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).

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).

May 1, 2021 – Downtown Franklin – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Downtown Franklin in New Hampshire. Franklin, New Hampshire is in South Central, New Hampshire. It is located at the merging of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee Rivers, and is known for its Mill history. Well known lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster was born in the town of Franklin.

We had a nice Adventure to Downtown Franklin, our second Adventure of the day. Downtown Franklin is a small area that includes churches, businesses, several gas station, and social service agencies. We also walked through Trestle View Park, visited the Sulphite bridge, and explored the beginning of the Winnipesaukee River Trail. These three parts of Downtown I had been to before with Shadow and Buster but it was Wilma’s first visit. We took our time exploring, and were quite pleased to see many colors of spring. The town was quiet, but it was early, so to be expected. My camera only took a couple shots here before the battery officially died but I did my best to capture the feel of this town on my cell phone. Glad we could stretch our legs on our Adventure to Downtown Franklin (This blog will not be rated).

April 2, 2021 – Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls in Putnam, Connecticut. The Putnam River Trail is a three mile Trail that runs along the Quinebaug River. It crosses various parks, passes the Cargill Falls, and has benches and bridges along the path. There is even a dog park on the route.

We had a flurry-filled Adventure to the Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls. Although I am normally a lover of snowflakes being that it is now April, I was quite unimpressed. We parked at one of the numerous parking lots on Kennedy Drive. We walked and walked. We found some artwork, sculptures, and spotted mills across the River. There were several times we went down to the Rivers edge, to check out the view. Wilma enjoyed some sips, and thought about some energetic digs, but mostly just enjoyed the scene. As expected we appreciated Cargill Falls, composed of cascades below the dam. Although Cargill Falls is not one might consider a “normal” Falls it was more impressive then I expected. We saw several dogs, runners, walkers, bikers, and several people fishing. Overall I found the pathway quiet, except for the sounds of the nearby traffic. My favorite parts of this Adventure were the artwork, the Falls, and a beautiful arched bridge. Wilma loved walking, sniffing, finding some rocks to climb, and yes more grassy rolls! So glad we could visit the Putnam River Trail and Cargill Falls today (Rating: 3).

VIDEO OF CARGILL FALLS

February 18, 2021 – Manhan Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The Manhan Rail Trail is a six mile paved Trail that is also located in Northampton and connects to various other Trails in the community. The Trail is popular for walking and biking.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Manhan Rail Trail with my Uncle and his good friend. I was eager to catch up with my Uncle and also meet his friend. It was a dark and dreary day, yet that did not dampen the atmosphere. At the beginning of the walk we found beautiful views of the mountain over the pond, soon finding a map of the Trail. We then headed away from civility into the woods, past some old mill buildings , a water tower, and a waterfall from afar. Wilma enjoyed strolling with others, preferring to be in the lead, and often checking to make sure everyone was still together. The crisp air, floating snow flakes and great company made for a wonderful Adventure. We had a wonderful walk, listening for the birds, catching up, and I learned a great deal about the history in the area. So glad to to visit another New England Rail Trail (This blog will not be rated).

January 17, 2021 – Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and Westfield River Walk – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and Westfield River Walk in Westfield, Massachusetts. The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is a two plus mile paved path through the town of Westfield that traverses the Great River Bridge over the Little River. The Westfield River Walk is an almost two mile stone-dust path along the Little River which intersects with the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

We had a bridge-filled Adventure to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and the Westfield River Walk. Our main Adventure fell through today so we found ourselves exploring spontaneously. This Trail and Walk were not too clearly identified in-person, however upon arriving home I did some research in regards to our travels to discover that we had explored these two locations.

We enjoyed walking along the River, across the bridges, and down the paved path. The bridges were the pair of the Great River Bridges and the Westfield River Bridge, all of which had crossings available for pedestrians. There were lovely views down the River. Wilma enjoyed the walk over and under the bridge, and entertained me as she played in puddles of cracking ice. If I had realized that there were particular trails we may just have traversed these entire pathways, however glad to find portions of today’s trails for our Adventure (This blog will not be rated).

January 17, 2021 – Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail is a less then .5 round trip pathway along the canal. It is lined with various trees, has benches, and displays informational kiosks.

We had a simple Adventure to the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail. I had planned this Adventure as one of the mini stops after our main destination. It took at a minute for me to figure out where to park, but we located a retail mall and decided to walk to the Trail. Upon arrival we found several information kiosks and headed down the path. The Trail was quiet, a nice separation from the visual needs of the community. The canal flowed steadily, but did not add any song in the air. One side of the Trail was lined with a decorative cement barrier, while opposite the canal there were mill buildings, mostly appearing to be apartment living. We walked to the end and turned around, only seeing one other fellow walker. The Trail was someone unappealing, but yet Wilma absolutely loved the smells along the way. Definitely not a place we will return but always glad to explore a new place (Rating: 2).

December 19, 2020 – Nashua River Rail Trail (Groton) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Nashua River Rail Trail in Groton, Massachusetts. The Nashua River Rail Trail is an approximately eleven mile trail that runs from Nashua, New Hampshire to Ayer, Massachusetts. As expected it is built on a former railroad. The Nashua River Rail Trail is popular for biking, horseback riding, walking, fishing, skiing, and roller blading.

We had a snow-filled Adventure to the Nashua River Rail Trail. I was eager to explore this Trail as many years ago Shadow, Buster, and I regularly walked at the Nashua River Rail Trail in Pepperell. We briefly checked out the signs and headed down the Trail. The Trail was layered with deep, but light snow, groomed by fresh ski prints. We trudged through the snow getting a good work out with the depth of the snow. The path was quiet and peaceful, and we only passed several homes on our route. We walked under a bridge, pleasantly surprised to find one side covered with a lovely mural. A beautiful touch to a dull bridge. We enjoyed our walk, and even saw a hawk along the path. There were many cross country skiers and we passed one dog friend, who was also on leash. My favorite parts of the Rail Trail today was appreciating the change in seasons, watching Wilma enjoy the new environment, and the gorgeous sun streaming through the trees onto the snow. Wilma loved sniffing, exploring, and bounding through the snow. A simple Adventure but yet a perfect walk. So glad we could explore a portion of the Groton Rail Trail today (Rating 3.5).

October 30, 2020 – Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Westford) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Westford, 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 snowy Adventure to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Westford location. This was the second time we have been on this portion of the trail, however the first time we blogged. As some of you may know, we had some early snow in Massachusetts today. And although we only had about two or three inches it was enough to create a winter wonderland. I loved seeing the bright colored Fall leaves draped with snow, merging the seasons into one. We walked and walked, appreciating the peaceful scene. It was amazing to find we were almost the only ones on this trail, which is often busy with bikers, and others. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is lovely, and a great place to enjoy some exercise. So glad we would Adventure to the Westford portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail today (Blog will not be rated).

July 3, 2020 – Ashuelot Rail Trail (Keene) – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ashuelot Rail Trail in Keene, New Hampshire. The Asheulot Rail Trail is a 21 mile long Trail that starts in Keene and ends in Winchester. The Trail passes through several covered bridges, old mills, and scenic towns. The Ashuelot Rail Trail is popular for walking, biking, and snowmobiling.

We had a humid Adventure to the Ashuelot Rail Trail. We began at the very beginning of this Trail in Keene, New Hampshire. It took us a little time to locate it but eventually found it across from the Center at Keene parking lot on Emerald Street. We began our walk, eager to explore another Rail Trail.

As expected, I found the Rail Trail somewhat dull and appealing. It ran past some industrial buildings, parts of Keene College and then became a little farther away from the town. The trail varied from paved to dirt, and had guests including: bikers, walkers, and dog runners. Along the way we found several bridges, lots of beautiful wildflowers, and plenty of squirrels and chipmunks to chase. We spent about an hour walking, and searching for little details to appreciate. We will have to come back another time to explore a different portion of the Ashuelot Rail Trail (Rating: Trail will not be rated as only a small portion of the 21 miles was covered on this walk).