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.
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)
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)
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).
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).
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).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Wayside Home in Concord, Massachusetts. The Wayside home is a historic home, part of the building being standing in the 1700s. The home was home to Samuel Whitney, and later home to authors including: Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. Tours are available of the home, in-season.
We had a simple Adventure to the Wayside Home after a three hour walk at one of our favorite local parks. We parked across the street, at the designated parking, and headed over to the home. The Home indicated it was closed for the season. Although I did not research it I am sure dogs are not allowed indoors, so our visit would not have been too much different in-season. We explored the grounds as much as possible, really not much to see. So glad we could take some shots at the Wayside Home today (This blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Nahant Beach Reservation in Nahant, Massachusetts. Nahant Beach Reservation contains approximately 67 acres of beaches, recreational areas and a promenade with views of the coast. Dogs are allowed on the beach in the off-season.
We had a fun Adventure to Nahant Beach, our new Adventure after our local walk. I was sure I had been there before but upon arrival I immediately realized I was remembering a different beach. Pleased to find a quiet location, we first headed down the bike trail, I am assuming the “promenade”. We spent some time walking before heading onto the beach. We walked around exploring this new beach, both Wilma and Gus loving the different shells, and leftovers from the sea. There was snow on the beach, and near the shoreline adding quite the picturesque scene.
After enjoying the beach we crossed the street to what appeared to be a paved trail. Wilma and Gus found even more shells and smells to appreciate. We walked a bit and enjoyed the view of the sun over the skyline. So glad we could adventure to Nahant Beach Reservation today (Rating: 3.5).
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. Coast Guard Beach is the start of twenty miles of sandy beaches. It received its name from the old coast guard building which sits above the dunes. It is a popular swimming destination, and in-season only allows parking for local residents, however provides shuttle services from nearby parking.
We had a magnificent Adventure to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts. Since our family is celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday this year I decided it would be a good day to visit the Cape. I was surprised to arrive to a crowded scene at Coast Guard Beach. We found some trails high above the tunes that we explored a bit before heading down to the shore.
There were many people wandering onto the beach, but I was relieved that once on the shore everyone was spread out. Dogs are required to be on leash, but to be expected not all followed these guidelines. The ocean was beautiful in color, crashing and singing into shore. The sky was bright blue and the dunes lined the shore, just gorgeous. We walked and walked enjoy the serenity. It was Gus’ first true beach experience. He loved finding crab shells, crab legs, shells, and digging with big sister Wilma. Wilma loved her regular, chaotic digs and continually wanted to play with Gus. The Beach had an endless variety of rocks formed in unique shapes, colors, and texture. We explored and trotted along, not wanting the Adventure to end. It was a perfect day! So glad we could visit Coast Guard Beach (Rating: 5).
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Buzzards Bay Recreation Area is the northwestern most section of the Cape Cod Canal bikeway. The Area is popular for walking, fishing, biking, and picnicking. It also contains the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge.
We had a sun-shining Adventure to the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area. If you have followed my blog you might think this area looks quite familiar, however this was our first visit to the Buzzards Bay Recreation section of the Cape Cod Canal bikeway. And although a little odd to be out and about on Thanksgiving our family will be celebrating on Saturday, so an ideal day to explore. I often stop at the Cape Cod Canal bikeway on our way up to Cape Cod. It is a great place to walk, the dogs are generally under control, and although far from magnificent there are some lovely sights. The Buzzards Bay Recreation Area started at the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge a unique and spectacular site. From there we followed the trail, and spent about two hours exercising our paws (haha!). I stopped taking photographs once we merged into the connecting Recreation Area to make sure I was capturing only the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area. I was surprised to see so many others out on this holiday, but an especially gorgeous day for late November in New England. Wilma and Gus loved walking, and checking out the sites, while Wilma added some happy rolls, and Gus some stick chewing. It was really a beautiful day, and if we did not have other plans for the Cape we might have gone on forever.
Afterwards we wandered around Buzzards Bay Park a small park containing a statue, and gazebo, and children’s activities. So glad we could visit the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area today (Rating: 3.5)
I have been fighting with my computer and memory card as photographs from this Adventure have not been recovered, but sadly I have realized that they cannot be recovered. I am lucky that I did get some photographs and videos from this Adventure so decided it was time to post from what it is available. So here we go….
On September 21, 2021 Gus and I Adventured to Mount Watatic in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. Mount Watatic is a 1832 foot mountain, and one of the most visited mountains in central Massachusetts. The hike to the summit is approximately 2.2 miles round trip.
We had a wonderful Adventure to Mount Watatic. I have been looking forward to attempting another mountain and today was the day. I knew the dog scene would be unpredictable so Wilma headed off to Grandma and Grandpa’s spa for some extra love and relaxation.
Upon arrival to Mount Watatic we found the parking lot right off of route 119, brown signs marking that we were in the correct location for this parking area. Although we did not arrive until 8am I was quite pleased to find only two cars in the parking lot. We headed down the trail, soon arriving at some wooden boards over the water. It took just a short time until Gus fell in, although not at all deep, a bit unexpected for this ground loving boy. However he did not seem phased and continued walking down the boards and checked out the view of the water to the right. The rising sun was streaming through the trees, just lovely.
We then headed into the woods and not too far in we had a choice to turn right or go straight. I decided to head right as I had read something about the yellow markers, which we continued to follow to the summit. The trail was not too difficult although there were several times I did need to stop when the trail ascended somewhat steeply. However Gus, did not have any issues with this new terrain, as I expected. We walked and walked enjoying the trail almost completely to ourselves.
It did not take long to reach the top and we were sure of this destination by locating a stone indicating we had reached the summit. The peak was pretty, with a variety of greenery and yellow flowers, although the views far from impressive. I thankfully had read in the reviews to make sure you visited the second peak, and although for some reason it took me some time to find the trail to this location, we did arrive. The views from the second peak were definitely impressive. We were lucky to have a day off on a gorgeous almost Fall day, the sky blue and clear. We walked around checking out the panorama before finding a little corner to sit for a snack. The sun was out, and the temperature perfect. I probably could have sat that for hours but yet I am definitely am an “on the go” kind of gal, never preferring to sit for too long.
We found a sign for a different trail on the way back down, and by this time there were more people and dogs. Gus seemed a bit nervous about other visitors and dogs, likely because big sister Wilma was not by his side. There were lots of green ferns on this trail, although maybe I just did not notice them on the way up. It really was a wonderful hike, a perfect time of day with the sun streaming through the trees. So glad we could hike Mount Watatic today (Rating: 4).
