It's the entrance to the Whiting St. Reservoir. There are a bunch of signs plastered all over the entrance, like this:
Looks like a good place to go for a walk! There is a 3.75 mile loop around the reservoir, known to hikers, joggers and walkers. Mostly, people who use it are considerate to the fact that this is a public water supply, and don't incur the wrath of the powers that be. The powers that be, who would otherwise shut off access completely, if a few knuckleheads begin ruining it for everybody.
The trail gradually drops in elevation, then levels out, and does a loop around the reservoir. The trails were mostly cleared by tractor. There were some icy spots, but there were also plenty of pine needles on the ground to provide traction.
Throughout the walk the summit of Mount Tom can be seen across the reservoir, through the bare trees.
This cross country skier bypassed the trail completely.
There were several people walking around the reservoir, and a couple photographers with tripod in hand. Man, they're everywhere!
This pumping station seemed to be the only thing with any kind of color, other than the smattering of evergreens; on this grey skied, white, wind-swept landscape.
Just past the pump house was the northern edge of the reservoir. Through the woods we could see an old blue structure, and there was a a short trail leading to it.
It was a rusting pavilion, part of the remains of the once wildly popular Mountain Park. It used to be a full blown amusement park; with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, the whole nine yards. The park existed for a hundred years. Sadly, it finally closed in 1987, unable to compete with modern superparks and their more expensive rides and attractions. Here's a good website, with pictures and info of this gem from the past.
There's little of it left now. There are several areas that look recently cleared, with piles of brush and cut trees scattered about. There are a few fire hydrants sticking above the snow here and there, marking where once there were buildings, perhaps the main fairway.
This property is now one of many being considered for Deval Patrick's casinos; a different kind of amusement park, for a different kind of era.
The most prominent structures other than the pavilion still standing are the graffiti covered remains of a mini golf course.
Blogger Tom Devine and videographer Jeff Ziff documented their excursion here this past summer, when it was covered in vegetation...
We got back on the trail, and rounded the northern end of the reservoir. The sky briefly tried to turn blue, then just as quickly turned grey again. Aaah, January.
We got back to the car, pretty refreshed from the brisk, nearly two hour walk. The whole loop, including the side venture into Mountain Park, was 3.9 miles.
We left and headed north. Just before driving over the pass, we pulled into the Tavern on the Hill restaurant parking lot, to check out the always beautiful view of Easthampton below.
In the distance is Pomeroy Mountain, which I made a mentioned of on the last post.
Call me Ishmael...
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