No use in wasting time now that Life has offered me the opportunity to turn my attention more fully to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island landscape. So for two days I set out to see what might be found.
Starting out in Franklin County, I attempted a long overdue return to Camp Rock, first seen MANY years ago. Unfortunately most of the roads leading in are closed off. I tried a different approach on this day, only to find myself once again blocked by a DCR gate. Eventually, I may have to hike some distance to get in, but I have one more approach to try.
Next up was Pelham Brook, which I found very flooded on my visit there in late April. I finally set about to further work the postcards of the Profile Rock/Stone Face. Some years ago, I made a very iffy call that it was one particular boulder in the edge of the stream. Reviewing my photography over the past winter, had me doubting that 'conclusion'. Another boulder in a series of photos taken, seemed to have some slight, definitive, signs of that profile on the postcard. Albeit that the rock had been beaten up from almost a century of laying in a stream that is prone to regular, heavy flooding.
So, much was gathered on both the theorized site and the previously one, including some better, more definitive, locations. And then it was time to move on.
It was over the Connecticut River, then down to more fully explore the area surrounding the Rattlesnake Gutter. This included a 'mystery' left to us regarding a small cave(s) from the old WPA Depression era book: Massachusetts Guide. Nothing much for 'new' caves was found although someone from the local area mentioned there might be. This only sets the stage for a future investigation.
Camping in a local State Forest, was followed the next morning by a look at the nearby Indian Kettles. Then time to head over to the east side of the Quabbin Reservoir to begin a look into reported Indian caves. Some tough hiking at two locations (one previously visited eight years ago) did not yield the caves. This is something that will be worked later when it's cooler, less buggy, and visibility is greatly enhanced. However, the highlight of the day was making two new contacts from the local town.
