Throwback Adventure – Rutland State Park – Massachusetts

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 July of 2013 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Rutland State Park in Rutland, Massachusetts. Rutland State Park is a 300 acre Park that includes numerous trails and Whitehall Pond. As expected the Park is popular for: swimming, boating, picnicking, biking, and hiking.

We had a fun Adventure to Rutland State Park, many years ago. I remember enjoying walking with the boys on the nicely groomed trails, and also watching them enjoy a swim. It was a quiet location, and one that I have always thought I should to back, but have still yet to return. Another wonderful memory of an Adventure with my boys which I will treasure forever (Throwback Blogs will not always be rated).

August 19, 2020 – Albany Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Albany Covered Bridge in Albany, New Hampshire. The Albany Covered Bridge was built in 1858 and traverses the Swift River. The Albany Covered Bridge is open for one-way traffic, however closes in winter months. The Albany Covered Bridge is just off the Kancamagus Highway and has a large parking lot for visitors.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to the Albany Covered Bridge. I had been to this Bridge with Shadow, Buster, and My Mom but I could not locate photographs of Shadow and Buster at this site, so will utilize today’s photographs for the blog. I have fond memories of our first visit, and this second visit did not disappoint! We arrived to find the parking lot empty! We found some trails near the parking lot and wandered around, soon arriving at the River’s shore. The River had endless round rocks, and the bridge just long and spectacular. We made sure to check out all angles, a nearby trail, and even a cliff-like area at the back of the bridge. There was minimal traffic and a small area to walk on the side so we were able to trot through and appreciate the views down the River. It was so peaceful, quiet, and beautiful! This might just be the most gorgeous covered bridge I have seen. If you are a covered bridge fan make sure you visit the Albany Covered Bridge. So glad we could Adventure to the Albany Covered Bridge today (Rating: 5).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog please skip to paragraph three…

I have decided to return to the “normal” Weekly Video/Photo section of my blog. As you likely know we lost Shadow about two months ago and I have been focusing this section on Shadow. However, I have peace knowing I will continue to highlight favorite photographs including Shadow and Buster. The plan will still be to still display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

If you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were recently devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. It is so painful to know Shadow and Buster are both gone, but they will be in our hearts forever!

My feature today is an adorable photograph of Wilma at the Minute Man National Historical Park. This is one place we walk from time to time, and I absolutely love this garden. There were new blooms when we visited earlier this month, just lovely. Here is my flower girl, sweet Wilma.

August 17, 2020 – Cape Cod – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cape Cod is a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern corner of Massachusetts. It is a popular summer destination known for the laid-back lifestyle. Cape Cod draws tourists for its beaches, lighthouses, ponds, villages, and the seafood shacks and restaurants.

We had a relaxing Adventure to Cape Cod today. We were able to visit: the Green Briar Nature Center, Highfield Hall and Gardens, Nobska Lighthouse, and Nobska Beach. We have visited all of these locations previously, although it was Wilma’s first for several. These locations included: gardens, a fabulous lighthouse, and a lovely beach. Unfortunately the Lighthouse was under some construction, but we still enjoyed our visit. I decided to do a photo collage of all of these four stops combined all in one! If you have any questions about the photographs, or locations feel free to contact me on the contact form, or in the comments. A beautiful day with wonderful company (Rating: 4).

August 14, 2020 – Dalton Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Dalton Covered Bridge in Warner, New Hampshire. The Bridge is also referred to as the Joppa Road Bridge. The Dalton Covered Bridge was built in 1853 and rebuilt in the 1960s. It crosses the Warner River.

We had a fun Adventure to the Dalton Covered Bridge. Although the bridge is found right off of Main Street, it is on a quiet, side road. I first drove through the bridge to take some shots before returning to the opposite side to the parking location. I was pleased to find an area to snap some photographs from the side angle. We took our time, and then headed to the front of the bridge for some photographs. As per usual I did not attempt to walk through the bridge as it was open to one way traffic. However I was pleased to find minimal traffic, and to locate this peaceful spot. The River water looked quite still, so we did not attempt to get too close, unclear of the levels, and purity. Interestingly I found the Dalton Covered Bridge to look quite similar to the nearby Waterloo Covered Bridge. So glad to discover the Dalton Covered Bridge today (Rating: 3.5)

Throwback Adventure – Skinner State Park – Massachusetts

In August of 2014 Shadow, Buster, Myself, and our extended family Adventured to Skinner State Park in Hadley, Massachusetts. The Park was named after Joseph Allen Skinner. Skinner State Park has hiking trails, and provides an auto summit. The summit provides panoramic views of the Connecticut River and surrounding areas.

We had a scenic Adventure to Skinner State Park. We were so glad to have our extended family join us at this location. We drove to the summit and explored the area. We went on the porch of the Summit House to view the scene from below. There were beautiful sweeping views of the area, including the Connecticut River. The kids posed on top of a large rock, and enjoyed walking the dogs. It is always fun to have a new Adventure and catch up with family while doing so. Definitely a special memory at Skinner State Park. We will have to return to check on the trails in the future (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Other Tidbets, Fun, and News

So today started off a little rough when I thought I was headed to a medical emergency but in the end everything resolved itself. The reason I share this is because I did quite a bit of resting today and Wilma provided some much needed therapy! Although a very active dog she adjusted well to our boring day, even seeming to know I needed some extra love! It was a well needed distraction. Dogs are just amazing companions. And of course I cannot neglect to thank my parents on this stressful day. They are amazing!

So instead of the Adventure I had planned I will share my happy summary of the day – sweet Wilma ❤️

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Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog please skip to paragraph three…

My feature today is a photograph of Shadow and Buster as we were heading home from an Adventure back in May of 2015. For as long as I remember Shadow has sat in the center of the backseat so his head is in between the seats, and both Wilma and Buster often cuddled with him as we drove, their pillows! This photo is one that melts my heart as it is a good description of a great outing with two best buds. I will definitely relish it forever, and have a version if it in a frame at my house. Glad they were able to have almost seven spectacular years together. They were amazing travel companions, and furever friends. I sure do miss my boys.

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August 10, 2020 – Eastern Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Eastern Point Lighthouse was built in the 1880s and is currently an active lighthouse. On the property you will also find: the oil house, radio beacon, fog horn building, and Dog Bar Breakwater. Access inside the fence is forbidden, however there are good views of the light station from the exterior. There is a $10 parking fee for parking.

We had a tranquil Adventure to the Eastern Point Lighthouse. We began our day with a long walk in Gloucester before heading over to Eastern Point Lighthouse. I have been interested in the Eastern Point Lighthouse for some time, and finally did some more extensive research which indicated that attendance is permitted. Upon arrival we found ourselves the only car in the parking lot, with two walkers just exiting. We immediately walked over to the rocky shore filled with colorful seaweed and the harbor scattered with bobbing boats. It was beautiful! We took our time appreciating the peace and beauty of our surroundings.

From there we wandered over to the breakwater. It did not seem as though we could get to there from the beach at first, but I soon realized that was the pathway. We viewed the Lighthouse from different angles as we headed over to the breakwater. The breakwater was very long, and provided easy footing, although not something I would recommend for those unsteady on their feet. We walked along and I continually peered back to see various viewpoints of the Lighthouse. The sun was quite shiny for photographs but I still snapped away. As we got further we noticed the breakwater was clearly owned by the seagulls but to be expected at a quiet coastal oasis. It was funny to hear them warning their peers of the deer-like creature heading onto their grounds. Wilma was eager to stare them down and loved all the new smells from the sea. At the end we found what I believe is the structure for the electric fog signal, almost a little lighthouse. A fun little aspect on the breakwater.

We then returned down the breakwater appreciating the ocean, boats, and view of the lighthouse from afar. Such a lovely location! And of course we ended the Adventure with some fun on the beach. Wilma enjoyed some digging, and attempted running energized by the coast. She rubbed her adorable face in the seaweed and waded in the water, continually sticking her nose in, quite entertaining to watch. I am glad Wilma finally recognizes that water can provide a cooling effect. Such a spectacular Adventure to the Eastern Point Lighthouse (Rating: 4.5).

August 7, 2020 – Silver Cascade – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Silver Cascade in the Harts Location of Crawford Notch State Park. Crawford Notch State Park is part of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Silver Cascade is approximately 250 feet tall that is made up of connecting cascades. Silver Cascade can be found on the side of the road on Route 302 and is a popular swimming hole.

Wilma and I had a quiet Adventure to Silver Cascade. We had actually stopped there before in the past, but did not see much to explore and were only there briefly. I was surprised to find very few visitors were at the Falls as I had read that it was a popular location. We crossed the busy Route 302 from the parking lot and began wandering closer. The Falls was tall, with varying cascades, almost easier to view. We arrived to find one family, and a talented painter. I snapped some photographs and enjoyed the sight. Although the Falls was very tall I found it somewhat unappealing. Wilma was excited to see the kids playing, hoping for some love from afar, and I dreamed about joining them as they cooled off in the Falls. We peered at the Falls for a bit before heading back to the car. Definitely challenging to photograph, and really nothing to exciting, but still glad we could finally Adventure to Silver Falls (Rating: 3).