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

August 2015 (One of my many Adventures with Shadow and Buster to Mine Falls Park)

Summer 2018 – Bethlehem, New Hampshire

This Summer Shadow, Wilma, and I had the pleasure of spending weekends living, and working in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This gave us plenty of time to explore the town of Bethlehem, and the surrounding areas. I felt it therefore a MUST to blog separately about the charming little town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is a hillside location in the White Mountains, often referred to as the “Star of the White Mountains”. It is a small village complete with unique architecture and mountain views. Bethlehem is well-known for its golf courses, antique shops, art culture, and a variety of outdoor activities.

We had a wonderful time this summer exploring the town of Bethlehem. We often spent Sunday mornings strolling along the main street, which was complete with antique shops, local Inns, dining opportunities, and even a brewery. There were venues including the well known Colonial Theater, bringing in acclaimed shows and performers. I often would stop in at the Cold Mountain Cafe for a fresh, home-made donut and coffee, while enjoyed delicious dinners at the Wayside Inn.

Not far from the center of town were prestine golf courses, parks, and the scenic Ammonoosuc River. Although we spent much of our time exploring the surrounding areas I did my best to capture this lovely town in the summer photographs below. We will always treasure this spectacular Adventure and hope to be back again (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – July 4, 2011 – Oscar Scherer State Park

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.

I finally will be adding a “Florida” section to my blog. Posting these adventures is long overdue as I lived in Tampa, Florida for eleven years, before relocating back to my home state of Massachusetts. We had many wonderful adventures throughout the state of Florida, and I am elated to share these Throwback Adventures on my blog.

On July 4, 2011 Shadow, Buster, our friend Rhonda, and I journeyed to Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Florida. This Park is a Florida State Park, which opened to visitors back in 1873. It is popular for wildlife viewing, and recreational activities, including: hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, and fishing. It is located on the South Creek, along the Southwest Coast of Florida.

We decided to celebrate July 4th with an Adventure to a new local Park. We were so happy to have our dear friend Rhonda join us on this holiday adventure. It is rare to find such a kind, genuine, and dedicated friend, and we are lucky to find such a gem of a friend with Rhonda. We sauntered along the trails, enjoying the water views, and stopped to rest on benches along the way. As many of my posts and adventures have been in New England, you will notice the unique Florida landscape, highlighted with beautiful Palm Trees and Ferns. It was wonderful residing in Florida, with such varied landscape from the Northeast. Although my Throwback blog makes it hard for me to remember particular details, I remember enjoying our trip to this Park. We are looking forward to our friend Rhonda joining us for a future Adventure. We sure do miss her!

October 2016 – Vermont – Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

In October 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I journeyed to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, Vermont. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed! This National Park was named for George Perkins Marsh, and Frederick Billings. George Perkins Marsh was one of the nation’s first global thinkers, while Frederick Billings, was an early conservationist. The park includes: trails, horseback carriage rides, a victorian mansion, and a museum. It is also a popular location for cross-country skiing in the winter.

We choose a gorgeous, cool, fall day to visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. I did not conduct a lot of research before this adventure, so we decided to let our eyes (and snouts 🙂 ) guide us. We wandered around the trails, and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of the mansion, and the gorgeous gardens. There were luscious fields, landscaped gardens, and even some Robert Frost postings along the trails. We also spent some time relaxing in front of the Victorian mansion. It was a beautiful stop, and I do plan to visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park again in the future (Rating: 4).

July 28, 2018 – New Hampshire – Cathedral Ledge State Park

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I stopped at Cathedral Ledge State Park in Bartlett, New Hampshire, technically part of Echo Lake State Park. The Cathedral Lookout can be reached from a 1.7 mile hike, or a drive to the top of the mountain. Cathedral Ledge State Park is one of the most popular rock climbing locations in New Hampshire.

It is always brightens my day when I accidentally find a new adventure. Today was one of those days when I spotted the sign for Cathedral Ledge State Park and decided to check it out. Spoiled with the internet I did a quick review and off we went. I guess we cheated a bit on this adventure as I decided to drive to the Lookout. After a short drive to the top we then ventured to two separate viewing areas where we enjoyed sweeping views of North Conway and the surrounding mountains. We sat in the shade for a bit, and chatting with other visitors quite interested in Shadow and Wilma. I was lucky again to have some visitors volunteer to take a family photo. We enjoyed seeing the views, however this location was a little warm for the pups so we did not stay long at the Ledge (Rating: 3).

July 20, 2018 – Ahern State Park – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Ahern State Park in Laconia, New Hampshire. Ahern State Park is a 128 acre park, which includes a shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. It is popular for beach goers, bikers, hikers, fishers, and boating (non-motorized).

We were quite pleased to explore a new park on a “not-too-hot” summer kind of day. We drove down a long gravel road before arriving at the beach, and parking area. We started down the trail parallel to Lake Winnisquam. The trail was very quiet, with the distant sound of children swimming, and boaters enjoying their morning. We found several trails down to the shore, for some Shadow swims. As usual I wished I had brought my suit, but instead Wilma and I watched Shadow float around, cooling down and relaxing. The trails were a little unclear, so I avoided any complex loops. We found some fun rocks along the way, allowing us to view the lake from above. The trail had a little more mosquitoes then preferred, but we did our best to ignore them, and carried on our happy way. There really was not a lot to see at the park, but as per our usual adventure we reveled in the new smells, and overall experience (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Stanley Park – August 2016

In August 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I visited Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed. Stanley Park is a non-profit, privately owned park, that is approximately 300 acres in size. It includes: gardens, trails, playing fields, and a duck pond. The park was established in 1945 by philanthropist Frank Stanley Beveridge.

We stopped at Stanley Park after a wonderful visit with family. The park was beautifully landscaped, and highlights of our visit, included: a variety of bridges, an old working mill, the duck-filled pond, an old rustic church, and even a live swan! We enjoyed walking along the trails, and photographing the gorgeous scenery. This was as stop that I planned, but did not do any detailed research, so we wandered around without a map. However, I do think we found some of the highlights of this magnificent park (Rating: 4).

July 1, 2018 – New Hampshire – The Basin and the Basin-Cascades Trail

Today we visited the Basin, and traversed the Basin-Cascades Trail in the Fraconia Notch State Park. The Basin is situated along the Pemigewassett River. It is a curved waterfall which flows through carved rock, ending in a pool of water. The area has various water areas to explore. The Basin-Cascades Trail follows the Cascade Brook, and provides views of various waterfalls and cascades, including: Kinsman Falls, and Rocky Glen Falls.

We have been to the Basin, and the Basin-Cascades Trail numerous times, with my Mom, Shadow, Buster, and Wilma. Upon parking you immediately hear the sound of crashing water. It is absolutely beautiful spot, with bridges, beach-like areas, streams, cascades, lots of rocks and boulders, and waterfalls. As you embark on the trail it slopes up slowly, with beautiful cascades and waterfalls along the trail. There are many rocks to lounge, relax, and enjoy a snack. It is amazing as the more you walk the more exciting it becomes. The water in the summer is more flowing, while the Fall is especially beautiful with colorful foliage. I highly recommend a visit to this gorgeous stop in the Fraconia Notch State Park. I will include photographs from some of our visits (Rating: 5)

June/July 2018:

June 2017:

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October 2016:

October 2014:

May 27, 2017 – Connecticut – Campbell’s Falls

On May 27, 2017 Shadow and I journeyed to Campbell’s Falls in Norfolk, Connecticut. (Wilma had not yet joined our world). Campbell’s Falls is located in the Campbell Falls State Park Reserve. It cascades nearly 100 feet, and is a part of the Whiting River. The Whiting River starts in Massachusetts, and the waterfall lands into Connecticut.

We visited the Campbell’s Falls at the end of a full day of adventures (hence the end of the video). We found a parking lot that led us to a short, but steep walk to the Falls. The Falls was absolutely breathtaking. The roar of the water, the mist of the Falls, and the singing of the flowing brook led to a true nature experience. We sat by the brook for a bit, and relaxed, taking in the sounds, smells, and sights. We then climbed halfway up the waterfall, taking some photos in the perfect little spot. I love finding landmarks of nature that provide the full sensory experience, and this definitely was one of those moments. The Campbell’s Falls was one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen, and I highly recommend a visit (Rating: 5).

June 24, 2018 – Massachusetts – Moore State Park

Today we visited Moore State Park in Paxton, Massachusetts. Moore State Park is approximately 400 acres, and was a former home to grist and saw mills. Portions of the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a pond, trails, and various “Mill Village Features” on the grounds.

This is actually the second time that we have been to Moore State Park, the first time was with Shadow and Buster in July 2013, and the second trip today, with Shadow and Wilma. My GPS was not too cooperative today, but we were able to locate the Park after an unplanned detour. We started our journey down a paved road, with beautiful, natural landscape adorning the sides. We soon arrived at the pond where there were several rustic wooden rocking chairs, picnic tables, and a gazebo-like structure to sit and enjoy the view. The more we walked I began to have some flashback memories of our initial journey, remembering that we had been caught in a downpour, before relaxing for a bit in the gazebo-like structure. I believe that visit was a shorter stop, while today we spent about two hours exploring.

I decided to start on some trails, before coming back through the viewing area. The trails were not well marked, but I was quite glad I had printed a trail map, which helped me navigate the forest, and not worry about getting lost. We started on Judy’s Secret Garden Loop Trail, and then connected to the Stairway Loop Trail. The trails were kind of blah, but we enjoyed walking along the pond, and finding some cute rock benches along the way. The trails were very peaceful, with the sounds of birds singing. Shadow enjoyed some swims, while Wilma jumped onto all large rocks in her path. The trails were very quiet, and we only saw one couple walking their dog. It is always nice to find a tranquil nature trail, away from the bustle of society.

After our walks on the trails we headed to various areas of the park to find some of the “Mill Village Features”, and take some photographs. These included: the Old Sawmill, the Bat House, the Chalet Foundation, the Enchanted Bridge, and the Artist Overlook. I took photographs of four of these “Features” which you can view below. This was one fun component of the Park. Definitely a unique Park to explore (Rating: 3)