August 22, 2020 – Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area (NARA Park) – Massachusetts

**Please note my blog crashed for several days but thankfully it is up and running – you therefore may have missed the last post if you area regular follower, and may not have been able to open it in general – I am relieved that everything is back on track**

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area (NARA Park) in Acton, Massachusetts. NARA Park is located on a pond, and is popular for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The Park has an amphitheater for summer concerts. The walking trail intersects with the Bruce Freeman Trail.

Wilma and I had a surprising Adventure to NARA Park, locating it completely by accident. We were walking on the Bruce Freeman Trail and were traversing a part just past where we had walked before and suddenly there was NARA Park. Such a pleasant surprise! Upon arrival we found the beautiful NARA pond, with gorgeous reflections of the clouds shimmering on the water. We began wandering down a trail finding children fishing. Soon we located an area with lovely water lilies, quite entertained by the frog panic as we explored the shore. Wilma found a log to climb, savored the smells, and was energized by the hopping frogs. From there we headed on the boardwalk and around the path. There were beautiful wild flowers, and numerous locations to enter the water. We soon walked by the beach, and guests picnicking before arriving at the main building. We met several people working at this location. They were so friendly and we enjoyed chatting for awhile, Wilma cherishing every bit of attention and a long belly rub. From there we continued on the path before returning to Bruce Freeman Trail. Since we found this lovely location by chance we did not have a map, but I believe we explored the majority of this location. It has been a long time since we found something accidentally and it is these simple days that make my day. Such a wonderful Adventure to the lovely NARA Park (Rating: 4).

August 20, 2020 – Eustis Estate Museum – Massachusetts

On Thursday Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Eustis Estate Museum in Milton, Massachusetts. The Eustis Estate was built in 1878 and contains 80 acres, including the home designed by William Ralph Emerson. The home was owned by William Ellery Channing Eustis, and remained in the family until 2012 when it was sold to Historic New England. The Eustis Estate offers tours for a fee.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Eustis Estate Museum. I was looking forward to visiting a new local estate and had emailed the Estate previously to ensure dogs were allowed on the grounds. Upon arrival we immediately located a wild flower path scattered with Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s Lace, so beautiful! We walked on the path enjoying the colorful flowers, the view of the Estate from afar, and of course enjoying great company. We took many photographs and appreciated the picturesque footpath. We soon discovered that this path looped back to the Estate.

From there we wandered over to the Estate walking around it and looking at the various details. There was not much to see, but I admired the intricate characteristics of the structure, various colored bricks, brilliant arches, and a grand porch high above the ground. We also observed some large trees on the property, likely ancient in years. From there we strolled around the estate, locating what almost appeared to be a small orchard. It was a little unclear in some locations where the property continued, but we walked as far as it seemed appropriate. I think my favorite aspect of our visit to the Eustis Estate Museum was actually the flower path, definitely spectacular. My only disappointment was a dog off-leash quite far away from the owners – in a leash required zone. However, so glad we could visit the Eustis Estate (Rating: Blog will not be rated as the indoors of the property was not visited).

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 ❤️

4771B387-B8B7-4793-A7E5-421DE3167CCE

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.

IMG_20150502_153002924