January 6, 2019 – Chandler Hovey Park/Marblehead Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to Chandler Hovey Park, also referred to as Lighthouse Point. This Park is known for being the location of the Marblehead Lighthouse. Marblehead Lighthouse was built in 1896, and is a 105 foot cast iron skeletal tower. It is the only one of this type in New England. The Park is less then four acres total, cornered by gorgeous ocean views. It has benches, pavilions and numerous rocks for climbing.

We were lucky to have three little Adventures in Marblehead today. The Chandler Hovey Park was one of our stops. This was our second Adventure to the Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse, as we had been there before with Shadow and my Mom. This is a small park that provides absolutely stunning views from Marblehead Neck. We were lucky to choose yet another sunny, and breezy winter day, clouds perfectly aligned in the bright blue sky. Both Shadow and Wilma were enthused at this location enjoying lots of grass rolls, and play. We walked around the park enjoying the picturesque sky, crashing waves, and rough rocks. We posed continually with the Marblehead Lighthouse, as you will see below! It was the prefect kind of day at this special location (Rating: 4).

Today, January 6, 2019

February 2017 (If I locate any additional photos I will post at a later date!)

Throwback Adventure – Wiley Pond area

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

The Wiley Pond area is located in the Crawford Notch portion of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This spot is right on the main drag and is associated with the Historic Wiley House which is famous due to the weather tragedy of 1826. The family residing in the home were killed by the avalanche when attempting to escape the powerful flood. The area later became popular for tourism as the home was one of few structures that survived this devastating storm. The location currently highlights Mount Wiley, and Wiley Pond. In addition there is a restaurant, gift shop, and trails in the area.

We have Adventured to the Wiley House Historic area on at least four occasions, visited with Shadow, Buster, Wilma, and my Mom. This location is one of the most gorgeous spots I have ever seen on our Adventures. The mountains come together framing the little Pond, and often times creating a beautiful reflection. There are ducks in the pond in many seasons, while the pond actually vanishes in the winter. We have enjoyed the trails in the back, but nothing compares to the pure beauty of the sitting area at the Pond. The Pond is also perfect for some dog dips and refreshing sips, a favorite perk of our Shadow.

As you can see below I was quite humored on one of our visits as it was Wilma’s 1st Birthday, a perfect excuse for a daytrip! Sooooo of course why not some birthday hat, mountain photos?! Too many photographs on that day, but Wilma was quite adorable in her hat, framed by the gorgeous snow covered mountains! On that same winter visit the area was quite vacant, providing some off-leash fun and exploring for our Shadow. Quite stunning to see this area through a winter lens.

I also have enjoyed taking a photograph of Shadow and Buster (with me), and later Shadow and Wilma at the same piece of driftwood. Several quick snapshots of absolutely cherished memories at this scenic destination. Although the photos do not give it justice, they attempt to provide a visual summary of why I adore the White Mountains. It really is one of the most beautiful places in New England (Rating: 5)

January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Downtown Newburyport, and the adjacent Clipper City Rail Trail. Downtown Newburyport is a charming area with restaurants, boutiques, and a waterfront park. The Clipper City Rail Trail goes through this area, and also extends into neighboring towns. The Trail runs along the Merrimack River, and includes: lovely coastal views, sculptures, murals, boardwalks, and more. The Rail Trail is still being built, with one Phase remaining in construction.

We had a refreshing coastal Adventure to begin the New Year, spending about two and a half hours in Newburyport. The sun was shining, and the wind gusty, the perfect mix on this winter day. I had been to the area back in July 2011 with Shadow and Buster, on a much hotter day, but had not explored much of the Rail trail. We began our Adventure at the waterfront park, instantly feeling refreshed with the sun streaming down on the beautiful blue River. We started down one side of the trail until the trail ended in construction, where we quickly turned around. This location of the trail wove through areas of sculptures, along the water, past many boats, and near two shore-lighthouses. One lighthouse seeming to be decorative, while the other appearing to be a working lighthouse for the Coast Guard. There were several dogs, bikers, joggers, and walkers also enjoying this fun Trail.

After completing this portion of the Trail we wandered throughout the Downtown area, filled with shops and restaurants, many still decorated from the holidays. The streets were stone, the buildings brick, providing a unique and picturesque spot. We walked and walked enjoying to exercise, and cool breeze. We visited Frog Pond the center of “Bartlett Mall” before turning around weaving in and out of each street. Many others out shopping, feasting, and relaxing with family and friends.

Lastly, we headed over to the other end of the Clipper City Rail Trail. The Trail lead along the River, next to a restaurant, and then under several large bridges. The area had various sculptures and even a mural painted under the bridge. From there we crossed over to a sitting area with rounded benches before heading over a boardwalk to the section along a beach-like area. We strolled for awhile before turning around and heading back. Definitely a lovely day to be out enjoying this special Trail, a place I am sure we will return in the future (Rating: 4).

P.S. – Hoping video’s will agree to download in the near future, but now for a picture collage – please see below.