Throwback Adventure – Hampton Beach – New Hampshire

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.

In July 2011 Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I Adventured to Hampton Beach in Hampton, New Hampshire. Hampton Beach is a highly frequented Beach in Hampton, New Hampshire. It is popular for swimming, fishing, picnicking and RV camping.

We had an energetic Adventure to Hampton Beach. This Adventure occurred when I was visiting Massachusetts from Tampa, before I moved back to New England. I do not remember this Adventure thoroughly but recall the boys being overexuberant to be at the beach. They dragged me down the dune and into the water. I remember their cheerful energy making me smile and enjoying our stroll down the beach. I think this is the only time I have been to Hampton Beach but I have good memories of this Adventure. I will just have to return in the future so I can capture a more thorough visual of this location. However, still glad to share these photos of Hampton Beach as I remember another fun Adventure with my boys (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

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 I am sharing a video from Shadow, Wilma, and My trip to Lost Pond in August 2019. This is one of my many favorite videos, especially as I remember Shadow. It was a gorgeous place and Shadow was loving a calm, relaxing moment in the water. I am so glad I have endless videos to remember our special times. Lost Pond is a short hike and is absolutely beautiful. You can reach more about this Adventure by clicking on this link where you can find many photographs and videos: https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/2019/08/20/august-19-2019-lost-pond-trail-new-hampshire/

Here is a perfect moment of peace:

September 26, 2020 – Lake Quannapowitt Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Lake Quannapowitt Trail in Wakefield, Massachusetts. This Trail is an approximately 3.6 mile loop around Lake Quannapowitt. Swimming and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Lake. As expected the Trail is popular for runners, walkers, and bikers.

We had a mysterious Adventure to the Lake Quannapowitt Trail. I had actually located this path accidentally while driving by and finally today was the day we returned to walk. We found parking easily and off we went. The path was busy with guests, and was small in width. It was mostly paved and generally ran along a busy road although occasionally passed through a park or green space. I loved the wild flowers, and appreciated the growing signs of Autumn. Sadly the water appeared green in some locations so I did not allow Wilma to venture in close proximity.

Approximately half way around the “loop” the Trail vanished! I knew it was a loop so I searched and searched and did not find the Trail. I did my best to locate the remainder of the “trail” but eventually I discovered that a large portion of the loop was just a walk down a main road, unlike the first half which paralleled the Lake. Part of this I figured out by following a large number of people exercising, who unlike me received this memo (haha). Quite mysterious to me that it was continually defined as a”loop trail” however maybe it technically fits the “loop” definition. Thankfully our journey eventually returned us to where we started so my attempt to follow the Lake from afar worked out just fine.

Throughout our Adventure I enjoyed the community feel of this location, even passing the local Farmers Market along the Trail. I was surprised to find myself quite mesmerized by the beautiful graveyards including the Old Burying Ground, just spectacular. I also loved the unique and gorgeous gazebo we found in the park. I was especially proud of Wilma today as she often is reactive on leash. We saw many dogs and she responded to the training 100% definitely making me smile. Wilma enjoyed her regular rolls and the new smells of Wakefield. So glad we could traverse the Lake Quannapowitt Trail today (Rating: 3.5).

September 25, 2020 – Clearview Farm – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Clearview Farm in Sterling, Massachusetts. Clearview Farm is an 85 acre Farm located on the top of Kendall Hill. The Farm includes: pick your own fruit, a farm stand with fresh fruit and baked items, and is host to fall festivals and a variety of events.

We had an apple filled Adventure to Clearview Farm. Every year we plan one annual apple picking trip, and I was excited it was upon us! It was a little hotter then I preferred but still the perfect way to end a stressful work week. We arrived to find a small Farm, framed with pumpkins and mums. Dogs were not permitted in the Farm Stand, but were allowed in all other areas of the Farm. We obtained our bags and headed to the orchard. We passed by some roaring dogs which was a little nerve racking, but were pleased to see they were contained. The orchard was simple, yet scenic. On the opposite side we located a small pumpkin patch, a lovely Fall scene. There was a map indicating which apples were located on each tree. I am far from picky about apples but tried to pick a diverse variety.

We took photographs, and wandered from tree to tree. Wilma enjoyed a great amount of rolls, and laid in the grass relaxing on this warm evening. She is always eager to get a look from other visitors, constantly wagging and hopeful, my social girl. We took our time and made sure to fill our bags. I dreamt about what I may cook, maybe apple crisp, maybe a pie…?? Lots of tasty moments to come. Apple picking is one of those fall activities which makes me happy to be a New Englander, anticipating the wonders of Fall. So glad we could visit Clearview Farm today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – First Landing State Park – Virginia

In June 2009 Shadow, Buster, my Parents and I Adventured to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia. First Landing State Park is an extensive Park of almost 3,000 acres that includes: 19 miles of hiking trails, beaches, yurts, cabins, and camping sites. As expected the Park is popular for walking, fishing, camping, and swimming.

We had a family-filled Adventure to First Landing State Park. In reviewing my photographs I expect we may have only explored the hiking trails, just part of this large park. I have fond memories of this family vacation, as we met halfway in between Tampa and Massachusetts for this Adventure. We enjoyed the trails, the boardwalks, and the entire getaway. I remember the boys enjoying the walk. It was the first time my family had met Buster. We often talk about this Adventure and appreciate many stories and laughs. Maybe some day we will return to explore this diverse Park. Even though the photographs are far less quality from the digital, I am still glad to share our Adventure to First Landing State Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s Weekly Video/Photo is a snapshot of Wilma from Moore State Park this weekend. Since I have blogged about Moore State Park previously I did not blog about this Park again this weekend. Moore State Park really is beautiful. I have always found the fellow dog owners to be quite responsible, a change from what I have noticed at many other locations. Although the Park is under some construction, it still has many gorgeous trails and landmarks. On this visit we especially appreciated the trails through the fields and flowers, absolutely spectacular. So I definitely did not resist capturing a pose of sweet Wilma. If you want to read more about my blog on Moore State Park you can click on this direct link: https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=moore+state+park.

Here she is:

September 19 – Depot Deli – New York

Today Wilma, I and our friend Adventured to Depot Deli in Copake Falls, New York. Depot Deli is a store that sells ice cream, sandwiches, deli items, and camping supplies. It has been under the same ownership for 35 years. Depot Deli is across from Taconic State Park, and is a stop on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

We had an unexpected Adventure to Depot Deli, locating it on our way to Bash Bish Falls. We stopped at the Depot Deli after our Adventure to Bash Bish Falls. The Depot Deli was full of unique artwork on the building, and on the picnic benches for dining. It was colorful, fun, and creative. I was surprised to find Wilma was permitted in the Deli allowing us to go in to order our ice cream. We then went outside and the ice cream was delivered through the outdoor window. The employee then asked if Wilma would enjoy and ice cream and of course I enthusiastically agreed. My friend and I ordered soft serve with sprinkles, and we all devoured our treats quickly – Wilma even getting some leftovers in addition to her tasty sweets. It was a beautiful day to sit outdoors and enjoy good company. The Depot Deli is a unique location and a nice surprise on our day of Adventures (Rating: 4).

September 19, 2020 – Bash Bish Falls – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, I, and a friend of ours Adventured to Bash Bish Falls. Bash Bish Falls is located right on the border of Massachusetts, and New York, and is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts. The Falls include a series of cascades that are approximately 200 feet tall. The final cascade is 80 feet tall, split into two, by a large protruding boulder. Bash Bish Falls begins in a spring on Mount Washington, although is technically located on Bash Bish Mountain.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Bash Bish Falls. I was excited to return to Bash Bish Falls and to show our friend this fabulous location. It was also Wilma’s first visit to this Falls. I have wonderful memories of my first visit with Shadow, and my Aunt and Uncle. I was quite pleased to begin this Adventure in the cool autumn air. We started up the short trail to the Falls. The trail was scattered with rocks and sloped up slowly. Even though it was far from challenging it provided a good heart pumping walk. The River parralleled the trail , and gradually became further away as we ascended to the Falls.

It did not take long for us to arrive at Bash Bish Falls. The Falls was tall, roaring and dramatically scenic. Although the water flow was less then our initial visit the massive size of Bash Bish still made the Falls spectacular. We checked out the Falls from the rails above before heading down closer, viewing the Falls from various angles. There were many visitors, creating numerous photobombs, however I did my best to capture this lovely natural Falls. We appreciated the scene for some time before heading back. So glad we could Adventure to Bash Bish Falls today (Rating: 4)

A selection of photographs from my first visit with Shadow, My Aunt and Uncle – May 2017

Throwback Adventure – Kennedy Pond Loop Trail – Massachusetts

In August 2017 Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Kennedy Pond Loop Trail in Westford, Massachusetts. The Kennedy Pond Loop Trail is a portion of the Nashoba Brook Watershed which is part of the Westford Conservation Land. The Trail is approximately 1.6 miles and loops around Kennedy Pond. It is popular for walking, running, and horseback riding.

We had a peaceful Adventure to the Kennedy Pond Loop Trail. We parked in a small gravel lot in a neighborhood, definitely a location that would be hard to find without planning. Our walk began down a small trail that was a bit overgrown and dull. It did not take us long to arrive at Kennedy Pond, a beautiful little Pond. Shadow quickly headed into the water and enjoyed endless swimming on this Adventure. We traversed the Trail around the Pond and stopped at every little spot with an opening. I recall being quite disappointed by the excessive horse poop. This might have just become one of our favorite secret spots if that was not the case. However I still have fond memories of the Kennedy Pond Loop Trail. We sure do miss our water obsessed Shadow (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

My feature today is a photograph of Wilma and I when we were out on an Adventure. She actually looks like she is posing when most selfies she is captured by the sights and sounds of her surroundings. Definitely one of my favorite ones. Here we are…