Today (4 May, 2008) I took a drive by Hopedale and took a few photos of the G&U ROW and the Hopedale yard.

(Earlier in the day, my son and I had taken a hike along the ROW in Upton; details here.)

Near Freedom Street, there was evidence of hand-cut brush.

Freedom St crossing, looking south/east. Note stacks of hand-cut brush near center of photo.
Stacks of hand-cut brush along tracks; taken from entrance to athletic field by Freedom Street.

In the Hopedale yard complex, there was quite a bit of brush cut on the grounds. "Brush" might be too weak a term, as there had previously been many small trees, at least a few inches in diameter if memory serves. The area was surprisingly clear.

The old vacant Wickes Lumber building had a garage bay door open! This was the second time I've seen it open in the past couple of months. Coincidentally the open door was the one which has the railroad track entering it. I caught the Wickes building in only one photo, sorry!

Looking south/east. Note Wickes building on right, bay door open!
Same spot, looking north/west. Still some brush work to do here. Bridge over Mill River (is that what it's called?) near center of photo.

We then drove around to the Hopedale Street side for a few photos.

Old flanger, looking south/east
Same point, looking north/west toward Draper complex
Old engine house, still closed, wonder if S4 is still in there
Taken in front of engine house, looking south/east
Old flanger still there, taken from engine house
Another shot looking north/west
Another shot looking south/east