April 2, 2021 – Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, Connecticut. Fort Griswold is the site of the 1781 massacre by the British led by Benedict Arnold, during the Revolutionary War. The grounds include the Ebenezer Avery House, the Monument, and a Revolutionary War museum. The Fort borders the Thames River.

We had a scenic Adventure to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. We arrived to find the Fort in a quiet neighborhood, few visitors in sight. We began heading through the field over to the Fort, the location framed by a bright blue sky and beautiful clouds. We explored all the areas of the upper Fort, and found a tunnel leading to the lower area. After traversing through the tunnel we found a trail down to the lower area of the Fort. We explored every aspect of the Fort we could find. I found it so interesting, and beautiful, the views of the Thames River spectacular, and in the opposite direction spotting the Monument from afar. We took our time exploring and appreciating the experience. So glad we could visit Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park today (Rating: 4).

April 2, 2021 – Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls in Putnam, Connecticut. The Putnam River Trail is a three mile Trail that runs along the Quinebaug River. It crosses various parks, passes the Cargill Falls, and has benches and bridges along the path. There is even a dog park on the route.

We had a flurry-filled Adventure to the Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls. Although I am normally a lover of snowflakes being that it is now April, I was quite unimpressed. We parked at one of the numerous parking lots on Kennedy Drive. We walked and walked. We found some artwork, sculptures, and spotted mills across the River. There were several times we went down to the Rivers edge, to check out the view. Wilma enjoyed some sips, and thought about some energetic digs, but mostly just enjoyed the scene. As expected we appreciated Cargill Falls, composed of cascades below the dam. Although Cargill Falls is not one might consider a “normal” Falls it was more impressive then I expected. We saw several dogs, runners, walkers, bikers, and several people fishing. Overall I found the pathway quiet, except for the sounds of the nearby traffic. My favorite parts of this Adventure were the artwork, the Falls, and a beautiful arched bridge. Wilma loved walking, sniffing, finding some rocks to climb, and yes more grassy rolls! So glad we could visit the Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls today (Rating: 3).

VIDEO OF CARGILL FALLS

Throwback Adventure – Hopeville State Park – Connecticut

In April 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Hopeville State Park in Griswold, Connecticut. Hopeville State Park is a State Park popular for camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming. It contains 544 acres of property which includes Hopeville Pond, and the Pachaug River.

We had a restful Adventure to Hopeville State Park. I actually do not remember many details about this Adventure, but do recall resting on the beach, and the boys enjoying some sandy digs. It is amazing seeing the peace and quiet of old photographs, while since COVID parks have been packed full of people. So glad to locate these photographs, of yet another Adventure with my boys (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 snapshop is a puppy photograph of Wilma, I would guess she is about six months. She is perfectly posing in one of our bright red chairs. It seems like she was just a puppy the other day, but now she is four! She really has come a long way! Here she is….

March 29, 2021 – Mystic River State Reservation – Massachusetts

Mystic River State Reservation is a publicly owned nature preserve that includes the towns of Medford, Winchester, Arlington, Somerville, Everett, and Chelsea. The Reservation is located on the Mystic River, and is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is popular for walking, sailing, and biking.

We had an unexpected Mystic River State Reservation. We were going to be in the area, and I was quite pleased to find the Reservation. We parked at the beach, and spent about 1.5 hours walking, and walking. We trotted along the River and found some trails here and there. The sun was beautifully setting throughout our walk, reflecting perfectly in the River. The Reservation is definitely an urban setting, however there were moments where the sounds of birds , and the peace of nature overtook the noises of the city. On our walk we located several swans, a stone arch bridge, and lots of perfect scents! There were many dogs off leash but did our best to stay in the quieter areas of the Reservation. We are still in the brown season of Massachusetts but I was pleased to see small glimpses of green. Although I did not have my camera with me on this Adventure, still decided to share. Glad to enjoy an evening walk with my girl (Rating: 3).

March 27, 2021 – Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge in Keene, New Hampshire. The Stone Arch Bridge is an old railroad bridge that was built in 1847. It is no longer a railroad, but continues to be a popular hiking destination. It spans the Branch River.

We had an unimpressive Adventure to the Cheshire Railroad Stone Arch Bridge. I have driven by this location many times before, read about it online, and today was the day I decided to explore. I was surprised as we walked up a small hill to not even notice a bridge. We were high above the River, and if not for the sign I would never have known there was a Stone Arch Bridge below. However, since I knew this landmark was far below I decided to do my best to search for a pathway to the shore’s edge. So after traversing the small hill, we wandered around through a brush-like area until we reached the shore. The River was beautiful, rushing steadily, framed with ice left from the winter. We walked along the shore and viewed the bridge from below. It was not really a location to spend alot of time but yet we were quite pleased to actually see the bridge before returning to the car. Glad we finally stopped to see the Arch Bridge, and will no longer wonder about this location. I will have to research the full trail destination…I wonder where it may lead… (Rating: 2.5)

March 27, 2021 – Downtown Brattleboro – Vermont

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Brattleboro, Vermont. Brattleboro, Vermont is a small town in Southern Vermont known for its arts, culture and shops. It is bordered by the Connecticut River, West River and Mount Wantastiquet, making it popular for water activities.

We had a fun Adventure to Downtown Brattleboro. I am so happy that we are now able to leave the state so today Vermont was the destination. I have been there before with Shadow and Buster but today was Wilma’s first trip to Downtown. We spent about two hours walking around, exploring every street we could find. I loved the bright green bridge crossing the West River, which of course we enjoyed trotting across. Throughout the town we located many churches, artwork, and even some small cascades. The mountains framing the town were majestic, and I am sure they are especially gorgeous in the Fall. We passed many appealing stores, and we wandered by many restaurants. I did not feel the town was necessarily picturesque, but all the aspects of it made it just right. As always Wilma enjoyed exploring, and had some perfect rolls in front of the bridge. Before returning the car we even sat in the sun in the grass, just relaxing, I guess my girl is growing up! It was the perfect way to end our main Adventure of 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.

Today’s Throwback Adventure is from Greycourt State Park in Methuen, Massachusetts. This Park is a recreation area that covers 24 acres atop the partially restored ruins of the Charles H. Tenney estate. Shadow, Wilma, and I visited back in June 2018. I remember having trouble finding this park, but loving it when we finally arrived. It had so many unique details, and features. Definitely a fun place to add to our Adventures. Please see below for a summary video and click here to see the full original blog: June 23, 2018 – Greycourt State Park – Massachusetts

Wilma is Four!!

Today my special girl, Wilma Mae, turned four! I was excited to celebrate this day, a good excuse for a party!! Wilma started off spending the day at my parents, and continued the celebration later in the day with a party at my house! I bought her a ritzy birthday cake, my parents spoiled her with presents, and of course we had lots of play time and whip cream! Wilma absolutely loved having her Grandparents visit, playing ball and as expected her favorite presents were a series of balls. Here are endless photographs, and some videos of a very entertaining day. Happy Birthday to my sweet girl! We couldn’t love you more!

I wanted to thank Quite Fetching Barkery and Pet Boutique in Grafton, Massachusetts! They not only make original dog cakes, they have a fun store, and special dog events. Definitely check them out if you are a crazy dog mama like me! I also want to thank my generous parents who love and spoil Wilma and indulged me in this fun evening of celebration!

Starting of the day with Grandma and Grandpa!

What do I do now Mom?

Oh wait…this is tasty!

Time for some presents – almost too excited!

Whip Cream for dessert

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s photograph is a precious snapshot of my boys, Buster and Shadow. I love this peaceful scene, I am sure it was after one of our fabulous Adventures. Buster and Shadow were best buds and could often be found near one another. This photograph always makes me smile, and thought I would share it today. I will miss my boys forever!

PS – And yes, that’s one of their dog beds, next to the couch – they saved it for me (haha).