October 23, 2021 – Look Park- Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, My Uncle and I Adventured to Look Park in Florence, Massachusetts. Look Park is a private, non-profit park that requires an entrance admission. It is open year around and celebrate a variety of holidays with events and holidays. Look Park is popular for: sports events, picnicking, weddings and ceremonies, and walkers. In addition they have a water spray park, pedal boats, and Steamer Train all which are seasonal.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Look Park on a beautiful Autumn Day. I actually have been to Look Park numerous time as it is located near the homes of my Aunt and Uncle, and cousins. As a young child I visited to see my cousins’ dance shows, one of my cousins got married there, I have been their for sports events, and even walked through to enjoy the holiday lights. I have been meaning to write a throwback blog on this location but have never managed to gather all of the past photographs so decided to add it as a “normal” blog today.

On our adventure today we enjoyed a long walk at Look Park, catching up, and searching for the bright colors of Fall. We spent about two hours exploring, and walking, often taking on a casual approach. I especially loved the bridges of all shapes and variety, and the sculptures scattered throughout. The best part of the Adventure is I got to spend time with my amazing family, walking with my Uncle, and afteward heading to my Aunt and Uncle’s house for lunch and a visit. They are two very special people in my world! So glad I finally could Adventure to Look Park today (Rating: 4).

September 18, 2021 – Brookfield Orchards – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom and I Adventured to Brookfield Orchards in Brookfield, Massachusetts. Brookfield Orchards has been family owned since 1918. As expected there is a large orchard for apple picking. Brookfield Orchards also has a playground for children, a Country Store with baked good, and offer hay rides.

We had a warm Adventure to Brookfield Orchards. Although my ideal day for apple picking is not a hot one, today was the day I had it planned, so we did not let a warmer day stop us. I was quite happy to hear about this new dog friendly orchard. Upon arrival I was shocked and disappointed to find it incredibly crowded, endless cars parked in various lots. I did not expect an orchard in a quiet, country town to be such a tourist destination, however we had arrived so we continued on our Adventure. We started with apple picking which of course was our main plan for the adventure. I believe there were three different available apples, but although I love apple picking annually I am not particular about types. We walked through the orchard, picking apples and taking photographs. I was a little bit of a slacker on the apple picking (thanks Mom), as we were sharing the same bag. There were endless apples and rows of trees, and of course people everywhere. We just about filled our bag, before we decided to finish our apple picking.

After apple picking I walked around with the pups while Mom visited the Country Store. We found some nice shade to wait and rest. Throughout our adventure both Wilma and Gus enjoyed endless rolls, grass chewing, and Wilma made sure to keep an eye on her Grandma’s every move! The pups were quite warm so I did not put too much energy into posing. It was fun watching Gus check out the apples, even occasionally picking one up in his mouth, maybe a ball? (haha). Although definitely too much of a hectic scene for Wilma and I we still enjoyed trotting through the orchard and completing our traditional annual apple picking adventure. Off to make apple crisp! So glad we could check out Brookfield Orchards today (Rating: 4).

September 11, 2021 – Ashuwillticook Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire, Massachusetts. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is an almost 13 mile trail that runs through the towns of Adams, Lanesborough, and Cheshire. The Trail is ten foot in width and as expected is the site of an old rail trail. Views along the Trail include the Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River.

We had a lovely adventure to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. I was thrilled to finally get to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail as I had always wanted to visit due to the great reviews, scenic location, and my interest in rail trails in general. We found a map online and parked at Church Street as I wanted to make sure we were able to see the Reservoir with the mountain backdrop. I was thankful for a brief chat with a fellow dog walker who told me which way to head toward the Reservoir and off we went on our walk. The trail was smooth and most of the time edged with greenery, until of course we arrived at the Reservoir. As you may expect my favorite part was the route parallel to the Reservoir, with the gorgeous mountain views, so pretty and quite peaceful. We walked and walked spending about 1.5 hours on this trail. Gus loved giving his sister constant kisses, and picking up any and all sticks he could find. Wilma enjoyed walking and exploring the new smells on our walk. Definitely one of the prettiest rail trails I have been to on our adventures. So glad we could visit the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (Rating: 4).

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).