October 5, 2018 – Bennington Battle Monument – Vermont

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. The Battle Monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War, and is approximately 300 feet in height. The Monument was completed and dedicated in 1891. There is an observatory approximately 200 feet up, a gift shop, several artifacts in the monument,and various statures on the grounds.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. I was absolutely awed driving up of the amazing height of the Monument. It was so tall and magnificent, the sun streaming around it. There was even a fiber-class moose statue, artwork from the past Moosefest held in Bennington. An odd addition to a historic landmark, but yet provides some Vermont culture to the area. We walked around the Monument, visiting the statues and structures on the grounds. A beautiful Fall day, we could not resist laying in the sun, the Monument towering over us. Shadow enjoyed many rolls in the grass, while Wilma watched everything and anything around us. Wilma had a humorous encounter with a statue, adding great entertainment to our day (see video below).

Before leaving we walked around the streets in the neighborhood, large homes, with perfect landscaping. We enjoyed our time taking in the monument (Rating: 4).

October 5, 2018 – Paper Mill Village Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Paper Mill Village Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Paper Mill Village Bridge was built in 1889 by Charles Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 125 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Paper Mill Bridge was unique as it had a little Falls on the side. We wandered down a little trail and attempted to take a photograph with the limited angle available. We then wandered to the bridge and snapped a couple quick photographs. Again cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. Another bright red colored bridge which we love. It was fun to see a couple information stands to provide details about the Bridge. Our second Covered Bridge visit on this beautiful Fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Silk Road Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Silk Road Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was built in 1840 by Benjamin Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 88 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was our first bridge stop of today. It is the smallest of the three bridges. We pulled along the bridge, with many other tourists, all snapping photographs side-by-side. Cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. We loved the bright red color. We were able to sneak along the side, and get a couple photos. Poor Shadow is not yet allowed to swim post-surgery, so we did not get too close to the River. However we still enjoyed our visit on this beautiful fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – New Hampshire

Today we went to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The Madame Sherri Castle Ruins are located in the Madame Sherri Forest. This Castle was built by Madame Sherri. Madame Sherri and her husband Andre were involved in show business, including: dancing, musicals, and costume designing. They were originally from France, but moved to New York. They started their own business and were very successful. After Andre passed away Madame Sherri bought some land in Chesterfield, where she built her Castle. This was her party house, as she actually lived across the street in a smaller bode. The Castle burnt to the ground in 1962. Madame Sherri later passed away in 1965.

We had a mystical Adventure to the Madame Sherri’s Castle ruins. Another Adventure I was thankful for researching ahead of time, as there were no clear signs to the location. However upon arrival we did see the sign for Madame Sherri Forest. I decided to dress Shadow and Wilma in bright orange, as I read that hunters were free to roam the Forest. They did not seem to mind, and we then headed on our journey. We crossed the bridge across a little brook, and headed to the ruins. A little more spectators then I preferred, however, we took turns with the many visitors taking photographs. We wandered around and through the ruins, especially enjoying the stairs up into the sky. There were arches, columns and beautiful stones framing which clearly was a fascinating castle. We spent our time in the area, trying not to miss a piece of the ruin.

After enjoying the ruins we spent some time wandering the trails. The trails were not well marked, but we made sure to get some exercise while in the Forest. The beginning of Fall was clear, with beautiful yellow leaves along the trail. This was Shadow’s first Adventure since surgery, making it an even more joyous Adventure (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Sabbaday Falls – October 2014 and July 2017

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.

In October 2014 Shadow, Buster, my Mom and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls, while in July 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is a popular waterfall located in Waterfall Valley, along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. There is a short, handicapped accessible travel trail to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is an approximate thirty five to forty five foot drop, ending in a Gorge-like area. The waterfall is made up of a series of cascades.

We had a lovely Adventure to Sabbaday Falls on both of our trips. Our first trip it was quite the chilly fall day, while the second trip was a warm summer afternoon. Sabbaday Falls is highly scenic with rustic railings, bridges, and steps along the falls. There are benches and picnic tables in the area, allowing time to relax and cherish the views. We even enjoyed a picnic on our first journey, while Buster and Shadow played-away. Although Sabbaday Falls can be touristy at some times of years, it is well worth the visit to this spectacular waterfall. As with many of our Adventures it was hard to capture the beauty of the Falls in photographs. Definitely a stop we plan to visit again in the future (Rating: 5).

July 2017

October 2014

Throwback Adventure – LaChute River Walk (Includes the Kissing Bridge) – October 2015

So I decided to add a New York section to our Adventure Blog!!!! We have not been to New York often, but we definitely have had some wonderful Adventures that we long to share! In addition, we do hope to Adventure to New York again in the future.

In October 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to LaChute River Walk in Ticonderoga, New York. LaChute River Walk is a three mile trail which includes: the Falls of Carillon, the Kissing Bridge, and the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and Visitor Center. The Park encompasses the LaChute River which connects Lake George to Lake Champlain.

We had a lovely Adventure to the LaChute River Walk in Ticonderoga, New York. We were thrilled to visit the “Walk” on a quiet day. We strolled along the trails, spending time along the LaChute River’s edge. There were trails throughout the park, and benches along the way. We enjoyed some posing around the Kissing Bridge, and the Falls of Carillon. A waterfall, covered bridge, and river, all in one park, added quite the distinct feature to this one trail. The perfect combination, adding wonderful memories to this journey. A peaceful, Fall Adventure to the LaChute River Walk (Rating: Throwback Adventures may not always be rated ).

September 20, 2018 – Mine Falls Park – New Hampshire

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire. We decided to go on a local Adventure while waiting for Shadow to be done with his day in the hospital, for surgery (see previous blog). So a nice distraction, but yet still somewhat worrisome waiting for a surgery update. However, Shadow and Buster, and I had been to Mine Falls Park numerous times in the past, so I felt a tiny bit better knowing Shadow was not missing out on a new Adventure.

Mine Falls Park is a 325 acre park in the city of Nashua, New Hampshire. The name of the park came from the 1700s when low quality lead was told to have been mined from the island below the Falls. Workers actually dug the canal to drive the industry. The Master Plan of the Mine Falls Park was created in 1974, and the Park grew from there. The Park consists of wetlands, trails, and fields. It is bordered by the Nashua River and Mill Pond.

Wilma and I enjoyed our visit to Mine Falls Park, somewhat deflecting our worry from Shadow. The Park has a unique feel with trails along the canals, and several lovely bridges to cross. We looped around the canal, before heading to the lower trail along the River. Wilma seemed quite thrilled to be on a new Adventure sniffing everything in site. It was exciting to see very small signs of Fall on the leaves, and the lovely wild flowers along the trail. We traversed a smaller trail along the River, and found a city marked rock along the way. Mine Falls Park is a simple park, but yet lovely in its own way. It brought back wonderful memories of visits with Shadow and Buster, who unlike Wilma, enjoyed dips in the water. However, Wilma, had no complaints about her feet being on dry land. Definitely glad to go on a local Adventure with my little lady, but we sure did miss our Shadow (Rating: 3).

September 2018

August 2015 (One of my many Adventures with Shadow and Buster to Mine Falls Park)

Throwback Adventure – Comstock Covered Bridge – August 2017

In August 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Comstock Covered Bridge in East Hampton, Connecticut. The Comstock Covered Bridge was built in 1840, and is approximately eighty feet in length. It crosses the Salmon River. The Comstock River Bridge is one of only three historical covered bridges in Connecticut. It is open to pedestrian traffic only.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Comstock Covered Bridge. We were especially enthused as it was the first day that Wilma had Adventured to Connecticut! We found parking near the Bridge, and began exploring the area. The Comstock Covered Bridge is on the edge of the Salmon River State Park. (We only briefly explored the park, so I will not blog about the Park specifically.) Our journey began on and through the bridge as we walked back and forth, enjoying the views of the River and the Truss architecture of the Bridge. From there we headed down to the sandy shore to view the Bridge from the side. Shadow and Wilma posed as though they were in awe of the Bridge, and of course I attempted some family selfies.

We then followed the trail along the River for a bit, stopping for some Shadow swims. We quickly found a path down the River edge to hop along the rocks and to sit, relax, taking in the scenery. The area was overall quiet, with a few visitors here and there. We enjoyed our journey to the Comstock Covered Bridge, and may return in the future to thoroughly explore the Salmon River State Park (Rating: 3).

September 13, 2018 -White Farms Homemade Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to White Farms Homemade Ice Cream in Gloucester, Massachusetts. White Farms Homemade Ice Cream just recently opened in April of 2018.

We had a delicious Adventure to the White Farms Homemade Ice Cream stand. I was hardly up the steps to the window when the employee asked if the dogs could have some ice cream. Of course I agreed, and Shadow and Wilma quickly gobbled up their ice cream as we both watched the adorable licks.

The menu was unique with flavors grouped by colors. I was anticipating ice cream, but decided to order an orange sherbert shake, as there were no seating opportunities for guests. The perfect to-go treat that I savored on our drive home, just delicious (Rating: dog ice cream: 4, Shake: 4, Location: 3).

September 13, 2018 – Stage Fort Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. In July 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I also visited Stage Fort Park. These types of Adventures are my favorite, the Adventure where all three of my best friends had the opportunity to explore the same location! Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed.

Stage Fort Park is a historic park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was in 1623 that Gloucester’s first settlers set up fishing “staging” on this land. The area was fortified until the Spanish-American War. The Park includes: a gazebo, several beaches, recreational facilities, a privately owned restaurant (open seasonally), and gorgeous coastal views.

We had a lovely Adventure to Fort Stage Park. I was humored viewing photographs from our Adventure three years ago noting the similarities in both the weather, and our “hot spots”. Highlights of both Adventures included: relaxing on the beach, digging in the sand, and enjoying the spectacular coastal views. I also found myself drawn to the gigantic rock, and the unique cement stairs along the paths. We walked around the park savoring the spectacular coastal views, climbing on the boulders, and checking out the canons, and Fort area.

After exploring for a bit we headed to the beach. Wilma dipped into the water, deeper then most days, although soon becoming spooked by the waves. However, Shadow showed no fear, enjoying sitting, and dipping in to the ocean water. The beach was inspiring, and relaxing, always a peaceful oasis. On our first journey we watched the scuba divers, while on yesterday’s Adventure there was a low flying helicopter exercise on display. The park overall was simple, but had spectacular rocky coastal scenery, and some unique features that we thoroughly enjoyed (Rating: 3).

September 13, 2018