Tag Archives: Blackstone River

by | May 15, 2019 · 5:13 pm

Adaptive Biking Again? Third Time is a Charm in Worcester

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A parade of bikes sets off from the Worcester Visitor Center

Perhaps you have noticed we’ve been talking a lot about adaptive biking when you check in here. For the month of May, it’s been at the top of my “to do” list.  You see, I am not only a National Park Volunteer with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor (VIP), I am also a participant in these adaptive biking events. There is still time to participate in the last two events, but you must register. To register for the remaining rides in May, call 413-584-2052. Continue reading →

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by | April 20, 2018 · 11:49 am

Joys of Volunteering Part 2

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Heritage Corridor volunteers getting a private historical tour of the grounds near the Kelly house in Lincoln, RI

As though our recent adventure out to Northampton with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor was not enough, Corridor volunteers were treated to a spring Thank you picnic (during Volunteer week–the timing was perfect!) at the Kelly House in Lincoln, RI, along the Blackstone Bikeway. Somehow we ended up with one of the very few bright and sunny days in a week of near monsoon-like weather, which allowed for a trip along the bike trail for the Bike Ambassadors, a personally guided tour of the area surrounding the Kelly house by Ranger Kevin Klyberg, and a delicious outdoor picnic dinner as well. Continue reading →

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by | November 26, 2017 · 5:04 pm

Finding Easy Walks Around the Corner-Blackstone Bikeway and Riverbend Farm

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A favorite picture spot along the Blackstone Canal

Life has been moving rather slowly around here as one of us recovers from a back injury, the other from pinched nerves in the shoulder. What this has meant in practice is that we’ve stayed very close to home, rejoicing in the presence of local wildlife in the pond our home overlooks, but not straying far from home. Continue reading →

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by | October 2, 2017 · 12:17 pm

Walking the SNETT in Blackstone

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Water views along the SNETT in Blackstone

Last summer the Massachusetts Walking Tour used the SNETT trail to travel between Bellingham, Franklin and Blackstone, avoiding a lot of road walking by using this still being developed trail system. I was able to confidently assure the group about much of the trail, but the section in Blackstone near Farm Street was not an area I had visited. Continue reading →

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by | June 18, 2017 · 4:41 pm

On the Road-MA Walking Tour visits Uxbridge

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Riverbend Farm, from the tow path

The thing about the Massachusetts Walking Tour is that they, well, walk from town to town, kind of like those troubadours of old, only these talented musicians are not that old.  Continue reading →

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by | June 7, 2017 · 2:44 pm

Searching for Mountain Laurel-Blackstone Gorge

DSC00531.JPGThe Blackstone Gorge was on my way home and it is just the right time to look for mountain laurel in this area. The past several years I’ve managed to visit at the right time. As I wandered along the river’s edge, it looked like I was too early. Continue reading →

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by | October 2, 2015 · 4:54 pm

Magical Places–Along the Banks of the Blackstone River

Blackstone Gorge

Blackstone Gorge

We’re into the midst of foliage season here in southern New England. Although the day was overcast yesterday, it wasn’t raining, and I decided to follow the advice I’ve been giving folks who are interested in finding fantastic foliage near where we live: seek out your local rivers, streams and ponds first. Continue reading →

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by | September 30, 2015 · 2:42 pm

Finding Fantastic Foliage

Sculpture Park, Franklin, MA

Sculpture Park, Franklin, MA

When the woods begin filling with color, it’s as though I’ve forgotten this ever happened before. Some view fall as the harbinger of winter, but for me, it is the long-promised relief from the heat of summer. Continue reading →

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by | August 24, 2015 · 2:25 pm

Surprise Along the Trail

Along the Blackstone Bikeway

Along the Blackstone Bikeway

Yesterday was overcast, threatening rain, but we ventured out with raincoats at the ready in case we encountered downpours. Because of the weather, we stayed close to home rather than drive a long ways, only to find ourselves rained out.

The Blackstone River Bikeway is only a few miles away, just over the border into Rhode Island. I particularly enjoy seeing the river as we ride. Oftentimes the Blackstone Canal is directly next to the trail, the river on the other side of the bike path. I have fun trying to figure out where the original tow path was. As we ride I wonder what parts  of the tow path are preserved underneath the tarmac of the present-day bike path, and where the trail planners moved the pavement to better accommodate bike traffic.

When we come to scenic spots we stop to look around and enjoy the view. We always look for wildlife along the way, birds being the most common form of wildlife we encounter. Continue reading →

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by | October 13, 2013 · 2:12 pm

Fleeting time for fall foliage

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Lookout Rock in Northbridge, MA on Quaker Street always offers a lovely view of the countryside. Lots of “leaf peepers” hit the highways and head north or west from here to see the sights, but miss the sometimes spectacular views right in our backyard. Right now I am hitting the trail as often as I can to capture views such as this before winter sets in. I am keenly aware of the seasons. I also know that spring will return!

Marjorie Turner Hollman

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy 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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