September 11, 2021 – Tannery Falls – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to Tannery Falls in Savoy, Massachusetts. Tannery Falls is an approximate 80 foot waterfall consisting of various cascades. It is sourced from the Ross and Parker Brooks and is located in Savoy Mountain State Forest.

We had a water-rushing Adventure to Tannery Falls. I was excited to visit a waterfall today as we really have not been to many in recent months. I did a lot of research on this one ahead of time, and had no problem finding it. We found a small brown sign indicating Tannery Falls was down Tannery Falls Road as expected. There was a large parking lot, and a trail sign indicating it was .4 miles down the trail, so we again confirmed our location. We arrived at about 6:45 and although the darkness seemed to have passed once we entered the trail the darkness of the forest came upon us. We heard the peaceful sounds of rushing water the moment we started, such a rush when you are on a waterfall adventure. We followed the blue blaze trail entering and I think the entire way, although the trail was so easy to follow I stopped watching specifically for the blue. The trail followed the brook much of the route, and descended downwards. There were several small cascades along the trail. There were many steps, and although I would say the trail to the Falls easy, it was interesting descending these steps at times with two eager dogs barreling downward. However we enjoyed our walk and eagerly anticipated the Falls.

Upon arrival at Tannery Falls I was very impressed! It seems like I always have a picture in my head of the locations we plan and Tannery Falls did not disappoint. It was very tall, roaring, and just lovely. You could not get too close, but still it was just beautiful. We stood at the Falls as I took photographs. Gus loved finding every and all sticks and roots to chew on while Wilma enjoyed some rock hopping and exploring. The singing sounds of the Falls and Brook were just right. We enjoyed the serenity of this location until we were ready to head back. We did not see anyone else on our adventure, and were pleased to have Tannery Falls all to ourselves. So glad we were able to visit Tannery Falls (Rating: 4).

September 6, 2021 – Cohasset, Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Cohasset, Massachusetts. Cohasset is a coastal town in Southern Massachusetts.

We had a boat-filled Adventure to Cohasset. Cohasset was one of our three destinations today but our only new one. Surprisingly I do not think I have ever been to or driven through Cohasset so was excited to find this new, somewhat local destination. We first started walking around the Harbor area. The Harbor was absolutely beautiful all sorts of boats bobbing in the water. There were some docks, sidewalks and many places to stop and appreciate the gorgeous coastal scene. After exploring the waterfront we headed to the town. The town was small but had shops, green areas, several historic buildings, restaurants and several churches.

Lastly, I attempted to find some beaches but they were for residents only and/or not dog friendly. The prettiest location on our Adventure was actually the view along the coast as we drove, gorgeous ocean views and beyond spectacular mansions. The sad thing that there was nowhere to park or take in the scenery but definitely a lovely, and wealthy part of Cohasset. During our visit Wilma especially loved lounging in the grass and wading in the water while Gus loved exploring the smells of the lobster traps and trotting along with his big sister. So glad we could visit Cohasset today (Rating: 4).

August 15, 2021 – Concord, Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to downtown Concord, Massachusetts. Concord is known for the history in the American Revolutionary War as well as being the home of many well known authors. Concord is a tourist destination and besides being a popular location for the history it also has stores, restaurants, and shops.

We had a history filled Adventure to Concord, Massachusetts. During our visit we explored a variety of locations including: Wrights Tavern, Monument Square, and the Old Burial Ground. We arrived bright and early, preventing a crowded scene. We walked down the main street stopping at various spots and enjoying the architecture of the buildings. Wilma was especially pleased that it was a cooler morning, not being too enthused with the recent heat. Both Wilma and Gus trotted along, and posed perfectly. My favorite landmark was the Old Burial Ground and enjoyed searching for various highlights along the way. So glad we could wander around Concord today (This blog will not be rated).

August 13, 2021 – Assabet River Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Assabet River Rail Trail in Acton, Massachusetts. The Assabet River Rail Trail runs through five towns, including: Acton, Maynard, Stow, and Marlborough. It was originally the path of the Fitchburg Railroad.

We had a wildflower-filled Adventure to the Assabet River Rail Trail. We saw one dog, bikers, and other people running, and walking. The trail crossed through wetlands, past fields and farms, had several bridges, and went through the woods. The trail was very quiet, although sometimes you could hear cars on local road. My favorite part of trail was the variety of wildflowers, and scenes across the wetlands. Wilma and Gus enjoyed posing, and trotting along, with Gus enjoying some grass chewing as we walked. The trail was simple but pretty. I was so excited to get home and see my photographs, but was soooo disappointed to find the memory card was not in my camera. Such a bummer not to capture this beautiful trail visually, however decided to share yet another dog friendly Adventure. We might just have to return to try those photographs again. So glad to visit the Assabet River Rail Trail (This blog will not be rated).

August 11, 2021 – Royalston Falls – Massachusetts

Today Gus, myself, and a friend of ours Adventured to Royalston Falls in Royalston, Massachusetts. Royalston Falls is an approximate 50 foot waterfall that can be found on a 1.6 round trip trail. It is sourced from Falls Brook and is part of the Trustees of Reservations.

We had a mosquito-filled Adventure to Royalston Falls. I was excited to finally get to Royalston Falls, especially with great company! Wilma was enjoying her day at Grandma and Grandpa’s spa, which I am sure she especially appreciated on this warm and humid day. We arrived at the parking lot on route 32 finding the Trustees of Reservation sign marking the trailhead to the Falls. We began along the trail and quickly found we would be battling the mosquitos. The trails to the Falls was full of roots, rocks, and in some locations mud. We hustled along trying to avoid the inevitable bites. Heading to the waterfall much of the hike was downhill. As we got closer to the waterfall we crossed a little bridge, and the scenery became more scenic, finding small cascades, a lovely gorge, and the babbling brook.

I first realized we are at the Falls when spotting some fencing from afar. Royalston Falls was large and flowing rapidly. It was only viewable from afar, and was somewhat difficult to capture on camera. We took a variety of photographs before heading back on the trail. The trail back was much more challenging often heading uphill. Although the trail was not difficult it was far from a stroll, but definitely great exercise. Gus loved walking briskly, however definitely enjoyed checking out some smells, and finding sticks on the route. Glad to cross Royalston Falls off the list today (Rating: 3).

August 3, 2021 – Stone Arch Trail – Massachusetts

Yesterday Gus, his puppy friend Koda, and a friend of mine adventured to the Stone Arch Trail in Westford, Massachusetts. The Stone Arch Trail is a 2.2 loop trail that includes a brook and the Stone Arch Bridge. There are numerous trails that intersect this loop, which we also traversed on this walk, I believe including: Bluebird Hill and the Russell Bird Sanctuary.

We had a beautiful walk at the Stone Arch Trail. I was excited to finally get to this location, and to provide Gus some energetic puppy time. We parked at Cold Brook Road and off we went. The trail weaved through the forest and also had small paths through the fields and beautiful wildflowers. We passed several bodies of water, which both Koda and Gus enjoyed exploring, although Koda was much more adventurous then Gus. We compared puppy notes and the puppies loved trying to play as we attempted our walk. We attempted double posing the pups, quite an entertaining adventure (haha)! I was eager to see the Stone Arch Bridge and was quite impressed when we arrived, it was much larger and spectacular then I could have expected. I was disappointed to see the graffiti but it seems like that has become the norm at these types of locations. We took some time posing the pups at this magnificent bridge before continuing on our walk. I was very pleased with this trail, especially loving the diversity in scenery, with water, flowers, trees, and of course the stone arch bridge. So glad to explore the Stone Arch Trail with great company (Rating: 4.5).

August 1, 2021 – Go Out Doors – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to “Go Out Doors” in Lexington, Massachusetts. “Go Out Doors” is a project sponsored by the Lexington Council for the Arts. “Go Out Doors” is a public art campaign where local artists paint recycled doors, and four additional doors have been painted by high school students. The goal of the project is to promote healthy activity, and appreciating the outdoors. The doors have been installed on the Minuteman Bikeway near the common, and on greenery to the right of Lexington High School.

We had an art-filled adventure to “Go Out Doors”. We have actually seen this unique display numerous times but thought it would be a fun thing to blog about so today was the day. We enjoyed our walk around town and on the Minuteman Bikeway this morning, making sure to stop and view each door. You will see many of these doors in my photographs below, although I found the lighting made it a bit difficult to capture. I enjoy the “Go Out Doors” project as it adds a fun touch to a “normal” walk. Each door is beautiful, and unique, many bright colors and lovely artwork. Along our walk Wilma made sure to appreciate some rolls, Gus loved finding sticks, and I attempted endless poses, although realized I need to add some bribery next time (haha). Lexington is a great little town, filled with history, restaurants, shops, and the Minuteman Bikeway going right through the center of town. I would encourage you to check out “Go Out Doors” if you are in the area, a fun and colorful “campaign”. Glad to blog about “Go Out Doors” today (This blog will not be rated).

July 22, 2021 – Stanley Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts. Stanley Park is a non-profit, privately owned park, that is approximately 300 acres in size. It includes: gardens, trails, playing fields, and a duck pond. The park was established in 1945 by philanthropist Frank Stanley Beveridge.

We had a fun adventure to Stanley Park. I had been to this Park five years ago with Shadow and Buster and was eager to visit again. Several gardens in the park are off limits to dogs but overall it is dog friendly. On our visit we walked around and enjoyed the many unique aspects of the park including: the covered bridge, Asian gardens, the “mill shop”, waterfall, ponds, the “meeting house” and bridges. The park was very quiet, although there was some construction going on in the garden. Wilma and Gus enjoyed some leash play, parallel stick chewing, and of course exploring their new environment. Wilma participated in some grassy rolls as Gus watched wagging his adorable little tail. Although the park was much smaller and less colorful then I remember I was very pleased to return. So glad we could visit Stanley Park (Rating: 4).

July 17, 2021 – Kimball Farm, Carlisle – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Kimball Farm, Carlisle. Kimball Farm has fifty flavors of homemade ice cream and provide picnic tables for seating. Kimball Farm has four different locations between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is a family run business.

We had a tasty adventure to Kimball Farm in Carlisle. Today was a fun day, we had a two hour family walk in the morning, and both Gus and Wilma had their own private adventures. I cannot remember if we have been to this location before but decided to blog about it without checking. I was excited to get some ice cream, and take Wilma on this adventure. We arrived to find a busy location, but all windows open creating quick services. Wilma made some friends with some little ones quickly rolling over for some belly rubs. I ordered a coffee frappe and Wilma ordered her traditional dog ice cream (haha). Due to the quick influx of other dogs I decided to let Wilma appreciate her ice cream in the car, on her knew luxurious new car cover. She devoured it quickly and had no complaints. I was not overly impressed with my frappe, but was glad to have a refreshing treat. So glad we could adventure to Kimball Farm, Carlisle today (Rating: 3).

June 26, 2021 – Massachusetts Central Rail Trail/Northampton Bikeway – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to the Massachusetts Central Trail Trail in Florence, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail is a partially completed rail trail that runs from Northampton to Boston. It was a little confusing researching this Trail but it appears that the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail has numerous other titles based on which area and/or town you are traversing. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail currently consists of 51 “open” miles and is growing as trails are being added but the plan is complete it throughout the original 104 mile railroad line.

We had a family-filled Adventure on the Central Rail Trail, also appearing to be the Northampton Bikeway. We were thrilled to spend the day with family, including my aunt and uncle who were on this Adventure. The portion of the trail we walked along had artwork on the path and mostly weaved through the woods, adding well needed shade on this warm day. There were signs on the path that gave a estimated time in minutes to various locations. During this Adventure we also walked on the loop around Look Park (however I decided to blog about Look Park today). It was so wonderful to have the company of my aunt and uncle, two very special people in my life. We walked, talked and enjoyed our time. There were dog walkers, bikers, and walkers, many quite friendly as they passed us by. We located a map of the Rail Trails, which I look forward to studying for a future Adventure. So glad we could enjoy this new Trail with fabulous company (This blog will not be rated).