152. Roseland Cottage plus a visitor

Week 152  5/28 Ben comes for a visit.  We  had a wonderful paddle and picnic except for the spill two of us took disembarking at the picnic spot. The third person was moving the canoe while someone was straddling from canoe to rock. No major damage - just scrapes and bruises for the two of us who went in.

6/2/18 We drove to Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT, which is a national historic landmark and part of Historic New England. It is a gothic revival style, different from other historic homes I've visited.

The hallway and a couple of rooms downstairs were covered with embossed decorations.

One of the many children of the strict Henry C. Bowen.

The oldest indoor bowling alley in the United States is in a separate building from the house.

151. The Rail Trail is extended.

Week 151  5/24/18 

The rail trail has extended from Blair Square eastward toward Boston. The most important part of this is the 8 arch bridge. The walking trail across the top of the arches has been strengthened and made safe with railings. We walked quite a bit past this, going all the way to the Sherborn town line.

Here is Paul on the bridge.

 Several great blue herons were nesting south of the trail

Paul says this is an old cattle crossing where farmers led them under the railroad tracks. We saw a few of these.

Back at the Blair Square gazebo again.

150. Adventure planning for another adventure

Week 150  5/13 - 5/15

We headed for Auburn, Maine so we could relax for a few days and plan our upcoming trip to Nantucket.

First we stopped near Bates College in Lewiston and enjoyed the old chapel. I'm sure I took some photos there but they have disappered.

We also stopped at the memorial green overlooking the river. This is very well kept up and very informative with info about each person and which conflict/war they were involved in. There was also an old jeep and other equipment set up.

Andy and Becky went to this farm to try to buy some local produce and yarn but it was closed today. We found someone and managed to get a loaf of bread anyway.

How friendly  - the farmers put out cookies for sampling.

When these two guys get together there is always fishing. They had a spectacular day. This is only a sampling. I think the Androscoggin River is their favorite. Luckly it is near Charlie's house.

We finally had a chance to meet Ben Armstrong for the first time since 1995. He is a mechanical engineer working and living in Boston.

149. Pegan Hill

Week 149  5/6/18

This is a fairly new Trustees property in Dover/Natick. The town of Natick and the Upper Charles Conservation Trust were also involved. Today was a group hike involving people from all of those groups.

 We parked at Lookout Farm in Natick and walked through their gorgeous property to the trailhead.

The trail leads through woodlands.

At the top is a grassy area with stone walls and specimen trees.

We went to the Lookout Farm tap room for snacks, cider and beer after our hike.

 

148. Arnold Arboretum

Week 148  5/1/18

May Day! A perfect time for Arnold Arboretum. We arrived early and walked nearly the entire site. The weather ranged from sunny and warm to rain and wind. This was the first visit for both of us and we will be back! We'll bring others to see this amazing arboretum. Everything was well kept and signage was very good.