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

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.

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…

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!

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).

June 20, 2020 – The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Nature Trail is less then one mile in length, and provides educational opportunities for guests to learn about the life cycle of a cranberry. The bog consists of approximately eight acres, and is currently an active farm.

We had a dynasty-like Adventure to The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog. I had known about the Bog for many years and finally had an opportunity to visit. It was exciting as always to be in sight of Gillette stadium! The Cranberry Bog was located just behind the Bass Pro Shop on the edge of Patriot Place. As you may know my two favorite hobbies in life are adventures with my dogs, and cheering on the Patriots, so definitely the perfect Adventure to start our day.

We were pleased to be the first to arrive at the Trail, greeted by several signs. Soon into the Trail we found an area with chairs, and a bench. We wandered around this spot before heading down the trail, and quickly arrived at the main boardwalk. The view was gorgeous, and the boardwalk was quite scenic. Along the boardwalk we located several benches to sit and relax. From there we wandered toward the cranberry field, which was lined by a wooden fence. It was simple, but really quite beautiful!! Wilma appreciated the smells, and took her time on this leisure walk. There were small kiosks providing information about cranberries, and the process of cultivation. The Trail looped around before heading back into the woods. The woods part of the Trail was a little dull, and buggy, but that did not take away from our Adventure. Even though listed as an “on leash” location we did see two dogs off leash, but overall found the Trail to be very quiet. Such a neat location, which you may not expect to find at the well known Patriot Place. I would definitely recommend a visit to The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog if you are in the area (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

In May 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. These Parks contain 1,000 acres and are managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. They include: trails, picnic areas, and canoe access areas, and also provide opportunities for education, and entertainment.

We had a distinctive Adventure to the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, highlighted by the spectacular Blackstone Canal. On our visit we appreciated the lovely bridge across the water, hiked along the canal, and admired the bright green colors in all directions. The boys enjoyed wading in the canal, the perfect cool-down. The walk was long ago so intricate details of this Adventure are distant. These Parks are definitely a location we will explore again (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

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

My feature today is a photograph from last month in Rockport, Massachusetts. Wilma and I had been planning a trip to a coastal park we love, but it was closed. We therefore decided to explore Rockport and take many photographs. I posed Wilma on this cement block, and just love this photograph. This little red fishing shack is quite a well known and photographed building, therefore the perfect place to pose. Here she is…Wilma Mae!

Rockport Wilma

June 14, 2020 – The Mount, The Edith Wharton Estate – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to The Mount, The Edith Wharton Estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. Edith Wharton was an author who designed both the home and the grounds. The property included: gardens, numerous trails, and the estate. There are tours of both the gardens and home, and The Mount also hold various cultural events.

We had a pristine Advantage to The Mount. I had done minimal research but had confirmed that The Mount was dog friendly. Upon arrival I was surprised to see the simplicity of the property but that did not last long as we soon were wandering into a wonderful scene. We began walking into the woods past the “Stable” before arriving at the main home. The home was beautiful, and quite immense. We admired the home before heading to the nearby gardens.

The garden was bright and colorful, highlighted by a beautiful fountain in the center. We strolled around taking photographs and appreciating the bright variation of colors. From this flower garden you could pass through a tunnel of perfectly pruned trees to the next garden which was more ivy based, and also contained a lovely fountain. Surprisingly I enjoyed the less colorful garden most, quite unique.

Besides the gardens we spent time exploring the endless trails, even arriving at a pond, I believe it was the Beaver Pond. The trail along the Pond was just beautiful, scattered with wild flowers! That was definitely my favorite part of the trails although we also enjoyed hiking through the woods, finding several small bridges, and streams. Some parts of the trails were labeled but they were a bit confusing without a map. However we were quite pleased to take a long walk in addition to exploring the gardens and estate. We even located the Pet Cemetery, a dedication to Wharton’s best friends. A special and sad little spot on our visit.

We also took some time to sit, relax and enjoy the environment, although Wilma generally preferred to lay down on her time, not on my planned “sitting time” – my funny girl. Although there were many visitors and voices they were pretty well spread out and it was sill a peaceful place. Such a beautiful day to enjoy The Mount (Rating: 4)

Throwback Adventure – Dunedin Blue Jays Baseball – Florida

On Thursdays I will be highlighting “Throwback Adventures”. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Adventures will include Shadow, and Buster. We are devastated that they have both passed, and find peace in sharing wonderful Adventures and moments we shared together. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts!

In July 2008 Shadow, myself, and a friend of ours attended the Dunedin Blue Jays game in Dunedin, Florida. Shadow was about seven months at the time, and barely fit in my lap. We enjoyed the game, met lots of dog friends, and drank lots of water! It is amazing to me looking at these photographs as we were both just kids. It is a fun memory of our time in Florida. The Dunedin Blue Jays are very dog friendly, but dog friendly baseball is not generally an easy activity to find. So glad we had this fun experience with the amazing Shadow (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).