February 25, 2022 – Silver Springs State Park – Florida

Friday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Silver Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. Silver Springs State Par is located on the Silver River. Silver Springs is a 4,000 acre Park that encompasses the springs, the Silver River, a museum, and gardens. The Park is well known for camping, glass bottom boats, and paddling rentals. Dogs are allowed in the Park but not in the cabins, museum, or on the glass bottom boat.

We had a simple adventure to the Silver Springs State Park. We arrived on a warm day as we were heading back to home in Massachusetts. We arrived through the grand gates, paid our entrance fee, and headed into the Park. We walked the trails, checked out the gardens, and enjoyed the views of the springs. I found the park to be more amusement park-like then a nature setting. However we enjoyed the experience, the walk, and a new environment. So glad we could yet visit another State Park in Florida (Rating: 3).

February 25, 2022 – Hillsborough River State Park – Florida

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida. Hillsborough River State Park has trails, a pool, picnic tables, camping, and additional opportunities for outdoor recreation including: fishing, and kayaking.

We had a gorgeous adventure to Hillsborough River State Park. Hillsborough River State Park is one I frequented often with Shadow and Buster…in my Tampa days…so I was quite excited to return. I parked with the plan to check out the suspension bridge, and the reminiscing began. We walked the Baynard trail, checked out the boardwalk, the suspension bridge, and other parts of the Park that looked familiar. I was a big sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for ten years, and their annual picnics occurred mostly at Hillsborough River State Park. I did not remember where exactly in the Park where this event had taken place but was quite happy to find I happened to Park in that same parking lot, leading to many wonderful memories. I loved visiting this Park again. The tropical greenery is gorgeous, the suspension bridge is spectacular and there are endless trails, boardwalks, and waterfront views. Gus loved his new hobby – lizard hunting (haha), while Wilma enjoyed her old hobby – rolling (haha). It was a warm day but we took our time walking slowly. It was just a perfect visit to a gorgeous Park. So glad we could visit Hillsborough State Park (Rating: 4).

February 24, 2022 – Lettuce Lake Park – Florida

Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida. Lettuce Lake is a 240 acre county Park. The amenities include a 1.25 walking loop, boardwalk, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Park contains the Hillsborough River and offers canoe and kayak rentals. There is a $2 fee to enter the Park.

We had a gorgeous adventure to Lettuce Lake Park. I was thrilled to return to Lettuce Lake Park as it was one of my favorite local parks to walk at with Shadow and Buster when I resided in Tampa. Today it was Wilma and Gus’ turn to visit this beautiful park. We entered the park, paid the $2 fee, and found a parking spot. We headed off to the paved trail and the reminiscing began. The park was just as gorgeous and spectacular as I remembered, with greenery everywhere. We enjoyed the trail, went to the river edge, checked out the nature trail, and walked and walked. Wilma enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved diving into the ferns chasing lizards. It was just wonderful being there and enjoying the moments, scene, and memories. My photos definitely do not do it justice, but it was just right. So glad we could adventure to Lettuce Lake Park today (Rating: 5).

February 23, 2022 – Alderman Ford’s Park – Florida

Today Wilma, Gus, and our friend Kathy adventured to Alderman Ford’s Park in Lithia, Florida. The Park is especially popular for use of the almost two-mile loop trail, which attracts walkers, and bicyclists. The trail contains boardwalks and bridges and is lined by oak, cypress, and palm trees. The Park is also popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and has remote camp sites.

We had a wonderful adventure to Alderman Ford’s Park. I was so excited to be reunited with my friend Kathy, and for her to meet the pups. She stopped by our AIRBNB before we headed to the park for our walk. Upon arrival to the park, we followed the paved trail, taking time to sit, chat, and give the pups a water break along the route. Some parts of the trail were a bit bland while others were absolutely spectacular. I loved the boardwalk trail going over the river, so modern and unique (see a quick video below). The landscape was great, lots of tropical foliage. However the best part of this walk was the wonderful company, and that Wilma and Gus could meet one of my friends who resides in Florida. Kathy was nice to let me use some of the amazing photographs she took in our blog today – Check out her business on Facebook – Little Violet Photography- by Kathy Hostetler. Definitely a memorable day at Alderman Ford’s Park (Rating: 4).

February 22, 2022 – Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island. The Park is 385 acres and has four miles of beaches and many more acres submerged. There are trails to walk and a variety of beaches, one being dog friendly. The Island is popular for swimming, hiking, biking, and shelling.

We had a lovely adventure to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida. I was so excited to take Wilma and Gus to Honeymoon Island State Park as it was a location I went to weekly with Shadow and Buster….back when I resided in Tampa. We parked at the “pet beach” and off we went. The sun was shining brightly, and it was a beautiful day. We walked down the sandy path until we arrived at the beach. The beach looked a bit different then I remembered, including being covered with sea grass washed onto the shore. We walked and explored, Gus eating everything he could find, while both enjoyed some digging. I attempted to bring them into the water but they were a little spooked by the sounds of the very small waves, so not a chance of that. We walked and walked enjoying the spectacular day. I was pleased to find a little inlet, and with bribery, enthusiasm, and no waves, I was able to get the pups in the water a bit…so glad that they could cool down on the refreshing water.

After enjoying the beach we headed over to the Osprey Trail to check out the scenery, and get our walk on. Wilma was not too pleased by the warmer day so we did not complete the entire loop yet just walked a bit to stretch our legs and take some photographs.

Such a beautiful day in a beautiful place, and a dream come true that I could bring Wilma and Gus to one of my favorite Florida spots – definitely a crazy dog mama here (haha!) (Rating: 4).

February 21, 2022 – Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Florida

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida. Kanapaha is a 68 acre property with trails, flowers, and trees. It contains Florida’s largest collection of bamboo gardens. The garden’s peak season is from June through September.

We had a green-filled Adventure to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. I was excited to arrive at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens our last stop before arriving at our final destination. We entered the building to pay and then headed out to the gardens. I peaked at the map briefly but mostly followed our feet, and the paths throughout. The garden was very tropical, which I especially enjoyed being a current resident of Massachusetts. It was a bit warm for the pups so we took our time exploring, stopped for water breaks, and I ran through the sprinklers on several occasionally. I was actually surprised at how large, and crowded the Gardens were as for some reason I imagined a much smaller location. My favorite parts of the park were the palm trees, the bamboo, and the several bridges throughout. Gus loved chasing the lizards and whatever he could find, while Wilma enjoyed lounging in the green grass. I was a bit surprised to see few flowers, but definitely appreciated all we could find. So glad we could visit Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Rating: 3.5)

Throwback Adventure – Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa

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.

Shadow, Buster, and I had numerous trips to Bayshore Boulevard back in our days residing in Tampa. These particular photographs were taken in August 2012. Bayshore Boulvard is a waterfront road just south of the downtown section of Tampa. Bayshore Boulevard has an almost five mile side walk that is popular for biking, runners, and walkers.

We had scenic Adventures to Bayshore Boulevard back in our days living in Tampa. Bayshore Boulevard is framed by a white concrete fence on one side, and gigantic, landscaped mansions on the opposite. It is a pretty location that provides beautiful views across the bay. We loved our walks along the coast, it was gorgeous and the perfect location for a long walk. There was grassy areas in between the side walk and road enabling moments for resting in the Florida heat. I believe this particular visit was our last time visiting the area as we were preparing for relocating back to Massachusetts. Definitely a special place to get some exercise in the Bay area. I sure do miss those Palm Trees. Hopefully I can someday bring Wilma on this gorgeous walk (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Dunedin Blue Jays Baseball – Florida

On Thursdays I will be highlighting “Throwback Adventures”. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Adventures will include Shadow, and Buster. We are devastated that they have both passed, and find peace in sharing wonderful Adventures and moments we shared together. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts!

In July 2008 Shadow, myself, and a friend of ours attended the Dunedin Blue Jays game in Dunedin, Florida. Shadow was about seven months at the time, and barely fit in my lap. We enjoyed the game, met lots of dog friends, and drank lots of water! It is amazing to me looking at these photographs as we were both just kids. It is a fun memory of our time in Florida. The Dunedin Blue Jays are very dog friendly, but dog friendly baseball is not generally an easy activity to find. So glad we had this fun experience with the amazing Shadow (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

In remembering our Shadow I decided to re-post some of our favorite Adventures on our “Throwback Adventure” Thursdays. Shadow had amazing solo Adventures, Adventures with Buster, and Adventures with Wilma. He was one lucky boy! The post today was of Shadow and Buster’s Adventures at Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida. This was a beach we visited regularly during our years in Tampa, and brings back special memories. Please see below for my original post.

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!

Shadow, Buster, and I had regular Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida. As suggested Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island. The Park is 385 acres and has four miles of beaches and many more acres submerged. There are trails to walk and a variety of beaches, one being dog friendly. The Island is popular for swimming, hiking, biking, and shelling.

We had just about weekly Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park, which quickly became our favorite dog friendly beach, and really one of our favorite spots in general. I think every person that came to visit us in Florida had at least one visit to this gorgeous beach. We even took Christmas photographs there one year, our New England friends and family noting it looked like we were posing in the snow. Beautiful white sand, perfect water temperature, and of course warm and sunny Florida weather. Definitely a perfect tropical retreat! I termed one of the other beaches on the Island as the “shell” beach, which we quickly stopped visiting with Shadow and Buster joined our world. However, a wonderful stop for those in search of the perfect shell, or a scenic swinging bench.

Our typical visit to Honeymoon Island included walking along the beach, swimming, resting in the sand, digging, and of course energetic play sessions. Shadow and Buster used to playfully argue over the holes they dug both thrilled, and energized by this entertaining game. Such a fun memory of our lives in Florida. The only downside was an encounter with a rattlesnake one visit, and an occasional burr on the path to the beach, however even these moments come together to create a spectacular Adventure. If you are ever in the Tampa area, I encourage you to visit this magnificent Park. It will always be special in our hearts, and hope that some day we will be back.

Throwback Adventure – Sanibel Island – Florida

Shadow, Buster, and I had two separate Adventures to Sanibel Island back during our time living in Florida. Sanibel Island is located on the West Coast of Florida, and is approximately 15 miles in length. It is a popular tourist attraction, known for the beaches. A causeway connects Sanibel Island to the mainland. There is a fee to enter the Island.

We had beach-filled Adventures to Sanibel Island. I absolutely loved Sanibel Island, and the fact that it was so dog-friendly. There were beautiful beaches, with many shells, and the Sanibel Lighthouse. It was quite unique to find a Lighthouse in Florida. We spent lots of time wandering the beaches, and relaxing, the boys often playing and digging away. Definitely a peaceful, and gorgeous spot.

In searching for photographs I was able to locate a variety from our visit back in March 2012. Definitely memorable vacations in Sanibel Island. I hope some day we can make it back to this special oasis (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).