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!