Dog friendly hikes and exploring, mostly around New England. Our Adventures includes: waterfalls, the beach, conservation land, lighthouses, state parks, the woods, the mountains, statues, and castles.
Yesterday Wilma and Gus were able to devour two treats each from Brew’d Awakenings. I had some food ordered from this restaurant and was thrilled to add some dog treats to the order. Brew’d Awakenings is a coffee and catering shop in Lowell, Massachusetts. They specialize in coffee and tea and have some limited food selections.
Wilma and Gus loved their treats from Brew’d Awakening. Upon receiving them I was quite curious and somewhat perplexed about the shape and texture, quite different from the photograph displayed. However, I can promise that Wilma and Gus were happy with this snack, no matter how it looked (haha). Our adventures were local again this weekend, so this was our new adventure for the weekend. We look forward to heading out on some new locations in the near future. (This blog will not be rated).
Today Gus and I Adventured to Ponyhenge in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Ponyhenge is a small area on a wide-open pasture filled with hobby horses. These horses reportedly began appearing in 2010 with one lone horse and continues to grow. They are periodically re-arranged, and have become a mysterious local attraction.
We had a unique Adventure to Ponyhenge. I have gotten into a pattern every three or four weeks of taking Gus on a local walk on his own, as he really relies on big sister Wilma. I only do this on a day I do not have to work, and although I always feel guilty, Wilma seems to enjoy a restful nap, and does not seem phased. So today, after our local walk Gus and I headed to Ponyhenge. Upon arrival we found these pony toys to be decorated for the holidays. Although Gus did well on our walk, he definitely did not seem to appreciate being in a new location without the comfort of big sister Wilma. However, he quickly posed for a snapshot, and we made it a quick stop. It was fun to view this unique area (this blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Assabet River Trail in Maynard, Massachusetts. The Assabet River Rail Trail is approximately thirteen miles (upon completion) and runs from Acton to Marlborough.
We had a refreshing Adventure to the Assabet River Rail Trail. I was planning on heading out on a daytrip but due to some family matters decided to make it a local day. We parked in a formal parking lot for the trail, I believe on Main Street, as it was not too far from downtown Hudson. I was quite pleased as the sun was out, something not predicted by the weather report. The trail was very quiet with limited visitors, and I do not believe we saw a bike, which was quite nice. The trail was parallel to the road, but enough space that it was comfortable. We found little things along the route, including an old train, wooden carvings, a large mural, and some unique colors in various artwork. Both Wilma and Gus were quite enthusiastic, although Wilma did lay down for a quick nap along the way, and of course enjoyed her traditional rolls. Gus noticed every smell and on occasion appreciating jumping on Wilma because it is always time to play. It was a simple trail, but just the right way to start the weekend. We even received a “your dogs are so well behaved” compliment which always makes my day. So glad we could adventure to Assabet River Rail Trail in Hudson today (this blog will not be rated).
Today, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Jason Russell House in Arlington, Massachusetts. The Jason Russell house is the location of the bloodiest battle of the American Revolution that occurred on April 19, 1775. Jason Russell built this house in the 1740s, while some cosmetic changes were added in the 19th century. Tours of the home are available seasonally.
We had a simple Adventure to the Jason Russell House after a weekend of local walks. I guess I cheated a little on this blog, as dogs of course are only allowed on the grounds, but I still enjoy visiting historic homes in the area. The home was located on a busy corner of Arlington, but we were able to find parking next door after circling around the neighborhood once. We hopped out and wandered around the grounds, although really not much to see form the outdoors. It is sad to see the colors fading more and more as we head into the winter season. However, glad we could find a new historic home to visit and photograph (this blog will not be rated).
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).
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).
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).
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
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).
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).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 