Elmo has been my primary riding partner most of my adult life. We completed the original Pan-Mass through every town together. He has always dreamed of riding over the Continental Divide, and was going to fly west to join me on that leg of the trip. We instead rode by Summit Pointe Drive and over the "Commonwealth Divide" -- the ridge line that defines the drainage basin of the Charles from the Merrimack. Not as dramatic, but we enjoyed sharing miles together.
I am a frequent visitor to the Battle Green in Lexington, site of the first armed conflict between the Minutemen and the British. 245 years ago this month, Patriots showed they would stand, fight and die for their cause. Always emotional for me. Normally I would have made this visit on Patriots' Day, but I preferred this year to avoid the crowds.
And today -- a visit to another major river system, the Blackstone. The perfect industrial river -- fast moving, deep, perfect for mills and dams. Which made it at one time the most polluted river in America.
I rode the entirety of its Mass. travels from its headwaters in Worcester ("Second Biggest City in New England!") to the RI border. The towns along the way spoke to their economic ties to the river: "Millbury", "Millville" and of course the eponymous "Blackstone". The river itself has largely healed from the man-made damage -- it was a very pleasant afternoon!
1034 miles down -- 2466 to go! Virtually, halfway across New Mexico! It honestly seems crazy to have covered over one thousand miles over the past 17 days. Lots more work to do, but feeling progress!
Social Distancing with Elmo
Minuteman Statue, Lexington
The Urban River is Born! Headwaters-Worcester
First Tributary joining the Blackstone, Worcester
Fisherville Mill, Grafton
Blackstone - A Mill Village - DUH!
