Beautiful late August day, with a crisp chill in the breeze, but as the sun gained more space then the clouds we were back to summer. I've paddle Big Pond in the past and thought this central Mass lake, just North of Otis Reservoir, deserves to be shared with other Active Life Water Yelpers.
Then public launch is small and at first glance you think, "Where's the Lake?" Located in a quiet end of a naturally scenic waterway leading from the lake to its overflow point. Frankly, this is my favorite portion of the Yak adventure.
The bog stream is about a half mile from the lake; deep enough for motorized craft to enter the lake (my less favorite component). The stream is lined with Lilly Pads and Aquatic Grasses with a wooded shore. Home to fish, turtle, bugs zipping along the surfaces, and beaver along with the occasional Heron waiting for a delicacy. Very peaceful.
Then the waterway opens up to the wide lake. Cottages of all ages and upkeep, and not overly crowded on this day. The lake has a heavier iron content and is a bit murky, just the same, very pleasant to swim and enjoy water craft. Yes, powerboats do zip to and fro, however, they tend to be courteous in passing at a safe distance.
In the center of the lake an island large enough to host roughly 15 to 25 quaint cottages who have figured out how to transport humans and their contents from the shore. Potable water and sewage disposal baffles this curious Tom Sawyer.
Just the same, it's worth a spin around or paddle around, just beware or other shallow glacial rubble poking out above or just below the surface. read more