I came across an article at Slashdot on Monday about a new search engine called TinEye. It’s unique in that it scans the web for an image that you upload or scans for all the images on a webpage that you enter. There is also a plug-in that works with Firefox and one for Internet Explorer that provides an option entitled “Search Image on TinEye” in the drop down menu when you right click on any image on a webpage.

TinEye plug-in

TinEye search results

This is a useful method for a photographer who posts images on the web to check if there have been any copyright infringements. TinEye is currently in beta thus their database is still rather small though it will probably grow exponentially with time. TinEye could prove to be a worthwhile tool in the near future. A more detailed overview and analysis of TinEye can be found here.

Our adventurous spirit took us to Becket Quarry this weekend. The historic Chester-Hudson Quarry and 300 acre surrounding forest is owned and managed by the Becket Land Trust. The granite quarry operated from the 1860’s to the 1960’s until it was later abandoned.

Becket Quarry 1; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Many pieces of old rusted machinery, a collapsed metal blacksmith shop, numerous large lengths of 2 inch plus diameter twisted cable (guy wire) supported by a derrick and huge piles of granite scraps (grout piles) co-exist with the landscape. Many of these artifacts are in various degrees of decay as nature reclaims her territory.

One can choose to hike the many trails on the preserve or explore the quarry pit that is now filled with water to a depth of around 200 feet. We chose the latter.

Becket Quarry 2; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

I found the sheer cliffs and rock formations surrounding the quarry pit interesting and chose to focus my attention there.

Becket Quarry 3; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Becket Quarry 4; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Becket Quarry 5; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

One of the many “guy wires” can be seen in the above image hanging in the upper left hand corner.

The Becket Quarry is a fun place to explore especially for those with an interest in Industrial Archaeology. There are also guided tours available. More detailed information can be found on the Becket Land Trust website.

On the way back home from Glendale Falls, we drove on Skyline Trail and came upon Roaring Brook Farm. I noticed some cows in a pasture and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to photograph them.

Roaring Brook Farm 1; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

I know most people probably find them rather ordinary or quite possibly, boring though I find them very curious, gentle creatures. They didn’t seem afraid though were a little timid when I approached them.

Roaring Brook Farm 2; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

It was another story when my wife joined me. The cows immediately nuzzled up to her, sniffing her outstretched hand – she has a way with animals that’s beautiful to witness.

A short time later someone in a pickup truck chuckled as he drove past. Maybe it was the owner of the farm amused by the silly tourists photographing his livestock.

After I was finished with the cows I turned and noticed a lovely field across the road.

Roaring Brook Farm 3; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

I thought the incline of the hill combined with the clouds would make an interesting composition.

The farm was in a very peaceful setting. The only sounds came from the many birds and the wind. What a wonderful place to raise children.

If you are in the Chester area in the month of March and have a craving for maple syrup it might be worth contacting Roaring Brook Farm as I believe they still sell it at that time of year. They might even do mail order. The taste of New England fresh maple syrup can’t be beat.

We took another trip this Friday and chose Glendale Falls, located near the town of Middlefield, Massachusetts. I sang the praises of a GPS in a previous article though on this outing, the use of a GPS resulted in a nightmare. The calculated route took us down numerous dirt road shortcuts (in spite of programming it not to use unpaved roads) where 90% of them ended up being dead ends or impassable. My recommendation to anyone wishing to visit the falls is to find your way to East River Road and take that until you reach Clark Wright Road. A .4 mile drive down Clark Wright will lead you to the entrance.

Glendale Falls 1; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

The entrance to the reservation area leads you to the top of the falls 150 feet up from the bottom where it eventually empties into the Westfield River. The falls are surrounded by a beautiful forest of hemlock and many hardwoods.

Glendale Falls 2; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

At the top there are several areas of flat rock where one can spread a blanket, picnic and enjoy the sites, smells and cool air of the falls.

Glendale Falls 3; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Glendale Falls 4; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Glendale Falls 5; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

Even though Glendale Falls is 150 feet in height the water descends in steps. We were able to almost reach the bottom by just climbing down the rocks of the falls off to one side. I would recommend caution to anyone else wishing to do so as it can be quite slippery at times depending on the time of year and the amount of water flowing over the falls. You can also reach the bottom following a trail in the woods though this is still a rather steep descent. A good pair of hiking boots will help.

Glendale Falls 6; © Copyright Reserved, Richard Lovison, 2008

We both enjoyed ourselves and were amazed at the peacefulness of the area in spite of the turbulence of the rushing water. It is a beautiful area to explore and we look forward to returning in the autumn to view the magic of the season’s color.