Summer, Spring, Summer, Spring, Summer, Spring. This sums up the weather pretty well over the last few weeks. Bouts of mid-summer heat and then it drops back to more typical spring weather. Overall I can’t complain too much, as I would much rather spring weather than consistent summer heat. I am definitely not one of the true summer fans, but do enjoy it in moderation.
As the seasons have turned, ushering in more consistent summer weather. So has a sense of normalcy. Here in Massachusetts, Covid restrictions have slowly begun to faded. Restaurants and other business have gone back to more normal operations. Giving many of us an opportunity to take advantage of activities we’ve missed over the last sixteen or so months. So what does all this have to do with this post? Well its more of an excuse for the fact that I’ve been a little slow to get into some new outdoor adventures. For that fact, instead of a new adventure lets take a look at one from the fall of 2020, with a walk through Upton Forest.
Upton Forest is a 2,660 square mile state park that sits between Upton and Westborough, Massachusetts. It offers miles of trails, excellent for hiking and biking. It even allows horseback riding. A aspect that surprised Jensen, when we encountered two beautiful horses enjoying an afternoon walk in the crisp fall air.
We visited Upton Forest in mid October, which was towards the tail end of peak leaf season. Although it was moving towards past peak, it still offered many opportunities for some great fall foliage shots. My favorite is still the one looking down the empty path, with the colorful reflection visible in the puddles from the rain the night before. It was a great day that offered some great fall views, and also an opportunity for some outdoors time. Something that was becoming less and less common in the second half of 2020.
I look forward to taking a trip back to Upton forest this summer and getting a different perspective.
Until the next adventure…
-Neal
Neal's New England 