Just "Being"

Baldpate Pond is for me a place of endearing memories. Beginning as a young mother, bringing two sons for their swim lessons which at that time was where the Boxford town beach was located. A pond for swimming; surrounded by woods to explore. Truly a time and place for the beginning of having a special place for "just being".

Fast forward to today; No swimming is allowed but today Boxford's Baldpate Pond area is combined with Georgetown's Camp Denison making up about 140 acres of trails for relaxed hiking, or if you rather, snow shoeing and XC-skiing. An area saved as a whole, from the result of two towns working together, conserving it for generations to come. Entering Camp Denison from the RR bed: following the trail one passes an observation bench for bird watching while looking out over the marsh. Further along you pass by cabins, the main lodge and park attendant's cottage. Various projects are underway started by volunteers and youth groups; on site are picnic tables, swing set and a canoe launching spot; welcoming one from dawn to dusk.

Stepping through a rock wall opening one passes from Camp Denison onto Boxford Baldpate Pond trails. The major trail follows along the shoreline, reaching picnic rock; stopping to gaze out over the pond observing ducks in the distance and fishermen plying their rod in hopes of a catch. Next is steep drop overlook with maybe, a swing rope still in place where one can imagine the happy participants dropping into the pond with a mighty splash.

Being here connect delights of the past with the joy of the woods of today. — Jean Dewberry