February 7, 2022
Took the day to visit an area that has not been too hammered with snow. Now that I’ve finished the NH Grid, I need a break from hiking mountains during winter. I’d much rather explore mountains when I can stop and look around for a long while without possibly succumbing to hypothermia.
The ocean though – if there isn’t too much snow on the ground, then the ocean is the place to be during the winter months. I’ve never been a fan of summer visits to the ocean, as, to me, baking under the sun in the midst of tons of people is not at all relaxing. The sight of the ocean is nice for a few minutes, but the lack of bumps, hills, valleys, and/or mountains eventually bore me. Swimming in the ocean is enjoyable, but this far north the water is usually too cold even in the summer. It’s much better to visit during winter, when there are fewer humans and a greater abundance of relative quiet. Plus, one can walk through nearby marshes without suffering bug attacks.
Hence my decision to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, MA. Though I did not have the place to myself, the people there all seemed to be after a calm appreciation of nature’s beauty. Most spoke in low voices and gave others plenty of space.
This refuge was established mainly as a safe area for migrating birds, and more than 300 species make use of it. I saw only one species on this early February day. Pairs of them flitted here and there in the vegetation. I looked online to identify the species, but I couldn’t find anything that fit their description. The one photo I got is terrible and I don’t include it here. Trust me, it’s not worth posting.
Parts of the refuge were closed, so I parked where I could and walked the open boardwalks and Hellcat Interpretive Trail. There is a short trail called Pines Trail I could not visit due to the day’s/season’s closures; for my quest, I’ll check off a site if I’ve walked all the trails that are maintained and open the day I visit.
*EDIT 2-9-2022 – Found out that part of the refuge is closed to vehicles but not foot traffic, so I’ll return in early March to explore what I have not yet traveled.*
**ANOTHER EDIT – I revisited on March 3, 2022 and experienced the rest of the refuge. See below**
The Hellcat Interpretive Trail, or Hellcat Boardwalk Trail as it’s called on the signs, meanders through marsh and dunes. I enjoyed the snowy views and icy landscapes, though if you want to visit for birding reasons, I’d visit during spring or fall when the number of visiting species is at its highest.
March 3, 2022 – I went back and walked the closed road to the end of the refuge, picking up the remaining trails and boardwalks. It was a beautiful sunny day and I had most of the area to myself.
Scenes from the road –
Pines Trail, not far from the beginning of the roadwalk –
Stage Island Trail was a nice surprise, as it isn’t on the map or on the website. It’s across from parking area 6 near the end of the refuge.
There’s an observation tower at the end of the refuge –
Views from the boardwalks and beach at the end of the refuge –
I know this refuge is crawling with people during summer, so if you enjoy this kind of scenery but don’t like crowds, definitely visit during winter or early spring.