Tag Archives: Bellingham MA

They’re Back–Otters Return to Silver Lake, Bellingham

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Otters!

We walked along the shoreline of Silver lake insearch of migrating birds, but we found so much more. The otters have returned! Last seen last November, they are back. Continue reading

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Walking Through History-the Trolley Line to Silver Lake, Bellingham

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Winter’s first snow in the woods behind Silver Lake, Bellingham

I often get the feeling I’m crossing into another place and time when I stride through the woods right behind my house in Bellingham. We live within sight of Silver Lake, which at one time was the local “hot spot” for entertainment of all kinds–a carousel carried wooden horse in endless circles in the beach area, and a dance hall offered Big Band tunes in the 1940’s. I hear there were even performing horses that dove into the lake from great heights! Continue reading

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Walking Familiar Paths, Finding the Unfamiliar–Otters and Beavers!

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Silver Lake on a late fall afternoon

I have spent the past several years seeking out new places to walk as I document local trails in this area. Each trail included in my Easy Walks in Massachusetts publications is carefully considered. But over the years I have lived in New England, the one spot I have visited more than any other is literally right in my backyard. Our house overlooks Silver Lake in Bellingham, and I need only pull on my coat, step outside, and I’m on my way. Continue reading

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Progress on the SNETT Lake Street to Prospect Street, Bellingham-Franklin

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Lake Street Entrance to the SNETT-older, town-made sign on the right, and newer, DR sign at trailhead on the left

The SNETT is within walking distance of where I live in Bellingham, and thus I’ve been able to keep a pretty close eye on any progress, or lack thereof, in making this section of trail more useable. Continue reading

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Walking Tour Along the Upper Charles

My friend Sue suggested we do some exploring along the Charles River, so we set out early thing morning, with only a vague plan in mind. By the time we finished, we had visited trails in three surrounding towns, all of which access portions of the Charles River and/or tributaries of the Charles.

First stop was the High Street Trail in Bellingham.

Charles River, High street Trail, Bellingham, MA

Charles River, High Street Trail, Bellingham, MA

It is much easier to find the trailhead now that Sean Boddy, Eagle Scout, has completed his project(s) and made the trail much more visible, accessible, and easier to follow. Continue reading

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Great Progress on local railtrails, SNETT/ Blackstone River Bikeway

Triad Bridge, Millville, MA, still under construction

Triad Bridge, Millville, MA, still under construction

Our family regularly searches out railtrails in the New England area and we bring our tandem bike along so we can enjoy the sights for miles along these paths. Two bike trails are within 15 minutes of where we live, but we often make day trips to ride railtrails in neighboring states. I feel sure we are not the only people who are finding these trails to be a source of enjoyment and a great way to enjoy the outdoors and exercise at the same time.

There is so much happening on the SNETT, the proposed bikeway which runs from Franklin through Bellingham, on into Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge and Douglas.  The Blackstone River Bikeway intersects with the SNETT through the Blackstone and Millville/Uxbridge sections, and thus the developing of one trail is actually developing both. Two for one–even better!

This past weekend we headed up Rt. 122 to Millville, MA, Continue reading

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Pierrette Corriveau: Fond memories of Silver Lake

Pierrette 2Pierrette Corriveau was born in Bellingham, MA at Silver Lake, but says that she and her mother must have been transported to Woonsocket, RI immediately afterwards since her birth was registered in Woonsocket. She has stayed in this area her whole life, raising seven children with her husband, the late Eugene Corriveau, who for many years was the town collector and Treasurer in Bellingham. [As told to Marjorie Turner Hollman] Continue reading

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Easy Walking on the paths at Bellingham, MA Town Common

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The Bellingham Town Common isn’t  what might first come to mind as an “easy walking trail” but it has well-kept walking paths that are ideal for families to enjoy, especially on a fall day when the foliage glows in the sunlight. Skateboards and dogs are prohibited, but there’s no mention of a bike prohibition. I’ve seen lots of young children starting to learn to ride their small bikes along the paths, parents trailing behind, urging encouragement. I’ve pushed a stroller, new grandchild snoozing away, while his big sister enjoyed the compact playground tucked away from the road.

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd editionMore Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd editionEasy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.

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