Remembering Shadow

It has been one year since we lost our sweet Shadow. I had an amazing 12 years with him, he and Buster had an amazing 7 years together, and Wilma and Shadow had an amazing 3 years with him. He really took a piece of my heart with him when he passed. I feel peace looking at endless photographs and videos of him, our Adventures, and the simple times at home. I always hope that he and Buster and are enjoying themselves wrestling, and cuddling. Today I choose some of my endless favorites, and for those of you who did not see my collages from last year I figured I would put the link below so you can see more. I cannot believe it has been a year, but am so blessed that he had 12 wonderful years in this world, changing my life forever. Cheers to my special boy!

Remembering Shadow: Remembering Shadow

Remembering Shadow with Wilma: Remembering Shadow and Wilma’s Adventures Together

Remembering Shadow with Buster: Remembering Shadow and Buster Together

April 2, 2021 – Downtown Mystic Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Downtown Mystic Connecticut. Downtown Mystic is located on the Mystic River and is the hub of restaurants, bookstores and shops. It is a popular tourist location.

We had a people-filled Adventure to Downtown Mystic Connecticut. I actually drove through this area several times looking for parking and determining if we felt like immersing ourselves into the tourist filled streets. Eventually I found a spot and we decided to wander through the town. There were endless people, and a few dog walkers here and there. We found a dock along the River, the drawbridge, a wharf, and walked past numerous shops, and restaurants. There were many tasty smells that filled the air, yummy! We found a couple statues throughout, adding some art to the scene.

Before leaving I found an outdoor ordering window for a small bakery, right next to the car. Poor Wilma must have thought we were at the ice cream shop as she hopefully gazed and charmed the employees while I waited for my iced chai drink, and tangerine cupcake. She even rejected the treat they kindly came out and gave her, my spoiled girl. Do not worry Wilma, the ice cream shops will be open before you know it and we will then be adding it to our Adventures (haha). So glad we decided to explore Downtown Mystic Connecticut today (Rating: This blog will not be rated).

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