Dog friendly hikes and exploring, mostly around New England. Our Adventures includes: waterfalls, the beach, conservation land, lighthouses, state parks, the woods, the mountains, statues, and castles.
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I attempted an Adventure to the Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge was built within the last twenty five years and is just forty three feet in length.
I debated posting on our Adventure today, as we technically never made it to the Bridge. We drove back and forth on Magnolia Road before I finally located the Bridge out of the corner of my eye. The Bridge was on the land of a private residential home. The home was located on a busy street, so snapping a photograph from the car was not even an option. I did not know that it was located on private property, so was very disappointed. Even Shadow and Wilma seemed eager, and then confused, as I drove back and forth searching for the Bridge, never arriving for our Adventure. So my advise to you today is, do Not Adventure to the Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge, as you will NEVER arrive (Rating: 1)
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Contoocook Railroad Bridge in Contoocook, New Hampshire. The Contoocook Railroad Bridge was built in 1889 and is the oldest existing railroad bridge in the United States. It traverses the Contoocook River, and is open for foot traffic.
We were excited to find an Adventure to yet another New England Covered Bridge. Parking was available at the Bridge, allowing us to walk right over and through this marvelous structure. The Bridge was a stunning brown color, and although dull from the front and back, a surperb and majestic view from the sides. It was difficult to photograph the Bridge from the distance as it was immediately parallel to another. We did our best, and enjoyed looping around the other Bridge, adorned with beautiful flower boxes. After exploring all angles we did find a little trail down to the water’s edge. Although very muddy, and littered it allowed us to exhaust all attempts for a photograph.
It is a fun to find an Adventure that adds a piece of history to our journey. A one of a kind Bridge, only in our New England. We were pleased to explore the Contoocook Railroad Bridge (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Littleton, New Hampshire. This was my third visit to Littleton, New Hampshire (having been there with Shadow, Buster, and My Mom, and also with Shadow, Wilma, and My Mom). Littleton is on the northern side of the White Mountains. It is well known for the shopping district, historic buildings, the art scene, and the Riverwalk, (which highlights the Riverwalk Covered Bridge). Littleton is a popular area for tourists, and has even been voted one of the best towns in the USA.
On our first two trips to Littleton we mostly spent our visit on the Riverwalk, and exploring the Riverwalk Covered Bridge. The first journey was quite a rainy day adding great stories to our Adventure. We found a little restaurant along the water providing us some cover from the rain, hot drinks, and of course the perfect scenery for some photography. Our second trip was a bit drier, yet cooler. On this journey we especially enjoyed some photography along the rocks. It was also a great location for our afternoon picnic. Both visits came with stunning Fall foliage!
On our most recent trip, just yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I attempted to explore various features of the town, including: the downtown shops, the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, and the Pollyana statue. Our first stop was the Pollyana statue of which I had read about and was therefore very excited to see this landmark. A fun statue, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors. We quickly noted the “Polyanna theme” was plastered around town with paintings on the crosswalk stating “stop look wave”, and banners throughout stating “The GLAD town”. This theme definitely provided an inviting and positive vibe for the community, and its’ visitors.
From there we strolled around the shopping areas. We were soon greeted by a store owner providing treats, and water, and letting us know the shop was “dog friendly”. There were numerous piano’s along the streets, again adding a theme of harmony and cheer. We also viewed numerous, beautiful flower arrangements along the shops, and roads adding a colorful touch to the area.
Our last official stop on this trip was a walk along the Ammonoosuc River, and the Riverwalk Covered Bridge. We savored a nice long walk through this gorgeous, and scenic Bridge. Although soon into the Bridge poor Shadow became nervous, but he made it through victoriously! Relieved to be on solid ground, he quickly forgot all his worries with a dip in the River. The dogs enjoyed exploring the rocks on the River, while I snapped numerous photos. After were finished at the River we decided to take a longer loop back. This provided a picturesque view of the Bridge, from afar. Definitely a beautiful Summer day to be out exploring the town of Littleton (Rating: 4, Bridge: 5).
PS – Don’t you worry we did find ourselves some afternoon ice cream!
Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Groveton Covered Bridge in Northumberland, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1852 by Captain Charles Richardson and his son. It traverses the Upper Ammonoosuc River.
We were happy to start the first day of September with a journey to a new covered bridge. The day was a bit cloudy, and gratefully cooler then recent days. We found the Groveton Covered Bridge just off the main road, with parking nearby. The bridge was white in color. The paint was pealing off, revealing a run-down landmark. However we were to pleased to see it stable for foot traffic, and open for exploring. We took a walk down the sides of the rivers taking photographs, and then looped far around to get a distant view. There were many wild flowers in the area, adding some bright color. We studied the architecture as we strolled through the Bridge, careful not to be run down by the constant ATV activity. After we had an opportunity to capture all available angles we decided to sit and the grass to savor the experience. A fun start to our day of Adventures in New Hampshire (Rating: 3).
Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Bump Bridge in Campton, New Hampshire. The Bump Bridge was originally built in 1877, before being rebuilt in 1972. It crosses the Beebe River.
We had a short adventure to the Bump Bridge, after a busy weekend of adventures and fun. The Bridge provided one car traffic,and allowed minimal visibility to drivers. Therefore we took several jogs through the Bridge, but did not linger inside. We ambled down the road a bit, attempting to find a photograph from the River. Finally we were able to locate a trail to the River, which definitely was appreciated. Shadow sat in the water, while Wilma provided some good entertainment with a bark and growl at her adorable reflection. The Bridge was very simple, but yet we were excited to cross of yet another Bridge from our White Mountain adventures (Rating: 3).
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I journeyed to the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson, New Hampshire. The Honeymoon Bridge is a wooden bridge that was built in 1876, (while the sidewalk was added at a later date). It spans the Ellis River. The Honeymoon Bridge obtained its’ name from the tradition of lovers kissing under the bridge, in hopes of bringing on good luck.
Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I had visited this Bridge previously, but unfortunately I was not able to locate the photographs from that trip (if I find them at a later date I will edit my blog with those additional photographs.).
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I had a very soggy adventure to the Honeymoon Bridge. The rainy weather scared away most of the visitors which gave us the opportunity to explore without distractions. We parked at the nearby gift shop, and walked over to the bridge. Although I was glad to see the sidewalk on the Bridge, both Shadow and Wilma were a little thrown by the zooming of cars shaking the Bridge. However, with some encouraging we all made it through. After traversing the Bridge we posed on the opposite side, and attempted some additional photographs. Shadow enjoyed some rolling around in the grass, and a quick nap, which always brings a smile to my face. We enjoyed our visit to the Honeymoon Bridge, even on this dreary, rain filled day (Rating: 3).
Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Squam Bridge in Ashland, New Hampshire. The Squam Bridge was built in 1990, funded mostly by individuals, companies, and benefit events, while just partly funded by the town of Ashland. The Bridge spans the Squam River as it flows from the Little Squam Lake.
We enjoyed our trip to the Squam Bridge on this hot and humid day. This was my second time visiting the bridge as Shadow, Buster, my Mom, and I had visited one time previously. The Bridge was located on a quiet road, allowing minimal traffic. Upon arrival we parked in the adjacent parking lot, and sauntered over to, and across the Bridge. We walked through the sidewalk on the side of the Bridge, always a picturesque feature. After crossing the bridge we found a boat launch, perfect for a dog friendly swim, and some unique side-angle photography. We spent some time relaxing in the area before heading back through the Bridge. After finishing at the Bridge we wandered around the area, including checking out a nearby marina. It was definitely a warm day, so we kept our visit short, before heading off to our next adventure (Rating: 3).
Yesterday we visited the Bartlett Covered Bridge in Bartlett, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1790, and spans the Saco River. The Bartlett Covered Bridge is now part of the Covered Bridge Inn, and has been converted into a gift shop.
We had a pleasant visit to the Bartlett Covered Bridge. Upon arrival we wandered onto the bridge, which was covered with gift shop materials. We turned around when coming to the official gift shop door. It was difficult to get a photograph of the bridge, however we were lucky to find a gift shop employee who gave us permission to go down to the shoreline to snap some photographs. The footing was difficult, but I was able to capture the adventure on film, while still remaining on my feet. Shadow enjoyed a quick dip in the River, while Wilma found a tasty root to chew on. The Bridge is very touristy, therefore seeming to loose some genuine characteristics, however the view from the shore was absolutely beautiful. The Bridge was bright red in color, with the voice of the singing River below. It was quite charming and picturesque. Glad we were able to see this angle of the bridge, providing a whole other experience (Rating: Side view: 4).
Today Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Blair Bridge in Campton, New Hampshire. The Blair Bridge is a wooden bridge that crosses the Pemigewasset River. It was originally built in 1829, but was damaged from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and was closed until repairs were completed in 2015. The bridge allows for vehicle traffic, with one vehicle permitted to cross at a time.
We had quite the picturesque visit to the Blair Bridge. I believe we have stopped their in the past, but unfortunately I was not able to locate the photographs from previous trips (if I find them at a later date I will edit my blog with those additional photographs.). The Blair Bridge is a long bridge, highlighted by rushing River water, and the gorgeous reflection below. We immediately found a path to the shore, allowing us to look up at in awe at this magnificent structure. The other side of a bridge has a restaurant, with available outdoor seating. We strolled in front of the restaurant to check out the other side of the bridge. It was a bit more difficult to go inside the bridge, due to traffic, however we were able to capture a couple shots. Definitely one of my favorite New England covered bridges (Rating: 5).
Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge in Gilford, New Hampshire. This bridge crosses the Gunstock Brook. It was constructed by Tim Andrews in 1995, is a lattice design, and spans approximately 42 feet in length. The bridge connects the town hall with the rest of the town center. The name comes from a tannery that once stood in the same area. The bridge accommodates foot traffic only.
I immediately fell in love with this quaint, little bridge. It was somewhat away from the busy sounds of traffic, and in a peaceful, shady location. On arrival to the bridge the music of the babbling brook below could be heard, singing the sounds of peace. There were some colorful flowers, nicely landscaped nearby. We sauntered back and forth through the bridge several times. Simple, charming and picturesque. I found a funky, fun, little tree nearby, which was great to photograph as well. We did not stay long as some fisherman soon joined us, but I definitely was quite fond of the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge (Rating: 5).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 