The Swift River, as I have come to characterize it, never disappoints. 

A slow-moving, cold-water stream in central Massachusetts that winds south from the huge Quabbin Reservoir, the drinking water supply for much of the thirsty Boston area, it is dependably a quiet peaceful place to paddle.

And it has some decent yard art along the banks. And even a stolen beware of alligator sign from Florida.  Not many rivers can make that claim.

I was there just a few days ago, and I must say that a few of the art pieces could do with a bit of tender loving care.  And maybe a new installation here and there would be nice.

Below are a few then and now pairings, followed by the rest of the photos from my most recent visit.

The Alligator sign. My first sighting of this was in 2013. It is very worn but still standing.

This couple, on the contrary, has held up well over the years. I know they get covered in a tarp during the winter. Here they are today, on the right, and six years ago, on the left. It would help my view of them if the weeds got trimmed.

This classy mermaid was in a pink Barbie car back in 2020. These days she’s on a tricycle and could do with a hair and makeup session.

The dragon could use some body work but is still impressive after six years.

This one has faded a bit in six years, but hangs in there.

My first photo of this guy was back in 2016, when he still had full wings.

Not much has bothered this guy in the last three years.

And this sign remains timeless, I hope, though the log it’s on has moved a bit in the past three years.

Below are all of my photos from the other day. Enjoy!