July 31, 2022 – Slate Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Slate Covered Bridge in Swanzey, New Hampshire. The Slate Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge that crosses the Ashuelot River. The Bridge was originally built in 1862 but later rebuilt in 2001 after a fire. It is one of three covered bridges in Swanzey.

We had a simple Adventure to the Slate Covered Bridge. We have been long overdue for a visit to a covered bridge, so today was the day. I was excited that my Mom was joining us, as were the pups, especially Gus who continually tried to sneak up front for some cuddles – just adorable. We arrived to find a quiet area, but yet cars flying through the bridge. This made it dangerous to cross under, so we checked out the bridge from the sides, unfortunately providing us limited views of the River. Not too many activities for Wilma and Gus at this location, yet they posed very briefly for a photo – well almost. Glad to cross of yet another covered bridge, with spectacular company (Rating: 3).

July 22, 2022 – Mary Cummings Park – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to Mary Cummings Park in Burlington and Woburn, Massachusetts. Mary Cummings Park is a 200 acre park of the Trustees, formerly a farm and estate.

We had a warm adventure to Mary Cummings Park. I felt guilty leaving Wilma but I knew she would not appreciate a warm day, creating a good opportunity for Gus to practice an independent walk. We parked on Blanchard Road at the main parking lot and off we went. We checked out the red, blue, and yellow trail along with portions of other trails throughout the route. These trails were all short but due to the warm day we took a cool car break about halfway through and took several breaks for Gus to rest and drink some water. My favorite part of this Park was the varying terrain from the woods, fields, boardwalk to the paths through the archway of vines. I also loved the gorgeous wildflowers scattered throughout. Due to the park being Trustees the trails were reasonably marked which I appreciated. I was proud of Gus as he did not seem stressed, which surprised me as he relies on Wilma for comfort…he has matured much since last summer! We saw few other visitors, and no other dogs on our walk today. So glad we could visit Mary Cummings Park today. (Rating: 4).

PS – We made sure to buy Wilma some ice cream on the way home!

July 16, 2022 – Bruce Freeman Trail (West Concord) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in West 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 an early morning Adventure to the West Concord section of the Bruce Freeman Trail. I was eager to explore yet another section of this local rail trail. Although I never found the formal parking for this section, we found a location to park and off we went. We began this section of the trail at a lovely garden and spent about an hour and a half walking. Along the trail we found wildflowers, marsh views, and lots of birds a chirping. The trail was near the road in some locations but overall quiet. We saw a couple dog walkers, bikers, and some walkers, but there were not too many on this trail. I appreciated that this location of the trail did not near too many homes. The pups loved eating grass (haha) and chasing squirrels and chipmunks along the way. A nice simple, local walk to start our day today (Rating: This blog will not be rated).

June 20 – Kelsey Arboretum – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Kelsey Arboretum in Boxford, Massachusetts. The Kelsey Arboretum is a four acre property that preserves the shrubs and trees of Harlan Kelsey who originated the Arboretum in 1929. The Arboretum includes various greenery and has benches, and picnic tables for guests to sit and relax.

We had a shady Adventure to the Kelsey Arboretum. I was pleased to arrive to find we were the only car in the parking lot. We ventured through the gates, reviewed some information, and headed on our walk. We circled the Arboretum and found several other trails to traverse. As we were aware the property was very small. We found minimal flowering plants and guessed we may have missed the main blooming season of the Arboretum. I was a little disappointed at our findings, but yet it is always nice to have wonderful company and spend some time in the great outdoors. Glad we could cross off another New England Arboretum from our list today (Rating: 2).

June 11 & 12, 2022 – Hopkington State Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus and I adventured to Hopkington State Park, while last night Gus and I visited for a kayak ride. Hopkington State Park is a Park located in Hopkington, Massachusetts. It is located on the Hopkington Reservoir, no longer a water source. The Park encompasses 1500 acres of forest and is a popular area for boating, swimming, and hiking. There is a fee to enter the Park in-season but Massachusetts State Park passes are also accepted.

We had a lovely Adventure to Hopkington State Park. I was surprised to realize I had only blogged about Hopkington State Park as a “Throwback Adventure” (https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/2019/10/10/throwback-adventure-hopkington-state-park-massachusetts) so thought this weekend was the perfect time for this blog. The first part of our Adventures occurred last night when Gus and I headed out for a kayak ride on the Reservoir. I was thrilled to recently learn about a launch area outside of the park, so we headed there to begin our journey. Although Gus gets a little nervous boarding the kayak he is beyond relaxed once on board. We paddled around the Reservoir, so peaceful. The Reservoir was three islands, two of which are especially scenic and walkable. However on this journey I decided not to get off on the islands. Gus actually enjoyed a nap much of the ride, just a wonderful adventure. Hopkington State Park is probably my favorite place to kayak.

We continued our Adventure to Hopkington State Park today, both Wilma and Gus enjoying the trails, sips of the Reservoir, and a scenic walk across the dam. The Park is filled with rocks, trails, and endless locations to take a swim, some of everything for those nature lovers. Such a lovely time at Hopkington State Park this weekend (Rating: 4).

June 6, 2022 – Ralph Waldo Emerson House – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Ralph Waldo Emerson House in Concord, Massachusetts. The Ralph Waldo Emerson House was the former home of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a poet, philosopher, and lecturer. The home is now a National Historic Landmark.

We had a brief Adventure to the Ralph Emerson house. I thought we would check out this historic local home before heading to our main destination. I was surprised upon arrival to hear loud barking dogs; I am guessing due to a private residence in part of the home. This made me a little cautious to approach the home closely, but yet there was minimal to explore either way as we were just visiting the grounds.

The house was gorgeous, a lovely white fence lining the property. The garden was simple but had some blooming florals. The pups were not up for a formal pose but still were adorable in their synchronized shot. Glad to formally visit the Emerson home today (this blog will not be rated)

May 26, 2022 – Nut Island – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Nut Island in Quincy, Massachusetts. Nut Island is a former island, now connected by a causeway. It has a less then one mile loop with various side trails throughout. Nut Island is popular for walking and fishing, and offers scenic views of Boston.

We had a coastal Adventure to Nut Island. I was excited to visit Nut Island, a place I have been curious about for some time. We arrived to find the street closed off for construction, so after some circling around I decided to park in the nearby neighborhood. I was pleased to find this plan worked, and after a short walk we arrived at Nut Island. We were immediately greeted by a refreshing ocean breeze, gorgeous Rugosa’s, and lovely water views. I was surprised to find few other visitors, with the majority of those we saw were walking their dogs on leash. We explored every spot and trail we could find, enjoying a change of pace from the “normal” week. Wilma and Gus loved the new smells, and Wilma did not miss a moment for a roll. There was a moment or two of a swamp-like smell, but overall it was a refreshing and peaceful Adventure. So glad we could visit Nut Island today (Rating: 3.5)

May 23, 2022 – Assabet River Rail Trail (Maynard) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, 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 green filled adventure to the Assabet River Trail in Maynard, Massachusetts. I had explored the Acton portion of the Trail previously and was looking forward to visiting another section. I looked at the Assabet River Trail map online and found the “Ice Pond” parking as indicated. We walked along the trail, which was overall very quiet, running along the Assabet River. The trail foliage was simple, but lovely, the sun streaming through the canopy of trees. Along our walk we found a beaver dam, some swans in the River, and enjoyed studying the various flowers and greenery on the Trail. There were many bikers, several solo walkers and numerous dog walkers. We saw one dog off leash, but were thankful that the owner was respectful and leashed his dog when he saw us walking toward him. Our walk was leisurely and just right on this gorgeous spring day. We definitely chose a scenic section of the Assabet Rail Trail today (Rating: 4).

April 20, 2022 – Decordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the first time Gus has been to the Park, although Wilma and I has been there previously. The DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses nearly 30 acres including: landscaped lawn, gardens, and forests. It is on the edge of Flint’s Pond, and contains up to 60 sculptures at a time. The collection includes art by significant twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. DeCordova also has an indoor museum, gift shop, and cafe.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Decordova Sculpture Park. Although I have blogged about it before it was over three years ago, so thought I would share about this unique and artistic location today. This was our first adventure since our terrifying day with Gus. Although I was quite nervous to head out again the pups were adorning their new equipment and GPS’ so it was time. I guess I should re-frame that and say time for ME to face my anxiety and get back to the things we love! The Park was clearly undergoing some construction and did not have as many sculptures as I recall in past visits. However I loved checking out the sculptures and finding every piece of color around. Gus was especially thrilled with some new sticks, and Wilma enjoyed her cheerful grassy rolls. We spent about two hours exploring, including the connecting conservation trails. The sun was shining and the weather perfect for some walking. It was so nice to be out again, although it will take me some time to feel back to my “normal” self. However, a fun day at the Decordova Sculpture Park today (this blog will not be rated).

March 20, 2022 – Lynn Heritage State Park/Harbor Walk – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Lynn Heritage State Park and the Harbor Walk in Lynn, Massachusetts. Lynn Heritage State Park is an almost five acre waterfront park. It includes paved paths, a boardwalk along the Harbor, and connects to the nearby Harbor Walk. The visitor center is in the area, and celebrates the history of the city.

We had a simple Adventure to the Lynn Heritage State Park, and nearby Harbor Walk. We had just walked for two hours in Gloucester before heading over the check out this Park. The sun was out and the weather just right. We parked at the Harbor Walk and explored this area before heading over to Lynn Heritage State Park. I knew it was small but was surprised to find it even smaller than I imaged. The area was near a busy road, but we saw few other visitors. My favorite part of our visit was the cool lounge chairs along the Harbor Walk. Wilma loved some rolls, while Gus enjoyed every stick he could find. So glad we could check out the Lynn Heritage State Park and Harbor Walk today (this blog will not be rated).