Goose Pond Lake

Western Mass Outdoor Group

Adventure Name: Goose Pond

Dated: 10/26/2019

Our latest adventure took us to goose pond lake in Lee, Massachusetts. Goose pond is located on the border between Lee and Tyringham.  There are summer homes along half of the lower larger pond while the upper pond seems almost wilderness like there are Appalachian Mountain Huts, one large and 3 small, on the north shore.  The upper lake intersects the Appalachian Trail and the AMC hut has both weekend and through hikers as visitors.

We decided to start early. I met Arminder and Kerry at Starbucks sharp at 6 am. Arminder and Kerry are outdoor enthusiasts and have a wild spirit. There kayaks looked new perched on Kerry’s car, looking majestic, almost royal. We had the traditional Chai Latte with Sausage egg and cheese. Note to myself is to bring food from home as starbucks is just not that good. I need to invest in a good thermos. REI will soon be earning some business.

The ride to Lee was sleepy. I listened to some podcasts as I followed Kerry behind in my Subaru. Once you pass the Lee outlet mall, look for a small road called forest road and than take a left on ridge road about a mile into forest road. This brings you to the trailhead. Arminder shared with me an app called gopaddling, which is amazing for those looking for paddling spots. This will be great for future adventures.

We reached the lake exactly at 7 am. The sun was just coming up and mist was blowing up the lake as if smoke was leaving the earth for a more celestial respite. Shauki, our fourth member got lost and I had to go find him. He came full of energy and ready to conquer. The paddle up the lower pond was breathtaking as the breaking light set the foliage alive with vibrating colors. Allah’s canvass was at its full display as we treated ourselves to shades of yellow, orange and red.

Slowly we got into rhythm. The thing about paddling is the slower pace and there is a recreational component to it. Sipping my not so hot chai latte, i sank deeper into my seat and started taking a few deep breaths. There was no one else but our group on the lake. Each breath was like meditation, the ibbadat of our Rabb as we connected with a bigger force.It is this lust for the divine that drives me to the great outdoors. It is my worship and also nourishment for my soul.

Kerry led us to the narrow channel that takes you to the upper pond. The channel was particularly shallow at this time of the year. Feeling like I was in the Amazon rain forest, I followed my kayak buddies up stream to the upper goose pond. This area is even more serene as there are not many houses around the shore line. The Appalachian range runs by it and some of the resting cottage on the trail can be seen in the woods. We also met a young woman who was camping there alone for the first time. This is something I want to do some day. Backpack the Appalachian trail!!!

Further up the lake we came upon some ducks and geese. We also saw a lonely fishing boat parked up. As we went up the lake we saw some decoys. These were being used by a duck and geese hunter. I unknowingly passed right through them. The guy got really mad at us and did not even return our greeting. Shaukat had a theory about him being a serial killer and he did fit the bill of Hannibal Lecter and apperared to have a creepy side.

Further up we ran into marshland. This was beautiful in its own right and some of our kayaks got stuck but we were able to wrestle them out. The sun started rising as it was now close to mid morning and the warmth want through my body energizing it and touching the soul. I basked in the warmth of this heavenly body recognizing how it could have been worshiped by the early humans. Feeling blessed we started the paddle back home at a leisurely and enjoyable pace, looking at vistas which looked duller as the majestic white light of the Sun was at its full display.

Reaching back to the launch point, we helped each other take the kayaks out. Without saying much, our eyes gave away the gratitude that we shared to have made such great memories together. These outdoor adventures have a way of bringing you together. A bonding which is unique of spirits that yearn to roam free.

Already planning our next adventure, we left on the ride back home. Driving back and further soaking in the fall foliage in the Berkshires, I was appreciative of the place that we call home and of the Creator who gave us this and much more.