May 26, 2018 – Massachusetts – Ashland State Park

Today we visited Ashland State Park, located in Ashland, Massachusetts. Ashland State Park is a 470 Acre Park with a 157 Acre Reservoir. The Park has a dam, a spillway, and several beaches for guests. The Park was initially created when the Reservoir was built in 1895. Ashland State Park has several fun facts, with a movie partly partially being filmed there in August 2014 (“Sea of Trees”), and even a helicopter crash in August 2016.

We spent almost four hours at this amazingly beautiful park, mostly traversing the trail around the Reservoir. We arrived bright and early, leading us to meet many, many other dog friends. I choose Ashland State Park today, as I knew it would be a hot day, and thought it was a perfect way for the dogs to cool down. Although Wilma is not a swimmer, she waded and sipped some water along the way. Shadow continually swam, and often enjoyed just sitting in the Reservoir. We enjoyed many stops for these water moments, and also spent some time at the dam, where Wilma even found a little turtle! We saw a beaver dam along the trail, crossed some unique bridges, found some good sticks for chewing, and some round rocks for climbing. This was really a great find, and as usual I took plenty of photographs along the way. Definitely a perfect location for a hot New England day (Rating: 5)

May 20, 2018 – Massachusetts – Minuteman National Historic Park

Today we visited Minuteman National Historic Park, which we have visited before. This Park includes the towns of Lincoln, Concord, and Lexington. Minuteman National Park commemorates the opening battle in the American Revolutionary War. The park encompasses over 900 acres of land, and includes the North Bridge, “The Battle Road Trail”, and The Wayside Inn.

We strolled along the trails, over the North Bridge, stopping at various landmarks, along, and adjacent to the trail. It was a humid spring day, a good excuse for Shadow to enjoy a swim in the Concord River. Wilma herself enjoyed a good bark at the Daniel Chester French’s statue “Minute Man” (video below.) She must know history is really not my thing, a good reason to add a history stop to our adventures. (Rating: 3)

May 19, 2018 – Massachusetts – Bancroft Castle

Today we had our second adventure to Bancroft’s Castle in Groton. (I therefore will include pictures from our first visit too, just last November). Bancroft’s Castle was built in 1906 by General William Bancroft on Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts. Much of this Castle was destroyed in July 1932 during a fire. The Castle and trails are now part of Groton’s conservation land, so it can be enjoyed by all.

A steep, but short walk up a hill brings you to this small Castle, neighboring a local pasture. The Castle itself is towering in height, but yet small in area. I took many photos as we walked throughout the ruins of the Castle. Wilma enjoyed jumping throughout the hideouts, while Shadow was eager to pose for photos, my treat driven boy. After enjoying this unique spot, we wandered the nearby trails. This area gives quite the view of the town of Groton and surrounding areas. The Castle is quite the hidden gem. (Rating: 4)

May 19, 2018

November 4, 2017

May 13, 2018 – Massachusetts – Acton Arboretum

Today, I wanted to add a little tribute to my Mother on this Mother’s Day. I planned the adventure to the Arboretum with my amazing Mother in mind. I am so lucky, and grateful to have such a wonderful Mother, who has always provided me love, encouragement, and support. As a young child we spent a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors, camping, walking in the woods, and learning about creation. Little did I know I would eventually be blogging my outdoor adventures. In my blog today I want to give my Mom a shout out, and say “Thank you for EVERYTHING you are, and have done for me. I am so grateful”. We are happy to have my parents join us on the adventure today.

Today we visited the Acton Arboretum, which is situated on some of the 65 acres of conservation land in Acton. It has a short trail system, and provides numerous gardens to explore. The Arboretum offers self-guided tours, available for download. It is often difficult to find garden locations that are dog friendly, so I was quite pleased to find this location.

We enjoyed our time at the Arboretum on another beautiful Spring Day. It is early in the garden season, but we still found beautiful landscapes and floral color to photograph. The trails included some bridges, and boardwalks, and lots of little benches to sit, and relax. Shadow enjoyed a swim in a little pond, and Wilma excitedly greeted anyone in her sight. It was a simple park, but so nice to stroll around with my parents, and to enjoy the beginning of spring. (Rating: 3, although the company was perfect!)