A Walk at Walden Pond

"Near the end of March, 1845, I borrowed an axe and went down to the woods by Walden Pond, nearest to where I intended to build my house, and began to cut down some tall arrowy white pines, still in their youth, for timber."

 Henry David Thoreau, Walden; or, Life in the Woods

It was only a mere 69 years ago this week, that Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond was discovered.  We decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and go and discover it for ourselves.  I admit; I had never been to Walden Pond before.  Upon approaching the entrance, I was a bit disappointed to find that it looked much like any other state park.  Perhaps it's the rugged sign, or the paved parking lot that greeted us.  Where was the pond, I kept asking.  What drew Thoreau here?  What did he find so special?  It was only minutes after we crossed the road, that the pond came into view, along with the reason it has captured all of our hearts and thoughts.

It's so much more than just a pond.

Peace and quiet.  It's easy to find at the edge of the pond.

Where fallen leaves meet the sand.

I certainly did not expect this.

Recreation abounds here.

The bathhouse fits into the landscape.

After lunch at the shore, we began our walk.  The white pines that Thoreau wrote about were everywhere.

There is discreet fence lining the paths but it's a necessary evil in order to avoid further erosion.

Not far from the center of Concord, we were never allowed to forget our proximity to civilization.  There's a glimpse of a commuter train at the far side of the pond.  Planes came and went from the nearby airport.

"What sort of space is that which separates a man from his fellows and makes him solitary?"  HDT

The simple bridge invited us to come to the other side.

"I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time." HDT

As we came upon the site of Thoreau's cabin, I found the pile of stones a bid odd.

"Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?" HDT

"Though the view from my door was still more contracted, I did not feel crowded or confined in the least."  HDT

"When I came to build my chimney, I studied masonry.  My bricks being second-hand ones required to be cleaned with a trowel, so that I learned more than usual of the qualities of bricks and trowels."  HDT

The Emerson - Thoreau Amble is a footpath between the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau's cottage.  Our shadows accompanied us on the path, but so did the spirits of those who walked it before us.

"On such a day in September or October, Walden is a perfect forest mirror, set round with stones as precious to my eye as if fewer or rarer."  HDT

"A walk through the woods thither was often my recreation." HDT

"A field of water betrays the spirit that is in the air." HDT

"Nature and human life are as various as our several constitutions." HDT

A replica of Thoreau's cottage sits in the woods near the entrance to the park.

"For more than five years I maintained myself thus solely by the labor of my hands, and I found, that by working about six weeks in a year, I could meet all the expenses of living."  HDT

"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." HDT

Veterans Day

My father was a Navy gunner's mate on the USS Pawcatuck during World War II.  I wish I had listened to his stories when I had the chance.  

This is a photo of the USS Massachusetts which rests at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts.  We used to go and visit the ship as a family.  I was too young to understand why my father had tears in his eyes.  

On this Veterans Day, we salute all of those who have served or are currently serving in our military.  

Thank you.

A Late Afternoon Stop at the Farm

I love unexpected finds such as this.  On a ride to the coast, we literally stumbled upon Norwell Farms; a wonderful farming community not far from the hustle and bustle of Boston.  A lovely and serene piece of property, Norwell Farms is a nonprofit organization encompassing a for-profit farm; created with the help of the Community Preservation Act (CPA).  The original house was built in 1726; just over 100 years after the Pilgrims landed in nearby Plymouth.  Norwell farms is worth a visit and there are volunteer opportunities available.  Be sure to call first; the farm store has varied hours.  We need to preserve more properties like this!

The slightly ajar barn door couldn't be more inviting!

 Cornstalks and mums adorn the barn. 

 What more could you want in a community farm?

 The rooster eyes us from his home by the stonewall.

 He is very regal; indeed!

An old stonewall frames the farmhouse which was more than likely added on to several times over the last 288 years.

 The leaves are falling but the fields remain green.

Although Halloween has gone by, a hollowed out pumpkin makes a wonderful centerpiece for Thanksgiving.  Simply arrange your flowers in a vase or bottle that will sit inside the pumpkin. 

 There is a nice selection of fruits and vegetables to choose from.

 Brussel sprouts before they get to the saute pan!

 

 The view across the street is peaceful.

Norwell Farms is located at 4 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, Massachusetts.

The Chipmunk and the Birdseed

We wondered where all of the birdseed was going.  We'd fill the feeder in the morning and despite having quite a few birds show up for their daily meal, there was an inordinate amount of birdseed being consumed.  Now we know why!

The attempt to climb out.

Almost there...

Made it!
 

Uh oh.  I think they see me.