Saturday, June 28, 2014

Primative Camping Close To Quabbin

The Federated Women's Forest offers primitive camping as close to Quabbin Reservoir as one can get ,and its about as deep woods camping as you can get anywhere in central Massachusetts. Don't expect to find showers, rec hall or even a running water. The only amenities you will find is a single restroom that corn posts its own contents.
If  the sound of the wind whispering through the pines and wilderness is what your looking for you have come to the right place.


My wife and I enjoyed a three day stay last weekend .



 Friday night we were awaken by  a duet  of  barred owls in close proximity to our camp site in full chorus for nearly fifteen minutes.
The cool dry evening carried the sound beautifully. Hearing many barred owls over the years none have ever sounded so "In Tune " as these two.

Saturday morning the smell of beacon and eggs filled the air.
We were very particular cleaning up and keeping food in the truck and rubbish out pf reach of bears.

Looking out from the camp site I caught glimpse of movement in the distance. Checking  it out I found a gentleman sitting at a picnic table enjoying the local critters that have come to expect his visit. I usually run into Dick Cooper at least once a year. If you frequent the Northeast Gates of Quabbin you mostly likely have said hello, Its  Always a pleasure to speak with him. I certainly can appreciate the years he has pursuing  Quabbins trials and roads enjoying its nature and beauty.

It wasn't long before  fishing poles where in hand and my wife and I were off to fish quabbin for dinner. A short mile or so down Gate 36 leads us to the waters edge.

 We fished for several hours  catching  only one rock bass.

Hardly enough for dinner so it was released.Guess it will be burgers and salad. for dinner. As we finish dinner the first calls of a Barred Owl can be heard in the distance.
 A short hike up to Soapstone Hill had this American Toad sitting on the trail . Sunday night  with the sunset and quiet surroundings made for an enjoyable evening.
When we got back to the campsite we enjoyed a fire before calling it a day
The weather couldn't of been any better. The temperatures were in the upper forties at night.

Jim

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Weather As Good As It Gets!

This morning the weather couldn't be more perfect. Cool,dry and breezy, I only swatted several mosquitoes sitting at a swamp. The sun couldn't  of been in a worse position, but made for a few interesting pics.
This hooded merganser landed in a shaded area as the sun's rays broke the tree line.

 
 This Cedar Waxwing collecting nesting material
Finally , this Garter Snake presented a god pic with the sun working in my advantage

Jim

Friday, June 13, 2014

A Day On Quabbin

I was able to enjoy Quabbin from a boat earlier this week. It was a good day seeing eagles. This mature adult carrying a fish started the day
Watching the trees along the shore line presented the opportunity below. The title picture  was taken as the boat rounded an island.


 
What appeared to be four loons in close proximity raised a question about territory and boundaries.


 
The day also presented a  distant pic of hooded merganser and her chicks

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Peaceful Morning

Hike this morning was ALIVE with birds. I did see three Scarlet Tanager's high in the tree tops. On the return trip  poking along light breeze in my face   this young buck walked out of the wood line about twenty yards from me. It passed not 20 feet from me, then caught my scent and was GONE!

Yesterday while hiking to Rattlesnake Hill this porcupine was out for a afternoon snack.

Below are two views from Rattlesnake Hill . South view
North view


 Jim

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Time To EnjoyReflect !

My daughter is home for a few days .She is in the Air Force and is frequently overseas supporting our US Troops. She lives in a different part of the country so we don't get to spend much time together.
Earlier in the week we hiked  out to Soapstone Hill. It was wonderful sharing the enjoyment I get from  Quabbin with her.

Weather permitting we are off to Rattlesnake Hill tomorrow
Jim