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 the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail is a less then .5 round trip pathway along the canal. It is lined with various trees, has benches, and displays informational kiosks.
We had a simple Adventure to the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail. I had planned this Adventure as one of the mini stops after our main destination. It took at a minute for me to figure out where to park, but we located a retail mall and decided to walk to the Trail. Upon arrival we found several information kiosks and headed down the path. The Trail was quiet, a nice separation from the visual needs of the community. The canal flowed steadily, but did not add any song in the air. One side of the Trail was lined with a decorative cement barrier, while opposite the canal there were mill buildings, mostly appearing to be apartment living. We walked to the end and turned around, only seeing one other fellow walker. The Trail was someone unappealing, but yet Wilma absolutely loved the smells along the way. Definitely not a place we will return but always glad to explore a new place (Rating: 2).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Scituate, Massachusetts. Scituate is a coastal town in Southern Massachusetts. It is a small town known for the beaches, history, restaurants, shops, and the fishing community.
We had a walking-filled Adventure to Scituate on a beautiful winter day. Although we have been to many of the locations we visited today, I have only blogged about the Scituate Lighthouse, so decided to do a blog about the town. Today we explored: Scituate Harbor, the Harborwalk, the shopping district, Lawson Tower, Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, and the Scituate Lighthouse. We walked and walked, and enjoyed the spectacular sun on this winter day.
The most beautiful stop in Scituate today was definitely the Scituate Lighthouse. It is one of the most gorgeous Lighthouses in New England with several breakwaters, and rocky beaches surrounding. One of the special features about the Scituate Lighthouse is you can get up-close to view this spectacular structure. While at the Lighthouse Wilma especially loved exploring the beach, covered with rounded beautifully colored rocks, and hoping along the breakwater rocks. We have been to the Scituate Lighthouse numerous times, and it never disappoints.
We also stopped at Lawson Tower, which we had not been to before. This was a grandly tall structure, surrounded by gating, but yet a unique and unusual Tower. I initially was planning on just blogging about this Tower but decided to share the summary of our time in Scituate due to our numerous other stops, and time spent exploring.
Throughout the day Wilma enjoyed charming those around us, rolling in the grass, walking, and exploring the coastal smells. I was planning on a half day trip today but between Scituate and our previous stop we walked the day away! So glad we could visit Scituate today (Rating: 4)
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.
In August 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Chesterfield Gorge with my Aunt and Uncle. If you are a follower of my blog, or a fanatic of New England Gorge’s you may be aware that there are two Chesterfield Gorge’s in New England – one in New Hampshire, and one in Massachusetts. Today my blog will be about the Chesterfield Gorge in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. The Chesterfield Gorge in Massachusetts is located in a steep rock canyon along the Westfield River. The Gorge has trails and is a popular location for fishing. It is a park of the Trustees of Reservation.
We had a wonderful Adventure to the Chesterfield Gorge with perfect company. I remember appreciating views of the Gorge from high above before walking down a hill to get to the water’s edge. The boys enjoyed drinking from the clear River water, framed by beautiful evergreen trees. The River was filled with rocks adding a variety of color to the scene. We enjoyed wandering down the trail parallel to the water and fantastic company. I look forward to exploring the Chesterfield Gorge again in the future (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Franklin Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Franklin Park is the largest park in the Emerald Necklace at approximately 527 acres. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1890s. Franklin Park includes: trails, history, a public golf course, Schoolmaster Hill and the ruins, Scarboro Pond, and the Franklin Park Zoo.
We had an unexpected Adventure to Franklin Park. My initial plan was to visit the ruins at Schoolmaster Hill and then likely head to the Arnold Arboretum nearby. However, not knowing exactly where it was located we parked and began walking. I soon realized we were in Franklin Park, and decided to just explore, and hopefully locate the Schoolmaster Hill in the process. We immediately stumbled on Scarboro Pond, and decided to walk on the loop around this Pond. The Pond was simple, but lovely, filled with ducks and framed by two two bridges on the near and far ends. The people we passed were friendly, which is not something I would have expected in the city. Along this tiny loop we found a map to help us navigate our route.
After Scarboro Pond we headed on the main loop around the Park. The Park was centered by the golf course, and the clouds and sun were just right. We passed various things including a playground and cafe before arriving at the Schoolmaster Hill. I was so excited to head up the Hill to check out the ruins. We arrived at the ruins after a short walk up the Hill, trotting through the ruins several times, appreciating each moment of the experience. Wilma appeared extra curious, jumping up, putting her front paws up to look through, and peaking into each corner. I absolutely loved the ruins, they were beautiful. Definitely exceeded my expectations! (Please see below for a video as well as numerous photographs).
After spending time at Schoolmaster Hill we continued to explore the Park, including: The 99 Steps/Ellicott Arch, and Scarboro Hill with the “vista” lookout. We spent about two and a half hours walking on the paved trails, and trying to see what we could find. I absolutely loved watching the sun setting the clouds were framed by all colors, and sunlight creating a spectacular scene. I wish this beauty was easier to capture on camera. As you may expect the sunset and ruins were my favorite parts of today’s Adventure, while Wilma loved walking along the stone fences, jumping on the rocks, and the expected walking and sniffing. Although I had heard of Franklin Park I never thought of exploring it until our accidental find. So glad we could Adventure to Franklin Park today (Rating: 3.5)
Today Wilma and I Adventured to White Crest Beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. White Crest Beach is known for the large sand dunes, and rough waters making it a popular beach for surfers. The beach is long and wide and is reportedly less crowded then other locations in Cape Cod. The beach is not handicap accessible.
We had a sun-rising Adventure to White Crest Beach. We arrived at about 7am to find only one other car in the parking lot and not a sole in sight. The beach was instantly gorgeous, the sun-rising, and the views spectacular. We began our trek down the gigantic sand dune to the beach below, quite a fantastic entrance. We headed straight to the water and checked on the views down the beach. The sand dunes framed the beach adding quite the grandeur. We began our walk along the water and at various times also headed toward the dune to check out the sight (and smells – haha). The waves were crashing, it was so serene, a peaceful oasis. We spent about two hours walking and exploring. We found a couple of tidal pools, and lots of perfectly rounded rocks. Wilma enjoyed walking, some frantic digging, and literally ran circle around me! She was a little uneasy with the loud crashing sound of the waves but was curious to explore the tidal pools. The sky was spectacular and everything about the beach was beyond perfect. White Crest Beach might now be my favorite Massachusetts Beach…so far. We look forward to returning in the future (Rating: 5).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Gill-Montague Bridge, also referred to as the Turners Falls-Gill Bridge. This bridge is a steel truss bridge that crosses the Connecticut River. The Bridge was built in 1938 and later remodeled in 2013.
We had a soaring Adventure to the Gill-Montague Bridge. We have driven across, and walked under this Bridge before, but decided to take the pedestrian bridge across and check out the intricate details. I was originally drawn to this idea as I had seen some shooting water from afar and was eager to locate the site of origination. So after enjoying a long walk on the Canalside Rail Trail we decided to take the journey up and over. (See this link for our original blog from the Canalside Rail Trail.) We walked across the Bridge until we located the water from what appeared to be a damn or power plant. I guess I should know exactly what it was caused by, and although I do not I do know it was spectacular, churning high in the air, which created gorgeous and unusual textures. We stopped numerous times to check out the views, and then walked to the end before returning. Unfortunately one of the most beautiful parts of the bridge is the side view, however I found it difficult to photograph due to the fencing, or other barriers. However, hopefully this overall gives readers a feel for this special bridge. So glad to share this unusual Adventures to those who love the water, bridges, and bringing their favorite furry pals on their Adventures (this blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to Gunn Brook Falls in Sunderland, Massachusetts. Gunn Brook Falls is located in the UMass Mt. Toby Forest. It consists of an upper and lower Falls.
We had a gorgeous Adventure to Gunn Brook Falls. We found Gunn Brook Falls on the side of the road, down a unnamed dirt road off of Falls Road. We parked and were quite pleased to have the location entirely to ourselves. I did not have high expectations but was thrilled to be mistaken. We began our trek at the top of the Falls and carefully made our way down the side. I was surprised that I managed to stay on my feet with all the leaves and the steep path, but I managed to stay upright. Wilma appeared quite eager to explore, and led the way enthusiastically.
We first explored the upper Falls. There were icicles on the side as well as in various spots along the stream. It was so pretty, and mystical. The Falls were roaring peacefully. I made sure we explored all angles before heading farther down the stream. I did not actually realize at the time that there was a lower falls, smaller, but still beautiful! It took some time to figure out how to get down to this Falls but we eventually found a route to get up close. The lower area was framed with large boulders, covered with moss. It was so scenic, and serene! I absolutely loved Gunn Brook Falls. The combination of a spectacular falls, the location being away from the world, and the experience exceeding my expectations added additional joy to the Adventure! Wilma loved hopping on the rocks, and appeared to be always looking around, making we curious of what wildlife might be nearby. She was a little unsure of the strong rushing water of the waterfalls, but that did not slow her down in exploring. Such a beautiful way to start our day trip today (Rating: 4.5).
Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, Massachusetts. This was Shadow, and my second visit to Bradley Palmer State Park as we had been to the Park with Buster in February of 2016. Bradley Palmer State Park is a 736 acre Park on the Ipswich River. It is a former estate of noted attorney Bradley Palmer. Bradley Palmer State Park is popular for hiking, horseback riding, bicycles, canoeing, skiing, and the Willowdale Estate.
We had a jolly Adventure to Bradley Palmer State Park. We have been there several times but it had been a very long time since our last visit, so today was the day. We were thrilled to have My Mom join us for this Adventure. We began our Adventure exploring the Willowdale Estate which was decorated beautifully for the holidays. We snapped many photographs, including our traditional Mother-Daughter selfie. Wilma posed elegantly for yet another Christmas photograph. A simple yet beautiful holiday scene.
From there we headed to one of the endless trails. Although I had viewed the trail map ahead of our visit it was quite complex, so we decided to just spontaneously pick a trail. The trail was snow covered, simple, but lovely. We walked past several frozen ponds. The sun was barely peaking through, almost reflecting on the ice. It was a beautiful winter scene. We walked and explored, stopping to study a Beech Tree for several minutes but mostly sauntered among the trees. Wilma loved walking and exploring, catching snowballs, and eating the fresh clean snow. During our visit we spotted other canine friends, who were all on leash, and some hikers, skiers. and guests snowshoeing along the trail. It was an unusually warm day for New England. Such a special way to spend some time on Christmas Eve. So glad we could return to Bradley State Park today (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Shelburne Falls is a Village in the town of Shelburne. Shelburne Falls is located in the hills, along the Deerfield River. It is known for the shopping, crafts, restaurants, and for the Bridge of Flowers, Salmon Falls, and the “glacial potholes”.
We had a holiday decorated Adventure to Shelburne Falls. I had read that it was one of the most “Magical Christmas Towns In Massachusetts” so decided this would be the perfect place for a December Adventure. And although it did not at all live up to this title, I suspect the night experience may have been what has given it this honor, with holiday lights adorned throughout.
We have been to Shelburne Falls previously but were pleased to find it much quieter then our visits in the warmer months. Shelburne Falls is very small, but we made sure to walk on all the sidewalks and streets that encompassed this charming village. My favorite parts of this town are the scenic Iron Bridge, the Bridge of Flowers (closed currently and the actually bridge is not dog-friendly), Salmon Falls, views down the Deerfield River and seeing the “glacial potholes” covered with snow. I also loved the Mosaic Mural project, which combines art, history, and the great thoughts of the youth of the community in artwork created by Cynthia Fisher. Lovely, colorful artwork throughout this quaint town.
Throughout our Adventure Wilma led us on our journey, nose to the ground! It is amazing how far she has come, and although she can be mysterious socially with her canine friends, she has just done wonderful in her training. She is very focused on me and now consistently knows I too am on her Adventures (haha!). Well unless a squirrel comes running through! It was nice to take a walk with new scenery. And although we did not go in any of the stores we did see a dog in one of the stores shopping with his family, which is a good detail to share with my fellow dog travelers. I will include photographs from our past visits, which include my Mom, and ALL of my amazing pups. I have only blogged about the Bridge of Flowers previously so you may have seen several of the photographs om the “July 2016” Adventure below. I always appreciate seeing photographs of the same location in different seasons, a wonderful perk of being a New Englander. I definitely consider the Bridge of Flowers a must-visit but make sure you have others with you as the actual bridge of flowers is dog friendly. (Rating: 4)
Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Eunice Williams Covered Bridge in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The Eunice Williams Covered Bridge was originally built in 1870 but has been rebuilt several times since. The Bridge traverses the Green River. This location also marks where Eunice Williams was killed after being captured by the French army and members of the Abenaki and Mohawk tribes.
We had a short Adventure to the Eunice Williams Covered Bridge. Upon arrival I noticed it would be challenging to park due to the show, endless “no parking” signs, and fast moving traffic with several blind spots. However we found a place a little farther down and left the warning blinkers on. We carefully trotted to the bridge, which was mostly surrounded by gating making it challenging to photograph thoroughly. However I did my best and made sure Wilma posed and smiled for a quick shot. Over to one side there was a dam-like falls, while to the other there the beautiful River was filled with chunks of ice and snow. The bridge appeared perfect in structure, yet was quite dull in color. However, besides all of the gates the area was pretty, peaceful, and reasonably secluded. We viewed the memorial signs nearby before heading back to the car. So glad we could finally visit the Eunice Williams Bridge, one of the few covered bridges we have not seen in Massachusetts (Rating: 3).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 