Month: June 2021

June 26, 2021 – Friendly’s – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, My Aunt, and Uncle Adventured to Friendly’s in Florence, Massachusetts. Friendly’s was originated in 1935 and specializes in ice cream products and supermelts. It was founded in Massachusetts but can be found throughout the East Coast.

We had a delicious Adventure to Friendly’s. Along our walk we had several conversations about ice cream, adding to the anticipation. There was an outdoor window at this particular Friendly’s location. Wilma appeared eager for her treat, but also appreciated a quick nap while waiting. I ordered a root beer float and Wilma a Pup Cup. We were quite spoiled to be treated by my aunt and uncle. After ordering we took our ice cream back to their home to enjoy. The root beer float was quite refreshing and absolutely tasty! Wilma quickly devoured her Pup Cup, a generous serving topped with treats. Such the perfect way to end our walk on a warm day (This blog will not be rated).

June 26, 2021 – Massachusetts Central Rail Trail/Northampton Bikeway – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to the Massachusetts Central Trail Trail in Florence, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail is a partially completed rail trail that runs from Northampton to Boston. It was a little confusing researching this Trail but it appears that the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail has numerous other titles based on which area and/or town you are traversing. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail currently consists of 51 “open” miles and is growing as trails are being added but the plan is complete it throughout the original 104 mile railroad line.

We had a family-filled Adventure on the Central Rail Trail, also appearing to be the Northampton Bikeway. We were thrilled to spend the day with family, including my aunt and uncle who were on this Adventure. The portion of the trail we walked along had artwork on the path and mostly weaved through the woods, adding well needed shade on this warm day. There were signs on the path that gave a estimated time in minutes to various locations. During this Adventure we also walked on the loop around Look Park (however I decided to blog about Look Park today). It was so wonderful to have the company of my aunt and uncle, two very special people in my life. We walked, talked and enjoyed our time. There were dog walkers, bikers, and walkers, many quite friendly as they passed us by. We located a map of the Rail Trails, which I look forward to studying for a future Adventure. So glad we could enjoy this new Trail with fabulous company (This blog will not be rated).

June 26, 2021 – Downtown Northampton, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. Northampton includes the outer villages of Leeds and Florence. Northampton is popular for the academics, shopping, restaurants, arts, and music. It is known for the liberal views and alternate culture.

We had an artsy Adventure to Downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. We actually stopped for a walk before and after a spectacular family day. On our visit we found murals and artwork, statues, beautiful flower arrangements, and lots of shops and restaurants. We noticed a mix of transients as well as locals, and tourists. Many were interested in meeting sweet Wilma, who savored all of the attention. The city was definitely urban, and quite a popular Saturday location. So glad we could wander around Downtown Northampton today (This blog will not be rated).

June 24, 2021 – White Mountains – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  The White Mountains are a mountain range that cover a large part of New Hampshire, and also a portion of western Maine. The White Mountains include 48 peaks at over 4,000 feet. The White Mountains are popular for skiing, hiking, and ATVing.

Yesterday Wilma and I had a perfect Adventure to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Although I planned to arrive at a ridiculous hour in the morning, I made a mistake with my alarm. However, I was surprised to find it quieter then expected. We stopped at some of our favorite locations, enjoyed the perfect scenery, hiked, and took lots of photographs. Wilma enjoyed the water, and almost seemed to be searching for the perfect spot to wade in. She of course loved hiking, rock jumping, and exploring. We checked out some of our favorite waterfalls, found beautiful butterflies and wildflowers and wandered through gorgeous scenery and flowing streams. It was just a wonderful day to start our summer vacation. We look forward to returning to the White Mountains (Rating: 5).

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.

Today’s Throwback Adventure is one from Oscar Scherer State Park back on July 4, 2011 with Shadow, Buster, and my dear friend. It was a warm day, but we did not let this stop us in exploring this new park. The company was great, and the scenery tropical. See two photos below for a brief summary, and click below to see the original blog:

Throwback Adventure – July 4, 2011 – Oscar Scherer State Park

June 19, 2021 – L.L.Bean – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to L.L.Bean. L.L. Bean is a retail store that began in Freeport, Maine. It specializes in outdoor recreation equipment and clothing.

We had a unique Adventure to L.L.Bean. I had an appointment for an installation and was thrilled to find that Wilma could join me! We wandered around the store, walked around and lounged in the grass while the equipment was installed, and had a lesson on safe kayak installation. Wilma was quite the popular guest, and the only dog we saw in the store. Such a fun Adventure…now on to seeing if Wilma will be a kayak girl (This blog will not be rated).

June 19, 2021 – Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens – Connecticut

Yesterday Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, Connecticut. Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens has 12 gardens, trails, free dog training, educational programs, and summer concerts. The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is free and is open dusk for dawn.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. I was excited to explore a new Arboretum and Garden. We were thrilled My Mom could join us for a girls day out! We began by exploring the trails making sure to see a variety of terrains, including “wetlands” and trails that went over streams, through the woods, and near ponds. The trails were simple, but peaceful. We saw few others along the way. It was warm but there was a little breeze. My favorite part of the trails were the boardwalks.

After exploring trails we went over to the gardens. We did our best to catch all of the gardens. Wilma made friends with some people who seemed to be having a children’s party, literally rolling into their laps, and hearts. It was quite entertaining. Before we knew it she was surrounded by children eager to pat her. I always love these sweet moments. From there we continued to explore the gardens. They were simple but there were definitely some beautiful flowers, and spots along the way.

So glad we could explore the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens (Rating: 3.5).

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 Weekly video is a video from this weekend at Jordan Pond in Acadia, Maine. I did not blog about Jordan Pond as I had done so previously. However Jordan Pond is absolutely one of my favorite places and I could not resist sharing this video. We had probably hiked for about six hours, including a mountain, before we arrived at Jordan Pond. We then walked the almost four mile loop around Jordan Pond. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery. It is beyond gorgeous! Here is a little video clip of this spectacular location. We look forward to returning!

June 13, 2021 – Rockland Harbor Trail – Maine

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Rockland Harbor Trail in Rockland, Maine. The Rockland Harbor Trail is a five mile path that runs along the waterfront, from Rockland Breakwater to Snow Marine Park.

We had a warm Adventure to the Rockland Harbor Trail, our only NEW Adventure on our way home from our weekend in Maine. I was quite pleased that my camera decided to charge correctly overnight, so I could take photographs on my camera. It took a little time to locate the Rockland Harbor Trail, but maybe I should have planned differently. However once located we began on the boardwalk-like path parallel to the shore I quickly realized Wilma was not enjoying the warm temperature. Nevertheless we walked slowly and took numerous water breaks in the shade. The path was modern, and provided lovely views of the floating boats. There were many benches along the way, and we even located a beach, although sadly not dog friendly. So glad we could visit the Rockland Harbor Trail today (This blog will not be rated).