We had our “Plein Air” day on a hill overlooking the Shawsheen at the Vale Reservation on 7.27 in Andover. It’s a beautiful spot. Marlies and Brian and Ed paddled down from Dale Street and disembarked at the hill where Suzanne, Al , Sharon and Larry, Leo and Laurie, and Tara from BATV were reading tree identification books, drawing the Shawsheen, meandering around looking at Sharon and Sue’s artwork. As the three climbed out of the canoe and kayak, Al played a German-sounding uplifting melody on the accordion. Later he played and sang sea shanties. Suzanne drew the Shawsheen, Leo napped, Larry relaxed with his phone, and Al and I did a bit of talking about trail connecting along the Shawsheen between Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence. Tara joined Marlies and Brian in the canoe and along with Ed paddled up to Abbott’s Bridge and met (serendipitously) Mike and crew working somewhere between Abbott’s Bridge and the Pomp’s berm removing some obstacles. Later, Sharon, Tara, and Laurie walked down to the Elephant Tree. It was a beautiful day! We are hoping to do another one in September/October as it allows paddlers and non-paddlers to enjoy the river at the same time.
