October 7, 2018 – DeCordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the second time Shadow and I had visited as we had been there with Buster, My Brother, and niece in February of 2016. 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 an artsy Adventure to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. On our first Adventure there is was a very cold day, while today, it was an unusually hot Fall day. We were excited to spend another day exploring. We began our time at the Decordova Sculpture Park at a trail along the Lake, the beautiful Fall leaves adorning the trail. We hiked for a bit to get some steady exercise, before turning around and heading to the check out the Sculptures. We were provided a sculpture map on admission, but decided to be spontaneous and wander with our senses. The Sculptures varied from tall, to short, from large to small, mixed with different material and colors. We sometimes could visually see the theme, while others sculptures were quite abstract. We looped around the museum, and through the beautiful gardens. It was fun to walk around the large property and search for the Sculptures.

There were benches throughout the property to sit, and relax. We lounged at one location to sip some water, and a rest from the heat. We then continued wandering around stopping to take photographs of many of the sculptures that crossed our path. Such an appealing park full of art, and culture. So glad we could visit this magnificent park, a special treasure in our New England (Rating: 4).

Today: October 7, 2018

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February 2016 (I may add some additional photographs at a future date)

October 6, 2018 – Wilson Castle – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parents, and I Adventured to Wilson Castle in Proctor, Vermont. Wilson Castle was built in 1867 by John Johnson, a physician, and his wife. The couple only briefly resided in the home before Mrs. Johnson died, and it was soon repossessed. The estate changed hands several times before being bought by the Wilson family, who have owned the property since 1939. The Castle is now a museum, and is open for tours.

We had a brief Adventure to Wilson Castle, exploring the grounds of this Castle structure. Although I had read many negative reviews I was curious to check out this unique estate. On arrival it was clear that this Castle was in disrepair, almost appearing more a mansion then the reported “Castle”. However, we decided to take a loop around the Castle, viewing the manor. I was especially drawn to a lovely fountain, eagle statue, and gorgeous stain glass-like window. The estate was decorated for a Halloween event, adding some odd decorations along the grounds. Although definitely not anything magnificent I was pleased to check out the ground of the Wilson Castle (Rating: 2, Company: 5).

October 6, 2018 – Pine Hills Park – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parent, and I Adventured to Pine Hills Park in Rutland, Vermont. Pine Hills Park is a 325 acre park offering 16 miles of trails including trails for mountain biking, snowshoeing, and hiking. The main land was donated to the city of Rutland by Henry O Carpenter in 1921 with the idea of creating a developed park.

We had a foliage filled and refreshing Adventure to the Pine Hills Park in Rutland, Vermont. We entered the park with some interesting structures greeting us, before quickly arriving at a large park map. The park provided brochures which included a detailed, and color coded-trail map. The trail started at a long boardwalk, leading us to a massive, and scenic boulder. We of course took took some family photographs before heading on our chosen trail. The trail was simple, but gorgeous on this lovely Fall day. The signs of Fall were clear with many yellow and orange leaves scattered throughout the trail. The trail looped around, flowing up and down the forest land. We were elated to have my parents join us on this Fall Adventure. My Dad walked Shadow, while my Mom sought out the perfect photographs along the trail. We took our time, discussing trees, basking in the wonderful Fall, family day.

After our walk we found some nearby picnic tables to eat lunch before heading to our next Adventure. I will have to admit, my Dad found this little Park, and we could not have been happier with this find. Definitely a Park I wish was local, but glad we could explore it on our Adventure today (Rating: 4, Company – 5).

October 5, 2018 – Bennington Battle Monument – Vermont

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. The Battle Monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War, and is approximately 300 feet in height. The Monument was completed and dedicated in 1891. There is an observatory approximately 200 feet up, a gift shop, several artifacts in the monument,and various statures on the grounds.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. I was absolutely awed driving up of the amazing height of the Monument. It was so tall and magnificent, the sun streaming around it. There was even a fiber-class moose statue, artwork from the past Moosefest held in Bennington. An odd addition to a historic landmark, but yet provides some Vermont culture to the area. We walked around the Monument, visiting the statues and structures on the grounds. A beautiful Fall day, we could not resist laying in the sun, the Monument towering over us. Shadow enjoyed many rolls in the grass, while Wilma watched everything and anything around us. Wilma had a humorous encounter with a statue, adding great entertainment to our day (see video below).

Before leaving we walked around the streets in the neighborhood, large homes, with perfect landscaping. We enjoyed our time taking in the monument (Rating: 4).

October 5, 2018 – Burt Henry Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today we visited the Burt Henry Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Burt Henry Covered Bridge was built in 1840, but later rebuilt in 1989. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 121 feet in length. It is one of three bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Burt Henry Covered Bridge was distinct as it had a park parallel to it, with some picnic benches for viewing. Yet another red bridge, on a busy road. It was great to have a park to provide some space to enjoy the site. We walked around and sat in the warm Fall sun. This rounded off our last Adventure to the Bridge in Bennington. (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Paper Mill Village Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Paper Mill Village Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Paper Mill Village Bridge was built in 1889 by Charles Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 125 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Paper Mill Bridge was unique as it had a little Falls on the side. We wandered down a little trail and attempted to take a photograph with the limited angle available. We then wandered to the bridge and snapped a couple quick photographs. Again cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. Another bright red colored bridge which we love. It was fun to see a couple information stands to provide details about the Bridge. Our second Covered Bridge visit on this beautiful Fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Silk Road Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Silk Road Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was built in 1840 by Benjamin Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 88 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was our first bridge stop of today. It is the smallest of the three bridges. We pulled along the bridge, with many other tourists, all snapping photographs side-by-side. Cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. We loved the bright red color. We were able to sneak along the side, and get a couple photos. Poor Shadow is not yet allowed to swim post-surgery, so we did not get too close to the River. However we still enjoyed our visit on this beautiful fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – New Hampshire

Today we went to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The Madame Sherri Castle Ruins are located in the Madame Sherri Forest. This Castle was built by Madame Sherri. Madame Sherri and her husband Andre were involved in show business, including: dancing, musicals, and costume designing. They were originally from France, but moved to New York. They started their own business and were very successful. After Andre passed away Madame Sherri bought some land in Chesterfield, where she built her Castle. This was her party house, as she actually lived across the street in a smaller bode. The Castle burnt to the ground in 1962. Madame Sherri later passed away in 1965.

We had a mystical Adventure to the Madame Sherri’s Castle ruins. Another Adventure I was thankful for researching ahead of time, as there were no clear signs to the location. However upon arrival we did see the sign for Madame Sherri Forest. I decided to dress Shadow and Wilma in bright orange, as I read that hunters were free to roam the Forest. They did not seem to mind, and we then headed on our journey. We crossed the bridge across a little brook, and headed to the ruins. A little more spectators then I preferred, however, we took turns with the many visitors taking photographs. We wandered around and through the ruins, especially enjoying the stairs up into the sky. There were arches, columns and beautiful stones framing which clearly was a fascinating castle. We spent our time in the area, trying not to miss a piece of the ruin.

After enjoying the ruins we spent some time wandering the trails. The trails were not well marked, but we made sure to get some exercise while in the Forest. The beginning of Fall was clear, with beautiful yellow leaves along the trail. This was Shadow’s first Adventure since surgery, making it an even more joyous Adventure (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Sabbaday Falls – October 2014 and July 2017

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing.

In October 2014 Shadow, Buster, my Mom and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls, while in July 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is a popular waterfall located in Waterfall Valley, along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. There is a short, handicapped accessible travel trail to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is an approximate thirty five to forty five foot drop, ending in a Gorge-like area. The waterfall is made up of a series of cascades.

We had a lovely Adventure to Sabbaday Falls on both of our trips. Our first trip it was quite the chilly fall day, while the second trip was a warm summer afternoon. Sabbaday Falls is highly scenic with rustic railings, bridges, and steps along the falls. There are benches and picnic tables in the area, allowing time to relax and cherish the views. We even enjoyed a picnic on our first journey, while Buster and Shadow played-away. Although Sabbaday Falls can be touristy at some times of years, it is well worth the visit to this spectacular waterfall. As with many of our Adventures it was hard to capture the beauty of the Falls in photographs. Definitely a stop we plan to visit again in the future (Rating: 5).

July 2017

October 2014

September 20, 2018 – Mine Falls Park – New Hampshire

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire. We decided to go on a local Adventure while waiting for Shadow to be done with his day in the hospital, for surgery (see previous blog). So a nice distraction, but yet still somewhat worrisome waiting for a surgery update. However, Shadow and Buster, and I had been to Mine Falls Park numerous times in the past, so I felt a tiny bit better knowing Shadow was not missing out on a new Adventure.

Mine Falls Park is a 325 acre park in the city of Nashua, New Hampshire. The name of the park came from the 1700s when low quality lead was told to have been mined from the island below the Falls. Workers actually dug the canal to drive the industry. The Master Plan of the Mine Falls Park was created in 1974, and the Park grew from there. The Park consists of wetlands, trails, and fields. It is bordered by the Nashua River and Mill Pond.

Wilma and I enjoyed our visit to Mine Falls Park, somewhat deflecting our worry from Shadow. The Park has a unique feel with trails along the canals, and several lovely bridges to cross. We looped around the canal, before heading to the lower trail along the River. Wilma seemed quite thrilled to be on a new Adventure sniffing everything in site. It was exciting to see very small signs of Fall on the leaves, and the lovely wild flowers along the trail. We traversed a smaller trail along the River, and found a city marked rock along the way. Mine Falls Park is a simple park, but yet lovely in its own way. It brought back wonderful memories of visits with Shadow and Buster, who unlike Wilma, enjoyed dips in the water. However, Wilma, had no complaints about her feet being on dry land. Definitely glad to go on a local Adventure with my little lady, but we sure did miss our Shadow (Rating: 3).

September 2018