February 19, 2020 -Holyoke Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holyoke Heritage State Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Holyoke Heritage State Park includes: a Children’s Museum, the Volleyball Hall of fame, playgrounds, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Visitor Center which highlights Holyoke’s paper manufacturing history. There are pathways throughout the Park, including along the canal which once powered the local mills.

We had a unique Adventure to the Holyoke Heritage State Park on a windy New England day. The Park was small, and mostly suited for those with indoor plans in mind, especially ideal for children, volleyball enthusiasts, and those interested in industrial history. We wandered around every path in the Park, soon locating a map of the accessible paths. I peered in the windows viewing the Merry-Go-Round and the smiles of children playing. There were some murals, a large wheel, and a short, but lovely walk along the canal. We met many children who were eager to see the dogs, the only furry friends around! Wilma threw herself on the ground, rolling in eager anticipation of guests, while Shadow enjoyed his “normal” Adventure rolls. We spent about forty five minutes exploring the grounds of the property, Shadow and Wilma appreciating the smells of a new Adventure. Glad we could find a new location for a walk today (Blog will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

Throwback Adventure – The Nashua River Rail Trail (Pepperell) -2015-2016

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!

Shadow, Buster, and I had many, many Adventures to The Nashua River Rail Trail between 2015-2016 while living locally. 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, and roller blading.

We had many wonderful Adventures to the Nashua River Rail Trail. Our walks always began in Pepperell, and I often wondered if we ventured into another town as we wandered for hours. We found trails off the paved trail to rivers, and scenic, quiet spots. One time we even spotted a horse, who was far from thrilled to spot two large dogs. Even after heading far off the trail to avoid the horse, it just about bucked the rider off. Luckily she stayed on and we returned to the path to continue our walk.

I found the Nashua River Rail Trail to be especially pretty in the Fall months, the sun streaming over the water. The trail did parallel homes at some points, but often was deep in the woods, quite peaceful. There were some simple fences along the trail, in one location framing a marsh-like area. I did my best to locate a variety of photographs from our many Adventures. Definitely a lovely rail trail to explore (Rating: 4).

February 9, 2020 – Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Saugus, Massachusetts. Saugus Iron Works is the Site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, begun by European iron makers. The Park is nine acres and includes: a museum, working waterwheels, a mill, a 17th century home, and a short nature trail along the marsh and woodlands. The Park is open seasonally.

We had a unique Adventure to the Saugus Iron Works. As I am recovering from a back injury (yes again!) and still being cautious with Wilma recuperating toenail, we decided to defer from a daytrip and instead explore the Saugus Iron Works. I had observed the sign on the highway several times, leading to our discovering of this National Park.

Saugus Iron Works was well marked, and easily located. Upon arriving we found one car in the parking lot, however had not expected it to be crowded due to the current off-season. Immediately we located a brochure providing additional information about the Site. We spent about an hour exploring the Park, checking out the water wheels, furnace area, and all structures in site. The Park was on the basin of the Saugus River adding some scenery, and songs of nature. There were some picturesque bridge structures, and a cement path leading the way. After finishing exploring the main features we took a stroll along the nature trail, very short, but a nice little add-on to our experience. I was pleased to see a blue sky, contrasting with the browns of winter.

Throughout our visit Shadow and Wilma appreciated many rolls, while Wilma especially loved watching the ducks. Shadow and Wilma were eager to inhale the smells, and enthusiastic to explore. I was disappointed by the excessive geese poop along the grounds, but I guess that comes with New England winter. I found the Park simple, yet distinctive. I can imagine it is quite the learning experience when in-season with demonstrations, tours, and working wheels. So glad we were able to visit the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Park today (Adventure will not be rated as Park was closed for the season).

February 2, 2020 – Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the ground of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts. The Orchard House is most famous for being where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women back in the 1800s. The Alcott family resided in the home for many years. It currently is a historic museum.

We had a simple Adventure to the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House. Poor Wilma hurt her paw/claw on Friday so we rested yesterday, and just took a short, local walk today. I thought it would be fun to explore one of the many local historical homes, so I chose the Orchard House. So I decided not to research the home to see if it was dog friendly, as I assumed it was not, so of course we only explored the grounds. We had the property all to ourselves, walking around the property, peering in the windows, taking photographs, and of course enthusiastic rolls for Shadow and Wilma. There was not much to explore from the outdoors, but the buildings were quite scenic. I am sure, even more lovely in the non-winter months of New England. So not necessarily a “normal” Adventure but glad we could get out to add some variety to our weekend of rest. Definitely many historical hot spots in New England (Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

Throwback Adventure – Mount Wachusett – August 2014

In August 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Mount Wachusett located in the towns of Westminster and Princeton, Massachusetts. Mount Wachusett is popular for skiing, hiking, and biking. It is part of Wachusett Mountain State Reservation which includes 3,000 acres, and a Mountain peak of 2,006 feet. The Mountain is one of the highest points in Massachusetts.

We had a great workout on our Adventure to Wachusett Mountain. I recall many rocky paths, grass for resting, picnic benches, and great views. We have not often climbed many mountains, so it was fun to visit the well-known Mount Wachusett for a hike. I did my best to gather some photographs from our Adventure to Mount Wachusett. A fun day for all! (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

January 26, 2020 – Stacy Esplanade/The Lucy Brown Davis Pathway – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Stacy Esplanade and the Lucy Brown Davis Pathway in Gloucester, Massachusetts. I debated blogging this Adventure as I found limited information identifying specific details on these locations. However, after researching for a bit I discovered we had walked on the Stacy Esplanade and The Lucy Brown Davis Pathway. The Lucy Brown Davis Pathway commences at Fort Stage Park, and appears to end where the Esplanade begins. Along the Esplanade you will find landmarks, including: the Blynman Bridge, the Gloucester Fishermen’s and the Fishermen’s Wives Memorial. The Esplanade is also part of the extended walk of the Gloucester HarborWalk.

We had a wonderful coastal walk along the Stacy Esplanade and Lucy Brown Davis Pathway. It was an unusually warm day, the blue sky filled with spectacular clouds. We enjoyed our walk, the warm sun streaming down upon us. There were several places where we were able to walk down and explore the beach. I am guessing the tide must have been out. The water was gorgeous, the waves small but singing grandly. Shadow and Wilma enjoyed sniffing and exploring on the beach, while I appreciated the coastal scene. We visited the statues along the way and imagined how gorgeous the walk would be with the flower beds in bloom. It felt like a spring day, just perfect. A simple, but scenic walk today (Rating: 3).

January 25, 2020 – Sea Flower/Sea Urchin – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Sea Flower/ Sea Urchin in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Sea Flower is an abstract sculpture of a sea urchin, designed from wood and steal materials. The sculpture was installed in 1978 by artist James Suris. It was quite controversial for many years, as many did not feel it was appropriate choice for a town known for its whaling history.

We had a fun Adventure to the Sea Flower, located in front of the Federal building in the downtown area of New Bedford. We spent much of the day exploring New Bedford, and the Sea Flower was the only new location that I had not yet blogged about, so here I go….

I was excited to find this original, and unique sculpture. We discovered it where expected but yet in what seemed an odd location for this creative artwork. After parking we wandered over to the Sea Flower to snap some photographs and see this handiwork. There was not much to it but definitely unique, and innovative. My Mom was quite unenthused with the Sea Flower, but I however enjoyed this unusual landmark. Glad to we could locate the Sea Flower for some entertaining posing today (Rating: 3).

January 20, 2020 – The National Monument to the Forefathers – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to The National Monument to the Forefathers (also referred to as the Plymouth Monument) in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The National Monument to the Forefathers was dedicated in 1889 and honors the Mayflower Pilgrims. This granite Monument is approximately 81 feet in height and is suspected to be the largest solid granite monument. It is managed by the Department of Conservation.

We had a grand Adventure to the National Monument of the Forefathers. I was quite impressed upon arrival, the Statue towering from atop a small hill, the sun streaming down. The entrance gate was closed so we parked on the side of the road and sauntered in. We began by walking the road around the statue before heading up close to view it. I was impressed at the size, almost too large to visualize the details from below. It was just spectacular, and definitely one of the larger sculptures I have seen. It was a little difficult to photograph with the sun brightly shining, however I did my best, even enjoying some snapshots with the timer. There was little else to the area besides the Monument but definitely worth the visit. So glad we could see the National Monument of the Forefathers (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Derby Wharf Light Station – Massachusetts

Shadow and I Adventured to Derby Wharf Light back in January 2012. The Derby Wharf Light Station is a historic lighthouse located in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built in 1871 and is approximately 20 feet in height. The lighthouse is located at the end of Derby Wharf and continues to aid boat navigation.

We had a fun, blue-sky Adventure to the Derby Wharf Light Station. Our day was filled with many Adventures, and the Derby Wharf Light was one of our stops. We walked out to the end of the Derby Wharf to check out this structure. It was fun find the lighthouse at the end of the wharf. Derby Light was unique in shape and location. The area was busy with other guests but we were able to snap a couple photographs before others joined us. So glad we could visit the Derby Wharf Light Station (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Salem Lighthouse Shadow

January 11, 2020 – Canalside Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Canalside Rail Trail in Turner Falls, Massachusetts. The Canalside Rail Trail is a Connecticut River Greenway State Park, part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Trail is an approximate 3.7 miles beginning in Deerfield and ending in Montague. The Trail provides views of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers. It is a popular Trail for biking, walking, and rollerblading.

We had an icy Adventure to the Canalside Rail Trail. We parked at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turner Falls, and then followed the signs directing us to the Rail Trail. I was quite disheartened to see the ice rink the Trail had become and even more disappointed that I had neglected to pack my ice cleats. However, we carried on slipping and sliding in our attempt to begin our Adventure. After some time I decided that we could succeed on a walk, so we shuffled along slowly but surely toward the Trail.

Our walk began at the merging of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers. We traversed a pedestrian bridge, the water rushing below, appearing almost dangerously close. We appreciated the views above the Rivers before carefully heading back to the Trail. The gate in the direction of the Connecticut River was closed so we headed the opposite direction toward the town of Deerfield. Along the way we saw many trestle bridges, pedestrian bridges, old rail tracks, and mill-like buildings. The Trail was peaceful, with few others battling the ice. We walked and exploring enjoying the unique views of the River and diverse scenery. I was eager to round each turn locating numerous bridges and continued variety. The Trail was lined with various fencing which I definitely was thankful for with the treacherous conditions. It was fun to locate a new Trail with distinct features. We definitely will be back for a walk on the Canalside Rail Trail(Rating: 4).