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.