A trip to Palisado Cemetery on an overcast day. Perfect conditions to take pictures in my book. Much beautiful funerary art and some very old gravestones can be found here, some that date back to the late 1600s. This is one of my favorite graveyards. I had a rough day on Thursday so to get away from it all I decided to visit a couple of local burial grounds. I’m glad I did.

So I took a road trip yesterday. It was a recreation of a trip I took back in 2016 with my best friend George who sadly passed away a couple of years ago.  North on RT 32A from Ware MA, through the towns of Hardwick and Petersham,  all old New England towns located to the east of what used to be the Swift River Valley but disappeared after the construction of Quabbin Reservoir along with all the towns in the valley; Enfield, Prescott, Dana and Greenwich. After Petersham take 122 north to 202 south. From there you can explore some more old towns such as New Salem with it’s historic town center and Orange. Hardwick, Petersham and New Salem are all have beautiful old burial grounds. So much history can be found on this trip along with some of the most scenic roads you can drive in the state of Massachusetts. There are also many excellent places to hike in Quabbin Reservoir. This trip basically takes you up and over the top of Quabbin and then south, down the western side of it. I saw some incredible sights which I am in the process of sharing with you. And though I was sad with the memory of my departed friend, I know he was with me in spirit. 2/7/20    PS it was about 106 miles. 

plate 1: the town burial ground Hardwick

plate 2: the city cemetery Hardwick

plate 3: RT 32A Hardwick

plate 4: the town burial ground Petersham

plate 5: the town center New Salem

Well sadly another October has passed. I miss it already. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking of both this month and Autumn as the most beautiful time of the year. Today I’m posting a photo shoot I did on October 30th during a road trip I did along Rt 20 Massachusetts, through the towns of Charlton, Sturbridge and Palmer. Thanks to all of my followers out there who love funerary art, graveyards and melancholy landscapes as much as I do. And really, if ever you have a thought or question don’t be afraid to send me a message! I’d love to hear from you. Take care and I hope everyone is doing well.

SWForester 11/2/19

Above: The old town burial ground on a very dark day.

The Angel against the blue sky.

Woodlawn Cemetery

The Angel in brass.

Woodlawn Cemetery

The Angel

Woodlawn Cemetery