Monday August 5 Going to Jamaica

Monday August 5
Going to Jamaica SP
Vermont is a strange place to navigate, roads tend to follow rivers and valleys and many place are situated in convoluted locations.  Jamaica State Park is one of those places.  Trusty GPS took us on back roads through secluded farmsteads and several unmarked byways.

Townshend Dam Reservoir 

On route we accidentally discovered Townshend Dam, an ACOE flood control project. The spring floods had really silted the beach so the water level was down and the beach was closed. Needless to say, the entire lake and recreation area was all ours. Just us and the birds, a flock of geese, Great Blue Herons Phoebe, Peewee, Robin, Crow, Goldfinch, Killdeer, and Spotted Sandpiper. The West River was running strong through the center channel. Down stream from the dam was a trout and bass fishing area and habitat for the endangered Atlantic Salmon. Warning signs cautioned anglers to avoid the electric fish gate, designed to funnel the salmon into the fish ladder for safe passage past the dam.
We were greeted by a very energetic hummingbird and treated to a good look at a Least Flycatcher.

Back on the road to Jamaica. Entrance to the park required crossing a one lane bridge with a 6 ton weight limit. Nice park, lots of spaces, miles of trails, and the West River for swimming and fishing. Salmon Hole is the best swimming area, the water was very cold and air temp that day was low 70’s, too cool for me.

Salmon Hole Jamaica SP

The Salmon Hole massacre occurred here in 1748 when French and Indians ambushed a group of English soldiers from near by Fort Dummer killing 6.
Birds for the park were Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Chimney Swift, and Rough-winged Swallow.
Located a place for lunch near Stratton Mountain, between the golf course and the ski slopes. Every other place around only served dinner. We shared a Texas Ruben, BBQ brisket on sourdough bread served with Cole slaw and dill pickle spear. Pretty tasty.

The West River was a wonderland of hoodoos carefully constructed from stacked rocks. The fairy land stretched ½ mile from the bridge. Castles, arches, and towers just awaiting the next torrential rain.








Ball Mountain Lake, upstream from Jamaica SP, is another ACOE flood control project. 296’ high and 915’ long and the water was far below.

Several bird houses were scattered around the fields but no birds were present. Expected to see hawks soaring in the open skies, but disappointed.




Did find and photo Common Wood Nymph but dipped on a photo of large red dragon.

Wood Nymph

We located Winhill Camping area, another ACOE project. Nice visit with host, who let us drive through yet another  splendid getaway.


Back home to rest before impromptu star party, not scheduled on the calendar, but spread by word of mouth to campers.
Used park truck to move scope to edge near stairs to VC for Venus right after sunset.  Then moved in truck again to center of field where Saturn was visible. Damn tall tree! About 20 people all had good looks at both planets. Can’t find a clear eastern horizon for morning planets Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury. Moved the scope once more back to storage. Put truck back at office and walked back to field for 6 min flyover of ISS.  WSW to ENE. Family of 6, plus Dale and Carol and friends were the only observers by then. Realized my phone was in the truck so another walk to the office. Young Amish man just arriving needing camp site. Put him in #1, left the money on the counter, and finally made it home about 10:15. Long, but satisfying day.