Hello dear readers. This is the first in a new series of reviews about investigating abandoned places. Today I visited Prison Camp Rd. in Rutland, Massachusetts. Prison Camp Rd. is located on the grounds of Rutland State Park. During the warmer seasons, you can drive the 2 miles to the site. I chose to walk the road. Upon arriving, one can see some cement structures where some of the old buildings used to be.
The largest structure appears to have been used for storage. Graffiti is pervasive at the site. Inside is always nice and cool. Not far from here is a free standing building that one can climb (carefully) up onto the roof. Back toward the road is an old tunnel one can walk down. Be careful as the pathway to the entrance has large holes where one could accidentally fall down into the tunnel. I met some fellow adventurers and showed them how to access the tunnel in the safest manner possible. I have been to this location multiple times, but have not experienced anything otherworldly. It is just a cool place to visit if you have some time and the curiosity to explore. If you go, be careful and have fun.
When I wandered into the forest to get my daily exercise, I encountered what appeared to be the lair of an animal. It looked like a cozy place to stay for a coyote, bobcat, or small bear. As I approached the entrance to the cave-like rock outcropping, I heard a howl in the distance. I picked up a stick for protection (just in case it came closer), and noticed what appeared to be the left overs of the creature’s lunch lying at my feet. (See Below) I did not see the creature on this day. It is still lurking out there, behind my house…
Did you know that a group of rattlesnakes is called a rhumba?
This is not a rhumba. These little guys are the symbol of my home state of Massachusetts. Can you see all three of them? Do you know which type of snake they are? These are Garter Snakes. I spotted them while on a hike this afternoon. A group of snakes can be referred to as a den, nest, bed, pit, or knot. Next time you are out in the forest, keep your eyes peeled for snakes! These ones are harmless, so please don’t be afraid and please don’t accidentally step on or hurt them. Happy April 15th!
The Lowell Folk Festival is a free 3-day International Music Festival that takes over downtown Lowell for a weekend every summer, and if you are in the area I strongly encourage you to check it out!
The music plays on 5 stages, and we saw and heard Taiko drumming, Egyptian music and dancing, and Moroccan trance music, Bachata, go-go, bluegrass, and Irish Folk. They have much more. One of the stages is a dedicated dance pavilion. The streets downtown are closed to cars, and everyone is out walking around. Lots of businesses have special offers, there are free giveaways and coupons from different companies, and there are beer tents for those who are inclined.
Saturday schedule for the Dance Pavilion
If you are like me, you’re wondering about the food at the festival, and there’s good news: There is a huge amount of delicious ethnic food available throughout the festival, which different nonprofits use as a fundraiser- check out our reviews in a separate post.
Logistics:
If you are driving, there are a number of city lots near the festival with parking, or you can arrive early and grab street parking, or take advantage of the public transit and take the bus. I saw some people with bikes and skateboads, but the crowd can be hard to navigate through.
There’s seating at most of the stages but if you want to be sure, bring your own. Blankets work at some of the stages and low lawn chairs would work at all of them. I spotted someone with a tiny folding stool, which looked awesome for this event.
Bring cash for food, CDs, and parking. Wear sunscreen, and a hat if you need more sun protection. Your shoes need to be comfortable enough for some serious walking, and dancing if the music strikes you. If you choose to donate to the festival, they’ll give you a set of beads.
This event caters to families and pet owners. There’s face painting and crafts in addition to the music fun.
Stages:
Dutton St Dance Pavilion is my favorite location for the festival, and if I could resist wandering around and trying to see everything, it is where I would stake out. Everything is under a huge tent, so you have some protection from the sun. They also pick bands that play danceable music; the crowd is filled with energy and even if you don’t want to dance the music will get your toes tapping! Finally, the people watching is fun.
St. Anne’s churchyard and Market St stage are both smaller grassy areas.
the mint tea drinkers society 