Throwback Adventure – Stone Mountain – Georgia

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!

In July 2008 Shadow, a friend of ours, and I Adventured to Stone Mountain, Georgia where we visited Stone Mountain, located in Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain is known for the Confederate Memorial carving etched in the mountain side that includes generals Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and former President Jefferson Davis. This sculpture is considered the largest high relief sculpture in the world.

We had a historic Adventure to Stone Mountain on our road trip from Florida to Massachusetts. It was unbelievable seeing such a gigantic rock with a sculpture etched on the side. I actually debated posting this Throwback today as I could only locate this one photograph, however, maybe it was the only one that I had of this Adventure. Puppy Shadow appeared a bit camera shy, but he definitely enjoyed exploring the area.

It is difficult sometimes learning about history but yet it gives us a chance to talk about things and make our world a better place. Yet I still ponder, could this Memorial be replaced with a new Memorial celebrating our nations diversity?! Either way I am glad our country has come so far from this sad place in history.

Stone Mountain

May 6, 2019 – Stevens-Coolidge Place – Massachusetts

Tonight Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, Massachusetts. The Stevens-Coolidge Place is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations. It is a garden and a historic home that includes a museum. The past residents included the Stevens family, one of the founder families of North Andover.

We had a floral Adventure to the Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover, Massachusetts. I was excited to start Mother’s Day week spending time with my amazing Mother. She has joined us on many of our Adventures, and we were excited to explore a garden location on a lovely spring evening. I had been curious about the Stevens-Coolidge Place for some time, having seen that it was a dog-friendly garden area and also not far from home. I had read that they had a recent tulip event, so was hopeful for lots of beautiful color and blooms. I think my expectations were a bit high as I thought there would be numerous flowers all over the property. However, there were only small amounts of blooms, although still gorgeous. We wandered around to different areas finding a singing fountain, appreciating the lineal landscape, and enjoying the architecture of the home. Our favorite feature was the gorgeous center area that had tulips of all colors.

We took many photographs, had lots of laughter, and enjoyed breathing in the fresh spring air. It was so nice to see the sun, something we have not seen for awhile in Massachusetts. Throughout the evening Shadow and Wilma participated in many rolls and appreciated any and all guest attention. Simple but just perfect. We might just have to come back for a visit when there are more blooms (Rating: 3, Company – Perfection!)

April 27, 2019 – Paul Bunyan Statue – Maine

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Paul Bunyan Statue in Bangor, Maine, a little stop on the way to our final destination. Bangor, Maine claims to be the birthplace of this famous lumberman. The Statue is 31 feet tall, and is a fiberglass over metal frame. It has been located at this spot since 1959.

We had a humorous Adventure to this absolutely enormous statue on a rainy Saturday. I sometimes find odd, or simple spots to stop and stretch our legs when heading out on a farther Adventure. Yesterday this spot was the Paul Bunyan Statue! I had ready about the statue online, but obviously not too thoroughly as I could not believe how massive the sculpture was in size. We found parking nearby and strolled over to Paul Bunyan. As expected I posed by furry friends in front of the statue, and they smiled as requested. I do not even think they saw the statue as it was so tall it was probably like another building. The air was nice, and the breeze cooling, allowing the perfect spot to stretch our feet and view Paul Bunyan from all angles. Glad we could visit the Paul Bunyan statue today (Rating: 3).

April 20, 2019 – The Old Manse – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts. The Old Manse is a historic manse famous for its history and literacy associations. Writers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne both lived in this property at one point in their lives. The Trustees of Reservations runs The Old Manse which is now a museum that offers Tours and houses a bookstore. The Old Manse neighbors the Minute Man National Historic Park, and is a National Historic Landmark.

We had a humid Adventure to The Old Manse after a rainy morning. We were inspired by The Trustees of Reservations, and decided to visit The Old Manse to take some photographs. We have been to this area before, but choose to concentrate on The Old Manse, its history, and the grounds. Parking was available right in front of the building, which was quite convenient. We headed directly to this scenic structure, soon being greeted by an information board about the property. From there we strolled past and around The Old Manse. It was exciting to see some spring blooms, a recent and jovial sight for us New Englanders! The Old Manse, and area surrounding is very picturesque. There are beautiful stone walls, gorgeous landscaping, and other landmarks in site. Wilma hopped on several rocks, Shadow enjoyed a dip in the River, and both pups enjoyed some cheerful rolls in the grass. Often we found ourselves wandered aimlessly in attempt to notice all the little details. We were pleased to visit The Old Manse today (Rating: 3).

If you are interested in reading more about our visit to the neighboring Minuteman National Historic Park you can type the name in the “Search Box” (you will see the “search box” at the bottom of the page on a mobile device, and to the right side if you are utilizing a computer).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

So today I will be featuring a photograph from Bancroft Castle in Groton, Massachusetts. I find this photo perfect as it is a beautiful and unique spot, and shows Shadow and Wilma’s excitement in the moment. Why pose when you can roll around and play?! I found it adorable, and thought it was the perfect choice for today’s Weekly Video/Photo. See the “Massachusetts” section of my blog for more on our Adventure to Bancroft Castle.

Bancroft 2

March 16, 2019 – Fort William Henry – Maine

Yesterday we Adventured to the Fort William Henry in Bristol, Maine. The Fort was built in 1692 but was later destroyed by the Siege of Pemaquid. The Fort was later reconstructed in 1908. The three fortifications played an important role in protecting New England frontier from attacks from the French and the Wabanaki Indians.

We had a spontaneous Adventure to Fort William Henry, part of the Pemaquid State Historic Site. I found this Fort, by merely following a sign along our route. We were greeted by a very, muddy road, before arriving near the Fort. We were excited to see a simple, but unique structure in Fort William Henry. Our short walk took us to the foot of this lovely, circular building, with remnants of a Fort next door. There were no signs or information, but my guess was this could have been part of the original Fort. We rambled around the structure and over to the road below, sure to check out the water view below. The sun was bright, and beginning to set, making for some challenging photography, but yet beautiful site. It was fun to find the Fort William Henry without even planning a thing (Rating: 4).

March 16, 2019 – Fort Popham State Historic Site – Maine

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fort Popham State Historic Site in Phippsburg, Maine. The Fort is from the Civil war times, and is located along the Kennec River. The Fort’s construction began in 1962, but was never completed. It was named after George Popham, leader of the Popham Colony.

We had a historic Adventure to the Fort Popham State Historic Park, on a gorgeous, and windy winter day. We had difficulty finding parking, but after looping around numerous times we found an empty spot. The Fort was located at a wonderful location on the River. There were benches along the way, providing places to relax and take in the scenery. The Fort was built of granite and had some yellow coloring, although not sure if this was from the weather, it nevertheless added some texture and color to the Fort. We walked around checking out the doors, crannies and main area of the Fort. Dogs were not allowed inside the Fort, although not sure if it was open anyways. Shadow and Wilma appeared curious of this spot too, Wilma going in the doors, while Shadow peered through the gate to check out the Fort. It was really a spectacular site (Rating: 4).

February 23, 2019 – Myles Standish Monument State Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I journeyed on three separate Adventures. Our second one was to the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation in Duxbury, Massachusetts. This Reservation is a state owned preserve which is highlighted by a monument of Myles Standish, a military leader of the Plymouth colony. The monument was completed in 1898, is 116 feet tall, is made of granite, and has a statue of statue of Myles Standish at the very top. The shaft is open in-season, providing stunning views of the local area.

We had a spectacular visit to the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation. I had read about the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation several times and finally decided to schedule a visit. The road to the Monument was closed so we parked near the gate, and wandered in. We followed the winding road, lined with beautiful trees as we slowly walked uphill. The voices of crows and seagulls combing to provide us some music along the way, as the sun streamed through the trees.

The Monument was a short walk from the gate. Upon arrival I could not believe how massive size of the monument, towering high above. We looped around before arriving arriving near the shaft, and then slowly weaved up the stairs. We ambled around the Monument capturing it from all angles. It was difficult to get a good view of the statue so high in the sky. This Reservation was a nice surprise as I did not expect such a magnificent sculpture. Shadow and Wilma played for a bit in the snow, appearing to be enthused themselves. We spent a bit of time at the Monument before heading on to our next Adventure. So glad we decided to stop at the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation (Rating: 4).

February 17, 2019 – Fort McClary Historic Site – Maine

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I visited the Fort McClary Historic Site in Kittery, Maine. This is the second, or maybe third time we have been to this Fort. Fort McClary is located along the Piscataqua River. It was part of five significant wars, and is one of Maine’s most important historic Forts, serving as protection for more then 275 years.

We had a simple, but historic visit to the Fort McClary Historic Fort yesterday, one of our many stops on our two day Maine getaway. (most of which I’ve already blogged about but some new Adventures too). We had visited Fort McClary previously with Shadow and Buster in October 2014 so a bit chillier on this February winter day. The gates were closed, and the grounds icy so we cautiously approached the Fort. We ventured up to the Fort, and I ver to the water’s edge, stopping at various landmarks along the way. As you gaze across the River you can see the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse from a far. There were some historic write-ups along the way, while various buildings and locations were identified by titles. and dates. Shadow enjoyed some grassy rolls, while Wilma hopped from various cement blocks watching other visiting dogs from afar. Wilma often appeared to be interested in the history, peering into doors, and hoping onto windows, always creating a comical laugh on our Adventures.

While I sometimes wish I was more a history buff, I find myself more drawn to the structures, views, moments, and photography opportunities along the way. Although I found Fort McClary simple compared to many I have visited, it was quite rich in history. I was disappointed to not find any great photos of Buster from our first visit, but have mixed photographs from the two visits into one collage below (Rating: 3).

January 6, 2019 – Fort Sewall – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to Fort Sewall in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Fort Sewall is located in Gale’s Head. It was first established in 1644 and utilized for defense in several different wars, being expanded throughout the years. The Fort was turned over to the town in 1922 and is now a public park.

We were lucky to have three little Adventures in Marblehead today. Fort Sewall was one of our stops. It was the second time we have been to Fort Sewall as we had been there two years ago with Shadow and my Mom. We were lucky to choose yet another sunny, and breezy winter day, clouds perfectly aligned in the bright blue sky. The sun was shining on the water, creating a marvelous view across the Harbor. This was a popular spot on this lovely, and unusually warm January day.

The Fort is located in the middle of a paved path that winds over and around the Fort, while displaying views of the Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. You can even see the Marblehead Lighthouse, far across the waters. We walked above the Fort marveling at this magnificent seaside location. We took several detours to explore the areas along the rocks. There were many benches along the way to sit and relax.

After looping around we went down to the Fort to peak into the doors and windows. I was humored watching Shadow and Wilma as they seemed curious about what was behind the walls. We then sauntered through the grass taking some time for some dog rolls and stretching. A simple location but another quite picturesque spot in Marblehead. So glad we could enjoy some time at Fort Sewall today (Rating: 4).