August 22, 2023 – Kayaking – Baddacook Pond – Massachusetts

I am happy to say Wilma seemed very happy and pain free yesterday (the day of this adventure). We spent almost nine hours outside on quite a beautiful day, limiting time chasing squirrels (haha)! Although I am still worried about her leg, I am thankful that she was in good spirits and helping me feel hopeful that she may recover soon! I therefore felt comfortable heading out on an evening kayaking adventure.

Yesterday, Gus and I Adventured to Baddacook Pond in Groton, Massachusetts. Baddacook Pond is a 76-acre Great Pond. There are few homes on the Pond, and a public boat ramp. The Pond is well known for fishing.

We had a peaceful evening kayak trip to Baddacook Pond. I arrived realizing I had been there one time to kayak previously, but I do not believe Gus was with me on that evening. There were no other cars or boats in the boating access, although we soon met two young boys who had come to the location for some fishing. Gus actually waded into the water a bit, a quite surprising sight. However, he became spooked when the two boys zoomed down on their bikes, although I would guess he would not have gone in much farther.

After loading on the boat, we headed off, across the lake. The water was so still, and the reflection was just amazing. The sun was setting behind the trees, but as it began to set, it disappeared preventing our view of the entire sunset. I paddled around the Pond and Gus enjoyed the peace of the ride. I spotted a bright red and orange little tree but was disappointed to find my phone had died before capturing this brilliant tree. The Pond was very small, and I also did not want to get stuck in the dark, so not a long paddle tonight, but still just right. So glad we could enjoy an evening paddle at Baddacook Pond (this blog will not be rated).

August 14, 2023 – Kayaking – Whitehall Reservoir – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I adventured to the Whitehall Reservoir for some kayaking. Whitehall Reservoir is a 620 acre great pond located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. It is the main feature of Whitehall State Park and is popular for boating and fishing. Swimming is not permitted in the Whitehall Reservoir.

We had a relaxing kayaking adventure to Whitehall Reservoir, a place I have wanted to kayak at for some time. We found a parking spot on Pond Street and launched from there. The Reservoir was large in size and very peaceful! We found many lily pads, islands, and one sunbathing turtle! We paddled and paddled, but due to the large size of the Reservoir we did not see every corner. I was pleased and surprised to see very few other visitors. Gus always seems to enjoy this pastime, sometimes even nodding off. He changed positions several times and thankfully has great balance! So glad we chose such a beautiful day for our kayak ride on Whitehall Reservoir (this blog will not be rated).

July 21, 2023 – Kayaking – Lost Lake, Massachusetts

Today Gus and I went for a kayaking ride at Lost Lake in Groton, Massachusetts, sometimes also referred to as Knop’s Pond. Lost Lake was formed by three lakes, while overall shallow, the deepest depth is 30 feet. There is a public boat launch on Pine Trail Road, but the majority of properties that surround the lake, and small islands throughout are privately owned.

We had a peaceful adventure to Lost Lake, on a cloudy, yet cooler New England day. I had a flashback today, remembering that Gus had his first kayaking trip on Lost Lake approximately two years ago. I will of course share some photographs below as I did not do a formal blog on our first trip.

On our arrival to Lost Lake we found three or four vehicles in the parking lot, and one fishing boat unloading, leaving plenty available parking. Immediately upon launching we observed a very serene environment, we saw and heard few voices, or other boats, although heard some road traffic in the distance. I was immediately drawn to the water lilies which here in abundance and just gorgeous. We spotted ducks, geese, and swans, and found a variety of island throughout the Lake. The Lake was reasonably large, with lots of little areas to explore. Gus was quite relaxed and went from sitting, to standing, to laying, taking in every sight. It been a weird summer in New England, so it was especially nice to get out without worrying about a storm or the heat, even though not ideal for photographs. So glad we could kayak at Lost Lake today (this blog will not be rated).

Today’s Paddle:

Paddle from July 7, 2021:

Spectacle Pond – Kayaking

Today Gus and I adventured to Spectacle Pond in Ayer/Littleton, Massachusetts to enjoy some kayaking. Spectacle Pond is shaped like glasses, giving it the name Spectacle Pond. It is approximately 78 acres, with an average depth of 11 feet, and becoming as deep as 30 feet. Spectacle Pond is fed by Bennett’s Brook and feeds into Forge Pond via Gilson Brook.

Gus and I had a peaceful Adventure of kayaking on Spectacle Pond, while Wilma enjoyed some relaxing time with Grandma! We launched on 119, before Agway (heading from Littleton). Gus and I have been to this Pond before on a past kayaking adventure, but I did not blog about it so today was the day. I thought we might not pull off this Adventure as I could not get Gus into the boat. He did not like how it was tipping as he tried to come in. I was close to leaving, but we made it happen. Soon after he was in the boat Gus was relaxed, yawning, and peaceful. He seems to love riding on the water, we just have to work on a better entrance routine. Upon entering the Spectacle Pond we almost had to turn back again as there were sticks and items blocking the water, however, I spent some time, and found a little entrance to the side through the weeds and off we went – finally!

Spectacle Pond was not a large Pond. I paddled to the opposite side and explored some areas on the sides. There was one party boat, and one stand-up board, but no one else in sight. I am guessing many of the homes are summer homes, although maybe people were away for the weekend. My favorite part was the lovely yellow lilies, I wish easier to photograph, but I did not want to risk my camera coming out of the waterproof case, but I did my best. Glad we were able to get out on our first kayaking adventure this year (This blog will not be rated).

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).