The Peace Abbey and Rocky Narrows

We are gearing up for a fun adventure in the sun tomorrow, but last weekend we ventured out during a break between rainstorms to visit a favorite place-- the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, a town adjacent to ours.  The Peace Abbey is part nondenominational spiritual retreat, part vegan information clearinghouse, part animal sanctuary, part pacifist museum and memorial, and a great to connect with like minded peaceful souls.  We were lucky enough to come on a day that some kind of vegetarian convention was taking place, because a vegan ice cream truck was parked at the abbey when we arrived.  For the first time ever, Indigo was able to order an ice cream like a "normal" kid!  It was way exciting and she was as pleased as can be.  After, we walked around and visited the animals for a bit.  The Peace Abbey takes in rescued farm animals, like the famous Emily-- a cow who escaped a local slaughterhouse and evaded capture for days, cheered on by locals, until she was found and allowed to live out her days at the Peace Abbey until her natural death.  It is so touching reading each animal's story and then visiting with them.  You can't help leaving the Abbey feeling a little more optimistic and peaceful.

Afterward, we went for a little hike in Rocky Narrows, a greenspace administered by the Trustees of the Reservations. Thee are supposed to be amazing views of the Charles River from a rocky overlook but we became disoriented in the maze of trails (and discouraged by hungry, whining children) so we missed them.  It was nice to be in the woods on a wet day, though.  It SO reminded me of home!

Grave of Emily, the sacred cow.

The Pacifist Memorial on Conscientious Objectors Hill

Indigo enjoying her allergy safe ice cream.

A beautiful monument lined by plaques memorializing great figures in the peace movement (Ghandi is at the center).  

Hiking in Rocky Narrows