South River Modelworks

I turned 75 today, so I decided to take a walk. This is also my first walk since winter began. I am not as immune to cold as I used to be, so it was a joy to take my traditional one mile walk down the road to the view I have as a header on my site.

This walk is kind of like a tonic and a constant inspiration. Reflecting on 3/4 of a century of existence in the middle of the current Democracy crisis has not been very pleasant.... However, living in a beautiful setting that exists in a bit of a time warp is uplifting and inspiring. Here in the hill towns we are still heavily steeped in the post WW2 traditions of Democratic growth and responsibility… a better memory/feeling.

 

 

Along the way are several “sign posts” -  markers & reminders of my interests. The fork in the road leads up the hill to the grand view…and beyond to Bardwells Ferry Bridge - site of a former station along the B&M and the NY, NH & Hartford lines. In the middle I am looking at the “South Station” sign, pointing down a dirt road to the right that is the old road bed for the Conway Street Railway trolley line. At the end is South Station, which was the starting point of the Conway Street Railway.

 

 

 

The Graves farm - near the top. The grade changes, peeling paint buildings, rough concrete retaining walls - these are some of elements where I find inspiration to add authenticity to my work.

 

 

At the top is a long view to the Pioneer Valley to the east. The fall version of this pic can be seen at the beginning of my Facebook page.