Quabbin Spillway, Quabbin Park, Belchertown, MA
Out in Springfield in pursuit of TWB research leads (found one, I think), I decided to take advantage of the great weather and stopped at Quabbin Reservoir. My first time there--I didn't realize how developed it was. Walked from the dam up the hill to the observation tower and back. What a gorgeous gorgeous day.
I came to see bald eagles and I saw one. An immature just sitting on the ice out of good photo range... But there was a group of common mergansers near the dam and they generously came out of the water for a moment.
3 comments:
Happy to see you took a trip to Quabbin. Next time you're here, walk in thru one of the numerous gates, following the old roads where folks used to live and work, see their old cellarholes and the quiet nature residing there now, so serene and wonderful. Try the Dana Common gate- #40, just a really nice day's walk. Google the different gates, each has something special to view along the way. There's a book about each gate, too, and what you'll find, sold at the headquarters and at stores in the area... pick it up to see what's really there.... and stay away from that Main gate, to really see what Quabbin has to offer.
Thanks for the suggestions. Next time I'm in the area, I'll try for something a little more natural!
Get a copy or 2 (they wear out quick)of jr greene's 'historic quabbin hikes', it's the best! Pack your backpack with a picnic lunch and spend a day following an old roads down to the shoreline. Gather a little group and go, what a great day. Leave a second car at another gate and go along the shore to reach that next road back to the car. Trust me, it will be a day of fun memories. I've heard some folks have explored every gate. It becomes addicting, trust me! Some hikes are really long, some short, but have little side roads to follow. Start with Greeene's book for ideas, and Mike Tougias has a good book on exploring the gates, too... birds, bear, beaver, deer and moose, keep your eyes open, so much to see. Best day trip in MA!!
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