Assabet/Nashoba Rare Treats

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving I paddled up to Egg Rock and found the inscription completely submerged.  I also noted the rivers were surprisingly ice free considering the record-cold temperatures of late.  So, with an urgent need to work off some turkey and all the fixin's, I began ascending the Assabet River.

Our very wet autumn has resulted in river water aplenty which helped to keep most of the usual obstacles submerged...

Before I knew it my modest expectations were exceeded and I'd reached the river's confluence with Nashoba Brook.  Entering this significant tributary to the Assabet was made easy by the raised water level.  It was smooth paddling upstream under the Old Colony railroad bridge, the pedestrian bridge, and along the stone wall past Nashoba Bakery...

In all of my previous trips this would be the point where the water would become too shallow for further paddling.  However, on this occasion I rounded the bend and found myself approaching the Pail Factory Bridge for my first time ever...

Shortly, I emerged on the other side of Commonwealth Ave and paddled up to Warner's Pond outlet...

This coincided with the warmest and sunniest portion of the day and a mug-up of hot cocoa was enjoyed.  The pond is named for Ralph Warner who manufactured pails and tubs at this site during the 1800's.

On the way back downstream I was treated to this view of the pedestrian bridge...
...and the railroad bridge, presently being re-decked for use by the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail...

Once back on the Assabet, I took the opportunity to paddle a little further upstream to where the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will cross the river on this handsome span...

Then it was back downriver where more than a few cars carrying Xmas trees were seen passing over the Main Street Bridge...

Arrived back at the takeout feeling quite thankful for all the bounty and ready for more turkey leftovers.

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