December 22, 2019 – Ned’s Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Ned’s Point Lighthouse was built in 1838 and was named after farmer Ned Dexter. The grounds are open, however the Lighthouse is only open during scheduled tours. The Park also includes picnic tables and a small beach.

We had a gorgeous, sun-rising Adventure to the Ned’s Point Lighthouse. I was unclear if dog’s were allowed at this spot due to my research, although finding some comments about dogs visiting. I tried emailing the Lighthouse Keepers several months ago but never received a response. I therefore decided to carry on with our Adventure. Although I had planned to arrive just a bit earlier, I was pleased to make it with the sun still rising, sparkling atop the ocean.

Ned’s Lighthouse was simple, but quite picturesque, the ocean scene framing it as the sun shined to one side. The Park was very quiet with one person sitting in their car, and several cars driving through. We walked around for a bit posing for some photos, appreciating the heat of the sun, and peering out into the ocean. I noted there was a sign on the beach stating no dogs so we avoided this area. The tide appeared to be in as there was practically no beach area to explore. An unembellished Lighthouse, but yet still the quintessential New England scene. So glad we could visit Ned’s Point Lighthouse today (Rating: 4).

December 22, 2019 – Fort Taber Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fort Taber Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Fort Taber Park is an oceanfront Park in Clark’s Point which includes a museum, Fort Rodman, a playground and a walking and bicycle path. On top of the Fort you can find the Clark’s Point Lighthouse. In the summer months the Park is also popular for swimming, and picnicking.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to Fort Taber Park. We were quite lucky to get a warm and sunny New England day adding quite the picturesque coastal scene. Shadow and I had been to Fort Taber Park about three years ago, but only visited briefly as it was the end of the day of a long day of exploring, and dusk was upon us. I therefore was quite thrilled to more thoroughly explore this area. The Park was quiet with few other guests. We began following the paved trail around the Fort Rodman, taking the outside loop to ensure a coastal experience. The sun was shining brightly, just beautiful. We sauntered around, taking many pictures. The Fort was tall, and grand, clearly 19th century history. I attempted to get a photograph of the Lighthouse, but not a simple task being located on the very top of the Fort. We enjoyed walking around, lots of rolls, and numerous photos per our usual Adventure.

Besides exploring the outer grounds of the Fort itself we enjoyed some time on the beach which had contrasting colors, and ice throughout adding a unique scene. We then wandered down the lengthy pier, which appeared from afar to bring you to the foot of the Butler Flats Lighthouse. Wilma was quite curious about all the shells, and smells, the shells appearing to have been dropped onto the pier from birds above. The sun sparkled off the water, creating a lovely scene. We spotted some boat from afar, and took or time checking out the view.

We enjoyed every moment of our Adventure at Fort Taber Park taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Such a perfect location that combines recreation, history, and coastal splendor. Definitely a special place in New England. We look forward to returning again in the future (Rating: 4.5).

Winter 2017 Adventure

New Bedford Fort Taber.jpg

Throwback Adventure – Pearl Hill State Park – Massachusetts

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!

In July 2011 Buster, Shadow, My Mom, and I Adventured to Pearl Hill State Park in Townsend, Massachusetts. Pearl Hill State Park is a 1000 acre Park that is popular for camping, biking, hiking, and swimming. There is a seasonal fee to enter the park.

We had a green-filled Adventure to Pearl Hill State Park on a sunny summer day. I believe we may have visited the Park on one other occasion but this is the only one that I was able to locate photographs. We enjoyed the trails, found a pond, snapped many family photographs and enjoyed catching up and exploring. In the majority of my years in Florida I worked in a school district so would drive up in the summer with Shadow and Buster to visit family. We were glad we could Adventure to Pearl Hill State Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

December 14, 2019 -Gloucester Harborwalk – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Gloucester Harborwalk in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Harborwalk is a walkway and walking tour along Gloucester’s waterfront and historic district. The Harborwalk is a 1.2 mile path that has an additional 1.6 miles of an “extended walk”. It follows 42 granite “Story Posts”, and has an option for “smart phone” informational connections at the marked “postcard” locations.

We had a foggy Adventure to the Gloucester Harborwalk, on an unusually warm December day. Although we have been to Gloucester numerous times this was the first time we followed the official Harborwalk (and extended walks) throughout the town. We were pleased to find free parking and began our walk along the waterfront. I loved seeing the scenic boats, and numerous lobster traps, a genuine coastal experience. The path followed the water, weaved in and out of various areas, and often followed the main roads, passing local shops, restaurants and landmarks. It was a bit challenging to stay on track as I continually had to pull out my phone to view the online map, which was not largely detailed. Throughout our Adventure I enjoyed watching Shadow and Wilma take in the new smells, they almost look like tourists at some points staring off into the water to experience the sounds and sights. Surprisingly Wilma seemed a bit uneasy at some of the coastal smells, even though we have had many previous coastal Adventures.

My favorite parts included: the famous Gloucester’s Fisherman Memorial, the coastal sites, walking adjacent to the water, and the holiday decorations throughout the town. Along our travels we located someone decorating a Christmas tree with buoys, just perfect! I loved seeing lights on the trees, the holiday wreaths, and other various decorations in sight. One of my favorite photographs was one of Wilma peering at the statue of Fitz Henry Lane statue, quite humorous. If I only knew what goes through her curious, little mind. Overall I did not find the Harborwalk too interesting, but of course we enjoyed a long, often fast-paced walk, and another new Adventure. Just as I often say “Don’t let the rain stop you”! (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Castle Island – Massachusetts

In April of 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Castle Island in Boston, Massachusetts. Castle Island is located on the shores of Boston Harbor. Castle Island was formerly an Island, but was connected in 1982 by land, therefore creating a peninsula. At the top of the land is Fort Independence, the oldest fortified military site in British North America. Castle Island is the home to the Popular Sullivan’s restaurant, and is a favorite summer spot for Boston locals.

We had a windy Adventure to Castle Island. I was quite pleased to visit Castle Island as it is a location I had heard about often. As on many occasions we decided to explore Castle Island in off-season. There were paths along the Fort, and airplanes flying throughout. We enjoyed walking next to the Fort, the walls towering high above us, and checking out the views. Castle Island was not the cleanest spot, but I guess that is to be expected in a more urban setting. We were glad to visit a new location and enjoy a long walk. As per my usual Throwback blogs I had some difficulty locating photographs, but I did find some to represent our Adventure as well as a video along our stroll (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Castle Island 1 Castle Island 2 Castle Island 3 Castle Island 4 Castle Island 5

November 16, 2019 – Battle Road Trail, Part I – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Battle Road Trail in Concord, Massachusetts. The Battle Road Trail is an almost ten mile round trip Trail, connecting historic sites from Concord to Lexington Massachusetts. The Trail focuses on the Battle of 1775 which began the American Revolution. It crosses wetlands, forests, and farmlands, and contains various landmarks and kiosks along the way. The Trail is part of the Minute Man National Historic Park.

We had a well-needed Adventure to the Battle Road Trail on a brisk November day. Having been sick, and with a family member in the hospital we have not been on any new Adventures in the last week or two. And although we have enjoyed many local walks, I was thrilled to head off on a new Adventure, even though I am far from feeling well.

We spent about two and a half hours traversing the Battle Road Trail, and nearby paths, exploring over half of the East Section of the Trail. Some of the landmarks we visited included: the Paul Revere Capture Site, the Hartwell Tavern, the Jacob Whittemore House, the Samuel Hartwell House Site, and the Captain William House. The Trail was simple, but varied terrain, the anticipation of the next landmark added some elation to the journey. We often walked at a quick pace, but of course took some time to sniff out the new landscape. Due to the chilly weather I was surprised to see many others walking the Trail, including: families, furry friends, bikers, and runners. Shadow and Wilma even got to say hello to a happy toddler who was very enthused about meeting the pups.

Throughout the day Shadow loved many rolls in the hay-like grass, while Wilma was quite obsessed by the sheep, who were loudly vocalizing their “baaa”. I think my favorite part, besides a long walk with my two best buds, was the historic homes along the Trail. I loved their unique architecture, and the often scenic placement amidst the fields. And although I have not stopped coughing since this Adventure, I could not be more happier that we had a long walk on the Battle Trail. We will definitely be visiting the other half of the Battle Trail in the near future. A unique way to combine exercise, the outdoors, and history (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

Today’s feature is a video from our Adventure to Dunn State Park earlier this month. We were traversing the trail around the pond at this simple, but lovely Park. We spotted what I believe to be a heron off the trail, on the pond’s edge. I wish I was filming a little lower as Shadow was quite enthused when he saw this elegant bird soon causing it to fly off. An exhilarating moment to add to our day. You can read more about this Park by searching for Dunn State Park in the search box, and reading our detailed blog. And although far from a professional video, I still thought I would share. Enjoy!

Throwback Adventure – Fort Phoenix State Reservation – Massachusetts

In January 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Fort Phoenix Reservation is one of the smallest State Parks in Massachusetts. It is a historic site and has opportunities for recreational activities including swimming. Fort Phoenix dates back to the American Revolutionary War. It was originally built in 1775 but later reconstructed after being destroyed by the British.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Phoenix State Reservation back on a dark winter day. I remember Shadow rolling almost immediately, obviously thrilled to explore a historic Fort (haha). We walked around touring the Fort ruins, viewing the canons, and enjoying views across the Atlantic Ocean. We even spotted a lighthouse from afar. We appreciated the history and our Adventure to yet another New England Fort. And although I thought we may have been there on one other occasion, I have yet to locate those photographs. So glad we were able to Adventure to the Fort Pheonix State Reservation (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

November 3, 2019 – Dexter Grist Mill – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Dexter Grist Mill in Sandwich, Massachusetts. The Dexter Grist Mill is a historic landmark in Sandwich, part of Cape Cod Massachusetts. The Dexter Grist Mill was built in the 1600s and was later restored. It continues to be is a working Mill, and sells freshly ground cornmeal. It is open for admission seasonally.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Dexter Grist Mill. I was enlivened to visit the Mill as I had read about it in the past, and finally had it scheduled on our list of Adventures. Upon arrival we walked around the neighborhood before returning to the Mill for our unofficial tour. The Mill property was much more compact then I had imagined, but quite picturesque. We headed over the bridge seeing the water flowing from above. To the left we located the Shawme Pond while to the right the centerpiece of the Mill. There was a rock fence, bright green grass, and a red tree adding great texture and color to the scene. We spent some time posing in front of the Mill, relaxing in the grass, and wandering around to check out the pond view. Such a pleasant and unique location. So glad we could visit the Dexter Grist Mill (Rating: 4).

November 3, 2019 – West Dennis Light/Bass River Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the West Dennis Light, also known as the Bass River Lighthouse in Dennis, Massachusetts. It is owned and sits on the Lighthouse Inn. The Lighthouse was formerly a light in the attic of a private owner before the federal government provided funding, and construction began in 1854 for the present-day structure. The Lighthouse is currently lit seasonally, when the Inn is open.

We had an unappealing Adventure to the West Dennis Light. I actually debated blogging about the Lighthouse as it is not what I visualize as a Lighthouse. However it is an official Lighthouse, a structure that contains light to guide ships in the sea. So, we took some photographs, and spent some time exploring the beach adjacent to the Lighthouse. The beach had several rock jetty’s, lots of thick green seaweed, and a variety of shells. We strolled around, Wilma enjoying some digging, while Shadow hopeful for a swim. There were few people in sight, and I believe the Inn was closed for the season, creating a peaceful visit. So glad we could cross off another lighthouse on our Adventure today (Rating: 3).