Throwback Adventure – Nantasket Beach – 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 April 2018 Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. This Beach is part of the Nantasket Beach Reservation and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Nantasket Beach is a very popular beach in summer months.

We had a playful Adventure to Nantasket Beach. It was a dark day, often typical in the early spring months in Massachusetts. Shadow and Wilma explored, played, and bounced around excited to be on yet another beach Adventure. The Beach was mostly sandy, but had beautiful round, and colorful rocks on parts of the shore. It was very quiet, which of course we appreciated. Nantasket Beach was far from a fancy Beach, but yet being on the sand, and knowing spring was on the way made for quite the perfect day. So glad we were able to Adventure to Nantasket Beach (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

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 a photograph of Buster and I, one of my favorite selfies with him! He is giving me a sweet kiss, and I was able to capture that moment in this photograph. So glad we were able to memorialize many moments in photographs. Here is my happy, loving boy….we sure do miss him!

Buster and me licking

June 28, 2020 – Meadowlands Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Meadowlands Ice Cream in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Meadowlands is an ice cream stand known for their homemade ice cream. In addition they sell pies, pizzas, and cookies, and are very dog friendly. Meadowlands began making home made ice cream in 1964 although ownership has changed over the years.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Meadowlands. This was our first NEW ice cream Adventure of the year. We arrived just prior to opening, therefore finding the location very quiet. We first wandered around to see the grounds and viewed several small gardens, before heading over to place our orders.

I ordered cookie dough topped with whip cream and their canine selection for Wilma. We then wandered behind Meadowlands to sit and savor our treats. Wilma quickly devoured her ice cream, which was topped with peanut butter. I took my time and gave Wilma the last spoonful. So tasty! I loved that Meadowlands had plenty of space to sit and was backed by a field. This created a tranquil atmosphere. Definitely a fun and filling trip! You cannot go wrong with ice cream (Rating: Just right)

June 26, 2020 – Fort Williams – Maine

Yesterday Wilma, My Mom and I visited Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Fort Williams Park is a 90 acres Park located in the Casco Bay. It includes: the Portland Head Lighthouse and museum, the Goddard Mansion, beautiful coastal views, and historic ruins. It was formerly a United States Army Fort, but in 1979 became designated as Fort Williams State Park.

We had a perfect Adventure to Fort Williams Park. My last blog on this location was two years ago with Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I so I thought it was good timing to blog again. We began our Adventure by visiting some ruins, and then heading down to the coastal Trail. The coast was lined with flowers, framing the Lighthouse. After walking for a bit and appreciating the colorful flowers we ventured to the Lighthouse. The amazing thing about thing about the Portland Head Lighthouse is that you can walk up to it and around. It is just immense, and so picturesque. As you walk around you can also see gorgeous water views, with the waves crashing into the shores. Just a special location in all ways!

From there we wandered to another coastal Trail viewing the Lighthouse from the opposite side. Wilma made some friends with some visitors which is always a smiling moment. After walking and exploring we decided to have a Gelato. This is something we were thinking about on our last summer visit, but it closed before we had planned on stopping back. The Gelato was a drippy, sticky, yet refreshing. I was disappointed that there was no dog ice cream, however Wilma did get at couple spoons of an acceptable alternative. After this savoring snack we decided to find a spot in the shade to sit, relax, and enjoy the coastal view. Although this location was much cooler then the last, it was still a steamy day. We chatted away, relaxed and cooled down before heading off to our next location in the Park.

We then decided to explore some more of the coastal Trail, and of course yet another view of Portland Head. The Trails were lovely. From afar we could see the Ram Lighthouse, the closest view from the shore. We walked and walked, I really could not get enough. At one point I decided to take a steep walk with Wilma down to the rocks. I left my camera with Mom so she could snap a couple photographs from afar. See if you can find this photograph below??!! Wilma sipped from a tidal pool and absolutely loved some rock hopping! I only took one video on this Adventure, which took place from this location. It was so peaceful, the sounds of the crashing so therapeutic. Such a serene and scenic moment.

Our next part of the day was visiting the little beach. It was at this point of the we were transitioning to this stop that there was a quick downpour, mostly occurring when we were in the car. It appeared to briefly cool down the air, and made for quite the raging sky. The rocks on the beach were round, and abundant, quite dramatically framing the beach. Wilma and I walked through the rocks and to the small sandy shore. Wilma entered the water as requested, but would rush out when the small raves came racing toward her. It was fun to watch her, not seeming to realized this was a continual occurrence.

Our last part of the day was visiting more of the ruins, and the Goddard mansion, quite a unique addition to this coastal park. I love ruins, especially when you can climb on, explore, and check out spectacular views from atop. We appreciated these locations, and took many photographs, as per the usual.

We spent about four hours cherishing this magnificent Park! I did not want to leave! We definitely will be back to Fort Williams Park in the future (Rating: 4.5)

June 2020

February 2019

July 2017

June 26, 2020 – Mill Creek Park – Maine

Today Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Mill Creek Park in South Portland, Maine. Mill Creek Park is a 10 acre urban Park that contains a pond with a fountain, a gazebo, and small gardens. The Park is popular for seasonal activities, including: Winterfest, holiday tree lighting, summer concerts, and Art in the Park. There are benches throughout the park to sit and relax.

We had a relaxing Adventure to Mill Creek Park. I had read about this park before our visit and knew it was a small, and simple park. However we were drawn in by the beautiful pond, ducks, and vast areas of shade so decided to stop and explore. We began our visit by finding a quiet spot in the shade to eat our lunch. It was nice to find a cool spot to relax and enjoy the scenic water view.

After eating we walked around the pond to check out the sites. The Park was highlighted by the pond, filled with beautiful lily pads, ducks and geese, and also the fountain. Wilma was quite thrilled to see the ducks and geese often standing on her hind feet as she hoped to chase them. Along our walk we also appreciated the many colorful flowers, and some small gardens. It was a scenic location. Unfortunately it was hard to ignore the geese poop throughout the park, but besides that we enjoyed our visit to this small, but lovely location. So glad we were able to Adventure to Mill Creek Park today (Rating: 3.5)

June 26, 2020 – Portland Breakwater Lighthouse/Bug Light – Maine

Today My Mom, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse in Portland, Maine. This Lighthouse if often referred to as “Bug Light” due its small size. The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was built in 1875 and is known as one of the fancier lighthouses in Maine. It is an active lighthouse, and is located in Bug Light Park, providing views of the Casco Bay.

We had a steamy Adventure to the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse/Bug Light. Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I had Adventured to this Lighthouse back in February 2018, so I decided it made sense to blog about it again. I was surprised to arrive at Bug Light Park on a very warm day, hoping that coastal Maine would be a cooler experience, however that was not the case. Upon arriving at the Park, and began exploring the path along the shore. The water was bright blue and their were some sailboats throughout. Wilma posted on the rocks, and enjoyed watching other visitors throwing rocks into the sea.

From there my Mom found a spot to sketch and Wilma and I headed off to get a close-up view of the Lighthouse. We walked down the breakwater right up to the Lighthouse. We trotted around and appreciated the views, and a small breeze. The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse/Bug Light was simple, but yet perfect in structure. We spent a little time walking around but found the Park to be a little chaotic with off leash dogs, and quite hot so we soon decided to head off to our next Adventure. So glad we could visit the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse/Bug Light today (Rating: 3.5)

June 26, 2020

February 2020

Throwback Adventure – Stony Brook Conservation Land – Westford

Shadow, Buster, and Wilma and I all had numerous trips to the fabulous Stony Brook Conservation Land in Westford, Massachusetts. Stony Brook Conservation Land is an almost 300 acre conservation land with numerous trails, including a 1.75 loop around Burges Pond. This property encompasses the East Boston Camps and is the location for the Marcus Lewis Day Camp. The Land is especially popular for swimming, and off-leash dog walkers.

We are lucky to have Adventured to the Stony Brook Conservation Land on countless occasions. I first discussed this beautiful Land with Buster and Shadow, enjoying many hikes and swims. I later spent alot of time with Shadow, my beach lover, often swimming with him in the summer months, and even going for a kayak ride. We continued our visits with Wilma joining a puppy hiking and socializing group. I especially enjoy Stony Brook in the summer months for the swimming, in every season for long hikes, and for beautiful Fall scenes. We have met lots of dog friends, made some human friends, and hiked with family and friends. The Stony Brook Conservation Land is a wonderful outdoor property (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s feature is a short video of Shadow and Wilma that is dear to my heart! Both Shadow and Wilma generally had one or two spots they preferred sleeping in at night, Shadow almost always in the big brown dog bed. On this particular morning I awoke unable to locate Wilma. I soon realized that Wilma was curled up next to Shadow in his favorite dog bed. I awoke them both when I turned on the light but they remained how I found them. It was just the most adorable sight, and really just melted my heart. They loved each other so much but generally were not cuddly. As I am writing this I realize this might be more of my special moment, but I still could not resist sharing. I was very lucky to have two adorable pairs!

June 20, 2020 – Brenton Point State Park – Rhode Island

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Brenton Point State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. Brenton State Park can be found on Ocean Drive, the location of a former estate. Brenton State Park is popular for: walking, fishing, sitting and relaxing, and kite flying.

We had a coastal Adventure to Brenton Point State Park. We arrived to find quite the stench, but yet were also greeted by a cool summer breeze. We began exploring, walking above the rocky shore to see what we could find. There were spots along the way where we could walk down to the rocks. Wilma enjoyed wandering, digging in the small rocks, and even played a little bit in the water. She rolled in the seaweed, and several times began running around me in circles, seemingly celebrating her new environment. The rocks varied in color, and were unique in texture. There were flowers, including pink, white and yellow Rugosa, creating a beautiful scene. The water varied in shade, often highlighted by the underwater seaweed. These little details of color and textures were all quite spectacular.

Located in the Park we found the Portuguese Discovery Monument dedicated to the Portuguese maritime navigators. This Memorial was quite unique in style, and provided a special dedication to these navigators.

Besides appreciating the Memorial and wandering on the shore we were eager to explore the carriage trails which contained: The Bells, the remains of an egyptian manse, and a tower, providing views of the surrounding area. We had no specific map or idea where to find these sites of curiosity but it did not take long to locate them. We first found the Tower, with winding stairs to the top. I was quite eager to take Wilma on her first climbing Tower Adventure (haha). The first step was very high, but from there we had no trouble venturing to the top. We were able to see the ocean, and spot the ruins from high above the tree tops. From there we ventured to the ruins. The ruins were blocked off by a fence so there was limited viewing, but it was quite interesting to check-out the remains of this manse. Brenton State Park was simple, but yet had many unique aspects that we appreciated. It was especially pleasant to enjoy a coastal visit with a pleasant breeze on a very warm day (Rating: 4).

June 20, 2020 – Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse – Rhode Island

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island. The Goat Island Lighthouse was initially built in 1823 but later renovated. The grounds of the Lighthouse are open to the public, but not the Lighthouse itself. As expected the Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse is located in Newport Harbor.

We had a nautical Adventure to the Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse. There are few Lighthouses left within a day trip of us, so we were quite excited to visit this Lighthouse. I was not sure what to expect as I had read that Lighthouse was located behind Gurneys Newport Resort, and seen several reviews indicating you could walk through the lobby. I was pleased to find available parking and decided to first attempt to walk around this lovely resort, and after a short walk we arrived at the Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse.

The grounds of the Resort were quite busy with sunbathers and guests, but we appeared to be the only visitors after a view of the Lighthouse. As we got close we noticed the platform to the Lighthouse was blocked off but we were able to get near this fabulous, modern structure. It was simple, but yet perfectly shaped. There were views of boats from the shore, and the water shimmered beneath them. We did not spend a huge amount of time at this Lighthouse as there was just one angle for viewing, and not much else to see. So glad we were able to see the Newport Harbor/Goat Island Lighthouse today (Rating: 4).