September 11, 2021 – Ashuwillticook Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire, Massachusetts. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is an almost 13 mile trail that runs through the towns of Adams, Lanesborough, and Cheshire. The Trail is ten foot in width and as expected is the site of an old rail trail. Views along the Trail include the Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River.

We had a lovely adventure to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. I was thrilled to finally get to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail as I had always wanted to visit due to the great reviews, scenic location, and my interest in rail trails in general. We found a map online and parked at Church Street as I wanted to make sure we were able to see the Reservoir with the mountain backdrop. I was thankful for a brief chat with a fellow dog walker who told me which way to head toward the Reservoir and off we went on our walk. The trail was smooth and most of the time edged with greenery, until of course we arrived at the Reservoir. As you may expect my favorite part was the route parallel to the Reservoir, with the gorgeous mountain views, so pretty and quite peaceful. We walked and walked spending about 1.5 hours on this trail. Gus loved giving his sister constant kisses, and picking up any and all sticks he could find. Wilma enjoyed walking and exploring the new smells on our walk. Definitely one of the prettiest rail trails I have been to on our adventures. So glad we could visit the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (Rating: 4).

September 11, 2021 – Tannery Falls – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to Tannery Falls in Savoy, Massachusetts. Tannery Falls is an approximate 80 foot waterfall consisting of various cascades. It is sourced from the Ross and Parker Brooks and is located in Savoy Mountain State Forest.

We had a water-rushing Adventure to Tannery Falls. I was excited to visit a waterfall today as we really have not been to many in recent months. I did a lot of research on this one ahead of time, and had no problem finding it. We found a small brown sign indicating Tannery Falls was down Tannery Falls Road as expected. There was a large parking lot, and a trail sign indicating it was .4 miles down the trail, so we again confirmed our location. We arrived at about 6:45 and although the darkness seemed to have passed once we entered the trail the darkness of the forest came upon us. We heard the peaceful sounds of rushing water the moment we started, such a rush when you are on a waterfall adventure. We followed the blue blaze trail entering and I think the entire way, although the trail was so easy to follow I stopped watching specifically for the blue. The trail followed the brook much of the route, and descended downwards. There were several small cascades along the trail. There were many steps, and although I would say the trail to the Falls easy, it was interesting descending these steps at times with two eager dogs barreling downward. However we enjoyed our walk and eagerly anticipated the Falls.

Upon arrival at Tannery Falls I was very impressed! It seems like I always have a picture in my head of the locations we plan and Tannery Falls did not disappoint. It was very tall, roaring, and just lovely. You could not get too close, but still it was just beautiful. We stood at the Falls as I took photographs. Gus loved finding every and all sticks and roots to chew on while Wilma enjoyed some rock hopping and exploring. The singing sounds of the Falls and Brook were just right. We enjoyed the serenity of this location until we were ready to head back. We did not see anyone else on our adventure, and were pleased to have Tannery Falls all to ourselves. So glad we were able to visit Tannery Falls (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure

If you follow my blog regularly please skip to paragraph three…

I have decided to make some changes to my Throwback section. This is partly because I have had the blog for about three years 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. This Throwback blog will also allow me an opportunity to share special memories of my boys, Shadow and Buster who have passed. They began my life of wonderful adventures with my rescues, and will be furever in our hearts!

Today’s Throwback Adventure is actually the very first post I wrote on a trip to Connecticut. I started off the blog a little differently grouping the Adventures by day, and posting each stop in the same blog. The stops on these first two days of our trip, included: Macedonia Brook State Park, the West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Bull’s Bridge, Kent State Park, and our stop on the way in Massachusetts at the Westville Dam Recreation Area. I remember loving the walks and lots of flowing water, including the Housatonic River. It is amazing to think it has been over three years since I started the blog. Below you will see a video and photograph from our Adventures. You can click on the below link to read the original blog with our endless adventures on these days.

April 22 and 23, 2018 – Getaway to Connecticut

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

The Weekly Video/Photo section highlights 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 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 after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photograph is one I took this weekend of Wilma and Gus in Plymouth, Massachusetts. I did not blog about Plymouth or this particular location as I have blogged about it before, and somewhat recently. However we walked around Plymouth for several hours and I still took photographs. This photograph makes me laugh. I was trying to take a “normal” posed photograph of my adorable pair, and Gus decided to make it interesting adding some humor to the moment, which I have frozen in time. There a few of you I know outside of the blog who may have seen it, however I could not resist still sharing it with my other followers. A moment from our fun walk in Plymouth.

September 6, 2021 – Cohasset, Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Cohasset, Massachusetts. Cohasset is a coastal town in Southern Massachusetts.

We had a boat-filled Adventure to Cohasset. Cohasset was one of our three destinations today but our only new one. Surprisingly I do not think I have ever been to or driven through Cohasset so was excited to find this new, somewhat local destination. We first started walking around the Harbor area. The Harbor was absolutely beautiful all sorts of boats bobbing in the water. There were some docks, sidewalks and many places to stop and appreciate the gorgeous coastal scene. After exploring the waterfront we headed to the town. The town was small but had shops, green areas, several historic buildings, restaurants and several churches.

Lastly, I attempted to find some beaches but they were for residents only and/or not dog friendly. The prettiest location on our Adventure was actually the view along the coast as we drove, gorgeous ocean views and beyond spectacular mansions. The sad thing that there was nowhere to park or take in the scenery but definitely a lovely, and wealthy part of Cohasset. During our visit Wilma especially loved lounging in the grass and wading in the water while Gus loved exploring the smells of the lobster traps and trotting along with his big sister. So glad we could visit Cohasset today (Rating: 4).

September 5, 2021 – Hayward’s Ice Cream – New Hampshire

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Hayward’s Ice Cream in Nashua, New Hampshire. Hayward’s Ice Cream is a family owned business and have been making ice cream since 1940. Hayward’s Ice Cream is a well known location in Southern New Hampshire.

We had an interesting Adventure to Hayward’s Ice Cream. I had heard about Hayward’s Ice Cream many years ago and thought tonight would be the perfect time to check it out. We arrived to find a simple location, with reasonable lines. I was not planning on getting Gus ice cream due to his still sensitive stomach, however when I found out they offered dogs a small bowl of whip cream I thought that would work for him, and of course Wilma would be thrilled as well. I was excited to order a root beer float for myself! I decided to have Wilma and Gus eat their treats in the car before getting out to wander around. They were both quite pleased with this tasty treat gobbling it up in a hurry. We then walked around to check out the grounds. There were some swinging seats, seating, and a small playground. After finishing exploring we headed back to the car. I walked over to get a napkin and when I returned Gus had literally emptied my root beer all over the seat ice cream and soda. He was enjoying eating anything he could, not living me a bit of this delicious float. I was so disappointed, but yet a great story for after the fact. So glad we could enjoy Hayward’s Ice Cream tonight…well Wilma and Gus could enjoy Hayward’s Ice Cream (haha!) (Rating: 4).

September 3, 2021 – Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – New Hampshire

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was constructed in 1877 and is the only Lighthouse on the mainland of New Hampshire. It is also sometimes referred to as: New Castle Light, Fort Constitution Light and Fort Point Light. The Lighthouse is on Coast Guard property so can only viewed up-close when one signs up for an official tour. The tours do not allow dogs in the Lighthouse, but on the grounds only.

We had a peaceful Adventure to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. I was thrilled to finally schedule a tour at this location so we could get up close for viewing. We immediately found a “volunteer” and followed the cars in to station. Upon arrival we had to climb up a couple stairs and then in front of us stood the Portsmouth Lighthouse. We followed the pathway to the bottom of the Lighthouse where the narration began. Afterwards the guests went up the stairs while I wandered around with the pups and the photo frenzy began (haha!). The kind volunteers offered to hold the pups for me so I could go up the tower but I decided it best to stay with my best buds.

I loved the peaceful location of this area. There were no others around except for the guests on the tour. There was a refreshing breeze, gorgeous boats from afar, sounds of the waves, and even a view of Whaleback Lighthouse from a distance. I was quite lucky when I was invited to the evening tour too to take in the sunset, and although setting in the opposite direction, still gorgeous! I was so proud of Wilma and Gus who jumped right into a hanging out versus an active adventure, although they continually did try to sneak in some play time. We were able to walk a little on the rocks but being a coast guard station we could not wander too far. However the pups enjoyed some sticks, tidal pools, and exploring all the coastal smells. No complaints from their snouts! We visited until the sun went down, the top of the tower turning a lovely color of green, and although my camera died before the end of our adventure I snuck in a couple cell phone photographs to attempt to capture the darkness.

One of the coolest things about this adventure was I met the author of my amazing Lighthouse book, The Lighthouse Handbook, New England, Jeremy D’Entremont! We had some good conversations and I learned more about some of his other books and photography. Definitely a special way to end a wonderful evening at the Portsmouth Lighthouse (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure

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

Today’s Throwback blog is an Adventure that Shadow and Wilma and I took at Owls Head State Park and Owls Head Lighthouse back in April 2019. We adventured to this location to check out the Lighthouse and were thrilled to also explore the beaches at Owls Neck State Park. We hardly saw anyone at this location and were able to enjoy the scenery on a lovely day. Below you will see two highlights from the Adventure but you can also click on the link below to see my original blog:

April 29, 2019 – Owls Head State Park and Owls Head Light – Maine

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s photograph is one of Wilma and Gus from this weekend. I almost did a blog about this unique sculpture but thought instead I would share it as my Weekly Video. I found this wild and crazy fire hydrant sculpture on atlas obscura, a website that can locate fun and unique spots in all areas of the world. This hydrant was located in Shelburne, Vermont, across from the fire station. We parked at a nearby toy store and walked over. I do not know why I was so entertained by this structure but I was definitely quite humored. So, here are Wilma and Gus at a many headed (haha) fire hydrant. Enjoy!

August 28, 2021 – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge/Lakeshore Covered Bridge

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge, also referred to as the Lakeshore Covered Bridge. The Holmes Creek Covered Bridge is located on Lake Road just next to the Town Beach. The Bridge was built in 1974 and crosses Holmes Creek.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge. I have never found a covered bridge in such a unique location, directly next to Lake Champlain. Charlotte Beach was nearby and the views of the mountains and scenery was just gorgeous. There were no dogs allowed on the beach but we were lucky that they let us park just to trot over the bridge for some photographs. Holmes Creek Covered Bridge was very simple, and not in great shape but the views surrounding made it just right. Surprisingly there were no openings in the bridge to view out to the Lake but I took many photographs of the water, even more then the bridge. Wilma and Gus enjoyed posing, and exploring on the short walk over to the Bridge. Quite an amazing area, and probably the most scenic spot of our Adventure today. So glad we could visit the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge today (Rating: Bridge: 2, Location: 5).