December 27, 2020 – Gunn Brook Falls – Massachusetts

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).

December 24, 2020 – Bradley Palmer State Park – Massachusetts

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).

Photographs from our past visits

December 19, 2020 – Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

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, December 19, 2020

July 2016

July 2020

Decemeber 19, 2020 – Eunice Williams Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

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).

December 19, 2020 – Nashua River Rail Trail (Groton) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Nashua River Rail Trail in Groton, Massachusetts. The Nashua River Rail Trail is an approximately eleven mile trail that runs from Nashua, New Hampshire to Ayer, Massachusetts. As expected it is built on a former railroad. The Nashua River Rail Trail is popular for biking, horseback riding, walking, fishing, skiing, and roller blading.

We had a snow-filled Adventure to the Nashua River Rail Trail. I was eager to explore this Trail as many years ago Shadow, Buster, and I regularly walked at the Nashua River Rail Trail in Pepperell. We briefly checked out the signs and headed down the Trail. The Trail was layered with deep, but light snow, groomed by fresh ski prints. We trudged through the snow getting a good work out with the depth of the snow. The path was quiet and peaceful, and we only passed several homes on our route. We walked under a bridge, pleasantly surprised to find one side covered with a lovely mural. A beautiful touch to a dull bridge. We enjoyed our walk, and even saw a hawk along the path. There were many cross country skiers and we passed one dog friend, who was also on leash. My favorite parts of the Rail Trail today was appreciating the change in seasons, watching Wilma enjoy the new environment, and the gorgeous sun streaming through the trees onto the snow. Wilma loved sniffing, exploring, and bounding through the snow. A simple Adventure but yet a perfect walk. So glad we could explore a portion of the Groton Rail Trail today (Rating 3.5).

December 12, 2020 – Bunker Hill – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Bunker Hill includes the Monument, the statue of Colonial William Prescott, the Museum (located across the street), and the Lodge. The Bunker Hill Monument was created to remember the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. The Battle occurred on June 17, 1775 when the British defeated the Americans.

We had a dark Adventure to the Bunker Hill after a long walk at one of our favorite local parks. Upon arrival I immediately spotted lovely holiday wreaths adoring the lights around the park. We immediately headed up the hill to the Monument. There was an outer loop that we began trotting along, Wilma thrilled to spot numerous city squirrels. We took our time checking out the grounds and appreciating the moment. In between the neighborhood buildings we could spot views of the city, and bridges, hard to capture on camera but a beautiful perk to this simple park.

After trotting the outer grounds we made our way closer to check out the kiosks, the Colonial William Prescott Statue, and the architecture of the lodge. There was a Hanukkiah Menorah at the base of the Monument, and several benches to sit and enjoy the location. Bunker Hill is a very small but really was lovely. I can just imagine the view from the top of the Monument is beyond spectacular. So glad we could Adventure to Bunker Hill today (Rating: 3.5).

November 27, 2020 – Rockport, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Rockport, Massachusetts. Rockport is an oceanside town in Northern Massachusetts. It is known for the beaches, art community, restaurants, shopping, and Motif #1, one of the most painted buildings in the country.

We had an ocean-filled Adventure to Rockport. Today our stops included: Motif #1, downtown Rockport, Bear Skin Neck, Old First Parish Burying Ground, the Breakwater, Halibut Point State Park, and Front Beach. Out Adventure started on a sunny morning, although it soon became dark and cloudy. Although we have been to almost all of these locations before we really enjoyed walking, exploring, and endless photos. I loved all the little aspects of the town, including the holiday decorations, the colorful buoys and lobster traps, and of course the gorgeous scenery. I especially loved hearing the crashing waves at Halibut Point State Park. Wilma especially enjoyed inhaling the smells of the lobster traps, watching the birds, and hoping along the Breakwater. Wilma seemed a little tired today, which is hopefully it is just me over analyzing. However she still appeared to enjoy the day, just appeared extra calm. So glad we could have an outing to Rockport today Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Grassy Pond – 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.

Shadow, Buster, Wilma, and I had numerous Adventures to Grassy Pond. Grassy Pond is a conservation area in Westford, Massachusetts. Grassy Pond is centered by a pond that occasionally dries up during certain seasons. This conservation area has picnic tables, a “Life Course” and has several short trails.

We have had simple Adventures to the Grassy Pond. I have been there with Shadow, Wilma, and Buster, but only could locate some limited photographs. Grassy Pond is a very small location so we would often walk there before a long trip, or if we only had a very short time to fit in a walk. Certain times of the year Grassy Pond can be quite beautiful. I always have loved the wooden bridge, and of course the views over the pond. You will find many locals walking at Grass Pond, including those exercising with their dogs, many off leash. We are lucky to have so many conservation trails in Massachusetts. So glad we were able to discover Grassy Pond (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

November 21, 2020 – Tidal Flats Recreation Area – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. Tidal Flats Recreation Area is the western most section of the Cape Cod Canal bikeway. The Area is popular for walking, fishing, biking, and picnicking. It also contains the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Tidal Flats Recreation Area. We have been to other sections of the Cape Cod Canal, so had some idea as what to expect. Upon arrival we immediately spotted the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. I have seen this Bridge from afar, but quite a unique and spectacular Bridge to see from below. We began down the paved walkway. The sun was shining and it was an unusually warm day for November in New England. We walked and walked. There were ducks floating in the current, some gigantic boats passing through, and two bridges to admire. The colors along the route were minimal, but the water was beautiful blue, and the atmosphere peaceful. This is really a simple location but perfect for a nice walk, and of course even better for those out there who are Bridge fanatics. So glad we could enjoy a walk at the Tidal Flats Recreation Area (Rating: 3.5).

November 15, 2020 – Plymouth, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Plymouth is a coastal town in southern Massachusetts. It is famous for the history of being the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620.

We had a perfect Adventure to Plymouth, Massachusetts. We have been there numerous times but I have not blogged about the town specifically since the Throwback blog so today was the day. It was yet another cloudy New England although the sun came streaming through here and there. Throughout our day we explored locations including: downtown Plymouth, the waterfront, the Forefathers Monument, Brewster Garden, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and the Grist Mill, almost all of which we have explored previously.

Wilma loved walking and of course sniffing the new smells. She enjoyed rolls in the grass, always reminding me of sweet Shadow. I loved getting exercise with some new scenery, the coastal views, finding the artistic shells throughout the town, and finding some remnants of fall. Plymouth is a unique, bustling town filled with lots of history. If you love history, shopping, the coast or a walking town Plymouth is definitely for you! So glad we could again visit Plymouth today (Rating: 4).