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).

Throwback Adventure – Great Brook Farm State Park – Massachusetts

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

Today my Throwback Adventure is Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Great Brook Farm State Park is a State Park managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is approximately 1,000 acres and has over twenty miles of trails. It has an ICE CREAM stand, an active farm area, and is popular for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and dog walking. There is a parking fee during in-season months.

I am pleased to share that Shadow, Wilma, and Buster ALL had many, many Adventures to the spectacular Great Brook Farm State Park. I am sure I have been there hundreds of times over the years, which is why it probably took me so long to create this blog, finding old photographs from various Adventures. So I therefore have determined it falls under our Throwback Adventure Thursday. We have been to Great Brook Farm State Park with family and friends, attempted training with Wilma (haha), created holiday photos, met many dog friends, and lounged, relaxed, and rolled in the leaves and grass. Great Brook Farm State Park has been one of my favorites in all seasons, and is one of the few local, dog-friendly parks that grooms their trails when snow is deep. The Park has trails with bridges, fields, rocks, wildflowers, hills, and ponds, creating endless opportunities to explore. Shadow loved many swims and rolls, Wilma especially enjoyed bounding up onto the large boulders, and Buster always appreciated a long, vigorous hike.

In addition to our hikes we enjoyed many scoops of ice cream, a tasty way to end an Adventure. Please see photographs and videos from some of our Adventures below. (Several of the videos you may have seen before in my Weekly Video/Photo section if you have followed by blog regularly). If you live locally Great Brook State Farm MUST be added to your list (Rating: 4).

May 7, 2020 – Boundary Trail – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Boundary Trail in the Oak Hill Conservation Land in Littleton, Massachusetts. Boundary Trail is 3.3 miles and is the longest trail on the Oak Hill Conservation property. The Boundary Trail runs along the Tophet Chasm, follows stage roads at points, and passes the well-known “Lookout Rock”.

We had an invigorating Adventure to the Boundary Trail. I decided to get up for an extra-early sunrise Adventure before starting my work day. We arrived at an empty parking lot, and began heading down the orange trail before turning left to commence the Boundary Trail, indicated by yellow trail markers. The beginning of the trail ran adjacent to the road and several homes before veering away and into the woods. The sun was beautifully shining through the trees creating a picturesque scene. On the trail we found a variety of boulders, ascended up and down several hills, and walked high above a ravine. Parts of the Trail were quite muddy, but to be expected on a lovely spring day. Except for an occasional good smell, Wilma ambled at a fast pace, helping to ensure quite a healthy work-out.

One of my favorite portions of this trail was the scene at “Lookout Rock”. “Lookout Rock” is quite well-known to members of the local community, a boulder area that provides panoramic views. We sat for a bit on the rocks, viewing the lovely scene. It is always interesting watching Wilma, she often appears to be hearing or seeing things in the distance, or at least alert to what may come. Her sweet, little hound-nose is constantly in motion, not missing a beat. She even appeared to be appreciating the scenic view, a moment that made me smile, and reminded me of a precious memory and video of Shadow and Wilma watching the sunset at Cadillac Mountain.

After “Lookout Rock” the Boundary Trail continued back into the woods, and if I recall this portion of the trail was much flatter then the former section. Throughout the hike we only saw one person, with two furry friend, but noticed no other visitors. Although in some portions there were sounds of the outside world, often we heard birds singing, and felt at one with nature. So glad we discovered the Boundary Trail today, a wonderful local hike (Rating: 3.5)

Throwback Adventure – Upton State Forest – 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 November 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Upton State Forest in Upton, Massachusetts. Upton State Forest is a 2,660 acre, publicly owned forest that encompasses the towns of Upton, Hopkington, and Westborough. It is popular for skiing, mountain biking and hiking.

We had a brisk Fall Adventure to Upton State Park. As you may often “hear” if you follow my blog, I do not always remember details of our Throwback Adventure. However I do recall enjoying a nice walk, finding some boulders, and appreciating the end of the Fall foliage season. Since Upton State Forest is such an expansive forest, we of course could only cover a portion of the property on this Adventure. We will definitely have to visit the Upton State Park again in the future (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Willard Brook State Park – Massachusetts

Willard Brook State Park is a publicly owned Park between the towns of Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts. It is 2,597 acres and includes a fast-running brook, and Trapp Falls. It has a swimming pond, numerous trails, and opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Shadow, Buster and I had many, many Adventures to Willard Brook State Park, a lovely local State Park. We have been in every season and with many others throughout the years. I even visited as a kid, went on a date, and took our 2014 Christmas photographs at this fabulous location. Willard Brook Park is a special place with lots of memories. The Park has many trails, a fresh brook for dips and sips, sticks for lots of dog chewing, and many places to relax and play. We have also enjoyed spending time near the tiny Trapp Falls, definitely a seasonal waterfall. One of our preferred hikes has been the trail along the Brook as it is quite scenic and also has provided many opportunities to cool down. The park has several simple, but scenic bridge which as you may guess I have enjoyed photographing. I have put together too many photographs below from many different visits over the last eight years. We will have to get there again as I do not believe Wilma has been there yet. A beautiful local Park to explore! (Rating: 4).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Throwback Adventure – Hopkington State Park – Massachusetts

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.

Shadow, Buster, and I had numerous Adventures to Hopkington State Park, and on some visits My Mom joined us, while on one occasion my cousin and her pup joined us as well. We have always gone in phases with local Parks, and for several years this was one of our favorites. Although dogs were not allowed on the public beach (in-season), we always found side areas to swim. Over time we found favorite spots away from the hustle and bustle of a popular beach location. The Reservoir was beautiful, framed by colorful kayaks, and docks. I loved the view of the circular island not too far out from shore. We mostly visited Hopkington State Park to swim, but on one occasion I went kayaking, while several times enjoyed some of the trails. We really have loved our Adventures to Hopkington State Park, and will definitely have to take Wilma to check out the scene. I gathered some photos from various visits, and although I am sure I have more, I think it is a good representation of our time spent at Hopkington State Park. We definitely will be back for a future Adventure (Rating: 4).