Category Archives: Massachusetts

Chasing Giants: A Lifetime of Whale Watching From New England to Alaska and Hawaii

Posted on by

The Early Years: Cape Ann and the Thrill of Discovery

For years I chased humpback whales up and down the New England coast. This was no small feat for someone with a tendency toward seasickness, but the call of the ocean—and the promise of seeing those magnificent creatures—was stronger than my stomach. One of my earliest and most unforgettable trips was out of Gloucester, heading toward Stellwagen Bank. I was new to Massachusetts then, freshly transplanted from New York and convinced I wouldn’t be here long. So I crammed every adventure I could into those first months.

Now, nearly fifty years later, I’m still here. And that Cape Ann whale watch remains one of the highlights of my early Massachusetts life.

That day, we found ourselves surrounded by humpbacks bubble‑net feeding—so close to the boat you felt like you could reach out and touch them. (We didn’t, of course.) For years afterward, people insisted that New England humpbacks don’t bubble‑net feed. I always love when nature proves the experts wrong. It’s a reminder of how much we’ve learned—and how much we’re still learning.

Boston and Plymouth: Rituals on the Water

I tried a few whale watches out of Boston next. Bigger boats, higher decks, great views—fun, but nothing quite matched the raw magic of that Cape Ann trip.

Eventually I migrated south to Plymouth and became a regular on Captain John’s Boats. Those summer trips became a ritual. It was on one of those outings that I photographed my first breaching whale—a moment that still ranks among my favorite memories.

Hawaii: The Heart’s Home

My whale watching didn’t stop at New England. I found the home of my heart in Hawaii and made annual February trips for years. February is peak migration season, and I often watched whales right from the breakfast table.

I joined the Pacific Whale Foundation and went on their photography expeditions. That’s where I captured my first baby‑whale breach and listened to whale songs through hydrophones dropped over the side of the boat. Pure magic.

Breaching Humpback Calf

It’s just a baby

Alaska: Cold, Raw, and Unforgettable

Then there was Alaska—nothing warm or tropical about that trip. It was cold, wet, raw, and absolutely worth it. The boat was smaller, the whales cruised close to the surface, and we always knew where to look when we heard the whoosh of their breath.

Alaska offers something New England and Hawaii don’t: variety. Humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, belugas—and if luck is really on your side, maybe even a narwhal or a sperm whale. Spring can be beautiful there, but in 2013 we went in May, which turned out to be too early for sunshine. My advice? Aim for June or later.

Why It Matters

No matter where you go—New England, Hawaii, Alaska—whales are magnificent creatures deserving of every conservation effort we can muster. Their importance is so universal that even the Star Trek universe built a whole movie around saving them. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, for fellow fans.)

If the Federation thinks whales are worth saving, who am I to argue?
Live long and prosper.

 

Why I Might Just Stay Put in Massachusetts

Posted on by


 

3 Reasons Why Massachusetts Might Still Be the Best Place to Retire

After another long snowstorm, I stopped and asked myself why I wanted to leave a state I’ve lived in for more than fifty years. I hate the cold now. Traffic makes simple day trips feel impossible. And I’ve listened to too many people who left with a grudge and want company. But when I looked past the frustration, I remembered why I stayed so long—and why staying might not be so bad.

Weather and Natural Beauty

Massachusetts gives you four real seasons. Winter drags, but spring brings color and birdsong. Summer offers beaches and warm nights. Fall steals the show with bright leaves and crisp air. The state packs a lot into a small space: coastline, forests, mountains, islands, and quiet towns. Many places also come with a story, which adds charm to every trip.

 

A Lifestyle Full of History and Culture

If you love history, this state delivers. The Pilgrims, the Revolution, the witch trials, and so many writers and thinkers left their mark here. You can walk through centuries in a single afternoon. Museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals fill the calendar. And sports? People here treat their teams like family. It’s loud, loyal, and part of the culture.

Boston Marathon

Quality of Life That Works for Retirees

Massachusetts isn’t cheap, but it offers strong benefits. Social Security isn’t taxed. Healthcare ranks among the best in the country. Smaller towns—especially west of Boston—cost less and are easy to walk. Locals may seem blunt, but they protect their communities and welcome people who respect them. Diversity isn’t just accepted here. People defend it.

Wicked Boston said it best when they posted this:

 

Massachusetts has its flaws. Winter is long, and traffic tests your patience. But the state also offers beauty, history, culture, and excellent healthcare. After fifty years, maybe there’s a reason I never packed up and left.

Where do you think is the best place to retire—and why?

Hidden Gems Across Massachusetts

Posted on by

Bridge of Flowers is a truly magnificent concept. Its a lovely place for a visit

Four Massachusetts Spots Worth Rediscovering (or Discovering for the First Time)

Every now and then I stumble across an article that reminds me just how much there is to see right here in Massachusetts. You can live in a place your whole life and still find new corners, new stories, and new surprises tucked away in familiar towns. It got me thinking about the places I’ve visited, the ones I’ve written about, and the ones still sitting on my “someday” list.

Here are four Massachusetts spots that deserve a little extra love — whether you’ve been there before or, like me, are still discovering them.

🌾 Old Sturbridge Village

I visited Old Sturbridge Village long before I started this blog, sometime before 2011. It’s one of those places that stays with you. I even mentioned it in my early post “Itchy Feet” from November 7, 2011.

“No, it’s not athlete’s foot. I’ve been around home too much. I’m getting restless and need to go exploring.”
(Internal link: https://arounddustyroads.com/2011/11/07/itchy-feet/)

Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, recreating rural New England life from the 1790s through the 1830s. It’s actually the largest living museum in New England, spread across more than 200 acres of historic buildings, working farms, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life.

One of the things I’ve always loved about OSV is the way the demonstrations feel so authentic — from blacksmithing to cooking over an open hearth — all done in period clothing. I just missed their maple sugaring season this year, which started on February 18, but that’s one of the experiences I’d love to go back for someday.

Even though it’s been years since my last visit, Old Sturbridge Village is one of those places that reminds me why I love exploring New England. There’s always something new to learn, even in a place dedicated to the past.

🌸 Bridge of Flowers

The Bridge of Flowers is one of those places that feels almost magical, and I first wrote about it way back on May 20, 2011, in a post called “Turner Falls, Flowers and Pot Holes.” At the time, I admitted it had been years since my first visit — and I even misremembered the location. I thought it was in North Adams, but it’s actually in Shelburne Falls.
(Internal link: https://arounddustyroads.com/2011/05/20/turner-falls-flowers-and-pot-holes/)

The Bridge of Flowers is truly one of a kind. Originally built around 1908 as a trolley bridge, it spans the Deerfield River between the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. When the trolley line was abandoned in 1928, the concrete bridge sat unused until Antoinette and Walter Burnham proposed a bold idea: turn the old trolley span into a giant flower garden. By 1929, their vision became reality.

Today, the 400‑foot, five‑arch bridge is planted with over 500 varieties of flowers, all chosen to ensure blooms from early spring straight through late fall. Volunteers tend every inch of it, keeping the bridge vibrant and colorful throughout the growing season.

I included some of my original photos in that 2011 post. They’re probably buried in my 10,000‑plus image archive. Even so, the memories are still vivid. The Bridge of Flowers is a place that stays with you.

🎨 Norman Rockwell Museum

I’ve lived in Massachusetts my whole life, and somehow I’ve never made it to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. I know it’s one of those places everyone talks about — especially around the holidays when Rockwell’s paintings seem to pop up everywhere — but it’s still on my “someday” list.

The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Rockwell’s work, including his famous Saturday Evening Post covers. Even if you’re not an art buff, there’s something comforting and familiar about his style. His paintings feel like snapshots of small‑town America, full of humor, nostalgia, and little moments that say more than words ever could.

I’ve heard the grounds are beautiful too, especially in summer and fall. Maybe this will be the year I finally make the trip. It’s funny how you can live in a state for decades and still have places left to explore.

🌿 Long Hill Estate

This one genuinely surprised me — I had never even heard of Long Hill Estate until I came across the article that inspired this post. It’s in Beverly and managed by The Trustees, which already tells me it’s going to be beautiful. They have a knack for preserving some of the most scenic spots in Massachusetts.

From what I’ve learned, Long Hill is a former family estate with formal gardens, woodland trails, and a historic home. The gardens are supposed to be stunning in spring and summer, filled with color and carefully tended plantings. It sounds like the kind of place you wander through slowly, camera in hand, soaking in the quiet beauty.

Now that it’s on my radar, I’m adding it to my “must‑visit” list. I love discovering new places close to home — especially ones I somehow missed all these years.

🌤️ Final Thoughts

Massachusetts may be a small state, but it’s packed with history, beauty, and surprises. Whether it’s a place I visited years ago, a spot I’ve written about, or a destination I’ve only just discovered, there’s always something new waiting just around the corner.

Have you been to any of these places?
Which ones are your favorites — or still on your list?

 

March in New England

Posted on by | 2 Comments

The Month New Englanders break from Winter into Spring Chaos

March Madness, Spring Fever, and the Cats Who Run This House

March in New England is a strange, wonderful, chaotic time. One minute we’re shoveling snow, the next minute we’re celebrating the first day of spring, and somewhere in between, the entire region collectively loses its mind over March Madness.

Yes, I knew it was a big deal.
Yes, I knew it involved basketball.
But I didn’t realize just how seriously New Englanders take it until I saw a news story about companies setting up break‑room watch parties on company time.

Excuse me… what
People get paid to watch college basketball at work
Only in New England.

So What Is March Madness

For anyone else who’s been living under a cozy blanket with a box of tissues (hi, it’s me), here’s the quick version:

  • It’s the NCAA Division I men’s college basketball tournament
  • 68 college teams from all across the United States
  • Single elimination — lose once and you’re out
  • It runs from mid‑March to early April
  • It’s one of the biggest sporting events in the country

It’s not a New England invention, but you wouldn’t know that from the way we treat it. Between UConn fans, bracket pools, and the general “we survived winter, let’s celebrate something” energy, March Madness might as well be our unofficial regional holiday.

Meanwhile, Spring Sneaks In Early

I always think of spring arriving on March 21, but this year the equinox showed up on March 20, probably because even the universe is tired of winter and wants to get things moving.

New England, of course, will respond by giving us:

  • one warm day
  • one cold day
  • one rainstorm
  • and a surprise snow squall just to keep us humble

Yes it's March in New England if its not mud its still snow.

But on the calendar at least, spring is here.

Balboa: The Fastest Paw in the East

While all this seasonal excitement is happening, Balboa has declared war on my last surviving computer mouse. He’s the Fastest Paw in the East, and he takes that title seriously.

Today’s crime
I dared to vacuum during his nap.

He stomped out of the room like a tiny, offended emperor, tail flicking dramatically. I had to issue a formal apology in the form of treats. He accepted, but only after giving me the look — the one that says:

“You may continue living here, hooman, but your behavior will be monitored.”

Now he’s back on the desk, supervising this post and occasionally taking swipes at the mouse like he’s auditioning for a martial arts film.

Banner and the Case of the Missing Hair Band

While Balboa is busy waging war on technology, Banner has discovered a new hobby: elastic hair bands.

During a recent bathroom decluttering session, I found an old stash of them.
Banner thought he had won the lottery.

He carried one around the apartment, talking to it like it was his long‑lost friend. Then he took it into the bathtub — his personal gladiator arena — and tossed it around like he was training for the Hair Band Olympics.

And then… it vanished.

I looked everywhere.
Under furniture.
Behind furniture.
Inside the furniture.
Nothing.

The only conclusion I can come to is that once he finished playing with it, he ate it like a tasty little spaghetti noodle.

So that’s it.
No more hair elastics for Banner.
He cannot be trusted with them.
He has lost his hair‑band privileges indefinitely.

March in New England: A Summary

  • Basketball fans are losing their minds
  • Companies are letting employees watch games at work
  • Spring is arriving early
  • My nose is running a marathon
  • Balboa is plotting the downfall of all computer mice
  • Banner is eating hair accessories like snacks

Honestly, it feels about right.

Spring in New England

Posted on by

 

Ah Spring: A Season That Arrives When It Feels Like It

Daffodils are a sure sign spring is upon us

A Poem From the Past

Every now and then, a memory from childhood pops up and refuses to leave. Recently, I found myself thinking about a play we did in school — a bunch of hillbillies, a lot of flannel, and one truly unforgettable poem. It went something like this:

Spring has sprung,  
The skunks air out.  
Spring has sprung — just sniff about.  
Mating time is drawing near,  
You can smell it in the air.

Not exactly Shakespeare, but it captured something very real about spring in New England: you don’t need a calendar to tell you it’s coming. Your nose will do the job just fine.

The Calendar Says Spring… But New England Has Other Plans

Technically — officially — scientifically — spring begins on March 20 this year. The equinox arrives, the sun crosses the celestial equator, and somewhere far away, flowers bloom on cue.

But here in New England?
We don’t buy it.

Around here, spring doesn’t start when the calendar says so. Spring starts when the Red Sox take the field at Fenway Park. That’s the moment the region collectively thaws, stretches, and decides maybe — just maybe — winter is finally loosening its grip.

And since Opening Day at Fenway is April 3 this year, I guess true spring will be running a little late. Again.

Local Wildlife Confirms the Delay

If you need further proof, just ask the skunks. They’ve already begun their annual “perfume tour,” leaving unmistakable reminders that love is in the air — whether we want it or not. Nothing says spring quite like cracking open a window for fresh air and immediately regretting it.

Even the Cats Know Spring Is a Moving Target

Banner and Balboa have their own opinions about the season. Banner has already begun his warm‑weather routine of turning on lights with his teeth — a helpful service at 3 a.m., apparently. Balboa, meanwhile, has resumed his post by the sliding door, watching for birds, squirrels, and anything else that might signal the world is waking up.

They’re not convinced it’s spring yet either. And honestly? I trust their instincts more than the meteorologists.

Spring Will Get Here… Eventually

So while the rest of the country celebrates the equinox, we’ll be here in New England waiting for the crack of the bat, the roar of Fenway, and that first warm day that doesn’t immediately get followed by a frost warning.

Spring comes late here.
But when it finally arrives, it’s worth the wait.