Still rolling...

With a bit of a 'landmark' birthday under my belt, it seems a good time for a long overdue update.

Rare view of the Old Man of the Fells minus snow

Most know the past four years or so, I've involved myself with regional hiking group the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers. Long distant trips have become far and few between. An exception was made recently that took me to 'old stomping grounds', first at the Middlesex Fells then on up into Essex County. The first day was fraught with all sorts of logistical problems cause by a GPS breakdown. By the next day I had the resources of a phone app to assist me. So my only site I took in on Day1 was a follow up search for possible remains of the Old Man of the Fells. I had culled information from a Facebook post which led me to its approximate former site. Nothing here looked to be a possibility. I eventually wound my way up to North Andover to spend the night at Harold Parker State Forest.

Cradle Rock - from a circa 1870s stereoview

I started out Day 2 with some solid information on Cradle Rock in Groveland. This boulder seemed to gain its 'fame' from the 1890s book by John Henry Sears on Essex County geology. I had a map pointing out its location and even a rare stereoview of the rock. The short story is a home is being build on that site indicated on the map. Interesting is a nice rock sits out front of the house which would have made a dandy of a pedestal. What happened to Cradle Rock remains a mystery.

Dogtown boulder #29 @ Goose Cove surrounded by water.

Using the rest of the day, I hit Cape Ann setting up camp at my usual location. But first catching Lanes Cove, an old friend, and a short walk through Andrews Woods. In the 'Golden Age' of Pigeon Cove much of the land had been dived up into lots for homes. It never totality came to fruition and some of Andrews Woods is part of that property I investigated. A street called Woodside Ave exists on old maps but it seems to have been absorbed into the trails at Andrews Woods. Nearby I took my traditional walk along the Atlantic Path allowing plenty of time to ponder the Ocean. Many features from olden days - including early quarry workings - were passed. Along the way was Chapin's Gully and I ended my romp at the Great Gargoyle. But before heading back to set up camp, I checked the water level at Goose Cove Reservoir for possible access to Boulder #29. The reservoir was quite full and #29 lay a bit off shore surrounded by water.

Salem Willows from an early 1900s postcard.

The willows @ Salem as they appear today.

Starting the third day I made one trip off the Cape. This time to Salem to revisit the Willows. I had wondered if willow trees still existed at this (still) popular early era attraction. Indeed a good number still existed and I got the opportunity to walk some shoreline while the tide was still towards the low side. Sliding in to Dowtown's outer perimeter, I looked in on a cave show to be some years back by a former resident. Then on to the shoreline around high tide and went to look up George Washington's face and Money Rock.

Abandoned quarry in Dogtown.

Starting out Day 4, I once again went into the outer perimeter of Dogtown to find an abandoned quarry likely used building the rail line in the area. I had a bit of a time finding the old quarry but realized high waters/flooding prevented me from a direct access. Bushwhacking out, I returned to my entrance trail by the Help Mother boulder. Moving out I headed down to Stage Fort Park along with Half Moon and Cressy Beach. Then a bit south to Magnolia and Rafes Chasm Park. Returning to Rockport, I had wanted to revisit Mill Brook Meadow and Pond. Millbrook has a long history from fishing by the Algonquins to an early grist mill. I finished up quietly visiting a nearby cemetery and the grave of two Rockport residents. Parents to a friend.

Giant boulders @ Sea Rocks.

My last full day had me out at the tip of Cape Ann and the Babson Quarry. Although in reality I was gaining access to the Sea Rocks property and its giant ocean side boulders/pseudo caves. A quick look followed at Profile Rock which always needs vegetation removal. It is forever trying to fade into the growth upon a hill that once was famous for it's open view of Pigeon Cove. I moved back down to Dogtown one more time to hit a second cave found some years back. The day was finished off at Sunset Hill (also: Pole - or Poles - Hill) in the Riverdale section of Gloucester.

For the final day it only remained to see when the rain would move in. Fortunately it gave me enough time to pull up camp. Unfortunately, it ended my ramblings for this trip. I decamped to the Berkshires!

Recent Trips

Until such time comes where I can write these out more fully, here is the latest from my end.

Mar 11 Chester Saw property work day

Mar 9 Lee Two additional sections on the Huckleberry Trolley Line

Mar 8 Lee Library Several sites and sections on the Huckleberry Trolley Line

Mar 1 Adams Greylock Glen Pulpit Rock

Feb 24 Chester Ingell Cemetery and H. Newman Marsh; Cemetery

Feb 3 Otis old Bowe/Williams Quarry

Jan 27 Chesterfield Gorge

Jan 26 Becket Chester-Becket RR Line boulder quarries

Jan 12 Becket Chester-Becket RR Line Mitchell Quarry

Jan 6 Egremont Jug End

Jan 4 Chester Saw Property

Jan 3 Sandisfield CSLs Writing rock

Jan 1 Chester First Day Hike @ Sanderson Brook Falls

Dec 29 Blandford Abandoned roads, box factory remains, cellar holes

Dec 23 Dalton The Prairie

Dec 21 Chester Saw property

Dec 16 Sandisfield York Lake CCC Memorial Service

Dec 15 Westhampton Manhan mine sites (2)

Dec 14 Chester Saw Property

Dec 8 Becket Old Quarry Chester Wright Mine

Nov 30 Blandford Herrick Road trails Sunset Rock Road Soapstone investigations

Nov 24 Chester Sackett Mine

Nov 23 Chester Thanksgiving

Nov 18 Lanesborough Constitution Hill & cave; Widow Whites & Baker's Quarry, Disappearing brook caves

Nov 16 Chester Parts of the Chester-Becket rail line; Marcia Mine

Nov 14 Dover NY Stone Church Cave

Nov 12 Chester Saw property

Nov 10 Chester Hampden St Park RR line Mines

Nov 3 Westfield Pitcher Street & trail

Nov 2 Becket Trolley line pre hike

Old cellars

Cellar remains of a former house

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.

Shatterack!

Fish Rock, overlooking Russell

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.

View from the Shatterack ridge

The Huckleberry

An old culver under the abandoned trolley line

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!

Stanley Park

A millstone.

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!

The Prayer Boulder

Ashley & Sandwash

First of two quarries visited.

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.

The fountain close to Sandwash Reservoir.

Saw!

The old granite saw

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.

Foundations and other equipment

This was where stone from the Becket quarry went to. Some got finished, others went directly to remote locations.

A Return to the South Shore

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.

Natived American crossing: Pout Rock

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.

The old Scituate Lighthouse

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.

King Philip's Rock

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.

Landing Rock - from an early 1900s postcard

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!

The Nubian Head Rock. Old Scituate Lighthouse, far distance

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.\

A section of Aunt Betsy's Rock

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.

Thomas and Palmer Brook/Whale Rock

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.

On the 'back' of the whale

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.

Beyond Round Mountain

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.

A mysterious piling of rocks

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.

Beulah Land

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.

Antlers left near the summit of Green Hill

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.

Searching caves and mines...

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.

Cave formation under ledge with mountain stream

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.

The Westfield

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.

The mighty Westfield River along with the Mass Turnpike bridge

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!

Tyringham & Round Mountain

Cascades along the swollen Camp Brook

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.

Ashley Lake

Ashley Lake

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.

Tyringham Valley

The Cobble. From the early 1900s

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".

The Tyringham Valley from the 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.

Pillars @ Ashintully from below ground level.

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.

Boulder Park

Namesake boulder for the Park

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.

Approaching the 'caves'
The Park takes its name from a large boulder dropped by its entrance. Not sure if this is truly an ice age carried bit of debris or something from a hillside of nearby rocks that may have come from an upper ledge, possibly due to glacial plucking. Ejection of material from that ledge has formed two very small cave-like formations.

Spring and former well pump site

The Arches

The Gator Arch. Teeth shaped stone block structure

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!

Trains, Rivers and Geology.

Railroad Workers Rock

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.

Striations in the bedrock of the brook

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!