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.
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).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to East Chop Light in Martha’s Vineyard. East Chop Light was originally built in 1876 and stands in the town of Oaks Bluff. It is appropriately 40 feet in height.
We had a peaceful Adventure to East Chop Light our first stop on our Martha’s Vineyard Adventure. We were the only guests at this location making it just right. We headed through the gate and over to East Chop. There was some fencing around the Lighthouse, but an opening that appeared to provide a door to wander the small grounds. It as a little unclear, but hopefully I visualized this correctly as there were no signs indicating otherwise. We walked around the grounds checking out the Lighthouse from each angle and of course Wilma appreciated the new smells. There were some benches nearby, and a purple porta potty right next to the Lighthouse – yikes! There was not much to explore, but so glad that we could visit East Chop Light today (Rating: 3).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Martha’s Vineyard, an Island of Massachusetts. It is compromised of six different towns that encompass over 100 square miles. Martha’s Vineyard can be reached by boat or air, and is especially a popular location in the summer. It is known for the beaches, walking, hiking, biking, shops and restaurants.
We had a wonderful Adventure to Martha’s Vineyard. We woke up long before dawn, and drove to the ferry where Wilma experienced her first boat ride, well technically. I actually decided to bring my car on the ferry to make sure we had an expansive experience on the Island, and so glad I did!
Our stops today included: the East Chop Lighthouse, Lobsterville Beach, the Gay Head Lighthouse, the Aquinnah Cliffs, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Dutcher Dock, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, and Doug’s Cove a short trail of Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission. We had so much fun scouting out the new scenery, and walking, even finding some unexpected trails adding distinctive and gorgeous terrain to our day. Wilma loved exploring, digging, rolling, and posing. So glad that we found a sunny day this week to make this Adventure especially perfect! I will put a collage of photos below. In addition I will be writing a blog for each lighthouse so they will be logged in the official Lighthouse section (although you will see some of my favorites below.). A beautiful day with the little lady…well worth our exhaustion! (This blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Norumbega Tower in Weston, Massachusetts. Norumbega Tower is a stone Tower built in 1889 by Eben Norton Horsford. It is said to be the site of the Viking town of Norumbega. The Tower is approximately 38 feet tall, and has a spiral staircase that leads to the top.
We had a fun Adventure to Norumbega Tower. I had read about Norumbega Tower in the past and was looking for some simple local Adventures after our long walk, due to the impending weather that changed my original plans. So today was the day for our Adventure to Norumbega Tower. Upon arrival we found no parking for the Tower due to the snow. I drove around for a little bit, before deciding to park at the office building around the corner and down the street, determined to explore this unique location. We parked and walked to the main street before trancing through the snow, and up a hill and over to the Tower. Wilma was quite thrilled, running in circles and darting from place to place! I was glad we did not having any foot mishaps not always knowing where we were walking due to the snow and unknown surroundings.
I was excited to arrive at the Tower, although nothing spectacular, still quite distinctive. We wandered up to the Tower checking out all aspects. I was surprised to find the Tower gate open and decided why not – up we went. The climb was easy but yet the higher we got I realized maybe not the safest conditions to be climbing the small stairs, some covered with ice and snow. We also passed one part in the dark – yikes! It was fun watching Wilma climb eagerly, seeming to check on me on some occasions, listening carefully when I asked her to wait, and peering out the windows as we passed. We made it to the top quickly – a small circle lookout with views of the River, and darkness of the day. We hung out for a little bit before beginning our descent. (See below for a video of our climb). I was quite surprised I made it down without a slip with the snowy and icy conditions. Definitely a true Adventure! After climbing down we wandered around the Tower. Overall there was not much to see, however, the climb made it all worth the trip. So glad we could Adventure to Norumbega Tower today (Rating: 3.5).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Crowninshield Island in Marblehead, Massachusetts, also referred to as Brown Island. The Island is managed by the Trustees of Reservations. It has trails, a sandy beach, and rocky shores. It can only be reached by a walk at low tide or by boat.
We had a gorgeous sun-rising Adventure to Crowninshield Island. I was excited to plan our Adventure thoroughly studying the tide and hoping we would arrive accordingly. Upon arrival I found the parking situation very confusing. Shadow, Wilma, and I actually had tried once to visit but never found parking. I drove around for some time before finally guessing on what seemed like an appropriate and legal spot. We had finally arrived to begin our Adventure!
We locating some stairs down to the beach and off we headed to Crowninshield Island! Wilma appeared quite joyful darting back and forth as we trotted along, and of course sniffing the remnants of low tide. The view of the Island in sunrise was just spectacular, so thrilling to head toward it. I knew there was another Island nearby but upon arrival we located the Trustees of Reservation signage and map notifying us that we had officially arrived at Crowninshield Island. We began down the trail, stopping at every lookout to check out the lovely colors in the sky. The rocks surrounding the Island were snow covered creating quite the scene. We walked along the trail which was marked with footprints in the snow, actually so well that I did not even watch for any sign markers. Wilma loved the Island smells and was quite curious of her new surroundings. Although we did not rush through the Island I was careful not to be too leisurely, quite aware of the necessity of low tide to return to shore safely.
After finishing the trail portion we wandered over to the south side of the Island, which appeared to be the sandy beach location. There was a massive rock, lots of snow, beautiful trees, and the sun was now rising. We explored the area finding a frozen scene. From there we headed back, the water definitely rising, but not at a pace that was concerning. Wilma ran circles around me, tried digging in the ice and just was as fun and enthusiastic as ever. Maybe she knew my excitement and appreciation for this unique Adventure. We only saw one other person, and his dog, who kindly asked about unleashing his dog as he noticed Wilma on leash. That was a nice way to end our perfect morning, and off we headed to our next Adventures (Rating: 4.5 – Although the superb sunset may have inflated this rating).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Trapp Falls in Willard Brook State Park, in Ashby, Massachusetts. Trapp Falls is a three tiered waterfall that plunges into a shallow pool filled with boulders. The waterfall is just over ten feet in height. The Falls are located in small section of the Park, and has picnic tables, a bridge crossing the brook, and bathrooms.
We had a magical Adventure to Trapp Falls as the snow storm was upon us. I have been to Trapp Falls numerous times with Shadow, Buster, but I believe this was Wilma’s first visit. Although I blogged about Willard Brook State Park once, I have never blogged specifically about Trapp Falls so today is the day.
I have always found the setting of Trapp Falls to be beautiful with a flowing babbling brook and a short, woodsy hike that leads to the Falls. Today was a winter wonderland adding splendor to the visit. We headed straight to the Falls, and I was surprised that we could get reasonably close. There was someone photographing the falls from underneath, so we would later return for our close-up views. I was shocked at how gorgeous the cascades were, as Trapp Falls is a waterfall I always found quite simple, maybe due to the endless waterfalls we have visited. However, I was pleased to be captivated today. Trapp Falls was iced over with just one side melting and water and icicles crashing through. It was just gorgeous, and even with the small amount of flow, was singing peacefully. We continually explored the area and returned to the Falls on and off. I could not get enough of this beautiful scene!
The Brook also added to the lovely winter scene. It had icicles, and although mostly covered with snow had oddly shaped holes with flowing water. As you may expect I loved the wooden bridge, which had several adorable tiny snowman on the edge. Although I pushed it a little with the weather (oops!) so glad we could visit Trapp Falls on our Adventure today. Below you will see a mix of some of our past visits and today’s snow covered Adventure (unfortunately some of the photographs are fuzzy – still working with wordpress to resolve the problem). A beautiful and serene location (Rating: 4).
Today Wilma, and I Adventured to the Farandnear Reservation in Shirley, Massachusetts. The Farandnear was the former estate of Arthur Banks who was a well known professor and political scientist. It includes 2.7 miles of trails, and an Arboretum. The Park is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.
We had a peaceful Adventure to Farandnear. I blogged about Farandear almost two years ago but since we have never been in the snow I figured it was a good opportunity to blog again. I was thrilled to arrive at Farandear to an empty parking lot. We headed off on to the trails. As many of my New England followers know we are heading into our next storm, so it was a dark morning for our Adventure. As typical of a Trustee’s property, the trails at Farandnear are well marked. In addition the snow was well groomed by previous visitors so we followed the paths easily. Wilma often seemed to be hearing something, maybe wildlife in the woods?? I often found her with her leg up in the air as she was thinking, smelling, or pondering whatever was in her mind. It almost gave me an eerie feeling….what was I missing? It was fun seeing the prints in the snow which Wilma followed closely, my hunting girl. We walked and walked, enjoying the exercise as we trudged through the snow and got a great workout as we went up and down the short hills. We trekked through the bogs and past the ravine, such a different terrain then our other visits. After our hike we wandered over to the Arboretum and checked out some of the trees adding color to the limited winter colors. It started snowing just as we were headed to the car…the perfect way to end our Adventure (Rating: 4).
Below you will see a collage of photos from today and two of our other visits, and two videos of the same area in different seasons (unfortunately some of the photographs are fuzzy – still working with wordpress to resolve the problem):
Paradise Ravine in Winter and Spring
Old Cranberry Bog/Old Reservoir (I believe I got the title correct, however I know it was the same spot in Winter and in Spring)
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Charlestown Harborwalk in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Charlestown Harborwalk is part of a forty three mile park connecting the waterfront neighborhoods to Boston.
We had a fun Adventure to the Charlestown Harborwalk. I had noticed signs for the Charlestown Harborwalk on our last visit to the area and decided today was the day to come back and explore. I was able to find little information specific to the Charlestown Harborwalk, so thought we would start where I located the sign and hope to find a long and scenic walk. We began at the Constitution Marina and off we went. We first started at the loop finding a spectacular view of the USS constitution, an amazing navy boat floating by, and magnificent views of the Boston skyline. We then walked through the Charlestown Navy Yard and then headed to the remainder of the Charlestown Harborwalk. We followed along the water exploring the different Piers and boats, locating the Wind Sculpture Art Exhibit, passing luxury residences, and the world known Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. We walked and walked until we arrived at the Tobin Bridge. There I found a sign saying “0” miles indicating we had arrived at the official beginning of the walk, well the end for us (haha).
The Charlestown Harborwalk was not always clear, but as soon as I thought we had taken a wrong turn we saw another sign indicating we were right on track. Along the Harborwalk we did take one little detour as Pier 6 was closed for construction but were able to head over to the main road and loop around to continue on Harborwalk. My favorite parts of the walk were the beautiful views of the city, the gorgeous Tobin Bridge, and the boats throughout. Wilma loved exploring, walking and watching other dogs from afar. The Harborwalk was a lovely spot to explore, and I can just imagine it is quite full of fun during the warmer months. So glad we could explore Charlestown Harborwalk today (Rating: 3.5).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages. It is part of the Emerald Necklace, a system of parks in Boston.
I first posted about the Arnold Arboretum over two years ago when Shadow, Wilma, and I first discovered it. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite local parks. Wilma and I generally visit weekly, and have experienced it in all seasons. Almost every single time we go I find something new. We recently experienced our first after snowstorm visit which was a spectacular winter wonderland. I love the Arboretum as it is full of culture, and diversity, individuals, and families, it really is an environment that fits all. The Arboretum has bridges, streams, ponds, hills, trails, and gardens. As you may expect Wilma absolutely loves chasing the squirrels and can often be found attempting to climb a tree. We even have seen a snapping turtle, although thankfully Wilma did not even notice. Since it had been years since I blogged about it, and I have snapped constant photographs I thought I would put together this collage of photographs. Such a special place, which has become our therapeutic oasis. The Arnold Arboretum is definitely a must in New England, and it is a given that we will be back (Rating: 4.5).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and Westfield River Walk in Westfield, Massachusetts. The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is a two plus mile paved path through the town of Westfield that traverses the Great River Bridge over the Little River. The Westfield River Walk is an almost two mile stone-dust path along the Little River which intersects with the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.
We had a bridge-filled Adventure to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and the Westfield River Walk. Our main Adventure fell through today so we found ourselves exploring spontaneously. This Trail and Walk were not too clearly identified in-person, however upon arriving home I did some research in regards to our travels to discover that we had explored these two locations.
We enjoyed walking along the River, across the bridges, and down the paved path. The bridges were the pair of the Great River Bridges and the Westfield River Bridge, all of which had crossings available for pedestrians. There were lovely views down the River. Wilma enjoyed the walk over and under the bridge, and entertained me as she played in puddles of cracking ice. If I had realized that there were particular trails we may just have traversed these entire pathways, however glad to find portions of today’s trails for our Adventure (This blog will not be rated).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 