Dog friendly hikes and exploring, mostly around New England. Our Adventures includes: waterfalls, the beach, conservation land, lighthouses, state parks, the woods, the mountains, statues, and castles.
This week Wilma, Gus, My Mom and I Adventured to the Sankaty Head Lighthouse in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Sankaty Head Lighthouse was built in 1950 and is 60 feet in height. Sankaty Head Lighthouse is a working lighthouse and can be found on the Eastern point of Nantucket.
We had a wind-filled Adventure to Sankaty Head Lighthouse. I was quite excited to visit Sankaty as it is hard to find new lighthouses, and of course not easy to get to Nantucket. We arrived to see the picturesque lighthouse from afar, high above a golf course and the crashing ocean shore. We attempted to see the ocean view before trotting over to the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was quite tall and just lovely. There were some informational kiosks along the way but overall, not much to see besides the Lighthouse. So glad we could adventure to the Sankaty Head Lighthouse today (Rating: 4).
If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….
The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you 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 after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.
Today’s photograph is one of Wilma and Gus at Nobska Light this past weekend in Falmouth, Massachusetts. I believe this was Gus’ first adventure to Nobska Light. Nobska Light is currently under construction causing limited views of the Lighthouse, but the remodeling is definitely looking nice. I might just have to go back and blog once everything is completed. Even with all the construction I did find a good location for Wilma and Gus to pose. Here they are:
Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine. Quoddy Head State Park is the easternmost point of land in the United States. The Park has almost 550 acres of land, trails, and home of the West Quoddy Head Light House.
We had a gorgeous Adventure to Quoddy Head State Park. I have been wanting to visit Quoddy Head State Park for many years and finally today was the day. We arrived to find many other visitors, but as time went on we realized they were spread out, so it did not seem too busy. We began the West Quoddy Head Light House, a beautiful and unique structure, the brilliant blue sea framing the backdrop. The Light House definitely did not disappoint.
After checking out the Lighthouse we headed down the trail along the shore, providing spectacular views. There were gigantic rocks, water views, and a well-manicured trails. It was so pretty, and peaceful, full of the fragrant smell of evergreens. We walked, took photos and enjoyed every moment of this magnificent park. The pups were wild and energetic, and overjoyed to find new smells throughout. I did not want to leave this magnificent park. A gorgeous day at Quoddy Head State Park and long overdue adventure finding the best of the best. I highly recommend this lovely oasis (Rating: 5).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Chatham Lighthouse in Chatham, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Chatham Lighthouse is a working Lighthouse operated by the Coast Guard. It was originally built as twin lighthouses in 1808, being replaced in 1841, and later separated from the “twin” in 1923. The Lighthouse is only open to the public on days when tours are scheduled, however can be viewed from outside the security gate.
We had a sunrising Adventure to the Chatham Lighthouse. We arrived finding it blocked off as expected, but yet pleased that a view was still available through the fencing. We walked around and checked out the Lighthouse from various angles and crossed the street to admire the sunrise and the gorgeous beach below. The Lighthouse was far from picturesque yet unique in its own way. Due to the limited access, it was a short Adventure. However, since it was our first visit to the Lighthouse, I figured I would blog about it separately so it could be included in our Lighthouse category. Keep watching as there will soon be a blog on our entire day trip to Cape Cod today. So glad we could cross another Lighthouse from our list (This blog will not be rated).
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).
If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….
The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you 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 after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.
Today’s photo is one of Wilma and Gus at the Palmer Island Lighthouse in New Bedford, Massachusetts this past weekend! We were lucky to time the tide correctly and onto the island we headed. The Palmer Island Lighthouse is a short walk to the opposite end of the island. Unfortunately not everyone was being responsible with their dogs, but besides that we had a marvelous visit. A beautiful day with my furry best buds!
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut. Lighthouse Point Park is an 82-acre park that includes: a beach, a carousel, a splash park, and the New Haven Light House, also known as Five Mile Point Light. In the distance from the park, you can see views of downtown New Haven, and the Southwest Ledge Lighthouse.
We had a simple adventure to Lighthouse Point Park. I had been curious about this park, and the New Haven Lighthouse for some time and yesterday was the day. I was excited to head off on a new adventure as we have mostly been visiting local favorites in recent weeks. Lighthouse Point Park was one of several adventures of the day, but our only new site.
Upon arrival we immediately located the Lighthouse in the distance. We began heading down a road and traversed a trail along the coast. I did not research maps online, so we just wandered with our eyes and snouts (haha). The sky was lovely, adding some good character to the day. It was an unusually warm day for New England, almost heating up to 50…so bizarre! We walked around making sure not to miss one corner of the park. We spent a lot of time circling the lighthouse and taking photographs. It has been a long time since I have been able to see a new lighthouse and was glad, I finally could add that to our adventures. Unfortunately, dogs were not allowed on the beach, but Gus found a little area along the trail to enjoy some quick digging, Wilma joining in for a few. On this adventure Wilma especially enjoyed some rolls and was excited to see other visitors, hopeful for some attention. We saw many out walking, the majority of dogs on leash. So glad we could finally get to Lighthouse Point Park (Rating: 3.5)
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was constructed in 1877 and is the only Lighthouse on the mainland of New Hampshire. It is also sometimes referred to as: New Castle Light, Fort Constitution Light and Fort Point Light. The Lighthouse is on Coast Guard property so can only viewed up-close when one signs up for an official tour. The tours do not allow dogs in the Lighthouse, but on the grounds only.
We had a peaceful Adventure to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. I was thrilled to finally schedule a tour at this location so we could get up close for viewing. We immediately found a “volunteer” and followed the cars in to station. Upon arrival we had to climb up a couple stairs and then in front of us stood the Portsmouth Lighthouse. We followed the pathway to the bottom of the Lighthouse where the narration began. Afterwards the guests went up the stairs while I wandered around with the pups and the photo frenzy began (haha!). The kind volunteers offered to hold the pups for me so I could go up the tower but I decided it best to stay with my best buds.
I loved the peaceful location of this area. There were no others around except for the guests on the tour. There was a refreshing breeze, gorgeous boats from afar, sounds of the waves, and even a view of Whaleback Lighthouse from a distance. I was quite lucky when I was invited to the evening tour too to take in the sunset, and although setting in the opposite direction, still gorgeous! I was so proud of Wilma and Gus who jumped right into a hanging out versus an active adventure, although they continually did try to sneak in some play time. We were able to walk a little on the rocks but being a coast guard station we could not wander too far. However the pups enjoyed some sticks, tidal pools, and exploring all the coastal smells. No complaints from their snouts! We visited until the sun went down, the top of the tower turning a lovely color of green, and although my camera died before the end of our adventure I snuck in a couple cell phone photographs to attempt to capture the darkness.
One of the coolest things about this adventure was I met the author of my amazing Lighthouse book, The Lighthouse Handbook, New England, Jeremy D’Entremont! We had some good conversations and I learned more about some of his other books and photography. Definitely a special way to end a wonderful evening at the Portsmouth Lighthouse (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Bass Harbor Lighthouse. The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a Lighthouse located in the Acadia National Park in Tremont, Maine. It was built in 1858, is 56 feet in height, and is made of brick. It is currently an active lighthouse.
We had a sun-setting Adventure to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Although the sunset was just about out of sight, we still were able to appreciate the pink colors of the sky. We first wandered over to the Lighthouse, before checking out the distant view from the Lighthouse from the rocks. There were many visitors at this location making it difficult to take as many photos as preferred. However, we were glad to see the Bass Lighthouse for the second time. A beautiful way to end the day in Acadia (Rating: 4).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Gay Head Lighthouse in Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard. Gay Head Lighthouse was built in 1856. Gay Head Lighthouse is a red brick and sandstone lighthouse that is approximately 170 feet in height.
We had a fun Adventure to Gay Head Lighthouse. Gay Head Lighthouse was one of the locations I was especially eager to visit, a unique lighthouse with views of the Aquinnah Cliffs. We arrived to find ourselves alone, I was quite shocked as this is a top tourist destination in Martha’s Vineyard. We headed straight to the Gay Head Lighthouse, a scenic path leading the way. We arrived quickly, the sun streaming brightly. We walked around the small area and peered over the edge onto the cliffs, and they were really pretty, although not as spectacular as I had imagined. However we took in the views, and then returned to the base of the Lighthouse for some more photographs. From there we enjoyed the other aspects of the ground, and even spotted scenic views of the Lighthouse from afar, while traversing the nearby conservation land. So glad we could visit the Gay Head Lighthouse today (Rating: 4).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 