Searching for a grist mill with LiDAR

Hiked north on Quarry Road out of West Springfield toward Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke on a mission to find the Saw and Shingle Mill shown on this 1831 map.

We found the area and except for some apparent excavation to grade the land and some 20th Century litter (truck parts, tires), there is really nothing to note.  The depression is fairly square and shows up on the LiDAR imagery.

Further north, the grist mill area shown on this later map from 1912, you can see actual building sites.

And this photo is the small building just east (right) of the brook.  

The larger "X" building, that I assume is a warehouse is on the opposite of the brook is a fairly large elevated platform that looks like this panoramic photo.

But a puzzle here is that in 1830, the grist mill is further downstream and on the opposite side.

More explanation is needed, but since we are expecting another ice storm, foot travel into the area is a bit difficult.  Finally here is a LiDAR image of the area that is directing our research.  More visits are needed.

3 TV shows

I've been thinking about posting this wisdom for some time, so here goes....

Remember when TVs only received 3, that is THREE channels?  Ok, I am dating myself, but you get the point.

Today we have a million choices to pick from, and IMHO, 99.99% are junk.

So, let's say you only could see 3 TV shows for the rest of your life, what would they be?

My choices:

Star Trek, I mean all the franchises and spin offs. Must be a thousand or two episodes.

Law and Order, like ST, there are multiple versions to enjoy.  Not all were my favorite, but hey, I need to pad the list.

and lastly...

Dr. Who, with 50 years of shows you can't go wrong.

Remember, this is my list and after a year of this, I would likely give up TV forever.  Is that a bad thing?

Southampton Open Space and Recreation Plan Input needed

Southampton, MA seeks your input for the next Open space and Recreation Plan.  There is a survey monkey link to give your feedback.

The survey is limited to identifying use of local parks and protected areas, as well as common recreation activities.  I wish there were more options to enter opinions.

Rail road derailment "derails" Appalachian Trail

Train Derailment Closes Potomac Footbridge in Harpers Ferry 

Read the news here. Fortunately no injuries to persons or the environment.

When I was hiking the trail in Maryland, I crossed the Rt 340 bridge several times.  Now it is not recommended.

 

Go Dark - A Wild East Story on the Appalachian Trail

A video from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 

Enjoy

AT and the Supreme Court

I got this email from the ATC:

"On December 9, 2019, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) submitted a brief to the Supreme Court providing its unique and historically based perspective on Cowpasture River Reservation Association, et al. v. United States Forest Service, an important case involving the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). This brief highlights the importance of preserving the cooperative management system, which maintains and conserves the Trail. Confirmed by the National Trail System Act of 1968 (NTSA), this system is essential for protecting not only the Trail itself, but also the realm of surrounding lands, environments and hiking experiences that have characterized the A.T. for nearly a century.

In this case, the Court will determine whether the U.S. Forest Service — or any land management agency aside from the National Park Service — can issue Mineral Leasing Act permits for pipelines to cross the A.T. Regardless of the final ruling, the ATC urges the Court to make a decision that ensures the cooperative management system remains intact, and that pipelines and other infrastructure are permitted in a way that preserves the A.T. realm. The ATC’s primary concern is the protection and enhancement of the Trail.

The A.T. cooperative management system is comprised of individual governmental agencies, Trail Maintaining Clubs, communities along the Trail and the Conservancy itself all united by a common purpose: to use their areas of expertise to ensure that the A.T. is protected for future generations. It is imperative that all members of this system are able to work together to achieve this goal.

To read the full brief provided to the Supreme Court, click here.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the Cowpasture decision in early 2020. We will continue to inform our members, volunteers and A.T. lovers worldwide whenever there are important updates."

Every kid outdoors

We need the outdoors. 

And many of our younger people do not get enough exercise.

Also they do not get outdoors.

So instead of playing video games, texting and other device managed behaviors, get outside.

A new federal land program encourages this healthy behavior.

https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm

On this website  resources for kids, parents and educators will be found.

Hey fourth graders! See America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free.

 

 

Trail Work

We can always use some work on trails, especially those found along a slope like these going to the north part of the WSU campus.

See the NPS site and ATC for more details.  Thhe USDA - FS has a neat guide too.

Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee Disbanded By NPS

Any surprise?

read the news here.

Bear Hole Watershed Field Work

Some of my research in resource management of parks and protected areas is local in West Springfield and the Bear Hole Watershed.  Today I toured some of the northern end with colleagues from the University, trying to field inventory some of the features.

So, the northern end of the watershed has several impounded water bodies.  These may have been dammed to create water power for mills in the area.  From 1871, note the paper mills.

Twenty years later, the Holyoke - Westfield RR is noted on the maps.  There are quarries in the area, and trunk lines are found.

But the real neat stuff shows up in 1831, from this map from the LOC.  Are we looking at Rufus S.Paine's House?

The area is littered with illegal off-road trails, and the community is trying to promote passive recreation in the watershed but not motorized. 

National Take a Hike Day, 17 Nov 2019

On Sunday, November 17, 2019 hit the Trail with fellow hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and everyone in between to celebrate National Take a Hike Day.

I might suggest the Appalachian Trail but if not, try any local trail.

Kay Wood, AT Hero

Kay Wood was an amazing Trail volunteer who served as Chair of the very new AT Committee during the time when the AT was being moved from roads onto newly purchased NPS lands--particularly in south County.  She was also a 2000 miler, and was an AT Communities leader long before the program was even thought of.

Watch a video about this Hero.

Happy Halloween and Geography of Fear

Seems like a good time to highlight research about the contribution of haunted attractions in urban planning.

So in between watching horror movies on TV (TCM has genre films all day!) consider this paper on the topic.

Bristow, R. S., & Jenkins, I. S. (2019). Geography of fear: fright tourism in urban revitalization. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 1-14.

Boo!

Sam I Am, Through Hiker on AT

Heard this through hiker last night at the Westfield Athenaeum.  His real name is Sam Ducharme and he has a YouTube page showcasing his Appalachian Trail hike. I haven't checked out his videos, but his presentation was great and an inspiration to all those who have experienced or desire the life changing expedition.

I picked up his book and look forward to the read.

Thanks, Sam I am,
your new friend, the Happy Hiker (both ends to the middle 1974-75).

Emerald Ash Borer

Saw this educational sign on the Appalachian Trail recently and thought I would share it.  It alerts the hikers of the controlled harvest in the October Mountain State Forest that the AT winds through.  In particular this sign was posted just south of Becket Road.

October 16th, 1974

Do you know where you were?  I do.

Camping along the Appalachian Trail, at the old October Mountain Leanto.

I hiked about 7 miles in the rain, got lost a view times and tried to dry out in the leanto.

See the location at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/#14/42.3599/-73.1581

The new shelter has been relocated further south.

Tourism and Brexit?

"Research released today by UKinbound and Canterbury Christ Church University shows that the Government’s proposed post-Brexit immigration reforms have the potential to severely destabilise the tourism industry in the UK, putting at risk an industry that contributes £145 billion (7.2% of UK GDP)[1] to the UK economy."

"The research includes a survey of UK tourism and hospitality businesses, undertaken by Canterbury Christ Church University with Qa Research, which highlights the critical impact that the Government’s proposed immigration reforms could have on the sector post-Brexit. The survey shows that:

• 65% said that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to continue to operate
• 71% believe that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to expand
• 75% believe that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to remain competitive
• 68% of tourism businesses cited the limited domestic labour market as the key reason for the continued need for EU workers
• 80% of tour operators and destination management businesses cited the lack of home-grown talent with foreign language skills as the driving force behind the need for EU workers."

Source:  https://www.ukinbound.org/advocacy-news/two-out-of-three-tourism-businesses-fear-immigration-reforms-may-cause-closures/

John Lennon's Birthday

"If someone thinks that peace and love are just a cliche that must have been left behind in the '60s, that's a problem.  Peace and love are eternal."

- John Lennon (1940-1980)

Happy Birthday Kyra Schon

You may recognize Kyra Schon from her role in the original Night of the Living Dead (1968).

Happy Birthday!

Hartford - Springfield Airport now OPEN (BDL) TODAY

BDL airport is now open  due to an civilian aircraft crash this morning.  Fatalities reported.

Call your airline for details if you are flying out or in today.

For details from BDL click here.



It is open now!

Turner Classic Movies this month

October is one of favorite months to watch TV.  After all TCM, (emphasis on the Classic!) offers a great line up of horror films.  And if that is not enough, how about Godzilla Fridays!

Holy cow!

And for the 31st, invite some friends over for an all night extravaganza, pop some corn, and for heaven's sake, leave the lights on!

Thomas Cook?

The oldest travel agency in the world has shut down, and quite suddenly.

Vacationers around the world are struggling to find a way home.  Future travelers have unpaid reservations.

Brexit may be one factor, but given that mess, I don't want to speculate how.  (That subject can compared to our own headaches in the states!)

I'd say it is the general decline for the need to use a travel agent when many vacationers can simply book air, hotel and car on the web. 

After all, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:

"Employment of travel agents is projected to decline 6 percent from 2018 to 2028. The ability of travelers to use the Internet to research vacations and book their own trips is expected to continue to suppress demand for travel agents. Job prospects should be best for travel agents who specialize in specific destinations or particular types of travelers."

National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium 2020

2020 National Environment and Recreation Research Symposium 

Annapolis, Maryland  

April 5-7, 2020 

Call for Abstracts 

 The 2020 National Environment and Recreation Research (NERR) Symposium invites you to submit abstracts for presentations focusing on recreation, tourism and environmental topics. NERR offers an unparalleled opportunity for individuals representing the governmental, educational, private, and non-profit sectors to share research findings, management experience and techniques, to advance knowledge in recreation,tourism and environmental management.  

Location and Venue:The Graduate Annapolis Hotel (former Loews Hotel) at 126 West St. in historic Annapolis, Maryland. Discount lodging is available based on established government per-diem rates. Access is convenient through Washington DC area airports, with BWI just 30 minutes driving time to Annapolis.

 Important Dates:
November 4, 2019: Deadline for submission of abstracts and scholarship applications. 
Dec. 18, 2019:Notice of abstract acceptance and scholarship awards. 
March 1, 2020:Deadline for early bird conference registration. 
April 1, 2020:Deadline for conference registration online.
Apr. 5-7, 2020:NERR Symposium 

Detailed conference information is at the conference website http://nerrsymposium.org/

Travel Advisory Map

While many world citizens are being warned against travel to the US due to mass shootings and other acts of domestic terrorism, the US is doing the same for Americans.

A new interactive travel map is sponsored by the State Department.

Red areas should be avoided and the cross hatch countries have warnings suggesting

Exercise Normal Precautions - Contains Areas with Higher Security Risk

I am surprised we don't have that shading for our country?

Peer Review Week 16-20 September 2019

Wow, who knew about Peer Review Week?

What's Peer Review?  Well short answer is the unbiased review of research.  It is like when some medical doctor writes about some new treatment.  These external review people check to make sure the research is appropriate and accurate given the parameters of the study.

Typically this is blind where the author doesn't know the reviewer and vice versa. There are other considerations, but that is the "cliff note version.

Incidentally, that is why the web is frequently garbage since no checks and balances.  So take my blog with a grain of salt.

Overtourism in Iceland

I had a chance to visit Iceland twice.  The first time was in June of 2013 and then a second time October 2015.

From what I am reading, I don't know if I want to go again.

Iceland is suffering the same headaches that Costa Rica has experienced (two visits starting 2000).

Too many people, low cost carriers leaving all lead to a problem in Iceland.

Just like the AT.

Appalachian Trail Histories

A wonderful website called Appalachian Trail Histories is the creation of Professor Mills Kelly and his students in the Department of History and Art History at George Mason University. It is a fantastic site that offers a historical view of the AT.  A must visit site for hikers.

Appalachian Trail 1975

Over the holiday weekend, I hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail that I had last visited in June 1975.

While the route has been taken off dirt roads and moved to the west, you can still see the blazes on Brace Road.

Now crossing Beartown Mountain Road, the new trail looks like this.

From 1973, USGS Topo maps show the different routes over time.  First map is 1973, second is 2018.

Notice the trail is still listed in the former route on the 2018 map.

Hurricane Dorian

As this storm heads toward the mainland, there is a lot of hoopla surrounding the path.  Do your self a favor and go to the National Hurricane Center and not that dot com site staffed with beautiful people.

And for that matter, download a tracking map and follow the storm.

I have posted info on hurricanes frequently on this blog, so you can do a search.

Stay prepared.

New archaeological search on AT

I just heard from an Appalachian Trail volunteer that there is a foundation and a series of stone walls west of the Trail on the section he maintains.  Using LiDAR imagery, I zoomed into the area and created this simple image.

The red line is the trail, and the blue lines mark the National Park boundaries.  I hope to visit the site this weekend to photograph the features on the ground.  Preliminary research in the area has given me with names of the former occupants.

Archaeology is like a mystery and I am in the process of gathering "evidence."   Should be interesting.

Bears on the AT

Seems our fury friends are getting bold.  Besides my neighbor bear (folks across the street saw a bear a few days ago), bears are a problem along the Appalachian Trail.  And my dog treed a bear earlier this summer in my backyard.

This guy was in my neighborhood two years ago.

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day: Connecting to Nature through Service
Saturday, September 28, 2019

for more info

Columbia Greenway Rail Trail

Slow but sure. The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

See the latest plans for this rail to trail conversion through Westfield, MA

New England - St. Lawerence Valley Geographical Society

Historical Ruins in State Parks

Nothing new here.  Parks and recreation always gets the short end of the stick when if comes to funding.

So now we may start a new line of research, that is studying neo-historical ruins in our parks.  Check out some ruins in Robinson State Park in Massachusetts.

Want to rent this pavilion?

Or use this washroom?

How about a drink of water?

Shame, huh?

Discovering archaeological landscapes in parks and protected areas

Monitoring cultural resources in parks and protected areas is greatly enhanced using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). For this example, a pilot inventory of cultural resources is illustrated for the United States National Park Service lands that protect the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, the trail stretches 145.2 kilometers (90.2 miles) and is protected by nearly 2052 hectares (5070 acres) of land. To aid in the resource monitoring, these remote sensing data are corroborated with historic records to identify the historical archaeological resources in the corridor. The inventory are then added to existing management plans to help protect the national park with a more complete understanding of the historical human impacts in the backcountry of New England.
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0197693119868912)

For more info. click here.
 

AT Hiker Dies

Saddened to read about a long distance hiker found dead in his tent in Maine.  Nothing suspicious mind you, but it hits hard since the guy was my age.  My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

From my notes, I crossed ME Route 17 on 7 September 2014 after staying in Sabbath Day Leanto.

UK Swelters, so how about pictures of Red Rock Canyon

Oh yeah, https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/temperature/heatwave

Boeing's nightmare

It has been over four months since I had a first hand experience with the Boeing 737 Max cancellation fever.  I was returning home from Nevada when I got a text alerting me that a delay would mean I would miss my connection later that day.  Scrambling around to find my options, we opted to take the delayed flight, spend a night in Dallas - Fort Worth and make the connection the next day.

Sorry folks, red eyes are not my idea of fun, although I realize it is a function of those transatlantic flights we need to do to get across the Big Pond.

Seems that the grounded that day in March has caused thousands of rescheduled flights, cancellations of orders from airlines for new planes and is otherwise is a big pain.

Also seems to be a time of name calling, from blaming Boeing, the airlines and the federal government for pawning off the responsibility of regulatory oversight.

Seems to be a time to increase regulations, if not to reduce deaths, but the economic pain experienced by the airlines AND the consumer since the market place has failed here.

And while deaths in aircraft pales in comparison to auto deaths, when it happens, it is quite dramatic.

You think it was hot this past weekend? More Pictures of Death Valley