July 3, 2022 – Kayaking – Forge Pond, Massachusetts

Today Gus and I adventured to Forge Pond in Westford, Massachusetts. Although this was not out first Adventure to Forge Pond I have not blogged about it before…until today. Forge Pond is a 203 acre Pond located in Westford, and Littleton, also referred to as Lake Matawanakee. Forge Pond is reasonably developed with homes, has a private neighborhood beach, and a public beach. As expected it is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming.

We had a relaxing adventure to Forge Pond. We parked on the launch on Beaver Brook Road and off we went. My plan was to go through the tunnel and paddle along Beaver Brook. Gus was far from a fan of the tunnel but we made it through with few spider webs upon us (haha). I soon realized the paddling was not really an option due to the thick surface-seaweed so snapped a couple photos and headed back to the pond.

We then paddled out to the Pond. Gus was a little wiggly and antsy at first and it was quite windy so we decided to float and explore more then paddle. We saw lovely lilies, lots of adorable turtles and a heron, although difficult to capture on film. Even with several unexpected detours it really was a beautiful day. (This blog will not be rated).

June 11 & 12, 2022 – Hopkington State Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus and I adventured to Hopkington State Park, while last night Gus and I visited for a kayak ride. Hopkington State Park is a Park located in Hopkington, Massachusetts. It is located on the Hopkington Reservoir, no longer a water source. The Park encompasses 1500 acres of forest and is a popular area for boating, swimming, and hiking. There is a fee to enter the Park in-season but Massachusetts State Park passes are also accepted.

We had a lovely Adventure to Hopkington State Park. I was surprised to realize I had only blogged about Hopkington State Park as a “Throwback Adventure” (https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/2019/10/10/throwback-adventure-hopkington-state-park-massachusetts) so thought this weekend was the perfect time for this blog. The first part of our Adventures occurred last night when Gus and I headed out for a kayak ride on the Reservoir. I was thrilled to recently learn about a launch area outside of the park, so we headed there to begin our journey. Although Gus gets a little nervous boarding the kayak he is beyond relaxed once on board. We paddled around the Reservoir, so peaceful. The Reservoir was three islands, two of which are especially scenic and walkable. However on this journey I decided not to get off on the islands. Gus actually enjoyed a nap much of the ride, just a wonderful adventure. Hopkington State Park is probably my favorite place to kayak.

We continued our Adventure to Hopkington State Park today, both Wilma and Gus enjoying the trails, sips of the Reservoir, and a scenic walk across the dam. The Park is filled with rocks, trails, and endless locations to take a swim, some of everything for those nature lovers. Such a lovely time at Hopkington State Park this weekend (Rating: 4).

May 29, 2022 – Kayaking – Freeman Lake, Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to Freeman Lake in Chelmsford, Massachusetts for a kayaking adventure. Freeman Lake, also referred to as Newfield Pond, is a 77-acre pond, with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Freeman Lake has a beach, and generally is frequented by locals.

We had a nice adventure to Freeman Lake. Although I will not blog about all of our kayaking trips, I will share some, including our adventure today. Gus was quite the wild one on our ride today, the majority of the time preferring to sit and stand on the bow. I was impressed at his great balance, and fearless spirit. I was disappointed that I could hear the sounds of the highway and construction from the Lake. However, I made sure to appreciate the little things, like my spectacular and entertaining company (haha!), the water lilies, and a heron along the way. It was a small lake, but just right for a local paddle. So glad we could kayak at Freeman Lake today (This blog will not be rated).

May 1, 2022 – First Kayak trip of the year – Concord River – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Concord River for the first kayaking trip of the year, while Wilma vacationed at the Grandma and Grandpa spa! The Concord River is an approximately 16 mile River, a branch of the Merrimack River. It played part in the American Revolution, being part of one of the battles. It also was included in the writings of well known author Henry David Thoreau.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Concord River. We launched on Lowell Road, and off we went. I was so excited that we were finally on our first kayaking Adventure of the season. Gus has grown much since last season, and I was quite pleased that we were just about right back into routine. It did take him some coaxing to get into the boat, but once he realized he could sit in my lap he was at peace. I rowed and relaxed, and Gus seemed to enjoy the cuddles and observing the scenes along the way. Gus received many compliments and was quite the star on the River, absolutely adorable! After heading upstream I rowed back to check out the North Bridge, one of my favorite parts of our ride. Although the scenery was still quite brown from winter, it was just a lovely ride being out on the water. So glad we were able to head out on our first kayaking trip of the year (this blog will not be rated).

August 18, 2021 – DAR State Forest – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the DAR State Forest in Goshen, Massachusetts. The Park contains the Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. DAR State Forest is popular for camping, swimming, fishing, and hiking. The state Forest has approximately 1700 acres, and is run by the Department of Conservation.

We had a family-filled Adventure to the DAR State Forest. Today Wilma was lounging at Grandma and Grandpa’s spa so just Gus attended this Adventure. I was excited to visit the DAR State Forest as our family regularly camps here in summers and I could tell it was a wonderful location. On our visit we enjoyed kayaking, exploring the trails, wandering the Forest, and spending time with our amazing family. It was so relaxing and peaceful. The day gave me flashbacks of camping as a kid. Gus loved hiking and kayaking, but did vocalize some nervousness as we hung out at the campsite. He is much more confident with his big sister by his side. It was so nice to catch up with our family and to finally adventure to this spectacular Forest. So glad we could visit DAR State Forest today (Rating: 4).

July 17, 2021 – Kayaking on the Nashua River – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I adventured on a kayaking trip to the Nashua River. We choose a boat launch on the Groton/Pepperell border, directly on route 119. The Nashua River is an almost 40 mile river that runs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is a drinking source, and a popular location for fishing and boating.

We had a nice Adventure to the Nashua River. Today was a fun day, we had a two hour family walk in the morning, and both Gus and Wilma had their own private adventures. I was excited to take Gus on his second kayaking trip (although I did not formally blog about the first one). Unlike our first kayaking trip Gus continually moved around, and I was quite surprised that we did not tip – yikes! I am guessing he was just trying to get comfortable, but also he is so cuddly he was often trying to climb on me. However once comfortable he was very relaxed, putting his head on my legs, or on the side of the kayak. He watched boaters passing by, and several dogs, completely relaxed at these sights. We did not see too much wildlife, but did spot two large herons. We took time to go under the bridge and paddle on the opposite side, which was more scenic. Besides the road traffic above the bridge it was a very serene. Luckily I was able to help Gus get comfortable, and we did not go for a swim -haha. This adventure reminded me that Wilma is probably too big for my kayaks, and likely would not appreciate riding in the boat. Therefore for now I will likely leave the boating adventures to Gus. Quite the exciting water adventure today (This blog will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Kayaking – Massachusetts

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 the Summer of 2017 Shadow and I embarked on a peaceful kayaking Adventure. We had befriended a woman and her dog at a local park, and were thrilled that she offered to let us utilize her kayak. Unlike you might expect my water loving Shadow is generally not a fan of boats. He does not appreciate the rocking of a boat or any surface that brings uncertainty (smart boy!). However, I somehow was able to convince him to board the kayak, and we graceful kayaked around the lake. It was a very special memory I have with my Shadow. I seriously considered purchasing a kayak at the time, although that dream never came to fruition. However, we had a lovely day relaxing ON the lake, and of course Shadow appreciated some swims before and after our kayak Adventure. I was grateful that our friend took a couple photographs and a video (even if it’s sideways – oops) to memorialize this event forever. Definitely a special Adventure that I will always treasure!