July 26, 2020 – Codman Estate – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I adventured to the Codman Estate also referred to as
“the Grange”. This historic home was built in 1740 and owned by five generations of the Codman family before becoming a historic home. The Estate is approximately sixteen acres and includes the home, and gardens. Tours of the home are available, however currently are on hold due to COVID.

We had a historic adventure to the Codman Estate. We took a local walk before heading over to explore this historic home. We parked and began down a dirt road, before arriving at the Home. The Home had a grand entrance with several stairs leading us to the substantial mansion. There was not much to see but the Home was well maintained, and attractive. We wandered around the home soon finding the Italian garden, a fountain-pond filled with gorgeous water lilies, flowers, and several statues. We sauntered through the garden. I loved the European style, and especially appreciated the tiger lilies and water lilies. As we got near the pond there was a massive frog panic, quite humorous. Poor Wilma wanted to go in the water but it looked a little unhealthy for sipping so I did venture too close. We took our time admiring this little garden even laying out in the grass. Just perfect!

From there we explored some nearby trails, although it was unclear if they were related to the Estate. After walking on one for a couple minutes I located a sign for the Bay Circuit. Therefore we decided to turn around as Wilma appeared hot and we had already obtained our walk on this warm summer day.

Our last part of the adventure was completing our loop around the home and relaxing in the green, soft, shady grass! As I mentioned Wilma seemed quite warm I thought this was the perfect way to end our Adventure. We were able to cool down and before heading home. Lounging in the grass was by far Wilma’s highlight of the adventure (haha)! So glad we could visit the Codman Estate today, a nice surprise (Rating: 4).

July 24, 2020 – Belle Isle Marsh Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in Boston, Massachusetts. Belle Isle Marsh is Boston’s last salt marsh. The Reservation is managed by the Department of Reservation and is approximately 240 acres in size. It encompasses various trails, including a .6 mile loop. The Reservation is popular for walkers, nature lovers, and bird watchers.

We had a mosquito-filled Adventure to Belle Isle Marsh Reservation. I was excited to have My Mom join us and visit this park which has caught my curiosity for some time. We arrived to find the parking lot almost completely empty. We began our journey, and found some nearby rangers who warned us of the mosquitoes and offered their bug spray. We decided to agree to this kind gesture and utilized the bug spray before carrying on to our Adventure. Belle Isle Marsh Reservation was beautiful, lovely wild flowers, boardwalks, and green framed marsh views. Planes from Logan flew over on occasion adding some drama to the scene. The mosquitoes were rough but we continued on determined to see the Reservation. We enjoyed a climb up a tower providing panoramic views of the area. Wilma was quite enthused with this climb, always looking back to make sure her precious Grandma was nearby. This was a fun feature in the Reservation.

Our plan was then to watch some baby osprey being banded by the rangers. However as we ventured farther into the marsh the mosquitoes became brutal, I do remember EVER seeing anything like it. I figured I would be fine, but I was soooo wrong. The mosquitoes were so vicious that there was no way we could sit and watch any activities with the rangers. I was very disappointed to miss this special opportunity but it was clear to both of us that it was not an option. However, we managed to walk around the loop, almost panicked at some points by the attacks. Luckily it did not seem like Wilma was bothered by the mosquitoes until near the end when she would often roll and clearly was becoming irritated with them. I felt badly about this and hope that she was more bothered by feeling them on her then any real bites (as she does not like when a fly, piece of grass, or anything is on her fur). However she loved trotting around, exploring the trails, climbing the tower and checking out the marsh views. The Reservation was unique, but I can promise you we will never be back. Although strangely we still were glad to visit another location today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Singing Beach – 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 and I had two Adventures to Singing Beach, while My Mom also joined us on one of these occasions. Singing Beach is a a popular public beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Singing Beach is said to have a sound of singing after one shuffles their feet in the sand. Dogs are allowed on Singing Beach from October 15-April 14 but are not allowed during the summer months.

We have had two wonderful Adventures to Singing Beach with our sweet Shadow. We found the beach to be a popular location for off-leash dogs. During our visits Shadow enjoyed playing ball, meeting new friends, relaxing, and strolling the shores with his mama❤️. He enjoyed wading in the water and although I do not recall him swimming, we did visit on chilly days. A couple of my favorite photographs of this precious boy came on these two Adventures. Shadow always loved our Adventures on the beach. Although the rumor is that this beach actually sings, I never heard any of these sounds. However so glad we were able to create special memories at the Singing Beach (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

July 22, 2020 – Cilleyville Covered Bridge/Bog Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Cilleyville Covered Bridge in Andover, New Hampshire. The Cilleyville Covered Bridge is also referred to as the Bog Bridge. The Cilleyville Covered Bridge was built in 1887 and traverses the Pleasant Brook. It is a pedestrian-only bridge.

We had a fun Adventure to the Cilleyville Covered Bridge. We located the bridge between Johnson Street and Main Street. We hopped out and headed over to this pedestrian-only bridge. The bridge was in an overgrown setting, but the bridge itself appeared well maintained. We crossed through the bridge and found a picnic table in the middle, a nice added feature, although it was quite dark underneath. I peaked out the windows as we crossed finding the Brook quite unappealing. We found a little spot to head down to the edge of the Brook and see the bridge from below. Wilma found a rock to climb, quite curious of this new location. From there we headed back to take some photographs from the opposite side. Wilma was not inspired to pose, too interested in her surroundings, however still looked quite adorable sitting in front. One interesting attribute about the bridge was that the front and back of the bridge were actually different colors, almost like we were at two separate locations. So glad we could visit yet another covered bridge with the Cilleyville Bridge today (Rating: 3.5).

July 18, 2020 – Wright’s Tavern – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Wright’s Tavern in Concord, Massachusetts. Wright’s Tavern is a historic tavern that had significance in the American Revolution. Unlike most other historic landmarks in Concord, there are no tours, or museums, however Wright’s Tavern continues to be memorialized as a National Historic Landmark.

We had a historic Adventure to Wright’s Tavern. Due to another hot day we decided to again just take a local walk, relax in the backyard, and visit a nearby community landmark. We arrived at the Tavern and found parking at the neighboring church. We sauntered over to Wright’s Tavern to take photographs and check out this Historic Landmark. The building was in perfect condition, and immaculate in structure. We viewed Wright’s Tavern from each angle. There was really not much to see, except a nice looking building, with great history. Although the Adventure was quite uneventful, still glad to see another historic landmark in Concord. (Rating: This Adventure will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure -Wompatuck State Park – Massachusetts

In April 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts. Wompatuck State Park is a 3500 acre Park that is popular for camping, biking, snowmobiling, boating, and hiking. It includes 40 miles of forest trails that run by streams, ponds and a reservoir.

We had a fun Adventure to Wompatuck State Park. We had a full day of Adventures, and this was one of the many we enjoyed. We especially appreciated the boardwalk trails through the woods, and the water perfect for a swim. Wilma found some tasty sticks, while Shadow was often looking for the next water entrance. Wilma tried hard to keep up with Shadow on her hike, her best bud. I am not sure which body of water we found, but there are many in the Park. It was bright blue and quite scenic, especially next to the dry, brown spring grass. We will definitely have to visit Wompatuck State Park again in the future, a wonderful Park to explore (Rating: Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

July 15, 2020 – Old Scituate Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Scituate Lighthouse in Scituate, Massachusetts. This was my third visit to the Scituate Lighthouse. The Scituate Lighthouse is also referred to as Old Scituate Lighthouse. It is a historic lighthouse which was built in 1811, later being purchased by the town of Scituate. It is located at Cedar Point in Scituate Harbor, and as expected is a popular location for painters.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to Scituate Lighthouse. Although I have been here twice before I apparently had forgotten the beauty. We arrived to find the sky blue, with fluffy white clouds. We circled the Lighthouse and then decided to hop down the long breakwater. The breeze was perfect, the large boulders colorful. The water was crashing into the breakwater, adding lovely drama. As we hopped I continually peaked back to check out the different views. The breakwater was not difficult to traverse, but yet the rocks did require careful calculation, especially with an energetic Wilma leading the way. We went to the very end of the breakwater, and appreciated the spectacular scene. We relaxed for a bit enjoying the breeze before turning back.

After we visited the beach, lots of rocks, and new angles of the lighthouse. Wilma was interested in the water, although still had jumpy movements with the waves. She explored the shore, and often looked around as though she was appreciating the views. We then decided to check out the smaller breakwater, another fun part of Adventure.

Lastly we made sure to explore the beach on the opposite side. It was a little more challenging arriving at this beach, with lots of uneven rocks. The rocks were round, and colorful, many my favorite color – purple! It was a little challenging walking along the shore due to the numerous rocks creating an unsteady gait. However we could not miss a part of the shore. From there we headed for one last view of the Lighthouse before heading out. The area was a bit more crowded then I preferred, but to be expected. Definitely one of the most beautiful Lighthouses in New England (Rating: 5).

November 2017

July 2016

July 15, 2020 – Deer Island – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Deer Island in Boston, Massachusetts. Deer Island is a Peninsula in Boston that is part of the Boston Harbor Islands. You can drive to the Island after crossing the town of Winthrop. The Island has a long history, including: serving as a prison camp for Native Americans during King Philip’s War, and a home to immigrants and refuges during the Irish Potato famine. The Island has five miles of trails including an almost three mile loop. It currently is the location for the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which both treats and recycles waste. The Island is popular for walking, jogging, biking, and fishing.

We had a misty Adventure to Deer Island. We arrived at about 8am and I was quite thrilled to find a parking spot as the Island reviews indicated they are often limited. We began our walk around the main loop an almost three mile paved path. It was sprinkling, and somewhat misty as we began. I was surprised to find myself quite impressed with the beauty of the “trail”. There were many colorful wildflowers, and the waves were quite grand, loud and raging. Wilma often preferred to walk along the stone/cement wall, my rock loving girl. There were parts of the path where the waves actually crashed so high they spurted water over us and the path. I found this little natural feature so fun, although Wilma was not a huge fan of these unexpected showers.

I would guess we were about halfway around the Island when we found a little beach, centered by a breakwater, featuring purple tinted rocks. We normally would have wandered down the breakwater but there was a fisherman at the end so we decided to give him his space and explore the beach. I was disappointed to find a lot of litter on the shore, but sadly to be expected on a city beach. However we did our best to ignore this and appreciate the sand, shells, seaweed, lobster traps, and the water. Wilma loved sniffing around, and digging and running chaotically. She sometimes waded into the water, but dramatically bounded back when any type of wave appeared. A fun little diversion from the “trail”.

We then continued on the path along Boston Harbor. We soon found a spectacular view of Boston, so impressive. As we walked further the sky began to slightly clear, with dashes of blue between the clouds. I could not get enough of this view, and guess it must be one of the best skyline view of Boston. I took numerous photos of this scene, and dreamed about the zoom lens I wish I owned. Definitely one of my favorite parts of this walk as I love seeing the Boston skyline.

Throughout our walk the “trail” varied from a small path to opening up, to providing opportunities to walk on the rocks, to scenic vistas – paths off the trail. There were benches along the way to sit, relax, and enjoy the ocean views. An interesting aspect to Deer Island was the Treatment Plant which added various structures parallel to the “trail”. There was only one small part of the path where I noticed an odor, but thankfully that was a short part of our journey. We were able to view kiosks throughout to learn more about the location and history. Near the end of our walk we found several memorials, including the Irish Memorial, and the Judge A. David Mazzone Memorial.

I was very happy to be surprisingly impressed with Deer Island. The large waves made my mind think of movies where there is an ocean storm – just something I cannot describe in words but the sounds and the scene were majestic. The colorful wildflowers, combined with the unique structures of the Plant made for a distinctive experience. I loved the path too, quite pristine and quiet, I guess a perk of minimal parking. Although several things made me debate the rating I overall was very pleased with Deer Island, and look forward to returning in the future (Rating: 4).

July 13, 2020 -Pizzi Farm Market, Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Pizzi Farm Market, Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe in Waltham, Massachusetts. Pizzi Farm was founded in 1933 by the Pizzi family and continues to be run by the family. As expected they are known for their: ice cream, and deli, and also have catering, and sell additional products including: pumpkins, candy and flowers.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Pizzi Farm Market, Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe. I have been feeling a bit cranky with the heat so we have mostly been doing shorter local walks and spending time in our shady backyard. Therefore I thought today was the perfect time to visit Pizzi Farm for some ice cream. Upon arrival I noticed many areas for seating, and lovely flower barrels for decoration. There was no one else in the line so we were able to order immediately. It was fun to find they had several options for dogs including a little ice cream cake, ice cream treats, and also offered soft serve. I choose the ice cream treats for Wilma and decided to order a root beer float for myself. We found a quiet spot to sit and the shade and enjoy. Wilma apparently thought I should hold her “Fro Bone”, adorably licking it – so spoiled. However, I gave it to her so I could savor my yummy root beer float. It was just perfect! We relaxed for a bit before heading home. So glad we could Adventure to the Pizza Farm Market, Deli, and Ice Cream Shoppe today (Rating: How could you go wrong with a “Fro Bone” – delicious!)

July 10, 2020 – Pepperell Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Pepperell Covered Bridge in Pepperell, Massachusetts. The Pepperell Covered Bridge traverses the Nashua River. It was originally built in 1818 but has been rebuilt three times, most recently in 2010. The Bridge has access for vehicles, and pedestrians.

We had a local Adventure to the Pepperell Covered Bridge. I had been there once before with Shadow and Buster but do not believe I took any photographs. We found the small parking area indicated for the Nashua River Access Area, and parked near the bridge. There was a small walkway with some information kiosks and memorials. We visited these features before trotting over to the bridge. The bridge was somewhat dull in color, as was the hazy sky. I posed Wilma, who smiled grandly before heading over the pedestrian walkway. Wilma was obsessed with looking out the bridge, down the stream, very focused and curious. I am guessing she was able to see, or smell the nearby farm animals. We walked through the bridge and to the other side. There was a loose dog running around so we just snapped one quick photograph before heading back.

After exploring the Pepperell Covered Bridge from above we headed over to a short and steep trail down to the side of the Bridge to see the side. Seeing the simple front, I was surprised to find a more scenic bridge, with lattice-like style. Wilma enjoyed a couple sips from the water before we headed back to the car. I was quite disappointed to see a great amount of glass on this path, but was grateful that we did not have any incidents.

So glad we could Adventure to the Pepperell Covered Bridge today (Rating: 3.5).