October 8, 2018 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, 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.

We had a splendid Adventure to the Arnold Arboretum. So fun to find a local Arboretum that both allows and welcomes dogs. We spent about three hours exploring the trails, paths, and roads throughout the park. The gates were closed to cars, which was a huge plus. We begin our journey heading toward the Fog x Hill, containing a “fog sculpture” made up of pure water vapor. Little did I know at the time that this was a man made feature, so quite magical at fog appeared to have taken over the trail. I tried to capture this on film, but we arrived close to the location when the fog was almost dispersed. Still a fun and unique “show” that captivated our attention.

Next we headed toward the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden, walking along a trail through the woods, along a scenic wooden fence. On arrival to this Garden the area opened up and we headed toward the Garden. Our ear was drawn to peaceful Asian music and the dance of two performing their cultural art. The music was relaxing, calm, and appealing to the ear. We watched the couple perform for a bit, snapped a quick video and headed on through the scenic garden. Most of the flowers were past their bloom, but I was able to catch a couple beautiful buds on film.

After leaving the Shrub and Vine Garden we traversed various trails and areas throughout the park, including: the beautiful Conifer trail, The Bradley Rosaceous Collection, the ponds, and many additional pathways. Although it was definitely off season for this beautiful park, there were still gorgeous scenery throughout. Most of the time you could not even tell you were in the city, instead feeling one with nature. We definitely will have to come back to the Arnold Arboretum in the high season seasons of bloom. So glad we were able to enjoy the Arnold Arboretum today (Rating: 4).

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October 7, 2018 – DeCordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the second time Shadow and I had visited as we had been there with Buster, My Brother, and niece in February of 2016. The DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses nearly 30 acres including: landscaped lawn, gardens, and forests. It is on the edge of Flint’s Pond, and contains up to 60 sculptures at a time. The collection includes art by significant twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. DeCordova also has an indoor museum, gift shop, and cafe.

We had an artsy Adventure to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. On our first Adventure there is was a very cold day, while today, it was an unusually hot Fall day. We were excited to spend another day exploring. We began our time at the Decordova Sculpture Park at a trail along the Lake, the beautiful Fall leaves adorning the trail. We hiked for a bit to get some steady exercise, before turning around and heading to the check out the Sculptures. We were provided a sculpture map on admission, but decided to be spontaneous and wander with our senses. The Sculptures varied from tall, to short, from large to small, mixed with different material and colors. We sometimes could visually see the theme, while others sculptures were quite abstract. We looped around the museum, and through the beautiful gardens. It was fun to walk around the large property and search for the Sculptures.

There were benches throughout the property to sit, and relax. We lounged at one location to sip some water, and a rest from the heat. We then continued wandering around stopping to take photographs of many of the sculptures that crossed our path. Such an appealing park full of art, and culture. So glad we could visit this magnificent park, a special treasure in our New England (Rating: 4).

Today: October 7, 2018

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February 2016 (I may add some additional photographs at a future date)

October 6, 2018 – Wilson Castle – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parents, and I Adventured to Wilson Castle in Proctor, Vermont. Wilson Castle was built in 1867 by John Johnson, a physician, and his wife. The couple only briefly resided in the home before Mrs. Johnson died, and it was soon repossessed. The estate changed hands several times before being bought by the Wilson family, who have owned the property since 1939. The Castle is now a museum, and is open for tours.

We had a brief Adventure to Wilson Castle, exploring the grounds of this Castle structure. Although I had read many negative reviews I was curious to check out this unique estate. On arrival it was clear that this Castle was in disrepair, almost appearing more a mansion then the reported “Castle”. However, we decided to take a loop around the Castle, viewing the manor. I was especially drawn to a lovely fountain, eagle statue, and gorgeous stain glass-like window. The estate was decorated for a Halloween event, adding some odd decorations along the grounds. Although definitely not anything magnificent I was pleased to check out the ground of the Wilson Castle (Rating: 2, Company: 5).

October 6, 2018 – Pine Hills Park – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parent, and I Adventured to Pine Hills Park in Rutland, Vermont. Pine Hills Park is a 325 acre park offering 16 miles of trails including trails for mountain biking, snowshoeing, and hiking. The main land was donated to the city of Rutland by Henry O Carpenter in 1921 with the idea of creating a developed park.

We had a foliage filled and refreshing Adventure to the Pine Hills Park in Rutland, Vermont. We entered the park with some interesting structures greeting us, before quickly arriving at a large park map. The park provided brochures which included a detailed, and color coded-trail map. The trail started at a long boardwalk, leading us to a massive, and scenic boulder. We of course took took some family photographs before heading on our chosen trail. The trail was simple, but gorgeous on this lovely Fall day. The signs of Fall were clear with many yellow and orange leaves scattered throughout the trail. The trail looped around, flowing up and down the forest land. We were elated to have my parents join us on this Fall Adventure. My Dad walked Shadow, while my Mom sought out the perfect photographs along the trail. We took our time, discussing trees, basking in the wonderful Fall, family day.

After our walk we found some nearby picnic tables to eat lunch before heading to our next Adventure. I will have to admit, my Dad found this little Park, and we could not have been happier with this find. Definitely a Park I wish was local, but glad we could explore it on our Adventure today (Rating: 4, Company – 5).

October 6, 2018 – Fort William Henry – New York

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parents, and I visited Fort William Henry in Lake George, New York. Fort William Henry was a Fort of the British during the French and Indian War. It was built in 1775. Fort William Henry is known for the French siege in 1757 where the British were massacred by the Huron Tribe after be allowed to withdraw. The French later destroyed the Fort in 1757 after a successful siege. A replica was built for the filming site of the “Last of the Mohicans”, and is now a popular tourist attraction in the area.

We had a very brief Adventure to Fort William Henry. It was a dark and gloomy, yet nice and cool Fall day at Fort William Henry. We began walking onto the Fort ground passing “soldiers” shooting off muskets. Parallel to these gentleman were historic camp scenes plastered with authentic costumes and colonial activities. We proceeded through the grounds and over to the water view with beautiful mountains surrounded Lake George. However it was then that canon demonstrations began from within the Fort. Although surprisingly Shadow did not seem too bothered, that soon ceased, and we headed away from the area to relax, before heading out. I am not sure if dogs would have been allowed into the actual Fort, but not sure if we would have been tempted by the sizable entrance fee. So a short visit, but glad to see some of the Fort ground before heading off on our next Adventure (Rating: 3).

Quite Relieved to be Back in the Car, my sweet Shadow!

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October 5, 2018 – Bennington Battle Monument – Vermont

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. The Battle Monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War, and is approximately 300 feet in height. The Monument was completed and dedicated in 1891. There is an observatory approximately 200 feet up, a gift shop, several artifacts in the monument,and various statures on the grounds.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. I was absolutely awed driving up of the amazing height of the Monument. It was so tall and magnificent, the sun streaming around it. There was even a fiber-class moose statue, artwork from the past Moosefest held in Bennington. An odd addition to a historic landmark, but yet provides some Vermont culture to the area. We walked around the Monument, visiting the statues and structures on the grounds. A beautiful Fall day, we could not resist laying in the sun, the Monument towering over us. Shadow enjoyed many rolls in the grass, while Wilma watched everything and anything around us. Wilma had a humorous encounter with a statue, adding great entertainment to our day (see video below).

Before leaving we walked around the streets in the neighborhood, large homes, with perfect landscaping. We enjoyed our time taking in the monument (Rating: 4).

October 5, 2018 – Burt Henry Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today we visited the Burt Henry Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Burt Henry Covered Bridge was built in 1840, but later rebuilt in 1989. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 121 feet in length. It is one of three bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Burt Henry Covered Bridge was distinct as it had a park parallel to it, with some picnic benches for viewing. Yet another red bridge, on a busy road. It was great to have a park to provide some space to enjoy the site. We walked around and sat in the warm Fall sun. This rounded off our last Adventure to the Bridge in Bennington. (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Paper Mill Village Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Paper Mill Village Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Paper Mill Village Bridge was built in 1889 by Charles Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 125 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Paper Mill Bridge was unique as it had a little Falls on the side. We wandered down a little trail and attempted to take a photograph with the limited angle available. We then wandered to the bridge and snapped a couple quick photographs. Again cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. Another bright red colored bridge which we love. It was fun to see a couple information stands to provide details about the Bridge. Our second Covered Bridge visit on this beautiful Fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Silk Road Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Silk Road Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was built in 1840 by Benjamin Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 88 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was our first bridge stop of today. It is the smallest of the three bridges. We pulled along the bridge, with many other tourists, all snapping photographs side-by-side. Cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. We loved the bright red color. We were able to sneak along the side, and get a couple photos. Poor Shadow is not yet allowed to swim post-surgery, so we did not get too close to the River. However we still enjoyed our visit on this beautiful fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – New Hampshire

Today we went to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The Madame Sherri Castle Ruins are located in the Madame Sherri Forest. This Castle was built by Madame Sherri. Madame Sherri and her husband Andre were involved in show business, including: dancing, musicals, and costume designing. They were originally from France, but moved to New York. They started their own business and were very successful. After Andre passed away Madame Sherri bought some land in Chesterfield, where she built her Castle. This was her party house, as she actually lived across the street in a smaller bode. The Castle burnt to the ground in 1962. Madame Sherri later passed away in 1965.

We had a mystical Adventure to the Madame Sherri’s Castle ruins. Another Adventure I was thankful for researching ahead of time, as there were no clear signs to the location. However upon arrival we did see the sign for Madame Sherri Forest. I decided to dress Shadow and Wilma in bright orange, as I read that hunters were free to roam the Forest. They did not seem to mind, and we then headed on our journey. We crossed the bridge across a little brook, and headed to the ruins. A little more spectators then I preferred, however, we took turns with the many visitors taking photographs. We wandered around and through the ruins, especially enjoying the stairs up into the sky. There were arches, columns and beautiful stones framing which clearly was a fascinating castle. We spent our time in the area, trying not to miss a piece of the ruin.

After enjoying the ruins we spent some time wandering the trails. The trails were not well marked, but we made sure to get some exercise while in the Forest. The beginning of Fall was clear, with beautiful yellow leaves along the trail. This was Shadow’s first Adventure since surgery, making it an even more joyous Adventure (Rating: 3).