March 22, 2020 – Babb’s Bridge – Maine

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Babb’s Bridge which divides the towns of Gorham and Windham, Maine. The Babb’s covered Bridge was originally built in 1840, making it the oldest covered bridge in Maine. It later had to be rebuilt and also has undergone numerous repairs. The Babb’s Bridge traverses the Presumpscot River.

We had a brief visit to the Babb’s Bridge on a beautiful winter day. Although on a public road we arrived to find numerous private property signs making it unclear as to where we could wander. I decided to first drive through the bridge to take some photographs. The far side, which I believe to be the Gorham side, provided no public River across. Upon peering down the River I noted at least three rope swings, signs of a great summer day. I debated walking through but the bridge was dark underneath and the traffic speedy so I chose to drive back across.

On what I suspect was the Windham side, there was a beach-like area filled with a group of people fishing and enjoying the fresh air. We tranced around a bit and snapped some quick photographs. Fearing an accidental trespassing incident I decided to make it a short stop, although I guess often the case on a covered bridge Adventures. So glad we could visit the Babb’s Bridge today (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Henry Cowdrey Nature Center – Massachusetts

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In September of 2012 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to the Henry Cowdrey Nature Center in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. The Henry Cowdrey Nature Center is a 1.7 mile loop on 300 acres of conservation land. The Preserve is part of the town of Lunenburg’s conservation land.

We had a warm Adventure to the Henry Cowdrey Nature Center, one of our first Adventures after relocating to Massachusetts. The land was filled with signs of nature, had a lovely wooden bridge, and swamp-like areas. I recall the trails not being clearly marked, and somewhat overgrown in places. One memory that comes to my mind immediately is a humorous moment when we encountered a log on the trail and could not figure out how to navigate over, or under it. Shadow appeared to prefer under, while Buster over, adding quite a laugh. We somehow made it past and carried on our journey. Although I do not remember a huge amount a details about this Adventure I can tell you it is always a pleasure exploring local conservation land. It is free, and often times hidden in the nature beauties of our community. And although we may not be back to the Henry Cowdrey Nature Center we will definitely continue exploring our local conservation land (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will 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.

So 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.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Wilma at the Thetfield Center Covered Bridge in Thetfield Center, Vermont. This is one of my favorite photographs of Wilma posing in front of a covered bridge. The colors and textures are spectacular. We were lucky to find this side path to get a close up view of the bridge, Wilma appreciating hops from each and every rock. You can find out more about this bridge by typing “Thetfield Center Covered Bridge” in the search box, or by scrolling down in the Vermont, or Covered Bridge sections.

Here she is…

Wilma Thetfield covered bridge

March 15, 2020 – Bates/Blackman Conservation Land – Massachusetts

Today Shadow and I Adventured to the Bates/Blackman Conservation Land in Groton, Massachusetts. The property is 47 acres and is owned by the Groton Conservation Trust. It includes several brooks, fields, and a steep climb up Indian Hill where you will find panoramic views.

We had an aerobic Adventure to the Bates/Blackman Conservation Land. I decided to take Shadow on a solo Adventure today, as the unexpected situations of off-leash dogs can be challenging for Wilma. I generally bring them both on every adventure, but since I will be working from home for the next three weeks I felt today was a good day for a solo Shadow Adventure. And reducing my guilt a bit Wilma enjoyed at least six hours outside sunning, chasing squirrels, and enjoying the sounds and smells of nature. On to today’s Adventure…

We arrived at the parking lot for the Bates/Blackman Conservation Land carefully, attempting to avoid the holes and frozen mud, relieved to find a safe spot. We started across a bridge, past one home, a field, into the woods, and to another brook. Shadow was quite happy to find the water, and enjoyed drinking and wading. We found some simple, but uniquely colored bridges, which as you may expect I quite appreciated. The landscape was brown, but I challenged myself to find unique features, varied textures, and the few colors in sight.

After Shadow finished enjoying the water we headed up the reported 180 feet to the top of Indian Hill. I was not expecting this vigorous workout but was pleased to get the pulse pumping. Off to the right there were views of mountains from afar, and scenes from the local town, I am sure quite lovely in the colors of fall. After reaching the top we ascended down a grass trail, almost appearing to be on the edge of someone’s yard. However clearly on the path we continued on the trail until we reached the official end of the 1.8 mile round-trip hike. Once confirming this information we returned back, Shadow taking the lead. I am always thrilled when Shadow can run off leash. He is so well behaved, and definitely enjoys his independence. A wonderful outing with my boy Shadow (Rating: 3, Memories: Just right!).

Throwback Adventure – Congaree National Park – South Carolina

In September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Congaree National Park is an approximately 26,000 acre Park containing some of the tallest trees in the eastern part of the country. Per the National Park website it is: “part of the country’s largest contiguous tract of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest”. The Park is popular for: hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.

We had a lovely visit to the Congaree National Park on a memorable journey. This was one of the stops I planned as we headed back to Massachusetts where we would be relocating. The Park had lovely trees, beautiful boardwalks through the forest, and hiking trails. The sun was streaming through the trees adding to the lovely scene. I do not remember how long we spent at the Park, but given the immense size, we explored just a tiny part of this spectacular National Park. If we are ever in South Carolina again, we will definitely have to plan a visit back to the Congaree National Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Buster in Newport, Rhode Island. I love this photo as it the ideal snapshot of a dog relaxing in a coastal scene. Buster was a very high energy dog, but he sure knew how to relax, whether it was on the rocks of the coast, or sunning in the backyard. This photograph makes me smile, and I share it with you today as our photo of the week.

newport ri

March 8, 2020 – Spruce Pond Creamery -Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Spruce Pond Creamery in Franklin, Massachusetts. The Spruce Pond Creamery is well known for their flatbread pizza, homemade ice cream, calzones, pasta based dishes, and their beer and wine. The Creamery has a porch that overlooks the Pond and an outdoor window for ordering.

We had a pricey Adventure to the Spruce Pond Creamery. Upon completion of our Adventure at the nearby Franklin Sculpture Park my mind was set on something cold and refreshing, sadly battling a cold. We were pleased to find an outdoor window for ordering, but quite shocked at the high prices and and to find no official dog ice cream. However, with the help of the kind server we were able to find a dog friendly ice cream option, while my Mom ordered coffee ice cream and I an Orange Sorbet Freeze. After ordering we decided to head home with our goodies, outdoor seating not appearing to be available in off-season. My Mom found her ice cream “satisfactory” while I found my Freeze quite refreshing. We enjoyed our treats as we drove home chatting away planning our next Adventure.

As soon as I dropped my Mom home and we arrived at our house we scurried out to the backyard so Shadow and Wilma could devour their well-awaited treats. They clearly had no complaints and made me smile as they slurped away. And for those of you who are crazy dog lovers, as myself, please enjoy two short videos below of their cheerful licks. Glad we could visit another ice cream spot today at the Spruce Pond Creamery (Rating: 3).

March 8, 2020 – Franklin Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

On March 8, 2020 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Franklin Sculpture Park in Franklin, Massachusetts. The Franklin Sculpture Park is a small sculpture Park. The project to create this sculpture park was driven by the community, the land donated by the town, while the Franklin Art Center organized the artwork. The Franklin Sculpture Park is free for visitors.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Franklin Sculpture Park. I was excited to find this Park as it had not popped up in my searches before. Even better I was thrilled to have my Mom join us to explore this new location. We arrived at the Park to find few other visitors. We began the cement loop around the Park, scattered with sculptures throughout. The sculptures were labeled, and many quite unique. I think my favorite sculptures were: two faces, a photograph sculpture, a path of rainbows, and fish artwork framing the water. In thinking back I guess I should have payed a bit more attention to their titles, but likely you can locate them below.

We enjoyed strolling slowly, and appreciating great company. There were ducks in the water adding a nature feel to what appeared to be a man-made pond, and energizing Wilma in anticipation. The landscape was winter brown, but yet pretty in its own way. We enjoyed a quite humorous moment when Wilma did not appear thrilled to find a monster-appearing structure in her view. I took a quick video as this moment occurred and she soon warmed up to this mysterious creature. We posed with several of the sculptures and enjoyed the moments. Poor Shadow was quite disappointed not to take a dip, but yet the water did not look too clean for a sip. Simple, but really a lovely Park. So glad we discovered the Franklin Park Sculpture Park today (Rating: 3.5)

Throwback Adventure – Andres Institute of Art – New Hampshire

In June 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, New Hampshire. The Andres Institute of Art is reported to be New England’s largest sculpture park. It was founded in 1996 by supporter Paul Andres and sculptor John Weidman. The Park is a public park and is free of charge, although donations are appreciated.

We had a unique Adventure to the Andres Institute of Art, one of our first sculpture park adventures. We enjoyed hiking in the woods, the terrain a little overgrown, and uneven. I remember finding some sculptures, but also thinking there were few available for viewing. However, in reading more about it to create this blog I would guess if I had located a map beforehand my thoughts may have been different. However, we enjoyed a warm walk, searching for the sculptures between the trees, and photographing those we located. I should have been more prepared, but still glad we could visit this distinctive New England Park (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

March 3, 2020 – Crocker Park -Massachusetts

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Crocker Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Crocker Park is a less then three acre park with views of the Marblehead Harbor. The Park has benches, a pavilion, restrooms, and several commemorative plaques.

We had a sun-filled Adventure to Crocker Park, one of yesterday’s several Marblehead Adventures. Due to voting day it was challenging to drive to the Park, but I eventually found parking down the street. Little did I know that Crocker Park did not have official parking so I was grateful to locate this lot. From there we walked down from street, quickly passing by the Park before realizing we had missed the overgrown sign.

Upon arrival we headed up a small hill to the Park, which was quiet, peaceful, and provided lovely coastal views. Still quite brown from the winter, but the bright blue Harbor and unusual rocks helped to distract. Wilma was thrilled to see numerous rocks of which she bounded about, while Shadow preferred his cheerful grassy rolls. The Park was tiny, ensuring we would not miss an inch. We walked along the sidewalk and appreciated the sounds of the seas. We then sat for a bit in the grass appreciating the views and the serenity around us. Quite the therapy for the senses.

My favorite parts of this Park were the gigantic rocks, and Harbor Views. Due to the parking situation I am sure this Park must mostly be visited by locals. I had a slight deja view of a previous visit where I was running up the hill while My Mom sat in the car with Shadow, as we had been unable to locate parking. So I believe this was our first official Adventure to Crocker Park, definitely a recommended site for a picnic. So glad we had an Adventure to Crocker Park (Rating: 3.5).