The Berkshires

September 11, 2009

We are currently on the back end of a 14 night stay at a State Park in Hingham, MA just outside of Boston. Deb is originally from the area and her son, Lee, still lives here. It's been a pleasant stay with beautiful weather, great food and time with family. I will write more about the Boston area in my next post. For now, I want to share more of our visit to the Berkshire Mountains.

I can't say it more plainly. We are in love with the Berkshires! There is a gentle serenity to the area that captured our souls.

We left NY on I-90 and headed East into MA. The trip was smooth and light with traffic. We then picked up U.S. 20/8 and headed to the campground. Thinking we could find a grocery store for along the way, we actually drove almost twenty miles beyond our destination. It turned out that there were no major stores of any kind, but the drive was beautiful. The only place we found supplies was a small market in Chester that was surprisingly well-stocked and in the middle of a very beautiful neighborhood; old Victorian homes, a gas station that looked unchanged since the fifties and a town center reminiscent of a Frank Capra movie.

While Deb was shopping I struck a conversation with two locals. It turned out that the market was the only place for groceries within twenty miles. But more interesting was the amount of interest in our motor home. This has happened before in other areas we have stayed. For whatever reason, the rig always seems to evoke memories of an uncle who owned the same model, memories of childhood trips with parents or questions about gas mileage. It's fun to listen to their stories and comments.

We stayed at Bonnie Rigg campground for three nights in a beautifully wooded space. It is actually a private "camping club" open year-round. Most spaces are occupied by member residents who decorate their areas in very elaborate ways. The big focus seems to be on ATVs, which were numerous yet unobtrusive. I found it very humerous that the current issue under discussion by the Board of Directors was a vote on allowing golf carts into the grounds. I may not fully understand the full dynamics of the topic, but it seems to me that if ATVs are already allowed what possible difference can it make to allow golf carts? Another thing to boggle my mind.

Within fifty feet of our site was Walker Brook (pictured above) which provided a calming background sound for the entire stay. Running no more than two feet deep over a rock-covered bottom, it's gentle flow provided a beautifully contemplative atmosphere. It will be missed.

Our stay there also provided many firsts. It was the first place we were warned not to leave food or trash outside because of bears. It was our first time for using the space heater and our first location for turning leaves. We had no TV channels or cellphone connections, but still thoroughly enjoyed our time. It is a destination we would recommend to anyone.

Will update again as time and wifi connections allow. Until then, happy trail to everyone.

copyright 2009 by Lane A Geyer

photos by Deb