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).

June 12, 2021 – Fort Knox Historic Site – Maine

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Fort Knox in Prospect Maine. Fort Knox is located on the Penobscot River. It is a granite fort built between 1844 and 1869. It was named after Major General Henry Knox, America’s first Secretary of War. The Fort was created to protect the Penobscot River Valley from attacks from the British. This Site is also the location for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge observatory which is not dog friendly.

We had a spectacular adventure to the Fort Knox Historic Site. As you may know if you have been following my blogs this weekend my camera was not charged properly so I relied on my cell phone for the majority of photographs. Although I am far from a history buff I have grown to really enjoy visiting, and photographing forts. Fort Knox definitely did not disappoint! I actually first discovered Fort Knox driving down the grand Penobscot Narrows Bridge, an amazing site on the shores of the River. We arrived at Fort Knox after a day of hiking at Acadia and I was quite excited to check out the sites. Wilma and I were both tired from our hiking but we carried on to explore. We made sure to explore all the crannies, tunnels, staircases, and everything we could find. I could not believe how much fun it was locating these different areas within the Fort. It is usual that you can find a Fort to explore, especially one that is dog friendly. The views of the Penobscot River, and Bridge were lovely, the sky bright blue. Wilma loved lounging in the grass and rolling over for those who may give her a belly rub, she is quite the charmer!! We could not have asked for a better day to visit the Fort Knox Historic Site. It really made me feel like a kid again, and I think may have been my favorite Fort yet. So glad we could visit the Fort Knox Historic Site (Rating: 5).

June 12, 2021 – Gorham Mountain – Maine

Yesterday Wilma and I hiked Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine. Gorham is a 1.6 mile mountain trail that features many boulders, and views of the sea. The trailhead can be found in a parking lot in Park Loop Road, not far from the Ocean Path. It is listed by Alltrails as being “moderate” in difficulty.

We had a boulder filled Adventure to Gorham Mountain. I have wanted to hike Gorham Mountain for some time, so today was the day. If you read my previous blog you are aware that my camera did not charge as expected so unfortunately I relied on my camera for this blog. We took a detour off our hike at Ocean Path to climb Gorham Mountain, arriving to find just one car in the parking lot. Thrilled to be early birds we headed up to the Mountain.

The trail to Gorham Mountain was highlighted by rocks of all shapes and sizes, even some adventurous tunnels through huge boulders. In some locations, including the beginning of the trail there was some water flowing through leaving puddles for some Wilma sipping (haha). As we hiked I notice the trail was not well marked, and once or twice we slightly detoured from the trail. On occasion views of the water would sneak through the trees, but I had difficulty capturing this on my cell phone. We have only climbed several mountains, and although it was a short trail I was impressed with myself that I did not find it challenging, and of course I knew Wilma would not find anything tiring (haha)! The strange thing is that I never found a peak with a view, and although I backtracked several time in what appeared to be the highest area, I was able to confirm that we were on the trail but never saw a formal top. And although I did read some reviews saying the top was nothing spectacular maybe I did actually see it. Wilma is quite skilled at maneuvering rocks and really seems to appreciate rocks yet there was one area of which I had to take some time to figure how to get her through. If your dog is not very agile, and skilled with rocks I definitely would not recommend this trail. So glad we could finally check Gorham Mountain off our list (Rating 3.5).

June 12, 2021 – Ocean Path – Maine

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park, Maine. The Ocean Path is a scenic trail that runs from Sandy Beach to Otter Cover. It stops by several additional destinations including: Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and the trailhead to Gorham Mountain. The Path runs in between the ocean and the Park Loop Road, and provides numerous opportunities to walk out onto the rocks and view the coastal scenery. It is approximately four miles round trip.

We had a spectacular Adventure to the Ocean Path. We have been on parts of this Path, and most of the hot spots along the way but today was the first time we decided to explore the entire Path. I was quite disappointed to find my camera did not charge properly, so most of the photographs I attempted to capture on my phone, which is far from superior.

We started our journey on the Ocean Path at 5am, and were so happy to find the beginning of the trail, Sandy Beach, just about vacant. We first walked on Sandy Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches in New New England. From there we headed to the Ocean Path trail. The views are beyond spectacular in Acadia, and the Ocean Path really highlights the beauty! Since we started so early there were very few cars, making it especially serene. We took time to stop at various spots, and enjoyed several trots out on the rocks. Really every part of this walk was just magnificent. As you walk you can hear the buoy bells, the crashing of the water, and smell flowers, pine, and scents of nature. It really is a must if you are visiting Acadia, but I definitely recommend you go early, or off-season, unless you are someone who does not mind the crowds of the tourists.

After finishing this hike we headed back to Sandy Beach and spent about an hour relaxing, and exploring. I waded in the cold water but it was just perfect for my hiking feet. I attempted to convince Wilma into the water and she definitely was brave, even sticking her face in one time. She absolutely love digging, running circle around me, and running from the waves. As usually her enthusiasm made me smile. So glad we walked the entire Ocean Path today, on a lovely spring day (Rating: 5).

June 11, 2021 – Bath, Maine

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Bath, Maine. Bath is a town located along the Kennebec River. It is a coastal town located in south-central Maine. Bath is a popular tourist destination known for the 19th century architecture, shops, and waterfront location.

We had a simple Adventure to Bath, Maine, a stop on the way to our main destination. I have often driven past Bath, but this was the first time we decided to stop and explore. We began by exploring the waterfront park, walked around the downtown shopping area, and found little Library Park. The shops were mostly closed but the restaurants were quite busy. We did not see any furry friends, but Wilma found some dog water bowls for some sips. The town had many lovely flowers decorating the landscape. There was not much to see, but it was the perfect stop to stretch our legs. Glad we finally checked out the town of Bath (this blog will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure

Today’s Throwback Adventure is one from Old Town Hill in Newbury, Massachusetts with Shadow and Wilma. I remember loving the unusual terrain of this location, the scenic boardwalks, and the double happy rolls in the long grass. We have only been to this Trustees property this one time and it was definitely a great hike. You can see below for several photo highlights, and click below to see our full blog:

April 7, 2019 – Old Town Hill – Massachusetts