We’re back at Traveler’s Woods in Bernardston, MA once again. The one campground near Ashuwillticook R/T was full and we knew Traveler’s Woods was a nice place. Landen loves the big slide and is able to ride his bike.
The trailhead in Adam’s was an hour away. It was a beautiful drive through the Berkshires. Some of the prettiest scenery so far. I especially enjoyed seeing the old weathered barns.
Visitors center in Adams, MA. The rail trail is directly behind the visitors center. The beginning of this beautiful 11.5 mile rail trail. Our favorite Massachusetts trail.Main street in Adam’s. So typical of the many small towns we’ve been through on this trip, just inviting you to take a stroll. The trail followed shores of Cheshire Reservoir for a couple of miles. Loved this little house that overlooked the reservoir.This old train trestle was near Adams.Old lime mining and production facility near Adams.This was a train used for touring the Berkshires. Landen was thrilled to see it and get a wave from the conductor. A business along the trail had the rear tire of a bike imbeded in the brick wall of the building. A very unique way of recognizing their relationship with the rail trail.Another beautiful church with tall steeple in Adams. Awesome blue sky too.
This was a perfect day, temperatures in the 70’s, to ride the perfect trail. There was something interesting to see around every turn. The trail surface was smooth and wide. There were a few areas raised by roots that were well marked. The bumps kept Landen interested. We finished our ride about 3 PM and the trail was beginning to get crowded.
We rode 23 miles today and finished our Massachusetts 100. Hooray!!
We celebrated our 100 miles with pizza. Apple juice for Landen and a beer for Lenny and Diana.
We awoke in our new campsite to rain. Our plan was to ride the Clipper City R/T and Harborwalk but with the rain we had to make alternate plans.
Sunset Park Campground Hampstead, NH.Our peaceful place in the woods. This the quietest campsite we have ever experienced. We cannot see another camper out our back or side window.
We decided to take in the sights in Newburyport on foot instead of on two wheels. It was clear when we left our motorhome but soon after we arrived it began to rain.
Took this picture just before rain began which was just prior to the tornado warning. Needless to say our walking tour of Newburyport never happened.I was able to brave the rain and purchase this very cool shirt in the Life is Good store.
We stopped at a local bike shop and got some information on a rail trail. It’s close to Boston but may work for us.
One of the locals told us about a good restaurant, Mr Mike’s, so we stopped for dinner. Can’t beat local knowledge. We had a delicious meal and Landen enjoyed himself too.
Moved to campsite across from the pool which had strong wifi signal – hooray!! Landen and I took a walk through the campground but all he could talk about was the pool.
Ready for a dip in the pool on a 90 degree day.Landen loved his pool day. He really was quite comfortable in the water. Time for swim lessons.
This was a nice day off for us all. No travel, no biking just relaxing. After his swim Landen took a 3 hour nap. Lenny and I had quiet time.
Landen watching Grandpa empty tanks.Landen is standing on flooring Lenny made to cover the steps. We don’t have to worry about him falling. When not in use piece stores beside table top. Lenny’s spring/summer project.
It’s so different traveling with a 2 year old but we are all adapting.
During the day Landen’s bed is on our bed. At night Landen’s bed is on the floor. Always sleeps well with his alligator and turtle. ……… and then it’s “Good Morning!”.
So, with a few changes a two year old fits in quite nicely. Best part is he loves that whole biking thing.
Fixed big breakfast this morning, recovering from our evening ride yesterday. Landen “helped” Lenny get the bikes ready. We had a storm last night with lots of rain and thunder. Bikes stayed dry under awning.
We are off to ride the Bruce Freeman R/T. We started from a park in Acton. MA. This was a very hot day but this trail is nicely shaded and we had a little breeze.
Beautiful shade under tall trees on Bruce Freeman R/T. This was pretty typical of trail.
We rode thru beautiful areas with ponds, wetlands, tall pines and one small lakefront community. There was a beach with public access and a very tempting hotdog stand. Drivers were always very courteous at the well marked road crossings.
Welcome shade on hot day riding Bruce L Freeman R/T near Lowell, MA.
There were some long up and down grades. As always love those downhills!! We stopped at a swim and tennis club for lunch break. Landen so happy running and laughing but eager to get back on the trail .
Sometimes he sleeps!! We are so thankful Landen is enjoying this adventure with us.
This was really a beautiful trail, well maintained and smooth. Somewhat busy the closer we got to Lowell.
We have now completed 80 miles in Massachusetts. We are off to New Hampshire on Tuesday. We plan to complete our Massachusetts 100 as we pass thru on our return to Ohio.
We left Traveler’s Woods on Friday afternoon. Spent the morning doing some laundry, playing with Landen and packing up motorhome. We were off to Hudson, MA to spend night at a Cabelas.
Landen was frightened by the large fish in aquarium and animals (taxidermy) in Cabelas. Loved sitting on 4-wheelers. Large RV parking area and Landen spent time riding his Strider bike in the parking lot.
Walmart shopping and off to Boston Minuteman (not in Boston) Campground in Littleton for 3 nights.
Our home at Boston Minuteman campground in Littleton, MA. Sites all very wooded with tall pines and oaks. Moved to site near pool and wifi for last night here.
Everywhere we have gone in Massachusetts we pass through quaint little towns. Many of these small towns have banners honoring “hometown heros” who have served in the armed forces. We loved seeing that! Littleton was one of those towns.
After getting settled we packed up the Fiat and headed for Nashua River R/T trailhead in Groton, MA. We headed north for Nashua, New Hampshire.
We passed through wetlands, forest and meadows. Enough shade to keep us comfortable.
New Hampshire/Massachusetts state line on Nashua River R/T. Trail goes 1 mile into New Hampshire.
We passed thru the small town of Pepperell, MA where there was a bike station. Passed a pond and Pepperell dam. We had a late start so we felt rushed to finish trail before mosquitos arrived.
Someone remarked at the trailhead, “You got all that into that little car?” We make it work! Sign near Groton trailhead. North to Nashua, NH and south to Ayer, MA. Planned to start in Ayer but parking under construction.
We were both really exhausted after pushing so hard to finish this ride. Landen seemed tired too and he had taken a nap along the way.
We all slept in this morning until 9 AM – so thankful Landen is a good sleeper. We are off to Northampton to ride the Manhan Rail Trail
Northampton is a nice little town with beautiful planters all around, many shops and restaurants. Union Station along the trail has been refurbished and houses restaurants. Very tempting, but if we stop we may not get on the trail again. I had read somewhere that the trail was shaded but most of it was not and it was a hot day.
We road the trail south to Easthampton thru parks and community gardens. One park was busy with food bank distribution.
Mural along Manhan R/T in Easthampton.This mural was really incredible. I wish I could have gotten it all on one picture.Lunch stop on our return to Northampton. Landen loves those PB&Js.
One leg of the trail followed the Connecticut River. As we passed by a small lake the temperature dropped and we felt cool for a few brief minutes. It didn’t last long. These rides have been very hot so far.
Wednesday August 14, 2019 and we have a nice ride on the Canalside Trail scheduled. Lenny had an issue with his derailleur so he spent the morning fixing that issue. Landen rode his bike around the park and went down the slide many, many times.
We began our ride in Montague. We passed Turner Falls Dam and Fishway which are ladders that allow fish to travel up stream. The trail then followed the canal where we saw several trestle bridges, ducks and blue heron.
Near the end of the trail we were on the street for a short distance then into a heavily wooded area and over an awesome trestle bridge.
Beautiful trestle bridge on Canalside Rail Trail.
The views from the bridge were gorgeous. Since it was a short trail and Landen had fallen asleep we rode part of the trail twice.
View from trestle bridge on Canalside R/T near confluence of Conneticut and Deerfield Rivers.
So good to be starting out northeastern miles. Tomorrow we will ride The Manhan Rail Trail
