4 minute read
Rehoboth Ramblings
Rehoboth Ramblings by Leslie Patterson
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Going for a nature walk in some beautiful location nearby has been the silver lining, if such there be, to the current crisis. Getting out of the house has never been more enjoyable. We’ve explored a dozen or so outdoor sites this spring, some of them new to us. In fact, we wondered why we had never visited a number of these places before.
While some of these trails have been closed this spring, most are now re-opening. These days, it’s always a good idea to check the status of the place you want to visit first. As of this writing, most buildings, including restrooms, were still closed. Please follow the guidelines on maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, etc. Now that it’s summer you’ll want mosquito repellent too.
In early April, both Colt State Park in Bristol and the Boyden Nature Refuge in Taunton were already getting crowded. Then on a chilly day in mid-April, we tried a couple of old favorites, peaceful Fogland Beach on a cove in Tiverton and then in Little Compton, Goosewing/South Shore beach, where we enjoyed watching the surfers in their wetsuits. The scenic drive back through Little Compton and Tiverton is always enjoyable, especially at sunset.
I’m not sure what exactly going to the beach will look like this summer, but it’s not going to be the same “day at the beach” as in the past, with new regulations about beach use in effect. I’m thinking that going early on a week day might be the way to go, and not staying very long.
One pleasant walking trail in Westport is the old Westport Town Farm on Drift Road, now operated as a wildlife sanctuary by the Trustees of Reservations, where you can walk through fields that overlook the Westport River. Although it was closed earlier, Mass Audubon Society has reopened Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary next to the Westport Town Beach.
Also reopened are the trails at Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary nearby in Attleboro. Note that dogs are not allowed on trails at any of the Audubon properties. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk (part of the RI Audubon Society) is a convenient location for a pleasant and mostly easy short hike through varying terrain. The trail at the Audubon Center in Bristol crosses the East Bay Bike Path, which has been very busy this spring, and continues on a boardwalk down to the bay. This short and scenic trail is open but the Nature Center building remains closed.
Further afield is Demarest Lloyd State Park in South Dartmouth, though the beach there is very rocky. I’m told that the Slocum River there is a great place for kayaking. Two of our favorite spots on the South Coast are the picturesque town of Fairhaven and historic Fort Phoenix, a former Revolutionary War fort on the water, and then going on to Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett.
We spent Mother’s Day at Borderland State Park in North Easton walking the trail that goes around the large pond. It was fairly busy that day but the park is spacious. This popular state park allows a variety of outdoor activities (fishing, riding, cycling, etc.) On Memorial Day weekend, we visited Brenton Point State Park in Newport, always a favorite seaside spot for clambering over the rocks, though there is no beach to speak of. It too was somewhat crowded, but manageable.
The beautiful Blithewold Estate in Bristol, with its lovely waterfront vista, has reopened their grounds and gardens for viewing for a small fee, but you will need to make a reservation on their website before your visit. They did not hold daffodil days this April, but seeing the colorful tulip display in May more than made up for it.
Last but not least, close to home are trails managed by the Rehoboth Land Trust including the Ephraim Hunt Ministerial Land on Pond Street. Rehoboth State Forest not far from town offices is a good place for a walk in the woods too. These are just some of the nearby locations where you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors – happy trails!
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