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).

June 19, 2023 – Arthur A. Smith Bridge – Massachusetts

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

On to Adventure 2 of 3 from today:

Today we Adventured to the Arthur A. Smith Bridge in Colrain, Massachusetts. The Arthur A. Smith Bridge traverses the North River. It was built in 1869 and is the only Burr Truss bridge in Massachusetts.

We had a simple Adventure to the Arthur A. Smith Bridge. I was thrilled to find a new covered bridge, and even better, located in a quiet rural location. The water was singing slowly down the river, adding a lovely song. I took photographs from both sides of the bridge and took the pups out on one side to sniff, explore, and pose. The bridge was plain but had lovely mountain views. So glad we could visit the Arthur A. Smith Bridge today (Rating: 3.5)

June 4, 2023 – Dairy Queen – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Dairy Queen in Natick, Massachusetts. Dairy Queen is an international franchise that serves items, including: ice cream, burgers, and shakes. The Dairy Queen in Ghent also had a drive through.

We had a tasty Adventure to Dairy Queen. I had plans for a new active Adventure but due to this weekend’s gloomy forecast we decided to enjoy local walks, trotting for about five hours (over two days) at our favorite Arboretum. After today’s walk we decided to stop for a treat at Dairy Queen. We arrived to find a very quiet and simple location. They seemed surprised when I requested dog ice cream but said they could get them a small vanilla, so of course I said yes! I ordered a Butterfinger Blizzard but was disappointed that there was little candy in it. However, the pups loved their ice cream, licking up every bite. So glad we could appreciate some goodies at Dairy Queen today (Rating: 3).

Spectacle Pond – Kayaking

Today Gus and I adventured to Spectacle Pond in Ayer/Littleton, Massachusetts to enjoy some kayaking. Spectacle Pond is shaped like glasses, giving it the name Spectacle Pond. It is approximately 78 acres, with an average depth of 11 feet, and becoming as deep as 30 feet. Spectacle Pond is fed by Bennett’s Brook and feeds into Forge Pond via Gilson Brook.

Gus and I had a peaceful Adventure of kayaking on Spectacle Pond, while Wilma enjoyed some relaxing time with Grandma! We launched on 119, before Agway (heading from Littleton). Gus and I have been to this Pond before on a past kayaking adventure, but I did not blog about it so today was the day. I thought we might not pull off this Adventure as I could not get Gus into the boat. He did not like how it was tipping as he tried to come in. I was close to leaving, but we made it happen. Soon after he was in the boat Gus was relaxed, yawning, and peaceful. He seems to love riding on the water, we just have to work on a better entrance routine. Upon entering the Spectacle Pond we almost had to turn back again as there were sticks and items blocking the water, however, I spent some time, and found a little entrance to the side through the weeds and off we went – finally!

Spectacle Pond was not a large Pond. I paddled to the opposite side and explored some areas on the sides. There was one party boat, and one stand-up board, but no one else in sight. I am guessing many of the homes are summer homes, although maybe people were away for the weekend. My favorite part was the lovely yellow lilies, I wish easier to photograph, but I did not want to risk my camera coming out of the waterproof case, but I did my best. Glad we were able to get out on our first kayaking adventure this year (This blog will not be rated).

April 29, 2023 – Bedford Farms Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Today, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Bedford Farms Ice Cream in Bedford, Massachusetts. Bedford Farms Ice Cream was founded in the 1880s. The current owners bought the business in 1884 and opened a second location in Concord in 2001. Bedford Farms Ice Cream is known for their homemade ice cream, custom ice cream pies, and custom ice cream cakes.

We had a delicious Adventure to Bedford Farms Ice Cream. Due to the rain storm heading our way we decided to embark on a local walk of almost three hours before celebrating the weekend with some ice cream. We arrived at Bedford Farms Ice Cream to find only one other visitor in line. I ordered the pups an ice cream, the soft serve special, and ordered myself a root beer float. The property was small so there were few seats or landscaping, however Wilma and Gus were far from picky and devoured their ice cream treats in a hurry! I decided to take my float in the car and continue to enjoy it at home. There was not too much ice cream in the float but who can complain about a creamy ice cream float – so tasty. We talked around and took several photos before heading home. So glad to enjoy a new ice cream location on this dreary New England day (Rating: 3).

April 16, 2023 – Bruce Freeman Trail (Concord) – Massachusetts

Yesterday, Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Concord, Massachusetts. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a twenty-five-mile Trail that includes the towns of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Framingham, and Sudbury. The Trail is 10 feet in width and is popular for: biking, skiing, walking, jogging, and rollerblading.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Bruce Freeman Trail. I was eager to explore this section of the Bruce Freeman Trail, just recently open. We parked right off the well-known Concord rotary and off we went. It was a beautiful day, although the sun and blue sky did not arrive until the very end of our walk. We explored trail in both directions, including several gravel trails off the main paved trail. The scenery was simple, but there were some water views, benches, a bridge, field views, and some flowers along the route. The pups loved walking and exploring. We mostly saw walkers, runners, and bikers, but did see a couple furry friends, one of which was off leash and far from the owner. We enjoyed this Trail for about two hours. So glad we could visit yet another portion of the Bruce Freeman Trail (This blog will not be rated).