Throwback Adventure – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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!

In September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I had an Adventure to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were on our big journey home to relocate back to Massachusetts, and stopped to visit a friend along the way. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is known for its history. Philadelphia is also noteworthy for the Museum of Art which played a famous roll in the movie “Rocky”. I have many special memories of this lovely city as some of my undergraduate studies occurred here. Back in the day I had lots of fun in Philadelphia enjoying great friends, and exploring the city thoroughly.

We had a short, but wonderful visit to Philadelphia. My friend made us feel right at home, and Shadow and Buster were able to experience some city living. We went out to breakfast with outdoor seating, and did lots of walking, checking out the ground of the Art Museum, and enjoying city views. We got caught in the rain but did not let it stop us. I have been thinking of Adventuring back to the area soon. It will always be a special place in my heart (Rating: Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

Today’s feature is a photograph from the Wiley Pond area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This location is absolutely beautiful and a place I always stop when nearby. This photograph was taken in the summer of 2017 when Wilma was still a little puppy! If you would like to read more about this location you can type in “Wiley Pond” in the search box. Many wonderful memories at this gorgeous spot.

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January 5, 2019 – Thundering Falls – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Thundering Falls in Killington, Vermont. Thundering Falls is approximately 125 feet in length, and is estimated to be the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. As expected this waterfall is sourced from the Thundering Brook. The waterfall is located on the Appalachian Trail and is a less then a mile walk, most of which occurs on a boardwalk.

We had a spectacular Adventure to Thundering Falls. The waterfall was located on River Road, a kiosk marking the parking lot. Quite pleased to be the only visitors we parked and began our journey. I was instantly exciting seeing the snow covered boardwalk heading into the marsh, surrounded by mountain views. It was distinctly gorgeous. The boardwalk trail weaved back and forth and we could soon hear the roaring waterfall, increasing our anticipation.

After the boardwalk ended we veered to the right and quickly located a sign for the Falls. The trail led us to a viewing deck providing a magnificent view of Thundering Falls. The Falls was scattered with snow and ice creating a unique and picturesque scene. I enjoyed standing in front of the falls taking in the full sensory experience. Of course many photographs and several videos were snapped to capture the encounter. I was initially thinking of walking up above the Falls but was a bit unclear if there was a trail (due to the snow) and even with my ice cleats the slope with snow was very icy. I therefore found it a bit dangerous and after scratching my hand on a brief slide down, I decided otherwise. We then began our walk back to the car, appreciating each and every part of the Trail.

Thundering Falls was absolutely lovely, and definitely one of the nicest waterfalls that we have viewed. We might just have to return to see the waterfall in different seasons (Rating: 4.5).

PS-I decided to organize my photographs in a larger format so let me know what you think. Not sure yet if I find it better, or too many to scroll through (as I often have them in a collage).

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January 5, 2019 – Northern Rail Trail – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Northern Rail Trail in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The Northern Rail Trail is a 58 mile multi-use trail popular for dog walking, running, skiing, biking, and snowmobiling. It runs from Lebanon to Boscawen and is the longest Rail Trail in New Hampshire

We had a simple Adventure to the Northern Rail Trail. I planned this stop to break up our trip which involved various Adventures throughout Vermont. I was quite curious to explore this Trail as I had read that it often parallels the river and has bridges along the route. There was a brief jaunt where we were able to see the River, which I believe was the Connecticut River. We were able too locate a little trail that went directly to the River’s edge although too far above the River for Shadow and Wilma to drink or swim. (The video below is from the River as we walked back to the Trail).

Throughout our walk I was glad to see that the trail was not just behind backyards, but also traversed the woods, paralleled the river, and went through field-type landscape. I was disappointed to only spot one bridge, concrete, and dull, but yet had realized we might not see any bridges due to the sheer length of the Trail.

Along our walk we saw many dog walkers, and were quite glad to not run into any snowmobiles. So overall I would say this was typical to my other visits to Rail Trails, a simple, and long walk with no memorable landmarks. However, likely a much different experience for those on a bicycle. Nevertheless still glad we could walk on the Northern Rail Trail today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Willard Brook State Park – Massachusetts

Willard Brook State Park is a publicly owned Park between the towns of Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts. It is 2,597 acres and includes a fast-running brook, and Trapp Falls. It has a swimming pond, numerous trails, and opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Shadow, Buster and I had many, many Adventures to Willard Brook State Park, a lovely local State Park. We have been in every season and with many others throughout the years. I even visited as a kid, went on a date, and took our 2014 Christmas photographs at this fabulous location. Willard Brook Park is a special place with lots of memories. The Park has many trails, a fresh brook for dips and sips, sticks for lots of dog chewing, and many places to relax and play. We have also enjoyed spending time near the tiny Trapp Falls, definitely a seasonal waterfall. One of our preferred hikes has been the trail along the Brook as it is quite scenic and also has provided many opportunities to cool down. The park has several simple, but scenic bridge which as you may guess I have enjoyed photographing. I have put together too many photographs below from many different visits over the last eight years. We will have to get there again as I do not believe Wilma has been there yet. A beautiful local Park to explore! (Rating: 4).

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January 1, 2020 – Minuteman Bikeway – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway in Lexington, Massachusetts. The Minuteman Bikeway was built between 1992-1993 along an inactive railroad corridor and runs from Cambridge to Bedford. The Bikeway is a paved trail and is 10 miles in length.

We had a blue-sky Adventure to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway on our first Adventure of the New Year. My plan initially was to take a day-trip to Connecticut but after injuring my back yesterday, I thought a local, and predictable walk would be best. I am grateful that Shadow and Wilma are great walkers and I could still take them out with shooting back pain. So off we went on our Adventure….

I located the Minuteman Bikeway on route to a different location, and thought it would be a good path to explore. We walked and walked, of course taking some time to sniff all the new smells. We were careful to stay on the right side as we walked, bicycles often flying by dangerously. There were runners, dog walkers, and families out enjoying this gorgeous New Years day. The pathway ran adjacent to the Center of Lexington, at one point opening up so we could see Buckman Tavern, a scenic historic building. The pathway passed behind backyards, at some time closer then others. The bikeway was simple and unappealing, but obviously built as a commuter route for bicyclists, therefore quite a convenient for those traveling by bike. So although the Minuteman Bikeway is nothing exciting for those on a walk, still a great place to get some exercise. Hope everyone had a wonderful New Years (Rating: The Minuteman Bikeway will not be rated as it is a location created for bicycle commuters)