photo by Jay Stebbins
It reached 57 degrees here in western Massachusetts today. What better way to spend the day than to take a hike with the dogs. We have lived here for thirty years. I have heard people talk about the Chesterfield Gorge but have never been there. Yesterday, while the ladies were busy preparing the Thanksgiving Feast, my son-in-law went out exploring with his dog Moose, camera in hand, as always. He came back telling us that he had taken a terrific hike on the West Ranch of the Westfield River along the Chesterfield Gorge.
We had planned to take a family/dog hike on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday to many, Sunny Friday to us). I was going to introduce our daughters and son-in-law to the hike I’ve taken with my Labradoodle Buddies up in the hills of Williamsburg. But, since I had never hiked along the Gorge, we changed plans and headed west on our route.
The dogs – and humans – soaked in the warm temps and sunshine for hours as we hiked on the dirt road along the scenic Westfield River. There were many spots along the way to venture off the dirt road and head down to the River. Beaches and great rocks to climb on. We chose one of these picturesque spots to hang-out at for a while and take some photos. The dogs – Violet, our Berkshire Hills Australian Labradoodle, and Moose, our daughter and son-in-law’s English Pointer, had a great time in the water. Down on this beach area it seemed like a late summer day.
I’m so glad I finally experienced the Chesterfield Gorge. Now I can add this to my list of great dog hikes in western Massachusetts. The perfect alternative to Black Friday!