Just down a country road, less than 10 minutes from our home, there is a great little park on the Shepaug River. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, listen to the water rush over the rocks or have a quiet picnic and soak in the sweet summer air.

This morning I loaded the kids in the car early. I told them exactly what my old friend said to me many times when we were bored and the kids needed something new or interesting to do. 

"I know a place. It's not far. Come on, just get in the car!"

She had a talent for finding amazing little farm stores off the beaten path with homemade pie that was well worth the ride. She would find charming little spots for the kids to run, pet some sheep, pick berries or go wading in a brook to cool off.

Hodge Park in Roxbury is one of those places.  Three sets of brown eyes lit up as I pulled off the road next to the river. "Can we go in?" When I answered yes, they jumped out of the car and headed to the rocky edge of the shallow water.  They explored happily, tried to skip stones and catch tadpoles (or were they fish) until it was time to head home. 

I had to triple pinky swear that we could come back tomorrow in order to get them out of the water. First, they each picked a small stone from the river to "remember the day by."

They chose a white stone for me. It will serve as a vivid reminder that sometimes the simplest of outings in the natural world can be the most fulfilling.

Hodge Park in Roxbury can be found by following Route 133 out of Brookfield through Bridgewater to Route 67.  Hang a right on 67 and enjoy the view.  Hodge Park is on the left, a ways down the road.  

Be sure to clean up after yourself, as the park is currently maintained entirely by volunteers due to town budget cuts.  If you are bringing small children with you, have them wear water shoes to protect their feet in the water from the stony bottom of the river and the occasional (and unfortunate) piece of broken glass.