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South Beach in July, Puffer's Pond (Amherst MA)
Photo by S. Vardatira, 7-12-2015 |
Although the temperature topped out at 89 F this afternoon at Puffer's Pond, the crowds weren't as intense as you might expect on such an uncomfortably hot day. I theorize that some people, wanting to avoid mobs at Puffer's, may have sought relief at pools and other swimming holes across the area. At the same time, it's possible the crowd on the beach just
seemed a little thinner because so many people were out on the water courtesy of air mattresses and inflatable boats. Whole groups had also congregated above and below the waterfall, along with a handful of young men who were rock jumping (a wholly prohibited and incredibly dangerous activity). The rock jumpers left the area in a hurry shortly after they realized I was photographing them. Ah, the power of a camera!
I took a narrow path along the shore from Fisherman's Point towards the waterfall, on the way discovering a lovely secluded spot where a couple had set out a picnic, complete with h'ordeuvres and a small carafe of wine. They were bobbing in an inflatable boat a few feet off shore, and when I apologized for intruding on their site, they laughed and waved their hands across the water, as if to encompass the whole summer scene. "Come on through," they urged, "this is for everyone."
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Men on Puffer's Pond Dam
(before you do this, be aware that sitting on the dam is prohibited)
Photo by S. Vardatira, Amherst MA - 7-12-2015 |
Photographing yet more prohibited activity on the water....
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Rock jumping at Puffer's Pond, 7-12-2015
(Photos by S. Vardatira)
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Doesnt look any more dangerous then the people who stand IN THE ROAD taking pictures of them. Looks like they are having fun! It's a shame the photographer is too opinionated (scared?) to jump off the rock...they might have a little fun. Yes I said FUN. Since when do the rock jumpers bother anyone? I personally have not YET tried it. Maybe this afternoon after work? Who knows maybe one of those kids will be the next Olympic high diver! I hope your camera drops in the water jacka$$
ReplyDeleteSincerely yours, the American flag flyin' in Amherst on 9/11
Live a little S. Vardatira. Stop being the am_erst and try being the H.
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Take a chill pill, M. Anonymous. I frequent Puffer's and take all kinds of pics of what I observe and post to my blog (as you can see). I don't report the activity to the police, though I have observed people worried to be caught on film because what they are doing is illegal. For example, people fishing without licenses are often concerned to be caught on film. That's frankly not my problem - there are rules at Puffer's for good reason. I didn't want to be a downer on this post, but the reason people are not allowed on the rocks is because people have DIED jumping from the rocks. If there were life guards at Puffer's that activity would never happen. Just sayin'. The kids jumping from the rocks may do all kinds of wonderful things for the world, but they won't if they're dead.
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing. I'm not in the least interested in policing Puffer's. In general, if people are identifiable, I ask their permission before taking their picture. Most people are delighted, and some (most frequently people fishing without a license) decline. My goal is to show the often entertaining and wonderful connection between life and weather in Amherst.
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