February 19, 2022 – Fort Washington Park – Maryland

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Washington Park in Fort Washington, Maryland. Fort Washington Park is a National Park, that contains Fort Washington and the Fort Washington Lighthouse. The Park sits on the Potomac River. The original Fort was destroyed in 1812 but water later rebuilt. The Park is known for the Fort but also has biking and hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Washington Park. I was quiet excited to check out this Park as I had read about it some time ago when planning our adventure. Unfortunately the Fort was closed for the day when we arrived, but we explored the rest of the property. Soon into the adventure I had a horrifying experience when Gus got spooked by the wind slamming the Fort door, somehow got away and began running. He was so terrified it took me awhile to get him back to me. It was a very traumatic experience, and I was so thankful it was resolved. Although Gus can be quite skittish this was definitely a first, and hopefully a last. I think my heart is still beating….

After this horrible moment we somehow were able to refocus and carry on. We explored the exterior of the Fort, the shore, and the Lighthouse. Gus loved chasing anything that was blowing, jumping into the weeds, and chewing sticks while Wilma loved endless rolls. It was a little chilly and quiet windy. I loved the bright blue sky, and watching the sun setting behind the Fort. It was hard to capture this Fort in photographs but I did my best. So glad we could check out Fort Washington today (this blog will not be rated).

February 12, 2022 – Fort Pheonix State Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Wilma Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Pheonix State Reservation in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Fort Pheonix State Reservation includes 28 acres next to the remnants of Fort Pheonix, dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Reservation also includes a hurricane barrier with a walking trail. The park is popular for swimming, walking, and history seekers.

We had a nice Adventure to For Pheonix State Reservation. I had been to this Reservation long ago with Shadow but only took several photos, so this was the first time visiting since I began the blog. I was surprised to find many cars upon arrival, but yet pleased to see little visitors. We first explored the park, walked the hurricane barrier, and spent some time on the beach. It was an unusually warm New England day but yet quite windy on the coast, however not windy enough to be chilly. We loved walking and taking our time exploring. Gus enjoyed some digging, and Wilma was quite happy to see some large rocks for climbing. The park was simple, but uniquely combined a Fort, and the beach. So glad we could visit Fort Pheonix today (Rating: 3).

February 6, 2022 – Wayside Home – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Wayside Home in Concord, Massachusetts. The Wayside home is a historic home, part of the building being standing in the 1700s. The home was home to Samuel Whitney, and later home to authors including: Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. Tours are available of the home, in-season.

We had a simple Adventure to the Wayside Home after a three hour walk at one of our favorite local parks. We parked across the street, at the designated parking, and headed over to the home. The Home indicated it was closed for the season. Although I did not research it I am sure dogs are not allowed indoors, so our visit would not have been too much different in-season. We explored the grounds as much as possible, really not much to see. So glad we could take some shots at the Wayside Home today (This blog will not be rated).

October 15, 2021 – Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site – Vermont

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, My Parents and I Adventured to the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. President Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President, was born in this small town. This Site preserves his birth home but also the family homestead, and the community. Besides these historic buildings the Site also includes two museums, and a store. There is an entry fee to explore the grounds, and as expected dogs are only allowed outdoors.

We had an enjoyable Adventure to the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. I was excited that my parents could join us to visit this unique historic site. Upon entry we drove up a small hill to park, finding gorgeous views of the mountains. This was one of my favorite parts of our visit, the Fall beauty upon us. Unfortunately it was a dark day but we did our best to capture this lovely location. From there we obtained our passes and began wandering the property. We checked out the various buildings, my Dad being our tour guide and historian – Thanks Dad! We found some rocking chairs to sit and of course I located endless locations for Wilma and Gus to pose. Our last stop on the Site was the graveyard, which included many stones from the Coolidge family. The cemetery was lovely on a hill with the mountain colors in the background. So glad we could visit the Calving Coolidge State Historic Site, with perfect company (Rating: This blog will not be rated).

September 25, 2021 – Martin Van Buren National Historic Site – New York

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Martin Van Buren National Historic Site in Kinderhook, New York. The Martin Van Buren Historic Site preserves the Lindenwald Estate, and the mansion of the eight president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. Tours are available of the home, and nature trails surround the property. Pets are not allowed in the home, and are allowed on the Whipple Loop Trail only.

We had a historic Adventure to the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. I was excited to find this location, planning our day around the Taconic Sculpture Park. We arrived to find the outdoor visitor center and were directed toward the Whipple Loop Trail. For those visiting with dogs, this trail pretty much gives you full access to the property. We headed off on the loop, stopping at the various landmarks along the way. It was a beautiful day, but still a little warm so we appreciated the shade. The grass was bright green, and the trees lovely, centered by the mansion of Martin Van Buren. We walked and took our time on this Site. Gus loved finding sticks, while Wilma appreciated more grassy rolls. Except for the nearby highway it was a very quiet and peaceful location. So glad we could visit the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (Rating: 4).

June 12, 2021 – Fort Knox Historic Site – Maine

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Fort Knox in Prospect Maine. Fort Knox is located on the Penobscot River. It is a granite fort built between 1844 and 1869. It was named after Major General Henry Knox, America’s first Secretary of War. The Fort was created to protect the Penobscot River Valley from attacks from the British. This Site is also the location for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge observatory which is not dog friendly.

We had a spectacular adventure to the Fort Knox Historic Site. As you may know if you have been following my blogs this weekend my camera was not charged properly so I relied on my cell phone for the majority of photographs. Although I am far from a history buff I have grown to really enjoy visiting, and photographing forts. Fort Knox definitely did not disappoint! I actually first discovered Fort Knox driving down the grand Penobscot Narrows Bridge, an amazing site on the shores of the River. We arrived at Fort Knox after a day of hiking at Acadia and I was quite excited to check out the sites. Wilma and I were both tired from our hiking but we carried on to explore. We made sure to explore all the crannies, tunnels, staircases, and everything we could find. I could not believe how much fun it was locating these different areas within the Fort. It is usual that you can find a Fort to explore, especially one that is dog friendly. The views of the Penobscot River, and Bridge were lovely, the sky bright blue. Wilma loved lounging in the grass and rolling over for those who may give her a belly rub, she is quite the charmer!! We could not have asked for a better day to visit the Fort Knox Historic Site. It really made me feel like a kid again, and I think may have been my favorite Fort yet. So glad we could visit the Fort Knox Historic Site (Rating: 5).

May 16, 2021 – Hancock-Clarke House – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Hancock-Clarke House in Lexington, Massachusetts. The Hancock-Clarke House was built in 1737 and was the parsonage house for the town of Lexington. It was the childhood home of statesman John Hancock and is known as part of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The house also has an herb garden, highlighting traditional herbs from the 1700s.

We had a historic adventure to the Hancock-Clarke House. We had a weekend full of local walks, friends and family, and catching up in the yard so decided to enjoy this simple NEW Adventure. We were walking along one of our favorite trails, the Minuteman Bikeway, and turned off this route to find the House. The Hancock-Clarke House itself was beautiful a vibrant yellow color. The front was lined with a scenic rock wall, and it a small herb garden. The house was open but of course we did not enter assuming there were no precious pups allowed. There was not much to see outside the house, but glad we were able to Adventure and learn about yet another New England home (this blog will not be rated).

January 18, 2021 – Old Hill Burying Ground – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Old Hill Burying Ground in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Old Hill Burying Ground was established in 1729. It includes the Pierce Tomb said to be the resting place of seven family members.

We had a historic Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. We spent about two hours walking around Newburyport and the Clipper Trail, including today’s Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. (Please click on this link if you would like to read more about our last visit to Newburyport – January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts). We first walked around the outskirts of the Burying Ground checking out the scene from all angles. It was quite scenic, the sun streaming through the trees, the blue sky full of fluffy cloud. Wilma enjoyed walking along the stone fence. which oddly makes me smile. Once we made our lap around we went into the grounds to explore, including venturing to the top of the hill. I am far from an expert on cemeteries but I found it quite picturesque. So glad we could visit the Old Hill Burying Grounds today (This Adventure will not be rated).

January 2, 2020 – Franklin Park (Including Schoolmaster Hill Ruins)

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Franklin Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Franklin Park is the largest park in the Emerald Necklace at approximately 527 acres. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1890s. Franklin Park includes: trails, history, a public golf course, Schoolmaster Hill and the ruins, Scarboro Pond, and the Franklin Park Zoo.

We had an unexpected Adventure to Franklin Park. My initial plan was to visit the ruins at Schoolmaster Hill and then likely head to the Arnold Arboretum nearby. However, not knowing exactly where it was located we parked and began walking. I soon realized we were in Franklin Park, and decided to just explore, and hopefully locate the Schoolmaster Hill in the process. We immediately stumbled on Scarboro Pond, and decided to walk on the loop around this Pond. The Pond was simple, but lovely, filled with ducks and framed by two two bridges on the near and far ends. The people we passed were friendly, which is not something I would have expected in the city. Along this tiny loop we found a map to help us navigate our route.

After Scarboro Pond we headed on the main loop around the Park. The Park was centered by the golf course, and the clouds and sun were just right. We passed various things including a playground and cafe before arriving at the Schoolmaster Hill. I was so excited to head up the Hill to check out the ruins. We arrived at the ruins after a short walk up the Hill, trotting through the ruins several times, appreciating each moment of the experience. Wilma appeared extra curious, jumping up, putting her front paws up to look through, and peaking into each corner. I absolutely loved the ruins, they were beautiful. Definitely exceeded my expectations! (Please see below for a video as well as numerous photographs).

After spending time at Schoolmaster Hill we continued to explore the Park, including: The 99 Steps/Ellicott Arch, and Scarboro Hill with the “vista” lookout. We spent about two and a half hours walking on the paved trails, and trying to see what we could find. I absolutely loved watching the sun setting the clouds were framed by all colors, and sunlight creating a spectacular scene. I wish this beauty was easier to capture on camera. As you may expect the sunset and ruins were my favorite parts of today’s Adventure, while Wilma loved walking along the stone fences, jumping on the rocks, and the expected walking and sniffing. Although I had heard of Franklin Park I never thought of exploring it until our accidental find. So glad we could Adventure to Franklin Park today (Rating: 3.5)

December 12, 2020 – Bunker Hill – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Bunker Hill includes the Monument, the statue of Colonial William Prescott, the Museum (located across the street), and the Lodge. The Bunker Hill Monument was created to remember the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. The Battle occurred on June 17, 1775 when the British defeated the Americans.

We had a dark Adventure to the Bunker Hill after a long walk at one of our favorite local parks. Upon arrival I immediately spotted lovely holiday wreaths adoring the lights around the park. We immediately headed up the hill to the Monument. There was an outer loop that we began trotting along, Wilma thrilled to spot numerous city squirrels. We took our time checking out the grounds and appreciating the moment. In between the neighborhood buildings we could spot views of the city, and bridges, hard to capture on camera but a beautiful perk to this simple park.

After trotting the outer grounds we made our way closer to check out the kiosks, the Colonial William Prescott Statue, and the architecture of the lodge. There was a Hanukkiah Menorah at the base of the Monument, and several benches to sit and enjoy the location. Bunker Hill is a very small but really was lovely. I can just imagine the view from the top of the Monument is beyond spectacular. So glad we could Adventure to Bunker Hill today (Rating: 3.5).