Brookfield, MA - May 2022

Our travels brought us to a little town in MA called Brookfield, West Brookfield actually ;) We are on our way back from Maine to the finger lakes region of NY, and needed a halfway stopping point.  I used campendium "shout out", and found this cute little old school Highview campground about half way along our path. Brookfield is located in central MA with a population when including North, East and West, of about 10 - 12 K.  

We arrived to Brookfield about 4 pm, after a 300 mile trip pulling our home behind us.  The town was quaint, pretty with that old New England charm.   Being Memorial day, there were flags all over the town and the center town area was just lovely.  Old style New England homes, large and well maintained with handsome landscaping as far as my eye could see.  

Through Brookfield we went into West Brookfield. Up, up and up some more we pulled our fifth wheel to an elevation of about 1000 feet.  Past 3 different signs that said "turtle crossing" ;) and at least 5 signs, one of them with marquee lighting warning of deer crossing.   Down a dusty road we went saying "where is this place?".  "Do you see a sign?"  We found it easy enough. When we payed for our stay, the lady helping us broke out a piece of carbon paper to put between copies of the form we signed.  Old school huh?  Carbon? I felt time warped back to 1975, maybe 1990 if I'm being generous. 

The owner showed us our spot and where the infrastructure was located.  That's power, water and sewer hookup for you non - camping types.  After about 30 minutes of setup, we took a walk around the park.  There were not many other campers.  Looks like they have some long termers.  Long termers have things set up around their camper giving the impression the camper does not move much.  

Beautiful mature maple and pine trees were everywhere.  Dirt and lose gravel roadways connected the distinct camping areas.  In the center of the campground is a big pond with MA bullfrogs "gluping" up a storm.  It was fun to hear them.  We picked up a few small stones and tossed them in, trying to rile them up a little. We gathered up some wood and set up a campfire for a little later on.  

Roads that whisper to walk down them.  Calling deep in your spirit.  "Come, spend time meandering down me" - the voice of nature.  Lined with beautiful fern plants.

Meandering roads with ferns and old majestic trees

 

See the two big bull frogs
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also lots of nats, black-fly and deer-fly buzzing around.  Its that time of year.  We applied repellent to ourselves and our dog.  Once the evening arrived and the heat dissipated, the bugs did too, thankfully.

Our cost was $60 a night, no tax, cash only ;) for a 30 amp site with full hookups.  No wifi at this site.  The setup reminded me of an expensive boon-docker site.  Boon-dockers are private citizens who allow RVers to park on their property for a night or two, free.  


Look at this rhododendron bush

 

 

 

There are also some gorgeous rhododendron bushes in full bloom.  I don't notice flowers too much, but my lovely bride does and she looked them up.


 

 

 

 

 

no one around us!

 

With not a single camper around us, I cranked up the fine local country music station and enjoyed a beautiful evening at our campfire. I appreciated the setting so much prolly because the last few days at our last sight was full of lots of people.  

My wife and I discussed the towns history a little and found a place to get a local meal the next day.  We discovered the rich history of the area and were impressed.  So many of the small New England towns are just so full of great history and charm and of course local accent 

"Hey buddy, get me some clam chooowwwder"

 

A final note.  After setting up, I went back to the office to check with the owner about something and noticed a couple genius stout beers starring at me from the public cooler.  I asked the owner, "Hey, how much for a couple of those beers?"  They were single bottles.  He said in his MA accent "Ahhh, my kid brought them over for dinner, just take em".  I asked if he was sure and he waved his hand at me.  

Cheers to you bringer of cool refreshments to a weary over heated traveler.


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