Reflecting Beauty ♦ Hiking through Ravenswood Park

Before finding myself surrounded by the Great Magnolia Swamp, I was overlooking Fernwood Lake. Red lily pads dotted the shallows and the water perfectly mirrored the magnificent day. I looked on from a land bridge that connected shore to shore. A few children ran in swim trunks along the distant paths but no one entered the water. I could have lounged around all day while critters bounced around the shoreline trees. Instead, after a time, I moved back into the woods to find the swampland.

The swamp stood in complete contrast to the lake. I immediately recognized just how saturated the landscape was with life. Creation spilled froth from the primordial slime that edged my path. The first boardwalk I passed tempted me greatly but for fear of leaving my planned route I moved on. Now I realize that boardwalk may have been an access to the Magnolia Stands deep within the swamp. Perhaps there will be another day for that journey. Either way my chosen way did not disappoint.

A swamp is a place you have to look twice to recognize the beauty. What had been so effortlessly mirrored by the lake shown only through a dim reflection. Yet it was there, radiant as ever, if care was taken to notice.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group have over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Birds ♦ Hiking through Ravenswood Park

For some time now I’ve been chasing the ever allusive bird photo. I can always hear them, I can sometimes find them, but my skill with a camera is far below the threshold required to capture quality. Hence most of my pictures feature plants and trees; things that don’t tend to fly away while you’re adjusting the zoom.

But the day I trekked through Ravenswood the birds seemed to take pity. Two robins were there to greet me. They hopped briskly, staying about 20 feet ahead of my pace. I stalked as best I could but they seemed to almost welcome the attention. Even when they took flight they’d quickly return almost as if to inquire why I wasn’t following.

We walked together for quite some time. I was happy for the company.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group have over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Tightrope ♦ Hiking through Ravenswood Park

With each successive step I traveled more and more into their world. The frogs watched me with interest, pondering why I had come. A pipe served as my boardwalk, or at least it had thus far. Looking forward it wouldn’t be long until my path was overcome by swamp water. Evidently that was the subtext of the sign that warned me the trail would divert off Ravenswood property.

While I was praying for my balance to be stalwart, I snapped a few photos. I was unsure if this was even the trail anymore. If it hadn’t been for a drought this whole area would surely have been underwater.

After wading out of the slime I proceeded to get lost altogether. My wrong turn walked me smack dab into a pristine stream, an odd contrast from where I had been. The current flowed past was so crystal clear you’d think you could drink it by the handful. I took several pictures of its beauty. Still, my mind lingered on how every droplet was destined to mix with that muck. Such a waste. Eventually I turned around to relocate my way.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group have over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Finding the View ♦ Hiking through Ravenswood Park

Shadows stretched in the morning sun while hikers came and went. Their number indicated that the beauty of this day had not gone unnoticed. With my pack sinched tight I ventured into Ravenswood.

I passed multiple vernal pools; some wet, some dry. I had hopes of getting out early enough to see the salamanders walking about but the sun had already dispatched them to cooler sanctuaries.

The trails were laid out with a careful hand. That is not to say that they at all felt manufactured. Quite the contrary, they coursed like a quick river finding its way to safer ground. What I mean is that they were smooth and effortless; made to be walked on. As I crested the canopy parted and I was struck by the scenic view that I had seen indicated on my map. Outward I gazed over Gloucester’s Eastern Point. The ocean pooled just above the distant tree line. Although a vision, I simply shook my head and kicked myself for not getting up earlier. What pure splendor it must be at dawn.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group have over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.