Month: January 2021

January 31, 2021 – Charlestown Harborwalk – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Charlestown Harborwalk in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Charlestown Harborwalk is part of a forty three mile park connecting the waterfront neighborhoods to Boston.

We had a fun Adventure to the Charlestown Harborwalk. I had noticed signs for the Charlestown Harborwalk on our last visit to the area and decided today was the day to come back and explore. I was able to find little information specific to the Charlestown Harborwalk, so thought we would start where I located the sign and hope to find a long and scenic walk. We began at the Constitution Marina and off we went. We first started at the loop finding a spectacular view of the USS constitution, an amazing navy boat floating by, and magnificent views of the Boston skyline. We then walked through the Charlestown Navy Yard and then headed to the remainder of the Charlestown Harborwalk. We followed along the water exploring the different Piers and boats, locating the Wind Sculpture Art Exhibit, passing luxury residences, and the world known Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. We walked and walked until we arrived at the Tobin Bridge. There I found a sign saying “0” miles indicating we had arrived at the official beginning of the walk, well the end for us (haha).

The Charlestown Harborwalk was not always clear, but as soon as I thought we had taken a wrong turn we saw another sign indicating we were right on track. Along the Harborwalk we did take one little detour as Pier 6 was closed for construction but were able to head over to the main road and loop around to continue on Harborwalk. My favorite parts of the walk were the beautiful views of the city, the gorgeous Tobin Bridge, and the boats throughout. Wilma loved exploring, walking and watching other dogs from afar. The Harborwalk was a lovely spot to explore, and I can just imagine it is quite full of fun during the warmer months. So glad we could explore Charlestown Harborwalk today (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail – Massachusetts

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow.  This has been a therapeutic process for me to share.  We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”.  They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

In August 2016 Shadow, Buster, My Aunt, My Uncle and I Adventured to the Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail in Ashfield, Massachusetts. This Trail is a four mile out and back trail that includes several bridges and a waterfall. Chapel Falls is a series of three cascades totaling approximately 45 feet. The hike to Chapel Falls is less the one mile round trip (part of the Two Bridge and Fall Trail). Chapel Falls is sourced from the Chapel Brook which winds throughout various parts of the trail.

We had a family-filled Adventure to the Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail. I do not remember if we walked the entire trail as we did have several Adventure on this day. However I remember loving the unique triangle shaped bridge, Chapel Falls, and of course the boys enjoying some Shadow dips in the Brook. Chapel Falls has been a place I have been interested in returning for some time. It was fun to find these photographs and see such wonderful memories. A fun Adventure in the woods with my favorite boys and some very special company (This blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

I have decided to return to the “normal” Weekly Video/Photo section of my blog.  As you likely know we lost Shadow about two months ago and I have been focusing this section on Shadow.  However, I have peace knowing I will continue to highlight favorite photographs including Shadow and Buster.  The plan will still be to still 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.

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.  We were recently devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.  It is so painful to know Shadow and Buster are both gone, but they will be in our hearts forever!

Today’s video is a video from Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, Maine back on February 18, 2019. This is one of the many videos I am so thankful to have of my sweet Shadow. This was a vacation that Shadow, Wilma, and my Mom took, and the only time I remember being on the beach in the snow. It was a spectacular Adventure! I am so grateful that Shadow had a very long, and happy life. In this video he is eleven, but you really would never know. It also reminds me of how Wilma was always hoping to play with her big brother, waiting eagerly from afar. This video made me smile and I hope it will you too.

January 24, 2021 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages. It is part of the Emerald Necklace, a system of parks in Boston.

I first posted about the Arnold Arboretum over two years ago when Shadow, Wilma, and I first discovered it. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite local parks. Wilma and I generally visit weekly, and have experienced it in all seasons. Almost every single time we go I find something new. We recently experienced our first after snowstorm visit which was a spectacular winter wonderland. I love the Arboretum as it is full of culture, and diversity, individuals, and families, it really is an environment that fits all. The Arboretum has bridges, streams, ponds, hills, trails, and gardens. As you may expect Wilma absolutely loves chasing the squirrels and can often be found attempting to climb a tree. We even have seen a snapping turtle, although thankfully Wilma did not even notice. Since it had been years since I blogged about it, and I have snapped constant photographs I thought I would put together this collage of photographs. Such a special place, which has become our therapeutic oasis. The Arnold Arboretum is definitely a must in New England, and it is a given that we will be back (Rating: 4.5).

January 23, 2021 – Charlestown Navy Yard – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The Charlestown Navy Yard is part of the Boston National Historical Park. The Charlestown Navy yard was established in 1800 and includes the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young.

We had a gusty Adventure to the Charlestown Navy Yard. My original plans for today’s Adventure changed unexpectedly, so we ended up finding ourselves at the Charlestown Navy Yard before walking around Boston for about two hours. Unfortunately my camera charged malfunctioned however I did my best to capture our visit on my cell phone.

We were excited to explore the Charlestown Navy Yard. I decided to park at a nearby garage which appeared to be the best option for parking in the area. My crazy dog mama-self was quite happy for Wilma’s first experience in a parking garage, and as expected she was quite thrilled at this new escapade! We were greeted at the entrance of the Park with a large sign, no doubt we were in the correct location. We first headed into the park straight to the USS Constitution. It was hard to find a good angle for a photograph as the nearby dock was blocked off closely but I did my best. The skyline of Boston framed the USS Constitution, creating quite the scene. We walked around the Navy Yard also locating the USS Cassin Young, a spectacular, strong framed vessel. We peered out into the harbor and found lots of sailboats floating, surprising to see this time of year. We explored all parts of the Yard, locating the Museum, and various anchors, sea monuments, and memorials throughout. This area was quiet, although there were others wandering and exploring. The Charlestown Navy Yard was very small, but still nice to Adventure to the Yard today (This blog will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow.  This has been a therapeutic process for me to share.  We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”.  They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

I have decided to make some changes to my Throwback section. This is partly because I have had the blog for about two and a half year and each week I have posted an Adventure from before I started the blog. This has become more challenging between finding old photographs, and identifying the location. Although I will still be adding some here and and there I thought I would also use the Throwback Adventure to share past Adventures I have posted. I have new followers, and of course not every follower has been able to view all blogs.

So today I am sharing my blog from Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, Maine. Shadow, Wilma and I enjoyed our Adventure to Popham Beach State Park on a gorgeous sunny, and gusty winter day. Popham Beach is one of my favorite beaches in New England. It is unique with rocks to climb, and lovely views. The day we went was especially spectacular as the wind created distinctive patterns on the sand. The beach was very large which helped to spread out the guests at this beautiful beach. So glad we have Popham Beach State Park on our resume of Adventure. Please enjoy this previous blog on Popham Beach: March 16, 2019 – Popham Beach State Park – Maine

A quick snapshot of our Adventure to Fort Foster Park…see our blog for more!

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

I have decided to return to the “normal” Weekly Video/Photo section of my blog.  As you likely know we lost Shadow about two months ago and I have been focusing this section on Shadow.  However, I have peace knowing I will continue to highlight favorite photographs including Shadow and Buster.  The plan will still be to still 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.

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.  We were recently devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.  It is so painful to know Shadow and Buster are both gone, but they will be in our hearts forever!

Today’s photograph is an adorable puppy shot of Buster. He was just the cutest little thing! I forget sometimes that he was so small as he grew to be about 95 pounds. I sure do miss this happy guy! Here is my sweet boy:

January 18, 2021 – Old Hill Burying Ground – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Old Hill Burying Ground in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Old Hill Burying Ground was established in 1729. It includes the Pierce Tomb said to be the resting place of seven family members.

We had a historic Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. We spent about two hours walking around Newburyport and the Clipper Trail, including today’s Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. (Please click on this link if you would like to read more about our last visit to Newburyport – January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts). We first walked around the outskirts of the Burying Ground checking out the scene from all angles. It was quite scenic, the sun streaming through the trees, the blue sky full of fluffy cloud. Wilma enjoyed walking along the stone fence. which oddly makes me smile. Once we made our lap around we went into the grounds to explore, including venturing to the top of the hill. I am far from an expert on cemeteries but I found it quite picturesque. So glad we could visit the Old Hill Burying Grounds today (This Adventure will not be rated).

January 17, 2021 – Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and Westfield River Walk – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and Westfield River Walk in Westfield, Massachusetts. The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is a two plus mile paved path through the town of Westfield that traverses the Great River Bridge over the Little River. The Westfield River Walk is an almost two mile stone-dust path along the Little River which intersects with the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

We had a bridge-filled Adventure to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and the Westfield River Walk. Our main Adventure fell through today so we found ourselves exploring spontaneously. This Trail and Walk were not too clearly identified in-person, however upon arriving home I did some research in regards to our travels to discover that we had explored these two locations.

We enjoyed walking along the River, across the bridges, and down the paved path. The bridges were the pair of the Great River Bridges and the Westfield River Bridge, all of which had crossings available for pedestrians. There were lovely views down the River. Wilma enjoyed the walk over and under the bridge, and entertained me as she played in puddles of cracking ice. If I had realized that there were particular trails we may just have traversed these entire pathways, however glad to find portions of today’s trails for our Adventure (This blog will not be rated).

January 17, 2021 – Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail is a less then .5 round trip pathway along the canal. It is lined with various trees, has benches, and displays informational kiosks.

We had a simple Adventure to the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail. I had planned this Adventure as one of the mini stops after our main destination. It took at a minute for me to figure out where to park, but we located a retail mall and decided to walk to the Trail. Upon arrival we found several information kiosks and headed down the path. The Trail was quiet, a nice separation from the visual needs of the community. The canal flowed steadily, but did not add any song in the air. One side of the Trail was lined with a decorative cement barrier, while opposite the canal there were mill buildings, mostly appearing to be apartment living. We walked to the end and turned around, only seeing one other fellow walker. The Trail was someone unappealing, but yet Wilma absolutely loved the smells along the way. Definitely not a place we will return but always glad to explore a new place (Rating: 2).