October 22, 2018 – Swiftwater Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Swiftwater Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1849 and covers the Ammonoosuc River. It is one of the few original bridges in New Hampshire. The Swiftwater Bridge has a small waterfall, and is a popular swimming hole in the summer.

We had a nice Adventure to the Swiftwater Bridge. It was a picturesque, and long bridge with a waterfall, and rocky area below. We had trouble getting down the trail due to the rocks, but soon found another trail. We hopped carefully on the rocks and closer to the Bridge. The sun was streaming down in our eyes, so it was hard to get a great photograph. However we did our best and tried all angles and spots we could find. Of course we could not resist heading down to the River’s Edge for some puppy sips. I found that the footing around this location a little challenging for Shadow, so we had a short visit to the Bridge. Although a quick stop we still found the Swiftwater Bridge to be a lovely spot (Rating: 4).

Error

This video doesn’t exist

October 20, 2018 – Lincoln Woods – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Lincoln Woods a location in Lincoln, New Hampshire, along the Kancamangus Highway. We have been there before with Buster, and with My Mom. Lincoln Woods is a scenic area with many trails that enter the Pemigewasset Wilderness of the White Mountains. It is one of the first stops on the East side of the Kancamangus Highway.

Shadow, Wilma, and I had a refreshing Adventure to the Lincoln Woods trail. We have been there in just about every season, and it is one of the most extraordinary trails I have found, maybe even my favorite location for an Adventure. The area is absolutely gorgeous, beginning with a suspended bridge, to trails along the Pemigewasset River to streams along the way, to splendid mountain views, to scenic trails throughout. I would guess I have been there about five times and each time am awed by the beauty.

On today’s hike I was overjoyed to find another bridge across the River, as on our last visit Shadow almost did not make it across the suspended bridge. He appeared quite unstable with the swinging of the bridge and completely froze about halfway across. Therefore, I was extra pleased to find an alternate route. This alternate route also provided us a new and scenic angle of the River and suspended bridge. After crossing the bridge and enjoying the views we headed on our hike. Highlights of today’s Adventure included: time at the River’s edge, for some digging, and rock climbing, some sips from the streams along the way, colorful fall foliage, and and magnificent mountain views along the trail. It was a very cool day, but our hiking kept us warm and enthused. Although crowded this time of year the many trails helped mask the numerous number of tourists. One of those Adventures that I really cannot put into words, as you MUST Adventure this incredible location. As you might guess I would recommend a Fall visit in the colorful foliage of New England. I will include photographs from various trips we have taken and may add some on the future (Rating: 5).

Yesterday, October 20, 2018

”

August 2018

March 2018

LW 2018 March

October 2017

October 2014

Art photo 2

October 20, 2018 -Rocky Gorge – New Hampshire

On October 20, 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Rocky Gorge in Albany, New Hampshire on the Kancamangus Highway. We have been there on other visits including with Buster and My Mom. The Rocky Gorge is a Gorge along the Swift River with a ten foot drop. The area has a foot bridge across the River that leads to Falls Pond, which is surrounded by the White Mountains.

We had a splendid Adventure to the Rocky Gorge on the Kancamangus Highway. It was a beautiful,cool Fall day, and the Rocky Gorge was one of our three stops. The Rocky Gorge is a beautiful scenic area with rocks, mountain views, a gorge, a picturesque bridge, a pond, trails, and much more. We started off our visit with a stop along the rocks checking out the views, and the stunning Gorge. From the rocks we headed over to the bridge, and to the scenic small pond called Fall Pond. I was quite pleased to find the Lovequist Loop, a trail which traversed the outskirts of the pond. It was a simple trail, but yet such a pleasant day to be out for a stroll. The Gorge area was packed with tourists, but we only saw several hikers along this trail. We enjoyed this loop trail, and were pleased to find several little paths to the pond for some great views, and of course a swim for Shadow. After completing this loop we headed back to the Gorge for some more photographs, and exploring. Our last stop on a fun day of Adventures.

The Rocky Gorge will always hold a special place in my heart. This was the last stop on Buster’s last Fall trip, just two years ago. Little did we know he would leave us less then one week after our stop at the Gorge. We are lucky to have this special Adventure engraved in our hearts forever!

Overall I have found the Rocky Gorge to be an exceptionally beautiful location.
It was funny to see that we have only visited in the the month of October, but really nothing can compare to the New England Fall. I highly recommend you schedule a visit to the Rocky Gorge (Rating: 5).

Error

This video doesn’t exist

October 2017

October 2016

October 2014

Throwback Adventure – Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site – October 2015

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 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire. This Site is the former home, gardens, and studios of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Much of his artwork is displayed in the gallery and on the grounds. The Site includes: nature trails, tours, summer concerts, and workshops.

We had a delightful Adventure to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site on a gorgeous Fall day, three years ago. It was nice to arrive at a location with hardly another visitor in site. I recall being awed at the exquisite and stunning landscape, views, and brilliant colors of the Park. I did little research ahead of time, so we let our eyes and ears lead us on our evening Adventure. We began by traversing some trails into the woods, quickly finding a small, but roaring waterfall covered with Autumn leaves. We spent some time relaxing at the waterfall’s edge, as the boys drank from the brook. We then explored various trails throughout the woods before returning to the main Site.

Another picturesque part of the Site was, of course, the home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, I believe titled “Aspet”. This massive and charming home was absolutely breathtaking with various architectural marks of charm. We walked around the home several times taking in this grand structure, as the sunset began to encompass the sky. Pure white in color the building almost transformed you into another place in time. Definitely a lovely building, helping to exude the photographer within.

One memory on this Adventure was my amusement with a small mirror I found on the grounds, assisting me in some humorous photo opportunities. Maybe I was too easily entertained, however have great memories of some giggles with yes, just a simple mirror.

Overall our Adventure to the Saint-Gaudens Historical Site was perfectly magnificent. Surprisingly it is one of the least visited in the country, but yet so spectacular. The landscape was stunning, from the official gardens, to the birch trees, to the mountain views, to the hidden Falls in the midst of a colorful Autumn Forest. I could not have been more impressed with the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Definitely a spot I would love to visit again (Rating: 5).

October 14, 2018 – Bradley Palmer State Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, Massachusetts. This was Shadow, and my second visit to Bradley Palmer State Park as we had been to the Park with Buster in February of 2016. Bradley Palmer State Park is a 736 acre Park on the Ipswich River. It is a former estate of noted attorney Bradley Palmer. Bradley Palmer State Park is popular for hiking, horseback riding, bicycles, canoeing, skiing, and the Willowdale Estate.

We had a wonderful Fall hike at Bradley Palmer State Park on another gorgeous Fall day. I did not remember that we had been there before, but as soon as we drove into the Park, I immediately had memories of my visit with Shadow and Buster. We started our Adventure heading over to the former estate of Bradley Palmer, a pristine building often utilized for private events. I snapped some photographs and then headed over to the nearby boardwalk trail. The boardwalk was covered with colorful Fall leaves, surrounded by the River and varying display of Fall foliage. As you may have observed, boardwalks are one of the many features I find myself drawn to, and this was no exception. I even took a little video, which you can view below.

After leaving the boardwalk we headed over to the River to check out the water’s edge. The River was simple, but the reflection vivid. We spent some time near the water before heading back to the trail. These areas gave me flashbacks of my previous visit with Shadow and Buster, as we too spent some time at this area. Back on the trail we noted that it wove through the Forest, and along the River, however we chose a path off to the right and up to a sunny trail. Shadow and Wilma appeared enthused by the sun, both enjoying some rolls in the the field, before we turned around to head back to the trail. There were no labels on the trails so we did not venture far, but returned to the boardwalk to again delight in this picturesque spot.

Next we decided to try another location of trails. On the way to this trail we encountered some small, attractive horses getting prepped from their day out on the trail. I definitely would not describe myself as a “horse person”, but was quite drawn to their majestic frame and distinct colors. After stopping for a bit we continued to the trail. This particular trail was between two areas of shallow water, and appropriate for bicycles as well as hikers and other visitors. Another gorgeous Fall scene with leaves scattered along the path. There were ducks in the water, lily pads, and lovely Fall colors. We hiked for a bit before turning around. Although I had a complex map in hand, I did not see any labels on the trails. However, it did not bother us as we chose to visit different areas for shorter spells, versus a long official hike.

It warmed my heart that all three pups were able to visit this stop on our Adventures, even if it could not be commonly. A lovely Fall day at Bradley Palmer State Park (Rating: 4).

February 2016

October 13, 2018 – Bicentennial Giant Chair – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma an I Adventured to the Bicentennial Giant Chair in Gardner, Massachusetts. This current Giant Chair was built in 1976, approximately twenty feet in height. It is located in the small town of Gardner, self proclaimed as the “Chair City of the World”. Gardner is known for its manufacturing history, therefore embracing this well known landmark.

We had a short, and entertaining visit to the Bicentennial Giant Chair. We parked nearby and headed over to to the chair for some photographs. Shadow and Wilma appeared to be looking for the highlight of this Adventure, but eventually took a good sniff of the chair. Too high for climbing or posing on the chair, I snapped some photographs from the distance. It was a fun little stop on this beautiful Fall Day (Rating: 3).

October 13, 2018 -Erving State Forest – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Uncle, and I Adventured to Erving State Forest in Erving, Massachusetts. Erving State Forest is a Forest located along Laurel Lake, a 51 acre body of water. The Park is popular for swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping.

We had a lovely Fall Adventure to Erving State Forest. We were so happy that the rainy day had cleared so that we could meet my Uncle for a hike. We began our afternoon heading down to Laurel Lake to check out the scenery. There were still a couple sprinkles in the sky, but we did not let that stop us. The Lake had a beach area with a concession stand, and a modern boardwalk down to the shore. We explored the area noting the nice set-up for summer beach outing. Shadow enjoyed a roll in the sand, while Wilma had fun with some chaotic digging. Some wonderful beach energy to start our afternoon.

From the beach we headed over to a bright colored bridge to view the Lake. The sun rays went in and out of the clouds shining down on a lovely Fall scene. From there we headed on our hike, up a slope, the road plastered with gorgeous colored leaves. We caught up with great conversation, stopping to check out different highlights along the path. It was a cool day yet our steady walk created the perfect temperature.

I find the best time for a hike is a beautiful New England October day! The smell of leaves, the spectacular colors, and a temperature are all just right! We had a lovely hike at Erving State Forest (Rating: 4, Company – Just perfect!)

Throwback Adventure – Fall of Song – New Hampshire

In August 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to the Fall of Song waterfall in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The Fall of Song Waterfall is a forty foot waterfall, sourced by the Shannon Brook. It Falls at the end of a boardwalk trail.

We ventured on our hike to Fall of Song on a warm summer day. It appeared that we may have taken the long trail, however, what better way to find a gorgeous waterfall. The trail took us above a brook and up a slope for awhile before the trail evened out. The trail was not marked well, but we kept trekking, hoping to make it to the final destination.

We caught site of the waterfall long before arriving on foot, a picturesque site. We crossed a little bridge, and spent some time at the brook, giving other visitors time to pass along. Once we arrived to the edge of the waterfall we were happy to find the place to ourselves. We took our time viewing the spectacular Falls. It was grand in height, and peaceful in song. We relaxed on the boardwalk, the boys napping, as we treasured the sound of the flowing Falls. I took numerous photographs, and even attempted some videos. As you will see if you view my blog to the very end, I have still not gained any video skills since this time. However, I still decided to share this video memory, providing a clear sensory experience.

We spent a good amount of time at the Falls before heading back. We had a terrifying journey back coming face to face with a bear on the side of the trail. Shockingly the boys did not see him and a quickly turned around hustling back to the waterfall. A little panicked I found an alternate trail back to the car, realizing that there was an alternate auto road to the Falls. The gate was closed at the end, but somehow I managed to get all three of us to the other side. Definitely some good stories to add to this memorable Adventure (Rating: 4).

October 9, 2018 – Drew Farms – Massachusetts

Tonight Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Drew Farms in Westford, Massachusetts. Drew Farm is a family owned and operated business that specializes in apple picking, and family activities. They have a small farm stand, mostly made up of pumpkins, apple bags, and mums. Apple cider and cider donuts are available on weekends.

We had a delicious Adventure to Drew Farms. It always makes me smile when I find a dog-friendly activity, that is not always known to be dog-friendly. It was exciting to finally go apple picking, a MUST in the New England Fall. I bought my bag for apples and we began up the hill to the apple orchards. We picked some apples and headed around, finding a little pumpkin patch, and straw-seat area for some scenic Fall photographs. Sauntering up and down the rows of apples we searched for the perfect pick, colorful apples covering the ground. There were some benches under a beautiful Fall tree, some colorful flower buds, and many apples to choose from. I think this was the first time Shadow and Wilma had been on an apple picking Adventure, creating quite the special memory on this evening. Looking forward to soon cooking some apple filled treats (Rating: 4).

October 8, 2018 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages.

We had a splendid Adventure to the Arnold Arboretum. So fun to find a local Arboretum that both allows and welcomes dogs. We spent about three hours exploring the trails, paths, and roads throughout the park. The gates were closed to cars, which was a huge plus. We begin our journey heading toward the Fog x Hill, containing a “fog sculpture” made up of pure water vapor. Little did I know at the time that this was a man made feature, so quite magical at fog appeared to have taken over the trail. I tried to capture this on film, but we arrived close to the location when the fog was almost dispersed. Still a fun and unique “show” that captivated our attention.

Next we headed toward the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden, walking along a trail through the woods, along a scenic wooden fence. On arrival to this Garden the area opened up and we headed toward the Garden. Our ear was drawn to peaceful Asian music and the dance of two performing their cultural art. The music was relaxing, calm, and appealing to the ear. We watched the couple perform for a bit, snapped a quick video and headed on through the scenic garden. Most of the flowers were past their bloom, but I was able to catch a couple beautiful buds on film.

After leaving the Shrub and Vine Garden we traversed various trails and areas throughout the park, including: the beautiful Conifer trail, The Bradley Rosaceous Collection, the ponds, and many additional pathways. Although it was definitely off season for this beautiful park, there were still gorgeous scenery throughout. Most of the time you could not even tell you were in the city, instead feeling one with nature. We definitely will have to come back to the Arnold Arboretum in the high season seasons of bloom. So glad we were able to enjoy the Arnold Arboretum today (Rating: 4).

Error

This video doesn’t exist

Error

This video doesn’t exist