Monday, December 23, 2013

Deer Island, Winthrop by Deborah



            When we moved our houseboat to Winthrop we were pleasantly surprised to discover the hidden treasure of Deer Island so close to Boston.  According the National Park Service, Deer Island has been used by Native Americans, quarantined immigrants, farmers and prisoners when it housed the counties house of corrections.

            Today the island is home to the Waste Water Treatment plant that serves greater Boston.  It has 5 miles of public walkways and trials for walking, jogging, sightseeing, picnicking,  and fishing.  It is open year round from sunrise to sunset.  They have 2.6 miles of paved handicapped accessible perimeter trail around the treatment planet.  There is a small parking area and park benches along the paved perimeter. 

            I walked the perimeter on a cloudy day in late October. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be on a clear and sunny day.   The Harbor Islands were clearly seen just off shore and the skyline view of Boston dramatic.  You also have a close up view of planes at Logan taking off and landing.   Leashed dogs are welcome and we met a cute little Boston Terrier named Lola who was enjoying the walkways.    Be aware that a portion of that walkway will have an odor from the treatment plant.  I would not let this stop me from enjoying this exceptional spot next to the sea. 


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