February 27, 2022 – Washington DC

Last Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Washington DC. Washington DC is the Capital of the United States, and the federal district.

We had a spectacular adventure to Washington DC. I was so excited to stop in the Capital and explore. I was surprised that parking was easily located, and there were few visitors in site. We spent about three hours walking around. The buildings were grand and quite regal. I absolutely loved wandering, and photographing this lovely location. My only disappointment was the sheer distance of the White House. A sad reminder of the recent turns in our country.

Wilma and Gus loved walking, while Wilma especially enjoyed some rolls. So glad we could visit Washington DC, just wish we could have stayed longer (This blog will not be rated).

February 26, 2022 – Cape Fear River Trail – North Carolina

Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Cape Fear River Trail in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Cape Fear River Trail is an approximately ten-mile-long paved trail that parallels the Cape Fear River, in some locations. It is popular for biking, running, and walking.

We had a leg-stretching adventure to the Cape Fear River Trail. We parked at Clark Park and found endless visitors and limited parking. However we did find a parking spot and began our adventure. We easily found the River Trail, immediately next to the playground. We walked and walked, enjoying the fresh air. It was a little cloudy but there were no signs of inclement weather. Gus was especially enthused by the pinecones and the walking, always quite eager and energetic. Wilma enjoyed walking calmly. There were many others walking dogs, all on leash, and many others out for a walk, run, or bike ride. It was nice to see many children out exercising and playing in the great outdoors. We probably only spent about one hour on this trail before continuing our drive back to Massachusetts. So glad we could find Cape River Trail along the route (This blog will not be rated).

February 26, 2022 – Old Sheldon Church Ruins – South Carolina

Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins in Yemassee, South Carolina. The Sheldon Church was built in the 1700s but later burnt down by the British during the Revolutionary War. It was later rebuilt in the 1800s but burnt down again. It is also known as Prince William’s Parish Church.

We had a spectacular visit to Old Sheldon Church Ruins. I easily found the site, and was immediately impressed by the huge height of the Ruins. The Ruins were located near the road, but we walked over and around several times. There were beautiful trees, and oaks, gravesites, and of course the impressive Ruins. It was a beautiful day and such a unique and lovely location to explore. Wilma and Gus seemed quite happy, enjoying some leash play-time, rolls, and stick chewing. It was a short visit, but definitely well worth the visit. So glad we could visit to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins (Rating: 4).

February 21, 2022 – Fort Frederica National Monument – Georgia

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Frederica in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Fort Frederica National Monument contains the remnants of the Fort and Town of Frederica. The Fort was built in the 1700s and protected the Border of Georgia from Spanish raids.

We had a moss-filled adventure to Fort Frederica. It was such a nice feeling to arrive in Georgia to gorgeous tee-shirt weather…something my fellow New Englanders can relate too! We walked through the entrance and began our stroll through endless trees covered in Spanish moss, just lovely. We enjoyed the tropical scenery of palm trees as we headed to the shore. The remnants of the Fort were small, but yet scenic, surrounded by cannons. After checking out the Fort we continued to follow the shore before arriving at some trails. Throughout our adventure Wilma loved rolling in the warm sun, while Gus was enthused by finding sticks along the trail. I absolutely loved arriving at the tropical landscape, so different then the New England. I think I enjoyed the scenery more than the Fort itself. So glad we could adventure to Fort Frederica National Monument today (Rating: 4).

February 20, 2022 – Pocahontas State Park – Virginia

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia. Pocahontas State Park is almost 8,000 acres and is the largest state park in Virginia. The park is popular for hiking, bike riding, fishing and equestrian riding.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Pocahantas State Park. I had planned this location as one of our destinations on the way to our final destination. We hiked the Beaver Lake Trail a three-mile loop, through the woods, by the lake, and around numerous creeks. The trail was well groomed, and had many boardwalks, benches, and even a waterfall. It was a gorgeous day, and I was so happy not to have a coat on, the weather just perfect. Although there were still browns of the winter, the sky and water added the perfect blue to the day. I really enjoyed the trail, more and more as we walked. Wilma and Gus loved hiking and exploring. There were many dog walkers and people scattered throughout the trail on this gorgeous day. So glad we could visit Pocahantas State Park today (Rating: 4).

February 19, 2022 – Fort Washington Park – Maryland

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Washington Park in Fort Washington, Maryland. Fort Washington Park is a National Park, that contains Fort Washington and the Fort Washington Lighthouse. The Park sits on the Potomac River. The original Fort was destroyed in 1812 but water later rebuilt. The Park is known for the Fort but also has biking and hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Washington Park. I was quiet excited to check out this Park as I had read about it some time ago when planning our adventure. Unfortunately the Fort was closed for the day when we arrived, but we explored the rest of the property. Soon into the adventure I had a horrifying experience when Gus got spooked by the wind slamming the Fort door, somehow got away and began running. He was so terrified it took me awhile to get him back to me. It was a very traumatic experience, and I was so thankful it was resolved. Although Gus can be quite skittish this was definitely a first, and hopefully a last. I think my heart is still beating….

After this horrible moment we somehow were able to refocus and carry on. We explored the exterior of the Fort, the shore, and the Lighthouse. Gus loved chasing anything that was blowing, jumping into the weeds, and chewing sticks while Wilma loved endless rolls. It was a little chilly and quiet windy. I loved the bright blue sky, and watching the sun setting behind the Fort. It was hard to capture this Fort in photographs but I did my best. So glad we could check out Fort Washington today (this blog will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure – First Landing State Park – Virginia

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

In June 2009 Shadow, Buster, my Parents and I Adventured to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia. First Landing State Park is an extensive Park of almost 3,000 acres that includes: 19 miles of hiking trails, beaches, yurts, cabins, and camping sites. As expected the Park is popular for walking, fishing, camping, and swimming.

We had a family-filled Adventure to First Landing State Park. In reviewing my photographs I expect we may have only explored the hiking trails, just part of this large park. I have fond memories of this family vacation, as we met halfway in between Tampa and Massachusetts for this Adventure. We enjoyed the trails, the boardwalks, and the entire getaway. I remember the boys enjoying the walk. It was the first time my family had met Buster. We often talk about this Adventure and appreciate many stories and laughs. Maybe some day we will return to explore this diverse Park. Even though the photographs are far less quality from the digital, I am still glad to share our Adventure to First Landing State Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Indianapolis, Indiana

In the summer of 2008 Shadow and I Adventured to Indianapolis, Indiana on the way home to Massachusetts from Florida for summer break. Indianapolis is the state capital of Indiana. It is well known for being the host of the Indy 500, and for the many green areas and monuments throughout the city.

Shadow and I had an exercise-filled Adventure to Indianapolis. We lived the ritzy life staying in a fancy hotel on the canal. I absolutely loved the canal, it was beautiful, and picturesque. We walked all around the city from the hotel exploring every place we could find. This Adventure was long ago but I remember really enjoy visiting the city and exploring. Definitely a city I would like to visit again in the future. So glad I had many special Adventures with Shadow. I sure do miss him (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Congaree National Park – South Carolina

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. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Congaree National Park is an approximately 26,000 acre Park containing some of the tallest trees in the eastern part of the country. Per the National Park website it is: “part of the country’s largest contiguous tract of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest”. The Park is popular for: hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.

We had a lovely visit to the Congaree National Park on a memorable journey. This was one of the stops I planned as we headed back to Massachusetts where we would be relocating. The Park had lovely trees, beautiful boardwalks through the forest, and hiking trails. The sun was streaming through the trees adding to the lovely scene. I do not remember how long we spent at the Park, but given the immense size, we explored just a tiny part of this spectacular National Park. If we are ever in South Carolina again, we will definitely have to plan a visit back to the Congaree National Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I had an Adventure to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were on our big journey home to relocate back to Massachusetts, and stopped to visit a friend along the way. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is known for its history. Philadelphia is also noteworthy for the Museum of Art which played a famous roll in the movie “Rocky”. I have many special memories of this lovely city as some of my undergraduate studies occurred here. Back in the day I had lots of fun in Philadelphia enjoying great friends, and exploring the city thoroughly.

We had a short, but wonderful visit to Philadelphia. My friend made us feel right at home, and Shadow and Buster were able to experience some city living. We went out to breakfast with outdoor seating, and did lots of walking, checking out the ground of the Art Museum, and enjoying city views. We got caught in the rain but did not let it stop us. I have been thinking of Adventuring back to the area soon. It will always be a special place in my heart (Rating: Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).