November 10, 2023 – “Sense of Place” – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the “Sense of Place” art exhibit in Lexington, Massachusetts. The “Sense of Place” is a public art display sponsored through the Lexington Council for the Arts. This exhibit is made up of sculptures inspired by Lexington architecture and can be found along the Minuteman Bikeway. My contact with the Lexington Council for the Arts indicates it will soon be removed.

We had an art filled Adventure to the “Sense of Place”. I was planning on doing a daytrip today but due to a long and stressful work week I decided to keep it simple. As you may know if you follow my blog, it has been quite the adventure getting Wilma into the car, although she is completely comfy once she gets in. Today Wilma retreated to the back room upon realizing the plan, and knowing I had a long weekend, and we were just going on a local walk, I decided to let her choose a nap. I felt guilty but knew I would observe her sleeping soundly on the camera, and also would be providing Gus an independent opportunity. I think this is important for Gus as he really does rely on his confident big sister. So off Gus and I went…

We have seen the “Sense of Place” before, but never stopped to read, nor taken the time to take photographs and blog. There were not a large number of sculptures, but they were all unique. My favorite was the “Home Sweet Homes”, a concrete and tile work, designed by Silvina Mizrahi. Each of the sculptures had their own write-up giving details about the artist, and their creation. In addition to checking out the “Sense of Place” sculptures we spent a little over an hour walking on the Minuteman Bikeway. As we trotted, I searched for color and texture to capture our walk. Gus was a little nervous throughout this adventure but enjoyed all the smells along the way. There was some construction in the area which he did not appreciate, besides being without Wilma. However, overall, a successful walk. Glad we could enjoy the “Sense of Place” displays (This blog will not be rated).

October 6, 2023 – J.P. LICKS – Massachusetts

Tonight, Wilma, Gus, and I placed a Door Dash order with J.P. LICKS in Andover, Massachusetts. J.P. LICKS is an ice cream chain restaurant in Massachusetts, that was opened initially in Jamaica Plains in 1981. It is owned and founded by Vince Petryk. Their products include: ice cream, yogurt, coffee, cakes, and pies, catering is also available.

We had a delicious adventure delivered from J.P. LICKS (haha!) It has been a long and stressful work week, so I thought this would be a fun and well-deserved way to start the long weekend. The pups each got “Cow Paws” a dairy free dog treat, while I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Frappe to celebrate the Fall season. I can promise not one of us was disappointed! So glad to start the weekend with some delicious treats! (This blog will not be rated).

August 29, 2023 – The F and F Sweet Bar – Massachusetts

I am happy to say Wilma is on the mend and seems to be back to herself. We will soon start taking her on walks again and making sure her leg holds up, as we expect it will. Definitely a relief with the pain she faced last weekend!

Yesterday Gus and I Adventured to the Sweet Bar in Lowell, Massachusetts after our local walk (with some take-out for Wilma – of course!) The Sweet Bar is a newer restaurant that carries ice cream and specializes in allergy friendly options, eco-friendly materials, and locally sourced food. Their menu includes ice cream products with options for various diets, and my favorite – pup cups! They also hold events at their location and can travel for ice cream socials.

We had a simple adventure to the Sweet Bar after walking locally. The Sweet Bar was very simple, some seating nearby, but limited decorations, or pizzazz. We found few other guests, and therefore received quick service. I ordered two pup cups, and a coffee ice cream with sprinkles for myself. After ordering I thought I would take Gus over to his own rock table (haha) to enjoy his treat, but he was very nervous, which sometimes happens with this sweet boy. I therefore decided to let him eat his pup cup in the car, where he felt much more comfortable. I choose to take mine with me, which ended up being a drippy mess in the car, but I was able to eat most of it, and it was just delicious. You really cannot go wrong with coffee ice cream, but my drippy mess did remind me why I often get a float or refreshing drink when on an ice cream adventure with the pups. Oh and Wilma loved her pup cup, as always!

I am sad to say that this might have been our last ice cream adventure of the summer, but you never know with us. However, I can just about guarantee that we will not be exploring any new ice cream locations this summer. So glad to check out the F and F Sweet Bar today (this blog will not be rated).

August 24, 2023 – World’s End Reservation – Massachusetts

I was planning on doing a daytrip today, but due to Wilma needing to rest her leg, I thought I would adventure to a somewhat local location. The Reservation you will read about I had been to once almost four years ago with Shadow and Wilma on a dark winter day. This was Gus’ first adventure to the Reservation. We are thankful that Wilma continues to improve and return to her happy self! We will continue to let her rest and look forward to her returning on our adventures.

Today Gus and I Adventured to the World’s End Reservation in Hingham, Massachusetts. World’s End is a 251 acre park and conservation area preserved by the Trustees of Reservations. It is a 3.8 mile loop (with additional side trails) containing tree-lined carriage paths, views of the Boston skyline, rocky shores, and marshlands. Currently admission is $10, or free if you are a member of the Trustees.

We had a lovely Adventure to World’s End Reservation. I was looking forward to re-visiting this Reservation and going on a long walk on this beautiful day. We arrived just as it opened, and had to stop at a booth to check-in on our way into the Reservation. This made Gus quite uneasy, but soon after this interaction was completed Gus was calm and ready to walk. He loved trotting along, and often would check back on me to make sure I was still there (haha). He enjoyed sniffing all of the new smells, walking through the tall grass, and chasing moths and grasshoppers, one of his favorite past times! He even was extra adventurous and entered in the water, at some points searching for goodies on the bottom. I was shocked at this activity and so happy to see him so comfortable with the water, a great way to cool down on a summer day. Of course, no waves at the “beaches” definitely helped.

We spent a little over three hours walking – there was lots of green color in all directions, fields, coastal views, wildflowers, mushrooms, little “beach” areas, and endless trails. There were even some distant skyline views of Boston. We spent a little over three hours exploring – it was great exercise, and perfect for the soul! It appeared all dogs were on leash, and overall, it was quiet, well until we ran into cross country practice, which put Gus into a brief panic, poor guy! Luckily this did not last long, and we were back on track. So glad we could adventure to World’s End Reservation. We look forward to returning in the future (Rating: 4).

Video of Gus searching the water with some nice surrounding scenery

Video heading down the hill with water views on each side

Video of trail with water views on each side

Video of trail headed down to one of the “beach” areas

August 14, 2023 – Kayaking – Whitehall Reservoir – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I adventured to the Whitehall Reservoir for some kayaking. Whitehall Reservoir is a 620 acre great pond located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. It is the main feature of Whitehall State Park and is popular for boating and fishing. Swimming is not permitted in the Whitehall Reservoir.

We had a relaxing kayaking adventure to Whitehall Reservoir, a place I have wanted to kayak at for some time. We found a parking spot on Pond Street and launched from there. The Reservoir was large in size and very peaceful! We found many lily pads, islands, and one sunbathing turtle! We paddled and paddled, but due to the large size of the Reservoir we did not see every corner. I was pleased and surprised to see very few other visitors. Gus always seems to enjoy this pastime, sometimes even nodding off. He changed positions several times and thankfully has great balance! So glad we chose such a beautiful day for our kayak ride on Whitehall Reservoir (this blog will not be rated).

July 21, 2023 – Kayaking – Lost Lake, Massachusetts

Today Gus and I went for a kayaking ride at Lost Lake in Groton, Massachusetts, sometimes also referred to as Knop’s Pond. Lost Lake was formed by three lakes, while overall shallow, the deepest depth is 30 feet. There is a public boat launch on Pine Trail Road, but the majority of properties that surround the lake, and small islands throughout are privately owned.

We had a peaceful adventure to Lost Lake, on a cloudy, yet cooler New England day. I had a flashback today, remembering that Gus had his first kayaking trip on Lost Lake approximately two years ago. I will of course share some photographs below as I did not do a formal blog on our first trip.

On our arrival to Lost Lake we found three or four vehicles in the parking lot, and one fishing boat unloading, leaving plenty available parking. Immediately upon launching we observed a very serene environment, we saw and heard few voices, or other boats, although heard some road traffic in the distance. I was immediately drawn to the water lilies which here in abundance and just gorgeous. We spotted ducks, geese, and swans, and found a variety of island throughout the Lake. The Lake was reasonably large, with lots of little areas to explore. Gus was quite relaxed and went from sitting, to standing, to laying, taking in every sight. It been a weird summer in New England, so it was especially nice to get out without worrying about a storm or the heat, even though not ideal for photographs. So glad we could kayak at Lost Lake today (this blog will not be rated).

Today’s Paddle:

Paddle from July 7, 2021:

July 14, 2023 – Country Creamery and Coffeehouse – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Country Creamery and Coffeehouse, and of course brought some ice cream home for Wilma! The Country Creamery and Coffeehouse is a family-owned business that sells a small assortment of ice cream products and coffee drinks. It has an outdoor seating area, and window for ordering.

We had a dessert-filled Adventure to the Country Creamery and Coffeehouse. I had taken Gus for a local walk and a quick stop at the Vet and decided to then check out this local business before heading home. As you may be aware Wilma really dislikes the heat, so since I have very limited summer work hours, I do sometimes let her stay home and relax instead of forcing her on a walk. I always feel very guilty with this, but I really do think she prefers this routine. I am very thankful for this schedule allowing flexibility on these warm days.

Upon arrival to the Country Creamery and Coffeehouse we found no line, and just two people enjoying their order in the seating area. The outdoor dining area was decorated with beautiful flowers, umbrellas, and benches, a very cute set-up. Gus was in one of his nervous modes, so I ordered quickly, two dog ice creams for the pups and a drink for me. I started to let Gus enjoy his ice cream but whatever was on his mind distracted from this, so decided to let him devour his treat in the car, which he did. Although Wilma’s ice cream was a little melty when we arrived home she did not complain (haha). So glad we could check out this cute little place today (This blog will not be rated).

June 30, 2023 – Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop is a 2.5 mile Trail. It consists of several small inclines and passes through ponds and streams including Lower Hamant Pond. These trails are located in the Leadmine Trail system, an 880-acre conservation area.

We had a nice Adventure to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop. I felt horrible leaving Wilma home, but she really has come to despise the heat and does not want to come when she knows it is a hot day. She literally will lay on her back or will go into her favorite dog bed far from the front door. So being on vacation I felt it best to let her relax at home and give Gus an opportunity to build his confidence without her. However, I still left feeling guilty…

Upon arrival we parked at the Shattock Road Parking lot – #3, viewed the posted map and off we went. I would recommend if you plan to visit this trail, you note what number parking lot you start at, as it will be listed on signs directing you back, when needed. Gus was very nervous at first, without big sister Wilma but soon became more comfortable, walking, sniffing and exploring as we trotted along the trail. He generally is very attune to his name and often checks on me when we walk. It was quiet, and peaceful and we observed few others along the Trails.

We passed ponds, found several scenic bridges, small babbling streams, large rocks, bright green ferns, and mushrooms. There were endless Laurel flower bushes, although almost out of bloom, so unusual to see in the woods. The Trail was unique in that it had some of various features, the woods, water, field-like locations, and several educational kiosks. The more we walked the more things caught my attention, although simple, just right. Gus even waded in the stream, which just made my day. I debated continuing on additional trails but being humid and in the 80s I figured I did not want to push Gus, even though he overall did not seem too bothered by the heat. Although the Trail was a little buggier than I preferred the Adventure was just right. We will have to go back and explore the other trails another day (Rating: 4).

June 24, 2023 – Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop – Massachusetts

Yesterday, Wilma, Gus, and I enjoyed some treats from Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop is part of the Zesty’s Pizza chain. Zesty’s Pizza was opened in 1981 and has four locations including Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop. On this day we did not attend the Shop but had our desserts delivered.

Last night I had a weak moment (haha) and decided to order some tasty goodies from Little Z’s. I was thrilled to find out they had a “Pup Cup” created with ice cream, peanut butter, and a dog treat -and of course two were immediately in my cart! Unfortunately having it delivered it was a little melty, but no complaints from these happy two. So glad to have some special treats to celebrate a Saturday night! We are sure loving our vacation! (This blog will not be rated).

June 19, 2023 – Friendly’s Restaurant – Massachusetts

Today I decided not to blog about our main Adventure – The Mount, Edith Wharton’s House, as I have blogged about it previously, and did not feel I took enough photographs to represent the location. However, I thought I would share the link to below to my past blog when Wilma and I visited this gorgeous location. (Although I will share one of two of my favorites of Wilma and Gus in future sections of the Weekly Photo/Video section).

https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=The+Mount

On to Adventure 3 of 3 from today:

Our last Adventure today was to Friendly’s restaurant in Greenfield, Massachusetts! Friendly’s is a chain restaurant that was opened in 1935. It is a popular location for ice cream products, and a variety of American food.

We had a tasty Adventure to Friendly’s. I was initially planning on visiting another ice cream stand but since Friendly’s was right on our route, Friendly’s it was! I had read about this location and knew there was a drive thru option, the best bet on a warm day. They did not have dog ice cream specifically but provided the pups their own cup of whip cream – yum yum – for free! I ordered my recent favorite a root beer float, a delicious option, especially to devour on the road. However, I got the pups out of the car to lick up their treats before heading out. There was little to this location, but a couple tables with umbrellas and some flowers, but being a chain restaurant to be expected. Although I was disappointed that my float was far from cold and had minimal ice cream, Wilma and Gus had not one complaint (haha)! So glad we could enjoy three adventures to start the first week of summer vacation (Rating: 3).