Throwback Adventure – Andres Institute of Art – New Hampshire

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In June 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, New Hampshire. The Andres Institute of Art is reported to be New England’s largest sculpture park. It was founded in 1996 by supporter Paul Andres and sculptor John Weidman. The Park is a public park and is free of charge, although donations are appreciated.

We had a unique Adventure to the Andres Institute of Art, one of our first sculpture park adventures. We enjoyed hiking in the woods, the terrain a little overgrown, and uneven. I remember finding some sculptures, but also thinking there were few available for viewing. However, in reading more about it to create this blog I would guess if I had located a map beforehand my thoughts may have been different. However, we enjoyed a warm walk, searching for the sculptures between the trees, and photographing those we located. I should have been more prepared, but still glad we could visit this distinctive New England Park (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

March 3, 2020 – Crocker Park -Massachusetts

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Crocker Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Crocker Park is a less then three acre park with views of the Marblehead Harbor. The Park has benches, a pavilion, restrooms, and several commemorative plaques.

We had a sun-filled Adventure to Crocker Park, one of yesterday’s several Marblehead Adventures. Due to voting day it was challenging to drive to the Park, but I eventually found parking down the street. Little did I know that Crocker Park did not have official parking so I was grateful to locate this lot. From there we walked down from street, quickly passing by the Park before realizing we had missed the overgrown sign.

Upon arrival we headed up a small hill to the Park, which was quiet, peaceful, and provided lovely coastal views. Still quite brown from the winter, but the bright blue Harbor and unusual rocks helped to distract. Wilma was thrilled to see numerous rocks of which she bounded about, while Shadow preferred his cheerful grassy rolls. The Park was tiny, ensuring we would not miss an inch. We walked along the sidewalk and appreciated the sounds of the seas. We then sat for a bit in the grass appreciating the views and the serenity around us. Quite the therapy for the senses.

My favorite parts of this Park were the gigantic rocks, and Harbor Views. Due to the parking situation I am sure this Park must mostly be visited by locals. I had a slight deja view of a previous visit where I was running up the hill while My Mom sat in the car with Shadow, as we had been unable to locate parking. So I believe this was our first official Adventure to Crocker Park, definitely a recommended site for a picnic. So glad we had an Adventure to Crocker Park (Rating: 3.5).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will 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.

So 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.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Wilma at Cathedral Ledge State Park in Conway, New Hampshire. We visited Cathedral Ledge State Park in the summer of 2018 on a hot summer day. Although a bit skewed by the protective fencing, I love this photograph. It is one that appears Shadow and Wilma are enjoying the spectacular panorama. It was a beautiful location with wonderful views of the region. You can read more about this visit by typing Cathedral Ledge State Park in the search box. Here they are on yet another Adventure in the White Mountains.

DDDC1C1C-36BD-4F28-9DE2-F11E4999D895

February 29, 2020 – Salem Maritime National Historic Site – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site in Salem, Massachusetts. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a nine acre Park that tells the history of the residents of Salem, interpreting maritime history and connections to the world. It includes twelve historic structures, replica ships, the Derby Lighthouse, as well as a downtown visitor Center. It was established in 1938 and was the first National Historic Site in the United States.

We had blue-sky filled Adventure to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Although we have been to the area on at least one occasion this was the first time we thoroughly explored the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. I studied the online map ahead of time, and peaked on my phone throughout our visit. We began at the waterfront exploring the open greenery before heading down the Wharf toward the Lighthouse. There were beautiful clouds floating in the bright blue sky, the sun streaming through. We eagerly headed down the Wharf, soon passing the Pedrick Store House and the Friendship of Salem ship. There were chairs to the left overlooking the beach area. The pathway was scattered with goose poop (yuck!), shells, and was mostly consistent of rocks, and gravel. We took our time wandering to the end of the Wharf, exploring all the smells along the way.

Upon arriving at the Derby Lighthouse there were few people in sight, and we soon had this scenic view to ourselves. We spent a good amount of time wandering around the Lighthouse, and taking photographs. It was peaceful, and beautiful. I had been to this Lighthouse once before with Shadow and was pleased to visit again. We remained at the Lighthouse for awhile before other guests arrived and we headed back down the Wharf.

We then wandered to explore the historic homes. They were lovely, well-labeled and most separated in a small area which appeared to have fancy walkways, highlighted by white fencing. We stopped at all the various buildings reading the historic signs and information, as available. After making sure to stop at all landmarks listed on the map we wandered around the town of Salem for awhile, making sure to get a long walk. Not the cleanest of places, but definitely unique. Below you will see a collage of our photographs from the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Glad we could visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site today (blog will not be rated as only the outdoors of the property was explored).

Throwback Adventure – Edwards Harborside – Maine

In April 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I adventured to Edwards Harborside in York, Maine. In researching Edwards Harborside to create this blog I learned that it is a marina with several beach areas. However I was unclear on the exact title of the beach which was in front of the Edwards Harborside Inn, therefore not officially the Edwards Harborside Beach as I expected. Even without this official title I still decided to blog about this location, possibly a less known area for travelers.

We had a beach-filled Adventure to Edwards Harborside, one of our many stops that day. It was a sunny spring April day. I believe we found this location accidentally, parking after finding a sign for “Edwards Harborside”. The beach we found nearby was small and quiet. Shadow and Buster were energized by the beach, digging, wrestling, and romping! They always made me smile on our beach trips, as on on this Adventure to Edwards Harborside. We explored the entire beach, walking in the water, and checking out the rocky areas. Definitely a fun day of memories at Edward Harborside (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a selfie of Shadow, Wilma, and I at Halibut Point in Rockport, Massachusetts. Halibut Point is a beautiful location with a lighthouse, quarry, and lovely coastal views. We have been there many times and enjoy this unique location. You can read more about our trips to Halibut Point by typing “Halibut Point” in the search box.

9198DA31-5E36-40CE-89F6-05DFE1F6DB7A

February 22, 2020 – Fall River Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fall River Heritage State Park in Fall River, Massachusetts. Fall River Heritage State Park is a historic public park that is located along the Taunton River. The Park includes: a large carousel, a visitor center, a boardwalk, and views of the battleships of Battleship Cove – America’s Fleet Museum. Fall River Heritage State Park is popular for sailing, walking, educational programs, and summer activities.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Fall River Heritage State Park. Upon arrival, I was immediately awed by the World War II battleships docked at neighboring Battleship Cove. They were gigantic, and absolutely fascinating. We immediately wandered toward these ships, but did not enter the actual Battleship Cove, unlikely to be dog friendly. We explored the minimal grounds finding several propellers, a 9-1-1 Memorial, and various other artifacts.

After wandering around the Battleship Cove grounds we headed toward the Visitor Center. I almost neglected to locate the carousel as we passed by, closed for the season. Our entrance began as we traversed a wooden bridge leading us to the doorsteps of the Visitor Center. We headed up to and around the Center, making sure not to miss sight of the River. Over to the left were the ships and the impressive Baga Bridge, while to the right the boardwalk resumed. Our journey continued down the boardwalk, parallel to the River. Along this boardwalk we passed a small park with benches, and what appeared to be a building for sailing ventures. We spent about two hours in the Park mostly walking along the boardwalk, while also stopping to take photographs and explore various sites. Throughout the Park we located small kiosks identifying our location, which eventually ended, leading me to the conclusion that we ventured far past the Park’s border. We walked and walked until we arrived at a World War II Memorial. We visited the various statues, and memorials before heading back to the Park.

Throughout our visit to the Heritage River State Park I especially was drawn to the spectacular Battleships, and the scenic boardwalk along the River. The Park unfortunately was quite dirty, and was scattered with geese poop. However, we did our best to avoid these unpleasantries, and enjoyed our brisk walk. As per our usual Adventure, it was filled with cheerful rolls, lots of posing, and enthusiasm for a new Adventure. I worked on some training with Wilma during today’s Adventure, and was quite proud of her work, a wonderful role model by her side. It was nice to see the sun out, and a slight increase in temperature for our New England Winter. Definitely glad we could explore the Fall River Heritage Park today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Otter River State Forest – July 2013

In July of 2013 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Otter River State Forest. Otter River State Forest is in Baldwinville, Massachusetts. It is just over 1,000 acres in size and is popular for camping, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming. The Forest is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

We had a hot summer day Adventure to Otter River State Forest. I remember enjoying a long hike, yet also finding the trail quite confusing. However, we did not get lost, and were pleased to find a resting area above the Pond with lovely views. Near the end of our walk we located a brook, which as you can see below, making Shadow quite happy. One thing I remember clearly about this Adventure was dropping my cell phone in the brook, creating many foggy photographs. Apparently my phone survived as I was able to track down these photographs to summarize this Adventure. Another Adventure we enjoyed at one of our Department of Conservation and Recreation Parks

February 19, 2020 -Holyoke Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holyoke Heritage State Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Holyoke Heritage State Park includes: a Children’s Museum, the Volleyball Hall of fame, playgrounds, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Visitor Center which highlights Holyoke’s paper manufacturing history. There are pathways throughout the Park, including along the canal which once powered the local mills.

We had a unique Adventure to the Holyoke Heritage State Park on a windy New England day. The Park was small, and mostly suited for those with indoor plans in mind, especially ideal for children, volleyball enthusiasts, and those interested in industrial history. We wandered around every path in the Park, soon locating a map of the accessible paths. I peered in the windows viewing the Merry-Go-Round and the smiles of children playing. There were some murals, a large wheel, and a short, but lovely walk along the canal. We met many children who were eager to see the dogs, the only furry friends around! Wilma threw herself on the ground, rolling in eager anticipation of guests, while Shadow enjoyed his “normal” Adventure rolls. We spent about forty five minutes exploring the grounds of the property, Shadow and Wilma appreciating the smells of a new Adventure. Glad we could find a new location for a walk today (Blog will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Wilma at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, taken last March, in Bristol, Maine. This is definitely one of my favorite lighthouse poses of Shadow and Wilma, their ears blowing adorably in the wind. We were quite pleased to enjoy this gorgeous location in the off-season, few other visitors in sight. You can read more about our visit to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse by typing it in the search box. It is also located under the Maine tab, as well as the Lighthouse tab.

Lighthouse kids