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Fairies at Borderland LbNA #2114 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Feb 16, 2001
Location:
City:Sharon
County:Norfolk
State:Massachusetts
Boxes:3
Planted by:lonemasswolf
Found by: Nairon
Last found:Apr 27, 2013
Status:FFFFFFFaF
Last edited:Feb 16, 2001
Borderland was opened as a Massachusetts state park in 1971. Prior to that it was the country estate of the Ames family. They named it Borderland because it is located along the border of Sharon and Easton. The family mansion, built in 1910, is open to visitors for regularly scheduled guided tours in the spring, summer and fall.

Prior to the Ames family ownership, the ponds and streams powered any number of mills during the 18th and early 19th centuries. There have been a sawmill, nail factory, cotton mill, and ironworks located here at various times. The surrounding land was cleared for farming as can be attested to by the numerous stonewalls crisscrossing the woodlands. Small rocky hills cover the northern areas, while flatter lands lie to the south. Most of the ponds are covered with water lilies and blue-flowered pickerelweed in the summer.

The quest for the fairies begins in the parking lot by the visitor’s center off Massapoag Avenue. There is an excellent map posted here, however it is highly suggested that you obtain a trail map before beginning any further. If you can’t locate one, have no fear there are plenty of postings throughout the park.

Start off on the trail to the left leading to the lodge on Lower Leach Pond. Once reaching the lodge, continue along the trail to the left along the pond. Once you reach the intersection of the Northwest Trail, coming in from the left, turn left and take this trail. Proceed along the Northwest Trail until you come to the intersection with the French Trail on the left. Take the French Trail. Soon you will see a large rocky outcrop, most likely the highest point in the park, off trail to the right. Scramble up to the top of this outcrop and enjoy the view.

Locate “nature’s coat rack” Stand next to the rack facing northwest, proceed in this direction along the top of the outcrop. Pass thru a mini oak grove to the very edge of the rock. Look down to see a quarter sized survey marker. Look over the edge to see a small white pine tree. Make your way down the rocky outcrop, hike around it until you are below this white pine. At the base of the boulders in front of this pine you will see a small triangular cave to the right. This is the home of SERENITY II. REPORTED MISSING JULY 2004

Make your way back to the French Trail and return to the Northwest Trail Intersection.

Proceed northwest along the trail, first passing by the Split Rock Trail on the right, and then passing by the Ridge Trail also on the right. A short way past the intersection with the Ridge Trail you will see a “natural wall” with two large boulders perched atop off to the right. At this point you will also see two groupings of very large boulders off the trail to the left. Bushwhack over to where you are standing between the two groupings facing a solitary tree due west. From here, at a bearing of 100o you will site several triangular looking openings in the face of one of the boulder groups. Hope can be found here. Life can be gentler when hope has graced your heart (and your logbook).

Regain the Northwest Trail and back track to the Ridge Trail. Follow the Ridge Trail and the Quarry Loop Trail to Moyles’ Quarry. Facing the quarry, take the small trail to the right. Soon you will pass a “Quarry Trail” sign on the left and a tangle of rocks on the right. Joy lives within these rocks. Put a little joy into your life,(and in your logbook too). JOY IS VERIFIED MISSING ON 07 JUNE 2003. SHE WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

Retrace your steps back to the intersection of the Quarry and Ridge Trails. Follow the Ridge Trail to the east, passing the intersection with the Friends Trail, joining with the Granite Hills Upper Loop, and finally ending in a field near the Tisdale Site. Once here you will site two stone gate posts and a small stone bridge over a quick flowing creek (at least it was quick flowing in February). Take this road toward the southwest. Travel on and soon you will see a stone bench at the top of a small rise to the left overlooking the Upper Leach Pond. Legend claims that this is a kissing bench, and that all lovers who kiss on this bench shall never part. Love is all around, and definitely among the roots of a fallen tree that can be seen to the right when looking out over the pond. Life would be unbearable without love. Keep her in your heart (and your book) forever.

Return to the road, and continue in the direction you were heading. Soon you will discover that you are back at the lodge. Now make your way to the southeast, across a meadow to the Pond Trail. Look for the bridge across the dam. Stroll along the Pond Trail, passing by the Swamp Trail on the right. At the next little clearing you will find the Quiet Woods Trail off to the right. Take this trail.

About halfway to the end of the trail you will see a standing dead tree off to the left of the trail. Make you way to the opposite side of this tree (easy in February, probably not so easy in the “growing” season). Peace is hiding behind some bark inside this hollow tree. Put a little peace in you life, (not to mention your book). PEACE WAS REPORTED MISSING IN AUGUST 2004

Return, now, to the parking lot. Knowing that your quest is complete, and that Hope, Love and Peace will be with you always.