October 29, 2022 – Gillette Castle State Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. Gillette Castle was once the estate of William Gillette, a famous Actor in the early 1900’s. It was later bought by the state of Connecticut. The Park includes a visitor center, museum, hiking trails, and picnic area. There are even live theater events and walking tours available to visitors.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Gillette Castle State Park. I debated posting this as I have blogged about Gillette Castle State Park previously, but the last time was over two years ago. In addition, Gillette Castle State Park is one of my favorites, so I decided why not post!?

I was excited to return for the Fall season, but yet was disappointed that it appeared past peak colors. However I still found the park beautiful! One of my favorite parts of this Park is exploring the trails, which are often quiet, as the main feature is the castle. The trails are just lovely filled with boulders, water views, lovely trees, unique bridges and ponds. We spent about two and a half hours walking and walking, just perfect. It was a beautiful fall day, the sun shining through the trees. Wilma and Gus loved hiking, exploring, and posing for cheese (yes cheese – haha!). It has been a tough week as I have bene sick, but these two keep me going, and kept me smiling. So glad we could Adventure to Gillette Castle State Park today (This blog will not be rated).

December 28, 2021 – Lighthouse Point Park – Connecticut

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut. Lighthouse Point Park is an 82-acre park that includes: a beach, a carousel, a splash park, and the New Haven Light House, also known as Five Mile Point Light. In the distance from the park, you can see views of downtown New Haven, and the Southwest Ledge Lighthouse.

We had a simple adventure to Lighthouse Point Park. I had been curious about this park, and the New Haven Lighthouse for some time and yesterday was the day. I was excited to head off on a new adventure as we have mostly been visiting local favorites in recent weeks. Lighthouse Point Park was one of several adventures of the day, but our only new site.

Upon arrival we immediately located the Lighthouse in the distance. We began heading down a road and traversed a trail along the coast. I did not research maps online, so we just wandered with our eyes and snouts (haha). The sky was lovely, adding some good character to the day. It was an unusually warm day for New England, almost heating up to 50…so bizarre! We walked around making sure not to miss one corner of the park. We spent a lot of time circling the lighthouse and taking photographs. It has been a long time since I have been able to see a new lighthouse and was glad, I finally could add that to our adventures. Unfortunately, dogs were not allowed on the beach, but Gus found a little area along the trail to enjoy some quick digging, Wilma joining in for a few. On this adventure Wilma especially enjoyed some rolls and was excited to see other visitors, hopeful for some attention. We saw many out walking, the majority of dogs on leash. So glad we could finally get to Lighthouse Point Park (Rating: 3.5)

December 20, 2021 – Downtown Norwich, Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Downtown Norwich, Connecticut. Norwich is the where the Yantic, Shetucket, and the Quinebaug flow into the Thames River. It is home to a minor league baseball team, the Norwich Sea Unicorns.

We had a random adventure to Downtown Norwich. I was disappointed to have to change my adventure plans for the weekend due to a mini–New England snowstorm. Therefore, I decided to check out Norwich, a town I had always been curious about. We arrived and found parking easily. It was a windy day, and there were limited people out and about. We walked around locating city hall, some shop and restaurants, and a riverside park. I was disappointed to see a sign indicated no dogs allowed at the park, as there appeared to be a nice trail paralleling the river.

Although we spent a good amount of time wandering and walking the town, there was little to be found of interest. One thing I did appreciate was various paintings on cement barriers around the city. Throughout our visit we encountered many people who appeared to be transient, and others who begging for money. Although I had not thoroughly researched Norwich, I was surprised to find this was the theme of our visit today. Far from a lovely visit, but we still were able to get a good walk in before heading to a familiar park. Glad I will no longer be curious about the town of Norwich (This blog will not be rated).

November 12, 2021 – Devil’s Hopyard State Park and Chapman Falls – Connecticut

On Thursday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. Devil’s Hopyard State Park is a 1,000-acre park that includes: hiking trails, a covered bridge, camping, picnic areas, and Chapman Falls. There are endless tales about the title of this park, but none have been verified.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Devil’s Hopyard State Park, one of our several Adventures of the day. I had been there once many years ago with Shadow and Wilma but have had difficulty gathering photographs from that day. I was pleased to arrive to find few visitors and off we went. We first arrived at Chapman Falls, just gorgeous. I do not recall it being so large and flowing, so I was quite pleased to see this lovely, roaring site. We enjoyed the area for some time before heading down the trail. From there we explored the pond, covered bridge, and various trails in the park. I was surprised to see some pleasant colors leftover from Fall. It was a perfect Autumn Day for a hike. So glad I could return to Devil’s Hopyard State Park and Chapman Falls today (Rating: 4).

July 14, 2021 – New London, Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom and I Adventured to New London, Connecticut, visiting various sites. New London, Connecticut is a seaport city located on the Thames River. It is known for its history as a whaling town and the current music and art scene.

We had a fabulous Adventure to New London, Connecticut. I was thrilled for our first day trip with Gus, and his first Adventure to Connecticut!! We visited sites we have seen before and also some new locations. Our stops included: Fort Trumbull State Park, Rita’s, the Mural Walk, The Hempsted Homes, the sculpture trail at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and the Connecticut College Arboretum. It was a surprisingly humid day but besides that it was just right. I enjoyed watching my new pair enjoy each others’ company, and of course we were quite happy to have my Mom join us! Both Wilma and Gus enjoyed some happy rolls, and exploring new smells. I ordered Wilma some Rita’s ice cream, but decided to wait on Gus savoring this treat due to his puppy stomach. My Mom and I both devoured a gelato, just so refreshing. I was quite entertained in attempting to get Gus to pose, but got a couple good ones here and there. I have been to New London numerous times before, and love the variety and options available. Such a wonderful day in New London today (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).

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).