Tyringham, Massachusetts

According to their mission, "The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts."

One of the Trustees' properties is "Tyringham Cobble," located, naturally, in Tyringham, MA.

This type of "cobble" when used as a placename in New England, New York, and New Jersey is basically a quaint term for a rounded hill. A friend of friends, who enjoys local hiking, recommended we hike there. We had asked a question similar to "If we were to go on only one local hike in Western Mass, something in the under five mile range, where would you recommend we go?" Tyringham Cobble was the the very informed response: many types of interesting terrain along with pleasant scenic views can be enjoyed over a relatively short distance. A portion of the hike is on the Appalachian Trail.

We were fortunate to get a wonderfully sunny fall day to explore the "cobble."  All photos in this post were taken on November 6. Despite the somewhat "after peak" fall date, there was still some foliage to admire.

Between the Trees

Pinkish

Warming

Cotton Candy

On the Way Down

As an aside, just before arriving at the turnoff to park our car for the Tyringham Cobble hike, we drove past a unique place called "Santarella." It was *so* unique that we just had to stop, take a few pictures, and find out more about it. A sign, seen on the property, provides some additional information:

Santarella is the historic home of the sculptor Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, who lived and worked here until his passing in 1947. He spent over 20 years transforming the carriage house of a colonial homestead into his sculpting studio, creating the incredible rolling roof using handcut asphalt shingles of different colors to mimic the surrounding hills in the fall. In addition to the roof, Kitson added many other whimsical architectural details, and maintained a beautiful, exotic garden with the help of his full-time gardener, Awoki.

Santarella is a private residence and is not open to the public. We host guests for vacation rentals as well as for weddings and special events. Detailed information is available on our website. Rental enquires can also be made by phone:

(413) 243-2819 http://www.santarella.us

Here are three representative photos I took of the "residence":

All photos © 2019, all rights reserved.  Contact philslens@gmail.com for licensing or to order prints.

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Zion Day One

Zion is amazing.

We could not believe the beauty here.


On our first hike we took the Emerald Pool trails and visited the lower, middle, and upper pools. We were greeted by this lovely waterfall on the lower trail. The trail goes *under* this.

Emerald Pool Falls

Rainbow Spotted at Fall's Base

After the Emerald Pool trails, we headed to the Weeping Rock trail.

This next photo is one of many classic views in Zion one gets by looking up.

Zion Grand Theater (my name for this, not theirs)

Indeed Weeping Rock weeped. Again, the trail takes us *under* the water, where we watch from behind the spray. Amazingly this water is not a waterfall, but rather, the spring water sourced far above seeps through the porous Navajo sandstone, a process that takes nearly a thousand years before it reaches the overhanging blind arch we are standing under, known as Weeping Rock.

Weeping Rock

Flowers Bursting on the Weeping Rock Wall

High Tree

Next up, we took the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River to the start of the Narrows.  Zion Canyon was created by the Virgin River.

Silky Virgin River

Late Day Red Walls

This relatively flat stroll along the Virgin River goes for one mile, and was definitely one of the highlights of our Zion visit. The river scenery and surrounding majestic walls were breathtaking.

Virgin River near Temple of Sinawava

We Felt Small Compared to Walls like These

The Narrows was closed due to high April snow runoff. For those that aren't familiar, this "hike" involves walking directly in the water upstream (or downstream). Here is the enticing "bottom-up" entrance to the Narrows seen during the golden hour.

These next two photos are two of my favorites taken in all of Zion and Bryce:

The Start of the Narrows

Deb wanted to get her feet wet both to soothe them from the day's hiking and so that she could get at least "two feet" into the Narrows. She says they turned purple right away in the icy cold water. You can see a few other brave souls in the background that actually went up river even though it was "closed".

Narrows Therapy

More on this trip will follow in my next blog entry.

All photos © 2016, all rights reserved.  Contact me for licensing or to order prints.

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That Colorful Time of Year

Columbus Day weekend Deb took a class at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA, which is located just slightly northwest of Amherst. I took the opportunity to tag along and visit the area, doing some hiking and picture taking while she was learning new pottery techniques. The weather was absolutely perfect all three days.  The skies were a clear autumn blue.

This is my first post of photos for that long weekend.

A Scene from Becket

On the way back from Becket:

Textures

Moments Before Sunset

Chapel Falls 1

Chapel Falls 2

On the hike from Chapel Falls up to Bullitt Reservation.

Overhead on the Trail

Bullitt Reservation turned out to be a worthy destination:

Flowing Tresses

Garden Color

Across from Chapel Falls there's a substantial ledge that rock climbers use to test their skills. Fortunately, there's also a hiking trail up and I was rewarded with this:

View From the Ledge Top

Chapel Falls is in the town of Ashfield, that happened to be holding its fall festival that weekend. I walked around the festival for a bit.  I like shiny highly polished metal cars, creating, in this case, yet another selfie.

Parked at the Ashfield Fall Festival

Part of the Ashfield Fall Festival

Streetside Orange

More foliage photos to come.  Stay tuned.

All photos © 2015, all rights reserved.  Contact me for licensing or to order prints.

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