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).

Throwback Adventure – Indianapolis, Indiana

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 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).

August 5, 2020 – Lyman Estate – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Lyman Estate is also referred to as the “the Vale”. The home was built in 1793, owned by shipping merchant Theodore Lyman. The home is a National Historic Landmark, and is rented for weddings, corporate events and also has a greenhouse on site. Tours of the home are available, but may be offered on a limited basis due to COVID. In addition the ballroom of the home was used for the 2019 film “Little Women”.

We had a relaxing Adventure to Lyman Estate. We arrived to find just one car in the parking lot. We decided to lounge in the shade for awhile as Wilma still appeared warm from our Adventure to Brookline Reservoir Park. After cooling down we wandered around the property first viewing the gardens, which were highlighted by beautiful phlox. We followed the garden to the greenhouse, which is currently closed due to COVID. From there we headed to the front of the home to take some photographs. The home was gigantic, and well maintained. There was not much to see at the property. We decided to enjoy one more lounge in the shade before heading home for the day. Not the most appealing location, but nice to cross another National Historic Landmark off the list. Glad we could Adventure to Lyman Estate (This Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

August 5, 2020 – Brookline Reservoir Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Brookline Reservoir Park in Brookline, Massachusetts. Brookline Reservoir Park has a trail around the Brookline Reservoir of approximately one mile in length. Brookline Reservoir is a water supply for Boston. The Park is popular for walking, jogging and fishing.

We had a nice Adventure to the Brookline Reservoir Park. I was planning a trip to Rhode Island but with the last minute changes to COVID travel guidelines we changed to this back up plan. I had been curious about the Brookline Reservoir Park for some time, so was pleased to finally visit. The Park has been under construction and re-opened in June. I was thankful to find available parking as we started our Adventure late arriving at 9:30.

As I had read in my research the “trail” requested a one-way traffic pattern. I appreciated this for several reasons, including the COVID precautions. We began on our walk around the Reservoir, surprised to find few visitors. There was not much to see, but we still enjoyed our walk. The path had numerous benches, and besides endless geese poop it was quite clean. We took our time as Wilma appeared quite warm in the sun. Wilma engaged in a humorous, random roll in the middle of the walking path, and laid down to rest as needed. She loved smelling the trees and often smiled at me as we trotted, my sweet girl. Although the path was a bit unappealing a good change of pace on this warm day. So glad we could Adventure to the Brookline Reservoir Park today (Rating: 3.5).

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. We had a small family party this weekend to celebrate our families’ summer birthdays and of course Wilma had to participate! It was a beach theme so everyone, including Wilma, wore their lauas. I love this cute photograph, and hope it brings a smile to your day. My sweet Wilma…

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August 2, 2020 – Thoreau Farm – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Thoreau Farm in Concord, Massachusetts. The home is also titled the “Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse/Henry David Thoreau Birth House”. As expected this home was the Birth House of Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was a poet, and a philosopher. The property offers tours, but are currently closed due to COVID, however they are providing virtual tours online. In addition they have a partnership with the Thoreau Society for a writing program.

We had a short Adventure to the Thoreau Farm after a local walk. I was looking forward to visiting yet another historical homestead in the area. We parked and found one car in the parking lot, although saw no other visitors on our Adventure. We were greeted by a gorgeous tree, possibly a Catalpa, unique and spectacular. We wandered under the tree and headed over to the home. The home was simple but well kept. It had several gardens, benches, and a “monument” with a brief description of Thoreau and his work. We wandered around the home and appreciated the grounds. It was very small, but pretty in its own way. Wilma appreciated some happy rolls to celebrate our visit. So glad we could Adventure to the Thoreau Farm today (This Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored.)

Throwback Adventure – Mechanic Street Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

In October 2017 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Mechanic Street Covered Bridge in Lancaster, New Hampshire. The Mechanic Street Covered Bridge was built in 1862 and traverses the Israels River. This Bridge is also sometimes referred to as the Israels River Bridge.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Mechanic Street Covered Bridge. The Mechanic Street Covered Bridge is one of those interesting structures were from the front and back it looks quite modern, while from the side it appears more rustic. I especially enjoyed the side view as I love a covered bridge that appears more wood in frame. We were happy that we could climb down to the River and see the bridge from this angle. Shadow and Wilma enjoyed exploring, drinking from the River, and climbing across the rocks. It really is a pretty bridge. So glad we could Adventure to the Mechanic Street Covered Bridge (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

July 29, 2020 – Jamaica Pond – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I adventured to Jamaica Pond in Boston, Massachusetts. It is part of the Emerald Necklace Parks which were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Jamaica Pond is a kettle pond with a 1.5 mile loop path. The Pond also contains the Jamaica Pond Boat House which proves opportunities for rowing and sailing. As expected Jamaica Pond is popular for running, walking, dog walkers, and boating.

We had a blue sky-filled adventure to Jamaica Pond. I was excited to check out Jamaica Pond, our second adventure to an Emerald Necklace Park. We arrived bright and early and were pleased to find a parking spot on Pond Street. I was surprised to find it so crowded at this early time but yet thankful for people wearing masks.

We began around the loop, the sky bright blue, and the Pond sparkling. The loop was paved and almost continually provided views across the pond, a beautiful sight. I found most of the visitors were quite intensely focused on their workout routine, while our walk was more a bit more suburban in style (haha). We found several spots to take photos near the water, but unclear of the water’s purity, I decided not to let Wilma wade. We enjoyed our trot around the Pond, and checking out the boathouse with the colorful boats floating on the Pond. We did see several dogs off leash, leading us to take a slight detour to avoid the chaotic scene. Unfortunately we had one brief incident where an off leash dog charged at us, quite disappointing. Overall we found that guests adhered to the leash laws.

There were few squirrel sightings but Wilma still enjoyed our walk and exploring a new environment. We really did love our visit to Jamaica Pond. It is a pretty setting, a great place to exercise, and provided endless benches to sit and relax. Obviously this location is far from a secret per the crowds. So glad we could visit Jamaica Pond today. We look forward to exploring more of the Emerald Necklace Parks (Rating: 3.5)

July 26, 2020 – Codman Estate – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I adventured to the Codman Estate also referred to as
“the Grange”. This historic home was built in 1740 and owned by five generations of the Codman family before becoming a historic home. The Estate is approximately sixteen acres and includes the home, and gardens. Tours of the home are available, however currently are on hold due to COVID.

We had a historic adventure to the Codman Estate. We took a local walk before heading over to explore this historic home. We parked and began down a dirt road, before arriving at the Home. The Home had a grand entrance with several stairs leading us to the substantial mansion. There was not much to see but the Home was well maintained, and attractive. We wandered around the home soon finding the Italian garden, a fountain-pond filled with gorgeous water lilies, flowers, and several statues. We sauntered through the garden. I loved the European style, and especially appreciated the tiger lilies and water lilies. As we got near the pond there was a massive frog panic, quite humorous. Poor Wilma wanted to go in the water but it looked a little unhealthy for sipping so I did venture too close. We took our time admiring this little garden even laying out in the grass. Just perfect!

From there we explored some nearby trails, although it was unclear if they were related to the Estate. After walking on one for a couple minutes I located a sign for the Bay Circuit. Therefore we decided to turn around as Wilma appeared hot and we had already obtained our walk on this warm summer day.

Our last part of the adventure was completing our loop around the home and relaxing in the green, soft, shady grass! As I mentioned Wilma seemed quite warm I thought this was the perfect way to end our Adventure. We were able to cool down and before heading home. Lounging in the grass was by far Wilma’s highlight of the adventure (haha)! So glad we could visit the Codman Estate today, a nice surprise (Rating: 4).