Waking up to the sun and symphony of birds, we got going early. The kids were barely out of the pajamas before they were outside playing. Taking advantage of the warm breeze, I had clothes out on the clothesline early aiming to get a few loads dried sans electricity.
With the line strung, we headed into the garden to see how things were going. It’s been a bit of a late start (with everything going on) but we’re getting into the swing. Planted some more onions, radish; transplanted broccoli and lettuce; weeded the raspberries and blueberries.
But by far, the best part of the day came after lunch, when we headed down the road to Weetamoo Woods for a hike -- our first with Bodhi. The east entrance (Lake Road) is right around the corner from us, so we try to get out as much as we can for hikes. Today’s destination: The old mill “ruins” along the Red Trail. Here are some pics from our walk in the woods.
We keep working on teaching the kids how to "read" the map and follow trail blazes.
The "Water Tree" -- a favorite spot to rest, even early in the hike. This tree has a cavity at its base that collects water. The kids love to poke around on Critter Patrol.
Some quiet shots by Sara as she let us blaze ahead:
Now, I’ve lived in Tiverton for a good part of my life and spent many an hour in Weetamoo growing up (watching meteor showers off of High Rock), but this jewel (the Mill ruins) never came across my path until Sara and the kids took me there for the first time a few months back. Will and Millie just love exploring all around, climbing rocks, and seeing what might be along the water's edge. I need to do some research and learn more about when it was in operation, who ran it, etc. Does anyone know?
I am always in awe of this kind of stone work. What I wouldn't give to be able to lay stone like that!
With all the recent rain, the water was flowing nicely.
Many thanks to all those volunteers who help maintain the trails. We’re so thankful we have this get-away in our backyard. Want to ramble yourself? Check out the most current trail map and get out there.
3 comments:
Well the sawmill in the woods is known as the Borden Mill so I assume there is some connection between the Tiverton Bordens and the Fall River Bordens and Lizzie the Axe murderess. I will be interested to hear what you discover.
Hi Bill, Beautiful pictures. Definitely a great time of year to be woods walking : ) The orange trail has been a wonderful success with many people finding the loop a good walk. The mountain laurel is looking very lush this year. First I have heard that the mill's name is Borden Mill ... I do know it was an old saw mill. Garry will perhaps fill you in on more. But Open Space is looking for a "researcher" on the history of some of the sites within Weetamoo. Cheers, Ginger (co-chair, Tiv Open Space Commission). PS As you may know, Weetamoo Woods now in the 600 acre range of space ... is entirely maintained by volunteers in Tiverton.
Hi Bill, The technology required for the granite stone work and the shape of the foundations is evidence that the sawmill is early-middle 1800s. It is a vertical shaft, turbine drive design, making it post 1820. It's shown on a map drawn in 1854, but an 1895 map indicates "old saw mill" with a dotted line cart path (abandoned). Someday we'll find someone with the time/interest/research skills to tell it's story, along with the other stories of the farmsites along Eight Rod Way. There's a book out there just waiting to be written.
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