By Tim Garcia for the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
Fairhaven’s town colors have always been blue and white, but during this time of year the color green temporarily takes over. Our town has some of the most beautiful combinations of green space/open space for all the public to uncover what land treasures await. While out enjoying the beautiful landscape throughout town, an entrance for such journeys perhaps gently passes us unknowingly.
The Phoenix Bike Trail is a mainway for all walkers, runners, cyclists; and venturing off this beaten path comes with most fulfilling rewards. As an avid runner and mountain biker, I find heading down an unknown road or trail offers the excitement of what I might see next and where will I end up?
Heading eastbound, I always begin the Phoenix Bike Trail from Main Street in our exquisitely historical center. Delightfully breathing in fresh air with a slight tinge of ocean breeze swaying the abundant leaves encompassing Egypt Lane in a scenery of greenery. Whether running or biking I always slow down to observe a spectacular view of Little Bay crossing over the Nasketucket River.
Upon arriving at Gellette Road the lush thickness of forestry opens up to a sprawling sector of land I simply refer to as wide open. Traveling down Gellette awards perennial excursionists, the same as those who’ve never been, a chance to enjoy the serene quality of connection only vast fields of openness bring. No matter the miles already run, I am never tired while here.
Rounding the bend and continuing onto the beginning of the Carvalho Farm trail, passing by this peculiar entrance is too tempting not to trek down. A simple sign standing tall and welcoming all to a distinctly traveled footpath through a sea of grassy fields ultimately leading to a tree line one quarter mile away. Sometimes I’ll jog it, but usually walking is best. Building up a relaxing demeanor continues with every step, breathing in the soft subtle soundtrack of nature.
Once entering the open passage through the trees the trail transforms from open space to jagged and sometimes stony terrain. Ultimately, the path is clear and refreshingly enjoyable. A small creek here, a larger stream there. This landscape never lacks the opportunity to enjoy refreshing and reinvigorating feelings encouraged by what it must have been like here a hundred years ago. The whole reason for this trail is because it is an untouched undeveloped, delightfully all natural area for anyone to take pleasure in. Sincerely unique since we live amongst four-hundred year old towns.
Half mile in, the scenery changes for a bit with open fields off to the left through the trees and plenty of places to soak in the earthly sounds. Three-quarter miles in, the scenery changes again to a tapered passage with an endearing bridge over a trickling creek. Continuing on the winding pathway through more untarnished thicket, ultimately ends with a quirky surprise spotting a giant boulder as the centerpiece marking the end of the line.
Climbing atop Indian Rock is a must-do when here. For me, providing a panoramic view clearly defines why conservation of land is so important. Untouched green spaces impart the strong connections we hold dear living in Fairhaven. Our conservation agent, along with members of the sustainability committee strive for these goals through steady robust commitment.
One of the beautiful things about Fairhaven is there are other spaces throughout town that provide different sceneries but are in fact just as significant as the Carvalho Farm trail. As the weather warms and early flowers are seen poking through, we are in the threshold of bloom season. My perception is to get out and enjoy it. I encourage all to come join in with family, friends and neighbors alike. Fairhaven is a beautiful place, and every year there’s another opportunity to rediscover the places we love and maybe venture out to those new places waiting to be revealed.
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