surprised me with this immature eagle perched at water's edge by Mount Feake Cemetery...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fa2LBGQCYLM4q0scfLPR2BggeZVuBeb9kIqDHa-pbF3QEUECJc775wwmhEBGfHd1F_W9lTly6cizZCOyY48_1HvIHhzCzDNXOEoXCyVxC-SUpz9_01jaGlz2Xvx303EmFzXPum95w-QQPa81WhsRiCr5Zfw2dC9j2n46XnQy98XCi0BFIvdLPQK8WF0/s4608/IMG_2668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fa2LBGQCYLM4q0scfLPR2BggeZVuBeb9kIqDHa-pbF3QEUECJc775wwmhEBGfHd1F_W9lTly6cizZCOyY48_1HvIHhzCzDNXOEoXCyVxC-SUpz9_01jaGlz2Xvx303EmFzXPum95w-QQPa81WhsRiCr5Zfw2dC9j2n46XnQy98XCi0BFIvdLPQK8WF0/s320/IMG_2668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It's the first time I've seen an eagle in Waltham except, of course, for the one created by a local artist and standing at the tip of a peninsula...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a4vxrTMn2rTQFLA6r7gDdZZ8qDE4bpv82UZuvKhNgr7NaMrtqF9nS5IzA54pdiwcB3U8lM29ckX4A9JdshcFvvEfRBP4ssfckEz3IU-AqwEqaHjsYwt17bQqrigPZ79c6scuEVwZb4Q-nIjbMMmSruzEi63ZG_AtAhyphenhyphenNX9pFh9Qgkwhy3IqN4XlYGGI/s4608/IMG_2677.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a4vxrTMn2rTQFLA6r7gDdZZ8qDE4bpv82UZuvKhNgr7NaMrtqF9nS5IzA54pdiwcB3U8lM29ckX4A9JdshcFvvEfRBP4ssfckEz3IU-AqwEqaHjsYwt17bQqrigPZ79c6scuEVwZb4Q-nIjbMMmSruzEi63ZG_AtAhyphenhyphenNX9pFh9Qgkwhy3IqN4XlYGGI/s320/IMG_2677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I first saw the above more than a decade ago and never dreamed I'd see a real eagle in this area.<div><br /></div><div>Near Norumbega was this long-tailed hawk...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2l2hyDJtaD93MLcPslBAc9-iLRnWnOBbMjyuCLJ_ZC-ZBeSV5B85DHvzUOrsWBPCNhvKTjcZoDRwqsCMI-2PC6pEPOTW2wt7QqOs2VpolFDNkXa5jg1mdlms17VwS8qiIdutplCI6qPd9UbqQuKoegxrnFXxUbtDUJb8HQws6cVOn2pMdVFQK2cUUv0/s4608/IMG_2680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2l2hyDJtaD93MLcPslBAc9-iLRnWnOBbMjyuCLJ_ZC-ZBeSV5B85DHvzUOrsWBPCNhvKTjcZoDRwqsCMI-2PC6pEPOTW2wt7QqOs2VpolFDNkXa5jg1mdlms17VwS8qiIdutplCI6qPd9UbqQuKoegxrnFXxUbtDUJb8HQws6cVOn2pMdVFQK2cUUv0/s320/IMG_2680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A pair of river otters swam by some fallen trees...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGuwz62wagIs7edbi1ugsbFmlXKAkvx1oc760CAi0f1ABldQbrusaRtq1wj9j6uHh0Pnign4GvqR_6KuJ7TROotda3_Dk5H2laCBGR4qPtDWNrfT1zerHMfuKLmMkwR_CbheiQskdkHPKxLtByI_RmNiV3Bvxs4QLwvK26o9d4KBRo7SQ7XwTRe65gi8/s2525/IMG_2669_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1715" data-original-width="2525" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGuwz62wagIs7edbi1ugsbFmlXKAkvx1oc760CAi0f1ABldQbrusaRtq1wj9j6uHh0Pnign4GvqR_6KuJ7TROotda3_Dk5H2laCBGR4qPtDWNrfT1zerHMfuKLmMkwR_CbheiQskdkHPKxLtByI_RmNiV3Bvxs4QLwvK26o9d4KBRo7SQ7XwTRe65gi8/w400-h271/IMG_2669_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Bringing the wildlife restoration kind of full circle was seeing this beaver lodge diagonally across from the Waltham Watch Factory...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtCAcICI60B0bSh69I2LB7mEoPkAJGY0SPE9qWDvWGm0mbkYQI-pF9Sgs9sFvjW74NtU6ZJ9uaYY5fcEFgi8w4p99ZDD-MHwtvaLBkwnPQde34lhgQcv-eu-jVpSQySDtxmwPzMqbvgYkPvZ6zfKJu_C1TUFurduLUYFbMIREBDL3LhUbUOy1GXN8QaY/s4608/IMG_2650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtCAcICI60B0bSh69I2LB7mEoPkAJGY0SPE9qWDvWGm0mbkYQI-pF9Sgs9sFvjW74NtU6ZJ9uaYY5fcEFgi8w4p99ZDD-MHwtvaLBkwnPQde34lhgQcv-eu-jVpSQySDtxmwPzMqbvgYkPvZ6zfKJu_C1TUFurduLUYFbMIREBDL3LhUbUOy1GXN8QaY/s320/IMG_2650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The beaver lodge and eagle had me remembering my 4th grade social studies class at the Nathaniel P. Banks elementary school (now a condominium) where I learned of the statues atop Waltham City Hall...one depicting a beaver and the other a bald eagle about to take flight. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Also encountered this pipe-driving operation on the Charles near where Routes 90 and 95 converge overhead...</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVboheMpmEqDmXy4zEB-cFCqKEOrmJQbqwnR4snfCDzuKI8yxA5yVs0jVbTHRQexVsGo7NV9tQfQJMHBlESBHP0TsjyTHU_0labiUisaAX2hR75Na102LVahMvsYqNmsdiZzlS32KBZTBInlkDBBCWiVrsSHsbssY2x-Dvv3l1W20iIONI_28DXzmwH_8/s4608/IMG_2681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVboheMpmEqDmXy4zEB-cFCqKEOrmJQbqwnR4snfCDzuKI8yxA5yVs0jVbTHRQexVsGo7NV9tQfQJMHBlESBHP0TsjyTHU_0labiUisaAX2hR75Na102LVahMvsYqNmsdiZzlS32KBZTBInlkDBBCWiVrsSHsbssY2x-Dvv3l1W20iIONI_28DXzmwH_8/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Closed out the week Friday morning on the Concord River with a paddle down to Brewster's Woods and October Farm which are connected by hiking trails...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lrU1pIzHBkYAOsKG4dYfG2A60v8XaznLPQ9KCl2mUx1V2pyhXhGQpM4b4GGmbP_DGU9QC-d-7hq31WH2IvUYh-GVuJI_tUabHpr53F_VPb8m5EPPUzlysjN-32b1ZHjGyj6zN-GA-SaaZQooW7oQkisuNH5v8LLi1-jJqFNecxiMpK44b1qFViArp5k/s4608/IMG_2708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lrU1pIzHBkYAOsKG4dYfG2A60v8XaznLPQ9KCl2mUx1V2pyhXhGQpM4b4GGmbP_DGU9QC-d-7hq31WH2IvUYh-GVuJI_tUabHpr53F_VPb8m5EPPUzlysjN-32b1ZHjGyj6zN-GA-SaaZQooW7oQkisuNH5v8LLi1-jJqFNecxiMpK44b1qFViArp5k/s320/IMG_2708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Near the above sign a small pond offered some bright fall foliage...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiGKz3W11PKSEJt4YPxkj3wVSW7RPaQkHLPexbr6j4US2aIKg_5zof26lltmQfebbEOw4yJOeOCrDyfiIaH4WwFVlqGaCZd1RtM9no7krR4lUZvc287HLtNsxX1orhx7-HLz6Tml_whwxTr8dH6Yx67zHsTJ-VU6zCAVu1Gi78LGVXFqunmWscK_vDkg/s4608/IMG_2706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiGKz3W11PKSEJt4YPxkj3wVSW7RPaQkHLPexbr6j4US2aIKg_5zof26lltmQfebbEOw4yJOeOCrDyfiIaH4WwFVlqGaCZd1RtM9no7krR4lUZvc287HLtNsxX1orhx7-HLz6Tml_whwxTr8dH6Yx67zHsTJ-VU6zCAVu1Gi78LGVXFqunmWscK_vDkg/s320/IMG_2706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />At the riverfront portion of October Farm I stopped and paid an envious visit to William Brewster's canoe house built into the hillside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jhjjjACRHVRYHI9Pt4QDY3ENGkqO52R9c6-4CzIWHyh-7S3WZW6gtbhyprRWvnw8UV_rmn_9N6cqgwRz8uDir8yFHeTjtDsZovrfbaFOg8nQKYpwIBrUPpnX_TE7N2Bzl7ZeXAqBSO2alJ8GxGK_iy_D0uohThgaWaU09RpFF5UzyQPnKYF94Rs93n8/s4608/IMG_2698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jhjjjACRHVRYHI9Pt4QDY3ENGkqO52R9c6-4CzIWHyh-7S3WZW6gtbhyprRWvnw8UV_rmn_9N6cqgwRz8uDir8yFHeTjtDsZovrfbaFOg8nQKYpwIBrUPpnX_TE7N2Bzl7ZeXAqBSO2alJ8GxGK_iy_D0uohThgaWaU09RpFF5UzyQPnKYF94Rs93n8/s320/IMG_2698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>He etched his initials and date inside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtQGhFBddiveDAIRn4cxxxllAp7ZAKHMJ4vO0SHmU9wm1LdmjZJPvqRIZJod_Y6rbNSZQFY7hIX4eUSE5cRaXe5ucj163aixsbGomUUXVdVGJ5BqF9m1AMP1TkjatAyHE8HJn1RycJMV7ub_5wO95TFuLAmcnSfStqiCDfNK4bNGGRyvZvSyEGh0OSVk/s4608/IMG_2696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtQGhFBddiveDAIRn4cxxxllAp7ZAKHMJ4vO0SHmU9wm1LdmjZJPvqRIZJod_Y6rbNSZQFY7hIX4eUSE5cRaXe5ucj163aixsbGomUUXVdVGJ5BqF9m1AMP1TkjatAyHE8HJn1RycJMV7ub_5wO95TFuLAmcnSfStqiCDfNK4bNGGRyvZvSyEGh0OSVk/s320/IMG_2696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>According to the October Farm Riverfront Trail Guide William Brewster was the first president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. One of his best friends was Daniel Chester French, the man who sculpted the Concord Minuteman and the Lincoln Monument.<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Trash from the Assabet on Monday...</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUw9EG-2oCbw5TLXlgYKwsWw7xiQbiI1hUNzp3_3l1-V81zG5E09r6zuHnaLi091esuN6Dp4w0pmO5jzUpQGHg_QryfcuxpTN73TzpDzQoS_kZejsiQmn0XZZ-q_HFu6vl52F7dPkgEZjXhEnQYUAE6Tb8jMB17T7QuqIZEp7k5kVcC_Mrue_ZF_hZGa8/s4608/IMG_2649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUw9EG-2oCbw5TLXlgYKwsWw7xiQbiI1hUNzp3_3l1-V81zG5E09r6zuHnaLi091esuN6Dp4w0pmO5jzUpQGHg_QryfcuxpTN73TzpDzQoS_kZejsiQmn0XZZ-q_HFu6vl52F7dPkgEZjXhEnQYUAE6Tb8jMB17T7QuqIZEp7k5kVcC_Mrue_ZF_hZGa8/s320/IMG_2649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash from the Charles on Wednesday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z4XYqVtieHjoI_kkPuwCWkHGQyAMXL35I0gU-XPA22EGwbvla1Xc0q1kp9WOW_qxM30hsUaFlP82WgVN3MUCkFLG_JcO9E8NHJ-1FmJgNtS1Af2pu75WtK6aq-KE_0fU_hVt27JnW1Tsis7OmwMlgX3JhuYUsZIsAiwo00kSaL4HJ9rJzXtrJJsBk7Q/s4608/IMG_2687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z4XYqVtieHjoI_kkPuwCWkHGQyAMXL35I0gU-XPA22EGwbvla1Xc0q1kp9WOW_qxM30hsUaFlP82WgVN3MUCkFLG_JcO9E8NHJ-1FmJgNtS1Af2pu75WtK6aq-KE_0fU_hVt27JnW1Tsis7OmwMlgX3JhuYUsZIsAiwo00kSaL4HJ9rJzXtrJJsBk7Q/s320/IMG_2687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Trash from the Concord on Friday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf080OW_dLK1WalEbN9F7cA8iMAEJqUZihsjbiHvVAtPSBdPySicTo-cqyGy219PDQalZ71Ii7IYWdwNFor5SxGIr2e4S_yEOl8ViRWn95HkwOcA-YCLmsPMFsSf6JevEGE5hc-y9cyQMmPn8d75uA8VFI2qNFemPf1Z7HWyfoMX2ReZA_AbFfUMmje8w/s4608/IMG_2709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf080OW_dLK1WalEbN9F7cA8iMAEJqUZihsjbiHvVAtPSBdPySicTo-cqyGy219PDQalZ71Ii7IYWdwNFor5SxGIr2e4S_yEOl8ViRWn95HkwOcA-YCLmsPMFsSf6JevEGE5hc-y9cyQMmPn8d75uA8VFI2qNFemPf1Z7HWyfoMX2ReZA_AbFfUMmje8w/s320/IMG_2709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The week's most interesting find was this one-quart milk bottle found floating upside down...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZEYCv2iUsYKB_YpZQLJAY7qYDhjZLAOHIsMV850RVDqPiyVAlDRaGIHK0D3RvAKxlR_ed-38FDCu2Fl5coC-0XgDjr6XeyXFKxWaGEoI-VJBatFk6z8eRGtVh8HtYgkw4zs66sIn9_mf2JPi2dEtXgJaDt4KpHLvJW2PPLYadk5vffVUFZlIlYTNky4/s4608/IMG_2710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZEYCv2iUsYKB_YpZQLJAY7qYDhjZLAOHIsMV850RVDqPiyVAlDRaGIHK0D3RvAKxlR_ed-38FDCu2Fl5coC-0XgDjr6XeyXFKxWaGEoI-VJBatFk6z8eRGtVh8HtYgkw4zs66sIn9_mf2JPi2dEtXgJaDt4KpHLvJW2PPLYadk5vffVUFZlIlYTNky4/s320/IMG_2710.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Once clean the faded label could still be read: </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Yellowtail;">Fred R. Jones</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Yellowtail;">"Your Milk Man"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Old Acres Farm</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Concord, Mass-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Based on information found online I believe the bottle dates to the 1940s when folks routinely received their milk in re-usable bottles. According to an advertisement in the April/May 1956 Future Farmer magazine "Fred Jones is the owner of two farms near Concord - "Old Acres" farm which has 110 acres and "Old Acres Sudbury" consisting of 90 acres. Mr. Jones has full dairy facilities at "Old Acres" and processes and bottles 1400 quarts of milk every day - serving customers in both Concord and Acton, Massachusetts." The Mattison Field Trail Guide informs that "Old Acres" farm was located where Mattison Field is today along the Road to Nine Acre Corner in Concord.</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-46550798522859135922023-10-15T12:00:00.000-04:002023-10-15T12:00:25.559-04:00Assabet Bits and Pieces<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKfdKET49HoatVp215kq0i-hCTPUMXSk_30CYmiQd6dwXzXIfvAEsKoUVpP7aoZrKXHuHevQ6U5bkqRs9kBBlG0JEfgPtICHBE3b2aPVKpnsnVlb0Ydmal9ExSaTJ_2MlKhTVxwzOWY-tg1LGwslJjXAlPiRbR52QxI7uFnz4vnFNX1kbIwEriO4cJE0/s4608/IMG_2535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKfdKET49HoatVp215kq0i-hCTPUMXSk_30CYmiQd6dwXzXIfvAEsKoUVpP7aoZrKXHuHevQ6U5bkqRs9kBBlG0JEfgPtICHBE3b2aPVKpnsnVlb0Ydmal9ExSaTJ_2MlKhTVxwzOWY-tg1LGwslJjXAlPiRbR52QxI7uFnz4vnFNX1kbIwEriO4cJE0/w400-h300/IMG_2535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Paddled a few sections of the Assabet River this past week. Started on Monday launching from Cox Street in Hudson, MA where the above photo shows the river winding into Stow.<div><p></p><p>Later in the week, on Wednesday I paddled further upriver on the Assabet launching at Chapin Rd. in Hudson and heading upriver...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7UnTGXfz0gbqo2hQyhRRj_V4fzwUYsBKPNjOvAD63HFj6DnxVW7s5rEHWkx8L9pkhqhwPiz7X-3tP6TxYXV8CLKIEUA13zzYIEFjk2inulwrDX-1mG1rIOmGFg2MRDUs9nV1PCdztL8P28aTjjYnjZPLSIVD4dtm1q530GbmGZHZfoAzPXThXBO-VI/s4608/IMG_2544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7UnTGXfz0gbqo2hQyhRRj_V4fzwUYsBKPNjOvAD63HFj6DnxVW7s5rEHWkx8L9pkhqhwPiz7X-3tP6TxYXV8CLKIEUA13zzYIEFjk2inulwrDX-1mG1rIOmGFg2MRDUs9nV1PCdztL8P28aTjjYnjZPLSIVD4dtm1q530GbmGZHZfoAzPXThXBO-VI/s320/IMG_2544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Made it up to North Brook in Berlin, MA from which I later followed back the Assabet...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBuKAB34eKhU80QCm8yN8r1eZGMLzArIl7Pmd1HJ2VvBXIhCG8L94Vv5gUSKR2Kl2nBcE_ZhNSzXV7rdk3A2FKalLzicEZ4r2cnHsW7BdLfrn-NVM6WLOcHTrqCzW_IpIdUOTlvqoN6Zee9YWqedqHAzSIfbavYyjZ5Cen_giBPcxjXNFtudE-3Lk_KU/s4608/IMG_2550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBuKAB34eKhU80QCm8yN8r1eZGMLzArIl7Pmd1HJ2VvBXIhCG8L94Vv5gUSKR2Kl2nBcE_ZhNSzXV7rdk3A2FKalLzicEZ4r2cnHsW7BdLfrn-NVM6WLOcHTrqCzW_IpIdUOTlvqoN6Zee9YWqedqHAzSIfbavYyjZ5Cen_giBPcxjXNFtudE-3Lk_KU/s320/IMG_2550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Muted fall foliage could be seen in places...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y6yNA23pjPLQzzwJU4u-aGk0297Stx6GETNpQKz-rjKzFFrCROrbozPDOvTjAHGUNaP6cUh5ruipWEpT9NLEFMabMJqmnO4NvR5XGsAxVdHhgaxTF5zqxHwn2F_PyFzAoyI_ooRaxYGcMEX82Hq0lbhyphenhyphenomiv2GzuUkGAd-ajjSGOMnwX29SeUgqogV8/s4608/IMG_2551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y6yNA23pjPLQzzwJU4u-aGk0297Stx6GETNpQKz-rjKzFFrCROrbozPDOvTjAHGUNaP6cUh5ruipWEpT9NLEFMabMJqmnO4NvR5XGsAxVdHhgaxTF5zqxHwn2F_PyFzAoyI_ooRaxYGcMEX82Hq0lbhyphenhyphenomiv2GzuUkGAd-ajjSGOMnwX29SeUgqogV8/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It had been more than a year since my last visit to this section of river, but at the remains of the Four Bridges the smiling statue was still there seeming to favor one of the several passages...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5Xs27A-Qc92rM1UfKdTA3LzsWYljQrkXgVOPL2IdfJrUVYoBIWgdzN89vVcftmlN3mIVKkkWcheT9a5OnjavefWZi_nLtZRXw7tzYEouNCkrYleC0KUkFMj3xJOKatf9VZcKRl_JirMD6A2u4TWlm91jKqV8Wjd5VIksqbEAVl02d7Rd9qWicZrvWFQ/s4608/IMG_2553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5Xs27A-Qc92rM1UfKdTA3LzsWYljQrkXgVOPL2IdfJrUVYoBIWgdzN89vVcftmlN3mIVKkkWcheT9a5OnjavefWZi_nLtZRXw7tzYEouNCkrYleC0KUkFMj3xJOKatf9VZcKRl_JirMD6A2u4TWlm91jKqV8Wjd5VIksqbEAVl02d7Rd9qWicZrvWFQ/s320/IMG_2553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In looking for information about the Four Bridges I came across a <i>2006 Hudson Reconnaissance Report/Freedom's Way Landscape Inventory</i> that lists the bridge ruins at Four Bridges Road and states this was the first bridge crossing of the Assabet in Hudson. Topo maps from 1898 and 1917 show a road crossing the river connecting River Road and Brigham Street. Later topo maps from the 1940s don't show a road crossing the river there. In my search I also came across <i>Brigham's Early Hudson History </i>as written by Wilbur F. Brigham and compiled and edited by Katherine Johnson and Lewis Halprin in which the word Assabet is mentioned as meaning the "place of reeds" and the logo of Hudson's bicentennial in 1976 is shown including reeds and arrowheads. This is the first I'd heard of that translation. In John C. Huden's 1962 <i>Indian Place Names of New England</i> there are several words beginning with the same letters. One, Assabasset, comes the closest and is said to mean either "at the place between small brooks" or "wild flax place". The Assabet sure has plenty of cattails and phragmites especially between Chapin Rd. and Rt. 495.<div><div><br /></div><div>Past a busy Route 495 and almost back to Chapin Rd...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpnb1Hw8mAoyNCtI2fWhCIC2PpJHpTam-GDm6XXYYWRUt7eub5KGmQ1dgVCh-DN-BxK2kv78vjbrsOjQPaYrmepiPlQNYmYydFspcDZNT3cPu7cEjCMynOL8gQm31eZXgNMKtRgrSVBA5kazZSMPte1ii3T3rqXq3i8N9qdNpww0cM-fgpSNHVl65PSA/s4608/IMG_2554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpnb1Hw8mAoyNCtI2fWhCIC2PpJHpTam-GDm6XXYYWRUt7eub5KGmQ1dgVCh-DN-BxK2kv78vjbrsOjQPaYrmepiPlQNYmYydFspcDZNT3cPu7cEjCMynOL8gQm31eZXgNMKtRgrSVBA5kazZSMPte1ii3T3rqXq3i8N9qdNpww0cM-fgpSNHVl65PSA/w400-h300/IMG_2554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ended my Assabet River paddling week on Friday paddling the section between Spencer's Brook and Damonmill in Concord, MA (photo of Route 2 bridge)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW5FsieE6ztLVisZPnHPgVxmcz78jrDx34dIHginoW2nF6heIDKXKIUQlaIlNP-zFkDsoZGK0bMm1G-auoPqJ_f1ZWQwN7aSqqex2BsNInJAB7Dz5m3H_xQoAQwiWYSQTuu-EQEsQhSDMdAY0qnKrAyHKl3LwYSYaMBSfx6JUqweOLRHS8enizav7W6A/s4608/IMG_2573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW5FsieE6ztLVisZPnHPgVxmcz78jrDx34dIHginoW2nF6heIDKXKIUQlaIlNP-zFkDsoZGK0bMm1G-auoPqJ_f1ZWQwN7aSqqex2BsNInJAB7Dz5m3H_xQoAQwiWYSQTuu-EQEsQhSDMdAY0qnKrAyHKl3LwYSYaMBSfx6JUqweOLRHS8enizav7W6A/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">A blue heron near Westvale enjoyed the morning's warming sunshine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5IVXi6-XFpA8kH6MjKUMYvDEOMjhHMuMg3iO7oMrk-Pfbjdj23C_JDbQqSCM2qwk1lp7Jgck0HTHZYr_kuHNPww9vzt0U0iqs_9f1AmORvJ8kCq6h8TVifIWSaoqw9dOAWrpEVRsjHB6omm4zgHQdgUs4wrfrccr-yriFETqA27LHDh-JPCWFM3g0Uk/s4608/IMG_2558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5IVXi6-XFpA8kH6MjKUMYvDEOMjhHMuMg3iO7oMrk-Pfbjdj23C_JDbQqSCM2qwk1lp7Jgck0HTHZYr_kuHNPww9vzt0U0iqs_9f1AmORvJ8kCq6h8TVifIWSaoqw9dOAWrpEVRsjHB6omm4zgHQdgUs4wrfrccr-yriFETqA27LHDh-JPCWFM3g0Uk/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The view upriver in Westvale...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-_JYgJukRjrmTyddwWPHf2YpAQDMwfNZO9rc7YwugHQCWLr1PiJ9wfhIG7k1hpmmHdxG5ykRIHJNCkK_l6pGpKGwiCcC6s6WkIZsktuFLExNGO8i4R3lSLXKQ27F0DArmUx3clXFiN0xhzzaT4NvWqDniohhv8R2ox07uoF1uC7rsRQ9OVVKixtWjFI/s4608/IMG_2561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-_JYgJukRjrmTyddwWPHf2YpAQDMwfNZO9rc7YwugHQCWLr1PiJ9wfhIG7k1hpmmHdxG5ykRIHJNCkK_l6pGpKGwiCcC6s6WkIZsktuFLExNGO8i4R3lSLXKQ27F0DArmUx3clXFiN0xhzzaT4NvWqDniohhv8R2ox07uoF1uC7rsRQ9OVVKixtWjFI/s320/IMG_2561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><p>Trash from Monday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVc_cRJ-YykgvF2HAKjJlFbWwiDodIr-_ED2GXdLA-jK-Rg1XDKr1CFGhEg8T-H5umH4qtGAbpnWxmsbodA5xfQbRwbXs6Z4NkThT5sY40-LuDqUYdIpXBxDmySNL_ZDA5Zm2dHZPfOGOh1KdcHkCKI6WkePFuiDN6-H0g4kftal9nPmXoBxaJheyuek/s4608/IMG_2542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVc_cRJ-YykgvF2HAKjJlFbWwiDodIr-_ED2GXdLA-jK-Rg1XDKr1CFGhEg8T-H5umH4qtGAbpnWxmsbodA5xfQbRwbXs6Z4NkThT5sY40-LuDqUYdIpXBxDmySNL_ZDA5Zm2dHZPfOGOh1KdcHkCKI6WkePFuiDN6-H0g4kftal9nPmXoBxaJheyuek/s320/IMG_2542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...included 41 miniatures (aka nips) and balls for sports of all seasons.<br /><p>Trash from Wednesday...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AWMfBvD8Bs5M-KWhlaig6V4BmuJ_J3RgG49kmmCDEehyphenhyphenjbQeKT_D5GIQjG7HATQVLh-PXjUlIg6mfKrCH8AANVExojLrjoa2IjR9ld9wbtaMI3nmptOHpFs-Z2RLtpRq9RduqzoBYMRtPSpewHbHInhGUBYJ71e925kEXSVPK3_yN1xLKnmvstYZ7Bo/s4608/IMG_2548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AWMfBvD8Bs5M-KWhlaig6V4BmuJ_J3RgG49kmmCDEehyphenhyphenjbQeKT_D5GIQjG7HATQVLh-PXjUlIg6mfKrCH8AANVExojLrjoa2IjR9ld9wbtaMI3nmptOHpFs-Z2RLtpRq9RduqzoBYMRtPSpewHbHInhGUBYJ71e925kEXSVPK3_yN1xLKnmvstYZ7Bo/s320/IMG_2548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...where the lion's share of the trash was in this large plastic bag snagged on a tree limb...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRimuRzqM0oW9iB7rrj_jp17V_MZbCDTLWo59UnrBW0999DMC9u2gORn2qZC6QEaoGUbRFbi7EArJz33VF83jhjfwvTU7TsMb_6hBNovtXXDB-kGPcr7Kw-44zm61LhqoBiLMyXUrLpGHCps6X9FjxkToITw3GJL5TZfzvnduS0ygI7xouqUrtcRe-II/s4608/IMG_2546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRimuRzqM0oW9iB7rrj_jp17V_MZbCDTLWo59UnrBW0999DMC9u2gORn2qZC6QEaoGUbRFbi7EArJz33VF83jhjfwvTU7TsMb_6hBNovtXXDB-kGPcr7Kw-44zm61LhqoBiLMyXUrLpGHCps6X9FjxkToITw3GJL5TZfzvnduS0ygI7xouqUrtcRe-II/s320/IMG_2546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The bag contained all the fixin's for a family's day by the water including plastic water bottles, a plastic DD coffee bottle, Styrofoam cups, numerous plastic bags, utensils, and condiment containers<br /><p>Trash from Friday was light...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_-ybK3E2CisiBpKUwkKc-aexBMPXBShTXkaoqlr6A91yzDSUArllRp9J6DTDqPI72mYogGdMs-nXieHGvwQvgVBJTnGwmchivpdgze0rqZu0gxlcYQg0aKKDNZhbhoEeIYX-xdH6iM9IZzh6fAv0cO6729djkSogM9bAYcbxC_wonR9Ns2eSc4Q0u-E/s4608/IMG_2576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_-ybK3E2CisiBpKUwkKc-aexBMPXBShTXkaoqlr6A91yzDSUArllRp9J6DTDqPI72mYogGdMs-nXieHGvwQvgVBJTnGwmchivpdgze0rqZu0gxlcYQg0aKKDNZhbhoEeIYX-xdH6iM9IZzh6fAv0cO6729djkSogM9bAYcbxC_wonR9Ns2eSc4Q0u-E/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-69593740902651614152023-10-08T09:21:00.000-04:002023-10-08T09:21:14.577-04:00Three Rivers' Quieter Sides<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ239YeaBL1Qcy2wYfGJH83hwLng8VfOFocmOGNRyJgJiP-msR4-GBsJPb9h3oEUR478GxIFTuBjui4YuHDEiSzG1LIn1vkepBND2UuHCTQeTzauKIXcggdF9Lig61r30YSfR6LmTnVYaR7nVjNYzhH0BczSs3AYlPjQWqfkqmv2VChW_MUor6iFeemU/s4608/IMG_2469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ239YeaBL1Qcy2wYfGJH83hwLng8VfOFocmOGNRyJgJiP-msR4-GBsJPb9h3oEUR478GxIFTuBjui4YuHDEiSzG1LIn1vkepBND2UuHCTQeTzauKIXcggdF9Lig61r30YSfR6LmTnVYaR7nVjNYzhH0BczSs3AYlPjQWqfkqmv2VChW_MUor6iFeemU/w400-h300/IMG_2469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Got out on the more secluded sections of three eastern Massachusetts rivers this past week: the Charles River in Millis, MA on Monday; the Nashua River in Harvard, MA on Thursday; and the Sudbury in Lincoln, MA on Saturday. Starting early on Monday morning allowed a glimpse of our receding Harvest Moon...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4xwlh3MCMf-GAU6lCqjqT6viKvcVcd3VXnsNH2ZiE0g89RHKKgqekiKz1JrY3zogt67Op5I35f_TWmabWoB_jv98JD3okzuVqAoJsiTST_gj891cbP96g1HGDN4-tMyAdTvUOCvTyRXsComTa1ZYVDQ0t86QhCDxObrAmFdgKTUjVRy4NsvWijzTvFE/s4608/IMG_2466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4xwlh3MCMf-GAU6lCqjqT6viKvcVcd3VXnsNH2ZiE0g89RHKKgqekiKz1JrY3zogt67Op5I35f_TWmabWoB_jv98JD3okzuVqAoJsiTST_gj891cbP96g1HGDN4-tMyAdTvUOCvTyRXsComTa1ZYVDQ0t86QhCDxObrAmFdgKTUjVRy4NsvWijzTvFE/s320/IMG_2466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I launched from the US Army Corps of Engineers/Mass Dept. of Fish and Game Canoe Access on Forest Road in Millis and headed upriver...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvThLlpuSlvjjVLW_N6dNqnlXSIEL7zo7ZCIOqkB8aTxxQ7F0WjSkBjw4MNbyDcfEoNmW3U_W-MGevRfRaOg7WVvPnBYR0fCIu02pCg_eGI8Z5wPy-UCm_MG5zdeFn2MKHFIapc46EHVSQAA54RC4QWXkOzjJmLada3TyfaB97AVMK4uQZhQrXzV6HW_4/s4608/IMG_2484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvThLlpuSlvjjVLW_N6dNqnlXSIEL7zo7ZCIOqkB8aTxxQ7F0WjSkBjw4MNbyDcfEoNmW3U_W-MGevRfRaOg7WVvPnBYR0fCIu02pCg_eGI8Z5wPy-UCm_MG5zdeFn2MKHFIapc46EHVSQAA54RC4QWXkOzjJmLada3TyfaB97AVMK4uQZhQrXzV6HW_4/s320/IMG_2484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>High water levels on the Charles let me make it past Route 115 where shallow water and rocks usually stop my progress. The rocks, for the most part, were submerged. Took a break out of the current near Baltimore Street (opening photo) before continuing further to the shallows at Rockville...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0n8G4BPWWzLvRJ5RdZLj4LfZ9DckwF4M7LT5dE6mOfj5vC4_NeOMtQlvUE4X9c-m-BwojqAiMaI8w4RtEEX8o9ZrqpzzV5Ix9ge9lsVrJWqRCBYWqlJJiyomPk7dI96KUh9WikcCK8UnJfKydwsij7WvSdlYVrqWyQsRc-P1r7i_XryHVkqCD8see1o/s4608/IMG_2471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0n8G4BPWWzLvRJ5RdZLj4LfZ9DckwF4M7LT5dE6mOfj5vC4_NeOMtQlvUE4X9c-m-BwojqAiMaI8w4RtEEX8o9ZrqpzzV5Ix9ge9lsVrJWqRCBYWqlJJiyomPk7dI96KUh9WikcCK8UnJfKydwsij7WvSdlYVrqWyQsRc-P1r7i_XryHVkqCD8see1o/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...where a small islet divides the river's flow. This area once had water-powered mills and in 1818 was known as "Rock Bottom". At this point I turned around and enjoyed the easy paddle downriver to about a mile below Forest Road. Ron McAdow in his guidebook <i>The Charles River, Exploring Nature and History on Foot and by Canoe</i> described the stretch between Baltimore Street and Forest Road as "stunning" and further noted "with the exception of one modern house, the works of humanity are absent from this idyllic passage".<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><p>On Thursday another early morning start had me looking up at a fog-shrouded railroad bridge across the Nashua River...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVQ3Gby3FFhyphenhyphenyOqpTJEPm5nfBptGepZ0muAesN9i6perj03Uj0Wx15lRiAndJiH0-zX-wY8b4aJUWPRWjdn4WY6x9fokHNBYM8s_hLTe1dY7jppkAJvZJQdgjXM0CHmbfEiWICAgmJqe6tlECVogGm5aoiwYMVUTpJj-NPiKu6j6a7p4NgXkOXy14fzs/s4608/IMG_2488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVQ3Gby3FFhyphenhyphenyOqpTJEPm5nfBptGepZ0muAesN9i6perj03Uj0Wx15lRiAndJiH0-zX-wY8b4aJUWPRWjdn4WY6x9fokHNBYM8s_hLTe1dY7jppkAJvZJQdgjXM0CHmbfEiWICAgmJqe6tlECVogGm5aoiwYMVUTpJj-NPiKu6j6a7p4NgXkOXy14fzs/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I launched from the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge at the end of Still River Depot Road in Harvard, MA and headed upriver. Less than a mile up I came across this natural trash trap that looks to have been working overtime...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGatVUolH_3k70gVnfTERVBjwDBjwTHbuOgRtcodrJxx1u-cDg9AQgbRMTSosL_bdw0fEq3a3MehDPZwPu5eh_u4g69SnJihbiXFwdJrezcSxyepM24zQmDPj6Kd2ca4wixjAtydrQopLOBKSmtd9bf3QxMaDGm0cqrkAntg49sDRrbHHbyxpKFKIKOM/s4608/IMG_2490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGatVUolH_3k70gVnfTERVBjwDBjwTHbuOgRtcodrJxx1u-cDg9AQgbRMTSosL_bdw0fEq3a3MehDPZwPu5eh_u4g69SnJihbiXFwdJrezcSxyepM24zQmDPj6Kd2ca4wixjAtydrQopLOBKSmtd9bf3QxMaDGm0cqrkAntg49sDRrbHHbyxpKFKIKOM/s320/IMG_2490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...where the accumulated trash filled my boat and left the trap ready for more...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE8zmqSV9n-HyRYhiPd9pivl5J4BeL4LNaAq8MHo1BxKagryc-d-KGTzIXGlk_jKpm1Uez5DV_qtUal6ZJKA_kiu-2xsIBc1rvIkt96g4zoJATrlSXGcC2WVRbMBl6pLtjAOtlLQRJhHZCcL7TqXqDVp7KJJuDgH6aQWrijGfxlcdmi1lBVOZQTeoD2I/s4608/IMG_2491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE8zmqSV9n-HyRYhiPd9pivl5J4BeL4LNaAq8MHo1BxKagryc-d-KGTzIXGlk_jKpm1Uez5DV_qtUal6ZJKA_kiu-2xsIBc1rvIkt96g4zoJATrlSXGcC2WVRbMBl6pLtjAOtlLQRJhHZCcL7TqXqDVp7KJJuDgH6aQWrijGfxlcdmi1lBVOZQTeoD2I/s320/IMG_2491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Like the Charles, the Nashua was flowing with a strong current which was ideal for an up and back down paddle. Drifting back down around some sandy banks the fog had burned off...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeJeLYaUv4NBxUTwTVajuflnu8GnTIBmWowm_u0-b7SKY9HwtCd9l0Pf0uU-Q-u0iH79Bhp_hGGFgLYh9zupSpHg9zuk8LQ4wO_nBb2gIyqJG1jH4URjiHSpfK9ORftajnfU0mi9YTgD6NobWWCktFw69cip0Yuawm_cG6PgTcquhgR59GZ7htEgewYU/s4608/IMG_2498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeJeLYaUv4NBxUTwTVajuflnu8GnTIBmWowm_u0-b7SKY9HwtCd9l0Pf0uU-Q-u0iH79Bhp_hGGFgLYh9zupSpHg9zuk8LQ4wO_nBb2gIyqJG1jH4URjiHSpfK9ORftajnfU0mi9YTgD6NobWWCktFw69cip0Yuawm_cG6PgTcquhgR59GZ7htEgewYU/s320/IMG_2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and bits of fall color were seen here and there...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXz4N2VKtW7Fex1TvOx3pk5ga665M-GERnzZJhBIreDXWeM7aXOJC9QiwRX5Mbvgp0z_nHuDuhYb5PddRTFehn95In0-m3JXcDM-RGfDZT44vVoJW2ExovKLTMvZG-m1CExtUlPJp0j4o01a5X9KXb6JTlAalJGKlJAIZJ6Moe2tI17p8jRNMAutnJX0/s4608/IMG_2500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXz4N2VKtW7Fex1TvOx3pk5ga665M-GERnzZJhBIreDXWeM7aXOJC9QiwRX5Mbvgp0z_nHuDuhYb5PddRTFehn95In0-m3JXcDM-RGfDZT44vVoJW2ExovKLTMvZG-m1CExtUlPJp0j4o01a5X9KXb6JTlAalJGKlJAIZJ6Moe2tI17p8jRNMAutnJX0/s320/IMG_2500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Like the stretch of the Charles paddled on Monday, this section of the Nashua River has little in the way of man-made structures. </div><div><br /></div><div>Made it back down to the railroad bridge just as the tail end of an eastbound CSX freight was passing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7f1NROCmNzrZ1Esk4k4DVxWCZUDj_06Ckya6f8Iz7k8D_3W5mMaqKCxwUH2yJDrPVXJqh6EcQWQ4hMR8oZ1vDRRrB5AIOB25WG9zB1UZTKyLuUUd6zhHjag3H2ER8wvAgZgEProN5oJnnIUZX0KsBgwUYSrbUVdcuVVpulBZ6RlTTl7MjcjUvnIPN30/s4608/IMG_2506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7f1NROCmNzrZ1Esk4k4DVxWCZUDj_06Ckya6f8Iz7k8D_3W5mMaqKCxwUH2yJDrPVXJqh6EcQWQ4hMR8oZ1vDRRrB5AIOB25WG9zB1UZTKyLuUUd6zhHjag3H2ER8wvAgZgEProN5oJnnIUZX0KsBgwUYSrbUVdcuVVpulBZ6RlTTl7MjcjUvnIPN30/s320/IMG_2506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The recent upgrading of the tracks has freight trains moving along at 25 mph where previous to the upgrade they were restricted to 10 mph.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Finished my paddling week with a Saturday morning paddle of the Sudbury River from the Lincoln Canoe Launch. Conditions were cloudy and cool with the predicted rain holding off...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2QVFEvAR_yU0BDq_HkBPrMy9A9tnPCznAoowqhss6PpyXFZ0znqgQvvX6SVRqeW0GPC_YANEEGSrDrwNYwUn9TnRDsaW-g7XqQ-TMxdy8hlXNH7dkUz64hLA2i7ttyfJDdg6SqqGUkvsSnMDjheqR3M7VvpVDb2us1FPgnsOYNi-QaCm-_JuuCNowH8/s4608/IMG_2521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2QVFEvAR_yU0BDq_HkBPrMy9A9tnPCznAoowqhss6PpyXFZ0znqgQvvX6SVRqeW0GPC_YANEEGSrDrwNYwUn9TnRDsaW-g7XqQ-TMxdy8hlXNH7dkUz64hLA2i7ttyfJDdg6SqqGUkvsSnMDjheqR3M7VvpVDb2us1FPgnsOYNi-QaCm-_JuuCNowH8/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Fall foliage brightened things up a bit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrRg02VS-T0bSJh-xwhRczJEHyuBFKjVhVpOLig52Zz5eOqOW78P3BMaMnsMRTpetT58pmbNUCHRxBILUpE6XAuEDnfBxpQ6XTMDFwlHjFNJtbbol0dh8n8AS-6xc0NnzC81-9vf-1luKnjgSMjSQhQq7-UTyTfNARl06oi8ysQrcsfpxZgyOtmCWxPo/s4608/IMG_2513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrRg02VS-T0bSJh-xwhRczJEHyuBFKjVhVpOLig52Zz5eOqOW78P3BMaMnsMRTpetT58pmbNUCHRxBILUpE6XAuEDnfBxpQ6XTMDFwlHjFNJtbbol0dh8n8AS-6xc0NnzC81-9vf-1luKnjgSMjSQhQq7-UTyTfNARl06oi8ysQrcsfpxZgyOtmCWxPo/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Encountered 2 fellow paddlers in racing kayaks...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqb7NbCdaWyf30oHU3O39Ki1IW3rpFby4-g9LoqmsgkZG4Ew-241NIFaD9H-kipHZElq0SAdJozi37XZT3YZE6W8TGVi745GjC_0Vybp8mgRjS6N_ay6Pn54f1WcnIIHxOsgPNu4QTrXpzcAHidvcdi1ITtQiKVVKYRrYcTEMo2ZB9wFmeeLuwWwQ1g/s4608/IMG_2528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqb7NbCdaWyf30oHU3O39Ki1IW3rpFby4-g9LoqmsgkZG4Ew-241NIFaD9H-kipHZElq0SAdJozi37XZT3YZE6W8TGVi745GjC_0Vybp8mgRjS6N_ay6Pn54f1WcnIIHxOsgPNu4QTrXpzcAHidvcdi1ITtQiKVVKYRrYcTEMo2ZB9wFmeeLuwWwQ1g/s320/IMG_2528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...who were getting in a 30-mile training paddle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stopped at Weir Hill where a kiosk describes how Native Americans once harvested what the river offered at this spot...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT7WoTjNn_p6NunJ3ETqaWnczNdoJW2co195ZrcWVe0kBB2EGIgBJm5CJcAzZi5Ezy9vB3HYHQ3kRKQ1MTvMs8cEW7r41BtSStlSbVX-8TmKgom3rgyiLa4HiF15NGsj8n_T2NUe-C8PdexR5jED9dKtiqg-8Gd5HucggwlV7bd1NNd8OVCDIV0kV0Zs/s4608/IMG_2524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT7WoTjNn_p6NunJ3ETqaWnczNdoJW2co195ZrcWVe0kBB2EGIgBJm5CJcAzZi5Ezy9vB3HYHQ3kRKQ1MTvMs8cEW7r41BtSStlSbVX-8TmKgom3rgyiLa4HiF15NGsj8n_T2NUe-C8PdexR5jED9dKtiqg-8Gd5HucggwlV7bd1NNd8OVCDIV0kV0Zs/w400-h300/IMG_2524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The kiosk stands at the base of a wooded hill where, even today, it's easy to envision the fish weir being worked. All the more appropriate for Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.<br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Trash from the Charles on Monday which included 13 miniature (nip) bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YbBsPKwoYhnJDp1mgR7r7cManJ1YKV0Rj7QcT7c8Xhek_S2HD3KYj0LsTWLg6eSZFh8yBoEXMuEinstUwCvRKDleM9JUkf-A-VIPCbD0DA-e7u5kQaC7lbu46GU6LtNuiN3sDv7F0jM_OjeLM3Ow_btcnqu_QyB_46PM6PaJ1sFWoQy9gUqeDeKcSRc/s4608/IMG_2481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YbBsPKwoYhnJDp1mgR7r7cManJ1YKV0Rj7QcT7c8Xhek_S2HD3KYj0LsTWLg6eSZFh8yBoEXMuEinstUwCvRKDleM9JUkf-A-VIPCbD0DA-e7u5kQaC7lbu46GU6LtNuiN3sDv7F0jM_OjeLM3Ow_btcnqu_QyB_46PM6PaJ1sFWoQy9gUqeDeKcSRc/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Nashua on Thursday which included 153 miniature (nip) bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEayFD01gdI_uHm2eESvZKguYzLKdN3TxKvAnV0t59whpTSD2n_xUX5SAi8MHcIgGhXHJx9bOd96h4t-1A2hA17-jd7h1R2KL8oPlO9OnR0ptcp-wxknazRKcBQD9N7c9IaCpnRCUU8dlCWlRngAkAKTJWLCZzilrhAFCFwufhzHK2J5uEqx02Kzgiy4k/s4608/IMG_2494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEayFD01gdI_uHm2eESvZKguYzLKdN3TxKvAnV0t59whpTSD2n_xUX5SAi8MHcIgGhXHJx9bOd96h4t-1A2hA17-jd7h1R2KL8oPlO9OnR0ptcp-wxknazRKcBQD9N7c9IaCpnRCUU8dlCWlRngAkAKTJWLCZzilrhAFCFwufhzHK2J5uEqx02Kzgiy4k/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Trash from the Sudbury on Saturday was slim pickins'...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5qEvo2bKUMR4n00qVySLUAhWKhpc6Gj79BnZ5JA4fEBvTIsMyk5wfKNWjSmzOhOXvyxMT7KahMl5HqAD4xJ7GDAqGo4olAsU_aO7knI5XR9OPFOKJfw8ukYzEKYs_whJT9ew0fPU6eqE1f2beFH_i9ZIQURF7MNjrzHnlPuWpaezZgQ2on9H_Vf9Xnk/s4608/IMG_2531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5qEvo2bKUMR4n00qVySLUAhWKhpc6Gj79BnZ5JA4fEBvTIsMyk5wfKNWjSmzOhOXvyxMT7KahMl5HqAD4xJ7GDAqGo4olAsU_aO7knI5XR9OPFOKJfw8ukYzEKYs_whJT9ew0fPU6eqE1f2beFH_i9ZIQURF7MNjrzHnlPuWpaezZgQ2on9H_Vf9Xnk/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303616362929302466.post-3309755128621756482023-09-30T14:51:00.000-04:002023-09-30T14:51:37.579-04:00Egg Rock to Monadnock<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2YiAZAMbOy-ntDNNOOUbrMuVevpf6kUsT-CBeHUxVyfbGGEfsy3SD5OC5f-9rackDIX6_r2JqK7uEv-h-z9AiCdfnANELBO-Cg5j5UUgxF5t9E-V2xTHzVVbwhWbOUglMrweoRkGRlDhu8HlhQrfmblfrjGi8fUrYh3oWt4fWlG2-Ct9igAB4G9A40g/s4608/IMG_2363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2YiAZAMbOy-ntDNNOOUbrMuVevpf6kUsT-CBeHUxVyfbGGEfsy3SD5OC5f-9rackDIX6_r2JqK7uEv-h-z9AiCdfnANELBO-Cg5j5UUgxF5t9E-V2xTHzVVbwhWbOUglMrweoRkGRlDhu8HlhQrfmblfrjGi8fUrYh3oWt4fWlG2-Ct9igAB4G9A40g/w400-h300/IMG_2363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kind of an odd week that started with a look at the Egg Rock inscription in Concord, MA which has been partially submerged pretty much the whole season. Upon heading upriver on the Assabet I attempted to get a photo of a good-sized beaver swimming by...but instead, just as I snapped my camera, his powerful tail-slap filled the air with droplets against a bit of fall foliage...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsI_5JYL3UQmf6lNbyfRTTO3gfgEIZK3KPT8kaGlQk5AyEQAkue8poE058Wvqzql4ITPDM0j_ytDaVvwwu1fj8ySJHdf808sNd0Un3Z1XrpHXrmZfrbPByCZG_KUIS-ypS6fvz52-S3ZeIPNGkAV6GhNyQcUvbU0YgtOxbdPI3TPCYf4MZDmPMd8Sho/s4608/IMG_2365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVsI_5JYL3UQmf6lNbyfRTTO3gfgEIZK3KPT8kaGlQk5AyEQAkue8poE058Wvqzql4ITPDM0j_ytDaVvwwu1fj8ySJHdf808sNd0Un3Z1XrpHXrmZfrbPByCZG_KUIS-ypS6fvz52-S3ZeIPNGkAV6GhNyQcUvbU0YgtOxbdPI3TPCYf4MZDmPMd8Sho/w400-h300/IMG_2365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Other oddities included what looked like a wedged "Wilson"...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zsMY9MAGhuNNk5OfdvnH7zt8vd7kUtRtOiAA11v3_0dloLcgjAa3bHQnnogFIEzFGuyAb-8u3hAl4JkqD44pCj7trKfMIK34dg00gHQMbIBid4Ai8SyYWR7ZY49NkFe8axkJYPrRINZyLDRffnpKFU_AhJOdK4UgwmQyB1FWLgsE8m4EwN3t6LoxJKU/s4608/IMG_2369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zsMY9MAGhuNNk5OfdvnH7zt8vd7kUtRtOiAA11v3_0dloLcgjAa3bHQnnogFIEzFGuyAb-8u3hAl4JkqD44pCj7trKfMIK34dg00gHQMbIBid4Ai8SyYWR7ZY49NkFe8axkJYPrRINZyLDRffnpKFU_AhJOdK4UgwmQyB1FWLgsE8m4EwN3t6LoxJKU/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...and some fleshy mushrooms growing beneath the base of this recently blown-down tree...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGob4XYr_7tEnfvxl9Rg-qRG6QqinXDdbs2BE8xNH0Cg7OsId2nPNkzfknb-DdzvRT0EAXIOILffslnXZGy-TjbdzYtNA05vMYwFywYNu9f-aEJlUH6inTWZk_qbGEyD0Kg5mZqtvLfUe9wsSgYLIZ9hFxiAIXMLAyfwtOEJyympMzRe3Nk7KzaGzfXuE/s4608/IMG_2366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGob4XYr_7tEnfvxl9Rg-qRG6QqinXDdbs2BE8xNH0Cg7OsId2nPNkzfknb-DdzvRT0EAXIOILffslnXZGy-TjbdzYtNA05vMYwFywYNu9f-aEJlUH6inTWZk_qbGEyD0Kg5mZqtvLfUe9wsSgYLIZ9hFxiAIXMLAyfwtOEJyympMzRe3Nk7KzaGzfXuE/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...leaving me to wonder if they were growing under the tree before it fell over.<div><br /></div><div>Another blob-like mushroom was found on Brooke Island in the Sudbury River...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVR7faBn96NPkDjTF4Rf3ghjCb82tognOLpej1adxF1c3eor-AsAENeuegI3A8ij_JzbgmKsspKisu9yfTJrqh3JxV9HjSgxZPrOSQhSshZRtDGMXlYTfmXLbTro1uoipjdXIe8js9iYGFgsdnrQ4qNZpFAZOFSmbd6snRK1x_2Q9yYc2aYq-WLCoQOs/s4608/IMG_2435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVR7faBn96NPkDjTF4Rf3ghjCb82tognOLpej1adxF1c3eor-AsAENeuegI3A8ij_JzbgmKsspKisu9yfTJrqh3JxV9HjSgxZPrOSQhSshZRtDGMXlYTfmXLbTro1uoipjdXIe8js9iYGFgsdnrQ4qNZpFAZOFSmbd6snRK1x_2Q9yYc2aYq-WLCoQOs/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A mid week trip to a man-made lake straddling the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border provided more than a few unusual signs...</div><div><br /></div><div>The "Welcome" sign is located next to an informal boat launch for hand-carried boats...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKx9OKyWGFKaJzZ-vRtafrT9Fw_DsMbtB3SAQDYngeczji5U4UzUXIGkonCszmgXMfsEOWjSk5VrD0sHT-vgeM2SLbfvwriUFDEXC-AQY2yb8I_LVa05k8EIWHus-CGHOPJwulVi2TKh_OzJuMiynwttygZ3JERpEkanFoiBg87aY1_3pLoAnry1ZWHk/s4608/IMG_2426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKx9OKyWGFKaJzZ-vRtafrT9Fw_DsMbtB3SAQDYngeczji5U4UzUXIGkonCszmgXMfsEOWjSk5VrD0sHT-vgeM2SLbfvwriUFDEXC-AQY2yb8I_LVa05k8EIWHus-CGHOPJwulVi2TKh_OzJuMiynwttygZ3JERpEkanFoiBg87aY1_3pLoAnry1ZWHk/s320/IMG_2426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...however due to its jagged-rock slope to the water it needs to be traversed with care. I found out about the boat launch from the <i>Massachusetts Paddler</i> website.<br /><div><br /></div><div>There's no shortage of Private Property signs along the lake's shoreline...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQzURiSFCL1gdMRC_KDTgYK_aWdGK1yqtNn7ezdxKa840X9LW3bojSJeem28FjyJZiodslbinklSk2HZ2eg3kasU7qVOm9wpJkZG7E8RHCVLW5V1uDBFUAlf4qz8UgNvr-RO4A2acShyxHE7zrEmj1X0cbY14E0dosaYmrzsuh6u6UTeVFDNaOfMI-B8/s4608/IMG_2379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQzURiSFCL1gdMRC_KDTgYK_aWdGK1yqtNn7ezdxKa840X9LW3bojSJeem28FjyJZiodslbinklSk2HZ2eg3kasU7qVOm9wpJkZG7E8RHCVLW5V1uDBFUAlf4qz8UgNvr-RO4A2acShyxHE7zrEmj1X0cbY14E0dosaYmrzsuh6u6UTeVFDNaOfMI-B8/s320/IMG_2379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>...but only one of these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFzauvuE4VXS0eDPdY1SceeRrnAgK9m5sMgGIqeg5lXitMfXQhwF093l1vKKuHgXfdHXwvMjLaPrrQccgmJ_JaB-eJkPOVK1Fpi4K625mqEG391Q512wozA8LsMk8NLH1Hr0MAYjqM5kBxxocXH6xapFk-agMd9V7HNP-SkqTKNvQmZ0E3C4YyQZAEVQ/s4608/IMG_2421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFzauvuE4VXS0eDPdY1SceeRrnAgK9m5sMgGIqeg5lXitMfXQhwF093l1vKKuHgXfdHXwvMjLaPrrQccgmJ_JaB-eJkPOVK1Fpi4K625mqEG391Q512wozA8LsMk8NLH1Hr0MAYjqM5kBxxocXH6xapFk-agMd9V7HNP-SkqTKNvQmZ0E3C4YyQZAEVQ/s320/IMG_2421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In addition to the many signs is a ship, the Santa Maria, seemingly emerging from the woods...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CSn6f6eBGPTV4qXyqRenSRVODoCl-gnXWNcQITPVCkvcUM2IBLMPe9rOCn1-pXaTBzXH0eF_-I_k-V7Bl_oC6wUobUHmf33EfsynpOod7BvYaBL3OyPIaEFR_tLmzy1xVLR14q3om3fQ-QwJ1WBNCos-EJ5kQNQ2Wt99ePUE17_nfBlFq40CDyZqVSI/s4608/IMG_2418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CSn6f6eBGPTV4qXyqRenSRVODoCl-gnXWNcQITPVCkvcUM2IBLMPe9rOCn1-pXaTBzXH0eF_-I_k-V7Bl_oC6wUobUHmf33EfsynpOod7BvYaBL3OyPIaEFR_tLmzy1xVLR14q3om3fQ-QwJ1WBNCos-EJ5kQNQ2Wt99ePUE17_nfBlFq40CDyZqVSI/s320/IMG_2418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The lake also has a few stunted lighthouses to guide such vessels...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmFKmuBPRF-8e_AmVK2GZgGC6CTsw1osUCd39EwKG6BkkIohWARD2XNGBVL360M3LNs23G8s_TkoiExBP2M8vJh1upnci1vn9IOiMMBRY3H-DD3CY0gFNQQdYs-ntW03CHi6inpl8kJNpHkwNZ6iIweKrt9DwgJjGQWaOI44gK02phWmvHNxFB97DgGo/s4608/IMG_2408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmFKmuBPRF-8e_AmVK2GZgGC6CTsw1osUCd39EwKG6BkkIohWARD2XNGBVL360M3LNs23G8s_TkoiExBP2M8vJh1upnci1vn9IOiMMBRY3H-DD3CY0gFNQQdYs-ntW03CHi6inpl8kJNpHkwNZ6iIweKrt9DwgJjGQWaOI44gK02phWmvHNxFB97DgGo/s320/IMG_2408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70OPlNWBguuuQdI_d-6vs3wkp_6HqIqaXM1uukxP_3VJgxINZAwgSJdbP6mPDuZ1tUyzPK2lj-Iolvc40I-OvVnxnuTHXIrBAX8__WgDOI-pZmT85eLhhUyJVQN81CMO2yoKfVUyutlkCwkEq_B71Q0jXlhJjU2fNa4uf0ESmWz3fzVPTXME7nQ1RfWA/s4608/IMG_2374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70OPlNWBguuuQdI_d-6vs3wkp_6HqIqaXM1uukxP_3VJgxINZAwgSJdbP6mPDuZ1tUyzPK2lj-Iolvc40I-OvVnxnuTHXIrBAX8__WgDOI-pZmT85eLhhUyJVQN81CMO2yoKfVUyutlkCwkEq_B71Q0jXlhJjU2fNa4uf0ESmWz3fzVPTXME7nQ1RfWA/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Monomonac is almost 3 miles in length with about a third of it in Winchendon, MA and two thirds in Rindge, NH. It was created by the damming of the Miller River's North Branch way back in Colonial times...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDrHR4f9AKyy7WNZOAkiUirp6bojFewBoRqQcTNuPlq42Gbm1k3OSjXpBpj3OCpHDp4XFS0WUON5gsSyqM-C2Hk0VVh_BeSFJ7HwyeKdlqS-gKqYUPLhO8X4eTTc0OWXZ9dGrDp9Wq6gaxU41xT39wsHtQfWItvjJUNu_QY2K2KvjYrEAn9I29AjqEmk/s4608/IMG_2380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDrHR4f9AKyy7WNZOAkiUirp6bojFewBoRqQcTNuPlq42Gbm1k3OSjXpBpj3OCpHDp4XFS0WUON5gsSyqM-C2Hk0VVh_BeSFJ7HwyeKdlqS-gKqYUPLhO8X4eTTc0OWXZ9dGrDp9Wq6gaxU41xT39wsHtQfWItvjJUNu_QY2K2KvjYrEAn9I29AjqEmk/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I've long been looking to paddle Monomonac's waters as they constitute the headwaters of the Millers River, and was hoping to get a view of Mount Monadnock from the lake. Also figured an eagle sighting would be in the offing. However a steady northeasterly breeze was bringing in forest fire related haze from Maritime Canada for most of my time there. Thinking I'd struck out on both possibilities I reached the lake's southwestern corner and turned about to begin the trip back to my starting point. Just then an eagle flew overhead against the hazed-over sun...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnZZQixFUf7aCcpiS_6h_oKkib9tLLXYy5Ml8qNjr6qGc5ynrBKxg34tBNkIQss47cpMR49QcGVvBBlnpEgs4Zoc3oPcNlbH3X1O_u-KZzg_fLPiEg73kwCsUnGNL5S_uyeYQv-it1DApLM-xm691EiKYHSR4Mln5jT9VXrJfgevSsduFmQIIFE7Xvgk/s4608/IMG_2410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnZZQixFUf7aCcpiS_6h_oKkib9tLLXYy5Ml8qNjr6qGc5ynrBKxg34tBNkIQss47cpMR49QcGVvBBlnpEgs4Zoc3oPcNlbH3X1O_u-KZzg_fLPiEg73kwCsUnGNL5S_uyeYQv-it1DApLM-xm691EiKYHSR4Mln5jT9VXrJfgevSsduFmQIIFE7Xvgk/s320/IMG_2410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and as I followed its line of flight to the north, there was a looming Mount Monadnock...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcieL81AhrwhkxYe1jRWeSNASe6gZbZV1lbB6vcMT3mXYKB-a41J6osZSTyBI8i1GheqdedKkGbbwvVr4I6sN-rpms3W8bIJj22FP-GFjMgZMrQR69hVhTFcF5L-VmRohdOV67Ffw_Y3QfCJgMLGHDLu1ABsU1aFj6eXfhH28kpu7uaI3gZ7QLKLqt4OU/s4608/IMG_2416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcieL81AhrwhkxYe1jRWeSNASe6gZbZV1lbB6vcMT3mXYKB-a41J6osZSTyBI8i1GheqdedKkGbbwvVr4I6sN-rpms3W8bIJj22FP-GFjMgZMrQR69hVhTFcF5L-VmRohdOV67Ffw_Y3QfCJgMLGHDLu1ABsU1aFj6eXfhH28kpu7uaI3gZ7QLKLqt4OU/s320/IMG_2416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Glad I waited until the shoulder season to visit Monomonac as nearly all of the lake's wide variety of watercraft were sitting idle at their docks. I recall seeing somewhere that, later in the fall, the lake is lowered a few feet to make room for the spring run-off.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During the entire week very few boats were seen on the water. In fact the only other paddler seen was Mrs. Trashpaddler...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYgdypttPbji-L8wM-nxZTTLT2b_rqF6Jca0ItXHZLCiwbgYk3FRv-DYpxB2ZL9XlPjgEdxFp33taJFp8ARKnyIBJEepgCQwOlGWo0JuwnidrMYrCLozgL3_y3CvHxlpAE-wgGBv9Ti48bDC9tNlumgheUtdNHiYSbjqGH36QBqvYFakPdk-T7NsZY2I/s4608/IMG_2427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYgdypttPbji-L8wM-nxZTTLT2b_rqF6Jca0ItXHZLCiwbgYk3FRv-DYpxB2ZL9XlPjgEdxFp33taJFp8ARKnyIBJEepgCQwOlGWo0JuwnidrMYrCLozgL3_y3CvHxlpAE-wgGBv9Ti48bDC9tNlumgheUtdNHiYSbjqGH36QBqvYFakPdk-T7NsZY2I/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...when she and I enjoyed having the Sudbury River's Fairhaven Bay all to ourselves on Thursday.<div><br /><div>Ended the week Friday on the Assabet River in Stow, MA paddling between Fort Meadow and Elizabeth brooks. A mute swan family passed the time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY2pqb1E1GEzASpvmgyhZg-2VZOze96TixZxZ9zHrvV4c7xjw5iITKF9ZKEXwo6N-dyGfX93ntJDqN7ospV4i-aVeibviFhhkT_aqdAgl0ls807YkxiOkRV13CTSLHVce35-pWVcAbse07D9ZDM74ewot2cDZrhN6FcwnFRKTzAyhKTf89OEaKXHQ_KE/s4608/IMG_2451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY2pqb1E1GEzASpvmgyhZg-2VZOze96TixZxZ9zHrvV4c7xjw5iITKF9ZKEXwo6N-dyGfX93ntJDqN7ospV4i-aVeibviFhhkT_aqdAgl0ls807YkxiOkRV13CTSLHVce35-pWVcAbse07D9ZDM74ewot2cDZrhN6FcwnFRKTzAyhKTf89OEaKXHQ_KE/s320/IMG_2451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Trash from Sunday on the Assabet included 6 miniature (aka nip) bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH_w4sVFHIyK5dTcwCJJ2wAb1DBIcVqDV95fInunNuFjXYApjlpHii7EMHxOnEtnGiSO38yAgfcVo5BQEILH_wJ7CTWQX_lJSDo641zuWFmSA8Dc0NdnJqjt6ARcDJY58H1ALP95n_DU8hhjz208XSOBboHBmUkJFQBALY0RKUs71nZ91LoLENfN6TeY/s4608/IMG_2372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH_w4sVFHIyK5dTcwCJJ2wAb1DBIcVqDV95fInunNuFjXYApjlpHii7EMHxOnEtnGiSO38yAgfcVo5BQEILH_wJ7CTWQX_lJSDo641zuWFmSA8Dc0NdnJqjt6ARcDJY58H1ALP95n_DU8hhjz208XSOBboHBmUkJFQBALY0RKUs71nZ91LoLENfN6TeY/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Trash from a virtually trash-free Lake Monomonac included only 1 miniature (aka nip) bottle ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVTrikFkmbW4stOvXWfvrPVmSi9wC1FdYJqdemdTDwsYGz66PCwk2A5utjC6euCbmhq8DMmUmN9J1kWHMrG69rzI3T3e8G1RpPtwr4kouuOCAj8sWFIiQoeun1M4xEPdtFxkFYKyG44I-SgRcgAVU1Ms_h3ZUiugQwcA7y62dW7xgogfda2qJD6BgyfM/s4608/IMG_2424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVTrikFkmbW4stOvXWfvrPVmSi9wC1FdYJqdemdTDwsYGz66PCwk2A5utjC6euCbmhq8DMmUmN9J1kWHMrG69rzI3T3e8G1RpPtwr4kouuOCAj8sWFIiQoeun1M4xEPdtFxkFYKyG44I-SgRcgAVU1Ms_h3ZUiugQwcA7y62dW7xgogfda2qJD6BgyfM/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Trash from the Assabet in Stow included 10 miniature (aka nip) bottles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucpNbNrbaxFzWZUKTiSqrxv5YSoEI5UYONDVsCUEO-WuYdshFAEVHdOJhT06z50lhtM-iLAl8Sbu3wvk0snCaVZii3n6WZtTIfbWmIjxGQH-gsV3yMB_0YKyKuy7sW_etlCF4ibhI7_TrpsXyQizE0wdinZnC3vEJIoaFAhVB61HlWuEocBkvhYUUFI/s4608/IMG_2459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucpNbNrbaxFzWZUKTiSqrxv5YSoEI5UYONDVsCUEO-WuYdshFAEVHdOJhT06z50lhtM-iLAl8Sbu3wvk0snCaVZii3n6WZtTIfbWmIjxGQH-gsV3yMB_0YKyKuy7sW_etlCF4ibhI7_TrpsXyQizE0wdinZnC3vEJIoaFAhVB61HlWuEocBkvhYUUFI/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10069551145364947240noreply@blogger.com0