This returned us to the general area of the Potholes, located in the Jacob's Ladder region, explored a couple times in the past. But we brought along a cellar hole expert to scope out a number of previously unknown/unseen cellar remains. The area had been logged and traveling was rough. One member had not yet seen the Potholes so he headed off with another knowledgeable member to look at that. The rest of us picked our war through a heavily rutted forest roads back to our cars.
I joined hike leader Liz for a look at the Shatterack Trail leading from Montgomery into Russell and eventually Unkamit's Path. Frankie the Frenchie provided the necessary moral support! Besides the outstanding views this ridge offers, there are also magnificent outcrops of minerals. We did notice the trail was in need of general maintenance.
This was the first of a couple 'pre-hikes' for an upcoming Hilltown Hiker group hike. The area focused on the old Huckleberry Trolley route north of Jacob's Ladder in Becket, to almost the the Mass Pike. Each trip often brings 'new' discoveries!
A chance to finally catch a great trail system down at Stanley Park in Westfield! Much of the trails run close to the Westfield River and old millstones from Tekoa Mountain and Falley's gun were placed here. There were a number of more 'local attractions' including memorials such as the Prayer Boulder. Of course, what would a park be without a pond and its ducks!
This particular hike with the Hilltowen Hikers encompassed Ashley Lake and the Sandwash Reservoir. Along the way way were two quarries, with at least one connected to glass making operations. I ditched out before quarry # 2 due to illness but still caught a beautiful fountain whose purpose, I believe, was to aerate the water from Sandwash.
No - not another sequel in the horror movie series, a large saw exists in Chester that was the center of a stone cutting and finishing operations. The property is now in the hands of the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers. We are working on a cleanup and making it accessible in the future to the public. Besides the saw are old foundations and equipment. Not surprisingly, many old pieces of granite lay about.
This was where stone from the Becket quarry went to. Some got finished, others went directly to remote locations.
With Fall all about it seemed appropriate to take to the road once again. Something that unfortunately has been on the wane in recent years. The choice was the South Shore, making base camp down at Wompatuck State Park. Lately, I've billed many of these travels as the Farewell Tour of an aging old man. If I can go half as long as the Rolling Stones, I will consider myself fortunate.
However, on the way to the Shore, I stopped in at Middlesex County to check on a couple cave sites not seen in about a quarter century, First was the Salem Witches (or Witch) Caves. Although just a ledge of tumbled boulders, it has been said it once had small caves that refugees from the witch hysteria in Salem took refuge. My examination found one VERY small 'cave' running parallel to the slope of the ledge. I also checked the access/neighborhood situation to seed one more house had sprung up adjacent to the site since my 1998 visit.
The next stop in town proved more 'interesting' as a small cave known as the Devil's Den (sometimes: Indian Cave) was damaged during construction of a local high school soccer field. Ringed off by a fence, my 'backdoor' approach could only get me to the outcrop containing the cave but not within a visual angle of the cave. I finished off in this town with a first time look at Pout Rock, marking the site of an old Native American fordway (crossing) on Cold Spring Brook.
It was on then to Plymouth County and a look at House Rock. It has been some years since my last visit, and there is a crude trail system running on the property behind the boulder which I availed myself of. Taking the necessary photos of the big rock (said to be the largest in Massachusetts) I then made my way to set up camp.
On the morning of the second day, I headed down to the old Scituate Lighthouse. It was surrounded by scaffolding and fence as part of a rehabilitation process. This fence even blocked access to a lower section of seawall that is my usual entrance to beach and shoreline. A number of worthy rocks such as the Pebble and Castle Rock can be found just to the NNW of this point at low tide.
So moving on I went farther down the coast, but just inland a bit, to Marshfield. Here is a little known King Philip's Rock for which I have no story other than its name. Although it is upon conservation land, it butts up against a somewhat modern housing development. There is really no trail to it (other than a short one near the property entrance) but it was finally located.
Back up to Scituate, I pulled out the kayak and my new style paddle for a tryout on The Gulf. High tide was rolling in and I could not imagine just how high it would go! Making my way to Landing Rock (past site of baptisms) the water was so high I could not disembark for photos. So it was back to the put-in where the water was way overlapping the shore. Enough for that day!
Moving on to the third day. I dropped into a neat coffee shop with baked goods down in Scituate. While sitting there looking out over the harbor, I realized low tide was well on its way, and the nearby Nubian Head Rock would be left high and dry. So I set out for a series of photographs despite working with a tripod that had broke the day before. Photographs done, I moved up the coast to the Minot section of town and Pulpit Rock. I got a good chance to photograph this from an almost completely different angle than the last time I was through here. Although I would have liked to take on The Cave/Devil's Den just up the coast, access here is a bit sketchy so I 'beat feet' back towards Minot only stopping for a quick look at the Old Man of the Rocks. A bit indistinct and you have to know just what you're looking for.\
Not far away I finally got in to get some reasonably decent photos of Aunt Betsy's Rock. Checked out a trail head in the neighborhood for some conservation property (Hubbell Preserve) and returned to Marshfield for a quick trip on their 'rail trail' to The Cave, an abandoned tomb.
Day Four brought things mostly to a close. I broke camp the next morning choosing to drag my aching, aging body back to Western Massachusetts. But before that, I slipped in to the very southern edge of Quincy to get my first look at the Abigail Adams Cairn.
"From this spot, with her son, John Quincy Adams, then a boy of seven, by her side Abigail Adams watched the smoke of burning Charleston, while listening to the guns of Bunker Hill. Saturday, 17 June, 1775."
From here, it was out to Squantum. This somewhat hidden gem has numerous offerings. The sea, a walk to an island, an old slate quarry and numerous sites represented on old postcards. I made my way to what has been called Squaw Rock, although I hear they may be trying to retire that name. But it is always good to visit this site. First up was another cairn dedicated to Myles Standish and Squanto. I looked a bit for the Ben Butler profile (presumably deteriorated by the elements over time), saw what old relics remained from a bygone era, and re-located the old slate quarry. On the way out, I stopped at Moswetuset Hummock.
"The location was the seat of the ruling Moswetuset Sac'hem (Native American chief) Chickatawbut. During the warm season he conducted tribal council here. Members of the Moswetuset (Massachusett) tribe for centuries made the shore of Quincy Bay their seasonal home."
By afternoon the old body was struggling. I treated myself to lunch in Weymouth and then thought I'd take on Jacob's Meadow in Hingham. Unfortunately, my usual access is through preschool property and they ask you NOT to come through during school hours. I am already working on an alternate access. So I retired early to camp, planning to part ways with the South Shore early the next morning.
Another first for me was this Berkshire Natural Resources Council property in Great Barrington. It was a typical Friday morning hike with the Hilltown Hikers. Nice piece of land with an easy, level circuit trail through a meadow, and an ascending woodland trail that takes one near to the top of Three Mile Hill.
At the terminus of the woodland trail is a ridge of rock carrying the name Whale Rock. I find the analogy somewhat of an exaggeration. Significant imagination is a requirement! Nonetheless, it is an interesting outcrop of rock and a nice climb upon the top.
This trip was put together by South County's Gary L. Two other individuals joined us with one leading the way to some mysterious stone walls. We started at the trailhead for the McLennan Reservation at Round Mountain. This is a loop trail around the Mountain but we ascended by the easterly branch only.
Upon reaching the upper limits of the trail (the actual summit of Round Mountain has no trail) we diverged along a continuation of old Fenn Rd which was not always easy to follow and involved a number of detours through the forest. Numerous stone walls were present, usually with the road running between a set of two.
We eventually reached our destination where a good length of the stone wall was stacked in a rather unorthodox fahion. Instead of the usual tight, horizontal formation, these were sitting much more upright, often with large gaps between.
Still following the wall, we quickly arrived at a large wetland area through which ran a small brook. A small breached dam was also present, in line with the continuing stone wall. From here we moved on a bit north where the remains of a very large cellar hole was present.
It was then we retraced our path back towards Round Mountain and eventually down to parking at the trailhead.
This hike took us in to parts of Blandford that show on certain old maps as Beulah Land. More modern maps carry over the name with Beulah Land Road. It does make a nice entrance to parts of the Chester-Blandford State Forest.
At one point we dove into the brush and woods searching for possible pond and building remains from long ago. Not much found here but the regrowth of forest that was once clearcut causing runoff to swell a beaver pond and burst its dam. Any building remains would have been on the far side of a large patch of wetlands at the former pond site.
Trudging onward, we eventually made our way up to the summit area of Green Hill. The summer growth along with downed trees made for a difficult going. But we were able to ascertain the approximate location of an old home. One of our goals was the location of a sulphur spring whose location is mentioned on a couple old maps.
Returing to the main road we quickly diverged into the woods on the opposite side looking for signs of a possiible old gold prospect. Little of a definitive nature presented itself so once again back to the main road. Finally we reached the site of a former CCC project which long ago was an old swimming hole. Not much remains that is recoignizable besides the old dam. It was decided to trace the source of the water to see if any connection with the sulphur spring might be had. Although the source was finally found uphill, it MAY have come from underground springs, but not quite the correct location for sulphur spring.
Armed with a 'brand new' cave lead, I took to the north County. More specifically, the Savoy Mountain State Forest. Although my trip began in the town of Florida, hiking eventually took me over into North Adams. I kept my expectations low as I suspected the chances of finding much of a cave pretty slim. I was not surprised. Lying under the lip of a shelf of rock carrying a mountain stream lay the 'cave'. Apparently through the process of years of freezing and thawing, a portion of rock had moved forward leaving a cavity behind. Some erosion added to rounding out the semblance of a cave.
Returning to Savoy, I intended to explore the possibilities of a northern access to the old Little Egypt Lead Mine. It was an ill fated attempt as I did not prepare adequately on where to begin my hike. Some very nice woods on a beautiful Fall-like day but no mine. Another time.
This interesting jaunt along the Westfield River took place just inside town border for Westfield. Some call it Tekoa Narrows. But making our way down to the big River, we worked our way along the shoreline. Spotted was a mysterious old foundation build right into the sifde of the steep hillside. Certainly an abundance of rocks including one with a mysterios inscription which we are trying to deduce.
After reaching upstream, we reversed course following alongside the riverbank. Many interesting variety of trees present as eventually we made our way to the highway. There was one more dive into the riverfront propert ads we negotiated an old overgrown field with collapsed barn.
There was one more quick stop up the road at the parking for Tekoa Park's trailhead. Here we ascertained an old trail led down to the area of the foundation we previpously saw. A difficult and steep descent to be sure!
With the threat of rain hanging over us, the Hikers returned to Tyringham but the other side of the valley from the previously visited Cobble. We hoped to get in a circuit of Round Mountain, a Trustees of the Reservations property. Old cellar holes were present and I mentioned a ledge cave we passed below, I visited several times in past years.
Beginning our climb of Round Mountain in earnest, we soon met up with Camp Brook heavily swollen by the recent rains. A picturesque gorge carries this brook which is the outlet for Hale Pond, quite close to the summit area. Finally making our way to that summit area one realizes the actual summit of Round Mountain is not along the trail and requires a bushwhack of over a hundred feet of elevation to get to. Here one finds the graves of the Tytus Family perhaps better known for the nearby Ashintully Estate.
By this time, the rain began falling. But the heavy forest canopy offered some protection. Carefully making our way down a slick mountainside trail (the remains of an early era road) and past more cellar holes, we made it back to the trailhead none worse for the wear.
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers's time again and we met on Washington Mountain Road's trailhead to the Appalachian Trail. The plan was to go off the AT (which soon branched after the trailhead) and take a back way into Ashley Lake. Unfortunately, with all the recent rains we found trail conditions to be a bit "boggy". Returning to our starting point, we joined fellow hiker Tom H. who was finishing up some volunteer work at the historic Washington Town Hall Cemetery. He joined us for a quick trek into Ashley Lake via different route.
The Hilltown Hikers have found themselves dodging rain much of the summer just to squeeze in a little quality outdoor time. This day was no different as we met near the base of The Cobble in Tyringham. Under threatening skies, we ascended one of the few elevations in Massachusetts carrying the name "Cobble".
Eventually, we joined in with the Appalachian Train upon which we made our final ascent and then descent. At an intersection that would have taken us back to our cars and pass Rabbit Rock, it was decided to stay on the AT. Soon we made our way across Jerusalem Rd and into a pasture full of friendly cows plus one goat. The woods were once again entered and streams crossed on various bridges. Exiting the woods brought us into an area of high waters and bog bridges. We then reached the main road that passes through Tyringham and walked that back to our cars.
This day's hike was finished up down the valley at the old Ashintully estate. First visit for me to its gardens but of greater interest, the remains of a once magnificent mansion. Ruins included majestic pillars and old foundations. Beneath those ruins lay rooms that once served the wealthy family before fire took their home.
In far eastern Chester is a classic CCC site from the era of the Great Depression. Boulder Park contains remnants of a large swimming hole, changing facilities and foundations for the outhouses. Circling throughout the park are trails in a varying state of being cleared, stone steps and even an old quarry, the likely source of rock for the park's projects.
A return with the Hikers to the famed Keystone Arch Bridges (or part of) along the Middlefield River. Moseying along the old Pontoosuc Turnpike, then turning off onto a constructed trail, we finally returned again to the Turnpike. Here we turned back along the tracks finally arriving at the so-called 'Gator Arch' named for cut stones within the Arch resembling crude (alligator) teeth. Unkamit's Path (or what's left to it here) also passes through this area.
Making a steep descent to the River, we checked on the present condition of this Arch before the difficult climb back up. Farther down the tracks (and River) were three stones that have been called the boundary for three counties. More than likely they are a town line marker as maps show Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire Counties using the River as their common boundary. Not far from here was an additional bridge but a poured concrete replace for one that had been destroyed. Rumor has it some carvings exist in the base of sections of the old bridge that still remains.
Finally making our way back to the starting point, we once again admired the double arch bridge, a standout amongst all the Arches!
Toot toot! The trains were rolling this day as we made our way along the old (now owned by CSX) train route out of Bancroft to look at several more bridges along that route. Other sites seen were several old quarries, potholes in the Westfield River, and Railroad Workers Rock. This Rock contains the initials of the workers upon the bridges, perhaps the railway itself.
Before heading back to or point of origin, we descended down to a picturesque location along River. Eventually we found minor sections of the old Pontoosuc Turnpike and even one lonely blaze from Unkamit's Path. Soon reaching Coles Brook near its intersection with the Westfield, we found old bridge abutments likely from the Turnpike. Also here was a somewhat unusual geologic formation of rock that closely resembled the lumber of a wood floor complete with striations. Once again it appears geologist BK Emerson made note of this location. Also, supposedly here, Coles Brook Limestone was to be found but none of my tests indicated it. So a further search is in order!
It was a return to the backwoods with the Hilltown Hikers for more explorations of old historic sites in Middlefield. We focused on an abandoned road that would lead down and across Coles Brook. Coles Brook lends its name in old-time geology to a formation of 'limestone'.
First stop was the desolate Kent Cemetery. Far off the beaten path for sure, it is said to contain 8 burials. Nearby, we sought out the boundary marker for three towns. Then working our back back to the abandoned road we finally arrived at Coles Brook. Old abutments existed but nothing tested positive for limestone. On the way back, one of our dog hiking comrades tangled with a porcupine. She was sent off with Mom to the vet once arriving at the cars.
Three of us made the trip around to access the other section of road that had lain across Coles Brook. Another neat cellar hole was explored and the area on that farther side of the Brook.
The highlight of the year for the Town of Chester: Chester on Track! A celebration of its history with special emphasis of its railroad heritage. A chance to socialize, eat food, and hang with the people and dogs that make up the Hilltown Hikers!
My first chance at seeing the great stone cutting saw that once figured prominently to their burgeoning granite industry.
The more usual Friday with the Hilltown Hikers. This round takes us down into Middlefield. Much history can be found along old Factory Brook whose reservoirs and mills once held thriving manufacturing operations. Old cellar holes marking homes can still be found. Our LIDAR aficionados gave us a route along a long ago abandoned road down through the woods and across that Factory Brook! Although the route was severely eroded in places, we located the site of the former Smith Home. A couple of wells and a splendidly intact foundation and chimney could be found. A nice barn could be traced out as well.
Afterwards, we mapped out future plans to access other remote areas in town.
The destination was Lee MA this time around with the Hilltown Hikers. Two sites: one of which I have never seen and one, I was quite familiar with. I did not know until after the fact there was some bit of a geologic connection between these two beautiful tracts.
First on the agenda was my first look at the Golden Hill Town Forest. There is some nice hiking along it's lower (in elevation) portions that include rocky ledges and large trees. One tree being named the Mother tree. The ledges included a handful of 'cave-like' formations but nothing close to the real thing. Towards the end, we ascended steeply to the Pinnacle. A few good views were to be had before descending back to our cars via an informal path.
Then onward, very close to the Town center, and Fern Cliff. An area I started exploring with my own Father over 55 years ago. Fern Cliff is a bit of a hidden gem containing Peter's Cave, Union Rock, and the latter day named Coydog Cave. There are a number of Victorian Age references and photographs of the area, especially showing prominent views from its lofty ledges. Of course there's the story of Peter Wilcox, and an associate escapee from jail for partaking in Shay's Rebellion, hiding in his namesake cave. A cave that is occasionally referenced as going clear through the hillside!
Geologically, it appears both prominences are the result of fault uplifting. It seems a synform runs through the two of them although Golden Age geologist BK Emerson lists it as a fault. Surrounding their bases is carbonate rock (marble) but their uplifted portions are basically Dalton Formation. I wonder at this point, if the intersection of the two may be an explanation for erosion formed caves. Nearby Kane's Ledge (explored eons ago) seems to offer a similar genesis.
Taking advantage of what little I know of on caves on Tekoa Mountain, along with a Steve H. article from last summer's Northeaster Caver, the Hilltown Hikers set out on a mission. We wanted to cover as much as possible of the lower Tekoa caves. Between trip leader Liz's trail knowledge and my old GPS coordinates, we soon made our way to an area known as Bent Birch. It pretty much 'fit the bill' as far as fractured ledge and talus cave formations go. Of course with the landmark bent birch hanging by the entrance.
Just a bit 'around the corner' (east) we came upon the talus pile I have know for years. Here is where I found my first caves of Tekoa probably close to 25 years ago. Frustrating is two them seem to have disappeared in recent times. Possible disintegration of the talus?
Returning to our cars, some took off while a couple of us went to examine the nearby kayak put in for a rather lengthy portage from upstream. Also we looked at two sections of falls displaying some impressive rocks, one included potholes. The water was remarkably high and would be well worth the effort of a return trip once a low water situation is available.
Ah, Cape Ann! Too long away from the ocean and an area that has been a productive 'base of operations for over 20 years.
The early morning hours found me up on the Mohawk Trail making my way eastward. The journey first started in Worcester County in the Town of Athol. Here, within the Bearsden conservation property, I sought to tie up some loose ends from years past. Explorer of New England caves, Steve H., had come across a good sized cavern (one of two that are in town) that may very well fit the description of another Bear's Den. Rumors have persisted for some time on this cave, and years ago I had swept through the area. During those days I found interesting rocks for sure but not able to confirm a Bear's Den (or perhaps in this case a Bearsden). Nearby Cats Cave is pretty well known and twice I have visited. Using previous gps data I found the site in question. It was a towering ledge of cracked and broken talus where I stuck my head in a few places. The challenge was a bit more than my limited resources, so further exploration will have to wait.
One more stop before hitting Cape Ann was at a small boulder formation in Middlesex County known as Indian Cave. Pretty much a routine visit other than finding out the access area now has a brand new home planted on it! A kindly neighbor took pity on me and assisted with gaining entrance to the necessary property.
Finally arriving in Gloucester, early afternoon, I began working a list of smaller projects. The first was a small waterfall that deposited its waters into Goose Cove. Then up and around the northern tip of the Cape to Pigeon Hill in Rockport. Part of the timing of this trip was to avoid most - if not all - of the foliage that often blocks views and visibility. Near the foot of Pigeon Hill I checked out a likely prospect for an old postcard of Boiling Spring. A possibility - yes, but nothing really exists to lend itself towards a definitive identification. Climbing back up the hill again, I worked some brush clearing around old Profile Rock. Old postcards show a magnificent view from Pigeon Hill down to the ocean. Now all overgrown.
The second day got kicked off with a visit to Annisquam. One well known, and one not so well know, rocky formations. First was Squam Rock (once known as Young's Great Rock, and occasionally, Big Rock). This is part of a land trust and I also examined a couple other outcrops nearby. Then it was a walk over to visit a find from a couple years back that proved to answer two old pieces of photography: Tilting Rock/Moving Rock.
Low tide was arriving so it was a good time to get my 'beach visit' in. A quick look at the northern side of Bass Rocks where the likely location of the Old Man's Cave might be found. The tide has never been low enough - and you might have to crawl on prohibited rocks - for me to reach this site. At a different section of the vast Good Harbor Beach, I saw that the parting of the sea to Salt Island was also not going to work. I looked over quickly a small sea cave along the shore to again verify this low tide was just not going to work.
So back inland to hack my way through the briars and thorns to Indian Rock. Well known to the local youths several decades ago, it has become engulfed by undesirable vegetation. I did a minor amount of clearing and got a few photographs before departing for Dogtown. Using an eastern approach that took me by the Turtle Rock and old Rockport Hospital site, I made my way (getting off track on several occasions) to eventually reach Racoon Rocks. Or as I see on the map, they now label it Racoon Ledges. Interesting title as it is a giant deposit of glacial debris - a moraine, actually. But an extreme proliferation of boulders. Even for Dogtown!
The previous two days left me somewhat 'depleted' so a lighter day was in order. I got in my visit to the always inviting, picturesque rocks, of Pigeon Cove. Coming in off the ocean, I wandered a bit in Andrews Woods, still seeking out the former sites of the old chalybeate springs. I eventually made the drive back down the west side of Cape Ann to do, what has also become an old standard, a visit to Lanes Cove. I checked out how many of the old fishing shacks might remain and used a back door approach to the Cove Hill Cemetery, also know as the Lanes Cove Cemetery. Established in 1720, one can find some of the very earliest settlers buried within. While in Lanesville, a return was in order to another moving rock! Followed by a quick trip into Essex County Greenbelt's Goose Cove property, the portion of Babson's cellar boulders around Goose Cove Reservoir, and a climb of the northern end of Pole Hill to see what view could be captured of the Riverdale section.
A full-on trip into Dogtown. Devoted to a portion of Babson's Boulders and related searches. Passing by a variety of boulders that numbered old cellar holes of former residents (and Merry's 'First attacked' and 'died' rocks) I arrived at Dogtown Square. Hanging a right, I quickly ended up on the Babson Boulder Trail , spending time at Uncle Andrews/Spiritual Power Rock as well as others in that immediate area. A slight reversal, and change of direction to the Moraine Trail, and I was off looking for a reported giant boulder from a former (deceased) Gloucester man. I finally was satisfied I found that rock, so wandered about picking up on other of Babson's boulderly sayings. I eventually headed north out of Dogtown Square along the old Wharf Road to locate Abram Wharf's cellar site which was missed on my last visit. Still further on lay the gigantic Peter's Pulpit. After shooting the whole morning and into the early afternoon, I made my way out of Dogtown and on to the former site of the Old Man of Joppa formation. Nothing much to be seen here as modern society has pretty well ruined it. One more location this day in West Gloucester, visiting one of its very few granite quarry sites. At the top of the quarry wall is a minor rock formation depicted on a postcard as Chief Wingaersheek. Very marginal and you'd have to know what you're looking for.
Last days are often a winding down process for me as I prepare myself for the long drive home. A quick tour of Stage Fort Park and perhaps my favorite beach at Half Moon. I wanted to hit a grocery store on the way out of town and a nice entrance to Dogtown lay nearby along the Old Rockport Road. Here it all began with my very first experience in Gloucester over 20 years ago. Tent Rock and five of the Babson Boulders can quickly be located through this 'portal' to Dogtown. Afterwards, the long journey home commenced!
