Throwback Adventure – Great Brook Farm 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.

Today my Throwback Adventure is Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Great Brook Farm State Park is a State Park managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is approximately 1,000 acres and has over twenty miles of trails. It has an ICE CREAM stand, an active farm area, and is popular for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and dog walking. There is a parking fee during in-season months.

I am pleased to share that Shadow, Wilma, and Buster ALL had many, many Adventures to the spectacular Great Brook Farm State Park. I am sure I have been there hundreds of times over the years, which is why it probably took me so long to create this blog, finding old photographs from various Adventures. So I therefore have determined it falls under our Throwback Adventure Thursday. We have been to Great Brook Farm State Park with family and friends, attempted training with Wilma (haha), created holiday photos, met many dog friends, and lounged, relaxed, and rolled in the leaves and grass. Great Brook Farm State Park has been one of my favorites in all seasons, and is one of the few local, dog-friendly parks that grooms their trails when snow is deep. The Park has trails with bridges, fields, rocks, wildflowers, hills, and ponds, creating endless opportunities to explore. Shadow loved many swims and rolls, Wilma especially enjoyed bounding up onto the large boulders, and Buster always appreciated a long, vigorous hike.

In addition to our hikes we enjoyed many scoops of ice cream, a tasty way to end an Adventure. Please see photographs and videos from some of our Adventures below. (Several of the videos you may have seen before in my Weekly Video/Photo section if you have followed by blog regularly). If you live locally Great Brook State Farm MUST be added to your list (Rating: 4).

Other Tidbits, Fun, and News

I have decided to add a tab/menu section of my blog specifically for Arboretums, Gardens, and Sculpture Parks. If you follow my blog you are well aware that I am a fan of visiting Arboretums, Gardens, and Sculpture Parks with my three best buds. I am happy to have had many of these Adventures with Shadow and Buster, and know Wilma and I will find more in the future.

Here are just a few of my many favorites. Hope you too can enjoy these gorgeous places!

Weekly Video/Photo

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 photograph of Buster on a trip to Cape Cod. As you know all my pups have enjoyed numerous visits to the beach. Buster and Shadow grew up on the beaches of Florida, and then moved to Massachusetts and enjoyed the New England beach experience. I love this photograph of my Buster, posing eagerly. One of many beach memories with my boys!

Buster Cape

June 1, 2020 – Wickham Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to Wickham Park located in Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. Wickford Park is a private, non-profit foundation. It is 280 acres in size and has a vast amount of opportunities including: gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, and ponds. It is also a popular location for community events and private weddings.

We had a fragrant Adventure to Wickham Park. I was very happy to find yet another dog-friendly garden! We arrived at the Park at around five and explored until it closed at eight. The Park had beautiful gardens, decorative features to highlight the garden theme, boardwalks, bridges, and more. We walked and walked, I believe exploring every garden in the Park. Throughout the evening we often smelled the fragrance of flowers, including the lilacs, my favorite smell of all!! We approached each turn eagerly, looking forward to the next garden. And of course we took plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs.

Besides the beauty of the gardens, we were quite awed by the sky, blue with beautiful clouds. The sun was streaming through the trees, creating a fantastic sunset. It was really the perfect way to end a wonderful evening. We absolutely loved our visit to Wickham Park and hope to be back in the future (Rating: 4).

May 31, 2020 – Wells State Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Wells State Park in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Wells State Park has approximately 1400 acres and is popular for: hiking, camping, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding. The trails include a pond loop, scenic vistas, rugged terrain and wetlands.

We had a heart-pumping Adventure to Wells State Park. I was excited to finally visit the Park as it is one I had been curious about for some time. My plan was to check out the Mill Pond Trail, then hike the North Trail, finally connecting with the Carpenters Rock trail before visiting the Walker Pond. It took a couple minutes for us to locate the trails but we then followed the route as planned. The trails were clearly labeled by color, however I was thankful to have a map so I knew exactly where to turn.

The Mill Pond The trail was handicapped accessible and provided several pond views. There were a few side trails which we located that allowed a closer view of the Pond(s). It was simple but provided some variety. The remaining trails that we hiked were quite unappealing however had many hills to ensure a good workout. On two occasions the North Trail actually ran through a field with electric poles and wires with signage for danger. We were able to avoid these poles and carried on. I found the trails to be more buggy then most, but nothing too unbearable.

My favorite part of these trails was the lookout on the Carpenter Rock trail. This vista was a rocky ledge which displayed quite lovely views! If you are visiting Wells State Park for some hiking I highly recommend you visit this well known scenic vista.

After completing our hike we headed over to check out Walker Pond. On the way Wilma found some perfect grass for some happy roles. We arrived at the Pond quickly and enjoyed the scene. Wilma waded in a bit to drink before we headed back to leave on our next Adventure! So although I likely will not return to Wells State Park we enjoyed a new Adventure and a vigorous hike (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Fort River Trail – Massachusetts

In January 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I met my Aunt and Uncle at the Fort River Trail in the Conte Refuge in Hadley, Massachusetts. The Fort River Trail is 1.2 miles and consists of boardwalks, and flat surfaces, providing handicap accessible access. The trail is popular for bird watching, walking, and cross country skiing.

We had a fun Adventure to the Fort River Trail, filled with fantastic company. I am very lucky to have a special Aunt and Uncle in my life. They are supportive, loving, and always encouraging. It is always nice when they can join us on an Adventure.

The Fort River Trail was a short boardwalk, but as you may know, I absolutely love boardwalks!! The boardwalk was covered with snow, adding color to a dark winter day. The boys posed at a look-out area with beautiful mountain views. We enjoyed catching up with one another and appreciated a refreshing walk. And although I did not take many photographs, you still can get a good visual of this special little Trail. So glad we could visit the Fort River Trail (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated.)

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Wilma at Borderline State Park in Easton, Massachusetts. This is a beautiful park of which I was happy to explore with Shadow, Buster, and with Wilma. This photograph was taken on our first non-neighborhood hike after we lost our Shadow. It was hard going out but yet therapeutic and refreshing as well. I love this photograph of Wilma as she appears quite regal, far from a term I usually would utilize to describe this wild, and unfocused little lady. You can read more about this park and see photographs of our past Adventures to Borderland State Park by typing it in the search box, or directly at: https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=borderland

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May 25, 2020 – Connecticut College Arboretum – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London, Connecticut. The Connecticut College Arboretum is an Arboretum and collection of botanical gardens. It provides opportunities for research, teaching, conservation, education and recreation.

We had an eccentric Adventure to the Connecticut College Arboretum. I had heard about the Arboretum back on our last visit to the area and was quite excited to head back to New London. After some confusion with parking, we eventually arrived on Williams Street and parked at the gate entry. Soon after heading in there was a map on a kiosk, but it did not have a detailed trail routes so we decided to wander with no specific plan. We soon arrived at the Azalea garden, finding pink, orange, red, and various other colors. From there we came upon a pond, hearing the bullfrogs chirping loudly, and birds singing. We located a dock-like area and of course had to head out to the end. Wilma seemed slightly uneasy at the shaking of the dock, but overall was quite brave and curious at this floating feature. There were lily pads throughout, and rocks protruding. After exploring the pond we headed on to the trails.

I loved the trails at the Arboretum, feeling as though we were transferred into another environment. Along the trail we found large boulders, views from atop of a ravine, a dock like boardwalk through a bog, and lots of greenery and trees. Although I found the Trails a bit confusing we always ended up figuring out where we had been and where to go next. There were numbers on several parts of the trail, but I was not sure what they were indicating, my guess is a self-guided tour. We walked, walked, and attempted to traverse all the trails we could find.

After enjoying endless walking we found various areas of the Arboretum including the wildflower garden, and the conifer collection. I actually found myself appreciating not having a map as we never knew what we might find around the corner. Wilma enjoyed a nice long hike and as always was eager for some exercise and new terrain. We spent about two and a half hours at this spectacular Arboretum. Definitely a fun place to explore (Rating: 4).

May 23, 2020 – Chesterfield Gorge Nature Area – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Chesterfield Gorge Nature Area in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, also referred to as the Chesterfield Gorge State Wayside. This Area is a small state park at just 13 acres that features the Wilde Brook, a trail, and a rocky gorge with waterfalls. There are picnic tables and a visitor center that is open in season.

We had a water-rushing Adventure to the Chesterfield Gorge Nature Area. This was the second time I had been there as Shadow, Buster, and I visited almost five years ago. Due to this visit being so long ago I decided to blog about this Nature Area again today. We began down the trail and took every opportunity to go down to the water’s edge. Wilma was quite pleased to find many rocks, and has continued to be more comfortable with the water, eager to wade and drink. We took our time finding all the little spots along the way, often veering off on the side trails.

Throughout the Trail we found three bridges, of different lengths, adding some character to the Nature Area. Overall landscape was very brown, however the rushing water brightened the location through sound. The highlight, as you may expect, was the water running through the Chesterfield Gorge creating a cascade waterfall. The main viewing area was blocked by some tacky fencing to add to safety of visitors. There were numerous drops of cascades, creating a tall cascade. It was simple compared to our recent waterfall Adventures, but yet still pretty. It appeared as someone had carved some benches out of trees, adding a sitting area in this spot.

So although I would describe the Chesterfield Gorge Nature Area as far from spectacular we still enjoyed our visit. Amazingly we spent about an hour and a half walking on the trail, relaxing near the water, exploring, and taking photographs. We did not see many people but did meet a group of people that Wilma was quite thrilled about, even running circles around me. It was just so funny to see, like they were long last friends. If you live locally or are in the area I would definitely recommend a visit to the Chesterfield Gorge Nature Area (Rating: 4).

October 2015

May 23, 2020 – Ashuelot Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ashuelot Covered Bridge in Winchester, New Hampshire. The Ashuelot Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge that traverses the Ashuelot River. It was built in 1864 and later renovated in 1999.

We had a fun Adventure to the Ashuelot Covered Bridge. I remember stopping once when driving by this Bridge to take a photograph but this is the first time we have gotten out to explore. I was excited to investigate this unique bridge. We found a spot to park, and hopped out to wander around. There was a group of teenagers under the bridge so we decided not to go beneath. We took some photograph from above and then crossed the bridge. It was nice to find a pedestrian pathway on both sides of the bridge, quite unusual. We took our time walking through both sides, peering out down the River. The bridge was quite loud when cars passed causing us both to jump on several occasions. I took photographs on both sides to capture the full picture. We then walked down past the bridge to find a little area on the water’s edge to photograph the bridge from the side. It was nice to find a bridge with such unique color, and character. Before we left Wilma enjoyed some rolls to celebrate the Adventure. These rolls made me smile, remembering sweet Shadow. So glad we could Adventure to the Ashuelot Covered Bridge today (Rating: 4).