Bicycle Tour: Otter River, Day Three

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, I enjoyed a rest day at Otter River State Forest by exploring the area on foot. (For the second day of this tour, see Otter River, Day Two).

When I woke up in the middle of the night, I wanted to do a little stargazing. Unfortunately, the restroom across the road from my campsite had very bright floodlights that spoiled the sky.

I took my tripod and binoculars over to the grassy area by Beaman pond and gazed at Ursa Major, Boötes (with Arcturus), Scorpio (with Antares), Cygnus, and Lyra (with Vega).

After sleeping some more, in the morning I walked one and a half miles to the convenience grocery in Baldwinville for fruit, snacks, and a sandwich. There are some beautiful old houses along U.S. 202 in Baldwinville.

A beautiful old house in Baldwinville

I explored the park and trails thoroughly in the morning.

Otter River State Forest entrance sign

Otter River State Forest entrance road

Ferns growing in Otter River State Forest

Pine trees growing in Otter River State Forest

Beaman Pond

Near Beaman Pond, I found a brick patio commemorating the North American Family Campers Association.

North American Family Campters Association brick patio

On the north side of the campground is located the Wilder McKenzie Nature Trail, which goes to Lake Dennison, a state park with another campground.

Wilder McKenzie Nature Trail to Lake Dennison

In the very warm afternoon, I began striking camp, and at about 2:30 p.m. the AMC tour leader found me and told me the tour group had arrived at Group Site B. I finished packing, rode over to the group site, set up my tent, and joined the everyone for dinner and good conversation.